chapter ten.
dart
☄️
disclaimer: I hope everything in Spanish is accurate!! I used Spanishdict like someone told me too !! Hopefully it's correct :)) but thank you to that person (I forgot their username, my bad)
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STRANGER THINGS 2
episode five

DUSTIN EXPLAINED EVERYTHING TO Josie. Josie went over to Dustin's and spent the night. Outside, Claudia Henderson was calling for Mews, Dustin's now-deceased cat, which stirred emotions within Josie. She fondly remembered the times Mews would prance around her, and the absence of the playful feline left a void. Inside, Dustin pretended to make calls, feigning efforts to find Mews. The charade masked the pain they both felt over the loss of Dustin's beloved pet, creating a somber atmosphere as they navigated the shared grief of losing a furry friend.

Claudia walked back inside, closing the door behind her before looking over at Dustin and Josie. "Dusty, baby, you're sure she's not in your room?" she asked with a frown. Dustin held his finger out, indicating he was on the phone.

Josie sighed, leaning her back against the wall, closing her eyes. "Uh—huh. Thank you so much, Mr. McCorkle. Thank you so much. You are a true lifesaver. All right, this was great. Thank you. All right. Have a good one. Bye-bye, now. All right. You, too." He put the phone back down, turning around to his mom. The tension in the air lingered as they navigated the delicate situation of Mews' disappearance.

"All right, great news."

Claudia shrugged, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "They found her?" she asked, desperately wanting a positive answer. "No. But they saw her wandering around Loch Nora." Dustin walked towards her, providing the information, as Claudia's voice cracked, "How did the poor baby get all the way out there?" She cried, expressing concern for Mews. Josie sighed, playing along, "Lost, maybe?" she suggested with a small shrug, attempting to offer a plausible explanation.

Dustin nodded reassuringly. "Yeah, probably. They're gonna look for her though," he comforted his mother, grabbing her hands with a sense of determination, "and we'll stay here just in case they call again. And you're gonna go help look? Okay?" He promised her, and she nodded, pulling him into a tight hug. "Give me a hug. Give me a hug. Go get her," he cooed, offering emotional support to his distressed mother.

Josie observed the scene, the complex emotions playing out in the room. "You're gonna find her," she encouraged Claudia, who nodded with tears, walking towards the door. "We can find her," Dustin affirmed with a thumbs up. "We can find her," Claudia repeated, putting on her glasses, the collective determination to find Mews palpable in the air.

"I love you," Dustin blew her a kiss as she looked back. "I love you," she said back, the exchange of affectionate words echoing in the room. "I love you." "I love you," they repeated to each other, emphasizing the depth of their bond and shared commitment in the face of the distressing situation.

"All right, go," Dustin ushered his mother out as she closed the door. Turning back to Josie, he addressed her with a sense of urgency. "Okay, you haven't really showed me your powers before... as much. But I know you can hurt Dart; I saw you back in the AV room. But you gotta promise me, you will not kill him. We only need to capture him."

Josie stared at him, contemplating the situation. "Well?" he said, tapping his foot and crossing his arms. She clicked her tongue with a shoulder shrug. "Okay, I guess," she said. He breathed out. "Okay, we need supplies," he stated, shifting the focus to the practical aspects of their plan. The collaboration between Josie and Dustin intensified as they prepared for the task at hand.

THEY WENT OUT BACK to his underground shelter. He opened the doors, rushing back inside, and she observed the shelter. After scanning the surroundings, she walked down the stairs, feeling energy pulsating through the walls. Placing both hands on the walls, she closed her eyes, entering a mental space. A vast tunnel unfolded before her, with Upside Down veins proliferating in all directions.

Suddenly, she felt a jolt—a hostile force resisting her intrusion. Gasping, she shot her eyes open and took steps back, her nose bleeding on both sides, a physical toll from the psychic encounter. The exploration of the Upside Down brought unforeseen challenges.

In the dimly lit shelter, Josie's muttering filled the air as she grappled with the elusive concept of the Bad Man. The Upside Down had introduced her to a realm of uncertainty and fear. Wiping the trickling blood away with her sleeve, she yearned for clarity amid the cryptic circumstances. The phrase "Hombre malo" lingered in the space, echoing her quest for understanding and hinting at the challenges that lay ahead in uncovering the truth about the enigmatic entity.

TRANSLATION; Bad Man.

Josie's heart pounds in her chest as she hastily enters, eyes wide with fear. Gasping for breath, chest heaving, she stumbles upon Dustin in the living room. Initially consumed by the intensity of her recent vision, she overlooks the padded outfit that hints at a baseball disguise.

However, as she scrutinizes it, the unmistakable signs of baseball gear become apparent—the helmet, chest protector, shin guards. Fear transforms into confusion and then ignites into anger as the realization dawns that Dustin has been playing baseball without informing her.

The room crackles with tension as Josie, fists clenched, stomps over to him. Her eyes shoot daggers, ready to unleash the fury building within. The discovery not only unveils a hidden aspect of Dustin's life but also sparks a confrontation that promises to unravel a web of secrets. The atmosphere hangs heavy with the weight of unspoken truths and the impending clash between Josie and Dustin.

"Amigo, nunca me dijiste que jugabas béisbol!" Josie exclaimed, pointing her finger accusatorily. Dustin, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion, responded, "English, please!" The clash of emotions and languages adds a layer of intensity to their confrontation, as Josie confronts Dustin about the hidden aspect of his life and demands an explanation in a language that captures the depth of her emotions.

Josefina rolled her eyes. "You play baseball. Never told me!" she declared, crossing her arms. Dustin blinked at her, taken aback by her reaction. "That's what you ask me, right now? We need to find Dart, and I don't wanna die, so this is to protect me! You have powers to protect yourself!" he yelled in defense. She nodded, squinting her eyes, and shaking her head. "Anyways, where he is?" she asked with a thick Spanish accent, steering the conversation back to their urgent mission.

He raised his finger, pointing to his room. She turned her head towards the door, tilting her head down and glaring at it. Her eyes transformed from brown to a bright red, energy orbs flaring in her palms. "Holy shit, you're like Wanda Maximoff when you're at your full potential power," he exclaimed, excitement evident in his voice.

Josie chuckled softly, a subtle hint of amusement playing on her lips. She approached the door with deliberate calmness, Dustin trailing behind her. "All right, Dart. Breakfast time," Dustin announced, his tone a mix of casualness and determination. Josie took a deep breath, her gaze intensifying with concentration as she harnessed her telekinetic abilities. With a swift flick of her wrist, she threw the door open, unveiling the hallway beyond.

Josie and Dustin swiftly maneuvered down the hallway, the sound of their footsteps resonating in the enclosed space. Dustin muttered curses under his breath, a mix of anxiety and determination in his demeanor. Their progress halted abruptly when Josie noticed the ring bologna scattered across the floor ahead of them. It became evident that Dustin had strategically laid out the meat as a trail, a bait to lure Dart into their path. The scene set the stage for their confrontation with the mysterious creature.

Navigating the makeshift meat trail proved challenging, with Josie and Dustin slipping and sliding as they pressed forward. Despite the difficulty, their determination prevailed, leading them to emerge on the other side, panting and exhausted. Sharing triumphant grins, they reveled in the thrill of their shared escapade. As they entered the abandoned shed, Dustin closed the door behind them, sealing off the remnants of their adventure.

In the corner of the shed, Josie leaned against the wall, her arms folded across her chest. Her vibrant red eyes faded back to their usual brown as the energy that surrounded her palms dissipated. A trickle of blood escaped her nose, prompting her to lift her hand and wipe it away, a sign of the strain on her powers. Maintaining a balance between using her abilities and conserving energy was crucial for the challenges that lay ahead.

Dustin's voice was barely audible as he urged Dart to step out into the open. A sudden gasp escaped him, prompting Dart to sharply pivot her head towards him. "Is he out there?" she whispered, her voice tinged with urgency.

Meeting her gaze, Dustin gave a silent nod, his eyes darting toward a small opening in the shed's structure. "He's taking the food," he whispered back, his attention fixed on the unfolding scene.

Dart's resolve solidified; a rush of energy coursed through her, causing her eyes to intensify, glowing a striking shade of red as she braced herself for what was coming next.

Dart possessed a multifaceted mastery over her telekinetic and energy manipulation abilities, each stage escalating in potency and complexity. The first stage involved solely her telekinetic prowess, allowing her to manipulate objects with sheer mental force.

Progressing to the second stage, Dart seamlessly integrated telekinesis with energy manipulation, granting her a combined finesse of moving objects while harnessing energy to amplify her actions. However, the third stage was unparalleled in might; when unleashed, it could induce tremors in her surroundings. This apex level consumed her entire energy reservoir, necessitating a subsequent recharge to replenish her formidable capabilities.

"Shit!" Dustin's sudden exclamation caught Josie off guard, instantly propelling her into a defensive stance. With swift determination, she shielded Dustin, positioning herself between him and the impending threat.

Her eyes fixed intently on the door, Josie braced herself, anticipating Dart's next move to launch a counterattack. Peering cautiously through a crevice, she observed Dart's gaze fixed ominously on the shed. As Dart advanced towards the structure, an unsettling vibration resonated beneath them, intensifying with each step he took, signaling the mounting power that Josie would soon confront.

With Dart perilously close, Dustin's urgent whisper served as a catalyst. "Do it," he murmured. Drawing a deep, steadying breath, Josie centered herself, harnessing the full extent of her telekinetic abilities. Concentrating her energy into a focused surge, she unleashed a formidable blast that shattered the door from its hinges, echoing a resounding crash throughout.

Caught off guard, Dart emitted a startled sound as Josie swiftly lifted him into her arms, racing toward the concealed underground shelter. Adrenaline coursing through her veins, she deposited Dart safely within its confines.

Meanwhile, Dustin hastened to the shelter's entrance, swiftly securing the doors to ensure their sanctuary. As the immediate threat subsided, Josie exhaled a trembling breath of relief, acknowledging their transient safety within the fortified refuge.

As Josie's surroundings began to blur, a dizziness overcame her, causing her to stagger backward. "Dustin," she managed weakly, her voice tinged with urgency, "you need to... get me water and food. I'm... I'm about to pass out." Before she could finish her plea, her eyes lost focus, rolling back as her strength waned. With a faint, thudding sound, Josie collapsed backward, succumbing to unconsciousness, leaving Dustin with the critical task she'd entrusted to him.

SHE WOKE UP AFTER TEN MINUTES. Seated at Dustin's table, Josie methodically consumed food, each bite serving to replenish her dwindling energy. Meanwhile, Dustin diligently worked to restore order, tidying up the aftermath of their recent encounter. Recognizing the urgent need for provisions and communication, he rummaged through Josie's cabinets, gathering essential supplies.

Frustration evident in his voice, Dustin attempted to reach out to their allies. "I urgently need backup," he implored into the communication device, his voice tinged with desperation. As he equipped himself with gloves and organized the supplies, he raised his voice in a heightened state of alert, "Hopper's missing, Jo's depleted, and we're facing a Code Red! Code Red!" he exclaimed, emphasizing the severity of their situation.

Josie released a tired sigh, her gaze momentarily drifting to the silent communication device. "Dustin," she began, her voice laced with a hint of resignation, "it looks like we're not getting through to anyone."

Dustin's eyes flashed with a blend of frustration and determination as he shot her a resolute look. "If they're not responding," he declared with a hint of defiance, "then I'll keep reaching out, even if it means being a persistent nuisance until someone answers."

His tone carried an edge, revealing the mounting pressure and concern weighing on him. Yet, as Josie observed his fervent efforts, she merely shook her head, allowing a hint of amusement to surface.

With a soft chuckle, she returned her attention to the food before her, continuing to eat with a calm resolve, seemingly undisturbed by Dustin's escalating determination to break through the radio silence.

Dustin's frustration bubbled up again, manifesting in a playful yet exasperated complaint. "Are you seriously planning to eat all my food?" he quipped, casting a mock accusatory glance her way.

Meeting his gaze with an unyielding stare, Josie responded with unwavering determination, "Yes, I need to replenish my energy, remember?"

Ignoring her retort, Dustin swiftly activated his supercomm, urgency evident in his voice as he reiterated the gravity of their situation. "This is Dustin," he bellowed into the device, emphasizing the critical nature of their predicament, "We're facing a genuine Code Red here!"

"Could you please shut up!" Erica's voice crackled over the supercomm, causing both Dustin and Josie to exchange a knowing glance.

"Erica," Josie muttered under her breath, recognizing the distinct tone.

Desperate for answers, Dustin quickly responded, "Erica? Erica, is Lucas with you? Where can we find him?"

With a dismissive edge to her voice, Erica retorted snarkily over the line, "Don't know. Don't care." Her sassy response only deepened the sense of urgency and concern between Dustin and Josie, heightening their need for clarity and assistance.

"Is he with Mike?" Dustin's voice wavered slightly, tinged with hope and apprehension.

Erica's tone remained defiant and dismissive. "Like I've already said, I don't know, and honestly, I don't care."

Dustin's urgency grew palpable as he tried to convey the severity of their situation. "Please, it's crucial. Let him know I'm dealing with a Code—"

However, before he could finish, Erica interrupted, her voice carrying a hint of recognition. "Code Red?" she echoed, her tone shifting momentarily, suggesting a glimmer of understanding or concern.

Dustin affirmed with a nod, "Yep, Code Red, precisely."

Erica's signature sass persisted as she fired back, "Mmm-hmm. I've got a code for you instead: code shut your mouth," before abruptly cutting the communication. Josie couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, finding amusement in Erica's audacious retort. "She really got you with that one," she remarked teasingly.

Exasperation evident in his expression, Dustin rolled his eyes, exhaling a weary sigh. "Alright," he conceded reluctantly, "I suppose we have no choice but to track down Mike now."

JOSIE RODE ON THE BACK OF DUSTINS BIKE ALL THE WAY TO MIKE'S. Dustin and Josie swiftly dismounted from the bike, their urgency palpable as they approached the door. Breathing heavily, Josie's chest rose and fell with each labored breath, her fingers reaching out to press the doorbell. The chime echoed, signaling their presence as they both waited expectantly.

Growing restless, Dustin's patience wore thin. Ignoring Josie's reproachful gaze, he began to repeatedly press the doorbell, the insistent ringing piercing the quiet atmosphere. "Dustin—" Josie started, her voice a mix of annoyance and caution, but he continued unabated, his determination evident despite her disapproving stare.

Josie's frustration peaked, and she swiftly flicked Dustin on the head. "Detente, idiota. Estás siendo molesto," she admonished sharply. Dustin blinked, momentarily taken aback, and responded with a bewildered expression. "I have no idea what that means!" he exclaimed, clearly puzzled by Josie's sudden outburst in a language he didn't understand.

TRANSLATION; Stop it, idiot. You're being annoying.

Dustin's agitation was palpable, his hands moving with restless energy as he repeatedly pressed the doorbell. His eyes darted between Josie and the doorbell, his impatience escalating with each passing second. Josie's frustration intensified, evident in her stern expression and sharp words in Spanish.

Dustin's inability to grasp her words only heightened his frustration, deepening the chasm of misunderstanding between them. The weight of their dire situation pressed on him; with Dart's looming threat and the absence of their allies, Dustin felt increasingly isolated. Despite Josie's presence, the language barrier and his own mounting anxiety left him feeling even more desperate for assistance in confronting the looming danger they faced.

The door swung open, and a mix of relief and frustration washed over Dustin. "Your line has been busy for over two hours, Mr. Wheeler. Do you realize this?" he chastised, clearly exasperated by the prolonged lack of communication.

Beside him, Josie shifted her weight, her demeanor betraying a blend of impatience and anticipation. Rocking back and forth on her heels, she slipped her hands into the pockets of her jacket, silently observing the unfolding exchange between Dustin and Mr. Wheeler, the gravity of their situation lingering heavily between them.

Ted offered a nonchalant expression, responding with a hint of knowingness, "Oh, I do realize." Dustin's gaze shifted momentarily, scanning the interior before refocusing on Ted. "Is Mike home?" he inquired, his tone tinged with urgency.

Ted shook his head curtly, replying, "No."

Visibly frustrated, Dustin's brows furrowed in concern. "No? Then where is he?" he demanded, his anxiety palpable.

Raising his voice, Ted turned toward his wife, Karen, urgently seeking answers. "Karen, where's our son?"

From inside, Karen's voice echoed with a mix of exasperation and clarity, "Will's!"

Ted repeated the name, the weight of realization dawning on him as he relayed the crucial information to Dustin and Josie, leaving them to grapple with the implications of Mike's current whereabouts.

Dustin exhaled heavily, voicing his growing concern. "No one's answering over there," he remarked, signaling the continued challenges they faced.

Josie's anxiety was palpable as she sought information about Nancy. Biting her lip in apprehension, she directed her question towards Ted. "Karen, where's Nancy?"

"Ally's," came Karen's prompt response from inside.

Ted's subsequent revelation left Dustin and Josie stunned. "Ally's. Our children don't live here anymore. You weren't aware?" His deadpan expression conveyed a mix of disbelief and frustration.

Dustin, raising an eyebrow, met Ted's gaze squarely, seeking clarity. "So, are we done here?" he questioned, signaling his impatience and the pressing need to address the urgent matters at hand.

Dustin's voice crackled with frustration as he lashed out, "Son of a bitch. You're really no help at all, you know that?" The disdain in his tone was unmistakable, a clear reflection of his mounting aggravation. He gestured for Josie to leave, to distance herself from the uncooperative figure before them.

Yet, Josie found herself rooted in place, her own animosity towards the man bubbling to the surface. Every interaction seemed to fray her last nerve, deep-seated resentment fueling her disdain for him. The tension between them was palpable, each moment stretching taut as they grappled with their shared frustrations and past grievances.

As Josie and Dustin moved away, a surge of determination coursed through Josie. Casting a final glance over her shoulder, her eyes locked onto Ted. A sense of power enveloped her as she felt the elements respond to her emotions. With a deliberate flick of her wrist, she channeled her energy, unleashing a forceful gust of wind.

The door, caught in the ferocious blast, was ripped from its hinges, hurtling toward Ted with startling speed. The impact was immediate and forceful, striking him squarely and sending him stumbling backward, a cry of pain escaping his lips as he clutched his injured nose. The resonating bang echoed, marking Josie's powerful assertion and leaving Ted reeling from the unexpected retaliation.

The muffled cry from inside the house brought a smirk to Josie's face, a hint of satisfaction evident in her eyes. Dustin's incredulous expression mirrored the astonishment and disbelief at what had just unfolded.

"Did you seriously just break his nose?" Dustin's voice quivered with a mixture of shock and anger, the color rising in his cheeks as his frustration reached a boiling point.

Josie stood resolute, her outstretched hand a testament to her newfound revelation. The raw power she had just demonstrated left Dustin grappling with a reality he hadn't fully comprehended before. While he was aware of Josie's abilities, the depth of her prowess, especially her capacity for weather manipulation, had taken him by surprise, amplifying the urgency and complexity of their current predicament.

Amidst Dustin's escalating fury, his voice resonating with anger and confusion, Josie's attention momentarily shifted. Spotting Steve as he parked his car nearby, a mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes.

"I think I found us a ride," she declared, her lips curling into a sly smirk as she gestured toward Steve, introducing a new dynamic to their unfolding situation. The sudden turn of events hinted at a potential ally in Steve, adding another layer of intrigue and uncertainty to their already tumultuous circumstances.

As Dustin and Josie approached, Steve, seemingly lost in his thoughts, was caught off guard by their presence. Holding a bouquet of flowers, he appeared slightly bewildered by the sudden interruption.

"Steve," Dustin began, attempting to bridge the awkwardness, "Are those for Mr. or Mrs. Wheeler?"

Josie chimed in, a playful tone in her voice, "Yeah, Steve, which Wheeler are you trying to impress?" She struggled to suppress a chuckle, watching Steve's expression closely.

With a quizzical look, Steve responded, "Uh, no? Also, who are you?" His confusion was evident, prompting Dustin and Josie to introduce themselves and navigate the unexpected encounter with the unsuspecting Steve.

With a mix of amusement and determination, Josie continued, "Josefina Cortez, but you can call me Josie or Jo. I'm new around here." Steve regarded her with a hint of skepticism, his uncertainty palpable.

"Uh, okay," Steve responded cautiously, his gaze shifting between Josie and Dustin, who seemed increasingly exasperated.

Without missing a beat, Dustin seized the opportunity, grabbing the bouquet from Steve's hands. He nudged Josie, signaling them to move towards Steve's car. Confusion etched across Steve's face quickly turned to protest as he exclaimed, "Hey! What the hell? Hey!" The unexpected turn of events left Steve scrambling to comprehend the situation unfolding before him.

Dustin's straightforward declaration hung in the air, setting the tone for their urgent mission. Meanwhile, Josie, with a focused gaze, gestured subtly with her hand. As if responding to her silent command, the car door sprang open, its movement swift and unexpected.

Steve's eyes widened in astonishment, his initial shock evident as he exclaimed, "What the hell! How did you do that?" Intrigued and bewildered, he hastened his steps, jogging over to Josie to confront the inexplicable display of power he had just witnessed.

Meeting Steve's bewildered gaze head-on, Josie's sharp reply cut through the tension. "Like Eleven. Catch up," she retorted, her tone laced with impatience.

Steve's confusion deepened, his eyes darting between Josie and Dustin, seeking clarity. "What is going on?" he asked, clearly out of his depth.

Dustin's urgency was palpable as he redirected Steve's attention. "We have bigger problems than your love life. Do you still have that bat?" he queried, emphasizing the immediate need for action and defense against the looming threats they faced.

Steve's brows furrowed in confusion at Dustin's mention of a bat, prompting Josie to interject with a hint of exasperation. "The one with the... El murciélago con clavos," she elaborated, gesturing animatedly with her hands to mimic the shape and form of a bat adorned with nails. Her description aimed to jog Steve's memory and emphasize the urgency of their situation.

TRANSLATION; the bat with nails.

Steve looked flustered, raising his hands defensively. "I only caught 'bat.' Spanish wasn't my strong suit."

Dustin sighed heavily, clearly exasperated. "The bat with nails!" he reiterated loudly, his patience wearing thin. "Do you still have it?"

"We'll fill you in during the ride," Dustin added, sensing the urgency. As Josie swiftly climbed into the back seat of the car, it was evident that time was of the essence, and explanations would have to wait.

Inside the car, Josie's surroundings became a blur as the vehicle sped forward. The rush of the wind outside created a gentle hum, encapsulating her in a moment of reflection. The events of the day had been tumultuous, and now, sandwiched between Dustin and Steve, she sought a brief reprieve.

With her eyes closed, Josie focused on the rhythmic cadence of her breathing, letting the motion of the car lull her into a momentary sense of calm. Each inhale and exhale served as a reminder to remain centered amidst the chaos, preparing herself for whatever lay ahead.

—

ash speaks!

this took me forever to write
but I finally got it done!