In the third episode of Stranger Things: Tales From '85, the group is caught off guard in the woods by a bizarre pumpkin-shaped monster that appears to have consumed Rosario. El unleashes her powers to fend off the menacing creature, while Nikki manages to lend a hand to the group. The ensuing battle is intense, with the creature snatching up the gang and leaving Will alone to fight back. He swings the mallet he grabbed from the carnival game in the previous chapter and manages to hit it right in the mouth, freeing everyone else and allowing El to destroy the creature with her full powers.
Nikki congratulates Will as Rosario seems to be okay too. However, this new Upside Down threat is far from over. El is concerned that this could escalate, but for now, the gang returns to their usual shenanigans.
At the arcade, Dustin comes in with his trusty manual, where he believes that what attacked them was an Aboleth. Nikki pokes fun at their analogies and brings them over to see her mum, Mrs. Baxter. Baxter takes charge and speaks about evolution and how creatures can change to adapt to their environment. Facing extinction is the fastest way for creatures to evolve, and Baxter mentions how some organisms release spores to ensure the survival of their species. This is obviously what we're seeing - Upside Down spores.
The gang splits up to find clues, with Max and Lucas heading over to the pumpkin patch looking for clues. They find vines and evidence of dried-up spores. The rest of the group snaps photos of the vines in the woods where they fought the Jack-o'-lantern. They do end up finding more vines here, but Nikki's makeshift pike is enough to stop it from attacking Dustin.
The gang regroups at the Sawmill, where the Spores take more human hosts and turn into monstrous creatures. Another fight ensues, leading to a big explosion and El getting crushed under some logs.
