Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
HAWKINS, INDIANA — 1986.
NIGHT HAD FALLEN OVER THE TOWN of Hawkins, and the Creel house was only illuminated by blue lamps buzzing with electricity.
Theresa, Max, Lucas and Erica all had their shoes off to muffle their footsteps, scouring the house consistently for any changes in the electric currents of the lanterns.
As Tess swept through the second floor, she felt a tug on her jacket sleeve and turned to see Erica standing there.
She held up a notepad, and on it was written: Found Vecna.
Theresa gave a nod, then set off in search for Lucas and Max. They all followed Erica to the source of strong energy running through the lanterns, Tess taking a deep breath.
Erica pulled the cap off of her marker and scribbled something else down, holding up the notepad.
Phase one?
Exchanging a look with Lucas, Theresa gave a nod of confirmation. Erica nodded back, and moments later she was heading out of the front door in a sprint. She made it to the playground across the street, and so Tess stepped away from the window. She went into the living room where Lucas and Max sat, the faint melody of 'Running Up That Hill' coming from Max's Walkman.
They both looked at her as she entered, Theresa giving them a small, timid smile. She took a seat on the couch, bringing her knees up to her chin and hugging herself. She was still trying to prepare, but it felt like no amount of preparation was going to help.
Then, a few minutes later, they saw flashes coming from outside of the window. Tess scrambled to her feet, grabbing a flashlight and signaling back to Erica.
Theresa turned back to Max, giving her a look. Max read her expression, giving a nod of understanding. She found her shoes and put them on, Tess doing the same. Lucas looked between them, wary and anxious.
Together, the two of peered into the drawing room, standing at the door. Max stopped her tape, removing her headphones.
Theresa gulped, her hands slightly trembling at her sides.
"Vecna!" she called, inhaling slowly. "We're both here. Stop being a fucking coward and show yourself."
They waited. And waited. Yet, nothing happened. Until, the lantern dimmed down, the light fading away just as the lantern in Max's hand shone brighter.
Tess grimaced, knowing what was happening. Vecna wanted to lead them somewhere.
Max turned and followed the light, listening to the electric buzz as it began to take them upstairs. Theresa paused, turning and dashing back to the foyer to grab her gun. She did not know if she would need it; she hoped not.
