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chapter twenty six fountain of youth
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DEREK HAD aged backwards. Now, Odessa Stone was sure she had seen it all. The drive back to Beacon Hills was painfully quiet as everyone was processing what they were currently witnessing. After dropping off Malia and Kira, the remaining four teens drove straight to the Animal Clinic so Deaton could help in any way. Because they had no idea what to do.
Barging into the clinic with young Derek hanging from Scott and Stiles' arms, Deaton swiped the metal exam table clean to lay Derek on it. The Hale had been unconscious since he was loaded into the Jeep. Once Derek was on the table and settled, Odessa couldn't help but shiver at the cold air that hit her wet skin from the rain.
Seeing this, Stiles quietly took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders. The boy had a long sleeve shirt under his jacket so she needed it more than him. The Stone gave him an appreciative smile before focusing back on Deaton, who looked down at the unconscious Derek in disbelief.
"Wow..."
"Wow," Stiles raised his brows at the man's one word, "wow as in, 'I've seen this before and I know exactly what to do,' kind of wow? 'Cause that's the kind of wow we were hoping for."
Deaton sighed, "I think you might be overestimating my abilities."
Lydia reached out and took Derek's hand, glancing around the group, "he's cold. Really cold."
As Deaton grabbed the other hand, and was also checking for a steady pulse, Scott asked his question with hesitancy, "do you think this is permanent?"
"I'm not sure a medical diagnosis is even adequate," the Doctor almost scoffed, shining a light into Derek's eyes to see if he would react, "this is well beyond my experience."
Odessa crossed her arms, shifting her stance, "so what do we do with him?"
"Until he wakes up? Probably not much," Deaton shrugged, "it might be best to leave him with me. He'll be safe here."
The Stilinski caught on to his deeper meaning, "you mean from Kate?"
"If she's alive and she is what you say she is, she won't be able to walk past that gate."
"Why would she do this to him," the Banshee wondered outwardly, eyes not leaving the man, or boy, on the table.
"Knowing Kate, it's probably for a reason that won't be any good for anyone but her."
