Hi everyone! Here is chapter 9. I'm going to get into some darker writing here within the next few chapters and thought this would be a great way to introduce it.

I ended up going to Chicago to see Hamilton the musical with my wife (which was a blast!) so the story has been on pause for a moment. So with that said sorry for the late update for all of you eager readers :)

Thanks you to everyone who is reading! Honestly I love checking out the reviews and get excited when feedback comes in.

Enjoy!

Nightmares – Originating from stems of fear that linger in our minds, aching at the chance to break free and grasp a hold of us once again. Paralyzing us like a poison that is deeply seeded in our veins, spreading into every corner of our body. Almost malicious in intent and seemingly intelligent at the way they can rip our dreams into tiny little shreds just the right way. The power of these "nightmares" isn't even complicated. We all have a fear of something. Maybe it's our own minds we should be afraid of. Or maybe – Maybe instead we should fear those that are willing to manipulate them. Maybe they are the real nightmares.

HAWKINS LAB

Subject 002 was anything but a calm person. Maybe, on the outside, his placid and humbling appearance could fool someone, and perhaps you could say for a short time he was calm. After all he did trick Will and his friends into believing his lie of friendship and unity. Sean was impressed with himself in how well he carefully designed the persona needed for his situation, and it was a beautiful thing to watch. However, on the inside of 002 a deep darkness lie dormant. An energy that can be translated into hatred and rage. The people of Hawkins laboratory knew this well.

002 rolled up to the chain link fence of the lab, easily pushing apart the metal pieces to create an opening. Flawlessly he crafted a door to walk right into the front yard of the facility. Taking a few steps on the frozen ground of the complex, making no sound as he picked his feet up to advance. It didn't take long before the spot lights were on him, shining his body into view while two dozen men burst from the darkness, seemingly out of thin air. 002's left arm was badly damaged from the claws of the Demogorgon, the skin peeled to the side of each ruptured streak. The inflammation and redness highlighted the dried blood that started to crumble off.

"On the ground on the ground!" They shouted at him, it made his head hurt. He liked the quiet. The quiet was what kept him sane when they isolated him.

He kept quiet and smiled, knowing this was his way inside, to talk to papa again. This was the only way to get what he needed – More power.

INSIDE BRENNER's ROOM

Two men in suits carefully walked through the metal door entering Dr. Brenner's recovery room. The machines and lights still beeping and buzzing. The nurse taking care of him for the night was on break, so it was just them in the room.

"Sir we have a problem." One of the men began, then the other started.

"002 has diverted from initiative protocols. It appears he failed."

Dr. Brenner was sitting up in his bed. In pain and exasperated from the stress and mental anxiety of his decisions over the past month. Obviously his approach to the situation at hand a few weeks ago wasn't "up to par," and he was, at the very least, honest enough to admit it. Though he wouldn't jeopardize his position of power by admitting it to anyone else.

"What do you mean failed?" Brenner asked.

"The boy's identity was compromised before the mission could be completed… Evidently a choice he decided to make on his own before finishing the objective."

Brenner coughed for a few moments, and you could feel the loss of oxygen in his exaggerated gasps of air. His lungs thirsty for something better to live off than a machine and tubes. Wiping his mouth his turned his head to the two men so he could see. His red eye exposed and unbandaged.

"And the girl?" Brenner asked.

The two men took a moment before answering. "No longer missing. 002 pulled her out alive, but she escaped and went into hiding."

"Good, the hard part's over," Brenner began, "how did you find all of this out?"

The men cleared their throats before beginning with their explanation.

"002 is here… in detainment, he returned after failing and sustaining injuries to his arm. He told us he would say everything that happened under two conditions."

"Well… what are they?" Brenner responded while an ominous air began to fill the room around them.

"First – he doesn't want to go back into that cell anymore," said one of the men.

"And the second condition?" Brenner replied impatiently, coughing again. The two men just looked at each other. "What is it?" Brenner asked again.

"002 wants to see you personally so he can talk about the rest. We told him that it would be impossible."

Brenner weighed his thoughts, thinking of the times where it wasn't 011 he was so worried about but 002. Where his life and progress were the only thing that mattered. Once there was a time where he really believed that 002 was the key to unlocking the potential of their goal at Hawkins Lab. However, that dream was shot down when Brenner experienced the violent and dark energy that erupted from within 002 after he was made fun of behind his back, from someone who hoped nobody would hear. When you have the abilities of these children, you can always hear... If 002 wanted to see him, he would see him.

"Bring him to me." Brenner commanded.

The two men tried to persuade Brenner into not making this decision, but in the end, he was the boss, and they complied with his request.

A few minutes later, the injured boy walked into the room with the two men shallowly walking behind him.

"Leave us," commanded Brenner.

The two men left Sean and Brenner in the cold dark medical room with nothing but the sound of the door slamming shut. No cameras, no tricks, no smoke and mirrors. Just Brenner and one of his children.

"You don't look too good," said 002

Brenner laughed at the kid's humorous remark. It was true, he definitely did not look good – but then again, neither did 002.

"That's funny because from where I'm sitting your arm doesn't look too well either." Brenner replied while weakly pulling a finger up to point at the injured boy's left appendage. "How did that happen by the way?"

002 frowned getting a serious look on his face. "A monster attacked me right before I was through with those kids. It swiped my arm with its claw."

"I see," Brenner said, thinking of the monster that put him in the state he was in.

Then 002's eyes lit up and he smiled. "That's okay though, because I ripped it's head off, it's dead!"

Brenner gasped, thinking of how dangerous and wild that monster was at the school a month ago, how it tore apart his guards. He couldn't imagine that one of these children was strong enough to physically kill something like that. Amazing.

Sean's face went cold for a moment then, the business end of the arrangement getting ready to rear its ugly head.

"I need more power!" 002 exclaimed. "011 is strong, really strong. Even stronger with her friends. I want to overpower her. I want power like that."

The broken man on the bed shook his head, knowing he was unable to fill such a tall order. "I'm sorry but that's not something I can do quickly." Brenner said, shooting down 002's passionate request. "I don't have a magic shot I can poke you with and you instantly grow stronger."

"Then HOW!?" Sean yelled.

"Watch your tone!" Brenner yelled back. He raised his hand to the exposed part of his mouth and started coughing violently. Some of the machines beeped for a moment, and Brenner had to take a few deep breaths to allow the machines to relax before continuing. "Just because you failed to bring 011 in doesn't mean the mission is over. You did find her which was a success in its own right. We will find a way to make you stronger, but you need to be patient. Understand?"

002 scowled and grunted for a moment before finally nodding his head in defeat.

"Yes papa," Sean said.

"Good boy. Now let me think and prepare something so you can grow stronger. You'll no longer be living in that cell we made for you. Go have the men take you to the nurse to heal that wound. You've done a good job today." Brenner finished.

"Okay papa," 002 replied as he walked away. The metal door slamming shut.

Well it appears Sean is alive and well (Come on you know I couldn't kill him off that quickly right?)

But the Demogorgon is dead?! I wonder if there are more?...

Next chapter we will focus on the Byers and a little bit of the kids again.

Thanks you for reading the story so far!

Have a great day!

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