Chapter 1:
"Come on Show Pony! It's time for the wonderful land of seventh grade!" Jack groaned and rolled over, burying his head back into the pillow. Aster persisted, this time prodding his younger brother's shoulder.
"Wake up or I'll-" Aster froze mid sentence as he heard a knock on the door. Jack immediately rolled onto the balls of his feet, waiting.
Aster looked at his younger brother, "Hide."
Without hesitation, Jack climbed through the window and hid behind the bushes. He buried himself completely in them, ignoring the scrapes that now ran down his arms. From his position, Jack could just hear what was going on in the front lawn of their apartment building.
"I told you, he's not here. He's at a boarding school."
"A boarding school? And where does a rat like you find the money for a boarding school." A mocking voice filled the air.
"I have ways." Aster shifted uncomfortably.
"I'm aware you have...ways, as you so articulately put it, ways that I am most interested in. Which is why I am here once again to offer you a deal, a contract if you like."
"And once again. I'm. Not. Interested." Aster punctuated each word as though talking to a small child.
Jack heard the voice move closer his hiding spot. "What if I told you that I knew that you were lying to me. You know I don't like liars Aster." At this, the man dragged Jack out of the bushes by the back of the hoodie. Jack grew pale as he caught a glance at the man's face.
"Pitch." It came out a frightened whisper.
Pitch laughed, it send shivers up the boy's spine. Jack's eyes met his brother's. Aster's eyes were wide, he glanced around looking for a weapon. Jack caught his brothers gaze again, 'I'll go. Don't fight." Jack's eyes pleaded, desperate to keep his older brother safe. Aster's eyes hardened, 'Like hell you will.'
He turned to face Pitch with a deadly calm, "I will join you if you let my brother walk free, he has classes to attend and he's already late."
Pitch released Jack and a smile grew on his face, "Such a caring brother. I wonder how far that protection goes," he mused, "very well, I accept."Aster walked forward, and they shook hands, each attempting to stare down the other. Pitch disappeared into the shadows of the alley way without a single glance back.
"Aster I'm sorry, I was hiding like I said." Jack tugged at his fraying blue hoodie.
Aster gave a small smile, he seemed to have aged ten years in the past minute."Don't worry about it ya' little Ankle biter, it'll all work out. You'll see. Now let's get you to school." Aster slung one arm protectively around his younger brother's shoulders, trying to ignore the eyes that watched their progress from the shadows.