I'm back with the next chapter after a long and delayed wait. And astonished with the rapid following this story has gotten, even more than the previous story!

The past semester was busy, and now I'm already in the next semester. I couldn't wait any longer to release a new update, and this story really needed it.

I do NOT own either Stranger Things or Halloween.

Without further ado, let's take a further look at this Hallow's Eve Tale.

Ooh-ah! Ooh-ah!

Ooh-ah! Ooh-ah!

Ooh-ah! Ooh-ah!

Ooh-ah! Ooh-ah!

Seven more days till Halloween!

Halloween! Halloween!

Seven more days till Halloween!

Silver Shamrock!

Seven more days till Halloween!

Halloween! Halloween!

Seven more days till Halloween!

Silver Shamrock!

Yes, kids! You, too, can own one of the big Halloween Treats!

And this Year, we are happy to present our newest addition to the big three!

They're fun! They're frightening! And they glow in the dark!

Remember to watch the Horrorthon on Halloween Night!

Seven more days till Halloween!

Halloween! Halloween!

Seven more days till Halloween!

Silver Shamrock!

October 24, 1986.

Hawkins Indiana

DING! DING!

Billy Hargrove ceased his snoring, and opened one eye, which started to glare at the godforsaken clock that was dining to kick his ass out of bed. He lazily lifted a hand to slam a hand on the clock, which failed. Irritated, the mullet grabbed hold of the miniature clock and bashed again and again on the small cupboard before it finally stopped. No doubt broken.

He would have to get a new one, but why bother the waste of money?

Especially, from where he was living.

Billy lifted himself up, taking in the room that had been his bedroom for months. He glanced at his bed which was an even worse mess: blanket on the floor, a half-full bag of potato chips flat on the bed, and a stain from a beer he had drank to sleep was near the spot where he would drool.

Geeze…

Billy picked up a still half-full beer from the stool next to his bed which had been left from last night. He took a sip, and the contact of the alcohol on his tastebud's was enough to bring his senses awake.

He sighed and got out from bed.

He stripped and took a shower in the cold water. Letting the running water run through his mullet locks.

After getting out and drying himself, he got out and went to the sink to swallow his meds.

He got out of the bathroom and clothed in a pair of pants. The same rugged pair he wore the night before.

He then stepped outside with a lit cigarette in hand while looking at the trailer park in the early, quiet morning.

Between smoking out the tobacco and the fresh early air… this was nice.

Maybe he would feel better if he started cleaning up the place. Less stress than the sight of his stuff out of place. If his hardass dad had seen the state of this place… he would give his ass another tour of discipline.

But there was no need to worry about that now. The trailer home was Billy's place. His own place.

He lived here alone. No Dad. No Susan. And… no Max around.

Pfft…

What gives? They weren't dead or all that…

What gives in moving his ass from one sh*thole into an even more pathetic sh*thole, even while he had to take work at the new local gas station to pay the measly bills?

It wasn't that Billy needed to share another day under the same roof with that bastard any longer. Nowadays felt like a breeze compared to what he felt accustomed to… almost his whole life. Yeah, living in rundown trailer park would give a dirt feeling like being one of those low-ended hillbillies with meaningless lives… but Billy didn't care.

If he can check in for some booze and camels before a good night's rest. Or when that bastard would call and rant about his chances of getting to some smartass college early or his get good-for-nothing life straight already.

He didn't care.

This was the kind of peace and quiet he needed.

And right now, it was the start of another day in Hawkins.

One state away, in Illinois… in a quiet cabin… Dr. Samuel Loomis arose to start his morning routine.

Even if people thought he would be getting less agile with his current age of 64 years, the man was sensitive to the growing ache his back felt as he pushed himself out of bed, pull up his fluffy slippers (as had been chosen as a joke by Laurie as a birthday gift), and made his way to the bathroom to wash up.

Emerging into the kitchen in his blue bathrobe, he began preparing his breakfast. Even if Marion would insist on coming most days to prepare it for him, that would not always be the case.

He made note of the shortage of eggs in the fridge, and mentally noted to buy more, perhaps the next day. He even took the last strips of bacon and plopped both it and the eggs on the frying pan. At the same time, he made sure the kettle full of water was not left too long on the stove and went to remove it; now ready to initiate the next phase of making his coffee.

Without further ado, Loomis remote clicked on the television set in front of him, before delving into his breakfast.

"…in several days will mark six months since the infamous incident that took place in the Soviet Union, regarding the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant Disaster.

"The United Kingdom is still issuing statements that there are still many in the population still reeling from the effects of the radiation and the consequences it has had on their land.

"The consequences couldn't have been worse than it has been for the Union, who have dealt with the worst of the disaster starting in Kiev…"

Loomis shook his head as he flipped to another channel.

"…yes, I am looking at it. This year, Scotland has never been more in ire since perhaps since the British occupation. And what could be more upsetting and shocking going around Stonehenge.

"One of the stone's slabs is still missing for quite some time, and yet the local population and arriving archeology experts are still hot all over the spot. No progress as of late on the search, yet many are speculating multiple theories regarding the disappearance of the stone…"

Next channel.

"An evil force took his life. An unearthly power brought him back.

"He is a Phantom. A Wraith. A cosmic spirit given another chance."

[A speeding, new-style car drives at high speed. Another clip showed it racing against other cars. New clip shows coming out of it was a mysterious figure in a helmet, while carrying a blasting shotgun.]

"I saw his eyes, Sheriff Loomis!" Clint Howard's character exclaimed to Dennis Quaid's character during a clip on the screen.

Sam Loomis raised his eyebrows at the mention of Dennis Quaid's character having the same as he did. And the fact that he was a sheriff.

Sheriff Loomis.

Dr. Loomis could only smile in amusement, his mind taking interest in checking out this 'Wraith' film when it came out.

When the trailer ended, a new commercial came on… with a black screen at first… then came the familiar tone and sound.

Ooh-ah! Oo-ah!

Ooh-ah! Oo-ah!

Eight more till Halloween!

Halloween! Halloween!

"Oh… good grief…" Loomis looked away now very annoyed.

Halloween! Halloween!

Silver Shamrock!

Yes, kids, you too can own one of the big Halloween Treats!

[The screen showed up a collection of colorful masks, being a jack-o-lantern, skull, and green-faced witch.]

Loomis angrily turned the channel off.

Lenora Hills, California

Meanwhile, half a country away… familiar residents were waking up to start the day… in the apparent, sunny, Californian neighborhood of Lenora.

For almost a year, the Byers family had settled into a nice house in cul-de-sac. To call it better than their old home… would almost be an understatement.

No longer at the far edge of town, and surrounded by neighbors, the new Byers Residence was larger, cleaner, and more decent than their last home in Hawkins, Indiana.

From the outside, many would call that the Byers had moved up and were living their Californian dream in their new home in sweet, peaceful Lenora…

Although… there were some issues many were not disclosed regarding them.

"I'm not a robot, you know?" Joyce annoyingly said to her… 'customer' on the phone.

With a frustrated huff the woman closed the antenna on the phone before slamming it back on the dial.

"Prick…"

"Oh, sh*t!" Jonathan exclaimed with horror as he quickly went to open the window in his new room. He quicky picked up a cardboard board and tried to wave out the aroma out.

Inside the young man's room, it looked as though a fire had been lit under his bed and was smoking the whole room.

It was neither that of a fire nor a cigarette.

It was of the special thing that Jonathan had grown accustomed to…

Purple Palm Tree Delight.

Will was in the bathroom, applying from a stash of cosmetics he had temporarily… 'borrowed' from his mom's cabinet. He technically snatched many when she wasn't looking.

He had little time before Argyle would arrive to pick him and Jonathan up. Little time to rub more of the skin-colored make-up… over the scars on his face.

He bristled at his new haircut… which was shorter than before… therefore showing more of the scar above his eyebrow. He should let his hair grow out more, so he wouldn't need to apply make-up over it. That left covering the slash line on the lower right of his chin.

"Will, you ready?" Jonathan called from the hall. "We're gonna be late."

"Okay, I'll be right there!" Will called back, and he looked back with grimace at his reflection in the mirror.

Jonathan's old car had been in decommission for months. Unable to pay for auto-repair, the car had been left to rust and accumulate fallen leaves and pinecones on the hull and windshield. And due to Joyce busy with her at-home job… the brothers were left with no means to drive out themselves.

Though, fortunately…

HONK! HONK!

Rolling up on the Byers' driveway, was a yellow van.

A pizza delivery van.

On top of the vehicle, was the sign that said: "Surfer Boy Pizza." Even the title was decorated on the door, along with the phone number. And driving at the helm of the wheel of this particular vehicle, was a young man around Jonathan's age. He had a look of Navajo-American descent, with tanned skin, brown eyes, and long black hair that reached down to his waist. He wore a shirt and hat that designated him as part of the Surfer Boy Pizza business.

This was Argyle. Jonathan's new best friend… and only friend… in all of Lenora.

He honked again, beckoning Will and Jonathan to come out.

"Hurry up my dudes!" He said with a cheery smile. "Time to hop on the board to catch up the big kahoona!"

After being dropped off, Will walked alone through the bustling halls of Lenora High School before he made it and went to take a seat in his history classroom.

"Will." Mrs. Gracey nodded as counted Will in his seat.

"Drey?"

"Here."

"Stacie?"

"Lina."

"Here."

"Good. Jane?"

No answer.

Mrs. Gracey looked concerned when she didn't get an answer from a certain student. Before she looked for a vacant seat in the second row. And with the clock hand having already pass the deadline…

Will looked with a sigh, although… with what he knew… he may not have been surprised.

He then heard low snickering, and looked to the left to see pretty-blonde Angela and her peachy-faced man, Jake making the stupid, snotty…

"Angela! Jake! That's enough!" Mrs. Gracey exclaimed with an almost agitated tone, which caused both snotty girlfriend and boyfriend to quiet down. The teacher looked with a sigh at the vacant seat of one of her students, almost giving a look of reluctant understanding. "All right, then. Let's begin."

Haddonfield, Illinois

A certain car pulled up in front of Haddonfield preschool, where a certain mother and daughter conversed.

"You sure you can walk in by yourself?"

"Yeah, Mommy," Little Karen Strode said as she pulled up her small backpack before going out the door. "I'll make it in."

"Good," Laurie nodded. "Remember Lindsey will be picking you up, right?"

"Uh-huh," The girl nodded.

"Tomorrow's the big trip," Laurie smiled.

"Yep!"

"Okay, honey. Have a good day. I love you."

"Love you, too, Mommy," Little Karen waved as she made her way inside the school.

Hawkins, Indiana

"And then I tell her how it is being a Deputy even if I didn't make it to Tech or college stuff like that," Steve Harrington said to his partner sitting next to him, as the man drove them in his own car to their workplace.

"Uh-huh…" Robin said as was busy applying eyeliner, before going on to her lipstick. "Well, I thought most girls were so in for the guys in uniform. And not a care for their credit, but for their toughness and experience…"

"C'mon, Robin…" Steve almost whined. "Not most girls. I mean… some girls… and I mean there are a lot of girls… who love other expertise."

"It's easy for you, Harrington," Steve rolled his eyes as his partner called him by his last name. "Look at you. You may be waning down from prime with this transition to your 20's…" The guy gave her a glare. "Doesn't mean you are not still rocking it." The girl held up her hands in apology. "You still got the hair. The cute cheeks. May be sporting an 8:00 o'clock shadow… that is if you keep shaving."

"Hair and looks aren't a guarantee. You have got to be clever at it. You must show the girl that you are someone is who not only looking to have…" Steve paused before saying it. "Looking to just having a sleazy pass on you."

"Is that what happened? You messed up again, dingus?" Robin almost grinned.

"It wasn't me; it was because Heidi is planning on going out of state for college!"

"Oh, I see. So, that explains the concern over being all fancy police uniform, and no college expertise." Robin grinned again.

"Not the point!" Steve tapped his wheel. "I mean… I don't want to start another relationship… that branches off at a crossroad… and the only thing to do is to have… you know!"

"Again?" Robin made an incredulous look.

"Yeah, Robin, I was like…"

"No, Steve!" Robin caught his attention. "I mean… look."

Steve looked to where his friend was pointing as he was driving through downtown.

"Oh…"

"It is the devil's holiday! It is!" A man cried out as he waved his sign.

Now driving slowly, both friends watch as a growing crowd gathered at the front of the local church.

"Hey, is that…?" Steve pointed, and Robin spotted a familiar man among the crowd, with a notebook in hand, and a sign in the other. The man looking almost a shadow of what the people of Hawkins saw as the well-to-do editor of the Hawkins Post. Especially his unshaven beard and shady eyes.

"It's Mr. Holloway." Robin stated.

What was notable of the scene were the several banners that had drawings of… jack-o-lanterns and skulls? And they were… crossed and slashed with red graffiti.

"Ban it! Ban it!"

"Is this what I think it is?" Steve said.

"It's the third of its kind that I have seen lately," Robin stated. "The people's war against old Hallow's Eve."

Steve scoffed. "Wouldn't that be nice?"

A middle-aged man held up and waved another sign that said in black letters:

This Town is Cursed.

A younger man waved another sign that was the 'Welcome to Hawkins' sign… only it was altered with red lines. The 'H' of Hawkins has been left alone while the rest have been covered with the letters 'ELL.'

It basically read instead of 'Welcome to Hawkins': "WELCOME TO HELL."

Lenora Hills Police Department

"…with him. He turned just in time to see her enter the room. With her long, slender legs, they climbed high up her skirt to two tumultuous, round, melon…"

"ROUND MELON?!" The woman on the other end of the phone exclaimed. "Wha… now why would you want to label like that?! What kind of melon are you talking about? Cantaloupe? Watermelon? What?"

Officer Ronald 'Ronny' Jones sighed as he looked back at his manuscript written on his yellow notebook, while sitting at his desk, among other desks that were either empty or occupied by not-so-serious officers like him during this October day in Lenora Hills, California. The man was an African American man, with bald head (unfortunately) and growing mustache over his lip, having recently reached his thirties. And nearing that age in his life, the officer had an aspiration for something akin to what he would love to read on long nights.

"Baby, it's fiction!" Ronny protested. "People like descriptive adjectives. It sets the scene!"

"It's stupid, it's what it is."

"It's sensual and romantic."

"Ronny, it's unrealistic! This whole writing career is unrealistic! Now that we're married, baby, we got to get serious."

"This IS serious!"

"Honey, I've been patient, but this whole writing thing just isn't taking off. And I want a baby before I get so old and can't get my butt back!"

"You got to give me a chance, baby!" Ronny begged. "I have to express myself creatively! We're… we're paying the bills aren't we—WHOA!"

"Honey, what is it?!" The woman asked on the phone with concern for her husband's sudden outburst.

"Geez, relax, Ronny," the bearded man said with waving hands. "Not thinking of sneaking behind and cutting your throat."

"C'mon, Jim…" Ronny rolled his eyes.

"Jim? Is that Jim?"

"Hey, Shirley," Jim leaned near the phone in Ronnie's hand. "So, what has Ronnie disclosed on Detective Carpenter's recent endeavor with the illustrious Deborah?"

"Jim!" Ronny exclaimed, while pulling the phone away from Hopper's reach. "You don't get to tell my honey about the detective's adventures first before I do. I'm the one who can describe the vision—the way it's supposed to!"

"Yeah, yeah…" Hopper shook his head as he went over to put up his jacket at his personal desk next to Ronny's. "Tell me on the way."

"On the way?"

"Yeah, we got a call from Floyd and his family at his farm."

"Floyd? Again?"

Hawkins High School

With a shake of their poms, the cheerleading squad of Hawkins High cheered on some of their members behind started doing flips, before getting ready build each other in the respective cheerleading tower. All the while, the Hawkins High Marching Band played their instruments loud in the crowded assembly.

The assembly cheered with the music, as the cheerleaders progressed through their dance, even the Hawkins High Tiger mascot passed by, causing even further applause.

Among the very few of the bellowing crowd were Dustin and Max.

Soon, the music ended.

Everyone cheered, while the cheerleaders joined them.

"Now let's hear it for your Tigers!" An announcer said on a microphone.

Two guys pulled up a long paper sign, which had a painted gold paw at the center, all the while the green painted words around it said: HAWKINS TIGERS '86 ALL THE WAY!

Bursting through the banner was a slim, athletic, young man. It was the blonde, blue-eyed captain of the Hawkins Tigers basketball team. The one who established himself as the new King of Hawkins High: Jason Carver.

The crowd cheered, and Jason smiled kindly in return to them. Coming behind him was his team, one of them with the basketball in hand. And another one of them… just so happened to be… in his new green and white basketball uniform…

Lucas Sinclair.

"Good morning, Hawkins High!" Jason greeted through the microphone, and the crowd responded in kind.

"First off… Hey," Jason said, and the crowd quieted down. "First off… I would like to thank each and every one of you. Without your support, we wouldn't be here. Give yourselves a big hand!"

The crowd applauded, and so did the basketball team, including Lucas. He gave a wink to Max, who responded by rolling her eyes while giving him a look, which caused him to playfully pout.

"And of course, I have to give a shout-out to the best and prettiest fans of all time: The Tiger Cheer Squad!" Jason praised, and the cheerleaders crisscrossed a meter away from cheered with their poms, and the crowd cheered for them.

When the cheering started to settle down, Jason looked tenderly to one of the cheerleaders. A slender, pretty girl with rosy fair skin and strawberry-blonde hair in green-ribboned ponytail and tawny bangs over her forehead. She had a smile that showed her decent teeth, her rosy cheekbones, and her emerald, green eyes match that of her cheerleader dress. This girl was considered by the majority as the most popular gem among the masses of the school. The captain of the Tiger Cheer Squad. The Queen of Hawkins High next to the King of Hawkins High, who was her boyfriend, Jason.

Chrissy Cunningham.

"Chrissy…" Jason said gently to her, while patting his chest where his heart was. "Chrissy, I love you, babe."

That caused several in the audience to whisper in awe and adoration at the declaration of love. Chrissy nodded to Jason and made a blow kiss in Jason's direction in gratitude, causing Jason to smile even more.

"You know…" Jason stepped back a bit, his cheerful look turning into something somber and sorrowful. "I think I can speak for all of us… that… it's been a tough year for Hawkins." He was quiet for a moment. "Although… that is an understatement. Especially… after we lost so much."

The crowd understood what he said, as many of them reflected with faces of sadness as they started to remember.

"And sometimes I wonder… 'How much loss can one community take?'" He paused, before continuing. "Until what? Until we're broken? Is it that easy that we can heal and break like a wall of sticks. No. I don't believe that! In dark days like these, we need something to believe in. Last night, when we were down by ten points and a half to Christian Academy, I looked at my team!" He pointed back at his teammates; Lucas included. "And I said: Think of Kevin. Think of Heather. Think of Carol. Think of Tommy H. Think of Mike."

When that last name was spoken… it sent a wave of resurfaced emotions to several people in the whole assembly.

The ones who knew Mike the most.

Among Jason's teammates, Lucas looked the most hurt and sorrowful. The boy glanced at Dustin and Max in the crowd, both sharing the same look he had.

"Think of every one of our friends… who were taken from us… on that night of October 31st… at the hands of a monster… whose name we will damn forever!" Jason exclaimed, and the crowd murmured in agreement. "Is that our fate? The fate of this town… who people will associate with the worst human being in all of history? Are we supposed to sit back and grieve for who we had lost for the rest of our lives?!"

Everyone looked silent, taking in the words Jason said about the fallen.

"Just what did our friends die for, huh?!" Jason questioned. "For this town to sink to the lowest bottom this country has ever seen?! To be forever scared by the sick games of a psycho?! For us to lose to some crap school?!"

"NO!" Some of the crowd responded.

"For us to return home with our heads hung low in defeat?! NO!" Jason proclaimed, and several others voiced their agreement.

"No! We're gonna prove that we're NOT broken! We're gonna prove not just to the Falcons… but to the entire world… that the spirit of Hawkins lives on! The Hawkins High Tigers will rise to win this game!" Jason pointed out. "Let's win this game for our friends! Because that's exactly what we're gonna do!"

The crowd cheered.

"We embarrassed those candy-asses in their own house, and now tonight, tonight-!" Jason reared his head back as he roared the concluding line. "WE'RE GOING TO BRING HOME THE CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY!"

The whole crowd cheered on.

"LET'S GO!" Jason exclaimed, and his teammates huddled around him, exchanging High Fives.

Nobody else in the gym gave pause to notice the young woman who scowled in the direction of the Tigers team, before she left through the exit before anyone noticed her.

"I'm telling you, if you give him a chance, you'll see Jason's a good guy," Lucas said.

"'Jason's a good guy.'" Dustin sarcastically spelled it out. "Yeah, sure. As if the new King would give me a few meters before he and his cronies to bait me to kiss his ring and spit on me."

"C'mon…" Lucas sighed. "You know Steve was the 'King' before, right?"

"Oh, don't go there," Dustin shook his head. "Steve and Jason… are two separate entities. Both are opposite sides of the cleric's staff."

"So easy for you to make that up."

"It's easy for you, Lucas…" Max said. "You got on his team since you're good in the sports league. Dustin here isn't."

"Hey!" Dustin exclaimed. "You forget all my other expertise?"

"Just because you're not…" Lucas winced a bit by the way Dustin narrowed his eyes. "Cut out for it… doesn't mean they'll judge you inside out for being into other stuff."

"Oh, good friend, well that's nice," Dustin's tone narrowed. "I really wonder if your new friend was so genuine when spoke our dead friend's name in his snooty game speech!"

"Dustin!" Max hissed, both in shock and anger. "That was uncalled for!"

Dustin paused, looking down with regret and shame.

"I'm sorry. I… I didn't know what came over me. I shouldn't have…"

"Dustin…" Lucas said, feeling a bit sad and resigned. "I get it. I know."

The three friends stood still, almost in uncomfortable silence.

"Look… nobody… not even Jason… is thinking of taking advantage… or even thinking of mocking… of what happened." Lucas said. "And… it's only a week from now. Until the anniversary… of you know what."

The redhead and capped boy glanced at one another… with no need to utter the name of the holiday… or the event.

"It's already getting anxiety high everywhere, lately," Lucas looked forlorn. "A lot of people are still not over it. But I don't want that. I don't want… to feel broken. Not anymore. I want to live. I want… to move on and grow up. To feel happy and excited just like before. But that doesn't mean I won't forget. And I don't want any of you feel left behind." He took his girlfriend's hand and patted his best friend's shoulder. The former gave him a small smile, while the latter started to relent to give a nod. "So, tonight… come to the game. And let's feel like real teenagers."

"So, how has your family been lately?" Ms. Kelley asked.

Nancy glanced as she sat across from the school therapist. Both sitting in her office.

"Oh, well…" Nancy looked away. "Just… fine. As usual…" She couldn't stop herself from gripping the armband of her chair. "My dad is just… he is more at work, talking a little less than he barely does. My mom…" She cringed. "Yeah, she's… it's just…"

"I understand it had been rough time at home when she started drinking."

"Ugh… yeah, well…" Nancy bitterly sighed. "It was. Even after that… it was still…"

Bullsh*t.

"Things have just been…" Nancy gazed up at the ceiling. "…it's been getting… unstable. Especially these past few weeks… and…"

"Because of what month it is." Ms. Kelley concluded.

"Yeah…" Nancy looked away with a bitter sigh.

"And it's only a week… until the anniversary."

Nancy nodded. Both of them silently agreeing… that they would not use the name of the holiday. The holiday's name, day, meaning, and memory only serving as a recurring plague for the Wheeler Family in the past year.

"Yeah…" Nancy glanced away. "Just… when thinking about it… and being so… different… than last year. And it's just…" She almost shook her head. "Things just aren't the same anymore. Without…"

"Nancy…" Kelley said. "I know. Losing a brother. It's a pain worse than what others can tell. What you've been through, and what your family has been through… what you're still going through… it's a lot for anyone. And it's okay to not be okay. But I can only help you if you're being truthful."

"What?" That caused Nancy to look upright at the woman. "What do you mean? I am truthful." Her tone started to become irritated. "It's why I'm here… telling you things I feel. Things my parents can't even…" She almost trailed off, before glancing at Ms. Kelley… and the look she gave. "Sorry. I just…"

"What did I tell you before, Nancy?" Ms. Kelley asked. "It's alright to let it out. It's part of therapy. Part of my job."

"I know."

"We can… change to another subject. Is that okay?"

"Yeah, sure." The young woman shrugged.

"I like to ask…" Ms. Kelley began. "How are things going… between you and Jonathan?"

Lenora Hills, California

"So, uh…" Argyle tried asking as he looked to his best… and only buddy… taking in another swig of Purple Palm Tree Delight… as both sat at the front of the Surfer Boy Pizza van… out overlooking an area of junkyard of down cars. Argyle and Jonathan's personal golf course. "You called Nancy lately? You know… about… what happened last time?" The long-haired dude looked nervous.

"I made it clear the last time…" Jonathan said, his tone becoming agitated. "I know. I know. But I can't. I… I don't think she gets it but…"

"I can't just leave when I think my brother will have another panic attack. And then how my mom will have to deal with the stress and crap… before she shuts herself down."

"I thought things were getting okay-oh lately?" Argyle asked.

"Yeah, well, I wish…" Jonathan shook his head as he stood up and paced around. "But it's been getting on high since the start of this month."

"Oh, you mean…" Argyle raised his eyebrows in recognition. "Because of what's in one week and three hours from now…?" He stopped when he saw Jonathan's glare. "Sorry, dude. Forgot." The Surfer Boy waved his hands. "No direct mention of the 'H' word. It's like well… a taboo."

"For my whole brunch…" Jonathan ranted. "Three years ago… a week after… October 31st… my kid brother… goes missing."

Kidnapped to a hellish dimension. Trapped.

"We thought… I thought he was dead… and we even had the funeral."

"But he came back." Argyle said.

"Yeah… but everything wasn't peachy!"

That was when the tiring sh*t started. Will was no longer the same.

"Next year. Next Halloween." Jonathan went on. "My brother's panic attacks get worse."

His little brother… possessed by an inter-dimensional monster.

"And during that time… my mom's new boyfriend dies."

Killed. Mauled. Especially when what was left of Bob's body… was hardly recognizable.

"I didn't get what she saw in him at first… but he made her happy. Her and Will. For the first time in a long time. Something my… bastard-face old man couldn't. That little…"

"Uh, okay there, dude…" Argyle said with concern. "I think you took too much with that last dose…"

"And then the next Halloween!" Jonathan growled this time, which spooked Argyle. "Just when it looked like after a year… everything could go swimmingly… it all goes to sh*t!" The young man's eyes almost looking red. "All because… some… random… f… fu…" He gritted his teeth as he held his head. "Some random… murdering… psychopath… comes in. One random… unfeeling… psycho! And… he… what he… on my brother… and… and with Mi-GAHH!"

"Whoa, whoa! Easy, dude!" Argyle dash to grab Jonathan by the shoulders, as the latter felt his adrenaline bursting out high, and the drugs effects almost making him collapse. "Oh, man… you really did take too much. Damn…"

THERE… FOR NOW!

Things have changed… for better and for worse.

With Michael's big defeat in the previous story, I can say it has brought some closure to Haddonfield. Loomis not on edge as he was before. And so is Laurie, who is now a far cry from the paranoid feelings she had and is better set-in raising Karen in the social environment. That doesn't mean they are all okay, as they have not forgotten.

But a lot better than how the others are in both Hawkins and Lenora Hills.

Apparently, the Hawkins Horror Massacre had a bigger and worse impact than the supposed 'fire' in canon. Serial killing worse than accidental mall fire. And easier to spark more rumors and paranoia towards the once-fun-loving Trick-r-Treat holiday… and other things that may seem related… such as a certain board game.

Steve and Robin are still working for the Police Force, and NOT working at Family Video with Cheeto-loving Keith. And Robin is not part of the band to get close to a certain redhead. Sorry, but that doesn't mean Vickie won't appear. Even still, Steve and Robin are struggling to find dates, while working under a new Chief of Police, who is not Hopper.

Lucas and Max are still together, as Billy is still alive and well. Billy officially (I will explain later) moving out of the house into his own place at the trailer park.

Even so, the original party is not okay. As not only are they separated, but one of them… is gone… and that person is Mike Wheeler. His death having a profound effect on all parties.

Even Jason's speech is different regarding the events of last year. Even if he gets along with Lucas (which is something that causes friction between him and Dustin) the party is not impressed.

Nancy is going through therapies with the school therapist, as she is still working with the Hawkins High Newspaper. That and… the issues she is dealing with… along with her family.

Last Halloween's impact on the Byers… was worse than anyone can see on the outside of their nice new home and neighborhood.

Jonathan is more reliant on Purple Palm Tree Delight to overcome his stress, making him sound over-the-top… something that Argyle is noticing with concern.

Will is apparently 'borrowing' his mother's cosmetics to cover up…

Joyce is still dissatisfied with her new job...

The Byers are trying what they can to move on, but with all the past years of trauma they've experienced… along with facing Michael Myers… and Mike's death… especially with the holiday around the corner… yeah, they are feeling somewhat miserable.

As for the Hopper's… who are also in living in Lenora Hills as well…

Hopper is once again with the police force, this time not as a chief, but now a partner with aspiring writer, Ronny. (Yes, it's James Todd Smith AKA LL Cool J's likeness just like in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later) Then there is the drama that is between him and his daughter… in the aftermath of the tragedy… that remains to be seen soon.

A lot to cover and explain regarding the effects of Hawkins' tragic event… and what is inevitably coming next.

Thank you for viewing. Please Review. And wait until the next chapter comes. There is too much to adapt the whole first episode, so it will be split into parts.

Fun Fact: The Wraith (1986) is a real movie that premiered in November of 1986.