AN: Hey everyone! Here's the epilogue/last chapter of Three's a Pattern (I realize now that last chapter I called it a prologue, but I was tired). It's a nice mix of fan-service that I wish was in the show and setting up the next story. Fair warning that some of this chapter is cheesy (sorry, not sorry).
I'll have an update for the future at the end of this chapter, but for now, I hope you enjoy and let me know how you like this chapter and the story overall. And thanks for sticking through my erratic publishing schedule
Halcyon
"Could this day go any slower?" Jay's voice groaned in the rest of the pack's head. Steve nearly felt Leonard's eye roll from the other side of the school as the rest of the pack awaited the final bell of the year.
"I don't know, this whole year went by pretty quick for me," August replied, smirking at Steve.
"Well, I'd rather go on a magic train ride than be here right now," Jay commented.
Steve and August shook their heads, giving each other a look, as Scott and Lydia looked to them confused. "It's just a few more minutes, you'll be fine," Steve chuckled.
"What's so funny?" Malia whispered, leaning toward the pair.
"Just Jay being Jay," August stated.
"Oh," Malia swallowed before sinking back into her chair. August turned to Steve, tilting his head slightly toward the werecoyote.
"Later," Steve told him, holding up his hand.
"Have a great summer, everyone," the teacher told the class once the final bell rang.
The rest of the student flew out of their chairs as Steve, Scott, August, Lydia, and Malia started to gather their things. "No," Stiles protested.
"To the Seniors, I'll see you at graduation," the teacher continued as students began filing out of the room.
"No, no, no, no. That's it? What?" Stiles asked, looking at around at the others.
"Last day ever," Scott told him, with a smirk. The rest of the students and the teacher cleared out of the classroom.
"Well, it just feels so anti-climactic," Stiles complained.
"Well, there's still the whole graduation thing," Lydia told him.
"I guess I could always have Ms. Martin reset your grades, if you wanted to try this year again," August told him, getting out of his seat.
"Wait, if you fixed everyone else's grades, why do I still have to go to summer school?" Malia asked.
"Wasn't up to me," August shrugged.
"My mom thinks that it'll help better prepare you for your future," Lydia told her.
"Let's do this," Scott said, grabbing his bag and getting out of his desk before Malia could protest. Lydia and Steve followed quickly behind him.
"No, come on. Wait—" Stiles protested as Malia walked past. "Guys!" he called out as the others left the room. "This can't be it," he muttered just before the lights turned off.
"I don't think we missed too much," August assured him, patting the boy's shoulder. "And now we're free to do as we please."
"Yeah," Stiles sighed before grabbing his bag and following August out of the classroom.
"Y'know, we could always re-establish the link, be in constant communication with each other," Steve suggested as they walked through the hall.
"I'm gonna have to pass," Malia replied. "I'll catch up with you guys later," she added before turning down another hall.
"Did you ever figure out what happened? Why the link suddenly stopped?" Lydia asked.
"Leonard says that when we linked up with you guy, we created an entirely new link. Once Charlie returned, so did the old link. Apparently, two links can't exist at the same time. But we could always add you to ours."
"It sounds like it's meant to be more for you pack," Scott told him. "And I like keeping the inside of my mind to myself," he chuckled.
"But I don't think we should count it out entirely," Lydia suggested. "What if something else comes up? It would be helpful to communicate instantly."
Steve shrugged. "We could always revisit it down the road."
"Yeah, definitely," Scott sighed. "Well, we should probably get our lockers cleaned out before we have to be back for graduation."
Steve nodded as the pair headed toward their lockers. The alpha turned as August and Stiles made their way out of the classroom.
Jay tore through his locker, stuffing the contents haphazardly into his bag. "Hey, need some help?" he heard Malia ask from behind him.
Jay paused for a moment before resuming his packing. "No, I think I can handle it," he replied, not turning around.
"Listen," Malia sighed, leaning against the locker and looking at Jay. "I know things didn't exactly—"
"You tried to attack me," Jay stated, interrupting her. "Which was understandable, I guess. We all had a big shock that night."
"Right—"
"But after that I tried to reconnect with you and even though your instincts were telling you that I could be trusted you still were hostile towards us—to me," Jay continued, putting the last book in his bag and shutting the door. "And then there was the thing with you and—him," Jay finished, almost in a growl, as Nathan walked past the two, glaring at them.
"I know," Malia sighed. "But in my defense, I didn't remember we were—you know—a thing."
"But if you so quickly forgot about our thing, then maybe it wasn't meant to be," Jay told her.
"What does that mean?"
"Maybe we just need some time, figure out what we're doing. You're probably going to be leaving soon and—"
"But people do long distance all the time," Malia protested.
"Yeah, unless you forget me again."
"Jay—"
"I just need some time," Jay told her, before walking away.
"He had to bottle everything up," Kaia stated from behind the werecoyote as she opened her own locker.
"What?" Malia asked.
"This whole semester he's had to put everything aside to work with you to save everyone else. Confronting you about anything would have just made things worse for everyone," Kaia explained. "I think, deep down, he knows it's not your fault. But everything still hurt him.
Malia sighed and looked down the hall as Jay rounded the corner. "Think he'll forgive me?"
Kaia followed her gaze. "I can't say, really."
Steve opened Charlie's locker and he and August started to pack up the beta's belongings. "So, did you actually trust Blake after I was gone?" August asked as the two grabbed the last of Charlie's things.
Steve hesitated for a moment. "Yeah," Steve sighed. "I even attacked the pack—a couple times. Like I didn't care about anything else but my position in the pack-no Blake's pack. It was like I was a different person." August raised his eyebrows as he closed the locker. Steve leaned against it and watched the other students filtering out of the school. "It was all because I didn't have you around," Steve explained. "You make me—me."
"Well, I'm not the only one," August told him.
"No, you are. Without you, I would have just been one of Blake's pawn. I would have been just like the rest of the pack. Hell, I don't even think I'd be alive today after everything that's happened through the years." Steve looked around as the hallway started to empty. "Maybe it's time we stop toeing around the idea."
"The idea of what?" August asked.
"Of us," Steve said, turning to the hunter. "It's time we finally use a label, so that everyone can finally know how much you mean to me."
"So we're—?"
"Officially boyfriends," Steve finished with a smirk.
August beamed back at the alpha before giving him a quick peck and leaning against the locker next to him. "I'm glad everything didn't fall apart while I was gone," August commented as he saw the others come around the corner. Stiles and Lydia were walking hand and hand behind Scott with Kaia snuggled against Leonard.
"Well, not everything," Steve corrected when he noticed Malia and Jay walking on opposite sides of Leonard and Kaia, avoiding each other's glances.
"You guys ready?" Scott asked the pair as the group joined them.
"We aren't seriously going to the graduation, are we?" August asked, turning to Steve.
"Of course we are, it's a rite of passage," the werelion replied.
"And Leonard is going to be graduating early with you guys," Kaia added.
"I worked hard on my valedictorian speech, and none of you are allowed to miss it," Lydia told them.
"Fine," Steve sighed. "We'll pick up Charlie and Fiona on the way."
Jay looked down at the sea of black robes on the lacrosse field as Lydia was called up to give her speech. "All accounted for," Jay thought as he spotted the two packs. Jay scanned the bleachers and notice Melissa sitting next to the sheriff, but seemed like she was looking for someone. Jay hear Leonard sigh in his head, before turning back to the ceremony.
"If Kaia wanted everyone to come to the graduation, then why isn't she here?" Zach whispered.
"She has something to take care of," Jay told him.
"What do you mean she has to take care of something?"
"She learned something and wants to make sure it wasn't just because of the Ghost Riders."
"So, why is it a secret?"
"Because if it's true it's going to change everything."
"Does Leonard know this was her plan?" Zach asked.
"Who said it was her plan?" Leonard thought to him. "Now be quiet and listen to the speech."
"Parent, faculty, and fellow graduates," Lydia started once she reached the podium. "We've been through so much here at Beacon Hills, and we've all learned so much in the process. We've learned about the past with Mr. Yukimura, about life with Ms. Finch, and we learned how to play the game with Coach.
"We've also lost a lot, and I think it's important that we take the time to recognize all of those we have lost over these last few years, those who have gone missing, including my best friend, Allison Argent. At this point I'd like to ask for a moment of silence as we reflect back on those who could not be sitting with us here today." Lydia stated, she paused for a moment as the spectators on the bleachers and chairs fell silent.
"But this is also a time that we should look back on the most important people in our lives who are here today. The ones we love and care for, and the ones who care for us.
"The most valuable things we've all gained from our time at Beacon Hill are the connections and the friendships we've developed with each other. Looking back to where we started our freshman year, when each of us could be described as a jock, a dork, an outcast, or the ditzy, popular girl," Lydia chuckled lightly. "And now looking to where we are today—it's as if we've evolved, shifted even.
"We no longer fit into these neatly defined roles, and neither do the groups we surround ourselves with. We've created a bond, a link, that can never be severed with people we never thought we would have. With the goofball who now always makes you smile, the natural born leader, the outcast who just needed to warm up to others, and the new kids, who were first met with skepticism, until you realized they cared about you just as much as you grew to care for them.
"And this link isn't something that will end once we walk out of these doors tonight," Lydia stated before smirking. "It's something that can survive each of us being dimensions apart from each other. And no matter how far apart we are—it's like there will always be a supernatural force bringing us back together again.
"So, as we go out into the world as future doctors, veterinarians, police officers, Nobel Prize laureates, and Field Medalist, we will always keep in mind this link we have developed over the years. And no matter what separates us, we know we will always be able to find each other again. Thank you all, so much" Lydia said, bowing her head slightly as she stepped away from the podium.
The air filled with applause as the banshee made her way back to her seat. Stiles rose and cheered, embracing Lydia as she reached the empty seat next to him. "And now for the boring part," Jay sighed as the principal started to list off the names of the graduating students.
"Why are you here instead of seeing your friends off at graduation?" Chris asked as Kaia walked into the veterinary clinic.
"I was the one who arranged the meeting," she replied. "I need to ask you a question, and I need to keep it a secret for now. And I'm not really sure what to do with the answer," she said, looking to Deaton and Marin.
"Okay," Chris stated, nodding to the kitsune as he rested against the table.
"When we were down in the bunker, trying to protect the students from the party, you mentioned that Kate was still alive. Is she?"
"Yes," Chris sighed.
"Damnit," Kaia muttered, shaking her head. "How?"
"Everyone thought she had died the night Peter slashed her throat, but—she survived—just barely. My father smuggled her body away, sending her to the Calaveras. They were supposed to ensure she followed our code and take her own life before—changing."
Kaia shook her head at Chris. "That damned code," she whispered.
Chris nodded slightly at her. "She didn't, instead she tricked the other hunters into think that she had taken her own life before killing them and escaping. She became a werejaguar. Scott, Derek, and I eventually caught up with her—"
"I believe she caught up with all of you," Marin corrected him.
"You knew?" Kaia asked the druid.
"I did, but I didn't know that you and the others didn't know," she admitted. "It was—a hard time for all of us."
Kaia sighed before returning her attention to Chris. "So, she's still out there then?"
Chris nodded. "We lost track of her, but the Calaveras are trying to track her down."
"I'd assume you would also want to know that Gerard is still out there," Marin added.
"What?" Kaia asked, turning to Chris. "Where are they?"
"Last I heard, Kate was still in Mexico, but I haven't seen or heard from Gerard since last fall."
"I'm assuming the guidance you seek is whether or not you should tell Steve and August or keep this to yourself," Deaton stated.
"If I tell them, they're going to hunt them down," Kaia admitted.
"Scott and the others know about Kate, and I'm sure they'll eventually discover that Gerard is still out there," Marin replied. "At some point, those two will find out."
"But we're also supposed to be protecting the nemeton."
"And Scott's pack can't do that while you and the others are away?" Deaton asked.
"Some of us don't want to leave," Kaia admitted. "And some are not interested in seeking revenge against them anymore."
"So, Steve and August hunt them on their own?" Marin asked. "And you're worried about them doing this alone."
"Yes," Kaia sighed. "I think with the link they will still have our strength, but I'm not sure it will be enough. And the time and energy it will take to find her, or if she ambushes them while they are tired—"
"You think they would be that foolish?" Deaton asked.
"I don't know. I've seen their determination before, sometimes they can only see their goal—"
"I think they've grown a bit since then," Fiona told her.
Kaia nodded before turning to Chris. "If they go after them—when they do—you know what they're going to do. I want to know that you're okay with this."
"I've never been able to bring myself to stop my family, but those two deserve justice for what my father and sister did to them. I'll get in touch with the Calaveras, ensure they don't go after Steve and then take them to the location Kate was last seen," Chris told her.
Kaia nodded at the hunter. "Let's wait, let them enjoy some peacetime," Charlie thought, showing her the image of August and Steve throwing their caps in the air before kissing each other. "Kate's not going anywhere anytime soon."
"Let's give them a couple of weeks, then they'll be ready to go," Kaia told the hunter.
"Are you sure this plan will work?" Charlie asked Fiona and Steve as they walked to the Camaro.
"Nothing new has happened in the past few weeks. Stiles will be dying to get back out there and stop another threat," Steve told them.
"Alright, we'll meet you there," Fiona told the alpha before he got in the car and pulled out of the drive. "It'll work," she assured the beta once Steve was gone. "We should probably go and help the others."
"So, what are we up against?" Stiles grumbled as he got in the car.
"You don't sound too excited about this," Steve commented.
"I was hoping things would stay calm for a little longer," Stiles admitted. Steve looked over at him and noticed he was staring down at his feet. "So, what is it this time?" Stiles asked, looking up at the alpha.
"I'm—I'm not really sure," Steve stammered before driving down the road. "The others will fill us in when we get there."
"They aren't communicating to you with the link?"
"Actually, it seems I've been cut off from the link right now," Steve stated, surprised that he couldn't reach the others.
"That's just great," Stiles sighed.
The two continued on in silence for a moment. "Are you alright?" Steve asked after a few minutes.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Stiles mutterd. "Where are we going anyway?" he asked, looking out the window.
"The school. The others are supposed to meet us there," Steve said as he turned down the road.
After a few minutes, Steve pulled into the parking lot next to the other cars. "You made it!" Scott cheered as they stepped out of the car.
"What's going on?" Stiles asked, looking at the two packs surrounding them in formal dress.
Scott smirked as Charlie handed the alpha a black bag. "You need to get dressed," Scott said, handing the bag to Stiles.
"What?" Stiles asked looking at the bag.
"It'd be rude to keep Lydia waiting," Steve commented.
"We all missed prom because of the Ghost Riders," Malia explained.
"And since Lydia throws all the best parties, she planned one just for us, and wanted to surprise you," Scott added.
"Have fun," Steve stated, patting the dumbfounded boy on the shoulder and moving to get back in the car.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Where do you think you're going?" Malia asked, stopping him.
"Home," Steve told her. "The prom was for you guys."
"It wouldn't feel right if you guys weren't there with us," Scott explained.
"And Lydia planned tonight for all of us," Charlie added, pulling another bag out of Fiona's car.
"It'd be rude to keep August waiting," Fiona mimicked as Charlie gave the bag to Steve.
Steve and Stiles stared at the group in shock. "What're you waiting for?" Jay asked them ushering them toward the school. "Get going!"
The two boys shook their heads before turning to each other. Steve shrugged and the two headed for the side door that was propped open. "We'll see you in there," Zach said as the group headed to the gym leaving Steve and Stiles alone.
"I can't believe they did this," Steve mumbled as the two entered the locker room. The alpha unzipped the bag and examined the suit inside. "We were supposed to have a nice quiet night inside, and now I have to go through all of this." Steve sighed as he turned toward the mirror and noticed Stiles sitting on the bench staring at his unopened bag. "You sure you're okay?"
Stiles continued to stare at the bag in silence. Steve furrowed his brow and sat next to the boy. "I think I need to leave Beacon Hills," Stiles sighed, breaking the silence. "Just get away from all of this."
"Away from your friends throwing you a surprise prom?"
"No, I love my friends. All of you guys are amazing," Stiles replied. "But when you said there was something else running around that we needed to stop—I just wanted to get in my Jeep and run. Just go and never come back.
"I mean, I've had my run-ins with death before, y'know. My best friend turned into a werewolf, almost attacked me on his first full moon, Peter took me hostage and threatened me, Gerard kicked my ass, I had to fight a dark druid that almost killed my dad," he said with a half chuckle while shaking his head. "I was never really worried back then though, y'know. Everything kinda just worked out for the most part. But then the nogitsune came, and I saw Allison die, and I was dying, but then it worked out. A professional assassin held a gun to my head, but it worked out. I was nearly eaten alive by a mutated wendigo, shot at by a werecoyote, stabbed with a shard of glass—"
"But it all worked out," Steve muttered.
"But this time was different. I mean, it was like I was dead-worse-I was all but forgotten by everyone here, y'know. For a while, I had given up hope of ever making it out of The Hunt. Of ever seeing Scott, you, Lydia—my dad—ever again. And once I finally got out, I saw my mom." Stiles paused for a minute, taking a deep breath. "And I know it wasn't really her, but it was like a reminder, y'know, like I was looking into death's face as she tried to choke me."
"But it worked out," Steve assured him.
"And what if next time it doesn't?" Stiles asked, raising his voice and turning to the alpha. "What if next time—no one gets to me in time, or there isn't a pole that will fall and impale my attacker, or if I get taken to another dimension and there is no way back—and no one saves me from the gun against my head?" Stiles exhaled for a moment, his body shaking. "I just feel like it would be safer to not be in the supernatural hotspot of the world, y'know—just for a little bit. Don't you ever get that feeling?"
"Sometimes, but then I think about the good that's been done. Hayden, Corey, and Zach were all dead just a few months ago, but now they're here about to enjoy prom, thanks to us."
"Yeah, but couldn't we do good anywhere else. I mean, sure, Beacon Hills needs people there to help, but so does everywhere else, right?. And it's not just me and Scott anymore. We've got two packs, y'know, and Liam is basically a mini-alpha with his own pack. I mean, things would be fine if I left, right?" Stiles asked, looking at the alpha, begging for an answer.
"I—I don't—I don't know if I can answer that—honestly," Steve stammered.
Stiles was silent for a moment. "Yeah," he sighed. "Let's get ready then."
The two boys changed into their suits in silence as Steve mulled over everything Stiles said, trying to come up with an answer the boy clearly needed. "I've been thinking about leaving Beacon Hills too," Steve admitted. "It just doesn't feel right that we just diverted the train for someone else to deal with. I want to find a way to stop it." Stiles looked up at Steve, shocked. "So, I guess—my answer is—it is okay for us to leave here. To go help others, cause we can always come back, right?"
"Right," Stiles nodded.
Steve nodded with him, moving to straighten the boy's tie. "Everyone else has already announced where they're planning on going next year. Have you decided yet?"
Stiles looked at the alpha and hesitated. "I mean, I don't really know," he muttered. "You ready?"
"Yeah, let's not keep them waiting," Steve nodded before the two headed out of the locker room.
They rounded the corner to the gym before freezing as they noticed Lydia in a coral gown, matching Stiles's vest and tie, and August in his own suit, his vest and tie matching Steve's turquoise ones. "Wow," Stiles sighed as Lydia and August turned to face them.
"I don't think I've ever seen you dressed up before," Steve chuckled as the hunter posed.
"I'm just glad I had this lying around," Lydia said, nonchalantly.
"Well, I think you look beautiful," Stiles replied with a smirk. Lydia beamed at the boy as he approached the banshee. "Like, just, absolutely stunning." Lydia moved to wipe away a tear that was forming in her eye. "And you're even more beautiful when you cry." Lydia chuckled as Stiles held out his arm for her. "I'm not going to have to force you to dance with me this time, am I?"
"As long as I'm not mauled by a werewolf, I'll be on the floor with you all night," Lydia replied, taking his arm. Music spilled into the hall as the two made their way into the gym, chuckling.
"Why don't you ever say cute stuff like that to me?" August asked the alpha once they were alone.
"'Cause you're an ugly crier," Steve commented, causing August's jaw to drop slightly. "But I love you anyway," the alpha added, kissing the hunter on the cheek and linking arms.
"At least I'm not a blubbering baby," August replied.
"I was ten," Steve protested, as they stepped into the gym. Steve paused, surveying the decorations covering the place. "How the hell did you guys do all this? This was supposed to be a small, last minute thing," Steve gasped as they walked through the balloon arch.
"You'd be amazed at what Lydia can do in such a short amount of time," the hunter chuckled, "Zach was able to hang the all the curtains for the drop ceiling and all the lighting with almost no effort, Mason, Corey, Jay, Liam, and Hayden worked together to figure out music and sound, Scott, Malia, Leonard, and Kaia made all the food today, and the rest of us decorated everything else."
"You're amazing," Steve sighed, smiling at the hunter. "But how did they convince you to get excited about a prom?"
"Figured you two needed to spend some time together," Charlie commented as he and Fiona walked up behind him. "Turns out I was right, and that made it super easy."
"After everything that's happened—I was just excited to spend a fun night with everyone," August added, nodding at the pair before they moved toward the center of the gym to dance with the others. Steve smirked when he noticed Jay and Zach dancing poorly while Mason, Corey, Liam, and Hayden danced next to them.
"This looks exactly like the winter formal from our sophomore year," Steve heard Stiles say from the punch bowl.
"Well, that was the night I fell in love with you, even if I didn't realize it," Lydia replied before they joined the others on the dance floor along with Leonard and Kaia.
August nodded toward the others and Steve followed after the hunter. As they made their way over, Steve noticed Malia sitting in the bleachers by herself watching the others. Scott sat next to her and the two talked for a moment before he brought her to the floor with the others. The two packs laughed and danced as the music continued through the night, taking breaks to grab snacks and drinks periodically.
August moved closer to Steve as a slow song started. "I'm looking forward the staying here," August sighed as he rested his head against the alpha's shoulder. The hunter stepped back as he felt Steve's body tense. "What's wrong?"
"It's just—I don't think we should have diverted the train."
August pulled the alpha away from the floor and headed for the bleachers. "We didn't really have a choice."
"I know. But now that we did it. I think we need to figure out a way to stop it from taking other towns. And Lydia and Scott will be going to college soon. Stiles will probably figure out a way to go as well. Fiona's mentioned wanting to go to Europe. Maybe we should all go, see if Jack or someone else in the Republic knows how to stop the Wild Hunt."
"I thought you didn't want to leave Beacon Hills."
"And I thought you wanted to leave."
"I did, but now I kinda agree with settling in for a bit with our friends—with us—"
"We can always come back—"
"We were planning to go back to the valley too," August reminded the alpha.
"That was different and you know that," Steve scolded him before taking a breath. "We've lost a lot and I'd love to stay, but—"
"Who's going to protect the nemeton while we're gone?" August asked, interrupting the alpha.
"Them," Steve said, nodding toward Liam and others. "Malia's in summer school and will be around for a while. Maybe some of the others will stay too," Steve added looking to Jay and Zach.
August sighed, looking at the alpha. "Let's just enjoy tonight together. We can talk with the pack and put everything to a vote tomorrow."
"Yeah," Steve muttered. They leaned into each other and started to sway with the song and getting lost in their own thoughts
"Hey, lovebirds!" Jay called out. August and Steve flinched, noticing the music and stopped. They turned to the werecheetah as saw the others packing things up. "Stilinski says there have been a lot of calls about suspicious cars in the parking lot, we're moving the party to Lydia's house."
"Zach, Jay, and Liam should be finishing up soon," Kaia stated as she walked up to Charlie and Fiona
"I guess the fun will really start then," Charlie chuckled as he helped Fiona put up a banner.
"I don't think this night is going as planned for Steve and August," Leonard mentioned, joining the others.
"What do you mean?" Fiona asked as Charlie set her down.
"I eavesdropped on their conversation back in the gym. Steve wants to leave and find a way to stop the Wild Hunt."
"And August wants to stay," Kaia added.
"We have to tell them tonight," Fiona sighed, looking at the pair sitting in the living room.
"I was really hoping they could have just enjoyed tonight," Charlie sighed.
"Well, let's rip the band-aid off then," Kaia muttered before walking over to the pair.
"Can we talk to you two outside?" Fiona asked.
"What is it?" Steve asked, looking up at the other confused.
"Just come with us," Charlie replied.
The alpha paused and looked at the hunter before the two got off the couch and headed toward the backyard. "Is everything alright?" Scott asked as Charlie as the glum group passed by.
The others continued as the beta turned back to Scott. "Probably not," Charlie admitted. Scott's eyes widened slightly. "It's Kate. We didn't know she was still alive. Steve and August are about to find out."
"Stiles told me what happened in the past," Scott sighed. "Argent and Derek haven't even been able to track her down."
"That's not going to stop those two from going after her. She and Gerard have done so much to them."
"We thought you knew, we would have told you sooner—" Scott started.
"It's okay," Charlie said, cutting him off. "We know now."
"Why tonight?" Scott asked.
"They're arguing about staying or going anyway, might as well help them make up their minds."
Scott nodded and Charlie made his way outside with the others.
"So, what's going on?" August asked.
"I heard something," Kaia started. "At first I hoped it was just the Ghost Riders changing reality, but it's real."
"What's real?" Steve asked as Chalie joined them.
"Kate's still alive," Fiona stated.
"What?" August gasped as Steve stiffened.
"Chris's sister, Kate?" Steve asked.
"Yes," Leonard said. "And she's not just alive, but she's also a werejaguar."
"A powerful one from the sounds of it," Charlie warned.
"Then we have to go after her," August said, looking to the others.
The others looked down at the ground in silence. "They don't want to leave," Steve sighed.
"Well, Fiona and I still do, just not to go after Kate," Charlie told him.
"My dad is trying to rebuild the Republic in Europe," Fiona said. "I'd like to meet him, and help out if we can. And we can look into stopping the Wild Hunt while we're there."
"I'm going to be working at the hospital and going to start working toward a medical degree," Leonard said.
"Jay and Zach want to take a break from fighting, and someone needs to keep an eye on them," Kaia added.
"So, it's just you and me then," August said looking to Steve.
"Chris knows where she was last seen and can lead you there," Kaia told them.
"Yeah," Steve sighed, shaking his head. "I just need a minute," he added, looking to August.
August moved to follow him but was stopped by Charlie. "Let him have this minute," Fiona told August.
Steve made his way up the stairs and headed for the bathroom, but paused when he noticed a light on in another room. "You make a habit of laying in other people's beds?" Steve asked as he stepped into Lydia's bedroom.
Stiles gave a half-hearted chuckle, but continued to stare up at the ceiling. "Just wanted to be alone for a minute."
"Yeah, me too," Steve sighed before going to lay down next to the boy. "Mind if I hang out here a bit?" he asked, staring up at the ceiling with him.
"Well, then neither of us would be alone," Stiles replied.
"It's just quieter up here," Steve sighed. Stiles shrugged and the two stared at the ceiling together. Music and chatter started to make its way up the stairs, filling the room with its dull echo. Steve shook his head before sighing. "Kate's alive."
"Yeah, she is," Stiles whispered.
"We thought she died here, fighting you guys."
"Wait, you didn't know?" Stiles asked, sitting up to face the alpha.
"I just found out," Steve sighed. "She's hurt us so much, and we thought she was gone—but—she's out there, stronger than before, and probably hurting more people. Each one of them getting hurt because we didn't stop her the first time."
"That's not entirely your fault," Stiles told him.
"Yes and no—but it's the same as the Wild Hunt. I still carry some of that responsibility."
"So, what are you gonna do?"
"Go after her, like I should have in the first place."
"You won't be the first one to try."
"I'll have August, I think we'll be able to stop her."
"I hope you do," Stiles replied before laying back down. The room fell silent again, aside from the dull echo of the party downstairs. "I got into George Washington," Stiles sighed.
"The president?" Steve asked.
"No," Stiles sighed. "I got an FBI internship. My dad called Scott's dad, who made some calls and got me in, y'know, since I missed all the deadlines while waiting in a train station."
"That's pretty awesome. I bet Lydia was excited when you told her."
"I haven't, yet."
"Why?" Steve asked, propping himself up. "She would be happy for you."
"I have to leave tomorrow—if I decide to go," Stiles sighed. Steve struggled to respond and the room fell quiet again. "Finally, after all this time we're together, y'know? It was something I only dreamed would happen, but so is joining the FBI. It's like everything I've ever wanted is within my grasp, but I have less than twelve hours to choose between two of my greatest dreams."
"I wouldn't even know how to tell someone that," Steve sighed.
"Tell someone what?" a voice asked from the doorway.
Stiles sprang up and stared at the girl in the doorway. "Lydia—I—," Stiles gasped.
"I came up to find Steve," Lydia said, sitting on the foot of the bed and staring at Stiles. "Joining the FBI is your dream."
"But—" Stiles tried to interrupt.
"You don't have to choose between George Washington and me. I'll be at MIT, it's only a day away. And since I'll be starting as a Junior, in two years I can move even closer."
"Lydia—That's—You're amazing," Stiles stammered.
"Woah," August gasped as he stumbled into the doorway and spotted the three in bed.
"I'm sorry," Lydia sighed, breaking eye contact with Stiles to look at Steve. "I wanted to warn you—"
"I wouldn't have never expected you three—" August started, slurring his words before nearly tripping over himself.
"I'm guessing I should blame Jay," Steve mumbled as he got off the bed.
"No, no, itsh fine," August slurred, stumbling slightly before Steve caught him. "We're not committled, just having fun."
"August, we are committed," Steve reminded the intoxicated hunter.
"Really?" August asked, beaming at the alpha.
Steve's eyes widened. "We're going to leave you two alone," Steve said, turning to Stiles and Lydia. "Sorry," he added before guiding August out of the room.
"I can't just believe it," August rambled as Steve helped him down the stairs. "I wouldn't have never thought that you could use a labels."
"Yeah, it's crazy," Steve sighed, reaching the bottom floor. He scanned the room until he spotted Jay and flashed his red eyes at the werecheetah.
"Take it easy," Charlie warned, approaching the two with Fiona.
"Jay and Zach thought it would help August take his mind off of—" Fiona started
"Yeah, well it worked," Steve hissed. "Has Jay forgotten about his—"
"August isn't Tiberius," Fiona said.
"And now he's sober," Leonard thought to the alpha from the backyard.
August removed his arm from Steve's shoulder and looked around at the rest of the pack. He looked back to Steve, his face turning red before looking down at his feet. The hunter headed to the backyard and Steve ran after him, hearing Liam shout before diving into the pool and swimming with the others. The hunter and the alpha sat on the patio next to each other in silence watching the others splash around in the pool.
"This was supposed to be a fun night," Steve sighed after a moment. "Guess we kinda ruined it."
August chuckled lightly. "I don't think we're programmed for fun."
"Maybe Jay's right. Leonard is affecting us," Steve commented causing August to laugh.
"I really wanted to stay for a while," August admitted once he had calmed down. "Not forever—but—I didn't think this was why we were going to leave. I thought—maybe—we'd help create a new team of protectors for different areas, or help others get control of their abilities—"
"Like Maria?"
"Yeah," August nodded.
"If I had to choose between hunting down a ghost from our past or staying here, I would never want to leave," Steve admitted.
August shook his head. "Kaia told me Gerard is also around and that's why she wants to stay here."
"I just keeps getting better," Steve sighed. "Kaia can keep an eye out for him for now, we let Kate run around for too long at this point. She's not even just a hunter any more—who knows how many people she's hurt."
"We'll make her pay. For everything she's done since the day she arrived in the valley."
"Gods, I hope so," Steve whispered as Scott and Liam hopped out of the pool and headed toward them.
"You guys are here for one more night, right?" Scott asked as the pair neared.
"Yeah, we're leave—" Steve started before Scott lifted the alpha over his shoulder.
"Hey!" August shouted as Liam did the same.
"Then you should have some fun!" Liam shouted as he and Scott sprinted toward the pool.
"No!" Steve shouted, trying to twist out of Scott's grasp without hurting the other alpha. "Scott, wait!" he pleaded as Scott and Liam leapt into the pool.
Steve spat out water as he returned to the surface, his shirt clinging to his skin. He could hear Jay and Zach laughing from the doorway. "What the hell?" August asked, wiping the water from his face.
Scott chuckled as he shrugged and nodded toward Leonard. "You guys keeping saying I can't have fun. I think you earned a little payback," Leonard stated as Jay and Zach's laughter stopped. Steve looked back as Charlie and Kaia ran into the pool carry the pair. "See, I can have fun," Leonard chuckled as they returned to the surface.
"You're so dead," Jay chuckled before swimming after the werelion.
"At least we don't carry our phones around as much," August stated, shaking his head as he watched Leonard flee from Jay. Zach moved to cut the werelion off, sprouting his wings and pushing a torrent of water at toward him.
"Keep the water in the pool, boys!" Lydia shouted from the doorway.
Steve and August pulled themselves out of the pool, removing their soaked shirts as they moved to join the banshees and Stiles at the door. "Maybe Jay was wrong about the fun sucker of the pack," Fiona commented as they watched Leonard dunk Jay.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Steve asked the banshee.
She raised an eyebrow at him in response. "You said you'd always love me, right?" Stiles asked as he hugged Lydia from behind.
"Of course, why—" Lydia started before yelping as Stiles lifted her off the ground and headed toward the pool. "Stiles! Don't you dare!"
"He's a lot stronger than he used to be," Fiona commented.
"Well, the training is better when you aren't having fun," August replied.
"Stiles, stop!" Lydia commanded as they neared the pool.
"I couldn't," Stiles chucked, setting Lydia down next to the pool.
"How sweet," Lydia whispered, taking a step back. Stiles turned, smiling as she leaned in toward him. His eyes widened as Lydia gave him a quick shove into the pool behind him. Lydia knelt down as Stiles returned to the surface, shaking the water out of his face. "Maybe that will teach you not to trick me."
"Right, I should always follow through with my plans," Stiles nodded.
"What?" Lydia asked before being pulled into the pool with him.
Steve crossed his arms as he stared at the two packs in the pool. "You know, you're the only one that's dry right now."
"I've already kicked your ass once this year," Fiona reminded him.
"I would never," the alpha emphasized. "I mean, I wouldn't even have the skill to take such a strong banshee."
"Don't you mock me," Fiona replied, turning to the alpha with a smirk.
"Are you two bothering her?" Charlie asked as he approached the two.
"Oh, not at all," August said, grinning, "We'll just be getting out of your way."
"Don't worry, I'll protect you," Charlie said behind them as Steve and August headed back toward the pool. The pair laughed when they heard Fiona shriek before Charlie ran between them with the banshee in tow.
"Who's the fun sucker now?" Steve asked, sitting on the side of the pool next to the hunter.
"We should get going," Steve said, as August checked his gun before packing it in his bag. "We still have to say goodbye to Stiles and others."
"I thought that was what last night was for?" August asked, zipping up his bag and following after the alpha.
"It was, but Scott said he wanted us to swing by the school before we left."
"You're packed pretty light for going on a manhunt," Jay commented when he spotted the pairs duffle bags.
"Well, if all goes well, we shouldn't be gone for long," Steve replied.
"And, if not, we've got to pack light enough to be mobile. Even with Steve's driving his Camaro can't go everyone" August added.
"Wanna bet?" Steve chuckled.
"You should still take this," Fiona said as she and Charlie made their way down the stairs carrying August's bow and quiver.
"You're better with the bow, and you'll need every edge you can get against Kate," Charlie stated before the hunter could interrupt.
"And these," Kaia said from the living room before tossing the spatha and longsword at Steve.
"If you run into trouble, we'll come find you," Leonard told them as he and Zach moved into the foyer with the others.
"We know," August said.
"You two behave while we're gone," Steve warned Zach and Jay.
"Definitely," Zach chuckled.
"Which means, you two have your work cut out for you," August commented, looking to Leonard and Kaia.
"Promise us you'll be careful," Fiona said.
"Of course we will," Steve said. "Tell your dad we say hi, and that I'd like to meet him some day."
"I'll make sure he's like Mary says he is," Charlie stated, pulling Steve in for a hug. "Go raise some hell."
The alpha and hunter nodded at the rest of the pack before heading out to the Camaro.
"Think they'll be okay?" August asked as they backed out of the drive.
"I think Jay and Zach will get into all sorts of trouble, and hopefully Leonard and Kaia will be able to straighten things out," Steve commented.
"Well, I wish them luck," August chuckled, "Gods know they'll need it." Steve chuckled slightly before the car fell silent and they continued on to the school. "Last goodbyes," August muttered as they pulled up next to Stiles's Jeep. Scott, Liam, Mason, and Stiles were gathered around the back of the Jeep, talking.
"I think you're gonna need this," they heard Stiles say as they stepped out of the car. They watched as Stiles handed his bat off to Mason.
"Uh, I don't play baseball," Mason replied as he and Liam stared at the outstretched bat.
"Right, neither do I. It's—It's not the point."
"Okay," Mason muttered as Stiles shoved the bat into his hands. "Thanks?"
"Love you guys!" Stiles called out as the two boys ran off.
"How are you going to defend yourself out east without that bat?" August asked.
"Y'know, I figure that between your training and FBI's, I'll probably be able to hold my own," Stiles replied.
"So, you'll be going straight into it, then?" Steve asked.
"Well, not right away. Have a summer filled with some gen ed classes. But as soon as fall comes—FBI," Stiles said pointing to himself.
"Pre-FBI," August corrected causing Scott to laugh
"Yeah, yeah," Stiles scoffed before reaching into his truck and pulling out a roll of duct tape. "I leave you with this," Stiles said, passing the roll to Scott. "You know, hurt her and I'll kill ya," he muttered, slapping the roof slightly.
"You sure you won't need it?" Scott asked.
"It's okay. Lydia's gonna drive me down to D.C. She wants to help me move into my dorm, so—" Stiles started, before pausing and looking back at his Jeep. "You know she's starting MIT as a junior? How do you even do that?"
"She's a genius," Scott replied.
"Word on the street is that you got into UC Davis," Steve said nodding to Scott.
"Yeah," Scott sighed, grinning a bit. The four fell silent for a moment.
"So," Stiles sighed turning to Steve and August. "Mexico?"
"Chris is going to take us to the last place Kate was spotted. Figure we better start there," August replied.
"Steer clear of the churches down there," Scott warned, chuckling softly.
"Well, we've never been too big on religion," Steve replied.
"I've—uh," Stiles started, looking between Scott and the others.
"We'll give you a minute," August said, moving back to the Camaro with Steve.
"So, many things have changed," Steve sighed, watching Scott and Stiles say their goodbyes to each other.
"I wouldn't have believed you if you told me that sparing at Yuki's would have brought us here."
Steve chuckled. "No Republic, pack splitting up—"
"Not splitting up," August corrected. "Not even just our pack anymore. More like we're spreading out, but we'll always meet back up. Whether its next year, or ten. We'll all come back together again."
Steve looked over at the handful of students leaving summer school and sports camps. "Hopefully sooner than later," he whispered. "Everyone here still needs to be protected."
"I think they're in good hands. Between Leonard, Liam and the others. Someone will always be watching over them."
"I guess so," Steve sighed. The two jumped as they heard Scott close the trunk door.
They followed Stiles to the driver's side door as Scott got in on the other side. "Hey, you two stay safe," Stiles said, hugging the two of them.
"And if you run into any trouble, any at all," Scott added as Stiles got in the Jeep. "Call any of us. We'll come to help. We owe you."
"After everything that's happened this year, l think we're pretty even," Steve chuckled.
Scott shrugged. "Offer still stands. Seriously, if you guys need anything call me."
"Who knows, I might even be able to use some FBI resources to help out," Stiles added.
"Yeah, we'll see about that," August commented.
Stiles chuckled and started the Jeep as Steve and August headed back to the Camaro. The two froze when they heard the sheriff's voice over the radio. "Unit Four, repeat. You're telling me there's a body in the woods?" Steve and August looked over to Scott and Stiles.
"That's exactly what I'm saying," another officer responded. "There's a body in the—" Stiles flipped the radio off and shook his head.
Steve and August smirked as they headed back for the car. "Did you hear that?" Steve thought to the other.
"Roger that!" Jay replied as Steve started the car.
The two cars left the parking lot and parted at the next intersection.
"You guys are on your own with this one," Charlie told them as he finished loading up Fiona's car as the sun began to set. "We've got a plane to catch."
"I don't think that will be a problem," Zach commented.
"Honestly, we could be there by now," Jay said, tapping his foot, waiting for Kaia and Leonard.
"You guys have to work as a group, you can't just run off on your own," Fiona warned them.
"Yeah, just imagine someone doing that," Jay commented, looking at Charlie.
"Learn from my mistakes," Charlie replied, closing the trunk. "It's a dead body, it's not going anywhere any time soon."
"You're going to really hate having to wait for Liam and the others," Leonard told the werecheetah as he and Kaia stepped out of the house.
Jay groaned and rolled his eyes. "Fiona, we'll be fine," Kaia assured the banshee. "Go see your dad and help him."
"She's right," Charlie told her, holding the car door open behind her.
"I know. I just have this feeling," she sighed.
"A premonition?" Leonard asked.
"No, at least not yet."
"You're just nervous to meet Jack," Jay told her. "Honestly, at this point, who would even try to stand against our two packs?"
"Don't get cocky," Charlie warned as he moved to the driver's side.
"If I do have a premonition, I'll warn you," Fiona told them as Charlie started the car.
"We know," Zach told her. The car backed out as the group waved after the pair.
"So, we're ready to go?" Jay asked.
"Yeah, it'll probably be quicker if we go on foot, start sprinting once we hit the woods," Leonard replied.
"I like new fun Leonard," Zach commented.
"Not fun—just logical and efficient," the werelion said. "I've got to get some things prepared before starting at the hospital tomorrow."
"Well, hopefully, a party won't interfere with that," Jay said.
"A what?" Kaia asked.
"Jay, we are not going to have—" Leonard started before Jay sprinted away. "You can't run from the link."
"Y'know, I wasn't too upset when we didn't have the link," Jay thought back.
Alrighty, update time:
I've got at least two more stories that I want to do, obviously, one to correspond with 6B and then another that follows the events after that that I'm incredibly excited to get to.
For 6B, I'm not sure what plot is changing for sure yet, but I know I'm adding in a whole lot more to this story. We're going to get more characters coming back and way more Derek and a lot more Stiles, so longer chapters and at least 12 of them (I'm planning to do a prologue briding the gap between some of the summer activities in addition to the usual epilogue). Also, there will more action. While I don't think it'll get to the chaos from One's Not Enough's city fight (Maybe, who knows) there will definitely be more skirmishes shown.
As far as timeline for this story being published, I'm going to be generous so that I'm not disappointing anyone and say I'll start posting against near summer. I'm hoping to be done sooner, just want the extra cushion. With ONE I wrote as I went and I don't think that worked out for the best. TAC was half and half and with TAP I did everything before publishing. I think that worked the best so I'm going to write the whole story before posting everything. I have the story mostly outlined at this point, but I completely changed TAP's story mid-way through writing it even though I had an outline, so we'll see what happens. Not to mention, I have to come up with a clever title using the number four.
I'm not planning on revealing much for the post 6B story since everything about it will kinda be a surprise since there isn't a canon story at this point to adapt. All I can promise is lots of action, and carnage on the level previously mentioned and beyond.
I'm already excited to start posting for the next story and look forward to seeing you all there, hopefully, sooner than expected.