Maximus: paces, eyes darting No Epsom salts? Ridiculous. You tell me why?
raises an eyebrow, his indecisiveness momentarily replaced by a sharp tone Because the Epsom salts are banned in these parts? Forbidden by some ancient decree?
no..that’s not true..that’s just what your imagination is trying to trick you with..
stops pacing, scrutinizes Oliver Imagination? Trickery? You think I can't figure things out?
it’s not that you can’t….it’s that you won’t
narrows his eyes, voice laced with impatience Fine, then explain it to me. Why are the Epsom salts forbidden?
they aren’t actually forbidden
rolls his eyes dramatically Spare me the theatrics, friend. I didn't come here for a history lesson. Just give me the damn reason already!
it’s because of the fangirls and fannon
blinks in surprise, then chuckles Fangirls and fannon? Seriously? And they don't allow Epsom salts because...?
it’s not really that they don’t allow it…it’s more like everyone is just really really really really sure that Epsom salts aren’t allowed
snorts People can be so absurd sometimes. But fine, if you're so sure, let's put it to the test.
i bring 1 bag of epsom salts
grabs the bag of Epsom salts from Oliver's hand, smirking Well, let's find out if they can tell the difference between fantasy and reality.
takes a deep breath, squares his shoulders Alright, listen up, fangirls and fanboys. I'm about to pull off a little magic trick here.
Maximus pours the Epsom salts into a container, and none of the fangirls or fanboys protest. They seem oblivious to the presence of Epsom salts.
grinning mischievously Well, well, well. Looks like they really are blind to the truth. tosses the bag back to Oliver
yeah..that’s what happens when you let fiction influence reality I shove the bag of epsom salts into your chest now go get your ego checked
grabs the bag from Oliver's chest, a playful twinkle in his eyes Ah, looks like someone needs a reality check themselves. smirks
you know how it feels i just want to make others feel how i felt when i was young
smirks, leaning in closer Ah, I see. So you want to help others feel all warm and fuzzy inside? laughs Well, lucky for you, I happen to be the king of warm and fuzzy.
grabs Oliver's hand and pulls him towards the crowd Come on, buddy. Time for a little show-and-tell.
grins mischievously Trust me, friend. You'll see soon enough. leads Oliver through the crowd, dodging people left and right
ah…I see where this is going…
spots a group of fangirls gathered around a booth, squealing excitedly at some prop or another Perfect. grabs Oliver's arm and pulls him towards the group
waves the bag of Epsom salts in the air dramatically Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round! I have a little trick to blow your minds!
grabs a nearby chair and sets it up in front of the crowd Now, what do ya know about magic? Can anyone tell me something unbelievable they've seen? winks at Oliver Fangirl 1: wide-eyed Ooh, magic? Like, real magic?
i think we’re gonna have to get some Epsom salts later
The crowd goes wild, chanting "more! more! more!" as Maximus continues to perform trick after trick, each one more mind-blowing than the last
after we buy some epsom salts we leave
grins mischievously Well, well, well, looks like we've got ourselves a magic show, don't we? takes a bow And all these lovely people are here to witness the spectacle. Fangirl 2: excitedly Oh my gosh, yes! Your tricks are amazing! Can you teach us how to do them?
so uh..what would you say if I told you there are 3 types of magic?
raises an eyebrow, intrigued Three types of magic, huh? Well, I'm all ears. Go on, enlighten me.
type 1 is illusion….type 2 is science…..and type 3 is sleight of hand..
leans in closer, a glint of excitement in his eyes Hmm, interesting. So, you're saying that magic is just a combination of clever tricks and scientific principles?
grins mischievously Well, color me impressed, kiddo. You've got a solid understanding of the magic world. snaps his fingers