OF DEATH AND LIFE

Insatiable

While Melissa was checking if Stiles is medical alright, Scott and Elaine went to call Mrs. Yukimura. They still needed to check if it was the real Stiles. Elaine already knew it could only be the real Stiles, having heard the nogitsune's voice in her head, but for the Oni to check would bring more clarity.

"Do you recognize me?", Mrs. Yukimura asked Stiles when he came downstairs, supported by Scott.

"Stop.", Kira exclaimed, running into the house.

"It's okay. I'm the one who asked her to come.", Stiles assured Kira.

"You're the one who's going to get stabbed with swords. Mom, don't do this to him."

"It's already done." The Oni appeared behind Stiles. And as fast as they appeared they were gone immediately after doing the same to Stiles they did to the others.

"Look behind his ear."

While Conrad, Belly and Elaine stayed on their places, Scott, Melissa and Kira went to check if Stiles got the same mark the others did.

"It worked.", Scott said, seeing the downwards five behind Stiles' ear.

"So, I'm actually me?", Stiles asked, getting back up from the ground.

"More you than the Nogitsune.", Mrs. Yukimura confirmed.

"Can the Oni find him?"

"Tomorrow night. It's too close to dawn now."

"Can they kill him?"

"It depends on how strong he is."

"What about Lydia? Why would he take her?", Elaine asked.

"He would only take her for an advantage."

"You mean her power?", Scott asked.

"The power of a Banshee.", Mrs. Yukimura confirmed.

°°°

"Tell me the truth. How much does it really hurt?", Elaine heard Scott ask Stiles, about to go around the corner into the living room. She stopped walking and held out her hand, signaling for Conrad and Belly to stop behind her as well.

Elaine had spent last night telling Conrad and Belly the story of the Nogitsune and worrying about Lydia, not getting much sleep, again.

Before Stiles could answer Scott's phone vibrated. "It's Kira."

"Hey, what's up.", Scott answered his phone.

Hearing that Meredith, who they were currently looking for, was at the school, Elaine, Conrad and Belly got into Belly's car and drove to the school, hoping to get there before Brunski could reach the girl first and take her back to Eichen House.

Arriving at the school, Elaine had a feeling on where Meredith could be and hurried to it, hoping to be right. Conrad and Belly just followed her blindly. Seeing Brunski walk into the Music room, Elaine was sure Meredith was in there too. Luckily for her Coach was near.

"Coach! You need to come with me.", Elaine said, grabbing him by the arm and dragging him towards where Meredith and Brunski were. Knowing she and the others were not able to defeat Brunski yet, she knew Coach would be able to do something.

"Other McCall! You weren't in class earlier. And who are the other two?", Coach asked confused, but still letting the girl drag him.

"That doesn't matter right now, Coach. Brunski can't hurt Meredith.", Elaine said determined and pushed Coach into the music room, stepping in there herself after him. Conrad and Belly following her.