Post by DocQuantum on Jan 17, 2024 2:13:09 GMT
Upon landing, Merlin used his mystical senses, peering through the skylight to confirm his suspicions. Something nefarious had indeed happened here, and very recently. There was a killing, and a demon was involved, one that had been given physical form, much like they did during Hell Week back on Grimoire Island.
From what he could tell, this wasn't just any minor demon, either, but a Lord of Hell forced into service for a human puppeteer.
Before Merlin could intervene, the soft thud of a blackjack struck his head, causing him to black out. Stumbling away from the skylight, he caught the faint fragrance of perfume.
A moment later, he fell unconscious.
***
Sometime later, Justin's eyes fluttered open, and he found himself a prisoner bound by tight leather bonds within the museum. The air hung heavy with an otherworldly energy and impending doom. Still groggy, Justin surveyed his surroundings through mystic senses, fully aware of the gravity of the situation. Before him stood Harry Blackburn, once the darling of stage magic, now a maestro of dark sorcery. Flanking him were his sinister partners in crime.
"Well, well, well... what a catch we have tonight, eh, my demonic friend?" Harry mused, turning his attention to the hulking creature next to him. The demon, a seven-foot-tall monstrosity, cast a dark shadow. Muscles bulging under leathery gray skin, it looked like a nightmare given form.
Next to Blackburn stood Vivian Dulac, a captivating figure with raven-black hair and an innocent allure -- despite her wardrobe choice, a magician's assistant's ensemble of a low-cut black corset with red lace and fishnet stockings that left little to the imagination.
"Looks like the gang's all here," Justin quipped. Catching a whiff of her perfume, he realized she must have been the one who knocked him out. "I must say, my dear magician's assistant, sneaking up on me like that is quite the feat. You'll have to let me know how you did that someday." Vivian merely gazed at Justin with an unsettling curiosity.
Justin couldn't help but appreciate the theatricality of it all. The museum had turned into a stage, and he found himself in the middle of a private performance of Blackburn the Magician. Little did they know that the true magician had yet to reveal his tricks.
Beyond Vivian, a shirtless figure lay unconscious within a sarcophagus, bound by leather straps. The man's identity remained unknown as yet, but it would soon be unveiled for the grand show.
Doll Man, at his usual six-inch height, dangled in the clutches of tight bonds. Next to him, the Undertaker -- his morose arch-enemy fixated on themes of death -- shared Doll Man's fate.
"Doll Man, always the persistent one," Blackburn greeted, a smirk playing on his lips. "Your kind has a knack for interference. I should know -- I dabbled in a few 'crime-fighting' charades during my naive youth. Ah, the folly of innocence. And speaking of which..."
Blackburn shifted his attention to the youthful magician. "So, young one. Who might you be? The Cloak of Merlin suggests a connection to my old friend Merlin the Magician. A progeny, perhaps?"
"I am Merlin the Magician -- the one and only," Justin declared, more confident than he felt. "I was just flying by on my magic carpet when I sensed a darkness below," he said flippantly. "Thought I'd drop in, offer a friendly warning, until your assistant over there decided to introduce me to her blackjack."
"Oh, I'm sure Vivian just gave you a gentle love tap," Blackburn crooned, a saccharine sweetness underlining his mockery. Vivian's innocent facade wavered for a moment, a hint of guilt flickering in her eyes.
"Now, let's cut to the chase," continued Justin. "What do you have planned for the grand finale, Blackburn -- more theatrics and villain monologues, or will it be something more like the classic world domination? It's all a bit cliché, but I'm open to surprises."
"I'm glad you asked," said Blackburn. With a flourish he spread his arms wide and said, "Welcome to the grand spectacle, young Merlin. It warms my heart that you've decided to grace us with your presence. Just in time for the climax of my grand design. Survival isn't guaranteed, of course, but that's the thrill of show business!"
"Release me this instant!" demanded the Undertaker, his struggles against his bonds proving futile. "I want no part in your parlor tricks! I'm here solely for the Dagger of Mephasat."
"Shush, dear Undertaker," Blackburn hushed with a dismissive wave. "Your role is that of a captive audience, witnessing my magnum opus! And if the stars align, you might even play a part as a sacrifice in the infernal rites -- though I'm not entirely sure what use the Infernal Ones would have for a washed-up has-been like yourself."
"Why, you—!" growled the Undertaker. "When I get out of here, I'll--!"
But his threat was cut short by a swift nod from Blackburn. The demon's massive hand lightly swatted across the Undertaker's face, the mere graze leaving the old crook stunned.
"Sit tight and enjoy the spectacle," Blackburn continued, relishing the role of the malevolent showman. With a devilish grin, he added, "Who knows, you might find it enlightening. Consider it my gift to you, dear Undertaker!"
With his wand aloft in one white-gloved hand, Harry Blackburn announced, "The moment approaches. Hand me the Dagger of Mephasat, so I may conduct the bonding ceremony and secure Nebiros a more enduring residence in our world."
As Vivian approached Blackburn bearing a case adorned with a cryptic symbol, then unveiled a ceremonial dagger, Justin frowned as he couldn't help but pick up the demon's name. He knew from his occult studies that Nebiros was one of the more dangerous Lords of Hell, just as he'd suspected.
Frustration etched across Justin's face as he strained against his restraints. "What's the endgame here, Blackburn? Offering yourself willingly as a host to a demon? How crazy must you be to want that?"
Blackburn chuckled darkly. "Ah, young Merlin, you've guessed wrongly. It is not I who will play host to my 'pet demon' here -- it's my brother, Bruce Blackburn." He gestured toward the sarcophagus, where the unconscious man awaited his unwitting role. "You see, he's a man of exceptional capability, which he's squandered for many years as a mere secret agent man. By binding Nebiros to him, he becomes a formidable force under my direct control. It seemed only fitting to make Brucie the unsuspecting host -- not just because of our blood ties, but also because, once upon a time, he whimsically assumed the role of a mystery-man, the acrobatic marvel known as the Destroying Demon! How could I resist the opportunity to turn him into the real Destroying Demon?" Blackburn's tone oozed with a perverse satisfaction.
Justin, undeterred, retorted, "So, this is your twisted family reunion. How heartwarming. Your choice of party favors is diabolical but creative. Did you find it in the 'How to Ruin Family Gatherings' handbook?"
Vivian, seemingly unfazed, added with a sly smile, "Oh, you haven't seen the dessert course yet."
"Touché," replied Merlin. "Anyway, Blackburn, you claimed to be a hero once. What led to this sudden embrace of the dark side?"
Harry Blackburn chuckled, a sinister undertone coloring his response. "Walk a mile in my shoes, young mage, and you might find out for yourself. Have you ever seen the allure of the sheer power that can be yours, used to grant your every desire? My own journey toward this realization began with my youthful apprenticeship under Damus the Wizard from the medieval town of Old Neurenplatz. The last living necromancer graced me with the knowledge to summon and control such entities."
Justin absorbed the revelation with a frown; he'd heard of old Damus and how he'd once fought Neon the Unknown. (*)
[(*) Editor's note: See Neon the Unknown, Hit Comics #11 (May, 1941).]
Soon, Harry Blackburn began the ceremony. Chanting in an ancient tongue, holding the Dagger of Mephasat aloft, he unleashed forces that rippled through the museum's atmosphere. Justin, aware of the imminent danger, felt his senses sharpen as the ritual unfurled.
Then, unexpectedly, the bonds restraining Justin and Doll Man mysteriously loosened, and Justin knew he had to take action. "Now's our chance, Doll Man," Merlin the Magician whispered, a plan already forming.
As Blackburn continued his ominous incantations, Merlin seized his newfound freedom to disrupt the unfolding ceremony. With a sudden confidence that defied his years, the young mage spoke with an air of authority previously untapped.
"I am Merlin the Magician," Justin declared, the words spilling from his mouth as if of their own volition. "And I am your worst nightmare. Blackburn and Nebiros, prepare to face the consequences of your actions tonight." His hands moved gracefully, crafting a counter-spell to thwart the dark forces Blackburn tried to unleash.
The air crackled with magical tension as Merlin's powers clashed with Blackburn's malevolent forces. Vivian attempted another sneak attack on Justin, only to find herself effortlessly slapped away as if she were a mere nuisance. The demon, sensing the disturbance, redirected its monstrous attention toward Merlin. Nebiros attempted to bowl him over with brute force, only to be stopped in place the young mage's mastery of the Cloak of Merlin.
Undeterred, Harry unleashed a barrage of spells, each one meticulously intercepted and negated by Merlin's mystical defenses. With determination on his face, Merlin pressed on, resolute in thwarting Blackburn's nefarious plans.
Seizing the opportunity presented by the chaos, Doll Man, now liberated from his restraints, nimbly avoided recapture. "Now the party's getting interesting," he quipped, his tiny size granting him an advantage in the chaotic battlefield.
"You want freedom from being trapped within a human body, demon?" Merlin smirked. "Your wish is granted, but consider it a one-way ticket to the shadowy wastes between Earth and Hell. Hope you like the scenic route!" With a dramatic gesture, Justin beckoned, and a surge of mystical energy erupted as he successfully separated man and demon, leaving a bewildered Bruce Blackburn behind. Nebiros protested with indignant writhing before being unceremoniously tossed into the abyss.
"Consider yourself relieved of your brother's imposed duty, Mr. Blackburn," Merlin declared. "However, I'm afraid old Harry's actions have dramatically shortened your own life expectancy. I can't tell you exactly when, but your last mission is coming up soon. I'm terribly sorry."
Bruce Blackburn, groggy and dazed, seemed to accept the news with a shrug. "That's all right, son. I've always known I'd die in the service of my country."
Meanwhile, Harry Blackburn, attempting a hasty exit during the commotion, was suddenly stopped in place by a wall of wind. "Leaving so soon, Harry?" Merlin quipped sarcastically.
"You were the one orchestrated this twisted spectacle, so I'm sure you'd like to see how this plays out," Justin interjected. "To tell you the truth, I'm not thrilled about having my soul sacrificed for a power-hungry amateur who doesn't even grasp the ABCs of magic, let alone deserve its powers. Now magic will be your eternal tease -- always in sight, but forever out of reach. Such is the power and curse I bestow upon you this night. Good luck breaking it, if you can."
A mystic lightning bolt struck Harry, forcing him to relinquish the ancient dagger with a terror-filled scream. "AAAAAAHHH!" As he scrambled to his feet, the disoriented villain attempted a desperate dash toward the exit.
But then a new threat slithered into view. The Undertaker, now freed and fueled by vengeance, lunged at the retreating Harry Blackburn. "I'll make you pay for what you tried to pull on me!" the villain bellowed, his skeletal hands closing around Blackburn's fleshy neck.
Doll Man, swiftly intervened, knocking out the vengeful adversary before he could deliver his macabre justice. "I've had my fill of the Undertaker's antics for a lifetime."
In the midst of the pandemonium, Doll Man's partner Doll Girl stepped out of the shadows. It was she who had cut their bonds, allowing the heroes to escape. Now her pint-sized figure darted toward Vivian Dulac as the femme fatale stooped to retrieve the discarded Dagger of Mephasat.
"Not so fast!" Doll Girl exclaimed. With a deft strike, she separated Vivian from the mystical object. Knowing she was beaten, Vivian fled through the nearest exit, abandoning her high heels in the chaotic escape into the night.
Catching his breath, Doll Man quipped, "Looks like someone's got cold feet."
Freed from the Undertaker's clutches, Harry Blackburn staggered to his feet, gasping for breath. "Is this the part where I'm supposed to thank you?" he wheezed, eyeing Doll Man with a mixture of resentment and bewilderment.
An unimpressed Doll Man retorted, "Don't strain yourself, Blackburn. We're not expecting a thank-you note from the guy who planned to turn us into ritual sacrifices."
Still catching his breath, Merlin the Magician turned to Doll Man and Doll Girl with a grateful nod. "Thanks for the assist. It could've been a real mess back there."
Doll Man, his pint-sized stature brimming with resilience, quipped, "Teamwork makes the dream work, Merlin. Although, I've got to say that you handled things just fine on your own."
"Not entirely sure what happened," Justin admitted with a shrug, his blind gaze fixed in the distance. "It felt like... like the spirit of my late father guiding me, giving me the right spells and the words to say, you know? Not possession, exactly, but direction."
"He was a stand-up guy," Doll Girl chimed in sympathetically. "You should take pride in how he fought for England."
Doll Man nodded in agreement. "Your old man knew a thing or two about handling the supernatural. Runs in the family, I suppose. Anyway, if you ever need pint-sized backup again, you know where to find us."
With the immediate threat vanquished, Merlin bade his farewell to the Diminutive Duo, leaving the experienced heroes to deal with the police.
Without too much trouble, Justin made his way back to his dorm room, the echoes of the supernatural encounter lingering in his mind. He had begun to suspect that, as long as he had the Cloak of Merlin, his father would always be with him.
***
The next morning, after being rudely awakened by a slobbery alarm clock called Rosie, Justin got ready for the first class of the day, Chemistry 101.
Unfortunately, he hadn't finished mapping out the campus the previous night, and it took him a while to find the classroom auditorium. When he finally did, he was already ten minutes late, and Rosie made so much noise that the Professor had to wait until Justin sat down.
"Are you all right, young man?" said a voice.
Justin turned his head to focus where it was coming from, and he realized it came from the well of the auditorium. It was the Professor himself. "Oh, yes, hello."
"I'm Professor Dane, and you are?"
"Justin Kellogg. This is Rosie, my seeing-eye dog. I'm awfully sorry for the commotion, sir. It won't happen again."
"Kellogg, huh? Are you any relation to Jock Kellogg?"
"Yes, he's my father. Why do you ask?"
"I met him in London years ago, during the war," explained Professor Dane.
As Professor Dane continued the lecture, something about his voice sounded very familiar to Justin, but it still took a few minutes before it hit him. His professor, Darrell Dane, was secretly the legendary mystery-man known as Doll Man. What a day this was turning out to be.
The End... for now.
From what he could tell, this wasn't just any minor demon, either, but a Lord of Hell forced into service for a human puppeteer.
Before Merlin could intervene, the soft thud of a blackjack struck his head, causing him to black out. Stumbling away from the skylight, he caught the faint fragrance of perfume.
A moment later, he fell unconscious.
***
Sometime later, Justin's eyes fluttered open, and he found himself a prisoner bound by tight leather bonds within the museum. The air hung heavy with an otherworldly energy and impending doom. Still groggy, Justin surveyed his surroundings through mystic senses, fully aware of the gravity of the situation. Before him stood Harry Blackburn, once the darling of stage magic, now a maestro of dark sorcery. Flanking him were his sinister partners in crime.
"Well, well, well... what a catch we have tonight, eh, my demonic friend?" Harry mused, turning his attention to the hulking creature next to him. The demon, a seven-foot-tall monstrosity, cast a dark shadow. Muscles bulging under leathery gray skin, it looked like a nightmare given form.
Next to Blackburn stood Vivian Dulac, a captivating figure with raven-black hair and an innocent allure -- despite her wardrobe choice, a magician's assistant's ensemble of a low-cut black corset with red lace and fishnet stockings that left little to the imagination.
"Looks like the gang's all here," Justin quipped. Catching a whiff of her perfume, he realized she must have been the one who knocked him out. "I must say, my dear magician's assistant, sneaking up on me like that is quite the feat. You'll have to let me know how you did that someday." Vivian merely gazed at Justin with an unsettling curiosity.
Justin couldn't help but appreciate the theatricality of it all. The museum had turned into a stage, and he found himself in the middle of a private performance of Blackburn the Magician. Little did they know that the true magician had yet to reveal his tricks.
Beyond Vivian, a shirtless figure lay unconscious within a sarcophagus, bound by leather straps. The man's identity remained unknown as yet, but it would soon be unveiled for the grand show.
Doll Man, at his usual six-inch height, dangled in the clutches of tight bonds. Next to him, the Undertaker -- his morose arch-enemy fixated on themes of death -- shared Doll Man's fate.
"Doll Man, always the persistent one," Blackburn greeted, a smirk playing on his lips. "Your kind has a knack for interference. I should know -- I dabbled in a few 'crime-fighting' charades during my naive youth. Ah, the folly of innocence. And speaking of which..."
Blackburn shifted his attention to the youthful magician. "So, young one. Who might you be? The Cloak of Merlin suggests a connection to my old friend Merlin the Magician. A progeny, perhaps?"
"I am Merlin the Magician -- the one and only," Justin declared, more confident than he felt. "I was just flying by on my magic carpet when I sensed a darkness below," he said flippantly. "Thought I'd drop in, offer a friendly warning, until your assistant over there decided to introduce me to her blackjack."
"Oh, I'm sure Vivian just gave you a gentle love tap," Blackburn crooned, a saccharine sweetness underlining his mockery. Vivian's innocent facade wavered for a moment, a hint of guilt flickering in her eyes.
"Now, let's cut to the chase," continued Justin. "What do you have planned for the grand finale, Blackburn -- more theatrics and villain monologues, or will it be something more like the classic world domination? It's all a bit cliché, but I'm open to surprises."
"I'm glad you asked," said Blackburn. With a flourish he spread his arms wide and said, "Welcome to the grand spectacle, young Merlin. It warms my heart that you've decided to grace us with your presence. Just in time for the climax of my grand design. Survival isn't guaranteed, of course, but that's the thrill of show business!"
"Release me this instant!" demanded the Undertaker, his struggles against his bonds proving futile. "I want no part in your parlor tricks! I'm here solely for the Dagger of Mephasat."
"Shush, dear Undertaker," Blackburn hushed with a dismissive wave. "Your role is that of a captive audience, witnessing my magnum opus! And if the stars align, you might even play a part as a sacrifice in the infernal rites -- though I'm not entirely sure what use the Infernal Ones would have for a washed-up has-been like yourself."
"Why, you—!" growled the Undertaker. "When I get out of here, I'll--!"
But his threat was cut short by a swift nod from Blackburn. The demon's massive hand lightly swatted across the Undertaker's face, the mere graze leaving the old crook stunned.
"Sit tight and enjoy the spectacle," Blackburn continued, relishing the role of the malevolent showman. With a devilish grin, he added, "Who knows, you might find it enlightening. Consider it my gift to you, dear Undertaker!"
With his wand aloft in one white-gloved hand, Harry Blackburn announced, "The moment approaches. Hand me the Dagger of Mephasat, so I may conduct the bonding ceremony and secure Nebiros a more enduring residence in our world."
As Vivian approached Blackburn bearing a case adorned with a cryptic symbol, then unveiled a ceremonial dagger, Justin frowned as he couldn't help but pick up the demon's name. He knew from his occult studies that Nebiros was one of the more dangerous Lords of Hell, just as he'd suspected.
Frustration etched across Justin's face as he strained against his restraints. "What's the endgame here, Blackburn? Offering yourself willingly as a host to a demon? How crazy must you be to want that?"
Blackburn chuckled darkly. "Ah, young Merlin, you've guessed wrongly. It is not I who will play host to my 'pet demon' here -- it's my brother, Bruce Blackburn." He gestured toward the sarcophagus, where the unconscious man awaited his unwitting role. "You see, he's a man of exceptional capability, which he's squandered for many years as a mere secret agent man. By binding Nebiros to him, he becomes a formidable force under my direct control. It seemed only fitting to make Brucie the unsuspecting host -- not just because of our blood ties, but also because, once upon a time, he whimsically assumed the role of a mystery-man, the acrobatic marvel known as the Destroying Demon! How could I resist the opportunity to turn him into the real Destroying Demon?" Blackburn's tone oozed with a perverse satisfaction.
Justin, undeterred, retorted, "So, this is your twisted family reunion. How heartwarming. Your choice of party favors is diabolical but creative. Did you find it in the 'How to Ruin Family Gatherings' handbook?"
Vivian, seemingly unfazed, added with a sly smile, "Oh, you haven't seen the dessert course yet."
"Touché," replied Merlin. "Anyway, Blackburn, you claimed to be a hero once. What led to this sudden embrace of the dark side?"
Harry Blackburn chuckled, a sinister undertone coloring his response. "Walk a mile in my shoes, young mage, and you might find out for yourself. Have you ever seen the allure of the sheer power that can be yours, used to grant your every desire? My own journey toward this realization began with my youthful apprenticeship under Damus the Wizard from the medieval town of Old Neurenplatz. The last living necromancer graced me with the knowledge to summon and control such entities."
Justin absorbed the revelation with a frown; he'd heard of old Damus and how he'd once fought Neon the Unknown. (*)
[(*) Editor's note: See Neon the Unknown, Hit Comics #11 (May, 1941).]
Soon, Harry Blackburn began the ceremony. Chanting in an ancient tongue, holding the Dagger of Mephasat aloft, he unleashed forces that rippled through the museum's atmosphere. Justin, aware of the imminent danger, felt his senses sharpen as the ritual unfurled.
Then, unexpectedly, the bonds restraining Justin and Doll Man mysteriously loosened, and Justin knew he had to take action. "Now's our chance, Doll Man," Merlin the Magician whispered, a plan already forming.
As Blackburn continued his ominous incantations, Merlin seized his newfound freedom to disrupt the unfolding ceremony. With a sudden confidence that defied his years, the young mage spoke with an air of authority previously untapped.
"I am Merlin the Magician," Justin declared, the words spilling from his mouth as if of their own volition. "And I am your worst nightmare. Blackburn and Nebiros, prepare to face the consequences of your actions tonight." His hands moved gracefully, crafting a counter-spell to thwart the dark forces Blackburn tried to unleash.
The air crackled with magical tension as Merlin's powers clashed with Blackburn's malevolent forces. Vivian attempted another sneak attack on Justin, only to find herself effortlessly slapped away as if she were a mere nuisance. The demon, sensing the disturbance, redirected its monstrous attention toward Merlin. Nebiros attempted to bowl him over with brute force, only to be stopped in place the young mage's mastery of the Cloak of Merlin.
Undeterred, Harry unleashed a barrage of spells, each one meticulously intercepted and negated by Merlin's mystical defenses. With determination on his face, Merlin pressed on, resolute in thwarting Blackburn's nefarious plans.
Seizing the opportunity presented by the chaos, Doll Man, now liberated from his restraints, nimbly avoided recapture. "Now the party's getting interesting," he quipped, his tiny size granting him an advantage in the chaotic battlefield.
"You want freedom from being trapped within a human body, demon?" Merlin smirked. "Your wish is granted, but consider it a one-way ticket to the shadowy wastes between Earth and Hell. Hope you like the scenic route!" With a dramatic gesture, Justin beckoned, and a surge of mystical energy erupted as he successfully separated man and demon, leaving a bewildered Bruce Blackburn behind. Nebiros protested with indignant writhing before being unceremoniously tossed into the abyss.
"Consider yourself relieved of your brother's imposed duty, Mr. Blackburn," Merlin declared. "However, I'm afraid old Harry's actions have dramatically shortened your own life expectancy. I can't tell you exactly when, but your last mission is coming up soon. I'm terribly sorry."
Bruce Blackburn, groggy and dazed, seemed to accept the news with a shrug. "That's all right, son. I've always known I'd die in the service of my country."
Meanwhile, Harry Blackburn, attempting a hasty exit during the commotion, was suddenly stopped in place by a wall of wind. "Leaving so soon, Harry?" Merlin quipped sarcastically.
"You were the one orchestrated this twisted spectacle, so I'm sure you'd like to see how this plays out," Justin interjected. "To tell you the truth, I'm not thrilled about having my soul sacrificed for a power-hungry amateur who doesn't even grasp the ABCs of magic, let alone deserve its powers. Now magic will be your eternal tease -- always in sight, but forever out of reach. Such is the power and curse I bestow upon you this night. Good luck breaking it, if you can."
A mystic lightning bolt struck Harry, forcing him to relinquish the ancient dagger with a terror-filled scream. "AAAAAAHHH!" As he scrambled to his feet, the disoriented villain attempted a desperate dash toward the exit.
But then a new threat slithered into view. The Undertaker, now freed and fueled by vengeance, lunged at the retreating Harry Blackburn. "I'll make you pay for what you tried to pull on me!" the villain bellowed, his skeletal hands closing around Blackburn's fleshy neck.
Doll Man, swiftly intervened, knocking out the vengeful adversary before he could deliver his macabre justice. "I've had my fill of the Undertaker's antics for a lifetime."
In the midst of the pandemonium, Doll Man's partner Doll Girl stepped out of the shadows. It was she who had cut their bonds, allowing the heroes to escape. Now her pint-sized figure darted toward Vivian Dulac as the femme fatale stooped to retrieve the discarded Dagger of Mephasat.
"Not so fast!" Doll Girl exclaimed. With a deft strike, she separated Vivian from the mystical object. Knowing she was beaten, Vivian fled through the nearest exit, abandoning her high heels in the chaotic escape into the night.
Catching his breath, Doll Man quipped, "Looks like someone's got cold feet."
Freed from the Undertaker's clutches, Harry Blackburn staggered to his feet, gasping for breath. "Is this the part where I'm supposed to thank you?" he wheezed, eyeing Doll Man with a mixture of resentment and bewilderment.
An unimpressed Doll Man retorted, "Don't strain yourself, Blackburn. We're not expecting a thank-you note from the guy who planned to turn us into ritual sacrifices."
Still catching his breath, Merlin the Magician turned to Doll Man and Doll Girl with a grateful nod. "Thanks for the assist. It could've been a real mess back there."
Doll Man, his pint-sized stature brimming with resilience, quipped, "Teamwork makes the dream work, Merlin. Although, I've got to say that you handled things just fine on your own."
"Not entirely sure what happened," Justin admitted with a shrug, his blind gaze fixed in the distance. "It felt like... like the spirit of my late father guiding me, giving me the right spells and the words to say, you know? Not possession, exactly, but direction."
"He was a stand-up guy," Doll Girl chimed in sympathetically. "You should take pride in how he fought for England."
Doll Man nodded in agreement. "Your old man knew a thing or two about handling the supernatural. Runs in the family, I suppose. Anyway, if you ever need pint-sized backup again, you know where to find us."
With the immediate threat vanquished, Merlin bade his farewell to the Diminutive Duo, leaving the experienced heroes to deal with the police.
Without too much trouble, Justin made his way back to his dorm room, the echoes of the supernatural encounter lingering in his mind. He had begun to suspect that, as long as he had the Cloak of Merlin, his father would always be with him.
***
The next morning, after being rudely awakened by a slobbery alarm clock called Rosie, Justin got ready for the first class of the day, Chemistry 101.
Unfortunately, he hadn't finished mapping out the campus the previous night, and it took him a while to find the classroom auditorium. When he finally did, he was already ten minutes late, and Rosie made so much noise that the Professor had to wait until Justin sat down.
"Are you all right, young man?" said a voice.
Justin turned his head to focus where it was coming from, and he realized it came from the well of the auditorium. It was the Professor himself. "Oh, yes, hello."
"I'm Professor Dane, and you are?"
"Justin Kellogg. This is Rosie, my seeing-eye dog. I'm awfully sorry for the commotion, sir. It won't happen again."
"Kellogg, huh? Are you any relation to Jock Kellogg?"
"Yes, he's my father. Why do you ask?"
"I met him in London years ago, during the war," explained Professor Dane.
As Professor Dane continued the lecture, something about his voice sounded very familiar to Justin, but it still took a few minutes before it hit him. His professor, Darrell Dane, was secretly the legendary mystery-man known as Doll Man. What a day this was turning out to be.
The End... for now.