Chapter Text
Lightning flashed, briefly lighting up the dark alleyway. Billy glanced warily at the sky. A storm was rolling in and if he didn't find shelter soon he'd be in real trouble. Fawcett City was known for its storms, and tonight’s promised to be a bad one.
He distantly remembered a time when he feared nothing more than a thunderstorm, a time when he'd run for the safety of his parents’ bed at the first rumble of thunder.
That was a luxury he hadn't had for a long time.
But he couldn't leave yet. Not until he had what he needed.
The first drops of rain fell from the sky, staining his sweater an even darker shade of red. His hood did little to keep him dry but he kept it up anyways.
Billy ducked down, rummaging through his bag until he felt a smooth stone between his fingers. He brought it up to his face, its warm golden glow the only bit of light he had to cling too.
Holding it above his head, he held his breath, waiting for the next bolt of lightning to strike.
One. Two. Three…
“Shazam,” he whispered.
Then the alley was filled with light.