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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 8, 2024 2:11:08 GMT
Yep, they certainly were star-crossed lovers almost from the beginning. That trajectory seems due for a positive change.
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 8, 2024 2:13:22 GMT
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. Just to let everyone know, I added this to an above scene. If you've been reading as I post, this might have gotten missed. |
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 8, 2024 2:41:19 GMT
The Clock Tower, located at the center of a grassy glade, was the tallest manmade structure on Grimoire Island, despite being merely three stories high. The reason was because each of those stories were very tall, packed to the brim as they were with books and maps. With the map room and card index on the ground floor, and a book collection that spanned not only the ground floor but also all four walls of the second floor, and the third floor containing the Clock Room, the Clock Tower often seemed as if it contained endless worlds within its bounds. In a sense it did, for there were few destinations in time and space that the Clock Room could not access.
Baron Weirwulf led Kirk Pike, Josh Cantrell, Alfred Twitchell, Gray Murphy, and Tim Hunter into the tower, which smelled of old books and yellowing paper, in search of its keeper. Simon Belmont, the Clock Tower's old guardian, regarded them with a stern gaze tinged with annoyance as they entered his domain.
"What do you lot want?" growled Belmont, his gruff voice echoing through the stone walls. "Can't you see I've had my hands full with all this 'Festival of Flight' nonsense? Sure, sure, Gallowglass can proclaim a festival all he wants, but it's old Belmont who has to manage all the transportation in and out of the island for every single exhibitor. Have you any idea how long it takes? I've had to trudge up and down those stairs so many times today already, and tonight it all starts up again as everyone leaves! The only saving grace is that most of them have creatures or contraptions that can directly fly up to the third floor, so they won't end up tracking in all that mud from the exhibition grounds. Still, it's always a risk when directing the portal outwards. You never know what might escape onto the island during the transport!"
Before the old man could continue his usual complaints, Baron Weirwulf spoke up. "We were hoping to use the Clock Room, if it isn't too much of an inconvenience, Mr. Belmont," his voice boomed.
"Oh, is that a fact?" Belmont growled. As the old man's gaze peered over the boys, Josh Cantrell instinctively tried to blend into the background, memories of past run-ins with Belmont and subsequent disciplinary measures causing a knot of unease to form in his stomach. However, Belmont's sharp eyes still fell upon him amidst the group of boys.
"Ah, is that you, my boy? Come forward, Joshua. Come!" Belmont's tone held a hint of recognition as he beckoned Josh forward and smiled warmly at him, much to the boy's surprise. "Keeping yourself out of trouble, I see."
Baron Weirwulf cleared his throat and began broaching the reason he had brought the boys to the tower. "Since it is the Festival of Flight, after all, I thought it only fitting that these boys get some flying lessons from one of the best!"
Belmont's lips curled into a mischievous grin. His eyes twinkled with secrets long kept as he chuckled darkly and said, "Oh, yes. Lucien did mention something about that a short while back, didn't he? Well, there's a certain pilot who owes old Belmont a debt from way back when -- once saved him from a vampire attack, I did." His laughter echoed through the chamber.
Soon, Belmont was in motion once more, gesturing with one hand for the others to do likewise. "Well? Haven't got all day. Follow me, and don't be tardy, boys!" The boys looked at each other, still unused to the tower keeper's unpredictable moods, and followed in line as Belmont guided them and their teacher up the winding staircase leading up to the spacious third floor.
As they entered the Clock Room, where the entire school grounds could be seen through the transparent clock faces bereft of hands, the boys took a glance at the view that could only be exceeded from atop one of the island's peaks. The Festival of Flight was still in full swing at the exhibition grounds, and scattered students and teachers could be seen at various parts of the quad. Still, the magnificent view paled in light of this room's extraordinary transportation capabilities.
"You know the basic rules, boys," Belmont reminded them as he went about his business, preparing the portal for them. "No changing the past in any way. No revealing the future, no leaving objects in the past, and -- most importantly -- do not kill any living creature unless your life is threatened!"
A hush fell over the group as Belmont placed an old photograph in a specific spot on the wall. The image sprang to life before their eyes, revealing an airfield from around the time of the first World War. Memories of the war movie they had seen some weeks back still fresh in their minds, their hearts pounded with anticipation as they wondered who their flying coach might be.
The five boys watched in awe as, with a flick of his hand, Belmont activated one of his mysterious portals. The boys exchanged wide-eyed glances as they gathered around the flickering portal, preparing to step through into an adventure beyond their wildest dreams, guided by fate and fueled by courage.
"Just tell Von Hammer that Belmont sent you," the tower keeper's gruff voice cut through the silence. "Now, prepare yourselves for the ride of a lifetime!"
Baron Weirwulf smiled and said, "That's right, my young adventurers, we'll be traveling through the annals of time itself."
"Ready for action, sir!" Kirk replied.
"I can't wait to meet the Enemy Ace!" Josh said eagerly.
Twitch looked worried. "I wonder if they have ice cream in the past..."
Murphy shook his head in annoyance. "Oh, come on, Twitch. Focus!"
"I just hope I don't accidentally mess up the timeline somehow," confessed Tim, pocketing his yo-yo.
Under the tower keeper's watchful gaze, Baron Weirwulf and the five boys stepped through the portal and vanished into the unknown. Belmont's parting words echoed in their ears as they vanished into the swirling vortex that led them into the past. "And don't you be late at pick-up time!" His voice carried across time and space as they were transported to a location near the one depicted in the photograph.
Excitement bubbled within them as they emerged upon a grassy field on foreign soil, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a bygone era. Their shouts of exhilaration filled the air as they embraced the thrilling time travel adventure that awaited them.
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 9, 2024 0:31:48 GMT
Meanwhile, back at the bustling exhibition grounds of Grimoire Academy, Rick Billings frantically searched for his missing friend Tim Hunter. He approached a group of older students in hopes of finding any trace of Tim's whereabouts.
"Hey Trevor, have you seen Tim?" Rick inquired anxiously.
Trevor King, who was the school's best athlete and one of the most popular students, shook his head. "No, I haven't seen him around. Sorry, kid."
Undeterred, Rick turned to another student. "Olga, have you spotted Tim anywhere?"
Olga Prescott chuckled lightly. "Even if I knew what he looked like, I wouldn't have noticed him, to be honest. There are too many cool things to see at the festival than worry about some random first-year."
Next to her, Harry Flashman the Fifth smirked cruelly at the much-younger boy and yelled, "Get lost, shrimp! Nobody knows where your little pansy friend is!"
Rick quickly made himself scarce, his heart sinking as he realized that no one had seen Tim, until he crossed paths with a certain blonde girl known for her sharp tongue and quick wit.
"Have you, by any chance, seen Tim, Patsy?" Rick asked hopefully.
Patsy Ambrose smirked knowingly. "Oh yes, I saw him heading towards the Clock Tower with Baron Weirwulf and that kid gang he likes to hang around with." She snickered derisively at their title. "Sentinels of Magic. They think they're some big-shot heroes or something, but they're just some kids playing dress-up."
Rick's disappointment was palpable as he realized that Tim had seemingly forgotten about him in favor of his other friends. With a heavy heart, he turned away from Patsy and walked off alone, feeling a pang of loneliness amidst the vibrant chaos of the festival.
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Post by dans on Apr 9, 2024 0:55:05 GMT
enjoying the growing cast of characters related to Grimoire Academy...
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 9, 2024 5:42:58 GMT
Germany, 1920:
In the depths of the Black Forest near his castle, a tall figure strode through the shadows, his thoughts as heavy as the silence that enveloped him. Hans Von Hammer, once known as the Hammer of Hell during the Great War, walked with purpose, a rifle gripped firmly in one hand. The tranquility of the forest enveloped him, offering a respite from the chaos of the outside world. Beside him, a giant wolf padded silently, its keen eyes scanning the surroundings as if guarding its enigmatic companion.
"We are both killers," Von Hammer mused, his gaze fixed ahead. "Chosen by fate to spill blood for our own reasons."
As the two companions ventured deeper into the woods, Von Hammer's thoughts drifted like leaves caught in a gentle breeze. Memories of his days as a German air ace flooded back, the roar of triplanes and the thunder of war echoing in his mind. Despite the years that had passed since those tumultuous times, it felt like yesterday for Von Hammer. During the war, he had forged an unlikely bond with the wild wolf that now walked by his side, their friendship rooted in shared solitude and understanding.
The wolf suddenly tensed, its ears pricking up at a distant sound as their peace was shattered by the distant echoes of young voices, rising in a heated exchange. With a swift glance at the man, the wolf darted away into the shadows before he could bid farewell in their customary manner.
"Auf wiedersehen, my friend," Von Hammer murmured softly to the retreating form of his companion. The tranquility of their parting was shattered by the arrival of several teenage boys whose voices carried through the trees as they approached.
Among the trees, a group of boys walked along the path, while two of their number were embroiled in an argument. Gray Murphy, with his unusual gray hair, stood firm in his belief, while Josh Cantrell, with his unruly mop of brown hair, vehemently opposed him.
"Miss Eve is hot!" Murphy declared, his voice filled with conviction.
Josh's rebuttal was swift. "No, she's not!"
"Have you not seen her walk with that little sway in her hips, you spaz?" Murphy countered.
Josh scoffed, shaking his head. "You're delusional, Murphy. She's practically ancient."
"She is not!" Murphy spat.
"She's an old crone!" Josh insisted. "Why do you think she only teaches in the mornings? She turns into an old lady by the time midnight rolls around every single night!"
"You take that back!" said Murphy, ready to fight. "She can't be more than ten years older than you or me!"
"Hey, don't shoot the messenger," Josh replied, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Paulsen told me how he saw her late one night in her classroom while he was dropping off a term paper, and she looked just like a wicked old witch! Scared the bejeezus out of him, too!"
"That's a damn dirty lie!" Murphy said, veins popping from his neck. "He probably saw someone else and just thought it was her!"
"Paulsen said it was definitely Miss Eve," Josh said cooly.
"Well, then Paulsen's a damn dirty liar, too!"
Their debate raged on, each boy steadfast in his opinion. Unaware of their surroundings, they kept debating these trivial matters until Von Hammer's stern presence halted their bickering. He had heard enough.
"Ah-hem." Von Hammer cleared his throat as he emerged from the shadows with an imposing air, his gaze fixed on the group of boys who fell silent, their eyes widening in surprise as they beheld the imposing hunter in a greatcoat standing before them. Thanks to the mystical properties of the Clock Room portals, the boys appeared to be dressed in contemporary clothing in various shades of brown and gray, while an enchantment caused them to understand German and even speak it in this era flawlessly.
"Are you aware that you boys are on private property?" Von Hammer's voice was firm, his tone laced with authority as he beheld the boys dressed in ordinary clothing in various shades of brown and gray.
Kirk, the tallest of the group, moved forward protectively, his eyes widening as they landed on the rifle slung over the hunter's shoulder. "Whoa! We didn't see you there, sir," he said, his body tensing for a possible confrontation.
Von Hammer regarded the boys with a steely gaze, his expression unreadable. "What is it that I may assist you with, jungen?" he inquired, his voice cutting through the tense silence like a blade. "I am not accustomed to taking in uninvited guests."
The boys exchanged nervous glances, unsure of how to respond to this enigmatic stranger who seemed to have materialized out of the shadows. The hunter's presence cast a spell of unease over them, as if he held the secrets of the forest within his grasp.
Twitch stepped forward hesitantly, explaining their purpose. "We're trying to find this famous air ace from the war, sir. Would you happen to know where we can locate Hans Von Hammer?"
A weary sigh escaped Von Hammer as he realized the implications of his reputation preceding him even here in the quiet forest. "You're looking at him," he admitted with a wry smile. "Well then, you might as well come in and have a cup of tea before I send you on your way."
Josh turned to Tim and whispered, "Wow, he's even cooler in person!"
Tim nodded fervently in agreement, little noticing that a certain prized object made of plastic and string had unwittingly fallen from his pocket, hidden alongside the pathway beneath the brush and bramble.
And so, in the heart of the Black Forest, a fateful encounter unfolded, setting into motion a chain of events that risked unraveling the fabric of reality itself.
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 9, 2024 7:33:07 GMT
enjoying the growing cast of characters related to Grimoire Academy... I wanted to add a bunch of cameos as nods to other stories, since the world of Grimoire Academy has expanded since the original tales were written 20+ years ago, thanks primarily to Chrissie, you, and me. Obviously, Olga Prescott and Harry Flashman are your characters, while Trevor King is a character created by Chrissie who was revealed to have a dark secret in a story taking place in early 1988, about a year after this story. |
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Post by dans on Apr 9, 2024 13:58:56 GMT
You also mentioned Atom, who owes his current incarnation to Libby!
If and when other authors join in, hopefully the series will grow and the cast of characters with it. There are bound to be a lot of interesting characters within 6 degrees of Bacon of Grimoire Academy.
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 9, 2024 18:01:09 GMT
You also mentioned Atom, who owes his current incarnation to Libby! If and when other authors join in, hopefully the series will grow and the cast of characters with it. There are bound to be a lot of interesting characters within 6 degrees of Bacon of Grimoire Academy. Yes, that's right. I did add Atom Blake as well. In the original version of the story, all those characters were generic students, but I thought it would be better if I used some existing names, especially Atom Blake since he is the only Earth-S student who would have been around to see Shiva in person back in the 1950s & 1960s (and probably met him at least once in some untold tales during that era, since Atom was never caught in the Suspendium trap), and thus was the natural choice for the individual who recognized him. |
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 9, 2024 18:02:03 GMT
Within the hallowed halls of the ancient castle inhabited by the aristocratic Von Hammer family and passed down to its descendants through the centuries, a group of young students found themselves enraptured by tales of valor. Kirk Pike, Josh Cantrell, Gray Murphy, Alfred "Twitch" Twitchell, and Tim Hunter sat in plush armchairs, their eyes wide with curiosity as they listened to Baron Hans Von Hammer recount his harrowing experiences from the Great War. The air was thick with anticipation as they sipped tea and nibbled on biscuits brought to them by a silent servant, while their teacher and chaperone for this journey Baron Weirwulf stood watchfully by.
Von Hammer's voice resonated through the room, carrying the weight of a thousand battles and untold sacrifices during the Great War from 1914 to 1918. As he spoke to his teenage visitors, his eyes were haunted by the memories of war.
"There was a time when I thought of our wartime dogfights as knights jousting in the air," Von Hammer said. "And truthfully we air aces played into that. Many of my opponents had colorful names such as the Balloon Buster, St. George, and the Hangman. Our aerial jousts often felt like a game of wits and skill."
He paused, his voice heavy with emotion. "Yet all too often I felt a pang of regret and loss whenever I had to shoot down one of those valiant souls. I saluted them as they fell like wounded birds. But even that was part of the game."
Von Hammer's gaze fell upon the young boys, their faces filled with awe and wonder. He could see that they romanticized the war, seeing it as a glorious adventure. But he knew the truth.
"The young pilots under my care were killed off one by one, nearly to a man -- pilots little older than you. Sixteen, seventeen, eighteen most of them were," he said. "With hardly any training at all, they were thrust into the meat grinder of warfare, and many of them did not make it."
Von Hammer's voice grew thick with emotion. "I couldn't help but feel like a killer, a butcher... sending my own inexperienced young men out, knowing that nearly each time one or two would never come back -- their young lives cut short, never seeing their parents again, never getting married or having children of their own. Still, I could never allow myself to really mourn them or feel the weight of their sacrifice at the time. As their leader, I needed to have a heart of stone and push on as long as our country had need of us."
Shaking his head slowly, he said, "And that's just it. In the end, how much of it actually mattered? Our side lost the war, and the dead remained dead."
Von Hammer looked at the boys, his eyes pleading with them to understand. "So yes, I was a flying ace, and I fought for my country," he said. "And even though I also saw many horrors, if I had the opportunity to go back in time and change the past, I would still do it all again the exact same way. Honor demands it."
The boys sat in silence, their minds racing. They had never considered the war from this perspective before. Von Hammer's words had painted a vivid picture of the horrors of war, and they could no longer see it merely as a glorious adventure.
"Thank you for sharing your story with us, Baron," Kirk finally said. "It was really... eye-opening."
Von Hammer nodded. "I hope you will remember my words," he said. "And I hope that you will never forget the sacrifices that were made on both sides by so many young men during the Great War."
Josh's youthful exuberance shone through as he interjected with awe, "Still, being a pilot must have been incredible!"
Von Hammer's gaze softened with a hint of melancholy as he continued his tale. "It... was both exhilarating and terrifying. I saw far too much death. But after the war, I found peace in teaching young men to fly. Your academy, wherever it may be located, has never failed to pay me well for previous flying lessons in the past. That is why, after a discussion with Baron Weirwulf, I've agreed once more to teach you what I have many others, despite the fact that you are much younger than my typical pupils."
Twitch's face lit up with enthusiasm, oblivious to the gravity of their host's words. "That's wonderful, sir!"
Murphy's demeanor was tinged with apprehension as he voiced his doubts. "I'm not sure I ever want to fly. It's a long way to fall from up there."
Kirk offered reassurance to his friend. "Don't worry, Murphy. It's up to you. Nobody's forcing you to do anything."
Tim fidgeted nervously but mustered up his courage to speak. "Well, I'm excited to learn, even if I'm the youngest one here."
Von Hammer fixed them with a solemn gaze, his words laden with caution. "Good. But understand this: Flying is not without its risks. Some of you may not succeed. You could even... die."
A shiver ran down their spines as they exchanged uneasy glances, grappling with the stark reality of their impending lessons.
Twitch stammered in disbelief. "D-die?"
Kirk stood tall, his resolve unwavering in the face of uncertainty. "We understand, sir. We're ready."
Murphy muttered under his breath, "Speak for yourself."
Tim remained silent but resolute despite his nerves getting the best of him.
As night began to descend upon them like a velvet curtain drawn across the sky, Von Hammer announced that rooms would be prepared for them and their chaperone for an overnight stay at the castle.
"My servant will make arrangements for your accommodations," he explained. "You are welcome to stay the night."
As they turned to leave, they could feel the weight of his words heavy upon their hearts. They knew that they would never forget the story of Hans Von Hammer, the flying ace who had seen the horrors of war firsthand.
Beneath the watchful eyes of their mentors and amidst whispers of destiny and danger that lingered in the air like an unspoken promise, the Grimoire Academy boys braced themselves for a journey that would test their mettle in ways they had never been tested before.
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 10, 2024 7:35:28 GMT
Grimoire Island, 1987:
In her cozy bungalow perched on the cliffside above the beach, Lily Martine found herself engulfed in a sea of emotions. The tranquil waves crashing against the shore below provided a soothing backdrop to her turmoil. She had sought solace on Grimoire Island, hoping to escape the shadows of her past and find redemption in the embrace of a new beginning.
But the weight of her revelations bore down on her like an anchor dragging her into the depths of despair. The truth that had shattered her world -- that she had unknowingly served the forces of darkness as the super-heroine Kali, empowered not by the benevolent wizard Shazam but by the malevolent demoness Blaze -- haunted her every waking moment.
As tears streamed down her cheeks, mingling with the salty sea breeze that wafted through the open windows, Lily grappled with conflicting emotions. She felt a pang of envy for her husband Martin, who could effortlessly transform into the awe-inspiring Shiva and captivate their students with thrilling flights above the island. For she longed to join him in the skies, to reclaim her heroic identity without succumbing to the darkness that had tainted her past.
Her reverie was abruptly interrupted by a sharp knock on the door, jolting her from her thoughts. Hastily wiping away her tears with a tissue, Lily composed herself and went to see who the unexpected visitor could be. To her astonishment, standing on her doorstep was none other than Gareth Gallowglass, the headmaster of Grimoire Academy, whom she had only known for a few weeks now.
"Oh!" she cried. "Mr. Gallowglass, I-I wasn't expecting--"
"I am sorry for the intrusion, Mrs. Martine, but I couldn't help notice your distress back at the festival," he said, his expression inscrutable. "May I come in?"
"C-certainly, sir," she replied.
With a mixture of trepidation and curiosity, Lily ushered Gallowglass into her modest living room, offering him a seat as she set the kettle on the stove and prepared a tray of homemade cookies. Despite his reputation for sternness, she found herself drawn to his unexpected concern.
"Care for a cookie, Mr. Gallowglass?" she asked him.
Gallowglass smiled warmly as he accepted one from the tray. "I never could resist oatmeal raisin. Thank you."
An awkward silence settled between them as Lily struggled to find words to break through the tension that hung heavy in the air. It was Gallowglass who finally spoke up, his gaze piercing yet compassionate.
"Mrs. Martine, are you happy here?"
Lily's eyebrows furrowed in surprise at his probing question. She hesitated for a moment before responding with forced cheerfulness. "Oh, certainly, sir. Grimoire Island is a beautiful place, and everyone has been so welcoming. What's not to like?"
Gallowglass held her gaze steadily, his eyes searching hers for hidden truths beneath the surface. "I didn't ask if you liked the island or the people here. I asked if you were happy."
In the tranquil confines of her bungalow, Lily Martine found herself entangled in a web of emotions that threatened to consume her. The sea breeze whispered through the open windows, carrying with it the echoes of her past and the weight of her newfound revelations. She had sought refuge on Grimoire Island, hoping to leave behind the shadows that haunted her, only to find that they had followed her like ghostly specters.
As Gallowglass sat before her, the piercing gaze of his single eye probing the depths of her soul, Lily felt a surge of vulnerability wash over her. His presence was both comforting and unsettling, a reminder of the responsibilities she bore as a teacher and as a woman grappling with inner demons.
"I-I am not sure how to answer that, Mr. Gallowglass," she finally confessed. "Truthfully, I had hoped to make a clean break with the past by coming here with Martin, but..."
"But the past seems to have come along with you," he finished for her.
Lily's gaze faltered as she met his steady eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes... and I'm not sure what to do about it."
The weight of unspoken truths hung heavy in the air between them, a silent acknowledgment of the burdens they both carried. Gallowglass leaned forward slightly, his expression grave yet compassionate.
"The Old Wizard did warn me that my new teachers might have some personal issues to deal with," he began. "However, I cannot allow such problems to affect my teachers' performance, especially with Hell Week on the horizon. I'm not sure how much you know about the teacher that you and your husband were hired to replace, but Abigail Cable unfortunately allowed her personal issues to dominate during her time here. I cannot abide such a situation again."
Lily nodded solemnly, determination flickering in her eyes. "I understand, Mr. Gallowglass. I certainly won't let it affect my performance."
A sudden whistle from the kitchen interrupted their conversation, prompting Lily to rise hastily. "Oh! The water is boiling. Please excuse me for a moment."
Gallowglass inclined his head graculously. "By all means."
As Lily busied herself with brewing tea, the rhythmic clinking of cups and saucers filled the room with a sense of normalcy amidst the emotional turmoil that lingered beneath the surface. When she returned with a steaming cup for Gallowglass, his keen eye caught sight of the traces of tears that glistened in hers.
"Thank you, Mrs. Martine," he said. "Now, returning to our discussion, I have heard some of the struggles that you have gone through, and I wish to help in any way I can."
Before he could continue, Lily's laughter rang hollow in the air as she scoffed at his attempts to offer help. "Sorry, but nobody could help me with this problem."
Gallowglass arched an eyebrow thoughtfully. "Do you really believe that, Mrs. Martine?"
Restless energy pulsed through Lily as she paced back and forth before him, unable to contain the torrent of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
"Can you return my wasted years to me, Headmaster?" she said bitterly. "Can you remove the curse that tainted my marriage and even my heroic career for so many years? I know they call you the Master of the Impossible, but I'm afraid this might be a problem beyond even your abilities."
Gallowglass nodded. "I understand, Mrs. Martine. No, I cannot return your years to you. That is beyond my power. Though I will suggest you consult with Miss Psychic, as she is one of our best counselors and an excellent listener, besides."
"Thank you, sir, but--"
Gallowglass interjected gently before she could finish her plea. "There is something else I think I might be able to help you with."
Lily's gaze locked onto his with a mixture of hope and skepticism as she awaited his next words.
"Let me ask you something, Mrs. Martine... will you allow yourself to trust me to help you?"
The question hung in the air like a fragile thread connecting them across the chasm of uncertainty and fear that lay between them.
Lily's heart raced as she grappled with conflicting emotions -- doubt warring with desperation as she searched for solace in an unexpected ally amidst the shadows that threatened to engulf her once more. He offered her a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that loomed on Grimoire Island, but she wasn't sure if her heart could take another disappointment.
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Post by dans on Apr 10, 2024 13:13:01 GMT
While I was reading this, it suddenly struck me that the presence of a being such as Shiva, who has a decidedly scary appearance (at least in Western eyes) is good for the students here. It is another reminder (along side Adam Frankenstein) that just because someone looks different (perhaps even grotesque) than you, that person is not automatically evil or your enemy. And acceptance by the students and staff at Grimoire should be good for Shiva, as well, who undoubtedly was feared and hated due to his appearance by at least some of the people on Earth S that he fought to protect.
I don't know what your plans are for Lily, but Kali's appearance was stunning!
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 10, 2024 16:52:45 GMT
Yeah, those are some good thoughts about the characters. Conversely, we've already seen (in the Changeling Unmasked story, when a demon impersonated Patsy Ambrose) that evil can often look deceptively attractive as well. I'm still trying to get the hang of the cast of characters, but Martin and Lily are good additions to the cast.
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Post by dans on Apr 11, 2024 0:28:18 GMT
I tried to get an AI image of Kali, but the AIs I use don't seem to get the concept of 4 arms, and they assume "coal black skin" means African-American...
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Post by DocQuantum on Apr 12, 2024 0:41:45 GMT
Germany, 1920:
Under the golden light of a new day, the boys gathered at the airfield, filled with anticipation and excitement. Kirk Pike, Joshua Cantrell, Alfred Twitchell, and Gray Murphy exchanged eager glances, their spirits soaring as high as the clouds above. Hans Von Hammer stood as an imposing figure before them in his military uniform and greatcoat, his gaze piercing and his words laden with gravity. "So you boys still seek to learn the ways of the sky?" he questioned them.
Kirk, his eyes alight with determination, spoke for the others. "Yes, sir. We all want to learn how to fly."
Von Hammer nodded solemnly, acknowledging their resolve. "Very well. But you must understand that the skies hold no room for the faint of heart."
Josh's voice rang out. "We've come a long way to learn from the best, sir -- a very long way."
A mysterious glint flickered in Von Hammer's eyes as he spoke enigmatically. "I believe I can guess how far you've come. I am no stranger to time travel myself."
The boys were taken aback by this cryptic revelation, unsure of what to make of it. Before they could gather their thoughts, Von Hammer steered the conversation back to his tutelage. "Then let the lessons begin."
With renewed vigor and a sense of purpose, Von Hammer led them to the hangar, where several planes awaited them, maintained by a small group of mechanics. The boys listened intently as Von Hammer went from plane to plane, regaling them with tales of aerial prowess and daring feats that ignited a spark of excitement within each of them.
Josh's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he voiced his eagerness. "I can't wait to soar through the clouds like a true aviator!"
Twitch fidgeted nervously but tried to maintain his optimism. "I hope my luck holds up in the air as it does on the ground."
Murphy's shoulders slumped with resignation. "If anyone can bring bad luck to a plane, it's me."
Looking at the older boys, Timothy Hunter laughed and said, "Is that any way to talk on a day when we're going to go flying? We'll be able to see the world from new heights!"
Murphy couldn't resist a quip in response. "Sure, Hunter, except I don't want to end up like Humpty Dumpty up on that wall."
Baron Von Hammer proceeded to impart crucial knowledge about takeoff and landing, maintaining speed, the importance of keeping an eye on the speedometer, the altimeter, the compass, and the fuel tank indicator, and many other details. The abundance of information soon left most of the boys feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what they were getting into. Their attention was then drawn to a two-seater biplane standing proudly before them, a machine that promised both challenge and adventure.
Gesturing toward the aircraft with an air of authority, Von Hammer said, "This is the aircraft we'll be flying -- the Albatros C.III. It's a simple machine, but capable of great things. Now, who wants to volunteer for--?"
Josh's hand shot up eagerly into the air without hesitation. "I'll volunteer!"
Von Hammer nodded approvingly at Josh's enthusiasm. "Then you will also have the first chance to fly, Herr Cantrell."
Josh gulped as he realized what he was volunteering for, a mixture of excitement and trepidation washing over him like a wave crashing against rocky shores. He would soon be the first to take control of the plane, guided by the steady hand and unwavering gaze of Hans Von Hammer. His heart pounding with exhilaration, Josh approached the helm of the Albatros, preparing to enter its cockpit. Then a realization suddenly dawned on him that Von Hammer would be in the gunner's seat behind him, with no way of taking over the controls if something went wrong.
"Me and my big mouth," Josh griped to himself, causing the other boys to laugh.
As they climbed into the plane, Von Hammer's stern countenance softened, a glimmer of pride shining in his eyes as he imparted his final words of wisdom. "Remember, the sky is a battlefield where courage and skill reign supreme," he said firmly. "Now, let us take flight, Herr Cantrell!"
With a roar that echoed through the forest, the engine sprang to life, propelling the aircraft forward under Von Hammer's expert guidance. Josh's excited laughter mingled with the wind as he felt the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins,
Josh concentrated intently on recalling Von Hammer's instructions as he navigated the plane down the runway. With a mixture of determination and trepidation, he managed to pilot it into the air, feeling a surge of triumph as they ascended into the boundless expanse of the sky.
"I did it!" Josh exclaimed joyously as they soared over the sprawling landscape below.
However, some minutes later as they flew over the majestic stone structure of Castle Von Hammer nestled amidst the verdant canopy of trees, Josh's confidence wavered. The plane began to veer off course, its trajectory becoming increasingly erratic. Struggling to maintain control, Josh felt panic rising within him as they hurtled toward the looming structure ahead.
Von Hammer's voice cut through the chaos like a beacon in the storm. "Pull back on the throttle!"
In a moment of desperation, Josh yanked back on the controls too forcefully, causing the plane to lurch upward uncontrollably. Von Hammer's steady guidance urged him to find his bearings amidst the turbulence. "Steady... steady..."
"I'm going to be sick..." muttered the boy.
With sheer determination and a touch of luck, Josh managed to stabilize their flight path just in time to avoid disaster. A collective sigh of relief filled the cockpit as they landed safely back on solid ground.
"Whew!" uttered Josh, thrilled by the experience but happy to be back on solid ground again.
Von Hammer emerged from the plane with a proud smile gracing his features. "Well done, Herr Cantrell. You have shown great promise as a pilot, though you need to work on maintaining control at all times."
Encouraged by Josh's success, Gray Murphy stepped up next to take his turn at flying. As he settled into the cockpit with Von Hammer behind him, nerves gnawed at his resolve.
"Now, Herr Murphy, do you remember what I taught you?" asked Von Hammer.
"I think so..." Murphy replied uncertainly.
Murphy hesitated before attempting to take off, finding himself failing to launch as he had predicted earlier. The plane ended up stalling in midair, then roughly but harmlessly crashed back down to earth before Murphy could fully grasp its intricacies. Defeated and disheartened by his perceived misfortune, Murphy blamed his lack of luck for his failure.
Von Hammer shook his head in disappointment. "Unfortunately, it seems you are not cut out to be a pilot, Herr Murphy."
Dejectedly climbing out of the plane, Murphy muttered under his breath, "Told you I was jinxed."
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