The Lost Ones Trilogy Box Set

The

Bone

Carousel

––––––––

J. Peter W.

(into my doom the soldiers march)

Into the woods, under the trees

We follow the trail down to the sea

There's nowhere to hide

Don't wait for me

Don't look behind you

There's nothing to see

Below

Let me go

From here I know, it's a long way home.

––––––––

-The Birthday Massacre, The Long Way Home

CHAPTER

ONE

––––––––

Do you see them?

See what?

Right there! Makin pointed.

There’s nothing there, Stevie replied.  What are you pointing at?

Give me your camera.  Makin wrenched the digital camera from his little brother’s hand.  He held it up and took aim, snapping off three shots. When he looked down at the screen panel there were only a few light glares and an unfocused tree.

Well, let me see it.

Makin handed the camera over disappointed.  They didn’t come through.

The sunlight? Stevie asked.

Just try and focus on them.  They’re floating right there in front of the tree.  He was once again pointing.

Is it faeries or pixies this time?

Look at them!  Three faeries are floating right there in front of your face.

Mom’s right about you.  You’re getting worse, Stevie said.  He stood up, tired of hiding from dust particles floating in the sunlight.  So is she.

I’m sorry I wasn’t there. Makin got to his feet, trying not to stare at the purple bruise swelling on his brother’s face.  I should’ve done something.

It’s not your fault she’s drinking so much, Stevie said. 

It’s not your fault either.  Dad left us too and we aren’t falling apart.  She needs to get it together.

Yeah, well dad’s an asshole, Stevie said as he started to walk away.

Hey, I promise I won’t let her hit you again, Makin called out.

Stevie stopped in place and turned around.  Just like you promised before, Makin.  I don’t need your promises.  I can take care of myself.  He then turned and walked through the woods towards their house.

Makin looked back at the faeries, watching them dance playfully through the late summer air.  He couldn’t figure out why he could see them and no one else could.  It bothered him the most that Stevie couldn’t see.  They were brothers.  Close brothers.  Their parents had them within a year of each other.  Irish twins, he remembered someone calling them. 

The faeries twirled around in circles, seemingly carefree.  Makin was in awe of them.  Ever since he was a young child he had the ability to see things that others couldn’t.  Where he sees faeries, goblins, and ghosts, others see light glares, tree stumps, and fog.  Why he had this sight wasn’t clear to him, but he was determined to prove the creatures he saw were real.

Makin followed the three faeries as they descended deeper into the woods.  They would fly up high, nearly to the tops of the trees, where he would have to strain to see them.  Then they would flutter down, entwined in each other, spinning in tight circles until they were just feet from the ground.  He felt like he could watch them all day.  When he was out there, he didn’t think about his father leaving or his mother’s drinking.  He thought about how amazing it was that they were here, living among the people and no one even knew it.  No one knew yet.

I will prove to the world that you exist.

The faeries landed on the trunk of a large tree, crawling along it with their humanoid limbs.  Makin crept in closer.  It had never crossed his mind to capture one.  They were always so elusive that he was just happy to see them.  But here he was, just feet away and they hadn’t noticed him.  It was his opportunity to prove to his brother that he wasn’t crazy.

He lifted his arms above his head, preparing to swing with an open hand.  His eyes focused on a faerie with a bluish-yellow tint glistening across its wings.  This was it.  This was his chance to grab one.

What are you doing?

The voice startled Makin.  He shot upright, dropping his hands to his sides.  He turned around and saw a boy about his age and height, but much heavier, standing behind him.

Nothing, he replied.

What is it?  What’s on the tree? the boy said trying to look passed Makin. 

Makin stepped to the side, hoping the boy would be able to see the faeries.  Check for yourself.

The husky boy moved forward, all the way to the tree.  Yeah, well.  I don’t like strangers hanging around my place.

Makin spun around.  The faeries were gone.  He looked up and down the tree and then the air around it.  There was no sign of them. 

Great, just great!  You scared them off.

I did what? the boy asked.  He hocked up something in his mouth and then spit it to the ground.

Never mind, you can’t see them, Makin said.

You are really freaking me out.

Sorry.  I’m Makin Riley, he said, reaching out a hand.  Did you say you lived around here?

The heavy boy hesitated, but then shook Makin’s hand.  Marcus Tibble.  My dad and I live back there, the white house with red shutters.  But I was talking about this tree.

The tree?

Yep.  Marcus pointed up.

Makin’s eyes followed his finger and then up the tree trunk.  He kept going all the way to the top before he saw what the boy was referring to. 

Wow, that’s some tree house!

It’s a tree fort, not a tree house, Marcus said.  There’s a big difference.

Sure.  I meant tree fort.

The fort was enormous.  It filled out the top of the tree, expanding across the entire width of the branches.  Makin couldn’t even imagine how it was built.  It must have taken a small army.  He walked around the tree and saw chunks of two-by-fours nailed up the trunk serving as a makeshift ladder.  They went all the way up to the top, most of them looking unstable.

Want to go up? Marcus asked.

Um, I uh-

Makin Riley! The sound of Makin’s mother’s voice cut through the trees like a banshee siren.  He knew when she used that pitch it meant he was in trouble.

Sorry, I gotta go, he told Marcus.  I live right across the woods.  We just moved in the other day.  Maybe we can do this some other time.

Yeah, okay.  But don’t go in there without me.  It’s booby-trapped.

See you later, Makin said smiling, then ran home.  He hoped his mother wasn’t too drunk and that Stevie hadn’t already run into her already.

––––––––

xXx

Where’s your brother?

I don’t know.  We got separated outside.  I thought he came in already, Makin told his mother. 

Find him or it’s your ass Makin.  You’re the big brother, you’re supposed to keep an eye on him, she said, the smell of vodka on her breath.

Makin turned to go back outside.  I thought that was your job, he mumbled.

What was that?

Nothing, he replied and walked out the door.

The sun was in the early stages of setting.  Half the sky was orange; the other half was a darkening blue.  The woods behind the house were still calling for him.  The monsters that hid in there were tempting him to go play.  He had been both watching and hunting them for years now, always trying to get some solid evidence of their existence.  He hoped their latest move to the small city of Goblintown (seriously, that was the name) would provide the opportunity he had been waiting for. 

Makin walked along the edge of the wood line peering in for any sign of Stevie.  With the sun setting, the darkness emerged almost to the point that it was impossible to see more than a few feet inside.  As he walked he could sense eyes were on him.  He could feel them following his every movement.

Stevie, he called out.

There was no response. 

Stevie, he said it once more.

He thought he heard a faint growling sound.  His mind raced through the list of creatures it could be.  Goblins, trolls, werewolves, even orcs.  No, he had never seen an orc, he wasn’t even sure if they were indigenous to that part of the country.

Maybe it was just a stray dog.

The sound of rustling leaves was approaching.  He felt a ping of fear.  He worried the monsters would smell it on him.  Run or stay, run or stay.  The choices flashed through his mind.

A dark figure was coming into view.  It was too tall to be a goblin and too short to be a troll.

Could it be an actual orc?  Around here?

What are you looking at?

He squinted, trying to see who it was, as the figure came into view.  It was only Stevie.

I thought you were something else, Makin replied.

"Something else?"

Whatever, anyway, Mom is at it again.  She’s pissed and looking for you. 

Stevie walked up to Makin; he was just a few inches shorter and barely thinner.  It was easy to tell why they were mistaken for twins.

Yeah, I know.  I heard her yelling.  Great way to introduce ourselves to the neighbors, Stevie said.  He nodded toward a girl at the house next door.  She was leaning over the engine of a rusty, green VW beetle.  The license plate read GOBLIN.

Makin’s eyes lit up.  He watched her tall, thin figure bend over the block.  She pulled her brunette hair back into a pony tail with greasy hands, oblivious that they were even alive.

Hey, Stevie said and snapped his fingers in front of Makin’s face.  Earth to Makin.  Earth to Makin.  You’re staring pretty hard there buddy.

Huh, what?  He realized he was staring.  Whatever, just get in the house.

Stevie started up the yard towards the back door, stopping just before it.  He saw Makin still staring at the girl.  Hey, stop stalking that girl! he shouted and then jumped in the house.

The girl turned around and saw Makin standing awkwardly alone, staring right back at her.  His face became a bright red.

Sorry, he managed to say before running inside.  He wasn’t sure if she heard him or not, he was too embarrassed to care.

You ass! Makin said as he burst into the backdoor. 

Stevie was standing in the kitchen.  Their mother had a handful of his shirt in her hands.  She was coming down on him hard.  The usual insults but she seemed angrier than most nights.

Mom, he’s here.  It’s okay.  He learned his lesson.  Makin tried to get in between them.

I told you two to be home before dark. She was slurring her words.  You kids don’t respect me, especially this one.

Mom, lay off it.  It’s not even dark yet.  You’re drunk, Stevie said.  He was daring her to hit him again.

Makin saw the anger growing in her eyes.  She was close to exploding.  Stevie, come on.  Let’s go, he spoke breaking his mother’s hand loose and freeing Stevie’s shirt.  I got him, Mom.

Stay out of my sight.  Both of you!  I don’t want to see you again tonight!

He pulled Stevie out of the kitchen and down the hall to their bedroom.  The house was tiny, the smallest either of them could remember living in.  The room they had to share was half the size of the last place they stayed. 

Stevie flopped on the bottom bunk.  I’m sick of this crappy house already.

Yeah, tell me about it, Makin replied.

We’re too old to be sharing a room, too old to have to deal with that pathetic excuse of a mother, he went on.  I can’t wait for you to get your license so we can get the hell out of here.  We don’t need her, you know.

I still have another year before I turn sixteen.

Yeah well, I don’t know if I can make it that long, Stevie said.

Come on.  It isn’t that bad, Makin returned.  He climbed up to the top bunk, sprawling out across it.

You’re not the one she’s trying to kill.

I told you I won’t let anything happen to you.  First chance we get, we’re out of here.  I promise.

Makin, stop!  Just stop.  I don’t want to hear it.

They two stayed quiet the rest of the night until they both fell asleep dreaming of a better life.

CHAPTER

TWO

––––––––

The following morning Makin woke up alone in the room.  It wasn’t unusual.  Stevie made it his first priority to get out the house.  He spent as little amount of time possible around their mother.  In a few weeks school would start back up and it would be easier to avoid her.

The thought of starting over again at a new school seemed dreadful.  He hated making new friends.  At least there was the kid across the woods.

What was his name again?  The chunky, spitting boy.  Marcus, I think.  Mucus Marcus.

Makin checked the clock, barely after nine.  He would still have a couple of hours before his mother woke up.  She tended to sleep in after a long night of drinking.As he sat up in the bed he heard a scratching sound above him.  He lifted his head up to the ceiling, turning his ear against it.  It happened again.  It was coming from the attic.  Once more his mind raced.  Having faerie sight wasn’t always a good thing.  It made him immediately expect the worst.

He hopped off the bed and went to his storage trunk.  He spun the combination lock until it clicked open.  Inside were all the things he had collected, read, or made in order to help him catch monsters.  At the bottom were books on nearly every type of monster and creature ever written about, ranging from ancient mythological creatures to modern day zombies.  On top of that was a plethora of nets, traps, ropes, and even a few dull weapons he had purchased at a Renaissance fair.  The very top was covered in small, plastic cases of some of the evidence he had actually found over the years.  A couple of suspicious footprints dug out the dirt and plastered, photographs of claw marks on trees, and even a partially crushed skull that either belonged to a forest elf or a large squirrel.

Makin picked up a flashlight and a small net with weighted ends, and then shut the storage trunk back, locking it tight.  He went into the hallway looking for the door to the attic.  When he found it, he reached up and grabbed the rope that hung from the handle.  The door slowly creaked open.  It sounded like the rusted springs hadn’t been used in years. 

He flipped the ladder out and started up, flicking on the flash light before he made it to the top.  The smell of stale air, wood, and instillation was overpowering.  It hit like a wave as he popped his head inside.  Even though it was still early in the day, he could feel the heat, thick and unforgiving.

The ceiling was all rafters and plywood with random nails poking through.  Dusty cobwebs were everywhere, stringing the room together like an old spider kingdom.  He shined the flashlight from one end to the other.  In the corners the shadows lurked, dark and menacing.  The light was too dull to illuminate them from that distance.  He would have to get closer.

Makin climbed up onto the floor rafters.  No one had ever built a proper floor so he had to balance on the narrow wood.  He stayed down on his hands and knees, crawling from one rafter to the next.  He felt his weight bend them in the middle, like they were old and decaying.  His heart skipped a beat and he held his breath as the wood started whining under him.  Quickly, he kept moving, trying to find a sturdier one. 

When he got to the area he figured was above his bedroom, Makin stopped and shined the light all around.  A protruding nail snagged his hair, combing through it.  He ducked down and pulled free with a shiver.  There was no sign of anything.  No monsters were hiding in the attic. 

Just before he turned to leave, he heard the sound of someone talking.  He noticed the vent against the outside wall.  He moved over closer to it.  There was just enough room between the slots that he could see out.  The chubby kid, Mucus Marcus was standing with the neighbor girl.  They were laughing about something.  Makin watched her smiling and he started to smile in return before he caught himself.

Okay, she seems cool, and obviously pretty but as soon as she finds out you’re a total weirdo she is going to ignore you, so why are you still staring at her?

He finally turned and started back to the attic door when he heard the scratching sound again.  Makin moved the flashlight into the spot he thought it was coming from.  He saw something moving across a rafter.  It was small and dark.

A brownie is living in my attic!

He rushed over to it, watching it burrow down in the pink instillation.  He reached with the weighted-net and snagged the lower half of the brownie pulling it out.  The thing thrashed and slung itself around in his hand before biting him.  Makin dropped the net and shined the flashlight on to it realizing he hadn’t been bitten by a brownie after all.  It was just a normal house mouse.  A little brown mouse that was posing as a fantastical brownie.  He was disappointed, and in pain where it had bit his finger. 

Makin released the mouse and put the net in his pocket.  He then climbed back down the attic step ladder, the rusty springs squeaking the whole way.  He quickly washed off his finger and then put the net and flashlight away. 

He saw his mother’s door was still closed and there was no sign of Stevie in the house, so Makin grabbed a cereal bar and walked out into the backyard.  He opened the wrapper to the bar and took a bite just as he heard Marcus call his name.

Makin!

Hey, he replied between chews.  It’s Marcus, right? 

Yeah, this is my friend Frankie.  Come here.  The chubby boy stood next to the tall, thin girl and waved him over.

Makin swallowed hard, barely able to get the granola down.  He had to remind himself how to walk as he made his way over to them.

Right leg. Left leg. Repeat.  Stay calm.  It’s just a girl.  You’ve seen a troll before.  How can a girl be scary compared to that?

Hi, Frankie, she said and reached out to shake his hand.

Makin Riley, he said, trying not to make a complete fool of himself as he took her hand gently.

They both locked eyes for a second too long, before turning and looking to the ground.

Oh-kay, Marcus spoke.  He could feel the energy between them.  This isn’t suddenly awkward.

So, um, how do you two know each other? Makin asked.  He tried to end the moment.  Frankie was clearly older, tougher, and prettier, while Marcus came off a little like a spoiled, chubby kid.  He couldn’t make the connection.

We met at school, Marcus immediately answered.  She’s a grade higher, but we’re still friends.

You’re a junior? 

Will be, but enough with school.  It’s still summer, why are you guys talking about school? Frankie said.

Yeah, she’s right.  Let’s go hang out at my tree fort.  Makin hasn’t seen it yet.

Um, I don’t know if I-

Come on, Frankie spoke.  It’s not as lame as it sounds.

Makin was hesitant, but didn’t want to lose the opportunity to spend time with Frankie.  He followed them into the woods.

Frankie walked beside him, telling him about the fort.  Marcus’ dad really fixed it up.  I mean, like seriously fixed this thing up.  He is the best construction guy in the city.

He owns the largest construction business in the city.  He makes bank, Marcus said and then spit on a tree.

Makin shook his head, he had never seen anyone spit that much before.  Mucus Marcus.

Out the corner of his eye, he saw a flurry of tiny white pixies bouncing around a small flowering bush.  They seemed so happy and oblivious to everything around them.

What are you looking at? Frankie asked, following his gaze. 

Oh, uh, nothing.  The fort sounds cool, he replied.

She watched the bush carefully then turned back to Makin, giving him an inquisitive look.

Great, just great!  You blew it already!  It hasn’t even been thirty minutes and she thinks you're crazy.

When they finally reached it, the tree fort seemed even higher than Makin had remembered it.  The top was peeking out of the tree tops.  He felt his stomach drop to the ground and his knees start to feel weak.  When did his fear of heights get so bad? 

Marcus started up first, grabbing the planks of wood that served as a ladder, and pulling himself up.  Frankie followed him, giving Makin a quick smile as she reached for the first two-by-four.  They were going up fast, making it look easy. 

Makin’s eyes narrowed into tunnel vision.  He lost his peripheral vision to enclosing cloudy blackness.  He felt like he was about to faint.

You coming up?  Frankie stopped climbing and was looking over her shoulder at him.

Yeah, yeah, I’m right behind you, he said hearing the fear in his own voice.

He grabbed firmly onto the bottom plank.  It had three nails holding it to the tree and one that had been bent over only halfway through the wood.  His stomach was still dragging down heavily.  He felt it starting to twist.  Trying his best to ignore it, Makin pulled himself up, climbing up the makeshift ladder.  Each step was filled with both a tiny triumph and a paralyzing terror.

The going was slow but eventually Makin made it to the top.  He refused to look anywhere but at the tree in front of him until he had made it safely inside.  Both Marcus and Frankie watched with fascination as he clambered onto the fort’s floor with trembling limbs.

Afraid of heights? Marcus asked.

Is it that obvious?

The others laughed as Makin tried to stand upright.  His legs were still refusing to cooperate. 

Here, give me your arm, Frankie said, trying to steady him.

When he was finally relaxed enough to look around he was in awe of the tree fort.  Makin slowly spun, trying to grasp how much larger it looked from the inside.  It was nearly the size of his entire house, he thought.  The walls had pictures, posters, and crappy graffiti all over them.  There was a small couch with comfy but dingy-looking cushions, a nice-sized television with multiple game consoles, a stereo with speakers randomly spread throughout the room, and what appeared to be a mini-fridge in one corner.  It was like every kid’s dream clubhouse.

Whoa, he replied.  This is impressive.

Told you, Frankie said.  I don’t even feel too old to be in here.  It’s pretty amazing.

Yeah it is.  I told my dad I wanted a tree fort and bam couple of weeks later I got this bad boy, Marcus told him.  Full electric and everything.  He popped open the fridge and grabbed a soda.

It’s great, Makin said.

They sat down on the couch and watched Marcus play a video game that involved shooting a ton of zombies.  The rest of the day was full of laughter, mixed in with a few awkward moments between Frankie and Makin.  He felt like he had made a couple of great new friends that day.  It was a good feeling.

CHAPTER

THREE

––––––––

The next day Makin and Marcus met up.  Frankie had gotten her green bug working and neither one of them had seen her that morning.  It was nice to have some guy time, Makin thought, although his mind never ran too far from Frankie since first seeing her.  He would try to ignore her, but he always seemed to circle back to her somehow.

They sat on the front porch at Makin's house.  His mother had to work that day so it was safe to have visitors.  The last thing Makin wanted was Marcus seeing his drunken mother.  He felt like the longer he could keep his friends in the dark about it, the better it would be.So, just you and your mom, and your little brother? Marcus asked.

Yeah, it’s just been the three of us for a while now, Makin said.  What about you?

It's just me and my dad.  My mom died last year.  I think that's part of the reason I got the tree fort.  I think he wanted the distraction.

Sorry.  My dad didn't die, he just left.  Sometimes I think it would have been easier if he would have died, Makin told him.

I don't know about that.  I miss my mom every day.  And my dad hasn't been the same ever since.  I guess I haven't either.

They sat quietly for a minute, both lost in thoughts of their past.  Finally Makin broke the silence.

Want to meet my brother? he asked Marcus.  I think he's inside.

Is he cool?

Yeah, of course.  He's kind of a loner but you'll like him.

Makin led Marcus inside.  They headed straight to his room. 

Nice place, Marcus said.  Makin couldn't tell if he was joking or not.  It was far from a nice place.

Stevie was lying in bed reading a comic when they entered the room.  He barely glanced up. 

Hey, Stevie.  This is my friend Marcus.  He lives on the street behind us, on the other side of the woods.

Cool.

Is that Daredevil volume 2? Marcus asked.

Stevie dropped the comic down and looked at him.  Yeah, issue one-twelve, he said.  It's like five years old though.  I've read it a hundred times. 

I've got the whole collection.  He is one of my favorites, Marcus Mucus told him.

Must be nice, Stevie said and went back to reading.

What happened to your eye?

Oh, Makin cut in trying to save Stevie from any embarrassment.  Check this out.  He pointed to his large trunk.  It took up a quarter of their room.  I've got something to show you, he said.

Marcus noticed a drawing on top of the trunk, the letters MHC and then saw the massive lock securing it from everyone.

What’s that mean? he asked, pointing to the letters.

That’s kind of like my logo, Makin told him.  It stands for Monster Hunters Club.

What? Marcus replied just before he started laughing.

Stevie tossed his comic on the floor and got up out of the bed. Not that again.  When are you going to lay off of it, Makin?  You want everyone to think you’re crazy? 

He's a non-believer, Makin said, as his brother brushed past them and out the door.

A non-believer?  In monsters?  Marcus spoke.  I think you can add my name to that list.

Makin smiled.  You’ll see, he said and fumbled with the lock.

Look man, I’m sure this was a cool game a few years ago, but I’m a little old for this stuff now.

Just look, Makin told him. 

He slid the lock off and then raised the lid slowly.

Marcus leaned in trying to pretend he was interested in the mystery box.  He wanted to be friends with Makin but this was pushing it a bit.

Check this out, Makin said.  He removed some of the footprints he had molded.  Found these in the woods near my old house.

He handed the molds to Marcus who had just sat down next to him.  Marcus rubbed the outline of the footprint with his finger.

What's it supposed to be? he asked.

It’s a footprint of a phooka.

A what?

A phooka.  It’s a shape shifter.  They're really hard to catch but I was able to find some of its footprints and make that mold, Makin explained.

It looks like a weird monkey or a koala bear’s foot to me.

I guess if you aren’t familiar with them then it does, but there are definitely no monkeys or koala bears roaming wild in the United States.

Yeah, that’s true.  What else you got in there? Marcus asked, setting the mold on the floor.

Makin grabbed a stack of Polaroid photos and handed them over.  Each one had a date, time, and location according to coordinates written on the bottom of them.  They were mostly of other footprints or claw marks on trees, but the last few were the ones he wanted Marcus to see.

The chubby boy flipped through them unimpressed.  He handed them back and said, It's just a bunch of blurry blobs and reflections of light.  I don't see any monsters.

I know it's blurry.  Cameras can't focus on them for some reason.  But these are all real.

I don't know, man.  It's not that I don't believe you, but, I just don't believe in this kind of thing.  The idea of it is cool.  I mean how awesome would it be if zombies were real?  Ah, I would be blowing their heads off all day!

It probably wouldn't be as cool as it looks in movies or video games, Makin said. 

Yeah, I guess you're right.  What's that? Marcus asked, pointing inside the trunk.

Just some old weapons, most of them are real antiques of former monster hunters.  A few of them I made myself, you know, in case of an attack or something.  Keep looking, I have a ton of stuff in here.  I’ve been doing this for years and found a lot, that’s why I keep it locked.  Don’t want this info falling into the wrong hands.

Marcus examined the rest of the chest and made an array of different expressions as he did.

You really believe this is real, don’t you?

I know it is.  I was born with something they call faerie sight.  I can see things that most people can't see.  Most people don't even know about them.  They walk right by them, completely oblivious.

You see faeries floating around all over the place?  Marcus asked.  Makin could hear the cynicism loud and clear.

Among other things, he replied.  Most of the things you’ve heard in stories are real.

Are you saying that you think the faerie tales and bedtime stories are true?

Well, some of them are definitely based on true events and most of the monsters in the stories, especially the older stories are real, Makin told him.

Like I said, the idea of it is cool, but I can't really picture little guys with wings flying all over the place and nobody can see them but you.  I'm with your brother on this one.

That's fine.  I'm used to people not believing.  I just thought I would give it a shot, Makin said.  He closed the trunk and locked it back.  One day I'm going to get the evidence I need to prove to everyone they are real.

Outside they heard a couple of loud cracking booms.

What was that?  It sounded like gun shots, Makin said.

Marcus smiled slyly.  It sounds like firecrackers to me.  He stood up and listened for the sound of them again.  After three more sharp booms, Marcus spoke, My dad must be home early.  Come on.  He knows where to get the best firecrackers.  Gets ‘em for me all the time.

Makin stood up and followed Marcus outside.  Stevie stood in the yard trying to figure out where the sounds were coming from. 

You like firecrackers? the chubby boy asked him.

Stevie shrugged his shoulders.  Sure.

Come on.  I bet my dad got plenty.

Stevie looked at Makin who was waving for him to tag along before he eventually went after them.

The three ran through the woods toward the sound of more cracking booms.  Once they got closer to Marcus’ house, they saw green and red flashing lights.  His dad was lighting them off in the backyard.

Whoa, Makin replied as they slowed up and came out of the woods.

Marcus went straight over to his dad and grabbed a handful of small red tubes and a lighter.  He motioned for Makin and Stevie.

Who is this kid? Stevie asked.

Yeah, I know.  He seems cool though.  Just give him a chance, Makin replied.

They walked over to the chubby boy.  He handed both of them a couple of the fireworks.  Then lit one in his hand and tossed it across the yard.  After a few seconds it began spraying red sparks like a fountain and whistling so loud it made Makin and Stevie cringe.  Both Marcus and his father were laughing like it was the funniest thing either of them had ever seen.

Go on.  Try it! the chubby boy said.  He handed Makin the lighter.

At first Makin had trouble getting the fuse to light but once he did, he tossed the tube nearly to the other side of the yard.  It sent off a flash of bright green as it boomed.  He blinked his eyes seeing a green blob everywhere he looked.

Marcus bent over laughing.  It made Stevie start to laugh.  Eventually all three of them were laughing so hard they could barely stay on their feet.  They spent the better part of another hour lighting firecrackers and laughing as they watched the exploding bright greens and reds.

CHAPTER

FOUR

––––––––

When the first signs of sunset started, Makin and Stevie told Marcus they had to go home.  If they were late again they knew their mom would let them have it.  They ducked into the woods, smelling the flash powder that still lingered in the air from the firecrackers.

That was pretty awesome, Stevie said.  You’re right.  He wasn’t so bad.  His dad is definitely cool.

Yeah, they’re both pretty cool.

The woods had already begun to darken.  The leaves were blocking out what remained of the sunlight.  They traveled cautiously, still not entirely familiar with the thick plot of trees that separated their house from Marcus’s house.  It was about a five minute walk from edge to edge, too far to see through in the spring and summer.  Most of the trees were large and tall, mixed in with smaller trees and a ton of underbrush that made the traveling difficult at times.  It wasn’t the kind of place you wanted to be walking in at night, especially with no flashlight.

They were about halfway through when Makin felt the same peering eyes he had felt before when looking into these woods.  Only this time Stevie was with him so it definitely wasn’t his brother.  He tried to ignore it at first, knowing what Stevie would say if he brought it up. 

Lay off it.  You’re going crazy.

But the more they walked, the more he felt like they were being watched.  He felt eyes on all sides of them.  Hidden eyes.  Hunting eyes.  He glanced quickly, trying to catch a shadow or a branch moving, some kind of indication of where the feelings were coming from. 

What is it?  Stevie asked.  I know you are thinking about it, so just say it.

Nothing.

Makin, I know you.  I know when something is bothering you.  So just say it.

It’s nothing.  Nothing you would believe anyway, Makin told him.  His head was still darting from side to side. 

Let me guess, faeries again?

Not this time.  Feels like something darker.

Even though he didn’t believe, Stevie suddenly got a feeling he was being watched as well.  He started looking around for the source.

You feel it?  Makin asked.

It’s probably just a deer.

I can feel it all around us, he told his little brother as they continued to walk slowly through the woods. 

They were getting close to Marcus’ tree fort.  The enormity of it loomed above them.  From the ground it looked like an old, abandoned house.  The windows were dark with no signs of life. 

That’s his fort, Makin pointed out.

That kid has everything, Stevie replied.

Their effort to ignore the feeling of being watched wasn’t working.  The farther they walked, the closer the eyes felt, and the more of them there seemed to be.

Okay, I really feel it now, Stevie said.  What is it?  What do you see?  ‘Cause I can’t see anything.

Makin reached out his arm, stopping his brother.  They both stood silently in the dark woods.  There were no sounds of birds chirping, no sounds of bugs buzzing.  Everything seemed to get quiet at the same time as them.

The two brothers looked around from bush to bush, tree to tree, desperate to find their stalker.  Right when Makin was about to tell his brother it was nothing, he heard branches snapping and leaves rustling.  Something was coming from behind them.  Both of them turned around hearing the approaching visitor.

Out of a thick briar bush pushed a short, little grub of a creature no more than two feet tall.  It looked like it was formed from green mud and twigs with skin that was wet and filmy.  Dirt covered the thing from head to toe like it had just burrowed out from beneath the ground.  Its yellow eyes narrowed on the brothers as it hissed towards them, lifting a dangerous-looking clawed hand.

Beside it emerged two more similar looking creatures.  Both of these held sharp pieces of antlers like they were weapons.  Makin heard the bushes moving to their right and then left.  The little, green creatures climbed out, licking their lips as if watching a juicy chunk of meat.  He could see hundreds of tiny, sharpened teeth peering from under their green, muddy lips.

Stevie noticed his brother’s panicked face.  He glanced around at all the areas Makin was looking but saw nothing but bushes blowing in the wind.

What do you see? he finally whispered.

Goblins.

Stevie felt the heaviness in the air.  He could sense there was something around them.  Whether he could see it or not, he knew they weren’t alone.

What do we do?

Makin slowly turned around so he was facing the direction of their house.  He waited for Stevie to do the same.  When I say so, we run.  We run as fast as we can straight to the house.  Don’t stop for anything, okay?

Makin, I-

I know you don’t see them, but believe me.  Just this one time believe me.  We have to run, Makin told his brother.

Stevie nodded.

One... two... three, run!

They took off, churning their legs as hard and as fast as they could.  Behind them, the goblin horde chased, moving unnaturally fast.  Within seconds they were gaining ground with no sign of slowing.

Makin noticed he was pulling ahead of his little brother.  He had always been faster and more athletic.  He slowed down, until Stevie was right behind him again.

Come on!  Move your ass! he shouted.

Stevie could hear the sound of the leaves being kicked up behind him.  He thought he could hear the sound of heavy breathing and grunts that reminded him of pigs but every time he looked over his shoulder there was nothing following.  The idea that he was running from something so terrifying that his older brother would freak out like this frightened him more than anything.

They were coming to the edge of the woods.  Through the trees they could see the last bit of sunlight spraying across their backyard.  Both the brothers believed if they could get out of the woods they would be safe, hoping the creatures would be magically bound to the stay within the trees.

The yard was just feet away when Stevie felt something knock his feet together, sending him tumbling face first into the dead leaves of the woodland floor.  He let out a moan as his chin and cheeks scraped against the hard dirt beneath the leaves.  It was enough to get Makin’s attention.

Stevie!  He turned in time to see the end of his brother’s fall. 

Immediately, the stumpy, green creatures jumped on top of Stevie, clawing at his back and ripping his shirt apart.  Makin ran back to help.  He felt a ping of guilt, knowing that his brother couldn’t even see his attackers but he could.  He should have let Stevie take the lead and stayed behind him, holding them off.

Makin reached his fallen brother and started kicking.  The short, filmy things toppled from Stevie’s back with each swing.  He cleared them from his body fast, but as Stevie tried to stand one of the goblins grabbed onto a lock of his dark hair.  He slipped back down, flailing blindly at the air around his head. 

Something’s got me! Stevie yelled.

Hold on.  Makin tried to kick at the thing but it kept moving out of his reach, dragging Stevie by his hair.  He jumped over his brother, surprising the creature and then grabbed it by its shoulders.  The goblin wailed in agony as Makin’s hand sunk into muddy skin.  But before it released its claw from Stevie’s hair, two more creatures leaped on to Makin’s legs.

The things bit into his thigh, piercing his jeans easily and breaking the skin with their needle-like teeth.  Makin let out a wail of his own, never having felt anything that painful before.  The goblins pulled him down to the ground, a half dozen more bounding out of the bushes and on his back.  Every time he would pull one off another would take its place, tearing and slashing at him with their claws and teeth. 

Makin! Stevie called out.  He watched as his brother collapsed to the ground under a mysterious weight.  He could see his clothes staining red around each tear.  With all his strength he tried to pull his hair free from the creature’s grasp but his arms were quickly held down.

Makin turned his head to their backyard.  They were feet away from the edge.  He could see the sunlight fading into night, along with it their chances of surviving. 

Was this really how I am going to die?  Torn apart by monsters?

He felt like he was once again letting down his brother.  It seemed like lately he could do nothing to keep Stevie from feeling pain.

Just as his head was forced to the ground, Makin saw the silhouette of someone running into the woods.  The shadowed person held something in their hands, screaming loud as they swung it back and forth.  Makin could hear the crunching sounds of the creatures getting hit by something hard.  Black blood flung in the air, some of it landing on him.  It smelled like day-old road kill and rotten eggs.

Get up!  He heard a familiar voice say.

Makin rolled over, the goblins all removed from his body.  Standing above him, swinging a crowbar, was Frankie.  He watched her striking them one by one with, until they had cleared away.  His eyes then darted over to his brother.  Stevie stood up, one hand on his head, the other on his back. 

I hate goblins, Frankie cursed as she reached out a hand to help Makin up.

You can see them, he replied, taking her hand.

Goblins? Stevie walked over to them still rubbing his head.  That felt more like a pack of lions than a bunch of goblins.

I haven’t always been able to, she explained.  It’s a long story.

Makin looked at her differently now, she seemed even more amazing.  She saved him and Stevie, and could see the monsters.

I thought I was the only one.  I mean I’ve read about others, but I’ve never met anyone else that could see them like me, he told her.

That’s how I’ve felt for the last five years, Frankie said.  You should have told me the other day.

I- I wasn’t-, I mean, I didn’t want to look like a weirdo.

Stevie put his hand on his brother’s shoulder.  I’m sorry I never believed you.

That’s okay.  I don’t know if I would have if I were you, he replied.

I don’t mean to break up the brotherly love and all, but we should probably get out of here before they return, Frankie said.  She wiped the black goblin blood onto her pants, cleaning the crowbar.

Saved by the girl next door, Stevie said as he started to walk toward their house.

You’ve got a problem with that?  I can call them back; see if you can save yourself?

No.  Not at all, Makin jumped in.  We both thank you.  Right, Stevie?  You definitely saved our asses. 

Stevie looked back at her.  Yeah, thanks.

They stood in the backyard for a minute talking, the sun setting them in the dark.  Stevie was excited that his brother wasn’t crazy, that the monsters he had always told him about were actually real.  Makin was excited that the girl next door, the one that he was getting a heavy crush on, had the same faerie sight as he did.  He reluctantly told Frankie goodnight and went inside with Stevie.

CHAPTER

FIVE

––––––––

Makin went immediately to the kitchen sink and took his shirt off, examining the tears.  His back was lined with deep scratches, the blood still fresh and running.  He held his shirt under the sink facet until it was saturated with warm water, then rung it out and pressed it to his back, flinching at the contact.

Stevie removed his shirt and examined the scratches and tears, his back wasn't nearly as torn up as his brother's.

Where’s mom? Makin asked.

Just as the words left his mouth he could hear her shouting in the back bedroom.  There was an empty bottle of vodka on the kitchen table.  He assumed she had another in there with her.  She was rolling through every cuss word he could think of, shouting into the phone.  It wasn’t rare for her to unload her problems on others.  He almost felt sorry for whoever the new guy was. 

Stevie raised his eyebrows as if indicating that she was at it again.  It was becoming a routine to walk in on something like this.  It was the reason why they only invited friends over when she was out.

Makin handed Stevie a damp paper towel for his wounds.  They were faster than any goblins I have ever seen before, he spoke.

I still can’t believe they are actually real, Stevie replied, taking the towel.

Yeah, well they’re not all evil.  Actually, I’m not even sure why those ones attacked us.  They must have had a reason.

They wanted to eat us.  That’s the reason.

Maybe if it was just one rogue goblin that would make sense but a whole horde attacking, that’s strange.  That’s not from hunger, Makin told him.

How bad is it? Stevie asked, showing his back to his brother.

You’ll live, he replied.  Jump in the shower and get some soap on it.  I’m gonna see what I can find for dinner.

Good luck, the fridge has been empty for days and the pantry doesn’t look much better, Stevie said as he walked out of the kitchen.

Neither one of them had been eating well since their dad left.  It seemed like their mother just didn’t care about anything except getting her liquor.  They had to beg her to go grocery shopping most weeks.  It usually ended in her giving them a handful of dollars and telling them to get what they can out of it.  That meant noodles, cereal, peanut butter, and bread.  Anything more than that was rare.

Makin opened the refrigerator and leaned over to look inside.  He could feel the scratches on his back stinging with every little movement.  There was an empty milk carton, a crusty-looking bottle of old ketchup, and something that resembled moldy cheese.  Stevie was right, it was empty.  When he stood up, Makin saw his mother standing in the kitchen doorway. 

I need to run to the store real quick.  I’ll be right back, she said.  Her eyes were swollen and red.  She had been crying.

We need something to eat, Mom.  You need to remember to get food for us.  It's summer vacation, we can’t get free lunches at school in the summer.

She slammed her hand down on the table, knocking the empty vodka bottle to the floor.  It shattered, sending tiny pieces of glass across the kitchen. 

Look what you made me do!  She bent down wobbly and tried to grab a large piece.  Her hands were shaking as she reached out.

Mom, stop.  I’ll get it, Makin said.

She swung back up, stumbling into the wall as she got to her feet. 

You kids, always asking for something.  Always needing something.  You think I just snap my fingers and make money appear.  She had started to slur at that point, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand.

Mom, we have to eat.  Every day.

Fine, Makin.  Here, take my money, she said as she pulled out a bill and dropped it on the table before turning and walking out the front door.

Five dollars, Makin said as the door closed.  There are two of us.  We need more than five dollars.  He heard the car start and watched from the front window as she drove away.  A tiny part of him was hoping that she never came back.

When Stevie returned from his shower, Makin was sweeping up the last of the glass. 

I heard the crash, he asked.  What did I miss?

Just the usual.  She went to get more vodka.  Hopefully she will be out for a while, Makin said. 

One can only hope, Stevie replied.

Makin dumped the glass shards into the trash and put the broom away.  There’s one more pack of noodles and she left five bucks before she went.

What about you?

I just finished some noodles, Makin lied.  I’m good.

Great, noodles again.  Can’t get enough.

I’m getting in the shower.  I need to get this blood off before it dries, he said as he headed into hall way. 

In the shower Makin’s thoughts were on one thing; Frankie, the girl next door.  Of all the places they had moved to in the past few years this was the last place he thought he would met someone like him.  There were times when he thought he was the only one who had the sight.  He had read up on the few others out there, but they never seemed real.  It certainly hadn’t crossed his mind that when he did finally meet another it would be someone young like him. 

He stood with his back toward the shower head.  The warm water felt nice against the scrapes and scratches.  Closing his eyes, he pictured Frankie leaning over the engine of her car.  He remembered her long brown hair waving in the wind before she pulled it back into a pony tail.  He pictured the way her shirt left just enough room before her jeans that a tiny sliver of skin peered out when she leaned over. 

Stop it.  Stop it.  She’s a year older than you and can drive.  Why would she be interested in a sophomore? 

He tried to turn his attention to the goblin attack.  It was his duty to figure out why they attacked.  He was a monster hunter.  It sounded so stupid now.  He had to be saved by a teenage girl.  Not that he wasn’t grateful of her being there, he definitely was, -and she was one hell of a badass with that crowbar- but he prided himself on being a hunter.  If he ever wanted to do more than just collect unfocused pictures and molded footprints, then he had to step it up a bit more.  He had to take this even more seriously. 

When he finally turned the water off and got out, he felt his stomach growling.  He did his best to ignore it, brushing his teeth and getting ready for bed.  That night he dreamed of Frankie, and killer goblins eating the flesh off of his back.

CHAPTER

SIX

––––––––

Makin. 

He heard the faint sound of his name as the fog of unconsciousness drifted away.  Someone kept repeating it, at first sounding far away but then getting so close it seemed like they were right beside him.

Makin.

His eyes shot open to see Stevie’s face peering over the edge of the bunk bed.

What? Not all the wires were connected yet.  It felt early, real early.

Someone’s tapping on the window for you, his brother said, smiling in his goofy way.

Makin sat up and looked.  Frankie was standing just outside their bedroom window.  She was motioning for them to open it.  He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and climbed out of bed, still too tired to register that she was here to see him.  The window made a popping sound as the painted-over seal broke, allowing him to open it. 

Hey, she said through the mesh screen.

Hey, what’s up?  What time is it?

Early.  Anyway, I’ve got something to show you.  Get dressed; come on.

Makin tried to hide his excitement.  Yeah, be right there.  I’ll meet you out front.

No, I don’t want you to wake anyone else up.  Just climb through the window, she told him.

Uh, sure.  I guess I can do that. 

He tugged on a pair of jeans over the shorts he had worn to bed and then slipped on his shoes.  The window screen came out easily.  Frankie grabbed it once it was loose and set it down on the ground behind a bush.  Makin told his brother he would be back soon and climbed out their bedroom window.

Outside, the day was just starting.  The sun hadn’t been up for long.  Makin felt the dewy grass getting his shoes and socks wet as he followed Frankie across the front yard and onto the road.

I didn’t need to climb through the window like that, he told her.  My mom is probably out cold.

Yeah, I know you didn’t.

You just wanted to see if I would do it, didn’t you?

Frankie smiled.  You’re smarter than you look.

Neither said anything more until they reached the edge of a cul-de-sac that was a few streets over from their houses.  The area was undeveloped.  It had been cleared out years ago, but none of the lots had any houses built on them yet.  Tall, brown grass ran right up to the edge of the street.

So, what’s this all about? Makin finally asked.

I told you I’ve got something to show you.

She led the way into the grass, cutting across one of the empty lots and toward a small patch of woods.  The tops of the grass sliced passed them as it slid off their jeans with a swooshing sound.  Behind they left a trail of trampled grass and muddy footprints.  Makin could see a barren farm field beyond the trees.  It looked like it had been dead and abandoned for quite some time.  Right when he was about to ask what this was about again, Frankie stopped just short of the tree line. 

See that? she said, pointing up ahead.

Makin saw a rocky mound piercing through the ground just inside the small patch of trees.  On the side closest to them it appeared to have a deep hole carved into it.  It looked about three feet in diameter, big enough to crawl into but not by much.

The little cave?

Mhm.

What about it? he asked.

She kept her eyes on the cave entrance.  That’s the first place I saw them.  The first time I realized that they were real.

You went in there?

Yeah, I was playing hide-and-seek with some friends.  I thought it was just a little hole.  I didn’t know what was inside.

Goblins? he asked.

A whole pack of them.  They were sleeping, never noticed me.

How long ago was that?

I was young.  Five or six years ago.  I tried to tell everyone, but that didn’t go over very well.  Of course no one believed me. They thought I was making up stories.  Kids made fun of me at school.  People gave me weird looks when we were out.  I begged my parents to go and check it out.  I wish I hadn’t, Frankie told him.

What do you mean?

I guess they finally had enough of me pleading with them.  They went to see for themselves.

They came here? Makin asked.

Frankie still stared at the dark cave entrance on the rocky mound.  I watched them go in, standing right here like this.

What happened?

They stayed in for a minute and then came right out.  But they weren’t the same any more.  Something had changed in that minute.  Something happened to them in there.  They've barely spoken to me or each other since then.  They stopped going out with friends, they stopped doing anything besides going to work and coming home.  It’s like they're in a daze or something.  I just want to shake them out of it.

Did you ask if they saw the goblins?

Of course, as soon as they stepped out of the cave I asked.

And?

And they never answered me.  I stopped bringing it up after that.  Even when I came across more goblins, or other things, I just kept it to myself.  Eventually, everyone stopped calling me names.  I guess they figured I made it all up, Frankie explained.

I wonder what happened, Makin said.  Have you ever-

No.  No, I haven’t ever gone back inside.  This is the closest I've been to it since that day.

So, is that why we're here now?

Yeah, I suppose.  It’s been driving me crazy not knowing.  I need to go in there, but I don’t want to go alone, she said.

What about Marcus?  I thought you two were close.

Yeah we are, but he doesn’t believe in them.  He can’t see them like us.  I need someone who can watch my back in there.

I guess I’m your guy then.

I hope so, she said turning and looking at him.  Will you go in with me?

Makin smirked.  I feel like you just asked me to the prom.

In your dreams, buddy.  That’s the last place you're gonna find me.  It will be a cold day in hell before I go to a school dance wearing a pastel dress.

It doesn’t have to be pastel, you know.  I could see you in something black, he joked.

"You better enjoy that image in your head because that's the only place you'll see