#aarb

Ace put down the book he was reading and sighed. It had been weeks. Weeks since Marco had left, and he hadn't heard a word from the man. All in all, it was kind of depressing. For the first time in years, he'd had company. A real, live physical being he could talk to and who would talk back. So unlike all of the books he had managed to steal from people over the years. Now, though, that person was gone. And contrary to his promises, he would likely never be coming back. ... "See you later, mom!" Ace yelled, running out of the house after his brother and slamming the front door shut behind him. He let his legs take him into the crowded streets. It was a week till Christmas, and people were doing what little shopping they could do. Windmill Village wasn't very big, so there were only so many things you could buy. All of a sudden, the small boy he was following stopped in front of one of the displays. Ace slowed down and walked over to him, curious about whatever his brother was looking at with such growing fascination in his eyes.