Sean Dirts and the Hidden City

By Don Shirts

Sean Dirts awakens to a shocking reality—he's only six inches tall! Relocated with his family to an experimental village where nearly everyone possesses superpowers, Sean stands out as the only one without an ability, subjecting him to bullying. When Sean finally discovers his power, he's warned to keep it a secret, as someone desires his unique gift.

 

In this captivating tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the fight for freedom, Sean navigates a world where his powers make him a target. Will he rise to the challenge and protect his community? The stakes are high in this thrilling journey of power and loyalty.

• Language: English
• Publisher: FarEver Media
• Release date: Dec 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798989369720

Don Shirts

Don Shirts grew up in beautiful Bountiful, Utah, and still resides there with his wife and four of his five children. His oldest son and daughter-in-law also live nearby. Don loves movies, books, and chocolate. He also has a fondness for dad jokes and good puns. His favorite scent is garlic sautéing in olive oil. He doesn't care so much for loud noises, long to-do lists, and winter campouts. "Sean Dirts and the Hidden City" is his debut novel. He says the ideas that eventually coalesced into this story originated while daydreaming during his daily paper route when he was eleven and with his teenage obsession with Star Wars.

Book preview

Sean Dirts and the

Hidden City

DON SHIRTS

Farever Media, LLC

Copyright © 2023 by Don Shirts

For Kristi, who didn’t know at the time that she was marrying a writer. Thank you for your love, patience, and support

.

Copyright © 2023 by Don Shirts

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [include publisher/author contact info].

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Description: First Edition. Farever Media, LLC, 2023. Audience: Ages 8-12. Audience: Grades 3-6. Summary: Sean Dirts is barely surviving his new world of being 6 inches tall and having superpowers. It’s not the most convenient time to be challenged by an all-powerful supervillain who wants to destroy him and his whole town with a swarm of giant wasps.

Identifiers:

ISBN 979-8-9893697-1-3 (hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-9893697-4-4 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-9893697-2-0 (ebook)

Subjects: Miniature people—Fiction. Superpowers—Fiction.

Book Cover by Brandon Dorman

Illustrations by Addie Shirts, Nellie Shirts, and Chloe Shirts

Follow @DonShirts

Visit www.DonShirts.com

CONTENTS

Chapter One

In the bag

Riding in a duffel bag was not as fun as it sounded. Sean used to daydream of hiding in his dad’s luggage on business trips, but he had never imagined his family would be in the luggage with him or that he’d fit with room to spare. Only a few minutes previously, Sean woke up to find himself less than six inches tall.

You said we were moving! You never said anything about shrinking! Sean complained as Mom and Dad joined him and his little brother Nathan in the bag. Dad carried six-year-old Julie on his back.

Mom and Dad’s faces both switched from excitement to disappointment.

I thought you’d like the surprise, said Dad. I think this is the coolest thing ever.

"You thought I’d like the surprise? Really? Me?" Sean wasn’t exactly known for his adventurous spirit. When he learned to ride a bike when he was younger, he had been the one to insist on the best helmet and elbow pads.

They’d arrived last night at a secret facility after being picked up from their home. This morning, Sean had woken like this—a mini version of himself. He’d been instructed to enter a small duffel bag with a mesh ceiling that seemed as big as a bus to him. It had been modified to be a transport for little people and had a zipper door on the side instead of the traditional zipper opening on the top. Two rows of miniature chairs faced each other and the walls and floor were lined with white padding that brightened up the interior of the duffel. Dad placed Julie in a chair facing Sean and buckled her seat belt. The chairs were just the right size for them; Sean suspected they had been taken from a remote-control car.

This is awesome! said nine-year-old Nathan, who sat next to Sean.

We’re tiny! Sean said in frustration. Why are you doing this to me? he asked his parents, distressed.

You know how much we’ve struggled financially, replied Mom. We needed work and Dr. Howell recruited us.

This could be the best adventure of your life, said Dad. I would have loved this when I was your age.

We’ll be living with a whole community of people like us, Mom said, then added with a sly grin, We’re part of something big.

Ha! I get it, said Dad. Part of something big.

Mom winked at him, then continued, We get to be part of an experiment that could help a lot of people.

I don’t want to be an experiment. What if we step out of this bag and get chased by cats or eaten by birds? Sean whined.

Don’t worry, there are no animals where we’re going, Dad answered reassuringly.

Sean, if lots of people were small like us, it could solve hunger and many other resource problems in the world, said Mom. Our pizza from last night could feed us for a month.

So what? What about my friends?

I know you’re angry, but we feel like we’re doing the right thing, said Mom. It’s not forever, it’s only for two years; then you can get right back to your life.

Two years! Sean’s already sinking world now imploded with this news.

Two whole years? Yes! exclaimed Nathan with a fist pump.

Somehow, Nathan’s interruption helped Sean swallow his immediate anger. He sat in silence for several minutes, brooding and thinking. His whole life was ruined, all because his parents wanted to save the world. What about his life? He had plans too. What would his soccer team do without him? What about his record for the most blocked goals?

I like being little, said Nathan, excited.

You would, Sean muttered, and he inspected his surroundings to distract himself. The mesh ceiling cast a chessboard shadow over their faces, which was fitting since Sean felt like a pawn.

When Sean and Nathan had first entered the bag, they’d found a giant cup of frosted flakes in the corner secured by a normal-sized cup holder. Nathan was now happily crunching away on his third flake that was bigger than his face. Sean had been too upset to eat when they first entered the bag, but now he munched on his own giant flake as he scowled.

Mom and Dad sat across from Sean while Julie, the youngest, sat quietly next to Mom. Sean could tell Julie was thinking hard because her brow was furrowed and her lips were half-puckered. Am . . . I still a big girl? she asked Mom.

Of course you are. You’re still the same, only smaller.

I don’t feel big anymore.

If your dolls were here, said Sean, they’d be bigger than you.

Julie’s lip started to quiver. My dolls! she sobbed.

Sean! reprimanded Mom. Be sensitive.

What about me? Sean moved to stand in protest but his seat belt pulled him back down.

"Well, there is something else," said Mom.

Oh, great. Sean’s shoulders drooped.

Your dad and I discussed it and we feel you’re old enough: we decided you should be able to choose whether or not you stay with us.

Sean’s head popped up. Really? he asked, surprised.

Really, said Mom. You’ll live with Aunt Jill if you decide to go back.

It wasn’t ideal. Aunt Jill wasn’t Sean’s favorite person, but living with her would beat the alternative of spending two years trapped as an action figure. Of course I want to go back. Why didn’t you give me that choice before we left?

Because, you need to make a proper decision, Dad replied. You can’t adequately decide without experiencing it for yourself.

We want to be clear, added Mom, We want you with us. It breaks my heart thinking that you might leave us.

Sean was surprised they’d even consider letting him choose whether to stay or not. At twelve, he wasn’t normally trusted to make his own big decisions.

That’s right, said Dad. But you only have twenty-four hours to decide. The person transporting us will come back for you, but if you decide not to leave, he won’t make another special trip later.

Sean would definitely not be staying.

We’re not going to let you go without a fight, though, said Dad. We know things that might convince you to stay.

I doubt it.

Remember your friend, Luke? Since Luke Murdock had spent more time at Sean’s house than his own, Sean knew that Dad knew he remembered. Yes, duh. It was still a touchy subject with Sean since Luke and his family had vanished from the neighborhood months ago without even saying goodbye.

When the Murdocks disappeared, they came to the same place we’re going to. You won’t be alone.

Sean couldn’t believe it. You’re kidding.

I never kid, said Dad with a non-serious face. Sean considered the situation. He’d have to think about if he wanted to stay or not—maybe he should make a pros and cons list. ­­

Someone outside suddenly picked up the bag and they were airborne, making Sean clench his middle as butterflies and an ornery winged unicorn took flight in his stomach. Dad immediately bent over his seat belt and moaned in discomfort. Sean and Nathan exchanged a glance and smiled. Dad didn’t do well with any motion that was more vigorous than a car ride. He’d thrown up spectacularly the last time they’d ridden a rollercoaster.

Okay—ha ha—Dad’s funny because he has a weak stomach, moaned Dad.

Julie giggled through her still weepy face. Is Daddy gonna throw up, Mommy?

Yes, sweetie.

"I am not."

Everyone laughed. The bag dipped, twisted, and bounced unpredictably. Dad paled then turned green. When Dad started to retch, Sean realized he was in the spray zone. His laughter immediately stopped and turned into panic. Dad, don’t! Try focusing on something else.

Dad geared up and heaved forward. Sean and Nathan both turned away from Dad and covered their faces. Sean expected to get soaked, which would have started a vomit chain reaction, but nothing happened. He and Nathan peeked out from behind their hands. Dad wore a wide grin.

Don’t underestimate my stomach.

Then the bag lurched and Dad bent in half over his seat belt and puked on the floor. Sorry, he said, sheepishly. The foul odor in the enclosed space made time slow to a crawl.

After what Sean guessed was an hour of traveling, the bag finally touched down to rest and someone started to unzip the door from the outside. Sean automatically moved his brown hair over his abnormally large ears as someone new approached. This had become a self-conscious reflex when meeting new people, even though he knew it was dumb.

They all unbuckled their seatbelts and stood up as the zipper door opened. They watched as a chubby little man pulled apart the zipper teeth of the doorway and several light rays filtered in through the gap. The stranger stopped in the doorway. Welcome, Dirts family! The man was the same height as Sean and was shaped like a pear.

It’s good to see you, Mr. and Mrs. Dirts. The man saw the mess on the floor and held his nose. Oh, was traveling too rough for the children?

All three siblings giggled.

Something like that, said Mom as she got to her feet and helped Julie up.

Daddy threw up, Julie blurted.

The man laughed heartily. Well, I did the same thing on my ride into town.

Sean stood closest to the newcomer who stuck out his hand, I’m Samuel Trisk, mayor of Lilliput. You must be Sean. How was your journey?

Fine, except I didn’t know I’d be a mini-me when I woke up.

Oh, well you seem to be taking it well. The mayor smiled but it seemed fake. Or maybe Sean just wanted to find fault with the first thing he encountered in this place.

A certain Mr. Murdock will be pleased you’ve arrived, young Sean.

Awesome! Let’s go.

The mayor opened the entrance wide, fully letting in a bright sunbeam.

Mayor Trisk led Nathan and Sean through the door. Sean barely caught a glimpse of the dusty clearing outside of the transport and the oversized vegetation surrounding it before a blond blur knocked him to the ground.

Chapter Two

Lilliput

Ow! Sean rolled to a stop in the dirt, facing skyward. He couldn’t help but smile. Typical Luke Murdock. You’re lucky I don’t knock out another tooth. Sean looked up at a giddy-faced boy with a missing incisor. Sean had knocked it out by accident nine months ago. He’d warned Luke about the soccer ball; what had Luke thought think fast meant?

You’d like that, wouldn’t you? said Luke while standing over Sean. Luke’s grin stretched from ear to ear. You wanted to have a better chance with the ladies; that’s why you deformed me. He helped Sean back up, smiling triumphantly. So, did you totally freak out when my family disappeared?

Yeah! The whole neighborhood went crazy when movers came and cleared out your house but you guys were already gone.

Luke laughed. I tried to text you before we left but my service was already off.

It’s a good thing, said Mayor Trisk to Luke. Imagine if people knew we were here.

Mom laid her hand on Luke’s shoulder, It’s nice to see you, Luke.

Hi Mr. and Mrs. Dirts, he said, looking between Mom and Dad.

With a giant sweep of his hand, the mayor gestured forward, even though a massive green wall of plants blocked their view. This is Lilliput. It will be your home for the next two years.

Sean sighed; two years was way too long.

Luke nudged Sean and said, It’ll be two years for me too.

With all the excitement, Sean hadn’t seen the details of their new world. They were surrounded by wild weeds as tall as buildings, with giant dew drops glistening in the morning light like massive baubles on a Christmas tree. Because Sean was shorter than even the smallest plants, he couldn’t see very far. Everything was bigger to him. Even the dirt under his new moccasins was bumpier than it should be; the normally tiny granules now felt like gravel to his feet.

Through a gap in the greenery, Sean saw a narrow trail leading to small buildings. The path meandered through tall grasses drooping over the trail like they’d fallen asleep. Sean touched the massive blades of grass as he passed; they felt coarse and durable like vinyl.

Do you like it here? Sean asked Luke.

Yeah, it’s great. I’ll show you some cool stuff later, Luke replied.

Did your mom and dad tell you you’d be tiny?

Nope. I was totally surprised. But it’s more fun than it seems. There’s plenty of safety rules, maybe even enough for your liking. Luke grinned.

Sean knew Luke was making fun of him. You like it, even without a TV or a phone?

Luke sighed heavily as if giving up electronics had been as difficult as giving up food. You’ll get used to it, eventually.

They passed a hand-painted sign that read, Lilliput, Population: 186.

We’ll need to update the sign now that you are here, said the mayor.

Nathan wrinkled his face as he read the little billboard. How do you say it, again? Lily pad?

It’s Lilliput, said the mayor. "Lilliput is the name of the island country in Jonathan Swift’s classic, Gulliver’s Travels, where the Lilliputians are our size. Have you heard of it?"

Sean nodded. Yeah. Does that mean we get to capture big people and tie them up?

Right! said Luke enthusiastically, offering a high-five to Sean.

Wouldn’t hurt morale around here, would it? laughed the mayor.

They drew nearer to the first building. The fortress-like structure was big enough to fit the entire population at once.

This is the town hall and the school, said Mayor Trisk.

Mom peered in the window and Sean did the same. A classroom was set up with desks and a writing board in front. I understand there are ninety-five children. Is that right?

Yes—well, now there are ninety-eight with Sean, Nathan, and Julie. You’ll be teaching the fourth through seventh grades.

More than two dozen other buildings surrounded a plaza with the town hall at the head. Most structures looked like the small, cheap cabins Sean’s family used to stay in on their summer vacations. The ground was covered with cobblestone and there was a circular fountain in the center of the plaza that lacked running water.

Oi, said an older man to Mom and Dad. The short, gray-haired man wore disheveled, dirty clothes. A woman stood behind him. She was similarly dressed and had a large streak of mud across her cheek. We wanted ter be the first ter greet yeh, said the man.

We’re Paul and Rosie Pleasant, said the woman, exposing misshaped and deep yellow teeth. If yeh ever need anythin', we're yeh best bet at tradin', we are.

Mom and Dad shook their hands and thanked them for the offer then moved on to greet others.

Sean held up an eyebrow. What’s with them?

What, the Pleasants? They’re weird, said Luke with a shrug.

Sean saw Luke’s mom approaching them, half hidden in an ever-growing gathering of townspeople. Hi Mary, she said as she came forward and hugged Mom. You made it.

Suze! It’s nice to see a familiar face.

Sean had always liked Luke’s mom; she wasn’t as paranoid about his and Luke’s adventures as his mom was. Sean knew that he took after his mom—not that he was paranoid, but he was more hesitant than Luke was to try new things.

How have you liked it here? Mom asked her. I’ve been so worried about all the ‘what-ifs’ at this size.

Like, what if an elephant fell out of an airplane and landed on us? said Luke.

Mrs. Murdock didn’t acknowledge her son but smiled tiredly at Mom. Every day’s an adventure, that’s for sure. I think you’ll like it.

The mayor gestured toward a group of cabins on the other side of the plaza. Let’s see your new home, shall we? He motioned to the home straight ahead. Your family will be assigned that one.

It will be wonderful, said Mom, but Sean could tell