𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐈 𝐆𝐎 - 𝐵𝑌𝐿𝐸𝑅

The End of Time

Will

The next few hours pass like a blur, Will somehow finds himself in the woods with no real destination in mind. There's that ever present chill on the back of his neck, eyes watching him, but for once it doesn't bother him- it's almost familiar. His mind keeps flashing back to the school- to Mike and how he looked on the floor with that bruise blossoming on his jaw. Of all the people, i didn't think Mike would see me as the enemy. Even as the spy he still cared for Will, wanted to make sure he was alright.

Pathetic. The voice that speaks isn't Wills, it's all around him. Bouncing through the woods in an echo that makes him whip his eyes around wildly for the source. He doesn't find one and sighs, wondering if he's truly going mad. After all the things he's been through and experienced he thinks maybe he's entitled.

Do you truly believe that? The voice is almost condescending in it's tone, Will rolls his eyes. "Sure, I mean it wouldn't be the weirdest thing to happen to me." He kicks a stone in his path, looking around and not recognizing his surroundings. In just a few short months he's already forgotten Hawkins, but it's not the first time he's been lost in the woods.

Are you afraid? I remember last time how much you cried. Will stops in his tracks, eyebrows furrowing as he looks around again. The voice is only in his head, however, so it's completely futile. "You mean when I got taken to the upside down.' It's not a question, just a confirmation. Yes, I can still hear how you begged for your mom to find you- your friends. Will scoffs, continuing forward. "That was you?"

There's a silence as he pushes further into the trees, just barely recognizing the trail he's on. Yes, it was. I knew from the beginning that you were special. Will shakes his head in exasperation, thinking that maybe the voice in his head is crazy too. "Sure you did, that's why you kidnapped me and held me in the upside down for a few days."

Well, I was going to kill you. Will laughs dryly, wrapping his arms around himself and feeling slightly hysterical. But I couldn't, you were too strong. Even for me. The voice laughs in his head, making the boy shiver as he pushes into a clearing to realize he's made it all the way to the cliffs.

"You couldn't kill a little kid? You must not be as powerful as you say." He mumbles, rocks underfoot as he approaches the edge of the most well known cliff in Hawkins. It takes a special mind to fight me without any help. Will peers over the edge, stomach twisting painfully at the far drop to the water. A fall from this height would definitely kill him.

"Well, thanks for the ego boost." He laughs, taking a step back from the ledge. You're so weak, I thought we finally got past this, William. The boy tears his eyes away from the ledge, reaching up to wipe away the tears on his cheeks. He hadn't even realized he'd been crying. You know I won't let you do this, Will.

"Why not." He tries to step forward but his feet won't cooperate, he struggles. "Just leave me alone." He fights against his own limbs, muscles shaking as he tries to release the monsters grip on him. This feels all too familiar, the lack of control in his own body. I need you. And you need me. At least the voice is new.

"I don't need you." Will hisses, taking a forceful step towards the ledge. You do if you want to save your family. One way or another I will get what I want, your cooperation is the only thing standing between them and death. Will freezes in place, hands forming fists at his side. "They'll stop you."

Are you prepared to take that chance? They already failed once before- and you know I will win. It's just a matter of who I spare. The tears fall freely now, soaking Will's cheeks and blurring his vision. An image filters in, of his own fist hitting Mike in the jaw and he can feel it again. The powerful feeling of control he felt in that moment, the satisfaction. Face it Will. they see you as weak, a danger to yourself. I could help you show them just how strong you are.