Scene 1 – Papa's Relentless Hunt
Rain poured over Hawkins Lab vans as they combed the woods with spotlights. Soldiers trudged through mud, radios crackling.
"She's close," one muttered.
Papa stood at the front of the caravan, eyes fixed on the dark forest. "She cannot run forever. The moon's energy ties her here. Sooner or later, she will come to us."
Lightning split the sky, unnatural and violet. Papa's lips curled in a satisfied smile.
"Find her."
Scene 2 – Hopper on the Trail
Hopper's Blazer bumped along a country road, windshield wipers working overtime. Joyce sat beside him, arms folded tight.
"This is getting worse, Hop," she said. "The storms aren't letting up. What if she can't control it?"
"She can't control it," Hopper muttered, lighting a cigarette. "That's the problem."
Joyce looked at him. "She's a kid. So was El."
Hopper sighed, flicking ash out the window. "…Yeah. And I'm not making the same mistake twice."
The radio crackled again: "Chief, more reports of lightning strikes near Mirkwood Forest."
Hopper tightened his grip on the wheel. "Hang on, kid. I'm coming."
Scene 3 – Mike's Walk
Back in Hawkins, the storm had quieted to a drizzle. In the Wheeler basement, the gang sat scattered. Steve leaned against the wall with arms crossed.
Steve: "So let me get this straight—you've got Weather Barbie running around, the lab crawling everywhere, and you all think hiding her is a good idea?"
Dustin: "Yes."Lucas: "No."Max: "Definitely yes."El (quietly): "Dangerous."
Steve groaned. "Unbelievable. I should've just stayed at Scoops."
Nancy was scribbling notes in her journal, trying to make sense of everything. Jonathan hovered near her, camera in his lap.
Mike, restless, stood up suddenly. "I need some air."
Will frowned. "Mike…"
"I'll be right back." Mike grabbed a flashlight and slipped out into the damp night.
Scene 4 – The Forest Encounter
Mike's sneakers squished in the mud as he walked through the trees. He swung his flashlight lazily, sighing—until the beam caught movement.
"Hello?"
From the shadows, a figure stepped forward. Moon. Her gown was torn, her skin pale, and her violet eyes dimmer than before. She looked exhausted, trembling.
"Moon," Mike whispered.
She flinched. "Don't. Don't tell them I'm here."
Mike lowered the flashlight, his voice soft. "You look… sick. You need food."
Moon shook her head weakly. "No. If they find me, they'll take me back."
Mike stepped closer, careful. "I won't let that happen. I promise."
Her glowing eyes flickered, searching his face for any sign of a lie. For the first time, she looked like she wanted to believe.
Mike offered his hand. "Come with me."
After a pause, she took it.
Scene 5 – Sneaking In
Mike crept back into the house, heart pounding, Moon trailing behind him silently. He peeked around corners, praying his parents were asleep.
Basement door. Creak. Step by step, he led her down.
The room fell silent as everyone turned.
Dustin's jaw dropped. "Holy crap—he found her."
Max stood up, stunned. "She's… she's real."
Moon hugged herself, shivering. Mike whispered, "Don't freak out. She's with me."
Steve: "With you?! Mike, she's glowing like a human lightbulb!"
Robin: "And she looks like she hasn't eaten in weeks."
Mike rushed to the mini-fridge, pulling out leftover pizza, shoving it toward Moon. "Here. Eat."
Moon stared at the food suspiciously, then slowly took a bite. Tears welled in her glowing eyes as she devoured it.
Will smiled softly. "See? She's just like us."
El's eyes never left Moon, her voice cold: "She's not like us."
The storm outside rumbled faintly. Moon lowered her head, ashamed.
Nancy stepped forward gently. "Moon… what did they do to you at the lab?"
Moon's lips trembled. "…They made me fight. Made me destroy. Said I was his weapon."
Jonathan's jaw tightened. "Brenner."
Steve muttered, "That guy needs to be put six feet under."
Max crouched near Moon, offering her a soda. "Hey. Don't listen to them. You're not a weapon. You're just… you."
Moon's glowing eyes flicked toward Max, softening just a little.
Scene 6 – Hopper Closes In
Above the basement, the Wheeler phone rang. Mrs. Wheeler answered, her voice muffled. Then—Hopper's booming voice on the other end.
"Karen, is Mike home? We've got reports she's in your neighborhood."
Mike froze, heart racing. He whispered to the others, "It's Hopper."
Steve cursed under his breath. "Great. Just great."
Robin: "What's the plan, Captain Genius?"
Mike turned to Moon, his voice firm. "Stay quiet. Don't make a sound. I'll protect you."
Moon's eyes searched his face again, violet glow reflecting trust she hadn't given anyone before.
Final Scene – Suspicion
The basement door creaked open. Heavy footsteps descended. Hopper's shadow loomed at the bottom of the stairs.
Hopper's eyes swept over the kids, then narrowed. "Alright. Where is she?"
The kids exchanged nervous glances. Mike stepped forward, blocking Hopper's view of the back corner where Moon crouched in the shadows.
Mike's voice shook, but he didn't move. "She's not here."
The storm outside thundered—almost as if echoing his lie.