It works for them... why not?

Trial by fire

The trial by Fire

(I recommend rereading the previous chapter before continuing, so we can all break the fifth wall together)

The group watches as the adult Max finishes her story, while comforting the young Max who was crying reluctantly in the middle of the room.

Seeing it all again had broken her much more than she wanted to admit.

Then she explains to Deena and Josh how to escape, but warns them that those "things" will always pursue them.

That made everyone swallow hard. They looked at Max, who shrugged and said -I'm just pointing out a fact...- while pointing directly at the box of movies.

They all sighed in resignation, because the redhead, both present and future... was right. They kept flying from one supernatural mess to another, and apparently, that wouldn't change in the future.

Then the adult Max explained about the sign of possession. Will shuddered at the sound of it. The young Max lowered her head and began -Sorry...-

But he cuts her off –don't you dare...– which startled everyone a little; it was unusual for him to speak like that. But then he took a breath and continued in a calmer tone –...they need help, okay...they need to know– she just nodded.

Then Deena makes the big revelation: "We found the body...only the hand is missing."

Max, incredulous, shakes her head and murmurs –impossible-

Then they hear the story, and both Maxes say at the same time -That changes everything...-

The group looked at her curiously, and Max quickly got Nancy's attention with a few playful taps on the shoulder, but without taking her eyes off the screen, and demanded that she write down exactly where they said they had found the body.

The adult Max took out her address book and started dialing numbers while talking about calling the creeps who were experts in "stranger things."

That cheered up the whole group. Dustin exclaimed to the redhead -Finally... it was about time, Mad Max!-

This bewildered question -Would you... would you... go?- made everyone look at her strangely.

Oyce responds -Honey, of course- gently stroking his face.

The whole group nodded enthusiastically. Eleven commented -If you need us, we'll be there- Everyone agreed, resolute.

Dustin clapped and exclaimed -Well, let's see the party... extended!- gesturing to the adults and young adults, who just rolled their eyes.

Max held back a tear of joy as best he could and said -Thank you-

And then the scene changed.

They hear the adult Max ask, "PALAU?" to which her younger self simultaneously replies, -WHERE THE HECK IS THAT?-

Dustin and Josh respond at the same time –Oceania- only to be silenced by Mike.

Both Maxes ask simultaneously -AND WHAT THE HELL DID YOU TAKE ALL THE WAY TO OCEANIA TO DO?-

Dustin just rolls his eyes condescendingly.

Jonathan asks in surprise -Which island?- and Nancy freezes when her own name is mentioned.

Hopper asks, surprised -What do you mean "health status"?- to which Lucas clarifies -Well, this is... what? Ten years later?- looking away to avoid seeing his reaction.

Then we see the adult Max with the list of numbers crossed off, and the young Max exclaims -No, well, thank you, dear friends... what a relief to have your support-