Dwobbit From The Shire

Nancy frowned. She didn't know what that meant, but she'd definitely be asking him about that.

"I don't know if we'll be able to do it, but it's possible we have an escape plan if we free ourselves from Vecna's mind before they find us," Nancy said.

"Are you suggesting. . .flying cars?" Eddie asked.

"Not all of us can fly, Eddie," Nancy said. "If the wormhole works like I think it does, then it works like the gates. . .if we're in the Mind Flayer's world, then the Upside Down is beneath us. . . And beneath the Upside Down, or above it depending how you look at it, is our world. . .it would be easier if we were in a vehicle. . .then slow our desent."

Nancy drew the diagram in the sand. First the Mind Flayer's world, then her idea of what the Upside Down looks like. . .making it look more like a tunnel, and then their world underneath it. Holly knelt down next to it.

"It kind of looks like an hourglass," Holly said.

"It kind of does," Nancy smiled.

"Okay. . .how am I going to fly a car?" Fred asked. "All I did was move my mom's tiny kitchen radio."

"El was able to pick up a train when she tapped into her anger," Nancy said. "At least, that's what she said. What are you angry about?"

Fred raised his hands up and looked around the cave. Nancy almost laughed.

"Just look around us," Fred scowled.

"Well, focus on that and anything else you're angry about," Nancy said. "Think about Steve's car and practice using that. Try and get it out of the wall."

"You have two less people to worry about, Fred," Chrissy said.

"I'll be flying and carrying my beautiful queen with me," Eddie said.

"Eddie," Chrissy giggled.

"Are you sure you'll able to keep carrying her?" Patrick asked.

"Oh, we like to keep a tight hold of each other," Chrissy said.

"We've done it before," Eddie replied.

Fred pushed up his glasses and crossed his arms. He bit his lip nervously.

"Do we have time to talk?" Fred asked Nancy.

"I still need to work with Uncle Wayne," Holly said. "I've almost got it."

The group moved away from Fred and Nancy. Patrick looked at Fred in concern. Fred smiled at him, and Patrick moved over to sit by Max. Fred sat down next to Nancy on a rock with his hands folded.

"I never told you how I got my scar," Fred said.

"You said it was a car accident," Nancy said.

"I mean, yeah, that's true," Fred said. "I caused the accident. . .I wasn't looking where I was going, and I hit another car. It flipped and rolled. . .then hit a tree. . .The person inside was trying to crawl out. The car was on fire, and I was in shock. I just stood there and stared while the man begged me to help. . .he screamed at me. I just watched him. . .I just kept watching him. . .the car blew up, and he died. I let him die, Nancy."

Nancy wasn't sure what to say to that, her mind whirling over what Fred had just said to her. Her silence said a lot for Fred, and she watched as his face fell, looking more ashamed of himself than when he sat down. She reached over and took his hand, squeezing it.

"Fred, you were in shock. You were injured. . .I'm sure you didn't mean to just sit there and watch him die. I know you, Fred. You're a good person. You just did a bad thing, and I know that you spent all your time here beating yourself up, and when this is all over, we'll talk about it properly. I'm still your friend, and that's not going to change. You're angry at yourself and at what happened. Use that against this bastard. Use it so we can get out of here."

"How can you still possibly be my friend?" Fred asked.

"Because I'm not perfect either, Fred, and I like you," Nancy said.

"I'm sorry I never told you," Fred said softly.

"To be fair, there was a lot that I wasn't telling you," Nancy said, and Fred laughed.

Fred sighed and squeezed her hand back. She smiled. She couldn't save Barb, but she could save him, and she was going to do everything in her power to get them out of this stupid cave.

"Do you really think I can do it?" Fred asked, staring down at their clasped hands.

"Look at me, Fred," Nancy said, and he looked up, gazing into her eyes. "I believe in you. You've got this."

Fred smiled at her and squeezed her hand before standing up. As he was walking across the cave towards Patrick, Holly screamed.

"I DON'T LIKE MY POWERS! I'M SORRY!" Holly sobbed. "I'M SORRY, UNCLE WAYNE!"

Nancy looked over to find Wayne kneeling next to Holly, who had her hands over her eyes. She rushed to her sister's side as Wayne touched Holly gently.

"What happened?" Nancy asked.

"Darling, darling. . .you didn't mean to show me that," Wayne said.

"They're bad," Holly cried.

"No, Holly, they don't have to be," Wayne said.

Holly dropped her hands and looked at him in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Holly asked.

"You like birds, don't ya?" Wayne asked.

"Yeah," she said.

"Your favorite colors are pink and green, right?" Wayne asked.

"You know that, Uncle Wayne," Holly said.

"Okay, just imagine a bunch of pink and green birds flying around. . .let everyone see them, too," Wayne said.

Holly sniffled and closed her eyes. Everyone in the room watched as small birds started flying around the cave. Their feathers were a perfect mixture of bright pink and green, their beaks a bright orange as well. When they started singing, Holly's eyes opened, and she looked around the cave in amazement. Even though Nancy knew that they weren't real, they looked and felt real. One of the birds landed in the palm of her hand, and for a moment, she almost felt its little feet and the feathers brushing against her skin.

"Metal," Eddie breathed as he watched them fly around him and Chrissy.

"They don't have to be bad," Holly realized as she stared at the birds in awe.

"No, they don't," Nancy grinned.

Nancy and Holly looked at each other, their smiles growing. The birds flew out of the opening of the cave and disappeared into the desert. Nancy gazed out into the expanse, thinking about the mine shaft and the rocks piled up in the back. Henry couldn't come in here. . .maybe it was for more than the memory of him being taken over by the Mind Flayer.

"What is it?" Holly asked.

"I think I have an idea of how we can get out of here," Nancy said, and she held out her arms. "Eddie?"

"Back to the old mine shaft?" Eddie asked.

"Yes," Nancy replied. "I think it will lead to what Steve called Vecna's mind soup world. . .that's where we'll escape."

Eddie sighed and took off his shirt, handing it off to Chrissy.

"I know you're getting tired of me doing this, babe," Eddie said.

"Yes, it's terribly dreadful to see my very sexy boyfriend without a shirt," Chrissy said and kissed him. "Be safe."

"No, this time you're all coming with us," Nancy said. "If this is the way out, then we need to get the hell out of here. . .unfortunately, Eddie can't fly all of us."

"You flew with Eddie last time. Can I go this time?" Holly asked.

"I don't see why not," Nancy said, smiling and dropped her arms.

"I hope you don't mind being carried by a shirtless nerd," Eddie said to Holly.

"I have a brother. Besides, I'm eight and completely unaffected by your stupid man boobs," Holly rolled her eyes, and Eddie cackled.

"You might just be my favorite Wheeler," Eddie said.

"Uncle Wayne is still my favorite Munson," Holly said.

"Completely understandable," Eddie said and then looked at Nancy with delight. "If this is what it's like to have a little sister, I fucking love it."

Eddie picked up Holly, her long legs wrapping around him as she hugged him. She screamed in fright at first when he flew up, but then her screams turned to joy when he flew out of the cave. Nancy smiled. She followed after them, climbing down the side of the cave with the others following after them. It took longer to get there than if they flew, but Nancy didn't complain. Eddie and Holly were waiting for her by the mine. Holly's cheeks were pink, and her eyes were sparkling. Nancy was glad that for a moment, her little sister could find some joy in all this bullshit. Nancy gave them the go-ahead. Eddie jumped into the mine, and Nancy followed him after. Eddie held out his arms, and Holly giggled before jumping into them, her cloak flying behind her. They moved out of the way and let the others into the mine. They all followed in a single file behind Nancy. When they got to the end of the line, Henry and the scientist didn't appear. Nancy approached the rocks piled up in the back of the cave. It was time to get the fuck out of here. Nancy attempted to pull one of the rocks out but as soon as she started pulling, Eddie swooped into help. Nancy ignored his shit eating grin and chose to be grateful about it instead of giving him the satisfaction of being annoyed at his cockiness. Together, they pulled a couple of rocks out and Nancy could see a sliver of red.

"There it is!" Nancy exclaimed.

"Hm, you were right," Eddie said.

"Don't sound so surprised," Nancy said.

"I'm only surprised because you sounded surprised," Eddie said.

"Let's just get out of here," Nancy said.

Eddie and Nancy continued to pull away more rocks until they made a wider opening. That weird feeling came over her again, where she was suddenly aware that all of this was happening in someone else's mind. She waved the feeling off and moved aside to let the others through before following after them. It was just as she had remembered when Vecna had shown her his story. . .she still didn't know why he showed her his plan. . .but maybe it was for the same reason that Kas talked to her. She was the kind of person who kept digging for the truth and didn't let anyone stop her. Speaking of Kas, she hadn't heard from him yet. She just hoped that he was able to distract the Mind Flayer and Vecna.

"Remember, embrace your trauma, and you can open the door," Nancy said. "And make sure it's your door."

"What happens if it's not our door?" Patrick asked.

"Then you end up in someone's body," Nancy said. "I guess."

"Yeah, that's not happening," Max said.

"Does that mean we can swap bodies with someone if we wanted to?" Fred asked.

"I think so but let's talk about that after we escape," Nancy said. "Focus."

A doorway opened up pretty quickly, and they could see into a big empty red room filled with light. The room was cavernous, and it held some of the same spirals that stood in the mind soup.

"I think that's my door," Wayne said. "I've embraced my trauma a long time ago. . .and the new ones now. . .I hear Teddy calling my name."

"Of all the Munsons, Wayne's always been the more adjusted," Eddie said. "I can't wait to be like him when I grow up."

Wayne moved towards his door, but Holly cried out and grabbed his hand.

"You can't come with me, sweetheart, but don't worry, I'll be waiting for you on the other side," Wayne said.

"I love you, Uncle Wayne," she sniffled.

"I love you," Wayne said before looking at Eddie and Nancy as well.

Eddie placed his hands on Holly's shoulders as Wayne walked towards his door. They watched as he stepped into it and then watched it close behind him. Another door opened, and they looked into the same room that Wayne's door had shown, but Patrick had moved towards it as though someone was calling his name. Patrick looked at it and then looked at Fred. He stared at him for a moment as though he were debating something.

"Fuck it," Patrick said.

He pulled Fred into a harsh kiss. Fred held onto him tightly, kissing him back.

"Aw, Pat!" Chrissy squealed.

Patrick pulled back, and Fred blushed, straightening up his glasses.

"I'll see you in a minute," Fred said.

Patrick smiled and disappeared into his door. Fred's door showed up quickly after that, and he didn't waste a single second before diving through it. Two more doors opened up. Eddie and Chrissy grinned at each other. She blew a kiss at him. He caught it and threw it in his mouth, eating her kiss. Chrissy giggled before walking through her door. Eddie saluted Nancy, Holly, and Max before throwing himself awkwardly into his own door. Now, it was only her, Holly, and Max. Nancy looked over at Max, who was twisting her hands nervously. Nancy took her hand and squeezed it.

"You've got this. I believe in you, Max," Nancy said. "I'm right here, and Lucas will be waiting for you on the other side. You've got other people who love and care for you, who've been patiently waiting for you to wake up. You're not alone."

"My mom?" Max asked.

"She's been working hard to get better for when you wake up," Nancy said. "She's been fighting her own battles. Now is your chance to do the same. Run, Max."

A doorway opened, and they could see into the hospital room. . .of course, because Max wasn't with them. Lucas wasn't beside her bed anymore. . .more than likely with her brother and Will trying to protect the other kids. They needed to get to them before Vecna did. Time was of the essence. Max walked through her door, and it closed behind her, leaving the two Wheelers. Holly looked up at Nancy.

"I don't want to leave you," Holly said.

Her blue eyes, so much like Nancy's, blinked with tears. They had both gotten their eyes from their grandmother and so much more. Nancy tugged on one of Holly's pig tails.

"You're one of the bravest people I've ever known, Holly," Nancy said. "You've had to deal with so much and the changes our family has made since the earthquake. . .you've dealt with it with more maturity than I've seen from an eight year old. You're stubborn, but you've got the biggest heart I've ever seen, and you're not afraid to put someone in their place, especially when you're standing up for others."

"I'm a Wheeler," Holly rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, you are, and just like this Wheeler, you're going to walk through the door and join the rest of our family because they need you. I'll be right behind you, and Uncle Wayne will be out there waiting," Nancy said. "You can do this. Go."

Holly's door opened up, and holding onto her necklace tightly, she walked through it. Nancy watched it close behind her. She took a deep breath and imagined embracing Barb. Her door opened up before her. She took another deep breath and stepped through the door.

"Take it easy there, darling."

Nancy's eyes snapped open. Wayne was holding her in his arms, cradling her. He tossed the vine that was in her mouth aside and stroked her hair. Nancy felt her breathing relax.

"Wayne," she gasped.

"I got you," Wayne said softly. "Come on."

Wayne helped her stand up. She grimaced when she realized they were coated in some sort of disgusting, slimy substance. There wouldn't be enough showers after this. Nancy was immediately bombarded by Holly throwing herself at her chest. Nancy squeezed Holly tightly and kissed the top of her head. She immediately gagged, and Holly laughed.

"Yeah, we're going to need to soak for at least a weak," Nancy said.

Eddie was wrapping Chrissy in his red flannel, soaked in the same disgusting slime. Patrick's arms were wound tightly around Fred, and she knew that Max wouldn't be here, but it still surprised her. Nancy got a look around the place. It was a wide open space, enough to fit her house in it twice over. The walls curved upward on either side of them with dark red spires, and if she had to guess, they looked like ribs. . .the realization hit her. They weren't just with the Mind Flayer. . .they were inside it. She grimaced again and looked around again.

"He's not here," Fred said. "Vecna isn't here."

Nancy looked behind them, at one end of the. . .the cave, because that's what she was going to call it. The cave. The vines looked similar to Vecna's set up in the Creel attic, as though it was a throne of some sort, a very twisted throne without a seat. . .Just creepy vines.

"Okay, we need to get out of here and I'm guessing the mouth is that way," Nancy said, pointing in the opposite direction.

"The mouth?" Chrissy asked.

"I think we might be inside the Mind Flayer," Nancy said.

Everyone acted exactly like she thought they would, but they didn't have time to freak out. She started walking towards the entrance, and the others started to follow with Holly clutching her hand. The cave started sloping, and the opening got smaller. The next thing they knew it, it was dark, and they were all standing on something spongy. Nancy didn't want to think about that either. She could see light coming from in front of them, through thing cracks. They had to wait for the right moment - there! As soon as it opened, Nancy started running towards the opening, and when she realized the jump wasn't that far, she jumped out of the slumbering beast. The others quickly followed her out.

"After you, boss," Fred said.

"No."

"Big chief?"

"I will leave your ass here," Nancy said, and she started running.

She looked over her shoulder to make sure they were following, and when they made it to an opening in the ground, everyone came to a stop with her.

"If you want me to get a car in there, the opening needs to be bigger," Fred said.

"Yeah, I can definitely do that. I've always been good at stretching things out," Patrick smirked at Fred.

"There is a child present, Pat," Fred blushed.

"It's okay, I don't even know what that means," Holly said.

"Just get to work, Patrick, if you can do it," Fred said.

Wanting to impress Fred seemed to boost Patrick's confidence up by a thousand, adding to the time crunch and the desperate need to get out of there. Then she thought about what Lucas had said about his home life. . .about showing up with bruises. She watched Patrick's face change instantly in that moment, and she knew that Patrick was thinking about his father. Fred knew it, too, and as Patrick directed his hand at the gate, Fred tried to touch him. Nancy grabbed Fred's hand and looked at him with sympathy as she pulled him back. She knew more than anything how much he wanted to be there for him, but she also knew that Patrick needed to do this on his own. She could feel the power emanating off of him, and his nose started to bleed. Soon, the ground began to shake, and the gate began to grow. Nancy let go of Fred's hand and gave him a look. His anger would be directed at himself. Nancy watched them both and waited with the rest of them until. . .Steve's car burst through the opening and landed on the other side of the gate. Nancy winced at the noise it created and looked over at the Mind Flayer. It was still slumbering. . .or whatever it was doing. Maybe it was looking through Vecna's eyes.

"Alright, everyone get in," Nancy said.

"It doesn't look like it's going to run," Fred said.

"Fred, babe, you don't need it to run. You're the one that's going to make it run," Patrick said.

"Oh, right," Fred said.

Fred slid into the driver's seat, and Nancy let Patrick sit up front. She got into the backseat with Holly and Wayne. She watched through the window as Eddie saluted before scooping up Chrissy into his arms and spreading his wings.

"Buckle up," Wayne said.

Everyone's buckled their seat belts, and Nancy watched as Fred gripped the steering wheel. His nose started to bleed again as the radio crackled to life. The car started rising in the air, and Patrick grabbed at Fred's leg, his nose bleeding as well. The car dipped downward and started running right through the gate. It was startling to be in a bright desolate desert one moment and the next, flying through a dark, cloudy world. Red lightning flashed before them, and Fred dodged it by turning the wheel. It seemed to be helping his powers drive the car. He even pressed on the gas pedal to make it go faster. Nancy looked out the window, and Eddie appeared next to the car, his wings flapping in a rapid motion as he carried Chrissy tightly in his arms. Holly sat between Nancy and Wayne, clutching both tightly. The BMW continued to fly downward at a very fast pace and dodged the red lightning every seven seconds.

"Don't forget to slow your descent when we get closer to the ground!" Nancy yelled.

"Right!" Fred yelled back.

It was loud outside of the vehicle with the lightning and the gust of wind they made as they sped along towards the Upside Down. She just hoped that the car wouldn't explode because she hadn't really thought about that aspect. Nancy didn't know the extent of the damage the BMW received. She held onto her sister and reached out for Wayne as well. He wrapped his arm around both of them. Fred burst through the clouds and into clear air. They could see dilapidated buildings covered in vines, and Nancy blinked, focusing on what was below them. Was that Steve's old house? What was that red light? She couldn't make it out. Nancy squinted, but she still couldn't tell what it was. With Patrick's reassuring touch, Fred managed to slow the descent and get them to the ground safely. Although it was still a little bumpy, she decided that it would be better if she didn't tell Fred that she almost threw up. When they got out of the car, Patrick pulled Fred into a celebratory kiss as Eddie landed and set Chrissy on the ground. Nancy tried not to think about Vickie or Robin. Wayne didn't miss her jealous look and squeezed her shoulder with sympathy. She leaned into his touch. His partner was in the hospital, and Wayne didn't know if he was going to make it. For now, Robin and Vickie were alive. . .for now. Nancy cleared her throat, squeezed Wayne's hand, and smiled at him before gently pushing it off her shoulder.

"Did you guys see that red light?" Nancy asked.

"Do you think it's a gate?" Chrissy asked.

"It's possible, it's right near Steve's old house. Come on, we need to go," Nancy said.

Once they followed her, they trusted her completely to get them where they needed to go. Nancy just hoped she didn't fail them. She followed along the familiar path. . .it was the same path she made so many years ago when she walked home that night after sleeping with Steve. She should have turned around, and if she had, she would have seen that Barb's car was still there. . .she would have known that she was missing sooner. No, she mentally shook her head, no time for what ifs. Nancy had no clue what was going to happen that night. It wasn't her fault. She felt Holly slip her hand into hers, and together, they proceeded forward. When they approached the house, it was completely covered in vines, and the red light was glowing from behind the house. . .the pool, Nancy realized. She swallowed and walked around the back of the house with the others trailing behind her. The red light wasn't an opening to a gate. It was coming off a rather large creature that was using the empty pool as a bed. It had red scales, and peaking out of them was an orange light. . .the creature's tail hung out of the pool as well as it claws.

"Holy shit," Eddie breathed.

"That's - that's a dragon," Holly said fearfully.

The dragon's golden brown eyes snapped open, making the lines around its face more obvious. Everyone stumbled back, and Holly was pulled into Wayne's arms. Nancy stayed where she was, gazing at the creature as it looked back at her. It raised its head and moved slowly towards her. Eddie grabbed her arm and tried to pull her away, but she gently pushed him back. Nancy moved closer to the dragon, instead, and came face to face with it. She could feel the rancid breath on her skin. A memory came to Nancy's mind, of when she was in middle school and her friendship with Barb was barely a year old. . .

"When I grow up, I think I want to be a dragon," Barb said.

They were lying in the grass in Nancy's backyard, watching the clouds and trying to find shapes in them. They had just spent a long time studying and had decided that it was more than time for a break. They laid head to head, their bodies stretching away from each other.

"A dragon? Why?" Nancy laughed.

"I can fly anywhere, and no one can hurt me," Barb said.

"I won't let anyone hurt you," Nancy said.

"I know you won't," Barb said. "But you can't be with me all the time, Nance. One day, I'll trip and fall. You won't be there to save me from that stupid asshole, Jason Carver, like you did the first day we met."

"Yes, I will," Nancy said stubbornly.

They had both fallen silent after that, watching the clouds go by. Nancy remembered thinking that this was Hawkins. . .what would possibly go wrong? Barb was right. She couldn't possibly be with her all the time.

"You know, if you think about it, we don't really die," Barb said.

"What do you mean?" Nancy asked.

"When we die, we decompose and go back into the Earth. Our atoms spread across the world. . .across the sky. So, we don't really die. We get reborn again in a way. So, even if we die, I think we'll somehow see each other again," Barb said.

"I like that thought," Nancy said.

"We are stardust, we are golden, we are billion year old carbon," Barb said.

"Where's that from?" Nancy asked.

"I don't know. I think it's from one of my parents' collection of albums. I heard them playing it once, and I really liked that line," Barb said.

"We are stardust," Nancy muttered and smiled. "Yeah, I like that, too."

Nancy came out of the memory, tears falling as she touched the dragon's nose. This was what was left of Barb. She felt it. Barb was gone, but there was still something of her left.

"Barb," Nancy sniffled, and the dragon nuzzled her cheek.

"This is Barb?" Fred asked.

"What's left of her," Nancy said sadly. "Just an echo. . .I can feel it."

"How come she didn't get revived like Eddie?" Fred asked.

"I think Barb was already dead for a long time when Vecna awoke Kas," Eddie said sadly. "Sorry, Nance."

"I've accepted that she's gone," Nancy said tearfully. "This creature was born in her place. . .there's some part of Barb that recognizes me. . .we are stardust, we are golden, we are billion year old carbon."

"Isn't that a Joni Mitchell song?" Eddie asked.

"Yeah, Woodstock," Wayne said. "Released on Crosby Stills Nash and Young's album. . .what you looking at me at like that for, boy? You know I like Joni Mitchell."

Nancy snorted. She was about to respond when a flash of images filled her head. She could see Steve, Dustin, Jonathan, and Vickie inside Hawkins' lab still in the Upside Down. They were about to do something stupid. She needed to stop them. Nancy clutched her head as blood dripped out of her nose. Yeah, it fucking hurts to use her powers especially when she wasn't expecting it.

"Nancy?!" Holly yelped.

"Chrissy, Fred, Patrick, find the nearest gate. Get yourselves and the others out of here!" Nancy exclaimed. "I need to stop Dustin, Steve, Jonathan, and Vickie from doing something - well, I don't know what they're going to do but I know it's not going to work out for all of them! Don't argue with me! I got you guys this far. I trust you to go the rest of the way. You'll be fine without me, and I'll be fine, too. I've got a dragon. . .make sure that asshole doesn't get to the other kids."

Holly let out a sob but let Wayne pick her up again. Wayne pulled Nancy into a tight hug and kissed her forehead.

"I want all our kids to come back in one piece," Wayne said gruffly.

Nancy hugged him and Holly back, holding onto him for longer than she did as she thought about her mom and dad. She hoped Wayne understood what she was trying to say to him without words. He seemed to. Wayne squeezed her once and pulled back with Holly clinging to him. She gave them one last look before glancing back at the dragon. She turned around and looked at Steve's car, then moved towards the trunk. It opened for her. She grabbed Steve's nailbat and then the one he had made for Dustin. She handed Dustin's to Wayne's, keeping Steve's with her.

"Stay safe," she said and turned towards the dragon.

She had laid her head down so Nancy could climb up easier. Nancy got a better look at the dragon's wings. It was more black and leathery, as well as slimy like the Upside Down. She could see more interwoven strands of black across the dragon's body as well, running through some of the scales. She had mistaken some of the veins for cracks in the scales. She was a beautiful dragon. Nancy climbed up the dragon and settled onto her back.

"If you were a dragon, Barb, would you keep your name?" Nancy had asked.

"No, Barbara is a terrible name for a dragon," she scoffed.

"What would you call yourself then?" Nancy asked.

"Aurora. . .Roman goddess of the dawn. . .seems much more majestic, don't you think?"

A loud squelching sound hit her ears as the vines on the dragon's back wrapped around her like a harness, securing her in place. Nancy grabbed at the spikes that ran along her shoulder blade and kept a tight grip. Aurora seemed to know when she was ready to leave and where she wanted to go. It was a lot more alarming than the flying car. There wasn't anything to protect her from the wind. It whipped through her hair and slapped at her cheeks as Aurora flapped her wings. There was a feeling that she got that Aurora still needed to grow and that she had spent the majority of her time here sleeping. This was her first time awake, and she seemed rather annoyed about it, but the part of Barb that lived inside of her seemed happy to do it. It was the most out of body experience she ever had, and she just escaped the consciousness of someone else's mind. She was riding a fucking dragon. . .a dragon who used to be her best friend. Nancy let out a sob that was mixed with grief and euphoria. The tears barely touched her skin, flying past her with the wind. Aurora flew down suddenly, right towards the roof of the lab where a giant blue orb sat upon it. As they got closer, Nancy could see Jonathan and Vickie. She saw Vickie aim the gun. She leaned foward and Aurora sped up then slowed her descent, landing on the roof of the building with a loud thump.

"STOP!" Nancy screamed.

Vickie dropped the gun as she screamed with Jonathan.

"NANCY?!" Vickie cried.

"IS THAT A FUCKING DRAGON?!" Jonathan yelled.

The vines released Nancy, and she slid down Aurora's neck. She ran to Vickie, threw her arms around her, dropping the bat, and slammed her lips to hers. Vickie's body wracked with sobs as she kissed her back, her fingers curling into the back of Nancy's uniform. She couldn't tell who's tears she was tasting: hers or Vickie's. Nancy broke the kiss, their arms still around each other. Vickie cupped her face, sobbing.

"You're here, you're really here," Vickie cried.

"I'm here," Nancy said.

"I thought we'd never see you again. I was so scared, we both were. I can't believe you guys have been going through this - " Vickie started to turn into a rambling mess.

"I'm sorry," Nancy said, tears continuing to fall.

"No, I'm not mad at you, babe. I totally get why you guys couldn't say anything. I got bits and pieces from everyone," Vickie said. "I'm just glad you're here."

Nancy hugged her tightly, breathing her in. She didn't deserve either one of them, and yet, they wanted her.

"I love you," Nancy said.

"I love you, too. . .by the way, I think that's the loudest I ever heard Jonathan yell," Vickie said.

"It's a fucking dragon, Vick," Jonathan said.

Nancy pulled away from her girlfriend and was about to respond to Jonathan when the other two appeared looking frantic. She smiled when Steve picked up the bat on instinct.

"Don't shoot the - OH MY GOD!" Dustin screamed.

"That's a goddamn dragon!" Steve exclaimed.

"Yes, great. Everyone is now caught up on the fact that Nancy arrived on a dragon. I'm not sure if you care or not, but Nancy's actually here in person," Vickie snapped, rolling her eyes, and Nancy snorted.

Dustin was the first one to throw himself into her arms, hugging her tightly. Nancy beamed, hugging him back, and he let her go so Jonathan could hug her. When Jonathan stepped back, Steve went to hug her, but Aurora growled at him, and Steve froze. It didn't take a genius to figure out why she reacted like that.

"It wasn't his fault," Nancy said, and Aurora snorted. "He didn't trick me or pressure me into it, either. I wanted to have sex with him, but my choice didn't get Barb killed, Aurora. His choices didn't get her killed either. Barb chose to stay when I told her to leave. If she chose to think less of me because I decided to sleep with Steve, then that was on her. I didn't abandon her. I didn't kill her, and neither did Steve. He's my friend, and he's here to help."

Aurora snorted and stared at Nancy before relaxing. She gave Steve one last look and stepped back. Nancy wrapped her arms Steve and hugged him tightly. She pulled away rather quickly when she heard Aurora snort. Nancy glared at the dragon and then turned the others.

"Okay, seriously, what's with the dragon?" Steve asked.

"The dragon was sort of born from a part of Barb that was left in the Upside Down," Nancy said.

"Jesus," Steve breathed. "How do you know?"

"It's just a feeling I have," Nancy said sadly, and Vickie took her hand.

Steve stared at her for a moment before looking at Aurora. Nancy smiled as she slipped an arm around Vickie's waist, pulling her closer to her side. She squeezed her hip as she watched Aurora looking at Steve.

"Look, you don't have to like me, and I get it. It took us a long time for both of us to realize that we didn't do anything wrong by being together. But, I did sort of ignore Barb, and I shouldn't have. I was just - Nancy was the first person to make me feel like that, and I wanted to keep chasing that feeling. . .she made me feel like a real person for the first time in a long time. I'll always love her for that. I'm sorry for what happened to Barb, and I'm sorry that I'll never get to know her," Steve said, and Aurora stared at him before she snorted again. "Are we good?"

"Well, she didn't kill you, so I think that counts for something, Steve," Dustin said.

"I had a feeling that you guys were about to do something stupid," Nancy said.

"Oh, they were. . .but that's my fault. I was wrong. I thought it was like a shield generator for the wall. . .but it's actually what's keeping this place going," Dustin said.

"Okay, yeah, no, don't destroy it," Nancy said.

"Nancy. . .if you're here. Where's Holly?" Vickie asked.

"She's with Wayne and the others," Nancy said.

"The others?" Steve asked.

"Well, Max was there, and I'm sure she's now waking up in the hospital -"

"MAX IS ALIVE!" Dustin shrieked and burst into tears before pulling Steve into a hug.

Steve laughed, sniffling, and hugged him back.

"Okay, there's more. Vecna kept his other victims alive. Chrissy, Fred, and Patrick are with them, too," Nancy said, and she paused. "Eddie's with them."

"Eddie's alive?" Dustin asked.

His dark blue eyes were big and wet, looking at her hopefully. Eddie dying in his arms had really fucked him up for a long time and Nancy knew that it probably wouldn't be truly real for him unless he saw Eddie.

"Yeah, he's alive. . .well, sort of," Nancy said. "He's undead, actually."

"What?" Dustin asked.

"He's a vampire and sharing his body with an ancient dead alien whom he named Kas," Nancy said.

"He would name the thing possessing him," Dustin rolled his eyes affectionately.

"They're going to get the kids to safety," Nancy said. "And we need to try to do the same. At least, I do. I need to fly back to - I don't know what to call it. Kas's world? I'm pretty sure the stone is underneath the Mind Flayer. The Stone is the thing we need to destroy."

"A quest to destroy a mysterious stone with a dragon to save the world? Count me in," Dustin grinned.

"No, you guys need to get out of here," Nancy said.

"Oh, you're going to have to knock me out if you want to leave me behind, Nancy Wheeler! Like hell, I'm going to let you go back there without me as back up," Vickie said, scowling, and wrapped her arms around Nancy's neck. "Yeah, I'm being a clingy girlfriend, but if it keeps you alive, so be it!"

"You're so cute when you're being all protective and angry," Nancy said, her heart fluttering.

"Don't flirt with me now, Nancy Eloise!" Vickie exclaimed, her cheeks red.

Nancy chuckled and gave her butt a little pat before pulling away. She turned to Steve and Jonathan.

"Oh, like hell, you're leaving us behind," Steve said. "You take one Irish, you're going to have to take another."

"We do love a good fight," Vickie grinned, and then she frowned. "Or maybe that was just my great grandmother."

"Well, luckily, I have a noble steed with me," Nancy said and patted Aurora. "Do you think you can take all of us?"

Aurora snorted and rolled her eyes, very much in the way that Barb used to do. Nancy smiled. The smile fell from her face when she heard a familiar shriek and then -

"Shit, shit, SHIT! I TOLD YOU TO STAY WITH YOUR MOTHER AND SISTERS!"

Eddie dropped onto the roof clumsily. Two demobats circled and chirped excitedly around him. Eddie glared at the bats and started licking the scratches on his arm.

"Eddie, what are you doing here?" Nancy asked.

"The others made it through the gate. Chrissy sensed you were about to do something stupid, though. I couldn't let you do something stupid without me," Eddie said, flashing his dimples.

"Well, it does run in our family," Nancy laughed.

Suddenly, a blur rushed past her, and Dustin was throwing himself into his arms. Eddie managed to grab onto him without them collapsing and held him tightly as Dustin sobbed.

"You asshole!" Dustin cried. "You stupid fucking piece of shit!"

Eddie pressed his cheek to the top of Dustin's hat, and squeezed him tightly.

"I'm sorry, kid. I was trying to save your life, man, and I thought - I didn't think at the time that my life could be saved," Eddie said, and he paused. "Or should be. . .I don't think that anymore. I found some courage and hope in the afterlife."

"Good, because I don't want to watch you die again, you or Steve or anyone else," Dustin said. "I'm so fucking done with watching people die."

"I don't think you're alone in that, man," Eddie sniffled.

Dustin pulled back, and Eddie clapped him on his shoulders. Nancy smiled at the both of them, letting them have their moment even though time was of the essence. Eddie grinned over Dustin's shoulder.

"You've been keeping a good eye on our kid, big boy?" Eddie grinned.

"Yeah, he hasn't made it easy. You know how he is," Steve rolled his eyes and smiled. "Good to see you, man."

Eddie pulled him into a tight hug. Steve tried to slap him on the back, but he couldn't because of his wings.

"Well, hey, you don't have to raise him by yourself anymore. Daddy's home," Eddie cackled as he pulled back.

"Don't call yourself that!" Dustin shrieked.

"Fuck off, asshole," Steve laughed and shoved him playfully.

Jonathan cleared his throat loudly and pulled Steve away from Eddie.

"We've got a world to save," Jonathan glared at Eddie, and Vickie giggled.

"Oh, by the way, this is Ozziette and Jamie," Eddie said to Dustin. "Chrissy and I adopted demobat babies. Ozzie, Jamie, this is your brother, Dustin, and this is Steve, Dustin's mother."

"I am NOT his mother!" Steve said with his hands on his hips. "Don't tell them I'm his mother!"

Nancy gently nudged Vickie up towards Aurora, who lowered her head for Vickie to climb up. Vickie looked at Nancy, who gave her an encouraging smile. Vickie climbed up Aurora's head and straddled her. Nancy picked up the gun and pocketed it before pulling herself up behind Vickie and wrapping her arms around her waist while Aurora's vines secured themselves around the women. Dustin came up behind them, and Steve settled in behind him with Jonathan snuggeled up against his back, his hands digging into Steve's stomach. Nancy didn't have to look to know that Dustin was probably grinning with excitement while Steve was grimacing. Nancy couldn't help but laugh as she pressed her cheek against Vickie and held her hands against Vickie's stomach comfortably. Aurora started to rise into the air.

"Oh, Robin's going to be so pissed that she missed this," Vickie said.

"We'll make it up to her," Nancy said.

Eddie and his kids flew beside the dragon, managing to keep up speed despite their size. Aurora looked at Eddie's wings and snorted. Eddie immediately flipped her off, and she made another sound that almost sounded like laughing. The wind whipped through their hair, and the others yelled when Aurora started flying up. For a dragon that had barely flown at all, she was doing rather well, Nancy thought. She was really impressive when she managed to dodge the lightning, and she made a very successful barrel roll.

"I'M GOING TO THROW UP!" Steve screamed. "FUUUUCCCK!"

"CHEER UP, STEVE, WE'RE FLYING A GODDAMN DRAGON!" Dustin yelled. "WE'RE GOING TO SAVE THE FUCKING SHIRE!"

"HELL YEAH, WE ARE!" Eddie yelled.

"YOU ARE INSANE!" Steve yelled at them.

Nancy couldn't focus so much on them right now because she could feel that Vickie was starting to freak out. She was trembling and whimpering.

"It's okay, baby, I've got you," Nancy said in her ear. "I won't let you fall."

She could feel her relax a little and even more so when she pressed kisses to her cheek. Vickie put more weight against her, and she watched as she closed her eyes. For once, Vickie couldn't utter a single word. All she could do was place her hand over Nancy's and squeeze it tight. Nancy felt her relax more, and for the rest of the flight, Vickie managed to remain calm. As they got closer to the other world, Nancy felt a warmth growing between her legs, but it wasn't coming from her. . .it was Aurora. It wasn't enough to burn them, but it got pretty hot. Flames erupted from her open mouth, making a wide hole above. They burst through the ground/ceiling with dust and bits of rock raining down above them. She felt one of the rocks make a sharp cut on her cheek as she tried to cover Vickie as much as she could.

"FUCK!" Steve yelled.

Aurora landed on a stable surface, away from the hole she just made, and Eddie landed beside her. His children perched on either shoulder. The vines slid away from them, and Nancy slid down first. She caught Vickie smoothly in her arms and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

"Is this the redhead who likes Scooby-Doo?" Eddie asked Nancy as he popped up between them.

Nancy rolled her eyes and pushed Eddie's face away. She gave Vickie an apologetic look as everyone else slipped off the dragon.

"Sorry," she said.

"We have other things to worry about than you talking about how crazy you are about me," Vickie said to Nancy.

"I like you," Eddie cackled. "You, me, and Scooby-Doo after all this is over with."

"I do have tons of episodes on tape," Vickie said.

"Okay, okay, I'll move in with you but only platonically because I have a redheaded girlfriend of my own and I know it doesn't seem like it but she gets jealous," Eddie said and Vickie laughed.

"She also likes Garfield," Nancy said, laughing as Eddie gasped dramatically.

"Who doesn't?" Jonathan muttered and cast his eyes at Steve. "Besides Steve."

"Seriously, are we doing this now?" Steve asked as Eddie playfully glared at him.

"Steve's right. The Mind Flayer is tapped into Vecna's mind. I don't think he can see us," Nancy said, and she grimaced.

"What?" Vickie asked.

"We need to get him to move," Nancy winced.

"Why?" Jonathan asked.

"You've ever had a cat before?" Nancy asked. "Well, I have. I can't tell you the number of times I lost something - "

" - And they're always sitting on the damn thing!" Dustin laughed. "Yeah, he's definitely sitting on it."

"Or he ate it," Steve said.

"Okay, so looking underneath him is a definite possibility," Eddie sighed. "Are we going to do this or stand around clucking like chickens? What's our orders, captain?"

Nancy raised an eyebrow when Eddie looked at her, but she didn't question it.

"I get on Aurora, and we fight him from above," Nancy said. "You guys get underneath and look for the stone. Destroy it if you can."

"Nancy - ," Vickie protested.

"Go with them, Vick. If they get hurt, they're going to need you," Nancy said.

"What about you?" Vickie asked.

"I've got Aurora and Aurora's got me," Nancy said.

"Nance - ," Vickie started.

"If we don't do this, we're all dead. The Mind Flayer and Henry. . .all the pain they've caused. . .Henry killed Barb so he could make me weak so he could strip me of my powers. Well, now I'm going to take away his power," Nancy said and clenched her jaw before speaking again. "He thinks love makes us weak, but it only makes us stronger. I have to do this, Vickie."

Vickie's eyes filled up with tears, and she kissed Nancy, pouring every emotion she had into it. Nancy could taste her salty tears, and she didn't have to say it because Nancy didn't want to lose her either.

"You know, things didn't go well when the Scooby gang split up," Vickie said.

"This isn't Scooby Doo, Vickie," Nancy said.

"It would be so much easier if it was," Vickie said. "If this was all just as some shady real-estate developer or a slighted relative. . ."

"I think I would give anything to solve a mystery like that," Nancy sighed and stroked her cheek. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

Nancy kissed her one last time, then climbed onto Aurora. She looked at Vickie, who was sobbing, and she was grateful for Jonathan, who moved to Vickie's side. She looked at Steve, who gripped his bat and stood protectively next to Dustin. The first man she loved and the sweet boy who once offered her the last slice of pizza because he thought she was so cool. . .the very boy who became Steve's brother. Something good came out of her breakup with Steve. She looked at Jonathan, the second boy she had loved and just as important. They had been there for her in different ways and loved her for who she is. . .although, she always admired Steve's ability to have turned it all around for her. He was brave in a way that Jonathan just didn't understand at the time. . .neither one of them had understood each other, not at first. Now they were in love. . .because of their connection to her. Nancy couldn't help but wonder what she could have possibly done to deserve that kind of connection. . .they were willing to fight for her, with her, and beside her. Vickie and Robin. . .she still didn't understand that either, but they loved her. . .they all did. Her brother, her sister, their parents, and Wayne. . .so many more people connected through her and through her family. She could feel that giving her strength. That was her true power. They weren't just a party. They were a family. As Aurora flew into the air, Nancy closed her eyes and thought about Robin.

"I just don't understand. . .why the deception?" Murray asked Robin.

Robin was sitting next to him in the front seat of his truck as they sought to get the kids out of the hands of the military, Vecna, and out of Hawkins. That's what Nancy discovered.

"Maybe because you were inserting yourself into something that was none of your concern," Robin spat at Murray. "And now, because of you, Steve's relationship could be in trouble. All because you got it into your head that you had something to do with Nancy and Jonathan getting together. You didn't care about how Nancy felt or even Jonathan! You just wanted to be right, and you don't care who got hurt in the process. Steve's my best friend in the whole world. You hurt him, and I hurt you. I'll work with you to save the kids, but after this, I really hope I never see your face again."

Okay, first the whole thing about Tommy and now this. . .Yeah, she definitely needed to find out what happened. Nancy wished she could be there for her other girlfriend. . .maybe Vickie was right. Bad things happen when they split up. . .or maybe it was just a coincidence. Nancy couldn't stop the smile at Robin's threat. . .she admired their friendship. She knew Steve would do the same thing for Robin. She felt a tug in her chest, and in the back of her mind, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. Something was going to happen, and they needed to stop it. Nancy's eyes popped open as Aurora flew close to the Mind Flayer. He was even more disgusting and terrifying up close. Nancy could see the others approaching down below with Eddie and his daughters circling the group protectively slightly above them.

"Okay, Aurora, let's do this. . .fire away," Nancy said and patted her back.

Aurora grew warm beneath her and opened her mouth, flames bursting forth. It struck the creature in the face. Its many eyes opened, and it let out a terrifying roar that shook the ground. The Mind Flayer stood up on its legs. He had almost as many legs as he did eyes. He opened his own mouth and shot out what appeared to be green acidic smoke. Nancy didn't find out what it did because Aurora dodged it perfectly. She didn't have to tell Aurora. The dragon hit the monster with another wave of flames. The Mind Flayer's skin sizzled and hissed as he screamed, his body stretching upwards. The others slipped underneath him. Nancy needed to lead the monster away from the others. Aurora understood immediately and dove into fire on the monster again. The flames hit his body, and Aurora flew away so the Mind Flayer could chase her. Nancy looked over her shoulder and found that the monster was chasing after them.

"COME AND GET US, ASSHOLE!" Nancy screamed.

The Mind Flayer screamed behind them. Aurora was going faster than before, and the wind was stinging Nancy's face. Her eyes were watering, too, but she didn't care. All she cared about was keeping this creature away from her friends. Aurora dodged and weaved his his acidic breath, but at some point, she moved to avoid a cliff, and his breath caught Aurora's side. It came so close to Nancy, and she watched with horror as Aurora's skin started to melt away. Aurora screeched in pain as her skin slipped off and parts of her vine fell away. It was, of course, the vine that was securing half of Nancy. The vine on the other side still held onto to her but if something happened to that one, Nancy was fucked. She held onto her spines tightly, hoping she'd give her friends time to find the stone. Aurora swerved, showing her bloody wound to the Flayer and protecting her other side but she continued to fly. Nancy looked down. . .they were rather far away now. She couldn't even see the others now. . .all she could see was a vast sea of sand and mountains draped in sand. If she had time to pause, she could make out what they used to be, tall buildings created by people who once lived here. Aurora rolled as she dodged another spray from the monster and Nancy's stomach dropped at the sudden turn. She wasn't sure how long she was doing this or how long she could keep doing this. The Mind Flayer was gaining on them and he raised a leg, swipping at them. His first try, he missed. But his second attempt to hit them succeeded. His claws hit the other side of Aurora, digging into her side and scraping against the vines. . .as well as Nancy's leg. This time Nancy screamed with Aurora. It only grazed against her leg, tearing into her flesh only just but it was enough. It was the worst pain she ever felt. The vine that once secured her fell away. The only thing keeping her on the dragon was her grip. Nancy clung to Aurora but she was in pain, too. Nancy's blood slid down her leg and onto Aurora. She let out a sob as she tried to cling to the dragon but the Mind Flayer had other plans. He used his acidic breath again and Aurora had no choice but to try and dodge it. In trying to keep Nancy on at the same time and trying to get another vine to secure her, Aurora took a shot to the back. She roared and rolled. Nancy lost her grip and suddenly, she was falling through the air. No, she couldn't. . .she watched Aurora take another hit, scream, and then fly away. Nancy Wheeler was going to die.

"I can fly, Daddy! I know I can!" Nancy squealed.

Suddenly, she was four years old again. Ted was watching her from the backyard, trying to catch her.

"No flying today. You need to go and take a bath," Ted said.

"You need a bath because you're a stinky boy," Nancy said.

Suddenly, a cry came from inside the house, and little Nancy scowled. Ted sighed.

"Come on, you don't want to make this easy for your dad at all, do you?" Ted asked.

"I wanted a little sister," Nancy said, stomping her foot. "Not a stupid brother."

"And I suppose this is my fault, is it?" Ted asked.

"Yes!" Nancy exclaimed.

Ted took off his glasses and wiped them with a handkerchief. Nancy took the opportunity to climb onto the shed. Ted cursed and quickly put his glasses back on. He managed to grab Nancy before she climbed to the top. She screamed.

"Nancy Eloise!" Ted scolded.

"I don't want to go back! I don't want to see my stupid brother!" Nancy yelled, with tears in her eyes.

"What's this all about?" Ted asked as he struggled to hold her.

"Jason Carver told me that girls can't be pirates, and they can't be fairy pirates, neither," Nancy said.

"Well, he sounds like a complete idiot," Ted said, and Nancy giggled. "He might grow out of that, though. Boys do that. They don't always stay idiots. . .if you want to be a pirate fairy, I don't see why you can't be. . .do you think you can be a pirate fairy who can take a bath?"

Nancy settled down in his arms and started picking at his shirt.

"I think so," Nancy said.

"Good. . .what on earth were trying to get on top of the shed for?" Ted asked.

"To fly, daddy, duh," Nancy sighed and rolled her eyes. "I already said."

"You know, I won't always be there to catch you," Ted said.

"Pirate fairies catch themselves," Nancy said knowingly, and Ted laughed.

"NANCY!"

"Dad?" Nancy asked but no one could hear her.

She was falling. It was strange to feel nothing beneath her, and yet, there was something comforting about it. The ground will catch her. . .Nancy screamed and started twisting the air, trying to grab onto anything. No! She didn't want to die! She had so much more left to do. No, she wasn't ready yet. Who was that calling her name? It wasn't Ted because he was in the hospital with her mother and father. . .would she ever see them again?

For a moment, she could see them lying in the hospital. . .then suddenly, it was Charles and Sue, standing in Max's hospital room with Max and Lucas. Max was wide awake. Claudia was there, looking frantic.

"My Dustin is missing, and I heard the soldiers are taking kids," Claudia wept. "I think they're after you next because I can't find Will or Mike either. Nancy and Holly are missing, too."

"We need to get you guys out of here," Charles said.

"Where is Erica?" Sue asked, looking worried. "Last time I checked - "

"She said she was patching things up with Tina," Charles said.

"Go to the Turnbows and get Erica. We're getting out of here. Fuck the quarantine and these assholes," Sue said.

Charles kissed Sue before hugging Max and Lucas tightly. He hurried out of the room.

"I'll get a wheelchair," Claudia said.

The scene changed as she thought about Mike. Suddenly, she was in the MAC-Z. She could see Mike standing in the middle surrounded by soldiers. Joyce and Will were there, too, with Derek along with the other kids and Erica. Where was Terry? They had tried to get the kids out, Nancy realized, but they were caught. She felt it on the back of her neck. Something was coming.

"NANCY!"

Suddenly, she collided with something hard. Shouldn't she be dead? Or at least in so much pain because all the bones in her body had broken. However, the only pain she felt was from the wound on her leg. Nancy's eyes snapped open and found that she was looking into a scarred naked chest. Nancy looked up and found Eddie's face focused as he flew downward. When he landed, she heard the sound of people running over to them as Eddie laid her down. Vickie was sobbing as she collapsed next to her.

"Nancy?" Vickie cried.

"It's fine, I'm fine. It's just my leg," Nancy said.

"It looks pretty fucking gross," Eddie said.

"Edward!" Vickie scolded.

"Don't call me Edward, Victoria. I was just being honest, and if you had let me finish, I was going to tell her that I could lick it so the wound would close," Eddie said.

"That's gross, but it needs to be done," Nancy said.

"Only her leg," Vickie narrowed her eyes at Eddie.

"Now, who's being gross?" Eddie asked.

His tongue rolled out of his mouth, dripping in grayish black saliva. Nancy winced and looked away as he began to lick her wound. When Eddie was done, he pulled away. Nancy looked down. The wound had closed, and Eddie had licked most of the blood off. She could see it. It was a raised ugly red scar running down the side of her leg. Nancy knew it would probably never heal properly, but she still had her leg, and though it still hurt, she could walk on it. Vickie helped her up, securing an arm around her waist. She was aware of Aurora fighting the Mind Flayer off in the distance.

"You have the stone?" Nancy asked.

"I do," Jonathan said.

He was holding his sweater balled up in his arms. Nancy raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, it's best not to look at it," Steve said. "And I tried to smash it with my bat, but it just bent the nails."

"You should have seen Steve in there," Jonathan said, looking proudly at his boyfriend.

She could see the sliver of red light coming out from underneath Jonathan's sweater. Nancy looked over at Steve's bat and found that the nails were, in fact, bent. How were they going to destroy this thing? Nancy looked at Aurora, who was successfully dodging the Mind Flayer. They needed to be quick.

"AURORA!" Nancy yelled, and the dragon looked her way. "DESTROY!"

Nancy grabbed Jonathan's balled up sweater and threw it up in the air. Aurora turned, opened her mouth, and lit the stone up with her fire. The sweater was engulfed in flames and then there was a loud explosion as the stone shattered with it. Nancy and the others ducked down as the earth shook. The shards disintegrated before they hit the ground. The ground continued to shake and they heard the sound of the Mind Flayer's painful but furious screams. Nancy looked up with the others as Aurora landed in front of the monster. For a moment, she thought that they had failed but the Mind Flayer stopped and let out a mournful wail as though several thousand people were screaming all at once then it collapsed to the ground. They all watched as its body began to decompose at an accelerated rate before bursting into dark gray dust that began to fly all around them. Nancy felt an anger inside of her that wasn't her own and she looked at Eddie. She knew he felt it, too.

"There's no time to waste, let's get the fuck out of here," Nancy said.

They didn't argue with her. Aurora was still injured, but so was Nancy, and she was still willing to do whatever it took. Unfortunately, they had to share some of her vines, but the dragon who used to be her best friend managed to secure the vines around all of them except Eddie and his children. Eddie spread his wings beside Aurora and flew beside them. Nancy was starting to become accustomed to flying down, but Steve still wasn't, and she couldn't help but smile as she heard him scream. They slayed the fucker and now they just needed to destroy his little pet.

As they were flying through the Upside Down, an image came into her mind. Demogorgons, wroth as their master and on the tail of the rest of their party. It was like she could see it all at once. In the hospital, Lucas was pushing Max and running with his parents. Claudia was with them, too. Lucas was bleeding from his shoulder. Suddenly, she was also looking at a demogorgon chasing after Robin and Murray. . .then she was looking at her brother and Will in the Mac-Z. Mike was standing in front of a group of children and Erica, ready to give his life. Oh, fuck no, Nancy thought. She needed Chrissy, Fred, and Patrick to be there to stop the demogorgons -

"Already on it, boss," Fred's voice came through crystal clear.

"I told you not to call me that," Nancy said.

She didn't have to be worried, though, because she could see Will clearly and feel him, too. He was tapping into his powers as well, his inate powers and using them along with Vecna's against him. A wave of pride filled Nancy, and it seemed she could see through her brother's eyes as Will stood up for them all. Then she felt someone else. . .Terry and El. . .as well as her sister. . .Kali? They were all backing up Will, who raised his hand and all once, the demogorgons raised in the air. . .

"Holy shit!" Steve and Jonathan exclaimed as Aurora landed on the ground near the closet gate.

"I'm having a daydream, or am I seeing Will - " Jonathan started to say.

"Shut up and focus, Jonathan," Nancy told him. "He needs all the help he can get."

As the monsters attacked Murray's truck, flipping it onto its side, the demogorgons in the hospital came for Lucas, his parents, Max, and Claudia. Fear shot through Nancy, and she looked at Vickie.

"Robin," Nancy whispered.

They hurried off the dragon, and Nancy realized they were right where Robin was in the Upside Down or close to it, anyway. It felt weird being able to see it all at once. It was like flickering through the channels on television. She could see the demogorgon in the hospital gaining on the Sinclairs, Max, and Claudia. They made their way into the laundry mat. Sue and Charles hurried to put the kids down behind something while pushing Claudia to stay with them. Sue and Charles ran off, with Sue dragging an oxygen tank with her that her husband had given her. Nancy watched, impressed, as she ran to the gate with Vickie, Jonathan, Steve, Dustin, and Eddie. Sue jammed the tank into the dryer and set the timer before hiding with her husband. A moment later, the demogorgons came into the room while the others ripped into the truck, and the others approached her brother. In the hospital, the demogorgons approached the dryer on all fours and watched the tank spin around with their heads tilted. It was almost cute, Nancy thought. BOOM! The dryer exploded, killing the monsters. Lucas stood up with Max in his arms, and Claudia looked at them shocked as well.

"I think you two might be better at doing laundry than I am," Claudia said, and they laughed.

Nancy wanted to as well but refrained as she climbed out of the gate with the others. She took a deep breath. She was home. Nancy didn't stand there for long. They were close to the accident sight and she could see the smoke just uphead. They ran toward it, and Nancy once again saw Will. His eyes were white as he raised his hand above his head. Suddenly, the remaining demogorgons raised into the air with Will's hand, and he closed his fist. With a loud crunch, their bodies snapped, and they fell to the ground. Dead. Will's nose was gushing blood, and he collapsed to the ground. Nancy pushed the images away and focused on reaching her other girlfriend. They made it to the flipped over truck where Robin was crawling her way out, her lip split and her eye red. It would soon be brusied.

"ROBIN!" Nancy and Vickie screamed.

Robin stood up, dragging what looked like a sword with her. Was that Hopper's sword? She looked at them as though she couldn't believe her eyes. She hadn't seen Eddie, not yet. Her eyes were on Nancy and Vickie. Robin's blue eyes filled up with tears, and her bottom lip trembled.

"The kids are alright," she sobbed when they got closer.

Robin met them and fell into their arms, her whole body shaking.

"I thought I'd never see you again," Nancy said.

"Yeah, I thought the same," Robin said. "I mean, I tried to remain positive but you know, all this fucking messed up bullshit. . .well, it's just determined to test you. I never wanted to give up hope, though. Either of you."

"I'm glad you're okay," Vickie sobbed.

Robin pressed a kiss to both their cheeks before pulling back to look at them. Murray crawled out of the truck with the kids crawling out after them.

"Don't make sure I'm okay or anything," Murray said.

"You ever get tired of hearing yourself talk because I do," Robin snapped.

It happened so suddenly. It came out of nowhere. Will had missed one, and so did they. The demogorgon leaped over the truck and pounced onto Murray, throwing him away from the kids. He screamed, and before they could stop it, the monster's head darted out. There was a loud crunch, and Murray Bauman spoke no more. The kids screamed as his blood splattered the pavement. The demogorgon turned on them, but as it pounced, Robin dove in front of them and raised the sword. She swung it in an upward arc, her body twisting. The demogorgon fell to the ground, its head rolling away from its body. Robin drove the sword into the head for good measure.

"Nancy rode a dragon, Robin wielded a sword to save a bunch of kids. . .I'm going to need to schedule some alone time with them after this," Vickie muttered to herself, her hand on her chest. "Time and place, Dunne. Someone just died."

Nancy held back her laughter because she was right. Someone did just die. While she never did care for Murray, he didn't deserve to die like that. However, what Robin just did was incredibly hot, and she was having problems of her own.

"Did you just say Nancy rode a dragon? Nance, what the FUCK happened to your leg?! And why does it look - EDDIE?!" Robin screamed.

"Hey, how's it going?" Eddie asked casually.

"YOU DIED!" Robin yelled, pointing the bloody sword at him.

"I got better," Eddie shrugged.

Robin let out a sob and hugged him, dropping the sword at her side. Suddenly, a familiar van pulled up. Argyle popped his head out the window as another car pulled up behind them. Fred popped his head out of the driver's seat.

"Did someone call for a rescue and evacuation?" Argyle asked.

Nancy, Robin, and Vickie piled the kids into Argyle's van. Robin and Vickie checked them over twice before giving them encouraging squeezes.

"Get the others and get the hell out of Hawkins," Nancy told Argyle.

"We'll let you know when it's safe for them to return," Robin said.

"Good luck," Argyle said and gave Robin her own two finger salute. "Alright, kiddos, hang onto your butts!"

"I would have listened to you about this, and you know that, dingus!" Robin yelled at him.

"Look, I know that I tend to fuck with the kids about it but you know I like Star Wars," Steve said. "Well, Will knows I know what Star Wars is, I'm not sure he believes me when I said I liked it."

"We like Star Wars," Robin corrected.

"Well, you know that, at least," Steve said.

"This is about Star Wars?" Nancy asked.

Steve and Robin looked at them in surprise. They didn't realize anyone was there. Steve and Robin shared a look, staring at each other. They did that so often that Nancy wouldn't be surprised if they could communicate telepathically.

"You're going to tell them?" Robin asked with raised eyebrows.

"Yeah, of course. I doubt they'd judge me for it," Steve replied.

"Why would we judge you for liking Star Wars?" Jonathan asked in confusion.

"No, it's not about me liking Star Wars. It's about me thinking Harrison Ford is hot," Steve said, rolling his eyes.

"What?!" Nancy and Jonathan exclaimed.

"Jesus, why is that so surprising?" Steve asked.

"Because you never gave us any indicators that you liked men," Nancy said.

"Really? Because I used to talk about how hot Tom Cruise is all the time," Steve said.

"Only in relation to your appearance," Nancy laughed.

"Okay, yeah, that's true," Steve said. "Robin doesn't have an excuse because I didn't do that with Harrison. I told her straight up last time we watched it, without comparing my looks to his, that the man was hot."

"I thought you said he was a robot!" Robin exclaimed. "Which is why I said he's not!"

"I thought you were judging me for my taste in men!" Steve yelled back.

"Oh, you mean like when - ," Robin said, and he nodded. "Oh, yeah, I had no idea you telling me you were gay."

"I'm not gay, Robin," Steve said. "I'm like. . .you know."

"Oh!" Robin exclaimed, her eyes wide with realization. "Fuck, that's why you were so sure - "

"Yeah," Steve said.

"We might both be idiots here," Robin laughed.

"That's always been true or otherwise you wouldn't be friends with me," Steve said.

Robin laughed and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

"I love you, dingus," Robin said.

"Love you, too."

"I hate to break it to you, though. You look nothing like Tom Cruise," Robin said.

"You take that back," Steve said and pulled away from the hug.

"So, what made you realize that you were - I mean, besides Harrison Ford?" Nancy asked.

"Bisexual, I'm bisexual," Steve said, and Robin looked at him in surprise. "Yeah, there's a word for it. To answer both of your questions - ,"

"Robin, didn't ask a question," Jonathan said.

Robin and Steve gave him matching looks of exasperation. Nancy giggled.

"There was a book about James Dean that I found. The writer mentions in the introduction that he was bisexual, that he had relationships with men and women. I didn't get around to reading the whole thing because I was kind of just focused on the whole "I'm not straight" thing," Steve said.

"So, it wasn't because you had a crush on someone?" Robin asked.

"Oh, I didn't say that. Someone definitely made me question it before. . .," Steve said, trailing off. "It doesn't matter, he hates me."

"Wait, you have a crush on him now? I thought you were - ," Jonathan said, cutting himself off and looking at Nancy.

"Thought I was what? Trying to steal Nancy from you?" Steve scoffed. "Is that what Murray's been telling you? Yeah, he also told me that I should stay away from Nancy because Jonathan is a thousand times better for her than a pathetic washed up jock could ever be."

"He said that?!" Nancy and Robin exclaimed, looking furious.

Jonathan looked ashamed, and Steve sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Look, I'm not trying to steal Nancy because Nancy can't be stolen. She steals you. I just like flirting with her. Do I love Nancy and still want her back? Yeah, of course. I'm not going to try and force it on her. If she wants me to stop, I will, but so far, she hasn't. Nancy has no problem putting people in their fucking place. I have always left the ball in Nancy's court. . .whatever she decides is up to her. It definitely shouldn't be up to Murray the creep," Steve scoffed.

Jonathan scowled for a moment before sighing, his features relaxing along with his body.

"You're right," Jonathan said.

"Well, hey, if it makes you feel better, I'll flirt with you, too," Steve said. "Can't be mad at me if I try and "steal" both of you."

Nancy laughed. Jonathan shook his head, but he grinned, flashing his dimples.

"You're an idiot," Jonathan laughed.

"And you're pretty," Steve said and brushed his thumb against one of his dimples. "Especially in those sweaters of yours. . .really drive me crazy."

"If you keep flirting with my boyfriend in front of me, I'm going to have to shoot you," Nancy said, her eyes sparkling with mirth and desire.

"Promise?" Steve asked.

Nancy and Jonathan both blushed. Jonathan looked at Steve in realization.

"You have a crush on me," Jonathan said.

"What gave it away?" Steve asked. "Yeah, I have pretty strong feelings for both of you. I get that it's a lot, so whatever you want to do. . .well, the balls in your court. . .we should probably go talk to that mutual friend of ours, Robin."

"Wait. . .did our friend know before me?" Robin asked.

"Apparently, because I thought you knew," Steve said.

"Hm, suddenly, some of the things they've been saying make sense," Robin said, and Steve scoffed again.

They walked out of the Squawk. Nancy and Jonathan collapsed onto the couch.

"We have a lot to think about," Nancy said, putting a hand on Jonathan's knee.

"Yeah, we do," Jonathan said.

"What's Murray been saying to you, Jonathan?" Nancy asked.

Jonathan sighed, looking ashamed and embarrassed again.

"I should have told you. It was so stupid that I even considered it or listened to him at all. . .he's been suggesting that I propose to you so I can beat Steve because we have shared trauma," Jonathan said.

"Okay, well, now that you've said it outloud, do you know now how stupid that sounds?" Nancy asked.

"Yeah, yeah, I do," Jonathan groaned and leaned back on the couch.

"Also, I don't want to be that girlfriend, but. . .you're not allowed to talk to Murray anymore," Nancy said.

"Yeah, I figured," Jonathan laughed.

"And whatever we decide here this evening, he doesn't get to find out," Nancy said.

She leaned back against the couch, and Jonathan rested his head on her shoulder.

"You love Steve," Jonathan said.

"Yeah, I do," Nancy said softly. "I love you, too."

"I love you," Jonathan said. "And I think I've been fighting it. . .but I love Steve, too."

"He makes it hard not to," Nancy said.

"What an asshole," Jonathan said, without heat, and Nancy laughed.

"A selfish asshole," Nancy agreed.

"He couldn't just have one of us," Jonathan said.

"I guess that makes us selfish, too," Nancy said.

Jonathan turned on his side, curling up against Nancy and throwing his arm across her stomach. He burrowed his face into her neck as she wrapped her arm around him and stroked his back. She loved it when he made himself smaller with her. . .whenever he made himself more comfortable. She couldn't wait to see him do it with Steve.

"Oh my god, I'm in love with Steve Harrington. . .a fucking jock, Nance," Jonathan said.

"Yes, your reputation is officially ruined now," Nancy teased. "You're living in my house and fell for a jock. You're officially a suburban girl, Jonathan Byers."

"Stop it," Jonathan whined.

"Do you want to borrow one of my sweaters?" Nancy asked.

"Fuck off," Jonathan groaned and he paused. "I stole the pink one with the blue flowers. I was going to throw it away because it was the one you wore in those photos with Steve. . .I, uh, keep it under my pillow."

Nancy let out a laughter that shook them both.

"You're such a freak," Nancy said. "But at least we have that in common. . .I still have one of Steve's sweaters that I wear to bed occasionally."

"There's worse things than a couple liking the same guy," Jonathan said.

"True," Nancy said. "I don't know what I want to do first - tell Steve or kill Murray."

It was answered for her when the door to the Squawk opened, and they both heard Murray's voice.

"DELIVERY TIME!"

Nancy narrowed her eyes and sat up. She cracked her knuckles, ignoring the worried but aroused whimper that Jonathan let out.