The Devil's Gift/The Bloody Handed

5

We eventually find parking in the middle of a grassy field by Eddie's trailer so we had easy access to a nearby portal. With the stars and shit trailer lights with dead bugs as our illumination, we trace out our steps in pen. We were all going to be in pairs of three and split everything into three separate phases so we had a step by step plan to coordinate with.

"Alright people, we do not skip phases. Do we copy?" Robin says sternly. We all nod.

"This is our one and only chance guys. We need to succeed at this." Nancy encourages.

"And make sure you have your walkies on you at all times just in case shit goes south." Steve says.

"And if it does?" Lucus anxiously says. "I don't like the idea that Max is the worm on the hook here. You don't know what that freak has planned. For all of us."

Max looks at Lucus in an annoyed tone. "Vecna obviously wants me, so he will get me. He just won't be able to kill me. This is our only way out, Lucus. You'll have the music and headphones ready for when you see the signs. You know the drill." She softly smiles. It was brave of a 15 year old girl to take such a huge bullet for everyone- but Vecna didn't want any of us to our knowledge. He wanted Max.

Lucus nods. "Alright.. Erica, make sure you stay at the top of the playground set and flash me the light when phase one is complete." Lucus says. "We cannot be late by even one second."

She nods and wiggles her flashlight. "Ay ay, capp'n." We sit at the table discussing for what seemed like hours. Paper after paper was drawn on; some ripped, others crumbled, some scribbled on.

"You guys need to be safe." I look up and Steve points to me, Eddie, and Dustin. "You're literally putting yourselves out there as demobat food and trust me they will come running." I breathe and look at my right shoulder that was still having trouble healing.

"Wait- I have an idea." Eddie breathes.

"This better be a smart one." I retort.

"It is." He puts his finger up. "How about..." he walks back and forth with a hand on his chin. "How about I play?"

"Sorry- play?" Robin repeats.

"This isn't kindergarten, Eddie." Steve sighs.

"No no not that, play!" He puts out his arms into a guitar motion. "I can set up my speakers and amplifier; they'll all come running at once to the source. Then we book it to the RV, which will already be barricaded." Everyone exchanges approving nods.

"Well done, Munson." I say. "I say that sounds like a brilliant plan."

"This will be the best rock concert.. ever!" Dustin exclaims. He and Eddie exchange high fives. Kids at heart always.

"Okay, so we are..." Eddie's finger circles the map and slams it down. "Here." He looks at Steve, Nancy, and Robin. "You guys will be... here!" Everyone looks at Eddie.

"We have already gone over and talked this through, Munson." Erica says.

"Just.. let me have my moment, okay?" He pleads. We all exchange glances and cross our arms listening to him reiterate the plan.

"Nancy, Steve, and Robin. You guys will be at Vecna's house- the upside down version- ready to flame the mother fucker. Erica, Lucus, and Max. You'll be in the right side up version in the attic waiting for Vecna to take the bait Max tries to give. Dusty Buns, Sparky, and I will be in the Upside Down to distract the bats and take shelter in the trailer. Then voila we have ourselves a dead monster and a good time. Did I get that right?" He claps his hands together and widens his eyes.