Earth (Fate Grand Order Alt Timeline)
Fuyuki city (Anomaly F)
2004CE
Fuyuki Singularity Arc
The sound of flesh meeting flesh in an applause resounded ubiquitously across the ruined landscape.
Normally, the significance of such an action was supposed to be of awe and a sense of being impressed, but that was not felt behind it. Derision, Mockery and Contempt was what all the trio could feel emanating behind the owner who was performing such an eerie action.
"Oh my, what an unforeseen sequence of events…" from the mouth of the entrenched Holy Grail a figure emerged "I had not expected you all to had survived this. Well this could be as a result of my own negligence in overlooking characters deemed… redundant" his base voice continued coolly. The moon peeked from the dispersed clouds above revealing to us an individual we all know too well.
"Professor Leff!" Mash exclaimed in surprise.
'Leff? But I thought he was dead' even the demi-god was dumbfounded by the apparent survival of the Chaldean staff.
But none among the trio was as happy as the director "Leff…" she said in a rising tempo. Just seeing him there brought about an intense rush of emotions, just when she had already started to process word of demise there he was before her whole and hearty. With amble steps she moved forward before breaking into a sprint.
"Leff!" she called out once more, tears spilling out from her eyes unable to put a cap on her ardour "thank goodness you're still alive. Without you, I don't know what to do…!" but she could go no further as in a rush of wind a huge frame loomed before of her.
"Marie…" Billy said with a hand behind him obstructing her path, his voice rougher than usual as he continued "no matter what. Do not move from that spot"
"Huh…" she voiced in bewilderment, what was he saying this wasn't just anyone, he was Leff, her one and only true friend and confident. Even as she tried going around him, the demi-god just moved ahead of her "Billy-kun why are you doing this. I know that man he's Leff, he's someone I trust"
"I too know him as well. That is why I'm not so sure about that" he said back.
Mash rushed ahead towards her master's side her expression set in confusion at the master's actions "Billy-kun. What's going on?" she questioned. The sound of light growling quickly turned her attention to the beast on her shoulders, just as immediately the demi-god had left her side Fou-san suddenly turned aggressive, hackles raised pointing towards… professor Leff.
"Yes why the sudden capriciousness Billy Batson-kun. Are you not glad about my survival" the engineer said back. With a hand over his face he moaned "this sudden belligerence is rather heart breaking don't you think"
"Don't get me wrong. I am glad to see you here, and if what I suspect is wrong. And I hope that I am really not right about this then I'll sincerely apologise. But first" Billy replied back coolly, his face set in a scowl, raising Keranous and pointed at the professor " if you really are him, then tell me how is it that you don't even feel human?"
Light gasps came out from my female companions. Mash eyes widened in bewilderment while Olga Marie was befuddled.
"B-Billy-kun you're not making sense" Olga Marie shakily said.
His eyes never leaving the man who stood leisurely on the stone rim ahead. He answered back "Marie when I say he doesn't feel human I truly mean it" his brows furrowed with piercing cerulean eyes gaining a subtle glow "remember my divinity" with a free hand he pointed at his eyes "I am a Monster Slayer…" his voice a volume higher he said to all the ruins occupants "there is no way he could hide that inhumane scent from me"
'And wasn't considering how it feels like' Billy said to himself. He could feel it the overwhelming animosity behind his smile, the urge to tear us all from limb to limb. If it was before his ascension to demi-godhood, he might not had even felt it, but now, it was as clear as day.
The demi-god continued on, seeing that the Chaldean head wasn't still convinced "and also before you forget, let me ask you this one question. Where are we now?" he asked.
"What do you mean where we are? Of course we are at-!!" her eyes widened and her voice hitched at her answer. They were at the Holy Grail location located at the base of a mountain at the outskirts of Fuyuki. That she knew. But the question was that how did Leff even find this place, and even if by sheer coincidence he found the location. How was it he was able to evade all the servants? The Archer disposition she saw before projected one who did not allow one to even enter the caves. And there was no way he could fight a servant in a one on one combat unless…
She shook her head in frantic denial.
There had to be another explanation for this, what if he was appeared in the caves… but that just leaves him with Saber and from what she saw there was no way she would even leave him alive… that is unless...
" He was an accomplice" she dreadfully muttered, casting her gaze at the demi-god seeing his glooming expression, there was no other explanation. She quickly turned to the demi-servant, maybe she had something to say, but all she saw suspicion written on her face with the squirrel like beast growling at Leff…
His legs felt weak, as she slowly turned back to the man who held a smile on his face, to the man she held respect for, who held her trust, her friendship. Her voice started out as a whisper "please tell me… we are all wrong please?" she asked no pleaded "Leff!" her voiced pierced through the ruins "Leff!!"
She stood her hands clenched with tears budding. His answer could either make her or break her.
The man remained quiet for some time, before opening his mouth addressing the demi-god "such an acute observation only goes to show my lack of oversight. Billy Batson-kun, you really are too dangerous to be left alone" he remarked smiling, but the demi-god could feel the malevolence the professor was emanating like a raging furnace.
"Then..." the Tower lord trailed off, stricken by his implied words.
The monster disguised as a human smile widen even more exposing symmetrical arranged perfectly but giving him a bizarre form "I am Leff Lainur Flaurous" with a hand placed on his chest he curtsied "I am he who was given charged of the year 2015 over the obstruction of the human race in their wretched course of salvation and one of the facilitators of the race destruction… verily I am he who presides over his eminence information , Flarous… the Demon God Flarous…"
"Oh no…" Mash whispered a hand squeezed tight. She didn't want it to be true but here he was freely admitting as the perpetrator for all this happenings, and that he fact that he wasn't even human. Her eyes went to the one who she knew would be the most heartbroken of them all. She pursed her lips unable to even say anything.
Olga Marie felt stifled her world turn dizzy as the words of the man she trusted struck her right in the heart, legs giving out she couldn't even process when she slumped. She would have fallen if it was not for the lilac servant.
"Director…"
The mage looked sideways as the servant held her side to helping her to stay upright 'Mash' she said internally with pursed lips, with gritted teeth she lightly pushed the hand aside before sending the demi-servant a grateful smile as she stood on her own. Before she could do anything else the sigh of the Grecian was audible across the clearing.
'So I was right… damn it'
"Mash" he said to his servant "please guard with her"
The shielder stomach lurched, even without seeing her master's face; she could feel what was emanating from him.
Anger… rage flowing like waves from him. She knew what he was about to do… and she couldn't stop it.
"B-Billy-kun…" Olga Marie began unable to find any words to say. No rather what was she to say.
"Don't worry Marie" his voice soothingly assured her "I will always be there for you" tears spilled out as she did not know what to say.
"Unn" was her only audible reply as with a step forward the demi-god moved ahead.
...
Billy remained expressionless, even after receiving affirmation from his servant, blank at the muffled cries of the director. But inside him was an antrorse rush of emotion coursing through his veins; Anger, pure Rage at the man who stood before him. With a baleful gleam he dawdled on in hard steps.
"Oyah, that's a scary look you got there Billy Batson-kun" the being who was known as Flarous commented "it seems like you have come into a conclusion"
"Yeah…" Billy replied "the fact that you have shown yourself before us proves that you're still bent on doing us harm" thunder cracked above them as his tattoos glowed with power causing lightning to visibly fizzle around him "and with the fact that you are not even human, just a monster strewn in a husk… I don't think you'll be among the reason I don't sleep"
Underneath the obscuring cover of the top hat the eyes of the Demon God opened "well-well. Now that's quite the problem"
Immediately the Earth underneath the demi-god ruptured as he lunged at the enemy with a speed even greater than before. No more time to give the enemy any chance to make a move; a bisecting stroke will do the job.
Dust hung in the air, the form of the Demon God frozen unable to even process the demi-god's movement. It was an attack that used only an instant in crossing over sixty seven metres to strike.
Reaching the Demon God he brought down his sword in a flash of dark crescent.
Boom!!!!
A quake spread throughout the entire area, as a gigantic crater followed soon right after.
With her shield Mash protected the director from the blustery winds and the rubbles that accompanied.
But as for the Grecian semi deity,
Hrk!
The Demon God made no movement his hand behind his back as he scrutinized the blade that crashed against his barrier.
"So this is the strength of an archaic demi-god… impressive… most impressive. I suspect that even in my real body and strength, I would be hard pressed to even graze you. Yes in my true body that is..." he raised one hand revealing the distinct form of silver rings adorning his five fingers "but remember what I said. I am Flaurous who presides over wisdom. And that includes even a glimpse his eminence Magic" he stretched the hand regardless of the sparks the sword placed and said in "and before that. You are nothing" and then clenched his fist.
Space trembled around his fist forming a helix like it was alive before smashing against Billy.
The demi-god experienced sudden suffocation subsequently followed by his body filled with intense pain before it shot him away.
He could distinctly hear Mash cry his name as he felt his back impacting the ground. It was painful that he couldn't deny, but it wasn't serious, he could already feel his body healing.
'What was that?" he groaned as trying to stand meanwhile the low ringing in his ear died down. Standing upright he used a hand to roughly clean the line of blood from his ears, leaving the lines of red that drew from his eyes.
'He got me good' he thought wincing at the phantom pain 'what was that. I can tell it does not possess the same strength as Saber's punch. It felt more like… a painful spasm and an agonizing rattle'
"Incredible… you are still alive after taking that. I am impressed yet again" the Demon God voice tensed him up as he quickly brought up his guard.
'Master should I provide support' Mash called to him telepathically her tone underlying in concern.
'No just keep on protecting Marie. I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling concerning what he might do to her' Billy sent back.
Still in his monologue Flarous continued "so how does it feel demi-god to have space grind against your body"
Spitting out his liquid internal copper, he scoffed "if that is the best you can do. Then I got to say that I am quite disappointed by that"
"Quit your posturing, your words are not deceiving anyone here demi-god… although the truth was that I was supposed to turn you into bloody ball of flesh with that attack but…" he shrugged unperturbed "still no matter. Not like you can even win anyway"
"Is that so" Billy said raising his great sword 'Mash ready your shield I'm about to release my Noble Phantasm' "well my sword has something to say about that…" Keranous roared to life as lightning threatened to fall from the sky.
"Ah-ah-ah. I do you really think I will let you do that. Executing Atlas Duty; LIFT !!"
"!!" his stance quickly ceased, as he collapsed on the Earth, an unimaginable amount of pressure fell upon him. Both his hand digging into the ground with his back facing upward, he felt like something unbearably heavy was placed upon him and he couldn't even move a muscle.
"What…" he gasped "what… is… this?" he knew that even as a demi-god there were many things he couldn't lift but, still try as he might the unseen mass placed him did not budge even a little.
"Do not waste your time demi-god. While mine is still a pale imitation of the original you are now lifting Fuyuki's heaven and Earth. Even your predecessor couldn't do it not to mention you" behind the Demon God commented and then the smile on his face vanished "I've confirmed that to defeat you with my current repertoire is quite difficult so…" above the Demon God a orb of light shimmered into existence as it hollowed into a ring expanding slowly "I have decided to let him do it for me"
'Setting temporal-dimensional course…'
'Co-ordinates outside the boundaries of time… designation; Ars Paulina '
'Booting connection... the Armoury HALPHAS '
"So say your last rights Billy-kun" he gave out a sneering smile "while you still have the time that is"
Even throughout the entire monologue Billy was still strained against the enormous weight 'the total mass of Fuyuki's Heaven and Earth huh… God-dammit' he groaned.
"Master!" concern overloaded Mash entire system as she saw all that transpired. Billy-kun who she was starting to regard as near invincible was defeated in an instant, and from what she heard whatever the professor was about to do would kill him. She won't let him, gripping her shield in determination. The sash around her waist glowed as she activated 'The Goddess of War' gritting her teeth she dashed ready to take on the Demon God.
But unfortunately he was prepared for her as well with a snort he remarked "do you really think you have what it takes to fight me head on homunculus. KNOW YOUR PLACE!"
With a gesture, space quivered traversing to the approaching demi-servant. But she had already seen it. The light tremor that passed the area where the attack was coming from gave her all she needed to know.
She waited as the helix approached and by the time it had arrived, she had already settled into a stance batting it aside. The air wavered where it had passed flying away to the horizon.
The Demon God clicked his tongue in annoyance "I admit, that shield of yours is an annoying one. But it seems like your dog-headedness has made you forgotten who you are tangling with" he raised a hand before dropping it, at his bidding spell circles appeared underneath the demi-servant as she was suddenly enveloped in a dome of purple mist freezing her charge.
"What…!" she muttered out in shock.
"Hmph. This is nothing, simply the immobilisation of space" he said in smugly. Ordinarily each and every one of his present showings would have been impossible, but like he had said before. He was not human. It was simply borrowing a silver of his King's authority and boosting its potency by high-jacking and assuming ownership of the Holy Grail. Although he never expected all this to progress to such extents, but he was glad that he had the prudency of purging the Zoroastrianism deity's will from the Grail and assuming control, as a contingency for such a situation.
"Was everything just one big lie Leff?" his musings cut short, as the dejected Olga Marie asked him from where she stood.
"Are you still asking me this at this point, your inability to understand the severity of the situation is quite commendable… if it wasn't so hilarious" he remarked placing his hands behind his back he continued "well you want me to admit. Fine I will admit. I am the one who placed the bombs over at Chaldea. Although I didn't expect you to survive that… no you didn't have survive, you are actually dead"
Her eyes widened in muted shock "Eh…" as if taking sadistic pleasure at the Tower Lord's horrified countenance, Flauros gave a cackle continuing on.
"Don't you think that it's strange that you are even here in the first place? After all apart from not being a Master Potential, you are also not compatible with the Spiriton Dive. But here you are before us all and that tell us only one thing"
The mage staggered falling down to her knees, the Demon God words made everything clear 'it's a lie'
"It should have been clear to you now right, my dear Marie"
'It's a lie'
"That you are already dead!" he hollered in putrid glee.
"It's a lie!!" she cried out covering her ears, streams of tears flowing freely from her eyes. She can't be, no she doesn't wasn't to be dead, she refuse it. It's all just a lie.
"Pathetic just as I expected" Flarous seeing her display remarked in disappointment "not like I suspected anything else. Although calling you dead would actually be pushing it… after all if you were actually dead, you wouldn't have been able to communicate with Chaldea. But that doesn't mean you are actually alive. You are just somewhere in between"
He laughed "at this stage you are just like the Schrödinger Cat, neither dead nor alive. But that really is too sad too contemplate so…" with a snap of his fingers, a portal opened at his side expanding quickly as it revealed the burning of orb of Chaldeas "in my boundless magnanimousness, scion of Animusphere. I gift to you. The result of your family lunacy"
Marie took a step back beholding the dreadful image of her family's pride. That image of Chaldeas on fire, the future of humanity as ordained. No it wasn't true she wanted to cry. It was just a virtual image right? She wanted Leff to assure her that it was the case, that all this was all an elaborate prank…
But she was too afraid to ask for she might receive another distressing answer.
The Demon God lifted a hand at the Chaldean head that gave out a golden glow before clenching it tight, and at the same time Olga Marie glowed as well.
"Hey…" she gasped at the sudden pull struggling fruitlessly, as her body left the Earth pulled in a turtle crawl towards the portal "what are you doing…"
"As this is the end, I'll make your wish come true. You were always telling me how proud you were of the Chaldeas right? So I have decided to link time-space so that you may directly touch it"
"N-No please stop it, that's the Chaldeas if I touch it…" she cried.
"Total incineration at a molecular level and the experience of infinite deaths that I know" he said finishing her implied thoughts with a smile hanging on his face "but that is what you hope for isn't it, Olga Marie Animusphere, so that is why I will grant to you your final wish" he ended with a small scoff.
"Director…" Mash groaned out frailly, struggling against the binds that held her in place, but no matter how she struggled she couldn't move an inch 'please someone save her' she prayed 'Billy-kun… please save her'
For a moment all seemed lost,
Despair and pain at the cusp of victory,
Death for all who had strived for a happy ending,
There was no hope.
BUT, He never gave up. Even after all he heard he only had one thing to say.
DON'T SCREW WITH ME!!!
Instantaneously all who stood upon the Earth felt it.
It began with a vibration. A slight quivering from the Earth, stones displacing from their original spot, trees shaking as the leaves adorning the branches swayed erratically. And at each passing second, the tremor escalated even more resulting to a full blown earthquake.
It was like the sudden actualisation of a natural disaster, the sky above was suffused with dark clouds, as lightning crackled dancing through the clouds flashing hazardously accompanied by the rumble of thunderclaps.
Boom!!
"What is going on…" from where he stood, the being Flarous swayed unable to regain his balance 'an earthquake, at this time? No that's not it… it's everything, Fuyuki is shaking. The whole Fuyuki is shaking' he looked the sky above only to see an astonishing sight. The heavens itself looked like it was bending inwards, like it was slowly being… pushed back.
"Impossible!!" he screamed, an animalistic growl at the location where one of his captives was being bonded revealed to him who was responsible for all this "You…" he growled out "it's you who is responsible for this demi-god!"
"Rahhhhhh!!!!!"
Lightning erupted from his body as the Heavens responded to the Grecian roar, and the entire world shook even more so. Back at the city decrypted buildings fell unable to withstand the shakings, the mountains ridges were overrun with landslides, but still it wasn't enough, for the demi-god, it was a call for one more thing…
Power…
He still remembered what he had said to in the control room. He needed power.
He wanted more power to protect them from ever crying. More power to them from even death itself… so he released it.
His true Noble Phantasm.
"THIS IS IT…"
"I SHALL TAKE UP THIS TEST ONCE OVER AGAIN."
"I GIVE IT ALL UP."
"MY SOUL, MY SANITY, ALL THAT I HAVE…"
"NOTHING SHALL STOP ME FROM OVERCOMING THEE…"
"SHOW ME IF YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO STOP ME"
"TWELVE SOUL LABOURS, OVERDRIVE !!"
His tattoos glowed in pastel beauty, accompanied by the dreadful bellows of mythological beasts. From the Nemean to the Cerberus, all came alive moving to and fro like caged beast, around his body demanding their freedom.
The lightning rumbled in agreement to his aria, striking down at the earth all around them. Trees were uprooted. The city far behind vanished as a result of the bolts cutting watts destroying anything that stood.
It was like Zeus himself was coming and the world itself had to prepare.
Twelve Soul Labours Overdrive… Billy knew about it potency, its true might. It was a Noble Art that had been grafted unto him allowing the Grecian semi deity to step out of the limitations of humanity into the realm of the monsters.
His body had become that of a Divine Beast of a high rank.
But that was what made it even more dangerous. Slowly but surely his sanity was becoming clouded, thoughts focused on only one thing 'Power'. That was why even throughout all his fights he had never used the Noble Art at full power, he was too afraid of what he might find when his sanity returned.
But now, he just wanted to do one thing alone.
He just wanted to kill. The Demon God who stood before him was the mastermind of everything. All the deaths back at Chaldea and Fuyuki, and the glee on his face as he admitted.
And the fact that Olga Marie was…
No he refuses to accept that as a fact. He would fight it to very end.
Even as he stood up the weight was still there, just setting up one of his knees was as agonising as ever, it was like he was about to be crushed.
A bead of sweat slithered from the Demon God's brow. He was a witness to an impossible feat 'Billy Batson' he said to himself "you really are too dangerous to be left alive' a quick check informed him that the connection to the Temple beyond time was only about eighty per cent done. But he still needs to buy time for full establishment, but what.
At his peripheral he caught the glance of Olga Marie who moving at a turtle pace flinched at his notice, but her eyes were of a different story 'Hope' the new development has given her a means for survival.
'Hope… Huh' he took on a sickening smile 'let's see if we can break it'
"Billy Batson-kun" he called out to the feral demi-god, his mind still on the count to his Armoury "your obstinacy even in this situation truly is inspiring. So I have decided to put it to the test"
Even now the world was still trembling, and the demi-god had already risen to his feet, his hands gripped tightly around Keranous, as he trudged leaving steps that depressed the Earth with it sounds akin to that of a titan approaching the Demon God.
The slow pace of the Chaldean head slowly increased "Ah!!" with a cry she was pulled forward at a speed greater than before.
"Demi-god can you be able to save her, or will you give her false hope as she is plunged into eternal torment"
Even in his rising hysteria, the cry of Olga Marie spurred Billy out his madness, as he changed directions struggling to make it towards her.
"Grrrr!!..." incoherent guttural bellowed out, even as he tried to pick up speed, he was much too slow to reach her.
'Billy-kun please…' Mash prayed, the sudden increase in power of her master was awe-inducing it would be all for nothing if he doesn't get to her in time 'you can do it. You can save her'
Olga Marie who had given up all hope has been given another one. Even as she approached the black hole her eyes was still on the one who bore the weight of the world "Billy-kun… Billy-kun!! Please save me!!"
Flarous held his side in a fit of baleful laughter "even now, Billy-kun, even now with all of your sudden exponential might, you still cannot save her. You have failed! And you will die a failure" by now the countdown had reached ninety seven per cent. The space-time portal above him revealed the eerie sights of an array of canons popping out, it will soon be time.
...
Billy roared dredging up more of his mana, he felt like for the first time, he was slowly running of out of fuel. He was tired, he felt sluggish, and he wants to sleep. But... He had to save her, he had to save her, he had to save her. It was like an unceasing chime ringing against his brain. Telling him, it wasn't over yet.
And so he kept on lumbering.
'Hey can you hear me' a child's voice called to him.
He kept on pulling.
'Come on, I'm speaking to you Billy!' the voice said again this time irked.
He will not give up.
'Listen to me you bastard! I know how to save her!' this time the voice shouted in exasperation.
And at that Billy gasped, his eyes opening wide to a strange scenery. Everything was slowed down to a halt. The occasional lightning strikes hanged on the air, the rumbles and shakings forgone, but that wasn't all. The unyielding struggles of Mash, the tears on Olga Marie, the maniacal laughter of the Demon God, everything and everyone just paused. Time had been stopped.
"W-What is happening?" Billy stammered trying to make sense of what is going on now.
"I've finally gotten to you, don't you know it rude to not answer someone when he's talking to you" the voice said this time the owner sounded distinctively clearer.
The Chaldean turned to the said owner who stood before him. It or rather he was a boy of a very young age, dressed with a long hand hooded jacket, with a red t-shirt underneath, with blue jeans and shoes.
But it was the face that surprised him.
"Y-you…" he trailed off pointing in shock.
What stared back at him was a pair of cerulean eyes, with tufts of raven hair covering the boy's forehead. But most important of all, Billy thought he was looking at his own reflection.
"Surprised? Well you're not the only one" the boy who appeared to be Billy's replica chuckled "and before you start with the barrage of questions, why don't you look at yourself"
"What?" that was when he noticed it. He was back to himself, dressed in his white and black uniform. He was no longer Billy the Grecian hero but Billy the normal kid. He turned back yelping at what he saw.
A raging behemoth showered by lightning holding a sword that appeared to be taller than his height, the facial features on the giant looked almost like his own only that the giant had the countenance of dangerous beast.
"Is that… me?"
"Yep, looks scary right? I never thought a day would come when I would have struggle over something such as this" the boy shook his head giving a mirthless chuckle "but well there is always a first time for everything" but before he could say anything else he was abruptly dragged by the collar by Billy who had a scowl on his face.
"I don't know why you called me here, but cut with the twaddle. People that I know are about to die. And I don't even know what to do… I heard you say that you can help me save all of them, so please…" he released his hold, his body slouched, looking utterly drained "I am begging you. Help me"
The boy gave a sigh as he replied back with a smile "hey don't do that. The Billy I know never gives up, so don't you start the nonsense pattern. And I remember what I said. You can save them, all of them"
He snapped his fingers as the scenery in turn became dark, for a few moments. The darkness lasted for some few seconds that felt like hours to Billy as a new development came in place.
Just a few yards away appeared to be a pale luminesce which served as a source of light in the pitch black abyss.
"Billy-kun that is source of your power, and where you can begin the road in achieving your real potential"
The boy who had Billy's appearance moved ahead of him, his back facing the young boy as he walked towards the light, suddenly a glow emanated from him that made Billy Batson wince at the sudden brightness closing his eyes, for a few moments.
And as he opened them, the boy who looked like him was gone, replaced by another individual. Rather than a young child the one who stood before him was an adult man. He couldn't discern the man's frontal appearance as the only thing he could see was the sweeping hooded cape with its rim adorned with gold covering his entire body, the arms that jutted out was coated with a red skin suit with gold bracelets and the sheens of golden boots that peeked as the cape fluttered.
But if there was one thing Billy could glean from the being who stood before him was the excessive amount of power he could feel emerging from him. It was overwhelming and unbridled; it was so much that his new found strength paled in comparison… there was no competition.
But the most shocking part was that "Heracules… why do I sense Heracules in you" for as one who had assimilated the demi-god's power, there was no way of hiding that sensation, and notwithstanding the fact that, he could feel several other entities within the powerful being before him, each more and more powerful than the other.
"Heracules, is that what you call him eh?" the man spoke still facing forward "that just goes to show how different we are… well not like it matters at this point" he muttered the last part to himself before pointing to the light "go Billy, go to where the light is and there you will find the means to save them all"
Billy was still jumbled at what was going on but still if what the being was saying to him was true then he cannot afford to hesitate.
He took a step forward moving towards the light, passing the man he tried to turn back to look at his face but to his disconcerting surprise he found out his body refused to do so.
"You can't do that Billy" the man said interpreting his thoughts "now that you have moved forward there is no turning back… Billy Batson" he began taking a more authoritarian tone "the hero of Greece has already inform you hadn't he ' a power beyond your imagination' was what he inferred. So tell me, can you be able to accept all it entails and its responsibilities"
Even as Billy stood he could feel the stare of the powerful being weighing against him, pursing his lips the Chaldean opened his mouth with lips spreading into a wide grin "and I remember what I had said 'I don't know unless I have tried' and as for now I need this power to save them" and with that he moved forward leaving the being behind.
Billy facsimile chuckled "what a short-sighted answer… but I never expected anything less from you the Mightiest Mortal… my Champion" and disappeared.
The answer Billy gave still weighed on him as he moved never slowing pace 'yes until I try I will never know' he chanted. Arriving at the source he was a bit surprised to find the origin of the light to be a misshaped piece of rock.
"What am I supposed to do" he muttered confused, looking at the object dubiously "should I touch it… well what's the worst that could happen" and in doing so, the world exploded in colours as moving images passed through his memories like a shutter tape.
He saw a young man who seated upon a majestic throne, judging over thousands, building marvels and performing wonders. Revelled for all time for his unparalleled Wisdom.
He saw a man who stood against various monsters and beasts overcoming all of them being crowned as the unmatched God of Strength.
He saw a being so tall he surpassed mountain summits, knelt under a yoke, bounded to eternal duty, and everyone from allies to adversaries praised him for his might and unbending Endurance.
He saw a God who stood in his throne room looking over as fellow deities bowed to him in awe of his overflowing Power.
He saw a man who fought battles, faced death even more times than he could count. His enemies called it stupidity by those who knew him called it his unwavering Courage.
He saw the cosmos, the stars and constellations twinkling in their splendour, hearing the peals of laughter as a God raced through them all with an unrivalled Speed.
Billy winced at the sudden flow of information even as the images died down "what was that…" he said to no one in particular.
'Now that something you don't see every day' the voice of a young man commented sounding directly from his head. Billy shook himself flinching in surprise at the sudden addition.
"Who is there?" he shouted to the dark abyss, and just as he was about to remove his hand from the stone…
'Hey don't remove that hand mortal. Not unless you do not want your blessings anymore' a different voice chided gruffly.
'Hey no need to be like that old man' another one voice said this time only it was not to Billy but to the one who held ownership of the second voice 'your only making the mortal feel befuddled'
'How dare you call me that? Have you forgotten who I am' the second voice raised in umbrage.
'A dead guy' the third voice poked nonchalant.
'Why you ingrate! Even if you are my child from a different cultural sphere I will strike you'
'Still the same as ever thunder boy' a new voice that possessed a rumbling base commented.
'You! I thought you were still lifting the world' the second voice shook in surprise.
'Even after all the eons passed? Don't be asinine. Or in case you have forgotten the woman who killed me'
'Don't you mention her!' the second voice rumbled possessing an undertone of fear 'that crazy woman. Even now I still can't see what she likes about that war loving son of mine'
'Hmnn… what an intriguing situation' a new fifth voice added, only this one sounded so familiar to Billy it irked him to no ends that he couldn't pinpoint from where he had last heard it.
"Ok time out who the hell are you guys? And what are you doing in my head?" Billy cut in unsettled by the occupants inside of him… and mostly freaked out.
'Haa…' the second voice drawled in vexation 'this is why I said mortals are mortals'
A tic mark popped on Billy's temple as he snapped back "huh and who asked you old fart"
'Hah! Old fart?! How dare you impudent runt!'
' Old fart…! He really got you there, thunder boy' the fourth voice guffawed.
'You!' the second voice shook.
'Please don't mind them Billy Batson' the last voice said warmly to the boy 'and as for the objective for our appearance, you must have already known the reason, after you have already met him. The conqueror of the twelve labours'
It was those last words that struck the young boy as his eyes widened in a spark of epiphany "you all are just like Heracules…" he said in surety "then…" he trailed off.
'Yes, we all have come to offer you an accord' it was at the voice cooled off before continuing with a sigh 'I really need to offer you my most sincere apologies Billy Batson… every if it wasn't my will, things has progressed to this extent because I decided to look the other way, too afraid to use what I have been given, always leaving in fear as a result of my gift and took the cowards way out… but now. Now even if it is the least I can do. I can start by offering to you this'
The stone glowed brighter, the texture felt warmer as the light left the stone flowing into him.
'Billy Batson. I bestow upon you the Wisdom of Solomon. All the secrets of the world itself shall not be hidden from your sight. The incorporeal essence of magic shall always be made true to you. The imminence and precedence be made plain as to your desire… surely! You shall hold absolute dominion over magic. Sung by all as Omnipotence given form '
The boy's body tensed like a chill had passed through him but it wasn't over just yet. Just as he was about to settle down another added in chain sequence.
'My turn huh? Very well if the representation of humanity asks me of this, then I have no choice but to obey. And on the plus side it gives me joy that my ability is on the same league as the great Thunderer, even as simple as it appears'
'Billy Batson, I grant to you the Endurance of Atlas. You will never tire or ever feel fatigue. Your hide cannot be pierced by any weapon made by mortal hands be it past or present. For the power of the Titan dwells within you'
Another rush flowed in to Billy body tingling his skin, as he was processed what just happened the second voice spitted chagrined.
'To think that my own power is tiered in the line as Atlas' the voice growled out 'the will of humanity is just as impudent as ever. Billy Batson, employ my power and see if it is ranked with that titan'
'Billy Batson, I bequeath unto thee the Power of Zeus. All of my Authorities are yours, the absolute manifestation of Omnipotence at thy command. With my power you are supreme, for there is none who can stand before the bolts of the Chief God of Olympus'
With another glow energy transferred into Billy only this one was even more potent, letting out a hiss he twitched trying to alleviate the waves of pulses that flowed into him.
'A God, a titan and a king… I don't know what I can bring to the table. But, you want to save those important to you, and that's enough reason for me to support you, so here I go'
'Billy Batson, I give to you the Courage of Achilles. Be free, live free, fight free… never be able afraid, nothing shall bound you down, be it raging storms, un-quenching fires or even death itself, face them all head on' the boy could feel the man's smile 'cause you got this Hero's heart beating in you'
The glow that streamed into him was insignificant but Billy felt that it was the most important among all the blessings. And finally the last voice remarked.
'I am… was a messenger, so I know how to deliver long speeches, but now I won't bother'
'Billy Batson I confer to you the Speed of Mercury. There shall be no distance too far, no roads to steep, no span too long. Run faster than a shooting star… my child and most importantly do it with joy'
And finally the stone with a final glow entered Billy's body in a pleasant sensation, and finally the stone vanished bringing everything back to darkness.
"And now what's left" he inquired to the void.
The response that came back reverberated with the reverberation of thunder.
""""SAY OUR NAME!!!!!!"""""
Billy shook as the darkness cleared away. Lightning and thunder resumed in their majesty accompanied by also the tears and cries in full force.
But deep within his soul and his very being... something was happening.
…..
' Initiating words of power ' SHAZAM' complete'
'Assortments of divine slots complete'
'Conversion and ascension between Mortality to Divinity complete'
'Issue voice command…'
...….
'Hundred per cent' Flarous howled to himself. At last it was time to take out the trash. He wanted to at least spare the demi-servant, not for humane sake, but to serve as a warning to the others back at Chaldea… but well this in itself is acceptable.
By then the cannons of Halphas were already in full view each of the big guns fixed at the demi-god, ready to blast him to pieces.
But at that moment a puzzling situation transpired. The wrathful image the demi-god portrayed died down, his divine form shrinking down to a boy young boy dressed in hackneyed slacks with the lightning parade dying down.
"Hah! At last have you give up ho-…!" his word hooked, eyes dilating in shock. The moment Billy lifted his head eyeing him with piercing cerulean. The Demon God was unsettled by that not one bit, but the apparition that appeared behind the Chaldean scared him out of his wits.
"Preposterous! This cannot be!" he staggered back as his build shivered in fright "Halphas!! Begin rapid fire at full power! Destroy him along with everything! I don't care what happens to me as long as he does not survive!"
The cannons mouth glowed red the space around them shuddered, in preparations of the shot.
It was a throttling sound that clashed with the lingering thunder.
At the peaked crimson beams gushed out heading in the direction of Billy with obliterating force.
But it was too late.
Billy lifted his head up to the Heavens opening his mouth speaking one word.
SHAZAM!!!
And the Firmaments answered in the form of a golden pillar of lightning bolt.
Gone, gone was the form of man and as the lightning died down what remained where Billy stood was…
A true God.
--TMMGO--
In an unknown location…
The room was pure white, filled with objects beyond the present time. It was occupied by people dressed in uniforms of purple and white, who moved around like drones, never speaking and their eyes without light.
It doesn't matter what they do, there was no second chance, there was no hope, and it has been ordained.
The holographic display hanging high above the room's central said it all.
'The probability of humanity survival: 0%'
It wasn't the humanity incineration cooked up by the Beast of Gaia and other macabre intensions against humanity, which would be easy to handle. No, it was the appointed death of the World itself, and its final curse to humanity.
But even so, even with the awareness of their circumstances they still kept on fighting for it is in their nature as humans.
The number still kept on saying 0% still kept on taunting them… that was until one day a different number appeared.
1%
And on that day… there was hope.
....
At the deepest part of the World, in its deepest core. A woman of illusionary beauty smiled…
"Billy Batson" the World purred "what an interesting human"