Haruka's Shazam-infused armor began to fade, the golden lightning emblem on his chest flickering and dimming. As the power receded, he felt the familiar weight of his Amazon Omega suit return.
Billy, his expression etched with concern, watched the transformation. "What happened?" he asked, reaching out to steady Haruka.
Haruka took a deep breath, his voice tinged with weariness. "The power you shared with me, the living lightning – it only lasts for a finite amount of time. Three minutes, to be exact."
Billy's brow furrowed. "Three minutes? Does that mean Mary, Darla, Eugene, Pedro, and Freddy also have that same limitation?"
Placing a reassuring hand on Billy's shoulder, Haruka shook his head. "No, don't worry. Their powers are connected to yours, so they don't have the same time constraint."
Haruka paused, gathering his thoughts. "The living lightning I tapped into allows me to make it my own power, but it runs on the magical energy in my body. That's why it has a limit."
Billy listened intently, his eyes widening with understanding. "I see. So as long as I'm able to share my powers with them, Mary, Darla, Eugene, Pedro, and Freddy won't have to worry about that time limit."
Haruka nodded, relief evident in his expression. "Exactly. Your family's powers are tied to you, the Shazam champion. They can draw upon your strength for as long as you're able to provide it."
The two heroes stood amidst the rubble, their battle with Black Adam finally over. Haruka felt a sense of pride in their accomplishment, but also a lingering concern for the Vasquez children's well-being.
"I'm glad to hear that," Billy said, a small smile forming on his lips. "I was worried that they might be in danger if their powers had a time limit."
Haruka returned the smile, placing a reassuring hand on Billy's arm. "They're safe, Billy. Your family's powers are secure as long as you remain the Shazam champion."
The sound of approaching sirens in the distance drew their attention. Haruka glanced around, taking in the devastation that surrounded them.
"We should check on the others," he said, his voice laced with urgency. "Make sure they're all right after the battle."
Billy nodded, his expression shifting to one of determination. "Right. Let's go."
The two heroes, their costumes tattered and their bodies weary, made their way towards the Shazam Family, ready to ensure their safety and well-being in the aftermath of the confrontation with Black Adam.
Haruka and Billy arrived at a school that had become a shelter for the people of Fawcett City. They spotted Mary, Darla, Eugene, Pedro, and Freddy helping the evacuees and bringing them into the old bunker.
Mary, relieved to see Billy and Haruka, hurried over to them. "I'm so glad you're both safe!" she exclaimed, her eyes filled with concern. "We've been doing our best to get everyone to the shelter, but it's been a challenge."
Darla, hearing Mary's voice, turned and beamed when she saw Billy and Haruka. "You're back!" she cried, zipping over to them in a blur of speed. "We were so worried about you."
Eugene and Pedro approached, their expressions serious but tinged with relief. "We're glad you made it," Eugene said, adjusting his glasses. Pedro simply nodded, his gaze conveying his relief.
Freddy, always the enthusiastic one, clapped Haruka on the back. "Dude, you should have seen us out there! We were total badasses, taking down those Sins."
Haruka asked, "What happened to the Sins?"
Mary replied, "They just ran away for some reason. As soon as Black Adam was defeated, they scattered."
Haruka considered this for a moment. "I'm guessing they sensed that Black Adam was killed. Without his leadership, they likely didn't want to stick around and face us."
Mary nodded, her brow furrowed. "That makes sense. But what exactly happened to Black Adam? Billy, do you know?"
Billy looked up, his expression somber. "Haruka killed him," he said simply. "After we combined our powers, Haruka delivered the final blow that destroyed Black Adam."
Haruka shifted uncomfortably, his gaze dropping. "I had no choice. Black Adam was too powerful, and he was going to keep terrorizing the city if we didn't stop him for good."
Mary placed a hand on Haruka's arm, her eyes filled with understanding. "I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision, but you did what you had to do to protect everyone."
Freddy, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "Whoa, so Haruka's the one who took down the big bad?" He grinned, slapping Haruka on the back. "Nice work, dude!"
Darla tugged on Haruka's sleeve, her eyes wide with awe. "You must be really strong to beat Black Adam!"
Haruka offered a small smile, feeling the weight of his actions. "I just did what was necessary to keep you all safe. We couldn't let Black Adam continue his rampage."
The group fell silent, each processing the gravity of the situation and the sacrifices made to achieve victory.
The group suddenly hears cheers, and they turn to see the people of Fawcett City cheering for them. News cameras point at them, hailing them as new superheroes. The Shazam family is happy to see the people cheer for them.
Darla's face lights up with a wide grin as she waves excitedly at the crowd. "They like us!" she exclaims, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
Freddy puffs out his chest, a proud smirk spreading across his features. "Of course they do. We're the city's new heroes, after all."
Mary places a hand on Freddy's shoulder, her expression softening. "It's not just about us. They're cheering for Haruka and Billy too."
Haruka shifts uncomfortably, unused to such public adoration. He glances at Billy, who seems equally surprised by the enthusiastic response.
"I... I don't know what to say," Billy stammers, running a hand through his hair.
Sensing his discomfort, Haruka places a reassuring hand on Billy's arm. "You don't have to say anything. They're grateful to have you as their champion."
The Shazam family stands together, basking in the adoration of the Fawcett City residents. For a moment, the weight of their responsibilities feels lighter, replaced by a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Freddy, his eyes alight with excitement, turns to the group. "Okay, guys, we need to figure out our superhero names. I think I should be called King Shazam, you know, since I'm the leader of this little squad."
Mary rolls her eyes, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "Freddy, you're an idiot. There's no way you're going to be the leader."
Freddy pouts, crossing his arms over his chest. "Well, I think it's a great name. What do you guys think?" He looks around, seeking approval from the others.
Haruka observes the Shazam family's banter, a small smile playing on his lips. He can't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with this unique group, despite their differences.
"I think we should all have our own distinct names," Mary suggests, ever the voice of reason. "We're a team, but we each bring something unique to the table."
Darla nods enthusiastically, her curls bouncing. "Ooh, can I be Darla Marvel?" she asks, her eyes shining with excitement.
Eugene contemplates for a moment. "How about... Dynamo?" he offers, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
Pedro speaks up, his deep voice steady. "I don't need a special name. I'm just here to help."
Freddy grins mischievously. "Well, in that case, I'm sticking with King Shazam!"
Mary shakes her head, a fond exasperation evident on her face. "Freddy, we're not going to call you that."
Haruka watched as the Shazam family continued their playful debate over superhero names. A small smile crept across his face - he couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with this unique group, despite their differences.
"I'm telling you, King Shazam has a nice ring to it!" Freddy insisted, puffing out his chest.
Mary rolled her eyes. "Freddy, we're not calling you that."
Haruka watches as Billy opens his mouth to speak. "How about I call myself Captain Mar—"
Before Billy can finish, Haruka quickly interjects. "I don't think that's a good idea, Billy." Haruka glances around at the growing crowd surrounding them. "We should probably get out of here before more people start gathering."
The Shazam Family falls silent, sensing the urgency in Haruka's voice. Mary nods in agreement, ushering the younger children towards the shelter's entrance. Freddy shoots Haruka a questioning look but follows without protest.
As they make their way inside, Haruka places a hand on Billy's shoulder, guiding him along. "We'll figure out your superhero name later," he says in a low voice. "Right now, the priority is getting you and your family to safety."
Billy nods, his brow furrowed with concern. The roar of the crowd outside serves as a constant reminder of the responsibility they now bear as Fawcett City's newest heroes.
Haruka watched as the Shazam family took flight, their colorful costumes disappearing into the sky. Sensing the need for discretion, he slipped away from the rooftops, his Amazon Omega suit blending seamlessly with the shadows. As the cheers of the crowd faded behind him, Haruka made his way through the winding alleys, intent on avoiding the spotlight for now. His mind raced, contemplating the weight of their recent victory and the challenges that undoubtedly lay ahead.
///
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.