Chapter 3
Chosen
5 Months Later
Forty-five miles North of Baghdad
The setting sun cast a warm, orange hue over the craggy mountains, casting long shadows and turning the sky into a gradient of colors ranging from deep purple to gold. Nestled in the valley below, about forty-five miles north of Baghdad, was a makeshift camp, illuminated starkly by the artificial glow of floodlights. The temporary shelters, made up of tents and other rudimentary structures, looked almost surreal against the natural splendor of the backdrop.
Inside one of these tents, a man with a commanding presence sat immersed in his work. His eyes, shielded by glasses, were focused intently on the papers strewn in front of him. The intensity with which he pored over every detail was palpable, a testament to his dedication. This was Doctor Sivana, a man known for his relentless pursuit of knowledge and answers.
Suddenly, the entrance of the tent flapped open, and another man rushed in, breathless and visibly excited. His shirt was unkempt, sweat dripping down his face from the apparent urgency of his message. "Doctor Sivana?" he called out, gaining the doctor's undivided attention. There was a pause, a momentary silence, as both men locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between them.
The messenger finally broke the silence, his voice filled with anticipation, "You were right. We found something." The words hung in the air, the weight of their implication evident.
Doctor Sivana's reaction was subtle yet profound. He leaned back, his eyes closing for a moment as a deep sigh escaped his lips. The relief, the vindication, and the sense of accomplishment were evident in his features. "At last," he whispered, the corners of his mouth turning upward ever so slightly. Just then, an electric charge seemed to fill the air, its blue tendrils snaking around, hinting at the discovery's profound nature and its potential consequences for the world.
In the heart of the camp, not far from where Doctor Sivana had been ensconced in his tent, a team of archeologists had unearthed an entranceway, hidden from sight until now. The discovery was nothing short of breathtaking. The portal's surface bore ancient symbols and designs, unlike any dialect known to man. It was as though they were staring at a relic from an era forgotten by time.
The entire chamber was bathed in the soft glow of suspended lanterns, casting eerie shadows against the walls as they danced to the whims of the breeze. On one end of the room was a large mural, depicting figures in intense combat, each brandishing unique weapons, and at the center of this chaos stood a large, ornate door, framed by runes that looked older than any known civilization. This door seemed to be the focal point of their mission.
Upon close inspection, a member of the team remarked, "They unearthed this door by accident after an explosion in the dig caved it in. It was completely undetected by infrared. Do you know what it says?" His voice echoed slightly, hinting at the vastness of the underground chamber.
Doctor Sivana, being multilingual and knowledgeable in ancient dialects, peered closer, trying to decipher the inscriptions. "I know hundreds of ancient dialects, but this language... these symbols... I've never seen them before." His voice was a blend of wonder and frustration. But a sudden realization dawned upon him, "It has to be the tomb of Black Adam. It must be!"
The weight of the discovery pressed upon the entire team. They were standing at the cusp of unveiling a secret lost to the annals of history. With trepidation, a few members tried to open the door. "Hurry up! Open it!" one of them urged.
But as the doors creaked open, a sudden rush of energy, blue and powerful, emanated from within, engulfing the immediate area in its aura. The force was so intense that it threw a few of the workers off their feet, with one yelling out in pain and surprise, "Doctor Sivana!"
Amidst the chaos, the once imposing figure of Doctor Sivana was now seen staggering, his body contorted in what seemed like extreme agony. The mysterious force had taken its toll on him, leaving him vulnerable and weak. Those around him rushed to his aid, panic evident in their voices. "Doctor Sivana? Are you all right?" one of them exclaimed, trying to support the now weakened doctor.
The electric charge continued to hum and buzz in the background, a reminder of the powerful energy they had just unleashed. The chamber echoed with gasps of shock, hurried whispers, and the shuffling of feet, as the team tried to grapple with the unforeseen circumstances they had thrust themselves into. The consequences of their discovery had now become a tangible, powerful reality. And as the dust settled, it was clear that their journey into the depths of history was only just beginning.
The Cave, dimly lit just moments ago, was now flooded with an ethereal blue light. Its source: the eye of Doctor Sivana. The once calculating, piercing gaze had transformed into a brilliant blue luminescence, with tendrils of energy cascading from them. The lightning-like arcs danced around him, crackling with an intensity that made the very air hum with electricity.
The flood of energy surging through Doctor Sivana seemed to ripple through his very being, altering his perceptions and revealing secrets hidden from mortal eyes. His bald head and prominent features, bathed in the shimmering light, projected an image of awe and wonder. Each pulse of electricity painted vivid patterns on his weathered skin, emphasizing the stark contrast of the light against the shadows.
"I can see magic!" Sivana exclaimed, his voice echoing with a newfound resonance. His words were a mixture of disbelief and exhilaration. The profound revelation was evident in his tone and demeanor.
As the revelation washed over him, the doctor's emotions were a tempestuous mix of ecstasy and trepidation. The ancient symbols and inscriptions that had eluded him before were now illuminated, their meanings as clear as day. The swirling patterns, which previously seemed random, now danced and intertwined, revealing a tapestry of arcane knowledge. The world had unfolded in a way he had never imagined. Mystical realms, ethereal beings, and the very fabric of magic were now at his fingertips.
In the dimly lit confines of the ancient tomb, a sense of foreboding hangs in the air. A figure, cloaked in darkness and holding a flashlight calls out, "Doctor Sivana, Wait!" at the bottom of the stairs leading deeper into the tomb is Doctor Sivana, "This way! HAHAHAHA!"he shouts back with his flashlight casts a beam of light toward a colossal statue. The statue, impressive in its size and detail, stands solemn and unmoving, depicting a warrior of old with a regal stance.
The sound of stone scraping against stone echoes through the chamber as Doctor Sivana makes his way further into the depths of the crypt. A burst of manic laughter, denoted by the jagged text, cuts through the silence—"HAHAHAHA"—suggesting a mind teetering on the brink of madness, or perhaps a discovery that has tipped the scales of sanity.
In the next moment, Doctor Sivana pulls out a magnifying glass to magnify the mysterious symbols on the wall closest to the statue, possibly arcane pulsing with power.
Doctor Sivana with features hidden in shadow but his purpose evident. He stands confidently, as if he has made a great discovery. "I... see... you." he whispers as his eyes scan the wall adorned with a lightning bolt and ancient symbols. Sparks of electricity crackle around him, the cryptic symbols all revolving around this mysterious figure.
Deep within the heart of the ancient crypt where Doctor Sivana, flanked by his companions, confronts a wall. He dismisses the treasure that his comrade points out, labeling it a mere distraction. With a condescending tone, he explains that the true prize is beyond the wall, invisible to those less discerning.
As his finger hovers over a specific symbol, he utters a single, potent word—"SHAZAM." This utterance is a key, a catalyst that begins to unleash forces beyond comprehension. The panels capture the intensity of the moment—the trembling anticipation on the faces of Sivana's companions, the profound focus in his eyes, and the spellbinding power at his fingertips.
In a dramatic crescendo, the air crackles with magical energy. The word "SHAZAM" reverberates as an incantation of old, as the panel zooms in on Sivana's mouth, a smug hint of a smile playing on his lips, signifying his certainty in the invocation of power that could change the very fabric of reality
In the aftermath of the incantation, chaos erupts. The potent word "SHAZAM" triggers a cataclysmic explosion, resonating with a "KRAKKKOOOMMM" that seems to shake the very foundations of the crypt. Lightning bolts, fierce and untamed, crack through the air, converging on the focal point of the unleashed power. The figures within the tomb are caught in the tempest, their bodies silhouetted against the blinding light as they are thrown asunder by the force of the ancient magic.
Below, the turmoil is captured in a smaller panel. A cry of "AIIIEE" encapsulates the shock and fear of Sivana's companions, their forms distorted by the violent energy that engulfs the room. They are overwhelmed, possibly in pain, certainly terrified by the raw power that has been set free.
The final panel zooms in on Doctor Sivana himself. His expression is one of intense concentration, or perhaps shock, as he processes the outcome of his actions. His eye, previously the conduit for understanding the mystical, now reflects the chaos he has unleashed. The lightning seems to be not only around him but also within him, as if his very being is interwoven with the spell he has invoked. as the light fades a voice utters a question — "Where is he?" — the words laced with barely contained rage. From the churning maelstrom of magic and lightning, a formidable figure emerges, commanding the panel with his presence. Shrouded in a cape that flutters amidst the tempestuous winds, Black Adam stands with a godlike poise, an embodiment of ancient power. His silhouette is outlined by the electric currents that birthed him into the scene, his physique radiating strength and an air of invincibility.
The atmosphere around him is thick with dust and debris, floating as if gravity has relinquished its hold in the wake of his arrival. The very clouds seem to recoil, swirling around him in a display of awe or perhaps fear. His fists are clenched, adorned with golden bracers that catch the light with a metallic gleam, a stark contrast to the dark form he presents.
Black Adam's face is a canvas of pure wrath, shrouded in darkness but illuminated by the searing light emanating from his eyes. With an intense gaze that cuts through the chaos, he fixes his fiery orbs upon the fallen group before him. The question that rumbles from his lips, "Where is the wizard!?" reverberates throughout the tomb like a deafening explosion, threatening to collapse its very foundations.
Musutafu, Japan Aldara Junior High
The homeroom teacher strides to his desk, the wood creaking under his weight. He leans against it and crosses his arms, eyeing each student as he speaks. "As Third-Years," he begins, "it's time for you to start thinking seriously about your futures." He reaches for a stack of papers on his desk but stops, tossing them in the air with a resigned sigh. "But let's be real," he says loudly, drawing their attention. "You all want to be heroes, am I right?" The classroom erupts into cheers and excited chatter as all but three students enthusiastically showcase their unique quirks.
"Yes, you all have wonderful quirks. but you know that it's against the rules to use them in school!" the teacher shouts to be heard over his class, as Billy looks to his right to see Izuku raising his hand since he had no quirk to show off. He was about to say something when a rough grating voice rose above all the commotion, "Sensei! Don't lump me in with these losers!" Billy turns his face, one of annoyance directed at the ash-blond loudmouth who's made it his life's mission to make his brother's life hell. "As if I had anything like their crappy quirks." Katsuki Bakugo says as he kicks his feet up on his desk, his statement seems to have irked the class if one was to judge by the boos and jeers that replace the cheering from a moment ago, "Get over yourself, Katsuki'' the person in front of Billy shouts, "Shut up! Extras should act like Extras!!" Katsuki exclaims as miniature explosions go off in his hands filling the room with a sweet, aromatic, and pungent taste of burnt sugar.
The teacher looks at the blond, "Ah, Bakugo you of course…Must be aiming for U.A. High school." this caught most of the class of guard, "that National School?! The cutoff score this year is 79, right?!" Billy looks to his brother already knowing what was about to happen.
But before he could try to comfort Izuku the blond jumps on top of his desk, "Ah, The chattering of extras! I aced the mock exam!! I'm the only one here with the stuff for U.A! I'll even surpass All-Might and become the best hero out there! Not to mention I'll be one of the richest people in the world!!" Izuku buried his head deep into his arms to hopefully avoid the inevitable attention he knew was about to be thrusted upon him.
"Oh, yeah Midoriya you're trying for U.A too right?" the Teacher asks, causing most of the class to freeze as Katsuki looks back at izuku with rage and Billy knew he would be getting some cardio in after school. As class came to and end Katsuki marched up to Billy and Izuku, pushes Billy out of the way to get a clear view of his target. "We ain't done here, Deku." he says as he snatches Izuku's notebook from his hands, "Give it back Bakugo!" Billy yells as he gets between Bakugo and Izuku.
Bakugo's glare hardens as he looks into Billy's eyes, "Or what gaijin," his eyes then moved to Izuku "You're even worse than he is Deku, at least the gaijin stands up for himself. And he knows better then to apply to U.A" he then looks back at Billy and smirks before grasping the notebook in both hands then activates his quirk burning the notebook before he chucks it out the window and turns to leave the classroom but as he reaches the door he looks back over his shoulder and looks eyes with Izuku, "ya'know Deku there might be away for you to get a quirk after all." he says with a manic grin.
Izuku's eyes widen in hope and Billy scowles he doesn't like where this is headed, "Just take a swan-dive off the roof and wish for a quirk in the next life." the second the words left his mouth something snapped inside Billy and he charged bakugo and his goons and delivered a punch to the lead bullies chin knocking him to the ground. It took a moment for everyone to snap out of their shock by the time they did so Billy was already sprinting down the hall.
Bakugo springs to his feet and takes off after him with his goons following behind him, the last thing Izuku hears is bakugo roar, "I'M GONNA FUCKIN' KILL YOU GAIJNI!!!" Izuku's face paled as he stood there frozen he had never heard Bakugo so angry before he was about to go after them when he got an obviously rushed text from Billy, it read, "dont wory bout me grab ur notes ill meet u hom" Izuku didn't like it but he trusted his brother so he went to find his book.
Back with Billy
The clamor of the schoolyard lingered in the air as I stormed out of the gates, my phone hastily shoved into my pocket. The last class had ended in chaos, ignited by Bakugo's cruel taunt towards Izuku. My response was instinctual, fueled by a mix of protective rage and disbelief. My fist had found Bakugo's face before I even realized what I was doing.
"You're dead, gaijin!" Bakugo roared from behind me. His voice was laced with fury and a promise of retribution. "You think you're a tough guy, standing up for that quirkless loser?"
I didn't look back. Instead, I flipped him off, a defiant gesture that was both exhilarating and terrifying. I broke into a sprint, my feet pounding against the pavement, heart racing with a mix of fear and adrenaline.
The sound of footsteps thundering behind me told me Bakugo and his cronies were in hot pursuit. My mind raced as I navigated through the crowded streets, dodging pedestrians and obstacles. I needed to lose them, to find a place to hide and catch my breath.
The chase felt endless, a frantic blur of turns and narrow escapes. I ducked into alleys, vaulted over fences, and squeezed through tight spaces. Bakugo's shouts echoed behind me, a relentless reminder of the trouble hot on my heels.
Just as my lungs began to burn and my legs screamed for respite, the train station came into view. It was my chance to disappear into the crowd, to blend in and escape Bakugo's wrath. I pushed through the throng of people, my gaze fixed on the approaching train.
"I see you, gaijin!" Bakugo's voice cut through the crowd like a knife. I glanced back to see him and his cronies pushing through the people, closing the gap between us.
With a final burst of energy, I lunged towards the train, just as the train doors slid shut behind me, sealing my escape from Bakugo and his gang, I leaned heavily against the wall, my heart still pounding.
The train jolted into motion, and I stumbled into a seat, trying to blend in with the other passengers. Outside the window, Bakugo and his cronies were a scene of frustration and anger, their plans thwarted by a simple closing of doors. I couldn't help but smirk, feeling a fleeting moment of victory.
But then, reality set in. I was just Billy, a quirkless kid, not a pro-hero. The exhilaration of the chase faded, leaving me with a sinking feeling in my stomach. What had I just done? Standing up to Bakugo was one thing, but provoking him like this could have serious consequences.
The passengers around me were engrossed in their own worlds, unaware of the high-stakes drama that had just unfolded. I envied their tranquility. My mind raced with thoughts of what Bakugo might do next. Would he try to confront me at school tomorrow? Would he seek revenge?
As the train gained speed, whisking me away from Bakugo's wrath, I let out a long, shaky breath. Relief washed over me, but it was tinged with a sense of unreality. This wasn't just an ordinary escape; something felt different, almost mystical.
Abruptly, the train came to a stop, but not at any station I recognized. The doors slid open to reveal a cavernous, ancient-looking hall, illuminated by a dim, otherworldly light. It felt like I had been transported to another realm entirely. Hesitantly, I stepped off the train, my shoes echoing on the stone floor.
As I stepped off the train, I found myself in a place that seemed to exist outside of time and space. The cavern around me was vast and otherworldly, with floating islands of rock connected by ethereal bridges. "Holy moly" I gasped out in awe. The air thrummed with a sense of ancient power, and a feeling of immense age permeated everything. In the distance, I could see artifacts and relics that glowed with a strange, otherworldly light.
As I ventured deeper, I noticed a series of imposing statues, each grotesque and menacing in its own right. They were the embodiments of the Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Envy, Greed, Wrath, Sloth, Gluttony, and Lust. Each statue was a twisted caricature of its respective vice, their malevolent presence a stark contrast to the mystical serenity of the Rock.
At the end of this procession of sins stood a grand throne, carved from the same ageless stone as the floating islands. Beside the throne was a massive stone slab, into which the acronym "SHAZAM" was deeply carved. Each letter corresponded to a legendary figure: Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, and Mercury. The slab seemed to radiate a powerful energy, as if it were the source of some ancient, unyielding force.
Seated upon the throne was an old man. His eyes, weary yet piercing, seemed to have witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations. His gaze fell upon me, heavy with expectation and the burden of uncountable years.
"Young Billy Batson," he began, his voice echoing with a mix of authority and fatigue. "Welcome to the Rock of Eternity, the fulcrum of magic and time." The old man regarded me with a look that was both scrutinizing and compassionate. "I am the last of my kind, a guardian of magic that predates the dawn of man. This place, the Rock of Eternity, exists at the nexus of all realities. It is from here that the magic that flows through the universe is channeled and balanced."
I looked around, taking in the ominous statues of the sins and the imposing stone slab. "This is... a lot to take in," I admitted
The Wizard nodded. "This place holds the powers of good and evil, a balance that must be maintained. The statues you passed are the Seven Deadly Sins, imprisoned here to prevent their corruption of the world."
"And the slab?" I asked, glancing at the carved letters.
"It is the source of the power I offer you," the Wizard explained. "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. Together, they form the magic word 'SHAZAM.' By speaking this word, you will be transformed into a champion of good, a protector of the innocent."
I felt a mix of disbelief and awe. "You want me to be this champion? But why me?"
The Wizard's gaze was penetrating, almost as if he was looking into my very soul. "I have spent centuries searching for someone pure of heart to bestow this power upon," he said. "Someone who is worthy to be the champion of magic."
I frowned, still trying to process everything. "But I'm nobody special. Just a kid who got into a fight."
The Wizard's expression softened, seeing the conflict within me. "That, Billy Batson, is precisely why you are special. You stood up for what is right, despite the odds being against you. True heroism isn't about being perfect or without fear. It's about what you do when faced with adversity. You have a strong moral compass, and that is more valuable than any superpower."
I shifted uncomfortably, the weight of his gaze almost tangible. "So, you're saying that... because I defended my brother, I'm... what, some kind of hero?"
"You have the potential to be," the Wizard said firmly. "Potential that I have been searching for, for a very long time. The world is growing darker, and it needs a light to guide it. That light could be you, Billy."
I looked up, the Wizard's words stirring something within me. "But I'm just one person. How can I make a difference?"
"One person can change the world, Billy," the Wizard said, a note of conviction in his voice. "With the power of Shazam, you will have the ability to do extraordinary things. But it is your heart, your courage, and your decisions that will truly define you as a hero.
"I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words. "And if I mess up? What if I'm not the hero you think I am?"
"The path of a hero is never easy and is often filled with challenges," he acknowledged. "But remember, it is not the absence of fear or failure that makes a hero. It is the willingness to stand up again, to keep fighting for what is right, even in the face of adversity. You won't be alone on this journey. You'll learn, grow, and find your way."
I looked back at the ominous statues of the Seven Deadly Sins and then at the stone slab with the carved acronym 'SHAZAM.' It felt surreal, like a scene from a movie, yet undeniably real.
"Alright," I said, a sense of resolve building within me. "I'll do it. I'll be this champion. For my brother, for... everyone who needs help."
The Wizard nodded, a flicker of satisfaction in his tired eyes. "To accept this power, you must speak my name. Do so with conviction, and you will be transformed."
As I stood in the ancient cavern of the Rock of Eternity, the Wizard's words echoing in my ears, I felt a deep resolve take hold. I gazed at the Wizard, his ageless eyes reflecting centuries of wisdom and the weight of responsibility. The stone slab beside him, etched with the powerful acronym 'SHAZAM,' seemed to pulsate with an unseen energy, as if it were alive and calling out to me.
I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of fear and exhilaration. Around me, the floating islands and ethereal bridges of the cavern seemed to fade into the background, focusing all attention on this singular moment.
"Shazam," I said, my voice a determined whisper at first. As the word left my lips, it seemed to resonate throughout the cavern, gaining strength and power. "Shazam!" I repeated, louder this time, with a sense of purpose that I had never known.
Instantly, the cavern erupted with energy. A brilliant bolt of lightning, crackling with the colors of a stormy sky, descended from the ether, striking me directly. The impact was monumental, yet it didn't hurt. Instead, it filled me with an overwhelming surge of power.
My body began to transform. I could feel my muscles expanding, growing denser and more powerful by the second. My senses sharpened; the colors of the cavern became more vivid, the sounds more distinct. A wave of knowledge and wisdom flooded my mind, insights from Solomon filling my thoughts with clarity and understanding.
The strength of Hercules infused my limbs, making me feel like I could lift mountains. The stamina of Atlas coursed through me, an inexhaustible energy that made me feel like I could run for days without tiring. The power of Zeus electrified my veins, a raw, crackling energy that made the air around me sizzle.
The courage of Achilles imbued me with a fearless resolve, a readiness to face any challenge. And the speed of Mercury set my nerves alight, a feeling of swiftness and agility like I had never known.
As the transformation completed, I felt my clothes morph into a costume befitting my new role: a striking suit emblazoned with a lightning bolt, the symbol of the power I now wielded. I stood taller, my posture radiating confidence and strength.
I looked at my hands, now those of a hero, and then at the Wizard. He nodded in approval, a hint of pride in his weary eyes.
I was no longer Billy Batson, the kid who had sprinted through the streets of Musutafu. I was Shazam, the champion of magic, ready to defend the world from darkness and injustice. The power of the gods flowed through me, and with it, a responsibility to use it wisely.
In that moment, standing in the Rock of Eternity, I knew my life had changed forever. The path ahead would be filled with challenges, but I was ready to meet them head-on. As Shazam, I would be a protector, a symbol of hope. The journey had just begun.
As the last echoes of the transformation faded, the cavern of the Rock of Eternity seemed to settle into a solemn quietude. Clad in my new heroic garb, a symbol of the power and responsibility now bestowed upon me, I turned to face the Wizard Shazam, eager to understand the next steps in my journey as a champion.
The Wizard, however, appeared diminished, as if the act of transferring his power had taken a final toll on his already weary frame. He leaned heavily on his staff, his breathing labored. His eyes, once filled with the fire of ancient wisdom, now seemed to flicker with a fading light.
"Billy Batson," he spoke, his voice now a frail echo of its former commanding tone. "The power of Shazam has been passed to you. The legacy... is now yours to uphold."
I stepped forward, concern etching my face. "Wizard, are you okay?"
He gave a weak smile, the lines of age more pronounced on his face. "My time... has come to an end. The last of my strength... I used to find you, the true champion. With your pure heart... you must carry on the mission... to protect the world from the forces of evil."
"But I don't know if I can do this alone," I said, the weight of the responsibility suddenly feeling heavier than ever.
"You are not alone," the Wizard assured me with a fading breath. "The wisdom of Solomon will guide you... the strength of Hercules will empower you... you have all you need within you, Shazam."
As his words trailed off, the Wizard's form began to dissolve into ethereal particles, shimmering like stardust. His staff clattered to the ground, now just an ordinary piece of wood. The grandeur that once surrounded him seemed to evaporate, leaving behind only the legacy he entrusted to me.
"Remember... always use your powers for good," were his final words, carried away on a whisper as his form vanished completely, leaving me alone in the vastness of the Rock of Eternity.
I stood there in silence, the gravity of the moment settling over me. The Wizard Shazam, the last of his kind, had passed on, entrusting me with a power beyond comprehension. I was now the sole guardian of the magic of Shazam, a champion against darkness and injustice.
As I slowly picked up the Wizard's staff, a sense of determination began to take root within me. I may have been unsure and untested, but I would not let the Wizard's faith in me be in vain. I would rise to the challenge. With the powers of Shazam at my disposal and the wisdom of the ages in my heart, I was ready to embark on my journey as a new protector of the world. The legacy of Shazam would live on through me.
A/N: Hey all, sorry this took so long to come out I couldn't really find the motivation to work on it for the longest. I hope you guys enjoy and hopefully i'll have a schedule for release some time near the end of December. any tell me what you think.