Chapter Text
Isaac ran down the alley-and paused to sniff the air. Left. He took off running again. He was getting closer, he could feel it. If only- Isaac rounded a corner coming out into a dimly lit street. Warehouses rose up on either side of the road, their chipped paint and battered exteriors suggesting they hadn’t been used in awhile. Nothing. Isaac’s phone started to ring and he fished it out of his pocket with a sigh.
“Did you find anything?” Derek asked.
“No.” Isaac tried to reign in his mounting frustration. He thought he’d been so close this time. “Whatever it was is gone now.”
For the past few months Isaac and Derek had been searching for Boyd and Erica to no avail. Every time they seemed to be making progress the trail just disappeared.
“Where are you at now?”
“Warehouse district I guess.” Isaac craned his neck a little to look further down the street. “Not much here.”
“Alright.” Derek said. “I’m not finding anything here either. I’ll come pick you up.”
“Maybe-“ Isaac broke off as a metal trashcan fell down on the far side of one of the warehouses. Isaac frowned. It was probably nothing, just some animal scrounging around for scraps. But if there was any chance it wasn’t-
“Hang on-“ Isaac cut off whatever Derek had been saying about planning for their next step. “There might be something here…”
“Be careful Isaac.” Derek sounded worried. “Just wait until I get there-“
“This will just take a second…” Isaac slowly rounded the corner. There was the trashcan… Isaac gave the can a firm kick. A raccoon shot out the other end disappearing back down into the darkness of another alley. Isaac sighed and raised the phone back up to his head. “It’s just-“
Something hit Isaac from behind and he was suddenly falling, the ground rushing up to meet him. Isaac’s phone clattered to the ground but he could still hear Derek calling out his name.
“Isaac? ISAAC?”
Isaac groaned his vision clouding over for a moment.
“Isaac?”
Rain was starting to fall when Isaac opened his eyes again. The harsh overhead lights by the warehouses were buzzing in his ears. The trashcan Isaac had kicked was lying next to him, though Isaac had been lucky enough not to actually fall into any of the trash spilling out of it.
“Isaac-are you okay?” Derek asked anxiously.
Isaac groped around for his phone, only to look up and see his Alpha standing over him, worry etched across his face. Why was Isaac on the ground again? Isaac tried to manage a weak smile. “I trip and you come running halfway across town?”
“I-what?” Derek frowned.
Isaac eased himself slowly to his feet. He nearly lost his balance again but Derek’s arm was there to steady him. Isaac frowned. Why was he so groggy? The back of his neck ached a little, and Isaac reached back to find a small cut there, right at the base of his skull. Did I hit my head when I fell? Derek was still looking at Isaac, his eyes full of worry.
“What?” Isaac asked.
“Isaac…” Derek frowned. “That was three days ago…”
***
“Boy, good thing you drew me a picture.” The tattoo artist snorted, setting Scott’s crude sketch of two dark lines aside. Scott was already in the chair, eager and waiting, and apparently immune to the man’s sarcasm. Stiles rolled his eyes as he flipped through some of the other sample designs the shop had on display. He grinned as one in particular caught his eye.
“Hey Scott! Sure you don’t want something like this?” Stiles held up a picture of a vaguely humanoid looking lizard. Scott somehow, failed to see the humor. “Too soon? Kay.” Stiles grimaced as he looked back at the tattoo artist prepping Scott’s arm. “I don’t know, man, you sure about this? These things are pretty permanent, you know?”
Scott smiled. “I’m not changing my mind.”
Stiles sighed. “Okay-but why the two bands?”
Scott shrugged. “I just like it.”
“But don’t you think your first tattoo should have some sort of meaning you know or something?” Stiles asked.
“Getting a tattoo means something.” Scott said easily.
Stiles groaned. “I don’t think that’s –“
“He’s right.” The artist nodded. “Tattooing goes back thousands of years. The Tahitian word tatau means leave a mark. Like a rite of passage.”
“Yeah, you see?” Scott smiled almost proudly. “He gets it.”
Stiles gave his friend an exasperated look. “He’s covered in tattoos, Scott. Literally.”
“Kay, you ready?” The tattoo artist picked up the needle. “You, uhm, ain’t got any problems with needles do ya?”
Scott shook his head a little nervously. “Nope.”
“I tend to get a little squeamish though so...” Stiles leaned forward curiously. His eyes widened a little when he caught sight of the needle and Stiles fainted, slowly sinking down to the floor.
Scott grimaced as the needle started to hum against his skin. “Oh man…”
***
Finally back on his feet Stiles climbed up into his jeep, Scott hopping up into to passenger side.
“You okay?” Stiles asked.
“It kinda burns.” Scott eyed the bandage on his arm curiously.
“Yes.” Stiles waved his hand at Scott’s arm. “You just had your skin stabbed about a hundred thousand times by a needle!”
Scott frowned. “Yeah but I don’t think it’s supposed to feel like this…” Pain shot up Scott’s arm. “Oh god no!” He cried out. “It’s definitely not supposed to feel like this!”
“Uh-oh.” Stiles’ eyes widened as Scott grabbed for his bandage. “Hey-“
“I gotta take it off.” Scott groaned.
“Nonono no Scott please…” Stiles blanched and turned to look away, brining a hand up to cover his eyes. “Stop!”
But Scott was already unwinding the bandage. Against his better judgment, and really hoping the sight didn’t make him faint again, Stiles peaked around his hand. Stiles paused, and let his hand fall back to the seat when he saw what was happening.
“Whoa…”
Scott’s skin wasn’t nearly as red as it had been when the artist was putting the bandage on. As they watched the skin was slowly healing, the ink fading bit-by-bit as it did.
“Oh no. What?” Scott stared down at his fading tattoo despondently. “No-no come on…”
The skin finished knitting back together, leaving no trace of the needle marks or the tattoo that had been there only moments before.
Scott sighed. “It healed…”
“Ah…” Stiles tried to be sympathetic but couldn’t help smiling. “Thank god. I hated it.” He shrugged guiltily when Scott glared at him. “Sorry.”
***
“It is not a double date. It’s a group thing.” Lydia rolled her eyes. Allison had finally gotten back from France yesterday, and try as she might Lydia couldn’t convince her to do anything fun. Lydia had finally talked Allison into the car with her, but now Allison was pushing back on the idea of going out.
“Do they know it’s a group thing?” Allison asked. “Cause I told you that I’m not ready to get back out there.”
Predictably it all came back to that. Lydia sighed. “You were in France and didn’t do any dating? For four months!”
“Did you?” Allison challenged. “I mean after-“
Lydia scowled. “Do not say his name.”
Allison was quiet for a minute. “Is he okay?” She finally asked. “I mean, did everything work out?”
“The doctors looked like total idiots when he turned up alive.” Lydia shrugged. “Everyone got over it. And yes, Derek taught him the Werewolf 101. Like how not to randomly kill people during the full moon.”
Allison eyed Lydia carefully. “So then you’ve talked to him?”
Lydia pointedly looked at the window, avoiding Allison’s gaze. “Uh no... Not since he left for London.”
“You mean since his dad moved him to London.” Allison corrected. She really couldn’t have blamed Jackson even it had been his choice though. After everything they’d all been through Allison hadn’t been sure she wanted to come back either. Lydia’s phone started buzzing in her bag, pulling Allison from her thoughts.
“Who is it?” Lydia asked.
Allison grabbed a hold of Lydia’s bag and dug out her phone. She frowned when she saw the contact name displayed. “Grendel’s mother?”
Lydia blushed slightly. “What? It’s from Beowulf…”
“I know where it’s from.” Allison smiled. “I’m guessing Jackson is suddenly Grendel then?”
“I thought we weren’t saying his name…”Lydia shot Allison a quick glare, then sighed when her friend seemed unfazed. “So what?” Lydia pursed her lips. “We broke up. I’m allowed to be a little bit bitter. It’s not a big deal.”
Allison glanced back at the phone. “Why is his mom calling you?”
“I don’t know and I don’t care.” Lydia took the phone from Allison and dropped it back into her bag. “If I’m not talking to Jackson I certainly don’t want to talk to his mother. I’ve moved on.”
“So you’re - you’re totally over him?” Allison raised an eyebrow skeptically.
“Mm.” Lydia hummed in agreement. “Would I be going on a double date if I wasn’t?
Allison laughed.
Lydia rolled her eyes again and adjusted the air conditioning a little. “Yes- It’s a double date. It’s not an orgy.”
“Right.” Allison shook her head and smiled. She turned away from Lydia to look at the trees swaying alongside the road.
Lydia grinned and eased the car to a stop as they hit a red light. “You’ll live.”
Back in Stiles’ jeep Scott was bemoaning his situation with Allison.
“No, we-we agreed to give each other the summer.” Scott sighed. “No texts, no calls…”
“So then how do you know she won’t be back at school then?” Stiles asked.
“After everything that happened, I’m not sure that she’s coming back at all.” Scott said sadly.
Just then Stiles’ jeep pulls up to the same red light Lydia and Allison are stopped at. Stiles catches sight of them in their car and grins a little. “I think she is. I’d say pretty definite. You know. Like, one hundred percent.”
Scott frowned. Stiles nodded out the window behind him. Scott turned to look and catches sight of Allison and Lydia himself. He starts to smile and then panics when Allison suddenly turns and makes eye contact with him.
“Oh my God, oh-“
“Oh my God oh my god oh my god oh my god…” Allison turned away from Stiles’ jeep and threw a hand over her face. “I can’t see him. Not now.”
“Can we just drive?” Scott begged. “Please? Stiles-“
Stiles waved a hand at the stoplight. “Scott it’s a red light-“
“Lydia! Go!” Allison groaned. “Just go!”
Lydia sighed. “The light-“
“I think we should talk to her.” Stiles is still looking over at Lydia and Allison. “I think we should say something.”
Scott shook his head quickly. “No.”
“I’m gonna say something.” Stiles leaned across Scott to get to the passenger side door.
“No-no Stiles! No come on.” Scott moaned. “Oh my god. Dude-“
“Hi!” Stiles waved out the window. “Hey-“
The light is still stuck on red but Lydia floors it, speeding through the empty intersection.
Stiles watches them go and frowns. “You know…They probably didn’t see us.”
Allison spares a quick look over her shoulder as the pull away and sighs.
“You alright?” Lydia asked.
The light finally changes from red to green and Stiles starts to pull through. Scott gives him a panicked look.
“What are you doing?”
Stiles cocked an eyebrow. “Driving?”
Scott points to Lydia’s car frantically. “We’re right behind them!”
“Okay-” Stiles makes a point of looking around the road. It’s obviously boarded by woods on either side. “Well do you see any turns?”
“I don’t want it to look like we’re following them.” Scott grumbled.
“Well what do you want me to do?” Stiles asked critically.
“I dunno!” Scott threw his hands up. “Anything!”
Stiles slams on the brakes, brining his jeep to a stop in the middle of the road.
Ahead of them Allison sighs. “Lydia stop. We need to go back. I need to talk to him.”
Lydia stops the car and frowns. “They stopped too.”
Allison and Lydia both turn around to gawk at Stiles’ jeep just sitting in the middle of the road.
“Why would they stop?” Allison asked.
“It’s Stiles and Scott.” Lydia gives her a bemused look. “Do you really want to try applying logic to those two?”
Allison frowns. Maybe we should go back-“
From out of nowhere a stag comes barreling down the road and launches itself straight through Lydia’s windshield. Lydia and Allison both scream and rush to climb out of the car. Scott and Stiles are already out of the jeep running up to check on them.
Scott takes a hold of Allison’s shoulders and gives her a quick once over. “Are you okay?”
“It came out of nowhere!” Lydia glares back at the deer sticking half out of her car.
“Are you hurt?” Stiles asked.
“Are you okay?” Scott repeated.
Allison finally nodded. “I’m okay.”
“Well I’m not okay!” Lydia cried. “I am totally freaking out! How the hell did that thing just run into us? I saw its eyes right before it hit us. It was like it was... it was like it was crazy…”
Scott stepped around Lydia’s car mindful of the broken glass from her windshield. Something about the stag has caught his attention. He reached out a hand to it slowly. “No…it was scared.”
His hand finally touched the animal’s still heaving side, and Scott jumped a little. “Actually-terrified…” Scott stared down the road where the deer came from, but all he can see is a moonlit road and the dark woods surrounding it.
The night had no answers.
***
Isaac groaned as Derek helped him up into Derek’s Camero. Isaac’s whole body seemed to hurt and he couldn’t understand why. He just wanted to close his eyes again. Just for a little while…
“Stay with me Isaac.” Derek slammed the driver’s side door and revered the engine, flying away from the warehouses. “Isaac!”
“Hmm?” Isaac mumbled weakly.
“Listen to my voice okay?” Derek sounded worried. Why was he worried? Isaac wasn’t sure. “Keep talking to me okay? Don’t go back to sleep.”
Isaac grimaced. “It hurts…”
Derek eyed him seriously. “What hurts?”
Really everything did, but Isaac’s hand drifted back to the cut on his neck. “My neck…”
“It’s how they share memories.” Derek’s face darkened.
Isaac frowned. “I don’t remember anything…”
“They can take them too.”
Derek’s voice was starting to sound a little distant. Isaac knew Derek had told him not to, but he was just so tired. Isaac could just close his eyes for a minute…
Isaac slumped down against the seatbelt and Derek cursed. He tore his eyes away from the road to try and shake Isaac awake. “Isaac-Isaac hey…” The minute Derek touched his shoulder he hissed, small black veins starting to flow up his arms as he subconsciously took Isaac’s pain. Derek frowned. That was too much for just a little cut. What else had they done-
As if in answer the front of Isaac’s shirt started to bloom red, as a slowly widening blood stain seeped through the fabric. Derek growled furiously, and pulled up Isaac’s shirt already dreading what he’d find… Isaac’s chest was a mess of cuts and half healed bruises. Isaac’s body was trying to heal, but whatever damage the Alphas had done was running too deep. Derek swore. Isaac needed help. And there was no way Derek could take him to a hospital like this-there’d just be too many questions he couldn’t answer. Derek swung around the next turn in the road and accelerated, pressing the gas pedal into the floor of his car. There was at least one other place that might have what Derek needed to help Isaac…
***
School the next morning seemed cruelly early. Scott has been preparing for it all summer, determined to make this year different and he still feels on edge. Last night won’t get out of his head. His computer chimes, a word of the day popping up in a new window. Scott reads it slowly.
“Ephemeral…”
Scott sighed when he saw the definition. Fleeting. Momentary. Here and gone. His fingers curl around his forearm where all by all rights he should have a new tattoo. Mostly Scott just tries not to think of Allison. “Ephemeral…”
The ride to school helps Scott feel a little better. He spent all summer working for Deaton at the vet clinic, and with the money he saved up Scott was finally able to buy himself a small motorcycle second hand. It might not look like much, but it’s his, and Scott is fiercely proud of it. He’s been reading up on how to maintain it too, in between the book list he’s trying to make his way though to prepare for college when the time comes. Scott’s smiling as he pulls into the school parking lot on his own, right up until the moment he parks his slightly battered green bike next to two sleek looking black ones, top of the line as far as Scott can tell, and looking brand new.
Scott frowned and studied them a moment. Scott was pretty sure he’d remember ever having seen bikes like those here before. Maybe whoever they belonged to just got their license? Scott is pulled from his thoughts when Stiles practically tackles him, slinging an arm around Scott’s shoulder and gesticulating wildly.
“So I was looking up the number of deer related traffic accidents right, and you wouldn’t believe how many-“
“Stiles calm down.” Scott can’t help but grin as they trudge up the school’s steps together.
Stiles just rolled his eyes. “You sound like my dad. The point I’m trying to make is that the thing with the deer was super weird…”
“Maybe it was rabid or something.” Scott offered.
“Scotty you said it was terrified.” Stiles sighed. “C’mon…”
“Things are finally getting back to normal.” Scott groaned. “Can’t we just-“ He breaks off as they walk by a school bulletin board. Amongst all the typical back to school flyers, and ads of various clubs, are two missing person posters-one for Boyd and one for Erica. No one’s seen them since the night everything went down with Jackson’s sudden resurrection, and their families are both worried sick. Stiles catches Scott’s look, and follows his eyes to the posters.
“Maybe they just ran off together…” Scott said halfheartedly. “That wouldn’t be so bad…”
“Yeah…maybe.” Stiles was quiet for a minute. He hoisted his backpack a little higher on his shoulder and coughs. “Anyway I’ve got to run this to my locker… see you in class?”
Scott nodded and wandered off towards his own locker. Stiles stared at the posters a minute longer before he started moving, he didn’t want to be late on the first day back.
Down the hall Lydia was practically purring as she scouted out the students around her. “Freshmen. Tons and tons of fresh men.”
Allison laughed. “You mean fresh boys. Lydia, they’re fourteen.”
“Meh, some are more mature than others.” Lydia smirked as another boy walked by, someone Allison thought she recognized from last year-at the very least he’s clearly not a freshmen. The boy smiled when he catches Lydia’s eyes on him.
“Lydia hey… I’d love to get together again sometime…”
Lydia hummed noncommittally, and the boy keeps walking.
Allison shook her head. “You know, it’s okay to be single. Focus on yourself for a little while. Work on becoming a better person.”
“Allison, I love you.” Lydia smiled. “So if you need to do that thing where we talk about me and pretend like we’re not actually talking about you... it’s totally fine. But I don't want a boyfriend. I want a distraction…” Lydia trails off. From down the hall a small gap in the otherwise clustered hallway was forming. Two new students were making their way towards where Allison and Lydia are standing, and the crowds were parting around them to watch.
It was easy to see why once they get a better look at them. The two boys were incredibly attractive, even judging by Beacon Hills’ high standards. They matched almost perfectly, both of them decked out in leather jackets and dark jeans, motorcycle helmets under their arms.
“Brothers?” Allison asked curiously.
Lydia’s eyes were alight with interest. She tilted her head in approval taking them both in. “Twins…”
***
Scott had shifted gears by the time he and Stiles finally met up again for their shared English class, talking about his failed tattoo again in a hushed voice.
“You want to ask Derek for help?” Stiles asked. “Why?”
“He’s got the triskelion tattooed on his back.” Scott pointed out. “So there has to be a way to do it without healing right?”
Stiles shrugged. “Yeah but still-doesn’t he have his hands a little full?”
The classroom is filling up pretty fast, but they find a pair of seats in back near the windows. Scott’s just about to answer when someone walks up to the empty seat next to him. Scott looks up, and of course it’s Allison. His voice freezes up in his throat.
“Is anyone-“ Allison blushed slightly and points to the empty seat.
“No-no no.” Scott fumbled. He clears his throat and tries again. “No it’s all yours. Uh-it’s totally vacant.”
Suddenly Scott’s cell phone started ringing, followed by Allison’s and Stiles’, and then suddenly the whole class’ phones were ringing. Scott heard the click of high heels, and then someone was stepping into the classroom, reading off her own phone as she does.
“The offing was barred by a black bank of clouds and the tranquil waterway, leading to the uttermost ends of the earth, flowed somber under an overcast sky, seemed to lead into the heart of an immense darkness.” The woman, clearly their teacher, pauses to look up at the students in front of her. “This is the last line to the first book we are going to read. It is also the last text you will receive in this class.” She smiled. “Phones off, everyone.”
As the new teacher introduced herself as Ms. Blake, Stiles caught sight of a small bandage on Lydia’s ankle. He frowned.
“Hey.” Stiles tapped her on the shoulder. “Lydia.” Lydia sighed and glanced back over her shoulder. “What is that?” Stiles pointed to her ankle. “Is that from the accident?"
“No Prada bit me.” Lydia shook her head and turned back to her notes. Which, really what could she even be writing down at this point Stiles wondered. The teacher’s name? Looking at her Stiles reckoned it would be fifty/fifty if she even lasted three months in Beacon Hills before being scared off. The town took a certain type, and Ms. Blake just doesn’t seem like it.
“Your dog?” Stiles finally asked.
“No my designer handbag.” Lydia stared at Stiles like he’s an idiot. “Yes-“ She drawled. “My dog.”
Stiles frowned. “Has it ever bitten you before?”
“No.”
“Okay…” Stiles mind was already off running with this new piece of information. “What if it’s like the same thing as the deer? You know, like, how animals start acting weird right before an earthquake or something?”
“Meaning what?” Lydia wondered. “That there’s going to be an earthquake?”
“Or something. I just mean-“
“…um Stilinski? Mr. Stilinski?”
The teacher was taking attendance off the class chart. Stiles almost laughed. She didn’t even try.
“I go by Stiles.” He lifts his hand up and gives her a little wave. “And here.”
“Oh okay…” Ms. Blake makes a hasty note next to Stiles name before moving on to the next from the list. “Um…Jackson Whittemore?”
This time Stiles didn't laugh. “Uh yeah I think someone gave you an old class list there. He moved. Like last summer.”
“Oh-“ Ms. Blake frowns. “Then-“
Stiles turned back to Lydia again all business. “I just mean maybe it means something’s coming. Something bad.”
“It was a deer and a dog.” Lydia says pointedly. “What’s that thing you say about threes - once, twice...?”
A crow slammed into the window glass right above Lydia’s head. And then another. Outside the window the sky was practically turned black as hundreds of crows take flight. And one after another they seem to turn towards the windows, throwing themselves against the glass. Window panes shattered sending glass flying and dozens of birds crash into the classroom in a mess of beaks, talons, and feathers.
“Get down! Everyone! Get down! Get down!” Ms. Blake shouted.
Stiles pushed Lydia to the ground wrapping his arms over her protectively and watches as Ms. Blake grabbed another student. Maybe he didn’t give her enough credit after all…
***
He was waiting for her for when she walked in. The room was dark, no lights on and no sun leaking in from outside-not that it matters.
“Well Kali?”
She smiled around her fangs. “You might have been right. He helped the other one escape.”
“I see.” The man’s eyes flashed for a minute behind his dark glasses. “Let him go…”
Kali frowned. “What?”
“We don’t want to risk damaging our prize now do we?”
“I’ll take care of it.” Kali nodded slowly. “And the other?”
The man smiled again. “There we proceed as planned.”
Kali grinned.
***
When it all stopped there are dead birds and feathers everywhere. The Sheriff department got called in of course, plus EMS. No one was seriously injured, but there are plenty of scrapes and cuts to be looked at. And the school has been busted to hell again. Construction companies at least would still be doing fine in Beacon Hills. Stiles caught sight of Ms. Blake leaning against her desk, her eyes vacant.
“Ms. Blake?” Stiles looked her over quickly. She was probably just in shock. “You okay?
Ms. Blake nodded slowly. Stiles supposed even if you were briefed a little on what life in Beacon Hills can be like when you took the job, this would still be a pretty crazy first day. Honestly was amazing anyone applied to teach here anymore.
“Sorry just-“ Stiles leaned forward and pulled a clump of feathers out of her hair. “-that…”
Mr. Argent was checking out a small cut on Allison’s hand just a few feet away, leaving Scott to hover awkwardly at the other end of the classroom.
“Next time you’re feeling you want to stay home, you stay home.” Chris sighed.
“I’m okay.” Allison lowered her voice a little more. “But Dad-the deer and now this…”
Her father nodded grimly. “I know.”
“It can’t be a coincidence-“ Allison stopped as Stiles’ dad wanders over to them.
“Mr. Argent.” The Sheriff smiled. “You wouldn’t have any insight into this would you?”
“Me?”
“Yeah, it’s all this bizarre animal behavior, it’s uh... You must have seen something like this before, right?” The Sheriff asked.
Chris frowned. “I’m not sure why I would or why you would think I would.”
“I’m sorry-“ The Sheriff nodded back at Stiles. “I could have sworn I overheard my son talking about how you were an experienced hunter.”
“Uh, right.” Chris caught Stiles’ eye over his dad’s shoulder. Stiles grinned guiltily. “Well not anymore.”
The Sheriff nodded. “You alright?” He asked Allison.
Allison managed a small smile. “Fine.”
Stiles sighed. Scott was still in the far corner talking to Lydia and trying to give Allison and her dad as much space as the small classroom allows. Stiles took in the mess around the room. A flock of crows. No-a murder of crows technically. Stiles tried not to read too much into that but living with everything that’s happened lately it feels pretty hard. It was hard to believe a few minutes ago they were just taking attendance. Attendance… Stiles head snaps up. He quickly scans the room, he couldn't believe he missed it earlier. Stiles was right-he wasn't here. Before anyone could stop him, Stiles grabbed his bag and slipped out of the room.
***
Derek spread a paste of the herbs over Isaac’s chest again. They seemed to be helping, but Isaac still hadn’t woken back up yet. Derek fell back into his chair and picked up Isaac’s hand in his. Within a minute the black veins were flowing up Derek’s arm anew as he siphoned off more of Isaac’s pain. He looked around at the ruined remains of his house. The Hale house had been the only place Derek knew would have the herbs he needed.
It felt strange being back. Derek hadn’t been to the house in months now. Staring at the skeletal remains of the life he’s once had Derek’s grip on Isaac’s hand tightened just a little. He lost too much already. His parents. Laura. Maybe Erica and Boyd now… Derek wasn’t going to lose Isaac too.
***
“Hey!” Stiles practically bowled over Scott as he rushed down the hall.
“There you are!” Scott grabbed Stiles and steered him out of the main flow of traffic. “Where were you?” he whispered. “First the deer and now the crows-“
“-Lydia’s dog too.” Stiles jumped in, still a little out of breath. “But we can worry about that later. Isaac wasn’t in English.”
“What?” Now that Scott thought about it he couldn’t remember seeing Isaac either. He’d been too focused on Allison sitting next to him.
“And I just checked-“ Stiles pressed on. “He hasn’t been here all day.”
Scott frowned. “How do you know?”
“I had to bribe the secretary with like three bags of M&Ms.” Stiles said. “And let me tell you the school vending machines are not cheap-“
“Stiles focus.” Scott cut him off forcing him back to the topic at hand. “Why isn’t Isaac in school?”
“That’s the thing she didn’t know.” Stiles said grimly. “Apparently his guardian just called him off…”
“Guardian?”
Stiles shook his head. “I don’t know but it’s gotta be Derek right? I mean that’s who he’s been living…”
“So Derek called Isaac off school?” Scott asked. “What does that mean?”
“I don’t know.” Stiles shrugged. “Well not for sure at least. But after Erica and Boyd-“
“-I should call Derek.” Scott finished.
Stiles nodded. “Yeah.”
Scott pulled out his phone and punched in the number. Derek answered on the second ring.
“Scott now’s not really-“
“What happened to Isaac? Is he okay?”
Derek sighed. “He will be. Look-“
“What aren’t you telling us?” Stiles asked.
“It’s nothing.”
“Missing school doesn’t sound like nothing.” Scott said. Stiles nodded. “Did you guys find Boyd and Erica?”
“No…” Derek paused. “Look-just come meet me.” Derek grumbled. “We shouldn’t do this over the phone…”
“Do what?” Stiles frowned. “-and meet you where? It’s not like-”
“My house.”
“Your house?” Scott traded puzzled looks with Stiles.
“Dude you’re not still living there are you?” Stiles asked. “Cause I gotta say-“
“Just get here.” Derek growled. He hung up before either Scott or Stiles could respond.
Stiles laughed a little hollowly. “Well he’s as friendly as always…”
Scott shrugged, but smiled all the same.
***
Scott and Stiles drove separately to Derek’s, Scott wass loath to leave his bike behind on the very first day he’d ridden it to school.
“Derek?” Scott calls out.
“In here.”
Scott and Stiles stepped inside the charred remains of the house. Derek has Isaac laid out on a table. Derek’s leather jacket is balled up under Isaac’s head as a make shift pillow. Scattered around him on the table are dishes and a few plants Scott doesn’t recognize. Isaac’s eyes were closed, and his chest was a mess of fading bruises and strange greenish salve.
“Is he going to be okay?” Scott asked.
Derek nodded, and Scott noticed he looked a little worse for wear himself. “He just needs a little more time now.”
Stiles leaned a little closer and cringed when he caught a sniff of the salve. “What happened to him?”
“A rival wolf attacked him.” Derek said shortly.
Scott frowned. “Why isn’t he healing faster?”
“The wounds were from an Alpha.” Derek sighed. “It’s what the herbs are for. To help off set it.”
“An Alpha?” Stiles cocked his head curiously. “What are they after your territory or something?”
“Something like that.” Derek grumbled. “But look Isaac will be fine. You’ve seen that now. You two can go. Get back to you lives…”
Stiles shrugged and turned to leave, but Scott paused looking back to Derek.
“Actually Derek- there’s something else I wanted to ask you…”
***
Lydia watched as Allison finished grabbing the last of her books from her locker. Since Lydia’s car was still in the shop now Allison had offered to give her a ride. Lydia fished out her phone as she waited, finally turning it back on after Ms. Blake’s insane class.
She had two missed calls from Jackson’s mother again. Lydia groaned.
“What?” Allison asked.
Lydia showed Allison her phone screen.
Allison laughed. “Just call her back. Or answer the next time she calls. Come on aren’t you even a little curious what she wants?”
“Not at all.” Lydia tisked. “But if it means she’ll finally leave me alone I’ll bite the bullet…
***
“Yeah, I see it. Two bands, right?” Derek’s eyes glowed red as he studied Scott’s seemingly bare arm.
Scott nodded. “Yeah.”
Derek eyed Scott curiously. “What does it mean?”
“I dunno.” Scott shrugged. “It’s just something I traced with my fingers.”
“Why’s it so important to you?” Derek asked.
Scott was quiet for a minute before finally speaking up. “Do you know what the word tattoo means?”
Stiles smiled knowingly and leaned in towards Derek. “To mark something.”
“That’s in Tahitian.” Scott said. “In Samoan it means open wound. I knew I wanted to get a tattoo when I turned eighteen. I always wanted one. I just decided to get it now to make it kind of a reward.”
Derek frowned. “For what?”
Scott sighed. “For not calling or texting Allison all summer. Even when I really wanted to. Even when it was so hard not to sometimes. I was trying to give her the space she wants. Now four months later, it still hurts. Still feels like a, uh...”
“…Like open wound.” Stiles finished.
Scott nodded. “Yeah.”
Derek grabbed a small blowtorch and held it up for Scott to see. “Pain’s gonna be worse than anything you’ve ever felt.”
“Oh-That’s great.” Stiles cringed.
Scott braced himself. “Do it.”
With a hiss Derek ignited the blowtorch, the tongue of flame spitting out quickly.
“Oh. Wow-“ Stiles grimaced. “That’s-that’s a lot for me. So…I’m gonna take that as my cue… I’ll-uh, I’m actually gonna wait outside.
“Nope.” Derek grabbed Stiles’ shoulder and turned him back around. “I need you to help hold him down.”
With a final nod from Scott, Derek pressed the searing flame against Scott’s skin Scott groans-his eyes flashing golden and his fangs popping out as the fire burns its way into his body. He starts to twist away on instinct.
“Oh my god-“ Stiles gagged and tried to look away.
“Hold him!” Derek shouted.
Scott howled in pain.
***
The phone rang again, and just as Lydia was about to call it quits, Mrs. Whittemore finally picked up.
“Lydia.” There’s a tone there that has Lydia rolling her eyes already. Allison just grinned. “I’m so glad you were finally able to return my calls.”
“Of course.” Lydia said sweetly. The expression didn't reach her eyes.
“I was just hoping I could get you to check on Jackson for me.”
“Jackson?” Lydia asked baffled. Next to her Allison frowned.
“Yes. I know he wasn’t in school today and I haven’t been able to reach him. I’m sure he’s just a little under the weather from all the travel, but the house staff isn’t arriving until next week-“
Lydia shook her head. “I’m sorry-what? Jackson is here?”
“Of course.” There was a pause from the other end of the phone, and then a small note of worry crept into Mrs. Whittemore's voice. “Didn’t he contact you?”
“Um…” Lydia looked to Allison in confusion. Allison shook her head quickly and then pointed to Lydia’s phone suddenly. Lydia smiled and nodded. “You know he may have tried. I’ve been having some trouble with my phone lately-“
“Oh I’m sorry to hear that.” Mrs. Whittemore sighed. “Well when you speak to Jackson if you could let him know-“
“Oh you know what, I’m going to have to let you go.” Lydia said suddenly. “There’s uh-there’s somewhere I have to be.”
“But wait-“
Lydia clicked off the phone and gave Allison a serious look.
“Jackson’s parents think he’s back in Beacon Hills?” Allison asked.
Lydia nodded slowly. “And if he’s not over there, and he’s not here…then where the hell is he?”
***
Scott came to with a sudden start. His arm still stung a little, but when he looked down he was thrilled to see the twin black bands standing out against his skin. He grinned. “It worked…”
“Well-“ Stiles gave his a friend an amused look. “Looks pretty permanent now.”
“Yeah.” Scott traced his hand over the tattoo fondly. “Kind of need something permanent. Everything that’s happened to us… everything just changes so fast. Everything’s so, uh... ephemeral.”
Derek looked at Scott in pleasant surprise, and Stiles just grinned.
“Studying for the PSATs?”
“Yep.” Scott nodded.
Stiles laughed. “Nice.”
Stiles helped Scott up, and together they started to walk outside. Scott stopped for a second in the entryway, the door to the house catching his eye. While the rest of the house was charred or battered, the door looks almost new.
“You painted the door…” Scott frowned. “Why’d you paint the door?”
Derek shook his head. “Go home Scott.”
Scott took a closer look at the door. Only the outside has a fresh coat of paint. “And why only one side…?”
“Scott-“Derek sighed.
Scott ran one claw slowly over the center of the door on some kind of instinct, peeling away the top layer of paint and revealing part of a black line underneath. Scott shot Derek a confused look. Before Derek can stop him Scott popped the rest of his claws and starts slashing the door, chipping away the paint little by little.
“Scott don’t!” Derek shouted.
It was too late. Scott had already uncovered a symbol painted onto the door. At first glance it almost resembled the triskelion from Derek’s back- the symbol of the Hale pack. But the closer Scott looked the more the differences stood out to him. This design was simpler, harsher somehow and less complicated. Instead of a winding spiral each side bore the same solid shape. Something clicked in Scott’s head.
“The birds at school…” Scott said slowly. “And the deer last night. Just like the deer when I got bit by the alpha…” Scott turned to Derek seriously. “How many are there?”
“…a pack of them.” Derek finally said bitterly. “An alpha pack.”
“All of them?” Stiles asked in confusion. “How does that even work?”
Derek shurgged. “I hear there’s some kind of leader. He’s called Deucalion…” Derek’s face darkened. “We know they have Boyd and Erica. Peter, Isaac and I have been looking for them for the last four months.”
“And you didn’t think to tell me?” Scott frowned. “You didn’t think I’d want to help?”
“You have your own life to live. You’re a teenager Scott. I appreciate the offer really-“Derek said seriously. “But this is my problem.”
“They’re our friends too.” Stiles said. “And in case you haven’t noticed-with all this weird animal activity this isn’t just your problem anymore.”
“So we find them.” Scott said firmly. “We find Boyd and Erica. And then we’ll deal with this pack…” He paused. “How do you deal with an alpha pack?”
Derek managed a small smile. “With all the help I can get…”
A sudden twig snapping behind them had Derek and Scott whipping their heads around, and Stiles nearly jumping three feet up into the air.
“Well it’s nice to see some things never change…” A voice drifted out of the woods. “Beacon Hills is still a nightmare of craziness…”
Stiles gaped. “No way…”
A battered and bloodied Jackson Whittemore stumbled out of the woods. He glared at the three of them before stumbling, and catching himself on a tree. He smiled weakly. “Care to give me a hand here?”