It has been two years and seven days since Ravan's attack on Arden. After that tragic event, Vale started training Aiden. Today marks the day Aiden will return after two long years.
A question might come to mind: if Aiden was away from Arden, who was attending school and handling other matters? Let's find out.
[Bell rings at Aiden's house...]
Aiden walked towards the door and opened it. To his surprise, no one was there.
"Hello? Is anybody there? Hello?" He paused for a moment. "Is this a prank?" Aiden thought as he closed the door.
After closing it, he turned around and froze in shock—standing in front of him was... himself.
"Ugh!" he screamed in fear. Then he realized what was happening. "Oh, it's you!" His heart was still racing. The other Aiden stood there, silently smiling.
"Don't scare me like that! What would you have done if I'd had a heart attack?"
"Relax. Clones can't die. Even if you die, I can always create more." The clone pouted slightly. "You don't want me to live forever as your first clone, do you? As long as I'm around, you can always respawn me."
Aiden sighed. "Yes, I know. Thanks for all your help over these two years. Also, if I hadn't turned invisible and someone had seen me, it would've caused chaos, and I'd have to erase their memory."
"You can erase memories now? I want that power too!" Aiden said, intrigued.
"After I'm released, you'll have all my memories and abilities," the clone replied. "Anyway, where's Vale?"
"He's still the same," the clone muttered under his breath. "He went off on his own. He said he needed to gather some information and handle a few things."
Aiden, happy to be home after such a long time, let nostalgia flood over him. Memories of the moments he spent with his family washed through his mind.
"Finally, I'm back," he said, loudly and relieved. His expression changed to a serious tone. "This time, I won't let anyone take away what's precious to me. I'll make sure that the saying, 'The comeback is bigger than the setback,' applies to me."
"Okay, okay, don't get too sentimental!" his clone teased. "I was the one who had to handle all your schoolwork, exams, and everything else. But don't worry, I passed for you. The education system has changed a lot in these two years. Now, school only lasts until age 16, and after that, you have to choose between higher studies, joining OSAP, or some other guaranteed future job. You'll get the details after you release me, so just let me rest."
"Alright," Aiden said. "First, I'll sync your memories with mine." He placed his head on his clone's, sharing the memories. "All done! I guess it's time now. Thank you... me."
"Bye, me!" the clone smiled.
"Release!" Aiden said, and the clone disappeared, blending into the surroundings.
Aiden walked up the stairs to his room on the first floor. It was his first time entering it in two years. Nostalgia filled him as he looked around, visiting every corner of the room.
[Suddenly, a knock on the window...]
Aiden walked over and opened it to see Vale.
"Vale! What are you doing here? What if someone sees you?" Then he realized. "Oh, right... you're invisible, and only I can see you."
Vale smirked. "Still slow to process, I see."
Vale jumped into the room.
"Two years ago, I also jumped into this room. Feels nostalgic," he said.
Aiden's expression shifted, his face sad. "That attack... if only I could've helped them."
"Aiden," Vale said, his tone serious. "It's time. My shield won't hold for much longer, so get ready for the worst. The world has changed a lot in these two years. I also heard OSAP is doing well."
"Yeah, I know. I shared the clone's memories. They're using DNA mutation to change human society, but I'm still not sure if they're right or wrong."
Vale looked Aiden in the eyes. "So, are you joining OSAP or not?"
"Yes," Aiden replied confidently. "It'll give me some freedom to do what I want. Maybe not right away, but eventually."
"Alright then, let's get ready," Vale said as he stood up. "By the way, happy birthday in advance. Tomorrow's your birthday, isn't it?"
Aiden smiled, his heart warming. "Yes, it is. Thank you, my best friend."
"Friend, huh?" Vale thought to himself, smiling softly.