Apologies for the long wait so here's the sixth chapter.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)


Chapter 6: A Night to Remember

Hawkins, Indiana, USA

29th June 1985

Fuck.

They have arrived at the farm 10 minutes after the last contact was made. Not by one of their own, but by the target. He'd recognize her growls anywhere. He still felt the scars on his right arm she gave him back in Juarez.

Little bitch. She'd nearly sliced it off that day.

Pierce could only send in eleven of them because there weren't enough available personnel at their secret underground facility, besides the doctors and the engineers. All of them were fresh recruits. No experience whatsoever in this sort of shit.

No one. No one knew or even suspected that the girl would even reappear here in Hawkins.

And just of all times, she just. Had to. Appear. Now.

Fuck.

"Report." He ordered, his tone severe.

Doctor Rice, who arrived just two days ago, watched him with hawkish attention, standing to his right, arms behind his back. They were currently in the command center, built specifically for communication with their other facilities all around the US. And of course, with their security, they could spare.

Donald Pierce stood right at the control panel, clutching the small microphone, which he used for communication. Several guards, also recruits, watched him nervously. The air was tense with anticipation.

"Bodies everywhere." the leader of the fresh recruits answered back. His tone of voice gave away how nervous and nauseous he was. "R-r-roberts, Fitzgerald, Hammond, Matthews and M-m-mcClain are outside. The rest are in the house. We did the sweep of the whole area."

Fuck.

"…And?" he asked coldly.

Silence.

"Well,… sir we- "the man tried to answer nervously.

Oh, for fuck's sake. Goddamn fucking recruits.

"Did you find the girl?" He made sure there was malice in his voice. They knew, oh they all knew what happens when they fail. The guards flinched.

"She and the woman are not inside the house or anywhere on the farm, they probably escaped in the nearby woods." He answered back, this time without hesitation. Good, it worked.

"Oh, for God's sake." Sighed Doctor Rice, unfurling the hands behind his back to pinch his nose in frustration.

"And the… others?" Pierce asked about the Munsons.

"Dead."

At least there were no witnesses. He already knew what to do with them.

He gave his orders.

"Hmm, burn down the house along with the bodies inside it, we don't need this shit right now, especially now. Let the firefighters and the cops deal with this. After that spread out and search the woods. And don't you let anyone see you. You got that?" Pierce referred to the bodies of the Munson family. They already what to do with their fallen soldiers and the evidence they left behind.

"Yes, sir."

The link stopped.

Silence reigned over the command post. And then…

"This. Is. A complete DISASTER!" shouted an enraged Doctor Rice, his teeth clenched and dark, glaring eyes directed at Pierce. "What sort of operation are you running here Pierce? Sending in recruits?!"

The guards flinched at the volume of his voice and Pierce would have flinched with them if not for his self-control. He was after all the chief of security, and he could not afford to look affected and weak in front of them at all.

Still, there weren't many people in this world who can… unnerve him like that. Doctor Zander Rice was one of those people.

"Look Doc," Pierce answered him, his tone defensive and his arms spread, "how in the holy hell I'm supposed to know that she would just appear out of nowhere! Here? In Hawkins of all the places?! And with that bitch- "

Doctor Rice put out his hand to stop him from uttering excuses.

"When will the other, more experienced Reavers arrive?" he asked in a cold tone, no doubt wondering why the hell was there more of them, to begin with. On that Pierce agreed. Shouldn't they have more? Especially for this?

"Tomorrow morning. I'll go over to the city hall to mayor Kline to make sure we aren't bothered. He'll make sure the cops and the others stay away from this." he answered. He knew for a fact that they'll stay away from this.

Well… except for one certain police chief. He's gonna have a problem with that one.

Doctor Rice breathed in and out to calm himself down, and then put his hand down and nodded.

"Very well. Now listen to me, Donald."

He used his first name. Oh shit.

"As of now, this is our top priority. Retrieval of subject Twenty-Three, along with ensuring the safety of the Key. We have spent far too much time, money, and effort on her and on this project. The fact she appeared here after a month, after that… fiasco in Juarez and El Paso-"

Pierce frowned at the memory; it was indeed a fiasco.

" -presents us with a unique opportunity. And unlike that fool Brenner, who had his opportunity nearly two years ago, when that idiot got himself killed, we shall seize it, no matter the cost." Doctor Rice finished that last statement with scorn, no doubt remembering his former colleague.

That was one of many reasons why Doctor Rice was here, why he worked for Transigen in the first place. Being one of the few people who- no scratch that, the only man who used to work in Hawkins National Laboratory who hasn't passed away or has "mysteriously disappeared."

He's the only doctor that got fired from that place for being… too extreme. Pierce knew all about that. Oh, did he knew.

"Do you understand me, Donald?" he asked again.

Again, with the first name.

Fuck.

"I understand you, Doctor. I won't let you down."

"You better not Mr. Pierce. Or else." he finished that last sentence ominously. There was no need for an explanation of what will happen if he fails. The words spoke for themselves.

"Now will you excuse me; I'm off to inspect our current project and the fruits of its labour." Doctor Rice stated as he fixed the collar of his suit and left the command post in a huff and in long strides.

The irony of their exchange which mirrored the one he had with the deceased Parker earlier today was not lost on him.

Fuck.

He really needed a smoke after this.


"Just who the hell are you?"

Laura turned her head to look back at the blonde teenager after she quickly wiped the tears out of her eyes and steadied her breathing.

Later. Later she will mourn. Right now, they must escape. Escape from those monsters. And whatever the hell she sensed while they ran through the forest.

She shook her head.

Later.

She assessed this blonde boy the moment he stepped out of the car.

Blonde, curly hair. Strong and lean. Reeking of perfume and cologne. Dressed up in some sort of leathery jacket and denim jean pants. Body language indicates a willingness to fight and indicates some sort of experience.

Aggressive at first at their sudden appearance on the road. Shocked at second after taking a good look at their appearance. And then when he saw the orange light which meant… a cover up-

Your fault, you led them there

Laura shook her head and continued her assessment.

The blonde looked back at them again, this time aggression and the shock leaving his body, even though he remained tense. And confused. And obviously still disturbed by their blood-covered figures. She couldn't blame him.

Laura once again glanced and observed the orange hue and the rising smoke that signified more than one thing. They were near. And soon, they will be searching for them.

Actually, they were searching for them right now. They need to go now.

Gabriela thankfully understood that as well.

"P-please sir, w-we need your help." She quickly pleaded.

The blonde teenager shook his head and looked at them again, this time in concern.

"Yeah, no shit lady, you look like you need to go to a hospital!" he exclaimed." You and your… kid." He finished hesitantly, still unsettled by the way how they looked, especially Laura. And plus, being greatly intimidated by Laura's warning glare.

Good. He better not get any bad ideas. If he does… it will end badly for him. She was still brimming with adrenaline.

He took a few deep breaths to steady himself and continued. "Look I" he started, with a bit of hesitation," … I can get you to a hospital- "

"No! No hospitals." Gabriela exclaimed.

'Yes, no hospitals', Laura agreed. They will be looking for them there. They will look everywhere.

As they looked for you there, and for that they killed them because of you

Laura tried to control her breathing (and her guilt) as the blonde teenager did a double-take. He now looked at Gabriela as if she was one who was crazy. He held out his arms in a placating manner.

"Ma'am, I'm no expert, but even I can see you're shot, and you need to seriously go to a hospital."

"No…" Gabriela huffed a quick breath, she needed to fix that wound now, and repeated," …no hospital."

"Look lady- "he tried again but was cut off by Gabriela.

"I will give ten thousand dollars!" she shouted in the attempt to bargain. The blonde stopped, now looking stumped by the offer. "T-ten thousand dollars to get us somewhere safe. Somew-where… discreet."

"Ten thousand dollars?" he repeated, stunned by the offer.

"Si." Gabriela nodded, breathing heavily.

"You actually got ten thousand dollars on you?" he asked, skepticism clear in his voice.

"In m-my backpack. You g-get us somewhere sa-afe and I'll give you the m-money." Gabriela's breathing was getting harsher and more labored.

He was silent for a few moments, thinking very clearly on how he should proceed.

They didn't have time for this. Laura was just about to detach herself from Gabriela to force this unknown to answer when he asked.

"To get you somewhere safe." He repeated. "Safe from whom? That?" he pointed the finger in the direction of the burning farm.

"Yes," Gabriela stiffly nodded," from that."

Once again, the blonde teenager was silent. He put his hands on his hips and looked down. He was thinking, and it was obvious that he was getting more and more nervous about this developing situation. The quick tapping on his feet gave it away.

Music played from his car, loud with lots of beats in it. She heard it before throughout their travel. And tonight.

Laura noticed that the Walkman she received from Nathan was no longer on her. She left it there.

Oh…she rather liked it.

The blonde teen, at last, gave his answer.

"Shit!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands. "Aright, screw it! Get in the car." He pointed back at the blue car that was still working and still shining its lights at them. "I know a place where… where I think it could be safe."

Gabriela sighed with relief.

"T-thank you, senor." She thanked him. Then she nearly faltered when a pained gasp escaped her lips.

Laura ceased her death glare and awkwardly but gently pulled Gabriela so she could lean against herself onto Laura. Gabriela's skin was pale, and traces of laboured sweat could be easily seen on her face.

"Look," the blonde stated, this time taking a step towards them, no longer held back by Laura's glare," you still need some help."

"Do y-you… do you have a f-first aid kit in your car?" she asked him.

"Well yeah, yeah I do." He confirmed.

"I used to work as a nurse. I can… urgh…" she groaned with her mouth closed as pain visibly pulsed through her body. Laura's heart quickened its beating pace in dreadful worry.

"Jesus," the teenager whispered in concern and took one more step.

One step too much.

Laura once again faced him and this time she growled at him like a rabid dog.

The blonde boy stopped and looked at her with frightened eyes.

"Jesus Christ." He muttered again in fear.

"Laura," she heard Gabriela whisper to her," tenemos que salir de aquí."

Laura ceased her growling, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, exhaled, and opened them.

She focused on the blonde teenager and gestured to him with the nod of her head to help her with Gabriela.

He took the message and approached them slowly.

"Okay, c'mon…" he whispered as he put his head under her right arm to support her while Laura tried to support Gabriela from her left side. She was strong but too small to fully support her. "Let's get you to my car."

They started to walk over to the car. The blonde teenager then reluctantly addressed Laura.

"What… what about you kid? Do you need help? Because you are…" he shook his finger all over her heavily blood-drenched form.

"It's," Gabriela huffed," It's alright. It is not her blood."

The blondes' eyes widened comically at her explanation.

"Cool, cool, cool, cool, cool." He whispered to himself, horrified. Then again to encourage himself. "Think of ten thousand dollars Billy, think of the money."

So, his name was Billy.

Gabriela heard it as well, so she decided to introduce them.

"M-my name is G-Gabriela, and this," she looked over to Laura," this is L-Laura."

So, no fake names then.

As if that helped them, they found you with no problem

My fault, my fault

"Billy. Billy Hargrove." He introduced himself as they got to the car.

Laura carefully removed Gabriela's backpack and held it in her hands while the blonde, Billy, help seat Gabriela at the backseat, carefully laying her on it. "Easy, easy…"

Closing the door, Laura quickly ran to the other side of the car, entered the back, removed her backpack, and put both on the floor of the car. Taking a seat and hunching slightly down, she then put Gabriela's head on her legs for comfort, caressing her hair.

The blonde, now named Billy, also quickly got to his driving seat.

Laura locked eyes with Gabriela. Mama.

Not her, please not her

Gabriela put her hand, her bloodied hand on her cheek.

"Está bien mija, está bien, no te preocupes." she whispered soothingly, as if calm Laura down. As if she was the one who got shot. It did little to ease her guilt.

My fault

Billy shut down his door and put his foot on the gas pedal.

"Okay, buckle up, because we are going in fast."

The car lurched as Laura quickly buckled herself up and put her hands on Gabriela's body to steady her.

The blood was already staining the backseat of the car.

My fault


"Jesus Christ, there back." Dustin exclaimed, putting his hands on his head in shock. He stood and watched in the distance, as an orange light illuminated the night. Dustin could already see thick black smoke rising in the sky.

A farm was burning. Because they needed to look like an accident.

Because there back, oh holy shit there are back.

No.

Dustin shook his head, as he left his arms to fall on his sides and clenched his fists.

Right now, he needed to clear his head and think straight.

He realized that those who did this will enter the woods to search for… a girl and a woman? To his knowledge, the only girl they would search for is Eleven, and hers and Hopper's cabin are nowhere near that area.

Dustin also realized that Will, Lucas, and Max were probably still in the forest and he needed to reach them while he still had time.

Right. Now.

"Shit." Dustin cussed as he started to sprint down the hill, leaving Cerebro and the rest of the equipment behind him.

"Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!" Dustin prayed as he ran down the green hill, heading in the direction where the others have left.

"How?" he huffed, as he reached down, right in the line of the dark forest. "How could they be back?"

Through the darkness of the forest, he ran, jumping and avoiding branches and bushes along the way. His time in Know Where helped greatly with the running part. Although he nearly tripped on a large root protruding from the ground. He swore.

"Shit! Didn't *huff* didn't Doctor Owens made sure they coul- "

Dustin stopped when he heard two screams in the distance on his left.

It was Lucas and Max. He could easily recognize a higher pitch in Lucas's scream. If the situation wasn't serious, Dustin would have cackled.

"AAAAARRGGH!"

"WHAT THE HELL?!"

His heart jolted in terror. Despite it, he went in the direction of the screams.

Then he heard another sound. It belonged to a… horse?

Then Dustin arrived at a clearing illuminated by full moons light, just in time to see a huge, white horse on its hinds' legs, making distressed noises while Lucas and Max were standing with their backs on a nearby tree, looking terrified by the animal. Lucas stood in front of Max protectively.

"Holy shit!" Dustin exclaimed in shock, taking a few steps back.

Then the horse stomped with his front legs and ran, into the black void of the forest.

After a few seconds, Dustin quickly went over to his friends who watched the retreating horse's form with widened eyes and quick, shallow breaths.

"Holy shit are you guys okay?" he asked them, worry very clear in his voice.

Both snapped their heads in his direction. After taking in a few deep breaths, they calmed down. And then…

"What the hell was that?!" Max demanded.

"Dude, it came out of nowhere!" Lucas exclaimed.

"Guys, guys", Dustin called for their attention, clapping his hands in order to get it. Lucas and Max faced him," we have a problem, okay? A serious problem! Code red!"

Both were now alarmed. Well, more than alarmed. On high alert.

"What?" Lucas questioned.

"They're back," Dustin stated.

Max and Lucas looked at him in confusion.

"Who's back?" asked Max.

"The. Bad. Men." Dustin enunciated every word. Their eyes nearly popped out of their eye sockets in shock. "There are back!"

Silence reigned over.

"But tha-that's impossible!" Max spluttered. "Didn't Doctor Owens say it was" she did air quotes "taken care off"?"

"How do you know it's them? Why do you think that?" demanded a skeptical Lucas.

"Because I heard them," they stared at him in surprise," from Cerebro. I managed to get a signal. I heard some people talking about finding some girl and burning a farm alongside with the…bodies to hide the evidence."

"Bodies?" both Lucas and Max repeated, horrified by the revelation. Dustin knew how they felt.

Fear started to form in their eyes. And then as if some lighting bulb has switched on in their heads, all three of them exclaimed.

"The horse!"

"It was…it probably escaped from the farm." stated Dustin.

"Because of the fire." Added Max.

"Because they burned it down. To hide the evidence." Lucas repeated nervously.

"Because they killed people." Dustin finished.

They stood in silence, absorbing the severity of the grim situation, the sound of their quick breaths being their only companion.

"Dustin, you said… that you heard them looking for a girl?" Max inquired, worry and fear written clearly on her face. "You don't think it's Eleven they were talking about?"

Lucas watched Dustin sharply, worry and fear itself copied on his face.

"I'm not sure. They said that this girl was with some woman and all I know is that Eleven is with Mike now." Dustin stated.

Silence again.

"We have to warn the others." Lucas states the obvious.

Max and Dustin nodded in agreement.

"We'll go to my place. It's the closest." Dustin suggested. "We have to warn Will and Mike and Eleven."

"And the other. Hopper. Joyce. Nancy and Jonathan." Max finished.

"And Steve." Dustin added.

"And Steve?" Lucas repeated, bewildered.

"Yeah, Steve. As in the guy who helped us with the demodogs last year?" Dustin pointed out.

Lucas smacked himself in the forehead.

"Shit! Right, sorry, my bad."

Max rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"Come on you two! We don't have time for this. We got to hurry!"

With that plan formed, all three started to sprint in the direction of Dustin's home. While they ran through the forest, they couldn't stop dark thoughts plaguing their minds.

The bad men are back.


"It's their farm, everything's on fire!"

Mike's eyes widened in shock upon hearing that sentence being uttered. He heard Eleven softly gasp beside him.

"On fire?" repeated a shocked Jim Hopper as he held his police walkie-talkie, gripping it, staring at it as he could see Officer Powell straight through it.

"Yes, I'm there right now with Callahan, the firefighters, and paramedics! It's bad Chief. Really bad. Both the house and the stables are on fire. The fire department is currently trying to contain it. To prevent it from spreading at the forest and the rest of the area." Powell explained.

"And… the Munsons themselves?" Hopper asked hesitantly.

Mike suddenly remembered Nathan Munson. He and Nancy were in the same grade.

"I haven't seen them. Nor did Callahan or the firefighters. Their blue pickup truck is here." Powell replied.

Silence.

"Maybe… maybe they aren't here at all. Maybe they left for a walk or something." Powell offered.

Hopper remained silent. Mike and El watched him nervously.

"Chief, are you coming?" asked Powell.

Hopper answered after a few tense seconds.

"Yeah, I'm coming."

"All right Chief, I'll see you there. Powell out." Powell replied.

Silence once again reigned over the cabin.

"Dad?" El asked.

Hopper was standing there in the middle, clearly thinking heavily, wondering what to do next. Mike was holding his breath in anticipation.

"All right, listen up you two," he addressed, facing them, and looking them in the eyes. "Here's what we're gonna do. I'm heading over to the Munson farm to see what the hell is going on." He went to pick up his police belt, jacket and hat, "But I can't just leave you two alone. So, I'm dropping you off at the Byers house." Hopper looked at Mike. Mike gulped.

"But why- "Mike was about to ask but was cut off by Hopper.

"Because" he stressed out the word," this whole thing can't be a coincidence."

At their confused looks he elaborated.

"There was a meeting in City Hall tonight. Before the call. Concerning Starcourt Mall." He approached. "Long story short, I think there is something going on, something wrong."

They stared at him, not knowing what to think of it.

"And after what has happened in the past two years… I am not taking any chances."

Mike felt a cold dread washing all over him. He glanced at Eleven who herself paled at the implications.

"Pack up a few things," Hopper addressed El," toothbrush, pajamas and whatever else you need for tonight." El nodded briskly and went to do that. But not before glancing at Mike.

He heard her shuffling, gathering the said stuff.

"And you," he addressed Mike this time," call your parents, tell them you're staying tonight over at Will's. I don't know exactly what this is…"

Mike didn't argue with him this time.

"You don't really think… do you think it's them?" Mike asked nervously.

Hopper stared at him, thinking furiously. He could feel El watching as well, stopping her shuffling.

"I don't know," he replied, looking upset that he did not know the answer to that question," it could be them or it could be just one big whole coincidence. I'll see what it is when I actually get there."

Mike didn't know how to respond.

"I'm gonna start the car. Be ready in five minutes." Hopper said. Mike nodded. Hopper went to pick up the keys of his police station wagon and headed outside to start the car.

Mike just stood there, his mind all over the place.

Are the bad men back? Did they start the fire? Or is it just an accident? All those questions swirled inside his head like hungry sharks sniffing for blood, making his head spin. He had no doubt that Eleven was thinking the same thing.

He looked over at El, putting her pajamas in a green rucksack. Mike went to the bathroom to get her toothbrush and some toothpaste.

"Here." Eleven glanced at him when he presented her a pink toothbrush. She grabbed it and put it in the rucksack.

"Thank you." she said quietly.

Eleven was in fact very quiet. She looked anxious, obviously because of the implications of tonight's event.

A fire at the Munson farm.

Mike doesn't recall anything specific about Nathan Munson, besides the fact that he was mentioned by Nancy a few times. He hoped that Nathan and his family were safe.

"El?" Mike asked softly.

She turned to face him, stopping her shuffling.

"Mike, what if…?"

Yep, he knew that look. When she uttered the word "bad men" first time.

Mike wrapped his arms around her, hugging her in comfort. She hugged him back, burying her head in the crook of his neck.

"Whatever it is El, we'll face it together." Mike promised soothingly.

"You promise?" she asked, her voice muffled.

"I promise. It's something you can't break. Ever."

They pulled away to gaze at their faces. Eleven was smiling. Mike smiled back. Then Eleven frowned.

"Do you think we are… ditching our friends?" she asked hesitantly.

Mike himself frowned at the memory of a talk they were having just before Hopper was called because of the fire.

Mike sighed deeply because he had realized, with great shame, that Hopper was… right.

It really was just him and Eleven lately. And their friends…

HOOOONK

"Come on!" hollered Hopper from the outside, honking the car impatiently. "Let's go!"

They didn't need to be told twice.

Within a few seconds, with Mike helping her, Eleven gathered all the necessary things she needed for tonight, and together with Mike left the cabin, entered the police station wagon, and drove off into the night.

The mystery of tonight's fire and the talk they had with Hopper swirled in their heads during the ride. No one spoke.


Joyce returned to an empty home somewhere around seven o'clock at night.

After calling her sons to check if they are home and finding herself alone, Joyce went to the kitchen to make herself some quick dinner, reheating leftover lasagne and some green beans and pouring herself a glass of red wine.

All of this she set on a coffee table, eating in the living room instead of in a kitchen, and turning on the TV to watch… anything really, she had no preferences. Not since…not since Bob.

While she watched the latest episode of "Cheers" she was reminiscing about her time with Bob.

Bob Newby.

After Joyce and Lonnie split up (it was inventible), she decided she will do her best to raise her boys not to be like their father, for she had given up on dating for good.

And she was proud of them. Jonathan was a good soul who was willing to protect his friends and family and cared about them very much. She was also glad that he had managed to be in a loving relationship with Nancy and got a job that entailed doing something he enjoys, photography.

As for Will, he…

Joyce sighed.

She hoped that within the time he'll get better.

After what happened to him, she knew for a fact it will still take a lot of time to heal.

Time heals all the wounds.

As for giving up on dating for good… well reconnecting with Bob was unexpected to say at least.

For Joyce, it was completely unexpected.

He came to Melvad's one morning, looking to buy some parts to repair his radio at the store he worked. They started to talk, catching up, one thing led to another… and then all of the sudden, Joyce was in a relationship.

She remembered vividly, how she and Bob used to sit on the same couch, watching those silly TV sitcoms. And Joyce actually enjoyed watching them. With Bob, it was somehow… calm, comfortable, and… joyful.

Bob was a kind and gentle soul. Always there for her, always willing to be a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen to your problems and give some advice on how to handle them. Not only for her but also for Jonathan and Will. Even though both were hesitant to trust him at the beginning.

A man who was always willing to help.

Even if it involved fighting monsters from another dimension.

Joyce's painful memories were interrupted when the front door of their house opened and Will entered inside.

"Evening honey," she greeted him," back already?"

She was confused. Usually, Will and the rest of the kids stay up late. Especially during summer.

Will didn't meet her eyes. Yup, something was wrong.

"Everything okay?" she asked him.

"Yep, everything's fine." he mumbled an answer.

Joyce didn't need to have the same powers as Eleven had to know what was wrong. The talk she had today with Jim echoed in her head.

She sighed.

"Will, honey," Will meet her eyes," whatever it is- "

"It's nothing." He denied, averting his head.

"- you can talk to me about. There is no need to hide anything. You know that right?" she said gently.

Will remained silent for a few moments. Then he looked back at her.

"Okay." he started to say quietly, and Joyce was deeply glad for it. "Today Dustin returned from the science camp and Mike- "

However, he didn't get to go on because both heard a sound of a car approaching their house.

"What the?" questioned Will as Joyce got up from her couch and together, they went over to the window to see who was coming.

It was a police car.

Jim. Why was he here?

"Why is Jim Hopper coming here at this hour?" Will asked, confused.

Joyce had no answer.

"I don't know. Let's find out." she said.

Joyce and Will left the house through the front door to see what was going on. The police wagon stopped right in front of their house, but it didn't shut off its engine. The light of the car blinded them briefly, so they shielded their eyes. What surprised both Joyce and Will, after they managed to get a better look, was not only the fact that it was Jim Hopper himself who climbed out of the car but also Mike and Eleven.

Okay, something was wrong.

"Evening Joyce." greeted Jim as he walked in front of them, fully dressed in a cop uniform.

He was calm, both in voice and body language. Although Joyce could see there was caution and worry in his blue eyes.

"Evening Hopper." She greeted back. "What's going on?"

Jim was quiet for a few moments. El and Mike were standing behind him.

Tense. And a little bit afraid. Mike put a comforting hand on El's shoulder.

"There's been a fire." Joyce looked at Jim sharply. "At the Munson's farm. The other officers and the fire department are already there. But I'm heading over there anyway to see if is… you know. To see if it is an accident or something else." he told her pointedly.

Joyce then glanced at El, who she now noticed had a backpack with her. And an anxious, worried look on her face.

The bad men. Could they be…?

"I was hoping if these two can stay here for tonight." He continued.

"Oh, of course." she agreed. "Of course, they can stay. Mike can use the phone to call his family to let them know that he's here. Right Mike?" she looked at Mike who nodded at her gratefully.

Will, who said nothing during the whole conversation, chimed in.

"You guys want to go inside?" he invited them, that lost and troubled look on his face when he returned gone and replaced with a smiling, welcoming one.

Grateful for the invitation, Mike and Eleven went to go inside the house-not before El gave Hopper a quick, strong hug which he returned in kind-and Will followed them inside.

Joyce addressed Jim, looking him deep into his blue eyes.

"Do you think it could be connected? if it is them…?"

Jim rubbed his mustache in deep thought. Joyce could see his right foot tapping.

"I don't know Joyce, could be an accident or it could be them or… it could be nothing at all."

"And the Munson's? Are they…?" she asked hesitantly.

Kathryn Munson came a few times over at their house, and vice versa at their farm. She remembered vividly how Kathryn came over one time, back then when Will disappeared (was kidnapped) to offer her support and comfort with some homemade apple pie. Joyce appreciated the kind gesture.

"Again, I don't know. I just received a call from Powell saying there's a fire." There was frustration in his blue eyes. Then determination. "I am going there right now. I'll inform you all later what is the meaning of all this."

Joyce nodded. "I know you will."

Hopper nodded and went to go back to his car.

"Jim," she called after him. Jim turned to look at her. "Be careful."

He smiled. "Always am."

Hopper entered his police wagon to check the fire while Joyce went back inside.

She decided to make some pancakes for the kids to alleviate the worry they were all feeling.

With the amount the time they spend at their house, she thought she was the mother of seven, not two.


It's not them

That's what was Jim repeating to himself mentally for an entire drive to the burning Munson's farm. Speeding down to the road leading there, he couldn't stop those dreadful thoughts gnawing inside his head.

It's not them, it's not them, Owens assured him, it was over

The worried, anxious look on Eleven's face clenched his heart tight.

Jim had to slow down his police wagon a bit so he could take a deep, steady breath. After a few seconds, he accelerated the car onto its previous speed.

'If it is them… they ain't gonna take her, I will not let them' Jim swore with ferocious intent.

Ever since Powell called him to tell him about the burning farm, a sense of foreboding danger has settled into the pit of his stomach. After everything that has happened in the past… what, nearly two years… the paranoia he felt was more than justified.

This whole thing could be just a coincidence. An unfortunate accident.

Or something sinister.

And just as he told himself that Starcourt will be the only problem this summer

Jim prayed, ever since the call, that William and his family were alright. That they weren't at the farm at all. Just went for a midnight stroll. And yet… that feeling of cold dread that hanged over him wasn't going away. As time went on, he accepted it, that dark part of reality that came with being a policeman.

I will not let them

Eventually, an orange light came in sight, illuminating the night. First, it was the full moon. And now it was…this.

Anxious fear boiled in his heart as he parked nearby several police cruisers and an ambulance van with HMH (Hawkins Memorial Hospital) letters on it. He saw there were two fire trucks, the firefighters themselves running around, trying to contain the fire. He noticed William's blue pick truck parked nearby, untouched by the fire.

Taking in a deep breath to steady himself, Jim opened the door and left the police station wagon.

He took a moment to observe the scene in front of him.

The barn itself has been razed to the ground. Several trees nearby were burnt to the crisp. The fire has been put out in that area. White smoke hung in the air despite it.

However, the house itself was a whole other story. His heart once again clenched at the sight.

Fire enveloped the entire two-story house, devouring it like a hungry beast, black smoke rising from it. Two jets of water rained upon it, the firemen attempting to stop the fire, to put it down.

Jim came back here a lot in the past. To check on William. To talk about their experiences in Vietnam. To see if he could help William or his family in any way possible.

It provided a distraction for… when Sarahpassed away… and Diane and he separated with Jim moving from New York back to Hawkins.

He realized, with shame, as he watched the firemen try to put out the fire that he hasn't come here in a while. He had his duties with being a cop, and with him secretly being a father to a telekinetic little girl.

No. Not a little girl anymore. A teenager. Growing up so fast. Too fast.

His heart once again clenched, he had a feeling it will be doing that a lot tonight, so Jim turned around and spotted Powell and Callahan talking to Brian Irons, the fire chief of Hawkins Firefighters Department, their faces illuminated by the fire and drenched in sweat. The combination of the warm night and the heat.

He walked over to them. They spotted him a few yards away from him when they broke off their conversation.

"Powell, Callahan, Irons." He addressed each one of them.

"Chief." Powell greeted him grimly with his arms crossed. When Jim returned to Hawkins in '79, Calvin Powell was one of the first people who greeted him back as a hero and helped him settle within Hawkins Police Department.

"Hopper." Callahan was disturbed. Holding onto his police belt nervously, Phil Callahan was still, in Jim's eyes, a kid. Even with what "police-style" mustache he grew. Jim suspected Phil tried to mimic him.

"Chief Hopper." Irons was the only one, besides Jim, who looked completely composed. Brian Irons himself was a man of average height, shorter than Jim, but stockier and yet still equally strong. Even though he recently turned fifty, Jim Hopper had no doubts the old man could take him on a fight. And probably win.

"What is the situation?" Jim spoke in a professional tone, trying to control his emotions.

Well, so much for his composure. Pull it together Hopper.

Please let them be safe

Irons answered him.

"So far we managed to prevent the fire from spreading in the nearby forest and the cornfield. The barn and several trees, as you can see, are done for. The house, however…"

All four turned their heads to gaze at the burning Munson's house.

"And the Munsons themselves?" Jim asked them. "Have anyone…seen them?"

The men before him exchanged looks.

"No one has seen them for now," Powell answered. "We've been calling the local farms, to check if anyone knows where they are."

"Nothing so far." Callahan continued. "Even though… his truck is still here." He added nervously.

Jim put his hand on his mustache, rubbing it in thought.

"I spoke to him to him just an hour ago." Jim stated. The three men watched him. "At the meeting in the city hall. Concerning Starcourt."

"Yeah, I was gonna ask you about. How did it go?" Powell asked in interest.

Powell, like everyone present, asked that question to let their minds rest from a yet unknown outcome of the fire.

Jim sighed.

"There's gonna be a protest tomorrow in front of Kline's office."

Irons whistled and then shook his head.

"Doubt that's gonna work, Larry is one giant, selfish bastard." he stated, with scorn so obvious Jim wondered if Kline could sense it miles away.

Heh, doubt it, he's probably stuffing his face with his secretary while his wife worked out with her fitness groupie. Poor Winnie.

A short burst of flame burst out of the porch, scaring the firemen away, and making all those who watched wince in a sudden outburst.

Jim himself felt nerves wracking his body and his mind, fearful of the possible, dark outcome.

Come on now Hopper, cool it, be in control

For El, for the rest of the kids… for Joyce

"Brian, do you know how all of this probably happened?" he inquired.

Brian looked over to the burning two-story house with sadness. He too knew the Munson family very well.

"Well, until we put down the fire, I can't say for sure… but it could probably be a gas leak or an electric faulty of some kind. However, I know William and Kathryn. They don't strike me down like people who would be so careless. Their son also wouldn't be that reckless either." Irons finished with doubt and worry etched across his face.

Jim knew that everyone, including the firefighters, the policemen, and the paramedics on the scene shared that same kind of thought.

Jim Hopper watched… and prayed that William and his family were safe and somewhere far away from this.

Making a decision, he decided to look around for… something, anything. He couldn't wait here, standing still while this inferno swirled in front of him.


Billy would have driven like a maniac. If only his car didn't have its occupants currently bleeding all over his fuckin backseat.

Keep it together Hargrove.

This was supposed to be a fun night. A crazy night.

Finally, after several weeks of planning and outright verbally playing around with Karen Wheeler, he managed to get an opportunity to show her there is more to life than being a boring housewife.… oh, who the hell was he kidding, he convinced a married woman to cheat on her boring ass husband in some dingy motel.

But nooo. What was happening right now?

Right now, instead of going to a motel for… well sex, here he was driving a woman and a kid. A woman who was bleeding on his backseat, and her kid who was covered in fucking blood, looking like some psychopath from Carrie.

Billy took in a deep breath while griping the driving wheel of his blue Camaro.

'Calm down Billy. Don't be a pussy!' he reassured himself. 'Think of the money.'

Ten thousand dollars. Ten thousand dollars to get this woman, Gabriela, that's what her name was, and the kid, Laura, to a safe place. A safe place from… whoever the hell set that fire. Because that was the only logical conclusion to this whole fuckfest.

He remembered with clarity, not only 10 minutes ago when both looked at that fire in the distance with… so much sorrow, regret, and sadness.

And how the hell could Billy ignore that. He may be a humongous asshole sometimes (most of the time), but he wasn't completely heartless.

He too was a human fucking being after all.

Well great, just great. Now he was feeling like complete and utter shit after he recalled the only reason he agreed to help with the "no hospital" thing in the first place was the money being offered to him.

The woman, Gabriela, didn't even need to present him the evidence. Pure desperation in her eyes told him enough.

He decided to address the unexpected backseat passengers, to check on them. He couldn't just ignore them for an entire drive.

"Hey, umm… how are you two… holding up?" Billy asked in a nonchalant voice as if he was asking them about the weather. Then he cringed inwardly at the stupidity of the asked question.

He looked at the rear-view mirror and saw the kid rise from her hunched position, looking up and giving him a disbelieving "are you fucking kidding me right now" look.

Yep, a stupid question.

"If… if you could…d-drive a bit faster?" he heard Gabriela ask politely in a strained voice.

That, Billy, could oblige.

"No problem." He said as he stepped on the gas pedal, speeding up.

Well, so much for driving carefully.

Hawkins countryside slipped past them in a blur. Bill didn't pay much attention to the speedometer, but he sure was driving at least 70 mph. He hoped they didn't get stopped by the police.

Doubtful, Billy knew where the cops are gonna be tonight.

"Está bien mija, está bien, no… no es tu culpa." Billy heard Gabriela murmuring softly to her kid.

He wasn't exactly fluent in Spanish, but you didn't have to be a genius to know that this woman was comforting her daughter. He hoped they will get there soon, because once he helps this woman stich back her wound, Billy's gonna have a loooot of questions for them.

What a fucking crazy night this was. And it's still not over.

Oh no. Billy knew this is just the beginning.

Fuck.

He needed a cig after this. And maybe some booze.

Fuck.


Will has just pulled out his reserve futon mattress for to Mike to sleep in when Mike himself finished his call with Ms. Wheeler, letting him know he was having a sleepover at their house. His excuse for that was Dustin did just return from the science camp and wanted to hang out with him more and the rest of the guys. Eleven was currently watching him, sitting on Will's bed, hands on her lap.

"Yeah mom, I know this is sudden and all, but come on I haven't seen Dustin in a loong time. Besides it's summer." Mike argued with her.

Will, who mentally winced at this excuse, couldn't help to feel that this statement was ironic and hypocritical, given what has happened earlier today.

After his mom announced that she'll make them some pancakes, probably... no, definitely to distract them from worrying thoughts swirling inside their heads like a… Will didn't know the right metaphor to describe this entire situation but was still a concerning one.

He heard Ms. Wheeler letting out a long, tired sigh from the phone speaker.

"It's alright, it will just be me, and," Mike turned his head and looked at Eleven, smirking, "the boys."

Eleven let out a small, girlish giggle (bet she learned that from watching sitcoms) while Will just rolled his eyes in annoyance. Honestly, those two could be so disgusting sometimes. Well, more disgusting lately.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be back as soon as possible first thing in the morning. Okay, thank you. Good night, Mom." Mike then put the phone down.

Before those two could continue their gross interactions for tonight (honestly, today was too much), Will turned around to address Mike and Eleven.

"Hey Mike, could you help me pull out a spare futon mattress from Jonathan's room for Eleven? It's kinda wedged in under his bed." He asked him.

For a brief moment, Mike's face scrunched up in strange emotion while Eleven looked at him briefly and then looked down. Was that… regret? Now come on, he was just going from one room to another, Mike could handle staying away from his girlfriend for like a minute.

"Yeah, yeah, sure, no problem." Mike responded, clearing up his throat.

As Will and Mike went to go inside Jonathan's room to pull out the mattress, his thoughts went back to when earlier Mike and Eleven explained what was happening.

There's been a fire. At the Munson's farm. And Jim Hopper thought it couldn't be a coincidence. Will agreed with him. After all, after what happened in the past two years… there was the reason for concern and caution.

Will couldn't help himself feel relieved that he wasn't… well for now at least on the other side of this entire situation.

One of the many things that made him angry and frustrated was that in these situations he was always the victim. The one who needed to be rescued. Who couldn't do nothing, who couldn't do anything to help, to contribute in some way.

Sure, it happened only twice in his lifetime. And the intervals between the two were apart just one year. But still, Will wanted to do something.

To help.

To feel useful.

Thirds time is the charm…right?

"It's under there." Will pointed to Mike the mattress under Jonathan's bed.

"Got it. How do you want me to…?" Mike asked but Will interrupted him.

"Just grab the end of the mattress and I'll grab the other end." He stated.

Mike and Will crouched down and grabbed the mattress, tugging with all their strength to pull it out. It remained stubbornly in its place, refusing to budge.

"Damn it, ugh, it won't go!" Mike huffed.

"Come on. Come on you stupid…" Will cursed, trying to, to no avail, to pull out the mattress.

"Do you need help?" a quiet voice piped in from the hallway. It was Eleven.

Both boys stopped their attempts in pulling out the stupid from under the bed and looked up to stare at Eleven who was standing in the doorway.

"Actually, if you could- "Will tried to say but Mike cut him off.

"It's alright El, we got this. You don't need to- "

Will and Mike both stood up and took a step back in surprise when the large frame of Jonathan's bed started to go up. It floated several feet in mid-air, right at their eye level.

Both saw Eleven with an outstretched hand and eyes narrowed down in focus.

"Well?" she asked them. She even lifted her right eyebrow in expectation.

Mike snapped out of it, and a second later, Will with him and they both pulled the mattress with zero effort.

It was agreed that Mike will stay in Will's bedroom while Eleven will stay in Mom's. If Hopper returns tonight, he gets the couch.

With the spare futon mattress retrieved, El gently put down the bed with a soft thunk.

Even now, he's still amazed by the display of Eleven's powers. The mere existence of them.

When Will first saw them, he was beyond awestruck. They were visiting on Will's insistence, her and Hopper in his old grandfather's cabin in the woods in which they resided. Will still had nightmares back then about…him (he still has them sometimes) when they visited.

Eleven, who saw him being unconformable, she understood him at that moment very well, demonstrated her abilities by first lifting her books and toys, then a couch, and then, to his utter delight, Will himself.

It was…incredible. At that moment Will felt for the first at ease, no longer feeling that anxiety and fear. Of a possibility of being taken again.

It was nice to finally meet Eleven properly. That one time, the only time they meet was back then when he was in that cold and dark place. When she assured him that help is on the way. Assuring him he was not alone.

At that moment Will decided he liked Eleven and was glad to become friends with her. Hearing about her from Mike, Lucas and Dustin didn't do her justice. She really was awesome. Things were finally looking up for him after a long time.

That is until Eleven and Mike decided to spend more and more time together. More time together away from their friends. Will took solace in the knowledge that he wasn't the only one who felt that way.

After dragging the spare futon to mom's bedroom, both boys returned to Wills's bedroom to do…something to pass time. Will would suggest D&D but that was out of option for now. Especially for this situation. Doesn't feel appropriate.

"Sooo… do you guys want to…uhmm…draw something?" he asked, unsure.

Will had no idea what to do. What to suggest. The air in the room was awkward.

Mike and Eleven have gotten that same look of regret on their faces. And there was…guilt?

"Umm Will, we were meaning to say… that is," Mike began, looking greatly unsure of what to say, standing there in the middle of his bedroom, scratching his head.

"We had a…talk… with Dad." Eleven continued, back again sitting on his bed, hands nervously folded on her lap. "About me and Mike…spending too much time together."

Ah, that's what it is.

So, Will and the rest of the party weren't the only ones who noticed this. Well, he knew for a fact that Hopper would eventually pick up on this. He was, after all, a cop.

"Oh really? What did he say?" Will asked them, folding his arms at his chest and expecting a clear answer from both of them.

Mike and Eleven glanced at each other and then looked down. In shame.

"He said...that the two of us," Mike referred at himself and Eleven, "spending too much time together is…a problem."

"Dad said…that we are…ditching our friends." Eleven continued. He saw Mike flinch in guilt. "Max, Dustin, Lucas…you."

Will took it all in silence.

"Well, he's not wrong." Will affirmed. Mike and El cringed at that. "I mean, okay, you two haven't seen each other in a long time- "

"That's what Hopper said." Mike interrupted him.

Will stopped for a moment, then continued. "-and it is great you…two love each other and all that- "

"Dad said that too." Eleven added, blushing.

Will closed his mouth. He took in a deep breath.

"With all that said…Dustin returned today." Will emphasized.

"We know." Mike agreed, looking down.

"After a month, to be honest, is not that long. But with the way you two have started to spend time together- "Will was feeling a bit irritated. And angry.

"We know." Eleven whispered.

"-and all of sudden we are…what just not good enough for you?"

"Its not that!" Mike protested hotly.

"Well, what is it then?" Will countered.

Mike opened and closed his mouth, obviously not knowing what to say.

"Will." Eleven addressed Will. He turned his head at her. "I am sorry."

Will raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"We are sorry." She gestured at herself and Mike.

"We are sorry Will." Mike added in. "I'm- "

"Code red! Code red!"

All three heads shifted in the direction of a static, panicky voice coming out of Will's walkie-talkie on his table.

"What the-"Mike confused murmur didn't continue when Will swiftly walked over to his table and picked the walkie-talkie.

"Code red! I repeat, code red! Does anybody copy?"

It was Dustin.

"Code red-"

"Dustin, this is Will, what is it?"

Will sensed Mike and Eleven coming near him to listen.

"Will! You have to listen to me! There's been a fire!"

Will traded confused looks with Mike and El.

"Yeah, I know," Will answered, not liking where this is going, "At the Munson farm. El and Mike are over here at my place. Hopper dropped them off. Why do you-"

"Oh, thank God! Now listen to me. It's the bad men, the bad men set the farm on fire!"

As those words vertebrated through his bedroom, for a moment Will couldn't hear or see anymore; all he could feel is awfully familiar slimy cold and darkness. He could feel his blood turning into ice and his heart almost pounding out of his chest as he locked eyes with shocked, widened eyes of Mike and Eleven.

Oh, poor Eleven.

Her entire body looked as if time itself has stopped. Motionless, paralyzed in fear; in a painfully bout of empathy, Will knew exactly how she felt.

As she grabbed Mike's hand in comfort, the only thought that came to Will was small, almost childish one.

'I was actually really looking forward to the 4th of July festival.'


Jim walked around the burning Munson farm, investigating. Searching, trying to find something, anything that would lead to answers for this inferno.

He was currently behind the said infernal, burning two-story house as flames started to die out and reduce themselves under the pressure of combined preventive efforts of the firefighters. Nevertheless, it was still too dangerous for them to enter the building.

Using a flashlight, tried to find evidence and came up with nothing; a dark cloud blocked the light of the full moon. Sighing, Jim was about to return to the front to join the others when suddenly he caught a glimpse of something shining in the dark.

"What the hell?" he murmured to himself as he went over to see what it was, his flashlight illuminating the path ahead of him.

There, right at the cornfield, approaching one field corn plant, he saw on its leaves, reflected by the light of the fire, shining dimly. It was…blood?

Jim took one step further and leaned in to inspect it closely. Yes. As of matter of fact, it was blood. The light of the flashlight illuminated the dark, red splotch splattered across the leaves of the field corn plant, which by the looks of it was beginning to dry out. The thick coppery smell was one of many ways to confirm it.

"How the hell did Powell and Callahan didn't see this?" Jim muttered roughly to himself in confusion, as he tried to find a reason why on earth, they didn't see this.

Panic. Or they probably didn't look much deeper than that. He couldn't really fault them.

Jim had to remind himself of the fact that his experience was vastly different from that of Powell's and Callahan's; him being a homicide detective in New York for years, while those two didn't have a serious crime situation in their hands until Benny Hammonds "suicide."

When the image of Benny's bloodied corpse flooded in his mind, Jim pulled his Colt Python police issue revolver out of the holster with his right hand and used his flashlight in his left to investigate further, entering the cornfield in a slow, cautious manner.

While traversing through the field of corn, he spotted several more blotches of blood splattered on the field corn plants. Jim also noticed that those blotches lead right in the path of the forest ahead of the cornfield.

Jim did not like where this is going.

Leaving the cornfield, Jim stood on the edge of the forest, thick trees visible only a few feet in front of him. The combined light of the fire and of the flashlight didn't help in that regard of illuminating the path for him.

As if on cue, the dark cloud blocking the moon parted, allowing the light of the full moon to broaden his vision.

It allowed Jim to see something… yellowish in the distance. Approaching the yellowish object, he knelt down to see what it was.

It was a yellow Walkman. With bloody fingerprints on it.

Holstering his revolver and pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket, Jim picked up the Walkman to examine it more closely.

By the looks of it the fingerprints were small. Not small for someone like Nathan Munson; he was nearing the end of his teenagehood and was big enough for a man. No. This looked like it belonged to a small child.

Using the flashlight to examine the area, Jim took notice of another object on the ground. Just a few feet away from him, nearby a protruding root of a tree. A paper of some sort?

No. Not just paper. As Jim crouched down to pick it up, it was in reality… a photograph.

In the photograph were a group of children, six of them, and, by the looks of it, a nurse at their side. The children themselves wore white clothes, brandless and dull by design.

Funny, in a way it reminded him of-

…No.

No.

That's…impossible.

"What the fuck?" he whispered in shock, understanding and yet not understanding.

As if Jim Hopper has been sucker-punched in the gut, he felt the invisible dread that has been building up from the moment he received the call about the fire crashing at him at full force.

Pieces of puzzles fell into place with electrifying clarity in his mind.

Fire.

Farm.

Blood.

Walkman.

Picture.

This felt alarmingly familiar.

This was alarmingly familiar.

This means-

"Chief? Chief do you copy? Where are you?" Powell hailed him from his walkie-talkie.

Taking in a moment to steady himself, Jim answered.

"I'm at the back, in the woods searching for evidence. What is it, Powell?"

A pause. And then…

"You…you should come back." Powell replied in a strained voice.

Feeling his heart dropping, Jim closed his eyes, his worst fears confirmed.

"It's the Munson's, isn't it?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

Silence again.

"Yes, Chief…they found three bodies."

Images of William, Kathryn, and Nathan came to him in painful, quick succession.

Him and William in military barracks back in Vietnam, both discussing their wives and prospective futures-

"I have a son," William announced, with tears of joy and a letter in his hand, "his name is Nathan! Kathryn chose it."

All soldiers in the barracks cheered, including Jim, glad to have some good news after a while.

-Kathryn, welcoming him into their home-

"Jim, I'm so sorry for your loss." Kathryn embraced him.

The hug felt hollow. William stood on the side, not watching them, but watching his son, swinging on a makeshift swing, gripping the railing of their porch.

William telling him all about how Nathan won a prize at one of those rodeos' competitions, pride and love shining in his eyes-

"It was amazing Hopper; you should have seen it! Kid's a natural." William proudly exclaimed, presenting a golden trophy for first place with an embarrassed but happy Nathan Munson standing beside him.

"Congratulations are in order kid, you sure make your old man proud," Jim smirked.

Taking in a shuddering, heavy breath to compose himself for a few seconds, Jim replied, "Copy that. I'll be back in a minute."

When Powell confirmed it with a strained "Copy, sir." Jim Hopper dropped his flashlight, put his hands on his mouth so he couldn't be heard, and let out a brief, strangled, grief-stricken scream.


After God knows how many minutes have passed since his speed up, Liberty Motel finally materialized in its full view, its pink and blue neon sign flickering in the night. Billy had to slow down because he nearly slammed into one of its pillars that held the first floor of the motel when he parked his blue Camaro.

"Okay, we're here." He announced as shut off the engine and opened the driver seat door.

Leaving the car, Billy briefly checked the area and was relieved to find it empty.

Good. That meant there was no one to witness him helping out a wounded woman and her kid who looked as if she went through a war zone.

This also meant that Karen wasn't here at all.

Also good. That could only mean two things. One, she was late, or two, she decided not to come at all. Billy didn't know if he should feel relieved or disappointed. Or alarmed. Because surely an extra set of hands would have been greatly helpful at this moment.

Hearing the back seat door open, Billy turned his head and saw the kid, also looking around. But somehow the way she did was…oddly professional. As if she was taught to do so. He also noticed that she…was she sniffing the damn air?

"Jesus." He muttered; she acts more like a dog than a kid. Billy shook his head.

He filled that display for another question for later. One of many he had.

Opening another back seat door, Billy helped Gabriela out of the car with the kid, Laura, who went back inside the car, helping him.

It was slow, cautious progress. And agonizing for the woman.

She took in several shuddering breaths as Billy gently grabbed her from behind in order to avoid touching her wounded side, propped her up, and slowly pulled her out of his car. Carrie-

no, it's Laura you idiot, he wanted to smack his head

- carefully adjusted her legs so she could calmly and slowly get out of the car. He put his head under his right arm, again, and went to go upstairs to room 203, which he reserved for himself and Ms. Wheeler.

In hindsight, thank the Lord she wasn't here.

However, before they went to the rented room, Billy twisted his head to inspect the backseat of his car. There… wasn't that much blood, to be honest. Nevertheless, it was enough to be concerned.

How the hell is he gonna clean that up?

The kid, Laura her name was as he reminded himself for 100th fucking time this night, went to retrieve their backpacks from the floor of his car and shut the doors with her foot.

"W-we…we've b-been here bef-fore…" Billy twisted his head back to face the woman, "t-this morning."

Billy was surprised by that. "Oh, really? Then how come you two…" Billy trailed off, approaching the stairways, Laura trailing behind them, holding two backpacks on each of her arms. She looked calm but could tell by her eyes she was anxious and worried.

"Our c-car broke down. A f-family took us i-in for the night." Gabriela explained, flinching, whenever at the pain or the mention of the family.

It was the family because in Billy's mind two pieces of information connected. The family that took them in for tonight was the one whose… if he were to guess their house was burned down. Was in the process of being burned down.

And that family was, without doubt…killed.

Billy felt sick.

Approaching the stairways, they slowly took step by step, and within a minute, got upstairs, rounded around the corner, and approached the door with numbers 203 engraved on them.

"Okay, look," he stated as addressed the woman and the kid, "tonight I reserved this room for myself and a…friend. But looks like she didn't come. So, I gonna head back downstairs to get the key from the reception." Billy explained. "You wait here, I get the key and the first aid kit from the car. Got it?"

"Got it." Gabriela stiffly nodded.

Billy then hesitantly glanced over at Laura, who just stared at him. Billy felt as his she could see his soul. He repressed a shudder.

Laura then nodded, put the backpacks on the floor, went over to steady Gabriela as Billy detached himself from her, and went downstairs to retrieve the key.

Billy's mind wandered as he approached the door of the reception office. He couldn't drive them to his house. Even though Neil and Susan were away for the next two weeks on a vacation, Billy simply couldn't risk it. Especially if Max, the little shit bird, comes back home.

Billy suddenly stopped just a few feet in front of the reception door.

Because just a few feet away was a post lamp. A post lamp which illuminated him entirely. And noticed that his black, leathery jacket (which was freshly bought) was covered in bloodstains.

"Shit." Billy swore.

He couldn't walk in looking like this. The manager, a woman, knew he came here for a one-night stand. Billy didn't outright say it, but he did imply in an overly coy (and eager) voice that's was gonna happen.

He felt like an idiot.

Well, it wasn't his fault he stumbled upon two would-be victims of an arson slash murder cover-up!

Oh yeah, that was just what Billy needed to end this horrible night. A call to the police and a night spent in the slammer. And a possible accusation of murder.

"Shit, shit, shit." He let out a few more for a good measure.

Thinking quickly, Billy swiftly removed his jacket, walked (ran) over to his car, and deposited it inside, leaving him in a short-sleeved shirt on the top. It was a warm night.

He inspected himself once again.

Satisfied with the fact he was clear of blood he then took in a deep breath and prepared himself mentally for a quick talk with the manager. With a slight jog, he arrived at the reception's office, opened the door which its bell signaled his arrival, and entered.

Emerging from the back room, a woman appeared. Curly red hair, fat (could be lard-ass mother) with a cigarette in her hand and a scowl on her face. Although her face brightened up a bit when she saw him. Arrogantly, Billy thought he was probably the most handsome guy to stop by at this dump.

He already had a cover-up story planned.

His date got cold feet and, wouldn't you know it, his aunt and little cousin arrived for a visit. Oh, why the motel? The house is already crowded as it is.

Billy smiled, turning on his Hargrove charm, and went to sweet talk in retrieving the key.


Pain pulsed, burned on her side, as Gabriela gripped the railing on the motel's first floor to steady herself, feeling sweat rolling down her forehead. She wished they stocked up on some medical supplies during their journey. The only thing they could get is some painkillers and some gauze. Gabriela would have procured something more, but the fear of Transigen and its paid thugs spotting them always prevented her from doing that.

Gabriela noticed that Laura was watching her with concern and, even though she hid it well, fear in her green eyes. Fear for her.

Years of raising Laura, ever since she was a toddler, taught her a thing or a hundred about her. And the blood-covered form which made the whites of her eyes clearer.

Once the blonde-haired teenager, Billy his name was, left to retrieve the key for the room, a slightly more alarming look emerged on Laura's face. Out of concern for her.

Gabriela knew the moment they nearly ran into Billy's and went to confront them before he saw a sign of arson, Laura was already preparing to kill him.

It was one of the two main reasons she pleaded for help (the other being they needed to get out before they were found) because she knew this young man, a brash he seemed, wasn't aware of what was going on. And by the looks of it, he was just going on a date.

Enough blood has been spilled tonight.

It shouldn't have been spilled at all.

Guilt wracked her body, equally painful as the wound on her side because Gabriela felt as if she had just done something else. Something besides agreeing to a welcoming offer of dinner and a place to stay overnight.

Something that wouldn't have led to their…

Gabriela squeezed her eyes shut to prevent tears from leaking out.

Nevertheless, they streamed down her cheeks.

Gabriela blinked several times, to clear her vision and looked over at Laura, who stood there with her head hung in…guilt?

Why would she-

Oh.

Oh, my sweet child.

"Laura." Laura didn't look up. "Laura mírame."

Laura slowly looked up and reluctantly locked eyes with Gabriela.

"Esto no es tu culpa." Gabriela stated firmly. "Nada de esto que pasó fue tu culpa."

Laura didn't say anything, she just looked away, just in time for quickened footsteps to announce the arrival of the blonde, Billy, joining them, carrying a large first aid kit box and the key for the room.

"Okay, I got the key and the first-aid." Billy proclaimed as he unlocked the motel room door.

Quickly depositing the kit and the key on the table, he went back to help Gabriela get into the room with a silent Laura picking up their backpacks and following them inside.

"Okay, come on, easy, easy there…" eventually they made it to the bed.

Gabriela was slowly and gently lowered on it so she could sit on it.

As Billy went to open the first aid kit, Gabriela saw Laura deposit the backpacks beside the bed. She then stood up and faced Gabriela, with a worried look on her face. And still covered in blood.

"Mija, w-why don't you go t-to the bathroom to cl-clean up, hmm?" Gabriela suggested gently, indicating with her hand her blood-drenched form.

Laura studied her a bit for a moment, then took a long moment to observe the blonde teenager who was currently fumbling around with the first aid kit.

"Todo estará bien Mija. No te preocupes." Gabriela reassured her.

Laura eventually nodded, picked up her blue backpack, and went to go to the bathroom. But not before stopping right at the door, clenching her hands into fists, and turning her head to the side to stare fixedly at the blonde.

Billy noticed this and nervously stared right back at her. Then…

"You hurt her; I kill you."

The threat was stated in a flat, emotionless tone. It would have been incredibly silly to hear that from a small child. Especially if it was an adorable one such as Laura was.

Then again, few children such as her, experienced harshness and brutality as she did. The kind of cruelty that stripes you of your more innocent features and what makes some things they say… believable. And makes a death threat from an eleven-year-old girl sound terrifying and very much believable.

Her being covered in blood also added to the fear factor.

Gabriela just closed her eyes and sighed as she could assume, without doubt, the blonde paling at the words uttered by Laura. She could hear him take a nervous gulp.

"…Y-yeah, sure, of course, no problem. I-I understand." Billy replied quickly, unsettled by her threat. Then he went on. "If…if you could pass me a towel from the bathroom."

Gabriela opened her eyes and glanced at the two watching each other, tense.

"Y-you know…for the…blood." He finished.

Laura stood there for a few tense seconds, and then eventually she unclenched her hands, bobbed her head in confirmation, opened the bathroom door, and gave him a peach-colored towel.

"Here." She offered stiffly.

"Thanks." He thanked her uneasily.

Laura closed the door and could be heard turning on the shower. Gabriela knew she was listening either way. She prayed at least for the remainder of the night to go off without violence.

"All right. You said you are a nurse, correct?" Billy asked, putting an opened first-aid kit and the peach-colored towel at the bed beside her.

"W-were." she corrected shakily. "Y-you don't h-have to- "

"No, no, I insist." He interrupted. "Looks like you need help either way. And besides, I don't wanna feel useless just standing there while you patch yourself up."

Gabriela felt grateful for the assistance.

"T-thank y-you."

"No need to thank me yet ma'am, you still owe me an explanation." Billy stated.

Gabriela sighed and looked over at the contents of the first aid kit. The usual; plasters in a variety of different sizes and shapes, sterile gauze dressings, triangular and crêpe rolled bandages, disposable sterile gloves, tweezers and scissors, alcohol-free cleansing wipes, sticky tape, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and some distilled water for cleaning wounds.

All the things she recognized with expertise and experience of being a nurse for years. She immediately took some ibuprofen for the pain.

Gabriela took a deep breath.

"W-well…it all s-started…" she suddenly gasped when another pulse of pain coursed through her.

"Okay," once again Billy interrupted, watching her with concern, "lets first take care of that," he pointed at her wounded side, "then you'll explain all this. Preferably tomorrow morning, because after this, you're gonna need some rest." He finished, leaving no room for argument.

Gabriela chuckled at that. Looks like some bravado from their earlier meeting returned. She was probably delirious from the pain.

"Umm…I'm still gonna need some instructions. Not exactly an expert on this." Billy explained, looking quite unsure on what to do.

Gabriela took in another deep breath (she'll be doing that a lot tonight) and started to instruct the blonde teenager in front of her on how to help her.

The sound of shower water running hummed in the background.

"Very w-well. First, we need to remove…"

And with that started a long process of instructions, hissings of pain, and another blood-drenched business.

At least at this moment, its purpose was for healing rather than destruction.

In her mind, Gabriela let out a prayer… and an apology for the family whose intention was only to help them.

I am sorry.


Steve Harrington entered, once again, to his all too empty big house in a state of fatigue and…nono, scratch that, he felt like he's been picked up by some angry god and squeezed in its fist of all of his energy. Steve didn't know that working in an ice-cream parlor would be so…mind-numbingly exhausting.

He supposed it was a punishment on its own, as his dear old dad would say.

Steve sighed.

It wasn't his fault he couldn't sign in for college. Despite the heroics he pulled in the past two years, the educational system of America did not care for it.

You didn't pay attention and performed poorly in class, resulting in your grades dropping. Nope, sorry, no higher education for you, just a tedious, boring-ass job in a mall that demands so much but pays so little.

Steve groaned as he ascended the stairs to the upper floor and followed the hall which led to his bedroom.

"Come on Harrington, think of the positives." He muttered to himself as he opened the bedrooms door.

Entering his room, the only focus he had was on the bed.

Oh how I missed you so much.

Approaching it and dropping down on it face first with a grace of a sunken whale, Steve let out a content sigh.

"It could be worse," he continued his muttering, voice muffled by the sheets, "like monsters from another world."

And just he said those words, fate went oh really in a form of a ringing phone.

Steve let out a frustrated grunt slash scream and with great reluctance, left his soft, cool bed, left his room, got down the stairs, and picked up the phone.

Whoever called him in this ungodly hour is going to…

"Hello?" he responded, not even having the energy to be sneakily rude.

"Steve."

Steve blinked.

"Henderson?" despite his exhaustion, he smiled. "How are you man, back alre-"

"Steve, listen we have a problem! Code red!"

Steve immediately straightened up. Dustin's voice sounded urgent.

"What is it?" he asked firmly, having a bad feeling about this.

"It's the bad men," Steve felt his blood going cold, "the bad men are back."

What the hell?

"What to do you mean there are back? I thought it was…you know, handled." He spluttered, confused and apprehensive. Then he cut to the chase. "What happened?"

"I heard them."

"You heard them?"

"Yeah Steve, I heard them. With Cerebr- with the ham radio we built today. They were talking about burning down a farm to hide the evidence. And that evidence is dead people Steve!"

Steve was left speechless by the explanation.

"Holy shit." He whispered.

"Yeah, holy shit. Look, I already contacted Mike, Will and Eleven. There at the Byers. Hopper left them there because he's there right now. We're all gonna meet up first thing tomorrow morning at their house. You in?"

As if he needed to ask.

"Of course, I'm in Henderson. I'll see you there first thing in the morning."

He heard Dustin exhaling in relief. "Great, great, I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay."

A beat of silence passes.

"Be careful Harrington."

"You too Henderson."

When the line went suddenly quiet, it also left Steve feeling that dreadful feeling of an incoming storm. A fight once again against monsters. From their world.

"Me and my big stupid mouth." He put a hand on his face.

It also left him with another terrifying question inside his mind.

What about the monsters from the… other side?


Nancy thought nothing could break her newfound bravado and determination. After setting up an interview tomorrow with Ms. Driscoll, she had found a small speck of light that will motivate her.

To find a new story. To prove herself.

Even as Jonathan expressed doubt, even as he dropped her off at her house, Nancy felt nothing could break her resolve.

And then mom called her, saying Mike is on the phone and needed to speak to her urgently. Saying it was some weird business with the…Upside.

That was their code for trouble. In case the events that happened in the past…happened again.

Taking control of herself when the reality hit her, she calmly went down, picked up an offered phone speaker from her mom, pretended to nod and hum, as if Nancy was having some kinda arrangement, and thanked him.

After making a flimsy excuse, Nancy went back upstairs, silently ran to Mike's room, and picked his walkie-talkie.

Briefly checking, to make sure no one heard her, Nancy turned on the walkie-talkie and then firmly asked. "What is it?"

"The bad guys are back."

Silence. And then.

"Shit." She swore. "How?"

"A farm…" Mike began to explain, "a farm was burned down. Long story short, we built a radio today and Dustin overheard tonight. Hopper dropped me and Eleven at the Byers. He was called in."

"They…burned down a farm?" confusion and dread crawled over her like spiders. "Why?"

"To cover up…they killed people Nancy."

Nancy felt her heart beating hard against her ribcage.

Then she was the one who was hesitant, fearing the answer.

"…Who?"

"The Munsons."

With electrifying clarity, an image of Nathan Munson came to her mind.

Nancy clasped her mouth in shock…and grief.

"Nancy..."

"…I'm here Mike. What's the plan?" she asked shakily.

"We're all meeting first thing tomorrow morning at the Byers."

"Okay… okay. I'll see you tomorrow."

Once again, silence.

"…Copy." Was Mike's strained reply.

After the walkie-talkie shut off, indicating the end of their covert conversation, Nancy felt small tears streaming down her cheeks.

Once again, once again another young life was struck down.

Once again, some opportunistic bastards took an innocent life.


After finally managing to develop those photographs and get them ready for tomorrow morning, Jonathan returned to his home around 9 pm.

Before he did that, however, he dropped a fuming Nancy at her house. It wasn't an easy day for her. He heard what Bruce and his asshole co-workers said to her.

Jonathan himself was pissed off. The fact they laughed at her and mocked her for suggesting a rather good piece on Starcourt and the effect it is having on Hawkins, its citizens, and the local businesses.

And instead, what do they do? Complain about the food they ordered.

It left him feeling enraged.

For a moment that is. He wanted nothing more than to go and face those smug, uptight assholes and shout in their faces (and possibly punch one) for doing that to his girlfriend.

Then again, Jonathan had to steady himself because he couldn't afford to lose this job. Finding a job in the first place is tough on its own, especially today because of the Starcourt shopping mall.

Besides, Jonathan knew Nancy strong, tough. He'd seen her, the real her in the past two years. She could handle those pricks on her own. Because Nancy managed to find a story.

He was still skeptical about the whole thing when she told him. Diseased rats didn't sound that much interesting nowadays, with the Fourth of the July festival looming in closer.

At least those were the only things they had to worry about.

Just some assholes at work and finding a good piece for a story.

No fighting monsters from another dimension.

No trying to outsmart shadowy, rogue elements of the government.

No need to worry about his little brother being kidnapped or possessed by some demonic force.

Just… you know… regular, normal elements of life for a teenager at the end of its phase.

Which is why he couldn't explain the sensation of a bad feeling when he was driving back home. An invisible dread he couldn't shake off, looming over him like some hungry, demented spider. Or a Demogorgon.

Or the Mind Flayer.

He shuddered. Jonathan's had enough of those for a lifetime.

Byers's residence came into view, with all its lights turned on, their hue brightening the pitch-black darkness.

Shame, it was a nice full moon's light just a few seconds ago, why did it have to go away?

Just as Jonathan finished parking his car and leaving the vehicle, shutting the door behind him, the front door of his house opened and from it emerged his mother. Looking…distressed.

When she saw him there was a little bit of relief in her eyes. And yet she still remained tense.

"Mom?" Jonathan called her with concern.

The last she looked like that was back when Will was…

He immediately ran to her side with haste.

"Mom, what's wrong? What happened?'" he inquired further. "Did something happen?"

His mother remained silent for a few seconds.

And then he saw tears forming in her eyes, nodding her head.

Jonathan's heart dropped.

"Mom…?"

"It's not Will," she assured him quickly in a strained voice, "it's…it's something else. There's been a fire. At the Munson's farm. Its…"

She didn't get to finish her sentence when suddenly a car approached their house.

It was a police car.

It was Hopper's wagon.

Both Jonathan and his mom watched as the police wagon parked in front of them, as from it emerged a tired form of Jim Hopper.

They watched as Jim Hopper took hesitant steps in their direction and stopped right in front of them.

Jonathan heard the front door creaking wider open and saw Will… and Mike and Eleven standing there with saddened and troubled looks on their faces.

"The Munsons," he heard his mother ask…with desperate hope in her voice, which was somehow mixed with…dread, "are…are they?"

"They're gone." Stated Jim, with grief so clear on his face Jonathan could hardly believe it. He always seemed so strong. He could even see that Jim's eyes were glistening.

Then his brain caught up with what Jim Hopper just said as his mother put her hands on her mouth in shock and grabbed his arm to steady herself.

"Dead?" Jonathan repeated numbly.

How?

As if on cue, it was his little brother who provided a simple, but terrifying answer.

"The bad men." Jonathan turned his head sharply to look at Will, while also seeing Mike hug Eleven, "The bad men set the fire. They're back."

Jonathan looked back at Hopper, who previously had his head down in guilt, who was staring at Will in alert as if his worst fears have been confirmed.

The bad feeling that Jonathan felt before he arrived home had suddenly become much, much bigger. The familiar trepidation of the past two years hit him in the face with full force.

The only question he could ask was…

"How?" asked Hopper sharply, beating him to a punch. "How do you know that?"

"Dustin overheard them. On a ham radio which we built this afternoon." Answered Mike, still holding Eleven in a hug.

Jonathan could only hug his mother in comfort as Will joined them and Eleven detached herself from Mike and went to hug Hopper.

Only one thought came to his mind. A naïve one.

We won. It was over. We beat them. We won…


Heather Holloway drove her bicycle through a shortcut in a park, which was right near the Hawkins Community Pool. It was a pleasantly warm evening as she pedaled, passing along the benches and a small playground for the kids.

It was a great day today. The only thing she had to do was sit around in that highchair, watch the people (and anybody else catching her…interest) play and swim and simply have fun. The best part of all was that she was actually getting paid for it.

And it was a plus to see Billy Hargrove hot bod.

Heather still had that crush on him, ever since he arrived in Hawkins.

Popular, strong, good looking, a charmer but tough when needed…what's not to like. Her dad wouldn't exactly approve, which made him even more appealing.

Heather sighed. Her father wasn't exactly having a good time of life himself these days. With Starcourt opening here, she had heard him secretly wondering if they're going to lose their jobs as well. Heather even heard about the possibility of moving out because of the possible opportunities in the big cities.

Heather thought this was somewhat hypocritical given the fact he told her numerous times during the summer to be careful, like for example a possibility of being mugged. She wasn't afraid of being mugged because… come on this is Hawkins.

Okay, there's been that incident with the Byers boy missing in the woods for, like, a week two years ago. And wild dogs being spotted the previous year.

And that laboratory was shut down because of a toxic leak that resulted in the death of Barbara Holland.

Heather sighed. That was truly sad and tragic.

Apart from that, it was still Hawkins. Your good old boring small town in the middle of USA. With a recently opened shopping mall being the new hot spot.

Nothing ever interesting happens in Hawkins-

Her inner thoughts were interrupted when she heard rustling coming from the nearby bushes.

Startled, she stopped suddenly, losing balance, and nearly crashing down with her bicycle.

Fear gripped her heart as she watched the green dune rattle for a few seconds. Then it stopped.

Heather watched in apprehension, wondering what it could be. One of those wild dogs people were talking about?

When eventually nothing happened, Heather took in a deep breath to steady herself.

"Come on Heather, keep it together. It was…it was just the wind. Yeah, that's right, just the wind. No need to be afraid." She told herself in reassurance and comfort. "This is Hawkins. Nothing to worry about."

And just as she said those words, a shadowy form emerged from the bush and knocked her off her bike.

Letting out a surprised, terrified shriek, Heather landed hard off the park's grounds, the impact leaving her breathless.

Not even having time to stand up and run, something collided with her head, knocking her out flat-out cold.

The only thing, the only thing she saw before her vision faded away was…red…just red…


The Shadow was restless. After managing to build itself a body made from those inferior, numerous vermin, its next plan was much bigger… material.

In spite of that, the Shadow still needed to tread carefully for its next step of the plan. It was currently carefully dragging a female human that was riding on that…odd metallic contraption. Although it wasn't careful about it for her sake, rather for the state of the vessel. The Shadow needed it intact for its plans.

It was hoping to get a human called Billy Hargrove. Apparently, the local humans seemed to venerate him as an alpha male, attracting a lot of attention, appraising him for his strength and his good looks, as well for his confident attitude. Attitude and attention which could be very useful for the Shadow's future.

But it simply couldn't find him.

It has sent feelings of primal rage all over the Shadow.

Nevertheless, the Shadow had another plan in reserve.

Heather Holloway.

From what it could understand, the local humans too seemed to venerate her, especially the males.

As the Shadow entered Brimborn Steel Works, it chuckled. With the right mammal glands, the Shadow could take over and end the entire world. How pathetic they truly are.

The Shadow wondered who has opened the gateway between its world and theirs? Those same humans in suits who wanted to use it for their own ends?

It doesn't matter, it had plans of its own.

Expect, the Shadow first needed to end the child. She was after all the biggest threat to its plans.

In the large, grey, abandoned factory, the Shadow made Heather's body its own. The Shadow wanted to thread the grounds again. After that boy failed to provide the knowledge the Shadow had wanted.

Oh well, it doesn't matter. The Shadow will end him too.

The Shadow. Will end. Everyone.


Once again my apologies for the delay in the update. A lot has happened, with the holidays, the job, writer block, and other factors which made me late.
A couple of notes:

1. The reason why there are no more experience soldiers in a first place is that Transigen just completed the Key and they don't want to attract too much attention.

2. Hopper and the rest would be more wary and suspicious about the fire because as said, they dealt with a lot of dangerous people, and things, in the past.

3. I'm not an expert on how to treat wounds, nor their consequences so any helpful tips and messages would be deeply appreciated.

4. Finally, once again I want to ask how do you want me to proceed with Spanish sentences? Do you want me to just write them in italics, or are they okay as they are?

Anyway, that's it. Next chapter the Hawkins crew deals with the mystery of the arson/murder cover-up while Billy deals with Gabriela and Laura. See you guys soon :)