burnedwolf | Mermaids ahoy

Getting away for the trip was the easiest part- the hard part was lying to both Scott, the pack and his dad about where it was he was going and with who. He'd lied and said it was someone he met at college, that he was spending spring break with them instead of coming home like he had planned. Everyone wanted to know who this mysterious person was that Stiles was running off with, but he gave no details.

Mostly because he was sure they would come after Peter and try to kill him- again. Especially his dad, despite the fact Stiles was more than old enough now to date whoever he wanted to. It was something he thought about on the trip up here, when he should start telling everyone. He was getting better and better with every passing week at using his spark. There were a few spells he could use without messing up, two offensive and one defensive. And the more he studied and practiced, the more he learned and the better he got.

Thankfully his schooling didn't suffer, Stiles was able to fit studing magic and being an emissary in between his college courses, which made him far too busy for parties and going out. Which was fine, considering he was usually with Peter most nights anyway.

Currently Stiles was lugging in the last of their bags, grumbling under his breath that Peter could have at least taken in the heaviest ones for him.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming!" he shouted from the front door, dragging in the last of the bags and dropping them on the floor. Stiles then joined Peter on the porch overlooking the vast beautiful and terrifying ocean.

"Whoa, the view is awesome."

Peter smiled at Stiles' annoyance, refusing to help. He should work up his strength anyway. And Peter always gets a little joy out of Stiles' annoyance, it has a nostalgic scent to it.

He turned his head as Stiles arrives finally, his smile deepens at the boy's exclamation. Well, in a way it can be called awesome.

"You think so?" Peter asked quietly, his hand coming up to stroke the back of Stiles' neck. "I hope it will be useful too. I'd hate going back empty handed." he remarked. "You got everything?"

There were so many other, better ways to build up his strength than carrying bags that weighed a metric ton into the small beach house. But he didn't complain- much.

Stiles leans arches into the touch a little, then leans against Peter's side to wrap an arm around his waist. "Yep, got everything we'll need. Probably over-packed a little, but you never know what we might find."

Those ways weren't that fun, in Peter's opinion.

He pulls Stiles' close, feeling him against him, his growing spark calling his wolf every time. It was getting louder.

"Better be prepared, indeed." he nods turning to kiss Stiles' temple. "When do you want to start, tonight? Or you'd rather rest first?"

"Hmm, tonight. I'm way too amped up to be able to get to sleep. We can try a couple things, and if nothing happens then we can just hang out and relax for the night, try again tomorrow."

He remembers reading that sometimes they come out more at night, when the lighting isn't as good and you don't know what lurks out there in the water. Stiles hopes maybe they can get a few mermaid scales, as they themselves hold magical properties. Maybe some mermaid fangs too.

"Alright." Peter nodded, he was also eager to go out and find what they can. They should use their time effectively anyway. Also, having a good portion of supplies would work for them. Sometimes Peter wished mermaids wouldn't hate ground creatures as much as they do. They could be powerful allies.

"Let's get comfortable and then we should prepare for the night. In the meantime, you can recite me what you learned about mermaids on the road." he smirked, patting Stiles' on the back as he walked back into the house.

"Ugh, really? You want a history lesson?" Stiles complained as he followed his alpha back into the house so they could prepare for tonight.

"Ugh, fine. Mermaids were seen throughout history, dating as far back into ancient Greece, and other parts of the world. Some believe that Sirens aren't that different from Mermaids and get the two confused a lot, as both usually lure men into the sea to be killed. Also Mermaids eat human flesh, they have super sharp teeth and claws. Though, in some mythos, mermaids are seen as kind and helpful rather than harbringers of death. But I guess that just depends on which era and part of the world you're reading lore from, since it varies," Stiles recites as he starts to unpack a couple of things.

"It's also said that their scales, hair and teeth or claws have magical properties, even more so if they're given willingly- which rarely happens, so getting any of those is actually pretty rare. And, like their siren counterparts, they have the ability to trick men and trap them with their song or words, leading them to their doom. Which is probably where people get mermaids and sirens confused." Finishing unpacking, Stiles flops down onto the sofa and looks up at Peter, grinning.

"Good enough for now?"

Peter listened to Stiles' speaking, maybe listening more to his voice than his actual words. He's helping with the unpacking, checking if everything has arrived safely.

"For now." he grins back at Stiles, walking to him. "I want you to be prepared for this, Stiles. They won't give us anything without a fight, we have to get tricky and be fast." he remarks, leaning over to kiss the boy for his effort. He's come a long way.

"So, hopefully we may see or catch one while we're here. The meat we've bought should be enough bait for them. I can still smell it all the way from the freezer." he remarks woefully. Rotting meat do have a significant smell... "Prepare the knives now. Do you need help with the enchantment?"

"I don't expect them to just hand anything over, especially their scales. We're gonna have to prepare for a fight, if nothing else."

Though he hopes maybe they can find a little den and some stray scales that have fallen off, rather than having to take it by force. But if that's what it comes down to, well, then that's what they'll need to do.

He then has the stray thought of wondering how much a mermaid heart would sell for, and if it has magical properties. The thought however weirds him out a little and he shakes his head.

"No, I got it. I've been practicing it and it shouldn't be a problem," he says as he starts getting everything ready for the enchantment. It'll be darker soon and they'll be ready to venture out. Mermaids were more often to come out at night or the very early morning in search for food.

"Oh, yes, they are extremely sensitive about their scales. Scales are important in finding a mate after all. They are not going to give it up easily, it's a part of their survival." Peter nods.

He catches a whiff of a dark, spicy scent of Stiles for a moment. He likes it, though Stiles quickly gets rid of the thought what caused it, and Peter won't chase. Not yet.

"Good. Tell me if you need anything." he says quietly.

"I figured, which is why I brought an iron knife. Iron, like silver, can hurt them. They're more susceptible to iron, for whatever reason. Not easy to find, by the way. Silver, yes. Iron? Not so much."

But he'd managed to get his hands on one, which is what he does best.

Once Stiles has everything he needs set up on the coffee table, he sits down on the sofa. But before he gets started he looks up to Peter and grins. "C'mere, I want a kiss."

"Well aren't you resourceful." Peter remarks with a smirk. He means it. Stiles knows how and where to get his stuff. Almost like Peter. And the wolf didn't really have to teach him in that aspect.

"Now, I asked tell me what you need, not what you want." he teases, but walks over. "But luckily, it aligns with what I want too." he smirks, reaching for the boy to brush his thumb over his cheek as he leans in to kiss him. "You smell so excited, Stiles." he mutters quietly against the boy's lips.

Stiles grins when Peter gives him a kiss anyway, the teen humming into it lightly. "Mmm, I am. And we can do something about that later- but right now, I'm going to finish this enchantment so we can head out. It's almost dark, so they should be out and about soon," he says, reluctant to pull away but he does so so he can get his work done.

It takes only a few minutes more for Stiles to finish the enchantment, muttering under his breath as he hovers his hands over the knife, and all of their other items that will aid them in their search tonight.

"There, all done! Now we can pack up and head out."

"If I'd knew you'll be this excited for mermaids, we would have done this way earlier." Peter chuckles. Even if he knows Stiles wasn't cut for this only just a few weeks earlier. But he's learning fast and effective. He's showing something new every day, he's getting stronger... his spark. And Peter can't help but think that he's finally won over Scott in something. He has a powerful emissary, and a mate.

He's watching with silent fascination as the boy works then nods as he's ready.

"No time to waste."

They pack up everything they need, mostly for hunting mermaids and partly to keep warm. It's spring, but it can get cold before sunrise. Especially if these creatures will take their time in their showing.

Peter depends on his nose in finding a good place on the shore, where there could be sightings. From then on they could follow the mermaids hopefully. But so far, he can't hear anything.

"Mm, we may have to walk further up the shore." he remarks, motioning ahead of them with his chin. "There's no scent of them at all. Only the ocean's." he adds, mostly for himself. The ocean has a very significant scent, it's difficult to tell apart all the other scents on the shore.

For Stiles' own human nose, the scent of the ocean is overwhelming, it's all he can smell. That's not to say it's not a beautiful smell, of course. And the way the clear moonlight glints off the surface of the ocean is quite the visual.

But he stays his course and follows Peter's lead, walking across the sandy shore with a small bag of their equipment, coat buttoned up to brave the chill of the night, and so close to the ocean its a little cooler than it would be inland.

"Well, we'll be here for a couple days, so if we don't find anything there's always tomorrow night." They'll show up at some point, he's sure.

"Naturally." Peter agrees lightly, glancing toward Stiles for a moment. "But I'm never good with patience." he adds quietly. Of course he can wait, until it's necessary, but he never liked to be patient, especially so close to the goal.

He waits for Stiles to just stroke his hand down his back, partly to warm him up.

"Anything you can sense?" he asks quietly. "It's not full moon, but the sea is magical itself." he chuckles, only half joking. "Maybe you can also pick up something."

Stiles can't help but smirk a little at the comment. He knows exactly how much Peter hates waiting, which is something he sometimes exploits.

Not tonight, though. Stiles is just as anxious to see the mermaids as Peter is.

"I haven't been able to feel anything yet," he says, frowning a little. "Maybe if we go further up the coast."

So, they take off in that direction. Stiles has been keeping time on his phone, checking it every now and then, sticking close to Peter to keep warm.

After a good quarter mile or so, Stiles stops and tilts his head. "Do you hear that?" He asks, but doesn't give Peter much time to answer before he's walking off again, heading toward a cluster of rocks.

Stiles knew Peter's weak points, he was slowly learning more and more and Peter should hate it. But somehow, something told him his secrets are good with Stiles...

He walks and listens to the noises, sounds of the night, trying to catch a scent, but so far nothing is reaching him.

Though as Stiles stops Peter frowns.

"Hear what?" he asks alarmed, because how come Stiles can hear it, but not him? "Stiles!" he asks, hurrying after the boy. He still can't hear or feel anything. It's strange and Peter doesn't like it. But he lets Stiles take the lead for now.

Stiles doesn't even hear Peter's words, all he can hear is the gentle sweet musical words calling to him. Calling for him to join them.

"It's so beautiful," is all Stiles says, and not really so much in reply to Peter but because of the mermaid's song has enraptured him. They're calling to him, telling him to join them, it'll be so much fun. He belongs with them, they tell him.

The further up shore they get, the outlining of caves becomes visible, and Stiles is heading right for it. He stumbles over old debris from the sea but doesn't fall, doesn't falter.

He has to get to them, he has to follow.

"I'm glad at least one of us is enjoying themselves." Peter grumbles as he's following Stiles. He's never felt more deaf in his life, but he figured it was to be expected. He could feel Stiles' spark being strong and strong creatures would of course be interested. It was like a beacon to some.

Peter realizes that he has no scent even as they reach the caves. Which must be impossible. The mermaids must be close, yet he smells nothing, but the ocean. These creatures may have kept an eye on them way before they set out to find them... The wolf growls deep in his throat as he's thinking about how unprepared both of them in this.

He's reaching for Stiles as he stumbles on the slippery rocks, but his mate seem like he doesn't hear him anymore. Peter knows he should pull him back, but that's not why they were here. They were here for mermaids and Stiles is heading right to them... so Peter follows.

"Stiles." he calls the boy again as they advance deeper.

All Stiles can hear is the sweet call of the mermaids, entranced by their song. He doesn't even realize Peter is still following them. All he knows is he has to reach them.

When they reach the caves, Stiles' pace is a little slower now. Their call is louder, echoing, and even more beautiful. The cave is dark, and the water there is deep, but with little thought the teen wades into the depths of it.

The water is freezing, and it seems to snap Stiles out of whatever trance he'd been in, because he turns suddenly and looks at Peter, surprised and alarmed.

"Peter? How did I-" but the words are cut off with a yelp as Stiles is suddenly pulled back into the water, dragged under by one of the mermaids sharp talon-like claws.

Peter still can't hear or smell anything out of the ordinary. It's a cave with water in it, filled with small sea animals and...

"Stiles..." he mutters as his eyes meet his mate's. The only time someone's snapping out of a mermaid's song is when... But Peter can't finish that thought as Stiles disappears under the water. With everything they prepared in his bag.

Peter hesitates only a moment before he wades into the water and following him, reaching to grab a hold of Stiles before he would disappear in the dark waters. He can't call him under the water, but he can keep him from being taken away.

He shifts, trying to claw at the creature, but his fangs and claws do so little. Peter knows he's carrying one of the enchanted iron knives, but he doesn't want to let Stiles' go when something is trying to tear him out of his grip with such force.

While Stiles had prepared for something like this to happen, he didn't actually think it would. He hadn't realized the call would work so strongly on him.

He gasps as he's pulled under, and the last thing he sees before the darkness of the ocean takes over is Peter's surprises face. He can't see much in the murky depths, but he can feel the sharp claws dragging him deeper- and Peter's strong hold trying to pull him back to the surface.

With his free hand, Stiles wrenches the other iron knife he'd enchanted from his pants pocket and slashes wildly at the clawed hands gripping him. He hears a faint pained screech and the weight dragging him down and suddenly lifted, allowing Peter to pull him up.

As Peter can he pulls Stiles closer to him and aims for the surface. His mouth and eyes are full of seawater so he blindly grips the first rock to pull them out. He coughs, taking a deep breath and realizes he can smell these fuckers now. Their scent is thick all around the cave, signing that this is their territory and Stiles and Peter are trespassers. No, not even that. They are dinner.

They are excited. They have a good prey in front of them and that makes them bolder than they would be.

Peter snarls, looking over his shoulders to see if any of the mermaids would try to launch at them.

"Stiles, are you okay?" he asks through his fangs, his arm still holding the boy tightly to him. "There's at least five in the water."

When Peter pulls them to the surface, Stiles coughs and sputters, pushing water and matted down hair from his face as he twists around in Peter's hold to look back at the water.

"Five of them?!" he replies, voice a little shrill. "And I'm fine, I'm fine. Nothing a warm fire and some hot cocoa won't fix later," he says and immediately starts rooting through his soaked-through bag. If they can at least capture one of them- dead or alive, it doesn't really matter- they'll have what they came for. The others, well, they just tried to kill him. They can go die in a fire.

What Stiles pulls out is a few vials, two of which he shoves into Peter's hand. "This will make the water temporarily poisonous to them, they'll try to get out of it to save themselves." Temporary, because even Stiles is not above polluting the ocean just to get what they want, but he doesn't want to actually destroy it completely.

"Once they're out of the water, they'll be more vulnerable to attack."

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