The cave had quieted.
The training, the power, the excitement—all of it settled into a calm warmth.
Arin looked at his team—
Mary, MJ, Rosa, Gwen, and Darla—
each now able to transform at will.
He took a deep breath and spoke with a steady, serious tone:
"Listen carefully.
There's something important you all must follow."
Everyone straightened immediately.
Mary stepped closer.
Gwen folded her arms.
MJ narrowed her eyes, interested.
Rosa held Darla close.
Even Darla looked serious this time.
Arin continued:
"No one must know our identities.."
His eyes glowed briefly, showing how much this meant.
"If the world learns who we are, villains will target you…
and anyone connected to you."
The girls exchanged worried glances.
Gwen, already used to secrecy, nodded first.
"That's the same rule I follow as Spiderghost.
He's right.
If our faces get out, we're done."
Mary bit her lip.
"So… we keep everything hidden?"
Arin nodded.
"We live normal lives.
Go to school.
Stay with our families.
No one should suspect anything."
MJ crossed her arms but agreed.
"Yeah… if they find Rosa… or Darla… or any of us…
It'll be chaos."
Darla raised her hand with a tiny "me too" expression.
"We keep it secret so we can help people without putting them in danger?"
Arin smiled warmly.
"Exactly right, Darla."
Rosa stepped forward, placing her hand over Arin's.
Her voice was soft but firm.
"I will follow whatever you decide.
Arin gently squeezed her hand.
"I swear I will."
Then he looked at all of them.
His voice echoed through the cave with command and care:
"From this moment on, we are a family o.
But the world cannot know that.
Our identities stay hidden—
so we can protect others… and each other."
One by one, the girls placed their hands over Arin's.
Darla, even climbing up on her toes to reach.
"Agreed," Mary whispered.
"Always," Gwen added.
"Fine," MJ muttered.
Rosa smiled softly.
"We follow your lead, Arin."
Darla nodded vigorously.
"Lightning family secret!"
Arin felt something warm swell in his chest.
This was more than just a team.
This was his family.
Thinking so he start training their power so let them get them familiar with them.
......
After training, everyone finally took a moment to breathe.
The air in the Cave of Eternity was calm.
The blue flames flickered softly.
Power still hummed through the stone walls, but the atmosphere felt peaceful.
Mary stretched.
MJ sat on a floating rock.
Rosa comforted a sleepy Darla in her lap.
Gwen walked around quietly, observing every ancient carvin—
every symbol, every forgotten mural.
Then her eyes fell on something that stood out:
Seven large stone thrones, carved from the mountain itself above a rising platform.
Six were arranged in a wide arc—
and one sat higher at the center.
Gwen pointed at them.
"Arin… what are these thrones for?"
Everyone turned toward Arin.
He stood, resting the staff against his shoulder, and smiled softly.
"These are the Seven Thrones of Eternity.
Seats for the Seven Champions."
He stepped toward them and traced a hand over the central throne.
"This center throne is for the High Champion—
the one chosen first."
Mary tilted her head.
"So… that's you?"
Arin nodded.
"Technically, yes.
But… this isn't about rank.
These thrones aren't for power—
they're for family."
MJ raised an eyebrow.
"Okay but… we're only four champions so far."
Arin chuckled.
"And still plenty of seats left."
He gestured to the thrones.
"Come. Sit."
Mary approached first, sitting on the seat marked with a faint golden glow.
MJ sat beside her, sparks crackling between her fingers.
Rosa gently lowered herself on a throne, still in awe.
Darla jumped onto her throne excitedly.
Gwen remained standing.
Even though she smiled for the others…
her eyes grew a little distant.
She was strong.
She was powerful.
She had her own abilities…
But she still felt like she wasn't part of this group.
She stepped back slowly.
"I… don't belong in one of these.
I'm not a Shazam champion…"
Arin looked at her for a long moment.
Then he stood, walked toward Gwen, took her hand gently—
And guided her forward.
She tensed, confused.
"Arin…? What are you—"
He sat on his throne.
Then pulled Gwen down—
gently—
onto his lap.
Her body went stiff in shock.
"Arin—!! W–Wait—!! Everyone is watching—!!"
Mary's cheeks flushed.
MJ smirked.
Rosa giggled softly.
Darla gasped dramatically.
Arin held Gwen's waist so she didn't fall.
Then he leaned closer and kissed her softly—
a warm, brief kiss on her cherry-colored lips.
Nothing excessive.
Just a tender, affectionate touch.
When he pulled back, he whispered:
"Gwen… just because you're not a Shazam champion
doesn't mean you're not part of us."
She blinked rapidly—
eyes shimmering.
Arin lifted her chin slightly.
"You're my partner.
My loved one.
My family.
You stand with us—always."
Gwen's breath hitched.
"…Arin…"
He kissed her forehead softly.
"You don't need a throne.
You can sit here.
With me."
Everyone's hearts melted.
Mary smiled.
MJ rolled her eyes with a grin.
Rosa looked touched.
Darla whispered loudly:
"GWEN IS A PRINCESS ON ARIN'S LAP!!"
Gwen buried her burning face into Arin's shoulder, embarrassed but deeply happy.
"…Fine…
I'll stay here."
Arin wrapped one arm around her shoulders gently.
The cave lights glowed warmer than before.
A new family.
A new team.
Sitting together on the Thrones of Eternity.