Seeds of the Nemeton

by Endraking

Post Season 3B AU Runs through events of Season 4. The fall out from the nogitsune created sorrow and loss. This release of life, coupled with the misuse of power by Jennifer Blake gives rise to a new adversary. Stiles finds himself in a fight for himself and his friends while mending old wounds.

14. Chapter 14

I don't own Teen Wolf.

Seeds of the Nemeton- Chapter 13- The First Sacrifice pt.1

Isaac's mournful howl collapsed into a sobbing scream. Isaac stumbled back into the vault completely human again. He looked over at Ethan and said, "Elijah took him and I can't catch a scent."

Ethan continued to struggle against the chains and Isaac walked over to the box and grabbed the keys. He moved to Ethan and unlocked the locks and the chains fell to the floor. Ethan, still wolfed out, growled as he said, "We know he can't be far."

Isaac argued back, "That's not the problem. If he used his mark to hide, we won't be able to find him anyway." Ethan growled at the realization, "Then what do you think we should do Isaac?"

Isaac shook his head, "I don't know. I don't know. I don't know!" The young alpha started punching the wall with each statement of "I don't know" tearing his fist into a bloody pulp. Ethan grabbed the alpha to stop him and Isaac relented. The blood dripped off his fist as it healed and he turned to face Ethan, "Stiles will be glad his plan worked, for what it's worth."

Ethan slowly shifted back human and asked, "What was Stiles' plan?"

"To use the appearance of a fractured pack to draw out the next move of the Nemeton."

Ethan smirked, "I wish you two would've kept me in the loop, but I understand why you didn't."

Isaac shook his head, "We have to find him." The two alphas left the vault and used their heightened senses to attempt for find Stiles. They wandered through the forests of Beacon Hills throughout the rest of the night without catching a sound or smell of either Elijah or Stiles.

Stiles woke up with a splitting headache, the light of the sun cutting through the limbs of the Nemeton. He found himself tied to the tree by his limbs and barbed wire wrapped around his neck. He let out a pitiful sigh as his eyesight adjusted and he realized where he was at. Elijah paced in front of him. Stiles weakly said, "Elijah, what is going on?"

Elijah walked over to Stiles and gently tapped him on the cheek, "You finally woke up. I thought that maybe I hit you a little too hard."

Stiles groaned, "So that wasn't just a dream, why are you doing this?"

Elijah laughed, "Don't you understand? You can't win. You and your friends think they can protect Beacon Hills, well they are wrong. As a matter of fact, you guys are just another problem that needs to be dealt with."

Stiles blinked as he tried to gather his thoughts and fight through the headache, "What do you mean? Do you think the Nemeton is any better?"

Elijah grabbed Stiles chin and yanked his head to the left and to the right as he said, "Look around you Stiles, the Nemeton is doing better." Stiles was able to see different bodies strewn about the forest floor. He also noticed the roots of the tree were wrapped around the bodies. The smell finally hit him and Stiles fought back the pressure of throwing up as well.

"How does it keep them hidden? How does it kill them?" Stiles muttered.

Elijah laughed maniacally, "That's the best part. Right now anyone who isn't connected to the Nemeton will only see a small gathering of trees. They will only smell the normal smells of the forest. We are hidden." Elijah grinned darkly, "And as for killing, it uses the same illusions to trap its targets in the forest, slowly sapping them of their strength until they collapse from exhaustion. When they wander to close though." As Elijah was stating the last sentence one of the roots appeared to raise up from the ground and stab into one of the bodies. Stiles heard a slight gasp as the body remained motionless. "See, it's kind of like a giant supernatural bug zapper."

Stiles sighed, "Is that what you plan on doing to me?"

Elijah shook his head, "No, Stiles, we are going to break your will until you agree to be a sacrifice to the Nemeton. It would love to have your power to shut down supernatural abilities. You always were the target."

Stiles rolled his eyes, "Great, A giant magically tree has a crush on me."

Elijah rubbed Stiles' shoulder gently, "Look on the bright side, no one will even miss you. Stiles is back there in Beacon Hills with his dad, Scott, Ms. McCall, Lydia, and the others."

Stiles glared at Elijah, "If you expect me to just roll over, it's not going to happen."

Elijah paced around the tree, "Well I didn't think you would. But I do know something that will help you decide." Elijah stopped pacing in front of Stiles' left arm and pulled out a knife. He slowly cut a symbol into the young man's arm. The superficial depth of the wound caused pain but it was far from fatal. Stiles gritted his teeth through the pain and mustered the strength to say, "What is that? What are you doing?"

When Elijah finished he looked Stiles in the eye, "You are about to remember why your life is worthless except as the honor of being a sacrifice." The symbol glowed and Stiles' mind began to run images of every mistake he ever made, every time he ever hurt anyone, and every tragic event of his life. The tears began to roll down his cheeks before Elijah even walked back towards Beacon Hills.

Danny woke up the next morning to the sound of Isaac and Ethan stumbling into the apartment. It was barely light out and he still had another half an hour before he needed to wake up for school. He watched as Ethan walked into the bedroom and when he sat down on the bed, Danny asked, "Is everything alright? How did it go?"

Ethan sighed as he let his head hang, "Is there a word worse than abysmal?"

Danny quickly sat up and placed his hand on Ethan's shoulder, "What happened?"

Ethan breathed in slowly and said, "Elijah is working with or controlled by the Nemeton and he has Stiles. We searched all night and weren't able to find either of them or the Nemeton."

Danny gasped, "Did the tree disappear or something?"

Ethan shook his head, "We don't know. It's like it was never there. For all we know he could've killed Stiles by now."

Danny shook his head, "I don't think so Ethan."

Ethan turned to face Danny, "Why is that?"

Danny met his boyfriend's gaze, "Didn't you mention sacrifices?"

Ethan nodded and Danny continued, "I think it actually wants willing sacrifices. Maybe that's what it needs to gain power."

Ethan quickly stood up and kissed Danny, "You are right. We can still save him."

Danny blushed a little, "Morning breath"

Ethan smiled, "I don't care. You just made my day. But we don't even have a clue where to start."

Ethan and Danny's moment of clarity was interrupted by Isaac's growl and the loud slamming of something against the wall. Both men rushed out of the bedroom to see the young alpha, fully wolfed out, holding Elijah against the wall by his throat.

Isaac angrily spoke through his teeth, "Give me one reason I shouldn't tear out your throat right now."

Elijah grinned through the pain, "Because we are friends." Isaac leaned forward and growled loudly into Elijah's face. "Alright, because even though Stiles will sacrifice himself, I am your only shot at being able to be there when he does it." Elijah's eyes flashed silver when he finished speaking.

Isaac glared at Elijah and slowly released his grip. "Where is he?"

Elijah smirked, "Where all of the other bodies are. The Nemeton prefers to enjoy their presence before it enjoys their life's blood. Especially the sacrifices."

Isaac demanded, "Take us to him!"

Elijah sneered, "No, it isn't time yet. When it's time, I will. After all, watching your foolhardy and reckless leader offer himself to the Nemeton for the greater good should give you guys sufficient motivation to follow suit."

Isaac was taken aback and almost fell onto the couch as he stepped back. His thoughts raced not just of Stiles' possible fate but of the realization that Stiles was, in fact, their leader. He thought about even though Ethan and himself are alphas they looked to Stiles to make the hard decisions. Somehow through everything that has happened they placed their faith and lives in the hand of a human, Stiles.

He noticed that Elijah referenced Stiles in present tense which means he was still alive. Isaac embraced this new hope that his leader, his friend was still out there, alive.

Isaac looked at Elijah, "So what will you be doing until then? Playing mind games with us?"

Elijah smiled innocently, "Of course not, we have school to attend." The young teen walked past Ethan and Danny, into Ethan's room and began to get cleaned up and dressed for school.

Ethan looked at Isaac, "Looks like we are playing the Nemeton's game again. What do you think we should do?"

Isaac shook his head, "I don't know but in situations like this, I think I know someone to call."

Danny looked at Isaac, "Do you think Elijah will let us get help?"

Isaac grinned, "No, but I think you two can handle him while I get the outside help."

Danny and Ethan nodded and walked into Ethan's room and began to get ready for school. Isaac stepped into the master bedroom and grabbed his cellphone and called Chris. After a few rings, the phone was answered.

Chris' voice answered, "Isaac, what is going on? Do you know what time it is?"

Isaac answered forcefully, "Stiles was kidnapped by this possessed mage kid Elijah and is in the process of being sacrificed to the Nemeton."

The hunter responded, "Hmm, Can't you go to the Nemeton to stop it?"

Isaac informed Chris of their attempts and what happened since the day of Allison's funeral.

There was an audible sigh heard from Chris before he said, "Well I don't think Elijah is just any arcane dabbler. Most can't use their talents when they are being controlled. Their personal will is needed to perform. Without knowing more I can't say though."

Isaac had an idea and rushed into the kitchen and asked, "Can you receive pictures right now?"

Chris said, "Yeah, I'm actually at a place with good service."

Isaac took a picture of the arcane markings on the dry erase board and sent it to Chris. After a few moments Chris responded, "Alright, you aren't dealing with a wizard or anything of that kind. Have you ever heard of a Kharon?"

Isaac shook his head instinctually and said, "No, I haven't."

Chris laughed slightly, "That's not surprising. They are the ferrymen of the dead. They guide souls to the other side."

Isaac commented, "But Elijah said that is what happened after he died, you know the first time."

Chris responded, "I know but it isn't something you make a deal into. Think of it like fate, certain people become one after they die. It usually has to do with an upset of balance. It's also the reason he can still use his talents without his own will. Kharons are effectively controlled by a stronger power. They don't get to make any decision on taking or leaving behind the dead."

Danny and Ethan quickly escorted Elijah out of the apartment as they noticed Isaac on the phone in the kitchen. Elijah didn't even notice Isaac as he almost strutted out of the apartment, backpack in hand.

After watching them leave Isaac asked, "Is there a way to stop him or at least remove the control?"

Chris replied, "Whether Elijah knows it or not he will carry an obol. If you can take the obol off of his person then you can control him. As a Kharon his identity is tied to it."

Isaac thought for a moment and then asked, "What's an obol and what does it look like?"

Chris laughed a little and said, "An obol translates into a coin but it doesn't have to be one. Most likely it is an amulet or a medallion he possesses."

Isaac smiled and with a bit of enthusiasm said, "So I just find the obol and take it."

The sounds of a boarding call at an airport cloud the message from Chris but Isaac is able to hear, "Good luck and I will see you soon, son."

Before the phone call is disconnected Isaac said, "Take care and I look forward to seeing you."

A smile is plastered across Isaac's face as he runs into the bedroom and gets cleaned up to go to school.

The images and memories bombard Stiles. Stiles sees the Oni run Aiden through as the young werewolf stabs the silver arrow into it. The scene repeats until Stiles is the Oni and he can feel the blade tear through the flesh of the former alpha. He screams for Aiden.

Stiles sees Allison valiantly firing her last arrow, the silver one to save Isaac's life only to be run through. This scene repeats until he is the Oni that she killed only instead of being shot with the arrow, he deflects it and cuts Isaac down. He sees the last tear fall from the eyes of a werewolf whom he would gladly call friend, maybe even more, before the darkness gathers in his eyes. Stiles can't tell whether he is actually crying or just so wracked with guilt and sorrow that it feels like a torrential rain inside himself. He then sees himself when he ran Allison through. He feels he blood spatter against his armor. Stiles can't even bring himself to call out for Allison, the guilt tearing at him keeps him silent.

The visions continue and he sees Jackson at the moment he is impaled by Derek and Peter. In this vision, the young Whitmore just dies with Lydia emotionally shattered crying for her lost love. Stiles feels the jealousy for the connection they shared but also the guilt for wanting to kill Jackson rather than save him from the maniacal control of Matt and Gerard. He feels the profound self-loathing for hating a man who, besides being a complete tool, was ultimately an innocent victim caught in the supernatural crossfire. The scene replays in his mind and Stiles can swear he is screaming Jackson's name. Each time Derek and Peter kill Jackson, his voice joins with Lydia's when he screams for Jackson.

"Jackson!"

"Jackson!"

"Jackson!" When he screams the third time, his vision blurs and the images cease. He feels the familiar pressure in his head as he can once again see the forest.

Stiles blinked his eyes and saw Jackson, stumbling around and confused. The young Stilinski mustered his energy once again and called, "Jackson! Over here!"

Jackson turned around and faced Stiles. The smell of the cadavers hit Jackson and he quickly used his sleeve to cover his nose and mouth. He slowly walked up to him. Stiles noticed that Jackson looked haggard and his red button up and jeans looked worn and filthy. Jackson stepped up to Stiles and narrowed his eyes and lowered his hand, "Stiles, are you real? Where am I?"

Stiles sighed and his voice cracked as he said, "Yes Jackson, I am real. You are back in Beacon Hills."

Jackson looked over Stiles and saw the dried blood that crusted down the left side of the young Stilinski. He noticed the dirt stains and twigs that hung loosely from his wolverine t-shirt. He watched the trickles of blood from Stiles' arm and the fresher one that began to flow down his chin from his face. He slowly smirked, "I figured I was back dumbass, I do recognize the cross country trail Danny and I used to run, but what the hell is going on? What the hell happened to you? I left for school over a week ago and found myself wandering around here. Where is McCall?"

Stiles partially flinched at Jackson's response but smiled back saying, "I never thought I would be glad to see you, you beautiful, arrogant asshole. Scott isn't coming so use your wolfie claws and cut me free. And start with the barbed wire. I don't want you to take my head off as you are trying to save me."

Jackson struggled but managed to control the shift for his claws and as he was cutting Stiles free he grunted, "What the hell is going on?"

Stiles fell forward into Jackson's arms which sent both men tumbling to the ground. Stiles slowly pulled himself to his feet and noticed Jackson struggling to muster the energy, having only pulled himself to sitting. "Well Jackson, this is the Nemeton and it wants me to kill myself for it and just wants you to die so it can eat you." Stiles walked over to Jackson and grabbed his hand and pulled the young man to standing.

"It looks like someone else was trying to beat you to killing yourself." He said and then sighed. "I thought I was done with Beacon Hills." Jackson said before he began to stumble. Stiles quickly caught Jackson and wrapped the larger man's arm around his shoulder to stabilize him. He laughed and said, "Yeah well apparently Beacon Hills isn't done with you yet. So I think we should leave before this overgrown fly trap decides it's about to lose lunch."

Jackson grinned and weakly said, "For once Stilinski, I agree with you." The two men began the very slow and arduous task of carrying one another away from the Nemeton. The two men only made it a few feet before they fell to the ground and the roots of the Nemeton wrapped around them.