Here's the next chapter! Enjoy!


The Ives and Andrew poured out of the store with smiles on their faces. Jane's hair looked full and tidy this time. She also changed her pants to something lighter and her tired shoes into a new pair of Nike's. Kali was now dressed in a black and white striped shirt, dark tapered pants, and short dark heels. Her makeup was minimal, only having mascara, eyeliner, and lip gloss. Her hair was still in their natural subtle waves. Both were carrying bags of their gifts. Terry and Andrew were right behind them, holding hands with a smile. Andrew wore a plain white T-shirt, a jean jacket over that, matching jeans, and brown sandals. The jean jacket had several band buttons on it. Terry wore a pink short-sleeved v-neck dress and shiny matching flats. She also had her purse.

"You think our school has a chance against Hawkins?" Jane asked her sister. "I mean, you follow them through the news club, right?"

Kali laughed a little. "I think they will if they keep that vigor up because Hawkins can be ruthless."

"But Steve and Billy aren't on the team."

She shook her head. "They don't need to be. What, you're gonna cheer for our school?"

She scoffed, grinning. "I would if Lucas went with me." Kali grinned too. It always felt good for Terry to see her daughters get along like this. She would never grow tired of it.

They all took their spots in the car, Andrew announcing to everyone, "Hawkins, here we come!" The girls gave a little cheer before he backed away and drove off to their destination.


Hawkins High's gym was already filled to the brim and the game hadn't even started yet. The cheerleaders did what always had while their players practiced shots. Billy had been situated next to the Tigers' bench. He was clapping, but absentmindedly. Rather, his mind was elsewhere, thinking about what happened with Jason earlier. On one hand, he knew he shouldn't've treated him like that, even if he was the asshole he practically bred him to be...

But on the other, how else was he going to get that point across to him? At least he showed he wasn't soft...was that a good thing?

He continued thinking more as the pre-game went on.


"Have fun, girls!" Terry called out as Jane and Kali got out of the van and walked towards the school. The older teen still had her bag. They both turned to them and waved.

"And good luck to your friend, Jane!" Andrew added.

Her smile grew as she shouted back, "Thanks!" With that, they got their heads back in the van and it backed out. The girls faced forward and continued on.

The long-haired man held his girlfriend's hand once again and said, "And now, Lover's Lake." They exchanged loving smiles as they drove off and away from the parking lot.

Meanwhile, the girls got close to the entrance, seeing Steve waiting beside it. Kali smiled and strode up to him, grabbing his collar. He didn't have time to process that action before his lips met hers. He saw that it was her, smiling and kissing her back. Jane feigned a grossed-out look before they pulled away, gazing into each other's eyes. "Hey, Kali," he greeted, low and sultry.

"Hey, Steve," she greeted back in the same tone.

The brunette mimicked a retching sound, getting both of their attention. "If you guys are done, we have a game to catch," she stated in playful annoyance. They both sneered at her, Steve wrapping an arm around Kali's shoulder as they finally entered the school.

"Don't you and Mike act the same way?" the teen guy asked.

"We're different. You guys are just being gross!"

Kali scoffed. "Gross how?"

"You two always give each other bedroom eyes and kiss like you're there and it's just..." She mimicked another retching sound.

Their brows raised up as well as Steve's hands. "Whoa, whoa, if you see that, that's on you."

"Yeah, Jane."

Her eyes widened as she got defensive. "Ask anybody! It's not just me!" She placed her hands on her chest, then got a step ahead of them.

Steve rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure." He then leaned down to his girl and whispered, "We're not that bad, right?"

Kali scoffed again and replied, "Of course not. Jane's just being dramatic 'cause she's not doing the same with Mike." They both snickered, then she handed him the bag.

He grabbed it, looking down at it confused. "What's this?"

"A little present."

His eyes widened as he realized something. "Shit, I didn't even think of bringing you a gift."

"It's okay, Steve."

He glanced down at her. "I'll get ya one, I promise." She smiled, her arm wrapping around his waist. They were both acting normal again. So far, so good.

The three got into the gymnasium, finding their seats. Kali spotted a girl she knew from Anderson High's newspaper club, so she waved at her and she waved back.

"Kali?!" asked a voice vaguely familiar to her through the noise. She stopped, making her boyfriend do the same. She looked back, then turned around with wide eyes when she saw a nerdy guy she hadn't seen in a long while.

"Fred?!" she asked. Steve became confused, looking between the two.

He grinned, nodding. "I thought it was you! How are you?!"

She shrugged. "Doing good! How are you?!"

He nodded again. "I'm doing quite well!" He looked up at her tall boyfriend, who still had that perplexity on his face. "I see you're still with The Hair!"

She chuckled and replied, "Yep, still am!"

"I thought for sure that the relationship wouldn't last!" She pursed her lips while her boyfriend took offense. "What with your headstrong, independent personality and his overcompensating masculinity-"

"Hey, you got a problem?!" Steve asked, getting pissed off. He only took a step towards the guy before Kali placed his hand on his chest to get him back.

"Steve, hey!" she yelled. He looked down at her, seeing her mouth, "It's okay." He clenched his jaw, then relented.

She turned to Fred and said confidently, "Well, we've made it work, so your 'journalistic instinct' is off!"

He smirked, nodding. "Maybe...maybe not!" She and Steve looked at him uneasy before a whistle was blown, the players getting off of the court and putting basketballs away. "Anyway, I need to write about my headline! It was good seeing you again!" She only awkwardly smiled and exchanged waves with him before he went off with his notepad and pencil.

"Okay, who the hell was that?" Steve whispered to her.

She sighed and whispered back, "Friend of a friend."

Once again, he was confused. "What, Jonathan?"

She shook her head. "No." He thought for a bit...then came to the conclusion.

"Oh."

She nodded, smiling sadly. "Yeah."

"Guys!" they heard Jane call out. They both looked up, seeing her at a spot on the bench. "Come on!" They both wasted no time to get at that spot and take their seats. The younger girl whispered to her sister, "Who was that?"

"Just somebody I knew," she answered. Jane just shrugged, leaving it at that.

Once the court was cleared and the band stopped playing, the announcer went up to the microphone set by a staff member and said, "Good evening, everyone. Let's all rise for our national anthem!" Everyone did so...except for Billy, who just straightened up in his wheelchair. "And for our singer, she is someone very special. Coming all the way from Nashville-" Steve's eyes enlarged. "Please welcome our very own Taaammyyyyyy Thompsooooon!" He knew it.

Everyone cheered as the primly-dressed girl walked in, waving to everyone with a big smile. Due to the fact that he and the Ives girls were seated near the school band, Steve exchanged surprised glances with Robin, who mouthed to him, "Holy shit." His jaw was slack. Now she'd get to see why she was a bust. Kali noticed their nonverbal exchange and wondered what was going to come of this.

Everyone continued cheering as Tammy continued waving. She was finally at the microphone, the crowd quieting down. When the silence was still, everyone placed their hands over their hearts as she finally sang the national anthem...off-key, with the mic whining feedback. Kali was suppressing a laugh while Jane looked and felt extremely uncomfortable. Steve and Robin exchanged glances again, him seeing that his friend wasn't standing this. He nodded slowly and whispered, "Muppet."

"Yeah, she sounds like a Muppet," Robin whispered back, Vickie replying as if that was meant for her.

His girlfriend snorted a little and whispered, "Definitely Muppet." He looked down at her, seeing that she was trying her best not to burst into laughter. He grinned. "She sounds like Miss Piggy."

"Hey, don't insult Miss Piggy like that," Jane replied. "Sounds more like Beaker." That got the two snickering with her.

Billy was torn between finding this funny and finding this so goddamn irritating. That mixture showed in his expression. As much as he wanted to change and become better...he wasn't gonna lie, this chick sounded like a goddamn harpy and he just wanted her to shut up so the game could start.

Lucas looked over at Billy, the mullet-haired teen glancing at him as well. Awkwardly, he gave him a smile. Friendly, Billy smiled back. Despite old feelings about him still lingering, it was cool seeing him in court today...at least he mustered up the courage to tell him about Max's situation and why she wasn't here. He looked pissed, but there was nothing he could do about it...he was sure they both wished there was.

The dark-haired boy then looked back at the bleachers, seeing Jane with Kali and Steve. He made a little gesture with his hand to get her attention and it worked. They exchanged smiles and small waves, glad that at least one of his friends was attending the game. This was important for him, after all.


Dustin and the one and only Erica Sinclair walked through the dark, empty hallways with confidence. Her American flag cape flew behind her, making her look like a superhero. The younger girl strode in front of him, serious with her armful of supplies and ready to face the band of misfits that was Hellfire.

...

They had finally arrived at Hellfire and when Dustin showed her to Eddie, who sat at his throne...

"Absolutely not," he said with a snarky grin.

The capped boy's expression was neutral. "I gave you a sub, just like you asked," he replied, motioning his hand to the young girl.

The dungeon master leaned forward, his eyes glaring into his. "But this isn't Babysitting Club, it's Hellfire Club."

"Do I look like a baby, you long-haired freak?" Erica asked in her usual snark and edge.

He raised his brows. "Well, well, the child speaks..."

Dustin was confident that she would win him over, so he wasn't worried when he began interrogating her. At first, he kinda did when she left Eddie speechless when he asked what class and level she was. But when he smiled, so did he. And now, with shook hands, Lady Applejack was not only a part of "The Cult of Vecna", but a part of Hellfire.


Finally, the game began. The Tigers were the ones to score first, getting the home crowd cheering. As the teams ran to the other half of the court, Jason looked straight at Chrissy, waving her pom-poms with the rest of the squad. He banged his chest a couple of times and pointed at her. Knowing the gesture, Chrissy faked a smile, making sure to not give anything away.

Suddenly, when the ball got back, the Indians scored right after, almost blinding them. Billy only paid a little attention before looking at Lucas, who was benched. According to the local sports radio, he usually was. Poor kid. He knew if he stayed the same as he did before, he'd make sure he was on the bench. He was glad he was busy when the previous games happened, because this was just sad. He wanted to see the poor kid in action, even after...before. In fact...

Coming up with an idea, he wheeled himself over to the coach.

Meanwhile, Kali wasn't interested in the game at all, instead gesturing to Steve to look into the bag. He shrugged and dove his hand in there, picking out a mug. It had a quote from Animal House and the character Bluto on it. He laughed, grinning with Kali. "Where'd you find this, babe?" he asked.

"A shop in Anderson," she answered, keeping her smile. "Knew you'd like it."

"Thanks." He looked down at the bag...seeing nothing else in there, much to his surprise. "That's it?"

Her smile faltered. "What do you mean 'that's it'?"

He realized he was screwing up, so he said to save the situation, "Uh, never mind." He shook his head, forcing a smile. "I love this mug, Kal-"

"You thought I bought more than one thing?" He sighed, his smile quickly disappearing. "Steve, I told you I got you a little present."

"I-I know, I know." He nodded away the awkwardness. "One's better than none, so, uh, thanks, babe." She nodded back at him, the two refocusing on the game. She didn't want to go back to square one, hence that simple response. Even so, the fact that they were getting there tonight...she had to keep her mum's advice in mind.

Jane stared at the two, feeling awkward from seeing that happen. At least they weren't arguing, but still, that was uncomfortable for her to watch and hear. She hoped they'd be alright, since Steve was cool now. She looked down at the bench, still seeing Lucas seated there. She wondered when he was going to get into the action - suddenly, she spotted Billy talking to the Tigers's coach about something. What about, though?

Lucas took his eyes off the game and saw Billy talking to the coach as well, a bit confused. The noise of the court and cries of the crowd drowned out their conversation, so there was no way he could tell what they were saying. The blonde seemed passionate though.

"We've seen Sinclair on the court today, Coach! You see how he outclassed Xavier and Jed and scored that shot! It'd be a goddamn waste to keep him benched!" Billy argued, his former coach pinching the bridge of his nose. "C'mon, ya know I'm right!" Right after he said that, there was a bundle of shoe screeching on the court. They both turned and saw the aforementioned Jed get swindled by an Anderson player, who proceeded to score a three-pointer. Billy stared up at the coach, his expression saying that he told him so.

The man sighed and rubbed his face, saying, "Okay, Hargrove, when one of the players is underperforming, I'll switch him out for Sinclair!"

Billy nodded, smirking and raising his hands up before resting them on the armrests. "All I'm askin', Coach!" The man just nodded, watching his players on the court. The blonde then got back to the edge of the bench where Lucas was at.

Immediately, the dark-haired boy felt the same unease he did earlier, despite the fact that Billy was cool now. But the first time they've truly met...he literally grabbed him and shoved him against a bookcase, out for blood. He did apologize when he was in the hospital, then there was Thanksgiving, but still-

"You alright?" he asked, breaking Lucas out of his thoughts.

His eyes widened, seeing a concerned expression on Billy's face. Jesus, he looked like a completely different person. He gulped and nodded, answering, "Yeah, yeah."

He nodded, smiling. "Don't worry, Lucas. You're gonna be in action soon." Oh, right. Lucas just nodded back before the Indians scored again. There were boos from Hawkins and cheers from Anderson. Jason was yelling at the player, commanding him like Billy did once. "Sooner than you think." Lucas became confused, then slowly took in what happened minutes ago.

"What were you talking to the coach about?" he asked.

"How wasteful it is to keep you here when you should be there." He gestured to the court, the Tigers scoring once again. This genuinely surprised the flat-top boy. "You showed skill on court today, Lucas. I wanna see it pay off." He didn't expect him to say that...at all. He knew he was changing, but...he didn't know, it felt good for someone like Billy to want him on court tonight.

He smiled, getting back to watching the game and feeling a bit more invigorated.


Terry and Andrew were enjoying their little picnic by Lover's Lake, sitting on a soft checkered blanket with half-eaten organic food scattered around them and cups of wine in their hands. The moonlight cascaded over the lake and there were a few lit candles at the edges of the blanket. There was even a portable radio playing a classic Rolling Stones tape. The hazel-eyed woman felt like a teenager again, being on a romantic picnic date she never had with the sweetest guy she knew. She laughed at something her boyfriend said, trying her best not to spill her drink.

"Whaaat?" Andrew asked while chuckling. "It's true."

"You shouldn't say that a customer looks like that killer from Texas Chainsaw Massacre!" she replied through her laughing.

"But he did! Except without the chainsaw and less sympathetic, since he gave Mrs. Kramer a hard time." Her laugh mellowed into giggles, putting a free bent finger over her lips. Damn, did she look cute like this.

"And how is a serial killer sympathetic?" she asked after finally calming down.

He raised a brow. "You've never watched Texas Chainsaw Massacre, have you?"

She winced and shook her head. "I can never watch horror, especially with blood." She sipped her wine.

"To be honest, I can watch a horror movie without blood." He shrugged. "But Dave insisted me and Stacey, so..." He felt a bit heavy mentioning their names, making him trail off. He looked away with a somber expression, thinking about his fallen friends.

Terry stopped smiling, immediately shifting close to him and using a hand to stroke down his arm. "It's okay, Andrew," she said to him softly.

He sighed, looking up at his girlfriend with a smile. "Thanks, Terry. I'm getting better." She smiled back at him. He looked out at the lake, her doing the same. "You know...whenever I came here to visit, we'd always end my visit by going here and taking a swim."

"Really?"

He nodded, now feeling a bit nostalgic. "Yeah, strip down and take a dip, have fun."

Those two words at the beginning caught his girlfriend off-guard, making her stare at him. "'Strip down'?"

He grinned, locking his eyes with hers. "Right down to our underwear." She chuckled nervously, still taken aback by that fact. He laughed. "We were that comfortable with each other." Her grin was as nervous as her chuckle, the woman looking away with a blush on her face.

"God, I thought only teenagers did that."

"Oh, we've been doing it since we were." She gasped, shoving him.

"Shut up!"

"I'm serious, Terry!" He held his hands, grinning wider than she was. She sighed, shaking her head and taking another sip of her wine. "In fact..." His expression became playful, eyeing her up and down. It only took her a few seconds to see where he was getting at.

"Um, how about we finish dinner and we'll see about that?" she proposed, her voice wavering in embarrassment. He kept his grin, but nodded, drinking his wine. Her heart kept racing as she focused on her potato salad and chicken alfredo. Her, going skinny-dipping? She'd never thought she'd be offered the chance. It wasn't like it was their first time seeing each other half-naked, but still...the thought was tantalizing.


It was the halfway point of the game now and everything and everyone was intense, on court and on the bleachers. Jason had passed the ball to Jed, who was about to shoot before an Anderson player knocked him down. There were loud boos from Hawkins's bleachers as an angered Jason confronted the unflinching player about that foul. Billy didn't know how to feel as he saw himself in Jason and even that player, since he'd do the same to an opposite team. Thankfully, the rest of the court team managed to get him on his feet and bring him over to the bench.

The coach exchanged a glance with Billy, who smiled and nodded. He then turned to Lucas and said, "Okay, Sinclair, you're up."

That almost didn't hit him. "Huh?"

The coach became impatient and motioned him towards the court. "You're up, Sinclair, go!" The boy smiled as he slinked off his jacket. Before he went though, Billy patted his arm, making him flinch and look down.

"Good luck, man," he said to him encouragingly. He still wasn't used to this, but he was glad for it anyway. He nodded, gave his jacket to his girlfriend's stepbrother, and ran right onto court to take Jeb's place. Billy smiled proud, anticipating his play.

Up on the bleachers, Jane was smiling, elated to see her friend on court. "Finally!" she cried out.

"Yeah, Lucas, let's go!" Steve cheered out, pumping a fist in the air while his other arm was wrapped around Kali's shoulder. The teen girl just smiled.


Being offered to run away from Vecna and his cultists was an offer Dustin would always refuse. In the past, he would, due to the sheer number of enemies and how little firepower he and the rest of the club had. However, he had grown stronger and more confident since his younger days. Besides, they've came this far and hell come upon them if they stopped here.

"I say we fight," he said confidently, glancing at everyone else. "To the death."

Erica nodded and smiled, echoing, "To the death."

Gareth smiled as well. "To the death."

Jeff grinned. "To the death!"

Paul raised his can of Mountain Dew. "To the death!" They all chanted that, slamming their hands on the table. This made Eddie grin and laugh, expecting nothing less than his little sheep.


After dinner was done, Andrew stood up from the blanket and carefully stepped off, immediately removing his jacket. Terry's eyes widened. "Andrew-"

"If you don't wanna go for a swim, that's okay," he said assuringly, unbuckling his belt. "But I want to. And if you wanna join, come after!" He discarded the belt with his pants.

She grinned, then looked away. "But what if someone sees us?"

"My friends and I've never been caught. Don't worry!" She sighed, shaking her head and standing up.

"I can't believe I'm doing this..." she murmured to herself as she took off her shoes at the same time as Andrew before loosening the belt on her dress. They both watched each other while they undress, though Terry was a lot more nervous. His look of sympathy and reassurance made her feel calm though.

Eventually, they both were rid of their clothes, checking each other out in their underwear for a moment. Terry's looked real gorgeous while Andrew's plain briefs made her heart race more. She shivered a little at the cool night breeze, then Andrew bolted to the water. She gasped and ran after him. "Hey, wait!" she cried out.


The three and Billy cheered as Lucas successfully passed the ball to Jason, who successfully got it in the hoop after some tricking.


Dustin had managed to land a successful hit after rolling the D20, the rest of the group exclaiming cheers.


Terry and Andrew managed to get to stomach-level on the water as they splashed water at each other. Then the long-haired man dunked himself under. She grinned and giggled.


The basketball bounced off the rim and back on court, Billy baring his teeth and covering it with his fist while Steve shouted, "No!"


An attack proved fatal as Erica nearly died from a vicious attack. Eddie's features pinched as he let out an "oooooooo". The rest of the team were panicking, especially Dustin. "No, damn it!" she exclaimed.

"Heal her! Someone heal her!" Dustin cried out to his playmates.


Andrew emerged, flipping his hair up and splashing Terry. She let out a surprised cry, her nicely-done hair and pretty bra all wet now. He grinned, unashamed.


Anderson scored, Billy screaming, "Defense, c'mon!"

"Come on, Lucas!" Jane yelled.


Another roll of the die and Jeff had bitten the dust, everyone else crying out in anguish.


She huffed and moved her arm through the water, giving Andrew a big splash he didn't expect. She laughed as he sputtered out the water. "I'll get you for that!" he shouted, lunging for her. She dodged. Even though their movements were slowed in the water, they got into a wild, splashy goose chase like children.


"SHOOT IT! SHOOT IT!" Steve yelled, standing up with his arm around his girlfriend's shoulders. She was standing up as well. He was quite cute and kinda hot when he was this enthusiastic, she wasn't going to lie.

Andy scored, Hawkins erupting into cheers, from spectators to band members.


With another successful move, the team cheered.


Terry gave him another big splash, making him exclaim and slow down. She laughed harder, getting farther away from him. But that was when he sunk into the water again, even submerging his hair.


Another score from Anderson had everyone from Hawkins upset. Billy huffed.


Hellfire erupted in dismay as a move failed. In fact, they've even argued with Eddie, everyone's shouts overlapping each other.


Terry turned around, seeing that Andrew was nowhere to be found. She had to keep her wits up...


Another score from Anderson, leaving everyone on edge as the scores were closing in on each other as well as the time. Another went in from Hawkins, but Anderson was quick to leave them behind with another shot.


Many die were thrown and many have fallen, Eddie's evil laughter filling the room...


Suddenly, Terry felt hands at her waist hoist her up, making her shriek as Andrew popped out of the water once again, carrying her like a toy. She moved around, the noises she made a concoction of screaming and laughing. "Time-out, time-out!" she cried out.


As Jason got the ball that bounced off the rim, he signaled the referee and shouted, "Time-out, time-out!" The old man blew his whistle.


"Time-out, time-out!" shouted a frantic Paul, making the sign with both of his hands.

The club members, excluding the dungeon master, huddled up far from the table in their little circle. "Guys, I hate to say this, but most of our team has been demolished," he stated solemnly. "I say we flee."

"I concur," Gareth replied.

Baffled, Erica asked sharply, "Didn't we agree that we'd fight to the death?"

"Not literally," the junior answered, panicked.

"I mean, Vecna's kicking our asses," Jeff added in the same tone. "How can we kill him with two players?!"

Now Dustin's expression mirrored Erica's. "Don't be pussies, guys! He's only got 15 hit points left," he said.

"Pussies? Just because we're being realistic?!" Gareth replied, exasperated.

"Realistic? More like cowardly," Erica retorted.

"Hey!" Eddie called out, everyone breaking out of the huddle to face him. "If I may interject, gentleman..." He nodded towards the dark-haired girl, sitting on another armrest of his throne. "Lady Applejack. Whilst I admire your vigor and confidence, I suggest you take Rhaegal the Powerful's suggestion to heart, hmm?" He grinned, moving his hands away. "I won't pass judgement if you run. You don't need to be heroes." His grin widened. "Not today, got it?"

The group thought about that for a moment, then the curly-haired boy held a finger up. "Hold on," he said quietly before they all huddled again. "Lady Applejack, how many hit points do you have left?"

"Twelve," she whispered. "You?"

He raised his brows. "Twelve."


The marching band played the waiting song while the teams talked to each other about their last-minute strategies. Billy didn't join in on the Tigers's because why would he? He wasn't part of the team anymore. His eyes went to the timer, which was at ten seconds. Then they went to Lucas, listening in on the plan. Again, his play and form were pretty good, even though Anderson's Indians were tough. It'd take a shit ton of luck for them to make their move and win. He placed his fingers on his chin, his elbow resting on the armrest. If Lucas wasn't going to be a part of their final game plan, they were screwed, bar none.


"It's risky, guys," Gareth said, his voice hushed. "But you two are the only ones on the battlefield."

"And that makes you two our only hope," Jeff added. "But it's your call."

Dustin and Erica exchanged glances. "Well, Lady Applejack, whaddaya say?"

She smirked. "You really gotta ask? How 'bout you, Dusty?"

He thought for a bit. Twelve hit points against fifteen. Both of them have strong enough attacks to knock him down, though the odds Eddie gave made that damn near impossible...but not fully impossible.

"Screw it." He turned around, everyone breaking out of the huddle again. "Let's kill this son of a bitch."


Finally, the game was back in action, Andy passing Jason the ball as planned. Billy narrowed his eyes as he dribbled a little with a few Anderson players crowding him. Then he jumped and shot the ball. His eyes widened, recognizing the plan. The ball flew in the air, hitting the backboard and rolling around the rim. Plenty of Hawkins and Anderson players gathered around the hoop. It rolled around...and off the basket. The blonde sucked in a breath through his teeth and muttered, "Idiot..." That was the very thing that costed the team the game last year. Did Jason think because he was a good shooter with that many players on his ass?


"That's-a-MIIIIIISSSS!" Eddie cried out dramatically and maniacally as the D20 landed on an 11, the attack missing and Vecna killing him. He was super pissed and the rest of the club were upset and frustrated. Now it was up to the new girl to finish him off...


But then Lucas grabbed the ball and dribbled it away. Billy's brows rose up. Then in one smooth movement, the boy swirled around towards the hoop and prepared to jump. There was only two seconds left. He leaped up high in the air and shot the ball right to the basket. His eyes followed the ball - everyone else's did as well. Even though the buzzer sounded, there was silence. It was like time had slowed down.

Slack-jawed and wide-eyed, Jane stood up from her seat, counting on the chance that the ball would make it in. Steve stood up too, Kali standing with him. His expression mirrored Jane's while Kali actually looked interested, wondering if it would make it in. Billy leaned forward, his hands gripping on his armrests. Everyone else stood up, even those that were benched.


Erica rolled the dice, the guys crying out words of frustration and desperation. She hoped it would land on a 20...it had to land...


The ball hit the backboard, hitting around the rim...


The dice slowed its roll, everyone on edge and Eddie cautiously awaiting the result.


The ball hit the backboard once more, getting to the basket...


The dice finally stopped...stopping right on a 20.


The ball hit the sides of the rim before swooshing in. Every Hawkins resident in the gym exploded into cheers, jumping up, pumping their fists, ecstatic.


"CRIT HIT!" Erica exploded in so much joy as the rest of the club cheered.

Eddie dramatically recoiled and exclaimed, "What?! WHAT?!" He clapped and laughed.


Jane cheered loud and proud while Steve hollered out a hearty, "YEAH!"

"Woo-hoo!" Kali cheered out, shaking her fist like a cheerleader. Steve and Jane then high-fived.

Billy clapped loud, moving around in celebration on his wheelchair. "THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!" he proclaimed, pointing at Lucas. "THAT'S WHY YOU PLAY BALL!" Lucas looked at him and smiled wide, beating his chest with his hand. Billy mimicked the gesture, now looking like a proud brother.


Impressed with a lot of respect, the long-haired dungeon master bowed down to tonight's savior, Lady Applejack, who gave him a triumphant smile in return.


The team and cheerleaders gathered around Lucas, proud and cheering for him. Jason even lifted him up with a couple more teammates as they chanted his name. He smiled and raised his fists up, looking down at the joyous team. He did it...he finally did it...

"WAY TO GO, LUCAS!" shouted his female friend from the bleachers. He turned to her, seeing her cheering and clapping with the teens.

"THAT'S HOW YOU DO IT, SINCLAIR!" Steve also shouted. He never felt more and more happy, more accomplished...

He could get used to this.


And that's it for everyone's exciting nights! How was this chapter? Any typos or mistakes I might've missed?

So, I gave Fred a little cameo. Will he be a victim of Vecna or nah? Well, you'll learn further down this story!

Terry and Andrew's date was a bit fun and cute to write! Hoped you guys enjoyed it too!

Setting up a bond between Lucas and Billy while showing a crack in Steve and Kali's relationship...there'll be more to come!

Keep supporting this fanfic and I'll see you guys in the next chapter!