Mike flinched and threw the bowl of popcorn. "Sorry, got a chill. I'll pick it-" His arms fell limp and eyes glazed over. El placed a hand on his shoulder and Mike jolted back eyes wide.

"It's back. The Mind Flay-" An invisible force yanked Mike's feet and dragged him across the basement carpet towards the coffee table. As he hit the shadow underneath, his lower half disappeared like a half-erased stick figure. I leaped forward and grabbed his wrists.

"I'm sorry, but he can't get her." Mike pulled his hands from my wrists and vanished into the shadow.

"Mike!" El screamed as I froze. He-he's gone. Thirty seconds ago we were watching a movie. But, now… And did he say Mind Flayer? It couldn't b-

"-Eleven." An omniscient voice boomed. "Come alone to Brisborn Steel at seven. You for Mike." No. The Mind Flayer. It's back.

I turned to El. "Before you say anything, we are not trading you for Mike."

A/N: This is my first story that's not a one shot so I'd love any feedback. Thx.