Emelia found herself sitting with a feeling of sheer euphoria. In a matter of minutes, she would find herself preparing for a war not so noble. Despite having witnessed Vecna's negative intentions, she would never be closer to an interdemensional battle than she would tonight.

The sky was dark, and the grass beneath her feet was damp. The forest was preparing for a deep slumber, all of the creatures who had been hibernating waking up for the very first time in months. It was a clashing event and yet, everything felt entirely together.

The group was scattered across the field. Nancy was teaching Max some key defensive mechanisms to use in case she found herself in trouble in the near future. As ironic as it was, Emelia was worried the illegal practices may get them in trouble. Steve and Robin were propped firmly on the RV's stairs, seeming deep in conversation. Their stance provided a sense of security, their bodies a shield of protection. They were ready to defend their friends at all costs, even if that meant sacrificing their lives. The Sinclairs had wandered off to the back of the field. The conversation they were having was long since needed and despite how much tension they had bore with each other up to this moment, their smiles expressed feelings of ease. Emelia watched Dustin and Eddie from her perch by the campfire. Her fingers were just starting to warm up after the chills she had gotten from their most recent flee. Their image provided a sense of escape from the slick terror that stared at her from the back of her eyes.

The moment of relief was only set to last for just a short time. Nancy, whom assumed her position as gatherer, announced they would come together after about fifteen minutes and undergo a reminder of procedure. Because they could not all be in multiple places at one time, the only reasonable way they could defeat Vecna was by splitting up. They were all placed in consensual situations and although none of them were glamorous gifts, they found comfort in knowing they'd be together.

The RV was running now, and its sluggish motor signified the gathering of troops. Eddie- – with the most experience – had built up enough initiative to prepare their vehicle for its tattered journey. The environment inside and outside of the bus was rather contrasting. While the cold breeze threatened frostbite on its opposers, the metallic interior was warm enough to burn. The heater had been cranked to offer the greatest amount of support for its warriors, courteous of the starter himself.

"Such a natural," Emelia smirked, resting both of her palms on opposite sides of the door. Her body was fixed with proper gear now, a pink puffer jacket and thermal gloves providing more warmth to her than the previous outfit she wore. She had grown accustomed to wearing everyone else's clothes instead of hers. To her, it was fate; she was tired of fighting it. "Are you sure you don't want to drive?"

Eddie snickered at Emelia's comment, tossing an amused grin over his shoulder. He multitasked well, tucking the wires underneath the gas pedals while he remained consumed in her witty comments. Comebacks seemed to flow naturally in his mind as he was always certain of what he was going to say next.

An oversized wool coat rested by Eddie's feet, one sleeve inside out resulting from the speed in which it had been taken off. A trail of mud had been dragged in from previous entries, most of which dried from the heat inside.

"At this rate, you're going to heat the entire woods." Eddie looked up at Emelia from his position, a knot of wires tied between his teeth. Quickly catching on, Emelia entered the bus and muttered a quick apology. She glanced out the window and took notice of the approaching individuals. It seemed that everyone followed suit after she had put out the fire, funneling into one group and nearing the automobile. After cracking the door, Eddie gestured toward the back of the bus and followed closely behind once Emelia started away.

Eddie placed his collection of weaponry beside his feet and turned to face Emelia. She admired his handiwork in creating his inventory. All she had made was a makeshift knife out of scrap metal and glass. Although it had a deadly effect, it would have no such power as the nails that pertruded from the metallic lid shield would.

A fit of bright light shot across the sky, capturing the awe and attention of two facing the rear view window. Brief silence fell over them as if their conversation held no purpose at that point. Their mutual anxiety seemed to dissappate the moment the star streaked the jet atmosphere.

"My uncle used to tell me that every time you saw a shooting star, it was someone's spirit passing on." Eddie stared up at the sky, watching as the distant luminescence was erased by the dark night. Emelia's eyes were fixed on the amount of focus present in his face. Her pursed lips curved into a comforting smile.

"He's a smart man," Emelia replied, lifting her sheltering voice and placing her palm reassuringly on Eddie's shoulder. She glanced over at her friends as they begin filing into the bus again and turned to face the front. A deep breath rose in her throat and filled her rosy cheeks. Her stomach bubbled with nerves and yet, she did well at hiding it. Steve nodded towards them, and both Eddie and Emelia returned the gesture. Soon enough, the vehicle was rolling again, zooming back in the direction of their own personal hell.

After Nancy had announced their positions, the ride was quiet. It was rather likely that the group was consumed by their own bundle of intrusive thoughts. The majority of their gazes faced the window or were staring holes into the dirtied floor. Emelia tried her best to distract herself from her thoughts, sure that if she allowed them to capture her, she would never escape.

In an attempt to maintain her sanity, Emelia tried convincing herself that this was the first time she'd listened to the song playing in her headphones. She was absolutely obsessed with Journey when she found them. One of her favorite things about their songs was that they always had their own personal tune, and this was something she tried to remember as the tune played on repeat. The song had become her own personal theme song. It headed every scene she ever went into, wreaking the effect that she was the main character of her own story.

Emelia's eyes scanned the RV as she observed the composure of her friends. Regardless of how armed they were, none of them were emotionally ready for the battle ahead of them. They would all be facing entirely different obstacles without the assurance they'd be okay. Their thoughts were consumed by the belittling chance at their survival and even worse – the thought of mourning one of their valued friends.

Just like her, Max was in a deep trance. Both sides of her headphones remained firm on her ears as her song played again and again for her. A part of Emelia wondered whether or not a song could lose its meaning to a listener after so many sessions. Would it still be their favorite song if all love they had for it disappeared?

A sharp jolt interrupted her thoughts, and Emelia grabbed ahold of the cushion beneath her to steady herself. She stood up and tried to stable herself from the quick drop of her heart. The house's composure itched at her skin despite its distance, and she instantly felt a greater fear for her friends. There were so many factors that impacted their safety. Emelia's eyes bolted back and forth between the glossy image and the rapid exit of her friends. Before she knew it, she was pacing down the aisle and calling out a name.

"Max!" Emelia shouted, closing the distance between her body and the long locks of golden hair. She took the time to admire her worn complexion as the girl turned to face her. Emelia's body shook as if she was making a move for the very first time. She locked eyes with Max and gently grasped her shoulders. "Be careful and whatever you do, do not take off your headphones."

"Show no fear, Emelia," Max cooed, taking her words to heart and bearing a comforting smile.

Max didn't laugh or rebel as she usually did and instead, she left Emelia with a pitiful smile. She felt her heart crumble as the girl left the bus, the shifting of the motor beneath her feet enough to knock her onto her knees. All the hope in the world couldn't save Emelia because in that moment, she knew nothing more.

Max was going to die.

And there was nothing she could do to stop it.

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