The New Justice League: The Rise of Cadmus

Shazam Attacks, Part 1

Prologue

It was a beautiful night in the forest. The full moon shone brightly on the tops of the trees, occasionally illuminating the path. Unfortunately the person running through the woods had no time to enjoy the beauty of nature or be frightened by the various animals that howled or snarled as they were disturbed by the humans intruding on their domain.

"Come back here!" the angry shouts were accompanied by armed men carrying flashlights and wearing military uniforms. Giant dogs tugged at their lashes, their huge teeth gleaming as they snarled upon catching the scent of their prey.

"You're just making it worse on yourself. Come peacefully and we might be gentle with you."

The person running tripped over an exposed root, the moonlight briefly illuminating the fact that he was nothing more than a child. The boy pushed himself up and began running again.

"Get back here, you little brat!"

"Please," the boy panted as he leaned against an oak tree for support. "Please, I need help. I…I don't care if you're good or evil, just please help me." He waited but there was no reply and he began to sob, fat tears trickling down his cheeks as his chest began to heave. "Why? Why me? What did I ever do to deserve this? I'll do whatever you want, just please help me."

There was no answer and he was just about to give up when his eyes started glowing and he yelled, "Shazam!" A brilliant flash of light filled the forest, momentarily blinding the forests' occupants as they shielded their eyes. Then the light disappeared and the forest was left dark once again.

It was a beautiful day, Superman decided as he and Wonder Woman flew overhead the city of Metropolis. The sun was shining and the slight breeze kept them from overheating. Birds flew around them, chirping as they paid the news crew following the superheroes no mind.

"This is truly a glorious day," Diana smiled as she rolled over mid-flight before taking her place at Superman's side once again.

"It sure is," he smiled. Nothing could possibly ruin this moment; nothing except-

A fist came out of nowhere and Superman found himself flying backwards several feet before he managed to get his balance. Wonder Woman threw him a worried glance before turning her attention to their enemy. He was easily the same height as Superman although he appeared to be more muscular. His costume was a brilliant red with a silver square-shaped lightning bolt on his chest. The hood of his white cape was down revealing messy black hair and blue eyes. On his wrists were golden gauntlets similar to Wonder Woman's that matched his boots.

"Who are you?" she demanded. "And why did you attack us?"

"The name's Shazam and I want to destroy the Justice League," he sneered, lightning crackling all over his body.

"Of course you do," Superman sighed as he flew back to them. "Don't you villains ever get tired of doing the same thing over and over?"

"Huh?" Shazam looked confused for a moment then his face cleared and he grinned, looking rather young. "I'm not a villain, I'm a-"

Wonder Woman slammed into Shazam, cutting him off mid-sentence. "It does not matter what you claim to be for you have made your intentions clear and now you will suffer the consequences!"

"Oh for crying out loud," Superman groaned as she and Shazam began throwing punches at each other although they appeared to be evenly matched. "Can't we ever settle anything diplomatically?"

"Tell me your true name," Wonder Woman demanded once she had managed to wrap her lasso around Shazam's fist.

"I don't think so," Shazam sneered. "You seem a bit aggressive for an Ambassador of Peace don't you think?"

Wonder Woman's eyes flashed dangerously and she tightened her hold, disappointed that he didn't even flinch. "I said: tell me your true name!"

"You want a name? I'll give you a name. Shazam!"

There was a loud boom then lightning cracked down from the sky and Wonder Woman screamed in agony as it struck her.

"Diana!" Superman shouted.

Meanwhile, in the Watchtower, Flash choked on his pretzel then hit the com button on his console. "Is anyone near Metropolis? Superman and Wonder Woman could use some help with a new meta who's most likely a magic-user."

"Why do you say that?" Green Lantern sounded slightly suspicious. If it was bad enough that Superman and Wonder Woman of all people needed help then he wasn't sure what he was supposed to do especially if magic was involved. Plus he didn't really trust his friend's assessment of threat levels.

"Well he just called down lightning and he's resisting her lasso," Flash replied.

There was a pause then, "I'm on my way," Green Lantern sounded resigned.

"As am I," Martian Manhunter reported. "Perhaps you should contact Batman and have him on standby just in case," he suggested.

Flash nodded enthusiastically although they couldn't see him. "I'm on it," he promised.

When the lightning finally let up Wonder Woman was still convulsing, even as Shazam freed himself from the lasso. Superman quickly flew to her aid, positioning himself in front of her. "What did you do to her?" he demanded.

"Nothing that she didn't ask for," Shazam looked behind Superman and grinned. "Well, would you look at that? It seems the cavalry's here."

"Is she okay?" Green Lantern asked worriedly as he flew to Superman's side as Martian Manhunter stopped to check on the Amazon warrior.

"You know you really should pay less attention to her and focus on your enemy instead!" Shazam threw a giant ball of lightning at them, forcing them to duck. There was the sound of an explosion as it collided with the news copter, sending it spiraling.

"Shit," Green Lantern cursed even as Martian Manhunter caught the pilot and two passengers, telekinetically lowering them to the ground. A red streak that was obviously Flash ran to and fro as he and Batman tried to catch the remains of the copter. Satisfied that they would take care of the civilians he turned his attention back to Shazam.

"The child," a dazed Wonder Woman muttered. "The child-he needs our help."

"Child? What child?" Superman frowned at her.

"I shall attempt to gain the information from his mind," Martian Manhunter placed his hands on his temple.

Before they had time to react Shazam grabbed Superman and shouted, "Shazam!"

Superman's screams were easily two times louder than Wonder Woman's and when Shazam let go he plummeted towards Earth at an accelerated rate.

"Superman!" Green Lantern yelled.

A/N: This chapter (and subsequently this story) is hopefully the first installment in a very long series. So please let me know what you think of it. Also, the likelihood of me finishing Justice League: Eclipsed is not at all likely. I do apologize.