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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 6, 2024 0:41:10 GMT
Read the previous episodes in The Books of Magic series in order here:
***
Continued from The Books of Magic: Changeling Unmasked
Continued from Shiva: Representatives
The students of Grimoire Academy of Applied Knowledge buzzed with excitement one evening in March. Movie night was upon them once more, a weekly tradition that brought a spark of joy to their otherwise studious lives. Each Friday evening, Mr. Lucien the librarian arranged for a showing of a film at the movie theater adjoining the school library. While the theater typically displayed films of an educational nature throughout the week, on movie night the films tended to be much more entertaining and thus also more to the students' liking.
On this night the school's private theater was dimly lit, casting shadows that danced along the walls as tonight's film, The Hammer of Hell, played on the screen. This gripping World War I film promised to transport the students to a realm of aerial battles and heroism. (*)
[(*) Editor's note: See "Ghost of the Killer Skies," Detective Comics #404 (October, 1970).]
Four boys, each with a distinct aura, sat engrossed in the tale unfolding before them: Kirk Pike -- the natural leader exuding charm and athleticism, Alfred "Twitch" Twitchell -- a quick-witted wordsmith blessed with endless luck, Joshua Cantrell -- the thrill-seeker always yearning for adventure, and Gray Murphy -- a hopeless romantic touched by a streak of misfortune.
As the credits rolled and the poignant message "Make War No More" flashed across the screen, the boys erupted into cheers, their youthful spirits untouched by the film's anti-war message. Oblivious to the disapproving glares of their peers, who were in a somber mood, they reveled in the adrenaline rush of what they only thought of as an action-packed blockbuster.
Their banter filled the air with energy as they were the first to exit the theater into the school library, unaware of the watchful eyes of Mr. Lucien, the stern librarian who eyed them disapprovingly. Not only were the boys being excessively loud and causing a ruckus, but they evidently gloried in the battle without understanding the true cost of war.
Kirk's eyes gleamed with excitement. "That dogfight scene was epic!"
Twitch nodded, a grin playing on his lips. "Indeed, a masterpiece of aerial combat!"
Josh's gaze was distant, lost in contemplation. "I wonder if we could ever experience something like that for real."
Kirk's enthusiasm was infectious. "I'd sign up for flying lessons from Hans Von Hammer in a heartbeat!"
"Count me in!" Josh chimed in.
Meanwhile, Murphy sighed, resigned to his fate. "I'd probably just crash on the runway."
"Boys, did you not grasp the film's underlying message on the futility of war?" Mr. Lucien's voice cut through their jovial chatter.
The boys exchanged sheepish glances. Kirk shrugged, puzzled. "Message? There was a message?"
"I don't remember any message," Murphy added, his brow furrowed.
Their minds still buzzing with the thrill of the movie, they continued their animated conversation, reenacting the dogfight scene with gusto. Kirk pretended to be the Hammer of Hell himself, machine-gunning Josh who, posing as the masked French ace called the Hangman, spiraled dramatically to the ground.
Lucien watched with a raised eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "These lads need to be taught a lesson, Rover," he muttered to his pet werewolf, who cocked his head to one side before scratching behind his ear with one clawed foot.
A plan began to take shape in Lucien's mind, one that involved a collaboration with Baron Weirwulf, the teacher rumored to possess extraordinary knowledge beyond the ordinary, thanks to his long curatorship of the Haunted Library.
Rubbing his hands together, Lucien whispered, "I believe I have an idea to set these boys on the right path. And Baron Weirwulf will be the key."
Rover the werewolf perked up at the sound of the Baron's name, wagging his tail excitedly.
Little did the boys know, as Lucien's scheme unfolded in the shadows, they were about to embark on an adventure that would test their courage and friendship in ways they never could have imagined.
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 6, 2024 19:16:48 GMT
In the twilight hours, Martin and Lily Martine embarked on a new chapter of their lives as they approached their new home in the faculty bungalows nestled atop the cliffside overlooking the blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Grimoire Academy looming in the distance, the couple's footsteps echoed on the stone path leading to their front door, anticipation thrumming in their hearts. And as they entered their new small home, the promise of a fresh start beckoned to them like a beacon of hope amidst the shadows that had haunted them for so long.
Martin's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he beheld the breathtaking view that stretched before them. "Just look at this place, Lil. I can't believe we're finally here. A fresh start and a chance to remake ourselves after so many years shadowed by darkness."
Lily's heart swelled with hope as she took in their new abode. "I'm so happy, Marty! I really think we can find healing here, don't you?"
Martin nodded in agreement, his gaze drifting around the cozy living room adorned with a crackling fireplace casting dancing shadows upon ancient tapestries along the wall. Bookshelves lined with well-loved books filled the room with the fragrance of knowledge. The room exuded warmth and comfort, inviting them to embrace the tranquility that surrounded them.
"Mr. Gallowglass was kind enough to provide us with a small library of our own," he said, running his fingers along the dusty spines. "I've always found solace in a good book."
Their exploration led them to a small study bathed in golden light streaming through stained-glass windows, where two desks awaited their scholarly pursuits and grading endeavors.
"Perhaps," said Lily hopefully, "in passing on the hard lessons of our own lives to a new generation, we can put the past behind us."
A room adjacent to the study revealed a small piano that beckoned to Lily like an old friend, promising hours of melodic solace and creative expression. "Look at this piano, Marty! It's like a dream!"
Martin chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with affection as he envisioned Lily lost in her music. "Maybe you'll finally have enough time to compose those songs you've been humming."
Yet another small room boasted an assortment of radios in various states of disrepair. A HAM radio hobbyist since he was a young boy, Martin's eyes lit up at the well-equipped repair shop.
"Well, you certainly won't get bored in here," Lily said with a laugh.
As the couple ascended a tiny stairwell to the bedroom in the loft, they were brought face-to-face with a portrait depicting one of the founders of Grimoire Academy. It was the Old Wizard who had once bestowed upon Martin the magic word that transformed him into Shiva, granting him extraordinary powers. (*)
[(*) Editor's note: See Shiva: Times Past, 1953: The New Kid.]
Lily gazed at the painting with a mixture of reverence and melancholy. "It's almost as if he's watching over us... well, over you at least."
Martin reassured her with unwavering faith in their shared destiny. "He did this for both of us, Lil. He knew we needed to go somewhere where we could find an understanding community that could help us build a new future for ourselves."
They crossed the threshold into their bedroom with hearts intertwined and spirits uplifted, laying down upon their meticulously made bed beneath a vaulted ceiling. Basking in the soft moonlight cascading through the windows, Martin wrapped his arms protectively around Lily. A gentle kiss graced her temple, spreading warmth through her veins.
"I'm sure we'll find healing here, Lil," he said softly. "This might be the best opportunity we've ever had to start again, and I want to make the best of it."
Lily returned his embrace, her eyes shimmering with newfound resolve as they stood on the threshold of a new beginning. "Me too, Marty."
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Post by dans on Apr 6, 2024 20:48:47 GMT
I am thrilled to see Martin and Lily on the verge of the happy life they both deserve. It was actually painful to me to watch as Lily slowly slid into darkness.
It's not clear if she still has powers. Was Shazam able to take them away, or perhaps he was able to cleanse them so they no longer corrupt her with each use? I think in one of my stories that mentions Grimoire Academy I may have mentioned that she has powers, but it was only in passing and would be easy to change if necessary.
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 6, 2024 20:53:03 GMT
The title of the story is a pretty big hint.
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Post by dans on Apr 6, 2024 23:56:05 GMT
Patience, young man! he said with a wink!
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 7, 2024 0:05:48 GMT
On a Saturday in April, the long-anticipated annual Festival of Flight finally arrived at Grimoire Academy. While teachers acted as guides, trusted vendors and exhibitors from various Earths and realms beyond had gathered to this remote location to display and in many cases demonstrate various methods of flight available to those in the mystical world.
Since Grimoire Island was a fragment of the Darkworld, a dimension of raw magic, it was an ideal location, because the magic that exuded from the island itself provided the power many of these enchanted creatures and devices needed to lift off the ground. Indeed, several of the creatures and devices would appear quite ordinary in any normal setting where magic failed to thrive.
As the sun beat down on the exhibition grounds, casting a golden glow over the bustling crowds of students and magical creatures, Kirk Pike, Josh Cantrell, Alfred Twitchell, and Gray Murphy continued to wander through the exhibitions, taking in all the sights and sounds on display around them. Kirk strode through the throng, his eyes sharp and focused as he led his friends in search of something that had eluded him for far too long. His eyes were sharp as he scanned the various flying animals and enchanted devices, his sharp mind focused on finding something practical and useful. The other boys struggled to keep up with their more athletic leader, who sought a method of flight that could work anywhere, not just in a supernatural hot zone like Grimoire.
Josh chuckled as he followed behind Kirk, whispering a nickname among their group. "Watch out, the 'Bloodhound' is on the trail," he teased, earning a playful shove from his friend.
As they passed by a group of students admiring a sleek, silver broomstick, Kirk couldn't help but scoff. "Flying on a broomstick seems so outdated. I mean, we have hoverboards and teleportation spells now. Why bother with something straight out of the Dark Ages?"
Josh nodded in agreement, his attention already drifting to a display of enchanted crystals. "Yeah, I don't see the appeal, either," he said, scratching his unkempt brown hair. "I'd much rather have something that can actually get me where I need to go quickly."
Twitch, always eager to share his knowledge, chimed in. "Well, you see," began the somewhat overweight boy wearing a suit and tie, "traditional broomsticks are still quite popular among some witches and wizards because they offer a sense of freedom and connection to the magical world that other modes of transportation can't match, and they usually don't require too much magic to power them. Most enchanted items that are able to fly here wouldn't necessarily work in the outside world, or at least wouldn't work for long."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," said Josh impatiently. "We all know that, Twitch. It's why Mr. Gallowglass keeps emphasizing that we need to learn about more than just the supernatural. Still, a lot of that magic stuff can be found here and there across our Earths, not to mention other dimensions that are based in magic instead of science."
Gray Murphy rolled his eyes. "I just want something that looks cool and gets me noticed by the ladies," the gray-haired boy said, looking slovenly in his sports jersey and shorts.
Josh couldn't resist teasing Murphy. "Good luck with that, buddy. They take one look at your homely face and gray hair and scrunch their cute little noses at the sight of you. It never fails."
Murphy grumbled, his hands in his pockets, "Aw, you guys are always picking on me. What did I ever do to deserve it?"
Kirk shook his head, his brow furrowed in determination as he returned to his primary mission. "I don't care about all these magical creatures and enchanted objects. I want to learn how to fly a plane without any magic involved at all."
Murphy raised an eyebrow at Kirk's obsession with flight. "Why are you so fixated on flying, Kirk? There are plenty of other cool things to see here at the festival."
Kirk's gaze remained fixed ahead as he replied, "I just want to soar through the skies with the controls of a plane in my hands like a true pilot, not rely on magic to do it for me. You know, like Blackhawk or Von Hammer."
As they continued their search, their conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Baron Weirwulf, the bearded stocky teacher known for his vast knowledge of all things magical.
"Good afternoon, boys," the Baron greeted them with a knowing smile. "I couldn't help but overhear your problem. Tell me, how badly do you want to learn from a real pilot?"
The boys exchanged excited glances before nodding fervently. Kirk spoke for the others, his voice filled with determination. "We want it more than anything, sir. We're willing to do whatever it takes to learn from a true master of flight."
Baron Weirwulf's eyes twinkled with mischief as he considered their request. "Well then, you might just get what you wish for. After all, Headmaster Gallowglass still looks upon you with favor after you helped stop the rampage of that demon posing as a student."
The boys' hearts raced with excitement at the prospect of fulfilling the dream of learning to fly from a real pilot. They called themselves the Sentinels of Magic after the original team that used that name forty years earlier, a title they wore with pride after their daring adventures, even if they weren't taken too seriously by some.
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 7, 2024 21:26:11 GMT
Across the bustling exhibition grounds of Grimoire Academy, two twelve-year-old boys, Tim Hunter from England and his American friend Rick Billings, wandered amidst the enchanting displays that surrounded them. Their eyes sparkled with wonder as they took in the magical spectacles that lay before them, each exhibit more captivating than the last.
"Hey, that's the Shining Knight and his horse, Winged Victory!" Rick exclaimed excitedly, pointing toward a regal-looking knight astride his majestic winged steed. "He's British, like you! And it looks like he brought his daughter with him, too! Her name's Knightfire." (*)
[(*) Editor's note: See Law's Legionnaires: Soldiers of Victory, Chapter 2: Knightfire.]
Tim's gaze followed Rick's outstretched finger, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he beheld the acclaimed heroic father and daughter duo who hailed from Rick's world of Earth-Bet, also known as Earth-Two.
"Wow!" Tim breathed in awe, captivated by the sight of the Shining Knight performing aerial acrobatics atop Winged Victory -- a creature that bore a striking resemblance to Pegasus from ancient legends. Beside him, Knightfire rode atop a steed of her own creation -- a magnificent dragon forged entirely of fire.
As the daughter of Firebrand, Knightfire had inherited her mother's ability to create and control flames, and the young woman with vibrant red hair had clearly honed those powers to a remarkable degree. The air around her crackled with energy as she guided her fiery mount through intricate maneuvers with effortless grace.
"Wow, she's amazing!" Tim said, his eyes fixed on Knightfire. "I've never seen anyone like her."
"I know, right?" Rick agreed. "She's fantastic!"
The Shining Knight, speaking in his typical Shakespearean English, amazed the crowd of students below as he and Knightfire then engaged in a mock aerial joust, exchanging witty repartee with each other in an attempt to provide as much entertainment as possible to the onlookers below.
"Fear not, fair maiden!" the Shining Knight proclaimed, dodging one of Knightfire's flaming attacks. "For I, the Shining Knight, shall protect thee from yon fiery dragon who has enslaved thee!"
"Try you might, noble sir," Knightfire retorted, "but try swiftly, ere my flames consume you!"
The crowd cheered as the father-daughter duo continued their playful battle and showcased their skill in a dazzling display of aerial prowess, their laughter echoing through the air.
Tim turned to Rick with a grin, his eyes alight with excitement at the spectacle unfolding before them. "They're bloody brilliant!" Tim said.
Rick nodded enthusiastically, his gaze fixed on the airborne performers above. "So cool, right? The Shining Knight and Knightfire are legendary back on Earth-Two. It's amazing to see them in action here at our own school."
As Winged Victory soared through the sky with majestic grace and Knightfire's fiery dragon blazed in a mesmerizing display of power, Tim couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for their skill and bravery. "They're like something out of a storybook come to life," he said.
"Definitely!" agreed Rick. "It's like we're witnessing magic in its purest form."
Together, they watched in awe as the Shining Knight and Knightfire continued their breathtaking performance high above the enchanted exhibition grounds -- their bond as father and daughter shining brightly amidst the backdrop of fantastical wonder that surrounded them.
"I wish we had heroes like that on Earth-One," Tim said.
"Well, you have the Justice League and the Teen Titans, don't you?" replied Rick.
"Yeah, but they're not like this," Tim said. "They're always so serious. I mean, they're great heroes and all, but they don't seem to have any fun."
"Maybe they just need to lighten up," Rick suggested with a laugh. "After all, being a hero is supposed to be about helping people, not just fighting bad guys."
Tim nodded in agreement. "You're probably right about that," he said, chuckling. "The next time I see Zatanna, I'll have to talk to her about it."
As the Shining Knight and Knightfire finished their performance, the crowd erupted in applause. The two heroes bowed low, then flew off toward the Stainless Steel Mountains in the distance, leaving the students to marvel at their skill and bravery. With joy in their hearts, Tim and Rick continued walking through the exhibits at the Festival of Flight.
Then Rick's eyes lit up as he spotted an old car outfitted with wings. "Look at that -- a flying car!" he exclaimed eagerly. "I've always wanted to take a ride in one. Do you want to go with me?"
Tim frowned as he saw the long lineup of students waiting for their turn. "No, you go ahead," he replied, nodding absently. "There are a few other exhibits I want to check out."
"Your loss," said Rick with a shrug. "See you later."
"See you," Tim replied.
Turning away, Tim's mind was soon elsewhere as he took in some of the vendors hawking wares from far-off realms. Viewing an assortment of trinkets spread out on a table, Tim was astonished to find an ordinary yo-yo among them.
"This looks just like my old yo-yo! What are the chances?" Tim muttered to himself, though he knew it couldn't be. Thanks to an unusual breakthrough in his magical talents, Tim had somehow managed to transform his yo-yo into an owl, which then flew away from him. (*) He had never seen the owl since then, though his yo-yo had looked identical to this one.
[(*) Editor's note: See The Books of Magic: Rise of the Bloody Moon.]
"How much for the yo-yo?" he asked the vendor, a plump older woman whose gray hair was covered by a blue cloak. A beautiful cat-eyed blonde woman in a slinky dark red outfit and a pimpled crone looking like a stereotypical old witch in her purple robes stood behind the other tables at the booth, attending to the other customers' needs.
"For you, lad, just one coin," she said in a tender, syrupy sweet voice that made Tim smile despite himself.
Having paid for the item with the currency used at the Festival, Tim kept strolling through the grounds, absentmindedly twirling his yo-yo as he went. Scanning the crowd for familiar faces, it wasn't long before he spotted his old friends Kirk, Josh, Twitch, and Murphy making their way toward the Clock Tower.
A smile tugged at Tim's lips as he ran over to meet them, memories of their past adventures flooding back. "Hey, fellows. Mind if I tag along?" he asked casually, falling into step beside them.
Kirk clapped Tim on the back with a grin. "Of course! You're always welcome among us, Hunter. We could use your kind of talent on our next adventure."
And so the full membership of the Sentinels of Magic, together again, made their way toward the Clock Tower.
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 7, 2024 22:59:21 GMT
I hope nobody minds that I added a cameo for the Shining Knight (one of my favorite heroes) and his daughter Knightfire, my own sadly underused creation. I really need to get back to doing some Earth-Two stories eventually.
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Post by dans on Apr 7, 2024 23:23:29 GMT
There must be many heroes who know of Grimoire Academy, and at least a few of them must have visited. For while Gallowglass hates it when it is called a 'School of Magic', it is indeed a magical place.
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 7, 2024 23:32:46 GMT
There must be many heroes who know of Grimoire Academy, and at least a few of them must have visited. For while Gallowglass hates it when it is called a 'School of Magic', it is indeed a magical place. True, and even if the number of heroes who know about it is limited (the JLA was shown to know nothing about Grimoire Island in a previous story, for example, except for Zatanna), the Shining Knight is connected closely to Merlin, who absolutely knows about Grimoire Island.
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 8, 2024 0:04:05 GMT
The exhibition grounds buzzed with excitement as students and teachers alike marveled at the wonders on display. Among them, new teachers Martin and Lily Martine strolled hand in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of the Festival of Flight. As they walked, and Martin caught a glimpse of Winged Victory soaring above, a mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes. He turned to Lily as an idea formed in his mind.
"You know what would give these kids the thrill of their lives?" Martin's voice held a hint of excitement.
Lily returned his smile, though a tinge of sadness lingered in her gaze. "I think I can guess. Not many of these kids have seen a real super-hero up close before, let alone flown with one."
Martin's concern for his wife was evident as he asked, "Then you don't mind?"
With a brave front, Lily replied, "No, not at all. Go on, give the kids a thrill."
"You're the best, Lil," Martin said gratefully, planting a kiss on her forehead before striding toward an empty field several feet away from the busy exhibition grounds.
As Lily watched intently, she strained to hear the magic word Martin uttered amidst the noisy crowds. Though she couldn't hear him speak, she knew that something extraordinary would happen the moment that he said, "BVSSGG!"
Suddenly, iridescent blue rain erupted from the ground beneath Martin's feet like a geyser, washing over him in a torrent of water. In fact, the magic was so strong on Grimoire Island that his own transformation had been amplified, unfolding before their eyes in a display unlike anything ever seen before.
As rivulets of water cascaded around him, Martin seemed to vanish bit by bit, replaced by a towering figure that commanded attention. Gone was the unassuming forty-something man that few gave a second glance at. In his place now stood Shiva -- a nine-foot-tall blue-skinned being with four arms and rippling muscles.
The crowd gasped in awe and confusion at the sight before them. Uncertain murmurs rippled through the spectators until a very young-looking student from Samekh House recognized the transformed figure with joy.
"It's Shiva! That's Shiva -- the super-hero!" Atom Blake cried out ecstatically, the childlike voice of the Boy Wizard cutting through the uncertainty like a beacon of recognition. "Ooh, I wonder if Kali is around here, too!"
The hero's presence sparked excitement among the students as whispers spread through the crowd. Some gazed in wonderment while others cheered with delight at seeing the rather obscure but once-beloved super-hero come to life before them.
Lily watched with pride and admiration as her husband embraced his alter ego with grace and power. The magic of Grimoire Island had brought forth Shiva in all his glory, captivating hearts and minds with his larger-than-life presence.
The atmosphere crackled with excitement as Shiva, towering over a swarm of eager children, began to regale them with tales of heroism and adventure as he answered their questions. Lily watched from a distance, her heart heavy with memories of her own days as the super-heroine Kali.
After having discovered some weeks ago that she had not been empowered like Martin by the wizard Shazam as she had long believed, but had instead been given powers by an infernal demon named Blaze, Lily knew that her days as Kali were over. Still, she refused to let it dim Martin's moment in the spotlight. After all, besides the comparatively dull subjects of Mathematics and Music that they had been assigned to teach, the two would also soon be teaching a class in Super-Heroics together. The kids deserved to know that their teachers had both been super-heroes themselves, and one of them still was one.
As Shiva interacted with the students, offering flyover tours of Grimoire Island and sharing the thrill of flight itself, Lily's smile wavered. She turned away, unable to bear the reminder that her days of soaring through the skies under her own power were behind her. The ache of loss gnawed at her soul, but she knew she had to keep her emotions in check, at least while she was in public.
With a heavy heart, Lily made her way out of the exhibition grounds, a veil of sadness clouding her features. She longed for the solace of their private bungalow, where she could allow herself to grieve in peace. Tears threatened to spill, but she held them back, unwilling to dampen the joyous occasion with her sorrow.
Unbeknownst to Lily, the headmaster had observed her departure with a furrowed brow. Being the same chronological age as Lily and Martin, Gareth Gallowglass hesitated on whether to intervene or respect her need for solitude. Gallowglass was certainly no stranger to emotional turmoil, as his own past held shadows that still haunted him to this day.
"Intriguing," he murmured to himself, pondering Lily's distress. Could this be why Shazam had entrusted her to his care as a new faculty member at Grimoire Academy? He couldn't help but note that her turbulent emotions mirrored those of Abby Cable, the former teacher whose brief but memorable tenure and recent departure had left a void in the school. Feeling a pang of empathy for Lily, Gallowglass resolved to offer his support.
With a resolute nod, Gallowglass began to discreetly follow Lily back toward the teachers' bungalows. He sensed an opportunity to repay Abby's kindness by extending a helping hand to Lily in her time of need, rather than let her problems grow over time as Abby's had due to his carelessness. As he trailed behind her, his thoughts swirled with memories of past sorrows and newfound determination.
Meanwhile, Lily reached her bungalow, seeking refuge within its walls and allowing tears to flow freely at last. The weight of unspoken pain lifted slightly as she embraced her vulnerability and acknowledged the wounds that still needed healing.
In the distance, Gallowglass observed from afar, his gaze filled with understanding and compassion. Knowing from personal experience that healing took time, he silently supported her from a respectful distance, at least until he could discern the right time to talk with her.
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Post by dans on Apr 8, 2024 0:50:14 GMT
Gallowglass becoming more and more human over time. Nice!
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 8, 2024 1:14:00 GMT
Gallowglass becoming more and more human over time. Nice! After I reread Changeling Unmasked and Founding Fathers, I realized there is a depth of emotion in that character that is not at first evident.
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 8, 2024 1:15:02 GMT
The exhibition grounds of Grimoire Academy hummed with excitement as students and magical creatures alike marveled at the wonders on display. Rick Billings, his heart still racing from the exhilarating ride in the flying car with its eccentric, elderly inventor extraordinaire at the wheel, stepped out of the vehicle with a wide grin.
"Wow, thanks Mr. Potts!" Rick gushed, his eyes shining with awe. "That was the ride of a lifetime!"
Caractacus Potts, looking as if he hailed from an earlier age, let out a hearty laugh. "Of course, lad! That's what the Festival is all about -- experiencing the thrill of flight! Now go forth, have fun, and soak up all the knowledge you can, young Mr. Billings."
As the line shuffled forward full of eager students waiting for their own turns to ride in the flying car, Rick finally tore himself away from his newest obsession. He scanned the bustling grounds in search of Tim Hunter, eager to share his incredible experience.
However, Rick's excitement waned as he realized that Tim was nowhere to be found among the crowds. A pang of disappointment tugged at his heart as he navigated through the throng of students and magical creatures, feeling abandoned by his best friend.
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Post by dans on Apr 8, 2024 2:01:14 GMT
Glad Lily is getting some love. I put her in two of my own stories and because I had to, as it was established canon, I tried to portray at least part of her downward slide, but it really made me sad to do so. Felt bad for Martin, too - he always tried to do the right thing for her in everything he did and said - and nothing he did helped. What a sad, helpless feeling. He is probably as overjoyed at her transformation as she is. There is probably nothing in the world that would thrill him more than a sparkle of joy in her eye!
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