The sky above Hawkins was a violent swirl of violet and crimson. Rain slashed against the lab windows as lightning danced across the clouds. Inside, Moon floated slightly above the floor, violet energy spiraling from her every movement. The chamber hummed like it was alive.
Lab Tension
Hopper and Joyce stood a few meters back, flanking Dr. Owens.
"She's more powerful than we imagined," Owens muttered, scanning his monitors.
"She's scaring me," Joyce said. Her eyes never left Moon.
Hopper nodded. "Yeah. But we can't cage her forever. Just… make sure she doesn't destroy the building while we figure out what he's planning."
Outside the main observation window, Steve and Robin crouched behind a ventilation shaft.
Steve whispered, "This is worse than I thought. How do we even get in?"
Robin pointed toward a side door. "We follow the maintenance corridor. Just… don't touch anything."
Dustin & Eddie
Down the hall, Dustin grinned like a mad scientist. "Eddie, this is your moment. The Upside Down is leaking, the storm is insane, and we need you to help us — it's hero time."
Eddie groaned, holding a flashlight like it was a weapon. "I swear, Dustin, one of these days your ideas are going to get us killed."
Dustin clapped him on the shoulder. "Exactly. Today's that day."
They crept through the shadows, dodging guards and sensors, Eddie panicking but following Dustin's lead.
Mike Sneaks In
Meanwhile, Mike slipped past the lab's outer doors, soaked from the rain. He glanced at Moon, who hovered, energy crackling dangerously.
"Moon," he whispered. "It's me. I'm here."
Moon turned, eyes glowing intensely. She let out a breath of wind that rattled the instruments.
"You shouldn't be here," she said.
"I can't stay away," Mike said, stepping closer. "You need me here, okay? We can handle this — together."
Moon's violet glow softened just slightly. "Together…" she murmured.
Max, Lucas, and Will
From a small observation alcove, Max and Lucas kept an eye on the hallway. Will stood beside them, looking tense.
"Everyone's moving too much," Will muttered. "She could get hurt… or worse, hurt someone else."
Lucas nodded. "We just have to be ready. If things go sideways, we step in."
Max crossed her arms. "Step in carefully. No hero stunts this time."
El Confronts Moon
The tension snapped as El appeared in the chamber doorway, eyes glowing faintly blue.
"Moon," she said, voice hard. "I don't trust you."
Moon's eyes flared violet. "Excuse me?"
"I said it. I don't trust you. Not yet. You've got powers none of us can even imagine, and I don't know if you're on our side or his."
Moon laughed, a low, dangerous sound. "You don't trust me? I've saved you all multiple times. And you—" Her voice cracked with power — "you dare challenge me?"
El's fists glowed, charging psychokinetic energy. "I'm done questioning it. Prove you're not a threat!"
The fight erupted. El hurled psychic blasts; Moon countered with lightning, ice, and wind, moving faster than the eye could follow. The lab shook violently. Mike tried to reach Moon, but Owens yelled him back.
"Let her fight it out!" Owens shouted.
Moon's violet eyes burned brighter. Every attack El threw backfired against her. With a massive surge of energy, Moon sent a wind wave that knocked El to the floor, leaving her struggling to regain balance.
"I told you," Moon whispered, hovering above her. "I am not him. And I am not weak."
El, panting, looked up. Her eyes softened slightly. "You… you really are stronger."
Moon's glow dimmed as she steadied her breathing, the storm outside responding to her mood.
Chaos Intensifies
Outside, the crimson violet moon hung low, casting eerie light through the lab windows. Steve and Robin finally slipped through the side door.
"Holy hell," Steve muttered, ducking behind a console as lightning arcs crackled. "How do we even—"
A massive crack formed in the ceiling, and dripping water rained down. Robin grabbed his arm. "Don't touch the floor! Something's alive in there."
Dustin and Eddie crashed through a side hallway, flashlights trembling.
"Dustin, I swear if we die because of your plan—" Eddie started.
"Shh! Just follow me!" Dustin hissed. "We're here to help Moon!"
Hopper barked orders. "Everyone, stay back! She's still learning control!"
Mike pushed through the chaos, reaching Moon's side. "It's okay! Focus on me!"
Moon exhaled, violet glow softening as she grabbed his hands. The storm outside dimmed slightly.
Moon looked out the shattered window at the crimson violet moon. She could feel the pull stronger than ever — something calling her from the other side.
She whispered to Mike, "It's coming… something big. I can feel it."
Owens' monitors screamed. Hopper grabbed a fire extinguisher, ready. Steve, Robin, Dustin, and Eddie froze at the edges of the chaos.
El sat up slowly, watching Moon. Her voice was quiet, almost jealous, almost fearful. "You're… too powerful."
Moon turned to her, violet energy flaring dangerously. "I don't want to hurt you, El. But if I have to… I will win."
The lab trembled. The storm outside intensified. Rain lashed the windows. Lightning struck the roof.
And somewhere deep in Hawkins, behind the walls and soil, the Upside Down began stirring.
The Crimson Moon was only the beginning.