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Receiving an invitation to the arcade with Lucas and the rest of the party, Cassidy contemplated her plans. However, with a prior commitment to visit Eleven under the alias 'Juliet,' she decided to make a detour. Before heading to Eleven's, Cassidy thought it would be wise to get a photo of Mike for some undisclosed reason. With a determined focus, she teleported directly to Mike's location.

"Holy shit," Mike's loud exclamation reverberated through the room, catching him off guard. In a swift move, Cassidy reacted by placing her hand over his mouth, muffling any further outbursts. The surprise and confusion on Mike's face were evident as Cassidy embarked on her unexpected visit, juggling the challenges of secrecy and her undisclosed plans.

"Shut up," Cassidy commanded firmly as she materialized in Nancy's room where Mike was. Holding her camera with a sly grin, she teased, "Smile for the camera, Micheal." The room filled with a playful tension as Mike turned around, perplexed by the unexpected intrusion.

Undeterred, Cassidy swiftly snapped a picture, the camera's flash illuminating the room and capturing the genuine surprise on Mike's face. The click of the camera marked the freezing of that moment, leaving a visual testament to Cassidy's impromptu visit.

"HEY!" Mike's protest rang out in the room. "Not if you can catch me! Oh wait, you can't, I have superpowers!" Cassidy grinned, enjoying the playful banter with Mike, before teleporting back to her room. Safely tucked away, she stowed her camera, preparing for the next part of her plan.

Teleporting once again, Cassidy arrived in front of Eleven. "Hey!" she greeted with genuine warmth. Eleven turned to Cassidy, and their eyes met. In that brief exchange, Cassidy could sense the unspoken connection and understanding between them. Eleven responded with a small but heartfelt smile, appreciating the visit and the bond that was forming between them.

Cassidy settled down beside Eleven, intuitively picking up on her friend's emotional state. "Hey, what's wrong?" she gently inquired, concern evident in her voice.

Eleven's reply came with a quiet admission, "I miss Mike," her words carrying a touch of wistfulness. Cassidy responded with a comforting side hug, offering silent support to her friend in need.

"I got something for you!" Cassidy's smile brightened as she reached into her bag, sparking curiosity in Eleven's eyes. With a sense of anticipation, Cassidy unveiled the photograph she had taken of Mike and handed it to Eleven. "Here," she said, presenting the image captured in a moment of spontaneity. Eleven's eyes widened, and a smile crept onto her face as she held the photograph, a tangible connection to the person she missed. The room was filled with a shared warmth, as the friends navigated the intricacies of friendship in a world filled with secrets and uncertainties.

Since the moment Mike painted the picture of Cassidy and Eleven's connection, love had quietly taken root. The placement of a meaningful photo on Eleven's mirror symbolized their shared journey. With a smile, Eleven resumed her seat beside Cassidy, posing a question that hung in the air like a promise: "So, are you ready to go back to school?"

Cassidy, having immersed herself in the pursuit of knowledge from the confines of home to bridge the gaps left by the lab's unconventional education, met Eleven's gaze with a sense of accomplishment. "Absolutely," she replied, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and anticipation. "I've caught up on everything, and going back to school with."

"I've earned the title of 'Sour Prankster' for the ruthless pranks I used to pull," Cassidy confessed. Eleven's curiosity sparked as she asked, "Sour Prankster?" with a delightful smile. Cassidy couldn't help but laugh, "Yeah, those pranks were something else. Miss the chaos, even though it often meant getting grounded or successfully pinning the blame on someone else. Ah, the art of mischief." Their laughter echoed, echoing the memories of Cassidy's mischievous escapades.

A mischievous glint sparked in Cassidy's eyes as an idea took shape. "What if I did one last prank? For you..." she suggested, a playful smile dancing on her lips. Eleven, intrigued, responded with, "What did you have in mind?"

Cassidy's smile widened as she unveiled her plan. "I'm thinking of heading to Hawkins Lab and messing up some chemicals with my antimatter powers." Eleven bit her lip, a mixture of excitement and caution evident in her expression. Cassidy, undeterred, turned practical. "Do you have something I could use to cover myself?" she asked. Eleven, catching onto the adventurous spirit, nodded, already considering the logistics of their playful escapade.

Draped in the blanket-turned-disguise, Cassidy materialized within the Hawkins Lab, instantly setting off a cascade of alarms. "What the?" she muttered, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected chaos. Ignoring the turmoil, Cassidy seamlessly melded with the frantic employees rushing past her, their focus consumed by the urgency of the situation.

As alarms blared overhead, Cassidy navigated through the labyrinthine corridors of the lab, her eyes scanning for the perfect testing room. Employees, oblivious to her true intentions, raced past, creating a chaotic backdrop to her covert mission. The air was thick with tension and urgency, but Cassidy pressed on, determined to execute her prank amid the whirlwind of confusion.

Cassidy's heart skipped a beat as she burst into the room, stumbling upon Nine hooked up to a brainwave moderator, a feline companion by his side. "Oh my god, Nine?" she whispered in disbelief. Glancing through the window, the sight of Dr. Owens conducting tests intensified her concern. "Oh, shit," Cassidy muttered under her breath.

Without hesitation, she raced to Nine, swiftly removing the brainwave moderator and clutching his hand. Time was of the essence. With determination etched on her face, Cassidy formed a tight fist with her free hand and, utilizing her teleportation abilities, whisked both herself and Nine away from the lab's confines. In the blink of an eye, they reappeared in the familiar haven of Eleven's cabin, leaving the chaos and uncertainty of the lab behind.

⭑⭑⭑

As they reappeared in Eleven's cabin, the aftermath of the teleportation left Cassidy with blood dripping from her nose. Panic surged as Nine, disoriented and alarmed, yelled, "Where am I?" Meanwhile, Eleven, visibly concerned, sought answers about the unfamiliar figure with Cassidy.

Amid the confusion, Cassidy urgently shouted for calm. She unveiled herself by removing the blanket, and as it dropped, Nine's eyes widened in recognition. It was 'Five.' Memories flooded back; they hadn't seen each other since Eleven's escape. "Five?" Nine questioned, disbelief coloring his tone.

With a reassuring smile, Cassidy corrected, "It's not Five anymore. It's Cassidy, or you can call me Cassie." The cabin's atmosphere shifted from chaos to curiosity, as the trio grappled with the unexpected reunion and the evolution of identities over time.

"Who is this?" Eleven persisted in her questioning. "Oh, sorry. Eleven, meet Nine. Nine, meet Eleven," Cassidy introduced them with a sense of urgency, recognizing the need for a swift connection.

"Did you do the prank?" Eleven's curiosity echoed in the room. "No," Cassidy responded, her eyes reflecting the recent events. "I ran into the wrong room and found Nine being tested. I couldn't just leave him there; he needed to escape."

"I'm guessing they're going to be trying to find you now, so you're gonna have to be in hiding with Eleven," Cassidy directed her words at Nine. "Didn't you escape too?" Nine questioned, a mix of confusion and realization dawning upon him as the pieces of the unfolding situation fell into place.

"No, I was released. I'm guessing because my family knew I was alive, and I was only taken for three years, not my whole life? And they didn't sign any contracts to give me up," Cassidy explained, the weight of her past experiences evident in her voice.

The rhythmic knock on the door, following the secret code, triggered a simultaneous realization for both Eleven and Cassidy. "Hopper," they said in unison, their voices carrying a mixture of surprise and acknowledgment.

"Well, we can't have him being hidden twice the amount!" Cassidy declared, her quick thinking kicking in as she considered the implications of the unexpected visit. The urgency of the situation compelled them to navigate the complexities of secrecy and revelation.

Eleven let out a heavy sigh, closing her eyes briefly as the locks on the door began to unlock. Hopper's voice rang through the cabin, calling for Eleven. "Stay here," Cassidy whispered to Nine, who nodded in understanding. Together, the two girls left the room, stepping into the presence of Hopper.

"Oh, hi Cassidy," Hopper greeted casually, but the atmosphere was charged with an unspoken tension. Cassidy wasted no time, acknowledging, "Hopper, we need to tell you something. First of all, it isn't Eleven's fault; it's mine."

A sigh escaped Hopper's lips, a seasoned understanding etched on his face. The gravity of the impending revelation hung in the air, and the room brimmed with a palpable anticipation as Cassidy prepared to unveil the truth.

"There's another person like us, Nine. I was planning one last prank, and please don't be mad, but I intended to prank Hawkins Lab. When I got there, I found him being tested on. He was my old friend. I couldn't just let him be tested on, so I teleported him and me back here..." Cassidy's explanation spilled out, her words carrying a mix of guilt and urgency.

Hopper's eyes widened, and the gravity of the revelation hit him. "What!" he exclaimed. "Now, I have to persuade Dr. Owens for two people?" Hopper asked sternly, his frustration evident. "Yes," Eleven and Cassidy replied simultaneously, their synchronized response underscoring the shared responsibility and complexity of the situation they now found themselves in.

Hopper sighed once more, a heavy acknowledgment of the complications ahead. "Where is he?" he asked, his tone indicating both concern and a readiness to address the situation.

"Nine, you can come out of Eleven's room!" Cassidy called, prompting Nine to step out slowly. The room seemed to hold its breath as Hopper turned his attention to the newcomer. "Nine, right?" Hopper asked, his voice gentle yet firm. "Yes," Nine replied softly, his presence bringing a quiet intensity to the room, as the characters navigated the delicate dance of introductions and explanations.

"In order for you to stay here, I have three rules. First, always keep the curtains closed," Hopper began, emphasizing the importance of maintaining secrecy. "Second, only open the door if you hear my secret knock." Hopper paused, executing the secret knock on the table for demonstration. Nine watched closely and nodded, absorbing the significance of this clandestine signal.

"And lastly, never go outside alone, especially not in daylight," Hopper finished, his words carrying a weight of caution. The room held a quiet tension as the rules were laid out. Hopper's stern gaze surveyed both Eleven and Nine, seeking their understanding and compliance. "Understand?" he asked, making sure the gravity of these guidelines was crystal clear.

"Yes," Nine replied, acknowledging Hopper's rules with a quiet determination. Cassidy, checking the time on her watch, realized the lateness of the hour. "Sorry, guys! Gotta go home. The first day back at school is tomorrow!" she shared with contagious excitement.

Cassidy shared warm hugs with both Nine and Eleven, the sense of camaraderie and newfound connection palpable. With a final glance, she teleported home, leaving the cabin with a mix of anticipation for the school day ahead and the comforting quietude that settled after her departure. The cabin stood silent, carrying the echoes of shared secrets and the promise of another day in their unusual lives.

⭑⭑⭑

Cassidy was jolted awake by her mother's assertive call. "Cassidy Sinclair, you better get your butt up! I don't want you late on your first day of school!" The urgency in her mother's voice spurred Cassidy into immediate action. With a swift motion, she dressed herself, the morning sunlight streaming through the window.

In her haste, Cassidy skipped the usual morning routine and rushed down the stairs. She shared hurried hugs with her sister and parents, their well-wishes echoing as she darted out the door. Casting a quick glance at her watch, she realized that biking would consume precious time. Without a second thought, she activated her teleportation powers, vanishing in an instant with the determination not to be tardy on the first day of school.

Cassidy, with a quick glance around to ensure no one was watching, clenched her fists, attuning herself to the shadows and darkness. She felt the energy surge through her, and with a determined leap, she propelled herself into the shadows.

In an instant, Cassidy found herself at the bike rack of the school. Her friends, already gathered and waiting, greeted her with smiles. The thrill of teleporting discreetly added a touch of excitement to her arrival. Cassidy joined them, sharing a triumphant smile as they prepared to embark on the first day back at school together.

"Cassie!" Lucas scolded, his playful slap landing on her arm. "Calm down, moron. No one is gonna pay attention to a girl teleporting," he reassured, a hint of amusement in his tone. Cassie, unamused, crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.

"Is your new saying 'moron'?" Dustin asked with a chuckle, poking fun at the banter. Cassidy shot him a glare before declaring, "Whatever, I'm going to the office." With that, she walked away from her friends. As she departed, Cassidy couldn't resist adding a cheeky touch to her exit, flipping them off while strolling toward the school office.

"You don't even know where the office is!" Mike's incredulous shout echoed through the hallway. "I'll find it!" Cassidy shot back, rolling her eyes at the friendly banter with her friends. Determinedly, she navigated the corridors until she finally located the office.

Entering the room, the secretary glanced up. "I'm guessing, Cassidy Sinclair?" she inquired. "Yep," Cassidy replied, her hands slipping nonchalantly into her pants pockets. The secretary directed her, "Okay, sit down next to Miss Mayfield. You have to wait for the principal." Cassidy nodded, acknowledging the instructions as she settled into the chair, preparing for the anticipated meeting with the school principal.

Cassidy settled into the seat beside Max, initiating a friendly introduction. "Hey, I'm Cassidy, or people call me Cassie," she said, extending her hand for a shake. Max accepted, introducing herself, "Maxine. I hate it, so I like Max better," she added with a slight grin.

Cassidy responded with a warm smile, "I like Maxine, but Max is cool too." The softness in Cassidy's voice seemed to catch Max by surprise, her usual retort momentarily forgotten. A faint blush adorned Max's cheeks, a reaction she'd typically scoff at, but this time, she didn't seem to mind. There was something about Cassidy that resonated with Max.

The two girls exchanged glances, a subtle connection forming in that simple moment of introduction, setting the tone for a potential friendship.

Cassidy couldn't help but notice Max stealing glances at her. Turning to meet Max's gaze, Cassidy caught her looking, but Max quickly averted her eyes, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. Max internally grappled with conflicting thoughts, reminding herself of the expectations and norms she was taught.

As they waited, Max found Cassidy lingering in her thoughts, an unexpected distraction. The principal's emergence disrupted her contemplation. "Miss Mayfield, Miss Sinclair. Follow me," he directed, prompting the two girls to follow him to his office.

Cassidy walked past Max, and their hands brushed in the brief exchange. The touch was fleeting, yet it left Max with a mix of warmth and confusion. As they followed the principal, Max couldn't shake the sense of intrigue and uncertainty that Cassidy had ignited within her.

The persistent thoughts of Cassidy occupied Max's mind, and the mere idea of her sparked a subtle yet noticeable blush on Max's cheeks. As they entered the classroom, Mr. Clarke's attention shifted towards the newcomers.

"Ah, this must be our new students," Mr. Clarke acknowledged, drawing the class's attention to Max and Cassidy. As Cassidy followed Max into the room, the subtle murmurs and whispers among the students became more apparent. Cassidy, perceptive to the change in atmosphere, focused on the hushed conversations, attempting to discern what was being said. The dynamics of the classroom seemed to shift in response to their presence, creating an air of curiosity and anticipation.

As Max and Cassidy entered the classroom, the subdued whispers of their classmates reached their ears. "Did you hear what she did three years ago?" one kid murmured, while another added, "I heard she killed her friend." The latter comment hit Cassidy hard, transforming the joyful expression on her face into a solemn frown. The weight of her past mistakes seemed to press down on her in that moment.

Lost in her thoughts, Cassidy unintentionally zoned out, only to be brought back to reality by the urgent call of Mr. Clarke. "Cassidy? Cassidy!" he called, breaking through her contemplation. Startled, she looked up, realizing she had been breathing heavily. "Oh, I'm... I'm sorry," Cassidy apologized quietly, her voice carrying a hint of shame. She walked to a desk and took a seat next to Max, the whispers of her past casting a shadow over the present.

Max, attuned to the change in Cassidy's emotions and her visible distress, felt a genuine concern. Leaning over, she gently inquired, "Hi, are you alright?" Cassidy stammered a hesitant, "Ye-Yes." Sensing Cassidy's discomfort, Max shifted the conversation, asking, "Do you skateboard?" A deliberate attempt to redirect Cassidy's thoughts and provide a more comfortable topic for discussion. The question hung in the air, offering an opportunity for a lighthearted exchange amidst the weighty atmosphere.

"Yea, why?" Cassidy asked, her curiosity evident in her voice. Max, determined to divert Cassidy's thoughts and introduce a lighter subject, casually responded, "I skateboard, just wanted to know." Her genuine smile was met with a noticeable blush from Cassidy.

The atmosphere between them shifted, and Cassidy found herself momentarily freed from the weight of her past. Instead, her focus turned to Max, the unexpected connection unfolding in the exchange about skateboarding. Cassidy's mind began to dwell less on her worries and more on the budding interaction with Max, a subtle transformation in the dynamics of their encounter.

⭑⭑⭑

During recess, Cassidy and Max took turns skating on Max's board, the shared activity creating a bond between them. As Max paused and turned to Cassidy, she playfully remarked, "You know those stalkers are staring at us," nodding in the direction of Cassidy's brother and her friends.

Cassidy chuckled in response, "Oh, sorry. That's my brother and my other friends." Max, intrigued, questioned further, "That's cool. Why do they keep looking at us?" Their conversation continued, weaving humor into their growing friendship as they navigated the dynamics of the watching friends and the unique connection forming between Cassidy and Max.

Cassidy's voice filled with a deep sense of sorrow as they replied, "Ya know, it's probably 'cause I haven't really made a friend who's a girl since that incident three years ago." Max, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern, gently asked if Cassidy would be willing to share what had happened.

Cassidy hesitated, not wanting to relive the painful memories, but eventually mustered the courage to speak up. "I don't really wanna go into all the nitty-gritty details, but here's the gist of it. I used to be friends with this girl named Mildred. We were partners in crime, always pulling pranks on people. But one time, things got way outta hand, and a classroom ended up catching fire. Mildred... she didn't make it. It's something I blame myself for, ya know? It's been tough." It's clear that this tragic event had a profound impact on Cassidy's life, and the weight of guilt must have been incredibly heavy to bear.

Max gently comforted Cassidy, placing a reassuring hand on their shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. That was in the past. You've grown and changed since then, and you couldn't have known what would happen," Max said empathetically. Cassidy's face brightened with a grateful smile, appreciating Max's understanding and support. As they both glanced around, they noticed Cassidy's brother and friends still watching, likely witnessing this heartfelt moment of connection.

Max's face lit up with excitement as an idea sparked in their mind. With a mischievous grin, they grabbed a piece of paper and began writing. The message on the paper read, "Hey, I have a brilliant plan! Let's put an end to these creepy spies. I wrote a little note for them: 'Stop spying on us, you creeps. And hey, don't be weird, you stalkers! ~ Cassie'." Max couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction with their clever response, hoping it would send a clear message to those who were intruding on their privacy.

Once Max finished writing the note, they crumpled it up and tossed it into the nearby trashcan. Curiosity got the better of them, and they couldn't resist taking a peek through the creak in the door. They watched as Dustin, the unsuspecting target, dove headfirst into the dumpster in search of the note. The boys retrieved it and their expressions quickly turned from anticipation to disappointment, evident by the frowns on their faces.

Meanwhile, the girls, Cassidy and Max, couldn't contain their laughter. They walked into the school together, still giggling about the hilarious turn of events. "That was absolutely priceless!" Cassidy chuckled, struggling to catch their breath. As they made their way down the hallway, Max stopped at her locker to stow away her skateboard.

"Hey, wanna hit up the arcade tonight?" Max asked eagerly, hoping to spend some quality time together. Cassidy hesitated for a moment, then explained, "I'm really sorry, Maxine. I actually made plans to hang out with Eleven tonight. But how about we reschedule for another night? I promise." Max couldn't help but blush at the use of their full name, Maxine.

Trying to hide their disappointment, Max forced a smile and replied, "No worries, Cassidy. Totally understand. We'll plan for another time." However, as Cassidy walked away, Max couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness, their smile fading into a frown.

⭑⭑⭑

ASH SPEAKS !

First episode done! Yess