At some point, the incandescent rage transforms into spiteful aptitude, then exhaustion. It’s been two days of non-stop running and killing, and One is approaching his limit. He’s a decent way from Hawkins Lab, but Papa Brenner and his team ---- or what’s left of it ---- are relentless. He can’t go back there. He never could, but especially not now. If he’s caught again, he’ll be imprisoned in a manner far worse, one that he can’t manipulate his way out of.
Even so ---- he feels as if he’s about to pass out.
His hand meets the bark of a nearby tree as he wills himself to remain on his feet. It’s been some time since he’s seen one of his pursuers, or Brenner himself for that matter, but he doesn’t trust the silence. Breathing in slowly, he squeezes his eyes shut and wills the exhaustion away. Then he picks up his head to see @misscrcft.
He glares something horrid, eyes bloodshot and wild, his front covered in gore. No trust. She’s probably one of them.
❝ Turn. Away. ❞
