A/N: hey guys Scratch Conlon here. This is a story I wrote a very long time ago and decided to edit/ rewrite and upload! Enjoy!

4 years pre strike-

Lace ran down the docks, her bare feet smacking the worn wood. She launched herself off the edge and into the frigid water of the East River. The cold hit her like a ton of bricks waking up the 13 year old. She swam down until her ears popped and then headed for the surface, the warm sun shining through the water to greet her face. She broke through and gasped for air wiping her eyes.

"Come on Snitch!" She yelled to her older brother. No reply was heard so Lace floated on her back wishing he would jump in and swim with her.

"What do you think you're doin' Lace?" She heard someone call. She swam to the edge of the low dock. Spot Conlon was leaning against a pole in the shade. Even at 14 he held a smug essence about himself.

"I'm playing poker…what does it look like I'm doing Spot?" she asked, her voice laced with sarcasm. In Lace's opinion Spot needed to calm down and loosen up. All he cared about was trying to become the leader of the Brooklyn newsies. He wanted all of New York as his kingdom and Lace just wanted to have fun with her friend. Spot smirked and turned to Luck. Luck was a large boy who believed in every word Spot said. Someday he would become his second in command.

"Hiya sweetheart!" Lace heard Racetrack Higgins call from behind her. She let go of the docks and started to turn around when all of a sudden she was falling and falling faster under water. She pushed at the hands binding her and came sputtering up for air. She swam towards the dock's ladder coughing and out of breath. She pulled herself out with a sigh and laid on the wet wood.

"I swear Race! One of these days you're gonna kill me and you'll be sorry!" She spit, closing her eyes. Racetrack climbed out after her, laughing loudly.

"It ain't nice for young ladies to swear Ribbons and Lace." He said using his pet name for her. Lace sat up and glared at him.

"Growing up with Newsboys teaches you some nasty habits."

A/N: So that was the prologue! Very insightful I know! Reviews would be lovely; this is going to be a touching one I hope!