Cinder Hollow: Part 2

A horror miniseries

Ross

Vickers told her that The Hollow Inn was the only bar in town. “At least the only one clean enough to set foot in.” he added.

It was a Thursday night, but the place was packed. Waitresses bustled around serving food and drinks to the busy dining area, while rowdy men with a similar fashion sense to Vickers hogged the pool tables near the bar. The air was filled with the smell of freshly barbecued meat, not so fresh beer, and downright stale tobacco. In the far corner, a local band were murdering some old country tunes.

As they made their way through the crowd, Ross felt the eyes of almost everyone on her. She wasn’t surprised; this place didn’t look like it saw many “outsiders”, and she, with her crisp uniform and polished shoes, stood out like a sore thumb.

They were watching Vickers too; a few shady characters looked at him with hostile, narrow eyes, exchanging looks and angry murmurs. So I’m not the only one who hates him. she thought.

Before they reached the bar, a young man blocked their path, stopping dead in front of Vickers.

Vickers stared at the man’s chest, which was level with his eyes. “Evening, Daryl.”

Daryl stared down at Vickers, his big face pulled into a tight scowl. “I thought I told you not to come here no more, Raymond.”

Vickers snorted. “That you did. But, seeing as how you ain’t the owner of this fine establishment, I elected to ignore you. How’s your brother doing, by the way? Hope the oatmeal’s not too lumpy for him.”

Steam was practically coming out of Daryl’s ears. “You’ve always been a smart ass, haven’t—” Then he noticed Ross. “Well, well.” he said, a sly smile curling his lips. “Just who is this pretty little thing?”

Ross squirmed as Daryl’s eyes lingered on her chest, inching closer to Vickers. Could they just leave already?

“This here is my new partner, Officer Ross.”

“Pleasure’s all mine, darling.” said Daryl, stepping towards Ross with a hand held out.

Vickers stepped to the side, blocking his path now. “I think it’s best you keep away from her Daryl. No offence, but I don’t think you’re her type.”

Daryl’s face was fizzing now, turning an angry shade of purple. “You best get out of my way, Raymond.”

Vickers shook his head. “No can do, I’m afraid.”

“I’m gonna give you to five.”

 “Now, Daryl,” said Vickers, smirking. “We both know you can’t count that high.”

Daryl stepped even closer to Vickers, an inch from him. “One… Two.”

Vickers’ mouth opened in mocking surprise. “That’s a great start, big fella. Now, the next one is?”

“Three…” said Daryl through gritted teeth.”

Ross took a step back, her hand instinctively reaching for her gun, though drawing it was the last thing she wanted to do. Escalating the situation wouldn’t help, and it’d make her look exactly like the rookie she was, but she had to be ready, just in case. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the bartender. The woman was watching the scene with wary eyes, prepared to step in if needed.

Vickers grinned, clearly enjoying himself, despite the impending ass-kicking. “I’m gonna give you the next one, just to expedite things a little. Four.”

Daryl’s voice was a low growl. “Five.”

Vickers cheered, clapping his hands together as a few onlookers chuckled. “Great job, buddy. I knew you had it in you!”

Fuming, Daryl grabbed Vickers by the shirt, almost lifting him off the floor. Ross was about to intervene, when the distinct sound of a shotgun being cocked made all three turn to the bar.

The woman behind the bar aimed her weapon at the floor, but her mean face told Ross that she’d have no problem using it if she had to. “Now, now, fellas.” she said. “Let’s all play nice, okay? Daryl, put Raymond down.”

Grudgingly, Daryl let go of Vickers, shoving him back just a little as he did.

The woman nodded. “That’s better. And from now on, how about you let me decide who’s welcome in my bar?”

“Whatever you say, Loretta,” said Daryl, his scowl deepening as he barged into Vickers, muttering something under his breath before disappearing into the crowd.

Vickers approached the bar with Ross trailing close behind. “Thanks for the timely save, Loretta.”

Loretta sniffed. “Wasn’t for you. Trouble’s bad for business. Now, what can I get you — and blondie here?”

“Double whiskey for me, and a…” Vickers turned toward Ross, waiting for her drink order.

Ross hesitated. Drinking on the job wasn’t her style, but Vickers downed whiskey like water. Maybe things worked differently in Cinder Hollow. “Just a diet coke for me.”

Vickers rolled his eyes and turned back to Loretta. “Double whiskey, a diet coke for the kindergartner… and a Midnight Bloom.”

Loretta raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so you’re here on business?”

“Sure am.”

Ross frowned. Midnight Bloom? She had no idea what that was, but it didn’t sound like a casual drink order. Loretta retrieved a translucent goblet with a skull charm hanging from the stem, filling it with gin, something floral, and a splash of syrup that turned the drink a deep, eerie purple.

Loretta topped it with a violet and a twist of lemon shaped like a crescent moon before sliding it across the bar. “I’ll let her know you’re here.” she said, disappearing through a door behind the bar.

“Who did you say we’re here to see?” asked Ross.

Vickers drained his whiskey and set the empty glass down. “I didn’t.”

Ross rolled her eyes. “Well, whoever she is — you think she’ll be able to help us?”

“If anyone can, it’s her.”

Ross shivered, her mind flashing back to the hospital — the thing shuffling towards her, its joints popping and jerking like something out of a horror film. That croaky, mocking voice, and those eyes... She still couldn’t figure out why she hadn’t fled this creepy, backward town the moment she left the hospital.

She sipped her diet coke, searching for something to break the silence. “Have you asked for her help before?”

Vickers shrugged. “Once or twice.”

“What happened?” Ross asked, wondering if monster attacks were just part of life here.

Vickers shot her a sideways glance, clearly not in the mood to chat. Before he could answer, Loretta returned and gestured for them to follow.

Loretta led them to a room in the back. Colored beads hung in place of a door. Vickers pushed them aside and stepped through, letting them swing back and smack Ross in the face.

Ross wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but it wasn’t this. The room was cramped and dimly lit, the only light coming from a handful of scented candles scattered around. A bookshelf packed with arcane tomes and religious statuettes dominated the room. Dreamcatchers dangled from the walls, alongside a mix of strange symbols — hieroglyphs, pentagrams, and eyes that seemed to follow you wherever you went.

In the far corner, a middle-aged man sat at a small round table. He was draped in what looked like a purple witch’s robe covered in golden stars.  “Raymond, darling,” he said, standing and spreading his arms wide. “How wonderful to see you again!”

“Evening, Bubba.” said Vickers, setting the Midnight Bloom on the table and taking a seat.

The man tutted. “I’ve told you before, only my father — God rest his bigoted soul — ever called me by that vulgar name. Aren’t you going to introduce me to your lovely new friend?”

“This is Officer Ross. Ross, meet…” Vickers sighed. “Madame Hex.”

Madame Hex grinned. “There you go, that wasn’t so hard now, was it?” She extended a bejeweled hand, nails shimmering in polished black. “Pleasure to meet you, my dear. And you can call me Hex, or Hexy, or even Sexy Hexy, if you like!” She out a giggle then gestured to Vickers. “Sorry you’re stuck with this brute as your partner.”

Ross shook her hand, already deciding Madame Hex was her favorite person in Cinder Hollow. “Nice to meet you, Hex. You can call me Emily.”

“Emily,” said Hex, clasping her hands together. “A name as beautiful as you are.” She took a seat across from Vickers, and Ross joined them at the table.

Hex sipped her cocktail, but her smile faltered as she swallowed it down. Ross raised an eyebrow, wondering if Loretta had gone heavy on the gin.

“Thank you for the drink, Raymond.” Madame Hex set the glass down with a flourish, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Now, what is it you need my help with this time?” She turned to Ross with a knowing look. “Honestly, Emily, he only ever comes around when he’s in trouble. Isn’t that right, Raymond?”

Vickers leaned forward, his brow furrowing. “There was… an incident in the forest tonight.”

The cheerful demeanor began to fade from Hex’s face. “Another one?”

“Yeah. Derek Pickett is dead.”

Hex gasped, her hand flying to her chest. “Good Lord. Poor Derek! He was always so kind to me. Bill must be devastated.”

“Bill was with him when it happened. He’s in pretty bad shape himself.”

Hex shook her head, concern etched on her features. “What happened?”

Vickers glanced at Ross, as if gauging whether she was ready to share. “We’re not exactly sure, but something attacked them.”

“And by ‘something’, I’m guessing you don’t think it was a coyote? Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here,” Hex said, arching an eyebrow.

Ross and Vickers nodded in unison. “That’s right,” Vickers confirmed.

Hex stared at Vickers without blinking, her gaze intense. “Tell me everything you know.”

“Well,” Vickers said, shuffling in his chair, “it seems like it ate Derek, or some of him, at least. Scooped out his insides, left him hollow. And it took his eyes.”

Hex sat up suddenly, her expression shifting to one of alarm. “His eyes?”

“Yeah, same with Bill. Is that important?”

“Of course it is!” Hex exclaimed, incredulous. “Eyes are the key to the soul, Raymond. Whatever did this might want to learn more about us humans. Have you spoken to Bill? Did he tell you anything else?”

Vickers rubbed his forehead, clearly trying to maintain his composure, though the earlier events had taken a toll on him. “We went to visit him at the hospital. He was pretty shaken up, but he said that he could sort of… sense the creature.”

Hex frowned. “He could sense it?”

“He said he could see through its eyes,” Ross blurted out, ignoring the look of annoyance Vickers shot her way. She was tired of his long-winded explanation. “And he knew it was at the hospital, and then we saw it there.”

“You saw it?” Hex leaned forward. “Why didn’t you say so? What did it look like?”

Vickers narrowed his eyes at Ross, still irritated by her interruption, but then his expression softened slightly. “You got a better look at it than I did,” he said, giving her a nod of encouragement.

Ross swallowed hard, trying to find the right words to convey the horror she’d witnessed. “It sort of looked human, and sounded human too. But, up close, its face just didn’t look right, unnatural. The way it moved — stiff and jerky. And its eyes… they were just wrong. It was like it was trying to impersonate a human, but failed spectacularly.”

Hex listened intently, scratching the grey stubble on her chin. When Ross finished, Hex grabbed a hefty tome from the shelf, placing it on the table and thumbing through the pages with surprising ferocity. “There,” she said, tapping her finger on a particular page. “I think this is what you’re dealing with…”

A cold draft swept through the room, making the candles flicker ominously, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Ross held her breath, bracing herself.

Hex’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “A Fauxra.”

Vickers scoffed. “And what exactly is that?”

“A despicable creature, Raymond. The lowest of the low. Some say its creation was accidental — a result of an old spell gone horribly wrong, but who knows for sure? A lot went on in that forest on the mountain, little of which we know — or care to, for that matter.”

Hex turned the book to face them, revealing a disturbing illustration. “It says here that its true form is an abomination. When the first one was created, it was cast out, banished for its hideous appearance. But what it lacks in good looks, it more than makes up for in intelligence. It learned to hunt, mimicking other animals to lure them into its trap. And boy, did it enjoy hunting. It became something of a game for it, a way to pass a few hundred years until it got bored and decided it needed more of a challenge.”

Vickers folded his arms, a skeptical look on his face. “And I suppose we’re that challenge, are we?”

Hex nodded, her expression grave. “Precisely. As its strength and cunning grew, it sought revenge on those who banished it — who shamed it for its looks. Mimicking humans is trickier than simple animals, but this thing is a fast learner. Its disguise became more convincing, until it had everyone fooled.”

Ross felt a knot tighten in her stomach, afraid to speak but unable to contain herself any longer. “Then what happened?”

“It was eventually killed. But not before slaughtering half of Cinder Hollow, feasting on their organs, and snatching their eyes.”

Vickers raised a hand, cutting her off. “Okay, I think we’ve had our fill of your fairytale, Hex, so let’s cut to the chase. Does it have any weaknesses?”

Hex shrugged, flipping through the pages. “Doesn’t say anything about weaknesses here. But it’s very self-conscious, so perhaps a compliment would do the trick.”

Vickers let out a hearty laugh, slapping his hand on the table. “A fucking compliment?”

Hex shrugged again, her expression serious. “Well, I don’t know! Maybe it would let its guard down a little?”

“You want me to tell some eye-snatching freak that she’s got a nice ass and a great rack? Or how about I just buy it some flowers? ‘Hey there, Ms. Fauxra, I know you ate my friend and left the other one for dead, but I tell you, the things I would do to you…’”

Hex lowered her gaze, sniffling. “There’s no need to be crude, Raymond. I’m only trying to help.”

Vickers rolled his eyes, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “I’m sorry, Hex. Your help is much appreciated, as always.”

Hex turned away from him, feigning annoyance like a moody teenager.

Vickers edged his chair around the table. “Do you forgive me?”

Hex looked up at him, trying to suppress a smile. “Oh, you know I can’t stay mad at you, Raymond.” She held out her cheek. “Plant one there, and we’ll say no more about it.”

With a resigned sigh, Vickers leaned in and gave Hex a gentle peck on the cheek. “Okay, Ross. Time for us to go.”

As she stood, Ross couldn’t help but notice a faint blush on Hex’s cheeks. “It was nice to meet you, Hex.”

“You too, darling,” Hex replied, waving them off. “Run along now, and best of luck with your investigation. Raymond, don’t be a stranger, you hear?”

It was colder when they stepped outside, leaving the rowdiness of the bar behind them.

Ross looked at her new partner. “What now?”

“Now, Officer Ross,” said Vickers, sighing. “We go home, get some rest, and worry about this Fauxra bitch tomorrow.”

The Fauxra

The sun had set hours ago, and the full moon bathed the forest in silver light. This was the signal she had been waiting for.

It’s time to hunt.
Her stomach let out a low, hungry growl as she dropped from the tree, but her landing was unsteady, a stumble that ended with her on one knee. The entire forest seemed to shrink in her presence, its creatures hiding in silence. She could sense their fear. She could smell it.

It would be easy to catch one of them — those small, trembling animals nearby. She could feel their hearts racing through the stillness. It would be the sensible thing to do; she needed her strength after the injury she’d suffered the night before. But no, not tonight. Forest animals wouldn’t suffice. She craved something far more... interesting.

All day, she had thought of them — those creatures that walked on two legs, their sweet smell so addictive. Their scent filled her mind, a teasing reminder of their presence. She wished she could douse herself in it and rid herself of her own repulsive, acrid stench. Their taste lingered in her memory, too — not as satisfying as that boar, but far more intriguing.

By now, most of them would be at rest, just as she had been throughout the day. She could walk among their shadows, tricking them into thinking she was one of them. When the time came, she would strike at one of the weaker ones.

But she must be cautious. If any of them carried those things that exploded — those awful things that hurt her ears and pierced her skin — she would have to avoid them. She’d almost died the last time.

This time, though, it would be different. Her mimicry wasn’t perfect yet, but it had improved. A few more sets of eyes, and she would look just like them. Maybe even sound like them. But their strange, puzzling language? That would take more practice.

And practice she would.

She moved toward the place where their glorious scent was strongest, carefully avoiding the giant lights that stood like iron sentinels, guarding them. The air grew colder, so she pulled the human garment tighter around her new form, still fascinated by the tiny bumps that appeared on her skin when the temperature dropped.

The ground beneath her feet was rough, hard — not like the woods. Sharp objects stung her feet, but she ignored the discomfort. She passed the place where she had been hurt the night before, the memory of the burning pain still fresh from those little metal teeth that had shot from the exploding thing.

Then, she heard them. A noise unlike any she had heard before.

“Ha… ha… haaaa!” said one of the creatures, its steps clumsy and uneven. It was big, towering, and clearly off-balance. There was another one beside it, smaller and more stable, the big one’s arm draped over its shoulder.

“Come on, Daryl,” the smaller one said. “Let’s go back to my place. I got a six-pack in the fridge.”

“Sounds good, buddy. Sounds real good.”

Then the big one looked up and spotted her. Its companion followed its gaze. “Look what we have here,” the large one slurred, grinning stupidly. They began to approach, their scent growing stronger.

She stood still in the shadows, heart racing. Part of her wanted to kill them quickly and be done with it, but no — what would she learn from that?

“Hey, darling,” the big one called, its voice a deep rumble. “You lost?” It made that strange, loud noise again — ha-ha-ha — but quieter now. “I’d pay good money for some of what this bitch is on.”

“She sure is tripping,” the smaller one added. “What’s with the jacket? You a doctor?”

They were close now, just out of reach. Normally, she would have lunged by now, slashing them both down with ease. But tonight, she needed to be sure. She needed to know if they were a threat.

“Hey!” The large one’s voice boomed suddenly, startling her. “My friend’s talking to you. Are you a doc—hahaha! I can’t even say it!”

Its eyes — those curious, stupid eyes — looked happy, amused. Its mouth curled up at the corners in a bizarre way.

“She ain’t no doctor,” the smaller one said, stepping closer. “But she can give me a check-up anytime!” His hand reached into his garment, pulling something out.

She tensed, ready for the worst. But it wasn’t an exploding thing. No, it was something thin and green, flimsy.

“How much for a good time?” he asked, waving it as if offering a gift. She smiled inside. This one was close enough.

With one swift swipe, her claws tore through his throat, the red fluid spraying everywhere. Before his body even hit the ground, she snatched out his eyes and swallowed them whole. These eyes offered her little — a vague glimpse of loud noise, and drinking some strange amber liquid, nothing more.

The large one screamed, stumbling backward, his limbs flailing awkwardly as he tried to flee. She had never seen a creature move so slowly, with such a lack of grace. He was practically falling over himself.

He disappeared into the shadows, which suited her just fine. She could hear him, crashing into things, wheezing as his breath caught in his throat. No challenge, no excitement.

She appeared in front of him without effort, watching as he finally noticed her standing there.
He screamed again, sobbing as he tried to run, but there was no escape. Not from her.

She grabbed him, pulling him close. What had the other one said again?

“You a doctor?” she mimicked, trying to match the tone, though the words sounded garbled in her throat.

The large one’s screams turned into gurgles as blood filled his mouth. She let him fall, ripping out his eyes as she crouched over him. These eyes gave her something more — a clearer view of what lay ahead.

Then she saw it.

Another figure stood nearby, watching her. Her heart jumped. How had it snuck up on her? She crouched, ready to attack, but then realized it was mimicking her movements. It even wore the same garment as she did.

She took a step closer. So did it.

A grin spread across her face as she realized the truth. It was her reflection. And she looked more like them than ever.