Sleeping or Waking?

I met Scott outside the school before the bell rang, feeling the weight of everything we'd been dealing with. He looked like he had something on his mind, and when he started talking, I knew it wasn't going to be good.

"I talked to Argent last night," he said, his voice low. "We were trying to figure out more about those things, they're called the Oni."

I felt a chill run down my spine. The Oni. I'd seen them in my nightmares.

"Did he actually know what they are?" I asked, trying to keep the fear out of my voice.

Scott shook his head. "Not exactly. But he's seen them before. Back in Japan. 1988."

I frowned. "That long ago?"

He nodded, his eyes distant like he was remembering something awful. "Yeah. He was doing a weapons deal with the Yakuza, and these things just... appeared out of nowhere. He said it was like they materialized as soon as the sun went down."

I shivered. "That sounds terrifying."

"It was," Scott said. "They weren't like anything we've faced before. They weren't werewolves, they weren't hunters. They just cut through everyone in their way. They were after a guy, some Yakuza boss. But that wasn't even the worst part."

I stepped closer, trying to stay calm, but there was something about the way Scott said it that made my heart race. "What do you mean?"

Scott looked at me seriously. "They weren't human. Argent said they were just... shadows. Darkness. He couldn't even see what was behind their masks. It was like absolute darkness."

I swallowed, knowing exactly what he meant. "So, Argent's been tracking down one of the guys who survived that night," Scott continued. "A guy named Katashi. He thinks Katashi might know more about them, or at least what they want."

I looked at Scott. "Do you think Katashi knows anything?"

Scott shrugged, looking unsure. "I don't know. But Argent's going to find out. And if he remembers Argent, he might tell us."

My thoughts were racing, but I didn't know what to say. "So, this whole thing with the Oni, it's all connected, right? To the supernatural?"

Scott nodded, his gaze hardening. "Yeah. And we still don't know what they really want." We reached the front door of the school, and I saw Stiles standing there, nervously fidgeting with something in his hands. His eyes were wide, his face pale, and I could tell something was eating at him.

"Stiles?" I called, stepping toward him.

He looked up, startled, and then immediately let out a sigh, his hands shaking as he pulled out a keychain from his pocket.

"What's going on?" Scott asked, his eyes flicking from Stiles to me.

Stiles let out a frustrated breath. "I don't know, man. I had the key this morning, and now it's gone. And I'm pretty sure I was the one who let Barrow in."

My face tightened. "The key you were talking about last night?"

"Yeah," Stiles said, his voice shaking. "I had it right here this morning. But now it's like... I'm forgetting things. I don't know what's happening."

"But, last night, that girl started talking about phosphors, and the key having chemicals on it, right? And so that made me think of the chemistry closet, and the fact that someone had to let Barrow in..."

He exhaled before continuing. "I was here a couple hours ago. And the message left to Barrow spelling Kira's name was right there on the board in my handwriting, and I had the key to the chemistry closet."

Scott looked concerned but also cautious. "You think you might have let Barrow in and then—what? Left a message for him to kill Kira?"

Stiles shook his head, frustration building. "I know how it sounds, but look—this is the news report about Barrow, right? About the bomb he used. Nuts, bolts, screws... all wrapped up like a birthday present. What does that sound like?"

Scott didn't answer immediately, but I could see his thoughts turning, trying to piece it together. "Coach," Stiles added, "That was my idea. It wasn't a coincidence."

I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. "Stiles, listen to me. You didn't do this. You wouldn't do that. I know you."

He met my eyes, his expression conflicted. "But I don't understand, Cassie. The key... it's like I'm forgetting things. Like I'm losing time. I'm not sure what's real anymore."

My heart ached seeing him like this, and Scott jumped in. "I don't think you're trying to kill people, Stiles. But... maybe you should go home. Get some rest. You look like you haven't slept in days."

I stepped forward, taking Stiles' arm in mine, giving him a gentle tug. "Scott's right. You need to rest. Let's go to the doctor, okay?"

Stiles looked at me, a flicker of appreciation in his eyes. "I don't know..."

"You don't have to do it alone," I insisted. "You've got me. We will just go chat with Melissa."

He looked between me and Scott, and then, finally, nodded. "Okay... Let's go."

Scott gave me a small, relieved smile as I guided Stiles toward the car.

-----☾-----

Stiles was clearly out of it, his exhaustion written all over his face. I stood next to him, my hand on his arm, trying to be there for him in any way I could. I could see he was getting anxious again, his eyes darting around.

Melissa came over with that calm, motherly presence she always had. "Dr. Gardner's not back until next week," she said gently. "Do you want to try waiting for one of the urgent care doctors, or..."

Stiles looked up at her, his voice shaky. "I don't know... I guess... I guess not really?"

I squeezed his arm, offering him a soft smile. "It's okay, Stiles. Whatever you need, I'm right here with you."

Melissa noticed how frazzled he seemed and moved closer. "All right, kiddo, all right. Come with me. It's okay."

I stayed by his side as Melissa led us into one of the exam rooms, her concern evident. Stiles started rambling, his words coming out in a rush. "Blackouts... But not for that long. And sleepwalking, which I used to do a lot as a kid... Um, I'm also having some really bad anxiety..."

I could see the strain in his eyes, the way he was trying to keep himself together, but it wasn't working. "You're doing okay," I said softly, wrapping my hand around his and rubbing my thumb over his knuckles. "We'll figure this out."

Melissa was all business, though there was kindness in her tone as she asked, "Panic attacks?"

"Yeah, a couple..." Stiles mumbled, running a hand through his hair. "Oh, and I temporarily lost the ability to read. But, that might have had more to do with this giant magic tree and the whole human sacrifice thing..."

I chuckled lightly at his attempt to joke, even if he sounded exhausted. "You've been through a lot lately, Stiles. It's okay."

Melissa nodded, still taking notes. "How many hours of sleep are you getting?"

"Eight," Stiles said, his voice barely above a whisper. "In the last three days... yeah, definitely eight."

I could see Melissa's concern deepening as she continued, "Been feeling irritable?"

"Yeah... possibly to the point of homicide..." Stiles managed a small, exhausted smile.

Melissa smiled back, but her focus remained on Stiles' well-being. "Inability to focus?"

"No, the Adderall's not working," he replied, his frustration evident.

"Impulsive behavior?"

"More than my usual? Hard to tell."

"Vivid dreams during the day?"

"Okay, basically all of the above," he said, glancing up at her. "Do you know what this is?"

I could feel Stiles' anxiety rising again, but I stayed right by his side, squeezing his hand gently, trying to comfort him without saying anything.

Melissa paused, her eyes thoughtful. "I think so."

Stiles, still clearly out of sorts, gave her a look of apprehension. "Uh, what's that?"

Melissa showed him a small vial of something. "Do you trust me?"

Stiles' answer was quick, even if he was half delirious. "When you're not holding a needle..."

Melissa smiled softly, though I could see the concern in her eyes. "It's midazolam. A sedative." She pressed it into his skin.

"Why'd you give me a sedative?" Stiles asked, his voice slightly slurred.

Melissa's voice was warm but firm. "Because you, Stiles, are one profoundly sleep-deprived young man. You need rest, and you need it now."

I brushed Stiles' hair from his forehead, speaking softly to him. "You need this, Stiles. You've been pushing yourself way too hard."

He looked at me, his gaze blurry. "Okay, how long's it take to..."

Before he could finish his sentence, he was already starting to drift off, his words trailing off. "Oh... not long at all..."

Melissa helped him lie back down, her voice soft as she told him, "Get some rest, Stiles."

Stiles barely managed a smile before his eyes fluttered closed. "Thanks, Mom..."

I chuckled softly, brushing a lock of his hair from his face as he slept. I could feel a weight lifting off my chest just seeing him finally relax, even if it was only temporary.

"Thank you, Melissa," I said quietly, glancing up at her. She just gave me a reassuring smile.

"Of course, Cassie. He's a good kid. He'll be okay." She paused, looking down at her phone. "Scott needs me. It's supernatural."

I hesitated, looking between her and Stiles. "I'll come. He can just rest." I said softly, pressing a soft kiss to his head before following her out.

-----☾-----

We arrived at the McCall house, the air heavy with the tension of the moment. The door opened, revealing Rafael's smug face, though it quickly faded when he saw Melissa.

"Hey, what's going on?" Melissa asked, her voice calm but clearly concerned.

Rafael just smirked, his posture defensive. "Maybe one of you should explain."

Kira's voice trembled with worry as she spoke up. "Scott..."

Before anyone could say more, the Oni appeared.

Rafeal turned, moving towards them aggressively. "What are you doing here."

"Dad, no!" Scott's shout rang out, filled with disbelief and desperation. "Dad! Wait, Dad—" His voice cracked as he rushed toward Rafael, but it was too late, the Oni's sword striking with precision.

Rafael grunted, stumbling, the pain evident on his face. "Dad!" Scott's voice was broken as he tried to reach his father, but Derek's roar cut through the chaos.

Derek charged forward to fight the Oni, I lept into action too, but my knives bounced harmlessly off their armor.

"Mom, the ash!" Scott's voice was urgent as he looked to Melissa. Melissa hesitated, looking at me as I ducked the slash of a sword. I nodded

"Mom, now! Do it now!" Scott's shout rang out. With a swift motion, she swiped the mountain ash, drawing a line that immediately formed a barrier, locking the Oni out of the house.

The room went still for a moment. I stayed near Melissa, silently offering medical supplies as she moved to help Rafael. I handed her gauze, bandages, and anything else she needed without a word.

Rafael, his voice weak and strained, spoke through gritted teeth. "I need to speak to Scott..."

Melissa's expression hardened as she looked down at him. "You're kidding, right?"

Rafael's eyes narrowed, the pain in his voice clear. "Don't patronize me, Melissa. You know why. You know why I really came back, don't you?"

Melissa's gaze was cold, sharp. "And, as usual, your timing sucks. You're not talking to him, not like this. Stay awake. We're getting you out of here as fast as we can."

I watched silently, my hands still moving to help where needed, not saying a word. I didn't have anything nice to say to Rafael.

Scott's voice came through from the other room, I gave Melissa a look before going towards him. "Allison, please tell me that you have something. They're here. They're trying to get in, and it looks like they're gonna be able to do it."

Allison's voice, though calm, carried the weight of the situation. "Okay, okay, listen. They're Japanese demons. They're called the Oni. They're looking for someone possessed, someone with a dark spirit attached to them."

Scott's voice dropped lower, the weight of the knowledge settling on him. "A Nogitsune..."

Allison's tone faltered slightly. "How'd you know that? Scott?"

Scott's response was grim. "Just... Tell me what else."

"All right," Allison continued, trying to keep her voice reassuring. "They won't hurt you. They know you're supernatural, but once they do this check, once they realize you're not carrying with you this dark spirit, then they won't hurt you. I promise. All they're looking for is the Nogitsune."

Kira's voice was quiet, almost a whisper. "I'm right, aren't I? They're looking for me."

Scott's voice remained firm, confident. "They're looking for a dark spirit. And I know it's not you."

Derek, anxious and ready to act, spoke up. "Scott, we're going to have to do something..." The Oni were looking for cracks.

Scott's tone was sharp, unwavering. "Don't do anything."

Aiden shot Scott a look of disbelief. "Is he serious?"

"I said, don't do anything," Scott repeated, his voice steady and full of conviction. "Trust me." I saw his plan. The oni needed to see that they were not possessed. I tilted my head to melissa and she swiped the ash, breaking the seal. The Oni stepped forward as we stepped back, leaving Scott and Kira alone.

They moved in silence, pressing their hands to my friends and then moved away, fading back into the shadows. Scott and Kira dropped, all of us rushing to their sides. Scott blinked, sitting up.

"It's okay. I told you."