Chapter 1: Erou Căzut
Chapter Text
Stiles nearly dropped the phone, he could hear Lydia on the other line. His vision focused and unfocused his world condensed to a single point. The orange sunlight poured into his apartment; he was supposed to be off today. It was supposed to be a relaxing day Brett would be back soon they’d eat some good food, fuck and watch tv. Not this... Stiles sniffled loudly his voice small.
“When was it Lyds.” She paused her voice shaky she exhaled cursing under her breath.
“Last week. The Nemeton.” Stiles felt his power leak out he could feel the sensation of the objects in the room lifting and moving. He didn’t bother to move his head to look, what did it matter? His world was a single point. Derek...he died. Was killed sorry. Lydias words echoed and repeated he felt like he was drowning in it.
“On my way.” He hung up his hands numb and shaking, he wanted to cry, scream, break everything in his apartment. Instead, he leaned back into his kitchen counter eyes watery, dread in the pit of his stomach. His shoulders sagged, he hadn’t from Derek in years, and now this? He looked around his open kitchen the couch and tv across from him, the couch he and Derek had picked out years ago. He could see Derek sat watching tv some show or game could see him turn around aware Stiles was watching him.
“Aren’t you supposed to be studying?” He’d say Stiles had stood immediately dropping his sweats and tossing his shirt running over with a grin to his boyfriend. Then reality sunk back in, and Stiles choked on his sob, his heart racing in his chest.
We got this apartment together. Jesus' fuck. How...Is the nemeton active again? Did it activate and kill Derek, did something sacrifice Derek to re-awaken the damned thing. It doesn’t matter. I have to go back to Beacon hills. A dry heave erupted from him the idea that someone sacrificed Derek to that thing .
He breathed in and out once, twice. Stiles started moving rage and sorrow filling him as he crossed his modest apartment. He realized quickly his power was still active as he stepped into his bedroom he pulled his power back. Wincing as everything in his apartment fell free of his power clattering and breaking on impact. Still paused on the threshold of his room shook his head and kept moving.
Two duffels, gear, clothes and boots. Stiles hands shook as he shoved clothes into his bag he stopped as he grabbed his socks. Turning quickly, he walked over to his dresser reaching for his grimoire and bestiary. Muscle memory kicked in and his hands skated past the two and grabbing the other leather journal buried in the back. The one Derek had gifted him after the Ghost rider's incident. When Stiles power had awakened and freed him from the astral plane. Stiles smiled softly down at it. A simple brown leather journal, with a metal triskelion stuck to the front. Stiles hands scanned over the divets of the journal, the cold metal of the triskelion hummed beneath his hand a brief flash of purple and orange. Stiles felt a thousand memories wash over him, a dozen sensations his own power resonating to the memory and emotion associated with it.
“God this feels like just yesterday you were here.” And happy. Bitter memories swelled around his mind. Derek the last day they were together, Derek when they got into their first argument in this apartment. Derek when Cora wanted to leave, and he argued that she shouldn’t.
“Just let her Derek she’s a free spirit finding herself what's the big deal.” Derek had stared at him like he couldn't believe why Stiles didn’t understand.
“She’s a Hale, Stiles it’s not safe.” Stiles had been physically and metaphorically between the two siblings. “So? She’s a trained werewolf. Claws” Stiles gestured the usual flick of the wrist they all seemed to do. Derek scoffed crossing his arms his eyebrows crawling up into his eyebrows.
The argument ended when he and Derek got into a heated discussion about family and the lack of it they both had left. Stiles shook his head tears streaming easily. Cora had conceded staying another week then, Derek looked conflicted aware of how fractured Stiles and his family were. “Stile-” He hadn’t bothered to listen to him leaving the apartment then Cora hot on his feet.
Another memory floated up to his mind their 3rd year anniversary and the day Derek had snuck out in the middle of the night leaving him. Stile's heart broke now as easily as it did then. He shook himself free of his thoughts. It doesn’t matter. Something else gnawed at the back of Stiles mind it seemed desperate; a scream that stiles couldn’t find. It reminded him of when Scott roared to him in his mind.
His hands flipped the book open; Stiles found the section easily when the grimoire became more of a journal than anything else. The smell off the older pages and ink filled his nostrils. His fingers traced the passage Derek had written a brief history of his family that Stiles added more to as their years together went on. Of course, he stopped over 15 years ago when Derek had left.
Unfurling the family tree he'd folded and stuck within the pages of his journal. Letting his index finger skim down to Derek's name power held within the tip of his finger. Stiles stilled and eyed the names of the three technically four remaining Hales he inhaled deep. Adjusting his finger on the page of the family tree he made to swipe his finger across to strike the name out. Stiles stilled a physical pain clutched at his chest, his eyes watered. His eyebrows scrunched together a chorus of confusion and chaos in his mind. His power and his reason argued back and forth in his mind his minds eye trying to awaken Stiles doing his damndest to reign the power back in.
The nemeton.
A thought crept in. Stiles craned his neck up from his old journal looking over his shoulder a small voice pressing into his mind. He exhaled slowly as everything clicked into place his world back at full volume suddenly. Lydia had mentioned the nemeton. Stile's emotions had overwhelmed him, he hadn’t bothered to ask if he was on it when he died, or if was dead because of it. His mind raced as the memory of how much power would be present at such a site. A thing that even in death can call out to supernatural beings across miles and oceans. A thing that even in death can create ritual space for powerful druids to change the very weather, a dead thing that never really died. I can tap into that... Derek is a Hale. The land is his including that same Nemeton that was involved or present for his death. Stiles folded the family tree back up slamming his book shut in fluid hand. Stiles felt dizzy and his realization while a little scary could work. But it's very possible, Derek is a born Wolf with a powerful gift. I am a powerful being, I have a druid on my side too. Colin would be apprehensive about the ritual but all Stiles needed him to do was focus the energies, Stiles could do the rest.
Stiles shook his head, grabbing his three books holding them along his arms. A soft glow emanated before the books appeared closed on his arms like a dark tattoo. The book tattoos glowed faintly matching his own heartbeat. Thank fuck for that spell . He slapped his arms twice out of habit more than any ritual need. The sting a grounding presence and single-minded determination kicked in.
Stiles moved to grab his duffel for magical ingredients he double checked the various vials and containers. Grabbing his gun case, he took his sidearm, rifle, and two knives. His karambit, and throwing spike sheathed on his leg and hip. He heard his front door rattle, he expanded his consciousness out feeling who was at the door. Brett’s outlined form was highlighted in his mind's eye. Stiles could see he was nervous his heart hammering away. Stiles came back to himself ignoring his boyfriend as he walked in shooting past the mess Stiles had made.
Pulling his bulletproof vest and kevlar sleeves out on the bed. Stiles kept packing; he grabbed two shoes leaving his combat boots out to fit into. He glanced over at Brett who shook his head in regret and apology.
“Stiles...You heard ok. What’s- what are we doing?” Brett looked anxious he stood at the foot of their shared bed nervously. “Stiles.” He couldn’t find his voice yet. He kept packing until Brett went to step closer, Brett held his hands out Stiles stopped him condensing the air in front of him. Brett kept his face neutral, but Stiles knew he was hurt.
“Nemeton.” Was all he said. Brett scoffed his shoulders sagging. “I might be able to...” Stile's mind was firing on all cylinders, going through every spell, ritual, and incantation he knew. He couldn’t find his voice yet whether fear or grief he wasn't sure.
“Stiles...do you think you can bring him back?” The air between them stilled the world outside loud in their combined silence. Brett stared at him his green eyes scanning his face his nose twitching occasionally. Stiles just nodded lips pursed eyebrows going up for his forehead.
“The nemeton, the thing that brought all sorts of hell to... and you think you can use it?” Brett swallowed his Adams apple bobbing. Stiles kept packing he felt hollow now. “Stiles that's crazy the last time you did anything like that with that thing...” Stiles tossed his closed duffel onto the bed whirling on his boyfriend with an intensity neither of them was used to. They were inches away Stiles could feel the heat radiating off Brett. His boyfriend ever the sweetheart nodded and agreed as Stiles made his intention clear.
“That ugly chunk of firewood owes me.” Stiles eyes were dark his hands flexing and extending energy bubbling around them. Brett’ eyebrows scrunched together he nodded scanning Stile's face. “What do you need?” He asked his voice soft, lips red Stiles could see where he chewed them.
Stiles was grateful for how sweet his boyfriend was, how caring, how willing to help. Stiles knew most people would be more concerned their partner flying off the handle for an ex who abandoned them. “My team in a week. Especially Colin and Kira. Next week is a new moon that’s the best time to do it. I’ll be at Beacon hills tonight and start prepping this next week. The sooner the better for Derek's sake.” Brett didn’t even flinch at the name drop instead pulling his phone and conference calling everyone he stepped out into the living room for Stile's sake or maybe his own Stiles couldn’t be sure. He looked over the gear he packed, grabbing spare munitions just in case.
“Thanks babe.” He said aware he could hear him. Stiles had the two duffel's strapped to his back his boots thumping and clicking on the floorboards of their shared apartment. Brett stood at the door firing message after message away.
“I got the approval to pull the team back we should be down this weekend. I know what you’re going to say but I’d be the worst person ever if didn’t ask.” Brett put his phone down on the counter of the wrecked kitchen island. Stiles looked around before meeting Brett's gaze he gave a close-lipped smile. Brett held his arms out and Stiles all but ran into him dropping the bags before colliding with him. Stiles wrapped his arms around him, feeling the trembling muscle beneath him, the tone immovable body against him. His home for the past five years, Stiles couldn't be more grateful for the man before him.
“I’m sorry.” Stiles said into Brett's shoulder inhaling the slight musk and cologne smell. Brett shook his head sniffling a little. “I get it, I know what he means to you. Or meant. Whatever, I can go with you if you want?” Stiles shook his head no.
“I want you alive and well. Beacon hills with that thing waking up. It wouldn’t guarantee that. I couldn’t - I can’t - Ugh fuck.” Brett nodded his hands roaming up and down Stiles back.
“It’s ok it’s a lot I get it. I can be there in an instant if you need me. I will be getting extra of everything, is this like the ritual we did with Kira a few years ago?” Stiles pulled away keeping them joined at their chest, he nodded eyes feeling dry a little. Brett kept rubbing small circles and talking; more for Stile's sake than his own. “Ok I’ll explain to everyone what we’re doing so they don’t ask too many questions when we’re doing the ritual ok?” Stiles nodded agreeing,
“You’re so great. How did I get so lucky?” Brett blushed smirking a brief bite on his lower lip. “We’ve both been through some horrible shit. I hate that you’re going back to ground zero of horrible shit on your own.” Stiles nodded pulling away from Brett running his hand through his hair, it was too long, but Stiles liked when Brett played with his hair, so he didn’t care too much.
“It’s alright I have my powers, and I have training now, not as soft.” Brett poked his chest a small smirk on his features, Stiles could tell he wanted to argue weigh the pros and cons of going to Beacon hills on your own, instead he nodded looking visibly unconvinced.
Stiles was on the road moments later. He glanced up at his apartment thinking of his boyfriend, thinking of Derek, his thoughts drifted to Beacon hills. He sighed and kept on driving firing off a text to Lydia that he was on his way. He answered his dads call when it came.
“Hey kiddo.” He sounded tired, haggard. Stile's greeted his old man as his heart swelled. “I hate that you're coming back here.” Stiles snorted in agreement.
“Yeah, I hate that you never left. You sound tired.” His dad chuckled. They stayed on the phone for half of the drive down. Stiles recited some quick spells and drew symbols in the air to pass the time when the traffic got bad. He answered calls and texts from his team, replied to messages from Isaac who was doing additional research for Stiles from England.
Stiles dropped his phone in his lap eyeing the “Welcome to Beacon Hills” Sign the population number had gone up since Stiles last visit almost a decade ago. He sighed rolling his eyes.
“Here we go again.” His car hummed as he drove past the town boundary. He felt dread and fear settle in the pit of his gut.
Chapter 2: Return to form
Summary:
Back in Beacon Hills, dinner and a stroll through the woods.
Notes:
Sorry this took so long, I'm lazy.
This one didn't go how I anticipated but the moment for it could not have been better for me story wise. Remember certain scenes they will come into play laterrr
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The drive into town was easy and quiet maybe he was overthinking it but he half expected a rampaging monster to smash up his car. Stiles instead ignored the curious glances some of the residents in the street shot him all of them noting his semi-flashy car. A two door Bronco with a storage for gear attached to the top, tinted windows that were just barely legal. Stiles wondered if the glances were because people recognized him. No matter how old I am... dad’s still the sherif .
Stiles mostly off memory now, made his way driving past the old high school. Which was now under construction, renovating because it needs upkeep or supernatural attack? Stiles stretched his power out allowing his senses to ping supernatural residual energy. He blinked as the energy came back faint, a feeling of distance settling into the back of his mind. No supernatural attacks in the recent years? Stiles was a mix of relief and envy, at least the kids of today could put the horrible past of the town behind them. He drove off as the streetlights flicked on, Stiles jumped shaking his head trying to rid himself of his nerves.
He drove past Eichen house which led him well into mid-day. Had it always been this far? No, I guess I'm just more impatient now. He didn’t bother stretching his senses out, he knew Eichen house held some type of supernatural being or horror within or beneath it. He paused outside eyeing it. The front obscured both by the height of the foundation and the bushes around the front of it. He scoffed at it when he noticed someone ducking back and forth behind a bush, he flicked his wrist in an attempt to disregard it, but he drove off a little quicker than he intended his heart thumping in his chest.
The sheriff station was calm less people inside, mostly some out of shape deputies and a handful of new recruits talking. He caught his dad’s secretary catching up quickly before she told his dad he was here. Stile's heart swelled in his chest, his dad looked good, he glowed with the energy of a man who’s being fed well and loved.
“Melissa looks good on you.” As he said he cringed at how gross it sounded, his dad scoffed. “Don’t change kiddo.” He said running a big, calloused hand through his hair, whistling impressed.
“Definitely your mother's side.” Stiles nodded ducking his head sheepishly as they walked into the sheriff's office. Stiles took in the sight it looked clean, the blinds open letting the natural daylight in, Stiles could smell some plants and herbs in the air. A quick glance and Stiles caught sight of the plants lining the shelves, his dad caught his gaze and shrugged.
“Beacon hills ya know.” Stiles nodded moving to lean on his dad's desk. “You came because of Dereks...” His dad cleared his throat, avoiding Stiles eyes. He scratched the side of his temple, anxious habit clear as day. Stiles felt some guilt at the reaction though he wasn’t sure why it wasn’t his fault. Stiles shrugged nodding crossing his arms eyes downcast.
“It was.” He whistled composing himself, “Last week, we got close since Derek moved back.” Stiles ignored the complicated feelings that bubbled up, the knowledge that all of his previous visits Derek had purposely avoided him hurt rushed through his chest in ways he didn’t want to deal with right now. He pushed that into a box in the back of his mind to unpack and deal with later.
“Parrish, he- to stop the Nogitsune.” Stile's expression dropped he crossed his arms furious. “He lit up like he does, and Derek held the two of them to Parrish.” John cleared his throat again his gaze distant. He’d been there. Stiles realized morbidly, he’d seen Derek die in the same way his family had: Engulfed in flames. Stiles took his dad into a quick hug offering apologies immediately. His mind dancing around what the implication of Parrish’ involvement would mean for the ritual.
“His kid. Dereks.” John huffed his age and exhaustion now clear on his face. “He was there too.” Stiles felt his head spin, his stomach lurch. Derek had a kid? A son? It wasn’t impossible, Stiles knew that, but his heart ached in a way it hadn’t in a long time. His throat felt dry, his world sideways.
“That’s immensely difficult to see. Poor kid, he with his mom?” Stiles asked aware he was using his ‘Agent’ voice. John caught it his eyes narrowing slightly before he relaxed again.
“No mom as far as I know. She’s not in the picture. That’s for certain.” He said with a sort of exasperated comical expression. Curious what that could mean but the revelation of a son, still hurt him Stiles was good, a trained agent, powerful magician of sorts. Stiles was still human, and his heart broke in his chest over and over again. Instead, he nodded aware his dad would say more as they spoke, all his questions would be answered in time. Stiles instead offered food instead standing and waving his wallet in the air.
“You want to get burgers? With me?” John eyed him suspiciously Stiles huffed a small laugh easily nodding.
“Whatever Melissa has you eating looks good, you look healthy and maybe a greasy burger will do me some good.” Stiles inhaled a shaky breath, “That was a lot just now.” John winced aware he was dropping bombs.
“Aright then I’m driving you could use a beer looks like.” Stiles didn’t agree he didn’t disagree either. John moved to his safe in the office punching in a code Stiles easily memorized watching his dad grab a clip with unique looking bullets. Stiles cocked a brow at him where did his dad get bullets with wolfsbane? The Argents? Looking around Stiles noticed the mountain ash wood desk, baton, silver letter opener. Stiles was sure he would find mistletoe if he opened the safe again.
“It’s a donation program Derek started.” Stiles nodded his memory of the Hale foundation floating back up. Chris Argent had spoken to him about it, providing hunter information on various supernatural's, providing weaponry to Beacon Hills specifically. Stiles didn’t like the idea of the program but the team he was leader was more or less the same of what the program was anyway, so he didn’t exactly have a lot of ground to stand on. Defending humans and protecting or helping supernatural entities. It was difficult work being employed by a program that didn’t exist he was happy his dad at least had resources.
The diner was a newer one put in by some millennial with a dream, though why they chose Beacon Hills was beyond his reasoning. Might be more affordable than most given the history of the town. But then Stiles didn't care too much the inside smelled good they sat in a booth with a clear view of the parking lot.
Stiles gave their orders flashing his ID for a mojito. As he took his ID back he stretched his power at the woman and find her to be what he expected, a supernatural. She flinched at their contact hesitating but smiling quickly turning on heel “Back with those orders!” She eyed Stiles suspiciously, before going away to the kitchen.
“What was that?” His dad asked eyeing the woman as she retreated, and searching his sons face.
“Wanted to see if she was human, she’s not.” John whistled impressed.
“That little trick won’t show you or tell you what she is?” He asked sipping water casually but his curiosity was clear on his features.
Stiles shrugged “If I pushed more of my power into her yeah, but then she’d know I wasn’t entirely human, and not just sort of suspect. Downsides to what I can do.” John nodded a small smile dancing on his features.
“Must be useful for what your line of work?” Stiles nodded swiping his thumb across the wet glass in front of him. His dad sighed glancing around the diner at the other handful of scattered patrons.
“Son look.” His dad exhaled once eyes full of sadness Stiles wasn’t sure if it was for him or Derek's recent death. “He...Derek made the wrong choice in how you two ended. That’s for sure; that’s something we talked about constantly.” Stile's heart couldn’t take more heartbreak, but he wouldn’t lash out at his dad, he sighed. “But don’t beat yourself up over his choices, okay?” Stiles inhaled his chest rising, he nodded at his dad mumbling a small thanks.
“Besides Eli is a sweet kid and I hate to ask but I think he needs you to.” Stiles frowned down at the table shooting his dad a quick glance at his dad. Some kid I've never met needs me? Help me obi-wan Stiles said to himself.
“What makes you say that?” John nodded to himself Stiles could see the internal pep talk not through his power but rather through simply being his son.
“He just became a wolf, A Hale wolf at that. If he’s anything like Derek was.” John looked around the parking lot before continuing; “Peters more relaxed and reliable but I haven’t seen him since Derek's...Anyway Eli is staying with me, but he wants to go home. Nobody really knew Derek he keeps hearing all these stories from people who...” His dad ran a rough hand through his hair Stiles could see scalp from the force of it.
“Derek liked to present a front and Scott bless him holds onto pain more than he’d like to admit and I didn’t like what he was saying to Eli.” Stiles understood suddenly Scott didn’t mean to say bad things or less than favorable things about Derek, but he probably did. Eli was a new wolf so instead of forcing to Eli to submit to an Alpha that isn’t his John just took him in.
“Ok. I’ll help.” Stiles had three wolves on his team including Brett two of those wolves had just come into their power one bitten one born. A wolf new to his powers didn’t scare or even worry Stiles. His dad held a proud look on his eyes, eventually the supernatural waitress came over.
“I’m so sorry I hate to ask, but do I know you from somewhere?” She asked Stiles pointedly, he shook his head but let his power flash golden and purple in his eyes, the iris lighting up briefly but noticeably.
“Nope, just recognize one of my own.” It was a partial lie of course not that she would know. She nodded her throat working with nervous energy, she nodded at John before taking off back to the kitchen a little quicker. Stiles fingers danced through the air quickly sigils igniting and fading quickly through the air by his plate of food. The air thickened before fading back to normal John frowned at his son uncertain of the intention.
“It’s a privacy rune. She can’t listen in.” John cocked his head over to the waitress who was eyeing them from across the counter, her face illuminated by the kitchen window. “Something all supernatural's have in common, they hate, being outed. They like to think they hold the first and last word on strange. Really gets under their skin when you catch them before they catch you. I Usually only do that to unsettle and get answers to questions. Being caught unawares makes you easier to catch in a lie.” Stiles sipped his drink a little clearing his throat when the alcohol burned his throat.
“But I may need names and references later so I let her know I might be one of them. No idea if she’s a wolf but if she is. She’s confused at how steady my heartbeat was and how neutral my voice. A half lie is as good as a half truth.” John scoffed, a smile wide and pearly dancing behind his cup of tea.
“You kind of sound like that bald vet.” Stiles snorted a laugh which yeah, he did. The two shared a laugh before digging into the delicious food.
Stiles was a little buzzed his cheeks felt ruddy and his head felt a little full. He watched the road and out of the corner of his eye he kept an eye on his dad, calm, wise and put together in a way Stiles only remembered from childhood. Beacon Hills at night was peaceful the road slick with a small shine of water, streetlights dancing and reflecting off the water on the road. The occasional jogger on the road; quintessential small-town vibes. A calm settled over him, Stiles almost forgot why he left, almost they drove past the preserve. He saw something dart between the trees and stand at the edge of the shadows.
Stiles sat up letting his power sink into his senses, he could see it then; the flow of energy thick and powerful but more than that he could hear someone crying. He pulled his power back quickly his breathing heavy. John pulled over quickly Stile’s car humming quietly beneath them.
“Son what is it?” Stiles sat up, he shook his head willing his power to clean the buzz away from his mind, shaking his head more out of habit than any mystical reason. Stiles stared into the preserve.
“Trust me I hate it too. I think someone's in the preserve I heard them crying.” John sighed eyeing the edges of the preserve, grabbing his work phone. “Yeah, Parrish pop by the preserve in an hour if you don’t hear from me.” The two walked in gingerly, the two fumbling slightly as they tripped over roots and debris.
“Hold on.” Stiles focused and two globules of light came into existence near their head illuminating around them for 15 feet in any direction. Stiles took his dads hands lowered his sleeves, feeling the older textured skin, muscles and veins. Stiles's power burned into his dads' arms and hands.
He hissed slightly, Stiles whispered a quick apology, before showing his dad how to strengthen and weaken the lights. Runes dotting the lines of his arms fading in and out as the lights sustained themselves.
“It’s rune magic dad. You can control how bright and when to turn it off.” He showed him how to turn the globule off. His dad eyebrows crawled into his hairline, looking at Stiles with pride.
“It will only burn as much energy as turning on a flashlight or starting a fire would, but if you start feeling tired. Well, more so than usual that is. Tell me?” His dad nodded patting his sons face twice before leading them in. They made their way deeper into the preserve, Stiles noted after some time the trees and terrain had shifted the dark obtruding his vision.
“Shit.” He cursed wincing as his dad shot him a look. “Sorry dad.” John sighed urging Stiles to continue. “We’re being lead somewhere; the terrain is moving.” John looked around them, shrugging waiting for Stiles on what to do next.
Stiles drew sigils in the air they burned and fizzled before popping out of existence.
“Oh, fuck me sideways.” Stiles huffed, “It's a natural occurrence” He blew out an exasperated breath “It’s the Nemeton.” He decided a natural thing with immense power was the only logical explanation.
“C’mon then let's see what this is. I’ll be back up.” His dad said stepping next to Stiles gun in hand Stiles nodded touching his throwing knife but keeping it sheathed. Together they walked through the preserve listening to the tree's creek and the rustle of winds. It felt imposing in the nighttime, the preserve alive in a way it hadn’t been for a long time.
Sweat slicked skin, dirt scuffed pants, the trees that seemingly drew into them from above the globules of light Stiles summoned seemed to dim considerably.
“That supposed to happen to them?” Stiles shook his head no, when the trees cleared.
The clearing was open and bathed in moonlight the wind quieted down the area around the stump looked greener than Stiles had ever seen it. Was this from Dereks death? When he asked his dad, he nodded it hadn’t looked like that a week ago. Stiles rolled his shoulders moving up the stump, circling it looking it over for any changes, growth, hell even decay.
“Tell me, talk to me.” Stiles said touching the Nemeton but retracting his power as far back into himself as he could. He nodded at his dad extinguishing his own globule of light, before sit cross legged on the Nemeton. Stiles stretched his senses out and let his third eye awaken he could see it then. The tear surrounded by burn marks, Stiles could feel sorrow engulf him. He choked back a sob. “ Why” he said aloud and with his own power.
Not like this. A voice both masculine and feminine said in his mind.
N ot like this help me.
Its power was intense, a river of power, potential coursing through him suddenly before retreating into the nature around him. Stiles had never come across another Nemeton in his time out in the field. This stump was unfortunately unique which meant Stiles knew very little outside of surface level things. Old powerful place of rituals and usually on a ley lines, usually called supernatural beings to it.
Stiles retracted his power and scampered away from the Nemeton. He recognized the pain it was in, the anguish, deep deep sorrow.
“What'-” John trailed off eyes darting between Stiles and the stump.
“It’s in pain, the burns.” The death it absorbed the essence of those who passed on it, the Nogitsune. Derek, and something else. Something older. “ It’s weird I’ve- I don’t know.” Stiles blinked a few times confusion a swirl of emotion in his mind. “I think I can help it. I just need time to see what it’s taken in.” John looked apprehensive the white globule of light made his face look strange and older.
“I don’t like the sound of that son. This thing...” Stiles nodded agreeing.
“I need to do more research I need to talk to a druid.” He sighed Deaton would be a dead end, but he maybe knew somebody who was older, wiser or a few good books.
They made their way out of the preserve John extinguishing his globule of light. “Nifty.” He said smiling getting into the passenger seat.
Back in his childhood home Stiles was shocked to find Lydia and Melissa on the porch. Lydia dressed in black jeans, a white tank and a loose shawl over her shoulders. Melissa in scrubs both women lighting up at the sight of Stiles with his duffel. John greeted them both easily waiting for the greetings between Stiles and the two women to pass.
“Stiles, wow your hair!” Melissa said running her soft hands through it quickly. Stiles grinned sheepishly at her before poking Lydia, wrinkling his nose in question. She shrugged her red hair swept back over her shoulder.
“I’m only here for another week or so, can’t have too much time off. Running a company and what not.” She sounded annoyed, “Not like my ‘time off’ is actual time off anyway.” She pursed her lips scanning Stile's face. John and Melissa excused themselves before going inside. Stiles drew sigils in the air, the air around them thickened before returning to normal.
“Dereks kid?” Stiles said pulling a cigarette out of his back pocket, a nasty habit he knew that but in fairness he hadn’t smoked in almost a year. This was a just cause to break that. Lydia wrinkled her nose moving to stand away from the smoke. Stiles noted that she eyed it semi- hungrily.
“He’s a sweet kid Stiles; it sucks that this happened. He’s doing as can be expected but I think he feels lost, Peter despite my best effort is really trying when it comes to him, he’s MIA now has been since Derek pass-”
“Was killed you mean.” Lydia paused watching him for a moment, “By Parrish, stupid reckless Parrish.” Lydia head moved side to side like she usually did when she wanted to disagree but not argue.
“It was a tough call and an impossible situation; the Nogitsune. It became a hybrid.” Stiles scoffed “Of course it did. Bullshit nonsense but sure it’s a hybrid.” Lydia scoffed taking a puff of what was left of Stiles cigarette.
“It was an impossible situation, Derek did what nobody else had the courage to do.” Stiles nodded his eyes smarting a little. Lydia continued “Malia you know isn’t the best at person-to-person interaction. She’s not as lost as she once was but she’s too abrasive for a sweetheart like Eli. Cora is almost here though she's a therapist she may be what he needs to live a somewhat normal life.” Lydia waved her hand around as she said it. Stiles nodded the news of Cora was something he hadn’t known, he hadn’t even thought to reach out to her.
“Dad asked me to help with Eli.” Lydia nodded like she expected that to be the case. She finished his cigarette rolling the remains between her fingers.
“I remember how good you were with Scott and Liam so that makes sense plus you have those nifty powers.” Stiles scoffed and repeated nifty at her, she smacked his arm lightly curling into his side, she was warm and smelled like clean laundry.
“I can bring him back.” Stiles said into their companionable silence. He was aware that his rune was on a time limit, he had to get this out before it ended. “Derek, I mean. I went to the Nemeton a little bit ago; it doesn’t want his death. It wants to be free of it.” He neglected to mention the tear surrounded by burn marks, or the other the Nemeton had taken in. Lydia pulled away from him scanning his face unsure, she nodded her lips pursed.
“What do you need for something like that? It’s not like when Peter did his resurrection is it?” Stiles shook his head she looked visibly relieved. “It’s using the power the Nemeton took in during his sacrifice. It’s easier knowing he did what he did to save everyone, plus the Nogitsune had tails, kitsune tails have immense power but I don't need to tell you that.” Lydia nodded she had been there the day Kira had realized her fifth tail.
“Don’t mention that to Eli if it doesn’t work...” Stiles nodded glancing back at his dad’s house. The air shimmered and the world seemed a little louder now Lydia looked around her eyes taking in the surrounding before landing on Stiles she looked impressed. Stiles would have killed to get Lydia to look at him like that when he was younger.
“Spells over obviously.” He said sarcastically She scoffed a ‘yeah’ before heading back inside. readjusting his duffel on his shoulder before going back inside after Lydia. His childhood home was warm, decorated in the same old furniture, it smelled like burned toast. His dad had a beer in hand and Melissa had one as well both of them with their shoes off walked up to them.
His dad gestured with a wide movement of his arm, as Eli stepped out of the kitchen bits of toast on his shirt.
“Stiles, Eli. Eli Stiles.” Stiles set his bags down before looking up at what felt like a mirror. A young boy maybe fifteen dressed in slacks, a black shirt with flannel over it, messy brown rat nets hair. Stiles could see Derek in the curve of his mouth, nose, but the eyes. A soft hazel brown that seemed lit up from within as he gave a small wave at Stiles who felt suddenly so fiercely protective of the young boy.
“Hey, your dads cool, I’ve been sleeping in your old room sorry.” He rubbed the back of his head a small blush painting his features, Stiles noted the splash of moles across his face and one on his neck where his jaw and neck met, Stiles had a similar one. He frowned at it he could feel his magic rear up within him yearning to reach out towards the young Hale.
“Hey, I'm Stiles good to meet you.” They shook hands and Stiles felt something stir within the back of his mind it screamed at him but inaudibly. A clue or pattern he couldn’t recognize.
Notes:
My usual chapter length is 10-12 we'll see what we end up doing.
John and Derek being close made sense and don't worry Stiles will unpack that later. It just doesn't make sense to have him argue with his dad over things like that especially since they see each other so rarely.
Eli my precious summer child.
Lydia! I had a bit of hard time finding her voice. I'm working on it I promise. To note: I don't agree with a lot of the opinions the actress made but Lydia is the part of the weave of teen wolf I couldn't not include her.
Mama McCall! Scott next chapter! Not anti Scott but being a morally righteous character leaves room for conflict and this would be my first time writing for a character like that, so without compromising what makes a character righteous! I will try to make conflict for the character bear with me.
Chapter 3: A druid about a book
Summary:
Stiles settles in at his dads house, dreams, breakfast, and a druid later.
Notes:
More Eli and Stiles dynamic,
Deaton TW
Feedback and comments welcome below! Been planning this fic for a year or so I'm happy to actually be doing this!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Stiles settled onto his dad’s old couch, the leather chaffed rough in some parts, he grabbed a spare blanket from where they were usually kept. He smiled to himself recognizing some of Melissa’s blankets and covers. Nice dad happy for you. A small tug at his heart strings Stiles shut the door slowly pressing his forehead into the door. It feels wrong, but I don’t know what. It can’t be Derek...Well not just Derek, Eli Beacon Hills so much has changed and yet so far not much has. I miss Brett. Stiles sighed uncertain if tears or rage wanted to battle for a place in his heart. So, he made himself focus on why he was here.
Tucking the spare blanket into the couch Stiles mind reeled back to the ritual he was putting together in his mind. Stiles realized with a deep sense of dread that he would need a familial tether, blood ties, something of his, and of course the essence that encompassed him. Stile's mind kept wondering back to the irony of the ritual and Derek’s own life as a werewolf. Derek needs an anchor in life to pull him from death. Stiles let a small smile tug at his lips, he scoffed weighing his options. Peter or Cora could work... But Eli could work better...No. He shook his head physically attempting to remove the thought from himself. He turned onto his back staring at the ceiling.
Stiles decided Eli was too young to see that sort of magic and this wasn’t like Peters resurrection, Stiles would be either pulling Derek's essence from the Nemeton. The Nemeton would remake him, if that was even possible. Or it would be me that has to remake Derek's physical body. Stiles shuddered inwardly his throat dry, not at the stress off what he could do, more so the fact that he knew he could do it easily . He needed more information; he needed to spend time studying the Nemeton at least half a day he could stretch his consciousness into it a process more intimate than what he’d done earlier with his dad. Tucking a hand behind his head he fired off a few texts to his team, scrolling to the bottom of his camera roll finding a few pictures of him and Derek.
Stiles didn’t let himself think of why Derek left all those years ago. The picture was of Derek's bare back the triskelion clear as day next to a few scratches Stiles had left. “I just want to time it. Ya know? See how long they last stay still Eyebrows.” Derek scoffed at the pet name insult. The man turned and tackled Stiles onto the bed but more like he took the weight of him as they went down. Stiles giggled and nipped his way along Derek' jaw then. The duo wrapped up in each other Stiles purposely remade the scratches on Derek's back before tracing his open palms up and down Derek's side. He sighed shaking his head, nose itchy he let the memory pass if he closed his eyes he could smell the soap clean smell of Derek.
That didn’t matter, not right now anyway. The past had gone, and the future was coming quickly. When he brought him back, he would reprimand and yell until he was blue in the face. Stiles turned onto his side ignoring the responses to his messages. Exhaustion pulled him under his eyes, closing inhaling the familiar scent of his dads house.
His dreams felt chaotic and hot sweltering sweat sticking to his skins, his arms exposed, his legs feeling the slight breeze that went past. He was walking on an open dirt road dust billowing up around his bare feet. Stiles was dressed only in white linens, his bare thighs more exposed than he would have liked. He turned in a circle looking around the open space on one side an open field of wheat, quiet, and serene. To his left he could hear screams, wails, and in the distance the small form of a small man pushing a massive boulder up a hill. Stiles stopped his head whipping around to take in his surroundings, Stiles could imagine and clue together where he was. Though he didn’t dare to voice it in his head out or out loud.
In the distance a massive obsidian and white marble castle, stalactites above glinting with gems and minerals. He walked towards not knowing where else he can or should go. Stiles frowned his power noting an absence of immense power, it did nothing to quell his nerves. What lived there?
He made it up to a riverbank an empty boat with a lantern that changed intensity as the boat rocked. Stiles stretched his hand out feeling the soft, treated wood beneath his hand. Gold coins littered the floor of the boat glinting and winking up at him as the lights flickered swaying back and forth. Stiles stretched his power out again the coins pinged residual psychic energy some more faded than others. Ignoring what he found Stiles looked out beyond the riverbank he saw a massive black shadow. A form that resembled a wolf Stiles stared at it paced back and forth between where Stiles was and behind him. Stiles gave a quick look behind him, finding nothing he gasped quietly when the form looked turned to face him head on. The shadow form with three eyes stared at him each eye a different color.
Red, yellow, and blue. The colors weren’t lost on Stiles but what did this form represent? This was a dream or was this the thing the consumed by the Nemeton?
Above it stood a flame of blue and red flickering in and out brightly above the head of the beast. Its ear stood straight up if Stiles unfocused his vision it could almost be a crown.
A tail swished and flicked fluffy and long with a oddly shaped point at the end. The beast facing Stiles now he noted the bulk on the creature. The beasts' sides seemed to protrude from the flanks of the beast. Stiles squatted down on the banks of the river the beast across from him snarled and flashed white sharp teeth whisps of smoke curling and unfurling from its mouth. Stiles stepped back instinctively; the beast relaxed. The water? The beast moved from side to side the wings furling and unfurling against its flank.
He felt its gaze as it bore into his mind unable to resist Stiles looked at it somehow meeting all three eyes at once.
Older than the written but as old as the dawn.
Stiles blinked as the voices of everyone he could recall echoed in his mind repeating the words. Projection? But who or what.
Stile's wonder faded as he turned to cry out for the beast. When he turned it was gone. Blinking in wonder more than shock in its place, remained a wisp of ashes and embers that caught the wind and drifted down stream, Stiles followed it to the encompassing darkness beyond the river. The silence of the riverbank consuming him Stiles noted the gates, the faded footprints, gold coins scattered, and half covered in dirt. Stiles followed the embers the final sparks fading as a wall of darkness ate them. In that darkness he saw a shifting form move slowly rising a ripple in the space by the riverbank.
Two red eyes blinked into existence, then four, then six. Massive and tall its head rising continuously red eyes narrowing white teeth flashing in the darkness. Stiles stepped back as the creature stepped forward, they followed each other like this. A slow steady step each entity made. Stiles noted the darkness following the beast beyond the dark keeping its form hidden from him. What is this? Panic welled inside Stiles he turned and ran his feet kicking up mud and sand as his feet hit the riverbank.
Time to wake up! Stiles time to wake up! He shot up on his dad's couch sweat slicking his hair to this forehead, his neck wet, warm and cold all at once. He inhaled recalling the dream vividly. His head whipped around drinking in his surroundings, he felt awake, aware. His phone buzzed angrily on the wood floor underneath the couch. Reaching out with his power the phone flew into his hand. He answered without bothering to check the caller id.
“Hey babe morning.” Brett chuckled on the other end still finding the pet name endearing even after all these years.
“Sorry to wake you. Not that I'm not enjoying the early morning voice.” Stiles could hear the shuffle of their comforter from his end. Stiles smirked enjoying Brett's sexy voice, but aware of the house guest.
“Not too much got a teenage werewolf at my dad's.” Stiles cast his silence rune through the air before him, it fizzled and extinguished as it took effect.
“Whoa who? Don’t tell me they're turning teenagers again.” Stiles explained Eli, and his budding powers. Dereks son Brett said breathless in amazement, shock, and mild anger coloring his voice. “I feel like I want to say sorry? Ugh this is an impossible situation. How do you feel? I can't actually see you shrug so I need an answer.” Stiles huffed a laugh. Running a hand through his hair, Stiles leaned back half on half off the couch his bare feet covered in dirt and bits of grass Stiles frowned. That can’t be good. If it was possible for him to even be possessed would he have been? He assumed no. He hoped for it more than anything.
“I don’t know if it matters...I guess shocked, betrayed. But there’s something about the kid. Dad asked me to help him. I want to, but I don’t know if I'm mature enough to get past De...” Stiles voiced trailed off as he stood up from the couch the silence rune moving with him. He grabbed his bathroom caddy pulling a towel with it. He kept his gaze down at his feet the entire time, wondering briefly if he brought anything else back. Brett's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
“Well, that’s a fair emotion to have. Just don’t take whatever baggage you have with Derek out on him, okay?” Stiles nodded bumping the door to his dad's upstairs bathroom open with his hip.
“I know. You know I love my dad but it’s a big ask and I came here with a specific intention. I just feel like it's a useless thing to ask.” Stiles could see Brett reaction in his imagination eyebrows shooting up in judgement before reigning in his best neutral expression. Stiles brushed his teeth as Brett spoke.
“I don’t doubt your power and I don’t doubt what Colin can do. Have you thought that maybe the resurrection won’t work? You have to consider we may end up with a teenage boy on our hands. And a Hale at that. Meaning Peter, Malia, Malias crazy ass mom. Cora’s great I would love to see her more.” Stiles could hear the elation and concern in his voice. He switched to face time. Brett’s blonde hair askew atop his head, sleep on his face. Stiles knew he called the moment he woke up the thought was endearing.
“Sounds like you’ve made your mind up about Eli.” Stiles considered Brett’s past with his previous pack. Brett shrugged he had that look on his face that meant yes, he had made his mind up. “Up to you babe your past love.” Stiles grimaced rolling his eyes, annoyed and embarrassed all at once. Propping the phone up as he started the shower, he could see Brett adjust and sit up. His boyfriends eyes bright and interested in Stiles current actions. The two shared a small scoff laugh with each other.
“How much time is left on that rune?” Stiles smirked at his boyfriend on face time before stripping and stepping into the shower.
Stiles started a fresh pot of coffee noting the brand Melissa drank when she was sick of the other brand she usually drank. He smirked noting how mixed Melissa was with his dad, that told Stiles that short of living here she spent enough time to invade the Stilinski household with her belongings. He smiled happy for his dad and the relationship in his life.
He threw together some huevos rancheros basically an expert chef having to constantly cook for three near ravenous werewolves, a druid-sorcerer and a Kitsune. He made extra toast remembering that Eli had crumbs of it on his shirt yesterday.
“Mmm smells good. I missed your morning cooking's after a Scott- Stiles special this looks great.” Melissa said bedhead apparent and wrapped up in a robe with embroidery all along the seems of the robe. Stiles ducked his head pointing out the cups as he set his dad's table. Eli shuffled down moments later Stiles took the coffee cup out of his hand shoving a cup or orange juice in his hand instead. Eli gave him a look Stiles just cocked a brow at him in challenge Eli twisted his mouth side to side before sitting down beside Melissa who beamed at him in that motherly way she used to do to Scott. Eli had a bit of a blush on his cheeks, but he gave her a close-lipped smile in turn.
“Morning kiddo.” His dads voice rang out both Eli and Stiles answered at the same time meeting each other's gaze across the table. Stiles snorted a laugh elbowing his dad as he passed.
“Meant both of you by the way.” John said kissing Melissas forehead before sitting down. Eli looked down sheepishly a blush creeping up his ears, Stiles couldn’t shake how similar to Derek he was.
“Kind of looks like when.” Stiles held a hand nodding as he sipped his coffee, passing out toast to everyone and serving breakfast. “I was thinking the same.” Eli frowned into his plate annoyed at being excluded Stiles didn’t need to know the kid or extend his power to know that.
“Your dad’s teenage self was pulled to the present and you look just like him which ya know makes perfect sense.” Eli mouth twisted into an ‘o’ nodding all the same.
“Did you...were you close.” Stiles kept his emotions in check as best he could. He nodded,
“Yeah, wouldn’t have survived high school if it wasn’t because of Derek.” John gave him a curious look Melissa nodded conceding the point to Stiles. Stiles tried to ignore the sting in his heart as he talked but his voice quivered, nonetheless as he explained how he met Derek. Stiles didn’t include the fact that they dated John and Melissa exchanging a curious look at each other but saying nothing.
Eli noticed his eyes scanning Stiles face sympathy and pain deep within the colors that mixed Derek's own and whoever his mother was. After a moment and a few more stories of Stiles high school and the dangers they faced back then Eli eyebrows went up his eyes darting back and forth.
“Well, it wasn’t always bad, but it was pretty bleak then. But now it's been good but then it-it uh wasn’t. Anyway, be happy because it can be good now.” Melissa said nodding and smiling sweetly. John and Stiles exchanged a look smiling into their cups. Scott inherited his awkwardness form somewhere and Stiles loved when he remembered it came from Melissa.
“Plans today kiddo?” John said pointing at Stiles to end the painful silence.
“Gotta see Deaton. Talk to a book about a druid or whatever the inverse is.” Stiles said sipping his coffee he winced at how much coffee he put in the pot this morning. John looked apprehensive Melissa held a finger up between bites.
“Is the Nemeton .” She whispered, “Awake?” Stiles nodded slightly pursing his lips in what he made to seem like defeat.
“Yeah, gotta see how I can stop it before it gets worse.” Stiles bit off some toast scooping some of the breakfast up quickly swallowing it down. “Wanna come with?” He asked Eli who looked back and forth at everyone confused. John leaned back arm outstretched behind Melissa, a pleased look on his face.
“Take the jeep.” John winked at Eli who avoided Stiles eyes completely.
“Am I missing something?” Eli stood quickly clearing his plate, Stiles noted how almost full his plate was. “Gotta shower bye.” The teen said quickly ducking out of the kitchen area, John and Melissa shared an amused look with each other.
“You would steal my jeep?” Stiles asked incredulously, fond exasperation in his voice.
“Well, Sheriff said you left it behind and Dad spent so much time fixing it I just assumed it was mine or would be. I-I just wanted to cut to when it would be mine ya know?” Stiles paused his eyes blinking quickly to keep the emotion at bay.
“Gotcha, I probably woulda done the same. Actually I did!" Stiles said excitement in his voice as he remembered. "Dad never actually gave me the jeep I just started driving it one day.” Stiles glanced at Eli out of the corner of his eye he recognized the state he was in distressed exhaustion. Stiles fought every urge to reach out and offer comfort. It wasn’t Stiles’ place, and it would be strange. They drove on and Stiles listened as Eli spat fact after fact filled to the brim with nervous energy and desperate to fill the silence. Stiles could remember what he was like when he understood what his moms passing meant. He could remember the desire to be busy.
“Stiles.” Eli paused mid-sentence; Stiles face him quickly wrinkling his nose at him in question. “Why did my dad do that..." Stiles heart nearly fell out of his chest; he swallowed the lump in his throat hard clicking as it went down. Considering the answers, ignoring the frustration, ignoring the sorrow that welled up within him.
“He was a hero. At his core, at his being that's who he was. He cared a lot.” Eli nodded. “And I'm sure everyone has told you some variation of Derek and how he used to be. He was complex that's not in question. But Derek always cared, about everyone.” Stiles felt good saying that it felt like a confession he imagined you could give at church and feel good about after.
Eli’ eyes watered but behind the tears that never fell, Stiles noted the hint of pride in his eyes. He nodded twice digging around in the center console for tissues.
“That better be for tears and snot and nothing else!” He said with a hint of humor Eli scoffed a small laugh the tip of his ear a little red. Stiles slowly turned the radio up, he noted his car made no noise now, no clunks or danger of it overheating. It felt like a different car except for the similar shell.
“Can’t believe how well they got my car to work, Derek must have learned to be some great mechanic.” Stiles asked Eli smiled brightly he didn’t resemble Derek then Stiles imagine he looked more like whoever his mother is.
“That's how dad was. He was always good at fixing things.” Eli said proudly. Stiles’ breath caught in his chest he blinked fast twice before nodding. Anything he could think to say died in his throat. Why did Derek do that?
Deaton looked the same, his office however looked a little more updated sleek floors, better lighting, and wooden doors instead of steel. Stiles scoffed when he noticed the runes carved in, Eli frowned at him Stiles just shook his head. Supernatural cameras and alarms, good ole vet has tapped into new skills. Stiles knew two of the runes would show when someone was at the door and the ones either side of it were meant to keep out or expel physical supernatural entities.
“Ah Stiles and young Eli.” Eli looked a little uncomfortable at the greeting but he waved politely. Stiles scoffed crossing his arms.
“Still weird Alan, knock it off and say hi normally.” Deaton smiled but shrugged. Eli excused himself to the bathroom.
“I take it you heard about Derek? Curious to travel with his son. Given your past.” Stiles shrugged this time. Ignoring the curious looks Deaton was giving him.
“Dad asked me to help, and I think Eli needs a gentle reminder of who and how great Derek is.” Stiles looked over in the direction of the bathroom noting the shadow hanging behind the close door. He drew his silence rune in front of Deaton the energy flashing and flaring out of existence.
“Need books on the Nemeton or a druid more knowledgeable than you.” Deaton’s eyebrows went up he crossed his arms moving past the counter and leaning against it.
“Anything I can help with?” Stiles explained the life force caught in the Nemeton. Deaton listened intently, frowning and relaxing his face as Stiles recalled what he found when he searched the Nemeton.
“Well, if you recall the story of Merlin.” Stiles scoffed moving to lean next to the man.
“Yeah, Morgana or whoever trapped him in a tree. This may be like that but how do I free the Nemeton from the death, it doesn’t want it.” Deaton frowned rubbing his chin in thought.
“My powers were different from yours, me being a druid and you being someone who is similar to a mage or sorcerer.” Stiles waited for Deaton to reveal that he knew what Stiles was. A moment passed and Stiles realized he didn't actually know. Stiles felt some pride blossom and bloom inside him hiding what he was from Deaton seemed like a feat he had been desperate to accomplish.
“But to my knowledge and the druids before me, trees Nemeton or not do not speak. Do your powers allow you to commune with nature in that way?” Stiles nodded, keeping his eyes on the floor by his feet, keeping his power contained deep within himself. He wondered about the mud he tracked in from his dream. Deaton' scratched his chin as he spoke.
“If that's the case then I’m sorry I don't have more information, to free the Nemeton from the death it doesn’t want. You may need to exercise the death from it. Though you may risk returning the nogitsune to life. Or freeing whatever else died on it. We don't know who or what has been to the Nemeton over the years.” That made sense though Stiles wished they'd have kept a trail camera on it. He made a mental note for later.
Deaton let his words hang in the air between them Stiles knew he wasn’t waiting for a reply. Stiles debated revealing his true intention for coming back Deaton could help with that at least. Stiles felt for his rune aware his rune was on a time limit and time was almost out.
“Older than the written but as old as the dawn.” Stiles said, Deaton cocked his head to the side uncrossing his arms. He nodded at Stiles leaving and returning to him with two books. "
“I hope you are not dealing with Demons Stiles. Even with your powers." Deaton gave him a pointed look as he passed the books to him "I hope you are cautious.” Stiles let the shock show on his face, he hadn't expected a demon, releasing a force like that would be devastating for Beacon Hills.
“You have any special jars or seals I can have?” Stiles read the covers of the book, finding them blank. Deaton nodded coming back with a small wooden box, he reached in taking out a pendant of Cernunnos, some claws, and a jar of alpha red eyes.
“Gross are those Deucalion's?” Deaton nodded wrinkling his nose at the jar before passing the box to Stiles.
“Demon Huh? Happen to know the name? Deaton nodded the air around them shimmered as the rune spell ended. The door to the bathroom opened Stiles watched as Eli stepped out watching him and the Vet closely.
“Perhaps young Eli does not need to hear that." He said as Eli came back out frown on his face. He looked even less like Derek when he frowned like that. Stiles remembered a picture from his seventh birthday party when he couldn’t hit the pinata the frown on his face similar to Eli's. He smiled to himself a small shake of his shoulders as he laughed at the young boy. He could feel Deaton watching him Stiles faced him to ask a few more questions. Eli stood next to Stiles arms crossed, a curious frown painting his features.
“Need a Demon expert and a druid who knows a little more than you no offense.” Eli frowned at Stiles looking back at him and then down at the books in Stiles hands he stepped closer to read the titles. Stiles passed him the books meeting his eyes and nodding once, Eli pursed his lips accepting the books and opening the first one up.
“I have a few contacts, but they don’t like when people show up unannounced. Give me a day to send you the information. Same number?” Stiles nodded grabbing the box and heading out pushing Eli out of the door as he read the book on the move.
“Hey Scottie.” Stiles said driving out to the main road. “Yeah, I got time for a lunch date. Eli is coming with me.” Stiles said out of the corner of his eye he could see the young Hale smile a little smugly at the inclusion. Scott sounded the same his voice a little deeper but more or less the same.
“Yeah no problem man, should have told me you were in town sooner I could have met you last night. I have someone with me too.” Stiles frowned sure it was some new girlfriend.
“Allison is back.” Stiles slammed the breaks his arm flying out to catch Eli soccer mom style. The teen stared at Stiles incredulously, he didn't move Stiles arms as he slowly retracted it. Looking behind them to make sure Stiles wasn't holding up traffic. Stiles started driving again, the road coming alive now with some joggers, bikers, and the occasional mail van.
“Allison like Allison Argent? Dead Allison?” Stiles said sounding wild and a little panicked. How did she?
“C’mon Stiles don’t talk like that. But yeah, Allison is back and she’s alive. The Nemeton..." Stiles could Scott mouth move open and shut as he debated his answer "Anyway, let's get lunch? She wants to meet you...well again anyway.” Stiles paused his head swimming. “We can talk then.” Scott said, Stiles was sure he was listening to his heartbeat Stiles agreed and hung up.
“Did you not know Allison was ‘back’?” Eli looked at Stiles confused, “She wants to adopt me. I don't wanna go though.” Stiles looked at him Did dad not know about this? Or did he ask me to help with Eli specifically because Scott and Allison wanted to adopt him. Stiles considered how she was brought back, what Scott had said specifically.
Resurrection is possible then... good. Stiles was not thinking clearly, he wanted to defend Eli from the possible adoption to keep him near him. It’s stupid I can bring Derek back, then he won’t have to worry about that. Stiles wasn't used to being someplace without having all the information, too many unknowns, too many things that have snuck up on him. I should have asked Lydia for more information before I got here. Driving at a slower than normal speed, Stiles glanced at Eli who was twisting the seat belt in his hands, the nail beds of his fingers darkening and lengthening then retracting.
"Alpha, beta, omega." Eli said over and over again. Stiles smiled, nodding at him before trying to teach the young Hale the polish version.
"Saying it in an unfamiliar language should help you focus more. Wanna try?" Stiles asked quietly. Eli nodded his eyes a little wild his power budding and swelling within him. Stiles taught him the accent placement, repeating it with Eli, watching as the nail beds returned to normal.
Stiles drove until he saw the restaurant, his heart tight in his chest as he realized he would have to tell Scott not to adopt Eli, which meant the past hours he and Eli have spent together will have to be enough to convince Derek’s son to stay with him instead of Scott who’s been here with him.
Stiles sighed running a hand through his hair, Eli nodded. “Yeah same.” Stiles chuckled at him the two shared a look of understanding nodding once and heading out.
Notes:
This is not Beta'd! Please be nice. lmao
Listen I don't know what Sheriff Stilinski' name actually is! but I grew up on the old magics and in those old fics his name was John and Stiles was half polish. So I don't wanna hear it tough!
Needed to build a foundation for Stiles and Eli relationship. So if its awkward and reads weird. Trust me its intentional.
Love Melissa just wanted her to have more screen time!
Background: Stiles is the leader or captain of a team of supernatural investigators ofc Deaton would just give him whatever he asked.
Has anyone pieced together what the other life force in the Nemeton is? Comment a 'y' if you did! :-)
Chapter 4: Alpha, Beta, Omega
Summary:
Lunch with the McCall Argents
Poor baby Eli
More BAMF! Stiles
Notes:
TW: Gun violence, knife violence.
Spoilers? Sorry
Feedback! Comments! or questions welcome! I see the comments but I forget to respond bc I'm just a boy.
I see all of them and I appreciate them though!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The interior of the restaurant was modest, a little run down maybe once it had been shiny and new. Stiles glanced at the wait staff a few gossipy teenagers who pointed in Stile's direction. Curious more so if news of Derek's death had been given out, that would complicate the resurrection but also a little self-conscious. Teenagers were cruel Stiles could remember that much. Stretching his power out focusing on pulling sound to his ears, Stiles listened as the gossip grew in intensity; mainly about Eli, then about Stiles noting his build and who he could be in relation to Eli. Eli frowned at Stiles who just pointed in the direction of the teens, then pointed at his ears. He felt his palms dry up at the mention of how similar he and Eli looked. It seems like a stretch we have similarities but that just may mean Derek had a type and he found a woman who looked like me. That's all. Stiles felt silly because that meant something , but it didn’t matter now, it couldn’t.
He glanced down at Eli his side profile like his own but so much of Derek was there too, the ears, the chin, the cheekbones. Stiles wouldn’t dwell on it, but the back of his head buzzed. After a moment Eli pointed Scott out, Stiles walked over pulling Scott into a quick but tight hug, doing the same then to Allison, who felt very real, a little warm, and smelled of a flowery shampoo.
They all sat exchanging a few glances at the gossiping waiters before one of them came over. Stiles asked for a minute and Eli nodded needing the same amount of time to decide. Stiles was watching Allison now, his vision focused on her he cocked his head to the side allowing his power to bleed into his eyes. A flash of gold purple light flared around his irises he drank her in noting small remnants of psychic energy and that was it, she hadn’t been influenced, touched, or hexed by any other magics. Just a psychic imprint that resembled Lydia's own psychic energy. Stiles frowned pulled out of his observation by Scott who tapped him twice on the arm.
“Man, you gotta warn her before you do that!” He smiled easily at Stiles who nodded sheepishly rubbing the back of his head before apologizing.
“How did this happen?” Stiles gestured at Allison who looked to Scott for the explanation. “So, because you.” Stiles said pointing with three fingers at Scott “Felt she wasn’t moving on? You all performed a ritual...and the Nemeton reconstituted your body?” Stiles was looking at Allison trying to find signs of decay or some other type of magic. She pulled her hair back and Stiles followed the motion noting how healthy her hair was, similar to how it had been before she died.
“The Nemeton Scott what the fuck man?” Eli snorted a laugh at Scott’s shocked reaction, the amusement faded quickly when Scott shrugged looking at Allison with an all too familiar look, Stiles could feel his anger fade away. Same ole Scotty.
“How’s Brett?” Scott asked changing topics, Stiles nodded engaging in light conversation catching Allison up to his life as it was now.
“Wow the FBI that’s great! Stiles you wanted to do law enforcement I remember!” Stiles found the comment a little weird and he supposed his face showed it “Sorry Lydia had to help me restore my memory and everything comes back in waves.” She rubbed her arm, “The Nogitsune wiped or held my memory or something I don’t know.” Stiles nodded playing with the paper of his napkins. “Brett huh? He cute?” Stiles smiled pulling his wallet out and finding the polaroid of the two of them, Allison whistled shaking her fingers out dramatically.
“Yeah, almost oof what seven years now?” Allison nodded passing the picture back as Stiles retold the story of their first meeting.
“Wow I bet meeting out on a field call was super Mr, and Mrs. Smith?” She gave him a semi dimpled smile, Eli scoffed rolling his eyes.
“We gotta update your movie references babe.” Scott said Stiles looked back and forth between them glancing over at Eli who did his best to look indifferent. Scott-bless his hear- noticed he leaned forward tan arms flexing with his movement as he leaned on his elbows.
“So, you talked with the Sheriff about Eli’s situation?” Stiles nodded but gave a small shrug. “I’m here a few days taking Eli out, so he’s not stuck at home while dad works. Seems to like my company?” He said frowning over at Eli, the teen almost shrugged but then seemingly lit up and nodded.
“You’re the only one who doesn’t treat me precious. Just treats me like...like me.” He gave a pointed look to Scott and Allison who looked caught off guard and a little defensive.
“It’s alright let’s move on. Call the waitress over would ya Scotty?” The pair nodded waiting to give their order in.
“Allison, could I inspect...well you?” Stiles said he glanced at Scott moving his fingers letting his power flicker and spark between his fingers. Scott looked at Allison explaining the process and what it would do.
“So, it just detects magic? What if you find magic?” Stiles shrugged scratching his temple with his thumb.
“The Nemeton here is unique, what it does, how it interacts with the natural and Supernatural...It’s different, an older magic that may not exist anymore that was once cultivated by religions that died out decades ago. I don’t know how the Nogitsune high jacked your ritual.” He said gesturing to Scott. “But whatever he did I will know if it’s permanent or temporary.” What he didn’t mention is he could see how a reconstituted body would look compared to a natural born body. More knowledge to help with his own ritual. A blueprint he could recall when needed. Allison bit her lip pensively Eli looking back and forth between her and Stiles, she held her hand out resting her elbow on the table as she nodded.
Stiles stretched his power out, searching, prodding. This was more invasive compared to what he did to the waitress at the diner. A little disappointed in what his power resonated with, minuscule traces of Kitsune magic; the Nogitsune. Otherwise, Allison felt like anybody who’d been born naturally. Which Stiles supposed made sense the Nemeton despite the power it now has was simply just natural occurrence. Mystical point of convergence but still natural. Stiles sucked his teeth in annoyance.
“Just traces of the Nogitsune’s touch nothing crazy, and nothing that can take over. Think of it like a bur-” Stiles caught himself catching himself before comparing it to a burn. He cleared his throat, “Like when your fingers get pruned or you chip a nail slow to heal but eventually normal.” Scott nodded and Allison looked relived,
“Do you have something like that?” She asked Eli’s head whipped over at Stiles shocked at the question. Stiles shook his head his eyes flicking over to the young teen. Feeling the question less than what was spoken. Inherited Derek trait. Stiles supposed a whole conversation with just eyebrows.
“Probably not it’s been a very long time since I was anywhere near the Nogitsune, and my power won’t allow influence like that.” Stiles said with certainty, he was unpossessable as far as he knew. Maybe a Demon could possess me? That would be the worst thing ever.
Stiles explained to Eli when he’d been possessed by the Nogitsune, sparring the young teen from the gory details. Stiles recalled the creature had called itself “Void” Stiles didn’t know if that was his name or the closest thing to it. Eli blinked his head retracting back a little it was almost comical how like and then unlike Derek he could be, Stiles let a half smile tug at his lips. The food arrived and Stile's stomach let out a small growl as the four of them dug in.
The lunch went by peacefully Scott occasionally needing to coax Eli into eating, the teen begrudgingly agreeing only when Stiles simply pointed at his plate. Eli would purse his lips, nod and begin to eat. Stiles would look at Scott triumphantly Allison would smirk, and Scott did his best to not look offended. If Stiles closed his eyes this could have been them in another life, post college maybe with a career where he didn’t need to keep odd hours. Stiles felt something poke at the back of his mind, he couldn’t quite place his finger on it.
“How long are you staying?” Scott asked scooping half of the desert between him and Allison.
“Just the week got my team coming in a week to help shut down the Nemeton.” Allison and Scott shared a look, “Don’t worry it doesn’t look like it could severe or take back the magic that brought you back.” Stiles said scooping up some Flan, it tasted terrible Brett would be pissed if he tried it, Stiles made a mental note to bring him for some when he saw Brett again.
“I wanna see it.” Eli said starring at a point on the table he moved his up slowly hazel eyes full of fear and determination, “The Nemeton.” He looked at Stiles pointedly.
Scott shook his head Allison looked sympathetic as she met Stiles eyes across the table.
“Eli I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Scott touched Stile's calf with his own toe. Stiles cleared his throat looking intently at Eli.
“You sure?” Stiles asked Allison watched Eli closely, no doubt relating to what he was asking. Stiles remembered she was the patriarch in her family again.
“Yeah...No. But I need to see it.” Stiles nodded, “Today?” Eli asked eyes a little hopeful Stiles felt his chest constrict; he nodded once.
“Stiles! That’s a terrible idea.” Scott said dropping his spoon on the plate between him and Allison. “His dad just! Stiles no.” Stile's eyebrows went up a little he nodded looking at Eli who had a pleading look in his eyes now.
“We’ll go. Stay close in case we need back up.” Scott moved back and forth between them he gestured with one big hand at Stiles to be reasonable.
“Scott, you don’t get this part of the grieving process. Hopefully you never do.” Allison said putting her hand on his shoulder. Scott shook his head, “If he comes back?” Stiles tensed slightly his eyes shooting up darkly at Scott.
“Who?” He asked voice low, ready for a fight. Stiles was being irrational he knew that. He didn’t care.
“The Nogitsune Stiles. He’s a hybrid now, who knows what or how immense his powers are.” Scott looked at him confused eyebrows furrowed head cocked to the side.
“Eli needs this, and I can’t be possessed. I have ways to expel influence and possession anyway. I’m not worried.” Stiles said leaning back arm stretching out in front of him, sigils and runes on his arms lighting up with a faint orange, purple glow. Scotts eyes flashed red briefly as he exhaled. Stiles understood why his dad took Eli home now, the teen reacted to Scotts Alpha influence. Scott noticed grimacing slightly at how uncomfortable the young man looked, Stiles noted the nervous ticks taking over the leg bouncing, the eyebrow scratching the way he looked around all over the room. Stiles extended his influence out, letting his power invisible as it was extended into a blanket of warmth. Eli visibly relaxed as Stile's power touched him.
Eli leaned back head down hands in his lap. Stiles felt a brief bloom of warmth in his chest at the sight of the young teen. Stiles frowned to himself feeling strange suddenly he pulled his power back slowly.
The clearing to the Nemeton opened before them, looking more of the same. Green, bright and full of life. Stiles glanced at Eli, the young teen trembling slightly he was breathing slow and shallow his jaw working, glancing down Stiles could see his nail beds darkening, nails expanding and lengthening. “Easy we’re fine remember.” Eli nodded once tensely “Alpha, Beta, Omega say it a few times, okay?” Eli nodded moving forward mumbling under his breath.
Stiles looked around the clearing tracing runes into the air. He was pulling sound to him, while banishing unwelcome energies if there were any a center of mystical convergence Stiles was sure would welcome every kind of energy. As he wrapped up the quick runes, he walked up slowly to Eli the young teen sitting down on the stump his head drooping.
“I miss him.” Stiles nodded sitting in front of the teen, head sideways to let him know he was listening. “I sometimes wake up and think if I go downstairs, I’ll find him. Then I remember our house is a single story.” Eli scoffed his voice wavering and full of tears. Stiles nodded,
“Once Derek had snuck into my room. Of course he was running from the law then.” Eli snorted his voice cracking as he laughed incredulously.
“Dad? Running from the law?” He asked his eyes bright and green tinged with red from tears. Stiles explained the situation then, why he’d framed Derek excluding that it was for Laura's death. Eli chuckled sitting up cross legged now listening as Stiles recounted some of the more vanilla stories.
“Really dad gave Scott his first tattoo. How fake! he was so against me having one.” Stiles nodded that made sense. He crossed his arms turning slightly to face the young teen.
“What would you get?” Stile's heart sank when Eli mentioned the triskelion over his heart.
“Bad placement but good idea.” Eli nodded looking at himself to decide future placement. “Also, for werewolves' tattoos are a little trickier.” Eli recoiled in shock as Stiles explained the process. He shook his head “Then definitely the triskelion over my heart.” He looked so determined Stiles grinned offering to find someone for him.
“Oh, hell yeah.” Eli responded as he scooted over to the edge of the stump. “Do you have tattoos?” Stiles nodded standing before him and letting his power float up to the surface of his skin. Various runes and sigils dotted Stile's toned muscular arms. “Those don’t really count though, right? I mean they’re magic.” Eli said examining as close as he could without getting too close.
“Sorta but the ink and time was very real.” Eli nodded his tears mostly dry now, Stiles tensed as he heard it. The leaves behind them shifting and moving, then the smell hit him. Putrid rotting flesh, infection of some sort. A snarl cut through the clearing low and angry. Stiles reached back for his throwing knife turning and launching it.
Schlick! The bounding werewolf spun backwards in a circle yelping in shock or pain. Stiles held his hand upholding the man in place before pushing the wolf flying backwards legs flying out. The man slammed into the tree with a loud THUNK! Stiles reaching for his knife the rune glowing before it re materialized in his hand. “Stay behind me don’t lose it. Focus on my breathing.” Stiles told Eli. Two more yowls echoed through the clearing, shit Stiles turned knife flying and missing one of the wolves as he pulled his sidearm out. Two shots flashed out his rune of silence igniting the barrel of the gun as he fired.
“I didn't forget you.” Stiles turned catching the werewolf mid jump, closer than Stiles would have liked. He gestured his hand going up and over his head using the werewolf's own momentum to launch him over them. Eli stared in wonder at Stiles the power Stiles could wield was immense Eli could feel the energy pushing out of him. Stiles sparred Eli a once over noting how in control the teen was now. No threat of shifting.
The wolf slammed into another one sending them sprawling in opposite directions the third one dressed in a bright tattered yellow jacket roared loudly. The roar of an Alpha could be defeating, and immobilizing. A strong beta could be intimidating and almost as loud. But the roar of an omega? Stiles could not stomach the roar it made his skin prickle, his gut roll, and his jaw clench. These guys are feral Stiles realized the smell of sour milk permeating, one of them had an infection of some sort, Stiles could smell it from here. He fired three more times each bullet hitting an individual wolf. He thickened the air around them watching as two struggled to stand jaws snarling and clicking at empty air, the third in the yellow jacket tore at himself flesh and blood flying as it tore at the two bullets Stiles stuck him with.
“Call Scott! And dad.” Stiles said dropping a clip and loading in some wolfs bane bullets.
He dropped the thickened air firing three times, each bullet hitting a wolf on the shoulder, calf, or thigh. Blood flying material tattering. Stile's power welled up in his hand and in one dramatic motion he gestured wide with his left arm; and sent the three of them slamming into a tree all three seemingly unconscious Stiles waited a moment before turning away.
“Woah, Prue style.” Eli said impressed phone pressed to his ear Stiles snorted at the Charmed reference Kira loved the show. “Scott says he’s on his way.” Stiles nodded stretching his consciousness out. Nothing came back but the presence of bugs and tree life. He watched as Eli called his dad Stiles could hear him speaking loudly on the phone, dialing out for back up. “Wolves dad, no back up. Or I guess if you need him Parrish and that big ass convict carrier.” Eli hung up looking past Stiles at the other three wolves. Eli looked around the clearing cocking his head side to side.
“Think we’re good.” Stiles said he used his power to clean the air around, to rid whatever lingering wolfs bane permeated the air from his gunshots. “You did good by the way no shift?” Eli nodded looking a little proud. Stiles smirked and as he was about to offer a job well done, he heard it the footsteps running at them he turned his power welling, the air before them solid in a semi-circle as the feral wolf with the yellow jacket scratched and bit at the air before them. Stiles noted the dull yellow animal eyes, the scratches on its face. Below its jaw a festering wound that was dark green and dripped onto the solid air. He grunted once molding the air around the wolf like a cocoon pushing back as he did, the wolf moving with the motion.
“Limit the air, fall asleep.” Stiles said aloud. Runes igniting in the air around the feral omega as the cocoon enclosed around it. Slowly but eventually the omega fell asleep due to limited oxygen, and it began shifting back to a human. He looked young, early teens and one look told Stiles he was not homeless.
“How did you become feral so fast? Who's your alpha? Why did you come here?” Stiles glanced at Eli. What Derek had once told him about Cora echoed in his mind. Right Eli is a Hale and that’s dangerous for him. The young teen kept bouncing his vision between the feral omega and the other two omegas. Stiles felt Scott running with Allison through the preserve they were close now. Stiles focused his power his runes and sigils lighting up his eye's bright orange and purple.
Notes:
Ahh the plot chickens.
This was a filler until it wasn't
Hopefully everyone is catching the little nuggets of story I'm leaving behind.
This fic may be longer than I anticipated but I'm not mad about it.
Chapter 5: Who's your Alpha?
Summary:
A brief battle in the clearing. Questions lead to answers...usually.
Notes:
Sorry for the long wait!
Setting the scene for more mayhem and lunacy.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Scott tore into the clearing Allison came out a few moments later ring daggers in each hand. Scott looked at the cocooned Omegas in front of Stiles.
“Sheriff is not far off, he brought Parrish.” Scott said his claws retracting Stiles rolled his eyes at the mention of Parrish’ name. Eli was muttering under his breath repeatedly trying to keep his control Stiles gestured for him to stand back. He walked back some distance away from Scott. Allison noted and stood a little closer to Eli keeping even distance between him and Scott.
“How long can you hold them?” Stiles glanced at Allison who was pulling out some rods from her pocket and adding a dagger to the end of it.
“Not all day but long enough for Dad to get here.”
The sheriff arrived ten minutes later with a prisoner transport van. Stiles thought of when they tried to contain the Kamina in it. He scoffed thinking of Jackson. He stood behind Scott as he and Parrish loaded the van up. Rage built up with Stiles the more he looked at Parrish, eventually the man noticed and offered a hand to Stiles.
Stiles stared him down not moving, eventually he seemed to get Stile's intent and moved to stand behind the sheriff sheepishly.
“Hey man you good?” Scott asked smacking Stiles's arm with the back of his hand. Stiles pointed to the first chained Omega. The teen boy, “Not homeless, not that long since he became Omega. What gives right?” Scott looked at Stiles for a moment too long before whipping his head over to the chained boy. He looked him over once, gesturing to Stiles who let the air around him flow again.
The boy woke and Scott flashed his eyes commanding the shift back to human. Stiles watched with pity as the small Omega spark reverted the boy to humanity again.
“Hu-uh my head. My neck.” The boys head lolled to the right and left before he managed to hold his neck up. Scott walked over to him unchaining him and leading him to sit on the edge of the van. “My name is Scott; I have a few questions for you.” The boy looked sluggish and confused. Stiles took the cup of coffee his dad offered and handed it to the boy tracing a rune before passing it. His dad wrinkled his nose at him in question Stiles mouthed Truth as the rune in the liquid surface of the coffee flared and fizzled.
“What's your name?” Stiles asked as the boy sipped wrinkling his face at the taste.
“Tyler.” The boy replied he frowned Stiles noted that it happened almost instantly the truth rune flooding his system the compulsion to speak true forcing him. Stiles felt bad but he had a mission and a cause that was very important.
“Who's your Alpha?”
“My mom, she inherited my dad's power.” Stiles glanced at Scott who nodded,
“Still alive and probably worried. Call her.” Scott passed the kid his phone.
Stiles reached out stopping Tyler from taking the phone,
“How long since you were around your Alpha mom?” Stiles asked holding the teens eyes, noting the brown refracting the light around them. He looked scared and confused; Stiles needed answers fast, so he needed to press faster.
“A week maybe? I had a weekend away with friends... and then it’s all foggy. Like when you’re not sure if it was a dream or not.” Stiles nodded, could have been a mind compulsion? A week ago. The nogitsune? For what reason.
“Does your mom have any grandstanding with other packs? Married name and surname do you know them?” The kid answered confused Stiles called Brett, stepping away so the kid could make his call.
“Why am I looking up this woman?” Stiles could hear the familiar creek of chairs in their meeting room; he called Stiles mid-meeting.
“Got a weird thing with the Nemeton. Are you in a meeting?”
Brett scoffed a laugh “It’s just Jeff he could wait; besides you’re on a solo recon mission. Nemeton is dangerous stuff.” Stiles conceded the point walking behind Allison and giving Brett the other information he had Brett in turn barked at Jeff’s assistant. “Give me a few hours yeah?” Stiles nodded thanking him and hanging up.
“No, I love you? You said you guys were together for seven years.” Stiles blinked at Allison confused. “Oh, business talk I guess.” Stiles walked off feeling confused, he usually did say it even if it was to bug Brett. He saw Eli standing next to the other teen talking to him. Stiles felt an overprotective urge well up inside him to keep Eli safe and away from the rogue Omega.
“A week isn’t enough for a wolf born or not to become feral, is it?” Eli asked his eyes big and round. Stiles shook his no reaching out and pointing next to him Eli moved quietly over.
“Except unless of course you were in your beta shift the entire time. But even then, that’s rare. You can control your shift?” The teen kicked dirt and leaves around looking uncomfortable. “Usually.” he said sounding small. Stiles could feel sympathy for him, he was just a kid this can’t have been easy.
Stiles let his dad walk the kid out of the preserve with Parrish, as he and Scott debated which of the other Omegas to let go next.
“Get this cleaned this rune will keep infection away but only for a day, okay?” The kid nodded confused fingering the edges of the gash on his neck.
Scott woke up the man that had initially charged Stiles and Eli. As he awoke something was wrong the shift in the air was different, the smell didn't abate like it had with the other Omega Tyler. The man woke up snarling and snapping at the air, fighting with the restraints that held him in place. Scott snarled his eyes red, claws slicking into place. He roared the sound of it reverberating in the van echoing out into the woods. Stiles could hear the preserve quiet in an unnatural way.
He could hear Eli struggling with the roar as Scott’s command demanded he obey, Stiles jumped down out of the van pulling Eli away and blanketing him with his own power. Eli stopped shaking dropping into a squat hugging his knees. John and Parrish came back-
“Oof kids mom was furious and sad all at onc-” John rushed forward kneeling before Eli who hugged him tightly as he shook.
“I tried to ignore it. It was so loud.” Stiles realized that he was rejecting Scott as an Alpha his body unsure of how to take the change in status from Beta to Omega so quickly. Scott jumped down letting Stiles know the man was awake now. He felt torn he needed to get answers, but Eli was a mess.
“Hey after these two we’ll go, ok?” Eli turned from John nodding quickly at Stiles but tears still pricked his eyes, unfallen Stiles could feel his own heart sink as he took sight of it. Not the time. Focus on why i'm here. Stiles steeled himself.
Turning on heel Stiles kept his hand on his throwing knife, Allison nodded displaying her duel wield daggers. She positioned herself behind Stiles, the man was twitchy, greasy hair flopping across his forehead. Stiles noted the split lips that kept closing and opening. He reeked like soured milk and old chicken. Stiles looked him over more clearly his clothes looked new, despite the blood and bullet holes Stiles left in the attack. Stiles reached out with his power feeling for a wallet the man snapped and snarled in his direction.
“No wallet.” Stiles said simply. Scott inhaled and flashed his eyes at the man he began to shift but just as he nearly reverted to human, he regained his beta shift. Stiles frowned, confused he’d never seen that before, it shouldn’t be possible. Not really, anyway he gestured for Scott to try again. As the man shifted back Stiles felt for the Omega spark within him, he could see it yellow, small and angry zipping and buzzing all over the place like liquid magnets being pulled in every direction. Stiles visualized holding it, nurturing it, calming it. The spark went still and flared bright and happy. Stiles released it feeling a slight soreness in his back and arms.
“What- who are-” The man retched down his front staining the chains and his shirt.
“Oh man.” Scott said, reaching behind and slicing down with his claws, the man fell forward wincing and groaning as he tried to right himself.
Stiles felt like he’d hit a dead end, the two rogue Omegas had said the same thing all three had living Alphas they felt a mental fog and a week later they woke up in the preserve with everyone watching them.
The only red thread I have right now is the timeline. One week. Three feral Omegas in one week. They all came to the Nemeton. Clearly it was behind their presence here. But why, even when it was active. Stiles lost his train of thought when he realized Eli fell asleep in the passenger seat and was snoring comfortably as Stiles drove towards his house. His stomach twisted and turned as he realized he would be in Dereks house. Did he have any right? Did it matter while Derek was gone? He spread his power out sensing anything that was supernatural. He thought back to the dream he’d had of that beast, the clue it had given. Maybe the Hale vault would have answers for him. The house was modest and had been clearly fixed up some by Derek, the lawn was well cared for despite the missing week. Eli woke with a start; he blinked twice at Stiles mumbled something with an ‘m’ and sat up starring at his home. Stiles could read the longing expression on his face filled with dread and pain. Stiles put a hand on his shoulder gave a quick squeeze and turned off his jeep.
Eli walked in taking baby steps the house smelled lived in, like that cedar wood smell Derek loved and food. Lots of food, “Derek cooks a lot huh?” Stiles asked closing and bolting the door. He drew a warning rune on the door as he stepped in.
“Yeah, he said food nurtures love.” Stiles froze as he heard his own corny sayings spat back at him. He didn’t claim ownership what would that do? He could see a picture of him and Eli in the hallway. There was an empty space between Derek and Eli the reflection of Stiles fit in perfectly. His heart ached and pumped sadly in his chest. He cleared his throat and moved to the living room Eli’ bedroom light was on as he stepped out duffel over his shoulder. He looked distraught and stressed.
“I- I don’t wanna leave.” Stiles nodded, putting his hands in his pockets. He walked over to the kitchen island dreading what he was about to suggest. He kicked it lightly hearing the hollow thud of the wood. Stiles frowned at it; the island was a thick mahogany with marble on top. He kicked it twice again the same thud he stretched his power out feeling the empty space and staircase leading down. The vault?
“ Tell ya what, Dad asked me to watch over you, and you don’t want Scott to adopt you which fair the whole lovesick puppy look makes my puke too.” Eli crossed his arms a smile dancing on his features. “We stay for the week until my team gets here. I need the Hale vault anyway. And if in that time you decide you want Dad or me to adopt you. We can have that discussion deal?” Eli lit up from the inside a toothy grin spreading across his features.
“Deal but you cook. I can't cook for shit.” Eli said taking his duffel back to his room.
“What's your dad's rule on cussing?” Stiles asked Eli gave a mumble response as he closed threw his duffel on his bed. “Oh, he said I could as often and whenever I wanted. He also said lasagna for dinner.” Eli kicked his shoes off leaving them in the hallway as he went down the hall. At the bathroom door, “And a bunch of chocolates. A bunch however many that is.” HE closed the door smugly. Stiles could see some of Derek's brattier side come out in his son, but the humor was so unlike Derek.
“I’m staying at Derek’s house tonight, but I left my bag you think?” He could hear his dad sigh on the other end, before the bed creak under his shifting weight.
“Gimme 15 yeah?” Stiles agreed offering pizza for dinner. Wasn’t lasagna but sauce and cheese were certainly present. After some grumbling about age and bones, his dad agreed to stay the night too. Grateful for the support Stiles hung up and said I love you. He felt a little bothered he hadn't said it to Brett earlier so he texted him that now.
Stiles stepped into the kitchen finding the used cutting board, wood of course. Looking around at the cabinets he traced where Eli had colored in the wood it had been washed off but some color remained a light purple staining the otherwise pristine wood. He stood in the center of the kitchen leaning his hip against it. If he closed his eyes, he could see Derek and Eli moving around each other in their morning routines.
He traced the kitchen island noting the marks left in the marble the blender sat like an accusing thumb. No doubt Derek and his shakes. He found the snack cupboard chips, and sweets of all sorts. Stiles blinked as he found the sea salt caramel chocolate bag. Derek said he didn’t like these? Was it for Eli then? He opened the fridge and found all sorts of juice and nearly rotted vegetables. Stiles wrinkled his nose aware he may need to do a grocery run while he was here.
Stiles made his way to the living room where he could see where Derek had moved the furniture around the scrapes and marks of the couch and TV system. Stiles wondered what Derek's obsession with wood was. Sure it was nice, but Stiles hook his head to focus instead on what he could see of the house. The physical reminders of a life lived. The butt indents on the couch, the spot on the arm rest he found funnily enough, worn out material probably Eli. Stiles glanced out the back sliding door, automatic solar lights flaring to life, the backyard was massive. A grill on one side covered in a black tarp, gazebo, and a sand lot with a fire-pit sitting logs and chairs around it. He smiled to himself the house was homey in every way Derek knew how to make a house.
Stiles looked around the empty Hale house. Then smiled when he realized. Y es. This is the Hale house.
Notes:
Hale family feels?
I hope so.
I didn't see the point in writing it out, but Stiles did burn the wolfsbane out of the Omega when they got chained up. I just didn't write it because it sounded silly. BUT IT DID HAPPEN.
Chapter 6: Pater seminus, Lator seminus
Summary:
A dream, a demon and a drunk Peter.
Notes:
Sorry! for the long delay life got a bit hectic and executive dysfunction is bananas.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The next day Stiles woke up with a stiff leg and a sore back. He groaned sitting up on the couch he grumbled that the day light was too bright. He walked over to the sliding door, reaching for the curtains to close it. His hand went through the door, Stiles jumped back fists balled and ready to defend himself.
The Hale house melted away Stiles stood outside in the preserve; he stared at the plot of the old burned-out Hale house. He breathed in sharply this wasn’t anything he remembered which meant he was projecting from outside his body, he stared at the scaffolding and rental equipment outside of the semi bare bones wood frames of the Hale house. Stiles stepped forward and his bare feet hit the wet leaves beyond the plot of the house. His vision was yanked forward is if he was being stretched or his world perception became fish eyed. He clenched his teeth as the Hale house began to blur and streak until he stood at the center. Turning in a circle, he drank in the sight of the marble tiled flooring, double staircase leading up, the view of the living room surrounded with floor to ceiling windows and an open concept kitchen. Oh
Stiles astral breath caught in his throat as he noted the breakfast nook in one corner blue cushions covered under a plastic tarp. Tears pricked his eyes, as the memory overtook him. His scene changed again and soon he was in his apartment as it was fifteen years ago.
The low midday sun was streaking in dust mites floating through the air. Stiles could smell and feel the heat of the memory as if it had just happened Stiles could feel the pleasant soreness in his thighs, the teeth marks stinging the inside of his thighs, the small of his back and just below the cleft of his left cheek. Stiles in the memory had a dopey pleased smile as Derek sprawled out on their bed forcing Stiles to curl into his side the duo nude and sweaty. Stiles watched as a pigeon perched on the windowsill outside their apartment, Stiles felt a warm feeling blossom into his chest.
“What are you thinking?” Derek asked his voice low eyes lidded, the yellow light of the noon day sun streaking in through their open windows.
“Breakfast nook.” Stiles mumbled into Dereks chest his hair tickling the corner of Stiles abused and red lips. Derek pushed himself up the bed the frame creaking beneath the shift of his weight. Stiles grumbled clinging tighter to the warm body moving up and away from him.
“What about breakfast nooks. The concept or the style?” Stiles shrugged playing with Derek's chest hair absentmindedly, smirking when the other man rumbled deep in his chest a satisfied sound emanating from him. “I think they're outdated.” Derek added as an afterthought.
“Definitely not.” Stiles said leaning his head up to look at Derek directly “They’re cute and fun, serve a purpose. I want one if I'm being honest.” Stiles looked around their bedroom the sun dipping lower. Derek sat up on the bed jostling Stiles away from him, “I can make one if you want?” Stiles scoffed waving his hand back and forth so Derek would make room for Stiles to sit with his back to Derek's chest. The memory shook, and faded like wisps of fog in the bright light.
“No, we’re renting what's the point.” Derek shrugged wrapping his arms and legs around Stiles the hair on the other man irritating Stiles’ skin. “If you wanted, I could. Just ask.” Stiles nuzzled back into Derek sighing contently. The image of the sunny warm room faded, and Stiles stood in the bare bones blue hued house. Why am I here? Stiles walked through the rest of the house taking in the areas Derek had set aside for specific things, a reading room, a place that would obviously be an office or study of sorts with a space set marked “shelf”.
Stiles smiled Derek was all over the house, in the wood, in the floors. Stiles fingers traced the chair of the breakfast nook. He marked a rune into the chairs for comfort. My gift to you Cuddlewolf. Well one of them anyway. See ya soon big guy. Stiles felt all sorts of conflicting emotions, as he thought of Derek, maybe it was being back home, maybe it was the uncertainty of his resurrection ritual, maybe it was the vivid detail that his resurfaced memory had given him. Stiles shook himself of it, trying to reign his emotions back in.
Stile's vision shifted he focused on getting back to himself meditating to himself in his astral form, he heard it then the jostle and movement of something behind the kitchen island. Stiles walked over to it, his feet disturbing some of the dust on the floor as he went.
“Why” It was Peter curled into himself his eyes red and swollen, his lips bitten raw claws out and blood dried, caked onto his hands. Stiles paused, noting he was clutching a photo album. His investigator brain worked overtime, wondering if that album was Derek's. Obvious that's why Peter was so distraught, he remembered his dad telling him how much better Peter had gotten over the years. Stiles knew it was Derek, together he and Derek healed and accepted and moved on from their traumas. Stiles knew Derek would do the same for Peter to help him and Derek had Eli family was important to him. Stiles body ran cold as he remembered for his resurrection, he would need blood to call Derek back. Peter was family Stiles couldn’t really wouldn’t ask Eli to be present.
“Wake up Peter.” Stiles said the man stirred slightly. “PETER!” Stiles called the man jumped eyes bright voltage blue his fangs slicked into place. “Go to Derek's. You know who I am. I don't expect to wait long.” Stiles focused on returning to his body. The vision of the house fading away, taking the image of a dejected and distraught Peter with it. Stiles walked gingerly into the Hale house, past the sliding door, he faced his body.
As he found his sleeping form, he heard it then a growl and a creak. Stiles turned ready to jump back into his body and fight. Before he could even move, he felt the air shift, a thick heavy, a musk scent clung to the air like a wet dog smell after a long walk.Stiles head whipped around trying to find the source of the scent.
The scent was suffocating, it pervaded his mind, holding him in place. Exhaling once Stiles felt the gooseflesh on his neck rise and prick his skin, he noticed his own physical body prickle with the same gooseflesh. It's here? Fear gripped him as Stiles realized whatever caused the smell was present in the physical world at the same time as the astral. A body moved behind him. Stiles glanced sideways slowly turning his body, as he went a wall of thick living darkness moved across the room. He heard the familiar sound of claws scrape and click on wood but worse like nails on chalkboard or nail files on teeth. He grit his jaw attempting to stave off the reaction the sound caused.
He watched as the wall of darkness moved across the dark room until the moon shone through shadows melting away the darkness that lived, breathed across from him. Stiles sucked in a sharp breath terrified, it stood before him: A werewolf but not the usual Beta shift he was used to. This creature had a long lithe body tight skin over defined muscle with long arms that reached almost to the ground. Stiles noted the long thick claws that glowed white in the darkness beacons of destruction and wrath. The legs of the creature bent at an inhuman angle, white ivory claws scratching and marking the wooden floor, as its long arrow shaped tail moved slowly and wickedly behind it. Stiles shuddered as he met the creatures three eyes. Red, blue, and yellow hypnotic and bright Stiles tood paralyzed. Its ears pointed straight up blue flame dancing with streaks of red shooting through it giving the space around them a strange hue. Stiles tried to open his mouth to speak knowing his astral form could form words, but all he could taste was musk, thick and heady on his tongue.
The creature looked away from him towards Eli room, Stiles felt his own instincts kick in, he meant to jump in front of the creature to obscure the room from the creature's view. Instead, the werewolf shuffled its wings its crown glowing bright red before its head cracked and whipped back over to face Stiles directly. It’s fast. Stiles thought terrified as the creature moved closer, its eyes dimming and brightening as it stepped closer to him.
Not where I belong. He’s not ready. The patriarch has forgotten. It didn’t sound like it did when Stiles saw it last, its voice quivered and wavered weak, and muffled. Instead of a multitude of every voice he’d ever heard it was one small impish voice but impossibly old.
“Remind him magorum princeps.” It said Stiles shivered feeling his body react to the title. “Free me once again to live in the blood.” It stepped closer grabbing Stiles wrist and as it grabbed him he felt another presence a body that occupied the space next to him. He looked to the right spotting a close eyed Derek, stubble, splashed through with white, leaner body than Stiles remembered. But it was him, Stiles tensed eyes wide as the creature held him and Derek.
“Pater seminis.” the creature said facing Stiles and then faced Derek “quæ lupum masculus” and Stiles noted the glow between Dereks shoulder blades, he gasped as he watched Derek wince. Then the burning sensation emanated from between Stile's shoulder blades. His legs gave out from the pain and the creature shoved him back into his own body.
Stiles woke with a start tossing the covers to the side dry heaving into his lap. He heard footsteps rush over to him, two sets. Stiles held a hand up feeling like he was about to vomit, heat and exhaustion gripped him, he felt his body tremble.
“Kid what's happening.” He could hear his dads voice and felt him point at something, he heard Eli rush off to grab water for him.
“Dreams, I think a demon...” Stiles was breathing hard, he felt hot all over. “Shower” Eli nodded leading him and John through Dereks bedroom.
Stiles stood under the spray cold water bearing down on him. His hands traced up his back remembering the burning between his shoulders. He felt scar tissue, Stile's head shot up feeling the scar tissue further away. He traced four runes through the air, for reflection, sight, true sight and to create a window. He gasped as he saw what he knew to be a binding rune. The demon bound itself to me? No, not it to me, me to Derek. Magorum princeps it had called me, prince of magicians? His power wasn't close to magicians but it wasn't not close to them, in his time he'd never met a magician that didn't mean they didn't exist somewhere however. Stiles turned the water off, standing thinking of Demonologists he could ask for help. He wanted to scream or hit something frustration boiled and bubbled over within him. A demon bound him to Derek, which meant the Demon has Derek which means that his resurrection now runs the risk of freeing a demon. Would that be so bad at least he would be here?
“Shit!” Stiles yelled into the towel Eli had tossed in before closing the door earlier. Stiles had to fumble for the shower on his way in, so he didn’t see how neat and organized Derek’s space was. Stiles felt tears prick his eyes, his breath came in shallow gasps. He redressed in his Pjs stopping short of pulling his shirt instead rummaging through Dereks' dressed and tugging one of his older henleys on. The shirt was loose and billowy on his thinner frame. Stiles hugged the collar to his nose inhaling the scent that permeated from there. This was weird Stiles could admit that but he inhaled again not caring. He pulled his phone out of thin air again, using his power to materialize it.
“Hey Kira, need you to get in contact with that demonologist from last year.” Kira of course asked why and how Stiles was doing that he sounded tired. Stiles recounted his dream to her, and admitted that yes, he was tired.
“Ok, I’ll call him. Gonna head out sooner with everyone. A demon Stiles? I know you love Derek, but this is a lot even for Beacon Hills. You have to consider the risk factor. I mean it's scary right?” Stiles knew she was right. Stiles also didn't care, he could handle a demon,he sounded weak, and he needed Stiles. Not the other way around.
“Kira...I know you’re right, but I can’t even think of that. I have to do this. Derek deserves to be happy and alive. Eli deserves to have his father. You should see him. He looks so much like Derek.” Stiles felt his heart constrict and a sense of longing take hold of him. He wanted to do this for Eli and Derek but more to the point for himself. Derek I need you back. Stiles felt conflict rise up in his chest unsure why he needed the other man back, but knowing that he did.
“Ok. I got your back. Goes without saying.” Stiles could see her shrug and purse her lips as she said it. Stiles thanked her and hung up grateful for their shared history, he didn't need to explain why to her she just knew he needed it. Glancing around Dereks', room Stiles walked over slowly to the pillow and gently put his hand down he bent down to sniff the pillow he could smell the lingering cologne and sweat smell of Derek. He felt like he was intruding, suddenly he was aware this was his bed. He probably had strangers in this bed with him I mean how else did Eli happen? Some woman. Stiles recoiled and walked out of the room quickly shame and guilt racket balling through him.
“Hey kiddo.” His dad and Eli stood quickly and crowded him. Eli paused when he noticed Stiles shirt-really Dereks shirt- Stiles could see him reasoning as Stiles held his own wet shirt in his hand. "Feeling better? Wanna explain what that was?" His dad said eyebrow cocked and eyes with that same no nonsense look he got when he was on a call.
“Weird dream.” Eli looked at him quizzically, glancing back and forth between Stiles and John.
“You said you ‘demon’ a few times in there.” Stiles blinked at him; he’d forgotten his rune of silence. I also said it when I woke up, fuck.
“Yeah, a demon bound me to something, I’ve got it handled.” Something sparked in his mind, as he ignored the shocked looked on everyone's face. He didn't want to answer those questions yet. He couldn't be bothered to do so. Not yet.
“I need access to the Hale vault. You have the keys?” Stiles flicked his hand like the wolves usually did with their claws. Eli tried to extend his claws, John and Stiles watched as he struggled. John had that look on his face that said he wasn't done with the conversation from earlier.
“No problem, Peter should be here soon. I need the grimoire the Hales used to keep.” John looked at Stiles concern etched into his tired face.
“I promise I have a handle on this dad. I have my team on it, and I know what to do. A binding isn't possession it just means what I came to do is a little more complicated.” John nodded Stiles could see it then, the spark of recognition in his face. Stiles had no doubt in his mind that his dad could piece together Stiles intent. But now wasn't the time, not in front of Eli.
“Son.” Stiles held his hand up nodding and mouthing later . His dad nodded glancing at Eli.
“Well demons aside, Breakfast?” Eli nodded eyeing the two of them wearily. Stiles could see the hurt in his eyes, that Stiles didn't trust whatever the 'secret' was.
Stiles stopped Eli, “Hey when i get a handle on this I’ll tell you I don’t want you to panic without reason. So, when I have answers I’ll share ok?” Eli eyed him his hazel eyes searching Stiles face his nostrils wiggled once before he nodded.
Notes:
I tell ya I love when the story takes you there. I didn't plan to write the dream sequence. BUUUUuuttttt the story made sense to take it there without making the tone awkward and clunky.
Debating on the nature of Stiles powers but I love the idea of Runes with generic magic powers.
Feedback comments, and kudos always welcome!
I took liberties with the Latin don't give me flack I don't speak the language and Google translate can only do so much.
A demon in Beacon Hills? Whaaaatttt
Chapter 7: Wolves in the preserve
Summary:
Days after the dream, a familiar face returns.
Patterns are made clear.
Wolves in the preserve?
Notes:
Bit of a doozy! May seem like nonsense info dump.
BUT Trust me there's a plan.
Chapter Text
It had been three days since the astral visit or cryptic dream. Stiles mind still raced trying to find possible sources to pull information from. He needed access to the Hale vault, the grimoire they had collected over the long years the family lived in Beacon Hills could be invaluable. If only Chris Argent was a history keeping family instead of wolf hunting family. Stiles sucked his teeth as he walked out of Derek’s bathroom, his binding rune throbbing dully between his shoulder blades.
John whipped up some omelets for everyone while Stiles brewed coffee, Eli had set the table spouting fact after fact of the table. Turns out Derek had chopped, and cut the wood, making the table for them. Stiles and John shared a small smile, as Eli eyes took on a dreamy sorrowful look as he reminisced eventually Eli’ voice cracked, and broke Stiles spoke up then. Eli glanced at him confused,
“Derek loved woodwork.” Stiles said his dad snorted a small laugh with an ‘of course he did look’ Stiles nodded agreeably, Eli paused watching them trying to discern what they meant. “He made our old table too.” Stiles added quickly. Eli was going to ask something his mouth open as the front door flung open loudly the wood smashing into the entryway. Eli stared wide eyed as Peter Hale walked in. He looks a mess Stiles and John shared a look, his dad sighing disappointed. Stiles nodded moving to put both hands on Peters shoulder. Eli looked away from his uncle, distraught and defeat clear in his eyes. Stiles felt his emotions rile up within him, he felt the need to make things better for Eli, to fix the source of his discomfort.
“C’mon jackass.” Stiles muttered moving Peter forward, shaking his head as the smell of booze, musk and dirt hit his nose. Stiles frowned noting the stains in the back of his pants, he’d been sleeping in the nearly rebuilt Hale manor Stiles knew that he noted the white concrete dust. Stiles wondered if the blood was his own or someone else’s Stiles knew what Peter could be like when his grief took over.
He led Peter towards Dereks room the other man stiffened and stopped.
“No.” His voice sounded disused and scratchy. Stiles stopped and shoved forward anyway using his power to push Peter further into the room and past that into Dereks bedroom completely. The shower shuddered on; Peter stared at the water as it slowly began to steam. Stiles noted the thousand-mile stare, the fear and apprehension in his gaze.
“Strip.” Stiles said, not leaving room for any argument. Peter did and Stepped into the shower wincing as he cleaned at the various wounds licking up and down his body. Stiles paused his eyes skating over Peters bare body, scratches and blood stuck to him in various places. Peter caught Stiles eyes as he turned, the older man just shrugged
“He hangs out here often?” Eli nodded pointing to the clothes he had folded and left on a table. He mumbled a quick thanks noting the effort and kindness in the gesture. He wanted to say how good it was to act that way, but instead Stiles grabbed the clothes and headed back to Dereks room.
“What's with the wounds?” Stiles asked as Peter dressed himself in the clothes Eli picked out. Peter shrugged balancing himself on the sink.
“Myself? Or." Peter paused turning in a semi circle as he inspected himself before shrugging "Some random wolf lingering in the preserve. Or a few wolves?” Peter shrugged again; his eyes expressionless but red rimmed. Stiles sat down on the bed drawing silence runes in the air glancing at the door and flicking his wrist once to close the door.
“I hate to drop this on you so soon after...” The other man looked at him his eyes that were rimmed red from tears or soap Stiles didn't know. “I can do certain rituals... to bring him back.” Stiles said his voice low but confident. Peter looked at him, his eyes searching up and then down, a smirk and a scoff as he shook his head.
“Not possible.” He said definitively. Peter paused cocking his head to the side. He met Stiles eyes the younger man shrugged.
“Very possible, the nemeton held his spirit, doesn’t want his death.” Peter’s eyes narrowed his eyes flashed blue before returning to normal.
“Your little magics anything like what that druid can do?” Stiles shook his head fighting back the confident snort that built up within him.
“No, I’m much stronger and my influence extends beyond nature but also works within it” Stiles paused noting how weak Peter looked, he pushed into the man finding the spark of his power. Stiles scoffed disappointed. “You’re losing Beta status. Scott wouldn’t take you in?” Peter shrugged uninterested.
“Didn’t ask. Back to this ritual, what do you need?” Stiles exhaled crossing his arms, unsure of how to approach this conversation the Peter he knew he could work with. This sad, hollow Peter? Stiles had no idea how to approach this. So, he was just honest, knowing the old Peter could rear its ugly head and tell Eli before Stiles could do the ritual. That could be bad, if it doesn’t work. It had been half a week since Stiles had been back home, he needed resources outside of what he had.
“So, you need the old Hale grimoire. I’ve heard of a demon running around with our family, but you know how old wife's tales go. Yet what’s been happening here.” Stiles listened as Peter recounted his own encounter with the feral omegas, the same three he had taken down and sent back.
“But worse there’s a werewolf. Old lurking in the woods, smells rotten. Inhuman not feral, not beta. I don’t know what it is truthfully.” Stile's mind raced as he considered old wolf myths, of course the beast of Gevaudan, the lion attacks in Africa some years ago, old tales of cattle being eaten in Mexico.
“I'll look into it; Allison and Scott will help. I can’t have them interrupting the ritual and they might. So, vault?” Peter nodded, walking out with Stiles who let his rune spell end on its own.
They all sat around eating breakfast Stiles and Eli swapped stories and facts back and forth, John watching content as they did. Peter snorted sitting back content with the food, Stiles watched him trying to pick up on whatever Peter was apparently thinking.
“Nothing don’t worry about it. Ready for the vault?” Stiles nodded Eli stood, eagerness clear on his face. “No Eli too young.” Stiles scoffed and said he was coming Peter just shrugged and conceded the point. John shot Peter a look, the other man simply held his hands up in mock surrender. Stiles was curious about that but didn’t bother to ask.
“Derek and I moved the vault out from under the high school because we both agreed that having it under there was complete and utter bullshit. So, it’s now underneath the new foundation of the Hale manor. Or what will become the Hale manor.” Peter said quietly, Eli nodded grinning running a hand on Peters shoulder.
Eli looked at the plot fondly, recounting some of the planning he and Derek had gone over.
“Dad said the library needed to be extra special, with those comfortable couch windows and a hidden room inside.” Stile's mouth went dry, another conversation the two of them had before. He shook his head of the memory turning his car into the driveway.
Peter opened the vault easily enough, lights flickering on as they walked in. Stiles took the sight in noting all the shelves full of books, tomes, scrolls. He whistled as they walked in the collection was impressive but more than that he noted all the ingredients in the temper regulated shelf behind the closed off room.
“Temperature controlled with a neutralizing agent that cleans you off. Your design I believe.” Peter said casually meanwhile Stiles fought back every instinct to cry and scream. Derek took everything Stiles had ever said to him and incorporated it into his home. He’d left him in the middle of the night and fifteen years later rebuilt his home with what Stiles had told him.
Derek what the fuck. Stiles fingers danced over a copy of the Lesser key of Solomon, he pulled it, along with a translator scroll. Stiles noted how impressive the collection was, the scrolls he couldn’t pick up on, but the compendiums, ‘the histories of’. Stiles exhaled roughly through his nose shaking his head as he went.
“How much fucking money did this cost?” Peter glanced at the cover and then the scroll.
“Oh no I stole that. Weak almost desolate hunter family had it. Thought they could win against me, so I kicked ass and stole from them. Retribution.” Stiles nodded, unsure who the family was but he didn’t care. He set up his notetaking area near the entrance but close to a few of the shelves. He’d only grabbed books on demonology and rune work. He would need to come back when Eli wasn’t here to see what he could find on resurrection.
He went back up to his car to get his duffel. He called Scott about the wolf lingering in the woods. “Fucking Beacon Hills man. I’ll go patrol with Allison later. Join us?” Stiles agreed hanging up as he double checked his gear. He grabbed a spare clip; regular human rounds. His fingers danced on his rifle as he debated grabbing it or not.
Stiles paused his trunk up and open, he looked around the woods noting the tree line beyond with some solar lights pointing up and littering what Stiles figured was the edge of property line. “Well, no they own half the preserve I guess that's the house line.” Stiles mumbled to himself he noted some movement in the corner. He let his power flare up to the surface of his skin; he channeled his frustration with Derek and Peter to let his power rage within him. The leaves and dirt swirled around him a strong wind kicked up from him blasting the area clear the dirt and small rocks hitting the underside of his car in a display of his own power.
“Today is not the day jackass.” He said it standing firmly his power coiled and ready within he made no attempt to reach for his weapons. The figure watching him disappeared running sideways then backwards. Stiles sighed, relief shooting through him he needed to be proactive to he went to draw runes to turn stray wolves away. He traced Peters, Eli’s, Malias, and Derkes name into the frame of the house, the runes were meant to dissuade any wolves away. He cursed remembering that Cora will be back in town soon, he drew her name into the foundation too.
“It won’t last more than a day but while we’re here.” He said to himself. Still the cold air of the preserve nipped and bit at his skin, he felt the eyes of something in the distance. He was being watched he knew he was, but he couldn’t the of eyes watching him.
Stiles spent an hour combing through the books until he found what he needed. Why did Derek have books on resurrection? Stiles snorted when he realized that it was an insane question, of course Derek had books on resurrection . He took notes as Eli and John walked around the vault noting all the strange items the pair playing with a few preserved parts and making faces together at it. A toothy grin overtook his face as he watched his dad and Eli play. It had been a while since he’d seen his dad goof off, he noticed the years shave off his dads' features.
Stile's heart felt full at the sight of it, he knew deep in his heart and mind that was his. Except reality sank in a moment later, and Eli wasn’t, this house wasn’t. Derek borrowed his ideas for a home, but those ideas didn’t include him, they would never include him, Derek didn’t want Stiles, he had left him. Stiles closed his book harder than he meant to, shaking his head feeling his chest sink in, he felt rejected. The sensation was awful he felt hollow and pouty.
He went outside, wishing he had a cigarette or something to take the edge off. He breathed in and out remembering some of the practices for control over his abilities. He let his power swell and reduce as he breathed, a few more days. Then my team comes to town, and I can be on my way.
Together the four of them went into town Stiles and Eli at the front talking about everything and nothing Eli was so animated it almost distracted Stiles from his feelings of rejection, then he glanced back in his rearview mirror and saw his dad and Peter talking casually. Stiles remembered how terrifying Peter had once been and now here he was in his backseat talking to his dad about some sports or some car. I’ve been away so long, of course life goes on without me . Stiles felt like an outsider suddenly, this was his home, except not really.
They sat down to eat listening as John, Eli and Peter went back and forth on something asking Stiles to break the debate with a vote.
“You have to side with me.” Eli said seriously his voice full of sarcasm and snark.
“Yeah, I agree with Eli.” Peter scoffed and John sucked his teeth,
“No surprise there.” Peter mumbled, John shot him a murderous look Peter smirked when he met Stiles eyes in the rearview. He sat forward hands on the back of Stiles seat.
“Of course you do. Instinctus paternus.” Peter said looking at the menu, Stiles could see his blue eye wander over to him, there was an intent in what he’d just said and of course Stiles knew what the translation to that was but before he could say anything John asked very loudly if Eli was hungry. Peter exhaled a small puff that sounded like a giggle. Stiles frowned his mind trying to breach the mystery as he drove.
She sighed as she walked over to them Stiles repressed the exasperated look he wanted to give her. As the waitress from the other night came over she eyed Stiles wearily and shot Peter an intense frown. They put their orders in Stiles went over to her excusing himself as he stood.
“Hey I gotta question.” She eyed him nervously now; she nodded once firmly. Stiles knew her fear was more in her ignorance to what he was not that he could hurt her.Which Stiles could handle.
“You a wolf.” He mouthed ‘wolf’ not in a question, she nodded curt, eyes hard.
“And You are?” She asked turning to lean back on the counter the two were standing near a portion of the wide counter away from sitting patrons. Stiles glanced back making sure nobody was watching them.
“Not. Listen you felt anything call you to the preserve lately? Feeling antsy?” She hesitated looking at him with some combination of annoyance and weary fear.
“Sometimes at night.” She inhaled heavily contemplating her answer “Some nights I wake up and I'm halfway into the preserve heading to some place. I wake up before anything else and then just go home. But last night I saw this... Wolf? I don’t know it felt like a joke.” She crossed her arms, looking around the restaurant. Stiles gestured wildly for her to continue. “it looked like something out of a movie. Like underworld? Kate Beckinsale.” Stiles could note the uncertainty and small hints of fear in her voice. He nodded scratching his eyebrow with his thumb.
“Anything else out of the ordinary? And when did this start?” A week ago. Stile's stomach clenched annoyance flicking through him.
“ At night I hear others calling out, but they don’t sound right in their calls. They sound hungry, desperate. Some even sound like they’re in mourning.” Stiles knew wolves could howl to communicate but bitten wolves didn’t know how to do that, it was something born wolves knew naturally. “Harley says it’ll blow over something’s always happening in Beacon hills.”
Stiles paused. “Harley?” He quickly described her, and slowly but surely the waitress nodded agreeing. He snorted in amusement. So, she’s an emissary now, I mean of course she was. “Can you tell her to call me, I don’t think her number stayed the same when she left Beacon Hills.” He pulled out his card and passed it to her, she seemed taken aback by the official card.
“FBI huh?” She eyed him up and down Stiles knew the interest wasn’t out of her being impressed by him but rather another type of interest, that Stiles wasn’t going to think too much on. “Anytime?” She asked her eyes hooded, he nodded before walking back to his family. Or rather his dad, Eli and Peter. Stiles mulled over what he’d learned, nothing new really. Just the same a week ago the Nemeton started calling wolves to it. A demon was involved in some way, and Derek’s resurrection risked freeing it.
“I’m meeting with Scott and Allison later, Peter stay with Eli tonight? Lydia is also coming over.” He said putting his phone away. Eli looked back and forth between them.
“Why are you heading out with them?” His dad asked confusion on his face.
“Wolf in the woods, something Peter can’t recognize. Gotta see if it’s here for the nemeton or because of it. Demon adjacent or not. There’re a few moving pieces here and I still can’t get the full picture.” Derek’s resurrection cannot be interrupted, and it needs to happen at the Nemeton. All these stray wolves are going to be a problem.
“ And I can’t go?” Eli asked hurt, and offense clear in his voice. Stiles sucked his teeth doing his best to keep his expression neutral. Four days together of Stiles doting on Eli and vice versa. It was hard for Stiles to say no, instead he just leaned forward on his elbows.
“Claws out.” He said simply, Eli looked down annoyed mumbled I can’t. Stiles felt for him, he knew what it was like to have power just below the surface but unable to tap into it, to not be able to hold it, use it. He pursed his lips and just shrugged at Eli.
“ Practice control with Peter and next time you can, ok?” Stiles looked down to force Eli to meet his eyes, reluctantly the teen nodded conceding but no doubt feeling left out.
“Peter?” The other man glanced at Stiles once with a strange look of content in his eyes nodding once and flicking his gaze over to the waitress who was approaching with their food.
Stiles boots crunched on the wet grounds outside the Argent home. It was the same house they’d bought years ago, Stiles wondered why and how they could afford to move back.
“Dad bought it again; we decided to make it a home base for Argent hunters. In a good way of course.” Stiles eyed her apprehensively before nodding at her dad once.
“Going out?” He asked the older man who simply nodded, patting his gun strapped to his hip.
“Might need backup.” Was all he said, Allison pursed her lips "Scott's out their dad, we should be fine.” but she pulled her dad into a quick hug as he turned to his motorcycle. Stiles noted that Allison had her bow, knives and a crossbow case strapped to her back.
“Too bulky, no?” She shook her head and gestured for them to go.
Stiles listened as Allison told him about how she was settling back into her life. Stiles listened enough to respond but kept his focus on everything else he’d learned.
“So...” He could feel her hesitation, “So why are you back in Beacon Hills? I Know Dereks funeral was supposed to be this week, but you stopped it?” He hesitated to answer.
“Derek and I. It felt wrong to not show up. After everything.” It was lie, if anyone could figure it out. Allison possibly could, though he hoped her long absence meant she was insecure of her instincts.
“I get that, but you hesitated.” He just nodded his next answer could throw suspicion off him. Allison wasn’t rusty and she wasn’t relying on familiarity. Just what she saw in him.
“Beacon hills is home. But it’s not. Not anymore everything is so different, Derek has Eli. Peter is even a better person, he gets along with Eli so well, Cora is around more. The burned-out Hale house is now becoming the Hale manor.” What he said was as honest as he could be without saying what he was really here for. He knew it would be enough, still Allison eyed him with suspicion.
Stiles informed her of what they can expect all the sightings, and the strange wolf creature spotted twice now, by Peter and the waitress whose name Stiles didn’t catch. As they drove on, Stiles noted the air outside become drier, the ground wasn’t wet asphalt anymore.
Stiles slowed Allison sat forward frowning. “The ground is dry.” Stiles pulled off to the side of the long stretch of road parallel to the preserve. “Weapons.” Stiles said using his team leader voice. Allison huffed a small laugh,
“Sorry not used to that voice, very sexy Stiles.” He scoffed a laugh at her, in another world Allison probably be on the team with him. He could see it easily, her marksman skills could be very handy, so he set up a barrier rune on the back of her bag and tethered it to the car.
“What I just did was create a barrier on your quiver that uses the potential energy of the car, in park to shield you.” She nodded once doing mental gymnastics in her head.
“So, if it’s strong enough to move or tear a car apart it can hurt me?” he nodded, she frowned “If it’s stronger than a car we’re kinda fucked right?” Stiles shrugged grabbing his pistol.
“You might be.” Was all he said, she nodded looking impressed with Stile's confidence.
He approached the edge of the preserve noting the line where the wet asphalt stopped and the dry asphalt began. The air was wet and cold on one side and dry on the other. A boundary spell? Stiles let his power flow into his eyes; he caught sight of the orange tint dotting the landscape around them he stood slowly exploring inch by inch of the trees on the edge of the preserve.
He paused trying to remember what the orange tint could mean, he knew certain creatures like Kitsune could create areas where their powers were greatest. The nogitsune had done it twice when they first met it. The Darach had tried to achieve that and failed. The dread doctors had succeeded. Stiles shuddered as he remembered the Ghost Riders.
He called back to Allison. “Stay alert, something's up.” He pointed out the differences in climate she frowned her eyes darting around wildly. They trudged on parallel to each other Stiles at the edge of the preserve Allison on the opposite side of the road arrow knocked.
“Hold on.” Allison pointed out the blood splattered across the dry asphalt. Stiles let his power sink into his eyes again; the blood was human he called it out to her as he approached, she rose to full height drawing her arrow back.
Stiles followed the blood trail into the edge of the preserve. He cursed when he saw the butchered body a few feet in. He gestured for Allison to follow back to the car the duo walking back to the car with urgency the blue Bronco sat dry on the road. He held a hand up and pushed a psychic resonance at the car. It felt like what he imagined echo location felt like.
“All clear.” They got in quickly sweat clinging to the backs of their clothes, Stiles could feel how damp his socks felt. “Hey dad body in the preserve.” He passed Allison the phone so she could relay location and mile marker. “I think Parrish would be the smart call. Oh, hold on.”
She muted the call, “He said Malia may show up. I guess they’re together now?” Stiles nodded “Yeah that’s fine but it’s weird out here so tell them to be careful.”
The body itself was a young camper, dressed in colorful patched pants and a single tattoo on his upper bicep. He’s got his wallet at least. Stiles cast a rune of preservation over the body, they watched as a blue hued light danced and flitted over the mangled body.
They walked further in Stiles lighting up a few globules of light in their vicinity and ahead a few feet of where they walked.
“Might give us away.” Allison said head on a swivel. Stiles agreed but night vision expended too much energy and gave him a devastating headache.
“Might scare off someone who’s thinking of trying it though.” Allison nodded agreeably.
They were deep into the preserve but not at the heart of it where the Nemeton would be.
“We can’t have wandered that far in?” Allison said confused she turned in a slow circle taking in her surroundings.
“No, it pulled us and bended the space between us and it. That’s part of its charm.” Stiles dejectedly.
“Should we be so close if it’s active now?” Allison asked nervously pulling two arrows to hold and one to knock.
“We’ll be fine it can’t influence us while I’m here.” How accurate that was Stiles had no idea. Still, he drew runes through the air to prevent outside influence the runes spread and expanded in a circle around them. Stiles let his lights stretch out further from the illuminate the area around them the lights being consumed fifteen feet out by total darkness. Allison held her hand up and pointed at her ears, he nodded aware of how quiet the space around them was, no bugs, no creatures, the wind was totally still. Stiles felt this creeping sensation of someone watching them, the gooseflesh on his skin rising.
“What’d you do at the car a bit ago?” Stiles nodded sending a psychic pulse out in all directions, he felt a stabbing pain on the left side of his brain in the direction of where they had originally come from, he winced falling to a knee. The sensation felt like a blood vessel slowly popping in his head. He grit his teeth his eyes watering as his psychic sense pinged back fifteen wolves surrounding them. “Fifteen” He grit out. Allison stood immediately redrawing her bow and arrow.
Stiles cursed under his breath as fifteen yellow eyes flared to life beyond the lights Stiles manifested. Allison breath caught audibly, “Scott?” She said releasing an arrow a few inches below the eyes right in the sternum by the position. He fumbled for his phone with one hand; his vision swam as he struggled to maintain his composure.
Fuck it he reached out with his mind and let his psychic scream echo out into the preserve where he knew Scott no doubt was waiting for them to join him. He heard the call back as Scott roared loudly, the other fifteen eyes snapped in the direction of it before turning back on the duo.
Chapter 8: Lupus in Umbris
Summary:
Fifteen wolves and one in the shadow. Stiles power fails him, Allison stands ready.
TW: Canon typical violence, magic violence.
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Notes:
Quick update! With another incoming either today or tomorrow. Feedback, comments and theories welcome.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
It all happened in an instant, the wolves charged and Allison loosed two arrows back to back. Stiles used all his willpower to push out as the fifteen feral yellow eyes ran at them. Stiles stilled the air around their feet and pulled backwards the sounds of bodies smacking the compacted dirt filled the clearing. The sudden drop in his strength was sudden, he gasped at the loss of stamina, something in the area was eating his power. My lights are dimming, shit. Stiles looked around wildly, keeping hold of his power as best he could, but he could feel it leaving him.
Stiles turned the barrel of his gun flaring to life muzzle, and rune lighting up concurrently. He fired six rounds, and those six rounds elicited the sound of pain as they found their marks. Smug Stiles turned in a circle firing off more rounds, the flashes dimmed by his ware lights. Allison fired just as quickly with her bow, quiver near the end of her arrow reserves. We can’t hold out for long; I can barely stand up. Stile's vision swam he felt unsteady, his knees threatening to buckle, he couldn’t even get his full power under him. His stomach rolled and churned he felt bile and he spit out as he upchucked. his gun dropping next to him, he stared at the ground for a moment unsure what happened to him. What is this?Is this demonic influence? My binding rune!
“Stiles!” Allison yelled, turning and losing an arrow to his right, Stiles heard the heavy breathing and snarling without looking up he drew a rune in the air, the orange energy fizzling and sparking in front of the arrow as it flew through it,
“Four.” Stiles said and the feral wolf howled as four arrows apparated with the one Allison had loosed blood splaying and splattering onto the ground. The creature snarled once, twice and then collapsed forward whimpering weakly. They repeated the process soon all around them lay the pin cushioned bodies of feral wolves whimpering and moaning into the dirt of the clearing. Stile's head swam from the expended energy his body shaking with tremors, Stiles reached for his power, and it felt like his power recoiled from his attempts to grasp it. He stood shakily his mouth dry, head throbbing, his vision unfocused. This won’t last. He blinked as nausea overcame him. Omega or not these wolves will heal and get up, and what's worse whatever attacked me with psychic energy has not stepped out of the shadows. I have no idea what or who we’re fighting, this is bad! Stiles stood wiping the corner of his mouth, he felt like he had his balance back, Allison eyed him with concern. He nodded once reaching down for his pistol.
Allison echoed his fears; he nodded passing her his pistol and pulling his karambit. She checked the clip before readying her stance.
He felt it then the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, the crunch and thump of leaves and the packed dirt and mud impacting. Stiles and Allison turned watching as this massive beast stepped into the pale ware lights that danced at the edge of Stiles vision. The lights bending around the creature as it rose on its hind lights, this bulky massive creature with a long snout, thick white teeth, deep yellow eyes that glowed with a natural light beneath it. It’s arms long and thick claws brushing the leaves and dirt, this beast at full height stood easily over 8 feet. The creature snarled once it’s long tail swishing back and forth the leaves in a wide area moving and flitting away with the force of the displaced air. It roared once and ran at them. Stiles held his hand up solidifying the air before it. The creature hit the barrier, a loud thunk! as it impacted and Stiles envisioned the wall snaring shut trapping the creature in its grasp. Bear trap style he thought. The creature thrashed wildly snarling and snapping at the air that held it, Allison stood ready an intense look in her eyes. A moment passed and then two, silence filled the air around them. Stiles sucked in a breath hard. Allison glanced around them making sure nothing else was sneaking up on them.
The creature turned its head with inhuman movements and with an almost deep ancient intelligence in it's eyes it opened its massive maw and roared the barrier falling apart and through its roar or the connection to his magic Stiles felt the assault on his mind. He grit his teeth as images and feelings were forced into his mouth.
Visions and images flashed, the creature snarling and tearing through cars and people. Stiles felt the sting and cut of metal in its- his- mouth and Stiles could see the car it was tearing into, the warm blood of someone pleading for their life. The vision changed then the crunch of trees and roots breaking and crunching beneath my massive bulk, a predator in every way. The vision changed again, and Stiles stood before the Nemeton angry and confused. A voice speaking to him as he stood in the clearing relaying emotions and feelings without words but still clear to him. Free me .
“Libera me” Stile's said, and his vision blacked out as the lights in the clearing blinked out of existence.
Notes:
>:)
Chapter 9: The limits of power
Summary:
Return to Beacon Hills.
Notes:
I guess the next chapter was today! We're picking up steam!
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Forgive the words not in English I used Google translate!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Kira eyed the Beacon Hills town sign, apprehension and dread settling into the pit of her belly. She subconsciously reached for her power as a kitsune, she felt her tails shift and move nervously. Brett sat in the passenger seat nodding grimly as he readjusted himself in his seat, green eyes searching the road before them. He had an intensity to his gaze that Kira wasn’t used to seeing. This wasn’t unfamiliar territory to them, but it had been a while Stiles had been in any danger while they worked. She glanced at the time on her cars screen, she cursed under her breath We had to make it at nighttime, couldn’t have been daytime or something less threatening. Like Christmas or easter. Kira exhaled through her nose her nerves frayed she noted how dry the road before them was, which wasn’t unusual but roads like this usually were wet. Weren’t they? “Not even in town yet and I'm already paranoid.” Kira said her team looked at her Brett nodded lips pursed.
“Old stomping grounds huh?” Colin said cheerfully in the backseat, his toothy grin and blue eyes sparkling, “Man the Nemeton sounds so interesting, I know you guys are traumatized because of it. But man, it sounds so interesting.” Kira nodded once sharing a defeated look with Brett as they drove parallel to the preserve. It would be another thirty minutes before they got to the hospital Stiles was set to be discharged from. Brett’ leg bounced nervously as he bit at his thumb Kira knew he was one small comment or thing from setting himself off. Kira was going to offer some comfort before they heard a deep mournful howl, Kira’ head whipped over to the right eyes tracing the edge of the preserve. They sat in silence before three more howls cut through the air the hum of the car and a/c loud in the silence. Kira glanced in the rear-view as something moved quickly behind them, a form she could not make out.
“You hear that?” Varcolac said in the back seat accent thick with concern. His twin sat forward blonde hair pulled back as he turned his head side to side to listen. Kira knew they were using their enhanced abilities to listen.
“Trist.” Geamăn said in his native tongue a somber expression on the born wolfs face. He turned his head, expression down turned as he searched the preserve, his eyes shifting, bright yellow lights illuminating his face. Kira let her power flow just below her skin, electricity dancing and rolling across the surface of her arms. There was a loud thu-thump- thu-thump- She frowned and then cursed loudly as the car rocketed sideways from the impact her hands flying to control the steering wheel to no avail, as another two impacts sent the car flying. They rolled glass and metal crunching and whomping as the car rolled and skidded across the highway. Unable to focus or concentrate on anything oh shit! Kira grit her teeth her head knocking and smacking into the steering wheel. Her entire world was off center, and her vision dimmed and darkened. The car rolled and tumbled one more time as another impact sent the vehicle careening and screeching across the road near the preserve.
She blinked unsure what hurt more her, torso or her head. She knew at the least she bruised her rib the painful inhales smarted her eyes. She sucked in a breath and grit her teeth kitsune healing kicking in and she felt her wrist and knuckles slick and click back into place. A moment passed and she inhaled finally her rib no longer aching. She felt Brett stir next to her she turned to see the blood coating the sides of his head, his breath ragged and slow.
Brett snarled cutting his seat belt with a claw, he nodded at her eyes bright and mouth full of teeth. and then back to Colin as he scrambled out of the car his blood coating the concrete. She reached behind her feeling for Colin as the other two wolves joined Brett outside cursing in Romanian as they went. A moment passed and more bodies slammed into the car, before snarling cursing and pushing back she could hear their footsteps as they moved away from the car. Kira closed her eyes and held a ball of healing in her hand careful to focus so her orange yellow power didn’t fade. This was a new power to her, the ability to heal others and the focus she needed for it was immense. Sweat slick and sore, she maneuvered to get back to Colin.
She ignored the sound of claws tearing and slashing through flesh and body armor. Ignored the cursing and sounds of body slamming into concrete or other bodies. She winced, finally grabbing Colin’s arm who winced and cried out in pain. She let her healing power flow into him. A moment passed and his eyes flared to life a purple blue hue that illuminated a small portion of his face. He winced as his rib realigned with her healing power. Kira nodded once, her Kitsune armor coating her as Colin began chanting under his breath, using his hands to draw and isolate power for spells. He wasn’t as good as Stiles with magic and runes, but he could do a in pinch. Kira flung herself out she could hear her armor cracking and breaking the other broken bits of glass.
Rising to her height she saw fifteen wolves with various broken arrow shafts poking out and caked with dried blood. They stood in a half circle snarling and snapping at Brett and the twins who looked deeply messed up, blood and bruises wherever their body armor didn’t cover, and a deep gash across Brett's chest that glistened with small scarlet beads in the dim moon light. Kira frowned readying herself for a bloody relentless fight. She noted the bruises that dotted the feral wolves fresh and some healed over. This had to be Stiles and Allison. The fight they had near the Nemeton a day and a half ago. Kira hated how long it had taken them to get here, but politics colored so much of their work. It’s why Stiles took off without a notice to the higher ups leaving Brett and her to contend with it instead.
“Arrows?” Varcolac asked confusion coloring his accent. Kira explained quickly that the Argent family had a hunter who specialized with bow and arrows. Varcolac cocked an eyebrow at his twin the other man looked away focusing on the wolves before him. Kira held her hands out, electricity balling up between them she frowned a small huff as she made a conscious effort to the hold the energy together between her hands. It’s harder than I remember why? As the energy swelled and grew in her grasp the air grew still. The four of them eyed the creature as it stepped out of the preserve. A beast massive in stature, a snarl transfixed on its features permanently brown and unsightly body half bald thick cords of muscle shown prominently. It's bigger than a bear! the other three wolves shifted then; full beta, hair, fangs and claws slicking into place. The creature stepped into the moon light its massive fangs glowed white in the dim light, its eyes Kira noted looked so natural and real but shown with a supernatural color to them. Not like Brett in Beta shift but still unnaturally yellow and powerful. A sort of primal dread bubbled up within her, and she felt her Kitsune instinct rise within her.
“Colin!” Brett called as the young mage crawled out carefully, he nodded once his eyes flaring brightly at the ball between Kiras hands, electricity spider webbed out arcing and bouncing back and forth between the other wolves attacking them. The fifteen werewolves collapsed on the ground before them reverting to human as they fell. It moved fast for its size, the beast lunged forward with unnatural speed. Kira crossed her arms feeling the beast slam into her, her armor; a fox tail wrapped around her breaking immediately as she was flung backwards. The armor dissipated as Kira hit the side of the upturned car bouncing once before falling beside the overturned car. She huffed as the air got knocked out of her, she felt the blood leak from her forehead before it covered her face. She grit her teeth willing herself to heal, woozy and disoriented she waited until her vision focused again. She had landed on the other side of the car, the other wolves rushing to get between her and the beast. Kira got up as quickly as she could one hand on the overturned car to steady herself.
“Kira!” Varcolac called out throwing himself against the beast who bit into his side and with his maw flinging him backwards towards the preserve with inhuman strength. Kira reacted quickly then, letting electricity spark and curl around her. The best swung at her, and she caught it’s massive clawed, muscled hand a POP! and flash the creature yowled a ferocity coloring its eyes as it roared. The roar was deafening, Kira winced but stood her ground. She heard Colin cry out in pain, out of instinct to protect she turned, and the beast swiped at her again. Geamăn caught its massive muscular arms before the claw connected grunting and groaning as he struggled against the beast. It all happened in a blur then; Kira held her hand out a ball of lightning shooting out towards the beast who turned and fled with a speed Kira couldn’t keep up. Lightning striking the asphalt with a thunderous boom as it connected. The air prickled the hair on her arms, she watched as Geamăn got flung backwards off the beast and an audible crack! As he struck the asphalt.
They stood breathing hard, blood drying as the wolves healed, Colin lay curled in a ball between the car and asphalt still. Kira and Brett squatted down next to him hands on his sides as Colin shook tremors racking his thin frame. A moment passed and then three, all the wolves relaxed.
“We’re clear” Geamăn said cursing in Romanian under his breath. As he looked around at the other unconscious wolves. The three wolves relaxed wincing as their bodies knit themselves back together blood and bruises stopping and fading. Kira called Stile’s dad, she apologized for the late call but appreciated the quickness he and Deputy Parrish would arrive.
One of the feral wolves began to stir, groaning and shaking as his body began to heal, arrow heads pushing out of his body. “What happened? Where am I?” He sounded young, no more than fifteen. Brett and the twins exchanged looks the four of them looking to Kira.
“Fucking Beacon Hills.” She said going to the trunk of her car to get their gear out. Her head on a swivel not wanting to get ambushed again.
The Sheriff, Parrish, Malia and Chris argent showed up with a small bus to ferry the injured wolves. Kira had never been so happy to see the abrasive Were-coyote.
“Hey girlie you look good.” Kira said Malia smiled moving her hair back behind her ear the pair embracing quickly Malia looked her over noting the drying blood coating her features.
“Been working out a lot. To distract from Derek’s death.” Ah she hasn’t lost her bluntness at least. As their conversation went on- mostly pleasantries- Kira noted how interested Malia was in Parrish, she kept checking the other man out as he helped the feral wolves onto the bus. Kira suppressed a small smile. They began to question the feral wolves of what happened. In short they had no idea where they were the few who had heard of Beacon Hills were mostly born wolves.
“I was always told by my abuela that barring a call from the Hales I never had a reason to set foot in Beacon Hills.” The young man looked shaken eyes wide, lips tight. Kira felt for him she really did. The lightning blast seemed to have snapped them all out of whatever manipulation or influence brought them to Beacon Hills. She stood by with Malia listening as they passed their phones around to make arrangements for pickups at the airport and to buy tickets. Kira wondered if whatever external influence had taken root she’d managed to dispel with her lightning attack; she knew high levels of electricity could suppress bitten wolf transformations and even kill. Is that why that beast attacked me? Why did the beast even show up here? Kira considered what happened to Allison and Stiles when they had fought the beast, they’d been near the Nemeton.
The sheriff walked over to the overturned car, Kira followed so he wouldn’t be on his own. “I don’t understand how that beast could have done this.” John said kicking the floor near their ruined and smoking car. Kira nodded once as the Sheriff grabbed their gear bags and carried them over to his cruiser. Brett stood half leaning into the massive SUV. We weren't close to the Nemeton, but Stiles did say it was active which meant distance wouldn’t matter for the Nemeton. She got pulled from her thoughts as she watched John and Brett reunite. Brett had gone into the preserve with Geamăn to see if they could find tracks leading to a den or hiding place.
“Hey son. How ya been?” He said pulling Brett into a tight familiar hug, Brett shrugged once, she saw his eyes smart lips down turned before she looked away.
“You been to see Stiles?” Kira asked walking to Parrish and Malia, the pair nodded. Parrish very pointedly was focusing on the ground before him.
“Stiles hates him.” Malia said pointing to a very red-faced Parrish. “But he’s doing ok. At least he’s awake usually people that end up at Beacon Hills memorial don’t wake up.” She sighed continuing.
“The thing he described it as powerful, and it fucked Scott up. Bad.” Kira paused the beast hadn’t looked like a traditional werewolf. Maybe a feral werewolf like what Peter had been when he’d been lost in his madness. At least according to what Stiles had told her when they spoke this morning. Scott was a true Alpha and that wasn’t a thing to take lightly. If it could hurt Scott that bad, this meant their job was that much harder.
“I don’t know but it’s all connected to the Nemeton. At least that’s what we’re thinking.” Malia nodded eyeing the twins who were propping Colin up. She wrinkled her nose sniffing the air.
“Is he like Stiles?” Kira turned to watch Colin be led away to the Sheriffs SUV. Kira shook her head explaining Colin was more like a sorcerer –druid type. Nobody could really explain what Stile's power was- the team just called it magic. She’d forgotten how new Colin was to the team, Malia and Chris hadn’t met the sorcerer yet. She watched Chris wave from the bus she cheerily waved back, the older man’s crow's feet wrinkling with a soft smile. The change in the atmosphere was sudden, but completely natural. Yet Kira felt like the change in air temperature should not have happened to such an extreme. Malia shuddered the air dropped several degrees and quickly, Kira could see her breath she cocked her head to the side, before taking off towards the sheriffs SUV.
Her blade sang as she unsheathed it, blue light dancing from hilt to blade tip as she held it ready. Parrish’ fire covered his body his eyes glowing brightly as he scanned the area with that same calm precision he always had. Malia’ fang dropped her eyes that deep blue as they stood waiting for whatever came out of the preserve.
Free me. The voice said a musky scent permeated the area, Come. Free me. The voice was loud, and she noted how easily the shifters became influenced Malia and the twins going lax and stepping forward. Kira felt her own body relax unwillingly, her blade lowering her vision blurring. Her Kitsune armor melded itself to her head like a fox helmet ear swiveling from side to side. She shook her head the influence fading. Colin stepped forward on shaky legs, he held his hand out and a blue crystal flashed to life in his palm. The glow permeated the area directly before, casting dark and deep shadows bathed in blue light.
“Fyge.” He said power and force booming from his voice clearing the influence from the shifters' minds. The temperature went back to normal, and the musky scent was seemingly sucked backwards into the preserve. Colin collapsed in a heap on the asphalt the twins snapped out of their influence now surged forward to grab him.
Kira cursed under her breath feeling the change in the air again, she began barking orders. Chris nodded the bus revving to life beneath him even as his eyes scanned the edges of the preserve. The loud engine filled the silence, diesel clinging to the air the other werewolves looked around nervously.
“Take the wolves outside of Beacon Hills! Meet us at the hospital or the sheriffs house after.” Kira said to Parrish who grabbed Malia’ hand leading her forward. Kira glanced back from between the back seats of the Sheriffs SUV she could see the form of the massive beast in the road staring at them, she knew it was staring at her they were making eye contact even if she couldn’t see the beast clearly, she knew it was watching her. Waiting, hungry. Goose-flesh pricked her arms; she held herself as John drove.
“Colin’s with the twins, now.” Kira said Brett nodded wiping himself down in a room Melissa and the Sheriff had cleared for them. He stripped his shirt off wincing as the torn material had clung to his healing wounds. He hissed as he tore the flesh open again to clean the wound. Melissa waited for him to finish before cleaning his wound out. Brett shut his eyes wincing as the wound fizzled and hissed from the blood interaction.
“You never know what a ‘Demon’ may have you know.” Brett nodded a small smile dancing on his lips. Kira hadn’t even thought that a demon scratch could cause influence. Then again, they’d never dealt with Demons before.
“Demons. Stiles said it was under control. I knew it wasn’t. I should have.” John trailed off as Brett and Melissa turned offering consolations. Brett looked mournful as he put an arm around John's shoulders.
“Stiles is in a weird space, and this is new territory for all of us. This is not your fault at all.” Kira said confidence in her tone. John nodded concern and stress aging him as he rubbed a tired hand down his face. This is getting out of hand.Stiles you better have a plan. Kira readjusted her sword so it was covered by her hoodie.
Stiles was up on the second floor, Kira noted how empty the hospital was. Which as morbid as it was to think, she wasn’t used to this. Brett was practically vibrating out of his skin as they made their way to Stiles. Colin's room was right next to his it turned out, and the twins joined them as John opened the door. In the room was Stiles on the bed Lydia in one chair and Eli in the other. The young teen sniffed the air as they opened the door, Kira was dumbfounded. Eli was a little Stiles, she noted how similar the two were. The sculpt of their lips, the cheekbones, splashes of moles. Kira noted how they had the same intelligent eyes, she stood still shocked as the rest of the team noticed as well, Brett audibly gasped at the sight of the young teen the twins muttered something under their breath. Everyone exchanged looks between them, shocked and the air still between all of them.
Eli ever the awkward teen looked back and forth between Stiles and his team. Kira broke the silence first rushing to hug Stiles forcibly tearing her eyes away from Eli. She caught how tense Eli got when she lunged for Stiles she figured he was just nervous. Introductions and greetings out of the way, Brett sat down next to Stiles the other man quickly putting an arm around Brett’s waist. Kira noted how tense Eli got when he did that motion, she caught Johns eyes, the older man trying his best to keep a neutral expression.
“So you fought that thing too huh?” Stiles cursed under his breath. “At least the feral wolves are gone, that makes the ritual easier.” Brett glanced at Eli and then at Stiles.
“Which ritual is that?” Brett asked cautiously. Kira realized that Eli didn’t know. The twins caught her eyes their blue eyes full of despair and a little frustration.
“I have Peter going through old Hale records, Allison too.” Stiles said after explaining that he needed to silence the Nemeton and take the creature trapped within out of it.
Kira felt stressed this was all too much, she knew Stiles had access to immense power but this thing, this beast shut him down with a roar. John sighed sitting in the seat Eli was on. The young teen floundered slightly as he tripped seemingly on his own feet. Lydia paused her brown eyes watching and then darting over to Stiles with that same analytical look Kira had. Stiles noticed their eyes and shrugged; oblivious to the connections they were making. John very pointedly was not looking at anyone but rather fiddling with his badge his nail clicking as he dug out something from the grooves of it.
“Colin banished the influence before it got too bad, but it took a lot of power. I also don’t know what language he spoke in.” Kira added sitting on the arm rest where Lydia was, the other woman playing absent-mindedly with her hair.
“Greek.” Geamăn said his twin snapped his finger nodding in agreement.
“I didn’t know Colin could speak any language but English.” Stiles said frowning. “But it’s good that the influence can be expelled. I’ve just been knocking them out as they attack.”
Eli huffed a small laugh “It’s awesome, he’s like Carrie.” Brett snorted a laugh when Stiles smacked him on his back. Eli laughed with Brett at the reaction Stiles had this dreamy expression on his face; content. Despite the circumstance Kira felt a pang of nostalgia, this felt more like what she was used to.
“Stiles.” John said, calmly dad voice on full display Eli stood straighter and Brett pulled away from his boyfriend. “What’s really going on? All of it.” Stiles swallowed his eyes wide before he regained composure. Eli was watching his face twisted with apprehension, fear and maybe a little hope.
“I can shut down the Nemeton.” Stiles said not breaking eye contact with his dad. Slowly he turned to Eli sitting up in his hospital bed, the IV moving noisily with his movement.
“And I can resurrect Derek.” Eli’ expression dropped, tears pricking his eyes, the young teen pushed out of the room in a hurry. Stile's expression folded into himself, a mirror image to the expression Eli had just pulled.
Notes:
Thoughts, feedback, comments and theories welcome!
Chapter 10: Living umbra
Summary:
Reconciliation, research, and remembrance.
Chapter Text
The car hummed beneath as he went, mentally picturing his corkboard with clues and hints. He now knew the Demon could influence minds, including sharing memories and language. Stiles didn’t know Latin enough to use the phrases the Demon had used in his ‘visit's’ astral projection? visits can’t be the right word . Stiles shook himself of the stray thoughts . Stiles also had uncovered the binding rune originated from a derivative of an older Greek language that had only been observed in in certain semi preserved manuscripts and even those weren’t full pages or scrolls. A Greek Latin demon. Sure, why the fuck not.
“Fucking Beacon Hills.” Stiles muttered as he turned back on the long stretch of road. Not far from where Kira and Brett had been attacked. He also had no idea to what extent his mind could be influenced. Usually, my own power repels possession or hallucinogenic drugs but the Beast at the Nemeton suppressed my power with one roar! I could scratch in runes around the area that could act like consecration...Theoretically retain my power that way, but if it breaks the rune or shoves me out of it.
Stiles mused all this as he drove to the Hale house Brett sat next to him nervously flexing and fiddling with Stile's thigh as they drove. The warm hand a tethering point from the chaos in his mind. A nervous energy settled just below the surface of his skin as he neared the Hale house Stiles chewed the inside of his lower lip. Eli’s either pissed or sad, or a combination of the two. I don’t know what would make this easier. Brett turned to face him, empathy and concern clear on his face. He opened his mouth, closed it and then opened it again.
“Don’t overthink it, he just needs time.” Two days is plenty of time, Stiles thought. Brett was right Stiles was out of his depth here, Eli had just lost his dad, he should have lied in that room. But what would that have gotten him? Brett caught his eye Stiles turned and nodded once grabbing the other man's hands and kissing the back of his hand. Stiles nodded to himself again turning from this angle he could see the preserve just to the side, a small throbbing ache racked the side of his head. He could visualize the beast bounding out of the preserve again. Rising to full height the sinewy arms and muscles, yellow eyes the beast faced them Stiles swallowed his throat dry and hard. Stiles blinked again the tree line was clear no beast. No threat, but a gnawing sensation sat in the back of his mind. He dry swallowed again, his throat heavy clicking with the movement.
“That thing any ideas?” Stiles sighed, the throbbing in his head became a loud thump that echoed and reverberated back and forth. Stiles forehead felt tight, a clammy sweat broke out across his forehead. Brett took his hand back and swiping absentmindedly on his tablet giving Stiles space but every now and then he would glance back at Stiles.
“A few but I don’t know enough. It seems I never know enough.” Stiles couldn’t think straight the throbbing in his head made him feel sick. “Peter has some ideas I just hope for my sake they’re in the Hale grimoire.” Brett nodded blinking rapidly at the mention of the older Hale.
He stood at the front door, clenching and unclenching his hand Stiles turned scanning the road beyond the line. Brett put a hand on his shoulder squeezed once and then pointed at the door. Stiles opened it with his magic; he frowned down at himself for how long it took to call upon his power. He found Peter standing in the kitchen, on the island was a handful of books, open to various pages.
“Pasta?” Peter asked, Stiles wanted to scream at him. The older man smirked dry and sarcastic as Brett sat across the kitchen island nodding down to where Eli’s room was, Stiles nodded once. Shooting Brett a look of annoyance his boyfriend grinned once green eyes bright.
He shot Brett a –stay with him- look glancing once at Peter, before going to find Eli. Stiles found the empty room and felt a little winded at the sight of Dereks leather jacket strewn on Eli' bed a clear impression that the teen had slept with it on his bed. Stiles felt his scalp prickle he ran his hands through his long hair, noting how dirty it felt. When's the last time I showered? He stood in the center of the empty room but on the bed -next to the jacket- were two photo albums, Eli at his second birthday if the big blue number ‘2’ was any indication. Derek bright eyed and happy, in the reflection of the picture he could see Cora’. Stile's heart sank as he flicked once finding pictures of the three of them at a waterpark, at an amusement park. Eli and Derek covered in ice cream the two with a perfectly smug look and matched poses. Stiles decided to look in the backyard instead. The distance from the kitchen to the bedroom felt like leagues and miles.
“I’ll bring ya back big guy, I promise.” Stiles attempted to stretch his consciousness out, but found this area was limited, he groaned to himself his headache intensifying. Stiles adjusted his shirt collar and brushed his hair quickly using his hands. He tried to steady himself as he walked out, but his vision swam fuzzy in the back of his mind.
The teen sat cross legged in the sand pit, Stiles noted he was barefoot in loose shorts and a tank top. Moles splashed across his shoulders one in particular stuck out to Stiles, he had two on his left shoulder both a fingertip apart from each other, curving just around the shoulder. They had matching moles, Stiles found that immensely interesting but he stood for a moment. debating what to say.
“Hey.” Eli said softly not turning. Stiles squatted down across from him before sitting he let his hands sift through the sand loose twigs and sand falling. “Is it true?” Stiles knew what he was asking.
“Yes, I could.” Certainty steeled his voice; Eli wouldn’t meet his gaze keeping his head down fidgeting. Stiles recognized the nervous energy so he babbled. "it’s complicated because of the beast that's lurking. But with enough people to cover me." Eli nodded once, looking up at the sun as it moved across the sky.
“Then I want to be there.” Eli looked up at him now his eyes golden and bright even in the midday sun. “I deserve to be there.” Stiles nodded and in a quiet voice agreed.
“I get why you didn’t say anything, Uncle Peter said you weren’t sure if it could work and then the wolves kept attacking. The demon thing. I get it...” Eli paused his voice small when he spoke again “But why didn’t you tell me?” Stile's heart constricted in his chest; he could feel his power rise meeting his desire to embrace the young man before him. Eli’ eyes drifted back to normal the soft honey brown eyes burning into Stiles. Pleading for answers, for a reason an explanation to why Stiles treated him like everyone else had; delicate, weak. Stiles recoiled his chin touching his chest briefly, before he looked back up at Eli meeting his eyes dead on.
“If the ritual called for blood. I didn’t want to traumatize you, seeing Derek...I was trying to protect you. I get wanting to be trusted and included in all this” Stiles said gesturing to the space between the two of them “But you are fifteen. I’ve been through this and I’m not all the way okay because of it. That’s all.” Stiles own voice was small, Eli scoffed grabbing fistfuls of sand, letting them fall between his fingers. A moment passed between the two of them, and then three.
“Are we okay?” Stiles asked as he sat across from him. His throat felt dry and raw his scalp prickled as he ran his fingers through his hair. Eli sat observing the sand between them his fingers clenching and unclenching.
Eli nodded once stretching his legs out he poked Stiles with his big toe. “I want to help.” The teen said with a confidence Stiles recognized, that was all Cora. Maybe a little Malia.
Stiles nodded standing and holding a handout for the young teen. The two stood and Stiles pulled him into a quick half hug. Eli grumbled low in his chest; a familiar sound Derek once made. Content. Stiles huffed a small, pleased smile as the two walked back in. Peter shot them a once over nodding and gesturing to the table Brett was setting for them.
They ate the unfortunately very good pasta Peter had made. Stiles had a book open next to his plate full of transcripts and very bad renditions of the beasts detailed within. He chortled a laugh around a mouth full of pasta Brett’ eyes darted over immediately. A question on his handsome face Stiles nodded holding a finger up.
“The beast of Bray Road?” Brett scoffed they’d all heard the legends Cryptids Colin loved to talk about it. Stiles figured that made sense, it explained why his own power had failed him, he’d accidentally walked into its domain. The dry area near the preserve, it set up shack near the Nemeton and since the Nemeton can move itself to whatever it finds most interesting. “Fuck.” Brett wrinkled his nose at him in question.
“Certain spirits, or entities when they have enough power can create pocket realms, like the Nogitsune had all those years ago, the Dread Doctors, the Ghostriders. It was similar to what Jennifer was trying to do, but on a larger scale.” Peter nodded, she had been trying to push the boundaries of her pocket realm to encompass all of Beacon Hills, it’s why she could hide the rituals and Nemeton from them for so long.
“Cryptids are types of spirits or what lingering spirits become overtime. Some think cryptids are lesser Demons or half breed Demons. The Beast of Bray Road seems to have set itself up near or around the Nemeton, and the Nemeton can move.” Stiles said in a singsong tone, he let the suggestion hang in the air. Which means I need to learn to how to repel or weaken Demonic influence . Stiles chewed the inside of his cheek deep in thought,
“That binding rune on your back.” Eli started Peter sat forward pushing his plate back, “what does it do?” Stiles reached back feeling the bumpy scar tissue, he had an idea but without firm proof or further research.
“Binds me to Derek.” He said Peter chuckled amused, Eli gaped, and Brett frowned down at his plate and then at Peter who pointed and laughed silently but with a mocking expression. “Did this Demon show you Derek?” Stiles nodded, Peter tensed suddenly serious. “Any chance this fella’ resurrection rests on Derek’s return?” Stile's nostrils flared in frustration, in the back of his mind sure, he’d thought it was possible.
“Possibly.” Eli sat back eyes wide looking an invisible list in his mind over. Brett kept his face neutral, his eyes darting over Stiles. Using all his training to gleam more of Stiles body language.
“We’ve seen what a ‘lesser’ or half breed demon could do to us. This ritual gets more and more complicated. Any last-minute genius ideas?” Peter said picking at his teeth annoyed. Stiles nodded and held two fingers up. Brett’ eyebrows drew together uncertainty on his features. Stiles winked at his boyfriend, but the gesture felt hollow, no heat, no passion in it.
“I’ve got an old friend who’s in town, and Lydia.” Peter whistled,
“A banshee powered ritual that’s brave. Or could be part of a deadly omen, I guess. Or rather you would guess.” Peter said standing and collecting his, Stiles and Eli’s plate, he ignored Brett completely. Stiles walked after the older Hale uncertainty in his steps as he went.
“What's under here?” He asked kicking the island a hollow thud! Peter paused as if remembering.
“Safe room.” He said after a moment. “Some mystical items, nothing fancy mostly repellents.” Stiles wondered if mountain ash would repel Demonic forces as well. He knew sage or a circle of rosemary and rue could repel them, but he would need a well-versed druid. Deaton or maybe even Harley if she was strong enough. She’s an emissary now . Stiles pulled his own grimoire up; it took too long to call on the magic to bring the book out. He needed more time to train, study, and get ready. Ideally on a full moon so the wolves could be at their best, so they could protect Stiles if he needed.
It had been almost two weeks since they’d arrived to Beacon Hills. Stiles set about practicing his control again, some days Eli would join him and the two of them would practice control over their powers. Peter and Brett would watch or join them. But Stiles couldn’t help but note how out of place Brett was in their dynamic. It caused a sad ache in his heart, that Stiles couldn’t ignore. He felt awful about. Stiles would never be Peter’s biggest fan, but he was familiar, he was at some point in his life, family.
Cora arrived a few days before the ritual was meant to happen. She looked awful, the four of them mourned Derek. They all sat around a fire pit, Cora and Eli swapping stories about Derek. Brett smiling politely and laughing when the story called for it. Stiles didn’t want Brett around for the more intimate stories. He tried to push that feeling down. He couldn’t.
Cora put her fist through the counter, wood splintering around her fist. “Resurrection?” She whirled on stiles, Brett growled once stepping next to Stiles. Peter and Eli growled deep in their chests at his reaction; Stiles held his hands up at all the wolves around them yellow and blue eyes shining at him.
“Chill.” Stiles said Cora looked him up and down her angry frown melting to calm composure. “Ok I’m fine, sorry. Shit that was stupid. How? What do you need?” Stiles nodded once, putting his hand on Brett’s arm the other man looked uneasy.
They kept training then Cora helping Eli find his anchor, his tether point. Stiles tried to get back to his usual level of control, but he felt so limited. He sighed drawing runes and symbols on a blank notepad, he took his shirt off as he sat on the bed Brett glanced at him letting a catcall whistle out.
"Gonna need you to do me a favor." Brett sighed tiredly, as his nail slicked into Stiles back drawing blood as he drew the symbols Stiles had shown him around the binding room on his back. Stiles began to mutter under his breath, the symbols in his blood glowed a purple-blue hue as the magic activated.
"What does this do again?" Brett said kissing the top of Stiles' shoulder twice as he stretched his legs out on either side.
"Helps me suppress whatever this rune is doing, we know it's a binding rune, but it could also be eating or draining my power." Stiles turned pushing Brett back as he kissed him once, twice. "Hold on." Stiles held his hand out and a bottle of lube flew from his bag into his hand, Stiles whooped once before kissing Brett again.
Brett grinned into the kiss, pulling his shirt off or rather tried, "Ok!" Stiles said drawing a rune for undressing in the air, the two now nude Stiles grinned wickedly Brett cupped his face pulling him down on, kissing once more. Stiles rolled his hips grinding the two of them together eliciting a groan from the man beneath him, Brett hand trailing up and down Stiles back. Stiles nipped and licked down Bretts neck, when he felt goose-flesh prickle his skin and in the back of his mind Stiles could hear a low growl. Stiles head snapped up Brett confused at the loss of contact as Stiles sat on the edge of the bed, watching as the shadows in the corner thickened, Stiles tried to play it off as a trick of the cheap motel light, but in the low light the umbra looked alive. He stood as Brett sat on the edge of the bed walking over to he corner and drew a rune for light, mumbling a banishing spell. It took a moment but the darkness in the corner dissipated with a slick and a whoosh of air.
"Well fuck." Brett said eyes wide, mouth slightly agape. Stiles ran a rough hand down his face. So it was feeding off my power, and now it's mad.
Notes:
Filler chapter sorta? HAd a hard time with Eli' characterization.
Comments, feedback are always welcome.
Chapter 11: Visions
Summary:
Harley! Stiles! Scott! Ot3 we shoulda had Jeff you will pay dearly.
Notes:
APologies for the prolonged absence, but life ya know?
ANYWAY back in full swing I've been reading some old Sterek fics and living my best shipper life.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Did anybody notice how weird the trees are?” Harley said pressing her hand into the base of a thick tree. She closed her eyes and Stiles could see the natural energy shift back to what it should be. “There ya go buddy.” Harley’ own energy seemed stronger now, she glowed internally with the power of the forest. Is that how druids work? Stiles thought. Deaton wasn’t a good reference point to what the true power of a druid was, he was an echo of the power he once had. They kept going forward through the dense preserve Harley clearing the influence from the trees as they went. Eli kept fumbling on occasion eliciting snorts, or half laughs from the group. Stiles shoved Eli to the front of him holding the fumbling teen as he made his slow way through the forest. Eli mumbled a a small thanks, looking down sheepishly.
The clearing to the Nemeton was much the same, but the trees on the outer rim of the clearing seemed more curled into themselves but not in a way that meant they were dying. Stiles imagined they were clinging to the power the Nemeton sent out.
“The trees are so thick here.” Harley said walking up to the stump her head on a swivel. She started pulling various powders and herbs out, she started chanting under her breath as she did, Stiles recognized the ritual despite it being a closed practice. Understanding well enough what she was trying to do, he began tracing runes in a perfect circle, he drew runes to repel and expel, he drew runes to retain his and Colins own powers. He did about fifty times to evenly make a circle, he felt a small twinge of exhaustion. He rolled his shoulders and began tracing runes to allow the wolves in. His team, the Hales, and Scott. Kira should be allowed to come and go as she pleases . Stiles drew a rune anyway to allow her to enter and exit as she wished he pulled a vial out of her residual fox magic; he poured it over the rune. It flashed blue and orange the flash bright despite the daytime sun.
Stiles explained to Eli what he was doing the teen listened intently nodding and asking questions. Scott watched them with intense interest his eyes soft, and half smile danced on his features.
“So realistically what happened last time, shouldn’t happen this time.” Stiles said scratching the top of his eyebrow, he walked to Harley who with the herb water painted on Stiles, and Eli. A matching symbol of a branch on their dominant arms. Eli grinned and mumbled something about a tattoo, Stiles nodded agreeing.
“That will cleanse you both of the Demons influence, I figure if it was in your house.” She said gesturing to Eli “We can assume he visited you even if you didn't notice.” Eli nodded, Stiles felt his back throb and heat up he frowned tensing. Harley watched his face, a moment passed, and Stiles felt hot, sweat trickle down his forehead. The throbbing heat subsided he relaxed exhaling suddenly he felt his power rush into him, the force of it made him stumble. Scott caught him before he fell, Stiles blinked as his power encased every ounce of his being. He blinked despite his own ritual he was still only at half strength because of it. But now, Stiles looked up and stretched his power out around him, he felt it then the presence of the demons pocket realm just outside the circle he’d made. He grinned, Eli nodded excitedly bouncing on his heels.
“I wonder why that worked.” He moved to sit on the stump of the Nemeton, Harley jumped up crossing her legs, she shrugged.
“I mean I'm good but not that good. The rune I drew on you two is supposed to make up for the lack of a bloodline connection between you two, so maybe you’re tapping into old Hale power?” Harley thought for a moment “Deaton is renown with even the most novice druid and it’s not just because he’s good at what he does, but rather because of his power. But I ask this not to offend does he look powerful to you now?” Stiles nodded, considered the Hales and their connections to the land.
“If I were to guess, yeah it’s probably old Hale magic, their connection to the land here- Stiles gestured- “Isn’t a kept secret, so it must be that.” But that answer seemed insufficient, it felt deeper, more connected than that. Harley frowned glancing at the two of them and then sighed as she met Scotts’ eyes.
“I blame you.” She said humor tinting her voice, Scott smiled a toothy grin that seemingly lifted everyone else’s spirits. Harley continued her mind working Stiles noted a green tint almost like a halo that glowed dimly around her head. “Not that I don’t discount that theory about the Hales. But hear me out.” They all stood in a circle around each other, Eli and Stiles glancing about on occasion.
“The beast of Bray Road, the only thing we know about that creature is that he’s attacked people before, right?” Stiles nodded remembering the mangled corpse they’d found before they got jumped. “Maybe it’s a parasite? No real power on its own so it needed the power held in the Nemeton?” Stiles nodded as she went on “If it’s a half demon or a lingering spirit, maybe this is its real power. And the deaths the Nemeton took- that we know it doesn’t want- gave it power. It would explain why the demon tethered you- she pointed at Stiles- to Derek, the demon maybe wanted to keep Derek away from the influence or touch of the Beast of Bray Road.” Stiles felt a cold chill creep up his spine, and he cut that power off completely now. Derek was in danger, possibly because of what he did. His knees felt weak, Eli put a hand on his shoulder, Stiles met his eyes, the teen nodded once.
“Would make sense why it set up shop here then. Power center.” Scott said looking around his alpha eye's deep red in the day light. Eli glanced around his eyes flashing yellow before dimming to human again, he shook his head annoyed. “If the Demon is keeping Derek away from the Beast of Bray Road. We just cut off the power supply to it.” Harley nodded,
“So realistically how long do we think Derek has?” Scott asked, Eli’s eyes widened his lower lip trembled once before he tucked it into his mouth. Stiles knew time was running out, he could hear it in the wind, the earth beneath them. A voice in the back of his head that he knew was always right.
“I can be there with Eli, Liam, and Isaac.” Scott said walking around the clearing his eyes darting to the point Stiles had found earlier; the pocket realm. “Well Cora and Peter too. Plus, your team. We'll be more than covered.” But Scott sounded unconvinced, nervous even.
“What you two did will that exorcise him?” Scott hesitated on the word exorcise and stretched it out in an uncertain tone.
"Not exorcise but repel hopefully repelling it will mean it moves on to someplace else.”
Scott nodded still looking uneasy. “It had a pack. It works like a wolf, I guess ‘demon wolf’ so I don’t know how likely it is to scare off.” Stiles nodded frowned at why Scott had looked a little embarrassed to say ‘demon wolf’
“We do the ritual that means no more stray or influenced wolves will show up. Just gotta hope our luck holds out until then.” Stiles said toeing the dirt in front of him.
They set out of the clearing to begin the preparation for the ritual; Scott called Liam and his girlfriend to come out and patrol the clearing. Eli bounced his knee nervously, biting his thumb as Stiles drove on, he could feel his power reinvigorate him. Can’t believe how much this demon drained me and I didn’t even notice. Stiles berated himself for not being more careful.
“What if we fail.” Eli said, purposely not looking at Stiles but even from his side profile Stiles could see the unshed tears, and a deep ache came from the sight. Stiles held his hand out palm up, small lights and ripples of energy streaming across.
“I won’t, and if I do, then you won’t. Makes sense?" Eli nodded sniffling and wiping his nose with the back of his right hand. He held Stiles hand and a surge of energy crackled and popped from the contact, Stiles pulled over quickly using all his might to fight off the vision as it overtook him, the pressure on his head immense, his skin felt tight his eyes foggy, the car was moving but not faster than the vision. The car swerved kicking up dirt, leaves, and rocks.
"Sti-" Eli' cry was cut off as the car came to a stop, swinging back and forth as the vision overtook Stiles.
Derek walked into a finely furnished room, slowly, his breathing ragged and hard. Derek in full shift stood in front of Peter eyes bright electric blue as he greeted his uncle. Peter stood and sucked a small breath in as he noted the round curve of Derek's wolf belly. "Oh my dear nephew what happened?"
The scene shifted and Derek reverted to his human form, the fur receding his limbs elongating again as Cora and Peter crowded him swaddling and cleaning off a crying baby. A human baby with a thick head of hair, moles dotting his fair skin, and lips apple red.
Derek sat up holding the mewling swaddled baby, Peter stared at him blankly before he even uttered a sound Derek replied.
“I don’t know how it happened Peter.” Derek sounded terrified, Peter made a crude remark about procreation. Derek rolled his eyes at his uncle. "No I mean to me," Peter nodded and pulled an old leather bound book out, Stiles could see the cover had a gold and silver Triskelion on the cover.
His vision shifted, and Stiles saw the tears drop and fall from Derek’s face. “He’s mine.” Peter nodded like it was an obvious answer returning to his phone before pausing once.
“He's not the type to be in the dark for long my dear nephew are you sure you know what you're doing?” Derek sat with the baby that Stiles knew was Eli Derek looked up starring out at the empty lot where the Hale house would soon be under construction.
“Stiles.” was all Derek said, the pain and sorrow in his voice made Stiles heart drop. Derek wiggled his index finger in front of the baby' face the loosely swaddled baby gripped his finger with his entire hand brown eyes wide with wonder and love. The vision faded and Eli was sitting on his knees watching Stiles with concern. Everything clicked then, Eli Derek and why Stiles felt so connected to the teen. The words the demon had muttered, the connection it had made with him and Derek, the symbol Harley subconsciously drew on the two of them. Of course she knew even if she didn't know know, this is nature Hale nature. Deep, ancient, and powerful, Stiles starred at Eli he could pick apart his features more clearly now, it wasn't that Derek had a type, no it was that he and Derek had made a child together. Stiles wanted to cry, scream, and hold Eli close to make up for all the years he'd been forced to lose.
I’m your other parent. I’m your dad. Wonder, fear, and understanding surged through Stiles body.
Notes:
GASP* WHo saw this coming? Sound off below please
Comments, feedback and questions all welcome!
Chapter 12: The other grimoire
Summary:
Revelation time.
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Apologies for the lag between updates, work is crazy and I am easily distracted.
Chapter Text
Stile's stomach dropped and he opened his door and threw up on the side of the road. Eli was fumbling around the back seat of Stiles car for something. Stiles sat up tears still pricking his eyes, exhaustion cold and deep in his bones. Derek why the fuck- I mean- Peter. Stiles kept his eyes on Eli the teen passing him a pair crumpled tissues, eyes wide with an apology he didn’t need to give. Stiles nodded and accepted the tissues offering an apology and a half-mumbled explanation- his power still settling in-
“Ok, woah hold on-” Peter flew through the air of the still under construction Hale house, Eli and Cora watched as construction dust and debris got picked up in the wake of the telekinetic attack. Stiles right on Peter’s trail as the other man tried to move away from the very angry Stiles. Eli thought it was impressive that he could be so quiet that Peter couldn’t hear him until Stiles demanded an answer to some question. He only spent a moment wondering what the question could possibly pertain to, but he wouldn’t dwell on it. A moment later a cinderblock whipped past them missing Peter by a few inches, Cora whistled.
“Why the fuck didn’t you say anything!” Stile's whisper yelled at him, teeth bared eyes glowing threateningly with his power, Peter rotated his hand back into its proper placement-palm facing forward- He grunted once his eyes flashing blue as his healing kicked in he glanced at Stiles blue eyes apprehensive.
“Why’s Stiles so mad?” Cora asked Eli the teen shrugged just as lost, they watched as Stiles grabbed Peter, and the older man fell backwards with a OOF! Of air escaping his lungs. They watched as their uncle got dragged through the air by an invisible force gripping him by the ankle, the leg of his jeans visibly crumpled.
“He didn’t want me to!” Peter cried trying to wiggle away, “Please believe me, I’ve never been dishonest, withholding and manipulative yes, but never a liar.” Stiles paused Cora licked her top teeth amused as Peter stood and a pebble hit the back of his head gently. He glanced at Eli and then at Stiles, the other man shook his head his shaggy wavy hair following the movement. “Shit.” Cora realized it was that something that pertained to Eli, she sighed and stood gesturing for Eli to follow. He reluctantly realized he was being kept in the dark on purpose again.
“C’mon let's go do some more training.” She glanced at Stiles, “He was scared Stiles, and wasn’t thinking clearly. Show him the grimoire again, you know which of the two.” She said pointedly looking at Peter.
Stiles crossed his arms as Cora and Eli drove off in Cora’s car. Stiles could hear some music playing through the low windows, he waved at Eli and called “Later I promise.” He watched Eli nod before driving off. Peter turned and headed beneath the house, to the vault he glanced back at Stiles once.
“Derek used to say he’s just like you, and these past two weeks that you’ve been here have done wonders for him, I think we could have lost him to grief if you hadn’t come.” Peter said, it was the earnestness that surprised Stiles more than anything. His throat closed up as emotion swelled inside of him, Stiles didn’t know what to do with himself, he drew a rune through the air so that anyone or anything watching or stalking them couldn’t follow them to the vault, and another rune on the door to alert him in case someone opened the vault.
“You know that Derek has Talia’s ability, the full shift. Well turns out it’s an inherited trait only the women in the family get. Or so we thought, he said pulling out the same leather book with the gold and silver triskelion on the cover. Peter turned the symbol passing it to Stiles, after a moment’s hesitation. “Why not you’re basically family anyway why not. It’s bookmarked already.” Stiles opened the page pausing when he recognized the bookmark Scott had given him years ago, it was a hobbit hole brown bookmark. He didn’t remember lending it to Derek but then he wasn’t at the apartment when Derek had gotten his things out of their shared home.
Stiles skimmed the entry of it, the she-wolf transformation, not strictly found in the Hale bloodline but more prominent in their bloodline compared to other born wolf packs or clans. He recognized Talia's’ handwriting, from notes Derek and Cora had shared with him. Talia put a suspicion she had in added in sticky note on the back of the initial passage,
Though I doubt it’s exclusive to the women, I suspect Derek has the gift I do; a full wolf shift. And with that the capacity to be a strong second, the emotional center to Laura’ more practical approach to leadership, the calm center between her and Cora’ more contest of strength approach. I believe Derek has the she-wolf change in himself, I know he can nurture that side of himself embrace not just the dual aspects of lycanthropy but also the duality of this new gendered existence. If he can come to terms with this the Hale pack will last for another hundred years. A daunting number...I may not live to see it. I am proud of my girls and Derek, nonetheless.
Derek if you find yourself in full shift, be careful whom you share your heart with, and chose a partner or mate worth even a quarter of the man I know you will be. Be practical my son, but let your heart lead the way, and if your heart fails. Trust your wolf’s instincts for they are mine as well. I love you my son, may the sun be at your back, and may your hearth always be warm.
Stiles sucked in a shuddering breath, tears blurred his vision, he wiped them away with the back of his hand. He didn't read the rest of the notes; they were for Cora and Laura.
“I think she wrote it before the fire.” Peter said somberly. Stiles nodded, probably before Derek and Page even. “So, because of the shift Derek had two genders within himself. Because you and him-” Stiles cut him off nodding, Derek’s shift caused him to get pregnant Stiles tried to recall if he’d topped Derek before he’d left, his heart felt hollow and full all at once, a dull ache that reverberated through his body. Be practical, It was meant for Derek but Stiles would follow that advice now.
“ Why didn’t he tell me.” It wasn’t a question Stiles wanted answers; they came down here for answers.
“ He tried. Something about a promotion, and that little twink you’re running around with.” Stiles scoffed, “I tried to tell him, to get him to see reason. But he refused, and for fifteen years he took care of Eli, aside from building the house again, running a few businesses to ensure that whatever size our pack became they would be supported. Ensuring Beacon Hills became Hale territory again. He dove into it and nothing else, but his son mattered, even tried to fix me.” Peter voice was thick with emotion Stiles watched him and fought the urge to embrace the other man; he refused to offer him comfort for withholding this information. Peter exhaled eyes shiny with unshed tears and continued.
“Eli always thought it was because he missed ‘mom’ well.” Peter chuckled, “I suppose he wasn’t entirely wrong, not ‘mom’ but rather you, Stiles.” Peter looked him up and down, Stiles leaned against the table, his holstered knife clicked awkwardly out of its sheath onto the table the wood echoing. Stiles exhaled slowly eyes wet, and throat raw, he inhaled deep clenching and unclenching his fingers, the pages of the grimoire trembled in his hands. He scoffed setting it down running a hand through his hair.
“It’s a fuckin’ mess.” Stiles said closing the grimoire, which felt more like a personal journal than an actual grimoire. Probably Talia's he guessed recognizing her handwriting. Peter put a hand on his shoulder nodding in agreement but allowing the silence to permeate between them. Peter eyed him up and down, not in any specific way more so picking out details in a way that he normally couldn’t Stiles did his best to ignore Peter, all the shared history between them was comfortable in a way Stiles had forgotten, There was a lot about his life here he’d forgotten about. A part of him wanted Eli to not be here in Beacon Hills for any of it, but that wasn’t his call. I missed fifteen years of his life. I don’t get to walk in and issue commands. Derek certainly won’t let me. I’m tired... Another bitter thought floated up. His mouth went dry, he cleared his throat wiping his eyes again.
“Should I tell Eli?” Stiles asked voice low, keeping his eyes focused on a single point between his shoes. Dirt and concrete dust-stained shoes stared back at him.
“Thats up to you, or you could until we bring Derek back. Your choice.” Peter sounded earnest but Stiles had no way of knowing, Stiles held his left arm out and picked up Talia’s notebook letting it join the other three he had with him, he traced a finger over the symbol of the Hale pack. His skin soft but warm beneath his touch. What would she think of me? Stiles knew it was silly, but he’d heard so much from Derek, Cora, and Peter he couldn’t help but wonder if she’d have even liked him.
“What would Talia think of me?” He asked Peter, the older man scoffed a laugh.
“She’d love you as much as Derek does.” Peter said, Stiles noted the way he spoke in present tense, it lit a fire in him. Of course it did, this all started because of him anyway.
“Let’s get started.” Stiles rattled off a list of materials Peter needed to get the older man nodded and began looking through the vault. Stiles made his way back to the top, he needed a moment, the night air of the preserve was wet and temperate, he could hear insects chirping nearby and the occasional hoot of an owl. Stiles head slowly drank in the sounds and sights before him eventually his inspections landed his field of vision on the half re-constructed Hale house. He knew it was different, vastly different to the house Derek had grown up in, though he supposed that was intentional.
Good , Stiles knew that whatever legacy Eli inherited from Derek would be different from what Laura and Derek should have gotten. He wondered what Laura would think of him as well, probably nothing good, considering he’d desecrated her grave. He winced offering a small prayer to her. He felt his power swell with the intent he pushed out. A thought formed in his mind's eye, he was exhausted from the circle he’d made earlier and when he was tossing Peter around it was mostly fumes.
He drew runes in the air, wrote Derek’s name in the best approximation in that language, and asked a question following it. Intention, declaration, and demonstration. He pushed his power into the gold and purple light flashing as the runes blinked out of existence.
“Can you hear me?” He asked the air, he’d tried to make a connection directly to Derek. They had a tether point between them; Eli, the love they once shared. Though if Stiles was being honest with himself, he’d never gotten over Derek.
“I thought I'd just tell ya to get ready to come home. Eli needs you. You owe me some answers by the way. Super pissed about that.” Stiles walked to his car, turning off the floodlights around the house. He called Brett, straight to voicemail, but a text came back.
Talking to Deaton. Urgent? Stiles frowned at the message confused. Peter was walking out with a duffel that looked full with a book tucked under his arms.
“From a woods witch, figure if the Nemeton gets unruly.” He put the bag between his feet and the book on his lap.
“We’re going home, ask Cora if we need to pick up food yeah?” Stiles decided he would have to have that talk with Eli. There was no way around it. He needed them both to go in clear on what they would be doing, his stomach was in knots, and sticky sweat clung to his armpits. He exhaled deeply.
“He’ll be happy, can’t call you a liar, made it clear you didn’t know.” Peter said, Stiles frowned before remembering yeah when he was throwing him around Peter did say those exact things.
Manipulative jackass. Stiles thought as he drove out of the preserve.
Halfway to Derek's house, Stiles stopped the car. "I need a minute." He drove and a block away from the house he made Peter get out, as he drove past and headed to his dad's house. Tears pricked his eyes, and his throat felt like he'd been yelling. He wanted things to be simple, he wanted to be normal. He wanted his dad.
Notes:
One of my favorite headcanons in fandom is that Derek was meant to be the pack mom, or Laura's second that he was never raised to be in charge and that's why he never really excelled with connections when he was the alpha. Personally love the idea that Stiles doesn't trust Peter but more so in a 'he's really annoying but we have nothing he can manipulate us with so we can trust and tolerate this'
ALSO that Peter loves Derek and Cora and that's his only redeeming quality. He loves Malia too but she doesn't really seek him out for affection or heart to hearts the way Cora and Derek do.
Stiles is not overly calculating his hearts lead the way often but Talia inspires him to be more practical. I wish had shown more of that throughout the fic but maybe at some point down the line i'll revise this?
Chapter 13: A second meeting fifteen years later
Summary:
Oh boy *Sweaty sighing spongebob meme*
Notes:
Sorry this took so long, had a hard time with the direction the story was going!
Comments, questions, feedback all welcome!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Stiles sat on his dad’s porch, a bone deep exhaustion in his legs. His mind swimming with new information. With a guilt that shook him to his core. Stiles wished he smoked he needed something to take the edge off, some repetitive motion to keep him grounded. He pulled his grimoire out, and began to rifle through the familiar pages, re-reading and relearning what he forgot. His fingers danced on a find familiar spell, this was something he could never pull off, for all of his abilities he could never tap into that particular web of magics or arcana. He never discovered why, he could shape elemental forces and various arcana to what he could imagine, he could light the spark of an Omega to a Beta but a familiar? He had never been able to breach that magic. A thought occurred to him then, he couldn’t find a familiar but maybe he could make one.
He drew a rune for creation in the air; it hung fizzling and glowing with orange-purple energy pulsing in time with his erratic heartbeat. Taking a moment to steady himself watching the runes light to ground himself with a steadier hand and a clearer mind. He drew a binding rune pushing intent to connect the familiar to himself, a rune for intelligence, and another for transformation. He scratched his head before adding a rune for birth, this was longest conjuration he’d done in a while. He could feel it then the spark of creativity, the power thrummed in his veins, his earlier exhaustion swept aside by that same spark. He considered the other runes he pulled his compendium from his arm. He flipped through it, adding the necessary runes to take the runes from simple words to a sort of incantation. A sentence of power.
The dark porch of his dads house now alit with the orange glow of his runes and magic. Stiles stared it until the words burned after images into his eyelids. He stood his legs protesting at the sudden movement, he felt older now. Two weeks in Beacon Hills exacting a toll he didn’t expect, he wondered nothing and everything his mind a flurry of thoughts, he wondered if he needed to get back on his meds. Belatedly realizing he hadn’t taken them since he got to Beacon Hills. The rune moved to face him as Stiles stood and leaned on the railings of the porch. He stared hard at the ground before him a number of questions present in his mind. He wondered if the combination of his abilities and Derek’s own, she-wolf nature led to Eli. He wondered if this was some weird pack preservation instinct, to keep the Hale blood alive? But Cora and Malia were alive. Peter was also as far as Stiles knew capable of having more kids. Though that didn’t seem likely. Was it coincidence then? Was it dumb luck? Talia knew Derek had this ability no doubt when he showed it, she would have raised and trained him in what that entailed. Her journal didn’t say anything about it, but what Stiles knew- romanticized version of her or not, Stiles knew she was practical.
Stiles looked at the runes reading it over, by all his reasonings and knowledge this would work, he could create. Though why and to prove what? He swiped his hand through the runes severing the built-up magic, a hollow feeling sat in his chest. The now dark porch felt all too relatable to what he was feeling. What was the point of that? Stiles shook his head, he was being stupid, irrational. What would he create. What could he create? And for what purpose? He rested his face in both hands. He was feeling some emotion he couldn’t place nothing made sense, but the world could not have been clearer. Eli was his, Derek had kept it a secret for fifteen years. In a flash of red-hot anger behind his mind's eye Stiles lashed out at the air, the space above his dads' house crackled and rumbled, a flash of white-hot energy lighting up the front lawn, his dad's cruiser came into view slowly. Stiles cringed inwardly, he watched as Melissa pointed him out to his dad. He kept his head dad listening to the crunch of the gravel on the driveway.
“Wha-” His dad stopped when he saw Stile's face, and without another word, he sat next to his son taking him into a warm embrace. Stiles trembled turning into his dad and pressing his face near his dads chest like he used to when he was younger. Stiles heard Melissa pass by quickly, feeling embarrassed Stiles stood back up and wordlessly the two walked inside the house. He let his dad lead him to the table in the kitchen, Melissa was stirring something over a pot, she glanced at Stiles and smiled bright and warm. The same smile Scott often used the resemblance between the two uncanny. He smiled softly back and waved gingerly, feeling small again.
His dad sat across from him after putting toast in the toaster oven, and some spreads between them on the table.
Stiles took a deep breath and started; he recounted everything. By the end he felt high, so much of it sounded like nonsense Stiles laughed into his hand the laugh brief and innocuous. John sat back, starring at a point on the table, Melissa had a thoughtful look on her face, but more than that she looked angry. She lowered the heat on the stove hand on her hip, her long curly hair falling to one side.
“That is the only thing that makes sense. Somehow.” John said slowly pronouncing every word. He laughed mimicking Stiles uncomfortable laugh from earlier. Stiles took the cup, it was hot cocoa, with whip cream and cinnamon across the top. He smiled, memories of so many hard days and nights concluding with this in hand, bad fights with Scott, lectures from both parents. They always ended with hot cocoa, and a bit of sage wisdom from Melissa. Stiles reached across the table hugging her, putting as much of his love as he could into the embrace. She patted his cheek her eyes watery, she nodded once.
“Does Eli know?” Melissa asked before taking a quick sip of her own cocoa. Stiles shook his head, no.
“Are you going to tell him?” John asked sitting forward putting his weight on his elbows, looking Stiles firmly in the eyes. “He deserves to know.” Stiles tried to not read his tone as accusatory, but he could feel his skin prickle with the need to object and defend himself.
“I don’t know, is it my place.” Melissa scoffed shaking her head, John pursed his lips waiting for her inevitable reaction.
“You’re the kids dad! Same as Derek you have a right to...” The fire in her died out, “Fifteen years.” was all she said as she sat back, Stiles nodded. John exhaled slowly taking Melissa’ mug and sipping.
“Given the situation.” John waved at the air between them. “I think your instincts would know best. Both of you.” John sat back a proud twinkle in his eyes. Stiles looked at Melissa she had the same look in her eyes. She looked between them choosing her words carefully.
“You know I think you should. Eli has always been curious, but he’s never asked more than a few times, to not upset Derek. Which hmm.” Melissa licked her bottom teeth irritated. “You still have a right to know, Eli likes you anyway. A whole lot I'll say, I don’t think this would upset him.” Stiles considered her words; he turned his head to look at his dad. His old man looked proudly at Stiles but there was a glint of apprehension and sadness in his eyes. Stiles could understand.
“I think it’s a difficult conversation to have. I know you said Peter implied in front of him that you didn’t know but Eli is a teenager and emotions...can be tricky at that age.” John took a deep breath standing to get the toast. “I think it’s worth it to tell him. To lay all the truths out there, besides with Derek’s resurrection.” John paused Stiles could see the anger in his tensed muscles and body. “We may get some answers from the man.” He said instead but Stiles could see the threat hanging in the air. The three of them sat around sipping and eating in silence. Stiles decided he would talk with Eli and see where that conversation went. If he felt Eli could handle that truth bomb he would say otherwise Derek could deal with the fallout.
Stiles left quietly the next morning; he shot a text to his dad. He walked into Dereks house and caught Eli as he hesitated in front of his backpack. He looked scared, Stiles walked up to him standing at his side he cocked his head. Eli shrugged his eyes wide and terrified.
“School.” Was all he said, his shoulders sagged inwards, his eyes flashed gold once.
“Skip it.” Stiles said easily, Eli looked at him dead on, he looked so much like Derek then in the confused look on his face, the wary question in his eyes. “We’ll go to the Hale house today we should talk.” Eli frowned again before glancing back at the kitchen and heading over. Stiles followed and started making a fresh pot of coffee while Eli packed some food for the trip.
They sat in the open trunk of Stiles car, bag of food between them and thermos in each hand. Some construction workers gave them sideways glances, but nobody asked them anything, one of the workers waved at Eli the young teen shooting a small head nod back.
“So, what's up Stiles?” Eli asked voice hesitant as he looked at Stiles and then down at the ground quickly. Fuck- ok no easy way to do this.
“You ever wonder about your parent? The other one I mean.” Stiles said his own voice thick and low almost as scared as Eli’ had been. The younger Hale frowned looking uncomfortable before nodding once not looking up from the point he was focusing on the ground.
“Would you like to know?” Stiles licked his lips his mouth dry, “I mean know who they are.” Eli sat up straighter still starring at the ground. He slowly looked at Stiles, his expression indecipherable.
“I trust you.” Was all he said. Stile's heart soared in his chest tears pricked his eyes. In the background of their conversation the construction workers started their work again. Eli flinched; Stiles glanced back at them before casting a rune to lower the sound behind them.
“What if-” Stiles coughed, quickly Un stoppering his thermos and sipping hard, the coffee burning as it went down. “What if your other parent was me.” He paused as Eli’ eyes widened and then narrowed. “I mean like biologically not in that forward thinking adoptive gay couple way.” Stiles berated himself for his awkward nature. He’d been trained to handle all sorts of distressed individuals with better ease and kindness than what he’d just shown. Eli stood trembling his fists balled, thermos on the ground rolling beneath the car.
The silence stretched out between them, the sun well above them in the trees around the new Hale Manor. Stiles watched his vision focused sharply on Eli, his expressions the way he tried desperately to control his emotions, Stiles could see the conflict in Eli’ face. He wanted to reach out and apologize, he needed to do something besides sitting in this unbearable silence. Eli turned away from Stiles his shoulders tense his fists balled.
“All my life...” He heard him inhale sharply, Stiles stood inching closer his eyes wet with unshed tears. “All these years, I never asked because I could see how hard it was for dad. How could you stay way for so long?” Stiles inhaled sharply his tears falling freely, his words failed him completely. Eli turned anger and sadness in his eyes. “Was I not worth coming back for?” His tone was accusatory, but the pain in the accusation was real.
“I neve-You-.” Stiles reached out with his mind instead pushing emotions and feelings out to Eli, he blanched as Stile's emotions touched his own. Stiles could feel the internal turmoil, the rage and pain beneath the surface. “I never knew about you Eli. I am so sorry my...son.” The dam broke Eli cried silently but without regret Stiles could feel the mourning in him that matched his own. The life they could have had together a fantasy that existed between them. Eli hugged Stiles pressing his face into his neck. Stiles held him tightly pushing as much calm as he could, despite his own pain and regret.
“I am so sorry.” Stiles choked out, rubbing soothing circles onto Eli’ back. The younger man held him tighter still.
“We still have time... dad.” Was all Eli said, Stiles buried his face in his neck now in turn, the two held each other as the Hale Manor slowly become whole again. The ritual was meant to take place tonight. Stiles grinned, pulling back from the hug brushing Eli' hair back with his hand.
"Yeah we have time. Got a whole lot to catch up on, and after I bring dad back, we'll have a long conversation the three of us." Eli nodded sniffling and smiling. He scratched his eyebrow with the back of his thumb. The two laughed together awkwardly, Stiles pulled him back for another hug. Eli buried his face onto Stile's shoulder, chuckling slightly.
Notes:
I lost track of how many times I edited this chapter. I think it was like two? Idk anyway