Nyctophilia 🌪 Reddie

xxvii

The plane landed, according to their map and assumed location, around five miles from where they needed to be. They all made sure their weapons were loaded, each being armed with guns, throwing knives, and smoke bombs. Butch had an extra bag filled with explosive devices. Their plan was to place them all around the base and once they had El, Brenner, and shut down whatever was controlling the monsters, they'd blow the final base sky high.

"We've landed," Eddie said, the earpiece in his ear activating now that they were in position.

"What's the landscape?" Ben's voice echoed through the device.

"Forested. Lots of trees. It's not warm, but not really cold either," Butch said, loading his gun and putting it in its holster.

"Th-those animals could b-be anywhere. Be careful," Bill said, sounding hesitant and afraid.

"Don't worry. We'll be in and out," Stan said gently, and they could hear Bill sigh in relief.

They began to make their way toward the destination. There was ruin and blood on the ground as they got closer. Claw marks covered the trees and ground.

Richie scooted closer to Eddie, ready to attack in a moment's notice. He needed to protect him. It wasn't an option not to, despite how strong and passionate about ending the Hive Eddie was. Richie knew Eddie would lay his life on the line for him, and Richie knew and had shown he'd do the same. When it came down to the truth, Richie had gotten stronger and he knew he could physically force Eddie away, but he didn't know if he had the willpower to.

"Chee?" Eddie asked, pulling Richie from his trance. "You blanked out for a moment. Are you alright?"

Richie nodded and smiled. "Just ready to end this and get to Hawaii. Ever surfed, Eds? It's exciting."

Eddie giggled and smiled back. "Never been, but I sure as hell can't wait."

They continued to walk in the path of ruin, listening around them. A low snarl pulled them out of their focus on the path. Everyone turned around and held their backs together, ready to fight.

The monster came out of nowhere, but it was no match for six passionate people and their weapons. It didn't die, but within seconds it was bleeding and limped off, whining.

"Follow it," Bev said, already running after the creature. "It can lead us to the base."

"No! It probably has cameras or something. We follow, we die. We have to stick to the plan!" Stan snapped, staying in place.

"Maybe we should split up," Lina said, glancing at Butch, who was their leader.

"No!" Richie and Eddie said together.

"Have you ever seen any horror movie or been on any mission ever, Frenchie?" Richie asked, earning a glare from Lina due to the use of the nickname.

"Maybe she's right," Butch said. "A few of us chase the animal, the others follow the plan. We all have COMs. Stay in contact."

Eddie gaped at him in disbelief, and he was sure Richie had the same expression on his face. Nevertheless, Butch was their leader so they couldn't fight back. They needed to focus on destroying the base and finding El.

Richie, Stan, and Eddie stayed on course to find the base while Butch took Lina and Bev to follow the creature. They had their weapons ready at all times, and soon enough they came across an empty field.

"It's gotta be here, right?" Richie whispered, taking a step forward.

Eddie grabbed his arm and pulled him back into the bush they were taking cover in. "This is the Hive. There's probably traps everywhere."