The Cave of Eternity hummed with ancient magic.
Blue firelight flickered across Rosa's face as she stared at the staff, trembling.
Mary, MJ, and Gwen waited silently.
Darla bounced with excitement, admiring the glowing statues.
But Rosa…
Rosa took a step back.
Her voice wavered.
"Arin… I… I don't know if I should take this power.
I'm older than all of you.
I'm not… young anymore."
She looked down, ashamed.
I don't… deserve magic."
Mary's eyes softened with worry.
MJ looked away, uncomfortable.
Gwen bit her lip.
Everyone waited for Arin's answer.
Arin stepped forward slowly—
his Shazam form glowing like a god in human shape.
He lifted Rosa's chin gently.
"Rosa," he said softly,
"You think age makes you less worthy?"
Her breath caught.
He shook his head.
"To me… you are the strongest woman snd beautiful i know."
Rosa's eyes widened with emotion.
"You raised children alone.
You stayed kind even when life broke you.
You opened your heart again when you were scared to love."
His voice deepened.
"You are more worthy of divine power than anyone."
Rosa's lips trembled.
"Arin…"
Before she could speak further
He pulled her into a gentle kiss.
Rosa melted into it, hands trembling on his chest.
The cave lights flared brighter as if the gods themselves approved.
Mary's face turned red instantly.
She looked down, biting her lip.
That's my mother…
and Arin…
but…
it's okay.
Mom deserves happiness too…
MJ crossed her arms, pouting.
"Lucky…"
Gwen's face was cherry red.
"H-He just… k-kissed her like that… in front of us…"
Even the blue flames flickered awkwardly.
Mary, Gwen, and MJ all stared with jealous, envious eyes—
but none could bring themselves to interrupt.
Because Rosa…
needed this moment.
Darla's eyes sparkled like fireworks.
"WOW!!
That was like in the romance movies!"
She clapped excitedly.
"If Mommy is happy, then I'm happy too!"
She ran up and hugged Rosa's leg.
"Mommy always smiles more when Arin is here!"
All the girls exhaled in relief.
He held Rosa's face gently.
"Rosa…
I don't care about age.
I care about you."
She swallowed hard, eyes watering.
"Arin…
I want to be by your side.
If the gods accept me…
I will accept their power."
Mary stepped forward, finally able to smile.
"Mom…
You deserve this too."
MJ sighed dramatically.
"Okay, that was sweet.
Gross.
But sweet."
Gwen nodded shyly.
"We're… all in this together."
Arin took Rosa's hand, lifting it toward the magic staff.
The flames glowed brighter.
Even the air felt like it held its breath.
Arin moved to the center of the chamber with Risa in his arms , his Shazam form glowing with divine power.
Mary, MJ, Gwen, and Darla watched with wide eyes.
Arin raised his right hand—
Lightning gathered in his palm like a living serpent.
CRACKLE—CRACK—THOOM!!
The cave trembled as ancient magic stirred.
A pulse of golden energy spread across the floor—
Waking something old.
Something sacred.
A deep rumble echoed.
And then—
From the center pedestal…
A beam of light shot upward.
The light twisted and formed into shape—
A long, ancient staff with glowing runes, topped with a bold lightning-shaped head.
The Wizard's Staff.
The same staff used to choose champions…
to grant power.
It floated gently, humming with ancient power.
Mary, MJ, and Gwen instinctively stepped back.
Rosa covered her mouth in awe.
Darla's eyes sparkled like bursting stars.
Even the statues seemed to bow slightly.
Arin reached out—
And the staff flew into his hand, obeying its new master.
The moment he touched it—
Lightning exploded outward.
KRAAAAK—WHOOOM!!
Golden streaks lit up the cave walls.
The symbols carved into the stone glowed.
The staff pulsed in his grip, accepting him.
Mary whispered:
"He… he really is the Champion…"
MJ nodded shakily.
"That power… it's insane…"
Rosa looked at him with soft, stunned admiration.
"Arin… my love…"
Gwen whispered:
"I've never seen anything like this…"
Arin's eyes glowed white with divine power.
He spoke—his voice deeper, echoing like thunder:
"By the will of the gods…
and the power of Shazam…
I offer you safety, strength, and destiny."
The staff crackled with electricity.
Darla giggled excitedly.
"It's like a magic wand!"
MJ muttered:
"Magic wand that can blow up a mountain…"
Mary held her breath.
Rosa took a small step forward, her resolve firm.
Arin raised the staff high.
"The ritual begins."
The cave shook.
Golden lightning formed a circle around him and the girls.
He looked at each of them—
Arin smiled gently.
"You're not alone anymore.
None of you."
The lightning wrapped tighter—
The staff glowing brighter—
This was the moment destiny opened its gates.
This was where heroes were born.