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aloneinthehellfire · 2 years ago

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Chapter 10: Souls

Fortress Of Memories

Word Count: 5.6k (i got carried away with this one)

Warnings: swearing, descriptions of death, blood, guilt

[A/N: this is a really heavy one so pls take care when reading it <3][i also kind of word vomited all over this to prepare for the last two chapters so if it doesn't make sense... like yeah i can't understand it either]

Souls

Shadow Walk. Y/n’s mind.

El’s footsteps softly pat against the floor beneath her.

She ventures further into the black void around her, searching.

Then, she finally sees it.

You.

It’s a worn version of the person you were, the figure curled up on the floor with tears streaming down her cheeks. You were broken.

El tenderly reaches her hand out, fingers barely brushing your shoulder until the world around her dissolved into a memory. The particles pulled the ground together to create a bleeding gate, the dark trees surrounding the path she stood on, white specs floating in front of her space.

A cry for help caught her attention, turning around quickly to find a man being dragged across the ground, thrashing about. Her eyes widen in horror.

For it’s you. Your grip tight on his neck, pulling him away from the gate you had snatched him from. El doesn’t know what she’s seeing. This isn’t you, she reminds herself.

And then you kill him.

The glint of a sharp dagger shone in the night before it was splattered with blood from the man’s throat, cutting off his screams. El lets out a choked sob, stumbling back in terror.

Your eyes never change from their dull expression, your body moving as if it were on auto-pilot. There was no emotion. Only One’s command.

As El tries to control her breathing, she watches as you grab the man’s military shirt by the collar and begin dragging him again, red staining the path he bled on.

She follows you to a building that made her veins run cold, goosebumps trickling along her skin before anger takes over. You’re pulling the lifeless body into her childhood home.

The lab.

Lowering her head, eyes never leaving you, she marches into the building before she abruptly stops. She knew your mind would be dark from One’s curse. But she would have never understood the extent of it if she weren’t living your memories.

Bodies upon bodies were scattered across the room, flashes of the massacre One created infiltrated her mind for a split second before refocusing on the sight in front of her.

You had killed too many to count.

You don’t stay long, shutting the doors behind you before setting back down the path you came, cleaning your dagger with a swipe against the material on your leg. It was all so mechanical that El knew you’d been doing this for months.

El was about to leave, try searching for the memory she needed to find Max. But then your eyes shift to something just beyond the treeline. With a squint, she can make out a figure.

Eddie.

He never saw you, continuing his trek through the woods without a moment of hesitation. El watches as your eyes follow his body, a wave of curiosity flashing across your face.

Once you stray from the path, El knew that this memory had taken her exactly where she needed.

Walking and walking, something was pulling you further into the woods. Then, a clearing. And a shed.

The shed Will went missing, El’s eyes widen with the thought, holding her breath. You were right. This had to be the entrance.

And you were about to show her exactly how to get in.

September 1986. Fortress Of Memories. Upside Down.

-Y/n

You stand outside a shed, light blaring from inside. Curiosity had led you this far. And something seemed… familiar.

You take a step towards it, swinging open the wooden door.

There’s a dusty shadow of a young boy, looking at you with wide eyes, a shotgun tightly grasped in his small hands.

His hazel eyes… where had you seen those before?

Just as the image began to fade, you find yourself reaching your hand out and suddenly, the light hanging above burns brighter and brighter until it’s blinding, and you cover your eyes with your hands.

When you blink away the white spots in your vision, you notice the boy has disappeared, and there’s some sort of tunnel in the ground, leading you down.

Once you reach the end of the tunnel, it opens up into a massive space, sort of like a cave. And, as you travel deeper into it, lights start to appear.

Floating orbs blink into view. If you look close enough, you can see some sort of scene playing out, people.

Memories.

You focus on one in particular, of a young boy, his face much like the ghost you saw upstairs. Except he was a little younger, sat with a woman and another slightly older boy. They were laughing, the little boy blowing out candles on a cake.

There’s a flash of the camera, the older boy frowning before letting out a laugh.

And then someone else comes into view. A girl. She sets down her camera and hugs the boy from behind, planting a kiss on his head.

The girl… you.

Your eyes widen in sudden confusion, the first wave of emotion you had felt for a long time. What was this?

help

You spin around, the echo of a voice so small and quiet, you could have imagined it. Until it called out again.

help me please

You follow the voice, the cave stretching deeper and deeper, vines scattered across the walls, the red glow blaring onto your skin in a fiery heat.

The orbs change into darker colours, until eventually they’re pitch black. Choruses of quiet screams could be heard from each of them and you felt your stomach tighten. This felt horribly wrong.

But one orb caught your eye and you mindlessly drift towards it, tilting your head.

The light was a little brighter in this one, a faint outline of some sort within it, the wisps surrounding it were stronger than the other ones.

help

The voice was calling from inside, begging.

You hesitantly reach out your hand to brush your finger against the glow, and there’s a burst of light before a figure emerges in front of you.

A girl with red hair tied into plaits was the first and only sight you see. Her outfit was simple, headphones resting against her neck, tears staining her pale and freckled skin.

Once her blue eyes found yours, they widened in surprise.

“Y/n?”

You frown, tilting your head. How did she-

“It’s me.” She pleads, voice shaking. “Max. Please. Please remember.”

“Max.” You repeat. An image of her floating in the air infiltrates your mind and you blink it away.

“Madmax.” The girl tries and the images come in violent flashes.

Skateboards, ice-creams, hugs, laughs, fear. Arcades to dances. Tunnels to graveyards. Life to death.

“You can’t let him find you here.” Max begs as you press a hand against your forehead. “You need to snap out if it. You need to find your soul.”

“Find my soul?” You repeat, the words burning your tongue for some reason.

“Find it, then find Lucas.” She instructs, trying to take deep breaths. She was clearly afraid. “If he questions it, tell him… tell him ‘Movie Friday’. He’ll listen.”

“I don’t-” You pant, the pain almost too much to bear.

“You do.” Max says, her hands clasping yours and you felt it, the fear she was enduring, the crippling anxiety of her loneliness. Her acceptance that she would never be found. “I need you.”

A tear slips down your cheek. You knew her. But you didn’t remember her. You weren’t supposed to be here. Vecna will-

“You need to tell them. El can defeat him if they just knew.” Max urges, and then she’s gone, leaving you stood alone.

Everything felt unbalanced, the beating pain in your head pushing you back through the cave and further from the girl. Max. The girl you looked after when she had no one else. The girl who joined the party and aided everyone in their quests. The girl you comforted after she lost her step-brother. The girl that risked her life for the possibility of defeating Vecna.

You knew her. Max. But Vecna didn’t want that.

In fact, every second you spent trying to remember, Vecna’s curse was erasing all you had seen.

find your soul

There are only two other orbs that glowed a dim light, much like Max's the girl’s. What was her name again?

You were running out of time. You needed to find-

soul

You spin around, eyes growing wide. One of the wisps was speaking to you. Enticing you.

Hesitantly, you reach towards the light and…

Will.

Jonathan.

Steve.

Nancy.

Robin.

The Party.

El.

Eddie.

It all comes rushing back to you, the pounding in your head reaching a high pitched scream before it all went silent

“Shit.” You breathe out, falling to the ground with trembling hands.

You look around you, trying to remember how you got here, where you were.

“Find Lucas.” You repeat to yourself. Max. You saw her. She needed you.

“Find Lucas.” You say again, running back to the room with memories, searching.

There were so many scattered across, some happy, others… others that would have surely peaked Vecna’s interest. What was this place?

You finally find one belonging to Lucas, a scene from the middle school Snow Ball. A time he was happy, a memory he and Max shared. It had to work.

You reach out.

Everything around you dissolves faster than your brain can comprehend, the dark slithers of vines replaced with mirrors and artificial light. Where were you?

Footsteps echo into the room and you freeze, eyes wide. But, when you look down at yourself, you can see the edges of your figure are blurred. Like you weren’t really there.

When the door is pushed open, you see a boy move towards the mirror with heavy breaths, the lights above your head flickering.

Lucas.

Lucas looks to the mirror and his eyes find yours. He immediately jumps back, grabbing the closest option for a weapon and throwing a bar of soap at you.

You flinch, but it passes right through you and you let out a breath. This was getting weirder by the minute.

“Y/n?” He gasps out, face dropping.

In fear of being heard, you raise your finger to your lips in a silent plea. He slowly nods and you let out a sigh of relief.

“Lucas.” You breathe, happy to see him and he shakes his head, trying to figure out what was happening. “We have to be quiet or he might hear us.”

“Who?” He asks, eyes widening as he takes in your presence. You didn’t want to imagine how long it had been since…

“Vecna.” You say with a sigh, trying to hide your own fear. What would happen if he found you?

Lucas blinks at you before rubbing his eyes. From the deep circles beneath his eyes to the sluggish look of his posture, you knew he must be struggling to sleep.

“I’m dreaming.” He decides with a shaky breath, moving towards the door.

“No, no, please!” You cry and he stops, turning back. “I promise you, it’s not just a dream. Well, not exactly.”

You knew this place had a link to how Vecna got inside people’s heads, allowing you access to deliver Lucas a message that could save Max’s life. In all honesty, it had to be the only possible explanation or you might go crazy.

“What do you mean?”

“You’re still asleep, but I’m here. In your head.” You explain, making his brows furrow.

“How?”

“It’s this place.” Your eyes dart around you, but Lucas is unable to see what you’re viewing. “Some kind of fortress where Vecna operates.”

He swallows his disbelief, shaking his head. You slump your shoulders just as a vibration shook the ground beneath you. Not strong enough to scare you, but faint enough to alert you that you might not be alone.

“You’re dead.” He says, a little sad, and your eyes hold the same sorrow.

“I was.” You respond quietly, glancing behind you.. “I can’t really explain what happened, but I don’t have much time. I found something, some place, where I am right now. I think- I think it can help you save Max.”

Lucas’ interest suddenly peaked. “What?”

“Memories.” You explain simply, continuing to throw glances over your shoulder. Did he find you? “Vecna takes his victim’s memories. He takes their souls. And he stored them here. I- I don’t understand it but I saw her. I talked to her.”

“Impossible.” He gasps out, stepping back.

You squeeze your eyes shut, trying to remember exactly what Max had said. You needed Lucas to trust you.

“Movie Friday.” You finally decide and once you look back at him, his eyes have widened.

“How do you-”

“She told me to say it.” You smile, nodding. “And judging by your reaction, it’s important. I’m real, Lucas.”

“What else did she say?” Lucas took a step towards you, shaking his head but there was hope in his eyes. “Is she okay?”

“I don’t know,” You admit and he lowers his head, “But she wants you to find El. There is a way to get her back but El is the only person that can get you here.”

Lucas frowns. “What about you?”

As you feel another tremor, you already know the answer to his question. You could have been down here for weeks or, hell, even months. Controlled by a self-established tyrant who would do anything to keep this place a secret. And you were no longer valuable. You were a threat.

“Lucas…” You start, a tear slipping down your cheek. “I’ll be honest… I don’t think I’m making it out of here alive.”

His face drops, eyebrows scrunched into a soft frown. “But-”

“Vecna is weaker now.” You interrupt, not wanting to stray from your mission. “And the only person that can beat him is El. Max still has a beating heart which means if these souls can be set free, she can come back.”

“Why now?” Lucas questions, still hesitant, “Why did it take you this long to reach out, or-or just say something?”

“Max isn’t the only soul he has.” You grimace.

Suddenly, a roar echoes around you and you both stumble back in surprise. Your heart races. He found you.

“Shit.” You panic, eyes wide, “You can’t tell anyone you saw me. If Vecna finds out you’re coming, he’ll kill you. Plan it out, don’t come rushing here. Just… wait. At least as long as you can.”

“What about you?” Lucas’ eyes gleam with trapped tears.

“Don’t worry about me.” You smile, jumping once the sound of some kind of screech blared in the distance.

“Wait- where is it?” Lucas suddenly remembers, stepping closer. “This place?”

“You need to go to the shed behind our house!” You say hurriedly, his image flickering in and out.

“What?--can’t hear--!” He cries out.

You keep trying, hoping he hears you. “Where Will disappeared! The shed behind our house!”

Another roar trembles your bones, and then he vanishes completely, leaving you stood there in the dark as the room around you shook.

Something was here.

You sprint out of the cave, barely catching yourself as you trip over a vine. You needed to get out of here, fast.

Every inch of your body screamed, muscles aching. You hadn’t been in control of yourself for a long time.

You feel the tug of something on your leg and look down.

“Shit.”

The vine pulls on your ankle, hard, and drags you away from the shed, further into the Upside Down.

You scream and claw at the ground, nothing working, and your body is pulled across hard dirt before it turns to concrete, burning your skin.

When the vine lets go, you scramble to your feet, wincing at the blood forming on your fingertips from the friction.

You sense someone watching you. You spin around, freezing.

“Eddie.” You gasp, but it isn’t him. Not really. His eyes didn’t hold the same warmth you relied on. Instead, they were crimson.

And murderous.

He lunges at you, but you dodge the attack. As you finally take in your surroundings, you notice the giant slit in the earth, glowing and breathing.

A gate, you realise, much bigger than you remember it. But you don’t waste time debating it.

You sprint towards it and crawl through, ignoring the goo that clung at your clothes, dampened your hair. You didn’t stop pushing through until cool air laced goosebumps onto your skin as you pant and struggle.

The gate had led you to a wooded area, the thick forest of trees feeling like a trap. You needed to get far away from here.

Running further and further from the Upside Down, you do your best to avoid the roots, looking scarily like the vines that had tormented you. Twigs and leaves whipped at your face, some leaving fine slices across your face. But you didn’t care.

A burst of hope hit your chest once you could see the clearing, stumbling into the open space and trying to figure out where you were. But there was a blinding glare of lights you squinted against, blocking your view.

“Y/n?”

You freeze, raising your hand to shield your face, the cuts along your body burning against the harsh wind. That voice. Someone calling out to you. A faint outline of...

“Steve?” You ask hesitantly, watching as he steps closer and you can take in each of his features, revealing none other than Steve Harrington.

There’s a snap of a twig behind you and you glance over your shoulder to see a figure within the forest, something sliding towards you on the ground. Fear strikes your chest.

You wouldn’t outrun it. You didn’t even have the energy.

“Help me.” You whisper out just as the vines wrapped around you and pulled you back into the darkness.

It was all a blur, being dragged back into hell.

You remember Eddie’s expressionless stare, Vecna’s fury.

The feeling of floating in the air as your bones tightened.

The searing burn of Vecna’s intrusion as he tried to carve out the memory from your brain, the pain beating louder and louder in your mind until all you wanted to do was-

You’re not meant to be here

Don't say I didn't warn you

Present Day. The trailer park. Upside Down.

“Do we wake them?” Lucas asks quietly, leant forward with his fingers tapping his lips.

“Not yet.” Nancy instructs, arms wrapped around her body.

You and El sat there, frowns on your faces as blood stained your top lip. They were used to the sight of a nosebleed on El, but her face was dry. Instead, her head kept twitching, small gasps leaving her lips every so often.

“We can’t let them stay in there any longer.” Will states, already moving over, but Jonathan pulls him back.

Then, you let out a scream.

Eddie shoots out of his seat and claps your face in his hands.

“Y/N!” He yells at you, but you don’t respond.

El starts to sound small whimpers, Mike and Will desperately trying to reach her. No response.

“Y/N!” Eddie tries over and over, shaking you, trying literally anything to bring you back to him.

He felt like he was back to Chrissy’s death, feeling helpless.

“Shit, shit, shit.” Steve muttered, as Robin stands with her hands covering her mouth, eyes wide.

“Will!” Nancy calls out and Will looks up at her, Lucas taking his place in trying to snap you both out of it. “Is there any kind of chance you can pull them out of it?!”

“Me?” He widens his eyes, shaking his head, “How-”

“I don’t know, just- try anything!” She begs and he turns around, panic rising in his chest.

“Use your connection, brochacho.” Argyle offered, the only calm one in the room. No one else was quite as mellow as he was.

“My-” Will spluttered. He looked at where you sat, blood pouring out while El struggled. Vecna had you, he knew that. From the clockwork motion of your eyes to El’s flinches of fight, Vecna had to be in there with you.

Maybe, just maybe, he could do it.

“Move!” He yelled out, falling to his knees in front of you both.

Eddie reluctantly pulls away, Dustin standing behind with hands on his shoulders.

Will grabs both of your hands and closes his eyes.

Please, please, please. He silently chants, unsure of how to connect with you. He had never done this before, he didn’t even believe that he of all people would be capable of it. He was the kid that got kidnapped. He was just the kid that played D’n’D when all his friends wanted to do was grow up. He was just the kid everyone called a freak.

He was the kid that believed he was a freak.

It feels like a failure, only ever hearing the whimpers of your paralysed bodies. He knew he couldn’t do it. Even with all he tried, imagining a memory, or thinking of you, or-

Everything goes black.

Will gasps, opening his eyes. His hands still felt as if he was holding onto something, but they were free.

“El!”

Your scream caught his attention and he turns around to see you suspended in the air, kicking your legs out while you clawed at your throat.

Vecna’s red and raw body was in front of him, arm outstretched and pointed at you. But he was also struggling, fighting against something else.

El had paralysed him somehow, but she wasn’t strong enough to stop his power, to stop him from hurting you.

You catch onto him stood there, eyes widening.

“Will?” El says, voice strained.

Vecna lets out a growl and Will runs over to El, shaking his head.

“I don’t-”

“Grab my hand.” She instructs and he does so, confused to her request.

Then he feels it, some kind of power rushing through them. And El becomes stronger, screaming into the void around them and Vecna is finally thrown back, vanishing to dust with a yell.

You drop to the floor, gasping for air, and they run towards you.

“How… did you…” You try but El shakes her head.

“We need to leave.”

She says and before Will can even question a single thing that just happened...

...he’s no longer in the void.

“Thank god!” Robin cries out when you all awake, panting for breath. She leans into Steve, feeling as his body slumped in relief.

Mike searches Will’s eyes for some kind of explanation, but the boy just shakes his head at him. Instead, Mike rejoiced in the fact you were all okay. Even if you had all returned to them with fear-stricken faces.

El reaches out and Lucas hugs her, the girl taking deep breaths.

“Hey, hey.” Eddie soothes as you cry, shaking your head. “You’re okay, I got you. I got you.”

You take slow breaths as he wipes away the blood. He thought he had lost you and that feeling was the worst thing he had ever experienced. He needed you.

“What happened?” Steve asks with a scared frown, breaking the silence of your tears.

El slowly looks to you and you can’t bear it. What you saw. What you did.

There was a reason you didn’t remember it.

“I-” You try, finding Eddie’s concerned eyes and it tears at your heart. “I- I can’t.”

He frowns when you pull away, scrambling to your feet and pushing past everyone. They all watch as you leave, the hastiness of your steps leaving everyone paralysed. They slowly turn to the only other person who would know.

Eyes were on El, her head lowering.

She wasn’t sure how much she should tell. But she also knew that none of that was your fault. And she wanted to protect you, the way you protected her so many times before.

“One found us.” She finally says with a small voice. “But we know how to get in. How to find Max.”

She directed her last declaration to Lucas and he lets out a breath he didn’t realise he had been holding.

“What did she see?” Eddie asks the girl and she slowly shakes her head. “What did Y/n see?”

Her silence was all he needed to hear.

You’re sat on the ground, shaking.

All those bodies. The pain. The souls. All you had taken from those people-

Vecna made me do it, you try to convince yourself. But the stain of guilt was already growing, and you felt disgusted by yourself. You were scared of yourself.

There’s a breathless cry of your name and you squeeze your eyes shut. The footsteps get louder until they slow, finding you leant against the trailer with your head on your knees.

“You’re okay.” Eddie whispers, crouching in front of you. His breaths were heavy, and you knew you had done that to him.

How many breaths had you taken from the people that never deserved it?

Tears stream down your face, a small sob escaping your lips and he reaches out to stroke your hair, raising your head gently and pressing a kiss against your forehead.

“I’m here.” He promises, “I’m right here. Just talk to me.”

You finally meet his eyes, the look of utter terror and concern tugged at your chest. He was here. Because you needed him. And he was the only other person who would understand.

“Do you remember everything?” You ask him, voice so quiet he almost missed it, “Everything he made you do?”

“...Yeah?” Eddie shakes his head, watching as you tighten your lips. You didn’t?

When you don’t respond, the fear rises in his chest. You were trembling, eyes frozen in complete and utter trauma.

“What… what did he make you do?” You finally question.

“He, uh, he- he made me stand guard at the gates and make sure no one got in.” Eddie relays, the months of waiting replaying in his mind. “Until everyone came down here, and then I was told to get rid of them, but- what…”

He searches your eyes, shuffling closer.

“Y/n.” He gulps, cupping your face. “What did he make you do?”

You squeeze your eyes shut before whispering out:

“Collect souls.”

“Collect souls?” He frowns, shaking his head “How would you-”

“By going to the surface.” You choke out, barely able to look at him. “He made me… I…”

Eddie just continues to shake his head slowly, scrunching his face as he tries to connect those dots. Souls? Vecna collected them by murder, by infiltrating their minds and destroying them with memories. You didn’t have that power, how could you possibly-

“No.” Eddie whispers out, leaning back on his heels. Anger brewed inside of him, fist clenching. He wasn’t angry at you. He was furious at the thing that forced you to do the only thing you were afraid of.

“I hurt people.” You finally say it, leaning your head back. “I- I killed people. He wanted more souls, to add to his- his... collection. So many people.”

“That’s not your fault.” Eddie insists but you ignore him, too wrapped up in your own self-hatred to hear him.

“I’m- I’m a murderer-”

“No.” Eddie closes the space between you, returning his hands to your face and trying to find your eyes. “No, you’re not. Hey, look at me. Please.”

You bring your head down to look at him, guilt staining your cheeks.

“You are not a murderer. He is.” He takes your hand in his, nodding. “You had no control. You didn’t do that.”

“Then why can I still feel it?” Your voice breaks, shattering his heart.

“I’m so so sorry.” He whispers to you, resting his forehead against yours as you cry.

“I can’t do it, Eds.” You sniffle, eyes closed. “I can’t beat him. He found us in there and I- I couldn’t fight back.”

“You don’t have to.” Eddie whispers and you open your eyes to see his brown ones staring back, “Not alone. You have all of us now. You have me. And there is no way in hell I’m letting that asshole hurt you again.”

After a moment of silence, complete intimate silence, you lean forward and he catches your lips in his. It wasn’t a particularly long kiss, but it was tender, calming your nerves and pulling you into the warmth and safety of his arms.

When you eventually return to the trailer, Eddie’s hand clasping yours tightly, everyone waits in bated breath to hear what you have to say.

But you can’t admit it again. Not yet.

“Anyone got a plan?” You ask no one in particular, avoiding their stares.

“Uh…” Nancy starts, slowly nodding. “Yeah. I mean, we think so.”

“We know for sure that Vecna is keeping Max below that shed.” Jonathan continues, tilting his head towards El. “And El is sure we can get there again. But we need you.”

“I…” You start, finding Will’s eyes in the crowd of faces and lowering your head to stare at your dirt-ridden boots. “I don’t think I can come with you guys.”

There’s a murmur of disagreement and debate, Eddie squeezing your hand gently.

Steve merely folds his arms, studying you. You couldn’t look anyone in the eye, holding yourself like you weren’t sure of your next move. You looked afraid… of yourself.

“We can’t force her.” Steve raises his voice enough to cut through the overlapping noise of his friends, causing everyone to shut their mouths.

“Look,” Robin steps towards you and you do your best not to flinch. “None of us want to make you do something you don’t want to. And I get it, I do.”

You just simply lower your head. She didn’t get it.

“But,” She continues, looking around the room, “No one else can open the gate. Or, whatever the hell it is, we haven’t decided what to call it.”

“Fortress of Memories.” Dustin spoke, snapping his fingers.

“The who-what-now?” Robin frowns and he sighs.

“God, can everyone just read their handbooks?!” Dustin exasperates.

Everyone just exchanges confused looks, wondering what the hell the ‘handbook’ was.

“Seriously?” He complains, “I gave you all copies of the Dungeons and Dragons-”

“Jesus, not this again.” Steve sighs and Dustin rolls his eyes.

“Yes, this again.” Dustin moves to the centre of the room, making sure everyone can see him. “The Fortress of Memories is a place that the Raven Queen stored all of the memories she took to harvest their knowledge.”

“I’m not following.” Steve shakes his head, mutters of agreement echoing after.

“It’s just a place where souls are kept in D’n’D.” Mike explains briefly before his eyes widen, straightening in his seat. “Something Vecna always wanted.”

“But we’re not playing D’n’D.” Will shakes his head, “This is real life.”

“Look, I can’t explain it either but Dustin’s right.” Lucas stands but doesn’t move far from El, “This place El was describing fit the description in our handbook.”

“Can we stop discussing the name and get back to what’s really important?” Nancy asks, rubbing her forehead. “Vecna built this place-”

“No, no, Raven Queen did.” Dustin corrects and she glares at him.

“Vecna” Nancy continues regardless, “built this place to store his souls. And all we know is that Max is down there and Vecna has gone through a hell of a lot to try and keep us out.”

“And Y/n is the key.” Jonathan adds quietly and she nods with him.

“What?” You frown, your grip loosening on Eddie’s hand to finally move towards your brother. “How am I a key?”

“El saw it.” Lucas breathes, looking down at the girl beside her. “She said you unlocked it somehow. With a memory.”

“I…” You try and remember, “I saw Will? Just before… but I wasn’t even there when he was taken, that’s not my memory.”

“Son of a bitch.” Dustin mutters to himself, a wave of realisation. But everyone’s too focused to care.

“We just know that you managed to get in without Vecna.” Nancy explains with a small smile. “And we need you if we want to help Max and finally strike Vecna where he’s vulnerable.”

You look around at all of your friends.

Steve, Jonathan and Eddie all waited patiently, not wanting to push you into anything you weren’t comfortable with. But you also knew they had a personal vendetta against Vecna since you were killed, and that you were the only thing holding them back from hurting him like he hurt them.

Nancy and Robin exchange the same glances, Nancy seemingly comforting her. They had been with you that night, mourning in your death. They had always stuck by your side through everything. You owed them.

Mike and Lucas were staring at the ground, both breathing through different kinds of pain. Mike wasn’t sure how long he would last without proper medication, the scar on his eye already feeling uncomfortable beneath the scratchy material. He wanted it to be over. And Lucas lost the love of his life just to find that she could be saved. You wanted to help them.

Will and El just look up at you, both prepared to fight.

Then there was Dustin and Argyle, both entranced in their own little worlds. Dustin was clearly formulating a plan, or at least deciphering something that would be useful to you later. Argyle on the other hand… he and Rocky had some sort of tea party with broken pieces of granola. You didn’t even remember anyone having granola on them.

Nevertheless, these people needed you to finally take down Vecna, save Max, and free Hawkins from its curse. Even if you couldn’t bear to live with yourself, they were your family.

“Okay.” You finally breathe out, grabbing the dagger from your boot and flipping it in your hand. “Where do we begin?”

[i'm trying to fix the taglist so if it isn't working then i apologise so much, idk what's happening but it won't let me tag certain people - i'll highlight in red the ones that don't tag]

taglist: @h-ness1944 . @ali-in-w0nderland . @dylanmunson . @silky-luxe . @mothmanatemycat . @sattlersquarry . @sadbitchfangirl . @fangirling-4-ever . @averagestudent03 . @gnnnne . @munsonology . @vintagehellfire . @bokuto-kinnie . @crissicat13 . @katie-tibo . @harrys-tittie . @the-world-is-a-mess-and-so-am-i . @lxvesickreality . @fracturedarkness . @frogers . @we-out-here-simping . @h0peless-r0m4ntic888 . @astrolockley

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aloneinthehellfire · 2 years ago

Text

Chapter 9: Connections

Fortress Of Memories

Word Count: 5.9k

Warnings: swearing, mentions of death, mentions of possession, fire

[A/N: i took creative liberty on this creature so if you are familiar with the d'n'd version, you're gonna hate me sm]

Connections

???. Upside Down.

Hovering over your lifeless body, Vecna couldn’t help but wonder.

Wonder why you risked your life to ensure his would end. That had to be loyalty, to those caught in the storm of a changing world.

Loyalty that he wanted.

There was something else about you he found intriguing, enough to drag your body across the grass and take you with him.

Eleven may have thought she won, but he was only getting started.

It would take time and power to bring you back, your cracked bones and still heart keeping you paralysed in death. He had taken many lives, but he rarely gave it. Only when it mattered.

You were related to the boy he had dragged down before. It meant you had potential. He could sense your powerful mind, locked from the possibility of true power.

If he did this, if he brought you back, he would be sacrificing something too risky to lose.

But he couldn’t let you just fade.

His eyes rolled back into his head as his hand was placed over your head. He immediately felt the drain, the transfer. If this worked, he would have a soldier worthy enough to fight alongside him.

Once his eyes snap open, you let out a pained gasp, struggling for air. Vecna steps back.

“Y/n” He calls and you turn around, wincing at the pain it brought you.

Struggling to hold yourself up in the pool of red you led in, your eyes widened. There was fear there, but he knew your energy was too drained for you to flee.

“Don’t be afraid” Vecna says, flicking his hand and raising you from the ground, only to rest you against a pillar of vines so that you were face-to-face.

“You…” You try to speak, hoarse, no doubt from the broken neck you had a few seconds ago. “… you died.”

“It’s not that easy” Vecna states and your eyes fill with tears.

“I…”

“It wasn’t your time” He tilts his head at you, watching as the tears streamed down your face. “I brought you back”

“Why?” You sob as he gets closer, a claw gently brushing hair out of your face.

“I’ve been watching for a long time” He replies, stepping away. Vecna was still regaining lost energy from the power he had drained to bring you back. “And I want you by my side”

You are silent for a moment before you raise your head. “You should have left me dead.”

He spins back around to face you and you gulp. With a glare, he dares you to speak.

“If you think I’d join you after what you did to my friends, you are beyond psychotic.”

He simply growls, creeping closer. “It wasn’t a choice”

Is all he says before he’s suddenly barely a breath away from you, his arm raised, claws outstretched above your head. He doesn’t speak, not wanting to waste anymore time.

Staring danger in its face, something breaks inside of you.

He rips any sense of free will you had from your body, subliminally altering your memories to better suit the version he wanted you to be. A warrior.

You let out a whimpered cry, trying to fight it, and he releases you of your restraints.

“Don’t fight it” Vecna instructs. For a moment, he sees the flicker of something coursing through your veins, burning bright enough to show on the surface.

Desperately trying to move away from him, you try and fail to drag your body across the floor, clawing at the ground. You were much stronger than he thought.

“The more you resist, the worse it will become”

Finally, you scream out into the darkness, laying on your back with your eyes squeezed shut. Your eyes flicker from side to side, and he can feel the fury you inhibit.

Then, unnatural to him, he feels himself start to change, the world around forming into something he hadn’t seen before. Little dots of light, victims, souls.

The red and raw body he had endured for years from Eleven’s sentence was reformed to flesh and skin, the familiar brush of material covering his body. He was turning into something he hadn’t been since the massacre. Someone he hadn’t seen in a very long time.

And he couldn’t explain it.

It was you, he figured, watching as your breathing normalises. He knew to bring you back he would have to transfer part of him into you, but he thought nothing of how you could wield it. All of this, the fortress you had created from his own wishes… you were invaluable.

“Welcome”

Slowly sitting up, you let out a solid breath and open your eyes. When you finally see him, there’s a wave of confusion. But he can’t sense any hesitation, no fear. It had worked.

“Do you know who I am?” He questions and you slowly shake your head. He feels himself smile. “I saved you.”

He can almost see the flicker of a memory flash in your mind, but not enough to object to his story.

“Those people murdered you” He walks closer, crouching to meet your height. You were easily influenced now, a warrior for his crafting.

“I fell.” You say simply and he nods.

“I brought you back to life. My name is Henry,” He smiles and as he reaches his hand out, you take it, allowing him to lift you to your feet. “And, I was hoping, that you’d return the favour for me”

You merely nod, straightening up. The loyalty was already forming.

“Will you join me?”

You look out to the horizon, blocks of debris flying across the space. Turning back to him, you bow your head and close your eyes.

If you were searching for something to hold onto, you wouldn’t find it. He owned your soul now, commanded you as he pleased. You were going to be an ultimate weapon in his game.

Finally meeting his eyes, a single word forms on your lips.

“Yes.”

He stares back out to where you looked, the space in his mind Eleven had once managed to destroy. But this was purely a memory. For you had built him something new, something… priceless.

He had to keep your ability to himself, keep you busy until Eleven eventually came for a final round. She would try and prove herself, try to kill him.

He may be the one to kill her in the end, but you would provide as an unsuspecting weapon.

Present Day. Creel House Playground. Upside Down.

-Will, Mike, El, Dustin, Lucas, Jonathan, Robin, Steve, Argyle, Nancy, Y/n

“I don’t really remember much about it.”

You tell the group, everyone huddled together at the playground not far from the Creel House.

“He… he said he’s been watching me for a while. He wanted me to join him.” You wrap your arms around your torso, staring at the ground. “Then it’s all a blur after that. It was painful, then I just felt nothing.”

“Steve said you had broken out if it before.” Dustin speaks up and you look to where he stood, lightly frowning, “How did you do it?”

“Something I found.” You try and explain, “But- but it’s all some kind of blank slate right now. Vecna really didn’t want me remembering.”

“So where is this place?” Lucas questions and you shake your head. He looks surprised.

“What?”

“But you were there.” He says, “You told me that you saw Max and-”

“Wait.” You stop him, eyes wide. “I did?”

“Yeah.” He breathes.

“Max.” You say to yourself quietly. The red-head flashed into your mind, the look of fear. “I remember… I remember seeing her. She was… trapped.”

“Trapped how?” Nancy asks.

“He takes them.” El speaks quietly. “He takes everything they are. Their souls.”

“You mentioned Will.” Lucas remembers, looking hopeful. “When I asked you where the lair was, you had said ‘Will’. And ‘behind’.”

You frown. “Will?”

“Behind Will?” Dustin suggests and Argyle moves over to the boy and peers behind him, Will looking very confused.

“Nah, man, nothing here.” Argyle shrugs and if they didn’t know him, they’d think he was joking around.

“Behind something.” Nancy mutters while everyone racks their brains, trying to figure it all out.

For the life of you, you can’t remember a single thing. Considering how painful it was for Vecna to put you back into your trance, he had practically burned it out of you.

“Oh!” Steve snaps his fingers, an idea striking his mind. “Behind Will’s house!”

“Behind Will’s house?” Dustin raises his eyebrows. “Why would his sister, who lives in said house, say it was ‘behind Will’s house?’”

“Do you really have to second-guess everything I say?” Steve argues and Dustin folds his arms.

“When you’re a liar? Yeah.”

“Woah.” You intervene, stepping between them. “What the hell is going on here?”

“Ask Steve.” Dustin glares and Steve lets out a frustrated sigh.

“Behind something to do with Will.” Mike shakes his head, ignoring the bickering between friends. He hated that Will was being dragged into this yet again. It was one of the reasons he questioned them ever coming down here in the first place.

Will looks to him with a frown, crouching beside him.

“You okay?” He asks and Mike nods quickly.

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m good.” He smiles before a worried frown twists his face. “Are you?”

“I got my sister back, so…” Will sends a glance over his shoulder before turning back with a genuine smile. “Yeah. I really am.”

“Good.” Mike smirks at him and for a moment, neither of them look away.

“Okay, we’re getting nowhere with this.” Lucas sighs and the boys snap out of their trance, clearing their throats.

But Will sits beside Mike regardless and Mike couldn’t admit it, but he was grateful for the warmth it gave him somewhere in his chest.

“I would have only mentioned Will if it was something important to him.” You nod, looking at your brother while trying to remember. “Something that only he would know.”

“What about Castle Byers?” Mike raises his head.

“Why would Vecna set up shop there?” Steve questions with a frown.

“Maybe it has something to do with that connection thingy?” Robin offers, sending an apologetic look to the boy they talked about.

“I hid there.” Will shares, tightening his lips. “When I was in the Upside Down. It’s where El first found me.”

You share a look with Jonathan, knowing he felt the same guilt and regret you did. Neither of you were there when Will disappeared. You should have been. But Jonathan had worked late to raise more money. And you… you had decided that a party was more important than family. A decision that will haunt you forever.

“Is it a real castle?” Argyle questions and everyone stares at him. “No? Shame, man. Real shame.”

“I don’t know.” You sigh, rubbing your hands down your face. You hadn’t slept since… well, you didn’t remember the last time you slept. “Surely I would have just said ‘Castle Byers’, I mean, Lucas would know what that is.”

“True.” Dustin points out.

“So we’re back to square one.” Nancy announces and everyone groans. “We should be getting sleep, anyway. We’ll figure this all out-”

A loud roar echoes through the air, shaking the ground you stood on. Everyone freezes, sharing the same looks of fear on their face as their blood ran cold. Communicating with questioning looks, heat rose to their cheeks the longer they stood in their anxiety.

But you had gone deathly pale.

You had only heard its roar twice, once when Vecna first introduced the thing to you and the next was from the Party’s almost-encounter with it. But you knew what it was capable of. You knew nothing could stop it.

“It’s here.” You whisper, hands shaking.

“What-what’s here?” Jonathan asks just as Will, Lucas, Mike, and Dustin look to eachother.

“Thessalhydra.” They all gasp and Steve frowns.

“What the hell is a-”

The ground shook violently as something landed outside the Creel House, sending everyone off balance. Steve managed to grab onto Robin before she fell while everyone else stumbled, grabbing onto solid surfaces.

A flash of lightning illuminated the creature before them, three heads with razor sharp teeth baring down at you.

“Holy fuck.” Robin breathed. No one moved.

Will had grabbed onto Mike’s hand, the boy squeezing it in return.

Jonathan quickly fished something out of his back pocket and handed it to Nancy. When she looked down, she immediately accepted the weapon and rolled her shoulders, getting in position.

Steve raises his bat.

“I don’t think that’s gonna work.” Dustin whispered out. But it wasn’t an attempt at ridicule.

“I don’t think anything’s gonna work.” Steve held his breath.

The winged creature was bigger than any of them liked, its shadow covering the majority of the space they stood in.

El immediately steps forward protectively, narrowing her eyes.

The Thessalhydra was searching for something. El could see its eyes darting around. And then it settled, letting out a low and terrifying growl.

She glanced over, her breath hitching.

It wasn’t searching for something. It was searching for someone.

And it was staring directly at you.

Just as it moved towards it target, El throws her hands out, a habit she had yet to kick, and held it in place. It let out an ear-piercing screech. She felt her arms straining as it pushed against the invisible force. It was too big.

She summons as much power as she can, standing strong. But, with her immense focus, she didn’t see the obstacle sweeping her way.

The creature manages to catch her with its tail, knocking her across the playground and into the slide, head hitting the metal hard.

“EL!” Lucas yelled, rushing over to her. Will and Mike immediately joined him, trying to wake the unconscious girl.

Steve and Dustin share a scared look. Without El, they were screwed.

“How do we kill it?!” Robin shouts out, looking at you. But your eyes were wide, “Y/n??”

You simply shake your head and Nancy rushes over to Jonathan, holding out her hand. He stares at it for a moment before kicking into gear, slipping the cool hard metal into her hand, and she took her stance.

She fires the gun directly at the creature, aiming for the chest, and it roared out. But the bullets didn’t pierce its skin.

Another attack with its tail and everyone dives out of the way, Jonathan practically tackling Argyle to the ground before it could hit him.

“I can’t believe I’m asking this, but how do you beat it in your stupid game?!” Steve asks, the bat in his hand feeling useless.

“First of all, it’s not a stupid game, stop calling it that!” Dustin exasperates.

“I cut off its heads!” Lucas shouts out, eyes wide. “In our campaign, I cut of its heads!”

“How the hell are we meant to do that?!” Steve stares up at the towering creature.

“STEVE!” Dustin suddenly screams and Steve turns just in time to see the monster spread a wing and create a gust of wind strong enough to knock him off his feet.

Dustin quickly runs to him, spear at the ready to protect him if the Thessalhydra attacked. But it didn’t. It was too busy cornering its prey.

“Y/N!” Robin screamed, everyone joining in, as they saw it staring down at you with its dark eyes, moving closer and closer.

A blow of its wings knocked you down, leaving you scrambling away from its growl.

It was strange, seeing something that had three heads but only one mouth. And now, as you stare at the rows and rows of sharpened teeth, light began to build inside its throat. Faces dropped at the sight.

“Shit.” You breathe, eyes wide.

The fire became brighter and brighter until it was almost blinding. And the colour wasn’t natural either.

“NO!” Will cried out as it looked down at you, tears already streaming down.

Vecna had sent it to kill you, and he was going to win.

Will felt light-headed all of a sudden when something strange startled his veins, breath quickening.

But, before he could find out what it was, the Thessalhydra roared and spat out its fire.

You squeeze your eyes shut, screams and cries echoing around you, and curl up into a ball on the ground, waiting for the scorch to consume you.

The flames never touched you.

You could feel the heat radiate around you, but you were safe, the fire merely burning the darkened earth instead. Regardless, you stayed there, heart thumping against your chest.

Once the creature’s attack stopped, you uncurl yourself and slowly look up. There’s a silhouette in front of you, holding up a red-hot shield without so much as flinching.

When they finally turn to meet your eyes, a smile forms on their lips.

“Sorry I’m late.” Eddie grins, panting.

Present Day. Trailer park woods. Upside Down.

-Eddie

“Jesus Christ.” Eddie hissed, brushing off the dirt coating the side of his face as he walked.

Eddie wasn’t sure where he was going, vaguely remembering the mention of the Creel House, words that had left your lips whilst he was still in his murderous trance.

He remembers hurting you, however. Seeing the tears in your eyes before Wheeler eventually knocked him out. He hated that he couldn’t control that. He hated that Vecna had made him hurt you.

He takes the woods to the Creel House, shifting the shield on his back to a comfortable position. He had paid a visit to the destruction that used to be his home, wondering how long it had been since he… well, died.

To have his thoughts back was the biggest surprise. For so long he had only listened to the snarl of Vecna’s trance, obeying the monster’s every order. He wasn’t sure when you had broken free of your curse, but Eddie was grateful you had. Without you, he wouldn’t be free from mind control.

He just wanted to find you. Make sure you were safe.

Eddie hears a murmur of voices in the distance when he eventually reaches the treeline. His eyes adjust to the dark, ears somehow picking up the noise even from this distance. He hadn’t had much time to look at the, well, modifications that Vecna gave him after he breathed back to life. Some kind of demobat-hybrid he really didn’t want to think about.

He can see a group stood around the playground across the street, familiar faces. His heart tightens when he spots the girl he was searching for.

He had found you.

You were hugging your torso as you paced, uttering something and then rubbing your face. You looked scared and stressed. He didn’t want to waste any more time not being by your side.

There’s a rumble of a roar that pierces the sky, freezing his entire body. He can see that your eyes have widened, fear taking over. He didn’t want to know what it was, so he tried to step quickly.

When it comes thumping to the ground, the floor trembles beneath him. It was all too sudden, his attempt at moving derailing when his foot catches against a tree root and he tumbles to the ground.

Spitting out the clumps of twigs covering his face, he raises his head, breath hitching in his throat. The dark silhouette towering over you all in the night, a flash of red lightning showcasing its horrifying features. The creature. It was here.

And it was staring directly at you.

“No.” He whispered, scrambling for his shield in the dark.

Vines had slithered around it, pinning it to the ground. No doubt Vecna’s doing. As he grips the metal and tugs, he keeps sending glances over to the battle, noticing a small girl suddenly being knocked unconscious by the sweep of the Thessalhydra’s tail. At least, that’s what he assumed the monster was. It fit his DnD handbook.

Shots of a gun ripple through the air, but they were unsuccessful. Screams and shouts echoes out as Eddie plants his foot against a vine. He gives it one last heave and the shield breaks free into his possession.

“Y/N!”

Eddie’s head whips towards the cry, his stomach dropping.

The Thessalhydra had cornered you away from the others, making you now closer to him than the group. But, with a better view of the creature, he could see a light building inside of it, and you were led on the ground with nothing to protect yourself with.

Eddie didn’t waste another second.

He sprinted towards where you led, barely dodging the attempts of the vines around him, the three-headed beast ready to spit fire. He would never forgive himself if you died.

Just as you curled up into a protective stance, Eddie skidded into place, crouching slightly. He managed to raise his shield a moment before hot flames burst from its gaping mouth.

He felt the metal burning beneath the heat and he scrunched up his face, pushing against the force. He was lucky he had the strength.

Once the flames had died out, he takes a deep breath and looks back to where you stared wide eyed.

“Sorry I’m late.” Eddie grins, panting. Probably from the adrenaline.

“Eds?” You whispered out, and he feels his heart tug at the nickname.

Before helping you up, he threw his scorched shield to the ground and stared up at the Thessalhydra, narrowing his eyes. Part of him assumed it wouldn’t work, that he wouldn’t still have control. But he did.

The beast let out a roar before spreading its wings and pushing off from the ground, flying straight over your heads. It was gone. For now.

Eddie immediately turns around and holds out his hand.

There’s a moment of tentative hesitation before you accept it, allowing him to pull you from the ground and closer to him.

“Hi.” You breathe out and he smiles.

“Hey-”

His eyes drift to the black and blue discolouration of your neck, his own throat tightening. He had done that.

“I’m okay.” You nod, fingertips brushing against your bruises. But it doesn’t soothe him. He had sworn never to lay his hands on you.

“I’m so sorry.” He whispers and you lower your hands, emotion rushing in.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” You cry as you wrap your arms around his neck and pull him closer.

It had been so long since he held you that he blinks. His arms eventually curl around you and he buries his head into your hair, shaking.

This was all he needed.

March 1986. Skull Rock.

Everyone was discussing last night’s events, Eddie crouched to the ground while fiddling about with his hands. They had been uncontrollably shaking ever since he saw someone else die.

“Y/n?”

His head whips up just in time to see you step into the clearing, brushing leaves out of your hair.

“God, you guys did not make it easy to find you.”

Eddie immediately scrambles from the floor and runs to you, catching you in a hug.

“I came as soon as I heard.” You mumble into his shoulder.

He pulls away, smiling, but his brows are furrowed. “No, no, you’re supposed to be out of here, you’re-”

“Eddie.” You rest your forehead against his. “There wasn’t a chance in hell I’d let you go through this alone.”

“Uh…” Dustin interrupts and Eddie shoots him a look. “Yeah, yeah. We’ll leave you to it. Just gonna be… over here… bye.”

The others move away to give you both some space and you laugh.

You were pretty sure they had no idea you and Eddie were together. After all, your confessions had only become official just before you moved to California; there wasn’t much time to announce it to your friends.

You had kept in touch with him by calling almost every day. And it was never awkward. You felt just as close to him as you did now.

“So…” You say after a while, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips before smirking. “I leave you for five months and now you’re wanted for murder.”

Eddie chuckles, shaking his head and stroking your cheek. “It’s entirely your fault.”

“What?” You laugh breathy.

“Yeah, totally.” He shakes his head, dimples still denting his cheeks. “You were my only good influence, you know.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” You say while rolling your eyes and he pulls you in for another kiss, cherishing it this time.

The anxiety he had been feeling was slowly washed away by your touch, by your presence.

If you were by his side, everything felt right.

Present Day. The trailer park. Upside Down.

“Is it really him?”

Nancy, Steve, and Robin were huddled in a corner, sending glances to where you and Eddie sat.

“You think it isn’t?” Robin raises her eyebrow at the girl’s question.

They found themselves inside yet another trailer, hiding out in fear of the creature returning. Eddie may have summoned it away, but that didn’t comfort them.

“His previous employer wants us dead, so…” Steve shrugs, noticing Robin’s exasperated look. “What? I’m just saying.”

“Why would Vecna send a Thessy-thingy to kill her and then have Eddie save her right before she got barbecued?” Robin points out and Nancy sighs.

“I just… I just don’t trust it, that’s all.”

“But you trust Y/n’s back.” Robin says but Nancy tightens her lips. “You do trust it’s her, right?”

“Yeah.” She nods, frowning. “Of course I do.”

Steve lets out a low whistle. “Even I didn’t believe that one.”

“Look, in the past 24 hours I’ve been kidnapped, Y/n broke her curse, Mike got his eye scratched out, exploded some bats, got attacked by a possessed Eddie, fought an indestructible dragon, and somehow we have not died.”

The two go silent, sharing a look with eachother. When she put it like that… they couldn’t help but wonder when their life spiralled into this hell.

“Sounds like a normal Tuesday night, actually.”

They turn around to see you smiling at them, their breaths hitching.

“Y/n! Hey, we were just-” Robin starts but you tilt your head, amused.

“Talking about the possibility of Vecna still controlling us?” You suggest and Nancy winces.

“Look, I’m sorry-”

“It’s okay.” You nod, your smile faltering. You look back to where Eddie and Dustin are laughing, the younger boy’s face lit with excitement. “I keep wondering the same thing.”

“Wouldn’t you know?” Robin questions with a frown and you take a breath.

“I’ve been under his curse for so long that I have no idea what’s real anymore.” You admit, never meeting their eyes. “For all I know this is all a trick. We’ll find his lair and then I’ll wake up. And he’ll be staring down at me.”

“We’re here.” Steve says quietly, squeezing your hand and you smile.

“I guess we’ll find out the truth when we figure out where Vecna is hiding.” You shrug and Eddie’s ears perk up.

“You don’t know?” He asks and all heads turn to him. Feeling a little uncomfortable, he leans forward and fiddles with the rings on his hand, clearing his throat. “I’ve been there a couple of times.”

“You have?” You frown, shaking your head. “How? The only time I ever saw that place, he immediately found me and erased it from my brain.”

“I don’t know.” Eddie admits with half a smile. “Maybe he just figured I was less likely to spill.”

And by that, he meant less likely to break free. That his mind was weaker than yours.

“Where is it?” Lucas cuts straight to the point, not wanting to waste any more time.

“I…” Eddie starts, trailing off and the boy groans.

“Does anyone actually know where this place is?!”

“It’s okay.” El calms and Lucas sighs, placing his head in his hands.

“I was always pulled to the location, I never- I never went there willingly.” Eddie explains, “But I know what it looks like on the surface.”

“Surface?” Jonathan raises an eyebrow.

“Yeah, the whole thing is some kind of fortress underground. Like… like a gate, but- but not to Hawkins. To somewhere else completely.”

“So what was it underneath?” Dustin urges and Eddie sighs.

“Some kind of shed. I know that’s not every helpful but-”

“Oh my god.” You widen your eyes with a gasp.

“What is it?” Jonathan asks, but you’re looking at Will, a look of guilt on your face.

“What’s wrong?” Will frowns, worrying.

“I know where it is.” You say, finally tearing your eyes away to look at everyone else. “Behind. Will. Steve was right in assuming I was saying it was behind our house.”

Steve raises his eyebrows. Even he was surprised.

“A shed?” Jonathan notes, shaking his head. “We don’t have a- we got rid of that ages ago, when-”

He stops, realising. And, judging by the queasy look on Will’s face, so did he.

“Okay, I joined, like, super late into this whole thing so I’m gonna need more than a shed as context.” Robin expresses and Eddie nods while Argyle continues to stay completely zoned out of the conversation.

“Mom tore down our shed when…” You try and explain, but it feels sickening to say.

“When I disappeared.” Will finishes and Mike raises his head. “Well, when I got back, at least. It’s where… where the thing took me. I tried hiding from it in our shed, I- I remembered the old gun our dad had in there from when he used to hunt. I thought I could use it, but… I never got the chance.”

Mike’s stomach dropped. Will never told him. In fact, up until now, he had just assumed he was taken from Mirkwood, where they found his bike. Why would he keep that from him?

“Wait, so…” Nancy’s brain was working harder than it ever had, trying to connect the pieces. “Vecna’s alternate world is beneath the place Will was kidnapped?”

“It could explain the connection he has with him.” Dustin notes and you gnaw your bottom lip.

“You survived the Upside Down.” You remind, crouching in front of your brother. “And as much as I hate to say it… I never understood why. I mean, mom found you with these vines attached to your body. Everyone else that was dragged down here, they…”

Will nods along, shaking his head. “I never understood either.”

“One kept you alive.” El states, wide eyed. “He wanted you alive.”

“Wait, I thought Will was connected to the mind-fly thingy?” Robin shares.

“Mind Flayer.” Everyone corrects and she holds her hands up in surrender.

“But the Mind Flayer is being controlled by Vecna.” Dustin nods slowly. “El said that Vecna’s been behind everything from the beginning. That beginning is Will’s disappearance, right? Vecna dragged you down there for a reason, then kept you alive.”

“To open a gate, maybe.” Jonathan suggests but Nancy shakes her head.

“There was already a gate at the lab before that. It has to be for another reason.”

“Why me?” Will asks quietly. “Why did he take me? It can’t have been a random decision, right?”

“What if it was?” You speak up and he looks up at you. “What if you were genuinely in the wrong place at the wrong time, and then got pulled into this. What if Vecna never had his eyes set on someone specific, but it happened to be you? If I’ve learnt anything since being down here, it’s that he always has a plan. And you were the first piece to it.”

“I don’t remember anything from that time.” Will admits, lip wobbling at the broken memories. “All I know is that ever since I got out, I’ve been… sensing him. Like I know when he’s gonna attack. Or when something, anything, bad is going to happen.”

“Vecna wouldn’t let you know that.” Eddie joins, standing up. “Everything that monster does is kept a secret to himself. Not when he could lose everything.”

“Then, what, it’s someone else telling him?” Steve shakes his head.

“It’s got something to do with that underground fortress of his.” You decide, raising your chin. “He went through hell to keep that a secret. I saw something I wasn’t meant to. I- I talked to Max, somehow. I mean, if we’re right in assuming that he keeps souls down there… it has to be the most vulnerable point. That’s where we cut Vecna off.”

“We’re talking about his head, right?” Eddie asks, leaning in. “Like, we’re cutting his head off.”

“I mean, any body part will do, right?” Steve’s eyebrows raise.

“Yeah, yeah. Head, leg, hand, whatever.” Eddie lists and Nancy clears her throat.

“How do we get in?” She steers them all back on course and Eddie shakes his head.

“Like I said, I was just transported there whenever he needed me. But I never really saw inside. I wasn’t that aware of my surroundings.”

“Probably for that secret-keeping purpose Y/n talked about.” Dustin sighs. He looks at you with an unreadable expression. “How did you get in?”

“I told you, I don’t remember.” You slump your shoulders. “I wish there was a way to find out, but Vecna went through a lot of trouble just to take that memory out of me.”

“I can do it.” El suddenly announces, standing with a nod. “I can find the memory. One can’t take it away. He can only lock it. Somewhere deep. He did it to me. I found my memory. I can find yours.”

There’s an exchange of looks, Jonathan twists his face.

“Is it dangerous?” He asks the girl and she lowers her gaze.

“It depends.”

A moment of silence goes by before you clear your throat.

“Well, that’s good enough for me.” You nod briefly, walking over to her. “Let’s do this.”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Eddie’s hand finds your arms and he gestures for you to turn around to face him. “Just like that? What kind of dangerous?”

“I mean, what’s the worst that can happen?” You try and diffuse the situation before Argyle makes a noise, raising his hand.

“You could have your brain, like, turn to goo or something, dudette.” Argyle smiles proudly at his suggestion. “Or, our little superpowered friend could accidentally wipe all of your memories and you won’t even remember who you are.”

Everyone stares at him in horror.

“Or-”

“Okay that’s enough.” Jonathan slams his hand over Argyle’s mouth, a muffled sound of protest before Argyle sighs, shrugging.

“Uh…” Robin looks back at El with a worried look. “That’s not actually a possibility, right? Like, Y/n isn’t going to be permanently scarred for the rest of her life?”

El simply blinks at her and Lucas steps towards her.

“Look, I really wanna find this place. Especially if we can get Max back. But… if there’s a chance it would risk Y/n’s life, or risk yours, then I- I don’t want that.” Lucas pleads and El finds your eyes.

You give her a small nod and she smiles slightly.

“We’re doing it.” You declare and Eddie closes his eyes, taking a breath. “Look, if we seem like something’s really wrong, or anything like that, then pull us out if it. But this is the only shot we have at destroying Vecna and getting Max back.”

So then it was decided, for you and El to dive into your memories, to find a way to Vecna’s fortress.

As you both sat together in the corner, the room deadly silent, everyone eagerly waited for results. But, as El grabbed onto your hand and closed her eyes, Will felt the trail of goosebumps creep along the back of his neck.

Something was going to go very wrong.

[i'm trying to fix the taglist so if it isn't working then i apologise so much, idk what's happening but it won't let me tag certain people - i'll highlight in red the ones that don't tag]

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