Mischief in Starling [Stackson]

25 - Penelope

A full two weeks pass before Stiles feels ready to track down the vessel. He sits in the back of the library with Marcus and Jackson and prepares to cast the tracking spell. There is an expectant tension spreading out in the room and Stiles takes a deep breath. Then he glides the blade of the ritualistic dagger over his finger and lets a drop of blood fall onto the map in front of him. As soon as he starts speaking the words, the blood makes it's way across city names and eventually stills over the word Surprise.

Surprise is a town in Arizona with a little over 100.000 people and Stiles finds the name very fitting. The location of the city alone doesn't help him all that much, so he repeats the spell with a map of Surprise. And low and behold, they get an exact adress.

Stiles and Jackson jump into the car the next morning and set out on their journey. After a few hours, they pull up in front of the house in question. Jackson takes his boyfriend's hand in his own, because he can feel the spark's nervousness. 'It's going to be okay, love. This is it. Today you get all the answers that you have been looking for. And I'm right here. You aren't doing this alone.' Stiles nods and rings the doorbell.

The door opens on it's own and the two men make their way through an illuminated hallway to a room with a single bed in the center. Stiles recognizes Penelope Stelts from the picture he had found a while ago. She's older now and her hair is pure white, but the face is still the same. Bright green eyes look up at his and a caring smile graces her lips.

'I have been waiting for you, young spark. It's a pleasure to get to witness the new generation. Anthony would be so proud.' She beckons Stiles closer and he grabs her hand. 'I hope so', he responds. 'But I do have to ask. What happens to you when the spell is over?' She grabs his hand tighter and places a hand on Stiles' cheek. 'Don't you worry about me, sweet child. I have lived a long and happy life. And it is time for me to join Anthony once again. I look forward to being reunited with the love of my life.'

Stiles nods and shoots a look to his boyfriend. Jackson takes his other hand and squeezes it tight. 'I'm right here. Forever. Just like I promised.' The two smile at each other and Stiles turns back to Penelope. The woman wears a beaming smile and winks. 'Love is a beautiful thing, my dear. I trust you will not let it go.' 'No. I won't', Stiles agrees and sits down on the chair next to her. Penelope places her hands on her stomach with Stiles' on top of hers. He closes his eyes and starts to recite the words he memorized weeks ago.

I lay down my hands to call upon thee
I darken my eyes to open my sight
To see what is hidden in eternal night
I call therefore on memories past
To leave this slowly beating heart
Spring forth this vessel of my love
Unveil your truthful words to truthful heir
Make what is gone reappear
Let pictures flood through open mind
To find what is sought
So the flame can burn bright
I seek to understand what lies within
For my beating heart to take in
From now on forth I vow to fight
To lay upon the world my purest light
May my spark forever prevail
Until the heir may breathe it in

When he opens his eyes back up, they are glowing a bright yellow. It's reflected by the sparks that are surrounding Penelope's body. She basks in the glow and wears a look that can't be described as anything but completely content. She welcomes the peace that washes over her with open arms. Her body is covered by the yellow sparks entirely and when they subside, she is gone.

Stiles turns around to Jackson and smiles. 'I know everything', he says with a sense of accomplishment. His boyfriend takes his hands and pulls him close. 'How do you feel?' Stiles thinks for a moment. 'I feel complete in a way. Jax, there are so many stories in my head. So many adventures and lives of the Patrons before me. I can't wait to tell you about some of them. There are true loves and big fights. They were all so brave and good hearted. It's one hell of a legacy to live up to. But I feel ready. Especially since I have you with me.' They smile at each other and sink into a tight hug.

Two days later, Stiles is on the couch with Thea and Felicity for another movie night just with the girls. At least that's what he told Jackson when he kicked him out of the apartment for a few hours. In reality he wants the girls' help to plan a camping trip for Jackson. Of course complete with a bonfire. Especially Thea is beyond excited to assist Stiles with this romantic getaway. She's super happy that her ex-boyfriend has found true love.

So they get to planning. There's just one part that Stiles keeps to himself. His gaze wanders over to the kitchen cupboards. No, that little detail he doesn't want them to know until it's done. The three go over everything from how to get Jackson to the campsite without raising suspicion to the different snacks Stiles wants to bring. S'mores are of course a must and so are potatoes and sausages to roast over the fire. On top of that he plans to make a pasta salad and bring pastries from the Dragonfly as breakfast.

By the time Jackson gets back and demands cuddles from his dearly beloved boyfriend, the plan for the trip is set and the wolf doesn't suspect a thing. He nuzzles into Stiles' neck and enjoys a horror movie with the others.