The roar of Black Betty's engine softened as Ursula eased the truck to a stop at the darkened dirt road that led to Hopper's cabin. The night pressed close around them, thick and still, but the faint glow of headlights illuminated the faint outline of the winding driveway ahead. Ursula threw the truck into park, leaving the engine rumbling softly as she glanced back at the boys.

"Alright," she said, jerking her chin toward the road ahead. "This is where we get serious. Harrington, you're with me."

Steve blinked from the passenger seat, caught off guard.

"What? Why me?"

Ursula's grin widened, sly and sharp.

"Because I said so. Now move."

As Steve climbed out, Eddie leaned over, calling through the open door.

"Guess that's what you get for being her 'favorite passenger.'"

Steve shot him a look but couldn't help the smirk creeping across his face.

As Steve's feet hit the ground, the night air greeted him with an odd sense of calm, broken only by the distant rustle of leaves. Ursula stepped ahead of him, her boots crunching on the gravel as she gestured toward the cabin's long, shadowy driveway.

"C'mon. Gotta disable a few surprises before we drive down. Can't have you idiots tripping any alarms."

Steve followed her, his expression half-curious, half-exasperated.

"Alarms? What kind of—"

A low, deliberate growl cut him off.

Steve froze mid-step, his eyes snapping to the shadows ahead. From the inky darkness, a figure emerged—sleek and muscular, moving with purpose. The dog's amber eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, his ears pricked forward, tail still but vibrating with potential energy.

"Holy shit," Steve muttered, his voice dropping.

Ursula's expression softened instantly as she dropped to one knee, her tone shifting into a singsong lilt.

"Mister BEEE! C'mere, best boy!"

At her voice, the dog's demeanor changed in an instant. His tail wagged furiously, his entire back end wiggling with uncontainable joy as he bounded toward her. He stopped just short, sitting with military precision and leaning forward to give her a quick, affectionate lick on the hand.

Steve watched the exchange with wide eyes.

"Uh… is this your dog?"

Ursula grinned, ruffling Bahamutt's ears fondly.

"Yup. This is Bahamutt. Best boy in the multiverse. Isn't that right, B?"

The dog's tail thumped against the dirt, his gaze shifting toward Steve. For a moment, he hesitated, his head tilting slightly as he sniffed the air. Recognition dawned slowly, and his tail wagged harder, his entire body vibrating with excitement. Bahamutt took a tentative step forward, sniffing Steve's outstretched hand before breaking into full-blown wiggly-butt mode.

Steve crouched down, his apprehension melting into a grin as the dog pressed his head against his leg.

"Okay, okay—I get it. You're happy to see me. You're somethin' else, aren't you?"

Ursula smirked, standing back with her arms crossed.

"Took him a second to recognize you, but he's happy now. Aw, buddy, did you miss your Uncle Shteev, huh?"

Steve scratched behind Bahamutt's ears, his grin widening as the dog leaned into the touch.

"Uncle Steve, huh? Guess that makes me the cool Uncl."

From the truck, Eddie leaned out the open window, his voice dripping with mockery.

"Looks like you've got your Scooby-Doo, Harrington. Congrats."

Steve shot him a look but said nothing, too busy trying not to melt under the dog's enthusiastic affection.

Meanwhile, Ursula straightened, her grin softening into something fond as she watched them. "Alright, boys," she said finally, her voice steady but amused.

"Fun's over. B, to me."

At the command, Bahamutt immediately stepped back from Steve, trotting to her side and sitting with perfect discipline. He cast one last, tail-wagging glance at Steve, but the moment Ursula moved, he followed without hesitation.

"C'mon," Ursula said, nodding toward the road ahead.

"Let's get this done."

Inside the truck, the warm hum of the idling engine filled the quiet space, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves outside. Eddie leaned back in his seat, his arms crossed over his chest. Through the window, he could see Ursula and Steve moving in the moonlit darkness, her dog following at her heels like a soldier obeying orders.

"This girl's like a damn tornado," Eddie muttered, almost to himself. The weight of everything pressed heavy on his mind, but it was her, more than anything, that stuck there, refusing to let him think straight.

Beside him, Dustin fidgeted with his letter, his fingers flipping the edges of the paper absently.

"She's something, huh?"

"Yeah," he replied, his voice softer than usual.

Eddie turned his head, his gaze serious.

"You really believe her?"

Dustin hesitated, the question hanging in the air as he stared at the paper in his hands. Slowly, his fingers stilled, and he looked toward the window where Ursula stood silhouetted by the truck's headlights.

"I don't know," he

admitted. Then, after a pause, "No...I do, though."

Eddie raised an eyebrow.

"What does that even mean?"

Dustin exhaled sharply, a quiet laugh slipping out as if he knew how ridiculous it sounded.

"I mean… it's insane, right? But look at my Dad's truck. The gadgets. The letters. And…" He trailed off, his eyes lingering on her as she

gestured for Steve to hand her something.

"I get this… feeling. Like she's not lying. She's not here to mess with us."

The conviction in Dustin's tone caught Eddie off guard. He studied him, noticing the subtle shift in his expression—the way his usual bravado had softened into something deeper, more protective.

"She's kinda got your face, man," Eddie said finally, his voice lower. "And your mouth.

"She's really pretty." A small, rueful smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Dustin snorted, the sound breaking through the tension.

"Aww, you think I'm pretty?"

Eddie rolled his eyes, but his lips quirked into a half-smile.

"Shut up, Henderson."

But Dustin didn't let it drop. His grin faded into something thoughtful as he stared out at her again.

"She's more than pretty, though," he said quietly. "She's beautiful. I see… Susie in her. It's weird.

Eddie blinked, caught off guard by the mention of Dustin's girlfriend. The honesty in his words hit him, leaving no room for jokes. He followed Dustin's gaze, watching as Ursula finished whatever she was doing and stood, brushing her hands off against her jeans.

She was beautiful, Eddie thought. But more than that—she was magnetic. A tornado, sure, but not the kind that just tore things apart. The kind that pulled everything toward its center. He could feel it already, that pull, wrapping around him like a net. And for the first time in a long time, Eddie wasn't sure if he wanted to fight it.

Before either of them could say more, the truck door creaked open, and Ursula climbed in, Steve trailing behind her.

She gave the boys a grin, flashing a thumbs-up.

"Alright, we're good," she said, her voice easy and confident.

"Let's get inside, and then you get to meet the goodest boy."

The long, narrow driveway leading to the cabin stretched out ahead, shrouded in darkness and flanked by dense woods. The truck rumbled softly as Ursula navigated it carefully, the engine's low growl humming like a predator stalking through the night. Beside the truck, Bahamutt trotted confidently, his movements fluid and watchful as if he knew this was his territory to protect.

Inside the cab, the boys were subdued, the adrenaline from their joyride still lingering but tempered by the quiet, eerie atmosphere. Eddie glanced out the window, catching glimpses of the shadowy trees, while Dustin sat forward, fidgeting with his seatbelt.

As they neared the clearing where the cabin sat tucked away, Ursula slowed the truck to a stop, its headlights casting long beams over the weathered structure. She threw it into park but kept the engine running. With a practiced motion, she leaned out of the driver's side window and whistled sharply.

"B," she called, her voice calm but commanding.

"Perimeter check."

Bahamutt froze mid-step, his ears swiveling toward her. His amber eyes gleamed as he gave a single, sharp bark of acknowledgment before vanishing into the darkness like a phantom.

Steve leaned forward from the backseat, his brows furrowed.

"Wait, you just let him run off? What's he even doing?"

"Exactly what I trained him to do," Ursula replied, flicking on her cigarette lighter and taking a slow drag.

Dustin pressed his face to the window, squinting into the darkness.

"He's… checking the perimeter? Like, for what? Vecna's boogeyman friends?"

"Or nosy neighbors," Ursula said dryly, exhaling a stream of smoke.

"Either way, he'll let us know if something's off."

Eddie leaned back, his gaze still fixed on the shadowy tree line.

"You're telling me your dog can clear a security sweep around a whole house?"

Ursula smirked faintly, the glow of her cigarette casting a fleeting light across her face.

"Better than most humans. Just wait."

The group lapsed into silence as they waited, the steady hum of the truck's engine filling the quiet.

After a few minutes, a sleek shape emerged from the darkness. Bahamutt trotted toward the cabin, his tail swaying with deliberate calm. He stopped short of the porch and sat, his posture straight and alert, his sharp gaze locked on Ursula.

"That's the signal," she said, flicking her cigarette into the gravel. She cut the engine and grabbed the keys.

"If he sits, it's clear. Let's move."

Inside, the cabin feels stark and utilitarian—Ursula's been living here only a day, but it's not homey. Maps, papers, and supplies are scattered on the table, like a bunker headquarters. Ursula flips on a lantern, the warm glow revealing details of her setup.

The door remains open, and the faint sound of soft, deliberate tail thumps comes from outside.

Bahamutt peeks his head in the doorway, calm and perfectly still, his amber eyes sharp and watchful. Despite his stoic posture, his wiggly butt and thumping tail betray his excitement as he spots his mom.

Ursula's expression brightens, her tone shifting into that singsong, playful voice as she calls for him.

"Mistah BEEE! C'mere, best boy!"

Eddie notices the sweetness in her voice and has that fleeting thought—huh, pretty. Bahamutt darts forward the moment she calls but stops in front of her first, tail still wagging like mad as he fights to hold still. He leans in quickly to give her a soft, affectionate lick on the hand—his way of checking in—before turning his attention forward. Ursula ruffles his head fondly, smirking. Ursula softly, teasing,

"Alright, go on. He's waiting for you."

At her permission, Bahamutt beelines straight to Dustin. There's no hesitation, no sniffing—his nose has already confirmed it. Dustin barely has time to react before the dog collides with him gently, pressing his small, sleek body against Dustin's chest, tail wagging furiously.

Dustin, surprised but delighted, drops to sit on the floor, laughing,

"Whoa, hey! Okay, okay—hi, buddy! Mr. B, c'mon, I'm not going anywhere!"

Bahamutt smothers him with kisses and nudges, his tail going at full speed as he vibrates with joy. Steve, watching with a mix of amusement and confusion, shakes his head. Steve: "Okay, that's weird. He recognized me too when we checked the perimeter, but not like this."

"That's cuz Dad is B's pack leader."

Eddie raises an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he watches the chaos. Ursula lets Bahamutt and Dustin have their moment before speaking again, her tone shifting back to calm authority,

"Mistah B. To me."

At the command, Bahamutt immediately stops, trots away from Dustin, and returns to Ursula's side. He sits perfectly still, his tail slowing as he resumes his usual, watchful demeanor. But then his eyes shift, catching sight of Steve. The familiar tail thump and wiggly butt start again, his body vibrating with contained excitement.

Bahamutt looks up at Ursula, letting out a soft, howly-whiney sound, his head tilting slightly. Then he sneezes, a short, comical burst of air. Ursula raises an eyebrow, smirking down at him. Ursula teasing says,

"Okay, go see Unca Schteve again."

Bahamutt licks her finger quickly—a little "thank you" kiss—before immediately bolting toward Steve with happy, controlled energy.

Bahamutt reaches Steve and presses his head against his leg, his tail wagging steadily now. Steve crouches down, scratching his ears with a grin.

"Okay, okay—I missed you too, buddy. You're somethin' else."

Dustin, still sitting on the floor and watching Bahamutt's happy reunion with Steve, grins widely "This dog is awesome. Seriously."

Ursula straightens, turning to look at him with a proud smile. Ursula: "Of course he's awesome. He's the goodest boy."

She pauses, her voice dropping to something a little drier as she gestures at Bahamutt, "Only time he's ever disobeyed me in his entire life? Hitchhiking through a time portal."

Dustin's eyes widen, and Steve snorts softly, still petting the dog. Ursula walks over to Steve, kneeling down beside Bahamutt and giving him a thorough ear scratch. The pup leans into her touch immediately, his eyes half-closing in bliss. Ursula lowers her voice like she's speaking to a particularly naughty child, "And you, sir, are a freshy for hitchhiking. That was very, very naughty, bubba."

Bahamutt lets out a happy little huff, clearly not ashamed in the slightest. Ursula scratches behind his ears a little more before adding, "You didn't even bring your towel, Mista Bee. What kind of adventurer are you?"

Bahamutt's tail thumps against the floor as he leans harder into her hand, soaking up the affection.

Ursula gave Bahamutt one last affectionate scratch, brushing the dog's fur from her hands as she straightened. Her eyes darted toward Eddie, who stood watching from a few feet away, arms crossed and expression unreadable. His gaze flickered from her to the dog, his curiosity barely masked beneath the thin veneer of nonchalance.

A faint grin tugged at Ursula's lips. She jerked her chin toward him.

"Alright, big guy—let's go meet someone new," she said lightly.

At her words, Bahamutt's ears perked, and the lively thump of his tail slowed to a steady rhythm. His posture shifted, the playful energy from before replaced by a calm, sentinel-like focus.

"C'mere, buddy," Ursula said, motioning him forward.

Bahamutt obeyed, trotting toward Eddie with measured steps, his amber eyes locked onto Ursula the whole time as if silently checking for permission. His movements were confident but cautious, a picture of perfect training.

Eddie, caught off guard by the dog's composed approach, crouched down slowly. He extended both hands, palms up, his voice surprisingly soft

"Hey, buddy… it's cool, man. Just me," he muttered.

Bahamutt paused just shy of Eddie's reach, his nose twitching once before leaning forward to sniff the offered hands. After a moment's consideration, he licked them—a couple of quick, polite kisses—before leaning back slightly.

Ursula's grin widened.

"Aww, you bein' sweet and givin' kisses already?" she teased, her voice dipping into a singsong tone that Eddie definitely noticed.

At her words, Bahamutt perked up immediately. His tail started wagging furiously, and he turned, shimmying backward until his butt was nearly pressed against Ursula's leg, a clear demand for scratches.

Laughing, she obliged, giving his rump a vigorous scratch.

"Spoiled brat," she muttered affectionately.

Steve snorted from where he stood watching.

"Oh, come on. That's ridiculous. He's showing off."

Ursula threw Steve a mock-glare.

Bahamutt, scratching behind his ears as she added, "You're just jealous 'cause he's smarter than you, Harrington." She turned back to Bahamutt, scratching behind his ears as she added, "Wait, wait—watch this. Hey, B?"

At the sound of his name, Bahamutt's head snapped up, ears twitching.

Steve crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.

"Seriously. That head tilt thing is too much."

Ursula crouched slightly, her tone turning playful.

"B, where's your toy?" she asked, her words lilting like a challenge.

Bahamutt cocked his head, first to one side, then the other.

"Do you know where it is? Your toy? Huh?"

Another tilt. Dustin chuckled from the side.

"Okay, that's adorable."

"Alright, buddy," Ursula said, clapping her hands lightly.

"Go find it!"

Bahamutt took off immediately, nose to the ground. He sniffed his way around the room with intent, making quick, efficient passes until he stopped abruptly near a corner. With a triumphant little snort, he picked up a worn rope toy and trotted back toward his bed, his tail wagging proudly as he flopped down to chew it.

"Good boy, B!" Ursula praised, her voice warm. The dog's tail thumped rhythmically at her words.

Steve shook his head in awe.

"That's a good freakin' dog," he said, the admiration clear in his tone.

"Damn right," Ursula replied, straightening up.

"That there is the most loyal creature on the planet. He's legit saved my life. Like, for real."

Eddie tilted his head, his curiosity piqued.

"So… does 'B' stand for anything?"

Ursula's lips twitched into a mischievous grin as she turned toward him.

"Oh, yeah. His full name is Sir Bahamutt the Prismatic Destroyer: Best Pup in the Multiverse. It's just faster to say "B."

Eddie froze, blinking in disbelief.

"Wait. Wait. Like Bahamut? The celestial dragon? D Bahamut?"

"Uh-huh," Ursula said, raising an eyebrow like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"A-doy. Don't you know who my parents are?"

Eddie's posture straightened as his eyes widened.

"You play?" he asked, his voice brimming with excitement.

"Please tell me you play."

"Play?" Ursula echoed, her grin turning proud as she planted her hands on her hips.

"Honey, I'm a third-generation Hellfire Club member. I kept that shit alive when the pandemic hit and the world shut down for three years. But play? No, Eddie, I don't play because this shit is NOT a game!" She punctuated the declaration with a loud slap on the table, her eyes gleaming with humor.

Eddie's jaw dropped, his face frozen in a mixture of awe and disbelief.

"Wait, what?" Dustin interjected, his brow furrowing.

"Pandemic—what? That doesn't even—"

Ursula waved him off casually.

"Don't worry about it. Might not even happen now."

Before anyone could process that, Ursula's face lit up.

"Oh, oh! And also, I even have a Hellfire tattoo. How's that for commitment?"

Eddie's mouth opened, then closed, then opened again.

"You—you have a Hellfire tattoo?"

Without hesitation, Ursula hooked her thumbs into her waistband and tugged down the back of her pants just enough to reveal the ink. The crisp, intricate Hellfire Club logo stared back at them from her hip.

The sight knocked Eddie's brain straight into overdrive.

Her smooth skin. The familiar lines of the logo he'd designed. The confidence in her grin. It hit him all at once like a damn thunderbolt.

His mind spiraled: his fingers tracing the ink in his mind. Her laughing at something he said. Her…

"Eddie!" Dustin's voice cut through the fog.

Eddie blinked hard, jolting back to reality just as Ursula straightened up again.

"And my character?" Ursula began, oblivious to Eddie's meltdown.

"You're gonna love this."

Eddie cleared his throat, trying to focus.

"Wait, wait—start over. What's your character?"

"Nyx," she declared, her grin widening.

"Nyx Obsidianveil: Half-elf rogue -slash- shadow sorcerer multiclass. Level 20. Went full solo against a lich king's army once and won."

"You're joking," Eddie said weakly, sinking into a chair

"Nope," she replied, deadpan.

"Damn," Dustin murmured.

Eddie slumped dramatically.

"WHY! This girl is too perfect. I'm totally still gonna die."

Steve and Dustin exchanged a look, their silent agreement clear: Ursula and Eddie were a done deal. Neither said a word, but their smirks said it all.