In which Monique and James return to the Dark Woods, Oaf goes missing, and a new adventure awaits.

The group skipped and jogged through the tunnel, excited to be reunited with their friends and families. Little by little, Oaf stood straighter and leaned on Monique and James less.

"Are you alright?" Monique whispered to Oaf. Faes wild black hair fell over faes face, hiding it from view.

Oaf responded with a single nod but said nothing.

"Look," shouted one of the folk.

Before them, the tunnel ended abruptly. A set of earthen stairs led up to a narrow shaft that disappeared into the darkness.

"That looks welcoming," James muttered under his breath.

One by one, the folk and singer ascended the dark shaft. Oaf patted Monique's arm, and she released fae. James let go of Oaf's arm.

"Oaf," James said. Oaf stopped but didn't turn. "Anytime you want to see us, just come to our house. We can say you're a neighbor kid."

Oaf nodded and climbed the stairs, and disappeared up the shaft.

"James," Monique said, placing her hand on her brother's shoulder, "I officially invite you to the Realm of the Folk, to dance with the stardust people, and back in the light of Mone."

James laughed and hugged Monique, squeezing her tight. "Thanks, best friend."

"Anytime, best friend."

They released each other and returned to the Dark Woods.

The shaft opened onto the path near the entrance to the Cleaning of the Dark Woods. The ring of mud that had encircled the clearing had disappeared. A large group of folk greeted James and Monique, including Vates, Grimalkin, Thunder, and the singers. The only person missing was Oaf. James and Monique surveyed the area for them, but fae was nowhere.

"Well done, children," Vates said, a grin shining on his soft mushroom face. "We have word that the mud had retreated from the Dark Woods."

"I never doubted you for a moment," added Grimalkin. She grabbed the children's hands and squeezed—her mushroom cap tilting back as she looked up into their faces.

Pine clicked his tongue and flew into the clearing. Monique and James watched his golden glow fade.

"What time is it," James asked. Worry pricked at his skin. Dawn couldn't be that far off, and their parents would find them missing soon. They had to get home.

"The hour grows late," Grimalkin said, leading James and Monique toward the path. "Your family will be waking soon."

Vates joined Grimalkin, ushering the children down the path. "Yes, yes, very late," he said, verifying Grinlakin's words and James's worry.

"Wait, so that's it?" Monique asked as Germalkin and Vates released them and returned to the clearing, but she received no answer.

James and Monique turned, but they were gone as waw the clearing and all of the folk.

"Wow," James managed after a few seconds. "That was super rude."

Monique shot James a seething glare. "They're all super rude. That's what caused this whole problem in the first place." To the dark empty clearing, she yelled, "Next time, fix your problems!"

"At least we got to meet Thunder and Oaf," James offered as they turned and headed down the path towards their backyard.

"Do you think we'll ever see them again?" Monique asked.

James was silent for a while, thinking about their adventure and of their new friend. "Yes, yes I do."

Twenty minutes later, they exited the woods. Their house was just as they left it. The dark windows nestled their sleeping parents, unaware of their childrens' adventure.

As they crossed the yard to the back porch, the sound of an owl hooting and a chorus of crickets filled the still night air. Monique and James stopped, reveling in the nighttime concert. They smiled, knowing that the singers had retaken their place in the Dark Woods.

They tiptoed up the stairs and silently climbed into their beds. James's head had barely grazed his pillow when there was a light tap on his window.

James sat up and stifled a scream as a face started back at him from his second-floor window.

"Oaf? How?" James jumped out of bed and raised the window, helping Oaf inside.

Oaf gave James a sad smile. "I can't stay in the clearing. They lied to me."

"Hang on." James padded out of the room. When he returned, Monique was with him.

"Oaf," Monique whispered. She grabbed him in a fierce hug. "Are you alright? How are you even here? I thought you couldn't leave the woods."

A sheepish grin lifted Oaf's lips. "You invited me, remember?" Oaf said, his smile faltering. "Unless you didn't want me to come."

Understanding dawned on James. "In the tunnel." He turned to Monique. "I invited him to come anytime he wanted."

Monique grabbed Oaf's hand and squeezed. "Of course, you're always welcome here. We're so happy to see you. You left before we could say goodbye."

Oaf looked down at the floor. "I found him."

Monique and James waited for Oaf to continue, but fae didn't.

"Found who?" James prompted.

"Him. My brother," Oaf said, looking up. "He looks just like me, only with short hair. I think he's in trouble."

James and Monique glanced from Oaf to each other. They realized their adventure wasn't over. It was just beginning.

(884 Words)