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Bullets rained down around Wayne as he took cover. So far, he’s kept his promise to his mama, but he’s not sure how much longer he can. An enemy soldier popped out of the brush in front of him and Wayne froze; assessing the man.

A shot rang out. The man in front of him buckled and fell to his knees, blood spurt from the wound in his chest. Without hesitation, Wayne lunged forward, putting pressure on the wound and getting his arms under the man, pulling him from the battlefield.

“I don’t know if you can understand me, but I’m gonna do my best to get you out of here.” Wayne said.

The fighting continued around them but they were fairly well hidden. It took a while, but eventually it seemed one side took the battle and the noise stopped. Wayne pulled the man onto his back, and carried him toward the nearest town.

Following where the man gestured, Wayne arrived at a small house with a woman and a few children inside. The woman held a baby that reminded him so much of his nephew; eyes too bright for the small form.

“Wife.” The man said. It wasn’t much, but it was more than enough.

“I’m not sure he’ll survive, but he’s home now.” Wayne said to the small Vietnamese woman. She waved them inside and pointed to where Wayne could lay the man down. Getting him into the bed, he pulled the covers over him and turned to leave.

The woman blocked his path and for a moment, Wayne wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to come here. But she handed him a small wooden figurine. It was in the shape of a fox with nine tails.

“Hồ ly tinh.” She said. At Wayne’s confused frown she explained in broken English. “Hồ ly tinh. Will protect. If in danger, break.” She pointed at the statue again and made a snapping motion with her hand. “Hồ ly tinh will save.” She said then stepped out of his way.

“Well, thank you.” Wayne replied, his mama raised him right. And he didn’t have the heart to tell this woman that a small wood toy couldn’t save his life. He exited the house and shoved the figure in his pocket, deciding to give it to his nephew.

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Eddie kept the little fox on his key ring. Unlike his uncle, Eddie believed in superstitions and supernatural, he loved it.

When Wayne first gave him the little figurine and told him the story behind it, the first thing Eddie did was try to break it. Emphasis on try. It didn’t matter how much effort Eddie put into it, the stupid thing wouldn’t snap. So, either this was the strongest wood known to man, or it would only break if Eddie’s life was actually in danger.

For three years the little trinket stayed unbothered. Then, Chrissy Cunningham died in his trailer. Then he ran for his life more than once.

Then, he’s staring death in the face as bats descend on him from all sides. Swinging his makeshift spear and shield only does so much before they overwhelm him.

Now, he watches tears drip down Dustin’s face as he holds his dying body.

“I didn’t run away this time.” Eddie mumbles with a smile. He’s fading, he can feel it but he doesn’t mind too much, not when he was finally brave.

Nearby, gravel kicks up and someone slides in on his other side. Flicking his eyes that direction, he sees Steve assessing his injuries with wide eyes, Robin and Nancy stand back to give him room.

“Oh shit.” He whispers. Steve reaches for Eddie’s side as if to do something to stop the bleeding but quickly realizes there’s nothing he can do. Incidentally, his hand knocks into the chain on Eddie’s belt and reminds him of the figurine.

“My keys.” He mumbles, urgently tapping on Dustin’s arm. “Get my car keys, quick.” No one argues with him, there’s no point. If he wants to die holding his car keys they’re not going to stop him. Instead, he grabs the little fox and it actually snaps. At first, nothing happens and Eddie thinks this is it.

A fog rolls in, blanketing the small group and through the mist a fox like creature peals itself from the shadows. Instinctively, everyone grabs for the nearest weapon.

“No.” Eddie mumbles, grasping tightly to Steve’s arm. The fox ignores the rest of the group coming right up to Eddie’s side and sniffing delicately at the hand that still holds the figurine.

It turns to his body, yipping gently at the bites. Eddie watches in horrific awe as his blood seems to reverse it’s journey out of him and returns to it’s proper place. With its rough tongue, the fox licks over each wound, sealing them shut until only a scar remains. For the first time in several minutes, Eddie takes a full breath.

“What the hell.” Dustin whispers as the fox disappears into the mist as quietly as it appeared. The shaking ground pulls them all out of their daze and the group runs to the trailer. He helps boost Dustin and the girls through before he and Steve climb out together.

Landing in a heap on the floor, Eddie stares at the place where a gate used to be.

“Okay, what the shit!” Dustin screams.

“I have to tell Wayne.” Eddie pants with a smile. He always knew spirits were real.

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