Chapter 1: A New Life In Hawkins
The World Went Dark
Michael had never believed in an
afterlife. He had always been a
rationale person_someone who
believed in science, in facts, in logic.
But here he was, floating in
nothingness . No light, no sound, no
feeling. Just silence.
Then, out of the void, came a voice .
"Michael, you have die."
Michael blinked—if blinking was even possible in this strange, non-space. He tried to speak, but his mouth didn't work. Instead, his thoughts raced, and he tried to make sense of the situation.
"Am I dead?" he wondered aloud in his mind.
"Yes," the voice replied. "But death is not the end for you. You've been given a second chance."
A light began to shimmer before him, and as his eyes adjusted to the brightness, he could make out a figure—a figure sitting on a grand throne. The figure looked almost human, but there was an ethereal quality to them, as if they were both everything and nothing at once.
"I'm God," the figure said, with a calm smile. "And I've come to offer you a gift."
Michael felt his thoughts spiral. God? As in, the real God? Was this some sort of cosmic joke?
"You're not dreaming, Michael. This is real," God's voice boomed, but it didn't sound harsh. Instead, it was filled with a strange sense of understanding.
"Why me?" Michael finally asked, his voice barely a whisper in his mind.
"You've lived a good life, but you were a fan of something… special," God said, pausing as if considering the best way to explain. "You were fond of a certain world—a world you know well: Stranger Things."
Michael's heart skipped a beat. He had been a huge fan of the series, even going so far as to immerse himself in the world of Hawkins, Indiana, and its strange happenings. The idea of being a part of that world—living in it, interacting with those characters—was something that had always intrigued him. But this? This was beyond anything he could ever have imagined.
"You've got to be kidding me," he muttered.
"I'm not," God replied, amusement in the voice. "I've decided to reincarnate you, but not without a catch. You will enter the world of Stranger Things as someone you already know—Mike Wheeler."
Michael's eyes widened. Mike Wheeler? The guy who had been one of the main characters in Stranger Things? He was being sent into that world, taking on the identity of the boy who'd fought the Demogorgon and been a part of the group's epic battles?
This was either the best dream or the weirdest nightmare. But it didn't matter; it felt real. His mind buzzed with possibilities.
"You will live as Mike Wheeler," God continued. "However, I will grant you the chance to shape your fate. I'm giving you a system—an interface that will guide you and reward you for completing certain tasks."
"A system?" Michael's voice shook with excitement. "Like, a video game?"
"Exactly," God answered with a small chuckle. "You will have missions to complete. Some will be big, others small. You'll be rewarded for completing them, and the rewards will make you stronger. More capable. I'm giving you the opportunity to change things, Michael."
"Change things?" Michael repeated, his excitement now building. "I can change the events of Stranger Things?"
"You'll be able to alter things in ways you see fit. Your powers will grow with every completed mission," God said, his smile widening. "But be warned: changing the timeline has consequences. Use your powers wisely."
Michael felt a rush of adrenaline as he absorbed the words. He wasn't just going to live in the Stranger Things world—he could actively shape it, guide it, and make himself the hero of his own story. He could protect his friends, change the fate of Hawkins, and maybe even avoid some of the darker events that had transpired in the show.
"Alright," Michael said, grinning. "What do I have to do?"
"Before I send you back, you will be granted 8 wishes," God announced. "But, be mindful: you may not fully understand the consequences of some of these wishes."
Michael's heart raced. This was it—his chance to not only live in his favorite world but to control it.
"Your first wish, Michael," God said, and Michael could sense the weight of the moment, "what will it be?"
Without hesitation, Michael spoke, his mind already racing with possibilities. "I wish to be reincarnated as Mike Wheeler from Stranger Things."
A flash of light surrounded him. Michael felt his body shift, his surroundings warping as the world around him melted away.
He closed his eyes—then opened them.