Chapter 24: Surprise Showdown
The next morning Ace had a dream but somehow it was similar
?: - Ace
Ace: - Who's there?
?: - Do you not remember me?
Ace: - No?
?: - Think about the past dream you had
Ace: - You're the black shadowy figure I had back in the pokemon world?
?: - Yup. Till we meet again
Ace: - Wait, there's so much I wanted to ask you
Ace woke up
Ace: - Why did I have that same dream again? Could it have to do with my rage power? Shakes his head No use thinking about it now
Goes and gets ready for the day, then goes downstairs to have breakfast
Everyone already left for work and school
Ace: - Ben? Dad? Not hearing anyone I guess everyone already left. I'm alone with Splat and his kids. sigh Guess I'll make breakfast now
Ace started to make eggs and bacon for breakfast
Downstairs
Kai: - Smells something good Something smells delicious.
Splat: - Smells it as well Ace must be awake now.
Kai: - Let's go greet him
Kai and Splat went up to see what Ace was cooking after smelling it
Kai: - Morning, Ace. What'cha cooking?
Ace: - Eggs and bacon
Splat: - Nice
Ace: - Did you guys already eat?
Splat: - Mhm, with everyone else. They all left already.
Ace: - Odd, I don't see any dishes in the sink
Splat: - You can thank Zoey and Clara for doing the dishes
Ace: - Well that's good
After cooking his eggs and bacon, Ace sat down and started eating
Ace: - I've really out done myself this time
Kai: - Remind me to try your cooking one of these days
After finishing his breakfast, Ace went to his room and continued working on his school work
After 2 hours
Ace: - Finally, I got all my work done. Since I have some time before Lunch, I can get back to Pokemon Sword. Maybe I'll finish it today, or at least make it to the final gym.
Ace started his Switch and started to play pokemon sword
Ace: - Hopefully, I can finish this game before I go back to the pokemon world
Kenny: - (Tsk Tsk, Ace)
Ace: - (Kenny? What the heck!?)
Kenny: - (Is your game really more important than returning to the Pokemon world? Supposedly, our true home?)
Ace: - (Get back to your school work and stop reading my mind)
Kenny: - (Class is soooooo boring right now)
Ace: - (That gives you no reason to eavesdrop on what I'm doing with my time off)
Kenny: - (Please)
Ace: - (You know what, I'm not going to say a word, so deal with the boring day at school)
Kenny: - (Alright! Sheesh! I'll leave you alone)
Ace went back to playing his game
Ace: - Why do I have a feeling I'm not going to finish the game the way I planned it out? I do feel bad for the way I treated Kenny just now. I don't think it's a good idea to try to talk to him again now. Maybe I'll talk to him during lunch. For now, I want to finish the first gym, then look for my shiny Boltund
Ace looked at the clock
Ace: - It's about lunchtime. I wonder where mom is
Ace looked at his phone and saw a message from Lisa
Lisa: - Ace, I am going to be working late, so you'll have to make lunch and dinner today for you, your uncle, his kids, and your brothers. Your dad told me he is going to be working late as well. Love mom
Ace: - Oh great. The day I want to finish the game is the day mom is working late. Sigh I guess I have do what mom asked
Ace head down to the gaming room
Ace: - Splat, what do you and your….
Ace saw they were not there
Ace: - Please tell me they are not roaming outside in town
Hears the backyard door open
Ace: - Odd, I remember the back door being locked
Ace head upstairs and took a frying pan from the kitchen to arm himself
Ace: - whispers Hope no one is here to rob us
Splat walks in and Ace whacked him in the face
Splat: - OWWWW
Kai: - Dad?
Splat: - What the hell?! Who hit me in the face?! Kai?!
Kai: - Dad, I'm standing behind you.
Ace: - Hehe, sorry uncle. I didn't see you there
Splat: - Ace? This is the 2nd time you hit me!
Ace: - Well, the first time you said, and I quote (Tries to sound like Splat) " I guess I deserve that.", after I shot the stalactite off of frostbite's back
Splat: - Fair, but why did you not check who was here before swinging the frying pan?
Ace: - Have you forgotten that my parents are one of the richest families in this town, so we are easily a target for getting robbed, hence why I have a frying pan in my hands. Also, you should tell me when you go to the backyard, so there's nothing to worry about
Splat: - I understand your worries, but if we're at home, we don't need to tell you where we're at all times. I see your point about people robbing you, but you should still check before you swing that pan, cause my face still hurts. Sticks up the claw Sally ripped off, showing a stub I still haven't even fully recovered from your girlfriend.
Ace: - Sorry, Uncle
Splat: - Why were you looking for us?
Ace: - What do you want to have for lunch?
Splat: - Did Lisa get back home to make lunch?
Ace: - No, she and dad are coming home late, so she tasked me to cook for you guys
Splat: - I see, but you don't need to do so much for us
Ace: - It's not a problem
Kai: - Wait, I got an idea. Why not ask mom to come over here and cook for all of us?
Zoey: - That's not a bad idea
Kai: - Mhm. It's been a while since I had mom's cooking, and she can meet our cousins
Clara: - I like the idea, but how can we bring her over?
Kai: - Already thought of that
Zoey: - How?
Kai looked at Ace
Ace: - Why are you looking at me?
Kai: - Hehe
Ace: - Oh no, I'm not going to call Nathan here
Splat: - Come on, you can finally meet your aunt
Kenny: - (Plus, you can finally get back to your game)
Ace: - (Kenny!)
Kenny: - (It's lunch time. Plus, everyone wants to talk to you)
Ace: - (sigh Fine)
Kai: - So what do you say?
Ace: - sigh I'll do it
Kai: - Thank you. You're the best
Ace: - Ok?
Ace tries to contact Devon
Ace: - (Hey Devon. Are you Busy?)
Devon: - (Oh hey, Ace. It's been a while, and no I'm not busy. What's up?)
Ace: - (Can you talk to Nathan, and ask him to bring Splat's wife over here to the human world?)
Devon: - (Oh, sure. And I'm also sorry for the mask thing)
Ace: - (Thanks. Also I got over it)
Kai: - So, is Nathan bringing mom over?
Ace: - I asked Devon to ask Nathan to bring her here
Kai: - Ok
With Devon
Devon: - (Hey, Nathan. What are you up to?)
Nathan: - (Hey little bro. I'm just chillin' here at the guild with Clover and Sia)
Devon: - (Oh, what a coincidence. Ace asked me to tell you to bring Sia over to the human world)
Nathan: - (He did, did he? Alright, I'll bring her over)
Devon: - (Thank you, big bro)
Nathan: - (No problem)
Sia: - Who were you talking to?
Nathan: - My brother.
Sia: - What did he say?
Nathan: - How would you like to meet your family?
Sia: - You mean my husband and kids?
Nathan: - Not just them, your nephews.
Sia: - Nephews? Yes I want to see them. Where are they?
Nathan: - In the human world
Sia: - Human world? I do remember reading about the human world, and how some humans came here to save the planet many times in the past. They're in that world?
Nathan: - Yes ma'am.
Sia: - Then what are we waiting for? Let's go
Nathan: - Alright.
Nathan creates a portal to the human world
The portal opens in front of everyone in Ace's backyard
Ace: - Seems Nathan heard my request.
A Nucleon comes out of the portal with Nathan
Sia: - So this is the human world. Looks so much different than our world.
Kai, Zoey, Clara: - MOM!
Sia: - Looks to the side KI- WAA! Gets tackled by three of them, landing on her back
Ace: - You finally opened the portal in the right place for once
Nathan: - I was practicing at the guild
Ace: - Good
Nathan: - Well, I'm going back. You have fun
Ace: - Alright, see ya
Nathan leaves
Sia: - I hope you guys weren't causing any problems for dad
Kai, Zoey, Clara: - No mom
Sia: - Don't lie to me, Kai
Kai: - Hehe, you know me too well
Sia: - Sure do, I'm your mother after all. How do you like your mew form so far?
Kai: - It's alright mom. Just wish I could've had a positive role, but beggars can't be choosers.
Sia: - Who's to say your role is all bad? It could be a good role if you use it right
Kai: - I know. I guess I could blame the scenario that caused it, but that wouldn't change anything.
Sia: - Exactly, and you're with us, safe. That's all that really matters.
Kai: - You're right.
Zoey: - Well it seems like Kai was telling the truth about mom knowing about his mew form
Sia: - Turns to see her husband standing behind her kids Splat?
Splat: - It's good to see ya Sia
Sia: - Goes to hug Splat. Same here. I do have one question, though. Whose house is this?
Splat: - My sister's
Sia: - Ah, nice, and I am guessing this one of her sons? Pointing to Ace
Splat: - Yup, his name is Ace
Ace: - Nice to meet you, aunt Sia
Sia: - Glad to meet you, Ace
Splat: - We were just about to make lunch. Want to help out
Sia: - Sure thing, dear
Kai: - Man, I can't wait to eat mom's cooking again
Ace: - Oh man, I wanted to cook for you guys. I guess I can make something tonight
Kai: - Sure, I want to taste your cooking as well
Ace: - Well, I'll be in my room. Call me when lunch is ready then
Sia: - Ok
Ace went up to his room. Meanwhile, Sia went to start cooking lunch while talking with her husband and kids
Ace get's a call from Kenny just as he got back to his game
Ace: - Kenny. How many times do I need to tell you-
Kenny: - I already know what you're going to say
Ace: - Ok then why do it
Kenny: - Cause you always have some sort of problem every day
Ace: - I do not
Kenny: - Oh? Why don't you ask the team?
Ace: - Give Alex the phone
Kenny: - You're on speaker.
Ace: - Alex, Will, Jack, Mark, do you think I have a problem every day?
Alex: - Yes you do, and you always talk to Kenny about it during lunch
Will: - You always have something going wrong
Jack: - You always bring it up for the first 5 mins of lunch
Mark: - And most of the time, it's just a minor thing
Ace: - Why have you said nothing?
Kenny: - Ace, we're just pulling your legs. We know that you only have problems sometimes.
Ace: - giggles a little Ok you got me
Kenny: - See? Having fun is always great
Ace: - You're right Kenny, but can I try to complete my game here? It's been a few days and I want to finish it. Also, I was thinking about starting a gaming channel to show other people how to beat a game
Kenny: - That's not a bad idea.
Ace: - Mhm, and since you're a gamer like me, why don't we start a gaming podcast?
Kenny: - Sure Ace, I'm game
Ace: - Good. Once I finish Pokemon Sword, we can talk about the details
Kenny: - Alright. I'll see you during practice
Ace: - Alright, see ya then
Ace ends the call and gets back to his game
When Ace finished the 4th gym, Sia called
Sia: - Ace, lunch is ready
Ace: - Coming
Ace was about to head down when he got a call from Lisa
Ace: - Hi mom
Lisa: - I hope you making lunch right now
Ace: - No, I'm not. Aunt Sia is
Lisa: - Aunt Sia?
Ace: - Splat's wife is here, and she just finished making us all lunch
Lisa: - I'm guessing Nathan brought her over? I don't think I've seen her
Ace: - He did, and if that's the case, you're in for a treat.
Lisa: - Ok, we'll tell her to stay tonight when me and your dad come home
Ace: - Sure thing. Love you, mom
Lisa: - Love you too, dear
Ace sat down with the others to eat and talk to Sia to get to know her better
After lunch
Ace: - It was nice knowing you better aunt Sia
Sia: - You can just call me Sia
Ace: - Alright. I'll be in my room till I need to head out for football practice
Splat: - Alright
Ace goes back to his room
Ace: - Ah yes, now it's time look for my shiny Boltund friend for my team
2 hours went by, Nick and Ben came back from school
Nick and Ben: - Mom, we're home
Does not see Lisa
Splat: - Welcome back, you 2
Nick: - Where's mom?
Splat: - She's working late today, so she left Ace in charge
Ben: - Ok
Sia walks by
Ben: - Uhh, Splat? Why is there a Nucleon in the house?
Sia: - Oh, hello
Nick: - Who is she?
Splat: - She's my wife, Sia. Your aunt
Nick and Ben: - Nice to meet you, Sia
Sia: - Nice to meet you as well
Ace came downstairs
Nick: - I'm going to be late for practice
Ace: - I'll drop you off
Nick: - Thanks. I'll get a snack before we head off
Ace: - alright
Turns to face Ben
Ace: - Ben, don't you have soccer practice?
Ben: - Soccer season is over, and on top of that, when you guys had football camp during the summer, the waterboy got injured when the players piled up on him, and won't be back till January
Ace: - Hehe, right. I forgot about that detail
Ben: - Kenny was right about you not being so smart
Ace: - Ben, can we not do this please?
Ben: - Ok
Nick: - I'm ready to go
Ace: - Let's roll
Nick and Ace got in Ace's car and headed to South Side High
Nick: - Man, it's so cool to be sitting in the front seat of your car Ace
Ace: - Please don't mess up my car
Nick: - Don't worry, I won't
Spills water in the cup holder
Ace: - You were saying?
Nick: - It's just water
Reached South Side High and parked in the lot
Nick: - You don't have to pick me up after practice. I'll walk back home
Ace: - You sure about that?
Nick: - I'll be fine
Ace: - Alright. I have bit of time before I need to get to my school, I'll watch you guys for bit
Nick: - That would be great
Nick heads to the locker room and Ace heads to the field
On the field Ned sees Ace
Ned: - Look guys, we got a visitor on our field here
Everyone turns their head and sees Ace standing on the sidelines
?: - Is that the captain of North Side High?
?: - Why is he here?
?: - Didn't Nick tell us that Ace is his older brother?
Nick's coach showed up and saw Ace
Nick's coach: - Hi Ace, long time no see
Ace: - Hey coach, it's been a while. How have you been?
Nick's coach: - I'm doing well. How is the coach at your school treating you guys?
Ace: - He's great coach just like you
Nick comes to the field surprised
Nick: - What's going on here?
Nick's coach: - Ace started his football journey with me
Ace: - Yeah he was my coach in middle school. He showed me how to play football when I started
Nick's coach: - The year after Ace left middle school, I transferred to your school to coach high school students
Nick: - Huh. Who would've thought you coached my brother before me
Ace: - I should head out. It was nice see you, coach
Nick's coach: - Likewise, Ace
Ace gets into his car and started to drive North Side High
Ace: - I didn't know my old middle school coach would be Nick's coach. He's in good hands, but I should work hard for the next time we faceoff
Ace gets to his school, but forgot he does not have a parking pass
Ace: - Oh right, I don't have a parking pass. Parks in one of the visitor spaces This should be fine.
Ace parks near the football field and notices that his team was waiting for him there.
When he got out, a crowd formed
Alex: - My god, that car is nice
Will: - I want to get a car like that
Jack: - Surely Ace will allow us to ride with him in his new whip
Mark: - Well, Ace?
Ace: - OK ok, I get that you like my new car, and yes, I will allow you to ride in it, but there are a few rules
Kenny: - The rules are…?
Ace: - 1. No cleats in the car, and 2. No eating snacks in it
Alex: - That seems fair
The coach blows the whistle
Coach: - If we're done looking at Ace's new car, can we start practice?
The team: - Yes coach!
Ace sat with the coach and watched the team practice for 2 hours
After practice, Ace was thinking about something
Ace: - (Should I go to Sally's house and apologize for what happened at the dance. I could check on Teresa's kids while I'm there?)
Kenny walked behind Ace while he was thinking
Kenny: - What are you thinking of?
Ace: - Just thinking if I should go to Sally's house or not
Kenny: - I think you should, since when you went missing, Sally was worried about you
Ace: - She was? Why didn't she tell me that? I spoke to her multiple times since I've been back.
Kenny: - Your mom apologized on your behalf.
Ace: - Thanks, mom
Kenny: - You should do it yourself
Ace: - You don't have to tell me twice Goes to leave
Kenny: - Hmm?
Ace: - Tell the others I won't able to give them a ride today
Kenny: - Ok
Ace gets into his car and drives to Sally's house
Ace: - I still hope Sally doesn't hate that much. Gulp Hope she still wants to be my girlfriend
Ace gets to Sally house
Ace: - Noticed a rose was left in the backseat Thank you mom
Goes and rings the doorbell
Sally answers the door
Sally: - Ace?
Ace: - Gives Sally the rose Sally, can you ever forgive me for being a bad boyfriend to you?
Sally: - What are you trying to say?
Ace: - During the dance, I was not myself, and I feel bad for what I did there. As well as all the past mistakes I made
Sally: - You silly-, I'll always forgive you. Plus, you should thank your mom for explaining to me what happened
Ace: - You mean it?
Sally: - Yup
Ace gives Sally a hug
Sally: - I'm guessing there's another reason you came here
Ace: - Yes, and it has to do with your pets
Sally: - Should I bring them?
Ace: - Yes, please
Sally goes upstairs and gets her 'pets'
Ace: - Ready to go?
Sally: - Yeah, but where are we going?
Ace: - Outside
Ace and Sally walk outside
Sally: - It's just a car, Ace
Ace: - And?
Sally looks at the car, then back at Ace
Sally: - That's YOUR car!?
Ace: - Yup, and I thought we could go for a ride around the city
Sally: - I'd love to
Sally, Ace, and Sally's pets got into Ace's car, and started to drive
T Ace: - (Where are we?)
Ace: - (Ace?)
T Ace: - shivering (H-how do you know me?)
Ace: - (Don't worry Ace. I won't hurt you)
T Ace: - (That doesn't answer my question)
Ace: - (My name is also Ace, and I met your mother)
T Ace: - (Mom? How is she doing?)
Ace: - (She is doing well, though when we first met, she thought I was you)
T Ace: - (How did she get us confused with you?)
Ace: - (She told me she hadn't seen you in 10 years. She was sobbing in relief as she thought you had returned home after being away from her for so long.)
T Ace: - (But you're a human. How could mom confuse a human for pokemon?)
Ace: - (Actually, I'm not a human.)
T Ace: - (Wait, what?)
Ace: - (I am a Boltund, just like you)
T Ace: - (Oh. I can see how she got us mixed)
Ace: - (Only, I'm not a shiny.)
T Ace: - (Then, how could she not tell you weren't me? She knows I'm a shiny)
Ace: - (I was recovering from Raticate bites, and with the way I was laying down, she didn't notice my green fur)
T Ace: - (Wait, you got bitten by that?) chuckles
Ace: - (What? I had never been a Boltund before then. How would I have known to anticipate something like that?)
T Ace: - (You got me there. So you've been in this world your whole life?)
Ace: - (Mhm, born and raised. My parents here are also pokemon)
T Ace: - (How can you stand this world?)
Ace: - (What do you mean?)
T Ace: - (This world treats me and my brother like common house pets. We're more than pets. We're just as intelligent as humans in this world.)
Ace: - (I don't know what to tell you. Though not all humans think that way. I have friends in high school here that know my family and I are pokemon. One such friend, and his family, are also pokemon.)
T Ace: - (And they don't treat you poorly now that they know?)
Ace: - (Nope)
T Ace: - (You're lucky.) Starts crying a little (I want to go home)
Ace: - (Sigh I promise you, when Nathan comes back, I'll bring you back to your mom. You and your brother.)
T Ace: - (Thank you so much)
Ace: - (No problem)
Sally: - Ace?
Ace: - Yeah?
Sally: - I'm also sorry for what I said during the dance. I hope you can forgive me
Ace: - Of course, but promise me one thing
Sally: - Ok what?
Ace: - Don't try to put a leash on me
Sally: - Really? Hmm, I don't know. I was thinking for next year we can do a "Girl and Her Dog" routine pulls out another leash while looking smug
Ace: - SALLY!
Sally: - Just kidding
Ace: - While we're on the topic, you know how I told you the 'pets' you have are pokemon, and that their mother is looking for them?
Sally: - Yeah, what about it?
Ace: - I was talking to Ace over there, and he wants to go back
Sally: - I understand
Ace: - Is it ok if I take them back to their home?
Sally: - I'm going to miss them, but it's for the best
Ace: - I understand and they will miss you too
Sally: - Really?
Ace: - They're grateful about you taking care of them, but they haven't adjusted to life here as well as my family and Kenny's family
Sally: - Glad to know you enjoyed the care I gave you
T Ace and Ben give a smile
Ace: - How about during winter break, I'll help you look for another dog at the shelter
Sally: - That'll work, thanks
Ace: - No problem
After driving around a bit, Ace takes Sally's home
Back at Sally's house, she gets out of the car, but everyone else stays
Sally: - Thanks for the ride, Ace. I enjoyed it
Ace: - You're welcome. I need to go to Kenny's house and get the stuff I missed today
Sally: - Alright, see ya
Ace leaves for Kenny's house
At Kenny's house
Ace goes and rings the doorbell
Kenny answers the door
Kenny: - Hey Ace. I am guessing you are here for the work you missed today?
Ace: - Yup
Kenny: - Give me a sec
Goes up and gets his notes and hands them to Ace
Kenny: - Here you go
Ace: - Thanks
Ace gets back into his car and drives home
When he gets home
Ace: - Kai, I have a surprise for you
Kai: - What is it?
T Ace: - Kai?
Kai: - ACE! BEN! IS THAT REALLY YOU?! IT'S BEEN YEARS!
T Ace and Ben ran to Kai and gave him a hug while crying
Kai: - Thank you Ace so much. This means a lot
Splat: - I'm assuming you told Sally about bringing them back home?
Ace: - Mhm. She understood their situation well, and is willing to give them up for that reason.
Splat: - That's good to hear
Ace: - Alright. I'm gonna head up to do my homework
Splat: - We'll call you when dinner's ready
Ace heads up to his room, though stops on the way to check on Nick and Ben
Ace opens the door to Ben's room and sees him doing hw while listening to music, then he goes to Nick's room and sees he is doing the same thing
Ace: - (Seems like they're learning that they can use music to help pass time while doing homework. However, I hope they're not doing it while studying for their exams)
Ace goes to his room and does the work he got today
Everything continued as normal
Nick came up to Ace's room to call him down for dinner
Nick: - Ace, dinner is ready
Ace: - Coming
Nick and Ace came down to have dinner with everyone else
During dinner, Ben and Nick talked with Sia to know more about her while Ace was eating in silence. After dinner, Ace got up to put his plate away
Sia: - Ace, don't you want to eat dessert?
Ace: - I don't feel like having dessert tonight
Sia: - Alright
Ace: - I'll be in my room
Ace goes back to his room
Sia: - Did I do something wrong?
Ben: - You did nothing wrong, aunt Sia
Nick: - Ace just has a lot on his mind
Sia: - I see. Should I at least save some for him?
Nick: - I'll bring it up to his room in a little bit
Sia: - Alright
After dinner, Nick and Ben did the dishes, then decided to watch a bit of tv
At 10pm, Nick and Ben went up to get ready for bed
Ben went to his room while Nick went up to Ace's room to give him some ice cream
Nick knocked on Ace's door
Ace: - Come in
Nick: - I thought you'd might want some ice cream
Ace: - Thanks, Nick
Nick: - Something seems to be troubling you tonight. Care to talk about it?
Sees a notebook open with info about pokemon and some sticky notes
Ace: - Just writing the info I've learned in the past few days. Something's been bothering me, but I can't figure out what it is, so I thought it might be a good idea to write it down. Maybe I can get an idea on where I can start
Nick: - I see. Do you have any leads so far?
Ace: - Not really
Nick: - Do you want me to help you out?
Ace: - I'll be fine. You have school tomorrow, so you should get some sleep.
Nick: - You sure?
Ace: - I'm sure
Nick: - Alright, I'll head to bed now. Night, bro
Ace: - Night
Nick leaves Ace's room
Ace starts to have his ice cream while looking at the notes he wrote
Ace decides to contact Kenny about what he wrote
Ace: - (Kenny?)
Kenny: - (What's up?)
Ace: - (Sorry to disturb you, but I need your help with something)
Kenny: - (What is it?)
Ace: - (I'm not fully sure, but I think it has to do with when I first got to the pokemon world. During the first night I was sleeping at Rocky's house)
Kenny: - (What about that?)
Ace: - (All that I remember was this dark figure saying my name over and over again. The first time, I woke up when it got close to me, and the 2nd time, I saw the same figure this morning, but it looked…clearer, for some reason. We had a small convo, but I don't exactly remember all of what was said, nor what its name is)
Kenny: - (Could it have to do with the power of your recently acquired mew form?)
Ace: - (Huh? I am a Boltund, Kenny, not a mew)
Kenny: - (You sure about that?)
Ace: - (Yes, I'm 1000% sure about it)
Kenny: - (Didn't Nathan say he gave you his mew power?)
Ace: - (If I remember correctly, yes)
Kenny: - (What? Did Nathan give you his Mew power, but not the ability to change into a Mew?)
Ace: - (I don't know. I was in pain, and also asleep during most of it, if you remember. That's why I'm trying to figure out what the figure I keep seeing is.)
Kenny: - (Well, good luck with that)
Ace: - (Ok?)
Lays in bed thinking out loud
Ace: - What is Kenny talking about?
Ace: - Could it have to do with the heal move I did?
Ace: - It can't be. It's not possible for a Boltund to use a move like that. Sigh Why do I keep talking to myself?
Just then, Ace hears the door being unlocked
Walks out of his room and sees that his parents came home
Ace: - Welcome home, mom and dad
Jake: - Hope you had a good day, kiddo
Lisa: - Where is Sia?
Ace: - I had a good day Dad. As for Sia, she's down in the gaming room with her husband and kids.
Lisa: - Alright
Lisa goes down to talk to Sia
Jake: - Did you get to finish your game?
Ace: - I'm very close, dad. I just finished the last gym. Just need to take down Leon, and the trainers in the post game tomorrow morning
Jake: - Nice. I hope you enjoyed it so far, sport
Ace: - I did, but knocks on wood I just hope I don't lose my spot again
Jake: - Let me guess, after what your brothers did, you want to finish the game before it happens.
Ace: - Bingo
Jake: - Well, good luck
Ace: - Thanks
Jake: - Shouldn't you go to bed now?
Ace: - Yeah, but since I don't need to go school tomorrow, I don't see a reason to sleep early
Jake: - Your mother is not going to like that, but ok.
Ace: - I know, I was kidding. I am a bit tired, anyways
Jake: - Alright then. Have a good night kiddo
Ace goes to bed
Next few days went on by without much stuff happening
The following Sunday afternoon, during practice
Coach: - Boys we have a game tomorrow
Everyone : - WHAT!
Coach: - Yup
Alex: - Why are you telling us now?!
Coach: - I want see what you guys do under pressure
Ace: - Still coach, that's probably not a good idea
Coach: - Trust me, you'll be fine. I'll just sit back and watch you guys practice with Ace here
Everyone looked at Ace
Ace: - Uh, guys?
Mark: - You're the captain of the team
Will: - Do you have any plans on what we should do?
Ace: - I have an idea, but I don't know if coach allow it
Coach: - Hmm?
Ace: - May I get onto the field to practice with the others?
Coach: - Sure Ace, you can go and change
Ace: - Yes!
Ace rushed to the locker room and changed
Ace: - Wonder who we're going to face? I'll ask coach after practice
Ace came back to the field
Ace: - Alright, since me and Max are both QB, we'll be the captain of our respected teams
Max: - Fair enough
Ace: - You can pick first, Max
Max: - Ok, I choose Kenny
Ace: - Alex
Max: - Devon
Ace: - Jack
Max: - Will
Ace: - Mark
The rest of the team was split in half, then they started their practice game
Both teams were neck and neck, but Ace's team came out on top
Ace: - Nice work, boys
Alex: - Ace, do you think we did well?
Ace: - Considering how hard you guys practiced, and how well you took my advice, I'm sure we'll be fine for tomorrow
The team: - Thanks, captain
Ace: - Why don't you guys do your cool down stretches while I talk to the coach about tomorrow
The team: - Right
Everyone starts doing their stretches, while Ace walks over to the coach
Ace: - Coach?
Coach: - Yes?
Ace: - What team are we facing tomorrow?
Coach: - You know the town an hour away?
Ace: - Yeah?
Coach: - We'll be facing Matthew and his team
Ace: - froze and chuckle I'm sorry coach, but I must've misheard you. I thought you said we're facing Matthew and his team from Scottsdale high
Coach: - I did say that
Ace froze up like a stone and broke into 1000s of pieces
Ace: - W-w-What! This can't be happening
Coach: - Sorry Ace, but their coach wanted their team to have a match with us, and it would be rude for us to say no
Ace: - But coach, Matthew was the first team we lost to in the high school tournament in freshman year
Coach: - That was 2 years ago
Ace: - I still remember like it was yesterday hears Matthew laughing at him
Coach: - Ace, you and your team have made a lot of progress since then. Don't worry, try your best. This will be a great opportunity for you to see how much you've improved since then.
Ace: - Gulp Alright, coach
Coach leaves
Kenny walks over to Ace
Kenny: - Everything ok?
Ace: - Yeah. Why would it not be ok?
Kenny: - I don't need to read your mind to tell that you are nervous
Ace: - Sigh Coach told me we are facing Scottsdale high
Kenny: - You don't mean-?
Ace: - Mhm. We're facing Matthew and his team
Kenny: - Should we tell the rest of the team?
Ace: - We have to tell them
Ace walks over and starts to stretch, but also starts telling the team the news
Ace: - Guys
Alex: - Yeah?
Will: - What did the coach say?
Ace: - He told me who we are facing
Jack: - Who?
Ace: - took a deep breath Scottsdale high
The team stopped what they were doing and looked at Ace
Mark: - You don't mean?
Ace: - Yup we are facing Matthew and his team
Jack: - This isn't good
Alex: - You think?
Will: - He will make fun of us like he did in freshman year
Ace: - Guys, we've worked so hard to get here, and now you're talking negative cause we're facing a team who could be better than us
Kenny: - You were worried as well, Ace
Ace: - Ok fine, I was, but I also remember what Coach said after. He said that we worked so hard and made so much progress in the 2 years since that game, we got to remember that
Alex: - The coach is right
Mark: - Yeah, we should believe in our own ability
Ace: - Much better. Now, since we got that sorted, let's change and head home.
The team: - Yes, Ace!
Everyone goes to the locker room to change. Afterward, everyone goes home, except Kenny, Mark, Jack, Will, Alex and Ace
Ace let out a sigh
Alex: - Something wrong, Ace?
Ace: - Just wish the coach didn't hide who we're facing tomorrow.
Mark: - I know how you feel, but then again, Coach said he wants to see what we can do under pressure
Jack: - True but, did he have to do it with a team who is better than us?
Will: - Speaking of the coach, and Matthew, what happened to him last year? We didn't see him when we won the championship
Kenny: - Come to think of it Will, you are right. We did not see his team during the championship. Wonder why?
Ace: - Guess we can ask him when we face him
Ace's phone rings
Looks at his phone
Ace: - Speaking of the devil. Matt is calling me
Kenny: - What are you waiting for? Answer the call
Ace: - I will Ken, give me a break
Answers the call from TK
TK: - Hey Ace, it's been a while, mate
Ace: - Hehe it sure has, TK
TK: - Why do you sound nervous?
Ace: - Say what? I'm not nervous man
TK: - Suuuuure. I called to say good luck and may the best team win
Ace: - Thanks?
TK: - To tell you the truth, I have changed my ways and became a better person compared to freshman year
Ace: - I wish you and your team good luck as well
TK: - Thanks Ace
Ace: - I'll see you tomorrow
TK: - See ya then. Hangs up (You're going to need a lot of luck to beat my brother's team, and we have some new tricks in store for you. hehe)
Ace puts his phone back into his pocket
Alex: - Who was that?
Ace: - Matt's brother, TK.
Alex: - What did he say?
Ace: - He wishes us the best of luck
Jack: - Really?
Mark: - I'm not sure if I trust him
Will: - TK is the similar to Matt
Kenny: - They are planning something
Ace: - I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt
Alex: - Are you sure about it?
Ace: - Yeah I'm sure
Mark: - Fair. We should get going now
Ace: - Let's go home
Everyone gets into Ace's car and drive off
As Ace was driving, he was worried about his mom finding out he was practicing
Ace dropped off his friends at their houses and drives back home,
Parks in the driveway, and walks to the door
Takes a deep break before unlocking the door
Lisa: - Welcome back dear. How is the team doing?
Ace had a jump scare when he saw his mom
Ace: - Mom you nearly gave me a heart attack. The team is doing alright
Lisa: - Did you go on the field and practice with the others?
Ace: - No, why do you think that?
Lisa: - Ace, I can see dirt on your face
Ace: - Ok, I was on the field mom, but I have a good reason
Lisa: - I'm listening
Ace: - Tomorrow, we have a game, and it's against Matthew's team. If you remember, his team is way better than mine, and he was mean to me after we lost
Lisa: - It's ok dear, your coach told me everything on the phone before you came home
Ace let out sigh of relief
Lisa: - Next time, tell me before your coach does
Ace: - Ok
Lisa: - Go and wash up. I'll make a snack for you
Ace: - Thanks mom
Goes upstairs and washes the dirt off
Came down to have a snack
While having his snack, Ace was thinking about what TK said earlier that day
Ace: - (I got to admit, that was completely out of the blue. Why would Tk be the one calling me? Could the others be right about Matthew and TK, and that they're planning something to make us lose tomorrow? I guess we have to wait till tomorrow to find out)
Ace's phone buzzed a few times
Ace took his phone out of his pocket to see what was going on and saw that everyone in the football group chat was talking about Matthew
Alex - What do you guys think about Matthew?
Devon - Why do you ask?
Kenny - Cause TK called Ace today to wish him good luck for the game tomorrow.
Jack - I don't believe him
Will: - I still question why TK would call Ace of all people
Mark - I still question why Ace trusts him
Everyone - Ace trusts that guy!?
Will - Mhm, Ace himself told us while we were still on the field
Alex - He's worse than when Devon tried to take over the team
Devon - HEY! I said I was sorry
Jack - We should forfeit the game tomorrow
Kenny: - NO Jack, we're not going to do that. Ace would be mad at us for saying that
Jack - I don't want that team to make fun of us again
Will - Mhm, and you know how upset Ace would be
Kenny - I get that, but still, there is no reason for us to do the same
Presh - Kenny, you saw how Ace was for the few days following that game
Jason - That should be a clear reason for us to do the same
Kenny - Ace might think otherwise, if he sees this
Everyone - Shut up, Kenny
Ace: - This needs to stop
Ace - You guys need to stop! Matthew and TK are not the bad guys
Kenny - See? What did I tell ya?
Will - You don't need to point that out, Kenny. We can all see.
Alex - But Ace-
Ace - I said no more
Kenny - Guys, just do what Ace says
Jack - Don't be Ace's pet, Ken!
Everyone - But Ace!
Ace - Any more words about Matthew and/or TK and that person will not be allowed to play in the game tomorrow
The messages stopped after that
Ace: - At this point, I question if I should set some rules for the group chat
After finishing his snack, Ace goes to his room and lays in bed playing Pokemon Sword
Ace: - Hopefully I can finish this game
3 hours later, Ace got to leon
Ace: - Finally, I made it. Leon get ready for a do over
Hears paws knocking on the door
Ace: - (Nick! Ben! You are not going to ruin my 2nd run of this game)
Saves the game before going to the door
Sees it was T Ace at the door
Ace: - Ace? What are you doing here?
T Ace: - Can I talk to you?
Ace: - Sure, come in
Closes the door after T Ace walked in
T Ace: - Nice room you have here
Ace: - Thank you. What do you want to talk about?
T Ace: - I wanted to ask when me and Ben can go back to see our mother?
Ace: - I will talk to Nathan after my game tomorrow to see if he can bring you back
T Ace: - Ok, thank you
Ace: - You're welcome. Are you heading back down to the gaming room?
T Ace: - Yes
Ace goes and opens the door to let T Ace to leave his room
Closes the door and goes back to playing the game
20 mins later
Ace: - YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! I finally took down Leon! Now it's time for the post game
Nick and Ben ran up to Ace's room and busted through the door
Nick and Ben: - ACE! What happened? Where's the fire?
Ace: - Huh? There is no fire. I'm just happy that I beat Leon and put chairman Rose in his place
Nick: - Next time bro, don't yell like that
Ben: - Yeah, mom was worried about you when she heard you yelling
Ace: - Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know that you even care
Nick: - Are you trying to be sarcastic?
Ace: - Get out of my room now
Nick and Ben: - Fine
Both of them left and Ace went back to playing his game
Lisa came up to Ace's room
Lisa: - Ace?
Ace: - Come in
Walks in the room
Lisa: - Please be kind to your brothers
Ace: - They came into my room without knocking
Lisa: - I was worried when you screamed
Ace: - I just got to the credits in my game
Lisa: - That's good, but please don't scream that loud. I know you're excited, but we thought something bad happened because it was so loud.
Ace: - Fine
Lisa: - Don't talk to me like that
Ace: - I am sorry mom it's just those 2 get on my nerves after what they did to my switch
Lisa: - I know dear, but remember that your father gave them the punishment of not touching your switch for a month and that they had to do your chores for a week, on your behalf.
Ace: - I remember
Lisa: - Don't worry about what they're doing, alright?
Ace: - Alright
Lisa left Ace's room and he went back to playing his game
2 hours go by and Ace finished the post game
Ace: - Finally finished the post game stuff. I hope they make some cool DLC for this game. I can ask dad if they are planning to have DLC for Pokemon Sword and Shield. Then again knowing that can ruin the game for me and others, but it can't hurt to know if they are working on some or not. Why do I keep talking to myself like this?
Ace put his Switch away and went outside to go for a walk
While walking, Ace was thinking about the football game, and what to do about it
Ace: - (What can we do tomorrow to win the game? Should I split the team up so I have more options of who I can toss the ball to? No, that would leave me exposed, and the other team could sack me. How about I split it in half? Hmm, that can work, but I don't know if everyone would agree with me)
Kenny pops into Ace's mind
Kenny: - (I like your idea, but how about 4 of the players defend and others can be targets? Matthew's team will not know which of the players you're going to give the ball to)
Ace: - (That can work as well and- wait, why are you in my mind space?)
Kenny: - (I kinda knew you would still be worried about the game, and would go on a walk to decide on what to do, so when I saw you walk by I thought I'd check in)
Ace: - (Alright)
Kenny: - (You know what else I learned?)
Ace: - (Why do I feel like I'm going to regret knowing the answer?)
Kenny: - Hehe (You will see)
Ace: - (Why do I feel happy?)
Kenny: - (Hehe)
Ace: - (Kenny?)
Kenny: - Time to see angry doggo
Ace: - (KENNY!)
Kenny: - Now worried doggo
Ace: - (Kenny, I'm worried)
Stops playing Ace's emotions
Ace: - (Are you playing with my emotions?)
Kenny: - (Yup, and I'd do it again since it was fun)
Ace: - (That's it. I'm coming to your house to talk to your parents about this)
Kenny: - (Oh crap, I didn't think this through)
Ace started to walk to Kenny's house with a short fuse
Kenny: - (Ace, can we talk it out please?)
Ace: - (We are way past that, Ken!)
Kenny: - (I am a dead cat, aren't I)
Ace: - (Should've seen this coming, Psychic Kitty)
Ace got to Kenny's house and rang the doorbell
Lea opened the door
Lea: - Hi Ace. Kenny is in his room
Ace: - I came here to talk to you
Lea: - What did you want to talk about?
Kenny comes rushing down
Kenny: - It's nothing mom! We are heading to the park right now
Ace: - You can't stop me from telling your mom about what you did
Lea: - Kenny? What did you do Ace?
Kenny: - Hehe
Lea: - Ace, tell me what my son did
Ace: - Gladly. He used his power to control my emotions, and also came in my mind convo without asking, several times.
Lea: - Kenny James Adams, is this true?
Kenny: - Yes
Lea: - Thank you for telling me
Ace: - You're welcome. I should be heading home now. Gives a smug look to Kenny
Lea: - Alright, see ya
Ace left and Lea gave a death stare to Kenny
Lea: - Why would you do that, Kenny?
Kenny: - I was just trying my powers since I never knew what I could do with them
Lea: - That doesn't give the right to test them on your best friend
Kenny: - I'm sorry
Lea: - You should not be apologizing to me, but to your best friend
Kenny: - I don't think he wants to hear from me after all this happen
Lea: - You're still going to be grounded cause of what you did today
Kenny: - But mom!
Lea: - No buts. Go to your room now, leave your phone with me
Kenny: - That's not fair
Lea: - It's your fault for what you did to Ace
Kenny: - Ok, but can I make one more call before you take it?
Lea: - Make it quick
Kenny takes his phone out and calls Nick
Nick: - What's up Kenny?
Kenny: - Can you do me a small favor?
Nick: - What is it?
Kenny: - When your brother gets home, play Warriors by Imagine Dragons on spotify
Nick: - Why?
Kenny: - We had a small fight, and this song will calm his mind
Nick: - Ok
Kenny gave Lea his phone and went to his room
Meanwhile, at the Rogers' house. Ace returns home
Nick: - Welcome back, Ace
Ace: - …..
Nick: - Kenny told me what happened, and he thought would help
Ben: - Nick whatever you do, don't play that song
Nick: - Why? It's just a song
Nick hit play on Warriors by Imagine Dragons on Spotify
Ace's eyes lit up and started singing the song
Nick: - He's happy now
Ben: - Yeah, but he's going to be singing this song for like 3 to 4 hours
Nick: - I don't see a problem with that
Ben: - He won't stop to do anything else, and it took mom, dad, and I a long time to get him to stop
Nick: - Oh, that is bad. Let me stop the music
Ben: - Don't do that
Nick: - Why not?
Ben: - He will get mad, and we know how bad his rage gets
Nick: - Ok
Lisa: - Why is there loud music?
Sees Ace is dancing to Warriors by Imagine Dragons
Lisa: - Which one of you is playing that song?
Ben: - Nick did it
Lisa: - When Ace is having a bad day and hears this song, it does cheer him up, but at times, he will not stop singing the song
Nick: - Ben said that
Lisa: - This is going to be a long day
Ace: - I'm done. I don't need you guys thinking I can't control myself
Lisa, Ben and Nick: - Huh?
Ace: - Sure I do like this song, but I'm not that crazy
Lisa: - Then mind telling me, why 3 years ago, you didn't stop, even when me and your dad cut off the internet and took your phone away?
Ace: - I had just found the song and I was crazy for it, but after that I was in control
Ben: - Are you sure?
Ace: - Yes Ben, I'm 100% sure
Ben: - Alright, Thunder Puppy
Ace: - What did you just call me?
Ben: - Thunder Puppy, cause you are a bit dumb
Ace: - Oh really? You're one to talk, Hover Mouse
Ben: - Why you!
Ben and Ace got into a fight
Nick: - Ben! Ace!
Lisa: - Nick, you take Ben. I'll take Ace.
Nick: - Right
Nick pulls Ben away from Ace. While Lisa holds Ace in place
Lisa: - ENOUGH BOTH OF YOU. GO TO YOUR ROOM AND THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU JUST DID TILL DINNER!
Ace: - Ok mom
Ben: - scoffed Ok
Heads up to their rooms
End of chapter 24