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itsonlystrange · 4 years

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First off, I am not sending hate to any Mileven shipper. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I will only be providing actual facts and evidence, and hopefully will be staying relatively unbiased. As always, this is a PRO-BYLER account. If you do not ship Byler you do not have to read all the way through :).

This will be a 2 part series. The first part will address MILEVEN and how they will not be endgame. The second part will address the likely hood of BYLER being endgame.

So, I’ve been sucked into the Mileven side of Instagram after liking ONE Mileven edit, which is besides the point. Recently I’ve noticed a lot of people say that “They were love at first sight!” Or that “Why would they break up now if they’ve had 3 seasons of development?!” So I’m going to go ahead and supply you all with:

MILEVEN VS BYLER.

PART ONE (MILEVEN)

To start off with the first statement, “They were love at first sight!”

May I remind you how utterly mortified Mike was when he found Eleven. As any 12 year old boy would be. He did not give her any form of “heart eyes”. He looked genuinely scared. He took her home as a courtesy, not because he was “madly in love with her!”. Obviously not everyone would take home a random 12 year old bald girl, but El being taken to the Wheelers was not meant to be seen as a romantic gesture, it was literally just a plot device for the Kids to figure out she had powers.

May I also remind you that Mike wanted to get rid of her. He stated multiple times that she was just a weapon, and a device to find Will. He only let her stay BECAUSE she knew who Will was. He was fully ready to let her go, and send her back to wherever she came from. In the end of it all, he only cared about Will and finding Will. El was simply used as a device to find him. Obviously, now, I do think Mike cares about El. But not in a romantic way, more so a “cute puppy way”. I think he loves her, but that he’s not IN LOVE with her, romantically.

The show has shown constantly how horribly they work together. El’s most confident and prideful moments were when she was AWAY from Mike. Mike’s most loyal and selfless moments was when he was AWAY from El. They do not compliment eachother like that.

Second of all, they have nothing in common. In season one when Mike was explaining his figurines to El, she looked genuinely disinterested. Now some may say that this could be because she didn’t quite understand what she liked back then, which just further proves that she shouldn’t be in a relationship! If she can’t decide if she likes a dinosaur toy or not, how is she supposed to decide if she likes Mike! And we also know that she did have the ability to differentiate between things she liked as she seemed genuinely interested in Nancy’s clothes and photos. The only thing they have in common is shared trauma! Notice how all the other couples share something:

JANCY: love for writing and adventuring

LUMAX: both are comical and enjoy the cinema and the outdoors

DUZIE: science

Along with most of the other couples. But what does Mileven have In common? Can anyone please name ONE good memory between the two when they weren’t in danger. All the “good memories” they have are from when the world was ending.

If you said “Oh, but they make out a lot!” That’s not a ‘good memory’, hell, that’s hardly memorable at at all. Hoppper, Will, and Lucas even admit that for those 6 months in between season 2 and season 3, all they did was make out. That is not love, that is infatuation. Infatuation is a strong desire for someone, mainly romantic, that focuses on the physical aspects of their relationship rather than the emotional. Love is a deep rooted feeling. You do not need to make out all the time to be in love. Love is emotional, of course it can be physical, but you need that strong feeling before any physical aspect of love can be genuine.

Mileven have nothing in common. It’s very clear that Mike is still into D&D and is a nerd. Especially as he might be in the Hellfire Club next season (a D&D club) and also because we’ve seen that D&D is going to be a big aspect of season 4, meaning he’ll most likely be infatuated with it again. It’s obvious that El needs to figure herself out first. She needs to develop into her own human being. She’s still learning. She’s into poppy colors and magazines and makeup (which is great!), but even on a more basic level, they still share nothing in common. Mike is a nerd, we have established that. And notice how in s3 (when he was with El) he felt the least like himself. He acted so out of character. He didn’t use weird Star Wars analogies or gush about the new movie coming out like previous seasons. Now of course one could say that he’s growing up, but we see that he is genuinely still a nerd as when he’s in time of crisis he goes back to those analogies. He goes back to gushing about the new toys he’s getting at Christmas, he goes back to being a nerd. It’s almost as if he’s wearing this mask, and at the end of s3 he forgets to put it on. And then El kisses him, and he realizes that he didn’t enjoy that. So we know for a fact that he is very much still into D&D and those other shenanigans atleast to an extent, considering how happy he was to hear that Will wasnt giving up the party or D&D. Shouldn’t Mike be with someone who is atleast a little similar to him? Regardless of his sexuality, shouldn’t he be with someone that allows him to be his true self? He was incredibly Cocky and arrogant in season 3, almost like he had to be a “man” for El, and in his mind, being a ‘man’ was giving up all of the things he loved, and only kissing El, almost as if she was an object he had to obtain more than an actual human. Which Max agrees with! He treats her more so of a mask he has to wear to cover his true self. Shouldn’t el be with someone who likes the same thing she does? But then again, what does el like?! Exactly! She needs to figure out who she is before she dates anyone. She didn’t even know what shirt she would like to wear!

Now I just find this silly. Development? Really? Okay let me show you their “development”

SEASON ONE: El could only speak 4 or 5 words. They had essentially zero romantic interactions besides the kiss at the end. If El and Mike never kissed (excluding the time they almost kissed in the bathroom), people would most likely only see them as a friendship. Let’s flip the tables a bit. If El was a boy and Mike and El never kissed, this would further prove that they don’t have any romantic tension. Lucas says it the best: “You only like her because she’s the only girl who isn’t grossed out by you!” Which I agree with completely. It’s more of an infatuation. Mike is infatuated with the idea of finally having a girlfriend. Because he knows something is wrong inside him and wants to ‘fix it’ by dating a girl, as if suddenly his sexuality identity issues would disappear. El doesn’t know anything about Mike, and to El, Mike is a hero. To El, Mike is fearless warrior. And Mike knows that isn’t true. But with el, it gave him the chance to start fresh. It gave him the chance to start and become a different person. He puts on his persona of being “strong” and being able to stand up for himself, yet in the end, it’s El who does the saving. The reason he ‘likes’ El so much is because she isn’t disgusted by him. But mike is afraid that if he shows his true self, El wouldn’t like him anymore, and he’d lose that mask. And without a girl to cling to, he’d finally have to confront his sexuality. Which is why we never see Mike being his true self around El. In every single season, he is this false person. He’s wearing a facade, to keep up with these lies. Because he fears that If El knew how nerdy he really was, she’d be uninterested, and he ‘can’t lose her’ because he knows that El is most likely the only girl who will never be grossed out by him. Because all the other girls in this town know who he is. That nerdy guy from the AV club. And he needs a girlfriend. He feels safe that way. Because if he doesn’t have a distraction from his sexuality then he might take an extra step on accident and accidently act on those feelings

Ep 1: making out

Ep2: breaking up

Ep 3-6: fighting

Ep 7: neutral

Ep 8 ½ : neutral

Very end of ep 8: together?

How is that romantic? So from what we know, Mileven got a kiss in season 1, a kiss in season 2, 2 make out sessions, and then they fought. HOW IS THAT A GOOD RELATIONSHIP?

90% of their relationship throughout all 3 seasons has been kissing and fighting. That’s literally it. Not once have we seen them just hanging out and talking. Not once have we seen them go on dates. And as Hopper, Lucas, and Will put: that’s all they do! The Duffer’s purposefully put that line in to show that, it’s really all they did for those 6 months. There was no emotion to that. Just kissing. That’s it. Kissing and fighting is all Mileven has been. And honestly they would have been pretty cute in season 3 if the Duffer’s hadn’t messed it up. But the duffers aren’t stupid! They did this on purpose! Because they wanted us to disagree with Mileven. They wanted us to find it obnoxious. Because they know that they don’t have chemistry! Finn and Millie are brilliant actors and could have definitely pulled that off, meaning the Duffers had to have specifically said to “not act in love”. Mileven is a summer fling, Finn said so himself. They are their true selves when they are apart, and when they are together romantically, they stunt each other’s growth. They’re way better as bestfriends. El needs to figure herself out before she can date anyone.

Thank you for reading part one! Part two will be up soon, and will follow why I believe Byler will be end game!

Heavy inspiration from @kaypeace21 & @hawkinsschoolcounselor

#stranger things 4 #stranger things #byler #byler rights #byler theory #stranger things theory #anti mileven #byler is endgame #st4

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hunnywrites · 5 years

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Chapter Five: First Blood

Summary: The town of Hawkins has been turned upside down with the news that Will Byers has suddenly gone missing. Teddi Larsson and Billy Hargrove are gonna get to the bottom of things. Season one AU.

Pairing: Billy Hargrove/OFC

A/N: Sorry this is late! On top of working so much I’ve been sick. So it’s been real fun. I will apologize with more poorly written smut, some soft boy Billy and a team up with Jancy!

After what felt like forever, Teddi finally pulled into her driveway. She and Billy were silent. They were both breathing heavily. Teddi’s arms and legs felt like they would never stop shaking. “That...thing practically lives in your goddamn backyard, Teddi.” Billy finally said.

“I know.” she gasped out. If she turned around, she could see Mirkwood out of van’s back window. Teddi was gripping onto the steering wheel so tightly that her knuckles had turned white.

“...Are you okay?” Billy asked carefully.

Teddi nodded. “...You?” she looked over at him, silence falling over them once more as they watched each other. We could have died, Teddi kept thinking. Her brain kept screaming it at her. Tonight could have been the last time she had ever seen Billy. You and me till the end, she thought, eyes trained on Billy, who had stayed behind to make sure she was safe. Billy, who she loved more than she could really, fully understand.

They both moved at the same time. Teddi threw her arms around Billy’s shoulders while he grabbed her waist, pulling her out of her seat and into his lap. Their lips met in a bruising kiss. That feeling of not being able to catch her breath was back. It was like she couldn’t get close enough to him. Billy let out a low growl as Teddi rolled her hips, grinding down against him.

Their kisses were all teeth. Their hands were grabbing, clawing at each other. Billy shoved Teddi’s denim skirt up her thighs, his fingers digging into her skin tightly, like if he let go she would disappear right before his eyes. She was sure that she would have bruises the next day. She didn’t care. Her swollen lips had found a home at Billy’s neck. Billy’s eyes fell shut, his head falling back against the headrest as Teddi bit at his pulse point. She ran her tongue over it, relishing in that small, beating reminder that Billy was alive and they had survived the night.

Billy ran his hand up through Teddi’s sandy blonde hair, giving it a soft tug and pulling her from him. He kissed her deeply, his other hand just barely grazing the inside of her thigh before disappearing into the band of her cotton panties. The way the Teddi slowly moaned out his name into his ear made Billy slow his motions, enjoying the way he was teasing her. He smirked up at her before capturing her lips again.

Teddi couldn’t take it anymore. She blindly reached down, her fingers fumbling with Billy’s belt buckle. Their breathing picked up as she yanked his belt free. As Teddi unbuttoned his jeans, Billy pushed her panties to the side. They each let out a hiss as she sunk down onto him. There was no real rhythm to either of their movements. Teddi’s hips rolled and rocked desperately, Billy was gripping tightly onto her waist thrusting upwards to meet her with enough force to send a small, but wonderful sense of pain through her. Pain was good, she decided. It was a reminder that she had made it out alive.

Teddi breathed out Billy’s name as they reached the high that they had been chasing. She rested her forehead against his as their bodies stilled, running her fingers through his curls. Billy’s hands were running slowly up and down Teddi’s thighs as he reached up, kissing her one last time.

“...I’m glad you didn’t get eaten.” Teddi finally said, breaking the silence.

Billy let out a soft laugh. “Ditto.”

Teddi smiled, biting down on her lip. “We should probably get inside, huh?” they straightened out their clothes, Billy helping Teddi out of the van before they snuck across the front lawn and to the side of the house to Teddi’s bedroom window. Teddi wordlessly made her way across her room and into the bathroom. When he heard the shower turn on, Billy followed after her. Neither of them spoke as they squoze into Teddi’s tiny shower. They just wanted to wash the night off of them. And Teddi desperately wanted to sleep.

She sunk into bed with a low groan. Her whole body ached. The bed dipped next to her as Billy laid down beside her. The pair stared up at the little glow in the dark stars that Teddi had stuck to the ceiling. “...Do you think that’s what got Barb?” she asked, her voice sounding small. Billy didn’t answer. He didn’t need to. They both knew the answer. “I think...I think that’s what I saw that night out by Steve’s pool. I thought maybe it was Johnathan after Carol told us about the pictures but…” it had been dark enough that Teddi could have mistaken the Demogorgon for a human. Had it been watching them? Waiting to see which of them it wanted to prey on? Her stomach lurched when she imagined what it might have done to Barb.

“We have to tell the kids,” she said. “There’s no way in hell they’re going back out into the woods. I don’t care if El can move things with her mind. And we have to kill that thing, Billy. Before it can get anyone else.”

Billy didn’t disagree. He’d be dead before he let Max go anywhere near those woods. Or any of the kids. But this was bigger than the two of them. This was a monster. An actual monster. Billy thought that the only monsters they would face were their dads. But they paled in comparison to the Demogorgon. “...How?” he asked.

Teddi rolled out of bed. She flicked the light on her nightstand on and headed over to a bubblegum pink duffle bag that had been tossed by her closet. She rummaged around in it for a few seconds before she came back. Billy sat up and eyed the ratty notebook in her hands. “What am I looking at here?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

Teddi was flipping furiously through the pages. “It’s my campaign notebook for Dungeons and Dragons. I think I can maybe find something...here!” she held the notebook up to Billy to show him. He didn’t really know what he was looking at if he was honest. He scanned Teddi’s small, curly handwriting trying to take in as much as he could. She pointed her finger a line that mentioned Will the Wise. “We don’t run into the Demogorgon often, but enough for me to know a little bit about how we can maybe stop it.” she explained.

Billy smirked over at her, amused with how excited she sounded. “You know, it’s pretty hot when you get all nerdy like this, Ted.” he teased.

Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. “...That’s definitely the first time I’ve ever heard that,” she confessed before shaking her head and focusing on the task at hand. “The Demogorgon is a chaotic evil. It’s this demon god that has a cult following,” she began. Billy only blinked at her. Teddi waved her hand. “Forget it. Whenever we’ve encountered it in the game before, Will always casts fireball. If the spell works then it’s usually enough to defeat it.”

“...Where are we supposed to get a fireball?” Billy asked.

“We don’t need a literal fireball. When you used the hairspray and the lighter, it scared it. So it doesn’t seem to like fire. What I’m trying to say, is that if the basics from the game work against the Demogorgon in Hawkins we might actually be able to kill it.” she said with a wide grin.

Billy laid back, resting his hands behind his head as he contemplated everything Teddi was saying. He cracked a small smile. “Let’s just hope there’s no cult, right?” he joked. Teddi went silent. Her eyes went wide. Billy’s smile faded. “...Ted?”

“The power outage,” she said. “The night that Will went missing. The power in the arcade and like the whole town went out. And El said that bad men were after her...someone has to be responsible for the Demogorgon being here.”

Billy groaned. “Are you saying whoever was experimenting on the kid brought a monster here? I was kidding about the whole cult thing.”

“But you’re right! Someone had to have been behind all of this! We have to tell Hopper.” Teddi moved to get back out of bed, but Billy grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back. She let out a huff and glared over at him.

“Ted. Babe. It’s almost one in the morning. We were almost eaten by a monster from a board game. I think we need to take the rest of the night off and call Hop tomorrow,” Teddi knew he was right. She hated it when he was right. “Come on,” he patted the bed. “Get in bed. You’re stressing me out,” with a grumble Teddi laid back down next to him. Billy wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close to him before shutting the light back off. “So, what...is Will some kinda wizard or something?” he asked after a long moment of silence.

Teddi smiled. She wasn’t sure if it was at his question, or the fact that he was talking about Will in the present tense. “He’s a cleric,” Billy was quiet. “It’s sort of a mix between a warrior and a wizard, I guess.” she explained as best as Billy would be able to understand.

“And what are you?”

“I’m a paladin. Me and Mike are...that’s probably why we’re always arguing.”

“...Well, what would I be?” he asked.

“Honestly?...Probably a barbarian.”

Teddi could practically hear him frowning. “I don’t think I like the implications of your tone there, Ted.”

“You shouldn’t,” she giggled and squirmed when he gently pinched her side. They fell into a comfortable silence for a bit. “...Where do you think we could go where there aren’t monsters?” she asked suddenly. “What about New Orleans?” she offered.

Billy smiled. “You wanna go to New Orleans?” he asked.

“I wanna see all the stuff from Interview with the Vampire.” she said with a shrug.

Billy laughed and rolled his eyes. “Of course this is about a book.”

Teddi smiled, looking up at him. “I like Lestat. He reminds me of you.”

Billy considered the idea. He’d imagined the two of them running off from Hawkins one day. They’d quite literally been trying to get out since they were kids. He never knew where they would go. California was usually a pretty popular choice between them. He could see them settling down there. But there was a chance they’d be happier anywhere that wasn’t Hawkins. “...Maybe we can go on a road trip,” he suggested. “Save up our money. See what’s out there and choose where we want to go.”

Teddi let out a yawn and nodded. “I like that idea....we have to take Steve this time, though,” she joked.

Billy let out a snort. “Yeah, we’ll see about that,” Teddi yawned again. He gently nudged her side. “Get some sleep, Ted.” she didn’t argue. Teddi leaned up and pressed a small kiss on Billy’s jaw before her head settled on his chest. It didn’t take long before they both drifted off to sleep.

They both dreamed of the demogorgon stalking them through the woods that night.

---

School was cancelled the next day. Will’s funeral was early that morning. Billy managed to sneak out before Teddi’s dad came downstairs to tell her that they would be going to the funeral as a family. Teddi was a little surprised her dad even knew Will’s name.

She was still exhausted from the night before. Her eyes kept begging her for just five more minutes of sleep as she got ready. Teddi hoped she wouldn’t fall asleep during the funeral. Just because she, Billy and the kids knew that Will was still alive didn’t mean she could let herself slip up like that. Especially when she imagined how angry it would make her father to embarrass him in front of half the town.

Teddi pulled on black, long sleeved skater dress for the funeral. Her mom gave her a black coat and a pair of heels to wear instead of her usual puffy jacket and boots so she’d look more presentable. The car ride to the cemetery was quiet. Teddi had a hard time remembering the last time she had ridden in the car with her parents. It definitely hadn’t been since she was little. Her mother was fidgeting with a white kerchief between her fingers. No doubt a prop for when she turned on the pretend water works later to make people think she cared about Will. Teddi had to keep herself from rolling her eyes.

Billy was there. He was standing a foot or two away from Neil, Susan and Max. He was wearing a suit, Teddi was surprised to see. Of course it looked good on him. His back was turned to the group of people that were gathering around Will’s grave. He had a cigarette pinched between his fingers. He looked as tired as Teddi was. Neil shook her father’s hand and Susan gave her mother what barely counted as a hug. Teddi wouldn’t say that her and Billy’s parents were friends. She knew that Neil didn’t like her or the fact that she was so close with Billy. But her parents were rich, and her father had an important, flashy job, so Neil sucked up when he could. Teddi knew if her parents had their way she’d probably be dating Steve.

Teddi and Max shared a small smile as Billy made his way over. “You shouldn’t be smoking here, Billy.” Neil muttered. Billy only rolled his eyes. Billy stood next to Teddi, the backs of his fingers just barely brushing against hers. Teddi hooked her middle finger with his, the cold metal of his ring a nice feeling against her skin. They stayed like that for the entire funeral. Teddi noticed the boys weren’t trying quite as hard as she was to keep acting as though Will was really gone. At one point Karen Wheeler had to tell them to be quiet. Billy rolled his eyes.

Teddi was a little surprised that Hopper wasn’t there. This definitely wasn’t the sort of thing he would miss. She was even more surprised to see that Johnathan and Will’s father Lonnie had actually showed up. Just when she thought things couldn’t get any stranger.

Joyce looked like she was on another planet completely. Teddi’s heart ached for her. She couldn’t imagine what she must have been going through these past few days. It was taking almost all of her energy not to run over to her and telling her all about El, the Demogorgon and Mike’s theory that the body sitting in the coffin in front of them wasn’t actually Will.

Once the funeral was over and everyone started to head to the reception that was being held in the church, Billy nudged Teddi. He nodded his head to something. “Check that out,” Teddi followed his gaze. Johnathan Byers and Nancy Wheeler were huddled together. They were looking at some piece of paper, but Teddi couldn’t make out what it was. “Those two look awful cozy, don’t they?” he smirked.

Teddi rolled her eyes. “It’s nothing. Like Nancy would mess around behind Steve’s back with Johnathan freakin’ Byers,” she had to admit though, it was odd. Especially considering the fact that Johnathan had just been caught taking those creepy pictures of them at Steve’s party. Teddi took Billy’s hand in hers and pulled him along towards the church. “Forget them. Let’s get inside. At least we can get some food out of this bullshit.”

Max, Dustin, Lucas and Mike were inside and crowded around their science teacher, who was talking to them about something animatedly. Teddi rolled her eyes when she saw her father, Neil, Lonnie and Ted Wheeler crowded together. “Birds of a feather…” Teddi muttered. Billy smirked as they made their way over to the snacks. She popped a Nilla Wafer in her mouth and frowned. “Aw, man. These are store brand.”

“That’s what I said,” Teddi jumped at the sound of Dustin’s voice behind her. The four preteens were lined up, looking expectantly at Billy and Teddi. “We need a ride.” Dustin explained.

“Need a ride where?” Billy asked.

“Back to my house. We’ll explain when we get there. We have news about…” Mike looked around and leaned in a little closer. “You know who.” he whispered.

“Oh, so do we! Big news.” Teddi said.

Billy shot a glance over at where Neil was standing before nodding his head, motioning for them to follow him. None of the adults would care if they left. They’d probably already forgotten any of them were there. So they piled into the Camaro, the four kids squeezing into the back seat and headed to the Wheeler’s house.

El was in the basement, still dressed in her pink dress and wig. She smiled when she saw Teddi come down the stairs. Teddi plopped down on the couch next to her. “Alright, so who wants to share their news first?” she asked.

Mike didn’t hesitate. “We know where Will is.” he announced.

Lucas rolled his eyes. “Mike, don’t get their hopes up. It’s not that simple. We know where he is, but we don’t know how to get to him.” he corrected.

Teddi raised an eyebrow. “...Meaning?”

“Upside Down.” El said next to her.

“The hell is Upside Down?” Billy asked, a cigarette pinched between his lips as he lit it.

“You can’t smoke in here,” Mike said sternly. Billy only looked at him. Mike rolled his eyes. “The Upside Down is a different dimension. It’s like the Vale of Shadows. It’s like here, but opposite. Something opened a gate and the Demogorgon got through and took Will. We have to find where the gate is, and how to open it.”

“What about her?” Billy asked, nodding at El. “It was her Demogorgon cult that brought the damn thing here,” the kids all stared up at him. “...What? I know some shit too.”

Teddi shook her head. “Nooo way. You guys aren’t going to find the gate. We will find the gate,” she motioned between Billy and herself. “We saw that thing last night out in Mirkwood. You guys aren’t going anywhere near it.”

“You saw it?” Max asked, a little too excited considering how traumatizing it had been for them. “What did it look like? What’s it doing out there? Was there any sign of Will?” she asked.

“Slow your roll, Mad Max,” Billy said cooly. “We don’t know what it was doing out there. We were too busy trying to keep it from eating us. Teddi’s right. You guys are keeping your asses parked in this basement while we handle it.”

“El could totally stop it!” Dustin argued. “You should have seen what she did to Troy Walsh at school yesterday.” he laughed. Teddi couldn’t help but smile at Eleven’s proud look.

Billy held up his hand. “No discussions. Got it?” he asked, looking at each of them. “I said, got it?” he repeated when no one answered.

“Yeah, Billy. We got it.” Max rolled her eyes. Teddi didn’t miss the fact that Max was the only one to speak up. She knew the kids would try to sneak out later that night to look for the gate. Which just meant she and Billy would need to find it before they did.

It was clear that Billy didn’t believe them either. He shot each of them one last glare before letting out a tired sigh and running a hand over his face. “C’mon, Teddi. I’ll take you home.”

Teddi got up from her spot on the couch, turning to face the party when she reached Billy’s side. “Seriously, guys. Don’t go out there alone, okay? That thing...it’s not something any of you want to mess with. Believe me.” her eyes met with El’s, and Teddi saw understanding there. Fear. Had El seen the Demogorgon too?

The kids remained silent. Teddi realized that there would be no convincing them. They would do whatever they needed to do to get Will home safe. And Teddi couldn’t blame them. She was doing the same thing herself. She just hoped that she and Billy found the gate and the Demogorgon before anyone else did.

---

After Billy dropped Teddi off back at her place, Steve came over. He caught her when she was on her porch, unlocking her door. “Teddi! Can we talk for a sec?” he asked as he jogged towards her.

“Steve, hey,” she smiled thinly at him. “...Is everything okay?”

“I was gonna ask you the same thing,” he said with a small laugh. “I feel like you and Billy are ignoring me or something. Is this about what happened with Byers at school the other day? Because-”

Teddi held up her hand. “Wait, what? What happened with Johnathan?”

Steve shifted from foot to foot uncomfortably. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked down at his shoes. “Tommy and Carol told me he was taking pictures of us at my place. So we waited out by his car to ask about it...I kinda smashed his camera.” he admitted.

“Steve.”

“I know,” he groaned, throwing his head back. “I feel like a dick. But I couldn’t let him get away with it, Teddi. And Tommy got me all riled up about it...I turn into such an asshole around that guy.” he did. So did Billy. Even Teddi had her moments.

“I think maybe the three of us need to take a little break from Tommy and Carol.” Teddi said, scrunching her nose.

Steve nodded. “Definitely...so you guys aren’t mad at me or anything? Freezing me out?” Teddi realized it probably looked that way. Especially after Billy had practically chased Steve away from her van the other day at school. But they were just trying to keep Steve from getting involved. He didn’t need to know about all of the weird shit in Hawkins.

“We’re not freezing you out, Steve. I promise,” she reassured him. “Me and Billy have just had a lot going on. Lots of…” she tried to think of the simplest way to say it.

Steve grinned. “Lots of couple stuff?” he finished for her.

Teddi let out a soft laugh and nodded. “Couple stuff.”

Steve leaned against her front door. “Took you guys long enough. Just don’t forget about me, okay?” he said with a teasing smile.

“I could never forget you, Harrington.”

“True. I am pretty unforgettable. Anyways, I should get going. I’m supposed to pick Nancy up to go to the movies. Hey, the four of us should go out sometime. Like a double date.” Teddi thought back to seeing Nancy all huddled together with Johnathan Byers. She thought it was better not to say anything to Steve about it.

“Definitely,” she nodded. “Maybe this weekend?” that was if she and Billy didn’t get eaten by a monster at least.

“Sounds good. See ya, Ted.” he waved, jogging back down the driveway and heading back to his house. Teddi hurried inside. Her parents were still out. Most likely still at the funeral trying to make people think they cared. She hurried down the entryway hall, past the kitchen and to her father’s study. He had a big filing cabinet that sat behind his desk that he never bothered to lock.

He had a map of Hawkins in one of the drawers. Her father had maps of almost everything in town. Teddi never really thought much of it. It was just part of his job. Whatever that even was. But now wasn’t really the time to think of things like that. Right now she had to try and figure out where the gate to the Upside Down was.

“Theodora! Are you home?” Teddi jumped at the sound of her father’s voice. She quickly rolled the map up, shutting the filing cabinet drawer shut and poking her head out of the office’s door. Her parents were by the front door. Her father was helping her mom take her coat off before hanging it up. “What are you doing in my office?” thankfully he seemed more confused than upset.

“Sorry, um I have to head to work soon so Billy gave me a ride home. I didn’t wanna drag you away from everyone...can I borrow this?” she held up the map.

Greg raised an eyebrow, fixing a stern look in her direction. “What do you need that for?”

“...School project.” Teddi lied.

He rolled his eyes. “As long as you take good care of it. I want it back in one piece. And don’t you go back into my office without my permission.” he ordered.

“Yes, sir. Thank you!” she hurried past her parents and downstairs to her bed room. She quickly changed for work before calling Billy.

“Yeah?” he answered, already sounding bored with the conversation.

“Billy, it’s me. I need you to meet me at the arcade. It’s super important.”

“Is it actually important or are you dragging me down there to show me you changed all the Dragon’s Lair high score names to swear words again-”

“It’s actually important,” she huffed. “It’s about...you know. Just come to the arcade, okay? I’m on my way there now.” she didn’t give him a chance to argue. She slammed the phone back down into its cradle and was off.

The arcade wasn’t very busy. It was a pretty quiet afternoon in Hawkins. It was almost like the whole town was in grieving for Will. Teddi had her dad’s map laid out on the prize counter. She was using tokens to mark out the things she wanted to show Billy to avoid marking the map and facing her father’s wrath.

Billy sauntered in about twenty minutes after her shift started. He had swapped out his suit for jeans, a Motley Crue shirt and his leather jacket. Teddi figured he was late because he was trying to decide what to wear. “Alright, Larsson. What’s the big deal?” he leaned against the counter casually.

Teddi tapped down at the map. “I think I’ve narrowed down where the gate is,” she said excitedly. She set her finger in the center of a small triangle she had created with three tokens. “This is where they started looking for Will with the search party, and this is Steve and Will’s house. So I don’t think that the Demogorgon goes very far whenever it’s out. I’m thinking the gate must be somewhere in this part of the woods. It’s not exact, but at least we’ve narrowed it down.”

Billy looked over his shoulder. “Should we be talking about this here?”

Teddi rolled her eyes. “The Coulson twins are the only ones in here. Keith is next door. It’s fine. I’m thinking we should go back tonight. We can be better prepared this time. I mean, we know it doesn’t like fire.”

Billy let out a soft groan. “I don’t know about this, Ted...we barely made it out last time.” he argued. And he was right. This was stupid and dangerous. But it had to be done. She had to protect her friends.

“If we don’t do it then the kids are gonna go looking for it. We’re lucky that Will survived. We might not be that lucky again.”

Billy was quiet for a long time. He was weighing his options. There weren’t really very many for him to consider. “...Fine. We’ll go. I can go to the liquor store and pick some bottles up with my fake ID.”

Teddi frowned. “The hell are you gonna do with those? Get the Demogorgon drunk?” she asked.

Billy rolled his eyes. “Funny. I’m gonna make some molotov cocktails.” he crossed his arms.

“Who are you? Rambo?” she laughed.

“Well do you have a better idea?” she didn’t. Being destructive is what Billy did best. It was probably better to let him take charge in this case. “That’s what I thought. I’ll come back later after your shift and pick you up. I wanna get this shit over with so everything can go back to normal.” but Teddi was pretty sure that wasn’t possible. Someone had faked Will’s death, conjured up a monster in Hawkins and experimented on a little girl. Things were anything but normal now.

---

Teddi would have been lying if she said she wasn’t scared to go back out into the woods. She and Billy were a little more prepared this time around. She had a backpack full of monster slaying gear and Billy was still insistent on his molotov cocktails. But they were still no match for the Demogorgon, she knew it.

“So what’s the plan?” Billy asked as they made their way further into the woods. They each had a flashlight this time around. They were also much more alert.

Teddi shrugged. “We burn it. I don’t really have a plan B.” she confessed.

“Oh, great…” Billy muttered. He was trying his hardest to hide how afraid he was. If he was afraid he knew it would put Teddi on edge. And he hadn’t missed the way that the beam of light from her flashlight kept shaking the further they ventured into Mirkwood.

Billy hadn’t heard anything, but Teddi let out a small gasp and jumped. She started to shine her flashlight every which way. “Did you hear that?” she asked, her eyes wide.

“No...what did it sound like?”

Teddi had stopped walking. She spun in a circle, trying to find who or what had made the sound she had heard. “It sounded like voices…” she frowned. “Who the hell could be out here this late?” she asked no one in particular. She walked off without Billy.

“Jesus, Teddi, wait up!” he hissed, jogging to catch up with her. She was no longer looking for the monster. Teddi moved further into the woods. “I didn’t hear anything. Maybe you’re just freaking yourself ou-” something hard collided with Billy, knocking him to the ground.

“Sorry! Sorry...Billy? What the hell are you doing out here?” it was Johnathan Byers. Teddi whipped around to face the two boys. Johnathan held his hand out to Billy, who smacked it away. He got back on his feet and brushed the dirt and leaves from his pants.

“Johnathan!” Teddi spat. “You can’t be out here! It’s not safe!”

“What are you doing anyways? Taking more pervy pictures?” Billy sneered.

Johnathan looked frazzled. And not because of Billy. His breathing was uneven like he had been running. “What? That’s not- look, I don’t have time for this. I’m looking for Nancy-”

“Wheeler?” Teddi asked, her eyebrows raised.

“What gives, Byers? You think if you keep stalking her she’ll dump Steve for your weird ass? And why the fuck do you have a gun?”

“Billy.” Teddi scolded him.

Johnathan held his hands up. “Nancy is about to get eaten by a monster! I have to find her!”

That shut Billy up. Billy and Teddi both went into action. Flashing their flashlights all around for any sign Nancy. If Teddi listened closely enough she thought maybe she could hear her calling for Johnathan. Her voice sounded strange, though. Like she was underwater almost.

She didn’t waste any time. Teddi ran off in the direction she thought Nancy’s voice was coming from. Johnathan and Billy were calling after her but she didn’t stop. Nancy’s voice was getting closer and closer the further she ran.

Eventually she stopped at a tree that looked like it was covered in some sort of web-like slime. The tree almost looked alive. There was a red, glowing light that pulsed inside of it almost like a heartbeat. Teddi could only assume that this was the gate. It had to be. And Nancy had gone through it. Teddi thought back to her first run in with the Demogorgon. She couldn’t let Nancy face that thing alone.

So Teddi crawled through the membrane. She winced at the slimy feeling of it against her skin. It was cold on the other side. Much colder than in Mirkwood. It was snowing. No, it wasn’t snow. Teddi couldn’t really make out what was falling down around her.

Wherever she was, it looked like Mirkwood. But it was different. It felt like she was stuck in some sort of dream. Everything seemed slower, colder, darker. There was thunder booming above her. Like a storm was approaching. The sky was a bright red shade that contrasted dramatically against the blue hue that surrounded her.

Teddi swallowed thickly, slowly turning in a circle and looking for any sign that Nancy was nearby. But there was no Nancy. And thankfully no Demogorgon. Now Teddi found herself alone and trapped in the Upside Down.

#billy hargrove #billy hargrove fic #billy hargrove x oc

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jancisstuff · 7 years

Photo

De’bayle Debacle - Alleria’s Scar

Jancis Milburga knocks on the door. "Sir Guillemont?" Claire Nyhmidu nods, "Makes sense... and I'm sure Guillemont would be happy to hear that. I don't think he got any help decorating."

Claire Nyhmidu looks to the door, "Come in!" She'd call out. Alleria Surlaint looks over to the door "Lady Jancis! good evening!" she said offering the woman a bow. Barengar Armsbreaker would step in quietly behind Jancis, a single satchel of moderate size slung over his right shoulder. His gaze flickers between Alleria and Claire before dipping his head slightly in a polite gesture; grunting a quiet greeting. Claire Nyhmidu nods in greeting to the two of them, "Good evening, Jancis." Jancis Milburga swings the door open, trotting inside. "Lady Claire! Good eve! Is Sir- Lady Alleria! Thaliak's Grace, it is good to see you as well! We did find some nice oranges in Gridania and I might have agreed to too many so I thought others would enjoy them they are so ripe and. Well. I thought it might be nice to share."

Jancis Milburga: "Have you met Sir Armsbreaker before?" Claire Nyhmidu: "I'm afraid not." Alleria Surlaint: "I have not actually." Barengar Armsbreaker tips his head toward each of the elezen in turn, "S'good t'be meetin' both, m'figurin'." He lifts his right hand and places it lightly over his chest, "Barengar Armsbreaker." Jancis Milburga motions to each person in kind, "Lady Claire is skilled with metals and gems alike, Lady Alleria is a Champion and skilled with a sword." You smile. Claire Nyhmidu: "Pleased to make your acquaintance." She'd say with a smile. Jancis Milburga: "You have not had any trouble with your hand since, I hope?" Alleria Surlaint: "A pleasure to meet you." she waves her hand dismissively "I still think my victory was more luck than anything that night Lady Jancis." Barengar Armsbreaker glances toward Jancis as she introduced each of them before looking back to the two elezen woman in acknowledgement. Claire Nyhmidu: "No, thanks to you. I still do the wrist stretching exercises anyway. Just in case." Jancis Milburga walks over to Claire, holding out her small satchel full of oranges. "That is heartening news." Claire Nyhmidu looks to the oranges in surprise, taking the satchel, "Oh! Thank you so very much, Jancis." You gaze upon Alleria Surlaint in deep reflection. Barengar Armsbreaker adjusts the satchel hanging from his shoulder idly as he glances about the room, lips pressed into a thin line and a thoughtful expression settling upon his features. Jancis Milburga: "As a great leader once said, “I am a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it” so you were fully prepared and capable of such a victory nonetheless." Claire Nyhmidu: "Were you two staying long? Did you want tea?" Jancis Milburga looks to Barengar, referring the question to him. Barengar Armsbreaker glances back over to the others as the question was posed, his gaze falling to Jancis before his right shoulder lifted in a subtle shrug, "S'possin' s'up t'ya. Ain't in any sort o' rush m'self." Jancis Milburga admits quietly, "Tea is quite nice." Her hands fidget together a moment before clapping silently together. Claire Nyhmidu nods, "Feel free to sit if you wish. I'll get that ready then." Claire said, heading to start that. Jancis Milburga: "Though I fear not much longer after. Forgive me, how has all else been? I have not asked yet. What news is there since the past suns?"

Alleria Surlaint: "Things have been well! I actually have some questions for your Lady Jancis if you don't mind of course.." Barengar Armsbreaker pivots on his left heel, shrugging the satchel free from his shoulder when it became clear that they would be staying longer than just a moment. The warrior lifted the bag and settled it carefully onto one of the sofa's cushions before turning his attention back to the conversation at hand. Claire Nyhmidu continues to brew the tea and get all the cups, holding back a quiet yawn as she did so. Jancis Milburga stands up attentively, "I do not mind! Please, ask! What is on your mind?" She seems pretty happy to be asked anything. Alleria Surlaint: "With my well condition." She paused for a moment. "Would it be safe for me to learn how to use my aether for magic or any other uses?" You gaze upon Alleria Surlaint in deep reflection. Claire Nyhmidu brings a small tray with teacups, the tea pot, sugar and cream to the table; setting the teacups out for use. Jancis Milburga purses her lips in deep thought, "Thaliak's Strength. That is something important to ponder." Alleria Surlaint: "I'm just not familiar with this and I thought it might be good to ask you before something bad possibly happens." Claire Nyhmidu: "Feel free to help yourself to tea. I'm sure Guillemont will be about sometime soon... I'm still actually recovering from a hangover, so I'm headed to bed." She said with a quiet chuckle, "Feel free to use the apartment. You don't need to leave because of me." Jancis Milburga: "Lady Alleria suffered what many thought to be a mortal strike by a blade of great power, saturated in aether. Though that happened many Turns ago.... "

Jancis Milburga tries to summarize to Barengar before looking over at the table Claire had set up, "You are a generous hostess. Thank you. I shall be quiet that you may rest well and deeply."

Barengar Armsbreaker looks as though he is about to roll his left shoulder back but the motion is cut off before it can even begin, an awkward expression briefly passing across Barengar's features before he glances over to Claire, "Thank ya kindly. Be seein' y'round, I figure."

You bow courteously to Claire Nyhmidu. Alleria Surlaint: "We'll be quiet Lady Claire please do rest well."

Claire Nyhmidu nods to the three of them, heading to the bedroom. Jancis Milburga prepares a cup for Barengar then Alleria. "Aether is part of us, it is kind of like a muscle per say? You have been using it passively simply by willing yourself and striving. So. To an extent it is part of you." Barengar Armsbreaker turned a thoughtful look up Alleria as Jancis explained the situation to him, lips pressing into a thin line. "S'methin' in particular tha' y'r lookin' t'learn?" Alleria Surlaint reaches taking the cup carefully "Thank you Lady Jancis." she takes a tip before looking to barengar "Perhaps some basic offensive magic and perhaps to see if I can enhance my physical techniques in short powerful bursts. Though I wouldn't exactly know where to start learning." Alleria Surlaint: "I'm just not sure if using an extensive amount will cause me harm due to the wound I have."

Barengar Armsbreaker folded his arms over his chest, his head tilting to the side slightly as he seemed to sizing the woman up. "I ain't got much in th' way o' knowin' when it comes t'the specifics o' the wound y've got." He paused a moment, eyes flickering toward Jancis before returning to Alleria quickly, "Bu' soundin' t'be righ' unique. Y'might want t'be knowin' more 'bout it 'fore y'do anythin' meanin'ful." Alleria Surlaint scratches the side of her head "It's quite unique to say the least..." Jancis Milburga gets a cup for herself, holding it and sipping thoughtfully a minute, "Sounds close to something Denz has learned to do with his aether. I shall not lie it is unknown; no others have the same mark. It would cause me great concern. Though I also dislike you fearing it; you know how you feel better than any, Lady Alleria. I agree I would find a means to learn more. If Denz's abilities could help see where the thresholds are. If you dare venture back to the southern Shroud to seek answers." Jancis Milburga: "But. You have done more than survive you are thriving as you are now. Oh forgive me, I did not give an answer at all, only most likely the same thoughts that circle already." Alleria Surlaint: "I'm not afraid to be within the shroud even the southern parts of it... but" she stops to grab her arm "If I see that thing again or even the shroud turn how it looked that night I'm not sure how I'll react truth be told." Jancis Milburga looks at her cup a moment, "That could happen anywhere within the Twelveswood possibly. I would go there. Speak to who guards Urth's Fount and mostly see how you react to being within those falls. The aether there... it belongs there, but it is different. Perchance you will feel something unfelt before." Barengar Armsbreaker bobs his head to the side slightly, "Ain't any o' us able t'rightly tell anyone 'ow we're gonna be doin' anythin' 'till s'done. Least b'my figurin'." He grunted lowly, glancing down toward his left shoulder for a moment before looking back up to Alleria. "I'm th'last one t'be givin' advice on usin' aether, bu' judgin' fr'm wha' experience I've got. I'd be startin' slow supposin' y'r in s'me sort o' rush." Jancis Milburga: "Please accept my apologies once more. That I had an answer." Jancis Milburga nods in agreement with Barengar. Alleria Surlaint ponders in thought for a moment "Perhaps I'll take someone next time I go just incase, the last time I went there it took me a couple hours just to finally make my way to the other side of the cave..." she bows her head "Thank you for your help Lady Jancis and you too Barengar, any answer or suggestion is better than none and I can't thank you enough." You bow courteously to Alleria Surlaint. Barengar Armsbreaker dips his his toward Alleria in acknowledgement, a stiff grunt reverberating within his chest, "Ain't anythin' t'be said fer it." Jancis Milburga: "If it helps, surely you do not have to trek alone! The House is a family; kin will be by your side with but a word!" Jancis Milburga looks back to the Ala Mhigan, then seeing his shoulder free, looks about, her arm reaching over the couch for the satchel. Alleria Surlaint: "That is true... though the only ones who know of what happened to me specifically are Lord Armont, Lady Carina, and of course Ser Denz." Jancis Milburga asks in a confused tone, "It is a secret? Thaliak does frown upon such." Barengar Armsbreaker quirked his brow slightly as Jancis began to reach over for the satchel, a subtle rumble of amusement passing through him. Just as Jancis' fingers were about to clasp around the satchel, the Ala Mhigan snatched it up and slung it back around his right shoulder. Alleria Surlaint: "Well most don't have a great reaction when you say you've encountered a Primal.. they assume you're tempered more often then not." Jancis Milburga looks up, her hand empty, lips puckering into a curious frown regarding the man and how he managed to snatch up the bag so quickly. Jancis Milburga: "Another thing your aunt told you? Very well, but if someone asks me I will not lie about it. Any or all of them or myself should escort you there. Halone's Fury does not go alone."

Alleria Surlaint: "Well she never exactly told me anything about what killed them...but since returning to this part of Eorzea people do seem rather afraid of primals and their capabilities."

Alleria Surlaint: "I appreciate your offers Lady Jancis truly." Alleria Surlaint smiles at you.

Barengar Armsbreaker glances between the two as his hand slips into the satchel that was, once again, at his side. After a moment he produces a single, small pixie plum. He reaches over to set it down gently upon the saucer of Jancis' tea cup before grunting at the mention of primals. "Ain't 'xactly precious memories o' 'em considerin' jus' a single o' 'em 'ave slaughter legions o' soldiers in not so recent 'istory." Jancis Milburga rubs her empty hands together, smiling gratefully back. "If I find anything written I shall let you know! Can imagine such a tome. Covered with dust in the library of an old estate here... ah! Forgive me. Is a wonder one of the history books Sir Guillemont has in piles in the other room has no mention." Jancis Milburga goes to pick up her empty teacup again to clean up, noticing the plum and getting distracted by it. Alleria Surlaint: "I feel I should tell him about it as well, though he seems the more distant type and we haven't really had bonding conversations..." she looks down in thought "When I next decide to go I'll be sure to reach out to you for any advice and if you're willing to come along I'd be happy to have your company." Alleria Surlaint bows courteously to you. Jancis Milburga: "Oh he is much like a fish! Happy and energetic in a soft face. It is underneath; I will surely lend my aid and company by all means!" Jancis Milburga murmurs an apology towards the close bedroom door, softening her voice, "Mayhaps we should depart and let Lady Claire rest." Alleria Surlaint: "That is actually not a bad idea!" she whispered as she began walking carefully away from the bedroom door. Barengar Armsbreaker dipped his head and grunted in agreement. Alleria Surlaint: "I do hope to see you again soon Lady jancis, Again it was a pleasure to meet you Barengar," Alleria Surlaint bows courteously to Barengar Armsbreaker. Jancis Milburga bows to Alleria, "As I you. Travel safely and be well until we need meet." You smile at Alleria Surlaint. Barengar Armsbreaker dipped his head toward the elezen woman, offering up a curt grunt, "S'good meetin' y'too, I figure. Supposin' I'll be seein' y'round." Alleria Surlaint: "Both of you do take care." she said before opening the door and slipping through the slight opening leaving it open for them. Alleria Surlaint bids farewell.

Barengar Armsbreaker Alleria Surlaint Claire Nyhmidu Jancis Milburga

April 10 2017

#Barengar Armsbreaker #Alleria Surlaint #Claire Nyhmidu #Jancis Milburga

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the-excursion · 6 years

Text

Fictober #28

Prompt: “I felt it. You know what I mean.”

Original Fiction

Story: Vibes/Faded

After a while, Musicorum soon got better acquainted with the Red Claw. Chrysa, Zinni, and Olea were curious and went to talk with Bryant, Wayne, and Janci. Jude and Lucine sat close by but talked amongst themselves. Lexis found himself standing and watching the rest of them, taking in the moment with a content smile. He hadn’t noticed that Vogue was next to him doing the same.

“So you're the one they look up to?” Vogue asked Lexis.

“Heh I wouldn’t say they look up to me. I just sorta try to keep us together. Now I know you’re gonna say not to sell myself short so, I guess in that way they kinda do. In the same way I look up to them,” Lexis said with a casual shrug.

“Any leader should feel like that. We should look up to them as much as they look up to us,” Vogue explained.

“Hm I feel that,” he responded with a nod. “But yeah, I don’t know. We’ve had our ups and downs and a few rough patches. We had an old sort of lead that I aimlessly decided to stand by her side. But she didn’t have that drive that you’re describing. But I actually.. I felt it. You know what I mean. I wouldn’t know what I would do without these guys. We split up once but now that I’ve wrangled them back up I won’t let that happen again,” Lexis expounded. Vogue gave an understanding nod.

“So I can kinda feel it in the way you walk. You've been trained in some form of martial arts right?” Vogue asked.

“Heh yeah. By that former lead I mentioned which I admit wasn’t even good training. Since then I’ve learned to make it my own. Teaching myself new techniques that I end up making up,” Lexis responded confidently as he took a kunai from his belt and gave it a short twirl.

“I've trained in a few different schools of martial arts and I've mentored people myself. I figured I can show you some stuff? Only if you are up to it of course,” Vogue said. A spark of excitement came into Lexis’ eyes until he suddenly snapped out of it.

“You’re not just saying this out of sympathy are you? We can hold our own just fine. We don't take opportunities when they’re out of charity..” Lexis asked skeptically.

“No, not at all. I'm sure without any help you all will be fine. I just figured you'd be a great person for me to share some of my knowledge with,” Vogue explained. Lexis thought for a moment as he shortly adjusted his cap.

“Hm sure. I’m curious to see whatcha got,” Lexis said.

“Great we can head off to my personal training room,” Vogue said as she stood up and lead Lexis to the room.

The pair were now sitting in the middle of Vogue's training room. The room was a neutral combination of grey and blue. On a few of the walls were a number of weapons neatly on display. Vogue gestured for Lexis to stand up. “Tell me how you tend to fight, will help me in finding out how I'll teach you,” Vogue said.

“Uh well, I adapt to the situation really. But I’m at my best on my feet, hands on with melee weapons. Nothing beats a good old hand to hand,” Lexis described as he scratched his head and looked around the room. “This is so cool. I hardly get to talk about this stuff with anyone. Ever.”

“Yeah, adaptability is an important part of… well surviving. Though I will say I do have a weapon of choice myself. I tend to gravitate to my katana. I see you were waving the kunai around earlier. Is that your go-to weapon?”

“Definitely. Also my shuriken, but don’t go spreading my secrets,” Lexis joked. Vogue smiled at his joke.

“No I would never, a warriors secrets are their life,” she replied.

“Good to hear,” Lexis winked. “So what do you have in mind here?”

“Well to start off with I figured we can spar. I don't think getting you to my level is a reasonable request. I have decades of training under my belt, but I'm sure we can really round out your skills. Sparring will help me see where you are at first hand,” Vogue said as she stood up.

“Hey it wouldn’t be too unreasonable. I’m a fast learner,” Lexis quipped, an eager smirk coming to his face as he pulled out a kunai in each hand. “Ready when you are.”

“Okay, I'll fight without my sword. Don't go easy on me,” Vogue said as she got in stance. She soon charged for Lexis, grabbing his left hand and squeezing it tightly creating tension on his grip he had on one of his kunai. As soon as he dropped the kunai Vogue kicked it away.

“Alright-!” He struggled against her grip for a moment until he was able to twist them around, holding Vogue’s arm behind her. Bringing his kunai in his other hand by her neck. Vogue quickly rocked her head back hitting Lexis square in the face.

“Shit,” Lexis mumbled under his breath, putting his forearm to his face. He lost his hold on Vogue. She then rolled over to the kunai dropped earlier and grabbed it. Without stopping for a beat Lexis pulled out a few shuriken from his belt and swiftly threw them her way, aiming more for her arms and shoulders to inflict less damage or get her pinned. He still wasn’t exactly sure how far he should go between their spar. Vogue promptly deflected all the shuriken with the kunai. She then threw the kunai towards Lexis’ abdomen, with that she bolted towards him. Lexis was quick on his feet and just barely rolled out of the way of the kunai and Vogue but stumbled to get up for a moment. His cap coming off and landing on the ground. Being momentarily left on one knee, he pulled two more kunai on each hand and threw them consecutively toward Vogue without being cautious this time.

Vogue dodged the first two kunai, hit the the third out the way with her metallic arm, then she purposely let the fourth hit her real forearm. She continued sprinting towards Lexis. Lexis’ eyes widened. She used Lexis’ shock to gain ground on him. Once close enough she took out the kunai in such a way where she was able to direct the blood splatter towards his eyes momentarily blinding him. With that she kept the kunai and pinned him down putting it to his neck. Lexis breathed heavily out of the adrenaline and his attempts to catch his breath. He grunted and exclaimed in alarm which quickly turned into grunts of frustration as he struggled against her hold until he eventually stopped and came to his senses.

“You gotta expect the unexpected. People trying to kill you won't fight with any grace, but you should know this,” Vogue said as she pressed the blade against his neck letting it lightly break into his skin. Lexis winced as he shut his eyes tightly.

“Alright I’m not trying to die get off!” Vogue obliged and got off of him as he sat on the ground and adjusted himself. “I know to expect the unexpected but I wasn’t expecting it to happen from a spar,” he continued. “And what kind of cheap move was that what the hell,” he rambled on as he wiped the blood from his face and looked down at his hand in confusion. Vogue smiled as she walked over to a small rack grabbing Lexis' hat on the way. She got two hand towels and walked back to Lexis. She handed him his hat back and a towel. She started cleaning her arm.

“I think that was just my way of teaching you one of your first lessons from me. You can turn any situation around. Even a mistake can become an advantage,” Vogue said as she finished cleaning the blood off her arm.

“And treat every sparring session like it’s really life or death, got it,” Lexis snapped sarcastically as he finished wiping himself off. “You didn’t have to go and hurt yourself for that though,” he added as he pointed to her arm and ran his hand through his hair.

“Heh, don't worry about it. That was my decision. I also made sure that your kunai didn't hit anything vital at all. It'll heal quickly,” Vogue said as she stretched in place. “You know in a way this brings us back to our earlier conversation we had. Before I wouldn't have done a move that reckless unless absolutely necessary, but my daughter Dax was the one who inadvertently showed me the power of recklessness.”

“She sounds like someone who’d be fun to go up against. If you want reckless I can show you reckless. I didn’t know what I was getting into with this session. You have to see me at my best,” Lexis boasted as he got up. Vogue gave a short crack of her neck and a smile.

“I believe you. I see the same aura of recklessness emanating off of you that I see from her. It's why I decided to fight the way I did on our first spar. I'll be looking forward to our next spar and to hopefully one day setting up a spar between you and Dax,” Vogue said as she gestured for a handshake. A determined look lit up in his eyes as he firmly took Vogue’s hand.

“I’ll be counting the days. Just heh don’t tell my younger bro Jude we’re mastering the power of recklessness, he’d tell me off. Always telling me to be more careful,” he joked with a playful roll of his eyes.

“He shouldn't worry too much. We'll also be working on some fundamentals. Your posture was a little off,” Vogue teased. Lexis instinctively straightened his back before beginning to laugh.

#fictober18 #fictober #original fiction #30 day challenge #writing #cowritten #as you may have guessed... we're hype for certain things to happen #Vibes #Faded #VF #Lexis Fade #Vogue Vibe #A.G.#P.M.

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jancys-blue-bayou · 7 years

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The problems with screentime in Stranger Things 2

Okay so this isn’t anything new but I feel the need to rant a bit about it anyway: the only real problem with season 2 of Stranger Things was the sheer size of the narrative. Adding several new characters into an already big ensemble, doing a very special episode for one of the main characters with some of those new characters meant big problems with the screentime given to both them and the other characters.

Because what made season 1 so great was the size of the story and the pacing of the narrative. Running three separate storylines that then intersected was done beautifully, especially how it enabled them to connect to different genres (the kids sci-fi-story, Nancy and Jonathan in a horror movie scenario, Hopper and Joyce in a conspiracy thriller). The pacing was so good, cutting between the different storylines in a way that always kept you glued to the screen.

Of course they made season 2 in a similar way, separating the characters into different plotlines that ran parallel until they intersected, and I enjoyed both how they kept some pairings (Nancy/Jonathan, Hopper/Joyce) but also found new constellations (Steve and the kids, Mike/Will/Hopper/Joyce). But, adding so many new characters, Max, Billy, Bob, Kali and her gang, Dr. Owens, Murray, meant that we had loads and loads of characters all jostling for screentime. All the new characters need screentime to be introduced and made a part of the story, but as a viewer we’re invested in the characters we already know and love. And everyone ends up feeling shortchanged, most of the new characters feel underdeveloped or pointless while several of the old characters feel underutilized and pushed aside. Most obviously Nancy and Jonathan, but I’ve also seen similar complaints about for example Mike.

Of the new characters I feel like Bob, Owens and Murray worked out the best. Bob because he’s given screentime to be one of the more fleshed out of the new guys, plus Sean Astin brings a natural likeability to the role. Owens and Murray work because they are well-written in to the plot in different ways. Now to Max and Billy. I like Max, I like what Sadie Sink does, but I think the role is underwritten, existing solely in connection with male characters as a love interest. The Duffer Brothers have said that they introduced Billy because they wanted a human antagonist, writing him in the way Steve was initially supposed to be until Joe Keery’s charm changed that character. Fine, I get what they’re after, the human antagonists of Stephen King is great and a staple of the eighties and the influence of Stephen King on the Duffers can’t be overstated. But, do they have to incorporate that Stephen King trope as well? I love how they balanced the shoutouts and references to the 80s in season 1, it always being very present and obvious yet not in a gratuitous way. Now it feels like they’re getting away from that with Billy. Like people have pointed out, he didn’t have any influence on the actual plot of the season, he could’ve been removed and nothing of the plot would’ve been different. There lies the problem for me, his character is only there as a part of the shows style and look, in the same way music and certain imagery is, but having a character only be stylistic and not plot-relevant, I don’t like. He’s just an 80s archetype for the sake of an 80s archetype, while other characters like Nancy, Jonathan, Eleven, Hopper etc start as archetypes that are then flipped on it’s head (like how Nancy is the horror flick chick trope but is then shown to be genresavvy, competent and much more above that).

Kali then. Obviously Eleven wasn’t the first test subject, of course they were going to adress that, but I’m not a fan of how they did it. Kali by herself is an interesting character. But the whole thing with the Warriors gang... it’s along the same lines as I touched upon earlier, with it feeling like the Duffers 80s references started to become gratuitous. Now to the love it or hate it Very Special Episode. I hate it, duh. I get that they wanted to be brave and do something different, but damn it just breaks the whole flow of the season, halting all other parts of the narrative like that and of course does away with the pacing I wrote about earlier, where they otherwise are so adept at juggling several storylines next to each other. Of course it deepens Eleven’s character and she learns about herself, but the character development she undergoes there didn’t need a whole episode, in fact I would’ve loved to get more glimpses of Kali throughout the previous episodes, like the opening scene of the season, think they could’ve written it differently.

So except for the way all the new characters kind of get each other’s way in fight for screentime which renders them underdeveloped, it also has the effect of doing other characters a disservice through the hogging of screentime. Mainly Nancy and Jonathan. OK, obviously as a hardcore Jancy shipper i’m always going to want more screentime for them, but it’s not just about that. Their plotline, exposing the lab, is great but given too little screentime given the enormity of their actions and also, since the plotline separates them very clearly from all the others and sends them on their own little adventure, not giving it more screentime really pushes it aside. Now the romance aspect of it, I love that Jancy became canon this season. I’ve seen some shippers being not happy with the way it happened, feeling that it was rushed. Personally I don’t feel it was rushed per se (ie I like the idea of them finally just jumping each other’s bone after skitting around it for so long), but it came off that way due to their lack of screentime which led to an amount of showing not telling, as @valkyriav have written very well about here. That’s basically why I write my fic The Real Shit, to fill in some blanks since we didn’t get enough scenes of them because of the screentime being devoted more to other characters. Btw, @jancystrangerstuff sent me this link earlier, the middle pic in the second row really looks like it’s from a deleted scene in the car the morning after (given her outfit and from the way their positioned, like she’s next to him in the front seat to me), thought I show it because that kind of provoked this whole rant.

Finally, all these characters being introduced and not developed enough this season really made me feel like season 2 was very much a stepping stone in the larger scheme of things. Obviously Kali and other test subjects will be a part of the show’s future and hopefully Max and maybe even Billy will be given more depth, and I still have hope that they will be able to write and balance all the characters in season 3 better.

#stranger things #stranger things thoughts #stranger things 2 #meta #jancy #nancy wheeler #jonathan byers #max mayfield #billy hargrove #kali #murray bauman #bob newby #doctor owens

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