As John and Derek approached the school, they saw it, Stiles, or rather the Nogitsune, seating there in the entrance stairs, flanked by the three remaining Oni. The malevolent entity greeted them with a mocking tone as Derek placed the wooden box on the floor. "Ow, you brought us a gift."
Derek's expression transformed into a more animalistic visage, his crimson red eyes glowing with fierce determination. Sensing the impending battle, John reached for the long dagger sticks from his back, the very same weapons he had previously used to combat the Oni.
The twins, Ethan and Aiden, emerged and positioned themselves at the sides of Derek and John, adding their formidable presence to the standoff. The Keeper spoke with unwavering confidence, "We actually brought you two."
Unfazed by their challenge, the Nogitsune replied in a taunting and mocking manner, "I've heard of alpha packs, but not packs with ex-alphas. That's just sad." He feigned a pout, aiming to taunt them further.
Ethan's voice resonated with intensity as he declared, "We may not be alphas anymore." His brother, Aiden, matched his resolve with equal determination, stating, "But we can still fight like it." Together, the werewolves unleashed a collective roar, signaling the commencement of the fierce battle that was about to unfold.
As the ominous creature, that Alistair now identified as the Nogitsune, halted in its tracks, Kira and Alistair prepared themselves for the impending battle, tightening their grip on their swords. Its mouth opened, revealing a terrifying set of shark-like teeth that seemed almost metallic, and it spoke in a chilling, growling tone, "As I promised Stiles, we are going to kill you all, one by one." With a sinister gesture, the Nogitsune summoned the three remaining Oni, who circled around Kira and Alistair, swords at the ready.
Moving in its peculiarly ungraceful manner, the Nogitsune stepped forward, revealing that they were in Bardo, the state in between life and death. It taunted them with the news that Stiles was dying, along with everyone he loved. The creature bragged of its progress in the game, having already conquered key locations on the board like the hospital, the Sheriff's Station, and now the Animal Clinic.
Suddenly, the spirit manifested behind Alistair, whispering chilling words in his ear. "It was fun playing with you. So much potential for chaos, but so protected." The Nogitsune's taunting tone never wavered, "Just wait until your guest unleashes havoc.". When Alistair turned to confront the creature, it stood exactly where it had been before, a few steps ahead, leaving him questioning the reality of the exchange. The alarmed looks from everyone else confirmed that he didn't hallucinate anything.
Before anyone could react or question further, the Nogitsune began to recount the history of Sepukku, a Japanese ritual where a Samurai would stab themselves in the stomach to disembowel themselves as an act of preserving honor, with their trusted friend, the kaishakunin, tasked with delivering the beheading.
The twisted history lesson served a grim purpose—to inform them that Scott, as the Nogitsune declared him Stiles' kaishakunin, would have to kill his best friend, or everyone touched by the Oni's swords would die. As Stiles demanded to know the Nogitsune's reason for doing this, it responded with a wicked and sinister smirk, "To win the game."
The tension in the air was palpable as the three Oni readied their swords, and Scott's face morphed into his more animalistic state. Kira and Alistair stood firm, swords at the ready, prepared to defend themselves and each other. Lydia and Stiles, realizing what was about to unfold in front of them, moved away from the impending battle, seeking safety from the impending clash.
The battleground was alive with the resounding clash of swords against the menacing Oni blades. Each strike was fueled by determination and adrenaline as they fought fiercely, pushing the creatures back, at least momentarily.
After a brief respite from the intense combat, the three fighters—Scott, Kira, and Alistair—formed a small circle in the midst of the garden. Their heaving breaths matched the palpable tension that hung in the air.
Scott couldn't help but question Kira, "How the hell are we here?"
Kira, her voice tinged with disbelief, responded, "How am I supposed to know? I hadn't touched a sword until a month ago."
The intense battle waged on, with the teenagers continuously dodging and delivering blows, their bodies growing weary from the unrelenting combat. Fatigue weighed heavily upon them, and with every passing minute, the challenge became more grueling.
In a critical moment, one Oni overpowered Kira, causing her to drop her katana. Quick to react, Stiles snatched it up, but to the surprise of everyone, including Alistair, he pointed the katana's tip against his own belly. The battlefield seemed to freeze in that instant, the only audible sound being the grunting of the Nogitsune.
Scott immediately protested, "Stiles, no!"
"What if this saves you? What if it saves everyone?" Argued Stiles. Behind him, Lydia wore a horrified expression, not knowing what to do.
But the Nogitsune taunted them all, his voice taking on a more animalistic and sinister tone. "Finish it, Scott. Let your friend fall on his own sword. Do for him what he can't do for himself. Be his kaishakunin and give up the game."
With the tension reaching its breaking point, everyone braced themselves for the worst. Just as it seemed Stiles would go through with the drastic act, he hesitated. His eyes briefly met his reflection on the katana's steel, and his gaze darted around, taking in the snowy-covered elements of the school.
"You have no moves left," the Nogitsune taunted once more, sensing an opportunity to seize control.
However, Stiles defied expectations, throwing the katana back to Kira. His resolve firm, he confronted the spirit with a determined look in his eyes, "Of course, I do. A Divine Move."
The Nogitsune growled in frustration, unable to predict Stiles' unexpected decision.
Outside the school, the ferocious battle raged on, and the Oni proved to be relentless adversaries. Despite the advantage of numbers, they found themselves engaged in a grueling struggle. The Oni showed no signs of fatigue, their blows unwavering in their intensity, never slowing down and never softening their blows.
Amidst the chaos, John sought to locate the Nogitsune, only to discover its absence.
When he came back to the battleground, he saw how the werewolves fought valiantly against the Oni, a critical moment unfolded when Aiden found himself at the mercy of one of the dark creatures, ready to deliver a fatal blow. However, just as the Oni began its deadly strike, an arrow pierced through its chest, causing it to glow with a yellow light. The impact disrupted the Oni's attack, and as it attempted to remove the arrow, it came without its head. And that was all it needed, because the next thing they knew, the Oni exploded into a dark mist.
John looked up to see Allison perched on one of the school roofs, wielding a crossbow in her hands. The archer was joined by Isaac and Michelle, who gracefully leaped from the rooftop to join the fray. Chris stood by Allison's side.
Before John could even question his sister, Michelle wasted no time, charging towards another Oni that had Derek pinned on the stairs. With her hand raised towards the creature, she uttered a command, "Motus," propelling the Oni into the air and disarming it. Swiftly closing in, she thrust a dagger into its chest, using her feet to drive it in deeper. Just like before, the Oni's body started to glow with a yellow light before it exploded into a dark mist.
Amidst the flurry of action, Derek and Aiden managed to immobilize the last Oni, allowing Chris to fire another arrow into its chest. "Isaac, take the box to them. They're inside the school!" Derek urgently called to Isaac. Without hesitation, Isaac grabbed the box and sprinted towards the school.
And, as Isaac left the scene, the last Oni exploded.
With a sense of determination, Alistair readied his sword and securely positioned it on his back, anticipating what Stiles might be contemplating. He firmly declared, "This is fake. It's just an illusion." His voice held a conviction that demanded attention. The others gazed at him with wide-open eyes.
Stiles nodded in agreement, affirming, "You have to stop fighting them, they're just an illusion. They look real, and they feel real, but you have to trust me, they're just an illusion." His plea carried a sense of urgency, urging his friends to believe in his revelation.
Returning their focus to the Nogitsune, the Oni formed a path in the middle, beckoning them to walk through. Scott took the lead, followed by Kira, while Lydia and Alistair supported the weakened Stiles. Each step they took, the Oni's swords cut into their bodies ruthlessly. Their chests, their abdomens, their backs, their legs, all of them were sliced by the fury of their swords. The pain was excruciating, and they couldn't help but emit grunts and cries as the blades left a searing and burning sensation in their wake.
Upon reaching the Nogitsune, Scott seized it by the jacket and forcefully pushed it against the door behind. The door creaked open, leading them into the real hallways of the school. Pressing on with Stiles and Lydia, Alistair observed the Nogitsune, now back in Stiles' form, attack Scott by throwing him against a locker and landing a punch on Kira, momentarily incapacitating them.
The Nogitsune's rage was palpable, with his expression twisted between fiery anger and a malevolent smirk. Alistair, Stiles, and Lydia carefully moved backward, helping Stiles maintain his balance amidst the pain. The Nogitsune sneered at them, taunting, "This was my game. You think you can win my game?" His voice resonated with a sinister tone, seemingly relishing the chaos and turmoil he had caused.
Outside the school, the aftermath of the intense battle left everyone catching their breath, their bodies aching from the relentless combat they had just endured. The Oni, once a formidable force, now defeated, their dark presence dissipated, leaving behind only the echoes of the struggle that had taken place.
With the immediate threat eliminated, the teenagers took a moment to regroup and assess their injuries. Despite the physical toll the fight had taken on them, there was an overwhelming sense of relief knowing that they had emerged victorious.
Gathering, they checked on one another. Some bore visible wounds from the battle, but they were grateful that the casualties were limited to mere injuries and not the tragic loss of a life. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, they were spared from having to bury a fallen friend.
The tension in the air was palpable as the Nogitsune's composed facade crumbled with each word spoken. "A Divine Move." The malevolent spirit was clearly losing its grip on the situation, its arrogance fading into fear and desperation. "A Divine Move?! You think you have any moves at all?!" The Nogitsune snapped, its voice tinged with anger and uncertainty. "You can kill the Oni. But me?! I am a thousand years old!" For a moment, he turned his angered eyes to Alistair. "Not even the timeless rider can do it. You can't kill me!"
Alistair's resolve remained unshaken, his eyes hardened as he saw Scott and Kira rise to their feet, ready to continue the fight. "But we can change you," he declared, a glimmer of smugness shining in his eyes.
"What?" Was all the Nogitsune could say, his anger temporarily gone.
"You forgot the scroll." Simply said Stiles.
"The Shugendō scroll." Complemented Lydia.
The Nogitsune hesitated for a moment, seemingly contemplating their words. "Change the host," it finally muttered, its realization dawning upon it.
With a smug smirk, Alistair replied, "You can't be a fox and a wolf." The implication of his words became clear, and before the Nogitsune could react, Scott seized the opportunity. His clawed hand gripped the dark entity's shoulder, and with his eyes ablaze in crimson red, he sank his fangs into its arm with a forceful bite.
A guttural growl of protest emanated from the Nogitsune as Scott's fangs remained embedded in its flesh. The malevolent entity convulsed and screamed loudly, the effects of Scott's bite taking hold. After Scott let go, he started to move as if he was convulsing.
Alistair released Stiles, drawing his sword, and moved forward. Kira's sword simultaneously pierced the Nogitsune's back, emerging through its chest. Alistair inserted his sword beside Kira's, inside the Nogitsune's body.
The Nogitsune continued to convulse, as they draw their swords back, it fell to its knees. Everyone watched with bated breath, anticipating what would happen next. Then, to their astonishment, the creature only tilted its head to the ceiling, opening its mouth, a fly emerged from the Nogitsune's mouth, attempting to escape. Isaac, just in time, captured the fly, sealing it within the wooden box.
Meanwhile, the figure on the floor, masquerading as Stiles, convulsed and emitted strange sounds until it suddenly stopped. Alistair could see the figure's skin turning even paler, resembling porcelain, and then it started to crack. In a mesmerizing and eerie sight, the impostor fell to the floor and upon contact, it disintegrated into dust, vanishing from all existence.
As the adrenaline from their harrowing escape at the hospital began to subside, they found refuge in Esther's house. The distress in Rafael's voice was palpable as he anxiously questioned, "Do you think it'll heal the poison?"
Esther had administered a dose of Vampire blood in the hopes of countering the effects of the Oni's strikes, but the minutes seemed to drag on, leaving them with mounting worry. The physical wound seemed to have healed, but Melissa hadn't woken up.
Esther tried to reassure him, "You just have to wait-" but her words were abruptly cut short by a sudden gasp emanating from Melissa as the woman woke up.
Rafael wasted no time, rushing to her side and gently cradling her head against his chest.
As the chaos in the small office settled, David turned his attention to the wounded Sheriff and Parrish, who lay on the floor. He couldn't believe his eyes as he saw their wounds cease emitting the ominous dark smoke and begin to close up, healing before his very eyes. A mixture of relief and astonishment washed over him, and he couldn't help but place a reassuring hand on the Sheriff's shoulder.
"You two seem fine," David said with a smile, trying to keep his voice steady despite the overwhelming emotions. "I'll go check on the others." With that, he gently helped them to their feet, making sure they were stable before stepping out of the small office.
As he emerged into the larger area of the station, the scene before him was a heart-wrenching. The station was in shambles, debris scattered everywhere, and the walls marked with the remnants of the intense fight that had taken place. Bodies of fallen and wounded officers were strewn about.
David's heart sank as he tried not to count how many officers hadn't made it.
Amidst the devastation, he saw familiar faces who had managed to survive the onslaught. Some were helping each other up, while others were trying to provide comfort and support to their wounded colleagues.
As the dust disappeared and the adrenaline started to wane, no one could hide their expressions of astonishment and relief. Alistair couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude that things had turned out the way they did, even though he hadn't expected it to be that easy. He glanced around at his friends, their faces reflecting a mix of emotions - relief, exhaustion, and joy - as they stood together in the aftermath of all the struggle.
However, their moment of relief was cut short when Stiles suddenly collapsed. Panic rippled through the group, and for a brief moment, fear gripped Alistair's heart as he thought their worst theory might be true – that Stiles would die with the Nogitsune. In a rush, he moved to Stiles' side, trying to feel his pulse, confirming, with a heavy sigh, that he was still alive.
Holding Stiles' head with his and Scott's jackets, Alistair watched intently as his friend slowly opened his eyes, gasping for breath. The collective tension broke as everyone let out a sigh of relief. Stiles sardonically commented, "I fainted, didn't I?" eliciting a smile from the group, a sign that their friend was back, and that things were going to be okay. "Are we alive? Are all of us alive?" Stiles' voice carried the same astonishment and gratitude that everyone else felt.
As Michelle entered the doors at that moment, she brought another layer of reassurance to the group. Taking the box from Isaac's hands, she chuckled and confirmed, "You're damn right, Stilinski, we are all alive.". Under everyone's look, the girl cut her hand with a knife, dropping the blood over the box, she started chanting, "Phasmatos veras nos ex malom. Terra mora vantis quo incandis per vasa quo errum signos."
The air seemed to shimmer as Michelle's chanting reached a crescendo, and the room was filled with air and the feeling of electricity. With a sense of accomplishment, she declared, "Done," before throwing the box to Scott.
Scott, fueled by determination and his alpha strength, attempted to open the box, but it proved to be sealed by a powerful force. Satisfied with his inability, and the strength of the sealing spell, he nodded, smiling at Michelle as she nodded in response with a smile of her own.
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－ ２９４２ ｗｏｒｄｓ －
Author's note
Here it is, the end of the season, BUT, we still have one more chapter before closing up this season. I'm so excited. So, stay tuned in for the last update.
I wanna hear your theories. How do you guys think the relationships, characters, or plot is gonna end or open up for the next season? 👀👀👀
Comments, votes and follows are always appreciated.
- 𝒿. 𝒻. 𝒸. 🐼💜