Chapter 1: Family and Friendship

? Point of view

I'm not one who would talk about a kid like him, but one thing has bothered me. How does he have a magic capacity greater than anyone else I've known? Even the highest priest doesn't have that much. Merlin and Shang have higher capacities but none as him. He's also brought so much to us with new ship designs, steam engines, faster transportation, and more. Something about him isn't normal. I've got to investigate this kid and the secrets he holds. The only way to find out is to use a special magic item that looks into people's minds. I equip the special device and start to feel him.

"What is this? This kid has more memories than anyone else I know, memories of another place. What is going on in there?"

September 10, 2021

Planet Earth, Ace's Point of View

"Another dream of that place again" I said. "I don't know what that was, but it didn't look peaceful."

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 people from socializing with each other. Ever since moving home several years ago, I had to find a way to get used to things I'm not used to seeing. During that time, I started school not without problems. Being a less social kid, it was harder to make friends because of my awkwardness, and I struggled to complete assignments on time. I was able to make friends with two students however: 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. Thanks to them, I have fully caught up with everyone else. I've got enough time before the bus arrives at my house, so I should be able to be more prepared. 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 heard 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 hurried 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 enjoyed 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?"

"Do you know anything about my parents?"

"Your parents? All I've heard is they vanished without a trace. Other than that, I couldn't help you."

I paused for a moment. Is it possible I've never known my parents because I was too young when they disappeared? It's possible, but I couldn't believe it. As I thought about it, I heard wheels screeching.

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

"I already packed your 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 helping Sarah with housework."

"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.

"They are harder to find than they were a few months ago. It's surprising anyone is able to find one without paying scalpers."

The bus driver must have heard our conversation because she decided to talk.

"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 are 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 didn'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."

"I hope I'll be able to make good acquaintances with all of you."

The rest of the time we had for lunch was spent eating and talking about upcoming plans for 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.

We ended up having the sleepover, and we all enjoyed it. However, that dream I had was still bugging me, so I decided to talk about it to them.

"Kirby, Franny, there's something I want to talk to you about."

"It's alright with us," said Kirby. "We tell each other accomplishments on our games."

"This one isn't a game."

"Oh?"

"It's about a strange dream I've been having recently."

"Anything interesting?" asked Franny.

"I have seen a different place where the scenery is filled with weird creatures, flying squirrels, and magic, and some of them are jelly-like."

"Do they taste like jelly?"

"Kirby, I'm not exactly sure. I've never been there. I don't think it's real."

"So, we're not talking about Kirby's Avalanche?"

"I don't think it's a Mean Bean Machine either."

"Well, there is a series called Puyo Puyo, so that might be what was seen," said Alice.

"Possibly, but we'll think about this another day. Good night, everyone."

We started accepting Alice into the team more, 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 on May 27th, 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.