Lunar Eclipse

Artemis frantically looked over her unconscious elder sister.

Besides refusing to awaken, Kali appeared to be in good health, but that didn't explain what had just occurred. Why had Kali's eyes changed from red to blue? What the devil had she just done?

Suddenly, Derek inhaled sharply and he sat up in his bed. He no longer smelled of sickness or felt like he was near death. He was back to being the picture of health.

"Derek?" murmured Artemis, in disbelief.

"I'm okay," assured Derek. He looked just as surprised as she was, if not more.

The unconscious Kali was then taken away by Peter, who treated her with gentle care while Artemis leapt up and wrapped her arms around Derek in a tight embrace before she showered him with kisses. Artemis was relieved beyond words to see Derek was in good health again.

"I thought I was going to lose you," sobbed Artemis, as tears slid down her cheek. She had been so afraid of losing Derek and worse, not being able to say good-bye if she couldn't save him. "If you ever scare me like that again, I'll kill you, Derek. Promise you'll never do that again."

"Shh…" soothed Derek, as he held her and returned her kisses. "I'm okay, I promise. I would never leave you, Huntress. Not ever."

Artemis smiled through her tears as she touched his face. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," said Derek, as they kissed again.

Artemis slipped her hand into his and then they rejoined the others in the living room. Everyone was relieved to see that Derek was all right again, especially Isaac, who hadn't wanted to lose the closest thing he had to a dad.

"You're okay. But how?" asked Isaac.

"You can thank Kali for that," said Peter, glancing at Kali, who was starting to awaken from her place on the couch. "Apparently, There's a way for Alphas to save their fellow wolves from the brink of death, but there's a cost. Kali sacrificed her Alpha status to save Derek's life."

Artemis stared at her sister in stunned disbelief. "You gave up being an Alpha to save Derek? Why?"

"Because I didn't want you to lose Derek like I lost Ennis," said Kali, tiredly. "I failed you once. I couldn't do it again."

Artemis held her sister tight against her. "You could never fail me," she murmured.

Kali returned the embrace for a few moments before they broke apart.

"Thank you," said Derek, gratefully. "I owe you one now."

"Just take of my sister and we'll call it even," said Kali. As far as Kali was concerned, as long as Derek looked after and loved Artemis, any debt between them was settled. "I may not be an Alpha anymore, but I can still fight. I just need a little time to regain my strength."

"You'd better be right, Kali," said Peter, coldly. "Because a little time's all we have left. The lunar eclipse is in less than three hours and you've drained your battery all the way to the red and there's a powerful Darach out there who wants us all dead, especially you."

"And I have to let Deucalion know what we've found out," sighed Artemis.

"Deucalion?" said Derek, sharply. "Did you make a deal with him?"

"Not exactly," said Artemis. She filled him in on what had gone down between her and Deucalion on the hospital rooftop. "…and he's expecting me to contact him when we've got a location for the battlefield. I have to tell him."

"Are you insane? Why on earth would you want to work with Deucalion?" asked Stiles, as the others nodded in agreement. "It sounds like a deal with the devil to me."

"I don't want to work him. But I think we have to," said Artemis. "I don't think we can stop Jennifer without him and the twins. I don't like this anymore than the rest of you do, but we're in for the fight of our lives. We need all the help we can get."

Alison shook her head. "We don't need his. Would one of you please tell her she's wrong?" She glanced at Peter, Kali and Derek as she said this.

"She's not," said Kali.

"Excuse me?" said Isaac, as his eye widened.

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend," said Peter. "And while none of us are friends with that nutcase, we can't deny that our interests are aligned for the moment. And, correct me if I'm wrong, but circumstances like this sometimes require that we align ourselves with those we consider enemies."

"Much as I hate to admit it, Peter's right," said Derek, sighing. He wasn't happy about this either. "We don't have a choice. We need Deucalion's help if we're going to stop the Darach and save Melissa and the others."

"So, we're just going to blindly trust the Demon Wolf who calls himself the Destroyer of Worlds?" said Erica, in disbelief.

"We're not going to trust him, no," said Artemis. "But we can use him to our advantage and use him for bait. Plus, if Deucalion tries anything, we know his weakness."

"And what would that be?" asked Stiles.

Kali smirked. "Deucalion's not always blind."

"He can see when he's wolfed out," explained Artemis. "Which is why I was hoping for a couple of flash grenades."

"Sure," said Alison. She fished through her supplies and tossed Artemis two of them, which Artemis pocketed.

Just then, there was a knock on the door and Ethan and Aiden came in.

"What're you two doing here?" demanded Jackson, as his flashed their werewolf blue. He had a bone to pick with the twins and would gladly fight them if Derek let him.

"Deucalion sent us to help you," said Aiden. "But even if he hadn't asked, we would've come anyway."

"Is there anything we can do to help?" asked Ethan.

Derek, Artemis and Kali exchanged looks and shared a silent conversation before they nodded in agreement.

"Yes. But it'll be dangerous," said Kali. "So, think carefully before you agree."

"We don't care," said Aiden, flatly. "If we don't stop Jennifer, we're dead anyway. So, if there's a chance we can slow her down, we'll do it."

"Okay," said Artemis. She was hesitant to put their lives in danger, but as Aiden had pointed out, they were all dead anyway if they didn't at least try. "Here's what you can do to help us…"

XXX

That night, Ethan and Aiden waited at Derek's apartment for Jennifer to make her move. Jennifer was most likely going to come to Derek's apartment looking for Kali as she had undoubtedly checked Kali's old home and would know that she would've gone to Derek's apartment to heal the Alpha. Derek's apartment was going to be the next battlefield before Jennifer's final showdown with Artemis, Kali, Derek and Deucalion.

Always one for theatrically and dramatics, Jennifer burst into the apartment by jumping through the skylight. The glass shattered and the jump was quite a feat, but Jennifer didn't seem the least bit tired or injured. She just looked cold and determined.

"Where's Kali?" demanded Jennifer.

"How should we know? We're not her keepers," said Ethan, feigning ignorance.

"Actually, I think she said something about running some errands. Getting her nails done or whatever it is she-wolves do," said Aiden.

Jennifer glared at them. "Who do you think you're talking to?"

"Someone who's about to regret ever messing with our pack," said Ethan.

He let out a roar as he and Aiden joined bodies and then they attacked Jennifer.

But Jennifer was prepared for them. She managed to dodge or block all of their blows and then she did a move that brought them to the brink of death. Miraculously, Ethan and Aiden survived, but they were unconscious and when they woke up, they would no longer be Alphas, but Betas.

Jennifer looked smug about this and then began creating a powerful storm that would destroy Melissa, Chris and the sheriff. As soon as they were gone, her sacrifices would be complete and she'd have enough power to take anyone who stood in her way.

"Impressive…"

Jennifer spun around and saw Peter standing behind her with his arms folded across his chest. He was looking at her rather coldly.

"I hope you're impressed. Because, I did this for you," said Jennifer.

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Me? You've got to be kidding."

"Do I look like I'm kidding?" said Jennifer. "Peter, I didn't just do it for you. I did it for both of us, for anyone who's ever been a victim of the Alphas or anyone else who thought they could do what they wanted and not face justice for their crimes."

Peter growled as his eyes flashed blue. "Stop talking to me like a politician! Stop trying to convince me of your cause!"

"Then I'll convince you of someone else's," said Jennifer. "Artemis."

Peter's face softened. "What about her cause?"

"Artemis is fighting to save those she loves. You can save her mother, Stiles' father and Alison's father," said Jennifer.

"Dare I ask how?"

Jennifer smiled as she approached him. "I need a guardian and that's a role that can be filled by either the three parents I've got hidden away that I was forced to snatch or by Derek. His role as an Alpha qualifies him to be a guardian. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Not really, no," said Peter. He narrowed his eyes at her. "And I fail to see how I can help you, Jennifer. I'm just a Beta wolf, one whose powers aren't entirely what they used to be. And why would you need my help when you've clearly proven you can handle yourself against Deucalion's pack? You've already taken down the twins and Kali's not even an Alpha anymore."

Jennifer stared at Peter in disbelief. "Excuse me? How can Kali not be an Alpha?" That wasn't supposed to happen and as far as she knew, it was impossible. Jennifer didn't even know what the consequences would be for the twins when they awoke.

"Kali discovered a way to save Derek. She sacrificed her power to save Derek from your poison," said Peter. "She's still a werewolf, but she's no longer an Alpha. She's just like me, she's just a Beta now."

"But Kali's still dangerous," said Jennifer. "She took down her Alpha and her entire pack when she was still just a Beta. What makes you think she's helpless now? And anyway, I can give you a little power boost. It won't be much, but it'll be sufficient enough to last you until tomorrow's sunrise."

Peter was silent as he contemplated this. "And if I agree to help you, what is it you want from me?"

Jennifer smiled again. She was pleased that he was cooperating. "All you need to do is help me get Deucalion into the right place at the right time. You think Deucalion's powerful now? You haven't seen him at his strongest. I have. And if he's got Derek, Artemis and Kali with him, I don't stand a chance unless I have you. I have the eclipse in my favor, but the moon will only be in the earth's shadow for fifteen minutes. That's the extent of my window of opportunity. There's no time to struggle with a decision. Help me kill him and the others live! Will you help me or not?"

Peter was silent again and then he nodded. "I'll help you."

The expression on Jennifer's face was a mixture of relief and happiness. "Good. Now, let me give you what I promised." She placed her hand on his shoulder and then managed to amplify his power just a little more.

Once that was done, Jennifer slid her hand into Peter's and their fingers intertwined as they departed for the next battlefield.

XXX

Meanwhile, despite the storm raging on, Stiles, Alison and the other Beta wolves journeyed through the woods in search of the Nemeton.

When they'd made their plans, Derek and Artemis had refused to let the other Betas join in the final battle against Jennifer. It was something Artemis had do to with only the aid of a few others and she refused to allow more lives to be risked in the final confrontation. She had also persuaded them to obey her by pointing out that if there was trouble at the Nemeton, Stiles and Alison would need all the help they could get.

"Are you sure we're going in the right direction?" yelled Jackson. He had to yell to be heard over the thunder and wind.

"Positive!" said Stiles. "I remember most of this from the night Peter turned Artemis! We're going the right way, trust me!"

"Can any of you pick up a scent?" asked Alison, as she made her way through some trees and bushes.

"We're trying, but we can't…" Isaac cut himself off and then all the other Betas stopped in their tracks when a noise hit their ears. "Does anyone else hear that?"

"Hear what?" asked Stiles.

Neither Stiles nor Alison heard anything other than the storm raging around them and the sounds of their friends' voices.

"That high-pitched noise!" said Cora, wincing as she covered her ears. "What is that?"

"I think it's one of those ultrasonic emitters Chris used to corral you and Boyd," said Erica. "It sounds like it's coming from over here!"

And with that, Erica led the way through the woods until they came upon an enormous tree stump and close behind it was the door to the root cellar just like Artemis had promised there would be.

Everyone's faces lit up at the sight of it. They'd found it!

Quickly, they all ran inside, not knowing of the danger they were in as the forest floor that acted as the root cellar's ceiling began to crumble and sink beneath the earth.

"Dad?" yelled Stiles. "Dad, are you here?"

"We're here!" said Sheriff Stilinski. He was overjoyed to see his son and was on the verge of hysterical, relieved laughter. "Boy, am I glad to see you!"

"Feeling's mutual," said Stiles. As soon as the sheriff's bonds were cut by Cora, Stiles shared a tight, relieved embrace with his dad. "Please, don't scare me like that again."

"I'll try," said Sheriff Stilinski, smiling.

Alison shared a tearful reunion with her own dad after Isaac cut him loose. "Thank goodness you're okay."

Chris smiled as they embraced. "I knew you'd find us."

"I know. But if you ever do this to me again, I'll kill you," said Alison.

Chris didn't know if she was being serious or not, but decided not to push it.

"Where're Artemis and Kali?" asked Melissa, looking worried as Boyd and Erica cut her free of her bonds. "Where're my daughters?"

"They're with Derek," said Boyd. "Kali managed to heal him and they're meeting up with Deucalion to stop Jennifer for good."

"What?!" exclaimed Melissa, looking both shocked and horrified. "Are they out of their minds? They're going to get themselves killed!"

"Artemis has a plan!" said Erica. "But that's not important right now. We need to get out of here!"

Erica was right, for no sooner had she finished her sentence, the root cellar began to collapse around them thanks to Jennifer's manipulations with nature. Chunks of dirt and rock sank through and caused the shelves in the room to collapse and it wasn't long before the infrastructure followed.

The cellar doors remained open, but the stairs broke like twigs and collapsed to the ground, and then the support beams that kept the root cellar up broke, causing the ceiling to begin to cave in on them. Despite all five Beta wolves joining together to keep them all from dying in a cave-in, it was a lot heavier than even their strength could support and it wasn't long before their strength waned under the pressure.

"I don't know how much longer we can keep this up!" moaned Boyd. "It's too heavy!"

Then, all of a suddenly, Stiles produced an aluminum baseball bat out of nowhere and stuck it in between the ground. It did the trick and kept them from being crushed.

"I always said aluminum was better than wood," said Sheriff Stilinski.

Everyone emitted a weak chuckle at this and they began to relax just a little. They were safe for the moment, but with the storm still raging outside and growing worse with every passing minute and the stairs collapsed, they were trapped. They could do nothing more except wait for the storm to cease and for help to come.

So, what was taking Artemis and the others so long?

XXX

Artemis, Derek and Kali waited outside the distillery for Deucalion to arrive.

The storm was getting worse and the lunar eclipse would soon be upon them. They had to act rather fast if they were going to stop Jennifer. They'd chosen the distillery for the final battleground as it seemed poetic. The distillery was where Derek and Paige often met before she died and it was where Deucalion had changed from a man of peace into a man of war and vengeance.

Artemis had called Deucalion, informing him of what she knew and where to meet. He'd agreed to come. Now, if only he would bother to show up.

"Cutting it a bit close, aren't you, Artemis?" asked Deucalion, startling them.

"We had a few complications," said Artemis.

Deucalion nodded. "Yes, I've heard." He scowled at Kali. Somehow, he just knew what she'd done. "Quite a sacrifice, isn't it? Sure you can still put up a good fight against Jennifer without being an Alpha, Kali?"

Kali's eyes flashed bright blue as she extended her fangs and claws. "Would you care to test me and find out?"

"Both of you, knock it off!" said Derek, sternly. "We can't fight amongst ourselves right now. We need to stay focused on the plan."

"That's true," agreed Deucalion. "Frankly, I'm looking forward to this, as I think we'll make quite a good team. It might even convince you that you need me to stay here in Beacon Hills."

"I sincerely doubt that," said Artemis. She was only going to Deucalion for help because there was no other choice. "I still mean what I said last night. When this is over, I want you out of my life and I never want to see you again."

"The same goes for me," added Kali.

Deucalion snorted at Kali and then turned to Artemis. "We'll see what happens. So, just out of curiosity, what precisely is the plan?"

"When she began teaching here, Jennifer gave us a message. It was the last line from Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. I'm going to send her one of my own," said Artemis. She pulled out her cellphone and made a video message to Jennifer's phone. She aimed the camera at the spiral on the door as she began recording.

"Hey, Jennifer, do you see this symbol? This spiral is our symbol for revenge." Artemis then aimed the camera at herself and her companions. "You talk about balance, about saving lives, but we know it's a lie. We know what you really want and now you know where we are. So, come on down if you think you can handle us."

Artemis then ended the recording and sent it off to Jennifer before pocketing her phone.

Kali looked impressed. "If this is what you're like as a Beta, I can't wait to see how you are as an Alpha," she said.

Artemis smiled a little as she shrugged. "All in a night's work. Now, come on. Jennifer's going to be here soon. We need to be ready."

Without further ado, the four werewolves went inside the distillery and then they waited for Jennifer to take the bait and arrive. Deucalion and Derek stood on the sidelines while Kali and Artemis were just a few feet away from the front door.

They didn't have to wait long. Soon, Jennifer arrived and she looked ready for a fight and she wasn't the only one. Peter was with her and judging from the look in his eyes, he was on his ex-girlfriend's side.

Derek's eyes flashed red as he snarled in anger. "Traitor," he growled.

"'Traitor' is such a strong word," said Peter. "I prefer to think I'm merely defecting. It's not that different than what Kali did."

Kali looked furious. "Don't compare yourself to me!" she hissed. "I'm going to do what I set out to do with you in the first place, Peter. You're a dead man and so is Jennifer."

"Ooh," said Deucalion, mockingly. "Like brother against brother. How truly American this is."

"Stuff it, Deucalion. And as for my dying here tonight, Kali, I beg to differ. Look at me, Kali," said Jennifer. "Look at my face. Do you have any idea what it takes to be able to look like this after what you did to me? To able to look normal?"

"I don't care," said Kali. As far as she was concerned, Jennifer deserved what Kali had done to her all those years ago. Jennifer had betrayed her and traitors were punished with executions.

"It takes power. Power like this," said Jennifer, as she produced a blade from out of nowhere. "Recognize this? It's the Sword of Lycaon. Legend says it can be used only once to kill one of your kind before it destroys itself. I found it a couple of years ago. I was saving it for you, but now I think I can put it to much better use. Since you took someone I love from me, I'm going to do the same to you." She then tossed her blade at Artemis.

"NO!" yelled Kali.

Before Artemis could dodge the blade or do anything, Kali shoved her out of the way and the sword hit Kali in the heart. The sword then vanished into thin air as Kali fell to the ground, clutching a wound.

"No!" cried Artemis. "Kali!"

While everyone else was frozen in place and watched the tragic scene unfold, Artemis took Kali into her arms and began taking away Kali's pain while applying pressure to her wound to keep her alive.

Jennifer was content to watch the tragic scene unfold while Peter and Deucalion just watched with shock and Derek was staying back in order to give his mate what time she had left with her sister.

"Kali, hold on. Just hold on," said Artemis. "You're going to be okay."

Kali didn't respond to her sister's administrations. She just gently touched Artemis's face and wiped away the tears that were streaming down Artemis's cheeks with the pad of her thumb.

"I'm sorry, Artemis," she whispered. "I never should've left you. I've always regretted it. I wanted to come back, I was just afraid. I should've protected you better. I'm sorry that I broke my promise to never leave you. Please, forgive me."

"Kali, it's okay. There's nothing to forgive," said Artemis. She had no grudges against her sister. She felt only love and desperation for her sister to survive. "You were always with me. And you're with me now. Everything's going to be okay, you'll see." But even as she said it, Artemis knew it was futile. Kali was dying and there was nothing anyone could do.

"You're going to be a great Alpha someday," said Kali, as she smiled a little. "And you're going to be a better one than I could ever hope to be. Just remember that I love you, and no matter where I go, I will always be your sister."

"And I'll always be yours," said Artemis, as she cried. "I love you, sis. Please don't leave me again, Kali. Please."

But it was too late. Kali's eyes closed, her hand fell limp to her side and she breathed her last. Kali was gone forever. She had died in the manner she'd always wished—by giving her life so that her sister could live.

Artemis threw back her head as she howled in grief. Artemis had just lost her sister a second time and this time, there would be no hope of Kali ever returning.

Artemis shook with grief and anger as she wolfed out and turned to face Jennifer. Jennifer had betrayed Kali's trust and friendship, forced Kali into a kill or be killed situation, she'd taken and endangered lives to further her plans for revenge and that included the lives of those Artemis cared about, and now Jennifer had just taken Kali away from Artemis. The woman had caused enough grief in the lives of Artemis and her family. Now Jennifer was going to regret ever returning to Beacon Hills. For the first time in her life, Artemis truly wanted to take vengeance.

"YOU MONSTER!" roared Artemis.

Deucalion held out his arm, stopping Artemis in her tracks. "Don't worry, Artemis. Kali will be avenged." Deucalion tossed aside his cane and glasses as he shed his jacket. "Are you ready for this, Jennifer? Did you gather your herbs, pray to your ancient gods and oak trees, and make your sacrifices? Shall I show them why you had to kill twelve innocent people just to have enough power to face me?

Deucalion then wolfed out, causing Artemis and Derek to recoil in horror. Deucalion truly was the Demon Wolf, for his wolf form was very demonic looking in every sense of the word. He even sounded demonic, if that was even possible.

Jennifer looked truly scared as Deucalion charged at her.

Peter came in between them. He wolfed out and tried to stop Deucalion by lashing out with his claws, but Deucalion just grabbed both Peter's arms and chuckled as Peter tried and failed to get out of Deucalion's grasp.

Jennifer then tried to use her new power against Deucalion, but it had no effect on him. Suddenly, Deucalion grabbed both Peter and Jennifer by their throats and then he flung them to the ground. Peter lashed out at Deucalion again and was even helped by Derek, but Deucalion was more powerful than them both. He sent them both flying into the machinery and rubble that was in the distillery and knocked down Jennifer when she tried to attack him yet again.

Deucalion then grabbed Jennifer by the back of her neck and dragged her over to Artemis, who had reverted back to her human form and was waiting for the opportune moment before she made her move.

"Kill her," ordered Deucalion. "It's what you wanted, isn't it?"

"That doesn't make it right," said Artemis. Part of her wanted revenge and part of her wanted to see Jennifer dead, but that didn't mean she was going to do it.

Deucalion didn't take kindly to this. He let out a roar that caused Artemis to fall to her knees and shift against her will.

"Stop it!" growled Derek, as he rose up.

"You be quiet!" snarled Deucalion, before he cast his gaze upon Artemis again. "Think about what Jennifer's done to you, Artemis. She betrayed your sister and killed her! She tried to poison your mate and she's going to kill your mother if you don't end her now. That storm you hear is her trying to bury your mother and the parents of your friends alive! It's her connection to the telluric currents that's causing this! Kill her and it ends!"

"He's lying!" blurted out Jennifer. "It won't end with me, Artemis. Deucalion will force you to kill your own pack and the lives of everyone you love! He'll turn you into a monster because that's what he does!"

"Are you really going to listen to this pitiful excuse of a woman when the lives of your mother and the parents of your friends are at risk?" demanded Deucalion. "Kill her now and it's over. Become the Alpha you're meant to be!"

Artemis shakily rose to her feet. "I will become the Alpha I'm meant to be," she said. "But not with murder. I have what you don't, Deucalion. I have a pack that's loyal to me and my mate. I have faith in them, just as they have faith in me. As we speak, they're saving the lives of my mother, the sheriff and Alison's father."

Deucalion just scoffed. "What good are they to you now when you're fighting to live while they're off elsewhere?"

"Just because they can't save us, doesn't mean they're not part of a strong pack," growled Derek, as he stood protectively in front of his mate. "We may not be Alphas like you, but we're stronger than you realize."

"I told you before, Deucalion. I'm not in the business of taking lives," said Artemis.

Deucalion let out a frustrated growl of anger as he dropped Jennifer, tossed Derek aside and then grabbed Artemis. He held the back of her neck with one hand and tightly grasped her arm with the other.

"Maybe you just need a little guidance," he snarled, as he began dragging her over to where Jennifer lay.

Artemis struggled against Deucalion until he finally came to a stop. "There's something I forgot to tell you. My sister told me that you're not always blind." Artemis pulled out some flash grenades from her pocket and tossed them to the ground, causing them go off.

Deucalion roared in agony as he released Artemis and then became blinded by the flash grenades. He frantically lashed out, trying to do something, but his blindness made him unable to do anything.

Artemis quickly rejoined Derek's side and he wrapped a protective arm around her as the lunar eclipse then hit. Everything became dark and then suddenly, there was a faint glow from the eclipsed moonlight.

Artemis looked at her hands in shock. She was no longer wolfed out. She was reverted back to her human form, but she didn't just look human. For the first time since Peter had bitten her, she actually felt like her old human self again and she wasn't the only one who was feeling the effects of the lunar eclipse.

Both Peter and Derek looked frightened and vulnerable and Deucalion was completely blind and helpless thanks to the lunar eclipse.

"The eclipse," said Deucalion, sounding frightened. "It's started."

For the next fifteen minutes, they were at Jennifer's mercy. Assuming she had any mercy left to bestow upon them. It was then that Artemis realized something.

"Jennifer…she's gone," gasped Artemis.

Jennifer was no longer anywhere in sight. This was not good.

Suddenly, Jennifer reappeared and this time she was in her Darach form and she was ready to enact the final stage of her plans for vengeance. Her appearance was nothing if not the scariest thing that Artemis had seen in her entire life and considering all Artemis had seen since Peter had first turned her, that was saying something.

Jennifer let out a horrifying shriek as she tossed Artemis into the machinery before she knocked down Derek. Jennifer then began beating the living crap out of Deucalion, who was helpless before her, only to stop when Peter called out to her.

"Jennifer, wait! Stop!" said Peter. "He doesn't know."

"Doesn't know what?" demanded Jennifer.

"He doesn't know what you really look like," said Derek, as he shakily rose to his feet. "Deucalion knows the cost of bringing Kali into his pack and he knows what that monster did to you, but he's never seen the price you paid."

"Let Deucalion see it," said Peter. "Let him see the price for his misjudgment. Let him see the face of the one who'll put a stop him once and for all. It won't be true vengeance unless you do it. You know I'm right. I went through the same thing when I punished Kate for what she did to my family."

Artemis held her breath as she watched Jennifer silently contemplate this. Much to her relief, Jennifer agreed.

"You're right," said Jennifer. "He hasn't seen it. But he needs to see." Jennifer then knelt down and placed a hand over Deucalion's sightless eyes as she healed them.

When Jennifer pulled back, Deucalion's eyes were no longer sightless. They were healed completely of the damage Gerard had done all those years ago. Deucalion was shocked by this, but he made no sound as he finally looked upon Jennifer's Darach form and then her human form.

Jennifer then tried to finish what she'd started, but she ended up pulling back and falling into Peter's arms. All her strength was gone.

"What is this?" hissed Jennifer.

"Healing him made you weak," said Artemis, smugly. Peter's 'defection' to Jennifer had been nothing but part of their plans. They'd counted on Jennifer restoring Deucalion's sight as they knew it would weaken her. "Just like Kali was weakened after she healed Derek."

"You won't have your strength for at least a few minutes," said Peter.

Jennifer looked at Peter with hurt and betrayal. "I loved you!" she hissed. "How could you betray me like this?"

Peter was cold and unrepentant. "All's fair in love and war, sweetheart. You betrayed me first. I'm just returning the favor."

"You're making a mistake! If you don't kill Deucalion, he'll never be out of your lives!" cried Jennifer. How could they not see the terrible mistake they were making in allowing him to live?

"Because, like my mother used to say, werewolves may be predators, but we don't have to be killers," said Derek. "Now let them go!"

"Never!" snarled Jennifer. She then pushed Peter aside and fought him, but after a few moments of him not fighting back, Jennifer stopped and tears came to her eyes as she pulled back. No matter what Peter did, Jennifer could not harm or kill him. She loved him too much to do that.

Just then, the lunar eclipse ended and Peter grabbed Jennifer by the throat. "Your fifteen minutes are up," he snarled, as he tossed her across the room.

Artemis then began to charge towards Jennifer, only to stop in her tracks when Jennifer stood up and produced a mountain ash barrier, blocking them all from touching her.

"Like I told you, Peter! Either Derek or the parents!" said Jennifer, angrily. "I guess I'll just have to take them now." The storm then worsened as she cast her hands up into the air. "In a few minutes, my guardian sacrifice will be complete and I won't need a lunar eclipse to kill even a demon wolf!"

Peter gave no reply.

Artemis gave Jennifer a very cold look as she place her hands on the barrier.

Jennifer then looked very smug. "You can't break it, Artemis. I seem to recall you were unable to do it last time. Why should this time be any different?"

"Because that was before," said Artemis.

"Before what?" demanded Jennifer, impatiently.

Artemis smirked. "Before I truly believed I was ready." Dr. Deaton had once said when Artemis believed she was truly ready to become the True Alpha, Artemis's ascension would be complete. Now was the time when Artemis truly believed she was ready to become the True Alpha she was meant to be.

Artemis then began pushing against the mountain ash barrier with all her might. As she did so, Artemis could feel power surging through her as she began to penetrate the barrier and this time, she fully accepted it. Artemis felt her eyes change from the bright gold of a Beta's to the bright, searing red of an Alphas. She then took two steps forward and the barrier broke.

Jennifer stared at Artemis with fear and shock. "How did you do that?"

"I'm the True Alpha now," replied Artemis. She gave Jennifer a cold look. "I should make you pay for what you did to me and to my sister with your life. But that would make me no better than you." No matter what it promised her, or how much she might want it in times of grief and anger, Artemis was never going to take a life or take revenge. She had seen what it did to people, how it consumed them like a poison, and she was never going to take that path. She may have been a predator, but she was not a killer. "You can't restore the lives you've taken. But you will stop this storm or you'll be begging for death by time I've finished with you."

Jennifer scoffed in disbelief. "You're bluffing."

"She may be, but I'm not," growled Deucalion. He stormed over to Jennifer and killed her, causing the storm to cease. This time, Jennifer would not be returning.

For a few moments, there was nothing save for the tense silence until Peter broke.

"Artemis, I didn't know she had that sword," said Peter. "I'm sorry about Kali." He sounded truly regretful and Artemis could tell he wasn't lying. But that changed nothing between them.

"I don't blame you, Peter. But please…just wait outside," said Artemis, softly. Artemis didn't blame Peter for Kali's death, but Artemis was completely worn out, both physically and emotionally. She didn't have the strength to deal with Peter at the moment. She needed him to leave just for a little while.

Peter nodded and then left the distillery.

Artemis then took Derek's hand in hers as they faced Deucalion.

"So, what're you going to do now? Kill me?" asked Deucalion.

"No," said Derek. He and Artemis had discussed Deucalion's fate if they made it through this alive and they had agreed on one outcome. "We're letting you go."

Deucalion looked surprised. "I beg your pardon?"

"Killing you would gain us nothing and even if it did, we're not going to do it unless you give us no other choice," said Artemis. "You were once a man of vision. We're letting you go because we're hoping you can be that man again. But if you prove us wrong, then having your eyesight back won't help you because you'll never see us coming."

Deucalion was silent as he considered this and he eventually nodded. "Very well," he said. "I'll go. But keep my number. Jennifer's actions will have long-term effects on Beacon Hills. You may require my assistance in the future and after what you've done, I'd be more than happy to give it."

"We'll see," said Derek. He couldn't foresee them every needed Deucalion's aid again and even if they did, Deucalion would not be sought out unless it was a last resort. "Now, go before we change our minds."

Deucalion nodded and then departed, but not before he told them one last thing. "You're going to make a very wise True Alpha, Artemis. Your legacy will shape the future for generations to come. I'm sure of it."

Artemis said nothing as Deucalion departed. Once he was gone, Artemis finally allowed herself to break down in grief for her sister as Derek held her tight against him. They had won the war. But they had also lost.

XXX

In the days that followed, life in Beacon Hills quieted down.

Following their rescue, the kidnapped parents took time to recover from their ordeal before they tried to get back to their lives such as they were.

Jennifer was labeled as the culprit behind the twelve deaths. As her last three sacrifices were able to name her as their kidnapper and a great deal of evidence had been uncovered at her apartment, nobody in Beacon Hills doubted she was the culprit.

Ethan and Aiden had decided to stick around Beacon Hills. They were no longer Alphas but neither were they truly Omegas again as they had a pack of their own in the lives of the friends they'd made in Beacon Hills. Cora was now enrolled in regular high school as she wanted to try and live a settled life again. Lydia was coming to terms with knowing that she was a banshee and was working on getting proper control of it with Deaton and Jackson's help.

Alison was in a steady relationship with Isaac and she had persuaded her father to stay out of retirement as according to Deaton, Beacon Hills was going to become a beacon again due to Jennifer's actions. A whole supernatural world was going to come to Beacon Hills and they had to be prepared for it. Chris had agreed and now they had a new code. Instead of hunting those who hunted them, the Argents swore to protect those who could not protect themselves.

Peter had decided to go on a walkabout. He needed time to himself after what Jennifer had put him through. Derek and Artemis had agreed to let him go as they knew what it was like to need to get away after going through such an ordeal, but they'd also made Peter agree to check in at least once a week. Peter still needed to be kept on a leash. Peter agreed and soon departed from Beacon Hills. Where he was going, not even he knew.

As for Agent Moon…it seemed he was planning on sticking around Beacon Hills. He'd acquired an apartment. But just because he was sticking around, did not mean that he was welcome in the lives of his ex-wife and daughter. A few days following their reunion at the hospital, Agent Moon tried yet again to speak with Artemis, but Artemis refused to even hear him out. There was no place for him in her life and nor did she want there to be.

At the moment, Artemis was at the cemetery, laying down beautiful flowers onto her sister's gravestone.

Kalika Moon

Cherished Daughter and Sister

Loved always, Never Forgotten

Melissa had been devastated when she learned of Kali's death, and she'd grieved with Artemis over the loss. With the help of Derek and the pack, Kali's body had been placed in her coffin and she now rested in peace.

In a way of keeping Kali close, Artemis now wore her sister's locket on the same chain as the crescent moon necklace she always wore. The crescent moon and the locket symbolized two important people in Artemis's life, ones that she would always love.

Artemis knelt down in front of her sister's grave. "I miss you so much, but at least now I know you didn't abandon me. You were just trying to protect me. I love you, Kali. I hope wherever you are, you're at peace."

As Artemis rose up and began to leave the cemetery, she could've sworn she felt Kali's presence around her, which caused her to smile.

Artemis then met Derek at the cemetery entrance and as he intertwined their fingers as she slid his hand into hers.

"Hey, I've been thinking," said Derek, as they walked to his car.

"Oh?" said Artemis, intrigued.

"Sometimes in my family, we had a matriarchal leadership. People like my mother would be the ones who led the packs," said Derek. "And since you're the True Alpha now, I was wondering if maybe you should lead our pack now."

Artemis shook her head. It was a tempting offer, but she was going to have to decline. "No. I may be the True Alpha, but I've got a lot to learn. I'm willing to lead our pack, but only if you do it with me. We'll lead our pack like we've done everything else, together."

Derek smiled. "Deal." He then pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "I love you, Huntress."

"I love you too, Derek," said Artemis, as she kissed him again.

No matter what came their way, they would get it through together. As long as they stood together, united, nothing could stop them.

A/N: Since the third season of Teen Wolf has been split in two, I've decided to do the same. So, watch for the next installment, Darkness of the Moon.