Do you hear the Shadow Men?

The Shadow Men are near

If you hear the Shadow Men

Then turn away your ear.

Do not hear the Shadow Men

Whatever else you do.

For once you’ve heard the Shadow Men,

They’ll stop and look at you

Natalie and Bram started the day like any other. It was Friday, the twenty-second of May, school was almost over, not long now. They rushed out of their beds and showered and dressed, then ran downstairs to have breakfast. Both in different houses, yet both completely synchronized. Bram and Natalie were as close as twins, but in no way related; as much as they wish they were. I wish we were siblings, they’d sometimes think, but at least we’re friends. Yes, indeed, at least they’re friends. Friends forever. The bestest of friends.

Over at Noire’s she was sat in the dining room, and she watched silently as cockroaches hid. Her house was a mess, not falling apart but close. She’d lived there for years, and remember clear as day, being brought home from the hospital in the middle of the day. She had only been alive for a day or two, but she remembered the light, the colours noon. Their house had been beige, their lawn had been green, but now everything was dull, no colour, no fun.

‘Morning, Her father grumbled as he sauntered in the kitchen, suppressing a burp and licking his lips. He tripped over his feet about three times at most but clung onto the counter, so he would not fall. Noire nodded to her father, who didn't give her a second glance. He just grabbed a beer from the fridge and left once again.

Poor little Noire, she wanted nothing more than food, but as she started at her breakfast, bile rose in her throat. I’m too fat, I should watch my weight, she thought sadly, pushing her plate and bowl to the side.

‘No, Noire, eat!’ You beg, worried and scared. But she can’t hear you, only I can...

Noire got up from the table, and went back upstairs, watching her step on the second stair. The board tended to be loose, and to be extra cautious, she completely skipped that step and kept on up. She entered her room, and slung her back on her back, ready for school. Ready for the day. She ran downstairs, hopping to the floor, then rushed out the door, to next door.

Inside Bram’s, he was sitting in the attic, looking out the window, staring up at the sky. Ever since he could remember, it had been grey and dreary. When would it go away? When would there be sun. He didn’t want to go to school, too many people and bullies. He just wanted to stay home. Stay home with Noire.

Knocks from the door jostled him from his thoughts, and he rushed to the first floor, opening the door. Sweet little Noire, dressed in a skirt and tee, smiled and waved, seeming cheerful and glee.

Come in Noire, Bram gestured inside, taking her hand and leading her in. Her face flushed red as she went and sat in the kitchen; Bram ran upstairs, up to get his bag.

Where’s your dad?, Noire shouted to him, smoothing out her skirt, and pulling up her socks. Bram came down, bag in hand, shrugging and sighing.

I think he’s at work, though I’m not quite sure. Come on, let’s go. I don’t wanna know if he’s here or no. Bram slung his bag over his shoulder, Noire standing and taking his hand. Together the two kids, both the age of twelve, walked down the road; Sycamore to be exact. Down Sycamore Street, there were no other houses. Just their two, and they didn’t really care. No neighbours, no kids, no one else to bully them. It was just them two. And they liked it that way.

Bram and Noire, Noire and Bram, my dear sweet children, come here, come near~

Bram and Noire looked around, confused; puzzled.

Bram, what was that?

I don’t know, Noire!

Let’s just keep going..

The two kept on walking, a little quicker now. Even if they didn’t like school, it was safer than here.

Bram and Noire, Noire and Bram, come close little children, I have a surprise!~

‘Bram! Noire! Get out of there!’ You shout, watching these horrible events unfold. But they can’t hear you, only I can…

Wait, what’s that?! Noire said shakily, as she pointed in front of them, arm trembling. A tall tall figure, wrapped in a cloak, blocked their path, purposely it seemed. Horns grew slowly from the sides of their head, some on the forehead, some on their arms. They threw off the cloak, revealing their true self; it was the creature from their bedrooms! The thing in the shadows!

Noire let out a scream, but the figure drew near, putting a long, bony finger, against her small lips.

Dear sweet child, you mustn't scream like that, you wouldn't want your parents taking you back. Back to your house, back to your room, and there you would rot like a mummy in a tomb.

Maggots dripped from his jaw, and down to the ground. They writhed and squirmed, making Bram feel queasy. Blood was pooling in the spot where he stood; well not stood, but floated more like it. His fingers cracked every time they moved. What is this thing, what does it need from us? Bram thought.

What are you? Bram questioned, taking a step forward. He would protect Noire, at all and any costs. The creature grinned, its head mostly skull. Sharp, jagged teeth creaked with the movement.

'What' isn't polite, but who would be. And to answer that question, I am Mephistopheles, Beelzebub, the Antichrist, if you will! Prince of Darkness, King of Hell! Ringing any bells?~

What do you want?! Noire yelped in fear, gripping Bram’s hand till her knuckles turned white. Mephistopheles leaned forward, breath smelling of death, and whispered to them both.

You cannot leave, you're not allowed, no way. You are to stay in this world, with me. You cannot escape, no matter how hard you try. And if you do, I'll hunt you down, and you will die. I'll kill you slowly, painfully, yes. No matter what you try, I'm sure you'll stay, stay in this eternal hell, forever, with me.