Chapter Text
It had been two weeks since the ground of Hawkins Indiana had opened up and swallowed half the town whole. After years of trying to ignore your abilities and the three small numbers tattooed on your right wrist, it was made clear to you that the time for hiding was over.
Flashes of green passed your eyes as you sped along the road in your black Chevy Impala. At least 50 cars had flown by you in the opposite direction. You had been the only one going towards the disaster zone that was Hawkins.
The entire trip here had been filled with memories of that night; the one when you saw Henry, or 001, in the "Other World". The moment the ground had opened up, you were paralyzed with visions of the small town breaking apart, each crack tearing your mind into pieces. You could hear the screams of those unfortunate enough to have fallen victim to his plan, one, in particular, replaying every time you closed your eyes.
Too lost in your thoughts, you almost blew through the barricades just a hundred yards ahead of you. Your tires smoked as the car screeched to a halt, the policeman waiting before you jolting at the noise. He looked angry as he walked to your window, motioning for you to roll it down. You complied, plastering a smile on your lips as you prepared yourself for the scolding of a lifetime. He asked why you were here, using the opportunity to look into your car.
"I'm here to visit my grandma," you replied sweetly, hoping the way you bat your eyelashes would get him off your case.
The man, whose nametag read Callahan, met your gaze and nodded slowly. Once he was satisfied that you were the only one in the car he stepped back before saying, "you're free to go."
You flashed him a smile before pulling around the blocked right lane and entering Hawkins. Every minute that passed brought about more destruction. It seemed that the town had split four ways from the middle and deep breaks in the earth carved through the streets.
As you continued, your eyes scanned the surrounding buildings for a gas station. You were in desperate need of a snack after an eight-hour drive with only one pudding pie. Hell, usually you ate a whole pack in one day. A Seven-Eleven shone in the distance that looked practically abandoned, though the flashing open sign said otherwise.
Your impala whipped into a parking spot next to a maroon BMW. Once in park, you leaned back against the seat and closed your eyes. It didn't sink in until that very moment that you could feel 001's presence. It was as if he was an itch in your mind that you just couldn't scratch and you were more than eager to get rid of him.
"Steve!" Your eyes snapped open at the shout and revealed a boy with curly hair and a lopsided grin standing in the doorway to the gas station. "Hurry up!" He yelled again to an older guy who seemed to be flirting with the checkout girl.
You watched from your car with interest as they both finally left the building and headed towards the car next to you. Their conversation was animated as the younger boy snapped something about a hospital and someone named Max.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah don't get your panties in a twist Henderson." Steve snapped, pushing his hands through a perfectly manicured head of hair. "It's not like she'll wake up before we get back," he grumbled under his breath, clearly not quiet enough.
His comment only seemed to make Henderson, which was an odd name, even more upset. You figured now was as good a time as any to start your "investigation" into 001's presence in Hawkins, so you closed your eyes and focused on the sound of the younger boy's voice as he spoke. Within seconds, moments from his life were flashing in view, and as you dug deeper into his mind you were met with the darkness of the "Other World". You could see the creatures that he had fought as well as other kids his age wielding weapons of all kinds.
You had seen enough and began to pull back, but not in time to avoid the sound of screaming. Recognition flooded your mind as the same scream that haunted your nights sounded from the boy's memories. You hadn't realized how labored your breathing had become until you detached from Henderson's mind and felt the sting of your chest. Your hands reached forward to grasp the steering wheel which became warm from your touch.
"Fuck," was all you could mutter before putting the car in drive and speeding towards the maroon car that faded down the street. Your rumbling stomach would have to wait.
Blood dripped from your nose and onto your lap, but you were too focused on catching up to the boys to notice. Never in your wildest dreams had you expected to find the kids you saw in 001's visions so soon.
They had only driven a few minutes before pulling into the hospital parking lot. You slowed down, letting them get out of the car with their bag of food and drinks before following them into the building. The smell of alcohol and cleaner hit you like a brick wall causing your feet to slow. Flashes of Papa's lab appeared before your eyes and as you looked around, all you could see were the walls of the rainbow room.
"No," you whispered to yourself, clenching your fists. "Not now, please."
Your hands grew hot and just as they started to glow you were pulled back into reality by a voice in front of you. The owner came into view and you blinked rapidly to take in your surroundings. An older boy around your age was waving his ringed fingers in front of your face to try and get your attention.
"Hello? You awake?" His doe eyes were filled with worry which struck you as odd from a stranger.
You shook your head lightly before plastering on a smile. "Yeah, I'm sorry." You snuck a glance at your hands, shaking them out once confirming they were back to normal. "I hate hospitals and I'm here to see someone so I guess my nerves got the best of me and I-"
"Hey, it's okay." His voice was sure as he cut off your rambling. "Who are you here to see, princess?"
You stilled at his question and finally stopped to examine him. His brown hair was long and wavy, which was quite different from any guy you'd ever seen. You noted that it suited him and you were sure if you had more time you could get lost in his dark eyes. His causal but metal attire hinted that he didn't work here; however, you had lost the boys from before so maybe he could help you find them.
"Umm Max..." You mentally cursed yourself for not knowing her last name, though you knew her hair was red from Henderson's visions.
The boy's demeanor seemed to change as he nodded and pointed to the left. "She's down the hall in room 22."
You found yourself smiling as he spoke, eager to figure out what they knew about 001. "Thank you umm-," you hesitated, not sure what to call him.
He seemed to catch on before smiling once again. "Eddie. Eddie Munson." He bowed down at the waist as if he was in those movies set in the 1800s, before standing tall again.
You couldn't hold back the small laugh that escaped your lips at his introduction. Eddie sure was a breath of fresh air in the depressing environment around you. "Well it's nice to meet you, but I really should go see her. Thank you for helping me."
Before you could disappear around the corner he called out to you. "Don't I get to know the fair maiden's name?"
You don't know why you wanted to introduce yourself, but you ended up giving in to his flattery. "Nine, like the number."
Eddie repeated your name quietly, liking the way it sounded rolling off his tongue. When he looked towards you again, you were gone, already making your way towards Max's room.
You tried to push the pleasant encounter and your name leaving his mouth from your mind. Room 22 came up quickly on your right and you took a deep breath before turning the knob and pushing your way inside. At least six people were standing around the hospital bed, but Steve and Henderson were not the only familiar faces.
Your jaw went slack as one of the figures turned around, the hood she wore dropping with the movement. You could honestly say the last thing you expected to see was the brown eyes of your sister, 011, staring back into yours.