The Magician, after much practice, was finally ready to unveil his new illusion. Like the famous P. T. Selbit, he'd elected to do this first performance for a small, exclusive audience, especially since he considered it to be the ultimate sawing in half. Now, he waited behind the curtain as the last of his guests took their seats. He needed no announcer- they all knew who he was.<br /><br />As the last guest was seated, he stepped through the curtain and bowed for the applauds. "Ladies and gentlemen! In 1920, the now classic illusion, 'Sawing a Lady in Half' was first performed, for a small group, much like yourselves. It has been modified, improved, and enhanced over the last millennium, but has always remained a standard. Now, tonight, after years of intense research, I would like to present for you- the penultimate version of 'Sawing a Lady in Half'!"<br /><br />The curtain opened, revealing two thin metal tables, standing at an angle, side by side. "I will need a volunteer..." He looked at the raised hands, found his assistant, who he'd planted ahead of the show. He could have done it with a real volunteer, but wanted to be sure everything went according to the script for tonight. "You, miss, please come and join me on the stage." She stood up and made her way up the steps. The men (and a few women) more than approved of her shimmering halter top miniskirt dress, and it was reflected in their applauds. The Magician smiled- they'd be getting quite a show.<br /><br />"What's your name, if you will? Laurel? Laurel, could you please lean back on the table."<br /><br />She did, and shivered a bit from the cold metal.<br /><br />The magician addressed the audience. "Tonight, you will see the lovely Laurel sawn in half, in a most unusual manner. As I have said, this is the ultimate version of this illusion, and we will dispense with the shackles, the boxes, and- with any covering at all!"<br /><br />He reached to the sky, and with a flash of flame and smoke, a razor sharp sword appeared in his hand. He turned to the lady on the table. "Are you ready, Laurel?" She nodded, a little apprehensively. "Please try to hold very still," he stage whispered. "I need the cut to be exactly straight."<br /><br />Laurel gripped the sides of the table, her knuckles turning white, and breathed deeply a few times as the Magician slid the sword between both tables, between her knees.<br /><br />Slowly, he pulled the sword upwards, letting the thickness of the table hold it straight. It reached the hem of her dress. He started a slight sawing motion, cutting through the fabric. Laurel looked down at the sword slowly rising, and licked, then bit her upper lip. The Magician kept going, drawing the sword ever higher.<br /><br />Laurel leaned her head back and closed her eyes as the sword started touching her body. She gasped involuntarily, as the blade began to slide through her. The Magician continued with his slight upwards and downwards motion on the blade, to ease its job of cutting through the bones. Soon he'd reached her belly button. The tight dress pulled back as he went, revealing her legs, hips, everything. She gasped again as he swiftly drew the sword higher, reaching her ribcage. He pushed the sword nearly to its hilt against her body as he pulled it upwards between her breasts, and with a quick pull, it had risen between her shoulders, and her dress had been completely sliced in half. The Magician smiled, and pulled the ruined garment off her body, to a few whistles from the audience.<br /><br />"Laurel, are you all right?" She opened her eyes and nodded. "Good- we're almost finished." He waved his hand and she rested her head against the table, immobile. Once again, the Magician pulled the sword upwards, slicing through her throat, upwards, through her neck, now her chin. He paused as the blade reached the tip of her nose, then with one last upward pull, drew it through the top of her head and tossed the sword aside.<br /><br />The audience started to applaud- but he cut them short. From behind the tables, he pulled out two broad blades. He held them in front of his volunteer, then plunged them through her body. Laurel blinked a few times. The blades were just big enough to completely span the distance from the top of her head to her crotch, and they divided her completely. There were gasps of shock from the audience.<br /><br />"And now. Now, ladies and gentlemen- the finale!" The Magician grasped the tables, and pushed them apart, stood between them for a moment, and walked to the side. "The lady has been completely vivisected- sliced in half sagittally! Ladies and gentlemen, I present you- Laurel, divided!"<br /><br />Laurel dared not risk moving; she could only blink helplessly and grip the table, looking out at the audience as they stared at her naked, helpless, and severed body.<br /><br />The Magician smiled at the audience and waited for the applauds...