ALL NOVEL Chapter 20: Chapter 20: A Friend in the Shadows
Alex stepped through the portal, leaving behind the cold, oppressive air of the Underworld. The familiar landscape of Earth greeted him—a gentle breeze, the rustling of leaves, and the distant hum of life. Yet, his mind was preoccupied with one thought: Eleven.
He had seen her strength, her vulnerability, and the torment she endured. It wasn't just her extraordinary powers that intrigued him, but the resilience she showed in the face of adversity. He felt a kinship with her, as if they were two sides of the same coin—both bearing the weight of their pasts.
A Quiet Visit
It didn't take long for Alex to find her. Using a combination of his magical abilities and subtle inquiries, he tracked her to a quiet spot near the woods on the outskirts of Hawkins. Eleven sat on a fallen log, staring at the serene lake before her. The moonlight cast a silver glow over the water, and the air was still.
"Peaceful night," Alex said softly, stepping out of the shadows.
Eleven turned, startled at first, but her tense expression softened when she recognized him. "Alex?"
He offered a gentle smile. "Just wanted to check on you. After everything… I thought you might need someone to talk to."
Eleven looked back at the water, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm fine."
Alex took a seat on the log, keeping a respectful distance. "You know, I've learned that saying 'I'm fine' usually means the opposite."
She glanced at him, her gaze wary yet curious. "Why do you care?"
Alex leaned back, his wand resting loosely in his hand. "Because I've been where you are. Feeling like the world's either against you or counting on you, with no in-between. It's a lot to carry."
Breaking the Ice
They sat in silence for a moment, the sounds of the night filling the space between them. Then Alex spoke again, his tone light. "You know, I met someone recently who could probably relate to you. A guy named Kratos. Big, scary, kind of grumpy, but surprisingly wise."
Eleven raised an eyebrow. "Kratos?"
Alex chuckled. "Yeah. He's been through a lot too. Lost people he loved, made some mistakes, but he's still standing. I think that's what really matters—not the powers or the past, but what you do with what you've got."
Eleven considered his words, her expression softening. "What about you? Your powers?"
He smirked. "Oh, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. But they're not what define me. What defines me is how I use them—and who I choose to stand with."
Her lips twitched into a faint smile. "You're… different."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Alex said, grinning.
A New Friendship
As the night wore on, they talked about everything and nothing—about their powers, their struggles, and the small, fleeting moments of joy that made it all bearable. Alex told her about his siblings, his adventures, and even his recent conversation with Kratos.
In return, Eleven opened up about her life, her friends, and the battles she fought to protect them. Though her words were hesitant, there was a warmth in her voice that hadn't been there before.
By the time the first rays of dawn crept over the horizon, they had formed an unspoken bond—a friendship born not out of necessity, but out of understanding.
A Parting Promise
As they prepared to part ways, Alex stood and offered her a small, ornate charm. "Here. It's enchanted. If you ever need help—or just want to talk—hold it and think of me. I'll come running."
Eleven took the charm, her fingers brushing against its smooth surface. "Thank you."
Alex nodded, his expression serious yet kind. "You're stronger than you think, Eleven. Never forget that."
With a final smile, he stepped back, fading into the morning mist. Eleven watched him go, the charm clutched tightly in her hand. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of peace—a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as alone as she thought.
(Author's note eleven and Alex will never happen so don't even think about)