A/N I guess it took another long time for this one. This one might seem really rushed and... well, badly put together.
Dark Ace's head hung low since he knew what came next. He didn't want to relive it. So he went to the next memory that stood out. This time, it was when he was at the age of 10. He had ran away from the orphanage and was living on the street.
"Hey! You haven't paid for that!" shouted a sturdy looking man standing in front of a cart selling snacks. He was yelling at an older Ace. Ace didn't look back. He walked casually towards an alleyway that he now called home, with a stolen sand cake. The guards ran past without noticing Ace. He had learn that lesson fast. Never run away, that would make you look guilty.
When he got back to his alley, he stopped. Someone had been here! Ace always kept his place organized and as clean as a dark alley could be, but now, the books he treasured were scattered, the roof made out of scraps was gone, and his reserve food was, stolen! Ace ran to the back of the alley, certain he would find the theif there. As he approached the back, he heard someone land behind him. Before he could react the stranger had twisted his arm and pinned him against the fence. Every time Ace tried to struggle, the attacker just twisted his arm even more. His arm hurt, a lot, but the attacker wouldn't let go.
"What do you want!" Ace demanded. The stranger just laughed.
"Wouldn't you like to know," the stranger said. Then he let go.
Ace turned to face the attacker. "You. Are. Going. To... oh," his voice faded away into a squeak as he look at the man. He towered over Ace like a giant, he was lean and muscular. Ace was a bit frightened.
The man took one look at Ace and said, "how old are ya kid."
Ace resented this man. Who did he think he was? Ace wasn't a kid! Well, now that he thought of it, he was only ten and therefore considered a child. He only had two options, attack the man, or answer his question and hopefully be spared. He thought out his two options. Attacking the man was the riskier option, or was it? If Ace got away, he would be fine. Or would the man go after him. Well, it was worth a try, was it not? He tensed, then tackled the man.
"Whoa, there kid," the man said as he took a few steps back. He didn't fall, but He pushed Ace against the wall again. "Look, I don't want to hurt you."
"Yet you steal all my food and destroy my shelter." Ace really hated this guy now. His pride was hurt, being pinned for the second time. The man just shrugged.
"My name's Nicko. Now, if I let you go, will you stop trying to tackle me?" he was laughing at Ace.
"Yes," Ace grudgingly said.
Nicko let go an took a step back. "So, how did you lose your parents?"
"How do you know that?
"Well, little ten-year-old boys don't usually live on the streets for no reason by themselves. And I'm just guessing your age." he said, anticipating Ace's next question. "You don't seem that bad, sorry if I hurt you."
"It's OK." he said. though he felt hungry and bruised. Ace was also worried about where was going to live. Nicko seemed to read his mind.
"I'm sorry for you know... ruining your home. You can stay with me if you want."
"Really?" Ace was surprised. They had only met a few minutes ago, and he was already inviting him to stay with him? Of course though, it would help him greatly since he was only a vulnerable ten-year-old. Nicko had to be at least twenty. Ace would be safe with him.
The Dark Ace sat back with a big smile. He had made a friend that day.