Dr. Thaddeus Sivana stepped through the ancient doorway, his newly empowered right eye scanning the dimly lit chamber beyond. The air was thick with a palpable energy, and Sivana felt a tingle run down his spine as he took in his surroundings.
The chamber resembled an Egyptian tomb, with hieroglyphic-covered walls and a high, vaulted ceiling. Sivana's gaze roved over the intricate carvings, his mind racing as he tried to decipher their meaning.
"Sir, I must insist you step back," one of his men called out, a note of concern in his voice. "We don't know what kind of danger lies beyond that threshold."
Sivana turned, his expression hardening. "Danger?" he scoffed. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I won't let it slip through my fingers."
Without another word, he pressed forward, his footsteps echoing in the cavernous space. The chamber opened up into a long, narrow hallway, its walls adorned with more hieroglyphic symbols.
Sivana's right eye glowed with a brilliant blue light as he focused his gaze on the markings. The symbols seemed to shift and dance before his eyes, their meaning becoming clear to him. He could feel the power of the ancient magic pulsing through the air, and a thrill of anticipation coursed through him.
"The wall is concealing something," he murmured, his fingers tracing the carved patterns. "Something powerful."
His men, hesitant and uncertain, hovered behind him, their voices raised in protest.
"Dr. Sivana, please, we should retreat and call for backup. This place is dangerous, and we don't know what we're dealing with."
But Sivana paid them no heed, his focus entirely consumed by the task at hand. He continued to decipher the hieroglyphics, his mind racing as the pieces fell into place.
"Black Adam," he breathed, his eyes widening with realization. "He will be imprisoned until a being who can destroy him is found."
A triumphant grin spread across Sivana's face as he turned to his men, his right eye blazing with the power of the ancient magic.
"Don't you see?" he exclaimed. "If I can release Black Adam, I can bring magic back to the world. This is the answer I've been searching for all along!"
His men exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions filled with trepidation.
"But, sir, the inscription says the tomb cannot be opened. It's too dangerous!"
Sivana waved a dismissive hand, his confidence unwavering. "Nonsense. With the right word, I can unlock this tomb and unleash the power of Black Adam."
He turned back to the wall, his fingers tracing the final hieroglyphic symbol. Taking a deep breath, he spoke the word that would change the course of his life forever.
"Shazam."
The wall burst open with a deafening crack, lightning arcing through the air as the ancient tomb was breached. Chunks of the ceiling rained down, crushing several of Sivana's men under the debris. Their anguished screams for help echoed through the chamber, but Sivana paid them no mind, his eyes fixed on the opening.
From the yawning void emerged a figure cloaked in black, lightning crackling across his muscular frame. His eyes glowed with a primal power, and an aura of raw energy surrounded him. This was Black Adam, the ancient champion whose tomb Sivana had unlocked.
"WHERE IS THE WIZARD?" Black Adam's booming voice thundered, shaking the very foundations of the chamber.
Sivana's remaining men recoiled in terror, their faces pale. "The Demon is awake!" one of them cried out, before turning and fleeing in a blind panic.
Black Adam's gaze narrowed, and with a casual flick of his hand, he sent massive boulders hurtling towards the retreating men, crushing them instantly. His focus then shifted to Sivana, who stood transfixed, his right eye glowing with the power of the ancient magic.
In a blur of motion, Black Adam seized Sivana by the throat, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. "ENOUGH," he growled, his voice a rumbling thunder. "I ASK A FINAL TIME. WHERE IS THE WIZARD?"
Sivana spoke in the ancient language, his voice calm and measured. "We are not your enemies, Black Adam. I am the one who has freed you from your prison."
Black Adam's grip on Sivana's throat tightened, but the scientist did not flinch. "You speak my language," the ancient warrior rumbled, his eyes narrowing. "Who are you?"
"I am Doctor Thaddeus Sivana," he replied, meeting Black Adam's gaze unflinchingly. "And I am the one who will help you find the Wizard."
A slow, predatory smile spread across Sivana's face. "You and I, we have a common goal. The Wizard has kept you imprisoned for far too long. Together, we can hunt him down and take the power that is rightfully yours."
Black Adam's expression darkened, but a glimmer of interest flickered in his eyes. "Speak, Doctor. I am listening."
…
Haruka watches from a distance, the Takacandroid's camera feed providing a clear view of the Vasquez household. Through the device's lens, he observes the family gathered around the dinner table.
Rosa Vasquez, a kind-faced woman with warm brown eyes and shoulder-length hair, serves a hearty meal, her expression radiating maternal care. Victor Vasquez, a stocky man with a stoic demeanor, sits at the head of the table, listening intently as the children converse.
Mary Bromfield, the eldest sibling, speaks with a calm, measured tone, her dark hair framing a face of quiet wisdom. Freddy Freeman, a blonde-haired boy with a mischievous glint in his eyes, exchanges banter with the younger children, his words laced with playful sarcasm.
Darla Dudley, a young girl with bouncing curls, giggles at Freddy's antics, her infectious enthusiasm filling the room. Eugene Choi, a bespectacled boy, contributes thoughtful insights, his analytical mind clearly visible. Pedro Peña, a stocky youth with a gentle demeanor, listens intently, occasionally offering a soft-spoken remark.
Haruka watches from his vantage point as Billy and Freddy exit the Vasquez household, their laughter and excited chatter drawing his attention. He quickly deploys the Takacandroid, the small robotic bird gliding silently to track their movements.
Curious about their destination, Haruka follows at a discreet distance, keeping his presence hidden. The Takacandroid's camera feed reveals the two boys heading towards a more affluent part of the city, their pace quickening with each step.
Haruka listens intently as Billy and Freddy discuss their plans. "Can you believe Brett and Burke are having another party?" Freddy says, his voice laced with mischief. "We've got to do something to get back at them for what they did to my locker."
Billy nods, a determined gleam in his eyes. "Don't worry, I've got the perfect prank in mind. Those jerks won't know what hit them."
Haruka's brow furrows as he processes the information. The Breyer brothers, bullies he's encountered before, are the targets of Billy and Freddy's scheme. He debates whether to intervene, but his curiosity gets the better of him, and he continues observing.
The boys approach a grand, imposing mansion, its ornate gates and manicured gardens a stark contrast to the Vasquez household. Haruka watches as Billy and Freddy cautiously make their way towards the entrance, their excitement palpable.
"Alright, let's do this," Freddy whispers, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they realize what happened."
Billy nods in agreement, and the two boys disappear behind the gates, leaving Haruka to ponder their next move.
Haruka watches intently as Billy and Freddy approach the Breyer brothers' car, mischief evident in their expressions. He feels a twinge of unease, uncertain whether to intervene or observe the unfolding events.
Suddenly, Billy transforms, his body enveloped in a blinding flash of energy. Haruka's eyes widen as the young boy emerges in a muscular, adult-like form, clad in a red and gold costume.
Shazam reaches down and effortlessly lifts the Breyer brothers' car into the air, a determined look on his face. Haruka's heart races, realizing the extent of Billy's powers. With a sudden, powerful motion, Shazam slams the car back down, the metal crumpling and glass shattering on impact.
The sound of the destruction echoes through the night, and Haruka can't help but let out a frustrated sigh, his hand instinctively reaching for his forehead in a face-palm. "Those two are going to be the death of me," he mutters under his breath, shaking his head.
Haruka watches as Brett and Burke Breyer burst out of their house, their faces contorted with rage and disbelief. The brothers stare at the ruined car, their eyes wild with fury. Freddy and Shazam, sensing the impending danger, quickly turn and flee the scene, disappearing into the night.
Haruka remains hidden, observing the Breyer brothers' outrage. He knows he should have intervened, but part of him couldn't help but be amused by the boys' antics. However, he's well aware that their reckless behavior could have serious consequences, both for themselves and the people around them.
As the Breyer brothers continue to shout and stomp around their destroyed car, Haruka silently slips away, his mind racing with the implications of what he's witnessed. He'll need to keep a closer eye on Billy and Freddy, lest their youthful indiscretions lead them into deeper trouble.
///
Give Power Stones so I can continue to write this story. If it does not gain any interest, I will drop it.
Advance chapters on my P@tE0N Najicablitz, which is also the best way to support me.