We Belong

Maneto Part One

Here we are again with another update. All ST related as we begin my version of episode 4. My season will probably go beyond 8 episodes as I am trying to flesh out as many character plots as I can and 8 episodes the Duffer way usually short changes many characters (Mike and Lucas for example.) So expect possibly 10 episodes in my version, though it could change. We'll see what happens as I continue my journey with you.

For those hankering for Fillie, it will come, probably in the second half of part two. Depends on my mood right now.

No warnings in this one unless you dislike the idea of Stobin or them hanging out together because the last part of this chapter is all them.

For those curious as to the title of this episode, Maneto refers to the Native American legend of The Great Horned Serpent which is a massive supernatural being and as you can guess by the picture, isn't a creature to be trifled with.

Maneto is the name used in the Miami Tribe which would have lived in the area that Hawkins currently resides in and from which you will learn more about in part two of this episode.

This serpent will also have loosely based ties with Asmodeus the lord of the Ninth Hell in D and D (this devil is actually the body of a massive serpent while his avatars look like the horned version of Satan) but will not be the actual Asmodeus. It's complicated.... don't ask... you'll see where I'm going with it, later (yes, I do research this shit. It takes up the majority of my time, believe it or not, but it's rather fascinating just the same.)

Anyway, enough of my rambling, let's begin!

Between you and me
Just how true are the rumors I am hearing
About this crush you have on me
Maybe I'm blind but I just don't see it
But I want to believe what they say

_________________________________

December 18, 1987 12:00 pm I-70, crossing through the Indiana border

El looked out her window, the rock vibe vocals of Ann Wilson belting out "How do I get you alone?" playing low as Mike changed lanes, passing a semi as it trudged along the slow lane of the interstate.

They were a couple hours out from Hawkins and El smiled at the thought of seeing the rest of the Wheeler family.

Mrs. Wheeler's cooking was second to none and she was always happy to show El a new recipe or to answer whatever questions the teen girl asked of her.

Holly was always fun to be around and so smart and observant, she really took after Mike in that regard.

Mr. Wheeler was friendly though he seemed tired most of the time. Whatever work he did must really drain him.

And Nancy was a treasure trove of information about what it meant to be a girl, always willing to give her advice or her thoughts on the latest fashion trends.

The Wheeler household had truly become El's second home and she felt at ease around them and as such she had no hesitation in asking Mike questions about his family.

"You said Nancy was staying at home this Christmas?" El began, looking over at Mike as she continued, "Did she say why?"

Mike kept his gaze forward as he merged back into the slow lane to maintain the posted speed limit. "She mentioned something about Will wanting a Byers family Christmas," he answered. "She'll head over to Pelinor for New Years."

"Oh," El murmured. "Will never mentioned any of that to me."

Mike's brow furrowed. "He didn't?"