Morningstar

14

Luci frowned, staring at the younger version of Derek Hale. "We need to take him to Deaton."

Scott glanced at her and nodded. "Good idea."

"Yes, I know. Occasionally I can be helpful."

When they reached the Animal Clinic, Deaton took one look at Derek and his eyes widened. "Wow."

"Wow?" Stiles questioned. "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 turned to Stiles. "I think you might be overestimating my abilities."

Lydia took Derek's hand. "He's cold. Really cold."

Scott looked up at his boss. "Do you think this is permanent?"

Deaton shrugged. "I'm not sure a medical diagnosis is even adequate. This is well beyond my experience."

While staring at Derek, Luci asked, "What exactly are we going to do with him?"

"Until he wakes up, probably not much. It might be best to leave him with me. He'll be safe here."

"You mean from Kate?" Stiles questioned.

Deaton glanced to Stiles. "If she's alive and she is what you say she is, she won't be able to walk past that gate."

Lydia frowned. "Why would she want to do this to him?"

Luci scoffed lightly. "Nothing good I gather."

Deaton looked at each of them. "You guys should probably go home. He doesn't look to be in any danger. So maybe the rest of you should get some sleep. It's a school night... And you all need to start taking care of your own lives again."

Scott looked up at his boss. "Someone should stay with you."

Lydia glanced down at Derek who was still holding her hand. "I'll stay. My grades are fine... Despite missing a few classes."

Luci nodded. "I'll stay with you."

Stiles frowned. "I'm so not okay with this."

Lydia looked at the boys as she said, "Guys, go. I've got Luci with me. I'll be fine."

Scott nodded and replied, "Text us if anything happens." Scott started pulling Stiles away.

"Nope, still not okay with it," Stiles protested. "Not going anywhere. All right, just 'cause you're stronger..."

The boys left and Luci glanced at Lydia before focusing on Derek.

She found his age regression strange.

Lydia glanced at Deaton. "How's he doing?"

"His heart rate is alarmingly high," Deaton replied.

Luci placed a hand on Derek's forehead. "He's a lot warmer now."

"Lydia, Luci, I'm going to try something. Lydia, I want you to keep holding his hand."

Deaton cut into Derek's skin and it healed.

Lydia frowned. "What does it mean?"

Deaton sighed. "I'm not sure. Let's try something else. Grab me a five millimeter syringe. Top drawer."

"Derek..." Lydia and Luci called.

Deaton exhaled and asked, "Derek, are you all right?"

Derek's voice was muffled.

"Derek, are you all right? Derek?"

"Wait," Derek said in a muffled tone.

Lydia and Luci continued calling his name. "Derek? Derek? Derek?" Derek groaned. "Derek?"