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ISADORA WAS DRENCHED AS SHE FOLLOWED MAX INTO THE HARGROVE HOUSE.

It had been ages since she had set foot in this place, and the familiarity of it sent a wave of anxiety coursing through her. The last time she had been here, things had been different—happier. Now, a sense of dread hung in the air.

"Isadora?" Beatrix exclaimed, startled to see her walk in with Max, Eleven, and Laura. Beatrix knew Billy spent most of his time at Isadora's house, but it was rare for her to visit the Hargrove residence, and Beatrix understood there were good reasons for that.

"Hey, Bea. I... um..." Isadora trailed off, glancing at Max as she struggled to find the right words to explain her presence, especially since Billy wasn't around. She felt a lump form in her throat. What could she say? The truth felt too heavy to share.

"We ran into Isadora on our way home," Max interjected, sensing Isadora's discomfort. "She got caught in the storm and lost power, so I invited her to stay here for the night." Isadora looked at Max, who nodded reassuringly with a smile.

"I have some spare clothes you can borrow, Issi," Beatrix offered, her tone shifting to something more comforting.

"Thank you, I really appreciate that," Isadora replied, grateful for the kindness. Beatrix nodded and dashed off to find some clothes, leaving Isadora alone with her thoughts.

As she showered, Isadora's mind raced with thoughts about the chaotic events at the Holloway house; nothing made sense. The storm outside raged on, thunder rumbling ominously in the distance, mirroring the turmoil inside her. After getting ready for bed, she wandered down the hallway and paused at a door with a lock on the outside. Hesitating for a moment, she pushed it open and stepped inside, only to realise it was Billy's room.

She had only been in here once before, but being in this space again intensified her longing for him. She wondered if things would be different had they not fought. Would they still be together, or was this distance between them meant to be?

With a soft sigh, she opened Billy's closet and pulled out one of his shirts, inhaling his familiar scent—one that always felt like home. She slipped it on, feeling a comforting closeness to him before leaving the room and making her way to Max's room. The lock on Billy's door nagged at her mind. Why was it locked from the outside?

Once settled on the mattress that had been set up for her, Isadora felt an unsettling strangeness in staying at the Hargrove-Mayfield household, especially in Billy's absence. She tried to drift off to sleep, but the sounds of Max, Laura, and Eleven chatting nearby kept her awake, the familiar cadence of their voices offering little comfort. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and she fell into a restless slumber.

In the early hours of the morning, a loud voice jolted her awake.

"Do you copy? This is a code red. Max, do you copy?" Lucas's voice crackled through the walkie-talkie, slicing through the quiet of the house like a knife.

"Shut up," Max snapped, turning off the device. She rolled over, returning to sleep, while Isadora attempted to do the same. Moments later, the phone rang, and Max groaned, irritation clear in her voice.

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Max, it's so early," Isadora grumbled as Max climbed out of bed to answer the call, a sense of unease creeping into her chest.

"I'm sleeping. Go away," Max replied, lowering the phone momentarily, but just a second later, she lifted it back to her ear. "What are you talking about? What?"

"What did he say?" Eleven asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

"What's going on?" Laura chimed in sleepily, rubbing her eyes.

"We need to go to Mike's house. Apparently, the boys have something to tell us," Max explained. Isadora felt a knot form in her stomach. She wasn't sure what she was being dragged into, but she decided to join them, thinking she could always return home later if needed.

The girls quickly changed, and Isadora opted to continue wearing Billy's shirt, feeling a sense of connection to him. It was as if wearing it brought a piece of him with her, a fragile reminder of their bond. Once dressed, they headed to Mike Wheeler's house, the rain still pouring outside as they navigated the dark streets.

As they descended into his basement, Isadora was surprised to see Hazel already there, a frown etched on her face.

"What's going on?" Isadora asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Will has something he needs to tell everyone," Hazel replied, her eyes darting around the room. She looked genuinely shocked to see Isadora there, as if she couldn't quite believe it.

Before she could enquire further, Isadora took a seat beside Max, trying to shake off the feeling of unease.

"I didn't think it was anything at first. I mean, I think I just didn't want to believe it. The first time I felt it was at Day of the Dead," Will said, his tone serious.

"Power went out that night, too," Lucas added, glancing nervously around the room.

"And then I felt it again at the field near the Nelson Farm the next day. Then again yesterday outside Castle Byers," Will continued, his voice trembling slightly.

"You were out there in the storm?" Hazel asked, concern lining her features as she looked at Will.

"What does it feel like?" Max asked, glancing between the group, her eyes flickering with curiosity.

"It's almost like... you know when you drop on a roller coaster?" Will described, his expression distant as he recalled the sensation.

"Sure."

"Yeah."

"Yes."

"No."

"It's like everything inside your body sinks all at once, but this is worse. Your body goes cold, and—you can't breathe. I've felt it before, whenever he was close."

"I'm sorry, whenever who was close?" Isadora interrupted, confusion twisting in her gut.

"The Mind Flayer," Will replied, his words sending a chill down Isadora's spine.

"The Mind what?" Isadora asked, bewildered. Hazel noted her best friend's confusion; Isadora was oblivious to the happenings in Hawkins, and the gravity of Will's words hung heavy in the air.

"I closed the gate," Will continued, his voice firm yet trembling with uncertainty.

"I know, but what if he never left? What if we locked him out here with us?" Will pondered, and Isadora looked over at Hazel, who mouthed that she would explain later. Will grabbed some paper and started sketching something. "This is him. All of him, but that day on the field, a part of him attached itself to me. My mum got it out, and Eleven closed the gate, but what if that part is still here? In Hawkins?"

"None of this makes sense," Laura chimed in, and Isadora nodded in agreement.

"I don't understand. The Demodogs died when El closed the gate. If the brain dies, the body dies."

"The Demo-what?" Isadora asked, shaking her head, "Actually, you know what? I'm just going to pretend I understand any of this right now."

"We can't take any chances. We need to assume the worst. The Mind Flayer's back," Will declared, a seriousness in his tone that made Isadora's heart race.

"Yeah, and if he is, he'd want to attach himself to someone. A new me," Will suggested, and the atmosphere grew tense as Isadora exchanged worried glances with Max.

"A new host," Lucas added, as Isadora felt a growing sense of dread.

"How can you tell if someone's a host?" Eleven asked, echoing Isadora's thoughts. She began to wonder if Billy could be a host for this Mind Flayer creature. If he was, it would explain his odd behaviour—his erratic actions, the way he seemed to drift in and out of himself.

"Who do you think's a host?" Hazel asked, looking at them intently.

Isadora, Max, Eleven, and Laura looked at each other before they began explaining everything that had happened with Billy and Heather, their voices low and urgent. They laid out their suspicions that Billy might be the new host for the Mind Flayer, detailing the odd occurrences leading up to it.

After laying everything out, they decided to head to the community pool to spy on Billy and determine if he was indeed the new host.

"I don't know, he looks pretty normal to me," Max said, adjusting her binoculars as the group gathered outside the Hawkins community pool, watching Billy sit in the lifeguard's chair, surveying the swimmers.

"Here, give me those," Isadora said, feeling an anxious flutter in her stomach. Max handed her the binoculars, and Isadora peered through them, focusing on Billy. Her brow furrowed. "I don't know about normal, Max. He's wearing a shirt, and Billy never wears a shirt at the pool."

"She's right. How many times have you seen him in a shirt?" Lucas questioned.

"I mean, it's a little weird," Max conceded.

"A little weird? It's totally weird, Max. I mean, he never wore a shirt when he lifeguarded in California, either... or at the beach," Laura chimed in.

"Plus, he was in a tub of ice. The Mind Flayer likes it cold. Everything else—"

"But he's lounging at the pool, which is like the least Mind Flayer thing ever," Max argued.

"Not necessarily," Will countered. Isadora shifted her focus to him as he continued, "The Mind Flayer likes to hide. He only used me when he needed me. It's like you're dormant, and when he needs you, you're activated."

"Okay, so we just wait until he gets activated," Max suggested, her brow still furrowed in concern.

"No, what if he hurts someone?" Mike piped up, his expression serious.

"Mike's right. We can't let him hurt anyone," Isadora added, her heart racing as the implications of their discussion sunk in.

"She's right. We can't take that chance. We need to find out if he's the host," Mike declared, starting to walk away from the group, determination etched on his face.

"Where are you going?" Eleven asked, her brow knitting in concern.

"I have an idea. Boys only," Mike replied, leaving Isadora feeling more anxious than ever.

"Seriously?" Laura huffed, crossing her arms.

"Just trust me on this one," he said, leaving Hazel and Isadora exchanging dubious glances as the boys vanished. Meanwhile, Isadora returned her attention to Billy through the binoculars, trying to shake off her unease as she focused on him.

The boys soon returned, and after sharing their plan to confirm whether Billy was a host, they departed to gather supplies. Isadora remained outside, her mind racing as she continued watching Billy.

"I'm going to help Will. Are you going to be okay here, Isa?" Hazel asked, her tone full of concern.

"None of this... none of it makes sense, Hazel. I mean—Eleven has powers, there's something called a Mind Flayer, and Billy—Billy could be a host, which might actually explain why he choked me," Isadora admitted, the weight of her fears crashing over her.

"Is that why you have bruises on your neck?" Hazel asked, her eyes wide with concern.

"Y-Yeah, but it's fine. I'm honestly okay. You should go help Will," Isadora urged, hoping to alleviate her friend's worry.

Hazel looked at her skeptically, but Isadora waved her off. "Go on. I'll be fine."

"Well, alright," Hazel finally agreed, departing to assist Will and the others in organising supplies. Isadora remained with Max and Laura, feeling a swell of anxiety as they waited.

As they waited, Max picked up her walkie-talkie to check in with Mike, her voice steady but her face reflecting her own apprehension.

"Mike, are you there?"

"Yeah."

"Where are you guys?" Max pressed.

"I'm coming. Just hold on a second," Mike responded. Max set the radio down, and Isadora observed as she lifted the binoculars once more.

"God, I hope it's not you. I really hope it's not you," Max said, her voice thick with dread.

"I hope it's not Billy either," Laura added, her brow furrowing in concern.

"I don't want to believe it's him either, but he's acting really strange," Isadora noted, her heart racing as she considered the implications of what they were discussing.

Max shot her a glance, and Isadora shrugged, feeling overwhelmed as they awaited the rest of the group.

Once the boys, Eleven, and Hazel returned, they waited for night to fall, knowing it was time to set their plan into action. However, Isadora still felt uncertain about whether their plan would work. As Billy showered and changed, the group stealthily moved into the locker room, making as much noise as possible.

"Billy!" Mike called out, trying to get his attention.

"Who's there?" Billy shouted, his irritation evident.

"Billy! Come and find me!" Mike taunted.

"I find you, it is your funeral," Billy replied, a dangerous edge to his voice.

"Come and get me!" Mike challenged, a hint of bravado in his tone. As Billy made his way toward the sauna, Isadora caught sight of him, but Max quickly pulled her back, shaking her head in warning.

"Pool's closed," Billy called out, sounding frustrated as he searched for the source of the commotion.

"Shit, he's pissed—" Isadora whispered to Laura and Max as they crouched behind a wall, watching Billy.

"Pool is closed!" Billy yelled again, slamming a fist against a locked door just as the lights flickered out.

"Billy!" Mike called out again, his voice rising in urgency.

"Who's there?" Billy repeated, his voice growing increasingly agitated.

"Billy!" Mike sang out, luring him in.

"You think this is funny, huh?" Billy snarled, his frustration boiling over.

"Billy, come and find me!" Mike taunted again, trying to keep his cool.

"If I find you, it is your funeral," Billy shot back.

At that moment, Isadora stepped forward, feeling a mix of fear and determination as she watched Billy's reaction.

"Come and get me, you piece of shit," Mike dared him.

"Do you think this is a joke?" Billy snarled.

"Hey! We're just kids!" Mike shouted, trying to keep the tension from boiling over.

As Billy flung open the sauna door, Mike's voice called through the walkie-talkie, "Hey, behind you!"

"I'm sorry," Isadora murmured, feeling anxious as the situation escalated.

"Hi," Eleven said, using her powers to throw Billy backward, slamming him against the wall.

"Now!" Mike yelled as the boys and Max rushed to lock the door while Isadora stood frozen beside Hazel, watching as Billy banged against the door in frustration.

"Got it," Mike said, and the group hurried behind Eleven and Isadora, waiting as Billy slammed against the door.

"Is—" Billy began, locking eyes with Isadora, his expression a mix of fury and confusion.

"Do it," Max urged from behind her.

Isadora broke their gaze as Will turned up the heat in the sauna.

"Let me out of here! Let me out!" Billy shouted, slamming against the door as Isadora took a step closer, her heart pounding.

"We can't do that, Billy," she told him gently, feeling torn between loyalty and fear.

"You kids... think this is funny? Did you let them do this, Isadora?" Billy accused, his eyes wild with anger.

"Billy, I—"

"Open the door. Open the door!" he demanded, slamming a fist against the door as Isadora flinched, shaking her head in response.

"I'm s-sorry," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"Open the door! Open the goddamn door!" Billy shouted before disappearing from view as Will hurried to check the sauna's temperature.

"We're at 220," Will reported, and suddenly, Billy's sobs echoed through the room. Before Isadora could think, she rushed forward, desperate to comfort him, her heart aching at the sound of his pain.

"It's not my fault. It's not my fault, Is. I promise you, it's not my fault," he cried, his voice cracking.

"What's not your fault, Billy?" Isadora asked, her heart racing as she watched him break down.

"I've done things, Is. Really bad things. I didn't mean to. He made me do it," Billy sobbed, and Isadora's heart sank as she watched him, tears blurring her vision.

"Who made you do it?" Isadora pressed, feeling a mix of anger and concern for him.

"I don't know. It's like a shadow. A giant shadow. Please, Is," he begged, desperation colouring his words.

"What did he make you do?" Isadora pressed further, her heart racing as she sought to understand.

"It's not my fault, okay? I tried to stop him, I did. Please believe me, Is," he implored, collapsing against the bench, sobbing uncontrollably.

Isadora nodded, her heart aching for him. "It's going to be okay. We want to help you," she assured him, unaware that Billy had just grabbed a piece of broken brick as she spoke.

"You just have to talk to us, okay? I believe you, Billy. We'll figure it out together."

"I feel him," Will warned, causing the group to turn their focus back to Billy, "He's activated."

"Isadora, get away from the door!" Mike yelled, urgency in his voice.

"What?" Isadora replied, confusion flooding her.

"Get away from the door!" he urged again, his voice rising in urgency. Suddenly, Billy smashed the window, causing Isadora to jump back, yelping as shards of glass scattered in her direction. She pressed herself against the wall, tears streaming down her cheeks as panic filled the air.

"Let me out, you bitch! Let me out! Let me out!" Billy screamed, and Isadora backed away, feeling helpless as tears continued to fall.

At that moment, Lucas threw something at Billy, knocking him to the ground. Isadora quickly moved to stand behind Max, her heart pounding as the lights flickered ominously above them.

"Are you okay?" Hazel asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Isadora nodded, glancing at the sauna. "It's not him. It's not Billy."

"I know, Isa," Hazel replied, her voice steady as she tried to reassure her.

"We're gonna save him," Laura declared, and Isadora nodded, looking up at the flickering lights.

The group positioned themselves behind Eleven as Billy raged against the door, and she instinctively shielded them with her arms, ready for anything.

"He can't get out, can he?" Max asked.

"No, no way," Lucas reassured her, trying to keep the fear at bay. Suddenly, Billy broke through the door, sending everyone recoiling except Isadora, who stepped forward to confront him, her heart racing with fear and determination.

"They're just kids. Please let them go. If you want to fight someone, fight me," Isadora pleaded, feeling a surge of bravery.

"Isa—" Hazel cried, panic creeping into her voice, but before she could react, Billy seized Isadora by the throat, lifting her off the ground as terror surged through her.

"Isadora!" Max shouted, rushing to help as Isadora struggled against his grip, gasping for breath. Tears blurred her vision as she fought against him.

Just then, a workout bar collided with Billy, sending him reeling back as he released Isadora, who tumbled to the ground, gasping for air.

"Go to hell, you piece of shit!" Mike yelled, readying to strike Billy again, but Billy caught the pole, tossing it aside as he lunged toward Mike. Suddenly, Isadora watched in disbelief as Eleven lifted Billy into the air, flinging him backward through the wall, her powers crackling with intensity.

As Mike caught the collapsing Eleven, Isadora rushed to the hole in the wall, her heart pounding as she locked eyes with Billy, who stood up before disappearing into the night. Confusion and fear swirled inside her as she realised they needed to save Billy, but she had no idea how they would do it.

In that moment, she felt a surge of determination. They couldn't just give up on him. He was still in there somewhere, and she was going to find a way to help him, no matter the cost. She just hoped one of her friends would have a plan to save him before it was too late.

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Is may not fully understand what's going on but she would definitely do everything she can to protect the younger teenagers (I.e Max, Mike, Lucas, Will, Laura and Eleven) and her friends.

Enjoy! Xo

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