#every time there's an earthquake i'm completely oblivious | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

aloneinthehellfire · 2 years ago

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Chapter 24: Hell Comes To Hawkins

Season One | Season Two | Season Three | Season Four

Word Count: 7170 words of i'm writing through blurry eyes cause i just realised this is the last chapter

Warnings: swearing, trauma, mentions of death, visions, guns, mentions of scars, lots of tears

[A/N: We did it. This is the last chapter of RH4... My mind is racing with a million grateful words. I just can't believe we've completed this series. I hope this chapter is somewhat satisfying and enough to possibly continue our story in the future <;3 ]

My Masterlist

Hell Comes To Hawkins

Two days later…

Taking a breath, you look down at the boxes you had packed, the sight almost identical to where you were last year. Except this time, you weren’t leaving.

There was so much unfinished business left in the town. Even if the news had claimed it was just an ‘earthquake’, that wouldn’t put an end to Vecna’s plan. You needed to be ready.

“Stop worrying so much.”

You turn back to where Max was shuffling through tapes, her smile bright as she sets them down and leans against the wall.

“I have every right to be worried.” You sigh, fussing with the jacket on a teddy bear you had long forgotten. “It isn’t over.”

“Maybe not.” Max shrugs, pursing her lips before an idea strikes her mind, eyes light. She straightens her posture, looking down at the boxes. “So… what if we just leave?”

“What?” You set down the soft toy in your hands and face her properly.

“It’s not like I’m going back to school any time soon.” Max continues, wandering around the room and making her way to the window, peering out. “We could just… go. You know, travel. Maybe start in LA or something.”

You take a deep breath, watching as your sister tenderly brushed her fingers against the glass before glancing back at you with a genuine smile.

“That sounds perfect.” You smile at the idea, fiddling with the ring on your hand.

“Yeah!” She nods, coming closer to you, “We wouldn’t be gone that long, just like a vacation or something. I mean, we deserve it, right?”

“Yeah…” Your voice trails as your smile begins to falter, but Max is oblivious to your emotional change, shaking her head in glee.

“We could go to Europe!” She suggests before frowning. “No, that’s too far. Maybe we just stick with America and don’t go too crazy.”

“Max.” You say softly and she turns to you, eyes wide in anticipation. You sigh, slumping your shoulders. “We can’t.”

“If you’re worried about leaving everyone, don’t.” Max steps forward, looking up to you in admiration. “You literally just risked your life- died- for all of them. If you think for another second you still owe them something then you are genuinely crazy.”

“I guess I gave them hell, huh?” You attempt a joke, but your heart was far from in it. Max chuckles at your words, nodding.

“Yeah, you did.” She grins, before suddenly raising her eyebrows. “So… vacation? And don’t claim we have no money because I’ve been keeping those jars safe for you for almost a year and they’re heavy.”

“Max…”

“No, we need this.” She states, frowning, “We need to get out of this town and just let go of the past. After everything we’ve been through, we deserve to be together for once. A family.”

“I want that more than anything.” You assure, teary eyed. Your hand wanders to stroke her hair before you let it fall back by your side. “But we can’t.”

Max’s brows furrow as she stares up at you with her blue eyes, searching your face for some kind of answer. “Why not?”

A tear slips down your cheek as you close your eyes, heart wrenching.

“Because you’re not real.”

Once you open your eyes again, you’re left standing in the middle of your room. Alone.

Wiping away your tear with a shaky breath, you stack a few light boxes and make your way out of your room and down the stairs.

Even your hallucination of Max was right. You needed to stop holding on to the past before it shattered you completely.

As you slide another box into your trunk, you let out a sigh, mindlessly fiddling with the ring on your right hand. Anything to distract yourself.

There was a slight tremor in your fingers, but you noted that as an effect of sleep deprivation.

You and Lucas had been at the hospital, taking shifts whenever the nurses kicked you out for staying too long. Neither of you wanted Max to be alone.

You didn’t know how, but she had survived. Even knowing her heart was still beating, it still broke you to look at her so fragile, covered in casts. Whenever you weren’t by her side, your brain had mustered up some kind of illusion of her to cope with the pain. It wasn’t healthy, not by a long shot, and you hadn’t told anyone about it. You just wanted your sister back.

They don’t even know if she can wake up from the coma.

But it was a second chance. And you would find a way to bring her back. No matter how many times you had to will the Mind Flayer’s presence to you and plead it to bring Max back the way it did you and Eddie. You weren’t giving up.

“Someone order pizza?” Karen asks, but you pay no mind. You slot another box into the trunk before there’s a tap on your shoulder.

You turn, frowning in confusion when Nancy points to the van approaching in the distance.

Squinting your eyes, you notice the pizza sign, eyes widening.

They had finally returned from California.

You all gather in the driveway, eagerly waiting for the vehicle to stop. When everyone steps out of the van, you can’t help the grin that spreads onto on your face.

El immediately catches sight of you and you move towards her, catching her in a hug.

Everyone celebrates in embraces around you, the reunion long overdue. You all deserved this; to be together again. You needed this.

You kiss El’s forehead, overcome with joy as she tenderly touches your face.

“Hey.” You laugh and she giggles.

“Hi.” She beams at you and you hold her again.

It had been so long since you had seen El, much less heard her voice, that it brought a tear to your eye. When you and the others lost communication to California, your mind constantly brought up the worst scenarios. You were just grateful she was okay.

“I’m so sorry.” She mumbles into your hair and you frown, stepping back.

“For what?” You ask, before focusing on her, holding her back at arm’s length. “Wait, what happened to your hair?”

Her eyes fall to your chest, noticing the scar lines that begun just above your shirt. “What happened to you?”

“Vecna.” You say and she frowns. “Oh, right. Uh… Henry Creel. One?”

Her face drops before crashing back into you, arms wrapped around your torso. “He killed Max.”

It was barely a whisper but you heard it, letting out a shaky breath. “She’s alive.”

El looks up at you with teary eyes.

“She’s at the hospital.” You nod and she looks over to Will. “You should go see her.”

“Are you coming?” She asks and you tighten your lips, glancing over to where Steve and Robin stood.

“I have to drop of some boxes in my car.” You say with a sigh, stroking her hair. “But I can come get you later?”

She nods, “I want to go to the cabin.”

“Then I’ll pick you up at the hospital, yeah?” You promise and she smiles.

El catches Dustin waiting and runs over to him, pulling the slightly injured boy into a hug.

You watch as everyone talks, the teary greetings and happiness. You wished it wasn’t because you were all imagining the worst had happened to eachother.

“Y/n?”

You turn to the voice before your eyes widen in glee, immediately jumping at the boy as he laughs, catching you and spinning you around.

“Shit!” You grin, pushing his shoulder. “Couldn’t pick up a damn phone?”

“Couldn’t stay out of trouble?” Jonathan retorts and you raise your hands in surrender. He laughs before his face slowly falls, struggling to hide an expression you knew as sympathy.

“I’m guessing Nancy told you?” You ask quietly and he nods, pulling you into a hug.

“I’m so sorry.” He says and you nod, willing the tears away.

“What happened with you?” You question, glancing around. “And where’s Joyce?”

“I…” He takes a breath before frowning. “I have no idea. She went on a business trip and I’ve been calling her but... no answer.”

“I’m sure she’s okay.” You comfort, rubbing his shoulder. “I mean, it’s Joyce. She’s pretty badass.”

“Yeah.” Jonathan chuckles before noticing something behind you. “Oh hey, man, come meet Y/n.”

You raise an eyebrow, turning around to see a boy stood there shyly. His long hair fell on top of brightly coloured clothing, sporting a pizza chain shirt and you smile.

“You must be Argyle.” You greet and he smiles, nodding. “Jonathan talked about you a lot on the phone.”

“Yeah, he doesn’t have any other friends.” Argyle chuckles, extending his hand and you take it with a small laugh, “Jonathan talked about you a lot. Oh, and Nancy. Like, a lot, dude.”

“Oh, yeah, did he do that thing where he pretends it’s the end of the world when in reality all he needed to do was talk to her?”

You send your friend a knowing look and Argyle laughs, nodding.

“Yeah, dudette, he’s so stressed it’s stressing me out.”

“Same! And she’s not even my girlfriend.” You comment and his eyes widen in happy surprise, elbowing Jonathan.

When you shrug, Argyle steps next to you, hand on your shoulder. “I like your sober friend, here.”

“And I like your mellowed out friend.” You nod approvingly.

“Okay, okay.” Jonathan intercepts, pushing you both apart. “I thought this was a good idea but it looks like you’re gonna bond and use it against me.”

“How’d you know?” Argyle widens his eyes and you smile. “Hey, if you ever want some palm tree delight, you just gotta come find me.”

“Noted.” You grin as he walks away, stepping back into his van. “I think I just met my new best friend.”

Jonathan playfully shoves your shoulder. “Hey, get your own.”

“I seriously missed you.” You smile, “I feel like it’s been years since we got to just... hang out, together.”

“I missed you, too.” Jonathan sighs, running a hand through his hair. “But we’re here now, right? To stay?”

“I haven’t got anywhere else to be.” You reassure and he lets out a relieved sigh, ruffling your hair as you laugh.

“Good.”

“Uh, can you take the kids to the hospital?” You ask and when his eyes widen, you sigh. “I’ll meet up with you guys later, I just- I need to get these boxes to the high school but I promised El I’d drive her up to Hopper’s cabin.”

“We’ll meet you there.” He agrees.

Steve and Robin call you over and you take a breath, moving to your packed car and slipping into the driver’s side, Dustin already waiting in the passenger seat.

You stayed and volunteered with the others, thinking you could at least do some good while waiting to pick up El from the hospital.

Setting down a kid’s shirt, you raise your head to see Robin chatting away with a girl across the room, making quick work of spreading bread. The way she was smiling, her eyes lighting up… you knew the ginger girl next to her had to be Vickie, her smile just as wide.

Beside you, you notice the proud look Steve bore as he shook his head with delight.

“That’s adorable.” You comment and he looks at you, smirking.

“Yeah, well, she deserves it.” Steve says, folding up a shirt.

As you place another item of clothing on the folded pile, you found yourself disassociating, everything feeling off. Around you, people were reeling from the ‘earthquake’, some homeless, others volunteering, not a single one of them knowing the truth behind the disaster. Why were you stood here folding clothes when Vecna was plotting his next attack? How many more scars would you obtain next time? What nightmare will keep you awake again and again until the next-

“Hello?” Steve waves his hand in front of your eyes and you snap back into reality, a nervous chuckle on his lips. “You okay? Just, uh, just lost you there.”

“Hm?” You inhale a breath, shaking your head. The flicker of a burning memory fades from your mind, images of Vecna’s claws covered in your blood vanished. “Oh, right, yeah, I’m fine.”

Steve sends you a sceptical look and you laugh, gently nudging his arm.

“Seriously, I’m fine.” You offer him a quick smile before leaning over the table and snatching clothing from the messy pile in front of him. “Now come on, clothes don’t fold themselves.”

“Jesus, could you imagine having to do this every day of your life?” Steve chuckles, the neatly folded t-shirt between his hands set down beside him. You could tell he was only trying to make you feel comfortable, but you enjoyed the distraction. “Surely no one can have this many clothes.”

You raise your eyebrow with a smirk. “Aren’t you the guy that wants, like, a dozen kids?”

“How do you know that?” Steve frowns, pausing his hands, “And no, not a dozen.”

“You told me years ago.” You explain with a smile. “Yeah, I remember we were out at Skull Rock and this couple goes by with a kid- you ended up complaining that they were ‘tarnishing’ your hard work or something like that- then you said something else about wanting kids and when I asked for a number, you said 12.”

You finish with a little nod of content and, when Steve doesn’t reply, you glance over at him to see he’s looking at you with an expression that made your heart melt.

“What?” You giggle, sorting out clothes. You figured you should at least separate them from shirts and pants.

“I just… I can’t believe you remembered that.” Steve shook his head, returning back to the task at hand with a smile on his face.

“I have a great memory.” You comment with a shrug, noticing a baby-grow in the pile. You tentatively reach out and hold it out in front of you. You remembered when Max was that small.

“What about you?” Steve questions, clearing his throat when you raise your eyebrow. “Kids, I mean. Do you think you’d ever have kids?”

“Someday.” You smile, gently stroking the fabric. “You know, after getting a house and a job. I… I always wanted a big family.”

Steve’s focus on separating clothes had vanished now, solely focused on you. “Really?”

“Yeah. I just hate the idea of being in an empty house, you know?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I do.” Steve smiles, holding your gaze. For a moment, everything felt like it was falling into place, pieces of a puzzle that for so long you thought never fit.

When you realise the silence, you turn back to the table, clearing your throat. “But, uh, that’s gotta wait until I’ve wasted all my money on travelling.”

“Still the plan, huh?” Steve chuckles knowingly, returning to the task but glancing over at you with creased eyes.

“Yeah, absolutely. I want to go everywhere.” You laugh, folding up the grow and placing it on the table next to you. “The entire world if I can. Max and I always said…”

Your voice drifts, the white shirt striped with colours paused between your hands.

“We always said that we’d build our own home somewhere new, no matter how far.” You finish, your voice barely a whisper as a sob is caught in your throat.

“I-” Steve starts but you clear your throat.

“It’s fine.” You dismiss, letting out a breathy laugh, “Here I am talking about kids and travelling when I can barely take care of the six I already got.”

He sets down a blue shirt and looks to you, startled. “That’s not true.”

“Why are we pretending, Steve?” You suddenly ask, brows furrowed.

“What do you mean?” He frowns, lowering his voice to a whisper, aware of the residents currently wandering around him.

“Why are we all pretending that it’s all fine?” You start, controlling the tears threatening to spill.

“Vecna won. Max is in a coma. Eddie-” You take a breath, gnawing at your bottom lip. “And- and what? We’re meant to just carry on and pretend like it was all an earthquake? It’s been two days.”

“Hey, hey, hey.” Steve grabs your shoulders, rubbing the space of your upper arm. “Look at me. We all know it’s not okay. We know. We- we’re just trying to get through it.”

“By ignoring it?” You stare up at him, brows furrowed. “Look at the past four years of our life, Steve. Where has ignoring it ever gotten us before?”

As Steve searches for an answer, your eyes drift to the clock on the wall, the minutes ticked by so quickly that you realised you had other plans.

“I need to get to the hospital.” You suddenly announce, quickly shuffling around clothes and grabbing your keys from your pocket. “I’m meant to be taking El up to the cabin and meeting everyone which will probably end up being too late because Hop’s cabin must be in shambles right now, and I don’t want to be there too late ‘cause it’s my shift at the hospital next and I really-”

“Woah, okay, okay.” Steve interrupts you and you take a breath, running a hand through your hair. He dips his head down to meet your eyes, catching your hands. “You need company?”

You smile at his offer, to know that he never wanted you to feel like you had to do anything alone. And, just as you automatically went to blurt out a ‘no’, you stopped yourself.

You didn’t have to be alone anymore.

Because you were never alone.

“Could you…” You begin, pushing away the part of you that made you feel like a burden. “Maybe come with me to the hospital later? To see Max.”

Steve raises your hands in his to his lips, gently kissing them before releasing you and nodding. “Of course.”

“Thanks.” You smile, sighing. “Don’t have too much fun sorting clothes without me.”

“Couldn’t possibly have fun without you here.” He retorts with a grin, watching as you walked towards the entrance, keys in hand.

As the doors come into view, something catches your attention out of the corner of your eye. A man was pinning a ‘missing’ poster to the bulletin board, a worried frown on his face. Your breath hitches.

A hand rests on your shoulder and you jump slightly, meeting Dustin’s tired eyes. “Hey. Sorry.”

“No, no. I’m just… on edge.” You admit, smiling down at him. He notices who you were looking at, your fingers mindlessly twiddling the ring on your right hand.

“I’ve got this.” Dustin says, nodding towards him.

“You don’t have to-”

“I want to.” He assures and you let a breath out, planting a kiss on his head.

“Okay.” You nod slowly, “I’ll, uh, I’ll see you later.”

Dustin simply smiles before walking over to the bulletin board, his limp still prominent in his stride. It had gotten worse the more tired he got. Max wasn’t the only person you were visiting in the hospital.

Eddie was kept under observation after his wounds were checked out. The doctors had stated that there wasn’t an infection, but something was effecting his blood pressure. You and Dustin had been visiting ever since then, bringing different games and magazines to help him cope with staying in bed. You didn’t want to admit it, but you had noticed how his complexion had been paler each time you saw him. The doctors ensured everything was fine, but you felt like they weren’t telling you something.

And, when they deemed him fit to leave after those two nights, they hadn’t officially released him. No, you had to beg and cry as you watched men escort him from the building, almost ending up detained from your efforts.

And, in the total chaos and despair you were feeling, no one had the chance to track down Wayne and tell him where his nephew was, much less inform him that the kid he raised was under arrest for murder and he wouldn’t be able to see him ever again. Part of you was just grateful Dustin would be the one to explain; you weren’t sure you could bear that look on Wayne’s face when it was your fault Eddie was ever involved to begin with.

Especially since you weren’t at all convinced Eddie was arrested for murder.

Hours before...

“Knock, knock.”

You poke your head around the door with a smile, Eddie’s amused face staring back.

“You know, there’s this crazy thing where if you tap the door, it’ll make that sound for you.” He chuckles and you enter the room.

“I had no hands, dumbass.” You laugh with him, collapsing the stacks of entertainment on the table beside him. “Anyone who says that out of pure delight and not convenience scares me.”

“Agreed.” Eddie nods with a smile. You notice his pale skin hadn’t changed, bags under his eyes a little worrying. But he was up, and he was smiling.

“How are you feeling?” You ask, perching on the side of his hospital bed. The white sheets had been bunched up to allow his bandaged legs to be free from the suffocation of the material.

“Like I’m never gonna find a better drug than this thing.” He laughs, tapping the morphine drip beside him. “But other than that, I’m ready to go.”

“And your legs?” You pester further, just to be safe.

“Well…” Eddie sighs, leaning into you and tightening his lips. “They say I may never dance again, coach.”

“Shut up.” You roll your eyes, unable to resist a smile.

“Nah, I’m fine.” Eddie finally assures, shrugging. “I’m not gonna be ready for bikini season anytime soon but I’ll live.”

“Good.” You say and he smiles. You let out a brief laugh. “No one should have to see you in a bikini.”

“Asshole.” Eddie shoves your shoulder lightly just as another head pokes around the corner of his hospital room.

“Knock, knock.” Dustin grins before entering the room, clapping his hands.

Turning your head, you see Eddie is stifling a laugh, ultimately releasing it once he caught your eye. Dustin giggles, walking up to the bed while shaking his head.

“Why are we laughing?” He asks, still giggling along nervously.

“Don’t worry about it.” Eddie dismisses, waving his hand.

Dustin shifts his gaze between you both before rolling his eyes and suddenly shimmying his shoulders, wagging his eyebrows. It was a recent replacement from his excited little hops he would always do, his ankle temporarily unfit for the movement.

Eddie sends you a look before stretching his arms. “Let me guess… you know something.”

“I do.” Dustin grins, continuing his little dance.

“Is it good?” Eddie raises an eyebrow, Dustin nodding enthusiastically.

“Really good.”

“Please for the love of god, spit it out.” You pinch the bridge of your nose, shaking your head.

“Okay.” Dustin carefully drags the chair behind him until it’s almost touching the bed, leaning close. “You didn’t hear it from me, but I overheard some doctors talking and…”

“And?” Eddie pesters impatiently when Dustin’s voice trails off.

“You may or may not be getting released today.” Dustin spits out quickly, almost squealing in delight.

Eddie’s eyes widen, a smile teasing his lips. “Well.”

“Well?” Dustin frowns, “That’s your reaction. Well?”

“Sorry if I don’t do a little song and dance about it.” Eddie makes a face similar to one a sibling would do when mocking the other.

“Yeah, his coach won’t allow it.” You laugh, earning an eye roll, and you stand from the bed to place your hands on your hips. “Damn, so I brought those comics over for nothing.”

“Gra-” Both boys start but you let out a groan.

“Graphic novels, sorry.” You correct just as a woman dressed in a long white coat enters the room, smiling.

“Hey, guys.” She nods to you both, hands in pockets, before she stands at the foot of Eddie’s bed. “Eddie, how we feeling?”

“Pretty god damn great.” Eddie nods.

“Wonderful.” The woman grins, sending both you and Dustin another excited smile.

For a moment, an unsettling feeling buries a home in your stomach. Of all the doctors you had met and talked with over the past two days, you didn’t remember any quite as cheerful as her.

“We need to do one last test but…” She holds for dramatic effect before leaning back slightly. “You’ll be free to go in a matter of minutes!”

Eddie tries his hardest to seem surprised, smiling something forced. “Great.”

“Huh.” The woman tilts her head. “I would have thought you’d be happier.”

“Oh, believe me, I am. I just, uh…” Eddie fiddled with the sheets between his fingers. “May have overheard, that’s all.”

“Well, darn.” She laughs, her voice reminding you of the way teachers would talk to kindergarten children. “What matters is that you’re all better.”

“Are you sure?” You blurt before you could stop yourself and Eddie looks to you.

“Come on, I’m like this close to freedom.” He whispers loudly to you.

“Well,” The woman barely glances at you before refocusing on Eddie. “Like I said, just one more test and we can confirm. I’ll need you to sign some release forms if everything comes back clear, which I know it will, and you can finally leave.”

On cue, the sound of squeaky wheels turn their way into the area, operated by a man in a matching coat. The woman turns with a smile, nodding to where the cart should be placed. If you weren’t staring so intently, you wouldn’t have caught on to the way her expression changed for a split second, or how she slipped her hands from her pockets and brought them behind her.

“Oh, we’re doing these now?” Eddie questions, sitting up straight. He clocks the needle laying on the metal tray now beside him, gulping. He hated needles.

“If you want to be out of here quick.” The woman winks kindly, nodding. Her eyes wander to Dustin still perched by Eddie’s bed. “I’m afraid we don’t allow any visitors while we run tests.”

“We’ve been allowed to sit through the others.” You say when Dustin’s face fell, stepping forward. She turns to you, still smiling softly.

“It makes it easier for us if we don’t have any distractions.” She explains with a shrug. This close, you can see how her eyes don’t have the same calming effect as her voice.

“We’ll be as quiet as a mouse.” You challenge, keeping your own voice sweet in its inflections.

“Uh…” Eddie’s eyes shift between you both, a look of curiosity at the way you were acting. But he trusted you. “I would feel better to have them here. Especially if we’re checking the old blood pressure again, that shi- uh, stuff’s gonna be nice and calm with them around.”

A single twitch in the woman’s eye before she lowered her head. Your eyes flicker to Dustin, his face warped in confusion as he sends a look back. The woman had closed her eyes taking a deep breath, the man behind the cart still and posture straight, like he was awaiting orders. The whole situation sent a chill down your spine, goosebumps along your skin. Your stomach dropped.

Ever since you made that final connection to the Mind Flayer, it had somehow heightened your senses of danger. It wasn’t just when there was a gate nearby, or when Vecna was practically breathing down your neck. No, it alerted you to everyday danger that didn’t even include alternate dimension monsters.

And right now, it was screaming bloody murder at you.

“Can you just do the test later?” You quickly ask, and the woman perks her head in interest. “You see, Eddie’s pretty tired and was just telling us how he needed more rest.”

There was a tone in your voice that had Eddie nodding. “Yeah, she’s right. Feeling like a nap, so… reschedule?”

A deep breath inhaled through her lips as she raised her head fully, glancing at the man in the white coat.

“I’m afraid that’s just not possible.”

In one swift motion, the man plunged a needle into Eddie’s neck, the boy crying out before falling flat against his pillow.

Dustin jumped from his seat, wincing when he landed heavy on his ankle, and began yelling out questions. His startled eyes find yours before his whole body stills in fear.

Because there was a gun pointed directly at your head.

“Stay calm, no one has to get hurt.” A low voice announced as a man in uniform steps from behind the door, several other men flanking him.

“You just stuck a needle in Eddie.” Dustin points out and the man clears his throat.

“My name is Lieutenant Colonel Sullivan. I am here to ensure the safety of Hawkins and to reprimand those a threat.” He says, removing his sunglasses and handing them to another uniformed officer behind him. He glances over at you, and then to your hand. “I suggest you drop your weapon, Miss Mayfield.”

Your heart jumps. How did he know your name?

After a moment of consideration- there were too many men for you to successfully fight your way out of here- you slowly extend your arm and drop the scalpel back on the metal tray, the contact echoing a shrill clatter.

“What do you want?” You spit out, eyeing the gun by your head. Sullivan gives a quick nod and the cool pressure of the handgun is released from you.

“We’re here for Mr Munson.” He briefly says before motioning his officers to the boy led unconscious. They start to move towards him.

“Woah, hey!” Dustin protests, feeling helpless.

“You’re not taking him anywhere!” You block their path, but one of them simply grabs you from behind and locks your arms against your back.

You bring your head back, fast, and manage to make contact with a nose, a shatter of bone crunching behind you. The hold is released and you’re reaching for the scalpel again. You don’t make it very far.

“Make one more move, Miss Mayfield, and I will be forced to make a very unnecessary command.” Sullivan states calmly.

All guns were pointed at you and you had no choice but to freeze. You weren’t any good to Eddie if you were dead.

“How do you know my name?” You question finally, still the target of unreleased bullets.

“We know everything about you, Miss Mayfield.” Sullivan’s voice barely held any kind of emotion, but there was something in his eye that told you he knew more than he was letting on. “November of '79, in particular.”

You gulped, avoiding his eyes. Dustin sent an inquisitive look but remained silent. Some things were better left unsaid.

“You can’t take him.” You whisper, eyes misting over. “We already talked with the police, they’re reinvestigating-”

“We are aware.” Sullivan interrupts, stepping closer. “But we also aren’t asking permission. Mr Munson is coming with us to deal with his crimes.”

“He didn’t do anything!” You cry as officers release the wheel brakes on Eddie’s bed and start to pull him away. “Tell me where you’re taking him!”

Just before Sullivan turned to follow his men out of the room, he collects his glasses and places them back on his face. “That’s classified.”

One by one, the men threatening you lower their guns and follow their Lt. Colonel, ensuring you didn’t follow. They left you and Dustin alone in the room, still trying to understand what had occurred in a matter of seconds.

“What the fuck just happened?” Dustin stumbles forward, shaking his head. He looks up at you. “Y/n, what happened?”

“I don’t…” You furrow your brows, instinctively reaching for the ring on your right hand. You stare down at it. You were meant to have returned it when he was released. And now that would never happen.

“What do we do?!” Dustin cries and you bite your cheek. “Y/n, what-”

“I don’t know!” You yell in a sob, dropping your hands and pacing. “Okay, Dustin, I don’t- I’m sorry, I just…”

You take a deep breath and Dustin is already catching you in his arms. You reach out until you’re both enveloped in a hug, holding eachother.

The first time you lost Eddie, you had mourned his death and sacrificed your energy to try and make things right.

The second time you lost Eddie, you had held Dustin in the empty hospital room until Steve eventually found you both, escorting you out and asking enough questions to make your brain hurt.

But not before you and Dustin had an hour to vow that you weren’t losing Eddie a second time.

Just as you pull up to the hospital, you see the others patiently waiting outside.

Jonathan and Nancy were resting against his car, chatting away, until he clocked your car heading towards them, giving a quick wave and motioning to El that you had arrived.

She smiles at you when opening the door, sitting in the passenger seat and opening her mouth to speak just as the back doors open, cutting her off just as Mike and Will slip in behind you.

Your frown is met with a simple look from Mike.

“We were with our siblings for ten minutes and almost went insane.” He explains and you chuckle, turning the ignition.

You knew that wasn’t why. After seeing Max, and finding out about Eddie’s disappearance, they must have known how you would be feeling. Because that’s the thing about this family that you found… you looked out for eachother.

“So... what happened in California?” You ask, filling the silence, and you notice the exchange of glances in the mirror.

“Don’t freak out like Jonathan and Nancy did.” Will pleads and you raise your eyebrows, clearing your throat while turning a corner, trying not to look at the vine covered buildings.

“I promise.” You say and he sighs.

“Uh, well…” His eyes drift to El and you see he is struggling on where to start.

El gives a nod of confirmation before shifting her body to you.

“I hit my bully with a roller blade and was arrested.”

You almost swerve the car in surprise, regaining control. You were sure Nancy and Jonathan would be knowingly nodding to themselves behind you.

“Um…” You glance at her. “Okay.”

“Are you mad?” She asks and you immediately shake your head.

“What? No, of course not.” You assure, reaching over and taking her hand in yours for a moment, other hand on the wheel. “I was just surprised. If anything… I’m proud of you.”

“You are?” Her voice was filled with disbelief and you let out a breathy laugh.

“Are you kidding me?” You smile, reminiscing on past experiences, “I’ve lost count of the amount of bullies I’ve fought.”

“But it was wrong.” El frowns and you sigh.

“Yeah. But we’re human.” You shrug, finally reaching the tree line. “We get angry. And sometimes we’ll just snap when it all gets too much. And who knows, maybe this bully will finally learn their lesson and actually get a life.”

“She was an asshole.” Will mumbles, earning surprised glances, “What? She was.”

El erupts into giggles and Mike smiles, bumping Will’s shoulder.

“So what was jail like?” You ask, driving up the long path to the cabin, far from the usual roads of Hawkins now.

“I didn’t get there.” El explains. “Papa found me.”

“Pap- wait, Brenner?” You risk another glance, a worried frown. “Is that where you got your new haircut?”

“Hm.” She fiddles with the bottom of her top, “I got my powers back. He died. But I am okay.”

You slowly nod, squeezing her hand before returning it to the wheel.

“Good.” You mutter beneath your breath and you look into the mirror to the boys in the backseat. “What about you two? Anything crazy you wanna share?”

“Um.” Will looks to Mike who purses his lips, raising his hand as if summoning something from the air.

“Well… because Joyce wasn’t there we were being babysat by these cops. They wouldn’t let us leave so Jonathan came up with a plan to get Argyle to break us out.” Mike starts and you nod for him to continue. “Yeah, then there was a shoot-out and they died.”

“Wow.” You breathe. “Just… wow.”

“Yep.” Mike nods. “My mom has banned me from vacations.”

“I hope my mom is around here.” Will mumbles and you smile.

“I have no doubt in my mind that she’s okay.” You assure and he sends you a grateful smile.

“What about you?” El suddenly questions as you notice the cabin just ahead. “How was your… crazy?”

“Uh…” You pull the car to a stop, turning off the ignition and shifting to face her.

There was so much you undoubtedly had to say. How you had been cursed for four long years, how the monster that controlled your nightmares had plunged his claws into your chest, leaving you to die alone on the cold wooden floor. How you had unexpectedly connected with the Mind Flayer and brought yourself back to life and would have to carry that trauma with you forever.

So much to say, but not enough heart to say it.

“How about we get to all of that another time, yeah?”

As everyone steps out of the car, air is sucked in between your teeth. Hopper Cabin was a little worse for wear from the earthquake, something you had all expected. When Jonathan and Nancy eventually pull up, everyone gets to work cleaning up.

It was almost therapeutic to be able to actually control something. As you swept the floors for remains of debris, depositing them on the porch for Argyle to happily stuff into a trash bag, you felt somewhat calm knowing that you found a mess you could actually clean up.

After a while, El disappears to her room, gently setting the door so there was still a gap. Mike and Will sat on the couch, having a heart to heart, so you resigned from your broom to venture outside.

Jonathan and Nancy were nailing boards onto the windows when you walk past, exchanging smiles. You send Argyle a little wave as he inspects a mushroom, getting a sloppy grin in return.

Then, as you take a deep breath, you notice a vehicle approaching in the distance.

You send a glance back to your friends, Nancy’s frown matching your own. The car stopped just a few feet in front of you, but you weren’t afraid.

You had already caught a sight of the mother in the front seat.

“Joyce?” You call out when she steps into the open, her smile spreading. You quickly move towards her, motioning back to the house, “Everyone is helping clear up Hop-”

Your words come to a halt when another man steps out of the vehicle, sporting a cap and a sincere smile.

“Hopper?”

You couldn’t believe it when he made his way over to you, pulling you into a hug. His light chuckles vibrated through his chest, a sound you hadn’t heard since the late nights you would spend waiting for Jack at the station.

“What- how?” You stammer out questions, pulling away with a smile.

“It’s, uh…” He glances at Joyce who just tightens her lips with a shrug, “It’s a long story.”

His eyes frown at the scars starting just below your neck.

“What happened to you?”

“It’s a long story.” You sigh, looking back to the cabin. “But I think you should probably go see your daughter, right?”

An array of emotions flashed across his eyes when he nods, parting from your with a ruffle of your hair and heading inside. Joyce lets out a satisfied sigh of joy as she reaches her arms out to you, pulling you into a hug.

“I'm so glad you're okay, hun.” She whispers into your ear, a kiss placed on your cheek before greeting her children, pulling them into tight hugs.

You smile as they all reunite, as a family.

Even though you were stood on the outside, looking at that display of love, you didn’t feel envious like you would have a year ago. If anything, you felt a little sad that you couldn’t hold Max like that right now.

Y/n

Spinning around, you feel goosebumps trail along your skin, quickening your breath. Something appeared in the corner of your eye, someone stood beside you, and you look over to see Will sporting your same feared expression.

Exchanging glances, your eyes tear away and drift to the sky, noticing the little flakes that fell.

No one needed to move to know exactly what the white particles were, what they brought. After all, the Upside Down had already leaked into your town, spreading amongst the buildings and forcing people out of their homes.

You all start to walk towards the source, curiosity high. But before you would even see it, the chill down your spine told you all you needed to know.

Hell had come to Hawkins.

Standing high on the hill, a curse had spread amongst the fields, burning away the light and joy within the nature. You and El had stepped forward first, the younger girl examining a flower that had wilted away. You stood a few feet from her, the others behind you and close to another for comfort. Your eyes were glued to the cloud of smoke pouring into the sky, bleeding the dark world into your own, military surrounding the areas like they had a chance of containing everything within it.

Four years of your life was given to protecting your town, your friends, your family, from this. You had battled monsters you hadn’t known existed, risked your life for people that cared for you just as much as you cared for them.

You hunted a Demogorgon, taking justice for Barb, and succeeded, finding a whole world of danger that threatened Hawkins. You saved Will from the Mind Flayer, protecting the kids and reuniting with your best friend, a vow to protect eachother always. You fought a disease that took so many people away from you, survived the efforts of the men living beneath Starcourt, and found yourself to be more powerful than you ever realised.

You suffered losses, and lost focus, but you did it with your friends. You all worked together to take down the greatest evil you had ever faced, and you had failed. But that failure brought something to make you fight.

You learnt and accepted that you will never be alone.

You had no idea what would happen next, what could possibly be the biggest battle of your lives. All you knew was that you hadn’t fought, bled, died, for this to be the result. This wasn’t the end of your story.

This was just the beginning.

[A/N: *wipes tears away* So... I guess this is the final chapter to Raining Hellfire 4. I cannot thank everyone enough for the indescribable feeling I have knowing that you have loved and supported this story. So much has happened, and we've come so far, that this genuinely felt like our journey to this end. I'm getting really emotional so I will end this by just saying thank you again. Will I return for RH5? Possibly. I want to. I hope we'll all be ready to reunite again soon.

love, Angel <3]

taglist: @gnnnne / @beepisbeep / @paintballkid711 / @eddiesbirdie / @livasaurasrex / @darktimelegends / @jackierose902109 / @mvrylee / @chervbs / @eternallyvenus / @nervouscatsuit / @f1nn-wolfhard / @hereiamhereigo / @ladybug0095 / @fangirling-4-ever / @astrolockley / @mothmanatemycat / @sheisjoeschateau / @champagnejoker / @umidktbh / @fallinginlovewithqueue / @ilovetaylorswift132006 / @live-the-fangirl-life / @sadbitchfangirl / @cherrymedicine13 / @engenelxver / @sagaonpandora /

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bloody-britt26 · 5 years ago

Text

Britt's shiny team headcanons!

So... nobody asked for this, but I wanted to do it anyway since I'm happy to have completed my first shiny team for Sword and Shield.

Since I love my virtual monsters a lot, I wanted to give them some personalities and share them with you.

My team includes some pokémon that I've hatched in SwSh and shinies from previous games.

I'm currently working on making a shiny team for everyone of my favourite types, so a shiny fairy team, a shiny dragon team and a shiny poison team.

Anyways... meet my sparkly squad!

♡ Lucian

• You're never sure whether you want to pet him or punch him.

• Lucian has attitude, and he's not afraid to use it.

• He's the kind of pokémon who enjoys the company of a very small elite group of individuals, and the rest of the world is absolute garbage to him.

• On one hand, he can be extremely loyal to those he loves and will fight with all of his pretty boy might.

• On the other hand, if he finds someone to be unworthy of his time, he can be downright aggressive and rude to them.

• His facial expressions don't lie. If he finds someone disgusting, it'll show. A lot.

• Britt had a hard time fitting him in a team. She had to figure out a group of pokémon where Lucian tolerated at least 50% of them, all the while making sure that the selected group could handle him and his marvellous attitude.

• Lucian is kind of a player.

• He loves hanging out with female pokémon and is very smooth with them, but he doesn't care for hanging with the male pokémon.

• He steers clear of Red Death as Lucian has had to deal with a few Waterfalls to the face for being an annoyance.

• He doesn't mind Snuggles as the little ball of fluff is very oblivious to his surroundings.

• Lucian is mostly seen hanging out with Nully. Since Nully is genderless, Lucian doesn't see them as a potential mate or rival.

• Although, whether they're friends or not is up for debate.

• Even when he was a small Eevee, he had a superiority complex, but that doubled when he evolved into a Sylveon.

• He's, thankfully, very supportive of his trainer and will always try to hang on even in the toughest of fights. He's constantly shaking off statuses and damage as to not worry Britt.

• He loves having Britt's attention and will demand head pats at all times.

• He's difficult to get through, but with a bit of patience, he's a good boy once you know the proper approach to his odd personality.

• The rest of the team respects him, but they know how to (and will) deal with his shit when things get too hectic.

♡ Shortcake

• Big girl, gentle girl.

• She looks threatening, but she's the softest dragon you'll ever meet.

• She's very shy and has a hard time mingling with other groups of pokémon, always being on the sidelines and watching others play.

• She wants to play too, but she's so timid, so she mostly stays by pokémon she knows or Britt.

• She likes playing with smaller pokémon better because she finds larger pokémon to be frightening.

• The exception is Red Death. He's big, but Shortcake seems to like him because he's pretty calm for a Gyarados.

• She plays ball with Snuggles the Wooloo quite often. Sometimes, Snuggles is the ball.

• Unlike most dragons, Shortcake loves sweet fruity dishes over spicy meat dishes.

• Very good girl. Will lay her head in Britt's lap to nap.

• Pat that head. She loves pats.

• She lacks elegance and is very clumsy. She trips over her own feet quite often.

• She's self-conscious, so please tell her she's adorable. We need to boost that confidence.

• She's very powerful in battle, packing moves like Outrage, Swords Dance, Earthquake and Poison Jab, but she's usually the last resort pokémon. She's aware of her strength, and she doesn't want to harm others.

• When she was an Axew, she had the habit of hiding behind Britt whenever strangers approached. She's a bit too big to do that anymore, but she still does it, even if you can plainly see the huge Haxorous behind Britt.

• It's cute, really.

♡ Nully

• Nully is very wary of others and still has a hard time trusting others.

• Unless another pokémon of the team comes up to them, they don't really talk to other pokémon.

• It's not because they don't like the others! They just prefer to keep to themself. They really do respect every other pokémon on the team and will absolutely defend them with their life.

• All other pokémon of the team treat them with respect and they have become the team leader, which is a title that Nully is rather fond of.

• Nully actually likes having a cutesy nickname over having a threatening name as they want to be seen as more than just a freaky fighting machine.

• They mainly run the Poison Disk. They know how much Britt loves Poison-types, and they wanted to make her happy. They ended up really liking the Poison Disk, however, due to how many resistances they have because of it.

• When Britt is running with her shiny team, Nully likes to stay out of their Poké Ball. They always want to be by her side and make sure that she is safe.

• Nully is extremely close to Britt. After all, she saved them and gave them a better life. They have a lot of respect, love and admiration for what she did for them.

• As a Type: Null, they were very difficult. They were always cowering in a corner in a very defensive posture and wouldn't hesitate to attack if Britt got to close.

• It took a lot of patience and empathy to reach out to them, but Nully is glad that she did.

• Nully genuinely gets upset when other trainers call them a freak. It's not their fault that they were created that way.

• It's okay. Britt will fistfight anyone who insults her baby.

• Britt doesn't want to play favourites, buuuuuut... Nully ♡

♡ Dumpling

• Dumpling is more elegant than you will ever be. Deal with it.

• Seriously, she never misses a beat in whatever she's doing. She's the complete opposite of her trainer where she's absolutely not clumsy and Britt is, well... Britt.

• She acts like she's too sophisticated to battle, but no one is fooled by that. Everyone knows that she enjoys a good ass-whoopin'.

• Dumpling enjoys high-quality food and is a very picky eater. She won't accept anything lower than a Copperajah Class dish.

• Dumpling has good taste in fashion and has a very strong opinion on Britt's fashion choices. She's often out of her Poké Ball whenever Britt is shopping for some help on choosing an outfit.

• Since Britt's fashion sense is... fairly lacking, Dumpling often blows a bit of snow/ice in her trainer's face to voice her disapproval whenever she judges that the chosen outfit is ugly and/or unfit for the occasion.

• However, Dumpling and Britt are very close and share a strong girl's bond. Their bond can rival the one that Britt and Nully have.

• After all, Britt raised Dumpling from an egg, so she's practically a mother to Dumpling.

• Speaking of which, she gets along very well with Nully. She's one of the few pokémon that Nully will voluntarily speak to.

• She's often seen perched on Britt's head or on Nully's back.

• When she was a baby Snom, she used to tuck herself in Britt's pockets, but she's obviously too big for that anymore. That's why she goes for Britt's head instead, which is fine as she weighs nothing.

• She's a night owl and will often wander about at night when everyone is sleeping.

• If Britt is travelling at night, she'll follow along outside of her Poké Ball to enjoy the nighttime with her trainer.

• She's very fond of music, especially soft piano tunes.

• It doesn't come as much of a surprise that she loves a good singing voice, her cry is very melodic.

• If she was human, she'd most likely sing like an angel.

♡ Red Death

• Don't let his name fool you, he's very calm and very difficult to annoy. It really takes a lot to phase him.

• Well, unless you're battling against him, of course.

• Unlike Britt's other Gyarados (Wrath), he's very obedient and easy to control.

• Red Death and Wrath do not get along. At all. Their personalities are much too different.

• Wrath sees Red Death as a rival that he needs to dethrone, while Red Death sees Wrath as a childish brute.

• He's much more mature and wiser than a good portion of Britt's pokémon.

• He's often meditating or practicing his Dragon Dances in a lake.

• 100% has a crush on Shortcake.

• He's extremely protective of the shy dragon. He's constantly staring at her or playing with her.

• They always look so happy to be in each other's company.

• They're probably secretly together.

• He doesn't hate Lucian, but RD's patience is always on thin ice when it comes to the arrogant Sylveon.

• He's usually the one to put Lucian back in his place. A few Waterfalls never hurt anyone, right?

• Right?

• Since Gyarados are notorious for being violent, people are usually very wary around him.

• He doesn't understand why. He's calm and clearly not displaying any form of anger, so what's the issue?

• He doesn't notice that his face is naturally contorted into an expression of pure fury.

• It's okay, those who are close to him know better.

• He's a good boy who will give you piggyback rides along bodies of water and genuinely enjoys playing in the water with his trainer.

• Sometimes, he'll use his tail to splash Britt, forgetting that he's 6.5 meters long and absolutely sends her flying across the water.

• It's all in good fun though. No offence taken or harm done.

♡ Snuggles

• The baby of the group.

• Everyone loves Snuggles.

• It's impossible to dislike Snuggles.

• It's illegal to dislike him.

• Even Lucian likes him.

• Snuggles is very oblivious to his surroundings and will bump into everything whenever he's rolling around.

• He only has one brain cell that pings around his head like a windows screen saver.

• He's cute, so it's forgivable.

• He's pure and untainted by the ugliness of the world. The team wants to keep him innocent.

• He has never shown interest in evolving, so he's an overpowered level 100 ball of fluffy destruction.

• He actually loves to battle and thinks that they are very fun!

• Britt loves to use him in battle to add salt to the stinging wound of defeat.

• Not many people can keep their pride intact after being yeeted to the next century by a dopey-looking Wooloo.

• Leon still has nightmares about Snuggles.

• Loves to cuddle his trainer at night to keep her warm.

• He really is the best blanket.

• He needs to be brushed at least twice a day. Gotta keep that wool nice and shiny!

• He wears a soothe bell around his neck outside of battle but has an eviolite during battles. Bulky and friendly ball of floof!

• Don't you dare insult him!

• It's not that you'll hurt his feelings, insults fly way over his head.

• But you'll personally offend an angry short stack of a trainer, a sea serpent, a dragon, a frozen moth, a man-made fighting machine and a pretty boy.

• Snuggles is loved. Very much.

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