The New Element

Prologue: Broken Memories

Tall, slender stalks of grass glimmered in the soft light of the full moon, moist dewdrops resting upon the fragile blades. A cool breeze drifted through the air, calling for nature's choreography to animate the light green weeds that littered the ground. Armies of ebony clouds meandered through the grey sky, waging war upon the silvery, lustrous beams of the full moon. To the unaltered human eye, this may have been as near to bliss as possible, but an eye filled with tears returns a fruitless search.

One such eye peered upon the land, a beautiful, sparkling, light blue-green eye. Its partner looked on as well, both closing as a fresh wave of tears washed downward, flowing down a small, shiny path of liquid constructed by previous waves. Sobs racked the weak body of the boy of which the eyes belonged, causing him to fall to his knees, another fresh wave of tears following behind him.

As he attempted to return to his former position, his gaze met a large wooden sign, the army of clouds above temporarily disbanding, allowing raw light to illuminate the area. The familiar sight of a large, red painted apple met his sight, engendering memories to form within his head, each attempting to burst forth from the mental wall the boy had attempted to erect.

A burning pain engulfed his senses, sending him crashing to the ground, the tall, soft grass lessening the impact. Colors of multiple hues drifted within the darkness of the backs of his eyelids, seeming to taunt the boy with promises of comfort, promises of love. A picture pushed its way into his mind, blocking view of the tempting color, exchanging it for a view of the sign he had laid eyes on moments before.

Once again, a wooden sign with a painted apple met his gaze, though showing more detail than he had noticed beforehand. Splinters in the wood appeared magnified, miniature spikes on the large board in his mind. The red paint that envisioned the likeness of an apple appeared cracked, though only slightly.

Abruptly, the sign rotated to show its other side. Ornate lettering caught the boy's attention as it spun, golden foil positioned in the likeness of letters. Three names sparkled into his sight, two of which appeared blurred and distorted, both at either side of the sign. In the center, the letters formed to spell the word 'Cody '.

At this sight, the boy's head began burning once again, sending him falling to his knees yet again. Jarred from the impact, a single tear escaped his eyes, landing on the pitch black floor. Suddenly, the dark floor below the boy vanished, replaced by a cool rush of air. Blindness overtook his sight as he fell, senses giving away to numbness.

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The aroma of eggs and toast wafted through the air, pervading the small room the boy now occupied. Rays of early-morning sunlight filtered in from a small window, casting irregular shadows among the walls. Checkered tiles patterned the floor, creaking slightly as the boy adjusted his weight. His figure looked upon him as he stared at a spotless, large, square mirror mounted to the wooden wall that constructed the room around him, placed above a porcelain, white sink.

"Cody," he said, examining his reflection. Quickly, he shifted his hand up to his short, light brown hair, brushing the prickly fibers, relishing the comforting feel. As his hand moved back to rest at his side, he caught a glimpse of the remainder of his body. Bronze skin enveloped the entirety of his build, exhibiting a vast collection of scabs and scars, each bearing the story of how it came to be.

Twisting around, the light grey cotton of the back of his shirt met his eyes, slightly crumpling near his waist as he completed the motion. A dark brown belt constricted around his waist, supporting the light blue denim jeans that concealed his long legs. His form consisted of a medium, muscular build. He stood near five feet six inches, fair for a boy of the age of ten.