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Fox In The Hills	By : fusedtwilight Category: S through Z > Teen Wolf Views: 5459 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Wolf. It is the property of Jeff Davis and MTV. I make no profit from this fic.

Chapter List
- 1-Parrish
- 2-Ethan
- 3-Liam
- 4-Scott
- 5-Derek
- 6-Danny
- 7-Isaac
- 8-Brett
- 9-Jackson
- 10-Corey
- 11-Boyd
- 9
- 10
- 11
Fusedtwilight: So here is the other chapter I promised. In this one Stiles is a time kitsune and hooks up with Corey. This story is one of my longest and I hope you all enjoy it. I especially had a fun time writing the character Sky in this.
時間
Jikan
Time
Corey
I leaned against the pillar. The mall was bustling with people. It was a good day, pick pocketing would be easy. I would just swing by one of the bathrooms, go invisible and gather up some cash. I should be able to get a motel for the night. Enjoy a hot meal and a warm bath!
Looking for the nearest restroom I became aware I was being watched. A boy around my age was glaring at me, he had olive skin and dark hair. Next to him stood a blonde kid with a freckled face who was staring at me to. But he looked a little more nervous.
My instincts instantly warned me something wasn't right. You don't just stare at someone like that without a good reason. I looked around and saw a woman with dark skin in the line for the Dairy Queen looking at me with a piercing look that made me feel like someone was running a knife along my skin.
I don't think they were Hunters. I think they are those wannabes who fancy themselves Hunters but were just a bunch of idiots with guns who cause more trouble than a feral Omega. To be honest, I would rather deal with real Hunters than idiots who thought they were tough enough to capture supernatural creatures.
The Hunters would be more careful, especially in a public area. But these rogues were reckless and uncaring. They were becoming a problem for the police. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of innocent people gunned down because some idiot thought they were a shifter.
Technically I wasn't a shifter. I was a science experiment. A group of para-scientists calling themselves the Dread Doctors believed the only way to avoid some terrible world war between humans and the supernatural was to create a new race, beings who did not have the same weaknesses as other shifters but had the strengths they did.
They targeted kids who had body transplants. Skin, eye, heart, liver, kidney. Because that made us genetic chimeras in a way. Somehow they were able to use that to make us into enhanced humans or as the papers dubbed us Chimeras.
The Doctors experiments drew the Hunters attention. They raided the lair where they were keeping us and at first it seemed like we were saved. Until the Hunters began killing us. Some of us managed to escape. I had been part of a pack with a guy named Theo. He had been the Doctor's lackey, their first successful experiment. He had been helping them keep us in check; he was being groomed to be our Alpha.
He went from having a few dozen subjects to only having four.
Obviously the public was alarmed when they learned about us. A creature that was made up of animal and shifters and had no weaknesses to the conventional means. The Hunters painted us as bad guys. Monsters who were rabid.
But the government ordered us to be taken in alive. That we needed help. I wanted to turn myself in. Theo called me an idiot. If the government wanted us taken alive, it was because they wanted to see how we were made.
"Think about it man, if they learned to keep their troops human but give them the powers of the shifters our country would be unstoppable. Don't think for a second they won't tear you apart piece by piece to learn the Doctors secrets."
But Theo was gone now. So was Hayden, Tracey and Josh. It was just me now. Captured by the Hunters. Probably in some lab now being dissected like frogs. Now it was just me. Sad, cowardly, invisible Corey. I was stronger than the average human and could heal much faster and even better I could turn invisible. But I didn't have fangs or claws. I wasn't a fighter like the others had been.
But maybe that was why I was able to escape while the others were captured. Because I was a coward because I never fought.
Tracy used to make fun of me. Called me the most useless Chimera. Ironic seeing how she was the first to be captured. She used to be a nice girl but once we escaped and she started spending time with Theo, she turned into a huge bitch.
I pulled my hoodie up and decided to leave. As I walked through the mall I decided to head for the nearest changing room and go invisible. I was sure now those people were wannabes, and I wasn't going to fuck around with them.
Rule 1.) When in doubt, run!
I froze when I felt something hard press against my back.
"Freeze freak!" a voice hissed.
"Jesus Gabe put that thing away!" another voice said, sounding panicked.
"Shut up, don't use my name you idiot!"
"You're the idiot with a gun in public!"
"I'm too close to his back, no one will see!"
"Easy boys. Let's not cause a scene."
The woman from earlier walked in front of me. The smile she wore reminded me of a cat, right before it killed its prey. "Mr. Bryant. The infamous Chameleon. The last Chimera. We've been looking for you for some time."
"You and everyone else," I said.
"Just come with us quietly now. You can't escape. There are a dozen more of us here."
"Where are you taking me?" I asked.
"Some place where you can't hurt innocent people," she replied coldly.
"I have never hurt people," I said.
"You use your powers to break into homes and steal from hardworking people. What's stopping you from entering someones home and doing something worse like murder or rape?"
I felt like someone had slapped me on the face. I admit I have done some shady shit since I was turned into a Chimera. Yeah, I broke into other people's houses. But only to grab some food and get some sleep...and maybe steal something that could get me some money.
But murder? Rape?
"I do what I need to survive!" I responded hotly. "When you're being hunted by a bunch of psycho's you have to be adaptive."
The guy behind me pushed the gun against my back, causing me to hiss in pain. "You're a freak! A monster made in a lab by a bunch of madmen. The Hunters had the right idea but then the government had to get involved. Everyone knows they want to make more versions of you. Well, we're not going to let that happen. We're going to put a bullet right between your-"
"Enough Gabe," the woman muttered, "we're starting to attract a crowed."
People were starting to realize something was going on. Maybe they sensed the tense atmosphere, but I saw some people had pulled out their phones and were recording us. So this is how my life ends? Killed by a bunch of bigots while the world watches on Youtube.
"Tamara!" a voice barked.
"Shit!" the woman spat.
The gun at my back vanished before I could run for it someone was grabbing my hands and putting me in cuffs. I began to struggle, trying to rip myself free, but whatever they were made of was not ordinary metal.
I was grabbed and when I saw who it was holding me I struggled harder. They wore black body armor with a silver fluer de lis on their right shoulders. They black helmets with the visors pulled down so I couldn't see their faces.
A girl, a little older than me walked up to the woman–Tamara–with a cold expression. She had pale skin and long dark hair pulled back in a bun. A man walked with her with blue eyes and silvery hair. I knew who they were. Chris and his daughter Allison Argent. One of the oldest and most influential Hunters in the world. Their family had been hunting shifters for centuries. They specialized in Werewolves but led the American Hunter League. The government sponsored response to supernatural threats.
"This is the fourth time we have found you interfering with Hunter related business," Allison said.
"We caught him before you did. You should be thanking us," Tamara responded sounding prideful.
Allison rolled her eyes. "We have been monitoring the Chimera for a few weeks now. We were never sure if any more escaped so we were waiting to see if he could lead us to more of them. When we saw you and your little...assistants move on him we knew it was time to bring him in."
Tamara got an angry look on her face. Gabe was clenching his fists, no doubt angered about being referred to as an assistant. The other boy was looking like he wished he had my power to turn invisible.
"Arming children, whom do not have permits to carry concealed weapons. I think the police wil-"
Tamara pulled something from her pocket. For a wild moment I thought she was about to draw a gun. So did some of the other agents who aimed their weapons at her. The mall was filled with shouts as people took cover. Some brave few remained, hidden around corners and tables with their phones out.
Tamara held a piece of paper. "I have been deputized. Your grandfather met with me. He thinks I have potential. Thinks it is good someone in this town is showing some initiative. Both me and these boys have the same permits. We may not have the full authority you do. But we have the right to carry concealed weapons and assist in the hunting of illegal supernaturals."
Allison stared at the permit with an expression that made me cringe. There was a tense moment of silence and she finally spoke, keeping her eyes on Tamara. "Check these boys for papers."
Gabe was grinning as he handed them his papers. Nolan was still keeping small and quiet. I wondered how someone so meek could even attempt to be a Hunter. Gabe was far more aggressive, but this kid seemed like he'd rather be anywhere else.
"They are legit ma'am," one of the agents said.
"Well, we are done here then. Let's take our captive to Eichen. And someone contact my grandfather and let him know I need to have a chat with him. Good day Tamara."
We left them in the mall. People had started to come out, they stood as far from us as they could. They continued to record everything though. I cried as they led me out. Pathetic I know. But given they were taking me to Eichen House I think I can be forgiven for a few tears.
Eichen House was once a facility for the mentally disturbed before they turned it into a holding place for supernaturals. They say the whole place is covered in mountain ash and they keep all the patients sedated. Others say there is a man there who performs inhuman experiments to learn better ways to kill shifters.
I was sure Theo, and the others were there. One good thing about being there is I will be with my friends again. I wasn't very fond of Theo or Tracy. But I liked Josh and Hayden. They were not bloodthirsty or crazy.
They loaded me into an armored truck. I continued to cry, my tears fell to the floor, forming a small puddle. Once the truck started, and we began to move, I began to beg with them.
"Please, I'm sorry. I didn't want to become a Chimera. Please don't send me to Eichen. Just kill me now and get it over with I beg you...just end it!"
"Dude, pull yourself together," a familiar voice spoke.
I froze. I looked up to the guard sitting across from me. "Josh?"
The guard took off his helmet, and I was met with a boy with dark hair and tan skin and glowing purple eyes. "S'up?" he asked grinning at me.
"Holy shit Josh! You're alive! Is this a jail break? Are the others with you? How did you escape? I'm so glad you are alive!"
"Calm down, let me take your cuffs off."
He moved around me and I felt him unlock the cuffs that bound me. "They usually use shit with mountain ash to keep shifters nice and docile. But Chimeras don't have to worry about that," Josh said as he sat back down.
One of the other guards took off his helmet. "Can't believe Gerard deputized Monroe. Allison is pissed man."
"Gerard has always been outspoken about hunting anything supernatural. You know he is trying to get that bill passed that declares Banshee's legally insane so they can be committed."
"Josh what is going on dude, talk to me here," I said rubbing my wrists.
"Corey, this is Danny," Josh said introducing me to the other.
"Hi, Josh has told me a lot about you. I am happy to finally meet you."
I watched as they held hands. "Umm. Are you two together?" I asked.
"Yep, someone finally tamed this old eel," Josh said kissing Danny on the cheek.
"I wouldn't say tamed. We are still working on some disgusting habits," Danny said with a sigh.
"You're talking about how he makes nests from his own saliva?" I asked.
When the Doctors made the Chimeras they didn't just use shifters to make us. They also used animals. In Josh's case it was an eel. It made for some rather unique traits and instincts.
"Hey, I am just trying to make our room look nice!" Josh said with a huff.
Danny gave him a disgusted look. "I can't believe you said that with a straight face."
"Look where are we going?" I asked.
"Eichen, just like Allison said," Danny replied.
"You will be informed about everything when we get there man. Trust me, Eichen is more than just a prison. It is also a haven for our kind...well, anyone not human."
"They just let you out?" I asked.
"We figured having a familiar face would put you at ease," Danny said. "Hayden is still learning to control her instincts so we decided to send Josh."
"Is Theo and Tracy with you to?" I asked.
Danny and Josh shared a look. "Yes. But they are prisoners. Theo tried to start a rebellion and he and Tracey were locked up. Just relax dude, you're safe now. I promise."
I sat in a small tan colored room. A glass of water sat in front of me, Josh stood next to me looking bored. We were in Eichen House. When we arrived, they had to put the cuffs on me. The whole place was crawling with guards carrying assault rifles and batons that were also tasers.
I had been searched for paraphernalia, feeling a surge of anger when they took all the case I had taken. I was led to this room and once we were inside, they took the cuffs off and Allison said that someone called Minato. She spoke to me with a warm and friendly smile. She had a different aura about her now that we were in private.
Even though she was acting friendly, I did not trust her one bit. After watching those Hunters gun down all those other Chimeras in the Doctor's labs I could only seem them as monsters. I still had nightmares about that night.
We had all been excited at first, we thought the nightmare was over and the good guys were coming to save us. We were so fucking wrong.
"So, you like guys huh?" I asked.
"Guess I was a little bi. Danny is really good with computers and since I am a walking battery, I was able to help him power some of his machines. We started hanging out and I decided to see what it is like being with a dude."
"Do you like is so far?" I asked.
"Lets just say if I had known then how awesome it is to get head from another guy I might have made a move on you dude."
The door opened and an Asian man walked in. He had short trimmed black hair and a pair of wire glasses on his face. He wore a shiny silver suite, and I saw a silver chain dangling from his pocket. He carried a cup of coffee and he had a warm smile on his face.
"Ah, Mr. Bryant. We have been looking for you for a long time. You gave us all quit the run around." He spoke with a chastising tone but with no heat in it. He sat down across from me and took a sip from his coffee. "I am sure by now you have been given a quick rundown of our operation here."
"Kind of. I thought Eichen House was a prison for supernaturals?" I asked.
"Well it is. Sadly some shifters are as monstrous as people make us out to be and like with human criminals they need to be contained to keep them from hurting others. But there is another side to this place. A better side. This is a place for those who are wrongfully persecuted to hide. A safe haven for the innocent who have become victims of an unjust system."
I looked over to Josh who nodded his head. Silently telling me it was true.
"Naturally only a select few know of this. If the government were to learn what we are doing here, it would endanger the lives of everyone we have sworn to protect."
"Wait, you said 'Us'. Are you a shifter?"
His eyes glowed orange. "I am what is known as a Kitsune. I am Minato of the jikan clan. I have lived for many centuries Mr. Bryant. I have seen many wars and acts of injustices heaped on the innocent by those in power. Once again I act to use my power to try and protect the few from the many who would see them harm. Allow me to show you our operation and then you can decide your next course of action."
"Okay. I mean...as long as you guys don't try to dissect me."
Josh let out a laugh and Minato just smiled. "My dear boy, no one here has an interest in you. Though Sky may want to perform some tests. Don't worry, we'll keep him from doing anything too drastic."
Before I could ask what he meant he pulled out his watch. It had a symbol engraved on it and I watched as he flicked it open. "You might feel a little odd as this is your first temporal shift."
"My first-"
He began to fiddle with the dial. I felt like I was traveling up a waterfall. I could feel something pushing against me. But I didn't know what it was. The light flickered on and off at a rapid pace, I realized it wasn't because of a power surge but rather it was because the bulb kept on disappearing and reappearing. The cracks that had formed on the walls slowly began to shrink, it reminded me of those videos of a flower blooming but in reverse.
He closed his watch and took another sip of his coffee. "The hell was that?" I asked.
"We have traveled a hundred years into the past. To a time when the supernatural world was still hidden and shifters were not persecuted."
"That's not possible. You can't travel through time, it is just something you see on TV like Star Trek or Doctor Who!"
Minato chuckled. "One of the benefits of being of the jikan clan is we are all about time. Come, let us show you around."
"Should I put the cuffs on?" I asked.
Minato waved his hand. "No, you will not need those. Not here."
He stood up and headed for the door. Josh tapped my shoulder, and I stood up and we followed Minato out. As we walked through the halls, I quickly became aware that the guards were all gone. So was the barbed wire that lined the top of the walls, and the security cameras and the metal detectors and the metal bars on the windows.
The halls were empty saved for a few orderlies and nurses. They looked at us with confused expressions but didn't bother us. I noticed right away their hairstyles and cloths were very...retro.
"Holy shit, have we really time traveled?" I asked.
Minato got a thoughtful expression on his face. "I used the wrong terminology, please forgive me. You were right, time travel does not exist. Even for Kitsune like myself. We can manipulate it and bend it but even we can't travel through it like you see on television. What we have entered is a chronological loop of the year nineteen-eighteen. One-hundred years ago I created this loop, to make a place to hide the hunted from their persecutors. As of late it has been housing shifters who have been accused of crimes that violate their rights as beings and individuals. If you would like it will house you as well."
We walked out into the courtyard. People were talking, some were eating and a small group was playing soccer.
"Long before it was a prison or an asylum Eichen was a small hospital. So don't be worried about being forced to take pills or electric shock therapy."
"What about the orderlies and the nurses we saw?" I asked.
"They are part of the loop. They lived a century ago from our perspective. Now they just go about their days as they did all those years ago again and again and again."
"Corey!"
A girl was running to me. Her eyes shined with a yellow light. "Hayden!" I yelled.
I ran to her and hugged her. "I am so happy to see you!" I said.
A group of people followed her. One was a guy with shortcut brown hair and a stocky build. Another with a slimmer body and dark skin. A blonde girl with a metal choker in the shape of an L and a tall boy with light green eyes and broad muscular shoulders.
Hayden pulled back, her eyes were still glowing. "I wanted to go, but I am still learning to be a Werewolf and it would have been too difficult to get me past all the security!"
"You're a Werewolf now?"
Hayden had been part Werewolf and part Werejaguar. Unlike Theo she hadn't been able to fully change her face. She had been able to grow fangs, claws and grew some diamonds shape spots on her skin.
"I was injured when I was captured. You know I had the weakest healing of all the Chimeras. Turning into a Werewolf was the only way to save me. I am still learning control. I probably would have lost my shit if I went."
The boy with the short brown hair kissed her cheek. "You're doing better than I did when I became a Werewolf."
"Wait, you're Liam...Liam Dunbar, Hayden's Liam, the one she always talked about!"
Liam beamed at Hayden who was blushing. "Yep. That Liam."
I recognized Liam from the news. He had been bitten by an Alpha Werewolf when a Wendigo went rabid in a hospital. Both Liam and his Alpha had to go on a run. Liam didn't do anything wrong but since he was diagnosed with IED that made him a dangerous hazard according to the law and he had to be put away to keep him from loosing control.
Any shifter with a mental disorder was automatically locked up.
When I first met Hayden, she told me about her and Liam's complicated past. How they were at that awkward stage of being attracted to one another but not officially dating yet. Guess things had changed between them.
"These are my friends, Mason, his boyfriend Brett and Brett's little sister Lori."
Lori stepped forward and offered her hand. "We are pleased to meet you. Hayden and Josh told us a lot about you."
"Is it true you can turn invisible?" Mason asked with an excited tone.
I smiled. I clapped my hands together and the world around me turned green. With the exception of Hayden and Josh who had seen me do this so many times before they all gasped.
"Holy shit!" Brett said.
"Amazing!" Mason said.
I decloaked myself and Josh patted my shoulder.
"Fascinating, Sky is going to love you," Minato said.
At the mention of Sky the others became stony faced. I could tell whoever this person is he or she is not a favorite. "Who is Sky?" I asked.
"Sky is the love child of Sheldon Cooper and Rick Sanchez," Liam said.
"He's an acquired taste. Very blunt and straight to the point," Mason said with a forced smile.
"He's a total asshole," Brett mumbled.
"Minato!"
A guy with pale-mole dotted skin was running to us. He wore a pair of thick, black glasses and he wore a suite similar to Minato. He had eyes like whiskey, a little brown and a little amber. I found myself staring into them and feeling warm all over.
"Ah, Stiles. I am happy to report we managed to acquire Mr. Bryant," Minato said.
Stiles extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you."
I shook his hand, noting how long his fingers were. "You to."
Minato was looking at us with a grin. His eyes had a faraway look as if he was seeing something the rest of us could not.
"I was just coming to see if Corey was here yet. Sky is eager to meet him."
"No doubt to probe him," Josh said with a snicker.
"Wait what?" I asked.
Stiles flicked Josh on the head. "Ignore the energizer bunny here. You are not going to get probed. But we do need to get you checked out. Just to make sure you don't have any medical issues."
"We'll catch up with you later man," Josh said.
Stiles and Minato began to lead me back into the building. "Hey Corey!"
I turned. The others were all standing in a line. "We believe in you!" Hayden yelled.
They all gave me the salute from the Hunger Games, whistling the theme.
"Bunch of drama queens I swear," Stiles said. "Honestly, Sky isn't...that bad."
"You don't sound very convinced of your own words," I commented.
We made our way deep into the bowels of Eichen. We came to a stop in front of a pair of metal doors that were sealed by a series of locks with a small keypad to the side. Minato pressed a red button beneath the keypad.
"Unless you brought me something to study piss off!" a voice spoke from the speaker above the door.
"Sky, what have we talked about using foul language?" Minato asked.
"That I am an American and freely exorcise my right to say what ever the fuck I want," the voice responded.
I was starting to see what the others were talking about. I looked over to Minato to see he was rubbing his head.
"Hey assface open up, we got the last Chimera here," Stiles said.
The locks began to move once they were loose enough the doors began to open. A thick vapor began to pour from the room, preventing me from seeing anything. A figure emerged from the vapor once it came into sight I flung myself back in terror.
A tan leather coat covered his frame. His face was covered my a metal mask with several eyeholes and rubber tubes attached to the sides. He wore a pair of large metal gauntlets made from brass and wires.
Memories began to flood my mind. Beings similar to this one. Holding me down, injecting me with needles, burying me alive, putting me in a cage.
"Subject, success. Unlike others his abilities are strictly none-predatory. Must make sure to balance between predators and prey. Abilities will grow with time, allowing him to better hide."
"Corey! Corey!"
I blinked. I had fallen to the floor, my eyes wet with tears. Minato and Stiles were looking at me with worried expressions. "You lied to me!" I yelled standing up and pushing them back. "You aren't here to help me! You are working with the Doctors!"
"The fuck are you talking about?"
I looked over to the figure. He reached up and took off his mask. The face behind the mask was not the scared monstrosity I imagined. His skin was a little darker than Mason's, he had some high-cheekbones that made me think he might have some Native American in him. His eyes were dark brown and his lips were thin and his eyebrows small.
"I'm not one of those psychos. This is just my work uniform!"
"Which you modified from their shit!" Stiles said giving him a glare.
"Hey, they shouldn't have left their gear behind when the Hunters invaded their lair," he said.
"You made that from their equipment?" I asked.
"No, I modified it using their equipment. Guys were fucking geniuses. We managed to sneak some of their tech to see if we could find a way to reverse the process they used to make Chimeras. We figure we make you guys humans then the Hunters would leave you alone."
"Any luck?" I asked.
"Nope. But don't worry, I am smarter than all three of them put together. Some time a few experiments and I am sure I can make you boring again."
"Human, Sky. The word you are looking for is Sky," Minato said.
"Same thing."
"You're Sky?" I asked.
He stepped forward, and I fought the urge to step back. He raised his left hand, and a port opened on the palm and a smaller, mechanical hand came out. "Beautiful Sky, resident genius and Seer of Beacon Hills, past and future."
I shook the smaller hand, fighting the urge to flinch at the cold metal against my skin.
"Beautiful Sky?" I asked.
"English translation of my name from Hopílavayi, my fathers tribe. He named me while she was high on pain killers."
He lowered his arm and the mini-hand went back inside the gauntlet. He turned and headed back inside. "Well let's go. Time is wasting. We only got six more months before Minato resets the clock."
We followed him inside. The doors closed and locked behind us. The room was vast and filled with sketch-boards, chalkboards, marker boards, computers, Ipads, laptops, TV screens, tables with beakers and vials and cylinders filled with different colored liquids.
It was like someone had taken whatever technology they had from this age and did a scary good job merging it with modern tech.
"Strip to your undies and sit on the table," Sky said pointing to a metal table.
"Do I have to?" I asked feeling self-conscious.
"No, he just wants to see you half-naked," Stiles said glaring at Sky.
He just grinned. "Like you don't like the idea."
Stiles blushed and glared at him.
"Just get on the table. Take off anything metallic or electronic."
I got on the table and laid down. I didn't have anything on me and I took a deep breath. A moment later there was a flash of light and a copy of me appeared above me.
"Holy shit!" I said.
"Please remain on the table," I heard Sky say to the side.
I felt someone take my hand. I looked and saw Stiles smiling down at me. "We just want to make sure everything is working okay. We've managed to recover a couple other Chimeras, but they rejected the Doctors procedure."
"Yeah, they bled out mercury all over the place. Was a bitch to clean," Sky said.
Stiles closed his eyes, and I had a feeling he was counting to ten.
"I know...I saw some of the Chimeras reject whatever the Doctors did. I don't know what they did with the bodies but one day someone would be fine then the next they would start coughing mercury and get really sick."
Lucas had died like that. I held him in my arms as he bled to death. The Doctors had taken him away. I still remember his screams of pain as his body rejected whatever they did to him.
"Well from what I can see everything is going well. No cellular degeneration, your magnetic field is stable." The image of me vanished and Sky leaned over me, holding a large needle and syringe. "Now, lets draw a tiny bit of blood and-"
"I think Corey needs some time to rest before he can assist you in your studies Sky," Minato said gently.
"But he could be the key to figuring out how the Doctor's made the Chimeras!" Sky whined.
Stiles helped me off the table. "You said that about the others. You just want to test his ability to turn invisible!"
"Think of how much easier our lives could be if we could duplicate that power! We could make vests that could render us unseen to the naked eye! Just like the Predator!"
"I have a sneaking suspicion this technology would find its way to the black market," Minato said with that far away look he had earlier.
"Well...we need some funding and it's not like we can start a GoFundMe account."
"And just who would you sell it to?" Stiles asked icily.
Sky shrugged. "Whoever has the most money. Duh."
"You know for a Seer you sure are dumb!" Stiles snapped.
"Listen boy-bitch, I don't know if you have noticed but-"
"A Seer is someone with a highly enhanced brain," Minato spoke looking to me.
"Wait what?" I asked.
"Oh, I am sorry. I assumed you had already asked me that question," he said looking a little flustered.
I looked to Stiles than Sky. "Isn't a Seer someone who sees the future?" I asked.
"A Seer is someone with a highly enhanced brain," Minato said, repeating what he said.
"Allow me to explain," Sky said. "In the olden days Seers were believed to read the world for signs of favor from the gods to predict the future. Like how a battle would turn out or the weather. The truth is while most supernatural beings are physically enhanced, Seer's are mentally enhanced. Our brains are like supercomputers. We have a perfect memory and can process information better than any living organism on the planet. Such is our mental ability that we can at times predict the future using complex equations. Though this ability depends on our knowledge of a given situation. Where others see chaos we see patterns. It is how I have been able to build this lab by modifying the technology from this day using the tech from our time."
I looked around the room. "You did this?" I asked.
"Some of the more intellectuals like Danny helped with the set up while the others did the heavy lifting. But I did the majority of the work."
"I've never heard of Seer's on the news," I said.
"And you won't," Minato said. "Seers are like Banshee's and Druids. They are tapped into the supernatural but not controlled by it."
"We are essentially human. We are kind of like a bridge between shifters and mortals. While we do not posses the more fearsome powers, you see in Werewolves or Kitsune, we also posses abilities that set us apart from humans."
"They're also a bunch of pompous assholes," Stiles sneered.
"And Kitsune are a bunch of shady fuckers with a sick sense of humor," Sky shot back with his own sneer.
"Now boys, get along. We are all in this together," Minato said with a gentle yet firm tone that said he had to calm the both of them down before.
"Someone needs to tell him that!" Stiles yelled pointing a finger at Sky.
"Way to be dramatic Stilinski. In case you haven't noticed I am here with the rest of you."
"Only because you are on the FBI's most wanted list!"
"While you and the other fools were spending your time hiding in the shadows the smarter people were preparing for this war."
"We're not at war!"
"Keep telling yourself that. We Seers have seen this day coming for centuries. Like the storm on the horizon. Our ability to predict outcomes warned us that when the humans learned everything they read in their fairy tale books was real they would lash out. You think America is bad? They are actively hunting us in parts of the world. This place is only a temporary solution. The humans outnumber us all ten to three. They kill us for even minor infractions to the law and if any shifter has a mental disorder, they are immediately imprisoned in a prison. It's only getting worse. So keep bitching at me for taking the necessary steps to ensure our survival!"
Stiles was about to respond when suddenly he froze. So did Sky. It was like someone had hit a pause button and I was the only one still playing.
"I froze them," Minato explained with a sigh. "I swear, I have never seen two more incompatible beings in my two-thousand years of life."
"You're two-thousand years old?" I asked.
He chuckled. "Kitsune are ageless. We are not immortal but we do not age. I hope they haven't dissuaded you from staying here. Normally we would offer you the chance to assume a new identity and live back in the present. But I am afraid Sky is as usual right. The situation is only getting worse for us all. Every day more and more are imprisoned or sent to the camps. I never imagined this country would bring back those cursed places."
"It really is bad out there isn't it?" I asked.
He nodded. "Yes. Men like Gerard Argent are manipulating peoples fears and filling them with lies and ignorance. It has always been easier for people to fear the strange and unusual than learn from it.." he got that faraway look on his face and smiled. "But sometimes all it takes is one pure act to shine a light in the darkness."
"Earlier, you knew what I was going to ask before I asked it," I said.
"Benefit of being a time Kitsune of my age. I can see the future. It has been both a boon and a curse. My kind are very rare you see. Well, my particular type of Kitsune is at least. For me seeing the future is like looking at something at a distance. The further away it is the harder it is to see. Sometimes I have trouble telling now from then."
I looked between Stiles and Sky.
"Will I be safe here?"
"Safer here than out there my dear boy. Stiles and Sky have always argued. Sky has had a rather troubled upbringing. Being a Seer can be difficult. Even as a child he possessed a great intelligence and sharp mind. His family couldn't handle it so they abandoned him. Seer's have been known to be pragmatic and cynical, but the experience only served to disconnect him further from the world."
I looked at Sky. I could see why the others were not fond of him. I haven't even known him for five minutes and I could tell he was terribly callous and had little to no care for the feelings of others. But now I kind of felt like I could sympathize with him.
My parents were not abusive or anything like that. They were just very neglectful, I had been a prisoner to the Doctors for over a week and after I escaped with Theo, I immediately took them to my house. My parents were shocked. Not that I was a Chimera but when I told them how long, I was gone...they hadn't even noticed.
Last time I saw them was when they tried to call the police. They told me I needed to turn myself in. The government could help me.
I shouldn't be surprised. They were waiting for the day I would turn eighteen so they could kick me out. They had never wanted kids. I was an accident. But they didn't believe in abortion and didn't like the idea of putting me up for adoption. Though I felt more like an orphan most of the time any way.
"What exactly did he do to get on the FBI's most wanted list?" I asked.
Minato sighed. "He got in over his head. Got caught hacking the government mainframe and discovered secrets that could get a man and his whole family killed. We were lucky to find him. He has been a great asset to our cause. True, he is not the most altruistic of souls, but he is determined to bring an end to this madness. Though his reasons are not out of a sense of mortality."
"If I decided I didn't want to stay here would you let me leave?" I asked.
"Eichen is a haven for the innocent but it is also a prison for the truly dangerous. But you are not a danger to others Corey. If you want, we will get you a new identity. But like I said, you are better here than out there. You won't have as much freedom since you are on the Hunters list."
I thought for a moment. This was a good deal. A part of me said it was too good. All the time I spent on the street made me very pessimistic. Part of me felt like this was too good to be true. But Josh and Hayden were here. Everyone seemed happy, and no one was hunting me.
"I'll stay."
He smiled. "Good. Now, lets try and calm these two hot heads down."
"You smug bastard, you are only looking out for yourself! You just use us for your own ends!" Stiles yelled.
"Forgive me for not being a paragon of good like you and Scott. Now, if we're done here, I must ask you all to leave. I need to clean the smell of self-righteousness from the lab."
Stiles was about to fire back but Minato put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Stiles, why don't you show Corey around some."
Stiles nodded. He glared at Sky one last time and turned. I followed him out the door, leaving Minato to speak with Sky. As the doors closed behind us Sky called out. "Bye Felicia."
Stiles let out a roar and spun around. But the doors had already shut and locked he banged his fists and his the door with his foot. "Fucking sociopathic piece of shit! You can't hide in there forever!"
"Your eyes are glowing like Minato's," I said.
He looked at me and they slowly turned back to their amber color. "Yeah, I am a Kitsune like Minato. Part of the same clan. I'm kind of like his apprentice."
"Can you make loops to?" I asked.
He made a sound like a snort. "I wish. I am not old enough to do something that bad ass. I'd be making loops left and right. Every time I go see a Marvel movie, every time I ate the perfect order of curly fries, every time I took a perfect nap."
"What did Sky mean when he said we only have six months before Minato resets the clock?"
"This is a loop. Set between nineteen-seventeen and nineteen-eighteen. Minato had to reset it otherwise the loop would end."
"This sounds a lot like Miss. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children," I said.
"Please tell me you read the books!" Stiles asked looking excited.
"I only got to the second book," I admitted. "Didn't have much time to read on the run."
"I have the whole collection if you want to read them. Even got the graphic novels!"
"What are your thoughts on the movie?" I asked.
"Mostly negative. I loved Eva Green as Miss. Peregrine but why did they have to change the ages of so many of the others? Why did they change Emma's powers?"
"I think we are going to get along just great Stiles."
Sky
I whistled as I walked down the hall. I looked up at the camera and gave it a small wink. When I got to the doors at the end, I punched in the coder and used the retinal scanner. This part of the facility was designed specifically for Chimeras. Since they were not affected by mountain ash and regular supernatural defenses didn't work on them we had to enhance the security. It cost a lot, but it was amazing what the government was willing to spend when they were properly motivated.
Obviously there were black-opp groups and other spooks who loved the idea of being human but with the evolutionary advantages. So far we had been able to keep them at bay, but there were plenty of behind-the-door discussions about how to copy the Doctors work and create super-soldiers.
It was pathetic really. Sure, enhancing humans with supernatural powers sounded like a good idea. I am sure the idea of some super patriot waving an American flag fighting for truth, justice and the American way made all those dusty old generals and politicians cream themselves of a new age spearheaded by the good old USA.
But Chimeras have the same major flow humans and shifters do: Free will.
I am sure there are many who would gladly give up their freedom and humanity to serve their country but sooner or later it will all go to shit. Either the program will be too successful and those in power will start to fear their super-soldiers. Leading them to try and quietly retire them in a none-obvious way or the Chimeras will start wanting things like respect and recognition or get tired of being treated like a disposable weapon and start fighting to get their freedom back.
Either way it will be messy. And if the USA learns the secrets to making Chimeras it won't be long before other countries do to. Classified information does have a habit of getting leaked after all.
The situation between humans and shifters is at a tipping point right now. Last thing anyone needs is some idiot coming up with the idea of using Chimeras to police the shifters.
I can hear the speech now, spoken by some aging white man. "We must admit that as humans we have limits. Limits which put us at a disadvantage in policing the shifters. We need humans who will fight and protect other humans! Humans with the powers of the shifters but not controlled by them."
The only ones in here were Tracy and Theo. They were kept sedated in sizable rooms with reinforced Plexiglas—of my design—and special shock colors that gave them a good zap if they stated getting too rowdy. If they did somehow get the collars off and break through the glass, the doors would seal and the room would fill with a poison so powerful it could kill a pack of Werewolves in seconds.
But they weren't going anywhere. Where would they go?
Outside they had Hunters and trained mercenaries waiting to grab them and plenty of shifters would be happy to see them dead.
You'd think shifters would be a little more sympathetic. But many of them though Chimeras were monsters of science that needed to be wiped out.
I passed Tracy's cell, she was asleep. She had a sleeping mask on to help block out the rays from the light bulbs overhead. Since she was part Kanima she needed a little extra help staying warm. We were considering separating her from Theo. She was unusually devoted to him. According to Josh and Hayden she had been a scared girl afraid of her own shadow. Now she followed Theo without question.
I believe it could be a combination of her Werewolf and Kanima instincts. Wolves are pack creatures and Kanima's seek out masters. We hoped putting some distance between her and Theo might break his hold over her. But Theo had a talent for bringing out a persons dark side.
He was awake, reading a book. He didn't even look up when I stood in front of his cell.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked with a bored tone.
"Thought you should know, we finally managed to catch your little wayward chameleon," I said.
He looked up from his book. "You caught Corey?"
"Little shit gave us a run for our money. We got him just as those rogues did. Turns out Gerard has been deputizing people without telling his son or Allison."
"Think he is starting to suspect them?" he asked.
"Gerard may be a hypocritical, self-serving, egomaniac. But he didn't rise to the head of the Hunters committee by being trusting. The only reason he hasn't been arrested for the shit he has done in his life is because he knows how to clean up his mess. But he is starting to lose his cool. Nothing can humble a man like a slow and painful death."
I chuckled at the confused expression on his face. "People think Gerard came to Beacon Hills to find any remaining Chimeras. Truth is the old bastard is hoping the Doctors research can make him into a Chimera and cure his cancer."
"How do you know this?" Theo asked.
"We have some spies in the hospital. People who are privy to his medical files. It's a HIPPA violation but it is amazing how little one cares for the rules when dealing with a man who us hunting your son."
"Why are you telling me all this?" he asked putting the book down. "Would Minato approve of you telling me this?"
"Minato knows all about my visits. Nothing escapes his notice. He saw your little murder attempt before you even made your move."
Theo had attempted to kill Scott, wanting to become an Alpha himself. He and Tracey planned to take over Eichen after Scott was dead, but Minato's power warned him of Theo's betrayal. Of course even if Theo had killed Scott his plan wouldn't have worked. Chimera's don't follow the same supernatural rules regular shifters do. No matter how many Alpha's he kills, Theo's eyes will never be red.
Theo had always been like that. He desired power. He had to be the best, he let his sister die so the Doctor's would put her heart in him and make him a Chimera. But when he found out being a Chimera didn't make you as good as a true shifter he desired to become the real deal.
The only reason he wanted Scott's power was because he was a True Alpha. A power that only appears once in a hundred years and grants its user unique abilities. No wonder Theo had such a hard on for Scott. For a narcissistic sociopath like him Scott's power was perfect for him.
While I had to commend him for his ambition, he should have done his research better.
Maybe that was why I am attracted to him if he could just learn to control his ego he could actually be a very useful tool. The Doctor's saw his potential even as a child, they used his ego to their advantage. Promising to make him unique and special because it was what Theo deserved.
That's the problem with my generation. They assume they deserve to be special and unique. It is one of the first lies our parents tell us. That we are brilliant that we are capable of great things. It isn't until later in life we realize that some people are greater than others. Some people are natural born superstars and some people have to shed blood, sweat and tears to harvest our talent.
My parents were right about me. I was amazing, brilliant. That should have made life easy for me. But it didn't. It didn't stop people from thinking me weird. It didn't stop me from being isolated from my peers. It didn't stop my family from abandoning me.
Ironic. Theo killed his family for his talent while mine drove my family away.
"So why tell me all this?" he asked. "It's not like I can help you."
"Because I find your sociopathic behavior, to be rather refreshing. Too many boy-scouts running around in Eichen. It's nice to speak with someone who thinks more with their head and less with their heart."
He let out a dry chuckle. "I always wondered why the Doctors never let you join them."
"Because I was smarter than all three of them put together and they knew that I couldn't be manipulated easily like you," I replied.
He gave me a blank look. "Probably couldn't handle your smart ass mouth either."
Years ago before I joined Minato I heard rumors of the Dread Doctors and sought them out. To some they were just a myth. The bogeymen the monsters told their children to keep them well behaved. I found Theo, having heard rumors of a boy who supposedly worked for them as their grunt. I found him at a club and after a night of some rather good sex I tracked him to their lair using a tracker I had put on him while we were fucking.
I requested they take me on as their student. I wanted to learn from them. They had accomplished so much and with my mind I could be a great assistance to them.
But the bastards turned me down, they tried to capture me, no doubt to harvest my brilliant brain for their experiments. Luckily I had figured out what frequency they operated on and was able to escape, but not before I threatened to kill them and Theo if they came after me.
Now here we were years later, and they were on the run from the government and their favored pet was in my care. It really is funny how life works out sometimes.
"Funny, I always thought it was the truth I spoke that made people dislike me. That and my superior intellect."
"And your humble personality," he said rolling his eyes.
"As much as I do enjoy our banter, there is another reason why I came down here. It's about Corey."
"What about him?"
"Something is going to happen. I don't know what, but I know things will soon change. Corey's addition in the equation has alerted me to an upcoming event that can and will affect us all."
"Is that what your Seer-Senses are telling you?"
I was seriously going to maim and kill Stiles for coining my abilities like that. Seer's are living computers. Where humans see disorder, chaos and randomness we see patterns and variables. We are hyper-aware of our surroundings. Our minds store every memory from the moment we become aware in the womb (be thankful you do not remember being born) and this allows us to predict the future.
Minato knows. His ability to see time leaves my ability to make predictions in the dust. I have spoken to him about this. But he has been tight lipped. I don't know what he sees. But I know him well enough to know that whatever is coming is going to be bad. Corey's arrival fits into it somehow. I was going to have to keep an eye on him.
"Yes, something. When this even does occur we need to be ready. And if you are as smart as you like to think you are you will join us. Because we're the only thing keeping you from being dissected and having your organs put into a beaker on a shelf."
He was quiet for a moment. They I saw the dawning of realization in his eyes. "You don't think the others will be able to handle it. Whatever is coming. You want to try and recruit me to join the team so when things get tough there will be somebody willing to get their hands bloody."
I chuckled. "We both know I have no problems getting my hands bloody. But I need to know I have someone who will not hesitate to do what needs to be done."
"What makes you think I won't leave you high and dry?"
"Because, where are you going to go?" I asked. "The Doctors have abandoned you and your face is floating around every government mainframe and the shifters are just as likely to rip you to shreds. Face it Theo. We're your only chance at survival. Plus we didn't just kill you when you and your lady friend turned on us. I suggested we kill you and be done with it. Now I am glad we didn't. You could be useful."
"How am I supposed to be useful if I am stuck in here?" he asked.
"Just keep quiet and I am sure I can convince Minato to let you out on good behavior."
I turned and headed back to the door. "Until next time."
"Wait."
I stopped and turned to look at Theo. "As unlikely as it sounds. What if it turns out Corey is what causes the problem you foresee?"
"Then I'll kill him before he becomes a problem."
Five Months Later
Stiles
Sky's lab was cool. I mean I had to give the guy credit, he took an ordinary concrete room and turned it into a technological marvel using the technology from this time period and what tech we could sneak in from the present. He rarely ever left his domain, he worked here, ate here, slept here. If it wasn't for Minato coming in here to nag him I am sure he would stay here all the time. Which was fine by me because it meant less time for me to have to see him.
I was only here now because Corey had finally given in to his requests that Corey let him do some tests with his power. Corey was stronger than a regular human, healed fast and of course could turn invisible. But no one knew what exactly he was. Chimeras were a mix of human and either two supernatural beings or one supernatural being and one animal.
Sky was convinced Corey wasn't a chameleon. He didn't show any reptilian characteristics and there were no chameleon shifters. Right now he had him hooked up to several wires attached to his chest. He was shirtless, showing off his impressive toned body.
He has been hitting the gym a lot. I had walked on him hitting a bag wearing nothing but a pair of shorts and coated in a sheen of sweat. I was thankful he couldn't smell pheromones like the others could though it was more awkward being around him with a boner.
"Put that down!" Sky snapped at Liam who was inspecting one of Sky's gadgets.
Liam put it back on the table looking like a chastened puppy. "How come you let Mason play with your stuff?"
Liam nodded over to Mason who was one of the very few people Sky allowed into his lab, and one of the even fewer he allowed to touch his equipment.
"Forgetting the fact you don't know what ninety-nine-point-nine of thus stuff is, you have a bad habit of either breaking things or not putting them back where they were."
Liam pouted and Hayden rubbed his back soothingly.
"What exactly are you trying to do again?" Brett asked looking over Mason's shoulder.
"Sky thinks we can replicate Corey's ability. The thing is he doesn't turn invisible by bending light like one might assume. He actually phases out of sync with reality. Truth be told it is easier to just bend light."
"It would require a lot more power as well, but we can just piggyback on Corey's own power source," Sky said.
I looked over to the device the wires were hooked too. It had three metal rods sticking out from the top in a triangle formation. At the center was an apple.
"Where did you learn all this?" Corey asked. "I know you are a Seer but you are like super smart."
I felt a sense of jealousy rise up in me. I was one of the smartest people in Eichen too! Right behind Sky, Mason and Lydia!
Sky smiled. "Thank you. I was part of a group called the Logos. A think tank made up of Seers. They found me when I was young and roaming the streets. I stayed with them for several years before I left."
"Why did you leave?"
He shrugged. "Different philosophies. They thought it was best to let the world sort itself out while I believed a more hands-on-approach was needed."
You're leaving out the bit where you tortured, murdered, blackmailed people! I thought to myself.
"Okay. So, let me just punch in a few more equations and...go!"
Sky hit a button. The rods began to glow with a green light. Corey began to sway, and I raised my arms, ready to catch him. "How are you feeling?" I asked him.
"A little lightheaded but I'm fine," he said.
The apple vanished, but the rods continued to glow.
"Vitals?" Sky asked.
"He's looking good," Mason replied.
"Since we are using some of your own personal bio-electricity, you will obviously feel a little tired," Sky said.
"It actually worked!" Liam said amazed.
Hayden took a deep breath. No doubt smelling the same thing I was. "What is that smell?"
"Smells nice," Brett said.
"Smells like-" I began.
Sky tapped a few buttons and the rods stopped glowing, and the apple reappeared, its skin was browned and smoke rose from it.
"Well, at least we found a new way to bake apples," Brett tried to make light of the situation.
Sky let out a sigh. "For some reason the phasing between realities creates a friction on the apple. Like being pushed through a really tight, dry tube. Do you ever get warm when you vanish?"
Corey shook his head. "I get a little tingly feeling, but it doesn't hurt."
"Hmm, I wonder if maybe your body is producing a protective aura to shield you from the effects of the transition. Kind of like how alligators have a second pair of eyelids to cover their eyes when they go under water."
He held up a device that looked like an Ipad. He held it up in front of Corey. "Try turning invisible again."
Corey did as he said. He vanished from sight, the wires attached to him vanished as did the computer they were hooked up to. Mason jumped back and looked at where the computer had disappeared with a huge grin. "Amazing!"
"Interesting. He does produce a field. But only for a second. Long enough to phase him safely out of sync."
Corey reappeared. So did the wires and the computer. "I can still speak to people and Theo and the others were able to hear me. I could also touch things and make them invisible to. I used it to pickpocket."
He flinched at his own words. No doubt embarrassed by his admission to his shady past. I put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You did what you had to, to survive."
"Believe me, compared to some of the others you're still a saint," Hayden told him with a smile.
"Yeah, I used to lure rich guys into alleys and my sister and she would beat them and we would rob them," Brett said with a smile.
"Give you a guess how they got caught," Liam said, rolling his eyes.
"If he is out of sync with reality doesn't that mean he shouldn't be able to interact with our world?" I asked.
"Not necessarily. It could be whatever world he is being moved to is very close to ours or he is only slightly moved out of our world," Mason said.
"What world am I going to?" Corey asked. "Could I go there fully?"
"Hard to say. I would advise you not try. Last thing we need is you getting lost in one of the infinite universes," Sky said.
"Infinite universes?" Corey asked.
"This is only one world. No, let me rephrase that, this is only one universe. Imagine where every choice since the dawn of time has an action and an opposite reaction. What if the dinosaurs never went extinct, what if the Nazi's won world war two, what if the library of Alexandria was never burned, what if Bernie Sanders became the president of the United States. Now imagine each of those worlds exist all together at the exact same time. In one world in this room genderbent versions of ourselves are going through this exact situation. In another you never became a Chimera and in another humans and supernaturals are living harmoniously."
"Would love to be there," Liam muttered.
"Now imagine there are other worlds. Realms beyond our understanding where the laws of physics do not exist. Places of pure thought where flesh can never travel and worlds where chaos and order collide in glorious perfection. Worlds made through natural selection or through the will of some higher power."
"You mean like God?" Corey asked.
Sky shrugged. "Hey if it makes you feel better to believe in a fictitious being go ahead."
Corey looked at his hands, there was a frown on his face. He was one of those people with a very expressive face. "I always wondered why I was different from the others. I didn't have claws, or stingers or poison. I couldn't make my eyes glow or grow fangs and claws."
"Little tip for you, predators tend to fail at hunting more often than they succeed. You only lasted as long as you did in the present because you were able to keep yourself hidden. Being able to hunt and track can give you an advantage, but being able to remain hidden is what keeps you alive."
"Hey, can I eat this?" Brett was holding the apple in his hand and sniffing at it. "It's not radioactive or something is it?"
Sky raised the device, aiming it at the apple. It began to let out a series of beeps and other alarming loud noises. He looked from the screen then to Brett. "Knock yourself out."
Brett smiled and took a bite out of the apple. He frowned and licked his lips. "Tastes like cinnamon."
Sky looked over to Mason who was shaking his head. "I hope that eight-pack is worth it."
"I can't believe Minato is letting Theo and Tracy out!" I fumed.
"Dude, relax. It will be fine," Scott said.
I turned my head to glare down at him from the ladder. "Fine? The guy who tried to kill you and his pet minion are going to be running around!"
"Minato said there will be precautions. You know he wouldn't allow them back if they were dangerous."
"If they were not dangerous, then we wouldn't need precautions to keep them from killing us!" I grumbled and put the book back in its slot.
I climbed down the ladder, pushing the cart of books forward. "Look I am not thrilled about it either. We trusted Theo, and he betrayed us. But Theo was raised by the Dread Doctors, of course he is going to be all messed up in the head."
I sighed. I loved Scott, but he had a bad habit of putting too much trust in people. He welcomed Theo with open arms while I already had a feeling he was not to be trusted. Thank God Minato can see the future, Theo did a good job worming his way into every one's good graces.
"Something else bothering you. You've been edgy even before Minato told us about Theo and Tracy," Scott said.
I stopped walking. "Something is going on with Minato. He's become more distant and somber. I know he gets like that sometimes but lately it's like he is waiting for something bad to happen. I have asked him if he sees something but he changes the subject."
I wasn't the only one. The others have noticed Minato's change in attitude, being so old and able to see the future made Minto somber sometimes. But it's like he is trying to pull away from everyone.
"Hey guys." Corey walked into the library. "We're heading into town, want to come with?"
"Yeah, just got to finish putting these away," I said nodding to the books.
Corey smiled. "Great. We're going to get lunch then go to the park. Lydia wants to watch her great-grandfather propose again."
"You'd think she'd get tired of seeing that," I muttered.
Corey left and Scott turned to me with a smile. "So, you going to ask Corey out?"
I rubbed the back of my head nervously. Corey and I had gotten close these last several months. He had adopted well to life at Eichen. He was a little shy at first. But with time and persistence he opened up to us.
"Is it too soon?" I asked.
Scott shrugged. "He is doing good. Why not go for it?"
"I don't want to freak him out. I mean one minute he is a human, then he is being experimented on, then he is on the run from Hunters."
"Yeah, but the whole point of Eichen is to let us enjoy some peace and normalcy. Just ask him out on a date."
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt. If it goes to shit, I could ask Minato to rewind the day."
Minato
I watched as Stiles and his friends walked out the gates, heading for town. I knew they will be a few hours. Plenty of time for me to finish my work.
"Where has the time gone?" I asked myself.
I shut the blinds and reached into my pocket, pulling out my watch. I sat it on my desk and I concentrate. My aura casts a bright, silver light into the room. Two-thousand years of running, hiding, loving, living, killing, protecting. It all comes down to this.
My tails move, wrapping around it like snakes tying themselves in a tight knot. I already know the pain will be sharp but quick but still I wince when I feel the first snap. Then the second, then the third. I felt their loss and I could not help but cry a little.
Once the last tail was severed, I let out a sigh. The watch hovered above the desk, my tails writhed around it. Then they began to shrink and compress until they were fully absorbed into it. Then it fell to the desk, but I caught it.
I could feel them inside. It was an odd sensation. I felt like they should still be behind me, but I could feel them in my palm, feel the flesh of my hand.
My aura vanished, and I put it back in my pocket. I walked back out to the window and opened the blinds. I could see them off in the distance. They would have a nice time in town, they would watch as Lydia's ancestors would begin the first steps of their eternal union, seeing the Martins would awaken a terrible feeling of loneliness in Corey and give Stiles the courage he needed to ask Corey out.
"Hello Stiles," I said turning around with a smile.
I walk to my desk and sit down. I poured myself a cup of tea. "Calm yourself Stiles. Everything will be fine." I blow softly on the cup before taking a sip from it. I look up at his anxious face. His whole body twitching and his lips pulled back in frustration. But he wasn't here. Not yet. But he will be soon.
"So, I take it I am now dead?"
Corey
Being back in Beacon Hills, decades in the past was crazy. The town was much smaller and to be honest there was very little I recognized. The majority of the buildings I was used to would not be built for a very long time.
Plus we had to wear the cloths from this time period, it made me feel like I was in one of those re-enactments. Only this wasn't an actual re-enactment. It was an actual part of history preserved.
We had gotten something to eat before we arrived. We had to make the order to go because Danny, Mason and Josh were not allowed inside. Modern day Beacon Hills was progressive when it came to gender and sexuality. But the Beacon Hills of the olden days lacked that sense of open mindedness.
Segregation existed. It was painful to see. I knew the town had a shady history. But actually seeing it made me embarrassed. It was bad enough some of my friends were mistreated for their skin color but Mason and Brett and Josh and Danny couldn't even hold hands. Hell, we were getting dirty looks by some people because they were walking with us.
"I left one time period filled with bigotry and entered another one," I said to Stiles as we headed for the park.
"Yeah. This is a time before the world learned the supernatural was real. One good thing is we don't have to worry about Hunters," he replied.
"What do you think about Theo and Tracey being let out?" I asked.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" he replied.
"To be honest, I am not really thrilled. Neither is Hayden nor Josh. Theo is kind of like the skeleton in our closet. We followed him even though we knew he was working with the Doctors. But we didn't have a choice. We had the Hunters and the shifters coming after us and he was smart and cunning. I am not proud of the things I did while I followed him," I admitted.
"You did what you had to, to survive," Stiles said.
We arrived at the park, there were a few dozen people having picnics and some were just walking around. We laid out some blankets and ate lunch. I sat next to Stiles, our shoulders touched but neither one of us moved.
Liam and Brett were tossing a ball to one another and Lydia was checking her watch. Waiting for the time when he ancestors would arrive and her great-grandfather would pop the question.
"This is a nice day," I said. "Too bad Sky never leaves his lab. A little sun would be good for him."
The atmosphere suddenly became tense and chilled. Everyone was looking at Lydia nervously. She had a murderous expression on her face.
"We haven't asked Sky to come out with us since the time we asked him to come here a year ago," Scott said.
The loop was set for one year. Which was good because I am sure repeating the same day could become very boring. Minato could reset the loop at any time but he only did it in case an emergency forced him to reset it before the year was up.
"He wasn't paying attention where he was walking, he was too focused on his notepad, going over some calculations when he bumped into Lydia's great-grandmother," Danny said.
"He apologized…a rare moment to be sure. But when her great-grandfather told him to watch where he was going, Sky snapped his neck."
I looked at Lydia in shock. She had her eyes closed and seemed to be counting to ten. When she opened her eyes her expression was tight. "To be fair, my great-grandfather did call him a rather derogatory term for a black man. When Sky informed him he was only half-black and half-native my ancestor made a comment how it was a shame that God's diseases didn't wipe out all of Sky's Native ancestors and saved Sky the trouble of being an uneducated mongrel."
"He snapped his neck for insulting his ancestry?" I asked.
She shook her head. "No, because he called him uneducated. Sky takes pride in his mental abilities, not his skin."
"But shouldn't you...not exist?" I asked.
"Benefit of being in a loop. It is completely separated from our reality. So anything that happens here won't change anything there," Stiles answered.
"I do not blame Sky for putting my ancestor in his place. There was no excuse for the words that spilled from his mouth. I just wish he had been a little less...brutal about it."
"Don't forget about the time he set that church on fire," Brett said. "Sky decided to start a religious debate in a room filled with white people. Informing them of all the inaccuracies and double standards of their religion. He caused such a stir that the preacher was able to convince the townsfolk to do a massive book burning to protect their children from the Devil's influence. So Sky decided they needed to burn for their sin."
"What about that time he drank from the fountains, used the bathrooms and went into all the buildings which were only supposed to be used by white folk?" Mason said.
That caused people to chuckle.
"Yeah, he did that to piss people off. Caused a damn mob to show up at Eichen!" Danny said. "Remember how he walked out and told them how one day there would be a black man in the White House, gay marriage would be legalized in certain states and that Beacon Hills would one day be one of the most liberal minded towns in all of California."
"What about that time he built his own mechanical horse, got drunk and rode it around time yelling how there was no God save for science and that he was its grand priest," Liam said. "That damn thing could breathe fire!"
"Why does Minato put up with him?" I asked.
Scott shrugged. "Minato found Sky when he was on the run. They have a bond. Plus you have to admit, Sky does keep things interesting."
"I didn't find it amusing when he tried to get us to agree to donate our bodies to science when we die," Stiles spoke with a frown.
I laughed. "Yeah, he tried to do that with me."
"Here they come!" Lydia said excitedly.
We watched as a woman in a white dress with a matching parasol walked down the path with a man in a black suite. The woman had hair like Lydia's and the same cheekbones. The man had auburn hair and a thick mustache.
We watched as they spoke and when the man got on his knee to propose and the woman gasped loud enough to draw the attention of everyone in the park (to be honest it was more like a scream) we joined in the applause that filled the air.
"And that is how it happened. When I get a man, I hope he does it out in the public for everyone to see," Lydia said.
"Please, we all know you want Parrish to put a ring on it," Stiles teased her.
Parrish was one of the deputies back in the present. He worked with Stiles dad who was the sheriff before he was quietly forced to retire. When Stiles was discovered to be a Kitsune, the higher-ups felt like having a supernatural son created a conflict of interest.
Now his dad was a member of the American Unification League. A group of humans and shifters working together to make peace between the two worlds. They posted a lot of videos online. Stuff about what to do if your kid becomes a shifter, or the difficulties and discrimination shifters face. They even created a buddy system to call for help in cases of emergency. The Hunters hated them.
To most they were just a kind hearted organization, trying to help build a better tomorrow. But they were a lot more powerful and influential than many knew. Behind the commercials and peaceful protests were the freedom fighters. Those who were taking a more active and sometimes dangerous role in stopping the Hunters and trying to bring about change.
Stiles worried for his dad. He came to visit a few times along with his former deputy. He may not be the sheriff, but Noah Stilinski still had a lot of pull in Beacon Hills. Parrish it turns out was a Hellhound. Most of his co-workers liked to bitch that he was only hired because of the departments need for a balanced team of humans and supernaturals.
It seemed like no matter where you looked the world was divided into dozens of factions. Gender, race, sexuality, religion, status. Things that shouldn't matter yet could dictate how one could be perceived and often persecuted.
History was filled with stories about wars and battles fought over such trivial things. Living in the past made the future seem so much more bitter.
This was a world where segregation was still going strong before the wars and disputes that would go down in history.
I wonder if we will ever be free of this cycle. Not just normal's vs supernaturals. But just people in general. It seemed like we are just determined to hurt one another for no real reason. Instead of trying to understand one another we just yell and scream.
In the far future after my time will things be different?
Will a Werewolf and their human lover be able to walk down a street holding hands without fear if harassment? Will the supernaturals be allowed to roam free or will they be placed in reservations (see camps) that you hear the louder bigots in congress talk about.
To be honest I don't have hopes for the future. How could I when I had to flee to the past?
Stiles
Dinner was a surprising affair when Sky graced us with his presence. He squeezed himself between Danny and Josh (both of whom gave him the stink eye) his tray filled with several sweets.
"You're going to rot your teeth out man," Scott said.
"Once I finish eating, I will cleanse my teeth with a special wash to prevent gingivitis and tooth decay," Sky responded popping a ball of chocolate into his mouth. "The sugar is good for my brain. Being a Seer requires me to eat a certain diet to remain at top efficiency."
"Shouldn't you be getting ready to let Theo and Tracy out of their cage?" I asked.
He rolled his eyes. "Minato is the one who is letting them out of their cage. And we are all going to be there to welcome them back with open arms."
I snorted.
"Come on man, it's been months since they were locked up. Give them a second chance," Scott said.
I gave him a flabbergasted look. "He tried to kill you to become an Alpha, and he tried to get me to kill Minato and take over the loop!"
"I am not saying trust the guy. But he was raised by the Dread Doctors. Of course he is going to be messed up in the head. Remember him from when we were kids?"
I did remember Theo. The Theo who had asthma, who played with us during recess. Who sat with us during lunch and came to my house to play games.
Maybe that was what made his betrayal hurt so much more. Having a history with him even though it was from so long ago made me think I knew him that I could still trust him.
Thank God Minato can see the future. I shudder to think of the damage that snake could have done.
"You mean the same Theo who let his sister freeze to death so the Doctors could harvest her heart and turn him into a Chimera?" Sky interjected.
"He was just a kid," Scott argued.
Sky's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Well slap my ass and call me obvious. He was only a kid! Hell, you're right, if a trio of nightmare surgeons came to me and promised to turn me into a freak by letting my sister die a horrific and painful death I'd do it to!"
I agreed with Sky, but it would be a cold day in hell before I said that out loud.
"Sky come one-"
Sky raised his hand. "Scott, I know you're all about seeing the good in other people but seriously. Yeah, the Doctors did manipulate him. But don't think they chose him at random. They sensed the darkness in him. They knew he would do it. I don't doubt he didn't regret it and still regrets it. Yeah, he was a kid. But even kids can understand the weight of death and he was old enough to understand what he was doing was beyond fucked up. Don't try and make excuses for what he did."
"Then why are we letting him out?" Danny asked. "I get Tracy. Theo got in her head but why him?"
"Because there is a small chance he can overcome his dick-ish nature and turn into a decent guy," Sky said. "I have run the equations and Minato agrees. We all know Minato wouldn't let them out if he wasn't sure they were safe."
"Still not going to sleep easy knowing he is running around," I muttered.
Sky smiled. His lips pulled back in a way that might seem friendly if there wasn't a sharpness to his gaze. "I am sure Corey would be happy to keep you safe when you sleep."
Lydia slapped his shoulder. "Really, Sky?" she asked with exasperation. "Can you be any more blunt?"
"Please, look at his arms—he looked over to Corey who was sitting with Liam's group—can you imagine those thick arms wrapped around you at night?"
Oh I imagine it alright, I have been thinking a lot about Corey lately. In the months he has been here he has opened up more, he used to spend most of his time in his room or with Hayden and Josh. But over time he began to venture more on his own though I sometimes suspected he wondered around invisibly.
He had his reasons to be suspicious, I did not fault him for wanting to find out for himself if this place really was a haven or not. I know I had my suspicions when I first came here. It was right after dad had been fired. I had lost my temper at school when I overheard a group of idiots talking about a human child that had been removed from her human parents.
She was eleven and the rest of her family were Werewolves. She was one of those one in a hundred in a shifter family, born human. Eleven years she lived with her family safe and happy, but then some asshole decides that a human child living in a family of shifters created an unhealthy atmosphere of expectations and micro-aggressions for the child.
Imagine being happy, imagine having a family that loves and cares for you. Then some bleeding heart stranger shows up saying how this isn't the right place for you, how it's unhealthy for you and after a long court battle you are ripped away from your family, forbidden to see them or speak with them and put in the foster care system.
Surrounded by strangers and other kids who grew up in homes far more unhealthy and unstable and reflect that lifestyle.
I had been struggling to keep my cool, hearing those idiots laugh about the whole situation, but when one of them said the girl should be sterilized to make sure she couldn't have kids and possibly breed any Werewolf kids, I lost it.
Running up to them, I began screaming at them, yelling at them for being cruel and stupid. Never before have I felt such anger course through me. By the time I was done I realized they had backed against the wall, staring at me in horror.
In my rage my fox had broken through, causing my eyes to glow an orange color. Outing my hidden nature to the whole school. Kids had their phones out and taking pictures, I knew the cameras would reveal my hidden aura. More proof of my inhumanity.
I got a months worth of detention for my outburst. They called it a terroristic threat. Because I told them, they should be sterilized. Had I been a human saying that it wouldn't have been much of a big deal. But I was a Kitsune and humans didn't take kindly to the supernatural saying things like that to other humans.
It didn't bother me, I was tired of hiding, tired of pretending to be human, tired of letting people get away with saying such terrible things but having to bite my tongue because I wasn't human and didn't get the same level of free speech humans got.
But I did care when a few weeks later my dad was let go because his superiors felt like having a shifter for a son created a conflict of interest for him. That was what really hit me, knowing I had gotten my dad fired and robbed the town of one of its greatest sheriffs.
My powers began to act up, all the anger and bitterness began to cause me to lose control. It was getting to the point where I was considering just being home schooled because if I lost control around humans then the Hunters would come for me, they were already watching me. We noticed the vans passing by our home.
Kitsune were a special interest to the Hunters. Werewolves were one thing, but we were on another level. Our abilities made them more nervous, made us a bigger target in a way.
But my dad had other plans, he was already a member of the American Unification League. He had to keep his membership a secret before when he was the sheriff. He didn't want his to some they were a charity organization but to others they were considered to be radicals. But after being let go he could take a more active role in the cause.
He knew about Minato, about a safe Haven used to protect the wrongly persecuted. So he contacted him and I soon found myself here.
I hated it, the second I came here I began to plan an escape. I wasn't a prisoner, but, I felt like I was. Scott made things better, I was so happy to see him here, safe and happy. After he bit Liam they both had to run for their lives. Dad always assured me Scott was safe, but he never said where.
But even with Scott here I still felt the need to run. I admit I was a bit of an asshole to Minato. I resented him even though he was kind and just trying to help me I resented him.
Kitsune value there freedom, even though the loop was to keep us safe I felt like it was just another kind of prison, I would look for ways to leave the loop, even daring to use my power to look for some fault in the loop. But Minato was patient, you don't live as long as he has and not gain a calm attitude. He was a time Kitsune like me, he was able to help me learn to hone my abilities, promising to make it so when the day came when I left the loop for good I would be stronger when I left then when I entered.
Every one goes through it, that painful phase of learning to trust again, to feel safe. Because in our future we have to be mistrustful, paranoid, we have to have a way to run and escape because that was the world we lived in.
How could we not view this place with anything but suspicion? A safe haven for shifters? There was no place. At least that's what we told ourselves. We had to learn how to feel safe again, how to be...normal.
But Eichen, this version of it is the real deal. After all, this was a time when people were persecuted for their skin color, not for howling at the moon.
We stood in Minato's office, Sky finished putting the collar on Tracey who gave him a dirty look. Minato, Scott, Liam and I waited for Sky to finish checking to make sure it worked while Theo stood next to them, a collar already around his neck, matching the one Tracey now wore.
"All right, we're all set," Sky said backing away from the pair.
"Excellent, Theo, Tracey, I hope your time in confinement has given you time to think of your actions and given you time to think about your future. Despite your foolish attempts to commit murder and take over the loop we are of a mind that you deserve a second chance."
I let out a snort.
"Most of us anyway," Minato said continuing to look at the pair. "Despite the fact we are allowing you out do not think all is forgiven. Trust is hard to build and easy to break and you both will have to work hard to regain our trust."
"What are these things?" Tracey asked running her finger over the collar.
"They have several functions. They are trackers, helping us monitor your location. Also it acts as a deterrent." Sky walked up to Tracey. "Hit me."
"What? No!"
"Hit me."
"No!"
"Hit me you stupid fucking bitch! You are so pathetic, following Theo hoping he'll give you the dick like some pathetic love struck girl. The only reason he tolerates you is because you are part Kanima and he knows all he has to do is tell you to bend over and you'll-"
Tracey let out a scream and brought her hand back to claw out Sky's throat. The yellow light on the collar turned red and she let out a shriek as her body was hit with a powerful jolt of electricity.
"Sky what the hell!" Scott said quickly bending down to help her up.
Sky shrugged. "I felt a demonstration was necessary," he said with a grin. He looked over at Theo. "I designed the collars to monitor your neuro-signals for murderous intent. As of now you're right to fight, kill, murder, maim and defend yourselves are revoked."
"Don't we have the right to defend ourselves?" Theo asked.
"Welcome to America, where rights depend on your skin tone, religious beliefs and sexual orientation," Sky replied.
"The collars are to ensure any plots you come up with are midgitated. Prove to us you intend to become productive members of society and they will be removed," Minato said.
"You can see the future, can't you tell us if we change?" Theo asked with that stupid smug grin.
Minato gave him a friendly smile. "If I was certain of your irredeemability Theo, the Hunters would have found your cold, lifeless bodies. Now, Tracey Hayden has agreed to be your guide-"
"He means parole officer," I interjected.
"Call it what you will. But Hayden has agreed to take responsibility for you Tracey."
"She has?" Tracey asked with surprise.
Minato gave her a warm smile. "Yes. She is most adamant in her belief you are a good person and deserve a second chance."
A smile tugged at her lips. It made me want to believe that Hayden was right that there was a good girl in there somewhere.
"Who is going to be my watch dog?" Theo asked.
Liam stepped forward, an angry expression on his face. "You're giving little wolf the responsibility to-"
Liam brought his fist back and punched Theo in the face, the pleasant sound of cartilage breaking filled the room and I smirked. Theo didn't fall down, but he did cry out in pain and held his now bleeding nose.
"Let me make one thing clear asshole!" Liam spat, his eyes glowed yellow. "If it were up to me you'd be left to rot in your cell. We let you into our home and you tried to kill Scott, my Alpha! You tried to twist us into being your little pawns! You tried to make us think we are monsters just like the Hunters say! So give me a reason, put one toe out of line and I swear to God I will bury you in a hole so deep you will never crawl out."
Theo popped his nose back into place and accepted the handkerchief Minato offered him. "Faire enough."
"Hayden and Liam will also be assisting you in catching up with the school work you have missed during your confinement. They will also be making sure you do not slack off from your chores. Speaking of which, I believe the laundry needs done."
"Let's go, Hayden is waiting," Liam instructed.
The pair followed them out and Minato sat at his desk with a sigh. "Well, that went well."
"I still think we should at least leave Theo in his cell. Tracey at least seems like she is regretful of what she did," I said.
"Tracey fell victim to both her Kanima instincts and Theo's silver tongue. After we moved her into a separate cell away from Theo, she began to reclaim some of her senses. My theory that as a Chimera the bond normally formed between Kanima's and their masters would not be as powerful in her case," Sky said.
"Is it smart to let them near one another then?" Scott asked.
"Tracey no longer needs to rely on Theo as a protector or a leader. His hold over her will not be as strong as it was. She must decide for herself to continue to follow him or not," Minato said.
"Any word from the outside?" Scott asked.
"Still a mess. But it would seem the tide is starting to turn in our favor. A group of pro-supernaturalists leaked photos of the experiments performed on the Chimeras as well as some e-mails between the American Hunter League leaders. The public was led to assume the Chimeras were to be apprehended to be potentially cured. But the e-mails depict plans to have them all dissected to see if their abilities could be used to create super-soldiers. But I believe Gerard's message about preserving human purity was best for all and the Chimera's needed to all be wiped out."
"Gee I wonder how those e-mails got leaked," I said giving Scott a grin.
He smiled back, he was so proud of Allison for hacking into her grandfathers files he was almost glowing.
"The American Unification League is using this to show how corrupt the Hunters are. Araya Calavera herself has taken to voice her disapproval of Gerard's leadership," Minato continued.
The Calavera's were another family of Hunters. Araya was a brutal and cunning woman. Yet she was a firm believer in the Hunters code and helped enforce their rules. She could be a cold ruthless bitch but she was fair. She only hunted the supernatural if they hurt a human. I had never met her, but Allison spoke of her with both respect and intimidation and she wasn't easily rattled.
Araya had always been vocal of her distaste for Gerard and his methods. Because unlike Gerard she had honor and integrity and as far as she was concerned he was a blight on the Hunters good name. Knowing her, she was using this to drag him through the mud.
"But let me guess, you also get the idiots claiming it is fake news?" Sky asked.
"Naturally. Even though it has been confirmed by specialists to be legitimate. Still, the Hunters depend on the public trust. The horrors the Chimeras endured as well as the Hunters callus and brutal behavior has shaken that trust. Though it was not the way they intended it seems the Dread Doctors have managed to do some good. If not for their horrific experiments on innocents it would not have given the public the shock they needed."
"Don't get too excited. It takes more than shock to get people motivated and bigotry is always made acceptable if it can provide comfort and protection," Sky said.
"Show people the truth and they will chose a better way," Scott said.
"Give people the truth and they will rage and scream. Give them a lie and they will follow without question."
Minato reached into his breast pocket and pulled out his pocket watch "In a few weeks it will be time for me to reset the loop. I have severed all my tails in placed them into my watch."
We all stared at him in surprise.
"I thought you were looking a little worn out. Care to explain why?" Sky asked.
"Well done Stiles. I knew you could do it!" Minato responded with a proud grin.
"Is he seeing the future again?" Scott asked.
"Obviously," Sky responded.
"What do you want me to do Minato?" I asked.
He looked at me with a surprised expression. "How did you know I wanted you to do something?"
"Spoilers," I said.
He sighed. "Believe me when I tell you seeing the future is more irritating for you than the people around you."
"Doubtful," Sky said.
He handed me the watch. "Stiles, I want you to try and freeze time in the loop."
I stared at him in shock. "What? Me?"
"You're the only other Time Kitsune in the loop."
"Just do it, obviously it works," Sky said.
"But, I am not powerful enough to freeze time outside of the loop!" I said.
"The power of my tales will help you succeed. I have seen it."
"Do it Stiles, how cool would it be if you could manipulate time!" Scott said.
I took the watch and held it in my hand. It didn't feel special, I didn't feel anything out of the ordinary about it. But I was looking at it with my human eyes. I looked at it with my fox eyes, and I saw a mass of writing tails tied together in a series of knots.
I opened the watch and looked at Minato. He nodded, and I stopped the watch. I knew right away it worked. Not because I felt it work but because of the silence.
When time freezes, the silence is the first thing you notice. I hate it. Partly because of my ADHD and partly because the effect it had on my mind. The quiet was so absolute I could hear our heartbeats. Minato's and mine. It was unnerving.
"Well done Stiles, I knew you could do it!" Minato said with a smile.
"Minato, why did you put all of your tails on this thing?" I asked.
"Stiles, when we first met you were scared, angry and uncertain of yourself. But you have worked hard, struggling to master both your powers and your ADHD to help make this place into a home for those who come here. The truth Stiles is I have been grooming you to be my successor."
"Wait what?"
He nodded. "I have no children...they died long ago. I have lived a long life. Seen many beautiful and terrible things. I have been married and widowed. I have known the joys of fatherhood and the sorrow no father should know. Forgive an old man for being so morbid. When you live as long as I have...when you view time like I can it all becomes sort of jumbled together. I am a young kit, sleeping with my brothers and sisters. Now I am out on my own, hunting for food. I am sneaking into human huts to steal their fish then running as they chase me, laughing as I hold their fish in my mouth. Now I am a baby spirit. I have ascended from a simple fox to something so much more. I am taking a human form and now walk among the humans. I am meeting the woman who will one day will be my wife. She is an orphan and I help bring her food. Our first kiss is in the woods, the day we marry it rain, the day she births our daughter I cry with joy, the day my darling dies of old age I weep with loss. I fight my first battle defending my home from bandits, I steal from a pack of Werewolves for fun, I am there as feudal lords come to power and wage their wars, I am there when we first meet, you glare at me with distrustful eyes and I feel amused at your distrust. You remind me of my son from my third wife. He was so much like you, I sometimes wonder if you are not his reincarnation. So many lifetimes. I sometimes have trouble not losing myself. That is the burden for those of our clan. Seeing the infinite possibilities of the future. One thing you learn if all beginnings have endings. We are born, we live and we die. When I pass it will be you who inherits my role as care tacker. Guardian of the persecuted, and the betrayed."
"Are...are you going to die?" I asked, dreading the answer.
"We all die Stiles. Sooner or later. I am merely ensuring you have the means to take over for me when my time comes."
"And when is that? Can't you see?"
"Of course I can. But it is not for you or the others to concern yourselves over. Now let me tell you how to create a loop."
Corey
One week later
"Here you go Meredith," I said.
I placed the tray in front of Meredith. She smiled shyly at me while keeping her eyes trained to the table. "Thank you Corey."
Meredith was a Banshee like Lydia. She had volunteered for a project headed by Lydia's grandmother years ago. Meredith only wanted to help people and hoped she could learn better control of her abilities. But the tests only shattered her mind and made her a victim to her own nature.
She has been here ever since, longer than anyone else. She was shy, always keeping to herself, sometimes I would catch her staring off into space, her eyes wide and shifting as if she could hear voices no one else could—seeing how she was a Banshee she was surly hearing voices.
Not many people bothered Meredith. Her condition made many people uneasy, I found it unsettling sometimes. But I knew what it was like to be ignored, to be forgotten. So I took the time to get to know her. Talking to her when she was lucid and giving her space when she was having a bad day.
I passed Lydia as she walked by and she gave me a warm smile. Lydia was one of the few who bothered to talk to Meredith. She felt responsible for her since it was her grandmothers experiments that put her here.
"Corey, over here!"
I moved to go sit with Liam and his group. Tracey and Theo sat there as well. Tracey was doing very good. She was turning into the girl I knew when I first met. Only less scared. She was happy, smiling. Theo sat several seats from them. So far he had caused no problems and did his chores without fail but everyone was keeping an eye on him.
We had not spoken much. We were never friends. We were in a pack but we were only together out of circumstance and necessity. He said he was happy I was alright and complimented me on my survival skills. If he meant it or not, I did not know. Theo was too good at hiding his true feelings. But I do admit, a part of me does hope he can become a better person.
There was an air in the room, an excitement. A sense of hope. Things were stirring up in the present. More e-mails and secret files from the American Hunter League was being spilled to the public. Secret audio tapes sent to the press. Tapes that revealed how corrupt the League really was.
Blue prints for relocation camps where secret medical tests would be performed. They even talked about the Chimeras, how they had been dissecting the bodies of the ones who died and have yet to crack the Dread Doctors code.
Our country was at a crossroads right now. Things could go bad or good. If it goes bad, I am glad I am here. Where it is safe.
Sean came to join us. He was a Wendigo. His kind were rare now days what with them feeding on humans. His family managed to stay hidden but were caught. His parents had been kidnapping homeless people to feed themselves and their kids.
He was quiet, keeping to himself. Wendigos were not liked, even by a lot of the shifters. Many see them as vile canabales and one of the reasons why humans hate us. Others just see them as bottom feeders who can't control their hunger.
"You okay Sean?" Liam asked.
"Just came back from Sky's lab. He made a new batch of Synth for me to try."
Sky used his tech to create artificial meat for Sean's nutritional needs. He literally cloned food for him so he could keep his hunger in check. He arrived here two months after I did. His family was dead, but he managed to escape. Allison and her people managed to get to him and bring him to us, but he lost control and attacked Liam, taking a chunk right out of his arm.
He had to be kept isolated for a while, but Sky started making meat from DNA he had stored in his freezer to help him out.
"No reason why he shouldn't be allowed to live like the rest of us. He can't help being the way he is. and I know for a fact Werewolves have eaten humans on occasion so don't get all uppity!" he had said.
"Is it any good?" Brett asked.
"Why in the name of God would you ask that?" Lori asked.
Brett shrugged. "Haven't you ever wondered?"
"No!"
"It's getting better. It helps keep the hunger away. But it tastes bland. He's trying to convince Minato to let him make full body clones instead of just organs and body parts."
The whole table went silent. "Are you telling me, Sky wants to make actual clones of us so you can eat them?"
"He says they would be brain dead," Sean muttered.
"Don't worry, Minato has already confirmed there will be no clones running around," Stiles said appearing at the table. "Hey Corey, when you get a minute can we talk?" he asked.
"Yeah sure. Can we do it after I eat?"
He nodded. "Yeah, I'll be in the library."
He walked out of the cafeteria, Scott gave him a thumbs up as he walked by his table. "Wonder what he wants?" I asked.
"Oh I have a pretty good idea," Mason said with a grin.
"You do?" I asked.
"Yeah. But I won't tell," Mason said taking a bite of his sandwich.
"Like it's a secret," Liam said giving me a wink.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You'll see Corey," Hayden said with a warm smile.
Theo rolled his eyes. "Seriously Corey, Stiles is going to ask you-"
Tracey elbowed him, cutting him off. "Just relax Corey. Everything is fine. Stiles is just going to ask you a question is all. It's cool," she said.
I sighed. "I hate being clueless."
After lunch I made my way to the library to visit see Stiles. He was pacing around back and forth, I could tell he was nervous.
"Hey Stiles, are you okay?" I asked.
"Corey, hey. Thanks for coming up here."
"Everything okay?" I asked.
"Yeah, I'm kind of on edge because Gerard is making his visit today so we are all going to have to pretend to be prisoners."
Whenever some government official or member of the American Hunters League came to visit several of us had to return to Eichen in the present and pretend to be miserable and desperate to escape. It sucked but it was only until the visitor left. Gerard had never visited before and I wasn't looking forward to meeting him.
"But I need to talk to you...I...I like you Corey. In the time you have been here we have grown close and I like to think that there is a special connection. I mean...well, ever since we saw Lydias great-grandparents hook up it has been making me think about the future. We worry so much about survival we forget to think about other things. Like happiness. And I am very happy when I am with you. Are you happy with me?"
"Are...are you asking me to be your boyfriend?" I asked.
It was all starting to make sense now. What they were saying at lunch, Stiles behavior. He was asking me out!
"I mean...I would like to start out small and work our way up. I don't have a lot of experience in the love department so this is kind of new territory for me."
"I don't know what to say. My time here in Eichen with you and the others has been the best time of my life. I know that sounds crazy but here I have found a family. People actually notice me and pay attention to me here. I am safe and I would love to go out with you."
"Really?"
I nodded, a feeling of pure delight coursed through me. "Yes. You smart and funny and I have been feeling lonely ever since we that day with Lydia and her family. Seeing them so happy and then knowing how things would turn out just made me feel like I was missing something. But I have you."
He walked over to me, taking my hands in his. "Can I kiss you then? Because to be honest-"
I stopped him with a kiss, he froze but he quickly relaxed. I pulled back and laughed at the dopey expression on his face. "Wow. Been a long time since I kissed someone."
"I know we just started going out but...would you like to maybe just skip the first date and have sex?"
"Wait, really?"
"Stiles, I haven't had sex in almost a year. Trust me, the idea of sleeping with you has been on my mind for a while now."
He smiled. "Let's sneak back to my room!"
Minato
It has begun. Gerard will be here soon, bringing disaster with him. Stiles and Corey are on their way to consummate their union and begin a chain of events that will rock alter all the lives of everyone here. Sky is in his room, still angry we won't let him make clones. All the players are where they need to be. The watch is in my drawer, waiting for Stiles to find it so we can have our last talk.
I sip my tea and wait. I will be dead soon, two-thousand years ended in the blink of an eye. How many lives have I watched? From birth to death, from a small village to a mighty city, from history to legend.
How long have I merely been observing?
From the moment I was born a small kit in my mothers den with my brothers and sisters? Or was it when I became powerful enough to see the infinite?
After today there will be nothing for me. I have led a long life and for better or worse it has been a journey. I die with no family save those in this building and I have touched all of their lives. Keeping them alive, protecting them, sheltering from a world that would deny them the right to exist.
Today is my end, but tomorrow and the day after will be theirs.
We all leave our mark on the world. Some more obvious than others, but everyone plays a role. We all are shaped by choices, both our own and by those around us. Had those in power not been so ignorant and fearful the country would not be so dangerous for the children and they would be home in the present living their lives. Some made choices you would call dubious or downright evil. But when it comes to a matter of survival morality can be a handicap. I know this all too well.
Could I have chosen a different path?
Of course. I could cut a deal with Gerard and give him the residents of Eichen. I could run away right now and leave them to their fate. I could run to Stiles room and stop him and Corey.
But I won't. Because I know what comes after my death: Hope.
Stiles
Corey pushed me on the bed. "You're aggressive," I said.
"Is that a problem?" he asked with slight hesitation.
I shook my head. "Nope."
"Good. Meek is boring."
He climbed onto the bed and I wrapped my legs around his waist. We began to kiss as my hands explored his chest I was delighted to find he had a very nice body. He was in good shape, but you didn't really appreciate what he was packing until you saw what was under his cloths.
When we played sports outside or in the gym, I got to see him without his shirt. He had been building up an impressive amount of muscle now that he didn't have to stay hidden from the Hunters and had a stable place to call home.
Scott loved to tease me because he could smell the affect a shirtless Corey had on me. I had gone to the gym one day to find Corey wearing nothing but a pair of gym shorts beating on a sandbag and covered in sweat. I had to run from the room because I couldn't control my boner. Luckily he hadn't seen me.
He pinned my hands above me. He smiled mischievously and began to kiss my throat. I moaned when he began to rub himself against me, our growing bulges felt so good together. But he suddenly stopped, letting me go and sitting up. "Am I going too fast?" he asked.
"What?" I asked feeling confused.
"I don't want to rush you. I don't want you to feel pressured or anything."
I frowned, feeling confused. "Why would you think that?"
"Well I heard you moan, and I thought maybe-"
I laughed. "Corey, it's fine. We're fine. I was moaning because you were rubbing against me and it felt good," I told him.
He looked relieved. "Oh good. I was worried I might be going too fast."
"How can you go from sexy beast to a sweet little puppy so quick?" I asked.
He took off his shirt and tossed it to the side. "I can be a very sweet guy, even when I am fucking you into the floor." he unbuttoned his jeans and slowly pulled the zipper down. "Let me show you."
Sky
Bunch of pansy ass's!
I was in my lab, getting ready for Gerard's impending visit. He should be here within the hour. Unlike the others I couldn't leave the loop. Gerard may or may not know about me. Only a select few people know I was a seer and Gerard mostly hunted supernaturals, but better not risk it.
If I did need to leave the loop, I simply wore the doppelgänger tech I made to help disguise me. I was fuming because my idea to clone some of the residents had been shot down.
Seriously, I can't believe they won't let me make full-body clones! It would make feeding Sean sooo much easier! I even told them the damn things would be brain dead and wouldn't feel a thing!
Ethics my ass! This is because I tried to make that T-Rex clone! I try and break the laws of nature one time just to satisfy an old chilhood dream—that makes me irresponsible! I mean I was going to plant a bomb in its head so if I lost control of it all I would have to do was flip a switch and-
Just then one of the labs alarms began to go off. I had chosen a specific sound depending on the situation. This one was the cloister bell from Doctor Who so a level one emergency is about to take place.
"Ah hell!" I muttered.
I ran over to one of the terminals to see what the problem was. The chrono pathway was being sheared! Something was causing friction (I use the term friction because that is the best and quickest way to describe it) between the loop and the present!
If this continues, then the loop will either be destroyed which would be bad for us or-
Alert! Unauthorized spacial rifts detected!
"Son of a bitch!" I yelled.
I ran over to another terminal and began to do a sweep of the whole building. Rifts were forming. Linking both past and present together and turning both Eichen houses into one giant labyrinth.
"No, No, No!"
I grabbed the phone that connected me straight to Minato. I didn't have to wait, he was already there, waiting for me to call him.
"Minato tell me you can fix this shit!" I yelled.
"Calm yourself Sky. I need you to listen closely. Gerard and his people are on their way. They know Eichen is protecting shifters."
"How in the-"
"Gerard is no fool. It was only a matter of time before he sniffed out our informants. You will be receiving visitors in a moment. I will deal with Gerard. I need you to help the others Sky. Trust me. Everything will be fine."
I sighed. "Okay. But when this is all over I'm making a clone damn it!"
He chuckled. "I always did admire how single-minded you could be. A natural trait of your kind. We will need that focus. I will handle the rifts on this end. I am sure you can quickly figure them out."
"Of course."
Just then there was a loud banging on my door. I looked over at the screen and saw Scott was outside with Allison, Josh, Danny and a boy I didn't recognize who Scott was helping Allison carry. He looked like someone had used his face as a punching bag.
"I got to go. Call me if something comes up," I said.
"Oh many things will be 'coming up' this day."
He ended the call, and I cursed. "Blasted fox and your damn riddles!"
I put the phone down and walked over to the door. Pushing the buttons in the right sequence to let them in. Once the door opened up they came rushing in.
"You picked a bad time for a visit," I told them.
"Minato sent us here. Said we needed to come to you to treat Nolan!" Allison said.
"I take it Gerard figured out he had more than one snitch to deal with?" I asked.
They sat Nolan down on the nearest medical table. Good thing I cleaned it right after Sean had his little snack.
"Gerard had a meeting, he thought Nolan was the one hacking into his files. They had Gabe beat him but I interfered."
"Thereby blowing your cover and no doubt Danny and Josh had to get involved, and you managed to escape and run here because Gerard and his goons are on their way," I said.
I pulled the X-ray screen down and used it to scan Nolan. "Well good news, you only have a minor concussion. You'll be a bit sore for a few days but you will live," I told him.
Nolan looked at Allison. "I am sorry. I got sloppy. Monroe figured out I was a mole."
"My grandfather probably figured it out before she did. He just wanted to use you to expose me. He knew I wasn't going to stand there and let you get abused. I can't believe the others didn't do anything."
"You're like Scott. You place too much value on human morality," I said.
I ran back over to the terminal and began to run some calculations.
"Sky why are the cloister alarms going off?" Danny asked. He knew what they meant, having been there when I chose to install them. Danny was one of the few people I chose to reveal some of the details of my lab.
"Rifts are forming around the building. They lead to the present. If Gerard shows up he could lead his men right through them."
"How is that possible?" Josh asked. "I thought only Minato could affect the loop!"
"Something is causing the rifts. I don't know what. I need to figure out how many rifts and where they are located. We also need to move everyone over here."
I turned to Allison. "Where is your father?"
"He stayed behind to buy us some time."
I could tell from the look on her face she was worried about her dad. Knowing Argent he would have used every gun on his body to help his daughter. He could be alive or dead. I doubt Gerard would have much qualms about killing his own son.
Allison knew this as well. But she was trying to be hopeful. Scott took her hand, trying to lend her his comfort. He really is a fool. Falling in love with an Argent. You don't have to be a Seer to know that isn't going to end well for either of them. Some people are just too romantic for their own damn good.
"Did you manage to get a message out to the AUL?" I asked.
"I called Parrish. Legally Gerard has every right to come here. It is a government sponsored facility for shifters."
"Shifters he helped hunt," Scott said.
"Great so we are about to be invaded by a large group of heavily armed men, our sanctuary is compromised and the fabric of reality is being ripped up."
"What is causing it?" Scott asked.
Danny was already over at a terminal (yes I know I have a lot of those but I do a lot of research, sue me!) "The rifts form a pattern. They are forming around a specific area...appear to be focused around the east wing."
"That's patient quarters where we sleep," Scott said.
I sighed. "I think I know why the rifts are forming."
Stiles
We were on our sides, our naked bodies were joined in the most primal of ways. Corey was behind me, thrusting into me at a lazy pace. Our hands were clasped together, and I bit my lips as he whispered sweet things into my ear.
Luckily I kept a bottle of lube in my bedside table. We both had experience so there was no need to go too slow for the sake of inexperience. I had to be honest, I was expecting Corey to be a bit more hesitant or docile. He was usually so timid and quiet. But I guess the old saying about the quiet ones was true because he was very take charge in the bed.
I let him lead, he wasn't being controlling or overbearing. To be honest, I liked this side of him. It was wonderful to see him so sure of himself. So willing to take control of the situation.
His hand grabbed my dick and I let out a deep moan as he began to stroke me.
"Are you close Stiles?" he asked.
"Yes, so close!" I responded.
His thrusts began to pick up, rocking in tune with his strokes. I bit into his forearm gently, he hummed in pleasure. I bit him hard enough to leave indents but not hard enough to draw blood.
"Fuck!" he cursed, his whole body seized, and I felt warmth inside me. He pulled out, letting go of my cock so he could take off the condom, tying it off and throwing it into the trashcan next to my bed. Neither one of us could catch an STD, the condom was just to help keep things from getting messy. Sex could be great, but it could be a pain to get cleaned up.
He got back on the bed, flipping my on my back and grabbing some pillows for me to rest on. He folded my legs back and put my dick into his mouth.
"Corey!" I keened.
He watched me as he bobbed on my cock. I clenched the bed sheets tightly in my fists. "Come on Stiles, give it to me!" Corey said hotly, his fist moved up and down my shaft in a blur.
I came a few moments later, shooting out several white strands which went right into his mouth. He quickly engulfed me, continuing to stroke every last drop out of me, even when I became a boneless mass of twitching flesh he continued to drain me of everything.
He sat up and smiled at me, some of my cum was on the corner of his mouth. "Fuck that was great."
I beckoned him forward, and he crawled over to me, I licked the corner of his mouth tasting my salty essence before he kissed me.
We laid together on my bed, both of us satisfied and content. "I can't believe we just had sex," he said. "I didn't think you liked me like that. Even before I became a Chimera people didn't really notice me."
"What about Lucas?" I asked.
He smiled, remembering his former boyfriend. "He was sweet. Maybe a little too sweet. After we became Chimeras he became more aggressive. But not in a good way. He didn't hurt me, but if any of the Chimeras looked at me funny, he would flip."
"Nothing about you changed?" I asked. "I mean besides the physical stuff?"
He shook his head. "We were all different. Some of us were more beast like. But there were others who were like me. Still the same. There were a few who went nuts. The Doctors had to put them down."
"I'm sorry you had to go through that. What they did was wrong," I said.
"Do you think they are still out there?" he asked, sounding a little fearful.
I knew he wanted to ask if I thought they were still experimenting on kids. The truth was I didn't doubt they were. The Dread Doctors were believed to be a myth. Thanks to their power to manipulate memories they were able to hide their existence from the world for years. But now the world knows for sure they are real and they are being hunted.
Part of me hoped they would be caught and brought to justice for all the pain and misery they brought onto the world. Another part hoped they would just die. If the Hunters caught them alive somehow I don't doubt they would use them to make their super-soldiers. It was amazing how people could persecute others for being different, yet had no issues making themselves reflections of what they hated.
"Don't worry about them. We just need to-"
"Stiles!"
"God damn it Liam!" I yelled as Liam came bursting into my room.
He quickly turned around, Corey grabbed a pillow to cover himself.
"Guys we need to get to Sky's lab. Something weird is going on!"
"Alright everyone listen up!" Sky yelled drawing everyone's attention.
A few dozen people stood inside the lab, I don't think it has ever been this crowded. The rifts were still open. Some of the nurses and orderlies had stepped through them, but the second they walked through they ceased to exist. The loop was a shadow of what once was, no one from a loop could travel outside it.
Almost all the people had been evacuated from the present and brought to the future. Minato had activated Eichen's defenses, causing the whole building to armor up with special plates on the windows and doors.
Gerard and his people were outside waiting for us. So far they have yet to try to get in.
"So, quick run down. Stiles and Corey have fucked both each other and the rest of us right up the ass!"
If I was a fire Kitsune, I swear to God I would hurl fireballs at him right now! Corey is so embarrassed he turned invisible, unable to deal with the accusing stares and unfriendly scowls being directed at us.
"You can't blame this on us Sky!" I yelled.
"Actually, yes I can. Stiles time powers mingled with Corey's Chimera powers. When Corey turns invisible, he phases out of reality. Somehow their love making caused their wires to cross and Corey literally almost phased through time which was why the rifts formed. Since he was in a loop, it caused the loop to rub against the present. We're lucky they didn't fuck us all to death!"
"Wait, could Corey be able to phase through loops?" Mason asked.
Sky pointed his finger at Mason. "I like how you think. Normally I would love to test that theory but I am afraid we are all fucked right now!"
"There has to be something we can do, someone has to help us!" Hayden said.
"We are all a group of supernatural minorities in modern day United States of America. No one is coming for us. Gerard has the legal right to come here and arrest us all. The only ones he cares about are the Chimeras and maybe Allison, the rest of us he can kill and no one will question him. Doubt? Yes. Question no."
"Guys...something is about to happen," Lydia said.
"It's coming," Meredith said.
"What's coming?" Scott asked.
"What do you think!" Sky snapped. He ran over to his computer (one of them) and began to type into them. Images began to appear on the screens showing outside Eichen. But it was the modern time. "I am using the rifts to send a signal to my lab in the present."
"There, look!" I yelled noticing one of the screens.
It showed Gerard and several armed men. There were some kids with him, some looked to be my age or younger. "Wait, are those the Orphans?" Lori asked.
Brett let out a growl. "I recognize those bastards."
"Who are the Orphans?" Corey asked.
"A couple of assholes by the name of Garrett and Violet. Parents died of natural means but they grew up to become bounty hunters who target supernaturals," I explained.
If a supernatural being had a warrant for execution (because they never got a warrant for capture) the price on their heads could be high. Not many had the skill or the balls to come after us without professional training but these two had both. Despite being so young they had caught the attention of Gerard who employed them for their services.
"That's Gabe," Nolan murmured. "And Monroe."
"Aren't some of those kids from school?" I asked.
"Wait, what is that?" Allison asked.
A tailless fox was walking down the steps. It was a bit bigger than a regular fox and it had silvery fur. "It's Minato!" I said.
"The hell is he doing!" Sky hissed.
We all watched as the Hunters drew their guns. Minato stopped several feet in front of Gerard and sat down. "Greetings. Welcome to Eichen."
The Hunters all seemed startled. Though a talking fox was a rather bizarre situation.
"Minato," Gerard said. He didn't seem surprised. He stared at Minato with a cold expression.
"Gerard, I am sad to see today's visit is already going so terribly. I was so looking forward to having to listen to your hypocrisy about monsters and protecting the good folk from them. I have come to surrender myself to you and your people. I am unarmed and tailless."
Even in the face of certain death Minato remained cordial and dignified. I wanted to reach through the screen and pull him to safety. He didn't have his tails, he didn't have his powers!
"I always knew there was something off about you. I take it those fools from the AUL helped you get a job here?"
"I have always been here Gerard. Knowing the day would come when Eichen of old would be needed to protect the innocent from your dark ambitions."
Gerard stepped forward, raising his hand to order the others to lower their guns. He walked up to Minato, staring down at him with disdain while Minato looked at him with an amused expression.
"I don't have time for games fox. Just let us in and be done with it. You can't keep me out forever."
"I have no intention of keeping you out, sir. I know you have brought considerable weapons to force your way into my home. I am afraid you have arrived at a rather inconvenient time. The loop is going through a bit of a predicament. Rifts have appeared all over the building. I have sent the patients and staff into old Eichen to protect them from you. Even if you get in, you'll find yourself constantly moving in and out between then and now. Normally this would be quit the delightful experience were it not for the gravity of the situation."
Gerard leaned forward so only Minato could hear him, but we could hear him perfectly even though they were a distance from the camera. "Just give me the Chimeras fox, that's all I want. Do that and I will let you and the rest go."
Minato snickered. "Please, you can't trick a trickster, you have no intention of letting anyone live save for the Chimeras. We both know why you want them so badly. At this rate you won't last a year before the cancer kills you. No glory, no legendary final chapter in the story of Gerard. Just a lonely, miserable end to a sad pathetic man."
The cold fury was beginning to show. Gerard's lips pulled back into a vicious snarl and he gripped his gun tight, his whole arm shook with rage.
"I am the leader of the Argents!"
"Last time I checked your clan was a matriarchy."
"I protect the innocent from the monsters!"
"You are a wolf in sheeps skin using peoples fears to further your own agenda."
"I will not die!"
"You will die, unloved and unwanted. A black memory in the history of your family and your country. Not a man remembered for glory and triumph but a man remembered for all the pain and suffering he brought onto this world."
He raised the gun and pointed it at Minato's head. Minato merely smiled as if Gerard was amusing. The rest of us stared in mute horror. Hayden clutched at Liam, Lori had her mouth covered to hide her gasp. Scott's eyes were glowing red, I could tell he wanted to be there by Minato's side.
"Oh no," Lydia whispered.
There were many reactions. Many looks of horror and fear in this room. But the one person who I took the most notice was Sky. The child of antipathy and pragmatism was staring at the screen with a blank expression, save for the single tear that fell from the corner of his eye and down his cheek.
"If you won't help me I have no use for you!"
Minato stared at him, still smiling, still defiant. "I may die this day, sir. But my legacy will live on for years to come. It is the privilege and duty for the elderly like us to raise the new generation to be better. So we may leave this world better than when we found it so they may make it better for the next generation. Sadly people like you would leave nothing but devastation in their wake. That is why I shall die a man and you will die a miserable old parasite."
The gun went off.
I barely had time to see his body drop to the ground when Lydia and Meredith began to scream. There is something truly bone chilling about a Banshee's death scream. It resonated in your mind even after the air was silent, as if the very air had been scared.
The screens all went out and sparks flew from several of Sky's terminals, the lights flickered but remained on.
"Damn it!" Sky yelled and began to type away, trying to get the screens back on.
"I couldn't hold it in, I'm sorry!" Meredith cried.
Lydia ran over to her, holding her, both of them sobbing. They were not the only ones. Everyone was crying, Hayden was trying to keep Liam calm as he dug his nails into his palms, causing pools of blood to drip on the floor. Mason had his face buried in Brett's chest and Lori had her arms wrapped around them both. Scott had his eyes closed and Allison was touching his shoulder.
I looked over to Corey, his eyes were shocked, afraid.
"Stiles...I am so sorry," he said.
I should be crying. I should be hugging Corey or someone and weeping for Minato, but all I feel is...numb. Am I in shock? I have to be. This doesn't make sense. Why did Minato let this happen? Surly he saw this coming. Why didn't he try to stop it?
Minato was one of the most powerful Kitsune in the world. Such was his age he could see the future. So why didn't he fight back? Why? Why? Why!?
"I got the feeds back up!" Sky said.
The screens were back on, Minato's body lay on the ground, Gerard had walked back over to his Hunters and he was speaking to them, giving them orders.
Sky turned to face us. His face impassive. "Listen up. We are about to be invaded by highly trained and heavily armed Hunters who want to kill us all. Normally we would be safe but the rifts are still open. I have sent all the staff in the loop home so we won't have to worry about anyone from this timeline bothering us. The prisoners are still in their cages on the other side."
Eichen is a haven for the supernatural. But it is also a prison. Sometimes we had to keep them locked up in the present because they were too dangerous and couldn't be trusted with the secret. Not every shifter is a victim of discrimination. Some really are just assholes.
"Luckily, I have prepared for this day."
Sky walked over to a wall. He placed his hand on a brick and it glowed with a blue light. A second later the wall split, revealing rows of guns, grenades, tasers, batons and a few rocket launchers.
"Holy shit!" Danny said eyeing the weapons with disbelief.
"How long have you had all of this?" Scott asked.
"A few years, and yes Minato knew all about it. I told him we needed to be prepared for an invasion. There was always a very small chance we would be discovered, and I wanted to be ready."
"For what, a war?" Allison asked.
"Hate to break it to you princess but we are already in a war."
Sky began to gear up, Danny, Josh and a few other joined him. Corey hesitated then headed over to grab a weapon. "Corey?" I asked.
"I'm not like the others Stiles. I don't have claws or fangs. I can't shoot lightning or scream at someone. I need to be able to protect you."
I felt something flutter in my heart when he said that.
"I'll grab you a gun and-"
"Stiles doesn't get a gun," Sky said.
"Why not?" I asked.
"Because you can't be trusted with a gun."
"Truth be told I would feel more safe out there with the Hunters," Meredith meekly spoke.
"I would never shoot someone!" I argued.
"Not on purpose. At least if the Hunters shoot me it will be on purpose," she replied.
"You...are totally right," I said with a sigh.
"How is it your dad was a sheriff but you can't use a gun?" Lydia asked.
"He learned when I was young to never put anything dangerous in my hands."
"None-existent gods help us when he starts getting his tails," Sky said.
"You know what!"
Before I could tell him a hundred different ways to fuck off an alarm went off.
"Now what?" Nolan asked.
"It's the phone," Sky said running over to a terminal. Morrell's face appeared on the screen.
She was a member of the AUL and worked at Eichen as a therapist. She was also a Druid. A woman of many talents. Her brother was Alan Deaton. Also a Druid and member of the AUL who ran a veterinarian clinic that also operated as a secret hospital for shifters.
"Sky, I just got the call about Gerard. Where is-"
"Were all in the loop, the prisoners are secured, Eichen is in lockdown, rifts appeared when Stiles fucked his new bae, Gerard is outside and Minato is dead," Sky said.
Morrell looked shocked, not often you see such an expression on her face. In any other circumstance I might relish it.
"Minato is dead?" she asked. "How?"
"Doesn't matter. We are arming up and getting ready to fight back."
"What?! No you can't!"
"We may be under lockdown but I am sure Gerard will get in soon. If he does, he can come here through the rifts."
"Then you need to close the rifts!"
"Minato is dead and today is reset day!" Sky yelled.
Shit he's right! The loops lasts for one year, then Minato has to reset it, otherwise the loop will end and anyone still inside when it end will be erased as well. If we are still here when time is up then it won't matter if Gerard gets us!
But there was hope.
"I can reset the loop!" I yelled.
All eyes turned to me. "That's right, Minato's watch!" Scott said.
"His watch only helps him when he sets the loop, it has no real power," Morrell said.
"It does now, Minato put all his tails into it!" Sky said. "If Stiles gets it, he can reset the loop. We saw him use it in his office!"
"Why would Minato put his tails into his watch?" she asked.
"Doesn't matter as long as the rifts are open," Sky said.
She looked to Sky with a raised brow. "You're telling me you didn't plan for something like this?"
"As a matter of fact I have. I designed three devices that can detect any fracture and seal it."
"Ex machina much?" I said.
Sky looked at me with a glare. "Suck my double-colored dick. Problem is the guns require a large amount of power. They can only be used twice, giving us a total of six shots."
"Last time I checked there was over a dozen rifts!" Danny said.
"Which is where you electric lover comes in. He can recharge the guns and we can close the rifts. Stiles can get the watch and reset the loop but Gerard is still going to be a problem...actually."
Sky walked over to a terminal and began to tap at the keys. "I am sending you a file. I think you can use this."
"Can you send us any help?" Allison asked.
Morrell shook her head. "Gerard has the legal right to come there."
"Obviously we are not asking for legal help," Sky said.
"We are scrambling to gather a team together to come help you, but it will take time."
"We don't have time. The AUL never stationed a strong tactical force in Beacon Hills because of the loop. No one imagined the rifts would appear. By the time you can get someone out here Gerard will have broken through and the loop will be gone."
She took a deep breath. "Then your only option is to defend yourselves."
"Don't worry, we will," Sky said cocking his gun. "The file I sent you can end all this. You'll know what to do with it."
She nodded. "I got it. I will see what I can do. Good luck."
The screen went black. Sky turned to face everyone.
"We need to split up into three teams. Team one will work on closing the rifts. Josh since you're going to be our energizer battery you will be the team leader. I know you said you could recharge them but these things do require a lot of power and your tank only holds so much."
"I can do it. Don't worry," Josh said.
"Team two will help Stiles find the watch. Minato wasn't carrying it on his person so it is safe to assume it is somewhere in the building. Stiles, you and Lydia will look for it."
I looked over to Lydia, and she nodded.
"Team three will defend Eichen from the Hunters. All others will remain here. Danny, Mason, you guys will be in charge of overseeing our charges...and making sure they don't touch my shit." He looked over at Theo. "Catch." he tossed him a gun.
"Forgetting something?" he asked pointing to his neck where the color was.
"Beautiful Sky, code 911. Lethal force approved," Sky said.
The colors around Tracy and Theo's neck flashed green and fell off. They both looked stunned, Tracy was rubbing her neck and Theo had a smile on his face.
"Are you crazy!" I yelled. "Not only are you giving Theo a gun but you're taking his leash off!"
"Gerard is coming for the Chimeras. He wants them alive so he can dissect them and find out how they were made. They have just as much reason to fight as we do."
"We're going to defend ourselves, not kill," Scott said giving Theo a hard look.
"Don't be an idiot McCall, how do you think we are going to defend ourselves?" Sky asked. "Last time I checked morals don't make you bullet proof."
"We're not killers Sky."
"Not all of us. But Sky does have a point," Theo said.
"Of course you're going to agree with him. You guys are murder friends right?" I asked sarcastically.
"No but we did fuck once."
"We are not killing!" Scott yelled, his eyes flashed red.
We all flinched, either from his tone of from the Alpha power in his voice. Sky however didn't look bothered at all. I hate to admit it but I always did envy his conviction. It was unnerving how nothing seemed to bother him. I wondered if it was because he was a Seer or just part of his character.
"We can't survive if we are not willing to shed some blood Scott. You think Gerard and his people are going to pull their punches? He just shot Minato in the head! Minato surrendered peacefully and Gerard still killed him!"
Scott's expression softened. "Sky, I know you are angry. But we can't kill them. We have to be better than that. Minato-"
Sky strolled forward, like a predator. Allison moved forward, not stepping in front of Scott but getting ready to defend him if she had to. Allison was one of the best fighters I have ever seen, she was trained to fight a Werewolf in hand-to-hand combat. People assume having enhanced strength and speed means you are unbeatable. But none of that matters if you don't have the skill to use it and her skills were sharper than the tip of an arrow.
But even if Sky wasn't armed, I would bet on him winning a fight between the two. Seer's were humans with a greatly enhanced intellect, this gives them a level or reflex and coordination even Werewolves don't have. I am sure Sky already has a dozen plans to take Allison out if there is a fight. Part of me wonders how many of them are none-lethal.
"Don't you dare speak to me using Minato's name!" Sky stopped a few feet from Scott. His face was still blank but his eyes had a darkness to them that made me feel cold. "I knew him years before you or anyone else did. He was the closest thing to a father I had." He turned to look at Allison. "The second your grandfather pulled the trigger he signed what life he had left away. He won't have to worry about the cancer because I am going to kill him."
"What about the other Hunters?" Nolan asked and flinched when Sky turned his gaze to him. "I mean...not all of them are bad...I mean a lot of them are yeah. But the rest are just kids who were fooled by Gerard and Monroe. She is the guidance councilor at school and has been recruiting there. Using kids fear and grief to get them to join Gerards group. Not all of them want to be here, but they are too afraid of her and him to leave now."
"I don't care. The second they step into Eichen they become meat for the grinder."
"No!" Scott growled.
"Grow up McCall. This is the real world. If you want to die a martyr go on ahead. But for the rest of us who want to live to see another day, we'll be out there, fighting and bleeding." Sky spat at Scott's feet. "People like you are the worst. You promise safety and but refuse to sully your hands."
Scott stepped forward until he was nose to nose with Sky. "I always protect my people Sky. Just because I am not willing to kill don't think I am not willing to fight."
"If you want to protect us your going to need to do more than fight McCall. Just don't expect me to save you're ass when your morals get you in deaths way."
Scott led team three to go and wait for Gerard and the others in the present. Traveling through a rift to do so. Lydia, Corey and I were on our way to Mintao's office to see if we could find his watch. We were hoping Lydia's Banshee powers might help us locate it faster and Corey was in case we ran into trouble. The Hunters were still outside but things could change at any moment.
Danny and Mason remained in Sky's lab with the others none-fighters.
Corey and Lydia were armed. Allison had given Lydia lessons on how to use a firearm. Corey wasn't a gun expert, but he knew how to carry it. I just hoped he wouldn't have to use it. I didn't have a gun, but I did have a knife. There had been a small debate about giving me a sharp object, but it wasn't like I had any other way to protect myself.
"I am sorry," Corey said as we walked down the hall.
"What for?" I asked.
He motioned his head down to the gun in his hand. "I know you were not happy I wanted a gun."
"I am not angry you took a gun. I just hate the idea of you having to use it. Have you ever taken a life?" I asked.
He shook his head. "That was Theo and Tracy's thing."
"I have," Lydia said. "There was a man named Valack. He was a psychic who performed secret, illegal experiments on supernaturals. When I first started manifesting my powers he quickly figured out what I was. I suspect he used his powers to manipulate my parents into sending me into his care. He performed experiments on me to increase my abilities for his own benefit. Had Stiles, and the AUL found me in time I would have destroyed Beacon Hills."
Corey stared at her in shock. "You are that powerful?"
She gave him a reassuring smile. "Not now. They undid what Valack did to me. I caved his skull in before he could continue his experiments."
Corey looked at Lydia with a level of newfound respect and awe. Wait until he actually sees her in a fight. Allison has given her lessons in hand-to-hand combat and she trains with the others. But Corey has never seen her go all out like I have.
"How did you find her?" Corey asked me.
"Time Kitsune have the ability to read a person or objects past with a power known as psychometry. We touch something and we can learn all kinds of things about it. Valack had dropped a button from his coat and I was able to use that to figure out where he was."
"Do you always read things you touch?" he asked.
"When my powers first manifested yes. Now it only happens when I want it to happen. Mortality rates for the Time Kitsune are higher than the other clans because most of the time we die as a result of our own power. The older an object we touch the more history we learn. If we are not carefully, we can overload our brains with all the info we gain."
"Bad enough Hunters are trying to kill us, but we also have to worry about our powers killing us as well," Corey said.
We continued on our war but a second later there was a flash of green light and the hallways changed. An alarm was going off and the windows had metal sheets over them. The walls were a little darker with age and the temperature was a little different.
"What just happened?" Corey asked.
"We just stepped through a rift," I said. I reached to the HT that rested against my hip and called Josh. "Josh, it's me, Stiles. You there?"
A second later Josh's voice broke through the static. "I'm here Stiles. "We just stepped through a rift in Hall A."
"Copy that. We were heading that way. Thanks for the heads up."
We continued on our way. Passing through a few more rifts as we did. Letting Josh know where they were when we did. Finally after what felt like a life-time we arrived to Minato's office in the present.
"Hope it's in here," I said.
"You mean in this timeline or in this room?" Lydia asked.
"Either or," I replied.
We walked inside. Minato's office was as it always was. Pristine, welcoming. The paintings of Kyoto still hung on the wall, his plants still sat by the window, happily drinking in the sun. The Go-Boared sat on the table, the pieces still frozen from the last time we played...the last time we played.
Everything was the same, yet so much was different, because now a very important piece was missing.
"There it is," Corey said.
Minato's watch sat on the desk on top of a piece of paper that read 'Pick me up' in Minato's handwriting. We walked over to the desk and I reached out to grab the watch. But just as my fingers touched the cool metal surface of the watch Corey grabbed my shoulder to stop me.
Images began to flash before my eyes, similar to when I used my power to read a persons history. But the images were chaotic, random, they were not just about Corey though he did appear in many of them. They all were about me.
I was in the cell at the Sheriff's station. I had my hands cuffed behind my back and was squatting down. A man I recognized as Jordan Parrish was in a deputies uniform, his pants were down to his ankles and I was going down on him.
The bars he gripped were red hot and his eyes glowed with an orange light.
"Damn it Stiles, how did I let you talk me into this!" Jordan groaned.
I pulled back to smile up at him. "Happy anniversary babe."
He looked down at me and smiled. "If your dad finds out what we are doing-"
"Relax, he won't find out. Just make sure you scrub this from the computer." I stood up and turned around. "Now hurry up and fuck me officer!"
He grabbed my hips and pulled me forward, just as he began to slide into me the scene changed. Now I was in a room with Scott, my dad, Deaton and one of the Steiner. We were in a torch lit room and looked like we just stepped out of some fantasy novel.
I stood in front of a metal statue, my arms were held out and my eyes glowed orange. I was muttering something, and the metal began to melt, revealing soft pink flesh, brown hair and green eyes.
"Fuck yeah, ride me like a horse!" the man yelled.
He was naked, his stunned eyes staring at everyone gathered who were looking at him with various expressions of embarrassment and humor.
"Where did she go?" the man asked looking shocked.
Deaton and my dad stepped forward to talk to the man. Scott and the other (whom I was certain was Ethan) walked over to me. Scott clapped me on the back. "You did it again Stiles!"
"Are you feeling all right?"
I nodded. "I am fine Ethan. Now that I know how to break the curse it is easier to do. Just takes a lot of power."
Ethan kissed me on the lips. "I know you want to free them but there is no rush."
I smiled at him. "Such a doting husband."
The room changed, no longer were we in some place fantasy like. This room was more modern, the walls and floors were red. Liam was naked and strapped to a rack. I stood in front of him, running my hands over his chest, shocking him.
"Is it too much?" I asked.
Liam shook his head, looking bored. I smiled and I moment later Liam cried out in pain, but now he was smiling. "Yes, much better! Give me more!"
"I'd rather not send you into cardiac arrest again Liam."
"Come on, I can take it!" he whined.
I sighed. "How can a dom be such a pain-slut?"
I was in a kitchen now, a little girl was siting in a chair eating a small bowl of cereal, a husky sat in front of her, hoping some food would be spilled for it to gobble up. Scott came in, kissing the little girl on the head before he came over and kissed me on the lips.
"Morning," he said.
"Morning," I replied kissing him back.
"Sorry I can't stay. One of my clients dog just went into labor."
He reached for a pot of coffee and poured himself a drink. He was about to drink from it when I took it from him, he frowned but smiled when I blew into it, cooling it off. "Thanks, that would have hurt."
"Can I see the puppies daddy?" the little girl asked.
"When they get older Claudia," I told her.
She clapped her hands together in excitement.
The kitchen vanished, and I was in a flowery field filled with dozens of people and carriages, the sun was shining and I laid with Derek Hale on a blanket. I recognized several members of the Hale family with us, we were having a picnic and watching a group of naked flower women dancing.
"This was a wonderful idea Stiles," Derek said popping a grape into my mouth. "Our relations with the Gentry have never been so good."
"They can be a strange folk. But easy to get along with once you familiarize yourself with their ways. Now that we have the kingdom back Deaton plans to start training druids again. Grandfather is excited, he missed having people to teach the old ways."
Derek captured my lips in a kiss. "How about we visit your old home before we leave?" he asked. "Fill it with the stink of our love before those acolytes move in and ruin it with their scent."
"I like that idea."
Danny and I stood with Scott, Derek and Deaton at the clinic. We were looking at a map of Beacon Hills. Having used red markers to circle parts where there were large bodies of water.
"It is Rusalka week. This is when they are at their most powerful. They are able to travel a little further from their water sources," I said.
"How did they even get here?" Derek asked. "They can't travel long distances and we have never had a case like this before."
"Many supernatural beings have taken advantage of modern technology to break certain limitations. But I suspect they were transported here."
"But why?" Scott asked.
"My guess is these murders we planned. Rusalka are very protective of their territory. These places are known illegal chemical grounds. If some fanatical echo-warrior decided to use the supernatural to defend nature-"
"What better weapon to use than violent water spirits!" I said. "Maybe I can talk to them. I am an Ocean Kitsune so I might be able to get them to tell me how they got here."
"I really don't like that idea," Danny said.
I kissed him on the cheek. "Relax. I got this. If they attack, I can just defend myself."
I was in a dark room, not from lack of light but rather because the walls were painted black and covered in posters of heavy rock bands and horror movies. I stood in front of Isaac Lahey, a boy I knew who had murdered his father after becoming a Werewolf and had been hunted down and killed.
But this Isaac was alive and looked grumpy as the other me (complete with dark nails and powdered skin) put mascara on him. He wore a pair of leather pants and a black shirt with fishnet sleeves. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this."
"Oh, stop pouting. You promised you would let me dress you up for the concert tonight." I said.
Isaac rolled his eyes. "I know they are one of your favorites but do we have to dress up goth?"
"I am summoning the ghosts of an up-and-coming rock band who died in a cocaine fueled bus accident. It is only proper. Now hold still, I have to put your lipstick on."
I was now at a pool party, Scott was playing a guitar to a crowed of people, there were topless girls running around, shots were being tossed and little white pills were being exchanged. It was unlike any party Scott or myself had ever been to. I spotted Liam in the pool on a floatie with Lori on top of him, the both of them were heavily making out.
Brett was glaring at them but I wrapped my arms around his waist and steered him over to the bar. "Come on, lets go have some fun of our own."
I sat him down at the bar and climbed onto his lap, I grabbed his face and kissed him deeply. I reached into my pocket, pulling out a pill. He stuck out his tongue and I grabbed a shot glass, and drank it, but I didn't swallow. Brett and I kissed. When we pulled, back I licked some alcohol off from the corner of his mouth.
We pulled back our eyes were glowing. His yellow, and mine orange.
"Scott and the others were really brave to do the commitment ceremony," Brett said.
"They love one another. That is all that matters," I replied.
"Listen. I know we like to keep it casual. But we've been together for a while and I really love you. I was wondering...maybe some time in the future you might want to have our own ceremony."
I smiled. "Are you asking me to marry you?"
"If you don't want to that is fine. We can keep what we have going, I am fine with that. But seeing Scott and the others just...I don't know, got me thinking about the future."
"Well, I guess I am getting a little old to be fucking around. Stilinski-Talbot does have a nice ring to it.. I take it the wedding will be a Buddhist one?"
We kissed again. "Of course."
"Well, the answer is yes!"
I sat the edge of a river now, Jackson was naked and on top of me, we were kissing each other lazily. Jackson pulled back to look at me with reptilian eyes. "You ready to try that DP now?"
"I have been getting ready for weeks now. Look."
I spread my legs and Jackson looked and grinned. He reached down and pulled a black plug out of me, tossing it to the side.
"Been waiting for this for months!" I realized Jackson had two dicks, and all the talk about DP was starting to make sense. But before the act could be performed I was suddenly back in High School, running down the hall.
"Boyd!" I yelled jumping onto his back.
He sighed and held onto my hips. "What?"
"Carry me to class, I'm tired," I whined.
Boyd smiled. He carried me to the next class. I snuggled him, kissing his ear as we made our way into the room. "Thanks Cuddle Bear."
I was in the school parking lot, standing in front of a familiar face but it was a different person.
"You're such a stiff," Aiden sneered at me, wearing a dark leather jacket.
"No I'm not!" I spat at him.
He motioned to the back of his bike. "Then hop on daddies little angel."
I stared down at Scott with a cold expression. He was bound, looking at me with a bloody face., we were surrounded by friends and foe alike. Theo stood next to me, his eyes shined with an unholy yellow light. "Do it Stiles. Become what you were meant to."
"Stiles...please," Scott begged.
I brought my hand up and knocked him to the ground with the back of my hand. "Sorry Scott. But we both knew this day was going to come."
The images continued, some happened so quick I barely had time to understand or make sense of it. Sometimes I was a man, other times I was a woman. Some times I was the star of the show and other times I was just in the background. Sometimes I lived a happy life others I died a terrible death. In some worlds I was a hero, others I was a wicked villain. Sometimes I was a human, other times I was a druid, or a witch, or an Incubus, or a Werewolf. Sometimes I was with a man (the majority of the time it was Derek) other times it was with a woman. Hell there were worlds where I gave birth...even though I was a man.
So many lives, so many worlds.
"Let him go!" Lydia yelled smacking Corey's hand off my shoulder. I turned to look at Corey. He looked shocked, had he seen the images as well?
"Hello Stiles."
I turned to look forward to see Minato. Alive and healthy.
He walked to his desk and sat down. As he poured himself a cup of tea, I began to speak. "Minato how are you alive? We saw Gerard shoot you in the head! What are we going to do? Please tell me this is some mean plane you have!"
"Calm yourself Stiles. Everything will be fine." He blew softly on the cup before taking a sip from it. He looked up at me, his expression somber. "So, I take it I am now dead?"
"Stiles, who are you talking to?" Lydia asked me.
I looked at her, then to Corey. They were both looking at me with concern. I looked back to Minato to see he was now smiling at me. "You can't see Minato can you?"
"No, this is the day you and the others left to view Lydia's ancestors in the park. I have planted this message for you so we could talk...one last time."
"The visions I saw...what were those?" I asked.
"Hmm, well. I must summarize that once more Corey has affected you in a way, no one predicted. Corey does not just turn invisible. He shifts between reality. Just a little. When you touched the watch, you accessed its power and just as he touched you his reality shifting abilities mingled with yours. But the result was you peering into other worlds. As you know our world is but one of an infinite number. From the moment creation began there have been a number of parallel worlds born from each choice made or not made. Normally you would only be able to see the worlds formed from decisions of our timeline. But Corey allowed you to peer into the others. You are lucky you didn't die. Even we have limits."
"So all those were me?"
"Versions of you. Lives you could have lived in worlds far away but closer than you think. Dreams imagined and given form and substance through the will of others."
I remembered Sky talking about alternate worlds. Generally when he starts suing terms like quantum variables and paracasual splinters, I tend to tune him out. Shit like that was way beyond my level. But now I am wishing I had paid more attention.
"Some of those worlds were really...bizarre."
Minato nodded. "Yes, the fandom is very diverse."
"What?"
"Never mind, just breaking the 4th wall. We don't have much time, you have questions."
"Why did you let Gerard kill you?" I asked. "Even without your tails you didn't need to die."
"We must all face death one day Stiles. I chose to die this way because it will have purpose. I am among the rare few who got the power to choose the kind of impact both my life and death would have on the world. My only regret is that you and the others has to witness it."
"What purpose does your death serve?" I asked.
"You will know soon enough. The world is changing Stiles. I wish I could be there to see you through it. But you are not that angry boy I met. You are a man now. I have taught you as best I can, but now it is up to life to continue your training and I am afraid she is a far harsher teacher than I. The world is harsher than when I first found it. May you leave it a better place."
"This can't be how it ends Minato! I refuse! I have the watch, I control the loop! I know this works! I can go back and save you."
"You can not Stiles. I locked my death."
I slammed my fist on the desk. "Damn it, you can't leave us old man!"
He looked at me, his eyes sad but his lips still pulled back into a smile. "You must all continue without me Stiles. I have lived a very long life. It is time for me to bow out and let you young pups run things now. You will live a long life Stiles. You will see many things both glorious and terrible. You will weep with joy and your heart will shatter. That is the fate for those who live a long life like us. But first you must survive Gerard. Goodbye my beloved student. Give my love to everyone and tell them how proud I am. And look out for Sky. People are mistaken about him. It's not that he doesn't care, it's that he cares too much."
Before I could say anything the whole room shook as a massive explosion rocked the building. I braced myself on the desk and Corey caught Lydia before she could hit the floor.
"What the hell was that?" she asked.
"I think Gerard finally got in," Corey said.
"No, that would be Sky," Minato said with a grin. "The time has come. Fare well Stiles. May we meet again in a better life. Training you has been a particular honor as well as a joy."
Minato vanished. I held the watch close to my chest, feeling hot tears starting to fall down my cheeks.
"I will make your proud sensei."
Sky
Theo, Sean and I made our way down to the maximum security area of Eichen where we kept our most dangerous inmates, and our biggest secret. Luckily I had top clearance and was able to bypass many of the locks and doors easily.
"Shouldn't we be back with Scott and the others?" Sean asked uneasily. "He won't be happy we left."
"I don't give a fu-"
Just than Scott's voice exploded over the walkie. "Sky, where the hell are you? Is Theo and Sean with you?"
I grabbed the walkie and spoke to him. "Fuck off McCall, I am doing stuff."
"Sky I swear to God I am not in the mood for your basic bullshit!" Scott growled.
"Says the most basic bitch in this whole building," I shot back, turning the volume off before he could respond.
"You really do love antagonizing him don't you?" Theo asked with a chuckle.
"No, I love staying alive and Scott is willing to die for us but not kill for us. That is the problem."
"But you have no problem killing do you?" Sean asked.
I looked at him. I don't know what he saw reflected in my eyes but whatever he saw made him move further away from me and closer to Theo.
"I would kill all those bastards outside without blinking. Never doubt the lines I will cross or the depths I will sink to. I am not a hero Sean, nor am I a good person. But I am not an evil person. I don't want to rule the world, nor do I wish to use violence to make my dreams a reality. People like Gerard are trash. They think using fear and power are the only ways to get what we want. I am a Seer, my existence is meant to help push people forward. To advance the world to new levels of thinking. People like those Hunters outside degrade humanity, turning them to primitive, ignorant beasts. So as far as I am concerned the world is better off without them."
"What about me? Don't I fall into that category?" Theo asked.
"You were just a dumb brat brainwashed by some H.G Wells rejects. You're a bit better now," I said.
The maximum security wing was the smallest prison area. Built to hold the most dangerous creatures. It had the most mountain ash in the whole wing. When I opened the door a cold mist began to pour out.
"Boys, meet Halwyn," I said.
A figure sat on the floor, covered in volcanic rock. You couldn't tell what he looked like save for the open mouth that seemed to be perpetually screaming in pain.
"Who is he?" Theo asked sounding wary.
"He built the supernatural wing for Eichen when the supernatural were still a secret. He also had the honor of being Eichen's first supernatural resident," I answered.
"So...what is he?" Sean asked.
I smiled. "A Hellhound."
Theo gasped. No doubt he knew all about them due to his time with the Doctors.
"I thought those were a myth," Sean said.
"Their duty was to keep the supernatural safe by ensuring it was kept secret from humans. There were exceptions of course. They only responded to threats that resulted in mass exposure. Since humans have a bad habit of killing first than warping the tale so they are the good guys and all. But when the supernatural communities decided to reveal their existence the Hellhounds no mainly deal with threats to both the two groups. They are rare and very powerful."
"Why is he like that?" Theo asked.
"Apparently he decided to go into hibernation. Something about waiting for a powerful spirit he helped banish to return. Poor guy is out of the loop. Let's give him an update."
I reached into my coat and pulled out a syringe filled with adrenaline. Theo grabbed my wrist. "Are you serious!"
"No, I brought you down here for a laugh," I replied sarcastically.
"How do you know we can trust him?" Theo asked.
"Because his duty is to protect the supernatural, well the supernatural is under threat from humans. He needs to get off his ass and help us out."
"You can't wake him up!"
"Why not!"
"Because you are a ginormous dick and knowing you, you will give him lip, piss him off and he will kill us," Sean responded.
"I remember that when I am making you low-fat synthetic food," I said.
"I heard stories about Hellhounds. Only the Ghost Riders of the Wild Hunt can control them. We can't just let him loose without knowing we can keep him on our side," Theo argued.
"Well since Scott is being a pansy ass about killing, we need someone who isn't such a bitch about shedding blood. Look, I am a high-functioning sociopath, your a power hungry Chimera with illusions of grandeur." I looked over to Sean. "And you are a Wendigo."
"Not by choice," he said moodily.
"Exactly. Your kind are survivors. Unlike the Werewolves you can't learn to master your nature. Hunger always wins out. Because of what you are your kind has faced some of the harshest penalties. Hell, most of the shifters agree your kind is better off dead. It doesn't matter if you are a good guy or a bad guy Sean, the fact is you have to eat raw meat or else you will die. Humans just happen to be your main diet. But as far as the world is concerned that makes you evil, something to be put down or caged."
I pointed to them both. "We're not the good guys. We are the necessary guys. We are the anti-heroes like Wolverine, Deadpool and Punisher who get our hands bloody so the heroes like Scott get to keep their conscience clear and their public image clean. People will judge us for our actions but in truth they are grateful we exist because we are not afraid to cross lines that need to be crossed. When the Hunters show up Scott and the others will pull their punches because they don't want to be killers. But we won't. We know the score. We know that being noble doesn't matter if you're dead. Because the dead are not noble, they're just dead. So we're going to wake up this Hellhound and hope he is willing to help us. Because to be honest I really want to see him light these bastards up."
Sean and Theo exchanged glances, coming to a silent agreement. "Fine, I'm in," Theo said.
Sean agreed as well. I reached into my pocket with my free hand and gave Theo another syringe. "I was going to wait until I was satisfied with your rehabilitation but take this."
"Is this what I think it is?" he asked, his eyes wide as he gazed at the mercury like substance inside.
I grinned. "Took me a while but I cracked the Doctors formula. I examined the bodies of the Chimeras we recovered. All of you had some kind of organ transfer. That was part of how they turned you by using the two sets of DNA in your bodies. But they figured out they needed something deeper."
"Mason, they were going to take him next before the Hunters showed up," Theo said, remembering the Doctors talking about their the human boy. He always wondered why they wanted him. He knew it wasn't just because he was another test subject, they were determined to find him because they were so sure he was the one they were looking for.
I nodded. "Mason is a true genetic chimera, having absorbed his twin in the womb. He has two sets of DNA. When you told us they were going for Mason next I did some research. I knew Mason never received any organs or any grafts. But when I dug a little deeper into his medical files, I figured out why they wanted him."
"They were excited. They believed Mason was going to be a True Chimera. Capable of breeding a new race."
"Yeah well, they obviously didn't care about his orientation," I said. "I made this using samples I took from Mason. I mixed it with some leftovers I had from the rejects."
"Leftovers?" Sean asked.
"Don't ask. Anyway when I added this to the samples, they actually began to merge. If you take this, you will truly become a Chimera. A real Werecoywolf! You will have all the strength and power of both an Omega Werewolf and Werecoyote."
Theo smiled, a familiar hungry look in his eyes. "Well, this day just got a hell of a lot better."
Before he could inject himself I stopped him. "Easy slick. When I mean you would be a true Chimera, I meant it. When I ran some tests on the samples, I found they had adverse reactions to mountain ash and wolfsbane. Right now you are an enhanced human. You mimic the powers of the supernatural but you have fewer weaknesses. But if you take this, you will become a true shifter. Your abilities will be greater than normal, but you will have the same weaknesses all shifters do."
Theo looked at the syringe. No doubt he had been hoping he would keep his immunity to such handicaps. Hard to feel like a superior being when a simple line of ash can trap you.
"Will it work? Or will it be like the bite?" he asked.
"The samples I tested showed promise. But that doesn't mean a rejection couldn't happen. Dying from an Alpha bite is rare. About one out of ten."
"How many samples did you test?"
"Six."
He put the syringe in his pocket. "I think I will save this for a rainy day. No sense fighting Hunters as a true shifter."
"Good idea. I would hate for you to die."
He smiled. "Aww, wouldn't want me to die?"
"No, it took me a long time to make that and I wouldn't want it wasted on a failure."
Before he could respond I turned to face Halwyn. "Alright, lets do this."
I stepped into the room, ignoring the chill that lingered. I don't know what creature could be so terrible that Halwyn was willing to hibernate for. Hellhounds can live a long time. Wherever his had trapped his prey it must be some place very secure. Some place that would take a very long time to escape if possible.
Maybe I can fined out...if we survive.
Luckily the needle was designed to break through the rock. I injected the adrenaline into him and once he began to glow red, I quickly grabbed Theo and Sean. "Move it!"
We ran out into the hall and dropped to the ground as a massive explosion sounded behind us. We stood up, coughing and dusting ourselves off.
"Jesus!" Sean cursed.
"He can't help us...but he can," I said.
Halwyn walked out of his cell. He was naked and covered in soot, his skin was cracked like molten rock and his eyes glowed a fiery orange. He glared at us and Theo and Sean stepped back, getting ready to run in case things went south.
Smart boys.
"Who woke me up?" Halwyn demanded.
I stepped forward. "I did."
"I don't know who you think you are but-"
"Beautiful Sky, Seer of Eichen. You have been asleep for a hundred years and the world has changed. The supernatural world has been exposed for some time now. Eichen is both a prison and a home for those suffering the cruel and unjust laws humans have created. Minato is dead, we are under siege by Hunters. The time has come to wake up and do your duty hound. When it is all over you can go back to your slumber. Until then defend this place."
He was quiet for a moment. "Seers...you're all a pain in the ass. Who's in charge?"
"The True Alpha Scott McCall has assumed leadership here," Theo said.
"Wisdom help us all," I muttered.
"Take me to him."
I turned to face Theo and Sean. "Theo, keep that formula close. I have a feeling you will need it. And Sean...snack time."
Sean smiled, showing off a double row of sharp pointy teeth. "Can't wait, that synthetic stuff you've been feeding me tastes like shit."
"Well fuck you to!"
Corey
"I can't believe you did this without consulting me!" Scott growled at Sky, his eyes flashed red.
Most people would bulk under the glare of an Alpha, but Sky had nerves stronger than steel. Apparently the explosion had been Sky waking up a Hellhound who had been sleeping in the bowls of Eichen.
"We need fire power, he's a Hellhound. Duh."
Scott took a threatening step forward, no doubt fighting the urge to maul Sky. The Seer had an unusual ability to bring out the homicidal tendencies out in even the most gentle and pacifist. I wonder if it is a power all Seer's have or if it is just Sky.
Halwyn was wearing a pair of nurse scrubs. He was a scary guy. Hot. But scary. His hair was brown and cut buzzcut shot. He was stoic and quiet, he had that aura dangerous people have that warns you how volatile they are.
"You can't just do things like this without discussing it!"
"I did, Theo and Sean had their objections but I convinced them this is the best bet."
"He's right Scott. We need all the weapons we can get," Theo said.
"Oh wow, Theo is agreeing with Sky. Psycho's got to stick together right?" Stiles asked.
"Look we have the watch, can't we go back to the loop?" I asked trying to keep everyone on track.
"We managed to close many of the rifts but not all of them," Josh said.
He was looking tired. Using those guns took a lot out of him. He didn't generate electricity, he absorbed it from other sources. But he could only take so much power.
"Can't you close them with the watch?" I asked Stiles.
"Even if it is possible, I have no idea how. If Minato was still here I might try it, but without him guiding me I don't think it is a good idea for me to try."
"For once, we agree," Sky said.
Halwyn stepped forward, looking at Scott. "My duty is to protect the supernatural. The secret is revealed, but I am still duty bound to protect. I will do everything in my power to keep you all safe."
"Thank you. But you need to know we don't-"
"I swear to every none-existent god if you start your 'We don't kill speech.' I am going to stuff you in one of my freezers!" Sky hissed.
Scott turned to glare at him. "We are not monsters Sky. Killing them isn't the answer."
In a flash Sky had his gun pointed at Allison's head. There was a flurry of movement as several people aimed their weapons at Sky.
"Kill me or she dies McCall," Sky said calmly.
"Put your gun down!" Scott snarled.
"Jesus Sky do what he says!" Theo yelled.
"I can put a bullet in her head before a single person pulls the trigger. Then I can shoot and kill fourteen more people. You know what I am capable of Scott. You know I have already formulated a plan. The only option I am giving you is to kill me or watch as your love and a dozen more people die."
"You better make your shot count!" Allison said in a cold tone, staring Sky right in the eye.
"Tell me Allison, do you ever get frustrated?" Sky asked. "You're a smart girl. Strong, clever. Don't you ever get tired of limp dick preaching about peace when there is a war going on?" Sky looked at her, his gaze chilling. "Tell your beloved of the things you have seen. The things you have done. Does he know your hands are slick with innocent blood? That in order to maintain your cover you had to be the huntress your cunt mother and crazy bitch aunt groomed you to be?"
"Shut your damn mouth!" she yelled.
She took a step forward, his gun went off, missing her head by mere inches.
"Fourteen left and I don't even need a gun to take you out little huntress," Sky warned. Sky turned to look at Scott. "I know you know Scott. I know she confesses you her sins. Cries over the things she has done to remain under cover. How she clings to you, her lighthouse in an ocean of blood and pain. I don't much like her, but Allison has something you never will: my respect. Even though a piece of her dies with her victim she is still willing to keep going because she knows the stakes. She knows how bad things are. She knows the ugly truth that sometimes we have to get our hands dirty so others don't. You and your lot want to pretend that you can survive this day without shedding blood fine. I'll be the bad guy. I'll kill every last one of those fuckers and I won't lose a single damn ounce of sleep or feel a single bit of remorse. They hate us. Because we are different. The ancient tribal instinct of humanity that both brings us together and divides us."
"Some of them are just scared kids!" Scott argued.
Sky looked around. "Is this how you all feel?" he asked looking from face to face. "Are you willing to die, after everything you have been through? After all the times you almost died before Minato brought you here? Are you willing to hold back because you think one of those bastards might change their mind? Are you going to watch your friends be cut down on the off chance someone might have a change of heart? Did any of them stop Gerard from killing Minato?"
It was clear not everyone felt the same as Scott. I could see doubt and uncertainty in a lot of faces.
"Why are you doing this?" I asked, drawing his gaze to me. "We shouldn't be fighting! We need to stand together!"
"I refuse to stand with a man who is not willing to kill to protect his charges. I am not some mindless drone willing to obey every order without question. I will protect this place and its people with my life and I will lay low any who dare enter here looking to shed even a drop of our blood. Tell me Scott. What right do you have to lead us when you can't even stomach the thought of killing?"
"Because someone needs to be able to keep us from crossing a line, we can't come back from. Killing changes a person, even when justified. I saw what it did to my own father. What it has done to so many people, I can't end up like that, I won't!"
"Neither will I," Liam said. "If we kill we prove them right. The public won't trust us. Things will only get worse."
"The public is doing shit while we are being hunted," Brett said.
Everyone turned to look at him. He stared back, his eyes hard. "My parents were killed in a fire. My pack was killed by some madman experimenting with viruses designed to kill shifters. There was hardly any coverage on it. The government quickly swept it under the rug because the man who did it was supposedly a member of the CDC gone rogue. Sky is right, we have to start fighting."
"Brett, no!" Mason said taking his hand.
"I lost my family, my pack. I won't lose you or Lori," Brett said kissing Mason's hand. "If I have to live with blue eyes so be it."
"Having blue eyes is a sign you killed an innocent. Something no one out there is," Sky pointed out. Nolan was about to interject when Sky interrupted him. "The second they picked up a gun they stopped being innocent."
"They haven't killed anyone yet," Scott argued.
"And they won't get the chance."
"We fight. But we don't kill."
Sky let out a scream of frustration. Then he strode forward until his gun was pressed against Scott's forehead. "Don't you get it you dumb fuck! I have done the numbers a thousand times over! If we don't defend ourselves we die! End of story! We die, the Chimeras are taken and eviscerated so that fuck, Gerard can draw out his pathetic life! You have got to be the most selfish person I have ever met Scott McCall! If there is a hell I hope you burn there! You got these people brainwashed with your pacifist bullshit! Newsflash Scott. This world doesn't tolerate weakness or soft hearts! If we die it won't make us noble, or special, or just. Dead is dead! And if I have to blow your brains all over this floor than so be it!"
Allison's hand moved in a flash and she had a knife at Sky's throat. "Kill him and I will watch you bleed to death!"
"You good with that knife?" Sky asked calmly.
"Not that I have to be this close but I'm a fucking surgeon with this knife!"
"I'll kill him, then you and show your grandfather your corpse!"
"He won't care I am dead."
"No, but it will make me feel better!"
"Can I speak?" Stiles asked.
"Oh wow, this should be good," Sky said rolling his eyes.
The room was so tense. I didn't have sharp senses but I could smell it in the air. Problem was, I wasn't sure who could be trusted at this point. It hurt to see everyone like this. In the months I have been here we have been like a family. Now we are seriously at each other's throats.
"Sky...you are right."
"Oh that is...wait what?"
"Stiles?" Scott asked with a hint of betrayal.
Stiles sighed. "My grandfather was in the war and it fucked him up bad. My dad was a cop, and he had to use his gun to take a life more than a few times and I could see how much he hated pulling the trigger. So I get where you are coming from Scott. I really do. I don't want to kill. Seriously, I don't. I want to live in a world where I can just be a normal teenager, going to school, practicing lacrosse, going on dates, hanging with you, my best bro and my friends. But that isn't the world I live in. There is a difference between being a murder and being a killer. One takes a life as a necessity the other does it as an indulgence. So if I have to I will kill to keep you safe. Even if it means you will hate me and never want to talk to me again."
"Stiles, I could never hate you!" Scott said.
I smiled at him. Then turned to look at Sky. "Put the gun down Sky. We both know you're not going to kill Scott."
"You a Banshee now?" Sky asked.
"I talked to Minato. When I touched the watch, I saw a vision of him from a while back. He asked me to look out for you. That we are all mistaken, your problem isn't that you don't care. It's that you care too much."
"All I care about is surviving, and learning."
"Yeah. But you care about people too Sky. You hacked the FBI database to help supernaturals you believed were unfairly persecuted. You helped save innocent lives. When they came for you, you destroyed all your data and were going to kill yourself so they couldn't interrogate you. But Minato found you first. When we brought the Chimeras here, you wouldn't sleep for days, trying to find a way to save them. When Nina was dying, you wouldn't leave her side. You gave her morphine, you read her stories, you even had tea parties with her. You knew you couldn't save her, but you did everything you could to make her happy."
I remembered Nina. She had been one of the younger Chimeras. She was a little younger than ten, she had gills and could grow webs between her toes and fingers. She said she wanted to be a Mermaid, like Ariel. She wanted to escape and live in the ocean and make friends with the fish and sing songs.
I knew she had escaped, but I never knew what happened to her afterwards. I mourned her. She was too young to have suffered and died. I felt a sense of gratitude to Sky for showing her kindness to her before she died.
"You made Meredith a special room so she could get some proper sleep without being bothered by the voices she hears. You make Sean his food so he won't go hungry and try and eat us. You found all those files on Satomi for Brett and Lori. You say you do it all in the name of science, but I know you do it because you care about people. But I also know you are afraid to let people get close. I don't know what happened to you to make you like that. But for all your anti-social behavior I think you have a heart like Scott's. A heart that glows like a sun and want to keep us all warm and safe and even though there are times I hate you...I really am glad you are here helping to keep us safe. So I don't think you will shoot Scott, I think all this is you trying to assert your dominance. Trying to become the new Alpha because you have people so convinced you are a sociopath that you would kill him in cold blood and making him appear weak and unreliable to the others. But if you are really as smart as you say you are, you know despite his flaws the world needs people like Scott. Because they help keep people like you and me from becoming another Gerard."
The whole room was silent for a moment. I don't think a single person has ever heard Stiles speak to Sky in such an honest yet heartfelt way. Usually when Stiles spoke about Sky, it was with anger or frustration. But now it was just honest sincerity.
Sky looked at Stiles, then to Scott. Then he lowered his gun. "I fucking hate you so much right now," he said.
I wasn't sure if he was speaking to Scott or Stiles.
"As much as I hate to interrupt this little heart to heart we still need to deal with the Hunters," Halwyn said.
"I think I have an idea. It is mostly stupid and crazy," I said. "What if we talk to them?"
Sky and I walked behind Scott and Allison. I held Sky's hand, keeping him invisible. We headed down the steps of Eichen and for the Hunters. When we passed Minato's body Sky's hand tightened around my hand. He was wearing one of his gauntlets so my bones felt like they developed a dozen micro-fractures.
"Well look who came to join us."
Monroe smiled. It was predatory and her eyes had the warmth of a barracuda's. Something about her had changed. I don't know what had happened to her since last I saw her, but there was something far more terrifying about her. Like the darkness in her had begun to bloom.
Several of the Hunters raised their guns. Gerard walked in front of her, his eyes cold but there was no smile on his face. "Well, if it isn't my wayward granddaughter," he said.
"Believe me, I am no more pleased to be related to you old man," she said defiantly.
"Come out here to surrender?" Gerard asked. "I know you have more sense than the fox did."
Sky made a sound that was something like a growl. Knowing him he already had a hundred ways to dissect Gerard while he was still alive.
"We come to speak. But not to you. To the people you have manipulated using fear and ignorance."
Scott spoke, but it was to the Hunters. "My name is Scott McCall. The people who live here are peaceful, they merely wish to live happy lives. Gerard has lied to all of you. He isn't some man of the people trying to keep you safe from the monsters. He is a monster. He has come here to kill us all and take the remaining Chimeras to use them to cure his cancer."
"Lies!" one of the Hunters yelled. "Gerard has always championed human rights! He would never sully himself by becoming a freak!"
"Oh yes, because enhancing one's physical capabilities is just sooo wrong. Fucking idiots," Sky muttered.
"Gerard would kill every single one of you if it meant he could live even a little longer. If he could get away with it he would become a Werewolf! He has been lying to you all. Many of the shifters he captures do not get sent to prison. They are sent to be studied. Dissected and tortured! I have seen this for myself! I know many of you are scared of the supernatural. They can be terrifying." Allison took Scott's hand. "But they are still human. They still deserve to be loved and cherished just like you and I. I know many of you don't want to hurt them. You just want them to be held accountable for their actions."
"She is trying to mess with your heads, don't let her!" Monroe yelled out. Some of the Hunters looked uneasy. No doubt they agreed with Allison but were too afraid to voice their opinion. Monroe must have sensed this because she turned to address them all. "How many of you have lost a loved one? Do not forget what they are, monsters and killers!"
"You shot Minato without provocation!" Scott yelled.
"I was defending myself from that beast!" Gerard yelled back.
"He was harmless, he came to you unarmed, and you gunned him down!"
"Enough! Surrender now!" Gerard said.
"Leave this place now," Scott snarled, his eyes flashed red.
Before anyone could speak the sound of cars racing down the road could be heard. Everyone turned to see dozens of people driving up to Eichen.
"Is that Parrish?" Allison asked.
A man and a woman got out of one of the deputy vans. I recognized the woman as Haydens sister Valarie. She had come to visit Hayden in the loop a few times.
"Looks like your plan is working Corey," Sky said sounding impressed.
"Gabriel Valet!" a woman yelled out.
"Ma?" Gabe said looking shocked.
A woman stomped ahead of the crowed looking like an angry lioness. She looked at the gathered Hunters with an unimpressed look before her eyes settled on Monroe and her lips pulled back in a vicious snarl.
"You!" she roared. She pointed a finger at Monroe. "You demon! I trusted you with my son! We all trusted you! We thought you could help our children and instead you give them guns and have them hunt monsters!"
"I am trying to help your children!" Monroe said, raising her voice but maintaining her composer.
"By giving minors weapons?" Parrish asked. "Even if they have been deputized Gerard does not have the authority to give minors weapons."
Other parents began to yell to their children to drop their weapons and come home. I was happy to see several Hunters did just that.
"This is government business, none of you have the right to be here!" Gerard roared.
"My son is in there!" A woman yelled being held back by a dark skinned man. "Because of people like you my Liam would have been imprisoned because of his condition!"
"Blame this boy for biting him woman!"
"Scott saved our son!" the man yelled. "We won't let you hurt any of these people."
"Do not let them pass!" Monroe yelled.
The remaining Hunters took aim, all except Gabe. Parrish and a few other deputies drew their weapons, but they were outnumbered and the Hunters had better guns. The crowed hid behind the deputies, some running for their cars. Others pulled out their phones.
"Gabe, at arms!" Monroe yelled.
Gabe looked from her, then to his mother who was now looking less furious and more terrified.
"My mother is over there!"
"She is trying to stop us Gabe. Do your duty, the oath you swore to uphold. 'Hunt those who would hunt us!'"
"They are not trying to hunt us!" Gabe yelled. "They are just a bunch of idiots!"
"Who are trying to stop us from fulfilling our mission. You are not a boy no more, you are a man, keep your mother in her place," Gerard said.
"Baby come over here, get away from those Devils!" Gabe's mom begged, waving her hands pleadingly.
"By the power vested in me by the United States Government, if you people do not leave now we will use lethal force."
"We can't let them do this!" I hissed.
"Easy now, just wait," Sky said.
Gabe raised his gun, pointing it at Gerard. "All of you put your guns now! Or I swear I will-"
BAM
A womans scream filed the air. Gabe stared down at his chest which was slowly darkening from blood. He looked up at Monroe who stared at him coldly.
"Gabe!" his mother yelled.
He fell face first, a pool of blood began to form beneath him.
"Everyone get out of here, Parrish go!" Scott yelled.
Parrish and the others began to evacuate the others. Valarie grabbed Gabe's mom and pulled her away.
"Stop them!" Gerard yelled. He rounded on Monroe, backhanding her across the face. "You fool, they have the whole thing recorded!"
"It's over Gerard. Once these people-"
"Shut up!" Gerard snarled at Scott. "My men will take care of them!"
"Did we mention Parrish is a Hellhound?" Allison asked with a smug smile.
There was a roar and a pillar of fire erupted from behind the pair. Parrish was almost naked, his belt tossed to the side while his body shined with hellish power. The Hunters raised their guns and began to fire at the crowed but they hit some kind of invisible wall and fell harmlessly to the ground in molten puddles.
Monroe and Gerard aimed their guns at Scott and Allison and began to fire. The bullets stopped inches from their faces, just hovering in the air. I pulled us back into the real world. Gerard and Monroe jumped back in shock.
"Surprise motherfuckers!" Sky said gleefully, his gauntlet raised.
"You," Monroe said, her eyes widening in recognition.
"My name is Corey Bryant. And I am not a prize to be fought over!" I yelled. "If you know what is good for you, you will leave now."
"You think you are so special?" Monroe asked with a snarl. "You monsters think you can do as you please because you have powers humans don't. It's not fair!"
"Hi, welcome to life," Sky said in a sarcastically happy pitch. "Where inequality is old as time and you wake up wondering how life is going to fuck you in the ass."
"Who the hell are you?" Monroe asked.
"Beautiful Sky. Seer of Beacon Hills. But you will come to know me by another name."
"And what's that?" she asked sounding unimpressed.
The look he gave her was utterly terrifying. I have seen darkness in the eyes of many people. But what I saw in Sky's gaze chilled me to the bone. Monroe saw it too, her hand tightened on her gun so hard I thought she was going to pull the trigger. Sky was undoubtedly one of the smartest people I would meet in my whole life. Now all that intelligence was focused on the destruction of the two people in front of me. I would gladly go back to my cage in the Dread Doctors lair than be the one who invoked his wrath. Because such a mind could only think of the most hellish punishments to deal to people. Sky already had some flexible morals, I had no doubt mutilation and torture had various shades of gray to him.
"The reckoning," he said.
Gerard fired his gun seven more times, each time the bullet froze.
"Oh no keep firing, not like I am manipulating magnetic fields or anything," Sky said with an eye roll.
I grabbed Scott's hand. My power traveled to him and Allison. Gerard let out an angry roar and began to fire at random but Sky used his gauntlet to protect us.
"I can't believe they shot him!" I said. "I didn't mean for that to happen!"
"You had a good plan. At least we were able to save most of them," Allison said.
"And now it will make killing the rest easier," Sky said. He noticed the look Allison was giving him. "Don't think just because Stiles showed my better side that I am going to be all soft now. They had their chance to run, they didn't do it. The one good thing about Gerard killing Gabe is now we have more evidence."
"What do you mean?" Scott asked.
Once we were inside Eichen and the doors shut I de-cloaked us. Sky tapped his gauntlet, and a light shined from his palm, showing a recording of Gabe's death.
"I sent Marin the video of Minato's death. Killing an unarmed man without provocation and an innocent human boy, Gerard really is fucked now."
"Minato must have planned this...that's why he let himself die!" Scott said.
"He knew we could use this for our cause. This could be what gives us an edge," Sky said with a sad smile. He tapped a few buttons (seriously, how many buttons does a gauntlet need?) "I sent it to Marin."
"Now what?" I asked.
"Parrish will have escorted the civilians back. Gerard will no doubt break out the heavy guns now to get in. He won't leave without the Chimeras and he knows he is about to face persecution himself. I think we all know how dangerous an animal is when backed into a corner."
"So what's the plan?" Scott asked.
Sky smiled. "How about we invite them in?"
"Worst plan ever!" I yelled as we ran.
"You got a better idea!" Sky yelled back.
We had deactivated the buildings defense systems, the Hunters were quick to come in. Right now Sky and I were being chased by a group of them. Among them were the infamous Orphans, Garrett and Violet. Scott and Allison left to regroup with the others and pick the Hunters off one by one.
"Remember, don't kill the Chimera!" Garrett yelled.
"I want the Seer's head!" Violet said with glee.
We ran through one of the containment areas. This section held the more aggressive shifters. While Eichen did offer safety for people like me, not all supernaturals were innocent. Some did need to be put away because they had no respect for life.
The prisoners growled and beat at their cells as we ran past. Sky and I stopped and turned to face the Hunters. They slowly began to advance on us. Violet held a metal wire attached to a device she used to heat it up. Garrett carried a double-bladed javelin.
"Hand over the Chimera!" Garrett ordered. "We only want him, you can go."
"Funny, I heard your woman talking about taking my head," Sky replied.
Once the Hunters were all in the hallway Sky addressed them. "I am offering you all this last chance to leave. Or stay here and die."
"What are you going to do?" Violet asked with a laugh. "You don't have any weapons."
Sky smiled. "My mind is the greatest weapon on this whole planet girl." he waved his gauntlet and a door slid shut in front of us and behind the Hunters trapping them inside. Sky spoke into his palm, his voice resonated inside the room. "To all inmates you should be aware Eichen is now being invaded by Gerard Argent. These are some of his top people, among them is the Orphans, whom have killed some of your acquaintances. When you are finished, please return to your cells. Those still outside will be punished."
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
An alarm began to go off and the cell doors opened. What happened next was a massacre. The Hunters tried to fight, but they were quickly overwhelmed by the prisoners. When it was done the shifters returned to their cells and I couldn't even begin to tell which body part had belonged to who.
I turned to Sky, fighting the urge to throw up. "You said we were going to trap them."
"We did," he replied with a smile. "But the inmates are past their feeding time so I killed two birds with one stone...well a flock of birds but you get the idea."
He opened the door and strolled in. I watched as he picked up Violet's wire. "Nice. Sneaky and deadly." he pocketed the wire and began to look through the remains, going through wallets and taking money.
"The hell are you doing?"
"Spoils of war. As the victors we have the right to take what belonged to our enemies." he grabbed garrets javelin and tossed it to me. "Just remember Corey, that is what you and Tracy and Theo are. Spoils of war. And this-he waved to the remains-is the rest of us."
Just then Stiles voice sounded from the walkie at my waist.
"Corey, Sky are you there?" Stiles asked.
"I'm here Stiles," I said speaking into the walkie.
"Halwyn and his group have captured some of the Hunters. They were quick to surrender when they saw him toast one that tried to shoot him in the head. How are you guys doing with the Orphans?"
"We're...good," I said.
"They're dead aren't they?"
"I am going to need some serious therapy after this," I said.
"Knowing Sky it was terrible," Stiles muttered.
"He knows me so well. Oh look, someone just got widowed!"
I turned my head when he picked up a finger and removed the golden ring from it.
"Ask him if he knows where Gerard and Monroe are," Sky said.
I relayed his question to Stiles.
"No one has sights on them. Be careful. If Gerard finds you he will-"
"I know Stiles...everything will be fine. I love you."
"I love you too. Be safe."
I was quiet for a moment. I turned to Sky and before I could even speak he was smiling at me.
"Glad we are on the same page now. I thought I was going to have to make the pitch myself."
"What do you mean?"
"We are both thinking of using you as bait for Gerard. All he cares about is surviving. He gets you or Theo or Tracy then he will take off. Probably has some scientist on his side to slice you up. The idea popped into your head when you were talking to Stiles. I saw the way your face changed and knew you had the thought. I have been thinking the same thing for some time now."
"If we kill Gerard will this all be over?" I asked.
"We'd have to kill Monroe to. She is his lieutenant and recruited many of his people. Even if we kill him they will follow her and I doubt she will be willing to spare you."
"We need to find them first," I said.
"There are cameras all over this place. If they have not been seen here than there is only one place they can be."
"The Loop!" I said.
"It doesn't have the same kind of security we have here. It would be easier for them to sneak around there. So-"
"Attention people of Eichen!" Gerard's voice spoke through Sky's gauntlet. "My name is Gerard Argent. I have captured Stiles Stilinski. Surrender the Chimera's to me or the next bullet goes through his head!"
Sky sighed. "Of course, it had to be Stiles. Well we need to make this quick. By my calculations we only have twenty minutes before the loop end and if we are still in the loop then...well we will find out if there is an afterlife for those erased in a collapsing loop."
Stiles
The room was deathly silent.
Gerard stared into my eyes as he held the gun to my head. I had opened the door to Sky's lab to find a rift to go get Corey. When Scott told us Corey had gone off with Sky I panicked. I hated the idea of him running around with Gerard and Monroe somewhere in Eichen.
After I spoke with him I had opened the door, intent to find Corey and bring him into the past to keep him safe. Only to find Gerard and a bunch of his lackeys waiting.
Everyone had their hands up, they were all lined up against a wall.
"I have heard stories about Kitsune who could alter time. Truth be told I believed it. Seemed too far fetched that you creatures could do something so...godlike."
"More proof it the inequality between us and you creatures," Monroe said, holding her gun to Lydia's head.
"Kind of ironic isn't it?" Lydia asked. "A black woman talking about inequality while she has a gun pointed to a girls head."
"I will blow your brains all over this floor and feel happy knowing another freak is gone from this world!"
"Said every bigot in history," Lydia replied with a roll of her eyes.
"Lydia!" I warned.
"Listen to your friend girl. Enough blood has been shed today."
"I am a Banshee. I know when death is coming. And it's coming, I can feel its breath on my neck."
I hoped she wasn't talking about us. The reset is upon us, the watch is in my pocket but if I try and grab it Gerard will pop me and everyone will die. If I can get it then I can stop time in the loop and disarm them all.
Just then a glass cylinders by the wall began to glow. There was a flash of light and the door to the cylinder opened. Steam bellowed out and Corey and Sky walked out. "See, I leave the lab for not even thirty minutes and you assholes let the Hunters in," Sky said.
"Stiles did it!" Mason said.
"Of course he did. He's the only one dumb enough not to check the security cameras before he opened the door." I was about to argue but he raised his brow at me. "Did you check the cameras?"
"No," I muttered.
He sighed. "You are so lucky I have a personal rift generator I use to travel back and forth from my labs."
He pushed Corey forward. I realized then that he had a gun pointed to Corey's back. "What the hell?"
"Survival. We give Gerard one Chimera and he can piss off. Since I sent the video of him killing Minato and the video of his lackey killing the kid is now all over the internet Gerard is going to need to go on the run. He won't have time to stay here and finish us. Isn't that right old man."
"Quick to the point as your kind always is," Gerard answered with narrowed eyes.
"Well lets skip the foreplay. Leave now with Corey and take your gun-toting retards with you or I will blow a hole in his head."
"There are still two more Chimeras."
"Back in the future, perhaps dead or dying thanks to the efforts of your men. Also I put a chip in their brains so one word and BOOM! Then not only is your carrier ruined but you get to spend what little life you have left in a cell."
"Sky use the gas!" I yelled.
"What gas?" Monroe asked.
"Sky has this place rigged. It's strong enough to knock humans out but-"
"Stiles...he replaced it with nerve gas," Danny said.
"What?" I looked at Sky. "What nerve gas?"
"The nerve gas I replaced the sleeping gas with. Strong enough to kill a whole pack of Werewolves. I could activate it but then we would all die."
"Why in the fuck would you replace sleeping gas with nerve gas!" I yelled.
"Hey man, I have a right to defend my turf. Some asshole comes into my room to mess with my shit isn't getting a nap, they're synapses are getting wrecked!"
"You fucking idiot! We could have knocked them out!"
"Don't call me an idiot you fucking-"
"Enough!" Gerard roared. "Give me the boy now!"
"It's okay Stiles...it's what I want,"Corey said.
"You're a brave boy, not anything like your records indicate," Gerard said.
Corey glared at him. "I'm brave enough to protect the ones I love. I never had anything worth risking my life. All I had was myself. I thought becoming a Chimera was the worst thing to happen to me. But it brought me here and I found a family."
"How touching. Now come here and we'll leave."
"No," Corey said.
"Excuse me?"
"I said no. I am not going with you. See this loop is about to close really soon. Stiles has a watch which can reset it. We're going to leave you here while the rest of us get away."
"And how do you intend to do that boy?"
Corey smiled. "We didn't come alone."
Sky and Corey ducked. Allison stood behind them deep in the capsule. She had her bow up and aimed at Gerard. She smiled and let the arrow fly. It hit him right in the chest. Then Scott appeared, wearing the vest Sky had been working on to mimic Corey's power. He bit Gerard on the arm and the old man yelled in pain.
Monroe aimed her gun at Scott but before she could shoot Lydia pulled her hands back and screamed, sending her flying back. The other Hunters began to panic, Sky raised his gauntlet and their guns flew together into a magnetized heap.
Gerard pulled the arrow out of his chest, black goo was leaking from his eyes, nose and mouth. "What is this?" he demanded, looking at the syringe on the arrow.
"Mountain ash mixed with the bite of an Alpha. Not a good combination," Sky said with a grin.
"It's over Gerard," Scott said.
Gerard smiled. "Your right Scott. It is. But if I am going down...I am taking you all with me!"
He pulled grenade from his belt. Before we could stop him he pulled the pin, letting it drop to the floor. He wasn't the only one. All the other Hunters did the same thing. Monroe tried to but Lydia began to wrestle with her.
I don't remember what happened next. There was screaming...then...I...I.
I remember a flash of light, than I found myself on the floor of the lab. There was a fire, the lav was ruined, sparks flew from computers and there was a ringing in my ears.
Scott appeared over me, looking terrified. I didn't recognize him at first. He had been pretty close to the blast. I was glad he was alive.
He was trying to say something, but Sky appeared next to him, looking unharmed.
"Lets go!" I heard him scream.
The whole room was shaking, people were running through the rift in the capsule which was flickering, growing smaller and smaller.
"The loop is ending, we're too late!" Sky yelled.
"Watch...I...watch," I moaned.
Scott reached into my pocket and pulled it out. It was broke. Maybe not beyond repair but there was no time. Light was filling the lab, as if someone had turned bleach into a luminous energy that could was away the world. Everything it touched just...vanished. It made me woozy to look at it, bit that could have been the concussion I was sure I had.
I could see others beyond the rift. Yelling for us to hurry up, the light was getting closer, it was bleeding out of the walls and ceiling now. It kind of reminded me of the scene from the Page Master when the painting on the ceiling in the library began to bleed. Only it wasn't colors pouring down, it was nothingness.
Scott walked through first, pulling me through just before the rift began to shrink. Sky was still on the other side. Everyone was screaming his name, just before the rift closed he jumped through. The rift shined like a star, growing smaller and smaller until it was gone.
"It's gone," I said.
Sky's lab was packed with people. I saw Monroe being on the floor, unmoving. Tracy stood over her, her claws dripping with venom.
"What happened?" I asked.
"We got hit pretty hard. Lydia managed to stop Monroe. She got banged up but she will live," Scott said looking better now.
I was feeling stronger and more aware now. My healing was kicking in.
"What about the others?"
"We're fine," Danny said. Josh was hugging him from behind, his face buried in his neck. "Meredith saved us. She used her power to create a dome around us."
"I didn't know she could do that," I said.
"It took a lot out of her," Sky said.
I followed his gaze to see Meredith. She was covering her ears and was shaking her head, Lydia was with her. So was Halwyn. He was speaking to her too quietly for me to hear, but he seemed to have a calming effect on her.
"Where is Corey?" I asked sitting up.
"Sky, come quick!" Liam yelled.
Sky ran over to Liam. He was kneeling on the ground with Mason, Brett, Theo and Hayden. They were staring down at Corey's broken and bloody body.
"Corey!" I yelled running over.
"Quick, get him on the table!" Sky yelled.
Sky's lab in the present was a lot more advanced than the one in the loop had been. A holographic image of Corey's body appeared.
"He's taken too much damage," Sky said.
"What if we took his pain?" Liam asked.
"His healing is good but it's not strong enough. The damage is too extensive," Sky said.
"No, no, no! Why is he hurt?" I asked. "You were right next to him!"
"I had a personal shield that activated. Only designed for me!" Sky yelled.
"No, this can't be happening! Come on Corey!" I yelled.
"Don't you have something here to help him?" Allison asked.
"He doesn't, but I do," Theo said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a syringe.
"The hell is that?" I asked.
"A serum I made to make Theo into a true Chimera. In theory it would make any Chimera into a true and proper supernatural being with all the powers but also the weaknesses," Sky said.
"And you gave it to Theo?" I asked.
"Only had one and he is a better fighter," Sky replied.
"Can it save him?" Scott asked.
"I still haven't figured out what his bits and pieces are. It could save him but we don't know what powers it would give him," Sky replied.
"It's your call Stiles. You are closer to him than anyone else," Theo said.
"Do it," I said.
Theo put the syringe in Corey's neck. Once he emptied the whole thing in him we waited. Than Corey's eyes flew open and he let out a deep gasp. His eyes were a solid mercury color and his body began to shine with a green light. When it died down he was healed and his eyes were back to normal.
We helped him sit up, the hologram showed he was completely healed.
"What happened?" Corey asked.
"We survived," I said kissing him on the lips. "Oh and your a new kind of shifter now."
"Oh...will there be any side-effects?" he asked.
A fly began to buzz past us. Corey's head cocked to the side, his eyes narrowed on it and he opened his mouth and his tongue shot out and caught it. He munched on it and swallowed.
"Huh, guess I was wrong. He is part chameleon after all," Sky said.
Three Years Later
"Smile," Hayden said taking a picture of Corey and I.
We both smiled as she took her picture. "Thanks guys!" she said.
It was a nice sunny day. Perfect for the reopening of Eichen House. No longer was it a prison or a mental health facility. It would go back to its roots as hospital that specialized in supernatural ailments.
There were people and reporters both inside and outside. We had tour guides showing what Eichen had to offer. The staff was a mix of humans and shifters. The AUL was our proud sponsor, people wore shirts with the AUL log of a human hand touching fingers with another hand covered in fur with a long claw.
Things were finally changing. Nothing too major, but I believe things would slowly get there. Minato's and Gabe's death were all over the internet. Allison and her dad were able to spill all his dirty little secrets to the public. He had his fingers in a lot of dirty government programs and it was the ammo we needed to sway more people to our side.
Monroe and the remaining Hunters were arrested and were serving a life sentences. A small comfort for Gabe's family. Nolan testified to how Monroe manipulated the students and armed them, trained them. Told them how to hunt shifters and the best way to kill them. He worked with Gabe's mom, together they helped keep kids informed on the facts versus the fictions of shifters. Nolan shared his experience, how he fell to peer pressure and encouraged people to report any illegal hunting activities.
Halwyn was still around. He decided to stay awake and help out with the world. He has been working with Parrish, teaching him the tricks to being a Hellhound. He was also taking care of Meredith. Hellhounds are very protective of Banshee's. They were not lovers, despite how the media tried to portray them. He was able to use their connection to help keep her focused. Meredith was never going to recover, but Halwyn was going to make sure the rest of her life was spent as comfortable as he could.
Liam went back to live with his family. New laws have been passed to allow more rights to supernaturals with mental issues. Liam would have to be more careful than other Werewolves-the laws hadn't changed that much for the better. But at least he didn't have to worry about being caged.
Scott was pardoned, but he was not allowed to bite any more people, even if it was to save their lives. Laws were still broken and examples still had to be made. It wasn't fair. But some times you have to take what you can get and no one wanted to cause a fuss. Bot when we are on the right track.
Theo was on parole. Being raised by the Dread Doctors got him some leeway, and he told the FED's all kinds of secrets. The Doctors were still on the run but Theo's info might be the end of them. He lived with Liam and his parents. Liam still felt like he was responsible for Theo, btu the truth was he developed a begrudging affection for him. Theo had made some surprising progress and had even formed some true friendships with Liam and his gang. When he wasn't at Eichen he was hanging out with them in town.
Danny and Josh were still together. They both worked here as well and were engaged. Danny was the technician and Josh was an orderly.
Scott and Allison were still together. Allison was working hard to try and clean the Argent name and repair the damage her grandfather has done.
It had taken time but we had found our place back in society. Each of us enjoyed a certain level of popularity for our roles in the downfall of Gerard Argent.
I had gone to Japan to get Minato's watch fixed. Found a time Kitsune who had known him and she helped me fix the watch. I could use it to make loops and do anything Minato was able to do. Minato was a legend among the Kitsune now. They honor him every year on the anniversary of his death. I had taken his remains back to Japan to be buried. It had been a very emotional journey for me. To say one last good bye.
Corey was part Chameleon and part Ghost Rider. Learning to control his new abilities took a lot of time and practice. Ghost Riders are very powerful beings it made intimacy between us...tricky. But we were making things work. We were both working with the AUL to do missions to help shifters. The laws had loosened up a little but there were still people that needed help.
Corey and I found seat with the others. Sky was about to give his speech to the gathered crowed. He was the head of Eichen now. He should be buried in some prison cell, doomed to never see the light of day for all the federal laws. He had been arrested when the authorities arrive to take the Hunters. But somehow all the date on him had been lost and all the evidence had vanished. Forcing the FED's to let him go.
Apparently his Seer friends from the Logos had been impressed with his work and decided to help him out. Now he was taking Minato's place. To be honest, I think Minato always planned for Sky to take over. I also know he saw this day coming and know he was proud of Sky.
He walked onto the stage and we all applauded. He waved his hand and we quieted down. "Thank you all for coming. Today marks the first step in a thousand-mile journey. My father is one of the Hopi and my mother was a black woman, so growing up I faced a lot of discrimination. Not just from white people but from other people of color. My cousins on my moms side of the family would call me Squanto and always scream Geronimo when we were playing. My dads side of the family could be just as bad. I heard more fried-chicken jokes than I thought was possible. But it was my nature as a Seer that caused me the most trouble. By the time I was a year old I could recite the ABC's and by the time I was five I was reading advanced algebra books.
"When I was seven our family dog died of cancer and we buried him in the back yard. When no one was watching I dug Buster up and dissected him. Needless to say I was caught. My family was horrified, they thought I was performing some macabre experiments but in truth I wanted to learn how to cure cancer...so I wouldn't loose another loved one to it. My intelligence should have brought my family pride and distinction. Instead it brought them shame and alienation. No one wanted to believe a little half-breed boy could be so smarter than most adults. I tried to explain myself. I tried to gather facts to prove that I wasn't a trouble maker, that I wasn't a little sociopath, that my mixed heritage didn't define me or my siblings as something lesser. But no one wanted to listen. I admit, now that I think about it I should have maybe not tried so hard. But I even as a child I was hardheaded and stubborn and I thought if I tried harder maybe I could prove my worth. That people would accept me...love me even.
"When I was eight my family sent me to a school that specialized in gifted students. I guess someone took notice of my achievements and offered my parents to pay for my education. So they sent me away. Problem was the school didn't have much in the way of color. Most of the kids there were nothing special, just had really rich parents who wanted the beautiful lie that their kids were super smart. Problem is, money can't buy intelligence. I ran away and went back to my families home to find it deserted. Everything was gone, save for a box with all the gadgets and inventions I had made. I realized my family had left me at the school and left everything I had made so they could...so they wouldn't have anything to remind them of me."
"Did you know?" Corey asked me.
I shook my head. I knew some details of Sky's past. But not this.
"I still remember that feeling of horror and realization. That empty feeling that I felt for many years began in that house. And its not just me. Lots of people have had a harder life than I had. I can't blame everything on my family or the people who belittled me or put me down. I have to take responsibility for my actions. Running Eichen is my way of taking responsibility. By helping people who like me have face bigotry, prejudice, ignorance and even hatred simply because people find it easier to believe stereotypes instead of educating themselves on fact from fiction. Yes, shifters can be dangerous but open a history book and you can see humans are just as deadly. Nature provides us with the tools but we chose how to use them. There will always be people who commit evil in the name of good. But if we are to call ourselves human we must stand against them and hold them accountable for their actions But we must fight them together. All of us. Because this isn't just about race, gender, sex or species. This is about our very soul and our continued right to call us human and if we can keep going then we can make this world better...perfect? No. But that doesn't mean we can't share it together."
We all applauded, standing up to cheer for him.
A little while later we were all talking to Sky.
"That was a beautiful speech man," Scott said.
"Yeah, I figured a little childhood trauma and some emo bullshit would get those bleeding hearts pumping," Sky said with his usual cynical tone.
"Really?" I asked.
"Hey keeping this place running is going to be a bitch. Not even open to the public yet and I have had the feds breathing down my neck. Bastards still bitter I slipped through their grasp. So if I got to suck the public's collective dick to milk some sympathy than so be it. I can't save everyone. But I can still try...and if I have to kill some people so be it."
"I feel like some progress has been made," Corey said.
"More than you think," I said.
"Sky, we have a problem," Josh said.
"Don't tell me, protesters?" Sky asked.
"It's getting bad."
"Fuck. Alright."
We followed Sky to the front gates. They had been shut, keeping the mob of people out. They held signs that said things like 'Shifters go home!' 'Gerard ward a hero!' and some even had effigies of Werewolves on a noose.
"Excuse me but unless you are here for open day I must request you leave," Sky said.
"We don't want you freaks here!" one man said.
"You are all monsters!" a woman yelled.
"You should all be dead!"
"You killed an American hero!"
They began to yell and scream and say things I will not repeat. I could feel my anger rising and had to fight the urge to use Minato's pocket to turn them all to dust.
"I repeat, please leave at once or-"
One of the men at the front of the gate spat through the bars. Hitting Sky on the face. "Go back to the jungle with the rest of the monkeys!"
"Oh fuck you!" I yelled.
We all moved forward. But sky held out his arms. His lips pulled back in a familiar-terrifying-smile.
"Thank you," he told the man.
"For what?"
"For giving me an excuse." Sky brought his fingers to his mouth and let out a high-pitched whistle. "Oh Precious!"
At first, nothing happened. Then the ground began to shake. Something came crashing through the woods, knocking down trees. Then, like a nightmare it emerged from the forests.
A real life T-Rex with a bright pink bow on it's head.
"Oh you have got to be fucking kidding me!" Scott yelled.
"SKY!" I yelled.
"Minato said I couldn't make a T-Rex...but Minato is dead," Sky replied with an evil cackle.
The creature (Precious) let out a thunderous roar and began to chase after the mob. They all ran as fast as they could for their cars, taking off as fast as they could.
"Sky call her off now!" Scott growled.
"Relax, she is just scaring them off. I didn't give the order to kill. Oh precious!"
She came walking over, each step made the earth shake. She leaned her head over the wall and Sky began to pet her snout and kiss her nose. "Who is a pretty little princess? Yes you are."
"Sky...whyyy?" I asked.
"Well we need someone to patrol the grounds and keep the bigots away."
"How can you afford to feed her?" Corey asked.
"I feed her the same synthetic meat I made for the Wendigo's."
Sky had perfected making synthetic meat for Wendigo's and other shifters with special nutritional needs. It gave them a chance to finally take their place in society.
"Who wants to pet her?" Sky asked. "Come on guys. I know you want to."
In sighed. "Sky, you are a total low-key sociopath. But you are our low-key sociopath."
After we pet Precious we went back to entertain the guests. People asked what the roaring sound was and Sky lied and said it was the new alarm system. How he is going to keep Precious a secret from the media I don't know.
My thoughts eventually fell back to the alternate me's I saw. So many versions of myself. So many possibilities. So many stories. I would like to know more about my other selves, how they found their loves, how their stories end.
But their stories are theirs as mine is my own. Minato sacrificed himself to give me this world that is slowly crawling into something better. I won't dishonor him buy wasting my time on lives I could have had.
This life is perfect, just for me.
Fusedtwilight: Last chapter dealt with abuse and this one deals with discrimination. Both subjects are issues which we struggle to tackle as both a culture and as a people. You have to think, if supernatural beings are real they would be wise to stay hidden. Look at the chaos that happened at the end of season 6B. Granted the Anuk-Ite and Gerard stirred the pot but still.
This chapter also allowed us to check and see how Stiles from other chapters are doing and what to expect from future chapters because we only have three more to go! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
- 9
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- 11
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Fox In The Hills