The Shadow had a gun.Edward stared across the park at the shadow, shorter than most would have assumed, going by reputation. Then again, the Shadow was also deadlier than anyone would ever imagine. Edward hadn't drawn his gun yet, and neither had the shadow. It wasn't time. But, the trees in the park were vibrating with anticipation. Which one would win? Would it be Edward, or the Shadow?
He had been waiting for a long time to see who was better. Who would walk away and who would bleed? Edward took a deep breath, imagining drawing his gun, aiming, pulling the trigger. Planning always worked best with visualization. He imagined seeing the eyes widen as the bullet slammed home. It would be hard to lose someone as good as the Shadow. But, all Edward had wanted since they'd become so close in talent was to see who was better. Edward knew, though, hat he was better. The Shadow had weakness, something that Edward had never let enter into their relationship. The ties that bound them would never weaken Edward, as they would weaken the Shadow. For these reasons, Edward knew he'd win.
The shadow switched weight, moving from one leg to the other, to both. Edward did the same. He noted the long hair was pulled back today. Perhaps to help the Shadow see, aim better? It didn't matter.
A silent 'go' was muttered among the trees and they both drew weapons, both aimed-
Edward watched the Shadow fall into a heap in the ground. He smiled, lowering the gun, but not holstering it. The job was not finished. One bullet would do it. One, single bullet would send the Shadow away to meet the real Death.
Edward walked forward, watching the moonlight play over the Shadow's pale skin. As he stepped closer, eyes as pale as Edward's own revealed themselves from under fluttering lids. Edward watched the Shadow take shallow breaths from between white, bearded lips. The hair on the face was pale blonde, with red highlights here and there. The Shadow clutched his chest, and spoke.
"Congratulations…" Wheez. "Edward. You have finally surpassed me, your… Master. I am…" The Shadow took a difficult breath, and Edward was unmoved. "I am proud. I know that you shall do what you were born to do. You shall carry on the Van Cleef name as I have." The man took another harsh breath and Edward moved, aiming for the man's forehead.
"Of course. I am Death. Even the Devil himself fears me." Edward let the cold darkness seep into his eyes, letting them harden, freeze over. "Goodnight," Edward pulled the trigger. "Father."