by Martha Carr
“There will be plenty of people here to make up for it, I’m sure, and it’s for a very good cause.”
Billy smiled and nodded. “For you, Miss Lily, it would be my pleasure.”
“Excellent. I’ll get set up and you take care of that, then.”
He chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”
Just then George came through the door, stopping to shake Billy’s hand.
Billy grinned. “George, good to see you.”
“I see she’s gotten you to give us the place for lunch.” George chuckled. “When she puts her mind to something, it’s going to happen.”
“And we love her for it.”
Billy walked outside and faced the yellow corner building, his wand hidden in front of him. He whispered a charm, the light seeping from the end of his wand and creeping up the building. When it reached the top, it wavered for a moment before turning opaque. To magical passersby the place looked open, but to humans it appeared closed for the afternoon. He put his wand away and walked inside, instructing his hostess to telephone any reservations and let them know a pipe had burst and the restaurant would be closed for lunch.
“Yes, sir,” she replied with a wink, already excited about the rally.
George and Lily stood at the bar, looking over the white-linen-covered tables, the dark-wood booths, and the pictures of Billy’s grandfather and different important political heads on the walls. To the right near the back was one of Billy’s grandfather with Billy, Lily, and George from when Billy was just a young boy.
“That was a nice day.” George smiled.
“It was.”
The door swung open and Marcy and Emmett entered, with Elijah trailing close behind. Lily waved excitedly at them as they took a seat at one of the front tables. From there the people started streaming in, some dropped their glamours as soon as they walked through the door, including Yumfuck. Lily waved at a couple who entered and were looking around in curiosity.
“Who is that?” George whispered.
“That is Remi, and his wife, Alison. They just moved in two doors down from Marcy and Emmett. A witch and wizard, if I remember correctly. Very nice, both of them.”
Remi and Alison took seats with the other regulars from the brownstones. They had just moved to Washington, DC. He was an MC at a local radio station, and she was retired from the Silver Griffins. Alison picked up the menu and grinned, loving oysters, especially since they had moved here from Maine.
“I’m so glad to see you guys,” Marcy chirped. “I can’t wait to get our protest on. It will be like old times, right, Emmett?”
“Oh, yeah. I remember when we protested in Selma. That was a big one.”
“We love the idea of bringing the community together. I wished for it when I was with the Griffins, but it never came to fruition. We have so many human friends back in Maine, and I know that anything is possible when it comes to humans. They may have fears, but down deep they have good hearts.” Alison ordered a drink from the waitress and some oysters as an appetizer.
“I agree with you.” Marcy nodded. “Emmett and I have made our fair share of human friends in our time here. It would be a shame for all that to change because of a few bad seeds. I’m hoping we can distribute the info for the rally worldwide, and really make a go of it.”
“I’ll do anything I can to help. We both will, right, Remi?”
“Of course.”
Lily and George waited for everyone to get settled into their seats before beginning. The regulars loved the fact that they could eat delicious food and take care of important magical business, killing two birds with one magical stone. Once the food had been ordered and the conversations simmered down, Lily stepped forward holding up the flyer.
“I’m so glad that you have come here today to talk about this rally. George and I—I’m Lily if you don’t know me—well, we decided that after seeing the positive reaction to the Berserk video, that we would ride that magical trail and introduce ourselves to the public. George pulled strings with some people he knew in the government and got us a permit to rally in DC tomorrow starting at noon. Anyone and everyone is welcome, magical and not magical. We want to show the world what we are really like. What beautiful souls we are, and what we have to offer Earth as the gates slowly open between here and Oriceran.”
“Should we invite our human friends? Make it sort of a coming-out event?” someone asked from the back.
“Whatever you are comfortable with.” Lily smiled. “The important thing is that we keep it peaceful. It is no secret that there are those out there, and possibly even among us, who don’t want to see the magicals and the humans coexist.”
“There have been rallies throughout history,” George chimed in. “And what we can learn from looking at Earth’s history is that non-violent protests leave the longest-lasting impression. We can look at leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, and many others who led rallies and demonstrations without people on their side inciting violence. We cannot control the other side, but if we can manage to hold ours down—keep to the positive and the peaceful—we will make an impression on these people.
“We want to coexist peacefully. We don’t want there to be fear, and we want people to know we are just as concerned with dark magic as they are. We want to go out there and showcase the best about our magic, and make some new friends.”
“All right.” Marcy nodded. “What’s the plan? After we eat this amazing food, of course.”
Lily laughed “Of course. We get the flyers out there. Anyone who wants to help takes different places. We have the train, and can get all the way around the world if we want to.”
The group was excited and ready to make a change. Ready to use themselves and their magic to open up to the world around them. They finished their lunches, chatting about where they would go, and set out. The regulars were proud of Lily and excited to see Yumfuck in the mix. He was usually in the shadows trying not to be seen, but this would be different.
For the rest of the day, wizards and witches from the bar taped and stapled flyers all over the place. Some went to the mall and put them where everyone could see them, telling those passing by about the amazing event the next day. Emmet and Marcy headed to the train station and climbed aboard, riding it all over creation. Every magical being they saw got a flyer.
All across the world, from the Starbucks in London to Peoria, and even New York City, magical beings exited the trains with bright orange flyers in their hands. The buzz spread fast, and Lily couldn’t help but call it going "wiral"—on the wire instead of online. Elijah headed to the suburbs of Washington, DC, putting a flyer in every mailbox. He figured it would help bring in humans as well as magical beings for the event.
Remi took his wife to the radio station and pulled a favor, jumping on prime-time radio and announcing the rally. They made sure people knew it was family-friendly and would be full of fun and understanding. If anyone wanted to ask a question about the magical community, that would be a perfect time.
“So, come on out tomorrow at noon to the Mall in Washington, DC, and meet some of us magical folks, have a conversation, and reach an understanding. We want to be friends, and we want to coexist in a way that will help everyone on Earth. Plus, you’ll probably get to see some pretty cool magic.”
Remi sent the radio show to commercial and nodded at the MC. He hadn’t known Remi was a wizard until that moment, but he could tell he had nothing to worry about. Remi walked to the door and stopped, turning to his new coworkers.
“You gonna come tomorrow?”
They looked at each other nervously. “Yeah, you know what? We’ll be there.”
That was music to his ears.
17
After stopping by the radio station and making the announcement, Remi and Alison headed to Dupont Circle, where a friend of theirs was hosting a dinner party. They were already dressed and ready for it, decked out in their party clothes and carrying a tray of cookies they stopped by the bakery to pick up
. These were a group of their human friends. In Alison’s purse was a stack of flyers she planned to distribute when the dinner party was over.
Everyone was happy to see them, and conversations ranged from work to the new school they were building down the street. Remi and Alison fit in just as they always had, having lived on Earth their entire lives, and used to hiding their magic. When they sat down to dinner, the conversation shifted and the subject of magical beings came up.
“It’s an interesting thing,” one of the guys said. “Like something straight out of a novel. I personally have no problem welcoming the community to our planet, though I’ve been told that the connection to this other planet won’t happen for thousands of years.”
“Yes, but there are already magical beings here, working and living their lives among us,” his wife chimed in. “They have children in schools and go to PTA meetings. It hasn’t been a problem until now, and that’s only because people are making it a problem.”
One of the guys at the end of the table cleared his throat and leaned back. “In a way, though, I see where that group has concerns. There are magical beings who wish to do us harm. They possess these powers that far outshine anything we can do. How do we protect ourselves from the bad parts of that world? If my gun won’t do me any good then what do I do, just lie down and take it? That is a serious concern.”
“Just like when different weapons were created through history, we have had to adapt, formulate defenses, and find ways to regulate these things,” Remi chimed in. “Humans will adapt, and the magical community wants to step in and make sure that people on Earth are kept safe from these predators. Surely a combination of human intelligence, weaponry, and magic should suffice to control the problem?”
“How about you, Alison? How do you feel? You worked for the government. Surely you’ve heard about this?” the guy asked.
“No, the government has always been on a need-to-know basis, so not many of the people working there knew anything about it. I, however, worked for a...special sector, so yes, I am fully educated on magical beings.”
Alison wanted to speak up right then and reveal herself, but she also wanted to get a feel for the people here. She had learned through the couple of hundred years she’d been alive that people could be surprising, especially when fear was involved. She listened to them talk, finding that all of them were open, and only some held onto a bit of hesitancy. After living on Earth for as long as she had, she could admit that was normal.
“Everyone,” she began, clinking her glass. “I’m glad this conversation has come up. I think it’s time that Remi and I let you in on something. He and I are both of magical descent. We have long-deceased relatives who came directly from Oriceran. While I have never been there, Remi has visited.”
Everyone was silent for a moment, looking at the couple. Alison was nervous and reached down, taking Remi’s hand tightly in hers. The silence seemed to go on forever, though it was really only a few moments.
“Well, that’s pretty cool.” The hostess smiled and lifted her glass. “You can do magic? Real magic?”
Alison smiled kindly. “Yes. I am a witch, and Remi is a wizard. We have wands and everything.”
“Wow,” another guest said excitedly. “Do you use your magic to do things like laundry and baking? That’s what I would use it for.”
Alison laughed, relaxing her shoulders. “Sometimes, although Remi is the one who uses it more for chores. Dishes are done in a heartbeat at our house.”
The hostess chuckled. “I might have to borrow you.”
Alison shifted her eyes to the guy at the end of the table, who seemed nervous. He looked at her curiously for a moment. His wife looked from him to her and back again, waiting for someone to talk. Finally, he sat forward, a smile slowly moving across his lips.
“Well, don’t hold me in suspense, show off. I want to see some of this cool magic, if that’s all right with you.”
“It would be our pleasure,” Alison told him, letting out a breath of relief.
“Oh, goodie,” the hostess exclaimed. “Let’s go into the living room where there’s space.”
The whole group stood up and headed for the living room. Remi stopped Alison for a moment and leaned in, kissing her on the cheek. “I’m proud of you.”
She smiled and nodded, following him into the living room. “All right, well, I suppose I’ll do some fun stuff first, the magic that people think of when they watch Harry Potter or something.”
Alison pulled her wand slowly out of her bag, everyone oohing and aahing at it. She chuckled to herself and moved to the middle of the floor, feeling nervous. She glanced at Remi, who gave her a wink and a nod. She swirled the wand over her head, white light whirling around over her. Everyone watched with anticipation as the light moved to the ceiling of the living room and slowly spread out.
They could no longer see the ceiling fan or the light fixtures. It was Oriceran through the eyes of a bird, swooping and flying over the countryside. Everyone leaned back in excitement, pointing out the different animals and creatures along the way. As it approached the Elven Castle, it slowed. The walls turned from translucent to stone, showing them the high walls that floated well above the ground.
“That is where the Light Elf King and Queen live. They are fair rulers and have been on the throne for about five hundred years now, I believe.”
“That’s a really long time.” One of the guests gaped. “Do all magical creatures live that long?”
“A lot of us do, yes, but not all.”
The hostess giggled. “Okay, the question might be rude, but I have to ask… How old are you?”
“Two hundred ninety-three years,” Alison told them proudly.
“Damn, girl, you look good.”
Everyone laughed, still watching as the bird skimmed the edges of the Dark Forest and headed toward the sea. As the scene moved, it shifted upward. The bright blue skies faded, and the twinkling stars and two moons of Oriceran came into view. The room went silent, an air of wonder flowing through everyone.
“That’s beautiful,” one of the guests cooed. “Two moons, and skies so clear you can see all of space.”
“It is, isn’t it?” Alison smiled, looking at Remi.
To conclude the event, she circled her wand over her head, moving the light from the ceiling and throwing it over her friends. Moons and stars spun around them, sparkling in their orbits, and danced across their arms and legs before racing back into the tip of Alison’s wand. Everyone was silent for a moment before they all stood up and cheered. They loved it, and were now open to understanding more. It was exactly the kind of response she’d hoped for.
“Girl, that is amazing. What are the limits of your magic? I mean, do you even grocery shop? Do you write letters? I would just sit there and let the magic dance.”
“Well, there are some things we can’t do. We cannot create money with magic. It’s not allowed, so we have to work like everyone else. And yes, I grocery shop, but every now and then I sneak in my favorite little spell.”
“What?”
Alison bit the inside of her cheek and looked at the carafe of wine. She whispered her spell, “Never-ending,” and watched the white light sparkle over it.
“All right, pour yourself a glass.”
The hostess smiled and poured the wine into her glass, putting carafe down on the table. She watched with wide eyes as it refilled itself and clapped her hands excitedly. The nervous gentleman relaxed and chuckled.
“Well, Alison, you are now the most popular girl at the party.”
“Stop fidgeting,” Marcy admonished, playfully slapping Emmett’s hands.
“I think if one is to be nervous, this would be the time.”
“Nah, we’ve known these people for years. They will be excited to be part of the rally, and if not, we’ll just pop a portal and blow this popsicle stand.”
Emmett chuckled, reaching for the door to the bar and holding it open as Marcy walked inside. As
soon as she walked through, greetings resounded through the place. Marcy laughed and hugged people as she made her way through the crowd. They’d decided to go out to one of their favorite human hangouts, a small bar about five blocks from their apartment. They had been going there for years, getting to know the locals and their lifestyle.
They were favorites in the place, though they didn’t frequent it as often as they used to. Marcy took a deep breath and looked around the room, recognizing almost every face in the crowd. It was open mic night—a crowd favorite. People showed off all kinds of talents, from singing to juggling, and it was the perfect place for Marcy and Emmett to reveal their hidden talents.
“The usual, Marcy?” the bartender asked.
“Oh, yes, please, and one of those Yuenglings that Emmett likes.”
Emmett finished his conversation with one of the patrons and walked up to the bar next to Marcy. The bartender handed him a beer, set Marcy’s drink on a beverage napkin, and nodded. Marcy picked up her strawberry martini and grabbed the small straw, swirling it in the drink.
“Everyone looks to be in high spirits. That’s good, because we are about to drop a bomb on them.”
Emmett groaned as he swallowed his beer. “I don’t understand why things have to change.”
“You’ve always been afraid of change, haven’t you? Well, this is a good thing. We need to rally all these people behind us.”
“Or be beaten up in the back alley,” Emmett muttered.
Marcy laughed and tugged on his shirt. “Come on, let’s go get on the list. We have a talent to debut.”
They walked over to the DJ in the back corner and leaned down, writing their names on the list. “You’re going up on stage tonight? I have never seen you two up there.”
“It’s a special night, I suppose.”
Emmett grumbled and Marcy elbowed him in the stomach, making the DJ laugh. “Well, we had a cancellation, so why don’t I stick you in next? The crowd will love seeing you up there.”
“Oh, goodie.” Marcy clapped.