"There, that should do."

"Thank you, Kai."

"Try not to hurt him too badly, okay? And also, merry Christmas."

"I promise it won't be too bad, and merry Christmas to you too."

I left in a hurry, I've already wasted too much time helping her and need to get back to the lab soon. The genome had finally finished curing and I needed to get it back to the lab soon; I couldn't let Professor Ouma down on his most important project.

Suddenly, I felt the Earth tremble as a genetic disease exploded and consumed all of Japan in its rage.

I hear a crack, and my life, along with the lives of all other survivors, changed that day.

Lost Christmas had begun.

Years ago

I received the bad news from my grandfather, the fate of my parents was concealed in that letter. Every line was a heartbreaker.

"Kai, I hate to inform you that your parents have indeed perished. It was a close call in the hospital, but fate was not on our side this time around."

I was shocked beyond death. How could something like this happen? How could everything be taken away from me when everything was going so well? I was by far the top of my class, a well-respected genetics scholar in the country, and had loving and supporting parents who had high hopes for my future. But now, my parents are gone, my focus is diluted, and my motivation halted. What should I do? Quit?

"Your father was a careful man, I found his most recent will dated about two months ago, and I will be enforcing everything he wrote on you."

Of course he has this stuff written down; of course he has planned for unexpected deaths; of course he has more plans for me. Why am I not surprised? And what could he have said to be "enforced"?

"Kai, you will assume control of your father's accounts and I will be making regular injections to keep you well fed. Your father asks you to continue your studies in Tokyo. He asks you to become the best man that you can be and do good for the world. He asks you to use your gifts of knowledge to make sure accidents like whatever his will be won't happen again. He says he loves you and hopes the best for your future."

By now the tears were fully streaming down my face. What could expect a nine-year-old to do? Did it really come down to this? Is this what my life has come to?

No.

My father is right.

The only thing I can do to mourn for him is to stop these accidents from happening. I will continue my studies, I will grow up, and I will make the world a better place.

"Thank you, grandfather, I will make everyone proud."

A/N:

This is my first attempt at a story. Any feedback would be welcome as I am trying to improve my writing as well.