When on High

Krypton, the world first colonized by the Anunnaki.

The Igigi - Kryptonians, as you guys better know them.

The Igigi were useful. Smart and resourceful.

They served the Anunnaki well.

But, as happens to all servitude people… they rebelled.

Marduk showed no mercy. He eradicated the whole of Krypton.

The God of Gods then heard: how several Kryptonians had escaped the destruction of Krypton.

Marduk would not let this insult stand.

So he mobilized the whole of his army - the Umman Manda and Sebitti, and set course straight towards Earth.

Marduk too would also like a word with his son…

All was peaceful.

No villain stirred.

Joker was behind bars.

Luthor was in his office; rolling some kryptonite between his palm, whilst Cheetah was sharpening her claws. All these villains were paid no mind, as the Watchtower had picked up Marduk's armada.

Green Lantern: Hal Jordan, was the first one to jump into action. But he obviously stood no chance. Several heroes tried to keep the invaders at bay… each of them were merely postponing the inevitable, as the fleet appeared within Earth's orbit. The people panicked, something they were rather used to at this point in time. Having been invaded by both Darkseid and Brainiac.

But Marduk was no Darkseid nor Brainiac. He was something far worse. The people were truly panicking, as the Umman Manda were wreaking havoc across the city. The Sebitti were making quick work of some of the more notable heroes: from Flash to Martian Manhunter - each Sebitti being the equivalent of one Superman. Batman was in a panic, not that he showed it. Several A-listers were taken out. He had no contingencies for such a scenario. Bruce was betting everything on Superman, Wonder Woman, and Dr. Fate.

The good doctor appeared through a portal, but so too did Marduk.

Dr. Fate swirled around.

" Father. "

" Boy. " growled Ricky Whittle as Marduk, as he towered over his son.

Dr. Fate was about to attack, to no avail, as Marduk raised his hand over his son.

" This Egyptian phase is over. "

The gauntleted hand made contact with the helmet. Dr. Fate shook convulsively, as his whole appearance changed. Gone were the Egyptian characteristics; replaced by Mesopotamian regalias. The most noteworthy Mesopotamian feature of all was that of the helmet: bearing a close resemblance to Sargon's Death Mask.

Batman was really worried now, betting everything on Superman and Wonder Woman.

Dr. Fate, now Bêl Fate, had joined his father in taking over Earth.

Marduk beheld Wonder Woman as she approached. Diana was wielding Artemis' Arrow - the javelin which never missed, and always returned right back to its wielder. Arrows coated with the blood of Nessus and the Hydra. Pandarus' Bow. Wonder Woman too was wearing Hippolyta's Belt of Strength. Aeolus' Wind bag and Syrinx - Amphion's flute, were both dangling from her hip.

(Diana also wears: The Necklace of Harmonia, but more on that in a future story.)

Marduk, wearing his Anunnaki armor, and Wonder Woman decked out in her Spartan attire, stood before one another.

Marduk, Imhullu in hand, and Wonder Woman Artemis' Arrow at the ready, looked upon one another.

Marduk held out his fist before Wonder Woman.

Diana accepted by bumping fists with the God of Gods. Their fists then clashed, blowing half of Marduk's armor right off. Wonder Woman saw how he was smiling. She too smiled. And then the clash began.

Back and forth they went, the Earth barely able to withstand their battle. No word was spoken, their fists doing all the talking.

Wonder Woman shot her arrows. The poison had no effect on him, it did not even slow him down. Diana was growing desperate. Her javelin seemed to tickle him, and her Belt of Strength could only do so much. Wonder Woman then took out her Lasso of Truth. She managed to get onto Marduk's back, wrapping the lasso around his neck.

" The Lasso compels you! " roared Diana; " yield! "

Wonder Woman's blood froze, as Marduk calmly turned his head towards her.

" No. "

" Great Her- "

Marduk took hold of the lasso, swinging Wonder Woman here and there.

Diana was bloody, but far from beaten. She took off her bracelets, letting her godliness course through veins. She charged Marduk, with hot, glowing eyes. Marduk finally took notice of her blows… but it was too little, too late. Marduk grabbed her by the throat, slamming her into the pavement, cracking the ground for miles.

Wonder Woman's arms fell limply to the ground, her eyes no longer glowing. Marduk stepped out of the crater he had made. He turned towards her, looking upon the defeated Goddess before him. Marduk nodded respectfully, then moved on with his conquests.

Superman approached his dear and old friend.

" Kent. "

No words were spoken, as Superman merely looked upon the glowing eyes within the Sargonic helmet.

" Please don't make me do this. "

Bêl Fate snapped his fingers: magical swords flew directly towards Superman.

Superman managed to dodge most of them, but one did manage to scratch him.

Despite the size, Superman could clearly feel the wound.

" Magic… "

Bêl Fate came closer, realizing that he had the advantage. Several magical doves halted his progress by exploding in his face. Bêl Fate was obviously unharmed, and as the smoke cleared; one of Superman's oldest and dearest friends walked forward: Zatara.

" Let me take it from here, Clark. "

" But- "

" You're needed elsewhere - Zatara paused uncomfortably - Diana is down… "

Superman understood, and flew off.

Zatara and Bêl Fate, these two titans of the magical arts: faced one another.

" You dare presume: that you are my equal? " said Bêl Fate.

" I presume nothing. I am your superior. "

" I am a God, you mere mortal! Son of the God of Gods! "

Zatara smirked.

" Reveilebnon a ot dog a si tahw. " said Zatara, as he tipped his hat.

Bêl Fate growled.

The Umman Manda soldiers made way for their King: Marduk. One of them pointed up at the sky.

Look!

It's a bird!

It's a plane!

" It's Superman. " growled Marduk, as he caught Superman's flying fist.

" Igigi. "

" Pardon? " said Superman, confused.

" It is the name of your people. "

" My ma and pa are from Kansas. "

" I meant: your biological parents. "

(this whole conversation took place while Marduk still had Superman's fist within his grasp.)

" They were Kryptionians. "

" A title they bestowed on themselves later. We, your creators, designated you as: Igigi. "

Superman flew back, Marduk having released his grip.

" Creators? "

" Indeed. We made you. Or to be more specific: my father made you. From our blood. Anunnaki blood. "

Superman was still skeptical.

" Then what destroyed us? "

" Me. "

" Pardon? "

" The Igigi grew rebellious, your father especially. And just like with Tiamat: I was sent in to deal with the problem. "

" By destroying us? "

(Superman was half-believing what Marduk was saying.)

" By eradicating you, yes. "

Marduk's whole demeanor became serious.

" Your very existence is a slight upon my honor. " he paused; " I aim to rectify that. '' a smirk befell his face; " I might keep the other one alive - referring to Supergirl - she will do nicely as a bedslav- "

Superman punched Marduk straight in the face, holding nothing back.

(Marduk was asking for it.)

Superman froze, as Marduk merely giggled.

" That tickled. "

Marduk sent Superman flying with a punch of his own. Superman got up, then noticed a shadow upon him. Superman looked up to see Marduk coming down straight towards him. Marduk made contact, slamming Superman into the ground; causing earthquakes for miles. The God of Gods took hold of Superman's face, and then lifted him up.

" Die. '' growled Marduk, as he tightened his grip.

Several bullets made contact with Marduk's back. He was obviously unharmed, he then looked on as Batman flew by within the Batwing. Batman looked ahead, as a Sebitti had landed in front of the cockpit.

" Get off. " said Batman, as he turned the Batwing up-side-down. The Sebitti was still there.

" Hm. "

Superman saw how the Batwing crashed into a nearby building.

" Good riddance. "

Marduk howled in pain, as Superman took hold of his wrist, and then proceeded to crush it. The Man of Steel sent the God of Gods flying with a punch of his own. Superman spoke these words, as he approached Marduk:

" I feel like I live in a world made of cardboard. Always taking constant care not to break something. To break someone. Never allowing myself to lose control, even for a moment, or someone could die. " Clark smiled; " what we have here is a rare opportunity - Superman made a fist - for me to really cut loose! "

Superman pummeled the living daylights out of Marduk. Bloody and beaten, the God of Gods got up to yell:

" I am the unstoppable force, the immovable object! "

Superman got mere inches away from his face.

" And I: am Superman-"

Punch!

Marduk was sent flying, till he eventually crash landed into the face of a skyscraper.

Bêl Fate looked on in horror.

" Ada… "

" Kent! "

Superman tried to stop him, but Bêl Fate teleported away. Superman took care of the Sebitti, whilst the other heroes managed to take down the Umman Manda.

Marduk was put away; put under the watch and care of Amanda Waller.

The bound Marduk and Warden locked eyes with one another, as if having a silent dialogue with each other.

I am a god, you mere mortal!

Amanda smirked.

Please. All you are is another inmate.

Batman was unharmed. Because: he was Batman.

Diana was bloody, and had several broken ribs, but she recovered: she is badass like that.

Superman could not be sure if Marduk had spoken the truth: that he and Supergirl, and others like them, were actually Igigi, made by the Anunnaki.

Clark realized: that it did not matter.

He knew who he was: he was a kid from Kansas.

Superman decided to pay his ma and pa a visit.

Why America May Go to Hell

The child covered his ears, as the sky roared and the earth shook. The desolation halted, as the metal birds disappeared from within the sky. The boy finally opened his eyes, and beheld the ruin and desolation.

His home was nothing more than dust. He had a clear view of the ashened sky. The smell of death and soot was strong in the wind. He was completely alone in the middle of his once home. He looked around, worried.

" Ommi… "

A voice cried out:

" Muhammad, Muhammad! "

The boy turned around, to look upon an arm shooting out from all the rubble.

" Ommi! "

The boy held her hand to his cheek.

The mother smiled, grateful to see her child alive.

" Alhamdulillah… you're alive. "

The trapped mother gently stroked her child's tear-stained-cheek. The joy quickly turned to terror as jets could be heard overhead.

" Run! "

" I won't leave you… "

BOOM!

The earth shook once more, as armageddon fell once again. When the boy opened his eyes once more, he saw how his mother had shielded him with her free arm. The boy cried even more, as Malik ul-Maut had his due.

He then felt a hand on his shoulder.

Had the Angel of Death come for him as well?

The boy's heart was in his throat.

" Child. " said a gentle voice.

The boy decided to meet death as a friend.

He turned around to face the Friend of God. That was when a warm, wrinkled, bearded face met him instead.

" Never thought that Azrael would have a beard, " said the boy; " oh well. I am ready. "

The old man giggled.

" I am happy to say it: your time has yet to come. "

The boy took a step back.

" If not the Angel of Death… who are you? "

" Merely an old man, who wants to help. "

The boy now took in all of the stranger. He was dressed in ropes, he did not recognize. The old man was seemingly holding himself up with the help of a staff. And the most striking feature of all… was those eyes. Eyes that had seen much… maybe too much.

" Who are you? "

The old man giggled, and then said:

" Utnapishtim, they called me long ago, but I fear that that name is long forgotten. "

" Utnapishtim… " the boy tasted the word in his mouth. It was not a name he was familiar with; " what- how did you get here? "

" It is unfair, is it not? " said Utnapishtim, ignoring the boy's question; " what they are doing to you. "

The boy ignored Utnapishtim for a moment, as he beheld the darkened sky. The darkness was not caused by night, but by columns of smoke; brought forth from all the burning houses and corpses.

" They are scared. "

" Of you. "

" I am no treat. "

" They are scared of what you might become. "

" A murderer? "

" A terrorist. "

" What's the difference? "

" Well, " said Utnapishtim, amused by the boy's questioning; " a murderer murders based on preference. A terrorist happily lays down his life in honor of the cause he thinks is noble. "

The boy looked down at his own feet.

" There is no nobility in any of this… there is only death. "

Utnapishtim closely examined the trembling child before him.

" What do you intend to do? "

The boy looked up at Utnapishtim.

" I wish to give the President of the invading soldiers: a piece of my mind. "

Utnapishtim beheld the foolish, but brave, child.

" I might be able to help with that. "

The boy looked on, as Utnapishtim vanished within some nearby shadow. The boy was flabbergasted. But he soon followed along.

They were now standing within a cavernous cave. The boy awed at the massive ship they were approaching. The two of them halted near the bridge leading up to the ark-like-ship.

" I can and will help… but, " Utnapishtim paused; " you must first pass a test of mine. "

" Name it. " said the boy without any hesitation.

" Good. " thought Utnapishtim; " but let us see if word matches deed. You must stay awake for seven nights, and seven days. "

The boy did not utter a single word. He merely sat down, looking up at Utnapishtim.

Day one went by with Utnapishtim's wife bringing out a loaf of bread. She brought another loaf the day after. Then on the third day. The Fourth day. Till we finally arrive on the seventh day. Utnapishtim beheld the seven loaves of bread to his side. He then beheld the determined boy sitting before him.

(The sound of anguish and death had kept him awake the whole time.)

" Very well. " said Utnapishtim; " I shall make good on our deal. "

Light emanated from Utnapishtim's staff, engulfing everything in sight. When the boy was able to open his eyes, his breath caught in his throat.

Before him stood gigantic, herculean beings. Some with beards. One was monstrous. Some had wings. And all of them wore horned crowns.

" My God… " uttered the boy.

" Gods. " corrected Utnapishtim.

" What? "

" The Anunnaki. Gods of this land, long ago. "

" Forgotten gods… pagan gods… idols. "

" What was that! " exclaimed Zababa.

The force of the exclamation sent the boy flying to his ass.

" Calm yourself, Zababa. " said Adad.

Zababa scoffed, as the boy got back up.

" Aiëë… "

" Utnapishtim, " said Anu; " who have you brought before us? "

" My Lord; I have brought: Mâr lā Mammâna. "

" Who? " said the boy, as that was not his name.

" You - the son of a nobody. "

" She was somebody! " exclaimed the boy, hotly; " she was my Ommi… "

The gods and Utnapishtim beheld the child.

" He has a fire within him. " said Shamash.

" A storm too. " said Marduk.

" Rage as well. " said Humbaba.

Anu beheld the child closely.

" Utnapishtim. Do you vouch for him? "

Utnapishtim looked back at the boy. He couldn't explain it, but he saw great potential within him.

" I do, my Lord. "

" Very well then. Let us begin. "

" Begin wha- "

Before the boy was able to finish; all the gods said in one voice:

" You shall have the Sun of Shamash. The Strength of Humbaba. The Wisdom of Anu. The Zeal of Zababa. The Storm of Adad, and the Might of Marduk. Simply utter the word, and we shall answer your summons. "

A blinding light engulfed the child. He found himself standing within a field near his home. He was outside. It was cold, as the boy wrapped his arms around his Superman shirt.

" 'Simply utter the word, and we shall answer your summons'... what word? "

It was as if Utnapishtim whispered in his ear:

" Shazam. "

" Shazam? "

The lightning bolt made contact.

The boy, who was no longer a boy, arose in his new form. He was much taller, now inhabiting an adult body. His costume highlighted his herculean physique, and unlike Billy Batson's red and white color scheme. The boy's hero outfit was blue and gold. He wore a lyre bull-head as a belt buckle. And the Mesopotamian forked lightning bolt was emblazoned on his chest.

" Holy moly… " uttered the boy, in a much deeper voice. The boy then realized that his feet weren't even touching the ground; " mashallah… "

" What have we here? "

The boy turned to look upon: Black Adam.

The villain representing the Egyptian pantheon stood face-to-face with Captain Ramman(the name the boy would later give himself.)

" A new one? " said Black Adam, intrigued, it was no longer just him and Billy Batson; " what do you intend to do with all that power? "

Captain Ramman indeed felt powerful, as if he could do anything.

" I intend to give the President a piece of my mind. "

Black Adam seemed indifferent.

" You have been blessed with powers from some of the most ancient and powerful gods in all of mythology. And you intend to use words instead of might? "

" Might does not make right. "

(Utnapishtim had been right.)

Black Adam now seemed serious.

" All that power… wasted. "

Black Adam threw a punch, but Captain Ramman was able to catch it with ease, which startled Black Adam greatly.

" Interesting… " said Black Adam, sweating.

" Don't do this. " said Captain Ramman; " I will defend myself. "

Black Adam did not respond. He merely went on the offensive. Captain Ramman did not seem to struggle. Physical strength was discarded, as magical power was utilized. Black Adam then made the mistake of incinerating the house; which housed the remains of the boy's mother.

An indescribable fury took hold of Captain Ramman, who utterly demolished Black Adam.

With bloodied fists, Captain Ramman kept on punching Black Adam.

" Woah there, sport! " yelled Shazam, as he grabbed hold of Captain Ramman's arm; " that is no way to apprehend a vi- "

Shazam went flying with a single punch.

" Infidel. " said Captain Ramman through his gritted teeth, which was kinda ironic considering the source of his powers.

Back and forth he and Shazam went, causing a kind of destruction the rockets could never compete with, till all the raucous eventually gained the notice of Batman.

" Clark, you are needed. "

Shazam gripped Captain Ramman by the throat.

" Sorry… Shazam! "

" Ommi… " was all the boy managed to say, before the lightning bolt hit.

" A child? " said Black Adam, floating down, while holding his ruptured chin.

The smoke cleared, and Billy too was speechless as he got a good look at the boy.

The boy was merely on his knees, unwillingly to move, his Superman shirt flailing in the air.

Superman himself then gently flew down towards the ground.

The Man of Tomorrow immediately took charge.

" Adam, go get that jaw looked at. And Billy - Superman smiled - I will take it from here. "

" Are you sure, sir? He might transform, and we all know how weak you are against magic. "

(He wouldn't have known that if you hadn't mentioned it, Billy!)

Superman looked at Billy with a welcoming smile and warm eyes.

" Go, son. Kindness is needed, not force. "

Black Adam scoffed, but he and Billy did what they were told.

Superman knelt before the child.

" Son. "

The boy kept looking at the ground.

Superman beheld the utter desolation around him.

" I fear that saying sorry won't do any good. "

The boy looked unmoved.

Superman sighed gently. He then looked on, as the boy took out a pen and paper, the boy started writing; for his Ommi had taught him when it came to your emotions: it is better to use words than blows.

" I see. " said the Man of Steel after having read the letter; " those are some valid points. I shall personally deliver them to the President. "

The boy was taken in, and given the nickname:

Mudi.

Mudi was shy at first, but everyone made him feel welcome. So he opened up slowly.

Batman saw to his education.

Wonder Woman, wielding: Artemis' Arrow - Artemis' javelin which never misses, and always returns to its wielder, was in charge of his training.

Superman was more than happy to let him spend some time on his farm; where Mudi struck up a friendship with Jonathan and Damian.

Mudi stood in the middle of the field.

He filled his lungs with air, and then roared:

" Shamash! "

Nothing happened, as Mudi realized his mistake.

" SHAZAM! "

The Lost City of Z

Zatara's chasing-after-Fate has led him towards the Lost City of Z - the Lost City of Zababa, aptly named: because Zababa hid the city: for it houses the Tablet of Destinies.

Zatara walked up the stairs leading to the temple from whence all the magical energy was emanating.

Zatara looked on as Bêl Fate was in the midst of opening the temple doors.

" Release my friend. " said Zatara.

Bêl Fate continued his chanting.

Zatara held up his wand.

" Mih esaeler! "

The magical blast clashed with Bêl Fate's shield.

" Do you mind? "

" Simply let Kent go, and you shall have no further quarrel with me. "

Bêl Fate simply looked at him.

" I am Kent Nelson. "

" You're merely Asmodeus posing as Solomon. "

Bêl Fate giggled at that.

" You know: I taught Solomon a trick or two. - Zatara tightened the grip on his wand. - like how to deal with insignificant bugs. "

Bêl Fate summoned forth: Gala-tura and Kur-jara.

Zatara struggled greatly against these two great and powerful beings - all the while Bêl Fate continued with his spell; till at last: the gates opened.

Zatara tried desperately to stop Bêl Fate's ascension into the temple, but Gala-tura and Kur-jara occupied too much of his attention.

Bêl Fate floated within, and in the middle, upon a dais, rested the Tablet of Destinies.

" It has been far too long. "

Bêl Fate reached for the tablet, his progress was halted by one of Zatara's blasts.

" Now: it is just getting annoying. "

Zatara was panting hard.

He was not able to defeat Gala-tura and Kur-jara - he was only able to slow them down.

" I commend you, truly, but as I said before: I am a god, you mere mortal, son of the God of Gods. "

Zatara knew that he was screwed, but he only had to make sure that Bêl Fate did not get his hands on the tablet.

" Ḫulba- "

Zatara was crushed underneath Gala-tura's fist.

Bêl Fate was quiet for a moment.

" That might actually have worked… " said Bêl Fate, wondering where Zatara might have learned such a spell.

No matter.

The Tablet of Destinies was procured, but Zatara would go on to find: The Mask of Nisaba, daughter of Marduk, sister of Nabu.