Author's Note: I'm back! I just wanted to clear some things up: 1. This is my interpretation of season 2, this is not after the second season. 2. I will be using ideas from season 2 (such as Max, the Mind Flayer, a new official to run Hawkins Lab, etc.), but will not be using everything. 3. Nancy is with Jonathan, but they are both still friends with Steve. 4. I will be using OC's in this fanfic. Okay! Thank you for listening to me ramble, I'll let you enjoy the story.

Chapter 2: Foreshadowing

Thick, ruby-red drops oozed from the slices on her callused feet as she trudged along the forest floor. Another ruby trail dripped from her left nostril, as well as her ears. The crisp, icy winter wind bit tirelessly at the tips of her fingers and toes. She had long lost her shoes and socks, as well as Hopper's flannel, but she was able to find another coat. Her once blush-colored dress now a dingy shade of grey. Her buzzed, stubby hair barely even grown half an inch. The charcoal earth smudged her skin in various areas, and the plaid flannel that rested upon her shoulders was tattered and faded, one of the only reminders of her short, past life. It was all she wanted at the moment.

Despite her harrowing state, Eleven couldn't help but bask in the beauty of the winter wonderland presented before her. She'd never seen anything like it. Glassy, pointed icicles hung from perfectly arched tree branches coated elegantly with an ivory powder. Eleven made sure to eye every detail and take a mental photo, never to forget the scene. She savored the serene sensation until she had to move, leaving her mark in the starch white snow as she trudged on.

Further along, Eleven spotted the meager wooden crate between two towering creations of nature. She gingerly lifted the lid and inspected the contents: three perfectly round Eggo waffles wrapped tightly in saran wrap. She took hold of the golden treasure, glanced around the wood, and took off into the trees.

. . .

"You enter the vast cavern cautiously, taking in your surrounding," Mike eyed each party member, intensely and passionately unfolding the adventure. "You feel a gust of air and you take a gander further into the cave, you spot a Beholder staring back you! Will, your action?!"

"Umm, uh," Will stuttered, looking to Dustin and Lucas for guidance.

"Cast protection!" Dustin yelled while slamming his hands against the fragile folding table, several pieces falling over through consequence of Dustin's actions.

Will glanced worriedly at Lucas, "I agree, go for protection," Lucas sighed as he handed the die to Will.

He shook them in his hands and threw them into the air. They landed onto the game board with a small 'thud'.

"11! Yes!" Dustin proclaimed excitedly, the adventurers alluringly turning to their Dungeon Master.

"You successfully cast protection!" Mike started again, "The Beholder casts Slow Ray, but it failed. Lucas, your action?"

"I conjure two Axe Beaks!" Lucas rolls the die onto the table as the other two venturers intently watch.

"You rolled a 13 and conjured two Axe Beaks!" Mike continued while leering at each member, "The two creatures aggressively race towards the Beholder, AND-"

"Michael!"

"WHAT?" Mike shouted to his mother, brows knitted tight in annoyance.

"Pizza's here! Come up and get it!" Mrs. Wheeler replied down the stairs into the basement while feeding Holly a bottle.

"Be right there!" Mike hollered back, "I'll be right back guys,"

"Ok, don't forget the pop!" Dustin reminded Mike, but Mike just rolled his eyes and headed up the stairs.

Mike grabbed two pizza boxes off the granite countertop, balancing them into his arms. Before heading downstairs, Mr. Wheeler asked for a napkin from the kitchen. Mike rushed to get it, not wanting to keep his friends waiting any longer. Mr. Wheeler took the favor and reclined in the La-Z-Boy, rushing Mike with memories.

~:~

"That's our La-Z-Boy," Mike announced while following her around the living room.

She felt the surface, the soft cushiony feeling alleviating her. She pressed the pillow in her hands.

"It's where my dad sleeps," Mike continued, seeing the confusion cloud her face, "You can try it you want," She gave him a glance and a small nod. "Yeah,"

She cautiously stepped around to the front of the recliner, every once in a while peering at Mike, and sat down, sinking into the cushion.

"It's fun," Mike knelt down next to the chair. "Just trust me, okay?" She nodded once more. Suddenly, the chair gave way behind her and her feet rose. She was startled at first but calmed and nervously chuckled, Mike mirroring her chortle. "See? Fun, right?"

He swiftly lifted the chair into its former position. "Now you try."

She reached down to the lever protruding from the side of the recliner and pulled it, collapsing the chair once more. She rocked back and forth upon the chair slightly and looked towards Mike, both laughing at the experience together.

~:~

"Check the monitors. She could be close." A man wearing a starch-white lab coat walked over to a panel and pressed several buttons. Simultaneously, various screens lit up and exposed a dark, ominous landscape.

The lab had been searching endlessly for the experiment, constantly checking out and venturing into the unknown land. They pushed their efforts to the max. They couldn't lose something as valuable as this. Unbeknownst to them, she no longer resided there.

After viewing the screens for many minutes, the man turned towards another waiting in the doorway. "Go notify Dr. owens that we are moving forth with the plan." The man in the doorway gave a nod and exited the room. He walked through white tiled hallways that held the stench of rubbing alcohol and chemicals until he reached his destination. He stopped at a door to an office, a shiny metallic plaque nailed to the door held the words 'Dr. Owens". The man opened the door and entered the office as Dr. Owens turned from his steel desk.

"We're moving forth with the plan, Dr," the young man spoke, the essence of nervousness lining his voice.

"Thank you," Dr. Owens replied, "I will head over to the viewing room in a few moments."

"Of course, thank you doctor." The young man departed from the room and, a little too harshly, shut the door behind him. Once the man was well gone, Dr. Owens reached for the glossy black phone across his desk, brushing aside several documents and papers. He hastily dialed an unreadable and unrecognizable number, put the phone to his ear, and awaited an answer.

"Hello?" Dr. Owens spoke.

"Dr. Owens," the voice replied coldly.

"We are close. You can come back to the lab now, if your treatments are finished."

"Of course," the voice sounded intrigued, "I will be on my way as soon as I can."

"We'll be waiting," Dr. Owens responded, "Dr. Brenner."

. . .

Hopper drove his beat up and rusted pickup truck along the road up against Mirkwood. It was late at night, for the street lamps had ignited hours ago. He searched the lining of the forest and spotted the parting of the trees.

Hopper exited his truck, not bothering to extinguish the ignition. The frigid winter air greeted him bitterly, biting at his exposed face. He advanced into the wood, the powdery white blanket beneath his boots crunching with every step. Hopper caught sight of the miniscule crate in the distance, picking up his pace ever so slightly.

Gently lifting the lid, he pulled a stack of golden waffles out of his coat pocket and placed them into the wooden box. Her favorite. They were nearly frozen, but he couldn't help that. I sure hope the kid's the one who's eatin' these.

An owl hooted in the distance.

Hopper sighed and looked around, checking to make sure there was no one around to unveil his secret. He retreated back to his truck and traveled down the gravel road.

To be continued…

Author's Note: Thank so much for reading! If you enjoyed this story, then i recommend checking out my Riverdale story. If you haven't watched Riverdale, you should! It's an amazing show. Anyway, i hope you return next week. Once again, thank you!

~Sofi