We Belong

Trapped Part One

Here we are again with another update, all Hopper related this time as we become privy to what he's been up to all this time.

What you are about to read is part of my take on the Upside Down. There will be Dungeons and Dragons references to a few creatures in this chapter, as I am following the pattern established by the Duffers in regards to their monsters/beasts which are inspirations from D and D itself.

A brief flashback dream of Hopper's time in Vietnam is in the chapter as well and while some may find this boring, it is necessary to build up lore and try to give some answers to the unknown.

Will any of this be featured in Season 4 or the Upside Down itself? Most likely not but I'm going to give it a go just the same.

Onto the story!

Say hello to the night
Lost in the shadows
Say hello to the night
Lost in the loneliness
Say hello to the night
Lost in the shadows
No one knows

_________________________________________

July 3, 1985 Soviet Key room

Energy bolts crackled inside the room, the previous explosion causing debris to block the only door back into the control room.

He lifted his gaze, studying Joyce with resolute eyes and he gave her a nod.

It is okay. He wanted to tell her. Do what you have to.

He was willing to die if need be.

Still, self preservation guided him to leap down the stair rail on the side, out of view of Joyce whose eyes remained closed, even as she turned the keys.

Think! Think dammit! Hopper's brain roared.

He was off the platform but the explosion could still vaporize him. If he survived, it was possible the Russians could get to him and take him away as a prisoner.

And I don't want to die in a gulag.

Which left...

The chief's gaze shifted to the crack in the wall. Entering into the upside down would be another death sentence.

But at least it's of my own choosing.

And maybe... Just maybe... he could survive and find a way out again.

Determination gave him speed and he darted forward, ignoring the pain radiating with each step he made.

The energy was pulsing, growing brighter and brighter as the air grew heavy with the smell of ozone.

No time! his mind screamed. No time, no time, no time!

Desperation gave strength to his legs and Hopper leapt through the portal just as the key exploded.

The shock wave bypassed the gate, propelling the chief into the air and he landed with a bone crunching thud onto the hardened ground in the Upside Down.

Hopper lay there for several moments, ragged breaths escaping his throat as he tried to control the pain raging like a wild fire through his veins.

Slowly he rolled onto his back, staring up into the pitch black sky.

Particles floated in the air and he wondered was it ash? Spores? Something else? All he'd been told was that the air was toxic to humans.

Yet Will had survived for a week without any kind of breathing apparatus.