Through the Dark // S.S. [Book One]

Chapter 48

"Megara, I know this is hard." Parrish says for the hundredth time.

"I already told you everything." I growl. "They came out of nowhere. They jumped us, tried to steal our car. I think one might have had a knife and it looked like they were wearing masks, but I can't be sure. It all--it all happened so fast. Scott called Mr. Argent as soon as he was able."

Parrish sighs. "Okay, thank you, Megara. You're free to go."

I run out the parking lot and find myself in the woods at the Hale house. I summon water and sit there as I let out a pained scream, though not of physical pain. A naiad appears and says, "I felt your pain, daughter of Poseidon. Your friend's death was not your fault. There was nothing you could have done to prevent it. You may want to keep to yourself, but your friends need you right now."

I let the water dissipate, and walk back to Scott's. The moment I get there, Scott says, "We need to get to Deaton's. You want a ride?"

I nod and slide in the passenger's seat of Roscoe. When we get to the clinic, Kira walks in supporting Stiles and Scott rushes to support Lydia as she stumbles slightly.

Lydia looks up at us. "Something's happening. I had this sudden rushing feeling, like we're running out of time."

When we walk into the operating room of the clinic, Stiles says, "Yeah. Yeah, I kind of got that feeling, too."

I look to each of my friends. "Where are we headed to next?"

"The school." Scott replies.

We pile into Roscoe once again, and drive to the school. Stiles stumbles over to a railing and I rush over to him. Stiles turns slowly and says, "Scott, hold on. I know what you're all thinking. If this works, it might kill me too. But even if it does, you have to go through with it. Stick with the plan, okay?"

"The plan is malakíes, Stiles. We're gonna save you. We need one good thing to happen after countless failures."

Scott nods. "The plan is to save you. That's the plan I'm going with."

We make our way to front door of the school and Scott opens the door. Expecting to see lockers, I'm shocked to see snow. "Okay, then."

"Oh, this is definitely not part of the plan." Scott says quietly.

We stand close to each other as we look around at our surroundings. A bandaged soldier in an old bomber jacket appears. I glance to Lydia as I draw my sword. "Keep him safe."

She nods and he immediately keeps her safe behind him. The Oni materialize and I groan. "Aftoí oi týpoi. Misó aftá ta paidiá."

(Translation: These guys. I hate these guys.)

I slash at one of the Oni when it comes close. The Nogitsune walks closer to us. "Like I promised, Stiles, we're going to kill all of them. One by one."

"What the hell is this?" Scott asks angrily. "Where are we?"

"Between life and death."

"Bardo." Lydia says.

I glare as the Nogitsune says, "But there are no peaceful deities here, Lydia. You're dying, Stiles. And now everyone you care about is dying, too."

Awesome. Second time in 24 hours. Stiles frowns. "What? What do you mean?"

"I've captured almost all the territories on the board, Stiles. The hospital. The sheriff's station. And now the Animal Clinic."

After a moment, the Nogitsune asks, "Do you know the ritual of seppuku, Stiles?"