Prologue: Broken Memories
Chapter 1: The News
Stars adorned the beautiful night sky while the moon's rays lit it up. A cool summer breeze blew across the farm land, making the tall grass dance and sway. The farm, named Sweet Apple Acres, was as peaceful as could be. No one stood upon it's ground. No one, except for a boy. He was about four and a half feet tall. He was medium sized, not too big, but not too small. His short, dark brown hair stood still on his head as the cool breeze blew past. Tears streamed down his cheek, out of his soft, blue-green eyes. His name was Cody.
He stood, looking across the farm land, memories flooding his mind. He had just been given the worst news anyone could ever be given, earlier that day.
Earlier that day
Cody sat at a circular, wooden table. On the table was a plate on which rested a serving of scrambled eggs, two slices of bacon, and a slice of toast. Next to the plate sat a glass, filled with orange juice. He had made this breakfast himself. His parents, both employed in the navy, were out at sea.
As he began to work on his eggs, he heard a knock at the front door. "Coming!" he called. He slid his chair backwards, stood up, and walked to the door. "Good morning," he said as he opened the door. Standing outside was a tall man clad in brown dress pants and a brown sports jacket. A brown striped hat sat on his bald head. Wrinkles crossed his face as he smiled sadly down at the boy.
"Good morning to you as well," the man said, tipping his hat. "I have a few letters for you." He reached into his jacket and brought out four official looking documents, all rolled and sealed. He gave them to Cody, his sad smile turning to a frown.
"Thank you," Cody said, turning around to put the papers away.
As he did this, the man at the door spoke softly. "I'm sorry for your loss."
Cody turned around abruptly, suddenly scarred. "W-what?" he stammered, confusion welling up inside of him.
The man pointed at the papers, still in Cody's hands. "Read them," he said sadly.
Cody carefully broke the seal on one of the documents and unrolled it. He nearly dropped the paper as he read the first line aloud. "Notice of Death. But who could've died? I know it couldn't have been mom or dad."
Tears threatened to fall from the bald man's eyes, but he closed his eyes to prevent them. He took a breath to steady himself as he looked at the boy. Why are you being so emotional? This is your job. He thought. He took another breath. "Continue," he said, his voice shaking a little.
Cody continued reading. "We are sorry to inform you of the death of Susan A. Jenkins." Tears formed at his eyes as he read, but he pressed on. "In accordance to her last wish, we cannot say how she died. We give you our condolences. She was a great sailor, mother, and person." The flow of tears increased as he continued reading. Following the last words were details of her death, including time, date, and rank.
"I'm sorry to say, but your mother, father, and grandparents, have all died," he took a deep breath and continued. "In accordance to our laws, you must be put in a local orphanage. I am to give you one day to pack and make peace with this." He lowered his head. "I am truly sorry." He slowly closed the door and walked away, off the front porch and to his car. As he reached the car, a single tear dropped. "Poor kid," he whispered to himself as he climbed in the car and drove off, leaving behind a touch of sadness.
Cody stood, still staring at the paper he held in his hands. Tears fell freely now from his eyes. Suddenly, a wave of guilt swept over him. "I couldn't protect them," he said aloud, rolling the paper up and putting it with the others on a shelf. "I should have tried harder." He shook with sadness and guilt. He walked back into the kitchen and sat down back in front of his plate, shoving the plate aside. Slowly, Cody put his head into his arms on the table. Unable to hold back anymore, he broke down in sobs.
I am alone. He thought as he drifted to sleep on the table. Alone.
Present
The lonely farm boy now laid on the hill, looking up at the stars. His mind wandered to his parents. He had so many questions, but none could be answered. How did they die? Why didn't they want me to know how they died? Could I have protected them? The last thought sent chills down his spine.
If only I had been there..... Slowly, his eyes drooped and closed, bringing him closer to sleep. ....I could have at least tried. The final thought crossed his mind as he drifted into unconsciousness.
Meanwhile
A peaceful night wind blew across Canterlot, cooling any late night pedestrians. The full moon was now at its peak, shining down upon all of Equestria. Clearly seen standing on a balcony of Canterlot Castle was Princess Luna. The Princess's mane was blown to the side in response to the wind. This had no effect on her. The Princess was deep in concentration, helping ponies with nightmares, and watching their dreams. Thus far, everything was going well. A few nightmares, but nothing she couldn't handle.
Her subconscious form stood in a pitch black room. Many colorful orbs floated in this room, each representing a pony, or person's dreams. As they floated peacefully, Luna watched, carefully looking at each one, making sure that all dreams were peaceful. As she looked at each one, a specific orb caught her eye.
This orb was black. As Luna looked over it, she could hear a faint cry coming from inside. This is one of the worst nightmares I've ever seen. She thought, preparing to dive into the orb. She took a step back, then jumped, diving head first into the orb. Everything went black.
