Purpose: Whisperer of Night

By Keya Jay

In this story you will be introduced to a new kind of species called Whisperers; Wisps for short. Though they're different they are very much like every other human-minus the super natural abilities of course. All of the characters in the story have their own story to tell. They all have connections, some have better connections than others but they don't yet know that there's something connecting them all to each other--> a case about a man and, or woman kidnapping and killing fellow Whisperers. Can they put their personal issues behind in order to get to the bottom of this? Or will they have to sacrifice one secret for another?
You have to be in a dark place to want to find the light and all of these characters are there in that dark place, some need the light and others won't let them-selves have it. They think they know what they need but they don’t, they just know what they want. We don’t always get what we want though. Everyone serves an important purpose; they’re all here for a reason they just have to find out what the reason is. Soon, soon this world they live in won't be so barren, so without life, so...meaningless. Soon they'll find purpose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Keya Jay
• Release date: Jun 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310225994

Keya Jay

A little about Kiara: My name is Kiara and I am extremely goofy. I love to laugh and I love the people that can make me do it non stop. I love to do things besides read and write which shocks most people because that's usually all they see me doing but the truth is I like to do a lot more. I love to draw, I practice drawing every and anything. I also love photo manipulation and have created all of my own book covers. I enjoy singing and dancing--enjoy doing it but never said I was good at doing it. And I enjoy being a girl (:D)A little about Keya-J: My author name is Keya-J and I have been writing for a long time. I love to be creative so I'll try everything under the blue moon (:D)I go by Keya J so that is what you'll see all of my books under.I love to Write! So much in fact that I currently have about 6 books so far that have all been started and that are now waiting--none too patiently--to be finished.I have been inspired by so many so I can't really name them all here but I love to read all genres. I have an open mind really to everything--people included. I hate to be too judgmental but I do like to give my opinion and there are some that appreciate it--I am one of them (:D)An important fact you might want to know about me and my writing is that I have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers but tend to use them a lot (xD)NEW RELEASE UPDATE:I am going to release a new book--hopefully before winter break--for you all to enjoy. It is apart of a series of 4 so far [key word: SO FAR]and there is nothing normal about it. I know for a fact that most of you are going to hate Harlow Bentley which is indeed the point but then of course I'm going to make you fall madly in love with her--you'll see. The series is called Redemption, the 1st book is called-Without Redemption, the 2nd-Below Redemption, 3rd-Redemption, and the 4th is-Above Redemption.SYNOPSIS:~Harlow Bentley is a troubled teen. She's been locked up on multiple occasions to the point where her Parole Officer is now on speed dial. Harlow's mother doesn't seem to be helping matters any as she is too busy with her many toys as Harlow liked to refer to the drunken men in her mother's life as. Harlow's older sister Rhea seems to be the only one with the slightest bit of faith in Harlow but Charles, her sisters best friend doesn't seem to have the same faith as Rhea and thinks that all Harlow is doing is causing her sister pain.After a horrendous attach Harlow finds herself in a coma. Once she comes to she realizes that she has a conscience; a visible, talking, walking, annoying, handsome conscience who is suspiciously absent of his angle half.Harlow soon finds herself in an uncompromising situation that might turn her life completely upside down and it doesn't help matters any when Harlow finds out that this uncompromising situation could be the thing that brings everyone else's life right side up.~ WITHOUT REDEMPTION (Coming Soon)With everything I write there is an undertone to it, you may not understand it or catch onto it in the beginning but you will indeed find out by the end. Everything I write has it's purpose.I am a starving author who relies on my readers comments so please, please comment away. Think of me as the Goliath Pop the Pig toy you bought your kids. Keya, Pop the Author. Directions: fill her with comments until she bursts. (:})

Book preview

Prologue:

The Whisperer of Night

The wind wandered aimlessly,

Caressing my mind blatantly.

It whispered right before my eyes,

Revealing to me the storms of Life.

I hear sorrow laughing in your ear,

I can't visualize you but I know you're there.

The whisperer of Night calls to my fear,

It whispers against my skin and travels through air.

It carried me through wind, riding the waves of life,

***

Keep your elbows tucked to your sides and fist in front of your face, Aaron told the wisp as he guided her into the position. REMEMBER CLASS, THIS IS YOUR GO TO STANCE! he yelled over the noise of the warehouse. Aaron walked around the room looking at all of the students as they practiced what he had just told them.

Hey Aaron, Richard called from his place near the other side of the room.

What is it Rich? Aaron asked as he met him halfway.

Are you sure they’ll be ready? he asked concerned.

With me as their teacher they’ll be ready, Aaron assured him.

OK CLASS! Aaron yelled. PAIR UP! NOW THAT YOU’VE PRACTICED THE OFFENCE WE’RE GOING TO PRACTICE THE DEFENCE! he instructed.

Aaron walked around looking at all of the pairs, seeing who decided to partner with whom.

Aliyah and Maria split up, trade with Rachel and Amanda, he whispered to the girls. They’re best friends and so when they’re together it’s nothing but play time for them. They act like a bunch of middle schoolers.

Come on Mr. Fields we’ll behave we promise, Maria wined.

This is serious girls, he reminded them. Now switch.

The girls huffed as they stalked off and told the other girls that they had to switch.

It’s important to mix it up a little. If friends are constantly paired with friends then nothing will get done.

WE NEED Y’ALL TO FOCUSE; YOU HAVE TO TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY!

Aaron heard a couple of groans and disagreements but it was just music to his ears, they’d thank him later.

The whisperers practiced their swings and kicks, he had a couple of badly injured students being tended to because of too hard of a kick or punch but like he said it’d be all worth it in the end.

ALRIGHT CLASS! PACK IT UP, Aaron said motioning toward the mats they were practicing on. The girls weren’t the easiest to coach like the boys were which is why he had separated the two so that they’d be evenly matched.

Hey Mr. Fields, One of the girls called out to him. When will we be able to compete? she asked.

It’s not up to me it’s up to yall, he told her simply. Y’all have to show me you’re ready, I will not send you all out there otherwise. This is a very important tournament and yall need to treat it as such and quite frankly you all aren’t ready to do that yet.

What about the boys? Are they ready? she asked a bit disappointedly.

The boys aren’t your completion, he reminded her. But yes they are working harder than you girls are. I have signed them up for their match tomorrow night. I figured I’d take you girls on a field trip to see how it’s done, he said as he walked away and helped the other girls put away the mats.

***

Hey Honey, how did the practice go? Aaron’s wife Ciana asked.

Aaron sank against the couch and huffed.

That bad huh? she asked as she sat next to him.

They’re just not ready, he said as he covered his face with his calloused hands.

They’ll get there you just have to be patient, she tried to encourage, but Aaron wasn’t in the mood for it tonight.

Hey Daddy, Aaron’s daughter Sidney said as she bounded down the stairs.

Hey baby girl, he said as he looked up at her through his hands.

Where are you going? Ciana asked as she took in their daughter’s appearance.

I’m going out to the lot with Nate and Ryder, she said as she slipped her arms through her jacket.

The lot was what they referred to as the drive in Movie Theater down on the beach. Seeing as though Sidney was only 14 and didn’t have a car they took Ryder’s. Though the boy has only been driving for 3 months Aaron trusted him to keep his daughter safe. Ryder attends Aaron’s self-defense classes when he can but that’s usually not often enough. The boy’s had a rough child hood so he was kind of forced to grow up a little too quickly. He’s only 16 and has a car, a job and is paying half rent at an apartment he shares with one of his friends.

What time will you be back? Ciana asked as she placed her hands on her hips.

Mom the movie’s over at 10, I’ll be back the moment it’s over, Sidney said as she headed for the door.

How come I’m the only one who has a problem with this? Ciana asked as she plopped on the couch beside him.

Honey she’s just going to the movies I don’t see what the problem is, Aaron said knowing that pretty soon they’d be arguing about it until he gave in and let her get her way.

I wouldn’t have a problem with it if she were going with Caitlin or one of her other girlfriends but she’s not she’s going with two boys that are up to no good.

Ciana that’s not fair to judge the boys like that, you don’t know the boys.

And you do? she fired back.

Yes I know them both they attend my self-defense classes.

Oh great, she said as she threw her hands into the air. So they’re whisperers? That’s all the more reason to worry Aaron. She knows nothing about them and I’d like to keep it that way, she complained.

Honey my name is word around Coconut Grove I’m pretty sure she knows, and if not it won’t take her long in order to find out. We can’t shelter her from the world Ciana she’s just going to end up blaming us later when she gets older.

And I’d gladly take the blame, she said defiantly. You baby our daughter too much.

And you don’t baby her enough. You treat her like she’s some kind of adult Ciana but she’s a kid. She’s not like you or me were; she doesn’t have to worry about responsibilities like we had to.

Yes but she’s our daughter and she’s human-ish which leaves her pretty much defenseless, Ciana mumbled.

Would you like me to enroll her in one of my self—

No, she said cutting him off immediately. I don’t want her to have anything to do with whisperers.

That’s kind of inevitable dear, he said.

She’s going to have questions Aaron; she’s going to wonder why she’s different—

Yes and when that moment comes we’ll sit down and talk to her but until then don’t stress about it.

I don’t want to lose my baby girl, she said as she snuggled a little closer against his side.

We won’t lose her Ciana, she’ll always be the little girl we raised, he said as he placed a kiss on top of her head.

She’ll hate us, she whispered. And she just might, but Aaron knew they were doing the right thing.

***

Alright girls, Aaron said as he led them through the tunnels of the battle field. I want all of you together don’t leave one another. Sit as close as you can toward the top of the stadium bleachers, he instructed.

Whisperers are always mysteriously going missing during Whisperer of Night battles.

Whisperer of Night is a tittle bestowed to the rightful recipient. Every year there’s a battle between Whisperers. It’s like a boxing match where in the end a champion is declared but this has a bit of a supernatural aspect to it, whereas boxing does not. Being the leader of this band of whisperers Aaron has the right to pass his tittle onto someone with worth. It’s kind of like a will of sorts but he doesn’t necessarily have to die in order to pass on the responsibility. He has a few wisps in mind but this battle will decide the ultimate fate of his tittle, and the fate of the bestowed.

Once Aaron was sure his girls were seated and safe at the tippy top of the bleachers he walked back through the tunnels toward the room the guys were currently being held in.

Hey couch? Eric Masterson—Richard’s son—called out to him.

What is it Masterson, Aaron called as he did a count to make sure no one got cold feet and everyone was accounted for.

We need to know the order, Eric reminded him.

Right, Aaron said as he dug in the inside pocket of his blazer. Aaron handed the paper to Eric and he got everyone into order.

Hey where are Ferris and Rodgers? Aaron asked referring to Ryder and Nathaniel.

Haven’t seen them, one of the boys said.

Crap! This wasn’t supposed to happen. Ryder was one of Aaron’s best competitors and so Aaron needed him out on the field he didn’t have half a mind for his family drama this time.

Eric make sure you keep track of the score board, Coach Emery doesn’t like to play fair you know that. I’ll be back I need to talk to my daughter, Aaron announced as he left the room and exited the stadium through the tunnels.

Aaron pulled out his phone and immediately called his wife.

Hello, she answered on the second ring.

Ciana where’s Sidney?

Uh she went out with the boys today, said Nathan’s mother wanted to take them out to lunch, she explained. Aaron could tell she wasn’t happy about it.

Did she tell you where? he asked.

I think she said something about Rebecca wanting to do it over at her house, she said as she huffed her disapproval.

Alright honey, he said getting ready to hang up.

Aaron wait! she said making him stop immediately.

What is it Ciana? he asked trying not to show his impatience. If she wanted to argue about this they would do it later.

Rebecca just had a stroke Aaron the kids are hysterical I don’t think he’ll be able to take much more of this, she said in a broken whisper.

Ryder’s mother Rebecca has a very bad heart disease, her heart doesn’t function correctly; it’s not entirely whole.

I’m on my way over there as we speak, he said as he reached his car and started it up.

Aaron, she said and he could hear the tears in her voice.

She’ll be ok Ciana, he said as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. She had to be ok.

I know, she whispered. But what about Ryder he won’t be, she said.

It often surprised him how big that woman’s heart was—which doesn’t entirely seem right to say considering the state that poor woman is in but she’s done her best by her son.

He’ll heal honey he’s strong and he’s been through this enough times to know she’ll be ok, he assured as he pulled up in front of their house. I have to go honey, he told her as he shut the car off.

Be careful, she whispered before ending the call.

Ryder and his mother Rebecca have been living in this run down house for as long as Aaron could remember. There weren’t many run down houses in Coconut Grove but you knew one when you came across one. The beach was miles away from here, this area was mostly covered in moss and old tree stumps but this is where his daughter and her friends spent most of their time. They liked it here it was different from the rest of Coconut Grove and so them being drawn to this area was a given. Aaron never truly understood it but then again he’s grown up on the high road so to speak with a silver spoon in his mouth.

Aaron knocked slightly on the door afraid that if he knocked too hard the door would fall in on itself. He could hear muffled voices as he waited before someone opened the door.

Daddy? Sidney asked confused.

Sidney was always a daddy’s girl and he’d be surprised the day she stops being one.

Hey baby girl you think you can let me in? he asked as he peered over her shoulder in the house.

Umm sure but…

I know, he said silently. She met his eyes with a determined stare of her own.

I’m not leaving him, or her. I know mom will be upset but I have to make sure he’s ok before I leave. Aaron nodded his head fully understanding her reason.

I know baby girl and I’m not here to ask you to leave, he said and she hesitantly stepped aside so that he could enter.

Rebecca Ferris was lying on her back on the couch with a wash cloth hanging haphazardly against her forehead. When Ryder saw Aaron’s face a hundred questions plagued his features.

Aaron?

This boy never truly had any respect for him, or anyone for that matter. Aaron got tired of correcting him on the way he was to speak to him so he just let it go.

What are you doing here? he nearly growled.

Though his daughter was Ryder’s best friend he didn’t think the same of himself. Aaron was Ryder’s couch and that was all, so he didn’t like seeing him entangle himself in his family business and Aaron couldn’t agree more but Ryder needed to stop trying to do all of this by himself.

I’m here to help you boy.

I don’t need your help, I’m fine I told that to your daughter and now I’mma tell it to you I don’t need help! he said as he continued to kneel over his mother.

You may not need help but she does, he said motioning toward his mother. Robby stop being mean he’s just trying to help, Rebecca said weakly.

Ryder cringed at the name but didn’t correct his mother.

You don’t need help mom your fine, he insisted.

If I’m so fine how come I can’t feel my own heart beat, his mother joked but Ryder found none of it funny.

I know why you came, he said ignoring his mother. I’m not doing that competition I’m not leaving so I can go battle some nameless wisps and earn a worthless tittle, he said as he turned his full attention onto his mother as a way to shut Aaron out.

Come on baby girl, Aaron said as he held his hand out toward Sidney.

I’m staying Daddy, she said softly.

No Sid. Go! I don’t need you, Ryder yelled.

Good, I’ll just continue to sit here while you just continue to not need me, she said stubbornly.

Ryder could never truly tell Sidney no, there friendship was weird but Aaron knew Ryder was grateful for her. No matter how many times he pushed he never truly pushed too hard because he never truly wanted to lose her.

Fine you just sit there like a couch potato but don’t speak I don’t want to hear you, he said and Aaron could tell if he left Ryder would indeed be fine as long as Sidney stayed by his side.

I’ll handle your mother, Aaron told her as he walked toward the door.

Nathaniel stood there in the darkened corner. He didn’t talk, he just watched. He was another one of Sidney’s weird friends. He was usually why Aaron took those extra trips to the hospital when it concerned his daughter, but his daughter’s a tough girl and Aaron knows those trips to the emergency room were just as much her fault as they were his. Surprisingly enough Ryder was the one who usually kept the two of them out of trouble.

Sorry couch, he said from that corner.

It’s fine just make sure you stay out of trouble, Aaron said as he left the house.

That was like telling a puppy not to pee on the carpet but Aaron knew it wouldn’t feel right unless he said it though they both knew he wouldn’t listen.

***

Hey couch since Ferris aint here can I take over his position? Eric asked.

I don’t know Eric you haven’t even practiced at it, Aaron said. Not in no way was he in the mood to hear Eric wine.

Come on Couch he can do it, this coming from Eric’s father Richard. Sometimes Aaron wandered why Richard stuck around as long as he did and now he knew it was to push his son in Aaron’s face—constantly.

Richard trust me when I say he isn’t, Aaron said as he watched one of his men go against their competitor. His moves were sharp and precise; he was light on his toes just like Aaron taught him. His component was a bit faster at his deliveries but Aaron’s boy did everything Aaron taught him and he was proud.

Aaron you never know what Eric could be good at because you never give him a chance you’re always all about that Ferris kid. I know he’s good but my boy is just as good if you’d take the time to notice, Richard argued.

Aaron just about had enough of this, if Richard wanted to see his kid hurt than oh well Aaron was done helping him.

Fine Eric you’re in, he said without even looking at the kid.

Thanks Aaron, you won’t regret it, Richard said as he slapped him on the back.

I know because you will. I’m telling you right now he’s not ready, he said before turning his attention to the other wisps that were ready to put their learning skills to work.

Eric squared off with Jordan Miller a boy that has competed against Ryder for as long as Aaron could remember. They were always evenly matched, but Aaron could see the amusement in Jordan’s eyes as he looked down at Eric. Eric looked just as cocky as ever as they squared off. Aaron looked over at a very high strung Richard. Eric has attended his self-defense classes for as long as he could remember and Richard has always stayed in the back ground and just watched. He never egged his son on he just observed but he always seemed to want for Eric to compete that’s one thing he encouraged.

Eric’s stance left him open to Jordan and Jordan seemed to notice as he skirted around the field and jabbed Eric in the abdomen. Eric’s face contorted in pain but he didn’t go down he made a show about it in a way only Eric could do.

That hurted bud, but next time don’t go for such a pansy shot, and that comment earned him a kick to the face. Eric stumbled but didn’t fall that was the only thing Aaron could be proud of him for. It seemed like all of his teaching went out the door.

Alright I get it you don’t want to talk just fight, Eric said as he wiped the blood that had gathered in the corner of his mouth. I’m ok with that, he said as he cracked his neck and knuckles and ran toward Jordan head first. Aaron didn’t know how many times he stressed the importance of not doing exactly what Eric just did for the same reason Jordan has Eric’s head in the grip of his hand and for the same exact reason the ambulance are now on their way.

Everyone ran on to the field to hover around Eric’s body. What caught Aaron by surprise though was the punch to the temple he just received. Aaron stumbled slightly but held his ground as he looked into the face of a very angry father.

WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT! YOU KNEW DAMN WELL THAT THAT WOULD HAPPEN! YOU WERE ALWAYS PLAYING THE FAVORITE CARD WHEN IT CAME TO THAT FERRIS KID AND SO YOU MADE SURE MY BOY WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO STAND IN THE WAY OF FERRIS RECEIVING THAT TITTLE! Richard yelled but all Aaron heard was -------------------------------------------------------------------------, Uh-Oh this can’t be good.

Aaron shook his head and stood to his full height before facing Richard.

Your son wasn’t ready and I told you that. It’s not my fault he pushed and you let him, that almost earned him a punch to the jaw if his reflexes weren’t so damn good.

Aaron grabbed Richard by the wrist preventing his next move.

I wouldn’t do that if I were you, he warned. Don’t be mad at me because even if I did encourage this, which I didn’t, your son should have listened to my guidelines; if he did he wouldn’t be laying on the ground with his neck twisted the wrong way.

You’re going to pay for that Aaron I promise you this, when my son wakes up—

He won’t, Aaron cut in.

I’m gonna hunt you down and make you pay for hurting him, he continued as though Aaron hadn’t just spoken.

I didn’t hurt him first of all and second of all if you expect me to wait until he wakes up? Well I’mma tell you this now: don’t hold your breath. Aaron walked away from Richard and toward the rest of the team as they looked as if they saw a ghost.

***

ALRIGHT GIRLS, YOU’VE SEEN HOW THE BATTLE WENT DOWN YESTERDAY. ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN AND YOUR JOBS ARE TO MAKE SURE IT DOESN’T, Aaron said as he looked at every girl individually.

ONE OF OUR VERY OWN DIED YESTERDAY BECAUSE HE DIDN’T LISTEN TO MY GUIDLEINES. I DON’T SAY THESE THINGS FOR MY HEALTH SO IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU HEED MY WARNINGS. GOING HEAD FIRST INTO AN OPONENT LIKE THAT BOY-WHO-SHALL-NOT-BE-NAMED DID LAST NIGHT WAS A BIG FAT NO-NO! YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO ME I’VE BEEN AT THIS TOO DAMN LONG SO I KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!

Aaron walked around toward the front of the warehouse they were practicing in.

DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR? he yelled.

YES SIR," was his collective response minus the one ‘yes Aaron’ coming from Ryder.

Aaron was glad to see the boy was back but he was just as stubborn and disrespectful as ever. He missed practice two days in a row and the big battle so he had to attend both the boys and the girl’s practices.

Aaron gave Ryder a subtle nod to let him know that he had acknowledged his presence.

NOW THAT WE HAVE ESTABLISHED THAT, RYDER WILL PLACE THE MATTS DOWN AND WE’LL GET TO WORK, Aaron said as he looked at Ryder urging him with his eyes to do this one thing for him.

Hey coach, Christine said as she came up to him. Her hey coach wasn’t one of greeting it was one that bad news would soon follow.

What is it Christine?

She opened her mouth to answer but Ryder beat her to it.

AARON ALL OF YOUR MATS HAVE BLOOD SMEARED ON THEM! Ryder announced so that the whole class could freak out.

Thanks a lot for that like I didn’t have enough trouble calming them down, he thought as he walked toward the back.

Aaron covered his face in his hands and let out a huge sigh. This was most likely Richards promise to him.

Let the stupid fuckin games begin, Aaron huffed.

Just try and clean them the best you can could you? he asked as he walked away not caring what Ryder’s answer was going to be even though Aaron knew it would be something like I’m not your T.A Aaron why don’t you get one of the girls to do it? If Aaron ever wanted to get on with practice getting a couple of girls to help was exactly what he was going to have to do.

By the time all of the mats were free of blood they only had 45 minutes left of 2 hours to practice and Aaron used every single last one of those minutes.

When he got home his wife was obviously upset but Aaron was not in no way shape or form ready for the argument her being angry would lead to. One look at his wife’s face told him she knew exactly what happened too and no doubt Sidney did as well.

What did you see? he asked as he plopped onto the couch which he seemingly did a lot of after a hard day of training.

I didn’t see anything I felt it Aaron, she said though her face was calm her voice was angry.

What did you feel Ciana, I’m not in the mood for guessing games?

I felt…chaos, destruction its coming Aaron and it’s going to be hand delivered, she said as her voice shook. When Sidney came home she said she felt dizzy and that she thinks she might be coming down with something, she felt it too Aaron!

Honey she’s an Espy she’s supposed to feel it, we might not have known it’d be this soon but we knew it was coming, he said trying to calm her to the best of his abilities.

How do we tell her? she said as she plopped on the couch heavily.

It’s not the birds and the bee’s speech honey, don’t be so stressed about it, he said as he rubbed her back.

Don’t be stressed? Aaron how can I not be stressed my daughter…she’s…changing, she said as she held her head in her hands. All her life she thought she was human she thought I was human, she said as she broke down.

It is ok honey, I’ll talk to her ok, but not tonight she’s not the only one feeling a little dizzy, Aaron said as he placed a kiss on her head and went upstairs to his room.

***

None of the student’s showed up for practice, not one which was odd, Aaron paced the warehouse over and over waiting for someone to show up but no one ever did. He walked down toward the stadium that the battle had taken place and the stands were full of people but none of them were his students.

What’s going on here Fred? Aaron asked the man that refereed most of the fights that went on down here.

Oh Aaron, he said acting surprised to see him. I was told that you would be here but I never expected you to be here this early, he said as he whipped the sweat that threatened to take the plunge from his forehead.

What do you mean I’m early? Aaron asked as he stood there even more confused than he was the moment he walked in here.

Hey Jeff take Mr. Fields here down to the lockers so he can change, he can’t battle in this suit, Fred said to another ref.

Battle? Aaron questioned. He didn’t think it was humanly possible to get even more confused than he already was so he followed Jeff down toward the lockers.

You got 15 minutes, he said grumpily as he let the door close behind him.

Who the heck am I battling? he said to no one in particular as he eyed the clothes that sat nicely folded on one of the benches.

Aaron slipped on the shorts and t-shirt that was provided feeling slightly naked without one of his suits on. He was about to head out toward the battle field but he saw a water bottle sitting at the end of the bench that had held his clothes. It was sealed and looked as though it was put there for him so he uncapped it and began to drink. After the short water break he placed the cap back on the water bottle and headed out of the locker room.

ALRIGHT HE’S HERE! Aaron heard someone yell but the sun seemed way too bright today. Aaron’s vision was filled with lots of pretty bright lights. He reached a hand out to touch them but they seemed to have run away from his touch. I won’t hurt you, he wanted to say but he couldn’t get his mouth to work.

Aaron are you ready? Aaron turned toward the direction of the voice. The light seems to be talking to me now, he thought as he smiled sloppily.

Aaron shook his head eagerly thinking this light was going to play with him. He held his hand out toward it again but it just continued to move.

Stay still light, he mumbled in a voice that sounded gruff and unused.

Aaron blinked his eyes repeatedly because the light was now too bright. It looked as though it was angry he hadn’t spoken to it so he tried to apologize but a hand came down around his mouth making it physically impossible.

I always keep my promise Aaron, a gruff voice whispered.

Aaron turned toward the voice and it was a red man with horns and a red emblazed pitch fork. Oh-My-Word I’m in hell is all he could think over and over as he looked the devil in the eye.

Didn’t I tell you not to look a gift devil in the mouth boy, how many times do I have to tell you that?

Mamma, Aaron mumbled as he tried to see where she was hiding from him.

It’s a gift horse, the devil sneered.

Same difference, she argued back. Now let my boy go he doesn’t belong with you, she demanded.

Aaron! he heard a female voice shrill. Aaron turned toward the voice.

Oh-My he thought as he watched the beautiful angel with golden wings make her way down to him. She got close so close that he could almost touch her and so he did.

Hey! she yelled but it was a man’s voice Aaron was hearing coming out of her mouth.

Aaron are you ready? Aaron turned toward the orange toad that was asking him a stupid question.

Why are you speaking, you’ll make me look crazy if I talk to you, hop away! he told the toad.

Aaron! the toad said more firmly. Turn around your opponent is over here, he said as he placed his little webbed hands on Aaron’s shoulders and turned him around.

Alright Richard are you ready? The toad asked.

As ready as I’ll ever be, the devil said as he smiled at Aaron.

Aaron had to admit he never before thought he’d see the day the devil wore a smile on his face so proudly.

Alright! The toad yelled. Shut up! This fight today is not only for the title of Whisperer of Night but this is for the greatest tittle of them all. Winner takes all! The toad announced. Aaron has willingly put his tittle in the air and has decided to battle Richard for it. This fight determines whom THE GREATEST WHISPERER tittle is bestowed upon! The toad yelled to the crowd of fish sticks that seemed to shake with excitement only exceeding in making Aaron hungry. This is declared a fair fight. WINNER TAKES ALL! he announced once more.

Aaron had no clue what happened after that all he remembered was the devils termite infested twitch of a smile and then the lights were no longer too bright they were too dim as an aching pain echoed in the side of his skull. Something dripped from his nose into his hands, and though he couldn’t see it well it looked like water. Aaron titled his head skyward to see if it were raining and that’s when a skull crushing pain came over him making him fall flat to his back as his jaw tingled with pain.

Drinking water before a fight isn’t always a good thing now is it? The devil asked as he loomed over him. Aaron wanted to keep his eyes open but they were too heavy and he couldn’t do it, he wasn’t strong enough.

***

Aaron groaned loudly as all the pain from that fight came rushing to him all at once.

What the hell happened? He asked himself as he fought to pry his eyes open.

The moment he opened his eyes to little beady slits he immediately wished he hadn’t as a bunch of dirt came tumbling down over him. Aaron closed his eyes and willed his head to shake the dirt away but his head wouldn’t move; his whole body was immobile. Aaron opened his eyes once again to see Richard Masterson standing over him with a shovel in hand.

It’s funny how you haven’t even been dead a whole day yet and your family is already morning your death, he said before another pound of dirt fell over him; covering his face.

Chapter one: Skylar Royce

My name is Skylar Royce and I think I have a problem.

You think? Skylar’s petite baby faced multi-colored hair best friend said.

Fine I have a huge problem, now help me! Skylar said snatching the pair of her Christian Louboutin style Rhinestone high heels Brooke was trynna slip her size 6 feet in.

Ok so the first step of getting over your addiction is admitting that you have one.

Ok check, now what’s the next step?

I have no clue, she said reaching for Skylar’s Almond Toe Ralph Lauren snakeskin high heel pumps.

Brooke focus, Skylar said slapping Brookes’ hands away. Your mother’s a therapist for goodness sake, she deals with this kind of stuff all of the time! How do you not know? Skylar said out of frustration.

She’s not allowed to confide that kind of stuff to people outside of her office and I am a part of the outside of her office crew as well as you, therefore I wouldn’t know.

What should I do Brooke? How am I gonna get rid of all of these shoes?

Why’d you get them in the first place?

Well because once upon a time I needed them.

Needed them!? Honey half of theses shoes haven’t even been broken into, I guarantee you haven’t worn 80% of the shoes in this pile, she said fingering a pair of Calvin Klein turquoise sandals.

You’re not helping, Skylar said running her hands through her long messy hair. All this constant pulling and raking is gonna leave her bald. She huffed and tried to finish sorting through the shoes.

Oh-oh I have the perfect-est idea! Brooke squealed as she jumped up and down in her excitement.

Perfect-est is not a word Brooke.

Are you gonna pick apart my speech or listen to my idea? Choose wisely Sky cause I might not be coming up with another as good as this.

Fine what is it?

We could sell the shoes! she said overly excited.

Sell the shoes? Skylar questioned.

Yes! Like when we were little and we sold lemonade and iced tea except we’ll sell overly expensive shoes!

Skylar had to admit that was a pretty good idea but who would we sell them to and where?

Easy your backyard is as big as a football field we can do it there and I can make fliers and we can pass them out to a couple of our friends and tell them to pass it along. Next thing you know costumers will be lining up right outside your door!

That’s brilliant Brooke! she said smiling for the first time since she started this spring cleaning thing. Her mother wanted her to spring clean like 3 springs ago but she was