Joey Hopper//Will Byers -Book two-

The Mind Flayer: Part three

"Alright, I'll meet you outside." Bob says.

Lab coat guy smiles. "Nice job!"

With that I look back over to the screens.

"Wait, tell him to stop!" I insist.

The others turn around to see what I'm talking about. Right on the staircase outside of Bob's door is a-a mini Demogorgon? That works as a temporary name, I guess.

A look of concern comes over the lab coated man's face. "West stairwell isn't clear anymore."

"What's going on?" Bob asks.

The whole room seems to tense up. We were so close...

I take a heavy breath. "I'm going out there."

"What?" My dad immediately exclaims. "No you are not."

"Yes I am, Dad. He's in trouble. I can take on that thing, I swear!" I argue.

He just shakes his head. "It's not happening."

"Dad-"

"Joe." Mike interrupts with a look that reads as fear. "Don't go, please."

I hate this situation. I know that I can beat the mini Demogorgon. Heck, I just took on a whole hoard of them. Granted, that time I had help and we didn't exactly end up successful but still. I know I could do it. Looking at Mike right now though, he's one of my best friends. I've known him long enough to know that he's not a wuss. If he doesn't want me to go then...I guess I won't go.

"Fine." I say, looking him in the eyes.

With that, Mr. Labcoat leans back into his microphone. "We got some company, Bob."

"Where?" His voice echoes through the room.

"The west stairwell."

A few seconds go by until Bob's voice comes back. "I got an idea."

We all watch the TV's as Bob begins to rapidly type into a computer.

"What the hell's he doing?" Lab coat guy asks.

I jump back slightly as over the screens water begins to rain down onto the mini demigorgans, causing them to run away in terror. He turned on the fire emergency system, smart.

"Okay, okay," The lab coat man remarks. "That worked. Now get out of there. Go, go!"

My dad turns to me. "Now we go."

I nod as things begin to happen rapidly. Mike and I pick up everyone's scattered belongings as Joyce helps Dad lift an unconscious Will up and over his shoulder. Before I even know it we're nearly out of the room, nearly.

"Wait a second, Chief." Lab coat guy stops us, standing up. "Take this."

My dad looks down at the walkie talkie now sitting in his grip. "What are you doing?

A calm look comes over the lab coated man's face.

"Anymore surprises, I'll let you know." He says.

Confusion takes me over. "You're not coming?"

"No," he shakes his head. "Someone needs to stay behind to lead your way. Besides, you were right. I have done some bad things. This is my small way of attempting to do a good one. Now go, go!"

I continue to stare at him until Mike grabs my wrist. "Come on, Joe."

We walk out into the hallway. My dad in front, holding his gun straight ahead. I squeeze Mike's hand as we slowly make our way through the lonely halls. Dead people lay scattered all across the floor. Is this what I wanted? Is this revenge? Nearly all of the workers here have been killed, violently. Is this justice?