Tuesday July 2nd, 1985. The Wheelers residence.

Third POV.

"You think the new host is Billy?" Mike gawked at the new information.

Eleven nods. "Yes."

"We're not certain." Max comments, not wanting to believe her stepbrother is being controlled by the Mindflayer.

"Okay… then we need to find him and make sure." Lucas says from beside her. "He's probably at the pool right now."

"I think he closes up on Tuesdays." The redhead recalled, having heard Billy brag about it to girls. Likely using it to his advantage and bringing them there after dark.

"We'll need binoculars to stake it out."

"I got mine in my bag."

"Everyone should bring their radios too. In case we need to split up."

"Good idea."

"Speaking of that, has anyone talked to Dustin today? Or Danny? They didn't answer the code red, which is really weird…" Will wondered, interrupting the other two boys planning.

"We try calling Danny-bear last night, but no answer." El says.

"She said she was gonna help us after work, but we haven't heard from her since yesterday morning." Maxine adds.

The youngest Byers looks to his closest friends with a small frown. "We need to keep trying to reach them. If the Mindflayer really is back and Billy is the host, we're going to need more help."

"Big Sis will come." Eleven assures the group. They all believe in her words, jumping back into action and preparing everything they might need for the task ahead.

~~~~

Danny POV.

The moment my eyes open, memories of the previous night flood my thoughts, reminding me of the potential danger lurking in Hawkins once again. It forces me into action, my body rolling from the soft bed and feet hitting the floor, the movement sending a rush of pain to my head and face. My injuries from the unknown man easily agitated it seems.

Shit… I crashed so hard last night that I didn't get the chance to ice those. The now thawed peas rests on the floor by my feet, likely knocked off sometime during the night. It's quiet… what time is it?

Wearily, my sight shifts towards the small dresser where an alarm clock sits, reading 3:43… I've only been out for a few hours? No… that can't be right. Sunshine is blatantly poking through the window shutters, meaning it's daytime out.

That realization snaps me from my spot, sending me out and into the main room. No sign of the Chief or Joyce anywhere. Great. They left me behind to go who knows where, and do who knows what.

Naturally, I scanned the table, counters and fridge for some sort of note. Finding exactly that sitting alongside my radio, gun and badge. Approaching and pulling the paper towards me and easily recognizing Hopper's handwriting. 'Following some leads. Station 5.89, keep in touch. Find Jane and stay out of trouble. Lastly, don't shoot unless it's kill or be killed.'

"Eleven it is then."

Briiiiiing.

Shit. Flinching hard at the unexpected call, my hand jerks scattering the items. Radio and gun chattering on the hardwood as the badge falls on the booth seat. Leaving it, I crossed the small distance to the phone and answer. "Hello?"

"Danny?" Nancy's voice comes through. This is strange… she's never called here before.

"Yeah… are you okay Nancy?"

She doesn't answer immediately, which confirms my inkling. "I… I don't know. Somethings happened. Are you free right now?"

Glancing to the radio on the floor, I contemplate what to do. El is more than likely with Max somewhere in town, so to track her down I'll need to go there anyway… as long as I can get in touch over the radio to ensure she's not in mortal danger, meeting Nancy shouldn't be a problem. "Does my place work? Forty minutes from now?"

"Yes. I'll be there. Thank you Danielle."

"Anytime Nance… just promise not to make a big deal when you see me. Please."

"What? Why?"

"Promise me."

"I promise… is it bad?"

"It's certainly not good. Anyway, I'll see you shortly."

"Right. See you then." She ends, the line going dead as she hangs up.

I do the same, then return towards the table to pick up my pistol and means of communication. My fingers fiddle with the nob to turn it on and switch it to The Party's usual frequency, thumbing the mic button. "Does anyone copy? Over." Nothing. "Eleven, Max, do you guys copy? Over." Static. I'm too far out of range here, meaning I'll have to try again when I get to my house.

Knowing there's more than enough time for me to make it there before Nancy, I quickly hop in the shower and refresh myself. Not bothering to put on any makeup once I'm out, since it wouldn't do much to hide the mess that is my face right now. A pair of sunglasses hides my raccoon eyes and the hooded t-shirt I toss on covers the bandage cut near my hairline. Unfortunately there's nothing I can do concerning the busted up appendage.

On the way out of the cabin, I tucked the gun in the waist of my dark washed jeans and slide the badge in the left pocket, a few extra rounds stashed there too. Tossing the radio into the passenger seat and starting the car once dropping down inside, it only takes a moment to back out and hit the road.

The trip is shorter than usual due to speeding and hardly fifteen minutes later, I'm about to exit the car at my house when the walkie finally goes off. "Danny-bear, are you there?" Eleven.

"I'm here lil sis. Are you alright? Where are you right now? Is Max with you?"

"I'm okay. Yes. We're at the pool." The pool? "You okay?" Worry evident in her voice.

"I'm fine. I'll explain later. What are you guys doing at the pool?"

"Watching Billy. I explain when you come."

"Are you safe?"

"Yes. You come soon?"

"I'll be there for closing time." Wanting to avoid crowded places for obvious reasons.

"Okay. Meet in parking lot."

"Enchantress, if you need me immediately, reach out. I can be there in a few minutes."

"I will. Promise." She says, cutting out afterwards, more than likely turning off the radio to preserve battery life.

Tap, tap.

"Danielle? What are you doing?" Nancy questioned through the window, her knock only making me jump a little bit. Really need to start paying more attention to the surroundings. She steps back as I push open the car door to climb out, shutting it behind me and turning to face her. "Oh my God. What happened?" Her reaction as expected.

"You promised not to make a big deal." I remind the petit beauty, her shocked expression remaining the same.

"Yeah, but I thought you might of got a bad haircut or something. Not for your face to be black and blue."

"A promise is a promise Wheeler… now let's go inside before anyone sees me." "But-" "Inside." My tone leaving no room for argument.

The second we enter the small living room, Nancy spins and stares at me in expectation. "Last night Hopper, Joyce and I went to investigate Hawkins Laboratory after she suspected that something could be going on in Hawkins again... she was right."

My friends' jaw goes slack. "What? The lab reopened? How?"

Sitting on the couch and motioning for her to do that same, I shake my head at her assumption while removing the sunglasses. "No. It's still abandoned and a shit hole, but someone knew we were there. A man showed up and knocked the Chief and I out. Broke my nose and kicked the shit out of Hop real good. Luckily, Joyce avoided confrontation with him… right now they're following up on a lead, so hopefully it pans out."

She settles beside me on the sofa, her mouth turned down in serious thought. "Do you think he's government?"

"It's very likely. They have been known to use excessive force, which would explain the outcome." Who else could be staking out the lab... unless... "Anyway, what about you? What happened Nance?"

"I'll get to that in a minute, first I've got another question. What lead Mrs.Byers to think that something is up?"

"Okay, so this is gonna sound insane, but it all started with the magnets on her fridge falling off. Then the same thing happened the day after at her work…" Telling the girl next to me all about the experiment Joyce and Mr.Clarke did, explaining the theory of the giant machine that's possibly built somewhere nearby.

"Do you believe it too?" she inquired, appearing uncertain at the new information. Do I?

"I'm not sure. I want to cause she's been right about this kind of stuff before… but I also don't want to, because then it's real and the threat has returned.." Inside, utter dread fills my bones. "I lost my Dad last time.. what's going to happen this time around?" Fear manifesting as the thought of losing someone else crosses my mind.

The terror must show on my face, Nancy grasping my hand in comfort. "Whatever happens, we face it together. Our best chance to keep everyone safe is to figure out the truth." She declares, determination radiating from her. She's right. I know she's right. Being afraid isn't going to save anyone. "Which bring me to why I'm here… and it might have something to do with everything else going on."

"Is that so?"

Nodding, she continues. "The other day, a women called the post about a rat that was behaving weirdly. So Jonathan and I went to check it out, thinking it could be important… it ate bags of fertilizer and was completely wild, thrashing around in the cage she caught it in. Thinking it was rabid, I called around for other similar happenings and found out it's been all over, with more than just fertilizer. Pesticides, diesel fuel and cleaning supplies. Then last night we went back to Mrs.Driscolls to get the rat as proof, only to find her in the basement eating fertilizer and the cage empty."

A lump forms in my throat at that image. "That is appalling… what did the cops and paramedics say?"

"Not much. They just asked for a statement on what happened as the ambulance took her away strapped down to the gurney."

"What the hell…"

"Right? So today at the post, Jonathan and I got called into the office… apparently, Mrs.Driscoll is schizophrenic." She says, which doesn't make sense. "We got lectured and fired."

"But even if she was a schizo, that doesn't explain the freaky rat and missing chemicals."

"Exactly... which is why I was hoping you could come with me to the hospital to investigate what really happened to Mrs.Driscoll." Her eyes pleading for me to say yes.

"I would Nance, but there's more going on and Eleven needs me."

Crestfallen, she nods. "Do you think whatever's happening is all connected?"

"It can't just be coincidence anymore, which is why it's imperative that you still go to the hospital. I'm sure Jon will go too." A mixture of emotion plays on her face at the mention of the older Byers brother. "Or not?"

"We got into a fight… it was bad."

That's surprising. They've been on the same page and nearly inseparable ever since being together... "Then go alone. You are more than capable of looking into it, so don't doubt yourself Wheeler. You're a badass." Meaning every word.

"Right.. you're right. I really needed to hear that. Thank you."

I leave the couch momentarily to grab a small bag from the kitchen drawer, soon fishing out one of the eight remaining spare keys. "Thank yous aren't necessary for friends, but always appreciated. It just goes without saying; I've got your back always, so when you're done, come back here." Handing the small piece of steel to the very pretty and even smarter girl without hesitation.

I'm wrapped in a hug seconds later, barely able to return it before she lets go, smiling gratefully at me. "For the record, I always have yours too Danny."

"Good; because I have a feeling we're only just scratching the surface of what's going on and that things are about to get a lot more dangerous."

"That explains the gun." She quipped, a perfectly manicured brow lifted at me.

"Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and need it."

"Fair point... what's going on with Eleven? Is she with Mike? Are they in danger? Should I be concerned? I can put off the hospital if you need more help?" Her bombardment of questions make my already throbbing skull ache more.

Her help wouldn't be such a bad idea... but it's important to find out anything we can, so her looking into Mrs.Driscoll can't be held off… "I'm not sure what exactly is going on, but it has something to do with Billy. As far as I know El's with Max, but the others and Mike could be involved too. She told me she's safe and I trust her, though I won't fully believe it until I see it myself."

"Billy Hargrove? You think he's mixed up in everything going on?" she question some more.

"Hopefully not… but Eleven seems to think so, and like I said, I trust her."

"Okay… and I trust you to keep them safe tonight while I'm at the hospital."

"I will give it my all." Life included.

The serious moment is broken when my stomach growled fiercely, the petit brunette looking astonished and then laughing. "Holy hell Danielle… how do you expect to get anything done if your starving?"

"Food's been the last thing on my mind as of late… I probably should eat something while I have the time."

"I could eat too, so how about pizza? You call and I go get it?" she offers. Recalling that there's frozen ones in the freezer, I stroll over to make sure and holding it out for Nancy to see. "That works too." Preheating the oven and throwing it in a minute later, we're soon sitting at the table and discussing more theories.

"Okay, so get this; the other night, Dustin intercepted a Russian broadcast, and after spending the day translating it at Scoops, it ended up being a code. A secret code which we had planned to figure out, but I got caught up at the lab. Anyway, then I thought to myself, what if this Russian code has something to do with the giant experimental machine that's demagnetizing objects and causing blackouts. But here, in Hawkins? Totally absurd." Wow I sound just like Joyce right now. "But the thing is, Steve-" My heart and mind lighter at just the thought of him. "-pointed out that the music in the background was from one of the mall rides, Indiana Flyer; which would mean the transmission would have came from the mall."

"Russians? What did the code say exactly?"

Citing the words from memory. "The week is long. The silver cat feeds, when blue meets yellow in the west."

"That's-" "Yeah." "It sounds completely crazy… but we've had our fair share of crazy. The lab did the unimaginable, so why wouldn't others try doing the same?" Saying exactly what I was afraid she'd say.

"So this machine, whatever it's doing could be the cause of the rat thing you've been following, and the guy at the lab could be a Russian, or someone working for the Russians…"

She understands what I'm getting at, finishing my train of thought. "And whatever they are doing here is obviously related to the upside down, which would be why he was at the lab."

"If we're right, everyone is in danger. It's not just Hawkins anymore, but the rest of the world… this is so much bigger than before Nance." Fear manifests inside me again, causing the hair on my arms to raise and goosebumps to form. "If we even have a chance of changing that, sitting around and eating pizza isn't going to save us." Leaving the table to grab the walkie off the couch, I changed the frequency to Hops. "Hopper, are you there?" Static. "Chief, come in. This is important." Again nothing. Figures.

My friend shuffles around the kitchen as I tried for a few more minutes and setting a plate with pizza on the table for us. "Eat. If we're going to save the world, energy is needed." She tells me, biting into her own piece.

Switching the nob again and turning it to the one used by the party, I attempt reaching out to the Scoop team. "Dustin, do you copy?" Of course. "Dustin, it's Danny, are you there?" Silence still. Sighing in anger and grabbing a slice of pizza, I rip off a large bite and chew it glaringly.

"Guess we do as planned and continue trying to contact them in the meantime." Nancy says, starting on a second slice. "Do you have another walkie? I'd feel a lot better having one with me."

Without a second thought, I answer, "It's in the trunk of my car, good thinking."

After eating our fill of pizza and locking up the house, we prepare to go our separate ways. Myself ensuring to hand her the radio, extra batteries and bidding her to stay safe as she gets into the station wagon. She repeats the words back at me and then driving off a moment later.

Quickly settling down in the drivers seat of my own car and starting the ignition, I place the sunglasses on and pull the hood over. My dad's old watch, which is sitting in the cup holder reads 6:23pm. When I pull up to the pool parking lot several minutes later, it's slowly in the midst of emptying, only a quarter of the lot remaining. With it shutting down within the hour, I realize it'd be best to park on the road to avoid suspicion, so I do just that.

Keeping the car running and staying in the air-conditioned vehicle, I grab the radio, holding down the speaker. "El, are you there?" When there's no reply, I switch to Hops station figuring I'll have to go find the girls. "Chief, you do copy?"

"I'm here. Bout time kid." The officers voice a relief to my ears.

"I reached out earlier but there was no answer... are you and Joyce alright? Did the leads pan out?"

"We're still looking into them… this is more serious then we thought. Where's Jane?"

"I'm about to meet up with her, she's safe, don't worry… there's a lot I have to tell you but can't on here for obvious reasons. When will you be done?"

There's a pause in his reply, more then likely he's unsure when that'll be. "Keep your radio on, I'll let you know when and where to meet up… Stay safe, I'm counting on you to be the brains and voice of reason. Got it?"

"Yes sir. I won't let you down."

"Also, Joyce says find the boys and stick together."

"Will do, stay safe too." Nothing else is said, so I tuck the radio into my shoulder bag, along with extra batteries and dads watch. Lastly grabbing my keys to shut off the car and exit, though it doesn't happen. The passenger and back doors opening simultaneously, three teens getting inside, Eleven, Max and Will. I really need to pay attention, I've been off my game all day…

"We saw you the parking lot." Max informs.

I never saw them?... Wait. Now that I think about it, getting knocked out likely caused a concussion. Which would explain that fuzzy, slightly blurred edges feeling that's been plagued me since waking up. Wow concussed me is an idiot.

Eleven leans forward to get a better look at me. "Danny-bear… you're face… what happen?"

A sigh parts my lips, removing the half assed cover-up and shifting to address the three teenagers all at once. "I got punched in the face by a Russian Terminator." Silence, disbelief and confusion fill the car. "I'll explain everything, preferably when everyone is together. So, until then, Billy. Did you guys figure out what was going on?"

"We think the Mindflayer got Billy." Will revealed, my mind blanking at that statement. A sliver of a chill making my neck sweat, even in the air-conditioned vehicle. It's back? Before I can ask anything else, he goes on. "If he is, the best way to find out is heat... maybe we can rid it from his body that way too."

"I'm assuming you guys have a plan?" They nod. "Is it foolproof?"

Eleven doesn't understand the question, looking to the others for guidance. The remaining two glance to each other and shrug. "We think so…" I motion for them to go on. "Once the pool is closed, it'll only be Billy left, so we will lure him into the sauna, lock, bar and chain the door, cranking up the heat to 220."

Hmm.. "It's good; really good actually. Using what's available, no danger to the public or risk of drawing attention either... you guys have a knack for creative problem solving."

Little Red snorts. "What if Billy isn't a host? Then we've gone and locked up my crazy step brother."

"Then you say it was a prank gone too far. If Billy tries anything I'll step in, got my badge and gun if need be… what makes you certain it's him anyhow? Is it cause of your spying? Did you see anything else?" Raising a brow at my adoptive sister, whom nods.

"I see Heather in ice bath. She get dragged in, then gone… Billy was in ice bath too."

"But when we tracked them down, they were having dinner and seemed somewhat normal." The other girl chimed in.

"He likes it cold." Will says, knowing better than anyone. "Billy is still himself until he's activated… I'll know when he is, I feel it."

That's terrible, yet useful. "So, how exactly are you going to lure the angry mullet haired teen into the sauna?"

"Walkies, a dummy and taunts." The redhead supplies.

That should do it. "Alright then... I'm sure there are a hundred different ways this could potentially go, but whatever happens, we'll face it together. Speaking of, have you guys heard from Dustin at all?"

All three teens shake their head no. "He's been MIA since he got back from camp." Will says.

"He's been at Scoops working on something with Steve and Robin; a Russian transmission that Cerebro caught which ended up being a code. I was suppose to help them out last night, but due to unforeseen circumstances didn't make it."

Max's eyes widen. "Russians? So you were serious about being punched in the face by one?"

Shrugging. "I'm not for certain, it's more so a theory Nancy and I discussed. I'll explain everything later, like I said, it's complicated, and frankly sounds insane, but we've all seen crazy enough things to know that nothing is impossible."

"If there really are Russians, do you think they have something to do with what's been going on?" Little Red inquires, still appearing unsure about this new information.

"They definitely play a part in all this… why else would they set up here of all places?" My question rhetorical. "Not to mention Hawkins is a very small town, in a very large country. A country that's 1 in nearly 200 across the world… how many are funding experiments like Hawkins Lab? Who's to know if the lab worked with others from afar, sharing resources and such? What if the Russians are here picking up where things left off and that's the reason Will felt the Mindflayer's return?"

The atmosphere in the car tenses at my onslaught of questions as everyone contemplates how deep this all goes. Scanning over the cars occupants, I can easily read the fear, worry and stress radiating from each of them. The same are emotions swirling withing me too.

Closing the gate last time almost got all of us killed. Dad died. How are we suppose to deal with unknown forces that are way out of our league? Sure, let's say we do manage to beat what's going on in Hawkins… what about the rest of the world?

"Danny-bear… we will win." Eleven's conviction making me believe we can.

Max agrees. "El is right… who else will do it, if not us?"

Will nods. "My mom got the Flayer out of me, which means we can get it out of Billy. The Sauna should be hot enough to do it."

"Hopefully... but that's only step one. If he's back, it means the gate or another source for the upside down's power is opened. We'll need to find and deal with it."

"We could use compasses again." The Byers teen suggests.

It's not a bad idea… "We can figure that out after we save Billy… he's priority right now, asshole or not."

"I still hope we're wrong."

"Me too Red."

Ending on that note, closing time approached and we leave the safety of my car for the emptying pool. Meeting up with the other two boys, we go over the plan one more time and get to work once the coast it clear. The kids do their part as I watch Billy from the shadows of the parking lot, keeping them posted on his movements. Once he's inside I'm to lock the exit to the pool, ensuring he stays on course to the sauna.

Currently, he's carrying on in doing his lifeguard duties by putting away the remaining equipment and locking up the storage. After that he takes one last look around before heading inside. That's my cue. "He's in." Informing the group over the walkie as my legs quickly take me to the door. My hand easily finds the small padlock in the hoodie pocket and snap it shut over the men's locker room exit.

Entering the women's side, I meet up with Max and Eleven, nodding at them in readiness. The boys already up ahead in their places just outside of the sauna area, in wait for the mullet haired teen. Us girls planning on following behind him after he takes the bait. When he does, we trailed, Eleven using her powers to shut doors and lockers as Mike taunts him over the radio.

It all happens so fast; from Billy stepping into the weight room, clapping in joy as he believes to have found the scoundrel, to him slamming open the sauna door and snatching the dummy by the neck. El smoothly and quietly entering after him and using her abilities to throw him into the wall.

Everyone jumping into action, other then myself who stays hidden and observing through the small glass window. Best if I stay out of it until necessary, in the off chance that the older teen isn't Flayed. Mike, Will and Lucas move in synchronization, barring, chaining and locking the sauna door after El shuts it to keep Billy inside. The rage and anger evident on his face as he bangs on the door grunting and pounding into it a few times. When he finally stops, his sight locks directly on his step sister, her name leaving his lips as he glares.

"Do it." Little Red says, Will jogging over to the heat dial and twisting the nob to maximum heat. Now we wait. Glancing at my Dad's watch, it reads 8:26 pm.

Twenty minutes later, Billy becomes more and more irritated. Banging and slamming into the door repeatedly as he orders his sister to free him. Steadily getting angrier and very violent. Spitting threats and literally spit, finally screaming in frustration as he drops from sight. When the heats reaches 220, sobbing and pleading echo from inside the small wooden lodge. "It's not my fault. It's not my fault. It's not my fault, Max. I promise you, it's not my fault." His voice broken and vulnerable.

Max approaches the door. "What's not your fault Billy?"

"I've done things, Max. Really bad things... I didn't mean to…. He made me do it." Sounding more frightened in every word leaving his throat. He?

"Who made you do it?"

A pause. "I don't know. It's like a shadow."

That's all I need to hear, slowly pushing into the room and crossing it to stand with the others. My hands resting on Eleven's shoulder, drawing her eyes to mine. He's under the Mindflayer's control. She nods in understanding, not needing me to voice my thoughts out loud.

In front of us, Maxine listens as her brother cries and begs, continuing in saying that what's happened isn't his fault. "What'd he make you do?" She asks, her shoulders shaking at the sight of her brother in such a compromising state.

"It's not my fault okay? Please Max. Believe me, Max, please. It's not my fault, I tried to stop him, okay? I did. Please, believe me, Max. Please." Oh Billy…

The redhead tries to comfort her broken sibling, "Billy it's gonna be okay… it'll be okay." More sniffling and sobs come from the confined teenager. "We want to help you." The girl continues to console. "You have to talk to us, okay? Talk to us. We'll figure this out together."

Next to Mike, Will breaks his silence. "I feel him." My eyes shift to the younger Byers who shudders and touches the back of his neck in reflex. "He's activated."

Naturally, I reach to the back on my jeans, hand hovering over the concealed weapon as I moved to stand in front of Eleven and the rest of the teens. "Get away from the door." Mike yells at Max, just in time for the girl to jump away, yelping as Billy smashes the glass window into hundred of pieces.

"Let me out you bitch! Let me out!" The Hargrove boy loosing it completely, stabbing her way with a shard of tile and smacking it into the door over and over again. "I'll fucking gut you." He growls in threat.

Pulling the gun out and raising it at the raging mullet haired teen, I call out to him. "Billy, you need to fight him. You can't let him control you." I'm ignored as he continues to thrash in anger, his arm reaching down to pull the metal piping free and grab at the chains shaking them.

"Let me out! Let me out!" he howls, but is knocked back and silenced by Lucas who uses his slingshot to do so.

"Max, come on!" Lucky shouts to girlfriend, whom takes the opportunity to rejoin us. Safety in numbers right?

My hands tremble as I stand at the head of the group, weapon loaded and safety off, keeping it aimed at the shattered window. Suddenly, lights flicker as the electricity goes out of control, a warning that the Mindflayer is unleashing and overtaking Billy as every second passes. Groans, grunting and gurgling come from the sauna as the lights continue to go crazy. Then a loud piercing roar escapes the Flayed teens chest as he stands, immediately running and crashing into the door, which shakes in stress as he keeps running into it.

Fuck. Fuck. The index finger of my left hand hovers the trigger, but refuses to go any further. It's Billy still. Shooting him… I can't justify that. He's still in there, he doesn't deserve to die.

"He can't get out, can he?" Little Red questions at my back.

"No way. No way." Lucas says, beginning to sound uncertain as the pounding on the door continues.Wrong Lucky.

In my hesitation, Billy breaks free from his cage in a final screech, rolling across the floor and back onto his feet. His arm shoots towards my own rapidly, knocking them away as I pulled the trigger, missing and getting his knee into my ribcage as I'm tugged towards him. The pain is significant as the air from my lungs is knocked out of me, my legs crashing to the floor as he easily shoves me away.

A gasp and groan leaves my lips as I slide away from the kids. Ugh. Forcing breath back into my chest and pushing myself onto my knees, I search frantically for the gun that clattered from my hands only moments ago. The clanging of weights sound in my ears, making me lose track of the goal, eyes lifting to find both El and Billy grunting as she slams the steel bar into him, pinning the man slash monster against the wall. The struggle between them lasts only seconds, the Flayed teenager out gunning the supernatural girl as he throws the weighted bar, Eleven barely ducking to the ground in time as it flies over her.

My legs don't move fast enough to defend my little sister, the impossibly strong man wrapping his hand around her throat stopping her escape. It's as if time slows down, Billy lifting the teenage girl up by her neck and grinning maliciously at us. Her choking noises and coughing echo loudly as she fights and swings at his arms to release her, failing. Knowing that her powers weren't strong enough to keep him at bay, I swivel my head around to find the missing weapon and spotting it under the towel basket. Diving forward to grab it, I rolled on my back, aiming for his calf.

Of course, before I get the shot off, Mike swings at the mind controlled teen with a weight bar, which makes Billy let go of Eleven as he falls to the floor in pain. "Go to hell you piece of shit!" The lanky brunet barks, lifting the bar to swing again. However, it's caught and thrown away by the Flayed, as he stands again and marches forward to seek revenge on Mike.

This time, I take the shot, hitting the target with ease and making him flinch and drop to one knee. Billy's head turns to find the cause of his newly acquainted pain, forgetting about his previous actions and setting his sighs on me. Quickly getting to my feet, I re-aimed, ready and refusing to hesitate this time since it's life and death. Again, in the midst of preparing to shoot, my target is lifted into the air and away from my weapon.

Eleven rejoins the battle, using both hands to control and suspend Billy midair. She pants and growls, reigning in strength and launching the black-veined teen through the bricked wall to outside. Instantly, her guard comes down, crying and falling into Mike. Seeing that she's breathing, which is what matters most, I veered left to peer through the hole in the wall; unsurprised to find Billy stumbling to his feet and running off. Tomorrow we'll need to find him.

Eleven, Max, Mike, Lucas and Will shuffle next to me, all wearing looks of contemplation and disbelief that The Mindflayer got away. Not to mention the fact that he's really back in Hawkins again. "We should take a look at your neck sis…" Facing her and taking in the damage to her throat. "Let's go to my house. Nancy's suppose to meet us there and you guys can call to let your parents know where you are."

Everyone agrees, silence taking over as we grabbed the walkies and exit the community pool in record time. We make haste to my car, wanting to avoid any chance of getting caught in this hard to explain situation. Once inside the vehicle, I start the ignition and drive away after all the teens settle in the seats. Eleven and Max in the passenger one, and the three boys in the back.

"Why is my sister meeting us at your place?" Mike questions, interrupting the quietness. "You said you'd explain everything later… it's later now."

He has a point... "Right..." Where to start? "On Sunday, when I was at Scoops after Eleven and Max left the mall, Dustin was there with Steve and Robin. Together, the four of us translated a Russian transmission that he had recorded the night before while using Cerebro to contact Suzy. It said 'The week is long. The silver cat feeds. When blue meets yellow in the west.' There was something else that we had planned on translating yesterday, but I didn't make it back to the mall because I was with Hopper and Joyce at the Lab."

"You were at the lab with my mom? Why?" Will cuts in.

"A Russian transmission?" Lucas and Mike too.

"What does this have to do with the Mindflayer and Billy?" Max adds on top of the others.

"Just hear me out first, okay?" Not waiting for their response. "So, the reason I was at Hawkins laboratory is because Mrs.Byers showed up at the cabin yesterday stating that something big is going on. Apparently it all started when the magnets on her fridge demagnetized. Then when it happened again at her work, she found herself at Mr.Scotts house, whom said that if she doesn't believe it to be just coincidence, that only a large scale magnetic field could cause such a thing. Which would mean there would have to be a giant experimental machine located near Hawkins."

Will understands where I'm going. "So she thought that if that was happening, it would be at the lab."

"Exactly. After hours of checking every corner, nook and cranny of the abandoned building, we came up empty. No sign of anything suspicious or odd… up until some guy snuck up and smashed my head into the concrete wall, punched me hard enough to break my nose and knock me out. Hopper got his ass completely handed to him too, was in and out of consciousness for hours afterwards. Joyce, who didn't encounter the man luckily, and myself had to haul the Chief back to the cabin. Took a while to do that."

"So he got away?"

"Yes, but that doesn't matter right now. So this guy, what if he's a Russian or working for the Russians? And what if they have a base set up in Hawkins and are attempting to do what the lab did? Which would explain the transmission, which is obviously a secret code."

"You think Russians have invaded Hawkins and are trying to open the upside down again?" Lucas remarks slowly.

I nod. "If the Mindflayer is back, they're succeeding.. and if we don't figure out how to stop them, more than just Hawkins is at risk."

"So where does Nancy come in?"

Pulling into the driveway at my house and parking, I turned to look at the younger Wheeler. "I'll let her explain that when she shows up. She's checking into a lead to confirm her theory and has a radio if she needs us. Until then, let's get inside so you guys can call your parents. Then I'll try Dustin's and Steve's, they should be at home now. If not, I'll have to go check out the mall. It's the only other place they'd be."

"I can find them." El speaks up for the first time since leaving the pool.

Scanning over her exhausted appearance and bruised neck, I give her a small smile. "That'll be our last resort and only after you've had some rest. Big sister's orders." Ending with a light tone.

"Okay."

Ending with that, we all head inside the small home and scatter around the room. Max uses the phone first, while the rest of us post up on the couch and kitchen table. "Oh, by the way Will, your Mom is currently with Hop, so don't worry about calling home." Informing him as I changed my handheld radio frequency to the one Chief uses, and changing the household one to the partys'. "They'll be in contact when they can." Glad that Chief gave me this home radio a few months ago.

"Where are they anyway?" Michael inquired next to the Byers boy.

Scooting closer to Eleven to examine her neck, which is red and bruised by Billy's hand, fingermarks imprinted on the pale skin, I shrug in response to Mike's question. "All Hopper said was that they're still following a lead and he'd be in touch to let me know when and where to meet."

"Is he okay? You said he got his ass handed to him…?" El's voice raspy.

"Nothing can stop that bullheaded man, Sis. He sounded fine, so best to worry about yourself in the meantime." Putting my hand on her shoulder in comfort. "I'll grab some ice, it's all that can be done for your throat. The damage looks superficial and will heal within a few weeks." I get up to gather a hand towel, plastic bag and ice, rejoining her a moment later and holding the cold compress to her dainty neck. Icing on and off should help the swelling and pain somewhat.

Max hangs up and hands the phone to Lucas, then shuffling towards us. "You don't think Billy will show up here tonight, do you?"

Shaking my head no, I pull her down next El and myself to sit, tucking in closer for support. "He's been shot and thrown through a wall. He'll be nursing his wounds tonight. But tomorrow we'll find and save him before anyone else gets hurt."

Mike chimes in again. "Hypothetically, let's say we manage to do that. How the hell are we suppose to take on Russian invaders?"

"Hopper has people he can call, specifically those who work within the U.S Army. They'll be our best bet concerning the Russians... hopefully they actually show up this time around." My comment earning a round of snorts from Lucas and Mike who switch positions, the Wheeler teen dialing his home number now.

"So tomorrow we find Billy first thing." Lucky states.

"That's the plan. With Nancy and Jonathan's help too, we should be able go figure out a way to rid his body of the Mindflayer. The rest we can't do without The Chief, so our main goal is save Hargrove…" He's much stronger than Will ever was. "We're going to need some heavy duty chains and a tough container in an isolated area with power. We can't risk letting him escape a second time, he's far to dangerous."

Next to me, the redhead shifts to meet my eyes, her mouth turned down at the corners. "Do you really believe we can save him? He said he's done some bad things… what did he mean?"

"I don't know Red, but we're going to try anyway. Whatever he's done, it wasn't really him; right now he's just a puppet at that monsters mercy..." Even if we do save him, he'll have a lot of trauma. Billy admitting his guilt outright like that can only mean whatever he's done is monstrous; especially given the situation. "We'll deal with the outcome of his actions once he's been rescued. So on that note, how about I make up the beds for later and throw something in the oven for you guys now. Food and rest is necessary to function, so let's get some while we can." Wow, my Bob Newby is really showing. A fondness settles in my chest at that musing, standing up and glancing to Mike who finishes up on the phone.

"You're going to call Dustin's right?"

Nodding, I take his place beside the communication device and dial The Henderson household. It rings three times before Mrs. Henderson answers. "Hello?"

"Hey Mrs.H, it's Danny. Are Dustin and the boys there?" I have to ask for them too or she'll get suspicious.

"No my dear, I believe they are at the Wheelers tonight. If not, try the Byers. Who knows with those boys."

"Okay will do. Thanks. Have a goodnight."

"You to sweetie." The line cutting off a moment later.

Dialing The Harrington's next, I let it ring for over a minute and hang up realizing that no one is there either. Fuck… it's nearly ten so the mall is closed, has been for a few hours, but I can try Scoops. Maybe they are still there working on the code. Reaching for the phonebook inside the small cabinet directly below the hanging phone, my fingers sift through the numerous pages until landing on the right page one in the S directory. It barely takes a minute to find and dial in the number, the ringing coming through the phone at my ear.

Again, no answer. A sigh of frustration leaves my lips as I slammed the receiver down and dragging my hand over my face, wincing at the pain from the broken appendage. Turning back to the others and chewing my inner cheek in contemplation, deciding on the next course of action. "I'm going to make a trip to Starcourt Mall to see if Steve's car is there."

El furrows her brow at me in uncertainty. "Alone?"

"It shouldn't take more than an hour for me to go there and back. Stay here and wait for Nancy… call Jon too."

"Big sis, I go with you." Oh Eleven…

"No." My little sisters face falls as I kneel in front of her. "You need to stay here with the others just in case trouble comes knocking. I know it's a lot to put on you, but right now you're all that stands between them and that monster. Keep the party safe." Squeezing her hand lightly with mine. "I'll bring my radio and gun. If you don't hear from me in an hour or so, worry then. In the meantime, food, rest and trust me."

In Eleven's eyes I see determination and understanding, her expression morphing from disappointment to seriousness at the task I'm leaving her. "I can do it." The supernatural girls' words reminding me of many months ago when she promised to close the gate, knowing she was capable and strong enough to do it. Kissing her forehead quickly, I re-stand and peer over the room of teens.

"Keep that radio on for Nancy. I'll check in once I'm at the mall… Will, call Jon too. He should be at home."

"He's not with Nancy?" Surprise and confusion evident in the younger brother.

"No.. they had minor disagreement. We need everyone together and safe, which is why I can't put off finding the others." I tell them in the midst of grabbing my keys and walkie off the coffee table. "Eat, rest, lock the doors and always have someone on watch by the window… just in case Billy does show up again. Okay?"

After all the teens murmured in agreement, I give them one last look over my shoulder and leave the house again. The drive to the mall is takes under half hour and soon enough I'm pulling into the lot and circling the building. Unsurprisingly, Steve's BMW sits in one of the parking stalls near the far end of the shopping center, my car rolling to a stop next to it.

As promised, I reach for the walkie and change the station from Hopper's to the Party's and hit the speaker. "I'm here. Just pulled up to Steve's car, which means they must be inside."

"What now?" El's voice comes through.

I guess… "I'm going to check if there are any doors unlocked. There should be since movies run past this time.. still, why didn't they answer when I called?"

The radio crackles a little. "Be safe."

"I promise Enchantress." Putting down the radio and unclasping the belt before shutting off the car. My fingers wrap around the gun sitting against my back, pulling it out and reloading two shots, replacing it in my jeans afterwards.

Clipping the walkie to my belt loop and leaving the sanctity of the vehicle, I survey the area for any sign of life, finding none and trekking across the lot towards the entrance. Not sure if it's unlocked or if I'll have to go around to the cinema or bar doors to get in, but trying the handle anyway. Luckily the side door pulls open as the automatic ones are shutoff for night.

Inside is deserted of people; the lights are off for the most part, other then the shop signs shining on both sides of the hallway. Continuing onwards, my feet hardly make a sound on the linoleum flooring as I make the short walk to the food court. Scoops Ahoy comes into view, locked up and closed for the night. Knowing my best bet to reach the others if they are inside, is to go through the staff doors located next to the bathrooms.

Doing so brings me to the hallway outback, which is where staff, deliveries and maintenance go to and from without needing to cross through the mall. It also serves as an emergency exit leaving it open to the public, meaning no hassle to enter. I'm sure security is lurking around somewhere, possibly by the bar and theater to contain any wandering teens, kids and rowdy drunks.

A minute of shuffling down the hall brings me to a halt at the backdoor of Scoops, where I try the handle and finding it locked. Hmm. Knocking on the door loud enough to announce my presence, yet quiet enough to avoid unwanted attention, I call out, "Steve, are you in there?" With my ear to the door, nothing sounds from inside. No footsteps or whispering, only the slight hum of the coolers and freezers for the ice cream. Where the hell are they? The car is here and they aren't at home... Unfortunately I didn't bring my lock pick either, so I can't break in and snoop for any clues.

Leaving the way I came and journeying back towards the parking lot, my eyes scanned the bike rack, finding Robin's locked up at the end. So she's with them wherever they are too… hopefully she'll be the voice of reason and common sense since I can't be. With my car in sight and keeping an eye on my surroundings, I tug the radio from my jeans and change to the party frequency, hitting the comm. "I'll be home shortly."

The walkie crackles. "Did you find Dustin?" Mike asks.

"No, but wherever he is, he's with Steve and Robin.. together they'll be alright until we find them. So for now, let's focus on the plan. See you soon. Over." Please let them be at the movies or something, not in any danger… please let them be safe and, far, far away from all of this.

~~~~~~~

3rd Person POV.

Meanwhile, in a secret elevator that just finished plunging down a few hundred feet, Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley, Dustin Henderson and Erika Sinclair have given up in trying to open the locked doors for the moment.

The oldest of the group dragging his fingers through his styled hair in stress and releasing a long sigh of exhaustion. Still in disbelief at the current situation. "Why did I ever think this was a good idea?"

"Probably because Danny-bear was all for solving the code; you weren't really interested until she was invested." Dustin answers easily, not realizing the male high school graduates question was rhetorical.

Robin snorts, earning a glare from her co worker and a grin from the curly haired teen. "What? He has a point.. bet you wouldn't be complaining as much if Newby was here with us."

Dustin nods at her logic. "True."

"If Danielle was here, we probably wouldn't be in this mess. She's the only smart one from your nerd party." The youngest chimed in with sass.

"Kid makes sense." Steve says, shooting the teenager a smug look, wanting to subtly get back at Dustin for agreeing with Robin.

Unbothered, the curly haired teen rolls his eyes. "We're all smart, hence being nerds… though Danny likely wouldn't have let us close the door in the first place.. and she probably would of said to grab a few of the boxes and go back to scoops instead of lingering…" he admits, knowing where they went wrong. "So yeah, she is the smartest, but that doesn't make the rest of us stupid."

"As much as I love talking about Danielle Newby, we might as well get as comfortable as we can. It's not like we're going anywhere until someone opens that door." Buckley drawled, sliding herself down to the floor and leaning her head by the door; wanting to be able to hear if anyone approaches from outside.

"Right. Right. Right… keep our energy in case we need to fight our way out of here." The eighteen year old says, his three companions glancing to each other in exasperation.

"Uh… yeah, exactly. Conserve our energy and figure out how to get out of here..." Dustin plays along, knowing his older role model is slightly sensitive concerning his last two defeats. But how the hell do we do that without being shot by evil Russians, he pondered, copying Robin's actions and sitting down.

Steve joins him, stretching his legs out and crossing his arms, yet looking far from relaxed. "Do you think she's alright?"

The male teen shrugs. "She's probably in a much better position then we are at the moment, so yeah… Plus, Danny-bear is kick ass. She also has the rest of the party and the Chief, they wouldn't let anything bad happen to her."

"Then why didn't she show up last night? Or today for that matter?"

Dustin eyes the brunet, who appears more bummed out about Danelle than being stuck in a metal box yards under the mall. "Whatever reason she has for skipping out, I'm sure it's important. She would have been here if it wasn't... you know that right?"

Steve hesitates. "Do I?"

"You're not serious right now, are you?" The teenager reading into the recent graduates tone of uncertainty. When his question is left unanswered, he swears under his breath. "How can you still doubt her after everything we've been through together?"

"I don't man."

"Then what's the problem?"

"The problem is she isn't here and I'm pissed about it. What the hell could be more important than this? We're literally stuck in a Russian elevator with God knows whatever that shit is, and she's not here. It's crap Henderson."

The younger of the two groans in frustration. "God dammit Steve. I get it. Danny said she'd be here, but she isn't and it sucks. Right now we don't have time to be mad about that. Getting out of this box is all that matters or we'll likely die."

"I'm not dying anytime soon." Erica throws in from where she's still sifting through boxes.

"Don't really know if you get the choice in that." Robin says from her spot near the door. "Harrington, if you care for Newby as much as it seems, then you should be happy she isn't stuck in here with the rest of us." Steve's face dropping at her comment, baffled on what to say knowing she has a point.

Dustin however, is rarely left speechless. "Exactly. Let's just hope that whatever held Danny-bear up is nowhere as dangerous as this." Unfortunately, all that he hoped for is proven wrong in the next twenty four hours.