PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!
COMMENT AND VOTE!!! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:)

As Eleven and Theodore ventured deeper into the enigmatic void, something incredible unfolded. Cassidy, in the midst of it all, was suddenly overcome by a vivid vision. It was as if she could see Will, completely absorbed in drawing lines over and over again. The vision then shifted, revealing Mike surrounded by scattered papers adorning the walls of the Byers house. Cassidy's eyes widened in astonishment, and she couldn't help but gasp, her breath quickening as she processed the intensity of the moment.

Just as quickly as they had entered the void, Eleven and Theodore emerged, mirroring the actions Cassidy had witnessed in her vision. "What the fuck..." Cassidy muttered, her surprise evident in her voice. As she took a moment to collect herself, her breathing gradually returned to a steady rhythm. Concerned, Becky reached out to Cassidy. "Are you alright?" she asked. Cassidy nodded, assuring her friend that she was okay.

Cassidy wasted no time and made a beeline for the phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed the Byers' number. "Please answer," she mumbled under her breath, her voice filled with desperation. And then, a familiar voice came through on the other end. "Hello?" Mike's voice sounded both surprised and concerned.

Cassidy's relief was palpable as she blurted out, "Oh my god, Mike!" Her voice trembled with a mix of joy and worry. "Cassidy!? Where have you been!" Mike exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine concern.

"I'm really sorry... I-I wish I could tell you everything, but it's just not safe for me. I made a pretty foolish decision and went back to the lab, even though I knew it was a terrible idea. I had so many things I needed to say, so many frustrations to let out. They wanted to bring me back there... I couldn't let that happen, so I ran as fast as I could. Now I'm far away, and honestly, I have no clue how long I'll be gone for. Going back to that place is just not an option for me anymore. And on top of it all, I have someone else I need to keep safe." Cassidy ranted, her voice filled with a mix of regret, determination, and concern.

"Cassie... We're in a tough spot right now, and we desperately need your help. You see, you're the only one who can lend us a hand since El is no longer with us." Mike's voice quivered with a mix of urgency and vulnerability as he pleaded for Cassidy's assistance.

"What happened?" Cassidy asked quickly, her voice filled with concern. "Well, the shadow monster got him. He's experiencing these now-memories and has this true sight," Mike explained, his voice filled with a mix of worry and exhaustion. Cassidy's voice trembled as she asked, "How can I help?"

Mike took a deep breath on the other end of the line, gathering his thoughts. "You have the ability to control darkness and shadows, right?" he asked. Cassidy's voice filled with realization and a hint of excitement as she whispered, "Yes... Oh my god. I think I can actually get it out of him." Just then, Theodore's voice interrupted their conversation, calling out to Cassidy. "CASS!" Cassidy quickly responded, a sense of urgency in her voice, "I'm coming, Theo! Just give me a minute!" Mike couldn't help but be curious and asked, "Who's Theo?"

"Uh-uh... Fuck." Cassidy immediately hung up the phone and slammed it back onto the wall, frustration evident in her actions. Mentally cursing the situation, she made her way to Theodore and Eleven's room, determined to find out what had happened. "What's going on?" Cassidy asked, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. Theodore and Eleven exchanged glances before explaining that there was another girl who was like them, with supernatural abilities. Their words hung in the air, creating a sense of tension and uncertainty.

Theodore was weak, like, really tired from trying to find her, you know? And Eleven, she was exhausted too, just couldn't keep going. But then Cassidy, being the amazing friend she is, stepped in and offered her help. She was like, "I can find her for you. I haven't used my powers that much today." Both Theodore and Eleven nodded eagerly, relieved to have Cassidy's assistance.

Cassidy sat down on the floor and put on a blindfold, preparing herself for what was about to happen. She took a deep breath, exhaled, and was instantly pulled into the mysterious void. It was like she was walking through this dark, empty space, and then she saw someone in the distance. Someone with purple hair. Theodore's voice broke the silence, "Cass, do you see her?"

"Yeah, she's... She's in an alley," Cassidy said, her voice filled with a mix of urgency and determination. Cassidy took a moment to gather her thoughts and focus her abilities. She closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to visualize the state where the girl might be. Suddenly, a clear image formed in Cassidy's mind. "She's in Chicago," she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement and certainty. It was as if the word had come to her, revealing the location they needed to head to in order to find her.

Eleven quickly left the room to inform her aunt, and Cassidy wasted no time in removing the blindfold. As she did, she felt a sharp sting in her nostrils, and blood began to drip down. Despite her weakened state, Cassidy took deep, heavy breaths, her voice filled with urgency. "We gotta go now," she said, her words punctuated by the weight of the situation.

Just as Eleven returned, a look of concern etched across her face, Theodore and Cassidy shared a knowing glance. The tension in the room was palpable as Cassidy stammered, "W-What's happening?" Her voice trembled with worry, fearing the worst.

With a sense of urgency, Eleven explained the dire situation. "Becky... She called the police, claiming she found us. The lab could be listening in on our conversation." The gravity of the situation sank in, and Cassidy's heart raced with fear.

Realizing their limited options, Cassidy replied, her voice filled with determination, "I can't teleport us, I'm too weak. We'll have to find another way. Maybe we can take a bus, but the problem is, I don't have any money." The reality of their predicament weighed heavily on her, but she knew they had to act swiftly and find a solution.

After Eleven swiftly left the room to secure some money, Theodore stepped in to lend a hand to Cassidy, helping her up from her weakened state. They anxiously awaited Eleven's return, and when she did, she brought the much-needed funds with her. With a sense of urgency, the three teens made their way out of the house, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and determination.

Although Cassidy's strength was waning, Theodore still possessed enough energy to guide them to safety. They navigated the streets, their eyes scanning for any sign of danger, until finally reaching a bus station. The flickering lights illuminated their path as they boarded the bus, their hearts filled with a mix of relief and uncertainty. They knew that this was just the beginning of their journey, but they were determined to stay one step ahead and keep each other safe.

⭑⭑⭑

They finally arrived in the bustling city of Chicago, and Cassidy could feel a surge of strength coursing through her veins. No longer weak, she was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. Stepping off the bus, Cassidy wasted no time. With a swift motion, she summoned her teleportation powers, effortlessly transporting them to the exact location where the girl they were searching for resided.

But using her powers took a toll on Cassidy. As they materialized in their new surroundings, she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, causing her to close her eyes. In that moment, Theodore acted quickly, catching her before she could fall. Cassidy's eyelids fluttered, and she was transported into a vision. It was Will, their dear friend, once again in danger. He was being pulled towards the sinister Hawkins Lab, the very place they had fought so hard to escape.

The gravity of the situation hit them like a ton of bricks. They knew they had to act swiftly to rescue Will from the clutches of the lab. Determined and fueled by their friendship, the three teenagers embarked on their next mission, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in their race against time.

As Mike witnessed the terrifying scene unfold before him, he couldn't help but feel a surge of worry and confusion. The screams pierced the air, intensifying his concern for Cassidy's well-being. In that moment, Cassidy's voice broke through the chaos, barely audible as she uttered, "Mike..."

Suddenly, Cassidy's eyes flew open wide, revealing a mixture of fear and determination. She found herself transported into the vast emptiness of the void, a place devoid of any tangible existence. It was as if she had been swallowed by darkness itself. Overwhelmed by the surreal nature of her surroundings, Cassidy's breathing became rapid and shallow, her chest heaving with each panicked breath.

With every ounce of strength she could muster, Cassidy called out the names of her friends, her voice echoing through the void. "Max! El! Theo!" she shouted repeatedly, her words reverberating through the empty space. Running through the void, her heart pounding in her chest, Cassidy refused to give up hope. She kept repeating their names, hoping against hope that they would hear her pleas and come to her aid.

Cassidy's legs grew weary from the relentless running, causing her to collapse onto the cold floor of the void. The sense of being trapped in this desolate space weighed heavily on her, amplifying her frustration and fear. But then, a flicker of light began to emerge from the darkness, gradually taking the form of Max. It was as if a beacon of hope had appeared before Cassidy's eyes, igniting a renewed sense of determination.

Summoning her strength, Cassidy pushed herself up from the ground and cautiously approached the red-headed figure. "Max?" she called out, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and uncertainty. Max, startled by the sound of Cassidy's voice, turned her gaze towards the source. Through the hazy shadows, she caught a glimpse of Cassidy's silhouette. "Cass?" Max mumbled, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and longing, as she strained to see where Cassidy's shadow was pointing.

Lucas's concern for Cassie was evident in his furrowed brow and worried tone. "What about Cassie?" he asked, leaning in closer to Max. Max's eyes briefly darted away before returning to meet Lucas's gaze. "I... I saw something," she admitted, her voice filled with unease. "But it's hard to explain. All I know is that Cassie isn't safe. She said Hawkins Lab is after her." Lucas reached out, gently placing his hand on top of Max's. "We won't let them get to her," he declared with conviction. "We'll bring her back, no matter what. But right now, our priority is to fight and protect each other."

Cassidy's cheeks were wet with tears, her heart heavy with jealousy. She couldn't help but notice the way Lucas looked at Max, and it made her doubt everything. "Was Theo wrong this whole time?" she asked, her voice filled with insecurity. "Does Max not like me? Does she actually have feelings for my brother?" Frustration and fear overwhelmed Cassidy as Max and Lucas seemed to fade away. Desperate to reach out, she called out, "Max!" But her cries went unanswered, leaving her gasping as she opened her eyes.

Relief washed over her as she saw Theodore's face. "Thank God you're finally awake," he said, his voice laced with relief. Confused and disoriented, Cassidy asked, "Where am I?" Theodore's expression turned serious as he bit his lip. "The girl we encountered in the void, her name is Kali," he began, his voice filled with caution.

He went on to explain how Kali leads a dangerous gang that hunts down people associated with the lab. It was a chilling revelation that sent shivers down Cassidy's spine.

Kali had a twisted idea to put Cassidy, Theodore, and Eleven to the test, but both Cassidy and Theodore had reservations about it. As they stepped outside, Kali directed their attention to a passing train. "You see that train?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and challenge.

"First, Cassidy, I want you to tap into all your anger. Let it fuel you and use your shadows to pull the train towards us." Kali explained her plan, believing that this intense exercise would help Cassidy harness her inner strength. It was a daunting task, and Cassidy couldn't help but feel a surge of apprehension mixed with determination.

Cassidy gave a determined nod, closing her eyes tightly to focus on summoning the power of her shadows. However, to her dismay, the shadows remained unresponsive, as if they had abandoned her in that crucial moment. Cassidy's frustration grew, she didn't feel a warm trickle of blood dripping from her nose.

Startled, she instinctively opened her eyes, her expression shifting from determination to confusion and concern. Kali, noticing the change in Cassidy's face, quickly inquired, "What's wrong?" Her voice held a mixture of curiosity and worry, eager to understand the unexpected turn of events.

Cassidy's hand tightened into a trembling fist as she desperately tried to conjure a portal. "M-My powers... They're gone," she stammered, her voice trembling with fear and disbelief. Panic surged through her veins as the realization sunk in that her abilities had vanished.

Kali's voice was filled with concern as she asked, "Do you have any idea what could have caused this?" Cassidy's words spilled out in a rush, her voice filled with urgency, "I started feeling weak after Jane and Theodore asked me to find you in the void." The memory of that encounter flashed through her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder if it was the catalyst for her sudden power loss.

"That's really strange, Ashh. It's possible that you're just feeling extremely weak right now. But don't worry, there's a chance your powers will come back eventually," Kali reassured Cassidy, her voice filled with empathy. Cassidy nodded slowly, grateful for Kali's comforting words. Sensing Cassidy's need for support, Theodore stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her in a warm, comforting hug.

It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes about his understanding and care for her. "Well, Theodore, it's your turn now," Kali declared, her voice filled with determination. "I want you to tap into your powers and try something new. How about using your mind control abilities? Just like I told Cassidy, channel all of your anger into it." Theodore nodded, ready to take on the challenge. "Who should I use it on?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice. Kali's eyes sparkled mischievously as she replied, "Me."

"Okay... um," Theodore paused, his brows furrowing in deep thought. "I want you to dig up some info on Jim Hopper, that police guy who held us captive!" Theodore's demand was filled with determination, his voice reflecting a sense of urgency. Cassidy's mind raced, sensing that something was off. "Hold on a sec, this doesn't sound like Theodore," she thought to herself, her concern growing.

As if confirming her suspicions, blood trickled down Theodore's nose, a clear sign that something was amiss. Kali, however, remained composed, nodding and closing her eyes. The room fell into a tense silence for a minute before Kali opened her eyes, blood dripping from her nose. "Hawkins Lab," Kali revealed, her voice eerily calm, sending shivers down their spines.

"Wait, why?" Eleven questioned, her voice filled with confusion. Kali paused for a moment, trying to find the right words to explain. "Well, maybe he's trying to send you guys back there. Remember when he said he would call them to take you back?" Kali suggested, her tone reflecting a hint of concern. Eleven nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. Cassidy, on the other hand, had her doubts about Kali's intentions. "I don't know, Kali. It just doesn't feel right," Cassidy voiced her skepticism.

Kali sighed, realizing that she needed to convince them. "Trust me, Jane. You're next. Do you see the train?" Kali pointed towards the tracks, with Eleven standing beside her, nodding in response. "I want you to tap into your anger, let it fuel you. Channel all of your emotions into drawing the train to us," Kali explained, her voice filled with determination. Eleven extended her hand, focusing all her energy on trying to pull the train towards them. But to her frustration, it remained stubbornly unmoved, as if defying her powers.

"I can't," Eleven said sadly, her voice filled with disappointment. Kali took a deep breath, determined to find a solution. "I have an idea. I want you to find something from your life," Kali started, her voice filled with encouragement. Eleven held her hand out, ready to listen to Kali's guidance. "Think about all the things they took from you, Jane. Your home, your mother... They stole everything that mattered to you. I want you to tap into that anger and find them," Kali urged, her words resonating with intensity.

Eleven's frustration and anger grew, fueling her powers as she let out a scream. In response, the train started rumbling closer to the three of them and Kali, the ground shaking beneath their feet. The adrenaline surged through their veins as they braced themselves for what was about to come.

Theodore and Cassidy could easily be mistaken for siblings with their strikingly similar looks. As Kali's friends noticed this, they couldn't contain their excitement and started yelling and rooting for her. The cheers grew louder, creating a wave of support and enthusiasm that filled the air. It was a moment of unity and camaraderie, as everyone came together to cheer on Kali and celebrate her accomplishments.

⭑⭑⭑

They turned their attention towards the wall, their eyes scanning the faces displayed, searching for their target. Eleven's determination was fueled by the memory of someone who had caused pain to her mother. Sitting by the radio, Eleven patiently listened, hoping to catch any clue that could lead them to the man.

Suddenly, the address they were looking for crackled through the radio waves, and Axel swiftly scribbled it down. As Kali's gang dispersed to gather supplies, Eleven, Cassidy, and Theodore found themselves standing together. Dottie chimed in with a mischievous grin, suggesting they could use a makeover. Confused, Cassidy raised an eyebrow, questioning Dottie's comment.

Dottie took charge, grabbing the three of them and leading them to a makeshift makeover station. With skilled hands and creative vision, she transformed Eleven's appearance, slicking back her hair, accentuating her eyes with black eyeliner, and dressing her in an edgy all-black ensemble. Theodore's hair received a trendy touch, as Dottie expertly added bleached blonde tips, complementing his stylish navy blue outfit. Cassidy's transformation was the most daring, with her hair bleached a vibrant blue, matching her bold blue makeup and punk-inspired blue attire.

Once the makeovers were complete, they turned the chairs around, revealing their new looks to Kali. Funshine's smile said it all as he exclaimed, "Bitchin'!" Eleven couldn't help but repeat the word, feeling the excitement in the air. They all headed towards the van, ready for their next adventure, while Theodore and Cassidy stayed behind, perhaps to admire their new looks a little longer.

As they both gazed at their reflections in the mirror, Cassidy couldn't help but let out a bewildered exclamation, "What the hell." Theodore, being more optimistic, chimed in, "I like it." However, Cassidy's response revealed a deeper concern, "I like it, too... but this isn't us, Theo. They're using our powers because Kali doesn't have the same level of abilities we do." She expressed her unease about being exploited for their unique powers, while Kali seemed to lack the same strength.

"Yeah, I get it... I tried talking to Eleven, you know? But she just wouldn't budge," Theodore said, his voice filled with sadness and frustration. Just as they were about to continue their conversation, their friend Mick interrupted, urgently calling out to them. Cassidy let out a weary sigh, knowing they had to go. Without wasting any time, Theodore used his teleportation powers to whisk them both into the waiting van.

As they made a quick stop at a nearby 7-Eleven to gather supplies, Cassidy found herself sitting in the van, waiting for the others. Feeling determined, she decided to make use of this downtime to practice and regain control over her powers. Cassidy held her hand out in front of her, focusing all her energy and concentration. With a burst of hope, she shouted, "Come on, light on fire!" But to her disappointment, nothing happened. Frustration washed over her, and she couldn't help but groan in exasperation, "UGH!"

Kali's gang, along with Eleven and Theodore, burst out of the store, their hearts pounding with adrenaline. They quickly piled into the van, ready for their next move.

Feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension, Cassidy couldn't help but ask in a soft voice, "So, where exactly are we headed now?" Kali's eyes narrowed with determination as she replied, her voice filled with conviction, "We're going straight to the man who caused so much pain to Jane and Theodore's mother." Cassidy's throat tightened, and she took a deep breath before responding, her voice wavering slightly, "O-Okay, I understand. Let's do this."

⭑⭑⭑

They cautiously entered the man's house, leaving Theodore behind in the van with Cassidy. The atmosphere was tense, and silence enveloped them. Breaking the quiet, Cassidy's voice quivered with uncertainty, "Do you think there's a chance I'll regain my powers?" Theodore's response was filled with unwavering support, "Absolutely! You're resilient, Cassidy." A warm smile spread across Cassidy's face, feeling a glimmer of hope in Theodore's words.

Suddenly, the urgency of the situation interrupted their conversation. Eleven, Kali, Dottie, and Axel came rushing out of the house, their faces filled with urgency. Kali's voice boomed with authority, "Hurry, let's go!" Theodore's curiosity got the better of him, and he quickly asked, "What happened in there?" Axel wasted no time in explaining, his words rushed, "The man has kids, and they called the cops! We need to leave now!" Cassidy's voice trembled as she asked her question, her concern palpable, "Is he... is he... dead?"

"No way! Jane was so close to the edge, but she somehow managed to stop herself," Kali spat, her relief palpable. Cassidy's mind echoed with gratitude for that fortunate turn of events.

As they made their way back to the hideout, Cassidy and Theodore sought a moment of privacy in a secluded room. Frustration and concern colored Cassidy's words as she passionately shared her thoughts, "I really think it's a terrible idea for us to stay here. Eleven is being forced to take lives, but she should only do it when it's absolutely necessary. Tonight, it just wasn't needed." Cassidy's voice carried a mix of anger and worry, her emotions pouring out.

"I totally agree with you, Theodore," Cassidy said, a playful smile on her face. Theodore stood with his hands on his hips, exuding a sense of authority. Cassidy couldn't resist making a lighthearted joke, "Since when did you become such a man?" Confusion flickered across Theodore's face as he gave her a puzzled look. Cassidy chuckled, teasingly explaining, "You know, having your hands on your hips, it's a bit 'gay'." Theodore playfully punched her arm, but Cassidy quickly interjected, grinning mischievously, "Oh come on, you're totally into Will, admit it!"

Their playful banter was abruptly interrupted by the sound of Eleven's voice, yelling, "Go away!" The tension in the room grew, and they knew they had to address the situation at hand.

Theodore tightly gripped Cassidy's wrist, their bodies instantly vanishing as they were transported to where Kali and Eleven were. Cassidy's mind was filled with questions as she urgently asked, "What's going on? Who is Eleven talking to?" The tension in the air was palpable as Kali's voice dripped with contempt, "She needs to be punished for not killing that man."

As Theodore and Cassidy observed Eleven, tears streaming down her face, engaged in a conversation, Theodore's voice resonated with protectiveness as he demanded, "Who did you make her see?" Kali's response hit like a punch to the gut as Theodore's fists clenched, his anger flaring, "Stop it! She has already endured enough trauma. You're acting just like him with his twisted punishments!"

Cassidy's voice rang out, filled with frustration and defiance, as she yelled at Kali, "Cut it out! She has been through so much already. You're starting to resemble him with your cruel methods!" The room fell silent, the weight of Cassidy's words hanging in the air, a plea for compassion and understanding in the face of darkness.

As soon as Cassidy spoke those words, a surge of power coursed through her, causing the lights in the room to flicker ominously. Eleven, her voice filled with rage, screamed, "Get out of my head!" The illusion that had haunted Eleven disappeared instantly, leaving her sobbing uncontrollably. Without a moment's hesitation, Theodore rushed to her side, wrapping her in a tight embrace, offering solace in the midst of the turmoil.

Cassidy, her voice dripping with anger, confronted Kali, "You're nothing but a piece of shit! Using us for your twisted mind games because you don't have powers as strong as ours!" The lights flickered once again, amplifying the intensity of Cassidy's words.

But Kali remained unyielding, defending her actions with a cold determination. "She needed to be punished," Kali stated, unapologetic in her stance. The room was filled with tension, as the clash between compassion and cruelty unfolded before them.

"No, no! You don't understand. She endured the most unimaginable trauma, worse than any of us! Eleven... she was his favorite. You have to stop this madness," Cassidy's voice trembled with emotion as she passionately pleaded her case. Theodore, his anger ignited by Kali's actions, couldn't contain his fury any longer. His hand burst into flames, a physical manifestation of his rage, until the distant wailing of police sirens snapped them back to reality.

"Quick, Theodore! We have to go! Take us back to Hawkins! It's our only chance to make things right!" Cassidy's urgency was palpable as she shouted over the escalating chaos. The weight of their mission hung heavily in the air, driving them to act swiftly and decisively.

"Absolutely. I've had enough of this place," Theodore spat, his frustration seeping through his words. With determination, he firmly took hold of our wrists and in a blink of an eye, we found ourselves standing right beneath the iconic Hawkins sign. Cassidy couldn't resist adding a touch of sarcasm to the moment, remarking, "Well, isn't this just lovely."

As the adrenaline settled and Eleven regained her calm, Cassidy saw an opportunity to gather some much-needed information. "Hey, can you tell us where Mike, Will, and Max are? I still haven't managed to get my powers back," she asked the brunette girl with slicked-back hair. Without hesitation, the girl simply responded, "Yes." Her words held a promise of hope, leaving us eager to uncover the whereabouts of our friends.

Eleven closed her eyes, her brow furrowing with concentration as she tapped into her powers. Moments later, she opened her eyes and softly uttered, "Byers house." Reacting quickly, Theodore firmly grasped our wrists once again, and in a flash, we were teleported to our desired destination.

As we materialized, a chilling sight greeted us—the streets were infested with Demogorgons, their menacing presence sending shivers down our spines. With no time to waste, Eleven and Theodore sprang into action, engaging in a fierce battle against the otherworldly creatures. In the midst of the chaos, Eleven's powers surged, and she accidentally unleashed a powerful force, propelling one of the Demogorgons through the window of the Byers house. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the air, adding an extra layer of tension to the already intense situation.o

Cassidy couldn't help but let out a playful chuckle as we made our way towards the door. With anticipation building, Cassidy reached out to turn the doorknob, only to find it stubbornly locked. Eleven's intense gaze focused on the lock, her nose still bleeding from the strain of her powers. In a mesmerizing display of her abilities, the door began to creak open, revealing a path for the three of us to step through. We entered cautiously, our hearts pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation, ready to uncover what awaited us on the other side.

Max and Mike took confident strides forward, their excitement palpable as they closed in on Cassidy and Eleven. Their smiles widened, and their eyes sparkled with anticipation as they finally reached their friends.

⭑⭑⭑

ASH SPEAKS !

I hate this chapter, but oh well. JENEBEB