Chapter 11

1986

Lucas's P.O.V.

"Hey Will?"

"Yeah?"

"How come we don't have girlfriends yet?"

"Girlfriends?" Will snickers.

"Yeah girlfriends." I pout somewhat seriously, which he picks up on and chooses to adopt a more focused demeanor.

"Does it bother you often?" He presses. "To not have a girlfriend I mean."

I shrug. "Not usually. It's just that sometimes when I see Mike and Eleven, or Dustin and Kate...I can't help but wonder...why not us?"

Will hums at this.

"I mean, we're not that bad are we? We're okay people, right?"

"...I suppose." Will ponders for a second. "You know what I think you should do Lucas?"

"What?" I ask, grateful to finally have some input.

"You should find something you care about more."

"Huh?"

"Find something you care about more." He repeats simply, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. "As for our group's couples, just try to be genuinely happy for them."

"Are you genuinely happy for them?" I challenge.

He turns to face me and smiles.

"Yes."

And I believed him, there was only honesty in his eyes. It's not like I wasn't happy for them too. It's just that sometimes those longing or insecure thoughts could creep in. Stupid feelings.

But I knew my friend was right. He was the wisest of us four. Hence his character, Will the Wise.

"Alright then, I guess I'll just have to find this something." I declare, rising up from the grass.

"Cool, you'll..." Will starts but stops when we both hear very lightly placed footsteps. There was a time when such a sound would have gone unnoticed by us, but Mortifer had been training us for years now, honing our skills and instincts. We remain casual all the while being ready to leap into action.

A figure emerges from the treeline, distinctly making a beeline for us. My body starts tensing, getting ready, before Will places a hand on my shoulder, shaking his head while wearing a knowing smile. I keep watching the approaching figure until...oh.

"Mortifer." I greet warmly, smile already forming. "It is good to see you, but why are you out here so late?"

That oh so familiar smile of his emerges as he closes the remaining short distance. "For a very good reason, of course, Lucas." His smile grows. "Hello there Will."

Will nods in acknowledgement.

"So you gonna tell us, or keep us in suspense?" I poke a little fun at which he seems to chuckle.

"I am here to give you your weapons." He states simply.

I pause, a little befuddled.

"Mortifer, what do you mean? We already have weapons."

His expression becomes more serious. "You misunderstand. I am here to give you your weapons."

...

It, unfortunately, takes me a few more seconds, and turning around to see Will's raised eyebrows expression, to grasp the actual meaning behind his words.

Nancy and Jonathan were the most recent ones to receive their weapons. This would be a major game changer. This was like getting close to some sort of graduation.

Taking a moment to swallow, I speak up. "Thank you, Mortifer."

"We are honored, Mortifer." Will chimes in.

Mortifer, in response, holds out his two hands. The air around them starts to distort and blur, until two primal weapons appear in them. A shield and a sword.

"Lucas, these are your's."

Taking a moment to appreciate their appearance I reach out to inspect them more fully.

Wait.

These hardly weigh anything.

And they're grey. Like him when he goes full on Grey Angel.

I really feel like I shouldn't be surprised. Nancy and Jonathan had been pretty vague in describing their own weapons though, so what was I supposed to expect?

He holds out his hands again, and before you know it two twin Chinese looking swords are there waiting to be taken up.

"Will, these will suit you."

Will nods and grasps each handle firmly, shortly after taking a few practice swings and looking up at Mortifer in appreciation. Mortifer simply nods to the both of us

"Now that you have your weapons, expect to be training with them from now on." Oh this is gonna be good. "Like right now, there are some properties of the weapons you need to be shown before you proceed further."

Will and I exchange glances before following our teacher whom had already begun walking back towards the woods.

Not the night I was expecting, but I'm more than alright with that.

1987

Mortifer's P.O.V.

They have learned well, and will only improve with time.

Mike, the greatest of them in terms of combat prowess, would be able to crush most in a straight up fight, and just downright mow down anything lesser the most skilled.

Will was the stealthier one. The duel wielding assassin champion. It almost seems as though his time in the Upside-down has taught him how to be one with the dark.

Lucas, while being a highly formidable warrior, found his best match in tactics and battle planning. This will no doubt come in handly in the great battle ahead.

Dustin, on the other hand, was somewhat of a berserker when it came to the heat of battle, his savage battle axe cleaving apart any foe that dared to stand before him.

And don't even get me started on the girls...

Kate had proved to be a proficient spear fighter, but, of course, her true power lies in her gifts. Her psychic waves and bolts are similar to that of my own, though she has recently begun to grasp how to shield herself as well. Again, similar to myself. With the correct approach and application of power I could see her hold a gate, just herself, for days against great numbers.

And then we have El.

I suspect she is the strongest of them, at least in a way. While learning the way of the sword as well, her abilities skyrocket her to a whole new level.

Her telekinesis is now far more powerful and capable of encompassing many things at once. She can hear thoughts now, if she focuses, which she often doesn't, having a keen sense of the term privacy. She can still find people, naturally. But, most importantly, I have taught her how to open portals to and from the Upside-down. Why? Two capable people are better than one.

The rest had done their job of repelling the minor, though they would not think minor, incursions from the enemy. But, I could feel their forces shifting on the other side of the veil. They are gathering. Preparing.

Soon the Old One would make its play.

But, I needed more time.

For what I don't know, but there it was.

So it is I decided to extend the hand of negotiation to the dark overlord, and that is why the boys and two girls were armed up and ready to head through the portal with me. The boys, with their firearms and true weapons, the girls with the same in addition to the bracelets I had gifted them with.

The bracelets were constructs I had created once El had begun to fear of unintentionally hurting those she cared about during one of her episodes. Especially Mike. The bracelet holds back their power once it senses they are no longer in control. Acceptions may apply. Kate had also accepted the failsafe with gratitude, and quickly discovered that the device could also be used to channel her own abilities.

All that. It seems like it happened just yesterday. Funny how time flies by.

I look at them, proud of the progress they've made and the people they've become.

"Ready?" I check.

They all give their confirmations.

"Then let's go." I say, while turning around. I stare at the portal a moment, wondering if I'm making a mistake, before casually walking through.

I emerge in the twisted reality that is the Upside-down and instantly notice some disturbing facts.

One, there are many structures here now that do not exist in the Rightside-up. To put one more on edge there appear to be something almost sentient about them.

Two, and this I already knew, none the the creatures arrayed around us were fighting each other. They simply waited.

Three, the oppressive atmosphere of this foul place had only increased. No doubt this was due to the Old One and the peculiar structures he had raised.

The Old One that was now descending from above all this to speak with me. It didn't have to, but it seems even being what it is, it still recognizes customs and values such as honor.

YOU ARE HERE ANGEL. NOW SPEAK.

I took a deep breath, noting the positions my friends had taken around me. Hm...friends. I hadn't yet thought of them as much, despite all the time we'd all spent together. I always saw myself as their protector, their guardian, but never their friend. "Old One, I am here to propose we wait three more years before we finally end this stalemate."

There is a long silence.

EXPLAIN.

"Because it is not time yet." I try to say convincingly. "And I'm sure you know that. In three years we will settle our conflict, or perhaps you would have found a way to neutralize me by then, rendering your victory assured."

I could feel the questioning minds of my champions raised around me, El's in particular.

I will not let it harm you.

I only smiled back through my mind's gaze waiting for my foe's response.

IT WILL BE SO...IF YOU FACE TWENTY OF MY MINIONS...

Well that should be easy...

WITHOUT THE USE OF THE ETHER.

Maybe not that easy. By 'ether' the thing meant my psychic power. While I could still fight at superhuman levels, I am not sure if I could penetrate all these creatures' armor without that particular weapon at my disposal.

But what choice did I have?

"I accept your bargain, Old One." I concede with a bow. "I am ready to begin on the premise that you give your word that you will not raise a hand, nor compell another's hand to be raised, against my champions."

THE WORD IS GIVEN. NOW STORE YOUR POWER ELSEWHERE. I WILL NOT HAVE YOU BRINGING IT ABOUT AS A LAST RESORT.

"Is my word not enough?"

NO WORD IS TRUSTWORTHY IN THE FACE OF DEATH.

While I disagreed wholeheartedly with that statement, I still had to figure this out...

Oh! That could work.

Eleven's P.O.V.

Morty suddenly spun around and walked over to me. I stared at him eyebrow raised in question.

"El." He starts, holding up a bracelet. This one looked far more integrate than mine. More powerful. "Can you please hold my psychic might for me?"

My mouth fell open. What? He needed that, right? How would he fight without it? I started to shake my head.

"El." He said again, voice soft, but pleading. "I know what I'm asking is alot, and doesn't really make sense, but I need you to trust me on this one. Please."

It's like my insides were warring against each other. Logic and trust pinned against one another.

"Okay." I breathe out.

Mike turns around slightly from his position to look at me.

"El, are you sure?" His voice is full of concern, making me love him all the more.

"Yes." I respond, not taking my eyes off Morty. "I have faith in him."

Morty smiles, looking a bit surprised. Does he ever expect anyone to love or trust him?

"Then put this on." He prompts. I take the bracelet and put it on, feeling the complex mechanisms within that were magnificently designed to channel and control that which I am about to receive. I nod to Morty, letting him know I'm ready. He hesitates.

"Whatever happens, do not interfere, nor let any of the others interfere, alright?"

I wanted to say no, but instead nodded. He takes my hand.

"Brace yourself." He warns.

I do. Bringing about my greatest fortitude and discipline.

Then I felt it. The transfer of his power.

It was...

CRUSHING.

I quickly sat down knowing I would fall soon if I kept standing.

This was insanity. No, it was stupid. It was like trying to hold the sun in the palm of your hand.

I couldn't do this.

Mike's P.O.V.

"Protect her." Morty commanded. "I must go face this trial."

We all formed a ring around her as Morty began his challenge of combat. His eyes already glowed and his form blurred with speed as he weaved between the monsters. I saw some the nightmares get sent flying back, but before I could internally rejoice, they would get back up and charge back into the fray, practically unharmed.

I turned to look at El. She had her eyes closed, her body was shaking, tears running down her face, and her expression was that of the look I recognized as 'I-know-I-will-fail'. I instantly sit down in front of her, the others adjusted effortlessly to complete the protective circle.

"El." I say gently. "El, it's me. I'm here."

"M-mike?" Her voice came out broken, and the ache in my chest intensified.

"Yeah it's me, Mike." I say sootheningly. "Listen to me El. You can do this."

More tears run down her face.

"I-I can't." She manages through her apparent pain.

"Yes you can El." I encourage taking her hand, the one with the new bracelet. It already feels warm. "I'm right here beside you."

I see one of the corners of her lips curl upward for a moment.

"Promise?" She breathes.

"Promise."

Will's P.O.V.

He was going to lose.

At least all analysis would point to that.

He was dodging and weaving sure, but occasionally a strike hit its mark. You wouldn't notice unless you knew what you were looking for. For example, as I watch a claw rip through his shoulder hyper quick, I see white fire flood the wound, instantly, or close to instantly, healing the damage dealt. After innumerable strikes like this he was beginning to slow. His normal weapons lay spent at on the ground. Pistol empty, sword broken. Now, he only lashed out with his limbs, which were incapable of doing any permanent harm.

So, eventually, at this rate, he would lose, and he seemed to know it.

I look back at Mike and El. Mike doing his comforting thing that always seems to be exactly what El needs. El is looking strained to the point of breaking, a rare, ripple of psychic lightning firing from her every so often in a backwards direction. Which is good I suppose, since if a single one a those hit one of the demons Mortifer was fighting, I'm sure the Old One would call the whole deal off.

I look back at my teacher, my friend, and see him kneeing just a bit before the wall of enemies charging at him. I feel my heart sink.

No.

He will win.

He. Will. Win.

Just as the largest and foremost of the creatures is about to land a blow on him, I hear him say something in a level voice. I almost can't make it out, but I do.

"Calibir." He voices, then moves so fast I almost lose him.

Given everything that I'd witnessed so far, you can imagine my shock when I see him cleave apart the beast in front of him with a, honest to God, sword of brilliant white fire.

"What the-" Lucas fumbles out.

"I know." I interrupt.

"That's amazing!" Dustin proclaims.

"Amen." Kate agrees, as we watch him carve apart every last one of those monsters. He stops and looks up at the Old One that seems taken aback but not surprised. It nods, acknowledging him fulfilling his end of the bargain. After returning the nod, he walks back over to us.

"Get El, and let's get out of here." We all just stare a moment before complying. Mike hefts up El and we all make our way back through the gateway, Mortifer being the last one through.

...

We emerge back into our reality.

"Morty, take it back." Mike demands raising his voice in concern.

El looks terrible. Besides the blood coming from her eyes and ears, which hadn't happened in years now, her skin was charred at her wrist, where the bracelet was still searing her flesh.

Mortifer walked over shakily, took her hand in his, and did just as Mike requested.

The change was instant. For El, anyway. She relaxed looking as though the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders, and peacefully slipped into unconsciousness.

Mike still looked concerned, but allowed himself to relax a little.

"She'll be fine." Mortifer assures with a tired smile, looking no better than he had a moment ago.

"Morty, are you alright?" Kate asks as he starts to walk in the direction of the lodge. He doesn't answer, but he stops, swaying a bit.

"I..." He starts but never finishes.

Because the next moment he is impacting the ground, just as unconscious as El.

Kate's P.O.V.

It's as if my heart stopped beating at the sight.

Morty, my savior, friend, and mentor had been invincible all these years. He never tired, was never vulnerable.

This simply couldn't be so.

Move!

My inner voice sprung me into action. I quickly went to check his breathing...good. He didn't seem seriously hurt. Just hollow, drained of whatever radiant light that had previously filled him. I look at the others who are standing in a state of disbelief that mirrored what mine was beforehand.

"Dustin. Help me carry him." I command. "Will, make sure ahead is safe. Mike, you've got El. Lucas, keep an eye out in case that thing goes back on its word."

I finish relaying the plan to them, but they all still stand paralyzed, as if in a trance.

"Move!" I yell at them, snapping them out of it. Dustin, helps me lift Morty. Mike gingerly picks up El. Lucas nods to Will who returns the gesture and takes off, quickly disappearing into the trees. I look back at the still open portal.

I wasn't about to just trust that that thing's word. I couldn't open gates, but I sure could destroy them. Using sheer psychic force I collapse the portal, and start the small trek with Dustin back to the lodge.

"You're incredible, you know that?" He blurts out.

I smile.

"I know." I reply, causing us both to snigger.

"He'll be alright." He comforts, catching me looking at my guardian in worry.

"I know."

Denise's P.O.V.

What...where am I?

I take in my surroundings slowly. Trees, lots of trees, and it's night. Of course it's night. How did I get here? Wherever here is.

I stand up, legs feeling way too wobbly, and try to take a step anyway.

It is with a total lack of surprise as I fall back to the ground, that I discover this was a mistake. Fine, until my legs wanna cooperate, I'll just crawl.

After a couple minutes the questions return.

Why am I here?

Who even am I?

Having no answers I just keep crawling, hoping enlightenment will come later.

Why am I not scared?

I mean, I have no idea who I am, or where I am. The only thing I know is that my legs feel like mush, and I'm in some woods in the dead of night. But...the dark, the shadows, look friendly, like they'll shield me.

Maybe I'm just badass.

Or insane.

Either one.

But one question that would not stop nagging me consumed a significant portion of my thoughts.

Am I alone? Is there anyone else?

Is anyone even looking for me?

Hopper's P.O.V.

Still not awake. It's been two days, and still nothing. At least El woke up yesterday. Tough kid. That scorch mark on her wrist probably wouldn't be healing anytime soon though, if at all.

The kids, or err, I guess the teens had filled me in on the details upon arrival. The other adults, to include Jonathan and the Wheeler girl, had arrived soon after me. Since then we all had taken turns with the watches. The one over Mortifer, and the one over the lodge itself. The latter probably wasn't needed since the teens absolutely refused to leave until he had regained consciousness, but better safe than sorry.

I look out at the setting sun, admiring its colors while wondering idle thoughts.

Why does this man undergo such pain and suffering for us? Clearly he could have left a long time ago, he has the power, but he hasn't. Instead he has stayed, protected us, and made us capable of protecting ourselves.

I've talked about this with Joyce already, to which she just looks at me with an odd expression and says simply, as though she were reciting it from somewhere, "Mortifer."

I mean, I get it. I just have a hard time believing it sometimes.

On a more pressing note...why the hell hasn't he aged a goddamn day?!

It has been around SIX YEARS, and he still looks exactly like how he was back during those first crazy, confusing days. It just doesn't make sense, even on a basic level!

No, I'm not even a little jealous.

I let out a sigh, temporarily expelling my wayward thoughts, and look back down at Mortifer's unconscious form. If I didn't know better, I'd say he was sleeping.

"Why are you still here?" I whisper. "You don't have to be. You could have ditched awhile ago, but instead you stay here for all this. Why?"

I turn back to the view, the sun practically gone now, wishing I had a cigarette even though I had quit three years ago.

"Because I love you." A sure, strong voice spoke.

My eyes dart back down to see Mortifer finally awake. My mouth drops open, and he smiles, that smiling bastard.

"Because I love all of you. You are all so very precious to me. Even you Jim." With that he sits up and makes ready to rise. I reach out a hand to steady him.

"Hey, you sure you're up for standing right now?" I caution. "You've been out of it for just over two days."

That damn smile returns twofold. "Just over two days huh? Well, anyway, yes. There are things I must tend to."

Okay, if he were a normal person I would have told him to sit the hell down and take it easy. Unfortunately, it was him, but even he has limits, the past few days were evidence of that.

"Are you sure?" I press.

He looks me in the eyes.

"Yes." He rises up and heads to the door, me trailing behind.

"Thank you." He says suddenly, casually.

"For what?" I inquire.

"For caring about me." He clarifies as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Why wouldn't I...

"Morty!" Kate squeals as soon as she sees him round the corner and runs to her guardian. Morty's smile grows warmly at the sight, and before you know it she's jumped up and clinging to him like she's afraid he'll disappear any moment now. He laughs heartedly.

"I was so worried." She whispers, tears starting to form. "You weren't waking up, and we couldn't do anything, and..."

"Shh" He gently hushes her. "I'm okay now. Just had to recover a bit." She nods, but tightens her grip causing an audible crack to emanate from his back. "Now, now my beloved child. I still need to breathe, and we wouldn't want to make Dustin jealous now, would we?"

She let's out a giggle. "He'll understand."

As if on cue, the rest of the teens come up the stairs, having likely heard the girl's previous squeal. Dustin, true to the girl's word, doesn't even have even a flicker of jealously course through him, instead he breaks out into his full smile and rushes over to join in the hug, with the others right behind him.

Mortifer welcomes all of them, and I just watch as he comforts, and jokes with the younger ones. It's not the first time I've seen that look on their faces while they're gazing at him. He is their role model, their hero, their guardian.

After awhile he pulls apart from them and focuses on Eleven. "You did so well El. You have done me proud." She practically glows as she beams up at him. The Wheeler boy seems happy to see her recognized as well. "Can I see your hand?" Mortifer asks, concern lacing his features. She slowly raises the hand with the charred wrist, and placed it into his.

She let's out a gasp as the charred flesh falls off and regenerates from seemingly nothing. She gawks at her wrist, which is good as new after but a few moments, and crushes Mortifer with another hug.

After they are done he speaks up again. "I need to take a walk alone now everyone, so please do head back to your homes so we can talk tomorrow."

Huh?

"But..." Lucas starts but is cut off.

"I know it is weird, and sudden but trust me. I must tend to some affairs."

"Affairs?" El asks, a familiar confused expression on her face.

"He means work or personal matters." Mike supplies, to which El nods gratefully.

Mortifer makes to walk downstairs, but looks back at me. "I trust you can take it from here?"

"Yep."

"Good. Speak with you soon then." He calls out, walking down the stairs.

There is a brief silence.

"Well, you heard the man." I say. "Pack up and let's head back."

Mortifer's P.O.V.

I open the front door and see a surprised Karen Wheeler.

She was keeping watch outside. Not a bad idea. A bit paranoid, but all the better. She quickly makes her way to me and pulls me into a hug, which was really becoming a thing for me today.

"I'm glad you're alright." She says, as she pulls away from me to give me a genuine smile. It had taken a little over two years to get rid of the formal fake smiles in favor of the real ones but it was worth it everytime it worked its way onto her face.

"Thank you Karen." I smile back. "Would you mind helping Jim with the youngins? I've gotta take a walk."

She looks at me inquisitively before finally nodding and heading in, trusting me to handle whatever it is I was setting out to do.

Now then.

After a good deal of walking I was finally close.

I silently made my way through the trees, towards the noise I could now hear, until I was finally behind it. Or a better pronoun might be her.

It was the very same pale brunette that I'd faced and tried to help all those years ago. She looked ragged, thin, and injured. Something was certainly off with her legs too.

So...I should help her right?

Right?

Or...a different thought crept through me. Or...you could end her right here, protect your friends from her in the future.

Hm...

...

No. That is not who I am, nor who I will be.

Denise's P.O.V.

The sound of someone clearing their throat made me jump, or at least jump as much as one might expect from a crawling position.
I turn around ready to fight, only to see a young man raising his hands to show him meaning no harm.

"Sorry." He spoke apologetically. He had a nice voice. "Didn't mean to surprise you like that. How are you sister?"

Sister? Judging by the complexion of our skin alone there's no way we could be related, let alone siblings. Unless, he didn't mean sister in the traditional way, but rather as a term of endearment.

"I've been better." I admit, having to trust someone, and lowing my guard. "I just woke up somewhere around here awhile ago, and I have no idea where here is, or why I'm even here." I see his face shift between several expressions I don't understand so I just continue. "I know you don't even know me but...can you help me out? I'm kind of in over my head here."

He seems to see I'm being honest with him, and gives a small, warm smile. "Of course, sister. Would you mind if I picked you up?"

It would take awhile to get anywhere otherwise so...

"Please." I grant. He carefully scoops me up, and starts walking in some seemingly random direction.

"What's your name?" I ask after a couple moments.

"Mortifer." He answers.

"Mortifer." I say slowly. "That's quite the name. Who gave it to you?"

"I did." He replies, seeming far away. "A long time ago."

A long time ago huh?

"And your's?" He asks.

It just occurs to me that I hadn't even remembered my name up to this point. Fortunately, it comes to me in an instant, becoming the only thing I actually know. Strange that it would come to me now.

"Denise. My name is Denise." I answer with confidence.

"Denise..." He voices. "That is a lovely name."

"Thank you." I say accepting the compliment.

"Well here we are." He announces and I look to see what looks like a decent size house practically appear before my eyes.

"Woah." I murmer.

He chuckles a bit. "Now then, let's see if we can get you on better footing."

First author's note: I am rushing a bit now because I know the main story I want to write, but not all the inbetween. So, I will continue doing this until the story reaches it's end, and then probably go back and add some more fluffly bonding times. I also feel like I have to do this or I'll never finish it, and I have to finish it. Thank you for reading. Any input you have is welcome.