The house was quiet.
The only light came from a small lamp near the couch where Arin lay.
Mary slept holding his left hand.
Gwen rested her head on his right shoulder.
MJ sat on the floor leaning against the couch, arms crossed but asleep.
Rosa slept on a chair beside him, her hand gently touching his hair.
Darla had curled up on the carpet nearby.
It was a peaceful scene—
one filled with warmth and love.
Arin slowly opened his eyes.
He sat up slightly—
And realized something.
He felt…
Completely healed.
Stronger than before.
His body hummed with divine energy.
The Power of Zeus and Atlas had healed him fully, even strengthened him.
He looked at the girls sleeping around him, their faces stained with dried tears, their grips still tight like they were afraid to lose him.
His heart softened.
They cried for me and stayed by my side all day.
He touched Mary's hair gently.
Then Gwen's cheek.
Then MJ's shoulder.
And finally Rosa's hand.
Warm.
Soft.
Full of love he didn't deserve but wanted to protect.
But another thought hit him.
This world is too dangerous.
I can't protect them forever… unless they have power too.
Images flashed through his mind—
Billy sharing his powers with his siblings in the movie.
The magical staff.
The lightning.
If he had that same ability—
He could give strength to the people he loved.
His decision was made.
---
Arin Wakes Them
Arin squeezed Mary's hand gently.
Her eyes fluttered open.
"…Arin?"
"Arin?!" Gwen sat up instantly.
MJ jumped awake.
Rosa gasped.
Darla shot up like a rocket.
"BIG BROTHER IS AWAKE!!"
Everyone surrounded him immediately.
Mary hugged him.
Gwen checked his forehead.
MJ grabbed his shoulders, shaking him slightly.
Rosa touched his cheek, tears forming again.
"Arin… you scared us…"
He smiled calmly.
"I know.
I'm sorry for making all of you worry."
They all looked relieved.
But then Arin's expression turned serious.
"Everyone… I have something important to tell you."
Mary blinked.
"What is it?"
Gwen leaned closer.
"Is something wrong?"
MJ frowned.
"Don't tell me you're going back to fight again—!"
Rosa grabbed his hand tightly.
"Arin… please don't disappear on us again."
He shook his head.
"No. Nothing like that.
But before I explain…"
His eyes glowed gold.
"Let's change the location."
Lightning exploded from his body—
KRAAAK-BOOM!!
In a flash of golden light, Arin transformed into his Shazam form.
But this time—
His mask vanished.
His face was visible.
Strong jaw.
Glowing eyes.
Wind blowing through his dark hair.
The girls gasped.
Mary whispered:
"He… he looks so handsome…"
Gwen blushed furiously.
"That's… that's Arin…?!"
MJ stared openly.
"Damn… I mean— DAMN."
Rosa's breath caught in her throat.
"My beautiful… hero…"
Arin smiled softly, raising a hand to calm them.
"I know you have questions.
But you'll understand everything soon."
He lifted his palm—
And a golden circle of lightning formed in front of him.
A portal.
A doorway of ancient magic.
The Cave of Eternity appeared on the other side—
massive statues, eternal torches, divine energy swirling in the air.
Arin stepped through first.
"Come with me."
Mary hesitated.
Gwen looked nervous.
MJ's heart raced.
Rosa whispered:
"Arin… is this safe?"
He extended his hand.
"And trust me."
One by one—
Mary grabbed his hand.
Gwen followed.
MJ stepped through with a gulp.
Rosa walked forward, eyes shining.
And Darla rushed inside with excitement.
The portal closed behind them.
The girls looked around, awestruck.
Huge stone statues of ancient gods towered around them.
Lightning arced across the walls like veins of energy.
Torches burned with endless blue fire.
MJ whispered:
"This place… is insane…"
Gwen's voice trembled.
"Is this… magic…?"
Mary stepped closer to Arin.
"Why… did you bring us here?"
Rosa placed a hand on her chest.
"Arin… what is this place?"
Arin turned to face all of them.
His voice steady.
His eyes glowing.
"The Cave of Eternity.
The source of my power.
The sanctum of the gods."
He looked at each of them—
the girls he loved.
The people he wanted to protect.
"And I brought you here because…"
He took a deep breath.
"…I want to give all of you the power to protect yourselves."