The wind brushed the dark brown hair of a small boy who lived in one of the smallest towns in the Rowan Empire. His family didn't have enough fundings to live in the main city as they were categorized as unprivileged.

As each day passes it was worst, his empire and the empire of Asteria were in conflict. They detested one another and both of them wanted power. But, the consequences greatly affected his petite town and of course his home.

The boy named Ace, and his twin brother Atlas worked harder to save some money. They helped their parents in the bakery. Devotion showed in their little eyes, and the tiny pared of hands served the people coming in.

The townspeople loved this duo, both delivered joy and happiness to this place. The parents were proud of them, but at the same time worried. Ace and Atlas are growing in a challenging and dangerous spot, with the war nearing.

Anxiety grew, and little Ace was the smallest of his family. He is the younger brother, which means that Atlas was overprotective of him. However, Ace wanted to show his brother that he was more than capable of being a 'big boy'.

As for now, his mother gave him an important task, he needed to hand over some sweets and breed to Grandma Roma. She was super nice and cared dearly for the seven years old boys.

He went out of the bakery to complete his task, more importantly, he knew the way around here. It was left, left then right, left… or right and right?… now the boy was lost.

Spaciously, he looked between the streets. It was crowded with people, either he asked for help or walk to see if he recognizes the place.

With his tiny mind, he thought that he didn't need to ask, he only need to observe carefully and remember. His hands hold on tight to the basket he is carrying. His golden eyes scan the markets.

Something caught his attention, but it wasn't what he was looking for. There were more soldiers around the streets and the little boy didn't have a good feeling about it.

So, he quickly wanted to finish his mini-mission and go home.

He runs impatiently through the streets of his town. Recognizing the house that the sweets belonged to, it had a door colored red with a sign that indicates 'open'.

Grandma Roma owned the only clock business in Rowan as well as being the only person that the kids loved to be with. Ace grabbed the door handle and opened the door to the house.

"Grandma Roma! I'm here!" Shouted the boy.

The person that the boy named out appeared around a back door. "Oh! What a gentleman, did you bring me the order, Ace?"

The kid nodded "Yes I did" he responded. He placed the basket on the countertop, it was high up but he managed to tip-top his way up.

"Thank you, Ace I wanted to give you a gift" she carefully places the object in the hands of the youngest. "Happy Birthday to you and your brother".

It was a compass and a clock. "But our birthday is tomorrow" the kid gave a confused gaze at the elderly. He looked cute in the eyes of the grandma.

"Being early is not bad" she gave a soft smile to the child. "Of course, this compass will always guide you home" she finished, her eyes landing on the window "It's best if you get going, it's getting quite late and bad for kids going around".

He replied astonished "I'm no kid anymore! Hmph!" Grandma Roma chuckled at the reaction he gave her.

"Alright, Alright sweetheart you are now grown-up. You need to go now, it is getting dark outside" She gave him a worried look and decided to go with him to the door of her house.

Ace instantly went out of the house, then turned around and give her farewell. He was taking his time returning, his eyes were on the gifts given by grandma Roma. Silver with golden details remained on both the compass and the clock, then his feet become to a stop.

The sky was gray and screamings are heard in the air, the soldiers were shouting all over the place. Fire is seen by the weak wall protecting the town and some of the houses are being destroyed by it.

People were fighting in the streets, bodies were lingering on the floors and that red liquid scared him. The little boy was scared and shocked by the things happening around him. Everyone was running away, Ace terrify ran through so he could reach his home, he didn't know what was happening. He fell over, his knees were scratched and dirty. His clothes were smudged by dirt, it was a nightmare for the kid. Hurridly pull himself up and continue his destiny.

His worried face said everything.

The sound of sharp blades and soldiers with shiny armor fighting. Indeed, this was scary. One of the townspeople recognized the child and shouted "Kid you should get out of here, it is dangerous" concluded.

The only thing Ace knew and thought was to arrive at his house where his family will be. He continue running as fast as he could with his little legs. Furthermore, when nearing smoke was coming into the orange and grayish sky. He finally reached his place, but something was really wrong.

Fire.

His house was on fire.

He shouted "Mom!... Dad!... Brother!..." yet every single thing was burning. Tears started to come out of his golden eyes. With panic and anxiety, he felt like his whole world fell. This could not be happening. If his family was alive he needed to confirm it.

Even tho he felt a hole in his heart.

Rubbing his tears away, Ace tried to go near the house... impossible, he verily could breathe, it was suffocating. He called again for his loved ones.

Nothing.

He needed to look for help.

Suddenly, it all went black.