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Dr. Sam Owens received a Government visit regarding Eleven, Five, Nine, and Twelve. Now, he sits in the living room, engrossed in pictures of Chrissy Cunningham.

"There was no signs of any attacker. No bruises. No signs of any struggle. It's as if her attacker was a ghost. Does this remind you of anything, doctor?"

"No, it doesn't."

"Are you sure?"

Sam furrowed his eyebrows. "Why are you here? Really."

"I'd like your opinion."

"I was fired, in case you forgot," he pointed out, tossing the pictures onto the table. "A foreign government invaded our country, all under your watch. There had to be consequences. Certainly, you understand that."

"What I understand is that something... something is going on in that town that nobody fully comprehends," Sam informed the man as he stood up. "And I also understand that military strength is not the answer."

"So what is the answer, doctor? More scientists? Because it was men of science, men like you, who created this problem in the first place," the man said, handing four photos to Sam Owens.

The photos unveil a grim chronicle – Eleven undergoing testing with a shaved head, Five wreaking havoc in a classroom upon initial lab entry, Nine facing trial for a near-fatal incident, and Twelve marking her debut in taking a life. Each image tells a story of the complex and troubled origins of these individuals.

"Everything that has happened in Hawkins can be traced back to Brennar's little pets. Wouldn't you agree?"

Sam returned the pictures to the man, exchanging them for another set depicting the victims of Eleven, Nine, and Five. "Dr. Brennar trained them for this very thing – remote assassinations," the fbi agent revealed, shedding light on a dark aspect of their past.

"What you're suggesting is impossible."

"Is it?"

"Eleven is dead. Nine ran off to some unknown place and Five helped him escaped after someone let her out of the lab. The two of them look completely different now and Twelve is being trained by her father— which you should know about."

"I'm not convinced. I also got an video clip from a store in California of Five appearing out of nowhere getting sour milk. Couldn't get her full face, but we know it's her. With Twelve, I know what's shes up to and she recently disappeared."

"Okay so, where has Eleven been? Hm? What about Nine and Five? Oh, and, you lost Twelve?"

"There are rumors Eleven's alive and Nine has been with her this whole time. They are twins in fact, they could have telepathy abilities and they're receiving help from someone on the inside."

"Are you saying I'm helping them? Is that what you're saying?"

"If I wanted to chat, doctro, I would've picked up the goddamn phone. Now, you can make this easy and tell us where they are, or.. we can do this the hard way."

—

Cassidy and Theodore stood beside Mike and Will, observing as El unleashed a tantrum, or so Cassidy would label it. "What is your name?" the paramedic inquired of Angela. "Um, Angela," she replied, her voice cracking under the tense circumstances.

"Angela. Do you know where you are, Angela?"

"Um, Rink.. Rink-O-Mania, I think?"

"Rink-O-Mania. Very good."

Cassidy's gaze shifted towards Eleven, caught in the grip of tearful frustration. She nudged Theodore, who still bore traces of dried tears on his face. "What?" he quipped. Cassidy pointed at El, inquiring, "Have you seen her this angry before?" There was a subtle tension, a shared concern about the depth of Eleven's emotions in this particular moment.

"I... I think so. It's a blurry memory, but I think one time in, y'know..." Theodore murmured, his recollection hazy. Cassidy nodded in understanding. Hesitant but concerned, she walked over and sat with El. "El, you need to calm down. I'm worried you're gonna lash out again. I'm mad at you, I'm sorry for yelling, but you could've handled it in a different way," she expressed gently, navigating the delicate balance of emotions.

El remained fixated on Angela, ignoring Cassidy's attempts. Sighing sadly, Cassidy exchanged a glance with Theodore, who simply shrugged in acknowledgment of the challenging situation.

—

Johnathan and Arygle found the teenagers, both noticeably high on weed. "I know this may be, like, upsetting and shit, but that future prom queen is gonna be fine. I mean, it's just like rubber wheels," Arygle rambled, offering an unusual perspective to the miserable teens in the back.

El's gaze fixed on the passing scenery, tears forming. Mike drifted into a zone, while Will sought solace leaning on Theodore's shoulder, who gazed out the other window with mirrored tears – that peculiar twin connection. Meanwhile, Cassidy simmered with anger. Her frustration wasn't solely aimed at Eleven; Angela bore the brunt of it. Emotions intensified within the confines of the car, each occupant wrestling with their own feelings amidst the tense journey.

"Plastic." Jonathan corrected him. "Ohhhh!"

"Not like hard plastic. Just... Just the soft kind," Jonathan explained, while Arygle nodded in agreement, his expression softening. "Totally," he affirmed, sharing a moment of understanding.

"Are you guys fucking high right now?" Cassidy exclaimed in disbelief, catching Arygle's attention. "But you ever wonder why the wheels aren't wood, dudette?" Arygle pondered, leaving Cassidy with furrowed eyebrows. "I'm sorry, what—? Oh my god!" she groaned, running a hand down her face. Arygle turned back to Jonathan. "Or metal? So people don't get hurt when they get shmacked." The conversation took an unexpected turn.

"Shmacked—?" Cassidy muttered under her breath. "Because it happens more than you think, man," Arygle explained, pausing before turning back to the teens. "Roller-skate attacks."

"Man, hey, at least it wasn't an ice skate," Jonathan pointed out, prompting laughter from Arygle. "That nose would've been sliced clean off, man!" Arygle exclaimed, leaving Jonathan to squeal in reaction.

Cassidy scoffed. "I'm never driving with you guys again when you're fucking high," she quipped, earning a sad sigh from Will. "You get used to it," he murmured, but Cassidy's lips curled into a frown, clearly unimpressed with the idea of getting used to such high antics.

The car ride became a distant hum for Cassidy as she retreated into her thoughts. Upon arriving at the house, the unfamiliar strains of Russian music infiltrated her senses, triggering a visceral reaction. Eyes tightly shut, she felt an internal combustion, a metaphorical walking fire in response to the perceived threat. Bracing for a Russian encounter, they turned a corner only to discover Murray, his casual demeanor a stark contrast to the tense anticipation.

"Well, well! Aren't you lot a sight for sore eyes, huh?" Murray quipped with a lighthearted tone, completely unaware of the internal turmoil he had unknowingly induced. Cassidy, still on edge, couldn't contain her frustration. "Seriously, Murray?! The music caught me off guard! I thought you were a fucking Russian!" Her voice dripped with anger as she grappled with the residual flames, the unexpected musical ambiance having left her unnerved and on edge.

Her nose dripped blood as the fire subsided. "Hi, Murray!" Jonathan slurred, earning a weird look from Cassidy. Murray pointed at Cassidy, and the Sinclair girl rolled her eyes. "Ah! The five-year-old's older sister," Murray remarked, adding a touch of humor to the chaotic scene.

Cassidy's glare cut through the air as she retorted, "She's eleven, you fucking bald bastard." With an eye roll, she dismissed Murray and headed off to change into different clothes, leaving the lingering tension in her wake. Murray, undeterred, remarked, "She's cranky," making light of the situation.

Turning his attention to Theodore, who sat in uncharacteristic silence, Murray continued, "Ah! Theodore Ives! You're quiet; usually, you would be sticking up for your best friend." The observation highlighted a departure from Theodore's usual vocal presence, prompting Murray to draw attention to the uncharacteristic quietude in the room.

Theodore released a shaky breath. "Long day, Murray. Long day," he explained to the man. Will, sensing Theodore's state, kissed his cheek, offering a silent gesture of support amid the exhaustion.

—

Cassidy descended the stairs to Joyce's unexpected revelation of a business trip. Taking a seat at the dinner table, she couldn't hide the furrow in her eyebrows. "Woah, Mrs. Byers, you're going on a business trip?" Cassidy questioned, a mix of surprise and curiosity in her tone. Joyce chuckled, admitting, "Oh my gosh. I almost forgot to tell you guys."

Cassidy's eyebrows rose, signaling her interest in the sudden news. "This thing came up at work... and it turns out I have to go to a conference tomorrow. In Alaska," Joyce explained, dropping the location bombshell. As Theodore and Cassidy exchanged a look, it was clear that the unexpected trip had caught them off guard.

Theodore's telepathic revelation echoed in Cassidy's mind, exposing Joyce's lie. A silent exchange of disbelief passed between Cassidy and Theodore. They shared a determined look, understanding that an investigation was in order. However, with the potential involvement of Murray, they decided to handle it discreetly. Together, they pledged to uncover the truth and reveal it to the others when the time was right, ensuring a controlled and strategic approach to the unfolding mystery.

"Alaska?"

"Tomorrow?"

"Crazy, right?" Murray chuckled, but Cassidy shot him a nasty glare in response. "Aye, Sinclair, why you kept giving me nasty looks?" Murray questioned, curious about Cassidy's disapproving stares. Rolling her eyes, Cassidy looked down at her food, keeping her thoughts and suspicions to herself for now.

"That's where they're based, the... Britannicas," Joyce explained with a small nod, prompting Theodore and Cassidy to share a strange look. "Joan and Brian Britannica," she added, providing more details about the enigmatic figures.

Murray sighed loudly, sensing the tension, while Cassidy squinted her eyebrows at Joyce and Murray, aware that they were concealing something. "So do Eskimos, like, still live in igloos, or, uh, are they, like, fully-blown, like, living in the... in the suburbs now?" Arygle hummed, diverting the conversation. Murray glanced at Joyce, prompting her to introduce him. "Who is this?" he inquired, curious about Arygle's presence.

"Some dru—"

Theodore's swift smack on the back of Cassidy's head earned him a sharp glare. "Don't say that, dingus!" he exclaimed, but Cassidy's sudden head movement caused his shadow to retaliate, smacking him in the face. Theodore groaned, clutching his nose. "Ow!" he yelled, directing an annoyed glare at Cassidy.

Joyce, not amused, shot them both a glare before addressing Jonathan. Amidst their shenanigans, Cassidy and Theodore erupted into hysterical laughter. El, Will, and Mike exchanged confused glances, trying to make sense of the chaotic display. "Jonathan, this means you're gonna have to, you know, take charge while I'm gone," Joyce declared, revealing the purpose behind her abrupt business trip.

Shit— He's high..

Jonathan furrowed his eyebrows, clearly puzzled. "Wait. What? What's going on?" he asked, scanning the room for clarity while the teens exchanged mumbled words under their breath. Cassidy, feeling the awkward tension, impulsively announced, "Alright, I, uh, gonna go check on Hawkins." Theodore pleaded for her to stay, but she swiftly rejected the idea, stating, "Nope, this is too awkward, and I've dealt with awkward all day, man!" Cassidy made a hasty decision to remove herself from the perplexing situation, leaving the others in a state of confusion.

She closed her eyes and turned into dust. "Okay, am I missing something?" Joyce asked worriedly, looking at the kids. "No!" they all yelled in sync. Jonathan and Arygle couldn't help but giggle at the absurdity of the situation.

Cassidy had went home to sleep, she needed a break from them.

—

"We usually rely—"

Cassidy's eyes shot open, and in a blink, she found herself teleported to Max and Dustin, surrounded by an unexpected group. "Jesus! What the fuck is going on here?!" she exclaimed, her sudden appearance startling Eddie, who screamed and pointed at her.

"Oh, shit! You didn't tell the dingus about my superpowers?!" Cassidy added, confessing a crucial detail that had been kept from Eddie.

Steve shot Cassidy a look, defending himself, "I was just about to!" Cassidy laughed at the exchange. "From what I was saying, we usually rely on these three kids—Cassidy, Theodore, and El—who have superpowers. But, uh, El's superpowers went bye-bye, Cassidy's powers have been weak, and Theodore refuses to use them," Steve detailed, offering a glimpse into the group's reliance on superpowered individuals and the challenges they currently faced.

Cassidy coughed dramatically. "Excuse me! My powers are perfectly fine!" she argued, defending her abilities with theatrical flair. Max intervened, placing a reassuring hand on Cassidy's shoulder. "Cass, your powers aren't weak, they're just... sorta.." Max hesitated, choosing her words carefully to convey the unique nature of Cassidy's abilities.

"They're sorta out of control," Dustin finished for Max, earning glares from both girls. "I guess they are sorta out of control since I've been unflayed," Cassidy admitted, shrugging her shoulders sadly. Eddie furrowed his eyebrows, processing the new information.

"Unflayed?" Eddie questioned, intrigued. Cassidy waved him off, saying, "That's another story for another time," earning a soft nod from Eddie. "So we're technically in more of the—" Robin began, leaving the group hanging as she hinted at a broader context yet to be explored.

"Kinda."

"Brainstorming phase," Max finished, nodding toward Robin. Cassidy rolled her eyes and raised her hand. "You know, I can just learn how to control aspects of my powers—" she suggested, eager to take charge of her abilities and contribute to the group's plans.

"No! Do you not remember the last time that happened when you learned you had fire abilities?!" Steve yelled at her, expressing concern over the potential consequences. Cassidy's lips curled into a teasing smirk, hinting at a mischievous memory that only fueled Steve's worry.

Cassidy's laughter echoed at the memory, downplaying the concerns. "There's... There's nothing to worry about," Dustin reassured Eddie, his attempt at reassurance falling a bit flat. Steve chimed in, offering a smile to reassure Eddie. "Oh my god, stop lying to the dude!" Cassidy interjected, cutting through the attempted assurances.

Dustin and Steve shot her a look, but she rolled her eyes, crossing her arms in a display of defiance against their efforts.

Police sirens blared by, drawing Cassidy's immediate attention. "Oh, hell nah!" she murmured, hastening to the window to witness police cars speeding past. Filled with urgency, Cassidy closed her eyes and, in a blink, disappeared into dust, leaving the room in shock.

"Holy shit! Where did she go?!" Max exclaimed in panic, her distress evident. Robin squinted at Max, sensing her deep concern for Cassidy. The sudden vanishing act heightened the tension in the room, leaving the group uncertain and on edge about Cassidy's whereabouts.

Robin walked over to Max, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "She probably went to check the scene out," Robin assured her, trying to ease Max's concern. Max shook her head. "B— But there are cops; they will see her come out of nowhere through dust."

The group exchanged a knowing look and quickly made their way to the scene. Cassidy concealed herself in the bushes, observing as Steve's car approached. Stepping out, she revealed herself just as Max caught sight of her. Max, filled with relief, jumped out of the car and tackled Cassidy into a tight hug. "Hey, I'm fine, Max," Cassidy reassured her, the genuine warmth of the moment evident in Max's tightly held embrace. The group's collective worry dissolved into a shared sense of relief.

The group stepped out of the car, approaching the crime scene where they discovered Nancy's presence. Cassidy's expression darkened, and her lips curled into a frown as her gaze fixed on the distressing sight of a lifeless body being lifted into a van. The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air, casting a somber atmosphere over the group as they processed the grim reality before them.

"Alright, guys, I have to get back to El. I'll be back later. Don't do anything stupid without me to protect you with my powers," Cassidy informed them, her gaze lingering on Dustin and Steve. "Hey, why are you looking at us?" Dustin exclaimed, puzzled by Cassidy's scrutiny. Cassidy rolled her eyes, then turned to Max.

"Make sure they don't pull anything stupid, and you especially," she instructed Max, who scoffed in response. "You think I would do something stupid too?" Max asked, bitterness evident in her tone. Cassidy hesitated before nodding. "Why is that?" Max hummed, demanding further clarification for the pointed caution.

Cassidy rolled her eyes and, with a snap of her fingers, turned into dust, leaving the group to process her departure in a shimmer of particles.

—

Cassidy returned to the Byers house, only to find that Eleven was still not awake. "Seriously, guys?" She eyed Mike, Will, and Theodore. "What?" they asked, oblivious to the situation, as Cassidy huffed.

"Alright, Mikey, go get your girlfriend and talk to her," Cassidy demanded. Mike furrowed his eyebrows. "Oh my god, don't make me get Theodore to mind control you—" Cassidy began, hinting at a playful yet assertive approach to ensure that Eleven was properly attended to.

"I just don't know what you want me to do!" Mike argued, expressing his confusion as Cassidy rolled her eyes and turned to Theodore. Theodore let out a deep sigh. "Do you really want me to mind control him? I've barely used this power in a very long time," Theodore sent to her head, expressing hesitancy.

She nodded abruptly, signaling her decision. Mike furrowed his eyebrows and whispered to Will, "Are they reading each other's minds?" He asked, confused. Will lightly nodded, revealing the unique dynamics at play between Cassidy and Theodore.

"Oh my god, just do it!" Cassidy argued, frustration evident in her tone, pressing Theodore to use his mind control ability. Theodore shot her a glare. "I am not doing it!" he retorted, resisting the idea with determination. Cassidy rolled her eyes, dismissing his refusal. "Fine! I'll do it myself then," she declared, closing her eyes in concentration.

"Wait, what is she doing?" Will questioned, perplexed by Cassidy's sudden decision. Theodore shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not entirely sure; she wanted me to mind control Mike," he explained, leaving the group in suspense as they waited to see Cassidy's next move.

Cassidy's eyes transformed into solid black orbs, and black magic manifested in her palms, casting an eerie glow. "Wait, she can't mind control with that ability, can she?" Mike questioned, his concern evident. Theodore shook his head. "I don't think so? Unless it's a part of her new 'enhanced' powers," he explained, using air quotes to express uncertainty about the nature of Cassidy's abilities.

With an outstretched palm, Cassidy placed a plate of Eggos into Mike's hands, directing him towards El's room. Mike, puzzled but cooperative, stood up and walked with the plate to El's room. Theodore and Will exchanged a worried look, grappling with the mysteries surrounding Cassidy's evolving powers and their potential impact on the group's dynamics.

Cassidy closed her eyes, the strain evident on her face, as she felt herself getting drained, blood trickling down her nose. The room fell silent with tension. When she opened her eyes again, both her eyes and palms were back to normal. She turned to Will and Theodore, discovering shock on their faces, capturing the toll that her powers took on her.

The room was filled with an uneasy silence as the group processed the aftermath of Cassidy's demonstration. Her enhanced abilities had revealed a glimpse of their potential, but also the physical and mental toll they exacted on her. Will and Theodore exchanged concerned glances, realizing the magnitude of what Cassidy had just revealed.

"Did you—"

"No, I didn't actually. I just put the plate in his hands," Cassidy sarcastically clarified, folding her arms. The others nodded, taking a moment to register the implications of her statement. "Yes, I did, asshats!" she spat, frustrated with their disbelief. Will, sensing something deeper, asked with concern, "Cass, are you okay?"

Rolling her eyes once more, Cassidy was about to respond when the atmosphere shifted. Jonathan, who had been engrossed in watching TV, was interrupted by the doorbell ringing. As he opened the door, the sight of the cops on the other side added a new layer of tension to the unfolding events, diverting their attention from Cassidy's display of powers.

"Oh, shit. I think Angelica actually called the cops on El," Cassidy murmured to Will and Theodore. Positioning herself near the living room, she strained to listen in on the unfolding situation, recognizing the potential trouble that Angelica's involvement could bring to El and the group.

"Hi, does Jane Hopper live here?"

"Um, yeah. Um, what is this about?"

"Is Jane's father or mother around?"

"Uh, no. No, her mom's out of town."

"I'm her. Um, stepbrother. But, uh.. I'm sorry, what.. uh, what is this about?"

Cassidy observed El walking down the stairs, with Theodore and Will approaching her. The tension in the room heightened as the group gathered, awaiting the repercussions of the cops' arrival and the potential involvement of Angelica in their lives.

"You may or may not be aware of an incident involving Jane at the Rink-O-Mania."

"That was an accident," Theodore insisted, trying to explain the situation. Will and Cassidy exchanged a glance, both shaking their heads. "We have a warrant that says otherwise," the cops informed him, revealing the legal consequences that Theodore now faced.

"A warrant? Come on, that's crazy. That doesn't need to happen."

As tears welled in Cassidy's eyes, the cop's gaze landed on El, prompting them to call her over and inquire if she was Jane. The arrest unfolded in a heart-wrenching moment, tears streaming down Cassidy's face as she witnessed El being placed into a police car outside the Byers' home. Mike, standing by, offered words of reassurance, pledging to fix the dire situation.

The scene was marked by an intense mix of emotions – the helplessness of watching a friend being taken away, the determination in Mike's promise, and the sorrow that hung heavy in the air.

She turned to Theodore, her tears evident, as both Will and Theodore noticed her crying. "Cass—" Will began before Cassidy stepped back, creating a distance. "No, Cass me! This would have never fucking happened if you helped stand up to Angela! I can't be here all the time trying to stop Angela and her goons! You guys are here to do that! You could have stood up to Angela without any violence! You could have told El the right from wrong! Now I have to bust her out on my fucking own!" Cassidy spat, frustration and anger lacing her words, as she snapped her fingers, teleporting back to Hawkins.

The room was left with a heavy silence, the weight of disappointment and frustration lingering as Cassidy's departure emphasized the consequences of their inaction. Will and Theodore exchanged a solemn look, grappling with the realization that they had let Angela's actions reach this point.

—

Cassidy had jumped to Max, appearing in the car next to Steve in the passenger seat. Steve turned to see a girl (Cassidy) shadow jump through dust. Startled, he screamed and swerved the car. "What the fuck, Cassie! You cannot fucking do that!" Steve yelled, his frustration evident, as he continued driving. All they heard was Cassidy sobbing.

Max, concerned, furrowed her eyebrows and leaned over to talk to Cassidy. "Woah, woah, Cass, what's wrong?" Max questioned as Cassidy turned to her, tears shedding. "E— El got arrested," she blurted out, the gravity of the news hitting them hard. Dustin, Max, and Steve all screamed in shock, creating a chaotic atmosphere in the car. Emotions ran high as they grappled with the unexpected turn of events.

"S— She threw a rollerskate into a girl's nose, and they filed a complaint on her," Cassidy explained, revealing the reason behind El's arrest. Max's lips curled into a frown, concern evident in her eyes. "Is she gonna be okay?" Max asked worriedly, her thoughts consumed by concerns for her best friend.

"I— I don't know. I have to go help her before they— they do anything," Cassidy stammered, the urgency in her voice revealing the fear of the unknown. Closing her eyes, Cassidy prepared herself for the challenges ahead as she teleported back to California.

Dustin's arms flung in the air in frustration as Cassidy, ignoring his plea, turned into dust. The urgency of the situation lingered in the air as Max voiced a pressing concern, "When are we gonna tell her that Mildred is working with Vecna?"

Cassidy shadow jumped to Theodore, who was outside the State County office. Wiping away her tears, she walked over to Theodore, Jonathan, and Will. "So, are you guys gonna let me bust El out or—??" Cassidy suggested, putting her hands on her hips. They all turned to her and shook their heads. "No!" The resounding refusal emphasized the group's determination to take a different course of action.

"Where's Mike?" Cassidy questioned, her eyes scanning the area. "He saw El being taken away," Theodore explained, waving off her concern. Cassidy sighed, frustration evident in her posture. "God, you guys have been so... different lately," she muttered, hands resting on her hips. The boys stood there, seemingly uncertain about their next steps.

Observing their indecision, Cassidy rolled her eyes once more and snapped her fingers. "Where did she go?" Theodore asked, genuinely curious. Will shrugged, and Jonathan chimed in, "She probably went to check on Max again." Theodore nodded in understanding, acknowledging the complexities of the current situation.

She had shadow jumped beside Max outside Ms. Kelly's house. Max's eyes widened in surprise and concern. "Cass—" Max began to scold her, but it was too late as Ms. Kelly opened the door, interrupting their conversation. "Max, Cassidy. Hi," Ms. Kelly greeted, her expression a mix of curiosity and friendliness.

"Hi. I'm so sorry that we're bothering you over break, but... do you have a minute to talk?" Max asked, her tone apologetic. Ms. Kelly nodded with a warm smile, "Um, yeah, of course. Of course." She graciously moved out of the way to let them in, welcoming them into her home.

"Would you like Cassidy to be with you?" Ms. Kelly asked, considering their comfort. Cassidy gasped, insisting she didn't have to intrude, but without hesitation, Max firmly responded, "Yes."

"It's just, with everything that's happening, with all the murders, it's... it's making everything worse again," Max explained, her concerns evident. Ms. Kelly nodded in understanding. "You've experienced trauma, Max, and when you keep your feelings, your pain, bottled up the way you do, it doesn't take much to trigger them again. So, now, when it rains, it storms."

Max nodded. "Yeah, I know." Ms. Kelly leaned forward. "Do you think you're ready to talk more about that night?" The question opened a door to a deeper conversation, urging Max to confront and share the emotions tied to that fateful night.

Cassidy could see that Max was remembering it, judging by Max's facial expression, and as Max began to recall, Cassidy found herself remembering too. She recalled the moment when Billy told her that he had tried to be good for once, for her.

"I lived next door to where it happened," Max blurted out, and Cassidy's eyes widened. "I'm sorry?" Ms. Kelly tilted her head in curiosity. "To where Chrissy was murdered. The cops asked me a bunch of questions. Did they talk to you?"

Cassidy nodded, understanding what Max was attempting to convey. "What she means is, she knows you were seeing Chrissy," Cassidy added, offering clarification. Ms. Kelly shook her head in response, stating, "Max, Cassidy. You know I can't talk about Chrissy or any other student."

"Yeah, but, I mean, what if there was a serial killer on the loose in my neighborhood?" Max pointed out, expressing a valid concern. Cassidy nodded in agreement, amplifying the gravity of the situation. "She's right. Like imagine if I went over to Max's one day to see her eyes out of her socket and her arms all disfigured," Cassidy emphasized, vividly painting the unsettling picture. Ms. Kelly stiffened, acknowledging the real and immediate fear that lurked in their community.

"Did Chrissy mention anything? Anything 'bout who might have done this?" Max questioned, seeking any clue that might shed light on the mysterious events. Ms. Kelly shook her head lightly. "Max, Cassidy, I'm... I'm sorry, I... I really can't discuss this. You wouldn't want me talking to any other students about you guys, right?" Ms. Kelly emphasized the need for confidentiality, reminding them of the importance of privacy and respect for each student's personal matters.

Cassidy rolled her eyes. "If I were dead and it would help catch the killer, then yeah, I most definitely would," Max declared, displaying her determination to seek justice. Cassidy smiled weakly at her, appreciating Max's resolve. "Well, let's leave that up to the police, shall we?" Ms. Kelly suggested, redirecting the focus toward the proper authorities and the ongoing investigation.

Cassidy sighed in frustration as Max and she shared a look. "Yeah, you're right. The police totally have this under control," Max remarked with a hint of sarcasm, expressing her skepticism about the ongoing investigation. Ms. Kelly nodded with a smile. "So, I see you guys are talking again. Last time I checked, you guys weren't talking?" Ms. Kelly's observation shifted the conversation toward the dynamics between Max and Cassidy, prompting a moment of reflection on their relationship.

Cassidy scrutinized the women with a narrowed gaze, prompting Max to exchange a glance with her. "Yeah, we've sorted things out," Max stated. Cassidy's eyes widened in disbelief, and she clenched her jaw tightly. Max sought permission to use the bathroom, and Ms. Kelly nodded, providing directions: "Sure, go up the stairs and turn left."

Cassidy hesitated before admitting, "I, uh, have to go..." She followed Max up the stairs, her fingers gently wrapping around Max's arm. Max turned, eyebrows furrowed in question. Cassidy had keenly observed Ms. Kelly's office keys and pointed discreetly. A sly smirk formed on Max's face as she nodded in understanding. "I have to go, okay? I'll be back," Cassidy whispered to Max, who responded with a soft, affirmative nod.

Cassidy snapped her fingers, and just like that, she transformed into a cascade of dust, dissipating into the air.

—

Frustrated, Cassidy resorted to shadow jumping to El, only to discover Owens' people restraining her. "Oh my god, El!" Cassidy rushed towards them, ready to intervene, but a voice interrupted her. "She's fine, kid. She's coming with me, and so are you," someone declared, diverting Cassidy's attention.

It was the guy who let her out three years ago.

Cassidy's excitement bubbled up. "Aye! It's the guy who let me out of that cell!" she exclaimed, playfully pointing towards him. El responded with a soft smile, and Owens gestured for his men to release her. As El got into Owens' car, he turned his attention to Cassidy.

"I need you to go get Theodore. Hawkins is in danger, and I need your help, while me and Brennar assist El in regaining her powers," Owens explained, causing Cassidy's eyes to widen with concern. "What?! Brennar is alive?!" she exclaimed, her fists involuntarily clenching. Owens placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, saying, "I won't let Brennar take El away from you guys again. It'll be a quick mission, might take a few days, but she'll be back to help save Hawkins."

Cassidy shot Owens a skeptical look, her suspicion evident. Owens sighed, attempting to allay her concerns. "I promise, Brennar won't take El. If he tries, I'll handle it. He's just helping El regain her powers, nothing more." Cassidy sighed deeply, relenting, but issued a stern warning, "Fine. If I find out he does something to her, you're dead."

Owens nodded with uncertainty as Cassidy snapped her fingers, transporting herself to the Byers' living room. "Theodore, we need to go now!" she urgently exclaimed, directing her attention at him. Theodore, caught off guard, glanced between Cassidy and Will, confusion etched on his face. "What— Why?" he questioned, trying to make sense of the abrupt urgency.

Cassidy rolled her eyes in frustration. "Hawkins is in danger, dickwad! We need to go help them right now while El is getting her powers back!" The gravity of the situation hung in the air as Theodore processed the urgency of Cassidy's plea.

"Cass, calm down—"

"No, I can't, okay! Max is in danger, and something is wrong!" Cassidy's words carried a weight of urgency as she pleaded with Theodore. He sighed, glancing between Cassidy and Will, who nodded in agreement. "Go help them, Theo," Will encouraged, and Theodore offered a soft smile in acknowledgment.

Meanwhile, Mike furrowed his eyebrows, turning to Theodore with a puzzled expression. "I thought Cassie and Max broke up?" he whispered loudly, unaware of the recent developments. Cassidy couldn't help but roll her eyes at Mike's obliviousness, a mix of frustration and impatience evident in her reaction.

A knock echoed through the room. "That's the government," Cassidy informed them, prompting Jonathan's eyes to widen. "The good guys. They're with Owens," she added, a sense of relief coloring her words.

Theodore stood up, positioning himself beside Cassidy. "You ready?" he asked, and Cassidy shook her head lightly. "Alright, you guys better not be stupid, okay? Only leave this house if something bad happens, alright?" she cautioned, her expression one of disbelief as the three boys looked at her, dumbfounded.

Cassidy shot them a nasty glare. "Where is El—?" Mike began to ask, but Cassidy huffed impatiently. "Look, I don't know where she is either. But she's somewhere safe, trying to get her powers back. I'm only here to get Theodore and go back to Hawkins to help Max," she explained firmly.

"What's wrong with her—"

Cassidy's eyes rolled dramatically. "Oh my god! I don't know, but something's bad happening. So, Theodore, go kiss your baby boy goodbye, kay?" she teased, a mischievous glint in her eye. Theodore and Will exchanged slightly embarrassed glances before complying. Will stood up, took Theodore's face in his hands, and the room witnessed a brief but intense kiss. The atmosphere crackled with a mix of emotions as they parted.

"Go save Hawkins, Theo," Will said, a blend of encouragement and concern in his voice, capturing the weight of the impending mission.

Theodore smiled weakly at Will, his fists clenched with determination, and then vanished into a burst of blue light. The knocks on the door persisted as Cassidy shot Jonathan a pointed glare, urging him to open it. "Don't do anything stupid!" Cassidy yelled, her voice echoing through the room as she snapped her fingers, transforming into a cascade of dust and disappearing.

Theodore materialized in Ms. Kelly's office through a gentle, light blue glow, while Cassidy entered the room in a swirling cascade of dust. Dustin and Steve, who were already present, turned to look at the unexpected arrivals. Max remained frozen in place, her eyes fixed on Cassidy.

"Oh my god, please help your ex-girlfriend. Also, why is Theodore here?" Steve exclaimed in panic. Cassidy shot him a withering glare, and Theodore couldn't help but chuckle.

"She's having a vision," Cassidy explained, her tone carrying a mix of annoyance and urgency. Max, seemingly snapping out of her daze, stood up and walked out of the classroom. Theodore looked at Cassidy, concern evident in his eyes. "Where is she going?" he asked, Dustin and Steve sharing a worried look.

"She hears something and is following it," Cassidy murmured, her focus already on Max as she swiftly moved to follow her. The air in the room held a palpable tension, charged with the uncertainty of the unfolding events.

Cassidy found Max in the hallway, her flashlight fixed on a wall. "Max?" Cassidy called out softly, placing her hand on Max's shoulder. Startled, Max jumped, and Cassidy repeated more urgently, "Max!?"

—

ash speaks !

dunn dunnnnn!!

i finally updated again. took me two days to write this chapter cause i got an infection on my finger so yk that was fun and i'm surprised i even realized this chapter today and even finished it cause today would've marked 6 months of my relationship if me and him were still together so todays been rough.

anygays...

#cassfieldrocks