15941/The Sound of Silence

The Sound of Silence
Date of Scene:	25 September 2023
Location:	Rock of Eternity
Synopsis:	Belinda proves she too can raise spirits in her own way.
Cast of Characters:	Billy Batson, Belinda Gutierrez

---

Billy Batson has posed:
Philadelphia. Three years ago young Billy Batson was sorely tested by Dr. Sivana and the Seven. So he did the right thing: empowering his siblings to deal with them. Billy and Shazam grew a lot in those three years. he'd still call the others if he could get a moment to use his phone.

Anger moves off his pedestal screaming, "You take that crap from a lousy witch! Who does she think she is?" Anger is reduced to dust and shadows by Zeus' lightning. Envy scuttles toward him and Billy kicks him into his niche. Shazam crouches, eyes glowing with electricity. "Next one who moves gets his head blown off. Who's next?"

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
It is a quiet thing, in this Nexus of Power. The impact of one magic upon that of the Rock is like trying to measure the effect adding the water of a puddle would have to the depths of the ocean. Yet, however small, the ripples are there.

"Buen dias!" comes the rough, growly, throaty call. THe greeting is poresaged by her arrival; Belinda, Silverdane, comes from the World of Man to the Rock of Eternity, and -- true to form -- changes anew, effortlessly, a ripple as though human shape were the illusion, washed free in the silent, pure waters of the Place of Power's embrace.

"I brought cornbread!" Beli-dane announces, domino mask removed, placed in a pouch as she steps forth. "Is someone else here?"

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam answers with a burst of thunder and lightning. Not merely waiting for the enemies to move. He begins blasting them with what surely must be painful to lupine ears. Lightning explodes five times. Shazam himself is a blazing figure of while light. Then it is over. Except for the red of his uniform being replaced with white. There is a moment of oppression, like to swelling air before a storm, then the bubble bursts and it is quiet.

Shazam turns to Belinda and says, "Did you say cornbread? Is Nettie coming?"

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Thunder and lightning. Sound and light. And the scent of ozone-- the smell of water too, as there should be a storm to accompany such wrath, raining down in a pelting maelstrom of watery javelins, liquid darts, aquaeous arrows! Enough to deafesn, and Silverdane hides a grimace, a wince; shaking it off, she rallies, stalks forward, confidence bolstered as her ears perk in interest.

"Hola!" she calls, teeth hidden as she grins cheerfully. Offering a simple Tupperware bowl, the shallow container covered with tinfoil. "I do not think so. There have been some troubles with mustard see-- er, Eye of Newt --and she has bee nspeaking with one of our suppliers to find the source of the troubles and poor quality." She grins ruefully, chucklling as she tilts her head appreciatively. "Changing costume? Muy brillante!"

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam gives Silverdane's cheek a tickle. "Oh... it happened again. This happens when I access a lot of power to put down evil magic. I go all white. It doesn't last though. Consider this my formal wear. Sooo, the portal made you change? See if you can change back? I want to see if I fixed your problem. I curtained off an area there if you need it to change clothes or whatever. Zeus is very big on showing hospitality to guests, especially those bearing cornbread."

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
The great wolf giggles-- giggles! --nodding as she hands over the simple plate. She dips her head solemnly, straightening her features as much as she can. "May good things come to Alta Reyal, and all of those with him and you," she states formally, trying to be solemn. Trying.

The effect is somewhat ruined by fiercely fanning tail.

"I did bring something Mrs. Crowe introduced me to. Clotted cream?" She steps back, pursing her lips as she bows her head nervously. "It is a bit sweet, but very good. Like honey butter..." She trails off as she brings her hands together, pressing palm to palm. Focus. Concentrate. Seconds stretching out towards infinity.

"...it is there," she murmurs, quiet voice as her eyes squeeze firmly, breath even. "Like.... walking through deep snow. Molasses. Thick syrup. I can reach to it, touch it--" Hands shiver, fur thinning along her arms. A whisper of muscle, flesh, shimmering.... Snappiung back like a whipsaw, drawing a chuff of surprise from the lupine.

"And... then, comes back," she adds, grimacing. She turns her head, mumbling briefly as she reaches, presses her jaw with a faint, gentle *crunch* of sound. "Dislocated," she adds, grinning apologetically. "Every time one changes!"

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam adjusts to Belinda's new eye level. Then he gingerly hugs the girl. "At least you can change here. You look very cute still wearing your uniform. I would normally change back to Billy to be polite, but... I'm still keeping an eye on those creeps. Okay let me get us some water and plates and such." He releases Belinda. Wonders does she need slippers? The floor is stone here and a little cold. Where to find slippers? Darla probably.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda sighs with relis-- COLD. Cold *feet*! Rising up on tiptoe, she runs her hand through her hair, wild tresses brought under a semblance of control as she laughs quietly. She spares the near Enemies Statues a glance, a silent stare. Stepping back, instinctively away from them, back to one side. Spooky things.

"Is the Rock always so chilly?" she asks, ginger steps as she retrieves the plate, moviung up alongsdie. Pausing as she takes a longer glance. "You are *tall* like this!" she exclaims. And, because she can, reaching up to ruffle hair teasingly as she grins.

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam yeps. Not boots for werefoofs. Then he blurs away from Belinda. A portal activates. The blur comes back before the portal closes. Shazam holds up a couple pairs of thick socks from Billy's dresser. In fact he returns fast enough to receive the rest of the roffle. Then He picks Belinda up and carries her to a throne, plopping her down and handing the balled socks over. After she's's seated, he drapes his cloak over her, which is surprisingly warm. "You are officially my best female friend... and yeah, we're all tall... sort of. Well little sis is around your height but she's's due for a growth spurt. But uhm Thunderbolt's SO said that she's a little in awe. She's looking down at sis and then she's becomes Thunderbolt and girlfriend is looking up. Here's how's this?"

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
"Thank you!" Belinda exclaims, laughing with joy as she accepts the warm socks. Wooly, thick-- warm scent, as she basks in a momentary tingle! And /whirlwind!/ Speed! Swiftness!

"Woah--!" she exclaims, exhaling with a sudden, sharp rush. "That-- very fast!" she adds, eyes widening with warm delight. She shifts up on the great stone chair (throne, *throne*, not chair!), drawing her feet up to her before she slips on of the knee-high socks. She wriggles her toes within the wooly enclosure reflexively, beaming before she draws her legs beneath her. Daintily! Mostly. Doing best to preserve modesty!

"Are they--" She gestures towards the more distant Statues, ugly and grotesque and *still* drawing a jangle along the nerves. "--giving you trouble?" She leans forward, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Because if they need to be bitten, I totally know someone who could--!"

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam jerks his head back. "I think I have them in line. If they make any moves, bite away! But really, you're helping just being here. Your magic helps the Rock's magic. You get me settled and that's a big help. This was my fault. I did a dumb thing and hugged Nettie to make a point. It threw me and they thought it was time to test me. I passed. But wow, that curse of hers. I wish I could help her." He goes to get Belinda her plate, and a few more pillows. His throne is sort of austere. Unless he knows Irie is coming.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda nods sadly, a sigh saying volumes as she shifts in place. "Me too," she agrees, "But even if knew where to begin, would it be right to try?" Her face scrunches up, souring as if she had just bitten into a lemon. "On the one hand-- nobody should have to endure such things, for so long. But on the other-- literaly divine punishment. Or was it something she accepted as part of trying to cast her spell, or do... whatever it was she tried to do?"

She sighs, brow furrowed in thought. "I would not want to make things worse in trying to fix them. So, leaving it as it is..." She snorts, grumbling. "It bites. Mucho!"

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam puts an arm around Belinda's shoulder, as much for himself as her. "Here's the thing, with all her saying it was the price she pays for magic, helping people is the PRICE I PAY for my magic. All the people she's helped... that counts for nothing? It's not right."

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda leans in, head to shoulder as she sighs wistfully. "Maybe we need to find a Magical Lawyer to plead her case!" she half-jokes, chuffing with a rueful grin. "But that might be releasing a more terrible plauge upon the world. MAGICAL LAWYERS." She waggles her fingers ominously, a giggle barely kept in check as she bites her lip. "They work through magical loopholes! Undo demonic contracts! Send the Forces of Unspeakable Unspeakables back to their 9th dimensional rooms because they did not fill out the immigration paperwork properly!"

She cups her hands over her mouth, quivering with glee as she fights back laughter. "Is that something one would ask King Solomon to take retainer for? Wisdom and law!"

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam proves he is not invulnerable, as he burst into laughter. He hopes Belinda follows suit. Laughter keeps the Seven at bay. "Solomon had great wisdom, too much to deal with courts. He dealt in justice. Subtle difference. Well, I'm doing research with Steve. He's not that into demonic pacts but he's hard at it. Broom told him not to let me try to undo it but, maybe we can figure something out. Doesn't hurt to research. This cornbread is delicious by the way." Why yes, there must have been a blur in there as he grabbed a piece for himself.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda beams, warm pleasure thrumming from her heart as she nods. Food-- the best way of dealing with all ills! "It is an old family recipe," she explains, sighing wistfully. "The cornmeal is a bit harder to find here in New York; every so often, mi madre sends a baggie from home. I return it to her when it is all used, so we can... save the baggy again. Clean it out first, let it dry, do such things to keep it sanitary and good. Such things."

She folds the foil back (HEY, already opened!), letting the faintly warm smell drift up and through the air, a dance of deliciousness carried on the air. "Mmm. Meanwhile-- thinking on a project for a friend of mine, from school. She graduated a wee bit ago, but she likes jackets, leather, such stuffs. Was thinking about a proper collar/ruff for her jacket." She hums innocently, taking a wedge of cornbread from the platter, placing it to her plate with a wink. "Not exactly metal studs and spikes and such, but she might like it, no? Though no idea how to sew, so just might give the materials. o not know!"

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam nods. "I'd be glad to make a flight for cornmeal for you, Or even bring you for a visit, if I get a slow day. My sister Mary is into cosplay. She might be able to sew. I'm not sure. HEY! STEVE, do we have any research on sewing?" The stylus springs up from the desk and scritches on a sheet of paper that flies to Shazam's hand.

//Youtube??//

Shazam nods.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda turns a lovely shade of rose, cheeks blossoming as she cradles her hand over her mouth, soft sounds slipping through her fingers that sound *suspiciously* giggleworthy!

(...don't laugh, don't laugh, don't laugh...)

"Methinks Maestro Agula is very wise," she says reverently, bowing her head towards the twirling stylus, a sideglance at the paper drawing another quivering fit of giggle-sounds. "I shall have to ask sometime if he did ever help with someone else's experiments, or wriuting, note-taking, and such! When I do my experiments, Mr. Stadler-- one of my instructors --he always said that its is very important to keep notes, to write down everything that you did, the results, and these things. If someone tried to reproduce your experiment, they could do so." She nods gravely, folding her hands to her lap. Exhaling with a long, slow rush. "Thank you. I shall ask, if the time comes. BUt cornmeal can come through the mail; what you do as Le Hombre de Trueno, of Thunder, that is much more important! I can wait to make good things." She reaches up, giving a good-natured nudge with her elbow. "You do many things that are greater, in needs answered. I do not mind. Thank you!"

She pauses, lips twitching. "...I am magical?"

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam tries not to laugh at the absurdness of the question. "Aside from being a werewolf? Of course you are. You make everyone feel better, just being you. You are positive enough to make the Seven back off. You (don't laugh, William!) bring off this outfit really well, cape and all. Of course you're magical. Just don't let the cape hit the floor when you walk. It's a little big on you. Not that it'd get dirty, it's just a respect thing."

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda giggles, breaking into a peal of laughter! She leans back again the stone of the throne, brushing away a tear as she quivers with reverent mirth. "I hope I will always be that way!" she says with a smile, quieting after a thought as she sighs. "Or... perhaps not." She pauses for a few seconds, fingertip stirring beneath her plate as she considers.

"Let me change that. I would *like* to, but remaining that way forever would be... It would be less useful, in time." She glanecvs up, focusing her gaze fully on the shadwed Statues, lurking in their recesses along the wall. She sets her plate aside, pressing off from the throne; footsteps move quietly, whisper-soft tread as she moves closer, look becomiong stern.

"Because a wise person once said, that for evil people to do terrible, terrible things... Good people would have to do nothing. Bury their heads in the sand, ignoring all that was wrong around them, hoping that it would go away." She crosses her arms, staring up, over at the Seven Statues, glowering firmly.

"People can do many bad things. But they can do many good things too. El Hombre de Acero, Superman, he did not come fully made and kind and good. He lived here, lives here, and the good things we have as people, he shares, presents, inspires. El Capitan Americano. Long ago, in a most terrible time, and he inspoired, protected, helped where he could." She grins, eyes gleaming. "THey were dark, dark times, and so many lost their way. But found it too, for even in the darkest places-- there is light. That is why they are stars!"

She points her finger, jerking it to each stoney thing in turn. "And that is just one reason why we keep on keeping on. We stumble, and fall, and skin our knees. But we get up again. We help others when they think they cannot rise, cannot move." Her fingers stabs out, a spearing lance simple in the air.

"And that is why wicked things will always fail!

Billy Batson has posed:
Shazam hugs Belinda. "Make me a promise, right now. No matter how grown up heroic you become, no matter what battles you fight, you will always make cornbread and laugh when you get a chance. Healing the spirit from THOSE things is not done by punching and fighting. I mean, my siblings did a lot of healing of me, when I started to let them, as well as Victor and Rosa. It made me a better person. I mean hell, if Nettie can still have fun and smile, what business do we have saying everything is pain and we'll be grim all the time."

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
A grin is her answer, laughter her affirmation. Belinda leans back into Shazam, folding her arms up beneath his as she hugs back, a quick nod rising. "Deal," she agrees, sighing with pleasure. "Just do not fall back into the idea that you must do all these things, everything, all by yourself! We have siblings, familia, amigos and friends all. What are we ther efor, if not to catch each other when we fall?"

She squeezes, exhaling with warm bliss. "Mmmm. Cornbread. I should have brought more cornbread! Next time. Next time!"