LODESTAR GAZETTE | LODESTAR PROMPT | FICTION

Midnight Market

A group of boys experience a magical place they thought was only in their dreams.

Not a Medium member read the full story here.

“Come on — you can’t be scared of ghosts,” Dominic stated with a drawl of misbelief. “Only babies believe in them. They are NOT real!”

Terry — the youngest of the three boys looked at Dominic and Mike with large puppy dog eyes. “You — You don’t believe in them?”

Mike laughed patting Terry on the back. “Terry. We don’t believe in ghosts. We only told stories to scare the younger kids to stay with their friends. They kept wandering over to us wanting to hang out. That was NOT cool my friend.” Mike said while puffing out his chest. “We are fifth graders — they were in second grade.” Mike looked proud as he spoke— as if that made them cool or something.

Terry looked at Dominic and Mike with unsure faces. Terry was the youngest by a few months but didn’t understand why the younger kids hanging with them was a bad thing. He had just joined the fifth-grade class at Badger Middle School, and he found it to be quite the change. His dad had been restationed to here — Carlton Heights. This was their new home for now.

Dominic and Mike had continued to talk as Terry stood there and watched them. Both boys felt that they were older — that they were mature. But Terry wondered how tough they were really.

“Guys,” Terry said interrupting that boyish talking that Dominic and Mike were having.

The two boys stopped talking when Terry spoke up and looked at him in interest.

“Have you ever heard of the ghost market?” Terry said with wide eyes — his hands expanding to the left and right for effect. Both boys looked at him and shook their heads no. “Well — I overheard my parents as they were talking to the Mackenstein store owner the other day, and well they spoke about a market that only appears at the Blue Moon.”

Both boy's eyes widened as they listened. They seemed to perk up on hearing this and leaned in closer to Terry.

“So ya… At the Blue Moon, this market appears out of nowhere — and sells all sorts of things.” He said waiving his hand for dramatic effect. “People and creatures come from all over to buy things that are sold — magic things.”

Dominic's eyes widened and then shrank fast. “Wait a minute — is this real?” He said in disbelief. “You just moved here. I lived here my whole life and have never heard of such a market.”

Mike’s eyes rolled as Dominic spoke. “ Dominic— you don’t listen to what grown-ups say. So how would you know.” Mike said matter of factly.

Dominic shot him a dark look. “No really — I do listen to adults.” He crossed his arms as an annoyed expression came on his face. “Really — what do they sell at this supposed market ?” He said feigning curiosity.

Terry smiled coyly. He knew Dominic was hooked. “Well… as I said. Humans and creatures come far and wide to buy magical things. But — they also visit the Dark Priest.” Terry’s face was dead series — so much so that both boys were concentrated on him. The eyes of the boys listening once again widened quickly. “The dark priest is known to either grant you wishes or the worst curses.” His voice was low and deadly.

“How do you know which one you will get?” Mike questioned quietly.

Terry stepped closer to the boys — lowering his head. “That's the thing — you don’t know. You have to answer a riddle — and get it right. Only then will he give you a wish or a curse.”

Mike looked at Dominic and back at Terry. “I don’t know,” Mike said. “It’s hard for me to believe that such a market existed. Or that a dark priest could grant you wishes or curses.” His body read disbelief.

Dominic stood staring at Terry. “Prove it.” He said crossing his arms.

Terry smiled slowly as both boys showed their doubt. “Ok. Meet me tonight here — at 11:50 pm and I’ll show you.” Terry shoved his hands in his pockets and waited for the boys to say something.

Dominic looked at Mike and back at Terry. “Ok — we will meet. But if you lying — then you agree to do what I say. Ok?”

Terry looked at Dominic and then at Mike. Both boys liked the terms and waited for Terry.

“Ok then — we will meet here at 11:50 pm.” He said smiling mischievously.

The night came fast as the sun went behind the mountains. Terry had made his way to the spot where the boys agreed to meet. It wasn’t too hard — the Blue Moon was large — casting light against the ground. Shadows appeared out of nowhere — almost making Terry scared. He looked around but hadn’t seen Mike or Dominic yet. Hopefully, they showed up he thought.

He looked down at his watch. It read 11:55 pm. He waited looking around him. Suddenly, he heard a twig snap, and he quickly turned around to see Dominic and Mike appear.

“Geeze guys — you nearly scared the life right out of me!” Terry said with his hand on his chest.

Dominic laughed, “Hey — I almost couldn’t get out. I had to wait till my parents went to bed before sneaking out. My dad would tan my hide if he figured out I had left.”

Mike smiled. “Yes — had to make sure my mom was asleep. I didn’t want to get caught.”

Terry smiled and looked down at his watch. 11:58 pm. “Ok guys, “he whispered. Both boys looked at him and down at his watch. “Come over here — get down.” He motioned for them to crawl under some large bushes that he was crawling under.

Once they were under the bushes, he pointed straight ahead of them. “ You see where the moon has lit the flat piece over there?” He asked quietly.

Both boys looked where he was pointed and shook their heads in agreement. They saw where Terry pointed, and they waited eagerly.

“That is where it will be,” He spoke quietly. He looked at his watch. 11:59 pm. “Ok now — one minute.” He put his arm back on the ground — waiting with patience.

The three boys waited under the large bush. Excitement could be felt as well as disbelief and a tad bit of fear. After a minute had passed — they watched as the moon shone brightly on the flat land in front of them.

Slowly, the air above the flat land began to shimmer with sparkling air streams. Where there was nothing — there now appeared a whole city of large tents — dark blue canvases and brightly colored fabrics stood out against the moonlight.

The boy's mouth dropped open as they watched the city appear out of nowhere. Their eyes widened with fear and amazement. They looked at Terry who just smiled with satisfaction.

Slowly — popping sounds could be heard, as strangers appeared out of thin air and walked towards the market. Humans and creatures alike — were here to shop at the Midnight Market. To gain their worst curse — or deepest wishes from the Dark Priest.

Terry smiled mischievously and whispered at the two boys. “Ready to go have some fun?”

Thank you so much for reading my short story. I would love it if you provided feedback or comments. If you would like to read more of my short stories, visit my page here.

The Lodestar Gazette — Recruitment

Fancy yourself a storyteller or poet? We’re now open to all nonfiction — share your life, thoughts, or a good old moan about the modern world. The Lodestar Gazette welcomes new voices in creativity.

Jump into our mix and let your words cause a stir. Forget the frills — bring your humour and zest. We are also Hosting a Weekly Reading club for all members. If interested, please click on the Lodestar Reading Club in the Memos Below.