𝐇𝐀𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐅𝐓| Mike Wheeler [COMPLETED UNTIL SEASON FIVE]

vii. the mindflayer is back

El breathed heavily, urgency in her eyes as she turned to Jackie. "You need to go now!" El yelled, and Jackie, gripping her arm, panicked, "What?! I don't know what's going on! Is everything okay?!" El bit her lip, closed her eyes, and with a determined effort, sent Jackie into her memories, the abrupt shift leaving a sense of disorientation in the air.

Gasping, Jackie found herself on top of grass as she slowly stood up. Observing her surroundings, she realized she was within El's memories. Taking in the scene, she noticed herself in the field from a few days prior, a surreal experience unfolding as she navigated the memories entwined with El's source.

Approaching, Jackie witnessed a memory unfold: El and Mike holding hands, giggling, and running off, presumably to share a moment together. Jackie, clenching her fists, rolled her eyes, her emotions intertwining with the memories before her.

Jackie heard El's voice resonate in her head. "Jackie, I don't know if you can hear me, but go through the storm," El urged through telepathy. Realizing the guidance, Jackie began walking through the storm, a metaphorical journey unfolding within the layers of memories and connections.

In the midst of Mike's persistent efforts to wake her, Jackie's ears started bleeding, adding a new layer of concern. He continued rubbing her back, a mixture of hope and anxiety etched on his face.

When Jackie finally gasped and her eyes shot open, relief flooded Mike. "Oh my god, Jackie!" he exclaimed, embracing her tightly. As Jackie began to cry, he pulled away, still holding her at arm's length, a worried expression replacing his initial relief. "What's wrong?" Mike inquired, his concern deepening as he awaited her response.

"The Mindflayer is back," Jackie disclosed, her voice carrying a tremor. Mike, puzzled and concerned, sought clarification, asking, "What do you mean?" Jackie met his gaze with a grave expression. "H— He is. El showed me. It's after me, El, and Kylie," she choked out, the weight of the revelation hanging in the air. Mike's eyes widened in alarm, absorbing the gravity of the situation as they grappled with the resurgence of the Mindflayer's threat.

"What do we do?" Mike asked with a shaky voice. The brunette shook her shoulders slowly. "I don't know.. I'm scared, Mike! I'm so scared.. The Mindflayer is back, and what if it comes after me? It knows I helped close the gate on him.. Everything I saw was so scary and go what El showed me.." She panicked, her words tumbling out in a rush as Mike's lips curled into a frown, both grappling with the renewed threat and the fear it brought.

Embracing her tightly, Mike spoke with a determined assurance. "I'm not letting anything happen to you, okay? You need to rest and eat this pudding I stole so we can find Kylie and help her." Jackie, appreciating the reassurance, nodded slowly.

She found solace in laying her head on Mike's chest, the rhythmic beating of his heart providing a momentary sanctuary in the face of the impending challenges they were about to confront. Together, they sought strength and comfort in each other's presence as they prepared for the uncertain path ahead.

—

               𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 and cleaning Jackie up, Mike cautiously checked outside the room to ensure no one was near. Closing the door slowly, he turned to Jackie with a nod. As they walked out of the room, hand in hand, they unexpectedly bumped into someone in the corridor.

"Shit, sorry, man—"

Mike's gasp escaped as he recognized Dustin and Erica. Jackie's weak smile transformed into relief as she rushed towards them. "Oh, my god! Thank god, you guys are okay!" she exclaimed, enveloping Dustin and Erica in a tight hug. Erica, true to her nature, rolled her eyes but couldn't hide a small smirk.