𝐇𝐀𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐅𝐓| Mike Wheeler [COMPLETED UNTIL SEASON FIVE]

vi. the gate

  𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄. "I'm not gonna let anything happen to you, Jackie," Mike promised, his voice filled with determination as he squeezed her hand reassuringly. The urgency in Jackie's voice heightened as she declared, "I need to try and reclose it! I can't go through that again!"

Mike, however, scoffed at the idea. "No way!" he protested, his protective instincts taking over. Jackie, frustrated but resolute, clenched her jaw and rolled her eyes at his refusal. The tension among the group intensified as they emerged from the small area, returning to the stairway. The gravity of their mission and the potential danger to their friends weighed heavily on their minds, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and apprehension.

"I don't understand. You've seen this before? What is this about this girl El, Kylie, and Jackie being in danger?" Robin glanced at them, her worry etched on her face. "Not exactly," Mike began, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "Then what, exactly?" Robin pressed, seeking clarity as they reached the end of the stairs. The boys turned their attention to Jackie, who nervously picked at her lips. She took a moment, lowering her hand with a sigh, contemplating how to articulate the complexities of their experiences.

Jackie hesitated before speaking, her words measured. "Last year, we faced something beyond explanation. There's an alternate dimension called the Upside Down, and it's connected to El's powers, Kylie's abilities, and mine. Now, it seems like the Russians are meddling with it, and if that gate is reopening, it means trouble for everyone, especially El, Kylie, and me. We can't let it happen again."

"Sorry to interrupt this, uh, storytime, but, uh, Steve? Where's your Russian friend?" Mike interjected, his gaze searching the immediate area as Steve realized the Russian was nowhere to be seen. The sudden blaring of alarms throughout the facility added an extra layer of urgency.

"Shit!" Steve exclaimed, quickly assessing the situation. He swiftly opened the door and closed it with a determined look at the group. "GO, GO, GO, GO, GO!" he urgently yelled, his voice cutting through the escalating chaos. The group, fueled by a sense of urgency, sprinted back up the stairs, the alarms echoing through the facility, creating a disorienting and tense atmosphere as they navigated through the labyrinth of the Russian base.

As they entered the small area, Dustin swiftly opened the control room doors. Mike instinctively grabbed Jackie's hand, their fingers intertwining as they ran into the control room. The scientists inside turned around, startled by their abrupt entrance. "Shit! Go!" Jackie urgently pointed to another set of stairs, signaling the group to keep moving and avoid detection. The tension in the room heightened as they hastily followed Jackie's lead, seeking an escape route within the sprawling Russian facility.

Mike and Jackie trailed after their friends, weaving through scientists and pushing past Russian guards. The urgency in their movements was palpable, but it came to a sudden halt when they reached a dead end right beside the gate projector.