~ 5 Year Skip ~

The 5 year old Cody came running out of the schoolhouse, looking for his parents. A murmer among adults caught his attention.

"Look at him, he's so precious!"

"He doesn't know. He's dim, he hasn't questioned why he looks so different from his family..."

A frown crossed his features. Surely they weren't talking about him? "Cody!" The penguin turned his head to see Joe standing there, waving, with Cerebia and Poseidon standing by him. He grinned and ran towards them. "Mom! Dad!"

"How was school today?" Cerebia beamed down at her son, knowing he was growing up to be a great prince. "It was great!"

As Cody chatted to his parents, Joe nodding along every now and then, his voice seemed to trail off. "Hey Cody? You okay?" Cody perked up at his name. "Yeah I'm fine... I heard some people talking about how I'm not like you..."

Cerebia and Poseidon gave eachother a quick glance. "I'm sure they're just jealous, Cody. Family doesn't mean you have to look alike."

The brown eyed boy smiled, his eyes lighting up even more. Joe put an arm around his shoulder. "If someone bothers you again, tell me, baby bro!"

"I'm not that much younger..."

"It's my job to tease you."