Risk | Byler

14 - The Battle

"He'll come back. He'll attack when people least expect it"

Will grabbed a shotgun from the cabin's tool room.

Everyone had gone to change their clothes and get ready. They were going to fight. It was now or never.

Vecna was ready to attack Hawkins. The more lives he took, the stronger he became. And Max's death gave him the strength he needed to attack again, this time for good.

As Will was getting ready and preparing the weapons, he couldn't stop thinking about how to defeat Vecna. He was the only one who knew what his weaknesses were and how hurt he was.

The group needed him, but what if Vecna entered his mind again?

Suddenly, Mike got into the room.

- Will, it's almost time. Are you ready? - Mike asked

Will saw Mike and stayed silent for a few seconds. He needed to make sure there was a way to defeat Vecna, and Mike was the person he trusted the most for this.

Will walked over Mike and handed him a shotgun, then stood behind him to show Mike how to use it as fast as he could.

- Look, - Will said, wrapping his arms around Mike to grab the gun, placing Mike's hands on the weapon. - You have to slide this to prepare the shot, and then you pull this trigger to fire.

Mike was shocked, and really nervous. Will still had his hands over his to show him how to hold the gun properly.

Oh, this is not time to get nervous, Michael. It's a do or die situation.

- Do you expect me to shoot? - Mike asked, - confused.

- No, No. I mean, we may need you, so, it's just a precaution. No pressure. - Will said, releasing Mike.

Mike noticed how worried Will was.

- Will, maybe we should jus-

- A shot to his head could be enough - Will interrupted. - Or maybe decapitate him, I don't know, but if you can't get that close to chop his fucking head off, you may need the shotgun and-

- Will...

- And If I get possessed, just run. If I-

- Will! - Mike interrupted. - Everything is going to be alright, we are ready for this. - He said, comforting Will.

- Yeah, yeah I know - Will replied. - But it's always good to have another option, right? I mean, I really want us to be alive tomorrow. - He added, still worried.

- Guys, it's time - Jonathan entered. - Are you ready?

Both Mike and Will nodded and left the room.

Mike, Will, El, Joyce, Hopper, Jonathan and Nancy were driving to the gate by car.
Steve, Robin, Dustin, Lucas, Erica, Murray and Argyle took the van.

The atmosphere felt like they were going straight to hell.

As soon as the groups arrived, they got out of the vehicles and stood in front of the gate.

- I'll go first. - Will said.

- What?! - Joyce exclaimed.

- I'm the target. He wants me. If I distract him long enough, I can give El the advantage, so Vecna wastes his energy trying to get me while you guys attack. Then, El would be able to defeat him without risking her life. - Will said.

- Okay, you'll go first. - Mike said. - But I'll go behind.

Will got into the gate and Mike followed him, while the rest of the groups prepared the weapons and explosives to enter the Upside Down in a few more seconds.