A/n: This is a multi POV chapter.
Prodigal
What had started out taking days, and may even have taken them weeks, now only took hours. As the sun began to fade, the cool blue sky turning a pale grey, Stiles saw the familiar sign indicating that Beacon Hills was only a few miles away. Excitement begins to bubble up inside him, and he can't keep from sitting up and staring out the window eagerly. Like a dog, or one of those baby Meerkats.
He feels a gentle touch in his hand from Kira, who was stretched out on the seat in front of him, her legs perched across Joshua's lap. God, he had no idea how anyone could go from strangers to sickeningly adorable so quickly. - Then he remembered Scott and Allison, and his heart twisted.
"Almost there?" Kira mutters softly.
Smiling down at her, Stiles nodded. Only for his face to crumble when Alec swerves the bus to the right, off road.
"Hey, what's the deal?"
Alec didn't bother answering, simply driving into the surrounding woodland. Stiles leapt to his feet and hurried down the bus, "what gives man!"
"They'll have people watching the town, just waiting for us to turn up." Alec informed matter-of-factly.
"Seriously?" Stiles frowned, torn between fear and disbelief. "What about my dad?"
Once again Alec was silent. "They'll have people patrolling the woods," he continued, ignoring Stiles question.
"I know these woods pretty well," Malia announced suddenly, leaping to her feet. "Dad would bring me out here."
Alec cut the engine and climbed out of his seat, looking back to the teenager. "Good."
"I have a better way in." Stiles sighed, drawing the attention of the pair. "Little risk of being seen at all." With that he reached for the leaver, yanking open the bus doors. He turned at the sound of hurried footsteps, as Case rushed towards him, shoving Malia out of the way as he went.
He grabbed Stiles hand, and Stiles smiled down at the now wide awake child. Clearly the warmth and steady rhythm of the journey had done Case the world of good. "Ok, let's go," Stiles insisted with a sigh, leading the way out of the bus.
Brains are weird, complicated, things Stiles thinks as he leads the group in a large circle around the preserve to the small lake. It only once he's stood staring at the rocky entrance to the old mine shaft, that it occurs to him that it might be why Derek was only able to track Erica and Boyd to the lake. Whoever has taken them must have used it. His heart skipped with apprehension and excitement at the prospect of finding Erica and Boyd. Of making up for being unable to save them from Argent.
Of course, he'd have to get back to town first, check that his dad was alright, and get the map. He also had to ditch his new clique and find Derek. With the plan set out in his head, Stiles yanked aside the overgrown foliage to reveal the cavern opening. "This way," he ordered.
The tunnel was heavy with the scent of moss and damp. The ground beneath soaked with water, causing the earth to form into clumps that suck to the boots they were all wearing. The silence was broken by the gross sucking sound of their steps. Despite their heightened senses, Stiles still struggled to see in the darkness.
"Where are we going?" Kira whispered as she marched along beside Stiles.
"Honestly, I'm not sure," Stiles confessed. It had been years since he last saw the maps in his dad's office, he was just a kid. "I know they come out somewhere in town." He smiled reassuringly at Kira. "And that's all we need right? To get into town." His eyes travelled past his friend to Alec, who nodded reluctantly.
They stalked in silence from then on, Stiles lifting Case onto his back to avoid the spots of sewage and mud that decorated the grounded. Alec marched along close to his side, weapon gripped firmly in his hands, prepared for someone. Meanwhile Kira had dropped back to walk with Joshua, who Alec had ordered, – in a much friendlier way than he did to anyone else in their group, – to take the rear.
"You okay there, little buddy?" Stiles whispered, twisting his head to look at Case.
"Yes," was the kid's quiet reply, his arms tightening a little.
The tunnel was straight but for a few sharp turns that Stiles prayed weren't leading them around in circles. As he walked, he let his mind work. It was obvious to him now that these tunnels were how the Darach had been getting around the town without being seen, which meant there had to be exits at the school, the hospital, and likely beneath the museum.
Thoughts of the Darach lead to worries about his dad, Derek and what was left of the pack. Was it possible that they'd managed to find the Darach without him? Of course it was possible. Would they have survived a confrontation with the thing was a much more frightening question? Derek and Scott had proven their ability to plan was majorly flawed.
He'd only been gone two months, which meant there was a possibility that the Darach was still killing. He'd worked out long ago that the murders were connected to the full moon, which meant they had at least a couple of weeks to find and kill it before it succeeded in its plan.
"Great," Alec grunted, pulling Stiles out of his head and back to the situation at hand.
Shaking his head, he focused on the world in front of him and sighed at the stone wall. "Dammit."
"Back the way we came," Alec ordered, marching past him and the others to get back to the front of the group.
Stiles sighed and was about to turn when something caught his eye. "Wait," he called, frowning at the wall. He lowered Case off his back and moved closer, running his fingers over the stones. They didn't feel right.
Stretching out his arm, he pressed his palm into the wall to his left, the rough rock clammy and cool against his hand, then he touched the wall in front of him once more and found the stones warmer. "They're fake," He whispered, heart beginning to race.
Alec was back at his side in an instant, hand pressing into the wall. "You're right," he agreed. "Which means there has to be a way to open it."
Stiles looked around, hoping to notice something, when suddenly the fake rocks began to rumble and move. He stepped back defensively, while Alec raised his weapon, ready to fight.
"What did you do?" Kira whispered behind them, and Stiles turned to see Joshua looking guiltily down at the Asian girl, his long hair concealing his face.
"I saw…" he muttered, shaking his head. "I'm sorry."
"Leave it to gigantor!" Theo snapped angrily. "If we get caught, I'm going to kill you." He spat at the werewolf.
"Back the fuck off," Kira growled, stepping between Joshua and Theo. "Unless you want another broken nose."
Theo took a threatening step closer to Kira, causing Joshua to yank her back behind him and stretch to his full height, which wasn't that easy to do. His eyes bleed blue and his features, while already permanently shifted, looked to morph a little more. Despite being a complete fucking dick, Theo apparently had the sense to step back.
Kira stepped back from behind Joshua, "It's okay. I can take him."
Theo scoffed as he turned back to Liam and Malia, the latter glaring at him before marching over to Stiles.
Stiles smirked as Theo caught his eyes and turned. Alec was stepping cautiously into the space beyond the raised fake wall. Lowering Case from his back, he set the kid on his feet and whispered for him to stay put, then he stepped in after Alec, Malia on his heels.
Stiles scanned the room. There were lights hanging from the walls, the cables trailing off through another open entrance. In the center was a large tree root, and around the edge of the room were bookshelves and two desks. - But that wasn't what caught Stiles attention.
His heart beat a frantic uncontrolled pace as he hurried across the room to where a map hung on the wall. His eyes scanned it, it was most definitely his map. The map he'd left hanging in Derek's basement.
"What is this place?" Malia asked behind him.
Stiles shook his head, his palms beginning to sweat. Had the Darach stolen his information? Did that mean she'd killed Derek? Fear flooded him and he felt his body begin to shake. The ground was suddenly unsteady beneath him, and the air was too thick.
"Stiles?" He heard someone call off in the distance.
"Stiles?" Another voice.
His heart was roaring loudly in his ears and he stumbled back, straight into a solid mass.
"Stiles!" Yelled another voice. Deeper. Desperate. – Familiar.
Turning, he looked up, eyes fighting to focus.
"Stiles? Are you alright? Stiles!" A different voice, softer, warmer, yet harsh and demanding. There was a harsh jerk of his body and then there were warm lips against his, but they felt wrong. Too soft. Too feminine. He blinked and pulled away, shaking his head. Slowly the world righted itself. He saw a strawberry blonde glow in the darkness, and his stomach flipped. Blinking again, he fought his way towards that red light. "L-Lydia?"
"Hey. Yeah, Stiles."
Another series of blinks and there she was. Lydia Martin. The girl who once upon a time held the keys to his heart. "Lydia."
"Your back," she sighed, "God, I can't believe your back." Before he could say anything, he was being yanked into a crushing hug.
Stiles buried his face in her hair and inhaled deeply, savouring the scent of home. Tears rolled down his cheeks to be soaked into Lydia's delicate blue top. After a few very long seconds, they pulled apart. Lydia kept her hands on his arm, almost as if fearing he'd vanish if she left go.
"Hey." Stiles smiled shakily, a smile that was easily returned by the redhead.
"Hey. God, I can't believe your back."
"Neither can I," he admitted with a relieved sigh. "Where's Derek?" he asked desperately.
Lydia smiled softly at him, "The last we heard from him, he was heading into town to see your dad."
"My dad?"
A commotion across the room had Stiles attention snapping away from Lydia. "Shit." He rushed past her, barely taking acknowledging Peter's presence at her side, "Woah, woah, woah, everyone back down." He rushed over, forcing his way between the groups just as Theo was about to swing for Jackson. Part of Stiles considered taking a step back and let that one play out, but dismissed it. This wasn't the time or place. "It's okay, they're with me." He said to Jackson.
Jackson glared, eyes blazing blue, "I don't care!" he growled.
"Well, I do. Back off, Jackson." Stiles warned. "That goes for you too," he added, gaze locking on Theo.
The other X6 meet his gaze, challengingly, and Stiles knew he was about to attempt something, but a growl from both Isaac and Ethan, not to mention Liam's hand on his elbow tugging him back, stopped him.
Ethan? Stiles head did a double take and he narrowed his eyes at the twin, "What the fuck are you doing here?"
"It's a long story." Lydia said.
Stiles stared suspiciously. He was only pulled out of his glaring when something small hit his legs. He didn't need to look to know who it was, and his hand instantly drop to stroke at the small boy's hair.
"Something to tell us, Stiles?" Peter smirked from across the room.
Turning to regard the ex-alpha, Stiles narrowed his eyes, "I see your sense of humour hasn't improved since I've been gone."
Peter's smile softened, "It's good to have you home, Stiles."
"As lovely as this reunion is," Alec interrupted, "I need to speak to the Sheriff."
"Right, yeah. Trouble's on its way, actually it might already be here, we need to speak to dad and Derek."
Lydia nodded, "This way." She waved, leading for the tunnel they'd apparently all come through. Stiles hiked Case up into his arms and hurried after her, excitement filling him to the brim. After two months he was finally going to see Derek. Finally going to hold him, touch him. – Kiss him.
_( )_
There was something on the wind. Something familiar. Something that called to him. Turning his nose into the breeze he inhaled. The scent was tainted by others, but it was easily distinguishable. It filled Derek with hope, and joy, and love.
It gave him a sense of home.
Turning, he set off towards the scent, racing freely through the woods, desperate to get home.
_( )_
The tunnel, as it turned out, exited in the basement of the Hale House. The second Stiles stepped over the threshold it felt like coming home, which was odd, because it wasn't his home. His home was across town. Maybe it was because he'd put so much hard work into the house, his blood and sweat was in these walls. – Not to mention other things. That thought had his heart skipping a beat.
Setting Case back on his feet, gripped his hand and followed Lydia up the basement stairs into the main house.
"What the fuck happened to my house," he announced as entered the kitchen to find take-out boxes and dirty dishes all over the place.
"Teenagers," Peter grumbled.
Stiles shot Isaac and Jackson a hard glare. "Seriously, how are you still alive?" At their confused looks, Stiles smiled, shaking his head, "I can't believe Derek hasn't ripped you apart for this." He waved at the mess.
Isaac lowered his gaze, "Derek hasn't exactly…"
"What?" Frowned Stiles.
"He's been kind of preoccupied," Peter said, moving through to the living area.
Stiles stomach twisted, "With?"
Jackson rolled his eyes hard and grunted, "Looking for you dumbass."
"Oh." Stiles flushed, his heart skipping a beat.
"How much further to town?" Alec asked, setting his pack on the table.
"About half a mile," Stiles said, leading Case to the couch and reached for the remote. He frowned when nothing happened, "What's wrong with the TV?"
"There's been a power cut." Isaac informed, "It's been out for almost a week."
Stiles shared a look with Alec, "Must be the whole country."
Alec nodded. "Obviously."
"What?" Lydia frowned.
"The same thing happened in the last town we were in, as well as where I was being held. It's not a coincidence. We need to go speak to dad. – Kira, you and the others stay here, you'll be safe, Alec and I will head into town."
"And who put you in charge all of a sudden?" Theo scoffed.
Three sets of glowing eyes locked on him, as well as Stiles own. "Try not to kill him," Stiles said flatly. "I know it'll be hard," Stiles huffed, heading for the door.
"I was taught not to make promises I can't keep," Jackson replied, still glaring at the X6.
"I didn't say you couldn't kick his ass," Stiles smirked. "Just don't kill him."
"I'll come with you," Ethan offered, stepping forward.
Sties stared at the werewolf, brow raised. "I think I can find my own way to…"
"If there are people in the preserve, wouldn't it be better to have a couple of werewolves with you?" Lydia asked reasonably. "Peter and Isaac can go too."
"I'll go." Jackson said, tugging Isaac back as he moved to join Stiles. At Isaac's irritated glare, Jackson quickly grunted, "If I stay, I might do something we'll all regret." He punctuated the announcement with a hard look to Theo. Of course, neither Isaac, the pack nor Stiles believed that was the real reason, but Stiles wasn't about to call him out. He simply wanted to get into town and be reunited with his dad and Derek.
"Fine. Let's go."
"You stay here," Alec said when Joshua moved to join them. "Look after everyone, okay?"
Joshua glanced over to where Kira and Case were sat awkwardly on the couch, then nodded. Alec gave him a brotherly slap on the shoulder and hurried off after Stiles.
_( )_
The trek through the preserve was surprisingly uneventful. Stiles couldn't stop looking over to where Ethan walked a little way ahead, occasionally lifting his nose in the air like some kind of bloodhound. Alec, forever on his guard waltzed behind Stiles, turning in circles to keep an eye on the six.
"So?" Stiles began, "What's with that?"
Jackson padded along beside him, "Derek took them in when we defeated the Jennifer," he informed matter-of-factly.
Snapping his head around, Stiles stared at his frenemy, "What? – Jennifer?"
Jackson exhaled a long breath, the air curling into a cloud. "Yeah. The Darach was Jennifer Blake."
"The English teacher? Derek's girlfriend?"
Jackson shot Stiles a confused look. "They had one date, which as it turned out was only a set up so she could kill him and release some insane demon goddess."
"Stheno," Alec said, marching forward to join them, concern written across his face.
Jackson frowned back at them, "You know about her?"
Stiles exhaled, "Only that she's bad," he muttered as Alec grunted out a "Yes."
"What happened?" Alec demanded.
Jackson drew to a halt and frowned at the man. "Not much. We hunted her down to the tunnels, the room we found you guys in. She'd kidnapped Scott and Melissa, ready to sacrifice them but then Derek turned into a wolf and killed her. – I wasn't there, but Isaac said it was pretty amazing."
"Wait, what do you mean, a wolf?" Stiles frowned, his chest heaving.
"Like, a wolf, Stilinski. You know, four legs, a tail, long sharp teeth. A. Wolf."
Stiles didn't hear anything after that, his mind a buzz with the new information. Derek had turned into a wolf. An honest to god wolf. He didn't know how he felt about that. Part of him wanted to laugh his arse off, while another part of him couldn't help but feel awed at the idea. He couldn't wait to find out more, ask questions and investigate. – Most of all, he couldn't wait to see him.
_( )_
Beacon Hills was eerily silent, the streets empty. Stiles felt a shiver run down his spine as he and the others padded through the streets. "Okay, this is creeping me out." He muttered, "Where is everyone?"
"Your dad implemented a curfew. No one is allowed out after sunset."
"Wow."
"Sensible," Alec hummed thoughtfully, shifting his weapon again.
Stiles huffed, "And people are actually sticking to it?"
"Not everyone needs to rebel against the man, Stilinski. Most people in this town actually respect your father."
"Hey, I respect my dad, I just... I have a life, okay. And you should be grateful I rebel, it saved many lives, including yours, asshat."
Jackson rolled his eyes, "Scott would argue with that statement."
Stiles flinched at the mention of his ex best friend. It felt strange to be reminded of someone who'd once been such an important part of his life, but Scott had slid down a few notches on his priorities list. Swallowing thickly, he shoved his hands deeper into the stolen jacket and quietly asked, "How is he?"
There was a long silence, but then Jackson replied, "Fine, I guess. He doesn't exactly hang out at the house with the rest of us."
Stiles sighed, "So he and Derek are still..." He couldn't deny that part of him felt a little hurt and frustrated that Scott couldn't put his frustration aside, if only out of concern for him. But then, maybe Scott didn't care that he'd been kidnapped.
As if reading his mind, which could very well be one of those freaky werewolf powers because Derek always seems to be able to do it, Jackson replied, "They only talk about you, and by talk I mean argue."
Stiles shot Jackson a curious look but was distracted from asking anything further but the appearance of the sheriff station. His heart leapt into his throat, hammering frantically against his vocal cords. He picked up the pace. His quick stride soon turning into a run.
He burst through the double doors to find the reception empty. His chest clenched with renewed panic, where was everyone? Why wasn't someone watching the front desk? Running through the doors, he began to yell, heart thundering in behind his ribs, "Dad! Dad! - Anyone one! Daaaa!" He yelled from the bullpen, he was cut off when his father's office door swung violently open to reveal John Stilinski.
"Stiles?" He muttered, confused, "Stil..."
Stiles didn't hesitate, he rushed forward and threw himself into his father's arms, clinging on so tight his father would later complain of a crick in his neck. He buried his face into the man's shoulder and inhaled deeply, savouring the familiar scent of home. At last.