Leonard's voice echoed in his mind as he sat in a chair scrolling through seemingly antique books with a seemingly leather glove on his right hand. 

Leonard: "Long ago scientists from all over the world were coming together because they wanted to test the limits of science and to create an infinite energy source one that's everlasting, they managed to succeed however an accident occurred which cost them their lives, and since then people started developing strange powers called the "Nuclei", but some other people could do magic as well by sacrificing themselves to a part of the alchemy, some people started using their new abilities for criminal activities, so citizens left the fight to the scientists who could control and understand their power, they took the responsibility upon themselves and these scientists wanted to open up schools all over the world to help kids manifest their powers for control."

Leonard's piercing brown eyes sparkled with determination.

Leonard: "My name is Leonard Storm and my goal is..."

Flashback

Leonard (young 9 years old): "To become the greatest scientist ever!"

His teacher's encouraging smile remained etched in his memory.

Teacher: "Ohhh, so you want to become a scientist too, Leonard?"

Leonard with his messy brown hair as determination shone in his bright brown eyes.

Leonard: "Not just any scientist, one that can save the world."

Teacher: "Well I'm sure you're gonna do just that."

Classmates' snickers echoed in his mind.

Kid 1: "Hmph, yeah right."

Kid 2: "Another nerd spouting nonsense."

A boy boasted neatly combed back hair with green undertones, wearing kid-sized glasses with his intelligent brown eyes watched from afar, his eyes filled with curiosity.

(Outside class during break)

The same boy approached Leonard, sitting alone under a tree.

Boy: "Sitting alone, huh?"

Leonard looked up, startled.

Leonard: "Huh?! Oh, well I haven't exactly made any friends."

Boy: "I'm guessing it's from your little speech in class."

Leonard nodded.

Leonard: "Yeah I think so too...but it's not like I can hide my conviction I have my own reasons."

Boy: "True, however society deems people with Nuclei are not normal, we even have to take pills to make sure our powers don't go outta control. People probably think since you're "normal" you don't understand."

Leonard's curiosity piqued.

Leonard: "Wait how do yo..."

Boy: "I have a Nuclei, people who have it can read our people's atomic level."

Leonard's eyes widened.

Leonard: "I see. But even so I actually envy people with Nuclei, that's why even if I don't have power I want to help in any way I can."

Boy: "Then you can expect a helping hand from me."

Boy 2: "Me too."

Leonard's face lit up. As the second boy with messy spiky black hair with hints of blue, his bright curious light brown eyes sparkled, wearing a faded cartoon t-shirt and worn-out shorts, with a wide grin etched on his face. 

Leonard: "Huh?!"

Boy: "So I guess you were listening in Kevin."

Kevin: "Well I was looking for you Sam."

Sam smiled.

Sam: "And by the way we share your goal so you can expect to work together from now on."

Leonard beamed.

Leonard: "Well I don't mind."

Present day

Leonard now 16 years old 5'9" medium and lean built short curly brown hair and piercing brown eyes wearing a simple silver necklace got dressed, grabbed his iPad, and headed out. The morning sunlight streamed through the window.

Letoya: "Aren't you gonna eat anything?"

Leonard: "Nahhh I'm good I'll get something along the way right now I'm killing time."

Lucy: "Have a nice day, sweetie. Be safe out there!"

Leonard: "I will! Bye Mom! Later Toya!"

As Leonard stepped out, he was splashed by water.

Kevin: "Hahahaha Ohhh yeahhh!"

Kevin now 5'6" with his athletic build and spiky hair with his blue hints that remained, his light brown eyes shone with confidence, with tattoos peeking from beneath his left sleeve. Crouched on the ground with a confident grin. 

Sam at 5'8" with his medium build and neatly styled back hair with green undertones persistent, his intelligent brown eyes remained behind his classic glasses, a vintage watch adorned his wrist. As he stands adjusting his glasses with his thumb. 

Leonard's face plain. 

Leonard: Ha...ha...

Sam intervened. 

Sam: "Oh no don't give us that face what the hell made you take so long anyway?"

Kevin teased.

Kevin: "He probably tried to build a robotic girlfriend and failed."

Leonard playfully retorted.

Leonard: "Ever heard the word procrastination, no it's too big for your vocabulary."

Sam urged.

Sam: "Agh! You think too much, we should get going."

Leonard complained.

Leonard: "Now I've gotta go to school in wet cloths."

Kevin reassured.

Kevin: "Oh come on it'll dry off.

The trio started walking to school, passing homeless people huddled on benches and holographic news displays that cast a blue glow on the sidewalk. The city's bustling sounds filled the air.

As they turned a corner, they stopped to take a look at a familiar spot - the Elephant Footprint, a massive crater surrounded by caution tape.

Sam: "Really...again?"

Kevin: "Why do you always make us stop here every single day?"

Leonard: "Cause I feel like there's more to this place then meets the eye, especially when it comes to the incident."

Kevin: "Like what...you heard the story an experiment gone wrong scientists going 'Ahhhh....nooooo' and ka-boom everybody gone and the Elephant Footprint was born."

Sam: "Wow....anyway take this."

Sam handed Leonard a chunk of rock.

Leonard: "A chunk of rock?"

Sam: "It's from the footprint."

Leonard: "Whaa....are you insane?"

Sam: "Shuuush....I got it for you man you're always so obsessed with this place you might as well use it for experiments."

Leonard looked concerned.

Leonard: "You sure about this our school doesn't have the facilities."

Sam smirked.

Sam: "Hmph...and that's why I registered us for NI."

Kevin's eyes widened.

Kevin: "You did what now?"

Sam: "You heard me, I mean come on we've got the grades and other necessary requirements."

Leonard's brow furrowed.

Leonard: "You forgot that one of us hasn't met all of them or did you forget?"

Sam's expression turned serious.

Sam: "I haven't....look I'm sure it can be overlooked."

As they talked, Sam's phone beeped. He ground his teeth, his eyes scanning the message.

Kevin: "What's wrong?"

Sam showed them the message - Sam and Kevin were accepted, but Leonard's application was denied.

The group fell silent.

Leonard chuckled wryly.

Leonard: "Hehehe I told you Sam, it wasn't such a great idea. Let's go."

Sam thought to himself.

Sam: "{Looks like I have a stop to make after all.}"

The trio made it to school on time and got through the day. Afterward, they headed home.

Leonard settled into his favorite tree in the backyard, surrounded by books. The sun began to set.

Mom: "Leonard, you should come inside dinner is gonna be ready soon."

Leonard: "I'll be right there, Mom."

He looked up at the sky.

Leonard: "{Man it got chilly all of a sudden.} Rain?"

The sun vanished behind dark clouds.

Leonard: "Heh talk about being in the wrong place I should get inside."

Before he could leave, a yellow lightning bolt struck him. Leonard fell from the tree, smoke billowing from his mouth.

The clouds vanished as quickly as they appeared.

Kevin and Sam watched from their windows.

Kevin: "Whoa, that was weird."

Sam: "That was quick."

To be continued...