The Devil of Hawkins || Stranger Things

Chapter 1: The Funeral

"I'm here in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. Word of this once peaceful town has swept the nation. It started with a string of missing persons cases in '83, many of which were linked to a toxic chemical leak from a lab not far out of town. Unfortunately, that wouldn't be the last tragedy that befell Hawkins. Unexplained power outages, poisoned crops, mall fires, and even murders seem like only the tip of the iceberg, as just over a week ago, a string of brutal serial murders took the lives of nearly four innocent kids. The one survivor was rushed to the hospital during a natural disaster of unprecedented levels: an earthquake large enough to create sinkholes that spread across the town, destroying a multitude of neighborhoods. Those affected have been able to take refuge in the Hawkins High gymnasium. Shortly after things had begun to find a semblance of normality, a massive storm struck, resulting in a cyclone at the town's center. Due to electrical damage in the buildings in its path, the cyclone set fire, sending ash over the area for two days."

"While scientists and government officials have yet to find a cause, many of the town's inhabitants have come up with their own explanations. A local high school club named 'Hellfire' has been seen as the focus of the town's misfortune, with many residents saying the club's leader, one Edward Munson, was corrupted by a game called Dungeons & Dragons, influencing him to perform satanic rituals. Some say the recent murders were part of a sacrifice meant to bring the Devil upon Hawkins. The blame has been set entirely on the club's leader, relieving the uninvolved members of suspicion."

"Despite these tragedies, Hawkins has become a shining example of the adaptability of a strong community. While some residents have fled, many have remained behind to help, volunteering their time and resources to rebuild this once quaint town. They have built bridges sturdy enough to hold vehicles over the sinkholes on the main roads, allowing life to continue as it once was. Businesses that remain standing have resumed their services to the best of their ability. The Hawkins PD assured us they have been doing everything in their power to find answers and search for the growing list of missing persons. The death toll currently sits at 30, including the town's main suspect, Edward Munson. With the hospitals being over capacity, local hotels and community centers have offered their space for use by the hospital in these trying times. This week has also been a week of mourning. Funerals are being held daily at the local cemetery and churches have seen a vast increase in their attendance, as people pray for those lost to return, for safe passage of those who have left us, and for any hope for their small town."

"I'll be keeping this tragic town in my prayers. I'm April Kline with Chan-."

With a static crackle, the TV turned off. "Hey." Dustin turned around on the couch and looked at Steve, who was setting down the remote.

"You ready?" Steve asked, fixing the tie on his black suit.

Melancholy fell over Dustin's face as he stood. "Yeah." He pulled at the arms of his own suit as he followed Steve to the door.

"Dusty!" His mother called frantically, as she ran to him and gave him a big hug. "You sure you don't need me there, baby?" She wiped his hair out of his face.

"No." Dustin looked to the ground. "It's just supposed to be a small group of his friends."

"I understand." She looked at him like she was about to cry. "Mommy will be with you in her heart, okay?"

"Okay," Dustin said, stepping back. "We need to go." His voice hitched slightly. "I don't want to be late."

"Alright baby, be safe."

"I got him, Ms. Henderson," Steve assured, guiding him by the shoulder out the door.

She nodded, holding a tissue up to her face.