Knowing it wasn't brave, he was tired of slinking away, cowering, always alert for Big Jon's voice or approach. His fist curled around the gelid green stone. An impotent fist against a bully who could easily over-power him, that was trying to provoke a physical fight. It was then that Bill made his wish. It wasn't a very well thought out wish, but it was the only thing that Bill's brain could construct in the heat of the moment as the front door of the Strasserman household opened behind Bill.
"I WISH YOU WERE A NICE PERSON, JON! SOMEONE PEOPLE ACTUALLY CARED ABOUT!"
It felt like the gem was suddenly colder, colder than it could possibly be. And then there was an eruption of verdant light that caused Bill to wince in pain before it faded away. And then Bill's jaw went limp as the world around him began to change. The assembled bullies vanished into thin air and the heavy hand of Bill's father vanishing from his shoulder. And then the largest change began.
He watched transfixed, as Jon Ingerman's outline became vague. His proud Nordic ancestry, rippled and shifted. He had to blink his eyes clear, to be sure what he saw.
As in that instant Jon was replaced by Joanna Ingerman. The stunningly beautiful blonde, a Valkyrie from many a fantasy, busty and ... and standing near his home. He knew so many people would be jealous that she was here, that she was looking at him, talking to him. He took in her uniform, filling it in a way like no other.
Raising an awkward fist he waved to her. Only unknuckling his fingers as he waved. Out from the unclenched hand a pale emerald stone dropped, it's flickering centre dying back to pale lifelessness.
As it landed, softly rolling, Bill's memory flooded back. He recalled Big Jon, ripping his eyes from the stone he looked back up. In his place was Joanna, waving back at him, with every sincerity. A coy smile on her face, a faint flush to her cheeks that wasn't due to the Sun.
Narrowing his eyes, he couldn't deny that she was every bit as real, as Jon had felt. The chill tightness in his stomach too real to be forgotten, ignored or dismissed.