Chapter Text
-To take you to the sun-
March 23rd, 1989
The sky is a deep carmine, dark grey clouds decorate the sky with broad, acidic spores—creatures of every shape and form liter every corner of Hawkins. Rips stretch widely through Hawkins, burning red bleeding through. Training had ended months ago, along with Vecna being dormant.
Will stands at the edge of the mothergate, facing the newly reinforced steel library walls. Owens’ and his team stare at them with stern eyes. El squeezes his hand, drawing his attention and giving him a determined nod. They step in sync closer to the gate, rubble shuffling uncomfortably under his feet.
Owens shouts instructions to his team, crowding his senses and making his nerves spike. He spares a glance back at Mike, giving him a loving nod, trying to communicate all the things he didn’t say. His vision blurs and he gives Mike a somber smile, turning back to the gate.
“Please,” Mike pleads quietly, he turns around facing Mike dropping El’s hand, a tear sliding down his face.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers back, turning with El and grasping her hand like a lifeline. The scientists’ chats all halt to a stop.
“Now!” Owens shouts, he faces forward, jumping in sync with El right into the center of the gate.
Everything blacks out, static fizzling through his body. He can’t feel El’s hand now. He can’t feel anything now.
[]
"You can't leave!" Mike shouts as they stand on the porch in the cold- early March air.
He faces away from Mike, knowing he can't handle seeing Mike's face right now, "Mike, you know I have to," he says quietly, the wind taking away any ground he had in the conversation.
"You don't! You don't have to!"
He has to do this, it's the only way to kill Vecna, if he severs the connection, him, it'll seal the gates for good. Mike doesn't even know that Will'll die. He thinks that Will is just going into the upside down.
And Will doesn't think he could handle it if Mike knew, just exactly, what Will's planning on doing.
"I have to, Mike. You don't understand this'll save everyone. I will do anything to keep you guys safe. To keep you safe. This is the only way." Mike sighs dejectedly, making his heart clench painfully.
"I don't care who it'll save! There has to be another way. I just got you back." Mike cries to him, "I can't lose you again."
"Mike, I would do anything for you, anything. But I know what I have to do," he sighs, "and I can't let how much I love you stop me." He looks back at Mike's tear-stained face, "I'm sorry." Mike nods, gaze locked on the ground.
He crosses the porch, taking Mike's jaw in his hands.
"It's gonna be okay, Mike."
"Not if you're not with me."
"I'll be okay, I'll make it." He presses a kiss to Mike's tear-wet cheek, sealing his insincere promise.
The last months have been good, amazing. But it's time to face the facts. He knew that his happiness was temporary. It always was. He'd been spending half his time at the cabin and half his time at Mike's. It's been great. He feels so close to El, and his family, and though Hopper may be a new addition, he considers him more of a father than Lonnie ever was.
Spending time with his friends, with Mike, its been the best, and fearful, months of his life. He'd lost so much time to the Upside Down… but being back, even with all the ups and downs, has been wonderful, electrifying.
Learning how to skate with Max. Training with El and giggling as their now-connected parents stumble and dance around each other. Going on long winter morning runs with Lucas. Playing the latest video games with Dustin. And Mike, Mike. Everything with Mike. The late nights spent talking. Getting to relearn someone who he loves so, so very much.
But he knows what he has to do. And he won't let any of his friends or family get hurt because of how much he loves them.
[]
SNAP!
He shoots up, ignoring the sharp pain that grips every part of his body. Wait! Where's El!? He scrambles up, searching for his sister.
Spotting her wrapped in the red goo that covers the upside down, he runs over to her shaking El's shoulders violently.
"El! El wake up!" El shoots up, gasping and clutching his black tee. "Hey, it's alright, we're here," he soothes, rubbing his thumbs in circles around the points of El's defined shoulders. He's pretty sure he's the only thing keeping her up.
"Oh thank goodness," she sighs. He stands up, grasping her ringed hand and pulling her up with him. They scope out the rocky territory. It clicks to him where they came from, they're in the library.
"We should get going, we need to find Henry,” El says.
“Guys,” He and El turn in sync, tracing the noise.
“Mike!” They exclaim in unison. Mike’s tall goo-covered frame stands up from the opposite corner of the library.
“You can not be here,” El says sternly, pointing a finger at Mike. This can’t be happening, Mike can’t be here. This’ll derail the entire plan. What was he thinking?!
“Mike, El’s right, you being here is putting us in danger.”
“I can help you guys!” Mike rasps out, splaying his arm out. No, no, no, this can’t be happening. If Mike gets hurt, he doesn’t know what he’ll do, but it won’t be good.
“No,” He shoots a finger in Mike’s direction, “No you can’t! You need to leave, now.” Mike rushes over to him and El, grabbing both of their hands.
“I can’t let you guys do this without me,” Mike says, shaking their hands.
“Alright,” El states, “but do not do anything .” She drops his hand and turns around scoping out every part of the library.
He lets go of Mike’s hand, his fingers prickling with Mike’s contact.
He can’t lead Mike on, when he dies, he wants to go knowing that Mike will move on, that Mike will live a normal life and grow old with someone he loves, someone who’s not broken, someone who doesn’t think of dying every day, someone who isn’t a killer, someone who isn’t so fucked up in the head, someone who isn’t Will.
“I’ll lead the way to the Creel’s house.” He walks next to El, grasping her hand and squeezing. He doesn’t want Mike to know how he feels, how deeply he feels.
I know you love him. He turns his head to El as Mike trails shortly behind them.
Yeah, I do. He passes softly, nodding dejectedly.
We will make it out of this, Will. You are allowed to be happy. She promises, squeezing his hand reassuringly.
I know, He lies, telling himself that if he doesn’t die, it won’t be.
You know w-
“Wait a minute! Are you guys talking!” Mike scolds from behind them. El shoots him a snarky grin before turning to Mike.
“Yes.” El turns back to him and he chuckles dryly. He can’t seem to shake the undeniable fact that Mike could get hurt, or killed . He just can’t do it.
“We need to hurry, if Vecna senses us here it’ll be bad .” El drags him faster, making him and Mike speed up.
[]
They approach the stretching crimson yard, stepping on it hesitantly. He cracks his bandaged knuckles, the dead goo-covered grass crunching under his boots. He glances over at El and Mike, who both look much more relaxed than he does, though Mike has a worried look carved into his face.
Remaining silent, he paces up the house’s battered steps, pausing at the decrepit door. His heart races, pounding disturbingly in his chest. He spares a glance to Mike, immediately turning to El to grasp her expression.
I am ready. She says determinedly, she gives Mike a pat on the shoulder before reaching the top step with him. She flings the door open, the buzz resounding around his mind.
El stomps into the house, making her presence known. He silently steps in, Mike following him. They survey the brown living area, everything rotting and disgusting.
They continue walking further, trailing up the stairs and to the upper part
“How could you?” He turns promptly at the sound of Mike’s voice flowing through the room.
“W-What?” He asks hesitantly, his brows furrowing.
“You lied to me, Will.” Mike hisses, “you told me you were fine.” Tears prickle his eyes, each like a needle threading through the back of them.
“I am- I am f-fine,” he hiccups, confused and hurt.
“No, you’re not, Will,” Mike’s tone is sickeningly sweet, taunting , “you’re a freak,” Mike takes a step forward and he takes a step back, “you’re broken,” Mike steps forward and he cowers back unwillingly, “you’re a killer Will.” He inhales sharply, the locked tears flowing out of his eyes. Mike knew. He was just pretending this whole time…
“I-no, Mike, please, this isn’t the time,” he warns unconvincingly. He turns to El, finding she’s no longer there. The house is covered in cobwebs and goo, black and blue flooding his eyesight. He doesn’t understand what’s going on, why is he bringing this up now?
“God, you are so pathetic,” He turns hastily turns back to Mike, “did you really think I would ever love someone like you ?” Mike pauses coming closer to him, “I’ve seen your scars, Will, you are disgusting. Revolting even .” He cowers involuntarily, tears streaming down his face. He closes his eyes tightly, looking away from Mike. He just wants to get this over with.
“Will,” El’s delicate voice makes him bring his head back up, “I’m sorry.” What? What’s El sorry for, she did nothing, he’s just wondering where Mike went.
“What, El you have nothi-”
“I’m sorry that you’re so alone. I know it’s hard when no one cares about you. You must know better than I do though.” El chuckles lightly to herself, his mind racing on what’s happening.
“El what are you talking about, I th-”
“You really think I would want to be related to someone like you?” Her voice turns sinister quickly, dark and gravelly.
“You aren’t El,” he states confidently, wiping his eyes and straightening his stance. El’s skin drops to the floor, he gasps, trying desperately not to throw up at the sight of his sister’s deflated body on the floor. Vecna’s writhing body steps toward him, a sinister look in his eyes. He matches the stare, dulling his eyes, and keeping his gaze locked.
“You have always been… intelligent , William.” Vecna’s voice curls around his throat.
“What do you want from me?” he asks darkly. Vecna laughs dryly.
“I think you already know,” He shakes his head, his long hair swaying, “don’t pretend this is the first time we’ve talked, William.” The more Vecna says his name the more he resents him. He stays silent, looking at the creature through his brow. Vecna draws closer, his clawed feet squishing against the hardwood. “I want you to join me.” Will’s face hardens.
“What does that mean?” He looks completely up, his shoulders tense.
“You have something I want, William. Something I desperately need.” Vecna moves closer, he stands his ground.
“You are the key. Your power is unlike any other. You, William, you can save everyone, if you only join me.”
“I’ll do anything, just don’t hurt them.” He says sharply, crossing his arms defensively. He will give anything to make sure his family and friends don’t get hurt. He’s not afraid to die. Not at all. When time comes, he’s ready to give his life for people who he loves.
“Tell them, not me.” Vecna turns a hand out, walking to the side.
“El! Mike!” He runs forward, grasping at the wrinkled vines that constrict the people he loves the most.
“No, no, no,” He exclaims. Mike’s eyes are rolled back, a long tendril sliding down his throat. He lets a slick scream slide from his throat.
“El!” He grasps at the vines that squeeze his sister’s small body, fearfully trying to free her. El can you hear me!? He shouts into the buzz. El nods, wriggling her arms.
“All of this can go away, Will.”
Don’t do it, Will, he will use you! El passes frightfully.
“El, I can’t get the vines undone!”
I can’t do it Will! He shakes his head, pulling at the vines.
Yes, you can, El! You are stronger than you know! I need you, I love you so much El, and I can’t do this without you, please just fight! Fight El!
El closes her eyes, her body visibly relaxing in front of him. A stream of blood floods down her face as the vines slither away from her. She rips her eyes open, wiping the blood that spilled from her nose.
We have to help Mike. He says warily. El nods, reaching out her hand and loosening the vines choking Mike, while he lugs the slimy tendril out of Mike’s throat. Once freed Mike automatically drops to the ground in front of him. He rushes to put his knees under Mike’s head. Mike continues choking while Will pulls his hair back and plants a hand on his chest.
“How very nice. Now the deal, William.” He nods, planting a small kiss on Mike’s crown before standing up and moving toward Vecna. He’s ready. He can see El raise her arm up, a determined haze in her eyes. “This does not concern you, Eleven.” El slides quickly across the room, slamming into the ground next to Mike.
“Yes it does! Will is my brother!” El shouts, struggling to get up.
“Is that what he’s been telling you?” Vecna chuckles as El nods, “Oh how sweet, I guess you know what else he is then.” No! He slaps his hands over his ears, clenching his eyes shut, “He is a killer.” Vecna pulls his hands off his ears, goo covering his wrists. El can’t know, Mike can’t know.
“No, he isn’t!” Mike screams hoarsely, looking at him with a soft expecting gaze. Will looks down, not matching Mike’s eyes. “He-he isn’t!” Will’s silence fills the air along with Vecna’s loud breathing. Tears slide coolly down his cheeks. “Will?” He can’t look up, he can’t see the hurt that covers Mike and El’s faces.
“Yes, Will, answer him,” Vecna says, sliding his grimy hands over his chin. Will strains his head up, trying desperately to get out of Vecna’s calloused hold.
“I’m sorry, Mike, I didn’t m-“
“You didn’t mean to kill a man?” Vecna taunts. He lets a sob break out of his closing throat. He didn’t mean to! He wants to scream out, to tell Mike that Vecna is wrong, but he’s not.
“Will? That’s-that’s not true, right?” Mike calls. He knew someday Mike would find out.
“I’m sorry,” he chokes out, trying to look past Vecna’s frame to see Mike.
He was around 12 when it happened, wandering around looking for food in a place that scared the living hell out of him. Will still had his shotgun clutched in his hand at every corner. When he saw the man, fear automatically struck him. He held the gun with white knuckles, cowering back further. The man had tried to talk to him, but the closer he got to Will, the more scared he felt. All the words flooded out of his head and as the buzz got louder, he pulled the trigger. And with every day that’s gone by, he regrets not shooting himself instead.
“Give in, William,” Vecnas hold on his jaw tightens, his dirty nails slicing at his chin. The vines restrain him, spikes slicing into his scarred arms and legs.
“No! I don’t care, what happened, whatever you’ve done I can’t let you leave me again,” Mike cries out, “I need you Will. I know how amazing you are, and I know you can fight, you can fight! I love you!”
We are here with you! Fight Will!
He thinks of everything he’s gained to fight for. His family, his friends, his freedom . He can’t lose it again, he can’t. He thinks of Mike’s warm smiles and knowing eyes as he tells Will cheesy jokes while they read comics, of Lucas’s morning pep talks, of Dustin’s random ramblings of how cool his powers are, training with El, Max catching him as he falls during their skating lesson. He thinks of his Mom’s warm hugs and times when she would ask to join the void with him and Jonathan’s silly pep talks and cooking lessons. He can’t lose them again. He won’t lose them again. And for the first time in his life, he doesn’t want to die, he wants to fight .
The buzz floods around him, whiting out his senses.
STOP! He screeches into the buzz. The vines explode, black sludge splattering all around him. He wipes the dark goo out of his eyes. Vecna raises a clawed hand and flings him back. His back crashes into the decomposing wall, pain shooting through his spine.
He gets up, completely determined. Electricity floods through his veins, shocking his body completely. Reaching a hand out everything blacks out around him, overwhelming warmth enveloping him in a colorful cocoon.
Emotions submerge him, the buzz vibrates through his ears and he can sense El joining him in it.
Raising his other arm he channels everything into his fingers, letting the buzz surge from his hands to Vecna. Light fills the attic brightly, the tendrils on the floor shrill with pain as his feet begin to hover over the ground. Vecna fights back powerfully, both of his hands up matching his.
A shrill scream rips through the air, and he can feel his body getting heavy. He’s running out of energy. His shoulders scream and his sides burn, but he powers through.
With one last confident breath, he musters all the power he has. Vecna growls in pain as Mike throws the Molotov cocktail on his disintegrating form. He trails to El, keeping his energy focused on Vecna. Clasping his hand in El’s.
The buzz trails through both of their hands, and with all the power they have left, Vecna floods to the ground, skin in pieces as his slimy-black organs flows to the ground.
His knees sink to the ground, El quickly following him.
Mike wraps his arms around both of them, whispering things Will can’t seem to understand. He looks over at his sister, giving her a tired smile. She mirrors it, squeezing their locked hands.
When everything fades to black, he’s content knowing that they’ve finally defeated the person that’s tormented him for six years.