We can be Heroes - Stranger Things

Chapter 8: The Puppets

"I would like you to meet my new General," Vecna sneered as he placed his hand over Eddie's shoulder.

Dustin stared at him; horrified. Eleven held his hand in support while her anger grew.

She had never met Eddie, but she knew by the way Dustin stared at him with a broken cry, that she had to save him.

"It is me you want, let Eddie go," she ordered, glaring daggers at One.

"Why would I do that?" He scowled, "Billy was useful, but he was... unpredictable. Eddie is perfect."

"You piece of shit, why won't you leave my friends alone!" Dustin yelled furiously, his voice shaking as he sobbed, "Will, Max, El, Eddie..."

Hopper stepped in the way of Vecna as he tried to approach the grieving child. He held his axe meaningfully, preparing to strike. His mind rifled through ideas on what to do. Recklessness could lead to death. He held his breath, trusting his daughter's abilities as he thought of a plan.

"Dustin Henderson," Vecna growled, "you're the child that raised one of my monsters..."

"Leave D'art out of this," Dustin pointed at him as he wiped his tears.

Confused, angry and distressed; he glared at his enemy.

"No, no, I am impressed. You're a highly intelligent being. Your friends would get nowhere without your help. But, wouldn't you like to be a part of something... bigger? More important? You're friends don't appreciate you, Dustin. That's not fair, is it? If you joined-"

"I would rather die," he replied blankly, interrupting Vecna's pointless speech.

Henry shrugged, "if that is what you wish..."

Eleven was not going to allow that to happen. She marched forward purposefully, her eyebrows furrowed in anger as her nostrils flared. She lifted her hand as she glared at her nemesis.

Vecna tilted his head, "I would love to spar with you Eleven, but I really do have other things to attend to. I think I will pay your friend, Will, a little visit."

A low rumbling sounded from his chest as the group stared at him in anger. "I'll let you and my new General get acquainted." And with that, he turned the corner into the kitchen and disappeared.

"He's afraid," Nancy pointed out as he left, "he's still hurt."

She had noticed the slow movements he made as he spoke. Keeping his weight mainly on one side. Nancy's eyes brightened in satisfaction that she had caused some damage.

"Yay," Kali grimaced, her eyes focussed on Eddie. He slowly lifted his hands like he was pulling something up from deep in the ground.

Dustin couldn't help but think of the similarities between his friend and a zombie. Dark circles hung below his life-less eyes. A gruesome concoction of gore, sweat, mud and tears coated his face as he grinned a bloody smile. His body looked heavy and tired as he stood with hunched shoulders. It was like he was standing by strength of a single string.

Vines moved around him as the general stepped towards them menacingly. Blood trickled down his chin as he smiled creepily, his eyes void of emotion.

"...don't be scared."

_______

Will's eyes snapped open. He looked down at the vines that bound his legs and torso to an uncomfortable wooden chair. His chest felt heavy and tight as he attempted to breathe in the warm air. Squirming at the disgusting texture of the vines, he looked up to see the disgruntled face of his friend.