Broken Bonds
The screams of the ones it killed, the begging of its victims are all I can hear. Red staining my hands and every surface is all I can see. The metallic tang of blood is all I can smell. Pure evil radiating through me is all I can feel. It has been this way since the nogitsune took over.
Scott was standing in front of me with Allison at his side. They hadn’t realized it wasn’t me yet. My lips weren’t my own as he pushed them into a smirk. Alli frowned and stepped closer to Scotty while lightning flashed in the background causing the lights to flicker. “Are you going to kill me again Stiles?” she asked, reaching out to hold his arm.
The nogitsune smiled, showing my teeth. With a delighted laugh, he said, “Of course sweet Allison how else would I cause pain.” He kept laughing while a sword appeared in hands that weren’t mine anymore.
In one quick move, the sword was through Alli’s stomach. The metal glinted when the nogitsune twisted it. Lightning flashed once again causing the lights to go out completely. Allison gurgled on the blood filling her mouth and spilling down her chin.
We pulled the weapon out of her gut and she collapsed into the metal tables behind her. Scott went to catch her but before he could she disappeared. Thunder crashed and a manic sound slipped past our lips. It was just us and Scott in the veterinarian’s clinic now.
The sword disappeared but claws soon replaced it. We shoved our fist into Scotty's chest as soon as he stood. We could feel the warmth of his blood coating our arm, the hardness of his ribs as they cracked, and the beat of his heart as our hand wrapped around it. Slowly our fist closed tighter puncturing his heart with the claws that had grown.
We ripped his heart out with one swift yank. Scotty fell to his knees with wide eyes. His mouth was open in a silent scream. Lightning struck and thunder clapped in the background.
I woke up drenched in sweat and shaking from the nightmare. I was pleasantly surprised I hadn’t ended up screaming myself awake this time. Tonight was one of the easiest nightmares I’d had in days.
I reached for my phone to check the time. I sat it back down when I saw that it was 3:15 in the morning and that Scott still hadn’t opened any of my messages. I hadn’t talked to any of my pack besides Derek and Peter since the day after we defeated the nogitsune which was all still a blur in my head.
I knew I wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep, so I sat up in bed pulling my blanket with me to keep out the perpetual cold, and grabbed a book off my nightstand after turning on my light. It was the book about pack dynamics that Peter had left for me. I frowned as I picked up reading where I had left off the night before.
Around 6:00 in the morning I decided to go take a shower since I had to leave for school soon anyway. I crawled out of my blanket to be greeted by the cold morning air that had seeped in through my open window and got trapped by my closed door. I shivered and started tapping my fingers one at a time against my thigh counting them in my head as I did so. I had left the window open like I do every night in case the pack needs me but no one other than Derek used it.
After my shower, I went to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. Dad was already up and sitting at the table with his cup and the newspaper when I walked in. “Morning son,” he sat the newspaper down and looked at me raising an eyebrow like one of the Hales, “how did you sleep?”
I shrugged in response not wanting to worry him by telling him that I was still having nightmares frequently. He frowned at me but took a drink from his mug instead of saying anything about it.
After that, I left for school. I made sure to arrive early to meet with the pack as we used to but none of the others were there. I wandered around and finally found them in the library standing between the shelves talking quietly. I put on my best fake smile and said, “Hey guys.” Everyone froze and all of their expressions turned to stone.
“Hello Stiles,” Scott greeted in monotone. His once warm, friendly dark brown eyes had turned cold. He moved to stand in front of Lydia and Malia with Kira at his side.
I started silently counting my fingers against my thigh again. My smile fell slightly but I tried my best to keep it there as I asked, “So what is everyone talking about?”
Lydia smiled sickly sweetly from her place on Scotty’s right when she answered, “I’d tell you but we all think it would be for the best if you stayed out of the supernatural business for a while. Ya know since you’re still weak and recovering.” Malia was growling lowly and I saw her eyes flash blue from where she was standing a little farther back than Lydia and to Scott’s left. Kira was frowning but rather than say anything she placed her hand on Scott’s shoulder when he moved a little bit in front of her in a protective manner.
I dropped my fake smile and turned to leave for class. “Okay, then I guess I’ll just see you guys at lunch.”
I took my usual seat next to the window in Mrs.Smith’s class. English was always one of my best subjects. I looked out the window getting lost in the beautiful yellow-orange of the sunrise.
Danny drew my attention away from the window when he walked over. The light reflected in his eyes turning them red for a second before his body blocked the pretty light and cast a shadow over me. I felt a moment of panic before he said cheerfully, “Hey Stiles! I’m really glad you’re back and well.”
“Hey Danny, I’m really glad to be back. I’m super behind though,” I told him while discreetly counting the fingers on one hand under the desk. When I counted five I took a deep breath and calmed just a little bit.
Not noticing he continued, “I could come over after school and help you get caught up if you want. No tracing any text this time though.” I nodded in agreement just as the teacher walked in. He hurried to his seat letting the light return and easing more of my anxiety.
Halfway through the day the bell rang signaling it was lunchtime. I slowly made my way to the lunchroom avoiding people as much as possible in the overly crowded hallway. I went through the line and grabbed a tray of the disgusting food that the school tried to pass off as healthy. I looked around for the pack but I couldn’t find them so I sat down at the empty table we used to sit at. Everyone in the cafeteria was loud and it was overwhelming. I started counting my fingers again to keep the embarrassment and panic at bay.
Danny soon joined me with a sad smile. “They started sitting outside while you were gone most likely for privacy.” I frowned as I nodded at him.
“Thanks for telling me, Danny. They’ve all been a bit preoccupied; it's no wonder they forgot to mention it.” I pushed the shitty school food around my tray. Danny nodded with that same sad smile.
We sat in silence for a while focusing on our food. Just before lunch ended I asked, “Do you maybe want to come over to study tomorrow after school?”
He looked up at me in surprise and said, “I’d love to Stiles.” I nodded as I stood up with my tray.
“Cool thanks, Danny.” He smiled brightly and stood up too.
After school, I went to the station to see Dad. Everyone greeted me as soon as I walked through the door. “Hey Stiles,” they all said.
“Hey everyone. Do you guys know where my dad is?” I asked in return.
Parrish nodded coming from his desk, “Come on I’ll take you to him.”
I followed him to Dad's office. “Thank you, Officer Parrish.”
“Please just call me Jordan,” he said.
I replied, “Alright then, thank you Jordan.” He smiled and I went into Dad's office making sure to shut the door behind me.
Dad was doing paperwork no doubt related to the nogitsune when I walked in. He looked up when he heard me. “Hey, son.”
I sat down in the old worn brown chair in front of Dad's cluttered desk. “Hey, Pops.”
After our short exchange of words, we sat quietly and did our work. Dad would occasionally look at me and let out a worried sigh but he never said anything so neither did I.
On my way out of dad's office, I noticed Jordan at his desk. I waved at him as I said, “Bye Jordan.”
He waved back with a small smile. “Bye Stiles.”
That night instead of sleeping I stayed up and finished reading the book. It provided a much-needed distraction. However, every so often my mind would wander back to the pack and their actions throughout the day. They all sat together and avoided me even in class. They would share hushed whispers and then go silent when I tried to talk to them. I guess there must already be a new supernatural threat and they’re trying to give me some time to recover after the nogitsune.
The next morning was much the same as the first. Dad was sitting at the kitchen table with the newspaper and a cup of coffee when I came in after my shower. “Morning son,” he said.
“Morning daddio,” I responded and poured some coffee for myself adding cream and sugar, unlike dad who drank his black.
He watched me for a moment before letting out a tired sigh. “Look, son, I know you’re still having nightmares,” I opened my mouth to interrupt but he held up a finger, “no let me finish. That’s perfectly fine. It’s normal even. However, I’m worried about you because they honestly seem to just be getting worse. I think you need to talk to someone and you clearly don’t want to talk to me which is also fine but please Stiles talk to someone.”
I nodded when he finished. “Alright, dad I’ll talk to someone. Actually, Danny is coming over later today so we can study.”
He smiled for the first time in days. He was practically beaming, his smile was so bright. “Thank you, son. That sounds like a great idea,” he said.
I tried to smile back but I’m sure it looked more like a grimace. I pointed to the door and said, “Alright dad I’ve got to get going.” He nodded and went back to his newspaper while I grabbed the keys to Roscoe.
I didn’t try to find the pack like I did the day before instead, I went to find coach Finstock. He was in his messy office when I finally found him. Seeing him sitting behind his desk that had papers strewn all over it made a swell of panic start in my chest so I started counting my fingers and closed his office door behind me. “Hey, Coach look, I think I need to take a break from the team for a while,” I told him.
He looked at me like I had cursed his mother. “Why the hell would you need to do that, Stilinski?” he asked.
I shrugged casually but answered anyway. “Um after everything that has happened I’ve been having some problems and I think it would be better for myself and the team if I took a break for a while.”
He just stared at me with his mouth open. I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze and started counting my fingers faster hoping to keep the panic at bay. However, it wasn’t working so I took another look around. Behind Coach, there was a chalkboard that had lacrosse plays drawn on it. To the left, there was a small filing cabinet and a shelf that had books on it. To the right, a larger cabinet and multiple boxes were holding multiple random objects as well as papers and files.
Coach sighs, “Look Stilinski I’d love to argue about how the team needs you and you can’t quit but I don’t have time for that right now and you look seconds away from passing out in my office so let's compromise. How about you do better in my class and come once a week to practice where all you have to do is hang out with the team and I’ll let you quit otherwise get the hell out of my office.”
I nodded fast and started backing up towards the door. “That sounds perfect Coach, thank you,” I said. He nodded back and waved a hand signaling me to leave.
I talked to Danny before Mrs. Smith's class after leaving Coach’s office and told him what had happened. He seemed surprised and kinda sad until I told him about the Coach's request to come to practice once a week then he brightened again. “Hey, that's a great idea and we could always sit with the rest of the team during lunch,” he said smiling. I nodded my agreement just as the teacher walked in.
The bell that signaled lunch sounded shriller than usual and for a moment I thought I saw bright yellow hair falling in waves over leather-clad shoulders but I blinked and she was gone. Looks like the exhaustion was starting to get to me I thought as I sighed and made my way to the lunchroom counting my fingers carefully.
After going through the line I waited a moment looking for Danny. He was sitting with the team right beside the pack who were whispering. I frowned but started making my way towards Danny because I knew I wouldn’t be welcome to sit with the pack today.
Just as I had made it between the two tables I heard growling and looked toward the pack frowning in confusion. “Don’t even think about sitting here Stilinski. We’re discussing grown-up business and-” Lydia started but Danny thankfully cut her off by slinging an arm over my shoulder causing me to stiffen and start counting my fingers before forcing myself to relax.
“Hey, Stiles! Come on man I saved you a seat right beside me. Everyone wanted you to sit by them but I told them you were my bestie now so you had to sit by me,” he said loudly and overly cheerfully. I tried smiling at him but it turned into a grimace when I noticed everyone was watching now.
“I noticed when I was looking for the table,” I turned from the pack, “I was actually just about to come to sit but I thought I heard something.” We started making our way to the end of the team’s table closest to the doors of the cafeteria and I asked, “Do you think I should tell the guys about my conversation with Coach?”
Before we could sit Lydia scoffed. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing Stilinski? You already took Allison from us now what you’re trying to take Danny and the entire lacrosse team? Well, news flash Stiles you’re only 147 pounds of pale skin and fragile bone you have nothing to offer them, and when they realize that they’ll leave you behind just like we did.”
Danny pulled me down next to him and the entire team had turned to face the pack now. One of the guys who was newer said, “Well I don’t see how that could ever happen. Only a true Bitch would be friends with someone for what they could give them.”
Another one of the guys who was taller than the first and had brown hair instead of blond said, “Exactly. Sure Stilinski can be annoying and isn’t the most physically fit but he’s an amazing friend and he’s always been loyal to you all.”
A girl at the table behind the packs that I have History with speaks up next. “Stiles has always been incredibly kind to me and everyone else I know. Even when he was being a sarcastic douche he would never do anything that would hurt someone's feelings. However, it seems you would Lydia. How could any of you just sit by and let her talk about your friend like that?”
Everything was quiet for a minute after that but people slowly started going back to their lunch and conversations. It didn’t help though because I felt like I couldn’t breathe. My heart was beating so fast I thought it might just burst from my chest like I’d ripped Scotts from his. My vision was slowly starting to fade then it felt like a rubber band snapped against my ribs right over the center of my chest. I felt it once more than another time and one more after that. All of a sudden I felt unimaginable pain crash down on me. It was like having my arms and legs ripped from my body while I was being set on fire and stabbed.
It was getting harder and harder to breathe. I reached out to Danny trying to get his attention. “Help,” I mumbled, moving to stand once I knew he’d heard me. We made it out of the cafeteria before my eyes slipped closed. The last thing I remember seeing was a tall young woman with light brown hair who was wearing a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, boots, and a leather jacket. She looked familiar but I couldn’t place where I knew her. She was smiling at me sadly and right before my eyes closed I thought I saw hers flash.
When I woke up tears were streaming down my face and I still felt like my limbs were being ripped from my body. It was then I realized it wasn’t my limbs being ripped away it was my pack bonds. I knew this could be worse because I could still feel two bonds in my chest that were barely being kept together. I latched onto them with every ounce of strength I had willing them to stay together and keep me grounded. A small gasp slipped past my lips as they solidified like ropes and started glowing golden. The pain lessened significantly allowing me to finally breathe again.
With a clearer head, I was able to notice where I was and what was happening around me. I was in Danny’s car and he was driving toward what looked like my house. He must have carried me out of the school after I passed out. “What happened?” I groaned.
He looked at me quickly before returning his eyes to the road. “I think you were having a panic attack. Then, you just passed out. I was kinda freaking out but I figured taking you home was the best idea,” he said.
I nodded and rubbed my aching chest. “Thank you, Danny,” I thought for a second before making up my mind, “If you don’t want to go back to school you could stay and we could study as we planned.”
He smiled and looked at me after pulling into my driveway. “I think that’s a great idea. I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving you alone right now anyway.” I agreed and we got out of the car.
I unlocked the front door, closing and locking it back behind us. We stopped by the kitchen to grab some snacks before going up to my room. Danny walked in before me but stopped abruptly causing me to walk straight into his back. I swayed on my feet and looked over his shoulder while rubbing my chest again to see Derek and Peter standing in front of the window. “Derek? Peter? What are you guys doing here? Are you okay? Did something happen?”
Danny frowns then asks, “Derek? I thought he was your cousin Miguel. And who is Peter?” Peter raised an eyebrow amusement clearly in his expression.
Derek thankfully covered for me, “Miguel is my brother and Peter is my Uncle. Anyways Stiles could we talk to you in private for a minute?”
I nodded and motioned to the hallway. “Yeah, I’ll be right there just give me a second.” They both went out to the hall without another word and I turned to Danny. “Okay I’m going to go talk to them real quick then we can get started,” I said.
He smiled and said, “Alright I’ll just make myself comfortable,” he frowned, “just be careful, okay you’ve already passed out once today and I’m worried.”
“I know Danny but I’ll be okay.” He nodded and I went out to the hallway.
“What can I do for you boys?” I asked, rubbing my chest again.
“Yesterday the others told me and Peter you were taking a break from all of the supernatural stuff which seemed odd. Then just a little while ago our pack bonds flared to life with you and each other and you were in pain and panicking so we came to check on you,” Derek explained.
“Actually the others decided I needed that break,” I sighed, “and the pain and panic were them breaking their pack bonds to me. As for the ones I have with you guys I’m not sure I just remember reaching for them when I first woke up. Thanks for checking on me Sourwolf, Creeperwolf.” Peter frowned and Derek furrowed his eyebrows but they nodded so I started walking them down the stairs.
“Text me when you guys make it to the loft,” I instructed while I was opening the door.
“I will,” they said and started to walk out of the door.
I waved and said, “Bye Der. Bye Uncle Peter”
They waved back. “Bye Stiles.”
Once they were gone I locked the door and walked back upstairs to find Danny sitting on my bed with his books pulled out. “So,” he looked up with a smile, “what do you want to start with?”
I thought about it while I sat down at my desk. “How about math?” I asked. He nodded and pulled his Precalculus book into his lap.
“Let's get started then,” he said.
We studied until the sun started setting then decided to call it quits for the day. “So Stiles, why did Derek and Peter stop by?” he asked.
I shrugged. “They wanted to check up on me.”
Danny nodded with a small smile and said, “I’m glad they’re doing that Stiles. I need to get home soon but we can study some more Thursday after school if you want.”
I agreed and walked him to his car. “Bye Danny I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Bye Stiles I’ll see you tomorrow. Oh and please text me when your dad gets home,” he said with a wave as he got in his car. I agreed and he drove away.
When I got back to my room I checked my phone to see a text from both Peter and Derek. I opened Peters first.
From Peter: We just got home, Stiles. Can you tell me more about what happened today?
I sighed and thought back to what happened.
To Peter: Well I was going to sit down during lunch which led to an argument and I started having a panic attack. Then I felt like something was snapping and a lot of pain. Danny got me out of the cafeteria but I passed out so he started bringing me home. I woke up in his car and realized what was going on. I could feel my bonds with you and Der so I grabbed onto those but they felt like they were crumbling. All I could think about was how they were the only thing keeping me grounded and that I wouldn’t let them break like the others.
From Peter: Jesus Stiles. Are you okay?
To Peter: Not really but I have you, Der, my dad, and Danny so I’ll be alright.
From Peter: Okay Stiles. We’d do anything for you. Speaking of which is there anything I can do for you?
To Peter: I know. Actually, I finished the book you left on pack dynamics this morning.
From Peter: I’ll bring you another tomorrow. Any preferences?
To Peter: No.
From Peter: Alright I’ll bring one about emissaries and druids.
To Peter: Thanks Peter.
After that, I opened Dereks.
From Sourwolf: Just got back
To Sourwolf: Good. Thanks again for checking on me
From Sourwolf: Anytime Stiles. Are you gonna be ok until your dad gets home? I know he’s working late.
To Sourwolf: Yeah I’ll be ok. I’m gonna get some sleep soon. I'm exhausted. Talk to you in the morning Der
From Sourwolf: Goodnight Stiles. Talk to you in the morning
I went to get something to eat before showering. By the time I was out Dad was home. I sent a quick text to Danny letting him know and saying goodnight. Then I made my way downstairs. Dad was at the kitchen table with a sandwich. He looked at me and then sighed. “What happened son?” he asked.
I sighed and sat down at the table in front of him before recounting the day's events to him. “So as you can see it’s been a crazy day but I’m okay now. I just wanted to let you know what was going on.”
His eyes held confusion and surprise but no disbelief. I was relieved at the sight. “Jesus son I’m so sorry. Thank you for telling me,” he said.
I nodded with a yawn. “You’re welcome. Thanks for believing me. I’m gonna go get some sleep now though so I’ll see you in the morning Dad.”
He smiled and kissed my head. “Alright, kiddo sleep well. I love you,” he said.
“I love you too Dad. Sleep well,” I told him making my way up the stairs.
***1 Month Later***
I was sitting on the nemeton with an exact copy of myself looking back at me. “When is a door not a door Stiles?” it questioned with a smirk and lifeless eyes.
I felt like I couldn’t breathe but I forced out the answer anyway. “W-when it’s a j-jar.”
It started laughing gleefully. “Like that one is?” it asked.
No no no the door couldn’t still be open. I was frozen. This couldn't be true. The nogitsune had to be lying.
Its laughter got louder and more manic as the seconds passed. “I told you, you couldn’t beat me, you dumb little boy.” It was standing now and coming towards me.
I jumped up from the tree root and ran towards the door. Just as I reached it a hand came down on my shoulder. “Stiles, Stiles, Stiles when will you learn?” It was me again now and I was it.
Scotty had sent a text saying I needed to be there for a pack meeting with everyone else in 20 minutes. We couldn’t keep the delight off our faces. We finally had a chance to take care of all of them once and for all.
We arrived at the loft 5 minutes late to make sure everyone else was already there. We looked around the parking lot and noticed Dad’s cruiser along with Danny’s Prius, Jackson’s Porsche, Melissa’s minivan, Cora’s very own Camero, and Erica’s new SUV. Looks like everyone really is here then. We made quick work of surrounding the building with mountain ash and then catching it on fire. It was convinced this was just karmic justice but I knew it was just cruel. I wanted it to stop but I had no control.
All of the wolves came flying down the stairs as soon as they smelt the smoke. The humans were a little slower but not much. Everyone tried to escape but the mountain ash stopped the wolves and the flames stopped the humans. We laughed while they all begged for their lives.
I was screaming in my mind while I watched my family burn to death. It was laughing at me the entire time. When only Danny and Der were left alive it stopped laughing. “Come on now Stiles let's have a little fun with these two,” it said.
We drug Danny away from the fire and just outside the mountain ash first. Then we started taunting Derek. “Oh look at poor Derek, he's had the last of his family burned alive for the third time.” “You know you could have prevented this if you’d just killed us while you had the chance.” “Come on Der doesn’t this remind you of when Kate used you and killed your whole family.”
Just as Derek was on the brink of death we started in on Danny so he could watch at least a little bit. We started by breaking each of his fingers. Then we moved on to his toes. Next, we ripped off all of his nails. After that, we broke his arms and legs. Then we pulled out all of his teeth. Finally, just as Derek took his last breath, we broke his neck. Now that my family is gone it is going to move on to the rest of the town. All I could do was scream inside of my head and beg it to stop.
I woke up screaming and begging for it to stop. My dad came running and wrapped me in his muscled arms. Years of being the Beacon County sheriff more evident than ever. "I'm here son, calm down. Come on it was just a nightmare. You're going to be fine. Look at me, it's gone and everyone is safe."
I slowly calmed down with his soothing words, but I couldn't stop the sob that escaped my lips. "I can't do this Dad. I tried staying for you but I just can't do this anymore. I need to leave. Please just let me leave."
He tightened his grip while I rested my forehead against his shoulder. "Okay, son okay just promise me you won't go alone." I nodded my agreement knowing that if I went alone I would be back home before I was even gone for an hour.