A/N: This excellent story idea belongs to Hukunaaaa Matataaaa. She created most of the characters, the story plot, and pretty much anything to this story. I am only the humble typer.
Disclaimer: Newsies belongs to Disney. I own only Crown and a few other OC's
February 3rd, 1901
The harsh lights shined in my eyes, nearly blinding me as I laced up my shoes and gloves, getting ready for the fight. I rolled my neck, eyeing my opponent. He was rather large, and pretty tall, but not very agile. I smirked, that would be his downfall. I glanced around the crowd. People, mostly men, were handing each other glinting silver coins and dollar bills, betting on the fight. From where I stood, I could see Diablo sitting at a table in the back, his own money slipping in between his fingers. He nodded at me and I turned to face my opponent. He growled at me and I spat on the ground next to his feet. He snarled, his lips forming a smile when he took in my curly long hair and skinny frame. I was small for eleven and that was what allowed my opponents to underestimate me.
In the fighting ring, Diablo called me Ace, because I was considered lucky to him. He always bet on me and I'd win in return for his hospitality. It was rare that I lost, and that was only when the others were smart enough to catch on to me.
The bell rang and I glanced up as my opponent ran straight at me. I quickly slipped aside as he made a grab for my head. I quickly hit a few jabs to his back as he turned and ran at me again, trying to attack me again. I ducked and kicked his stomach as hard as I could. He staggered back and I hit with a hard uppercut, making him fall backwards onto his butt. I quickly moved as he stood back up and as he got his balance, I ran and grabbed his neck, keeping him on the ground in a headlock, until he hit the ground twice, signalling the surrender.
I let go of him and backed up, walking over to the edge of the ring. I jumped over the ropes and onto the ground, walking towards the back. One of the owners clapped my shoulder. "Good job kid." I nodded my thanks.
I had practically been raised by these men. My father insisted that I got fighting lessons when I was younger, so I'd be able to defend myself against street folk, and bad people.
I had barely even broken a sweat, but for the sake of appearances, I toweled off my neck and face, before loosing my boxing gloves, and tucking them into the bag, ignoring Diablo as he stalked over.
He smirked and leaned against the wall. He was what most people was call a cat in a fancy suit. Sneaky, but with a lot of money, so people respected him. He was carrying a cigar, almost elegantly in his mouth. He watched as I pulled on my skirt and blouse over top.
"Good job today, before long I will not be the only one betting on you. Then it will be harder and harder to make money," Diablo commented. I nodded. "We best be headed out. I do not want to stay long enough for people to get any ideas on betting." He linked his arm with mine after I had tugged on my coat and picked up my bag, and pulled me through the doors.
As we walked out the doors, I immediately noticed the snow falling down from the sky, and pulled my coat tighter around myself. Just because it was February didn't mean that we didn't get the occasional freak snowstorm. We walked together up the stairs and into the small carriage that was waiting.
He closed the door behind me and eyed me. "You're awfully quiet this evening."
I looked up as we began moving. "Am I? I hadn't noticed."
He tilted his head, a cat eyeing his prey. "I suppose you are just tired." Without any farther words, he took his money out of his coat and began counting it.
"Do I get any?" I asked. "I mean, I'm the reason you get the money."
Diablo looked at me and laughed. "Do you not remember your contract Sophia?" His face suddenly took on a more intense look. "You win and make me money, I give you food and a place to live."
"What if I don't want to fight for you?" I asked.
He glared at me long enough to make me squirm. "You have to, other wise I am within my rights to call the police and report you. Or I can always handle matters myself," He leaned in close to me. "Is that what you want Sophia?"
I scoffed and leaned away from him, turning so I was looking out the window. He laughed, the tension dissolving. "But you would never do that."
I clenched my fists in my lap. At least I wasn't stuck with mother anymore.
October 17th, 1897
Most of my earlier memories after father passed were of my mother going door to door, looking for employment. This day people were particularly harsh. Something inside of her just snapped.
I was only seven and I sat, playing with a small deck of cards father had used to teach me poker, when she stormed in, angry. She slammed a chair into the wall and opened the cupboard, pulling out a flask of whisky, downing the bottle before sending a hateful glare my way, as though it were my fault she couldn't get a job.
It only got worse from that day on.
Morning, February, 4th, 1901
I awoke in my bed. The sheets were tangled all around me, as they usually were when I had a fitful sleep. I sat up and stretched, looking out the window. It was still snowing, not as heavily, but the roofs across the street were coated with snow. I stretched my arms above my head. Quietly I slipped out of bed, not wanting to wake Diablo, who slept across the hall from me. I had decided last night that I needed out for a day, so I was headed to the Sheepshead in the afternoon, where my father enjoyed taking me to when I was four or five.
I quickly pulled on a pair of pants and shirt, tucking my hair under a hat I kept under my bed, so I could blend in with the others at the Sheepshead.
I didn't have a fight tonight. Since I won last night, I wouldn't have to fight again for two or three days, depending on how well I did, which was probably pretty well. I grinned and bounded down the stairs.
Afternoon, February 4th, 1901
The roads were quiet this afternoon as I made my way to the sheepshead. It was still snowing, wind blowing it everywhere, making me glad for the coat I had grabbed out of the closet. As I got closer, I began walking faster, feeling smaller.
There were still lots of people at the Sheepshead, despite the weather, and horses were speeding around the track. I rushed up to the fence, and stood staring at the horses racing past. If I had any money I would be betting on them like crazy, but sadly, I had no source of income. I backed away from the fence, scowling. Stupid Diablo.
Three voices behind me caused me to stop and listen to their conversation.
"I don't see why you insist on betting on the races. Your hot tips aren't even worthy of considering." The three stop along the fence a little ways down. I watched out of the corner of my eye.
"Because I enjoy it." None of the three were dressed for the weather. Two of the wore plaid shirts with the sleeves rolled up to their elbows, and the other, younger one, wore a short sleeved shirt. All three wore newsie hats. That explained the clothing.
"I can see what Crown is saying though Race. It seems like a waste of money." The youngest one tilted his head, looking at the oldest through brown eyes. The older two were most likely siblings, from the simaler hair and eye colour.
"Ha! See!" The one called Crown said. "Not all Conlon's refuse to see reason!"
Race rolled his eyes. "Why are you siding with her anyway?" He asked the youngest. Wait. Her?
The youngest smirked and stuck out his tongue. "With how well her and Spot are, she's going to be my sister-in-law, I want to get on well with her." Sister-in-law?
This caused both of them to turn and stare at the younger boy.
"Excuse me Prince. Do you want me to take you back to the jail?"
Race raised a brow. "Sister-in-law? Not happening. You are seventeen."
Crown stuck her tongue out at Race and Prince laughed. Race went to smack Crown's head, and the hat fell off into the snow drifts. My mouth dropped open, and I stared as long hair fell messily from the hat.
She stared at her brother with an amused look. She scooped her hat back up and tucked it on her head, not bothering to put her hair back up.
Here I stood, dressed like a boy, scared to go near anyone, and those boys were acting like it was normal.
Their conversation came to a halt as they noticed me staring at them. The oldest stepped forwards. "Can we help you boy?"
I froze. Should I run? I had heard that the newsies were rough. But these people seemed fine. The newsies were always open for jobs to. Maybe I could find a way to make money.
"Are there any open spots for newsies?"
This clearly wasn't what they were expecting me to say.
The girl-Crown-stepped forwards. "Queens is open, I think Manhattan, The Bronx, and Brooklyn are too, but I can only speak for Queens."
"Manhattan has openings." Race spoke.
"And Brooklyn. I think Sage is full though." Prince spoke.
"Why kid? Are you looking for a job?"
Queens, I thought, Diablo wouldn't find me there. It was far enough away. Plus, there was another girl.
"I need a way to make money. Can I sell papers in Queens?"
The girl tilted her head and the two boys looked up at her.
"I don't see why not. Welcome to Queens newsies kid."
