Sunsetz | Steve Harrington

The Upside Down

Stephanie's POV:
I swam down until I found the gate, glowing red in the pitch black water. I pushed through it, coming up and falling onto the ground. I gasped for air and looked around. Black vines covered the ground and the sky flashed blue and red. "Aah! Ow! Ow!" I noticed Steve being attacked by some kind of creatures. He gasped for air as one of them wrapped a long flesh like arm around his neck. Steve thrashed his body, trying to get free. I picked up an oar and made my way over to him. He coughed and pulled at the arm around his neck. I stabbed the creature and Steve's eyes were wide. "Steph!" He rasped. Amanda now stood next to me, pulling at the creatures that has latched themselves to Steve's sides. Nancy stomped on one that scattered away and Robin kicked one. "Jesus!" Eddie said as he dodged one that tried to fly towards him. This entire moment was chaotic. I needed to save Steve. That's all I cared about. "Amanda, help me!" I said as I went to grab the one that was currently around Steve's neck. Amanda knelt down and pulled the arm from around his neck. It made a loud sticking sound as it was removed. Steve grabbed the bat from me and ended up biting into it, killing it. Eddie watched in shock and admiration. "That's badass." Robin shook her head at Eddie and I approached Steve as blood dripped from his lips. He spit onto the ground and panted, taking in all the air that he didn't have a minute ago. I used my sweater sleeve that was in fact his to wipe the blood off his mouth. He closed his eyes as he took in a deep breath. My eyes went to his chest and torso. He was covered in the slime that covered The Upside Down. I looked at the injuries he had sustained. I kept my composure but wanted to break down in tears. My heart was beating unbelievably fast and I was definitely trembling. Steve opened his eyes as I got the last of the blood off his lips. He turned away from me and spit again. I didn't care that he was covered in slime. I threw my arms around him, being careful not to hurt him. "Whoa." Steve said. His arms slowly went around me and I stood on my tip toes, pressing a kiss to his jaw. Steve kissed my forehead and my head. "I'd kiss you but I just bit into a demobat." I chuckled and cupped his cheek. "It's ok." Steve half smiled and I let go of him. Steve looked down at his sides, wincing slightly. "Does it hurt?" I asked. "Not as much anymore. It kinda burns like a cat scratch." Steve replied. "We need to get out of here." Robin said to the group. "Jesus H. Christ!" Eddie pointed to all the demobats that were currently heading for our position. "Let's go." Nancy said. We all rushed off into the woods so we could get some cover. Skull Rock could protect us until the bats passed over. They were guarding the gate back through anyway. So we'd definitely have to wait. As we approached Skull Rock, Steve groaned and stumbled forward. "Steve." I said as he slowly sat down. "It's starting to hurt now. Ow, it really hurts." I looked around and didn't have anything to wrap Steve's injuries. I heard fabric tearing and Nancy said "here." My eyes widened at her and she offered me a piece of her clothing she had ripped off. "T-Thank you." I said in shock. Nancy gave me a warm smile and Steve leaned his head against the rock. "Ow. Fuck, it hurts." "I'm gonna wrap it. Is that ok?" Steve nodded and I looked at his neck. A bright red line laid across it from him being choked. "Sit up for me." Steve sat up with a wince. I started wrapping his torso, wanting him to be out of pain. Steve stared at me intently, watching everything I did. "Almost done."