The Underworld Unsealed (VII)

"No, I came here to deal with you."

"Now that's a surprise. I thought you'd take my side." The demon Nero smiled. "Fine, I admit I never quite figured you out. Back when Jesus was killed, did I tempt you, or did you play me?"

Phantom Stranger said nothing. He simply watched Nero in silence. Their battle had already begun.

"Who is that guy, anyway?" Shazam asked curiously. "Is he really Judas?"

"No idea. He's a mysterious one." Roland shook his head. "Unknown origins, strange movements, and nobody knows what he's trying to accomplish."

"Some say he's Judas. Others say he's Longinus. And in the Divine Comedy, there's a group of angels accepted by neither Heaven, lest they sully its purity, nor Hell, because even sinners look down on them. That might be referring to him," Merlin said.

"Amazing," Shazam marveled. "But why are they just standing there staring at each other?"

"At that distance, they're either going to fight or kiss," Dead Servant remarked.

"Their battle has already begun, but their power is beyond our understanding," Constantine said. "Though, logically, with Solomon's wisdom, you should be able to see it—" Shazam turned his head away. Why did this guy have to be so annoying?

"Because you really haven't been using my wisdom properly," King Solomon's voice sounded in Shazam's mind. "Let me help you understand their battle."

"Oh." In Shazam's eyes, powerful waves of energy erupted around Nero and Phantom Stranger, unfolding in patterns so intricate they almost made his vision blur.

"Who's winning?" Constantine asked Merlin.

"I can't tell." Merlin shook his head. "Their mastery of magic far exceeds mine."

In midair, neither Nero nor Phantom Stranger had moved, but Phantom Stranger's hat gradually began to crumble, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

"Well?" Nero sneered.