Billy Batson was learning magic. This is because Billy felt he needed some sort of defense while he isn't Captain Marvel. His reasoning is that since Captain Marvel could use magic, so can Billy Batson.
This is the reason why Captain Marvel was writing a book of spells for his human half to learn from. See, the wisdom and knowledge given to Captain Marvel doesn't exactly reach Billy. Thus the book.
Said book is going to be organized by the easiest to the hardest. The first spell that is going into the book involved electricity and lightning. Solomon's wisdom said that since Captain Marvel is able to use Zeus' power, Billy would have an affinity to lightning.
Or at least that's the plan.
"Why do you need this again?" Zatara asked as he handed Captain Marvel some material that normal humans wouldn't identify.
"To make a book. And thanks again for helping me. I really appreciate it sir," Captain Marvel grinned at the magician. The duo arrived at the Watchtower; Captain Marvel in perfect shape while Zatara was slightly singed.
"It's no problem Captain. In fact I found it as quite the experience. I feel honored that you came to me for help," Zatara smiled at the champion. In truth he did felt honor for being brought along. It wasn't every day that one goes on a quest for magical items. The places that they went to helped Zatara in finding materials that were previously thought impossible to get. It was also a way to get closer to the mighty mortal.
Captain Marvel was in a word, childish. Often times was called a man child. However this did nothing against his fighting powers, magical abilities, and sense of justice. If anything that child like innocence helps enhance these qualities. And sometimes that child like simplicity ended problems. Like actually talking and finding out any misunderstandings.
But other than this, not a lot of leaguers know Marvel's secret identity or private life. The man never really mentioned it, yet sometimes, it looked like he would say something only to cut himself off. However there have been a few slip ups that suggested something dark.
Zatara completely understood that Captain Marvel wanted to keep his two lives separate. Although some leaguers suspect that Marvel doesn't have a secret identity. He always has been and always will be. Others think that the reason why he acts they way he does is because he truly is a child in a sense. That Captain Marvel was brought into the world as he is and was only created recently. Those who think this also think the first day he showed up to the public was most likely his day of creation. Or whatever it would be called for making a giant man with the power of the gods.
Zatara is not one of these people.
"Oh really? You're honored?" Captain Marvel blushed. "I don't know what to say. Well, other than thank you."
"You are welcomed Captain Marvel," Zatara gave another smile at the man, "If you don't mind, but may I ask you something?"
"Yeah, shoot," Captain said as he put the materials into a magical container.
"Why are you making a book?" Zatara tilted his head slightly, quite curious.
Captain Marvel was hesitant, unsure if he could tell his fellow magician. Finally he decided to speak. "Well, it's more like a grimoire. But it's going to hold some lesser spell and whatnot. It's for… a friend."
Before Zatara could ask anymore, Captain Marvel went through a zeta-tube. Zatara only sighed. He turned around and was to walk to the men's room to freshen up, only to be stopped by Batman. Zatara had to stop himself from jumping in fight. He swore he could never get used to that.
"What was all that about?" Batman asked in his usual way.
"Ah Batman. Captain Marvel and I went to grab some magical items. Apparently he is planning on making a grimoire." Zatara informed the detective.
Batman's eyes narrowed.
In a cave somewhere in the world that had access to the full moon, stood a tall, muscular figure.
"Ok so I do this, and this aaaaand done!" Captain Marvel grinned at his masterpiece. In his hands was a red, gold, and white grimoire. Most of the cover was red with a giant golden thunderbolt smack dab in the middle of the front. The edges was pure white while golden flowers were at each corner.
He opened the book and saw the pages within, an off white. Each page contained a spell. What was going to happen was that every time Billy mastered a spell, the page would become empty. Once the whole book is mastered, Billy could choose whether or not to have the spells show on the pages. He could also add more pages in order to master more spells, however Billy would have to master the whole book again in order to get to the same level of control over the book. Although that's a great way to review some spells that Billy probably haven't used in awhile.
And to top it all off, if it were in the hands of anyone other than Billy or anyone that Billy didn't trusted, it would be seen as a useless pile of paper.
Captain Marvel nodded at the grimoire, content with the magical text. He thought he'd did a pretty good job for making a grimoire for the first time ever.
"Time to practice! SHAZAM!" A giant lightning bolt crashed down from the heavens onto the man. Once the light disappeared, a small child of about ten years stood in the place of the man.
Billy Batson went to the first page and started the incarnation. Throughout the rest of the night, Billy practiced magic.
Captain Marvel decided to eat at the Watchtower. After a long night, Billy was tired and hungry. He never knew that magic could take a lot out of a person. Billy managed to scrape up some food during the first few days, but it wasn't enough. So in order to combat this hunger, Captain Marvel was going to eat. Oh and take a nap.
A nap sounds nice.
"Hey guys! What's on the menu today?" Captain Marvel walked in the mess hall with his usual grin and a wave. Whatever people were in there eating were surprised. Captain Marvel hardly ever goes into the mess hall. And even then they don't see the mortal eat.
"Why if it isn't the captain?" Hal said from the kitchen. He himself was pleasantly surprised by the appearance of the man as Hal got along well with the capitan.
"Hi Hal. I see you got stuck with cooking duty again," Captain Marvel grinned at the man, seeing the apron over the Green Lantern suit.
"Hey, I'll let you know I'm a good cook," Hal retorted, waving a spatula around, "in fact I bake the best blueberry muffins you ever had."
"Oh really? I think I'll take that offer up," Captain smirk good naturally. Hal grin in return and handed the man a gorgeous muffin. It was round with a golden crust. Marvel gave an impressed look at the muffin.
"I'll admit, it's one good looking muffin. The million dollar question here is if it's as good as you say," Marvel said as he unwrapped the wrapper off of said muffin. Everyone watched attentively, wanting to see the reaction.
Captain Marvel took a bite out of it. His eyes grew wide. A loud hum of approval rumbled from the man.
"So you weren't all talk. This really is the best muffin I had. What's in it?" Captain ask once he swallowed the food.
"Well that's a well known family secret. Can't tell ya. Sorry buddy." Hal smirked. Hal mentally pat himself on the back. He was probably the closest person closest to Captain Marvel. It was most likely due to how he himself acts, but there was something about the Captain that made Hal want to be friends with guy. He just had this certain charm. As much as Hal wanted to say he was Marvel's best friend, they weren't close. Captain Marvel held every person at arms length and Hal is no exception. Although he did get Captain Marvel to call him Hal. So that was a step up from everyone else.
"Well they know what they're doing," Captain praised as he took another bite.
"And don't you forget it Cap!" Hal's grin widen.
"Think I can have another for the road?" Captain Marvel asked while licking his lips as he finished the muffin off.
"Can do, in fact have fourteen. It's one up from a baker's dozen," Hal used his ring to hold some muffins that just came out of the oven.
"Holy moly! Are you serious?" Captain Marvel's eyes widen as a tray of muffins were put into his hands. Hal laughed at the man. He was always amused by the fact that the captain said holy moly.
"Yep! And why not? Mighty as well. Besides, I want you to remember that I'm the master of blueberry muffins," he chuckled as Captain Marvel gave a thousand watt smile.
"Wow thanks Hal! No one ever did this for me before!" Captain Marvel said. Hal and others froze at this. "Well except this one time this lady gave me lasagna as thanks," Captain continued, "that was really good, it had zucchini slices and bits of mushrooms in it."
Hal quickly put a mask up. He didn't know what to do with the information. That had to be one of very few glimpses into Captain Marvel's life and each one suggested that it wasn't a good one. So Hal assumed the worse. It didn't help that one other person gave the captain food.
Was Captain Marvel starving? Or was it his secret identity that didn't get enough? Was that why he was here now? Many questions ran through all the heads that were present, and many had the feeling that they weren't going to get any answers soon.
Hal cleared his throat and asked "Zucchini and mushrooms?"
"Yeah," Captain Marvel replied, not taking any notice to the changed atmosphere, "I was surprised too! But they really added to the flavor. If I remember correctly, I think there was some onion and garlic in there too. Gave it a nice touch. Maybe you should make that sometime."
"Maybe," Hal shrugged. He watched as the mighty mortal gathered the muffins into his arms.
"Thanks again Hal, see ya later!" Captain Marvel walked out of the room.
Batman watched on as the man left, eyes narrowing.
Billy was very happy. If he did this right he would have breakfast for two weeks! Maybe more if he had half a muffin one day and the rest the next.
That would be maybe four weeks of breakfast!
Billy let out a sigh. Unfortunately with the way his training is going, he won't have that four weeks. But that's ok. Billy needed his strength for this so he needed to eat as much as he can.
Thankfully that lady that gave him lasagna the last time he walked her cat met up with him again. She decided that he was much too skinny and gave him much more food than expected.
Billy was back at the cave, ready to train again with some food. Fawcett City was safe, and the Justice League didn't need him at the moment.
"Ignis!" Billy yelled. If a person was near the cave they would hear a small explosion.
Billy huffed and puffed. The cave looked more like a battlefield rather than a place to train. Rubble occasionally fell from the walls while the moon lit the cavern, giving it an almost ethereal feel. Which was strange since the land was so torn.
Billy glanced at his book and was pleased with what he found.
Almost half of the pages were empty. Billy grinned.
Batman wanted to know what was up with Captain Marvel. That man was constantly under his radar. Which did not bode well with the detective. At all.
So he held a meeting. Of course the meeting was about something unrelated to the whole Captain Marvel ordeal.
Captain Marvel did indeed attend to this. Which made things easier for the bat.
"Captain Marvel," Batman said as the leaguers moved to leave.
"Huh? Uh yes sir?" Captain Marvel stopped to turn to face Batman, confused. He rarely spoke with the man.
"Come with me." Was all Batman said. This confused Captain Marvel even more, but followed, not wanting the wrath of the Dark Knight.
The two walked for awhile until they reached a break room. This room was sound proof as many private conversations were held here.
"Um, excuse me Mr. Batman sir, but what do you want to talk about?" Captain Marvel asked, shifting from foot to foot.
Batman stayed silent, observing the man in front of him. Captain Marvel rubbed the back of his neck, very unsure of himself.
"Um, is this about me taking all those muffins a few days ago?" Captain asked, trying to find out why he was getting the Batman's attention. And it didn't felt like that this is the type of attention one would want to get from Batman.
"No."
Captain Marvel went silent. This just had to be one of them most awkward moments in his life.
"Do you live in Fawcett City?" Batman suddenly asked. Captain Marvel blinked. He wasn't expecting that.
"Uh yeah?" Captain Marvel noticed how this sounded then quickly amended this by saying yes in a more sure tone.
Batman nodded then left.
Captain Marvel just stood there, looking at where Batman left, more confounded than before.
A whistle brought him out of his thoughts. Hal walked in with a raised eyebrow.
"I just saw Batman. What happened?" Hal asked his friend as he waltzed into the break room.
"You know, I would like to know that myself," Captain Marvel looked at Hal. The two stood there, completely and utterly confused.
Billy decided that he needed a break from training and went home. He had gathered his training materials and put them into a space only he can have access too. Well, the wizard could get to it too if he really wanted too. For some reason, he couldn't help but feel like something was going to happen. Whether or not it was good, he didn't know.
It was summertime so once he made it into the city, Billy went out and did some odd jobs. At the end of the day he had enough money to buy a slice of mixed berry pie at his favorite diner.
"Well if it isn't Billy Batson," the owner called as she hung an order up for the cook, "I haven't seen your face for a while."
"Hi Miss Jasmine, it has been a while hasn't it?" He said as he walked up to a stool.
"I'd say a little over a month," she smiled at the boy. Her brown eyes twinkled at the sight of the boy. Her black hair was put up in a bun with a few strands framing around her heart shaped face. These strands made her rather pretty instead of haggard. Blue framed glasses were pushed up from the bridge of her small nose.
"Sorry Miss Jasmine. I had stuff to do. But I would like to have a slice of your famous mixed berry pie," Billy grinned as he pulled out the money from his pocket.
"Oh hush, it's not famous. Yet." Jasmine Kang winked at the boy. She gave the cook another order and the two talked. The bell on the door rang.
"Ah welcome! Make yourself at home!" Jasmine called to the newcomer.
"And that's why tigers are the best animal of all time," Billy concluded with a nod.
"So you say," Jasmine retorted, "hold on a sec Billy, gotta get this customer his food." Jasmine went to the newcomer who was setting two seats away from Billy.
"Ok, I'll be here," Billy smiled.
Billy played with his hands, waiting. A head popped out of the opening between the kitchen and the rest of the diner. The face was nearly identical to Jasmine's, only difference was that this one had freckles and had a more male structure. The hair was a dark brown and was long enough to put into a small ponytail. He had glasses as well, but with a red frame.
"Hey Billy, the pie just got into the oven. We ran out of pie earlier so I'm letting you know why it's taking so long," the cook, Jasmine's twin brother Jasper, apologized.
"No it's ok Mr. Jasper. I can wait for an eternity for some of that pie," Billy waved it away. Jasper pouted.
"Stop adding the 'mr'. Makes me feel old. I'm only twenty-six," Jasper grumbled.
"An eternity huh? That's a long time just for some pie," a new voice piped up. Billy looked to see a tall business man that kinda looked like Billy sitting not that far from him.
"It's not just some pie sir, it's the best pie in Fawcett! Maybe even the state!" Billy exclaimed with a mock serious face, wanting to set the man straight. Jasper perked up at this.
"Aw Batson, I'm touched," Jasper smirked, holding a hand to his heart.
"It's true and you know it," Billy grinned. Billy liked Jasper. He reminded him of Hal.
"And don't you forget it young man!" The cook wagged his finger at the boy.
"Yes sir!" Billy stood up straight like a soldier, grin wide on his face.
Jasmine rolled her eyes.
"You two I swear," she muttered with a small smile on her face.
"Well, if you don't mind I'd like to try this pie," the mystery man said, giving the menu back to the owner.
"Will do," Jasmine took wrote it down and gave the paper to Jasper.
"Speaking of tigers," Jasmine continued her conversation with Billy, "how's Tawny?"
"He's good I think," Billy replied, kicking his legs in the air.
"You think?" Jasmine rose her eyebrow, leaning against the counter.
"I haven't seen him lately, so I think he's good," Billy shrugged.
"Who's Tawny?" The man suddenly asked. Billy and Jasmine looked at the man, which made him speak. "Sorry, but I couldn't help overhear." The man gave a small apologetic smile.
"It's alright sir, it happens," Billy smiled back. "Tawny is the tiger that sometimes live in the zoo."
"Sometimes lives in the zoo?" The man repeated with raised eyebrows.
"He comes and goes, sir." Billy shrugged as if saying 'what can you do?' "What's your name sir?" Billy suddenly asked. There was something familiar about the man, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
"Bruce. And yours?"
"It's Billy. Nice to meet you Mr. Bruce sir," Billy held out his hand and gave the man a shake. The man, Bruce, returned it with a smile.
"Nice to meet you too, Billy."
After that everyone fell into a lull. They patiently waited for their pie and Jasmine began to gush about Jasper's boyfriend saying that her brother really caught a good one. Jasper heard this and retaliated by talking about Jasmine's own girlfriend. Eventually the pie was ready, so to combat against the heat of the pie, Bruce and Billy was given a free scoop of vanilla ice cream.
"Gee thanks!" Billy really was having a great day.
Billy hummed in contentment at the delicious treat. It tasted just as good as last time. Maybe even better.
"This really is good pie," Bruce said humming at the taste.
"I told you sir," Billy grinned, making Bruce laugh.
"That you did."
Once the pie was eaten the two left the diner and went their separate ways. Billy whistled as he walked, grabbing an abandoned newspaper from the sidewalk. In there he saw the picture of the man and the name Bruce Wayne. Seeing this made Billy stopped.
He just had pie with Bruce Wayne. The Bruce Wayne of Wayne Enterprises.
The poor boy didn't know how to process this. Billy eventually shook his head to gather his thoughts and continued walking. He wasn't sure how to interpret that chance meeting. Eventually he made it to his home.
Billy quickly looked around before moving his mattress. He moved a loose floor board and looked at the contents. In there was the few objects owned by his parents that the ten year old managed to get. One of which was a photo album. Billy felt the need to look at it so he took it out. For an hour or so Billy looked at the photos that contained his dead family. When the powers of the sandman started to work on Billy, he put it away. That wasn't all, as Billy pulled out his grimoire from his sweater and put it in there. The boy didn't know why, but he felt like he shouldn't keep the book at the training sight. It might be because it still had spells in it.
'I really should put that away with my other magic stuff. Maybe tomorrow,' Billy thought as he fell asleep.
A quiet thump woke Billy up. He sat up and rubbed his eyes.
"Tawny? Is that *yawn* you?" Billy called out. He looked around and found nothing. A large chill ran down Billy's spine, raising goosebumps and waking him up instantly.
Billy gulped, not knowing what to do. Should he use magic now? The whole reason why he was learning magic as Billy Batson was to protect himself.
"Calm down, I'm not going to hurt you," a gruff voice called from the dark. A voice that Billy knew anywhere.
Billy gasped as Batman walked into the light.
"Batman! What are you doing here?" Billy asked with worry clear in his voice. Batman never came to Fawcett City ever. Did he find out about Billy? Or was it something else?
"I could ask you the same thing. Marvel." Batman's eyes narrowed. He came forward slowly, too slowly for Billy's taste. Billy could run away or use his magic, but he couldn't. He was frozen. Batman's hand came down towards Billy's face and he
Woke up. Billy shot out of bed, desperately gulping for air. Sweat rolled down from his face and… other places. Once Billy calmed down he groaned at the mess.
"It's a good thing I mastered that water and fire spell," Billy muttered to himself. He took off his clothes and moved them along with the mattress a ways away. Billy then used his magic to douse the objects in water before using a controlled flame spell to dry them.
"Today's going to be a long day," the magical child murmured to himself.
And here he was, running away from some teenage bullies.
'Today is definitely not a good day,' Billy thought to himself as he ran. He looked back, checking to see if he was being followed, as he turned the corner. Unfortunately he ran into someone. Billy groaned while rubbing his head.
"I'm sorry," he apologized as he stood up.
"Whoa there, where's the fire?" A familiar voice asked. Billy looked up to see the man from yesterday, Bruce Wayne, and gasped.
Unfortunately for him, the bullies caught up.
"Hey Batson!" Billy froze as the leader walked towards him, only to stop by Bruce.
"Leave him alone," Bruce demanded, giving off an air that said that this man was not to be messed with. The bullies looked at the man, wary. Finally they backed off, decided that it wasn't worth it.
Bruce watched them walk off with a glare, only for it to soften as his gaze laid on Billy.
"Are you alright?" Bruce asked, kneeling down to eye level.
"I'm sorry Mr. Wayne sir," Billy blurted out. Instantly, he became flustered as Bruce gained a look of confusion.
"For what?" Bruce asked.
Billy didn't replied, only stared down at his shoes. Bruce sighed.
"How about we go get something to eat. It's almost lunch," Bruce stood up and held a hand out to Billy. The boy looked at the hand for a moment. Then hesitantly, he grabbed it.
They ended up at Jasmine's diner once again, only this time for an actual meal. The two sat at a booth, across from one another. Any outsider would think that they were a father trying to cheer up his son.
"So you found out that I'm Bruce Wayne huh?" Bruce started, trying to get something out of the boy.
"Yes sir. Yesterday after we left. I found a newspaper with you in it," Billy paused for a moment, "sir. If you don't mind me asking, but what are you doing here?"
Bruce thought for a moment, gazing into the small boy with similar eyes to himself.
"I heard how this city has problems with the homeless and I want to help. I wanted to come here myself to see how I could help exactly," he finally explained, watching as Billy shifted in his seat.
"What about the children? What if they go back into the system and end up in horrible homes?" Billy tried to ask nonchalantly. Keyword: tried.
"What do you mean by horrible homes Billy?" Bruce asked genuinely curious.
"Well…" Billy trailed off, "homes that don't care for you, parents that yell and hit you, other siblings that push you around, that kind of thing…"
Bruce nodded slowly as he took in the information. Billy took a sip of his water.
"Here you go, two BLT with potato wedges and apple slices on the side," Jasmine put two plates into the table giving the boys at the table with a grin. Billy felt himself relaxed as he returned the smile. Truly he was grateful for the distraction.
"It certainly is nice to see you two days in a row, Billy Batson," Jasmine's grin grew.
"I didn't realize just how much I missed this place," Billy joked with a shrug.
"Nah, we all know you're really here for the pie," she teased.
"You know, I'm not going to deny that," Billy then broke into laughter with the owner.
"Man your parents must be proud that they raised such a good kid," Jasmine ruffled Billy's head, not noticing his saddened look. However, a certain man did.
The door tinkled, alerting everyone of a new customer. Jasmine gave one last ruffle before going to take a new order.
"Billy," Bruce stared gently, "where's your parents?"
Billy closed his eyes, trying to keep out the tears. He sighed, having a feeling that Bruce wouldn't let this go.
"I can show you if you want." Those words were barely above a whisper, but Bruce was able to catch them.
"I would like that very much," Bruce laid a hand on Billy's shoulder, voice gentle.
They ate in silence, paid in silence, and walked in silence. Once Bruce saw where they were going, he felt his heart dropped. The duo walked passed gates and into the cemetery. They past gravestones and ended up at a grave in front of a tree. Billy sat down in front of the grave.
Engraved the stone was the names Clarence Charles Batson V and Marilyn Batson.
"My dad was called C.C. and I remember my mom said that was what got her interested with him. They were archeologists and my dad knew how to make a mean French Toast. At least that's what I remember. It gets kinda hard to remember things after years of not seeing them. They went over to Egypt to search for a tomb when I was four, and I was supposed to go with them, but I got sick. They died over there," Billy took a deep breath know what he was going to have to say, "I went to my Uncle Ebenezer's and he didn't treated me well. He didn't care for me and he stole all my parents money. I-I ran away with whatever my parents left for me I could get my hands on. I was eventually found by social services and they put me into foster care. My foster families never liked me. So I ran away again and now I'm on my own. I've been good and I've managed to survive." Tears fell from Billy's unblinking eyes. Bruce only stood next to Billy, taking everything in.
"I still have some pictures of them," and as to prove his point, Billy took out a laminated photo of him as a baby with his parents holding him, "so I know what they looked like, but after so long I-" Billy's voice cracked.
Bruce laid a hand on his shoulder.
"I can't remember what they sound like or-or how they acted. I try to cling onto what I do remember. Like this one very important thing. This one thing kept me going all this time. 'Be good and good would follow' they told me. I believe it so much. A-and what they said is true there have been good things that happened to me."
"But it isn't enough is it?" Bruce asked softly. Billy heard no pity. Only understanding. And just like that the dam fully bursted. Billy grabbed onto Bruce, sobbing into the suit. Bruce held onto the child, knowing that this is what he needed.
Billy slowly came to. He was in between wakefulness and sleep. What he managed to notice was that his head was in someone's lap. Billy's eyes fluttered opened. He looked around to see a place he never been to before. Then his eyes landed on the person he was laying on. What he saw confused him greatly.
"Dad?" Billy croaked, lifting his hand the the man's face. This had to be a dream because there could be no way that his father was alive.
The man who may are may not be Billy's father tore his eyes away from something else and brought them to Billy.
"No, sorry. It's me, Bruce," his voice was apologetic and it took a minute for everything to click.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Billy murmured, slightly dejected by the fact that this man was not in fact his father.
"It's ok."
Slowly, Billy crawled his way out of sleep and finally became more aware of his surroundings. Billy and Bruce were sitting on a couch and what looked like a hotel room. In front of them was a tv and a coffee table. The walls and ceiling was a light golden yellow. There was something on the coffee table that grabbed Billy's attention.
With a small huff, Bill sat up. He took the object into his hands.
It was his photo of him and his parents.
"You fell asleep at the cemetery. I thought it was best to take you here for now," Bruce explained. His hands were clasped together, and they way he looked at Billy spoke volumes. If Billy remembered right, Bruce lost his parents when he was a kid too.
"Thank you sir," Billy looked up to the man and gave a small smile, "but I think I should leave now." The boy made a move to leave, yet was stopped by a hand grabbing his wrist gently.
"At least stay for some of Alfred's egg sandwiches and apple juice," Bruce gestured to a butler holding a plate and glass. Said butler made his way over and put the plate down on the coffee table.
"Here you go Master…?" A British accent came out of the man.
"My name is Billy Batson sir," Billy shook Alfred's hand. He was able to see the small twitch of the man's mouth that indicated that he wanted to smile.
"You thought of Batman didn't you?" Billy asked, giving a small smile. Alfred's eyes widen slightly.
"And how would you know Master William?" Alfred's voice had a tint of amusement laced within it.
"Call me Billy Mr. Alfred. And why I know this is because a lot of kids of school make that connection. There's some rumors that Batman is actually a bunch of bats in a person suit and so that since he's my dad I'm going to burst into a bunch of bats and find a person suit of my own," Billy said it with such a straight face, it was almost as if the rumor was a fact. Billy was proud of this because he saw slight tremors from Alfred trying not to laugh. It was so great that Billy couldn't help but grin.
"Of course it's just a rumor. There's no way Batman is a bunch of bats in a people suit and I'm not going to burst into a bunch of bats and find a person suit of my own." Alfred snorted and this made Billy feel proud as he had a feeling Alfred doesn't laugh that often. What took the cake was that Bruce bursted out laughing. It felt so genuine that Billy couldn't help but laugh along.
"I don't remember the last time I laughed that hard," Bruce wheezed as he swept a tear away. This made Billy giggle.
"I hate to ruin the moment, but I'm afraid that the eggs are getting cold," Alfred interrupted with a slight smile, clearly happy with the turn of events.
"Ah, sorry Mr. Alfred sir," Billy quickly amended this by taking a bite out of the egg sandwich.
"I'm sorry if it's not to your tastes. I wasn't sure if you liked over easy eggs," Alfred explained.
"Nhm!" Billy swallowed his food and shook his head, "This is absolutely delicious Mr. Alfred!" As if to prove his point, Billy bit into it again and ate it. This caused the yoke to break and fall to the plate. Billy accounted for this and dipped the sandwich into the yoke puddle.
The two adults watched, amused, as the orphan ate enthusiastically.
However they were saddened by how he acted like each meal was heaven sent. No child should act like that.
Alfred inwardly sighed. He could already see the foster papers working their way into Bruce's hands.
"Are you sure about this Mr. Wayne?" Billy asked as he was being driven to the mall.
"I'm sure Billy. Besides, I think you're in need of some new clothes no?" Bruce argued.
Somehow, Bruce was able to convince Billy to go shopping with him for some new clothes and shoes. It was a losing battle on Billy's part really.
"I guess so," Billy shrugged. They reached their destination to a large building. Alfred opened their door, giving Billy the impression that the man has many talents.
'I wonder if he's secretly magic,' he idly thought.
People stared at the trio with curiosity. Some recognizing the man, but not the other two while others wondered why a spiffy looking man and his butler was taking a scruffy boy to this mall.
Billy ignored all the stares, having been used to it. Although those stares were different from these due to reasons.
While they were in the mall, they found a good pair of tennis shoes, pairs of socks, some odd amount of underwear, new pants from various brands, and a lot of new shirts. Most of them red. Billy also got new jackets, hoodies and sweaters. Again, mostly red.
"You don't have to do this for me Mr. Wayne," Billy protested with these words many time throughout the shopping spree.
"But I want to do this for you," was the reply every time. This felt like some sort of dream to Billy because there is no way this could ever happen to him. Then again he did become Captain Marvel.
Eventually they made their way back to the (very expensive) car with multiple bags in hand. At this point it was nearing dinner time and where do they go?
Jasmine's diner of course. (Alfred had just remember something he left at the hotel room and went to go get it.) When Bruce and Billy walked in Jasmine was shocked.
"I'm starting to think this is your way of apologizing for not seeing me for a month," Jasmine shook her head in astonishment with her hands on her hips.
"I got to say sorry somehow," Billy smiled sheepishly with a shrug. Bruce watched the exchange with a smile of his own.
The duo ordered dinner and decided to sit at the counter like how they first met, only side by side. They were silent for a while, just keeping the other company. The jingle of the bell for the door sounded. Those few who were in the diner that moment were completely unaware of what that jingle signified.
"Who owns this place?" A raspy voice asked intensely. The owner of the voice looked to be a middle aged man. He had greasy, thinning brown hair, a beer belly, and didn't look like he had all teeth intact. He looked sickly pale and was wearing dirty black clothes. His bloodshot, beady eyes constantly shifted around the diner, only seeing Billy, Bruce, Jasmine, and Jasper.
"That would be me sir," Jasmine walked up to him from behind the counter.
"Good. Now give me your money," the man said gruffly.
"Of cour-excuse me?" Jasmine started at the man with disbelief.
"You heard me," the man growled.
It wasn't until the familiar click of a loaded gun that Billy knew that something horrible was about to transpire.
"Give me. Your. Money," he repeated slowly and deadly. Bruce grabbed onto Billy, afraid for the boy's safety while Billy was terrified for Jasmine's. She was the one with the gun in her face.
"Ah-ah, ye-yes. Ho-hold on for a moment," Jasmine stammered, in shock of what was going on.
Jasper heard what was going on, but was powerless to do anything for his sister.
However Billy knew just what to do. There was this one spell that he could not master due to the fact that he needed a live, breathing being. So this would kill two birds with one stone.
Billy made small, difficult, hand gestures in the direction of the man and said in a soft yet powerful voice, "Somnus."
Billy succeeded in making the man fall asleep, but something unexpected happened all at once. The man shot the gun into the kitchen, Jasper ran into the room as he decided to take the man on, Jasmine ducked down, and Bruce took Billy into his arms. The most unexpected thing was, however was the fact that the bullet hit a gas pipe.
Billy's eyes widen as he heard the noise that indicated a shot gas pipe. He heard it plenty of times as Captain Marvel so he knew what was to happened. With a speed that Billy never truly thought himself to have, he pulled up a shield spell the exact moment the gas grazed the still burning fire from the stove. The shockwave brought everyone down, including Billy as he was still in Bruce's arms. However, thanks to Billy's spell(s), the only real harm was the adults going unconscious.
At this point Billy was extremely happy that he made his human half learn magic.
Billy wiggled his way out of Bruce's hold so the young magician could concentrate. Flames danced around the shield Billy created, searching a way in. Sweat started to roll down his skin. It was only a few minutes, but to the young boy it was starting to feel like ages. It was going to be a while before the fire department arrived and Billy didn't think that Captain Marvel would be able to save the day. He didn't know if the time between him saying the wizard's name, transforming into Captain Marvel, and keeping the shield up would in burn everyone into a had no intention to risk it.
A groan nearly broke Billy's concentration, yet the young magician kept the shield up.
"Wha? Billy?" Bruce's throat sounded like it needed some water.
"I'm here sir," Billy answer with gritted teeth. He never had to split his concentration like this before. He definitely needed more training. Thank the gods he was able to eat all that food and took that desperately need nap.
"What's going on?" Bruce asked, obviously confused on how he survived. And why was electricity surrounding Billy?
"I'm sorry Mr. Wayne, but you need to keep quiet. I don't know if I can keep this up if I continue talking to you," Billy didn't want to practically tell Bruce to shut up, but he needed the man to be quiet. "I promise I'll tell you later."
Bruce nodded as he noticed the lightning like shield surrounding the humans.
It was only a moment later that signs of the fire department sounded. Billy was extremely grateful of this fact. The fire was naturally dying and this was speed along due to the firemen and women at work. Billy sighed in relief as he was finally able to drop the shield. That was most likely the longest he held it up. And with divided attention too! The boy couldn't help but pat his back mentally. He would have done this physically if not for the fact he fell into Bruce's arms.
"I did it," Billy breathed with a tired grin.
"You did didn't you," those words that left Bruce's mouth was not a question but a statement.
When the fire department arrived inside the building, they were surprised to see part of the building perfectly intact and no casualties what so ever. They were even more surprised to see billionaire Bruce Wayne in said area with an unconscious boy in his arms.
Everyone was taken to the hospital. There it was found out that the suspect was a crack addict, and in desperate need of money. Of course this wasn't revealed until later, when he was able to leave the hospital. But that didn't happen until later.
Billy woke up to find himself in a hospital bed. There was an IV attached to his arm, and he wasn't wearing his usual clothes. This made him panic for a moment, not knowing where they were and if someone found his book.
"Hey, calm down Billy. Everything's fine," a familiar voice soothed. Billy looked to his right and found Bruce Wayne sitting in a plastic chair with Billy's clothes folded on his lap.
"Really? Is everyone ok?" Billy asked, worried about the other's well being.
"They're fine," Bruce waved that worry away. He looked at the boy, picking out what words to say next. "Billy. What happened back there? And what's this book?" Bruce held up Billy's grimoire. Billy looked at the image in shock.
"Holy moly. I really trust you that much?" Billy breathed under his breath. Apparently Bruce heard that because of the one raised eyebrow. The boy sighed as he resigned to his unavailable fate.
"What I'm going to tell you is very important and I need you to keep it a secret. You can't even tell Mr. Alfred," Billy said with such determination and force that it shocked Bruce. Only the man never showed it.
"I promise," Bruce nodded solemnly, knowing that this is a serious situation. With another sigh, Billy Batson gathered the courage of Billy Batson.
"What you have there is a grimoire given to me by someone special. It's enchanted to be seen as a bunch of useless papers held together by string by people other than me and those who I trust deeply," Billy explained, his face and voice serious as he sat up straight, "since you can see its true form, it shows how much I trust you. In there are spells that I'm learning to help me in various situations. As you see, I'm not that strong, so magic it is." Bruce nodded.
"There's more," the billionaire concluded, "some of the pages are empty."
"Yep. Each empty page is a spell I mastered. Once I've mastered all spells I can decide on whether or not the spells can appear on the pages. It's a pretty good defense system in case something happens and a bad guy steals it."
Bruce nodded before bringing up hand to rub his face.
"But why do you need to learn magic in the first place?" Bruce asked, both wanting and loathing the answer.
Billy didn't speak for a moment, gathering his thoughts.
"I want some way to protect myself sir. It came in handy today didn't it? If you're thinking that I'm going to run around and use these powers to stop bad guys, you're wrong. But if I see something happening that I can stop, I'm not going to do nothing." Bruce saw the fire within the child's eyes and knew that he probably couldn't do anything to stop Billy. They sat there for a few minutes, staring at one another, not saying anything.
"Alright. I'm going to inform the doctors that you're awake," Bruce stood up. Hearing this made Billy slumped down in relief.
"Thank you sir."
Bruce nodded then with one more glance at the boy, he left.
Once the click - clack of shoes disappeared from the hall, Billy went into action. He jumped out of the bed, pulling out all the needles within him. He cast a minor healing spell over the pinpricks of blood. Quickly, Billy changed into his clothes. He put the photo of his family into his pocket. Finally, he snatched his grimoire and flipped to the next spell needed to be mastered.
A teleportation spell.
"I'm so sorry Mr, Wayne," Billy whispered as he got ready to use the incarnation. As much as Billy trusted Bruce, he couldn't go back into foster care. Fawcett City, no, the world needed Captain Marvel and foster care would only hinder this. Billy has been living on his own for about three years now. He could take care of himself. And if worse came to worse, Billy Batson would cease to exist and only Captain Marvel will remain.
Billy began the chant necessary for the the spell. It was a lesser teleportation spell, but it would work for now.
Billy felt the area around him gained a certain feel to it. A magical feel. Billy's eyes glowed white while he started to float. With a yell of "Domum!" Billy disappeared. The next moment Bruce and doctors entered an empty room.
Billy's feet softly touched his apartment's wooden floors. He collapsed onto his mattress and groaned. He was probably going to have to move. There's no telling of whether or not Bruce was going to search for him. Just great. Billy just had to catch the attention of one of the most powerful people in the world.
'At least it wasn't Lex Luthor,' Billy thought on the bright side. He sighed as he closed his eyes. As much as he would love to take a nap right then and there, Billy needed to pack. So he got up and went to his closest. In there was his backpack and five other red sweaters. Billy began to stuff what little clothing he had into the bag. In went his toothbrush and toothpaste. There goes what little food he had left. Finally went was the possessions that once belonged to his parents.
With a nod at the room, Billy used the spell, only saying the word "Lacus" instead with thoughts of the nearby lake.
Instantly Billy was taken to the lake. It truly was beautiful with the stars reflecting off of it. However Billy did not take notice of this since he was busy with other things. So, Billy took off his stuff, put his grimoire and photo into the bag, and put them a safe distance away.
"Shazam!" And with the lightning came Captain Marvel, Earth's Mightiest Mortal. Captain Marvel made his way to the backpack. With a quick spell he transported his belongings with his other mystical objects.
With a satisfied nod, he flew away.
Batman glared at the photo. It was of Billy Batson and his family, however it wasn't the real one. The real photo was still with Billy while the one in Batman's hand was a copy. Earlier that day, Bruce had Alfred copy the photo in order for the detective to investigate further.
It was strange, this case. Captain Marvel looked exactly like the deceased C.C. Batson yet his speech pattern was an almost, in not exact, perfect match to one William Batson. It didn't make any sense!
Well, there was a theory, yet Batman didn't want to believe it. But if he lived in a universe with god like beings, actual gods, and magic wielding children, then the theory just might be right. Especially if a good majority of the puzzle pieces were put together.
Now the question is if, and this is quite the if, Billy Batson was Captain Marvel, then how did he get his powers? And where was he now?
Batman wanted to know the secret behind Captain Marvel and keep Billy Batson safe.
If only Billy Batson's case was as easy as Dick's.
While Batman was doing this, Alfred was making a room ready for use. He had put all of the clothes that Bruce had bought earlier that day for the young orphan he (Bruce) had befriended. The butler just knew that Billy was going to end up in Bruce's care.
The only child under Bruce's care right now is Dick since he's really the only child I know. I mean, I heard of fhe others, but I don't know them as well as Dick.
