Chapter 1: Family and Friendship

September 10, 2021

Ace's Point of View

My name is Ace. I'm not the average kid that starts off the day thinking about what I should do after school. As an elementary school student, I am in sixth grade. Each day of the week has different things happening; it almost feels like high school when it comes to the amount of notes a student takes. Today is Friday, September 10th, 2021. Since I don't go to school Saturdays or Sundays, the stuff being talked about on the 11th will be held today. It has been almost two years since a certain worldwide virus first appeared and separated the people from socializing with each other. I couldn't spend a lot of time with my friends either, but when I started school, I have been able to catch up with missing time and complete homework together. The two I know more than anyone else are Kirby and Franny. Kirby's the kind of person that is like a mentor, guiding me in the right direction and the smartest of us, and Franny's someone who has taught me to learn about Japanese culture and the language itself. I've got enough time before the bus arrives at my house. School is about three miles away, but I can't go that far on a scooter to be on time.

"Ace, can you help a little bit around the house?" said a woman.

"Sure. I have time." I spoke.

The voice that I was hearing came from Sarah. Sarah's my guardian foster. I don't know my parents since they both disappeared a long time ago, or at least that's what I've heard. I'm not sure what it was, but I can't remember either of them. I hurry to the kitchen to help Sarah with dishes and water bottles. We wash our water bottles after drinking from them to reduce any chances of catching that-specific-virus.

"That was sweet of you to help." Sarah said.

"You're welcome."

"It's good that we make sure to stay clean. You won't know if you'll catch a cold or a viral infection."

"I understand that part, but something always bothers me with a day like this."

"Do you know what it is that is bothering you?"

"Not really. I was wondering what it is that makes September 11 memorable."

"This day is the day we remember the infamous event that took place on the 11th twenty years ago."

"I have no clue what this means."

"I can show you when you get home from school."

We enjoy some bacon, sausage, and toast for breakfast. Bacon has been one of my most favorite food to consume after turkey and fried chicken.

"There's something I meant to tell you long ago." I spoke.

"What is it?"

"Is there a possibility that I possess powers no one else has?"

"Everyone's special, Ace. You may be more special than anyone I have met. I would do anything to help you."

I paused for a moment. Is it possible I have a power I never knew I had? Nah, that would never happen. As I thought about it, I hear wheels screeching.

"That must be the bus. Do I have everything packed for the day?"

"I already packed you lunch," said Sarah. "You may be picky, but you're my special kid."

I blush a little. With that I said bye and ran to the bus. I have my lunch and my bag with me. The school I go to teaches grades K-7, but I'm not sure why 7th graders are taught there while grades 8-12 are split between Junior High for grades 8-9 and High School for grades 10-12. Good thing I manage time very well, otherwise I would have been a few minutes late. The bus door opens, and I step on, sitting next to Franny and Kirby.

"Sorry I'm late. I was talking to Sarah."

"It's fine, Ace." said Franny. "Kirby and I can wait all day for you."

"Did you hear the Nintendo Switch has sold almost 100 million units?" asked Kirby.

"I have. Henry has four of them." I spoke.

The bus driver must have heard our conversation because she came into it.

"You three must bond together," said the bus driver.

"Kirby and Franny both have Switches, but I don't. That's why when they come back in stock, I will be able to get one. I've already got the Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Wii U."

"Ace, hopefully Nintendo restocks the Switch soon. The Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X both look too expensive to buy, and both have gotten scalped by people using bots." said Kirby.

"With all the shortages of each game console, I would be lucky if I ever get one. Graphics cards are usually the worst to find."

"Congrats for having a Wii U. It wasn't extremely popular if I've heard."

"Franny, you and Kirby can come after school to have a sleepover if your parents approve."

"That would be awesome. Franny and I could meet up first, and we'll both walk over since we don't live that far apart."

"Let's get school over with first, Kirby." Franny said.

From 9:00am-11:30am it was a typical school morning. Lunch started at this time. I sat down at the table and ate my sandwich, apple, milk, and pudding. Sarah makes amazing pudding, and it's better than buying it at the store. Kirby and Franny came with their lunches and sat next to me. We talked about what new games coming out this year, until Patriot Day kicked in my brain.

"This may sound weird, but do you know anything about Patriot Day?" I asked.

Franny and Kirby were confused as they don't know about the holiday either. Franny doesn't understand because she moved from Japan last year, and Kirby moved from the United Kingdom in 2018. However, someone overheard our conversation and sat next to us. She knows about what we are talking about and starts talking about it.

"Patriot Day is a memorial ceremony held for the victims killed in the attacks. In short terms, it's a day of remembrance." she said. "This year marks the 20th anniversary of the most infamous day since the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers left thousands of people that couldn't make it, and since then, it is to remember those who sacrificed their lives to save many people from the burning towers."

"Thanks," Kirby said to her. "None of us know anything about it until now."

"I would like to ask. Who are you?" I asked?

"I'm Alicia, but you can call me Alice."

"I'm Ace, and these are my friends Kirby and Franny."

The rest of the time we had for lunch was spent eating and talking about upcoming plans of a sleepover. From 12:30-1:15, the whole school was talking about Patriot Day. After that, there was a brief talk about not requiring face masks with a regular schedule. 2:45 hit quick, and I started to pack my belongings. The teacher tells us there's no homework for this weekend. We waited until 3:00 came around to leave as all of us were ready.

The sleepover happened, and we all enjoyed it. We were accepting Alice into the team, and throughout the next several months, we spent time together. Franny's 12th birthday was celebrated on December 4th, and Christmas was a blast. I ended up getting my Nintendo Switch along with 13 games from friends and family. January and February played out regularly celebrating Alice's 13th birthday on the 14th, and with more news about the vaccine for that-specific-virus, it may help people get back to their normal lives. March was a blast, and Kirby's 13th birthday was celebrated on April 27. Coincidently, it was also the 30th anniversary of the series starring a pink puffball with the same name. The time for the last day of school came in May, and we were all proud. We all got either A's or Bs in all 6 of our classes. Then there's June, the month that's important for me. It was time for my birthday to come again, but I had to wait until the 23rd. The four of us had another sleepover on the first, and it seemed like nothing could separate us. However, what we wouldn't know is we were all about to get a rude wakeup call…

Author's Note: The PS5 Digital Edition and Xbox Series S didn't exist when I typed this, but the Xbox Series X was already announced when this chapter was finished. With the September 11 part, I may have been too exact with it. I didn't want to say the actual name of the worldwide pandemic as I didn't want to be too accurate to what's happening. I first thought of this back in 2016 but didn't start the original version until March 2017. This is a new retold story of the original 2017 version that never released. I'm not sure how well this will be received, but hopefully it isn't too bad.