"what…. What is this?" Said Lincoln as he stepped out onto the bridge with Ronnie Anne
Neither could make sense of what was happening as they looked outward to an empty void.
"what the heck is going on? Where are we?" asked Ronnie Anne
"I don't know, but maybe this will go away if we go back to my room and close the door."
The two turned to go back inside, but they discovered Lincoln's room was gone too, and they were just looking at an entrance with a light shining through.
"oh no, Lily!"
"dude, I think your sister is okay, but we're in trouble.
"Come!" said a voice
Both Lincoln and Ronnie Anne froze upon hearing the voice, calling for them as the glow became brighter.
"Maybe it's friendly?" assured Lincoln
"really?"
Lincoln took a deep breath to steady himself before he began to talk again.
"Whatever is going on, we won't get to the bottom of it; standing here, I say we go for it."
Ronnie Anne didn't want to, but Lincoln had a point and decided to go with Lincoln inside, taking his hand as they walked in.
Back in the loud house in Lori and Leni's room, the loud siblings, minus lincoln and Lilly, were holding an emergency meeting.
"what's this all about? Lori, Mr. Coconuts, and I need some sleep." Yawned Luan.
"I was about to win the world series single-handedly, in my dream ." Complained Lynn Jr.
"I need my pageant sleep, so I can be ready." Yawned Lola.
"I gotta visit my fish friends." Said Lana.
"look, I know it's late, and we all haven't been on the same page lately, but I had to call this meeting; it's about Ronnie Anne; she knows everything. Lincoln told her all the times we've wronged him right down to us locking him out of the house because he was bad luck." Warned Lori
Everyone straightened up, hearing that Ronnie Anne knew about their past mistakes, everything they wanted to leave in the past.
"O M Gosh, I thought we all agreed to leave that stuff in the past!" said Leni.
"Yeah, why'd stinkin bring that back up."
"Obviously, our male sibling still harbors negative feelings about said past events coupled with recent events, and since Ronnie Anne is his only friend and due to a lack of sibling support, he opened up about his hardships to her."
"Lisa, in English, please," said Lori.
"Yeah, some of us don't speak psychology." Said Luan doing her Mr. Coconuts voice.
Lisa only rolled her eyes as she prepared to repeat what she just said in a way her siblings would understand.
"fine. Lincoln is still pissed about the past, and since nobody is on his side except for Lily, not to mention Luna openly wishing he died as a fetus, he vented to Ronnie Anne about his feelings; is that better?"
Everyone gasped hearing Lisa use such language, but then Leni became confused.
"um, could you repeat that?"
"dang it." Moaned Lisa.
"I don't know why he cares; Sam moved away. We can't blame her if she's gone. As far as I care, the matter is over. Lori, Lola, and Luna are the ones keeping it going. I just decided not to get involved anymore." Said Lynn Jr.
At the start of the events, Leni, Lynn Sr., and Lynn Jr. blamed Sam but still felt that Lincoln still had some blame which is why they wouldn't defend him, except for Lynn Sr., who believed 100% he was innocent, assuming Sam took advantage of him. After Sam moved, they saw no reason to argue about it and decided to follow the new protocol along with the rest of their sisters and not get involved leaving Lola, Luna, and Lori to keep the conflict going.
"look, we need to do something; if she tells anyone, I could lose my boo- I mean, all our reputations could be damaged." Said Lori.
Everyone looked at Lori with a hard stare knowing now what this meeting was actually about.
"I see now, Ronnie Anne only threatened you, and you need help to keep her from telling Bobby." Said Lucy.
Lori looked down in shame, knowing that they all knew the real reason for this late-night meeting.
"Okay fine. That is literally the main reason, but I still have a point on the matter if any of our past offenses get out, our reps could literally be as ruined as Lincoln's." reasoned Lori.
Everyone thought for a moment, wondering if they wanted to risk losing everything due to their secrets getting out.
"fine." they all agreed.
"Okay, then we need options that don't involve blackmailing, threatening, or lobotomizing her," said Lori taking Lola, Lynn, and Lisa's ideas off the table before they could say it.
"dudes, I have an idea." Spoke Luna.
Despite their personal feelings towards Lincoln, everyone felt a little uneasy hearing what Luna had to say since they believed saying he wished he was a miscarriage or a stillborn was too harsh.
"fine. I'm desperate. What is it, Luna?"
"We do what we should've done from the beginning take that photo and get it looked over by someone who can tell the picture is authentic, then we show Ronnie Anne; she'll see Lincoln is a scumbag."
Everyone liked that idea; it would be the best way for them to put the matter to rest once and for all.
"my friend Miguel has a cousin who is totes amazing at that." Said Leni.
"I'll ask my colleagues to look it over." Said Lisa.
"then I'll have Chunk do the same." Said Luna.
"then it's decided Leni, Lisa and Luna will get the picture authenticated, but we'll wait until all three come back, then we won't have to worry about losing our reps." Said Lori.
With their plan set, the girls decided that their meeting was adjourned for the time being.
Back with Ronnie Anne and Lincoln, they both found themselves walking through a castle now; while Ronnie Anne was still uneasy, Lincoln was determined as he led them deeper, following the light and the voice.
"How can you be so calm? This place is creepy."
"honestly, this place reminds me of Loud Castle."
"right, hey, doesn't that lady with the huge butt live there…. What's her name?"
"Morag, she tried to kill us by mind-controlling our dragon Lela and take over loch loud, but we stopped her."
"considering how much junk she has in her trunk, I'm surprised she can get around. thankfully I won't have to deal with that when I grow up."
"seriously, Ronnie Anne, what is your thing about girls with big butts?"
"for me, it would mean the end of my skating career."
"How so?"
"once female skaters develop huge rears, their hole balance is thrown off; the only way to counter that is with a big chest."
"Okay, I see your point."
"Sometimes I don't get why some girls with big butts or chests like showing it off; Sid and I once asked Carlota why."
"really, and what did she say?"
"she said when you got it, you'll want to flaunt it and that I'll understand when the Casagrande genes kick in; like that will happen."
"that's what Lola always says."
"Hey, don't you ever worry about her coming back for revenge?"
"sometimes, but considering that our ancestors' ghosts plus Lela are keeping an eye on her, I doubt she'll get the chance."
"if it weren't because I had my own encounter with a ghost, I wouldn't believe half of your statement."
"oh, right, didn't your family get haunted by a chicken ghost?"
"it had a grudge against Sergio, and we had to force him to make amends."
The two shared a laugh before heading deeper until they reached where the light was coming from. Walking into what was a throne room, they saw several statues on their left had been destroyed, with only pieces that continued standing.
'I wonder what those used to be.' thought Ronnie Anne.
"LINCOLN… ALBERT… LOUD!" called the voice who had been calling him.
The two froze up upon hearing someone calling out Lincoln's full name; looking straight; they noticed a series of thrones forming a half-circle around a pool of silver embedded in the floor. Sitting on the center throne was an old man in a green robe holding a staff.
"what?" said Ronnie Anne
" I was not expecting your friend Ronalda Anne Santiago to accompany you when I summoned you."
"how do you know our names?"
"I know many things, young Loud." The old man disappeared in a puff of smoke before reappearing in front of Ronnie Anne and Lincoln, surprising Lincoln though Ronnie Anne was unimpressed and untrusting.
"Nice trick, pops, but as you can see, we don't have any money, so if you can just direct us to the nearest…." Brushed off Ronnie Anne
"Do not patronize me, child!" said the old man as he slammed the bottom of his staff onto the ground unleashing a surge of lightning that spread throughout the room.
"yes…. Sir." Said a startled Ronnie Anne
"Who are you, and what is this place?" said Lincoln moving into a defensive position to protect Ronnie Anne.
The old man tapped his staff again and then summoned glowing particles to display the story he was about to tell visually.
"you are standing in The Rock Of Eternity, the greatest mystical fortress, hidden outside of space and time beyond the reach of those who would abuse its power." Explained the old man. "formed from two rocks one from heaven and one from hell and the center of my power, the I am the last of its protectors, the last of The Council of Eternity, 11 thrones, 11 wizards, now 10 thrones sit empty." Finished the old man
"oh." That was all Lincoln, and Ronnie Anne could say.
"long ago, my brothers, sisters, and I was tasked with protecting its power evil. Eventually, we chose a champion to act in our stead, and we chose poorly; consumed by his desire for revenge, he betrayed us. He unleashed a plague on the world in the form of the seven deadly sins; a long-fought battle erupted to capture the sins and defeat our fallen champion. Though we were victorious, it did not come without a price, as my family was killed off, one by one until I was left alone to carry on."
Despite seeing and hearing the Wizard's story, Lincoln and Ronnie Anne still felt skeptical, but Lincoln felt sorry for him upon hearing about the loss of his family.
"I'm sorry."
"The time of mourning has long since ended, and the time for me to rejoin my family is upon me, but I must do much before it is time."
"like what?" asked Ronnie Anne.
"I must find a worthy successor to pass my mantle and power to, which is why I've chosen you, Lincoln Loud.
Both Lincoln and Ronnie Anne looked dumbfounded upon hearing the Wizard's statement, though he looked earnest.
"Me? You can't be serious; if what you're asking is true, you need someone pure of heart, I'm anything but pure…. I mean, I'm no monster, but I'm no angel either." Lincoln protested.
'Lincoln.' Thought Ronnie Anne sadly.
"I am aware young loud, I've seen it all, acts of your selfishness, arrogance, resentfulness, even vengefulness. Said the Wizard coldly
Hearing this saddened Lincoln but upset Ronnie Anne, who was ready to defend her friend.
"listen, wizard, there is more than just that to Lincoln nobody is perfect, and if you're just going to judge him for his flaws, you don't know him."
"well said, young Santiago, because I've looked deeper and saw his humility, bravery, empathy, determination. I've seen his willingness to right wrongs, especially those he is responsible for, and sacrifice what he desires most for others. I've seen your love for those you care for, even if they do not always show you the same love. Even your willingness to forgive those who wronged you." Said the Wizard, as his voice softened
Both Lincoln and Ronnie Anne were surprised by how softly the Wizard was now speaking to them.
"I learned a long time ago there is more to a person than just what is on the surface, that no one is pure of heart, had my family and I realized this a long time ago, we would have seen the rot inside our champion's soul before it was too late."
Suddenly the Wizard's body started to fail as he nearly collapsed but held himself up with his staff as he coughed.
"are you okay?" asked Ronnie Anne
"no child, my time is running out. I need to pass on my power before it is too late." He said weakly. "Lincoln Loud, you must become my champion; it is the only way to protect everyone from the sins' return; if you don't, all will be lost."
"I'll do it,"
"Lincoln?"
"thank you, child; while you may not always act with your best intentions, your heart is always in the right place."
"tell me what I need to do."
"Say my name!" instructed The Wizard
"what's your name?" asked Ronnie Anne
"Sha…. Zam." Said the Wizard weakly.
"Shazam?" they both said.
"say it out loud, with good intentions, Lincoln Loud, with thoughts of all those you care for running threw your mind. Say It Loud: Lincoln Loud!"
"Shazam! Cried Lincoln
Suddenly, lightning came from above; however, to the Wizard's surprise, it split into two, striking Lincoln and Ronnie Anne. Too late to stop the process, he decided to proceed.
"very well, you both shall carry my name and with it all of my power!" said the Wizard raising his staff. "The Wisdom of Solomon, The Strength of Hercules, The Stamina of Atlas, The Power of Zeus, The Courage of Achilles, and The Speed of Mercury!" cried the Wizard as six bolts of lightning struck the pair.
Rising from the smoke first was a muscular adult man with white hair, standing 6 ft tall. He was wearing a full red bodysuit with a glowing lightning bolt insignia that glowed with blue electricity encased with a golden frame lining on his chest. A golden belt with a small circular object embedded in the center, golden gauntlets on his arm, golden boots, and a white-collar hooded cape that reached his ankles lined with gold. The second to rise up was a tan Latino woman with long dark wavy hair that reached her chest, with E cup breasts and large round rear. Standing at 5'12" ft tall, she wore a similar outfit though hers was purple, and her gauntlets, boots, and lining were silver. Embedded in her belt was a triangular object. In their hands were a pair of staffs identical to the Wizard's though the man's staff was golden and the woman's staff was silver. Across their faces were domino masks with white eyes that glowed with electricity; the man's mask was red with a yellow lining, and the woman's mask was purple with a silver lining.
"whoa, what happened?" they both said in their older voice. "is that my voice? Is that your voice?"
Getting a good look at each other, they were shocked by what they saw as they quickly recognized each other.
"Lincoln!?"
Ronnie Anne!?
"What happened to you? What happened to me?" turning to the Wizard, they asked. "What Happened to us?"
"It would seem that you both were chosen and transformed into your fullest potential."
"man, I feel supercharged." Said Ronnie Anne.
"me too."
"listen quickly; time is running out for me; you both now wield the power of the living lightning and are now the keepers of the rock of eternity, the source of your power." Said the Wizard pointing to the center throne that had split into two.
Suddenly the two began to watch as the Wizard began crumbling away into ash to their shock.
"what's happening to you!?" asked Lincoln
"My time has come, and it is time for me to rejoin my family, go forth now and protect your world." Said the crumbling Wizard.
"wait, you can't leave now. How are we supposed to do that?" asked Ronnie Anne
"I'm sorry, but I can not teach you; however, there will be someone to assist you."
"Who?"
"Should you need guidance, you need only look into your own reflection,"
With his last few moments, the Wizard turned to Lincoln with one final statement for him.
"Lincoln…. Loud... You are Shazam... now!... with your heart unlock your greatest power…. Restore the Council Of Eternity…. The thrones of your si…. Awaits…." Said the Wizard turning to ash.
"wait, restore what? and what do you mean my what awaits!?"
Suddenly the ashes of the Wizard began to glow before they burst into a bight light consuming both Lincoln and Ronnie Anne.
End Of Ch' 2
Author's Notes
I'm sure people will question a few things, so I figure I'd clear them up.
I know people have commented about the lack of DC content because I'm trying to ground the story in the Loud House universe; more Shazam content will be brought in later.
For starters, the mask I thought of since Lincoln and Ronnie Anne are both well known in both Royal Woods and Great Lake City. It would help hide their identities since people will often ask if the masks are really needed like they used to do in the green lantern show and not focus on anything else.
The staffs are more or less support items; I'll elaborate on their use in the next chapter along with the objects embedded in Lincoln and Ronnie Anne's belt later.
I'm sure everyone will know what the loud sister will be up to.