Chapter 1: Breakthrough
At first, there was only silence. Then, to everyone's ears, came a small 'beep'. People turned around in astonishment, as to their very own eyes, he breathed.
"Impossible, the dead cannot come back to life!" A man exclaimed. His fellow workers only watched in disbelief as life came back into him again.
He opened his eyes. Machines. People in lab coats and masks crowding his vision. He didn't like it. With a snarl, he pushed everyone back.
"Please, 364, calm down!" A woman begged. He got up, unhooking the IV's. Snatching the woman by the collar of her shirt, he spoke gravely.
"My name is Yuri. I am NOT a number!" Yuri threw the woman to the ground. Everyone scrambled to trap him down again. Yuri felt an unbearable urge sweep over him. With a flash, his arm extended and shoved all the people to the ground. Seizing his chance Yuri crashed through the window, growing a pair of wings, and took off into the night. The people were baffled at the amount of strength 364 was able to maintain. They were to begin tracking him at once.
Once he got a few miles away from the hellhole, Yuri needed a rest. He bumped down to the ground, losing his footing. Wiping the dirt from his eyes, Yuri analysed the scene. A silent, peaceful forest. Funny, how a place as nice as this was so close to somewhere where death seemed like heaven. The thought wandered through his mind. Death. Was he dead? His heart had stopped... But obviously that wasn't the case anymore. Yuri place a had over his chest. A steady beat drummed against his hand. Alive. He was definitely alive. He felt along his back and gasped- the wings were gone. Nothing, not even a bump was left. He could mold things on his body, change the way he looked. Yuri sat with his back to a tree. He rested his hand against the rough bark. Before his very own eyes, his skin turned a dark brown. He ran one of his fingers over his hand. Rough. Like bark... Yuri lifted his hand from the tree.
At least they didn't take away anything.. He thought. He paused.
"But.. Where do I go now?" Yuri spoke aloud. He hadn't been outside the lab before. So, he simply walked. It seemed like ages, but in reality it was only an hour or so until Yuri spotted something foreign. Buildings aligned next to each other, other people walking. He looked at himself. Willing his body once more, Yuri made himself look as much like the others as he could. Somewhat satisfied, he stepped onto a hard surface. Was this what he heard that was called concrete? Gossip normally flew around like wild fire and Yuri listened in to whatever was within earshot. He started to wander down the street. He took in every single sight his eyes laid on. Soon the sky went dark, however, and Yuri came to an unfortunate realization. He had nowhere to go. Grumbling, he sat against a wall on the street. It may not be comfortable, but it sure beats back there. Yuri found himself dozing easier than he thought he would.
"Hey." A voice spoke. Yuri lifted his head. "Hey are you alright?" Someone asked. Yuri blinked. He had no idea who this stranger was. Beautifully blonde hair complimented ocean blue eyes, with a kind looking face to boot. The boy wore a simple pale blue button up shirt and jeans. Though surely he couldn't be addressing Yuri. To him, he was just some guy on the streets. The guy only looked more concerned.
"Hey. Please, mister, are you okay?" He asked again, blue eyes pleading with him. Yuri turned away.
"I'm fine." The boy looked relieved. "Thank goodness. I was beginning to worry." Yuri remained silent, avoiding eye contact. The boy extended his hand out. "Come with me. Someone like you shouldn't be out here on a night as dreadful as this." Yuri's eyes widened. Here he was, a complete stranger, trying to help someone he had never seen before.
"I- erm.. No, thanks. I'll be alright." He stuttered out.
"Nonsense." The boy frowned. "You're going to accept my help whether you like it or not." He grabbed Yuri's arm and pulled him upright.
"Hey- !" Yuri exclaimed.
"Don't worry, my house isn't far from here." He said cheerily. Yuri looked at him, dumbfounded.
"Didn't your parents say not to talk to strangers? Much less taking them home with you!" The boy stopped abruptly.
"You don't feel like a stranger to me."
"...What..?" Yuri started to say. "But anyways, lets go!" He yanked on his arm again. "Oh, how rude of me." Yuri rubbed his arm.
"I'll say..." He muttered.
"I never asked your name. I'm Hikari." He smiled brightly. Yuri stared blankly at Hikari. "So what's your name then?" He asked again.
"Yuri." He managed.
"Yuri, huh? Interesting. Oh hey- we're here." Hikari stopped in front of a gigantic house. Fancy schmancy things aligned the entryway. Neatly trimmed hedges greeted them with open arms, the cobblestone pathway enchanting it furthermore. Flowers of all kinds shone beautifully in rainbows of colour, beckoning to Yuri. The scene was surely breathtaking, literally.
Yuri gaped open mouthed at the sight. "You LIVE here?"
"Yep!" Hikari grinned. "Well come in, then!" He led him onto the porch. Yuri felt a rapid force against his chest. His heart was beating faster than it normally should. Why? He wondered. Was this what it was like to feel nervous? Yuri didn't like it very much, he felt pressured. Swallowing down his nerves, Yuri followed after Hikari into the house.
