Once More, With Strangeness

Chapter 27

 The four of them tramped through the woods, heading toward the gate. Malcolm had all of the supplies they had bought in his bag but Becca had been rethinking the whole plan. She knew that none of them were going to like what she had to say but she really thought it was best.

"Once we reach the gate, we can set up for the spell," Malcolm said. "The three of us will wait on this side for you. I hate the idea of sending you in there alone but I fear we would just slow you down. This mission is all about stealth and swiftness."

"I agree," Becca said. She stopped walking, turning and holding her hands up to get them all to pause as well. "It's not a mission about fighting. I have been thinking..." She saw all their eyebrows raise, eyes widen, and she sighed, knowing they were already doubting whatever was about to come out of her mouth. "Look, I think we should hold off on the incantation for power thing."

"And why would we do that?" asked Ivy. "I thought we agreed that you would need an extra power boost to be able to take on Spike."

"I will, but I am not planning on taking Spike on while I'm in there," Becca explained. "The plan is for me to head in, stay undetected, smash up Vecna, and then get the hell out. Wouldn't it be better to save the spell for when I am actually going to go head to head with him?"

Malcolm frowned. Becca swore that furrow between his brows was going to be a permanent fixture before long. She had caused him to make that face a lot over the years since they'd met.

"I suppose I can see your point," he said slowly, "but just because you don't plan on running into Spike in there doesn't mean you won't."

"I know that, but closing these gates is the most important thing," she reasoned. "I have to be strong enough to keep him busy so Will and Eleven can seal them. If he takes me out quickly, that puts them in danger. It puts everyone in danger because he could figure out what is happening. Eddie won't be a match for him alone. He's a new vampire and he doesn't have the might of the Upside Down behind him. From what I've seen, Spike could dispose of both of us fairly quickly and then he's going to be gunning straight for all of you. Malcolm, I can't let that happen."

"Becca, what if you do meet him in there?" asked Jax. "You can be as stealthy as you want but if one of those bats sees you, he's going to know you're in there and then he's going to come straight for you. If he takes you out..." He broke off, inhaling slowly. "Look, we can't lose you. One, you're one of my best friends and I don't want to live in a world that doesn't have you in it. And two, how in the hell are we ever going to defeat him without you?"

"If the worst happens, then you guys keep with the plan. You are all more than capable. You find somewhere to hide Will and Eleven and all of you while they do the magic stuff, somewhere that Spike can't find you. You do that spell on Eddie and give him the extra juice so he can take that bastard down. We can't waste this spell now," Becca offered. "Look, this is the deal, right? One girl battles the forces of darkness and she never lives past her twenties. I know the drill but I have no intention of going out today. I can do this. I can sneak in there, avoid those bastards, and get back out. I know I can. I just need you guys to know that I can."

Malcolm stepped forward, placing his hand on her shoulder, "I know you can. Just...be careful, okay? We'll be right here, waiting for you. Don't make us wait too long."

Becca grabbed him in a hug, whispering, "Thank you for everything." She had so much more to say, but she feared if she tried, the tears would flow and she couldn't afford to be emotional right now. She had to be steady on her feet and ready for anything.

"No, thank you. You infuriate me but you have also given my life meaning," he said softly, pulling her tighter for a moment before letting her go.

Ivy and Jax ran forward, wrapping her in a group hug. Becca smiled, her arms coming around both of them, pulling them close. If she survived this little trip and they survived the ultimate battle, she had so many things to say to them. She told herself she would. These two, who had never given up on her, who had found out about monsters and instead of running away had always stood by her side, who never backed down from any fight.