There was a storm. 

It was violent, relentless, unforgiving. It tore through the streets, gathering all the loose debris in its path, the wind transforming them to bullets that darted between the drops of rain. No one dared venture out during this storm. The rain was too heavy to see through, the thunder too loud, the lighting relentless, illuminating the deep, rumbling clouds settled in the sky.

*

But there was a boy, nearby the river when the storm hit. 

He became disorientated, lost his balance, and slipped forward, smearing his favourite shirt with the mud from the riverbank. He tried to pull himself up, but his hands slipped and he was propelled forwards. He hit the water with barely a sound, for the storm was too loud. He could barely breathe through the blanket of rain smothering him, and the tug of the currents attempting to pull him under. 

He cried out, limbs flailing as he struggled to remain at the surface. He couldn't see the riverbank anymore, he didn't know which way to even try to swim to land. The boy knew that it was hopeless, that he was trapped in the river, yet his limbs struggled on. Taking a deep breath, he dove under the surface. The world suddenly became more quiet, and he could see more clearly through the water, despite the mud being stirred up from the bottom of the river. He became more calm, as the way out of the water was clear. He was going to make it. Returning to the surface for one more breath of air, he dives again, making his way towards the riverbank. He's tiring, his arms growing weaker and weaker. By the time his hands finally connect with mud, he's not sure if he can pull himself out. The more he heaves, the more the current tries to pull him back, the more the water tries to snatch him back into its embrace. 

Somewhere distant, a large bolt of lighting strikes, and the boy is finally tugged back into the depths of the river.

*

The lighting struck just a few streets over.

A boy, running for shelter, collapsed as the mass of electric energy pulsated through his veins. His fingers twitch as he lies, cheek pressed against wet cement as the rain continues to pound down upon his damaged body. He's not quite sure how he's still alive - he should be dead - but he's not. He can feel the electricity merging with his body, every ounce of his being is hurting, dying, yet still moving. He can feel every muscle quivering.

He lay on the ground long after the lighting hit, for he couldn't move even if he wanted to. He was stuck while part of him was alive. Something different had settled within his heart and was pumping through his body, and he wasn't sure if he liked it. It was as if all the energy built up inside him needed to escape, needed an outlet, but it was unable to find one. So, instead, it took up residence in his body, settling in.

He felt a strange tingle in his fingers and a small zap of energy ran through his body before he lay still again, wondering if the storm would ever cease.

***

this is a collab im writing w the lovely foreverhome- (theyre amazing go check them out pls) we hope you enjoy :)