Once in a Lifetime

08

"Hmm," Argent hummed, frowning. "Stiles, you need to focus. Type this. 'Visual confirmation isn't possible. Police coming to claim body in forty minutes.' Tell him number two on the list is dead. I killed him. And if the wire transfer isn't completed in forty minutes..."

In a hospital room, Stiles, Kira, Liam and Tabitha were staring at the computer monitors. They were focused on numerous areas in the hospital. The camera on the roof went out and Liam pointed to it. "Is it supposed to do that?"

Stiles shook his head. "No. No, it's not."

Kira frowned. "Where is that?"

"Someone needs to check out the roof," Tabitha told them.

Kira nodded. "I'll go."

Stiles shook his head and stopped her. "Whoa, whoa. This might not just be a malfunction."

She gave him a smile and held up her katana. "That's why I'm bringing this."

"I'm coming with you," Liam said, jumping up.

Stiles nodded. "Okay. And you're both coming right back. Immediately." He turned back to Tabitha and sighed. "Kids."

Tabitha looked between them. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Or at least that Stiles wouldn't do."

"So don't be stupid and reckless. Got it."

Stiles glared at his girlfriend. "Seriously, Tabi?"

She smiled sweetly. "Seriously." She looked at the computer screen. "Stiles, look."

Stiles and Tabitha ran up to Argent and he said, "The power's out in the whole building. I lost all the cameras."

"Stay with Scott. Text me if you hear anything," Argent told them.

Back in the morgue, Stiles and Tabitha heard noises and she looked up at him. "Call Argent. Something's wrong."

He nodded and dialed Argent's number. "Come on, come on. Answer the phone, Argent. Come on, Argent, answer the phone. Why are you not answering the phone?"

Argent came flying into the room and landed on the floor. "I was right. Stiles, Tabitha, get out of here."

Kate entered the morgue and said, "Get out of the way, Stiles, Tabitha. I'm taking the body."

Tabitha twisted a hand, prepping to use her magic, as Stiles asked, "Why? Visual confirmation?"

Kate smiled at him. "Don't worry, handsome. I'm not the Benefactor. Sweetie, put the hand down."

"How about no," Tabitha retorted.

Argent frowned at his sister. "Then what do you want with the body?"

"I wish I could tell you," Kate replied.

She took the gun from her brother and he pulled out another and expertly put it under her chin. "I always forget you carry two."

Since Tabitha didn't trust Kate, she pushed Stiles behind her. "Back off!" Argent cried.

Kate smirked. "You sure you can pull the trigger fast enough?"

Argent shook his head. "I don't want to."

"You're not going to kill me."

"He won't, but I will," Tabitha said, glaring at her.

Argent subtly shook his head at the witch as he said to Kate, "I'm not going to let you take his body."

Stiles began backing up and said, "Okay, well, obviously, you guys have a lot to talk about, so, maybe I saw some coffee, a vending machine outside."

"Listen to me, Kate," Argent said. "We have a plan."

Kate frowned. "If killing Scott was part of it, you're worse than me."

Stiles glanced between them. "He's telling the truth. We're trying to get to the Benefactor."

Tabitha narrowed her eyes at Kate. "You're on that list, too. Those who are hunting us down would pay a pretty price for your head."

Kate glared at her. "That's why I'm here."

"Then back off and let us do what we planned," Argent said. "Take the Berserkers and go. Kate, please. We have a plan."

She left and shortly after, Scott woke with a loud yell. He looked around and Kira ran in and kissed him.

"What happened?" Scott wondered. "Did it work?"

They shook their heads and Liam came in with a worried look on his face. Kira frowned. "What?"

Liam looked at Kira. "It's your mother... She's hurt."

---

Tabitha made her way home and entered the ritual room.

Robin followed and said, "Your dad is busy at the hospital. But I think I can help."

Tabitha nodded and sat on the floor. "How do we save me?"

"The only way I can think is for you to refrain from necromancy."

"Well that's helpful and easy enough, but the shifting is happening even for simple spells."

Robin fell silent as she read from a book. "It says here that the witch or warlock in question can only be saved when they choose to try to save someone far from deserving."

"That's impossible! None of my friends have done anything that bad!"

"Sweetie, that's what it says. Maybe someone will come along. But for now, you need to make a conscious effort to use your magic for good and to do so sparingly."

"Easier said than done."

"I know you can do it."

Tabitha slouched in her chair and let out a long sigh.