A/N: You guys are crazy. Seriously! But damn it I love you all.

When this story is finished i will be entering it into the Watty Awards so your support would be just plain fabulous. You think I have a chance in the Teen Wolf category? I hope so.

Let me know what you think guys and thanks so much for reading sweetums!

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“Wait, you want to do what to me?” Isaac hissed as the three stood in the open doorway.

“It’s a way of unlocking hidden memories or things you’ve forgotten.” Derek said, glancing back at Stiles.

“It can also make you forget.” Peter added.

“And it means that I have to put my faith in you which isn’t option number one for me.” Derek growled.

“Ah yes, but it might be for Mr Stilinski.” Peter smiles a little and Derek narrowed his eyes, knowing that he was right and resenting it.

“What is this going to achieve?” Isaac asked. “I’m not letting you stick those things into the back of my neck if it’s not going to do any good.”

“So untrusting.” Peter crooned.

“He has good reason to be.” Derek said.

“It is true that I may have had a few… minor errors in judgement over the last year.” Peter said.

“You killed my sister.”

Isaac gulped, hoping there wouldn’t be a bloodbath in the middle of the hospital.

“Yes, well, that was rather unfortunate…”

“Can someone answer the question?” Isaac said, annoyed at Peter’s callousness.

“If we can completely unlock your memories we can maybe get a better idea of who this person is. Then we can track them down in their human state.” Derek said.

“Do you think they’ll be able to tell us how to help Stiles?” Isaac asked hopefully.

“Be able to, probably, be willing to… that’s the tricky question.” Peter rolled his eyes.

Isaac sighed, knowing that ideas were running low at the moment. “Fine, I’ll do it.”

“Wonderful, perhaps we should go somewhere a little more… appropriate?” Peter suggested.

“I am not leaving him and you are not going anywhere with Isaac alone.” Derek said forcefully.

“Derek, Scott will be here, and the sheriff. You know as well as I do that this is a long shot but we’ve got nothing else to go on right now.” Isaac said softly.

Derek huffed out a great worried sigh before he nodded. “I’ll drive, and I’ll choose the place.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Peter said.

Begrudgingly, Derek left Stiles in the care of his father and Scott as the three of them headed downstairs to the Camaro and headed in the direction of the clinic. It may have been the middle of the night but he knew that Deaton was doing anything but sleeping tonight.

Isaac felt a little nervous about what Peter was about to do but with Derek and Deaton in the room he would feel much better. They reached the clinic and Derek headed to the back door, hammering on it hard.

After a few moments Deaton came to the door, eyes sunken and clearly as exhausted as the rest of them. His eyes fell on Peter and he looked taken aback.

“Well good evening to you all, I must say I wasn’t expecting your company.” He said before stepping aside to let them come through.

“Dr Deaton, how nice to see you again.” Peter smiled and Derek felt like tearing off his arm.

“We have some things to take care of.” Isaac grumbled.

“Before that, have you found anything?” Derek said.

“Actually, I have. It might be a long shot but I think I can explain what’s going on.” Deaton said and they all looked over expectantly. “Do you remember what I said about the kiss of death and how she takes the youth and vibrancy from barely more than a few drops of blood?”

“Vaguely.” Derek said.

“Well I believe that her poison is worthless unless she has taken blood from her victim; almost a ritual of give and take. Her claws must be bathed in the poison and somehow she must have had some of his blood on her hands after the attack. Don’t ask me how this works because I’m not aware of the specifics, but for her ritual of taking his youth she must ingest the blood. It’s the only way to explain what’s happening. It also explains why the process is slower.”

Isaac nodded. “Jackson said it was a few minutes before he collapsed, maybe that was because she was too busy running. When she stopped she must have realised that she could still make a kill.” He regretted those last words and swallowed hard at the dark look he got from Derek.

“It’s the only answer I have.” Deaton said.

“So he’s in the next phase.” Derek muttered.

“Yes, his state shows that he is growing weaker. The sooner we have answers the better.” Deaton said.

“That’s where I come in.” Peter said.

“What exactly is it that you’re planning?” Deaton asked.

“An old trick taught to me by older sister. Tapping into the nervous system and unlocking things that appear to have been lost forever.”

“Or hiding things that you don’t want anyone to know.” Derek said, having memories of his mother taking away things that he shouldn’t have known.

“I’m trying to help you here Derek.” He smiled.

“Look, can we please just try this now? If we keep putting it off I’m going to get cold feet and both of us want to get back to the hospital.” Isaac said.

“I think I know what you mean; I’ve seen Talia use it on her old pack members before.” Deaton said and Derek ground his teeth together.

“Shall we begin?” Peter said, looking over at Derek.

He sighed. “Fine, but I’m not opposed to tearing your throat out again if you even think about hurting him.”

“Fair enough.”

Deaton got Isaac a chair and placed it in the middle of the room. He leant against one of his bench tops and Derek leant against the large metal table as Peter rolled up his sleeves. Isaac took a seat nervously and looked up at Derek.

Peter stepped in closer and extended his claws.

“Is this going to hurt?” He asked.

Derek tilted his head to the side and Peter smiled. “Only for a second.” He said before sharply inserting his claws into the back of his neck.

Isaac cried out in pain, his canines breaking through and his eyes glowing a bright yellow ochre.

“Now let’s hope I can remember how to do this…” Peter said.

“What?!” Isaac said.

“Ignore him and think back to that night.” Derek said.

Isaac began to think about it, in all its blurry nothingness and with a flick of his finger Isaac was seeing things much clearer.

He remembered that he and Boyd had gone out for a big fed at lunchtime and that they had eaten five burgers between them. He remembered coming back to Derek’s loft and taking a shower, and then walking around the place naked for a while because he had it all to himself.

He remembered that he had taken the time to just lie in bed and read for the first time in ages. He had always loved it but kind of let it slip away a bit in recent months.

He remembered that he was in the last chapter of his book when he heard Scott come up in the lift and head up the stairs. He had knocked on the door only a few times before Isaac opened it, staring at him face to face.

“Hey.”

“Hi…”

They exchanged their awkward words before getting down to serious matters. He remembered smelling something on Scott that he had thought he never would. He remembered taking a chance and kissing him hard on the mouth, and Scott had kissed him back. He had wanted it as much as Isaac and he could smell it in the air.

He remembered that Scott pulled away and tried to convince himself that he didn’t want it, and Isaac couldn’t listen to it so he left, on foot, to walk down his old favourite path.

“I… I think I can see something.” He said, his eyes closed and Derek, Peter and Deaton listening in closely.

“What do you see?” Derek asked.

He could smell that strange creature and felt like he had experienced it before so he walked towards it, the closer he got the more of a pull he felt until he couldn’t get away. And then he saw her, standing before him and beckoning him over. He was powerless to resist and she drew him in, her cat-like face and alluring gaze leaving him breathless. Her face was half human, like his werewolf mask, and there was something about her that he recognised, he couldn’t quite figure it out but her face was now burned in his memory. He wouldn’t soon forget it.

“There!” Isaac said and Peter pulled out his claws in one swift move.

Isaac panted and put a hand to the back of his neck where the small cuts were already healing.

“What is it? What did you see?” Derek said frantically.

“I know her… at least I think I do. Let me think it through, I know I can place her I just don’t know where!” Isaac said, frustrated.

He knew he recognised her but he couldn’t put a name to her face. It would be the one thing to drive him mad. That and what he remembered about him and Scott.

Derek growled a little under his breath and started to pace.

“At least we have something.” Peter said.

“There is no we.” Derek said.

“Sorry Derek, I’ll figure it out, I know I will.” Isaac sighed.

“Let’s hope he has time for that.” Derek grunted before heading out the back door and back to the Camaro.

He was done here and if Isaac wasn’t in that car he was going to be walking back to the hospital.

Peter gave him a little wave, which he did not return, and he raced out to the car to make it back.

The drive was excruciating. Derek said nothing as his mind ticked over amidst the troubles they faced. He was clearly trying to find a way to change Stiles’ fate because right now it wasn’t looking good.

They pulled up and parked and couldn’t get past the ER desk. Isaac thought Derek was about to tear someone apart but instead he took a seat on one of the couches in the waiting area and said nothing more.

If Isaac was going to admit it, he was actually slightly terrified. He closed his eyes and tried to picture that creature’s face. It was so familiar. He focussed on her looks, her scent, everything about her just praying that he could remember. If they find out her identity they’ll be one step closer to finding her.

Scott woke up the next morning surprised that Derek and Isaac were gone; he walked across the ward to peek into Erica’s room. Boyd was asleep beside the bed, his head lolling back over the chair. Strange, he thought.

He headed back to Stiles’ room and sat down, pulling out his phone.

Are you with Derek?

He sent to Isaac. He responded almost instantly.

Stuck downstairs. I’ll explain later.

It wasn’t long before the sheriff was stirring and Scott migrated to Erica’s room to give them some space. He could still hear him sobbing quietly when he was over there but tried so hard to block it out.

Erica seemed to be doing much better, she woke up with a lot more energy and Boyd said that the doctors expect her to be fully recovered by tomorrow. She woke up with a smile and her first words were asking about Stiles.

“He’s not good.” Scott said.

She sighed. He had been the one to save her and the least she wanted to do was give him her thanks. They would never have found her if it hadn’t been for his map. He had tried to help them by leaving her his phone but it was damaged in the river.

“Is there anything we can do?” She croaked, still feeling weak but healing.

“I don’t know.” Scott said helplessly.

When Derek and Isaac finally made it back up to the ward Derek came in to check on Erica before heading straight back to Stiles. The sheriff was composing himself and Derek waited at the door to let him pass.

“Listen Derek, I just want to apologise for snapping at you before. It’s just… well, I suppose you know. Just uh, thanks, for staying here with him.” He said, his red eyes trying to smile.

“Thanks for letting me.” Derek replied.

The sheriff left him with a nod, having to head back to the station to finalise a few things and no doubt be told by his deputies to take some time off, especially with Stiles in the state he is now.

The day dragged on slowly. No one really knew what to do with themselves. Derek was deep in thought and the others were in talking to Erica, to keep her spirits up. When the evening rolled around again they were no better off than they had been in the morning.

Isaac and Scott headed down to the cafeteria to get some dinner and Isaac had some questions brimming in his mind about the things he had remembered. He hadn’t told Scott about Peter’s little trick yet. He just knew that Scott had kissed him back. Wasn’t that all he needed to know.

As they sat down Isaac couldn’t help his staring and Scott had started to notice, smiling with his half smile and awkwardly looking away.

“Why are you looking at me?” He said.

“No reason, I was just… just thinking.”

“About what?” Scott said, shovelling a forkful of past into his mouth.

Isaac thought for a second. “About the night I got attacked by that thing.”

Scott looked up. “What about it?” Isaac heard his heart beat get a little faster. “Do you… do you remember anything else?”

“Do you want me to?” Isaac asked, suddenly serious.

Scott finished chewing his mouthful slowly and swallowed. “I want you to remember. I mean, it could help Stiles right?”

“That all?” Isaac asked.

Scott just looked up. “Why?”

Isaac shook his head. “No reason.”

The two of them exchanged looks. Isaac wasn’t going to say that he remembered, not if Scott thought it was better for him to forget. Scott gave Isaac a smile, oblivious.

“Boys!” They looked up to see Melissa walking over to them in fresh scrubs, about to start her next shift.

The expression on her face was not one of a woman with confidence, in fact she looked like she was going to be the bearer of bad news.

“Mom, what’s going on?” Scott said.

“This is about Stiles isn’t it?” Isaac sighed.

She sat down beside them with a sombre look. “I followed all the patient files hoping I could find out some more and I did.”

“Really? How long did the infection last?” Scott asked.

“Five days from when they went into their coma.” She said flatly.

“Well that’s good right?” Scott said hopefully.

“Scott…” Isaac said.

He looked to his mother and she shook her head. “Isaac and Erica have been the only ones so far to recover.”

“And we all know what the common element there is.” Isaac sighed, a sinking feeling suddenly hitting him square in the gut.

Scott nodded and Melissa rubbed his shoulder. “I’m sorry Scott.” She said before standing up to get back to work.

His eyes turned glassy and he nodded to himself. Isaac put a hand on his knee and gave it a squeeze, knowing nothing he could say would make this any better. They left the cafeteria, suddenly not so hungry, and headed back up to the ward.

“Listen Scott…”

“Don’t say it Isaac, I’m not going to let him die. I don’t care what it takes; he would give up everything for me. He risked it all to save Erica didn’t he?” He said as they walked through the hall.

“I’m not arguing with you Scott. Just tell me what you need and I’ll do it.” They stopped and Isaac saw the fear in Scott’s eyes.

He reached out and brushed his fingertips over his wrist and Scott grabbed his hand, taking it roughly in his. He tried to be strong but his veil was wearing thin.

Isaac’s attention waned and he looked through the doors of Stiles’ room where Derek was sitting by the bed. He could hear Derek’s heart speed up as he stared down at Stiles’ bare arm and Isaac didn’t have to think too hard to know what he was thinking.

“Uh… Scott…” He said.

Scott followed his gaze and came to the same conclusion. He ran to the door and forced it open.

“Derek don’t!” He yelled.

Isaac came running in behind him.

Derek looked up, his eyes blank. “Why not?”

“He doesn’t want it Derek!” Scott said.

“What’s going on?” Jackson and Boyd were quick to the doorway and it didn’t take them long to figure it out.

They didn’t say anything, they just looked from Scott to Derek waiting to see how this would go down.

Derek was still holding tightly to Stiles’ good wrist, his eyes devoid of hope. He knew what Melissa had told Isaac and Scott, he knew that Stiles was a human and no human survives the kiss of death from this creature. He knew that it had already been two days, it took five for the effects to completely take hold and after that… there would be nothing left to save.

“He’s trying to give him the bite! He doesn’t want it Derek!” Scott said.

“Look… can we just all calm down.” Isaac said, putting his hands up cautiously.

One split second could mean the difference between a human and a wolf.

“You know that humans don’t get better from this.” Derek said.

“He might not survive the bite.”

“He won't survive without it.” Derek growled.

“Derek, he doesn’t want it.” Scott said.

“Do you want to watch him die? Should we just keep doing nothing?”

“We’ll try anything else, everything else… Derek, think about this. Think about what you’re doing.” Isaac said.

“You don’t want this either Derek.” Boyd said.

Derek stayed quiet for a moment, his face never changing. “If we don’t have anything in two days you won't be able to stop me. I won't let him die. Not here and not now.” Derek dropped his hand and stood up, pushing past the others to leave the room.

Scott let all the air out of his lungs knowing that this would happen if they couldn’t save him in some other way. The bite could kill him anyway but in three days his time would be up.

“Would it be so bad if he was a part of the pack?” Jackson asked.

“Jackson he doesn’t want to be a werewolf.” Scott said.

“And he’s already a member of this pack.” Boyd added.

“Scott…” Isaac said something inside of him clicking.

“What?” Scott asked, looking over at him.

“I think… I think I know who did this…” He said.

“Tell us.” Boyd said, wanting to go after the person who did this to Erica and Stiles.

He rolled his eyes and sighed before staring down at Stiles. “You need to call Derek back; he’s not going to like it.” He said, shaking his head. “You know the one time I need you to talk you can't.” He muttered down at him. “Damn it Stiles.”

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A/N: Love you all!