Olivia's POV:

I dig my hands deeper into the Nogitsune's chest, feeling the burning sensation begin to trickle across my arms and into my chest.

I glance worriedly behind me at everyone else, watching them helplessly look on in horror.

My eyes fall on my family. I see Allison's panic-written expression as she holds Griffin's arm around her shoulder, supporting him to show that he's no longer unconscious.

"Scott!" Derek's voice snaps me out of my daze, and I turn, meeting his icy-blue eyes as they lock with Scott's crimson-red ones.

"What?" Scott asks.

"You're the alpha," Derek states before glancing at Eli. "He's part of your pack now."

Derek harshly throws Scott before he can ask any further questions, causing his body to somersault off the nemeton.

Derek tries to move toward me but I quickly shake my head, digging my hands further into the Nogitsune's shoulders to restrain him. "He still has Phoenix blood in his system! I have to take it back, or else it'll be unstoppable!" I shout, feeling the resistance within its energy as it tries to absorb my powers. "Parrish needs to burn him! He'll have to heal himself instead of focusing on me!"

Derek wraps an arm around the Nogitsune's throat, using the other to pull his arm back, giving me a better position to absorb the phoenix blood.

"But you'll--"

"I know!" I interrupt Parrish, placing my hands on either side of the Nogitsune's face and squeezing, feeling the energy begin to transfer once more.

"Olivia!"

I glance back at Allison and Griffin then weakly smile. "I'm sorry for not being a great mom," I say, watching the tears spring from Allison's eyes as realization dawns. "I love you."

Griffin's POV:

"Parrish, light this fucker up!" Derek yells out and my eyes widen in shock.

"Wait—what?" I ask Allison, panic rising, but she tightens her grip around my waist. "Why isn't she--"

Parrish pulls away as the Nogitsune lets out a monstrous roar that shakes the ground. To my horror, Parrish's body becomes engulfed in flames, and with Olivia still underneath, tightly gripping the Nogitsune, the flames wildly spread over all three of them.

"No! Mom!" I cry, trying to rush toward her, but Allison holds me back, and we watch as monstrous roars mixed with screams of pain. "Someone do something! Please!" I plead, turning to the others but they don't move an inch, their faces illuminated by the flames, etched with sadness.

I struggle against Allison's grip, but a fiery explosion makes me freeze.

As the fire dissipates, all that remains on the stump is Parrish lying on his side and a statue-like figure of Olivia behind him.

She doesn't look scared. It's as if she accepted her fate, the solemn look on her face speaks volumes.

I glanced worriedly at Eli, watching his werewolf features slowly fade back to normal as he looked down in sorrow, his father now gone from sight.

The sight alone brought the last argument I had with my mom rushing back into my mind.

"Mama would've taken my side." I snapped. Olivia, who had been heading towards her friends, stopped in her tracks at my words. "She would have taken my side or at least listened to me--"

"Well, she's not here, okay!" Olivia interrupted, seeing the anger in her eyes as she spoke. "She's gone! Now get the hell out of here! I'm not going to tell you again, Griffin."

Tensions had been high over the past few weeks. The fights at school, the stress from all the work, getting suspended, being banned from seeing my friends and Stephanie. Losing my chance to participate in the art show.

I was sick of it all.

So sick that the urge to get the last word was nearly unbearable.

Without a hint of remorse, I shook my head in disbelief as I backed away. "I hate you."

But even that wasn't enough.

"It should've been you." I muttered before stepping around Eli, heading back the way we came.

My legs gave out as if they could no longer bear my weight, and I collapsed to my knees. Allison still held my shoulders firmly, trying to keep me upright.

It hurt like hell when we got the news that Allison had died in the crash. But this--watching Olivia sacrifice herself and being powerless to stop it?

This was worse.

Tears trickled down my face as I pressed my head against Allison's. "Mama, I didn't mean...She's always been--"

"Shhh, I know," She whispered, rubbing soothing circles on my back. "I know."

Olivia's POV:

"Did you think setting me on fire would destroy me?" The Nogitsune laughed maniacally as I rolled to the side to dodge the Oni's sword. "You made it easier for me to reach the afterlife!" He gestured to the familiar flower field and the nearby town.

I groaned as pain flared across my side, the Oni's blade cutting deep, and before I could recover, it kicked me to the ground.

I tried to get up, but the Oni's boot pressed down hard on my chest, forcing me to stay down.

"When I'm through with you," the Nogitsune taunted, squatting beside me and dragging his claws across my cheek.  I turned my face away, disgusted by the stench of his breath. "I will take control of this place, return to the physical dimension, and slaughter everyone you love. Your soul will perish, just like Derek Hale's. Your deaths will serve as a reminder, that I am eternal!"

The Oni lifts its katana blade, awaiting the Nogitsune's orders.

"It might look like you won, but you forgot something, you demented little demon." I spat, glaring up at him. "You're on my turf."

Suddenly, Allison's silver arrows appeared in my hands and without hesitation, I drove one into the Oni's chest. The Oni vanished in a puff of smoke, its katana clattering to the ground. The Nogitsune roared in fury.

He lunged, but I swiftly snatched the katana and plunged it into his chest, freezing him in place.

Ignoring the excruciating pain from his claws embedded in my chest, I leaned closer. "You're not going to hurt me and my family ever again," I growled.

I yanked the katana free, and as his body hit the ground, the Nogitsune disappeared into smoke.

Breathing heavily, I smiled weakly as the adrenaline ebbed away. I used the katana as a cane to steady myself, feeling exhaustion pull at my limbs. Just before I collapsed, a familiar voice broke through the haze.

"Didn't I tell you to come back when it's your time?"

I rubbed my eyes and widened them in shock. Standing before me, smiling proudly, was the woman I missed dearly.

"Hey you."

"Mom," I whispered, taking her hand as she pulled me to my feet. I hugged her tightly, the katana falling from my grasp. "You're okay! That means—"

"Everyone held their own. We're safe. You've cleansed the chaotic entity from this place." She chuckled, brushing stray hairs from my face. "You've grown so much since I last saw you."

"Is that your way of saying I look old?" I laugh, tears streaming down my face.

"Your words, not mine." She chuckled. "my beautiful daughter."

"I'm trying so hard to be perfect, just like you were with me. I wish you could've seen it all. Griffin, your grandson, would've loved to meet you. He's so talented, but it's been tough, and I've been awful to—"

"Hey," she interrupted gently. "You should know better than anyone that there's no such thing as a perfect parent.

"But—"

"Day by day, our kids remind us that there's always room to grow." She wiped my tears with her thumb, giving me a reassuring smile. "And Olivia, you're doing just fine. Even through your mistakes, I'll always be proud of you."

"Hearing that means more than you know." I laughed, hugging her again. "So much."

"Mon amour..." I heard Allison's voice echo softly and my heart leaped at the sound.

"Mom, I'm so sorry." I heard Griffin's voice chime in, his sorrow evident.

"Griffin?" I whispered, looking around frantically. "Allison?"

"It's time for you to go back." My mom squeezed my hands, her smile warm. "Our time is up."

"I can? I thought I couldn't anymore."

"Before Parrish killed the Nogitsune, you absorbed the Phoenix blood remnants, restoring your powers." She explained as my eyes widened in surprise. "Ophelia wanted you to see that you saved us. It's been a long time since we've seen you."

She gestured behind her and I follow her gaze. A crowd of familiar faces stood before me: old friends, their families, and even people like Ophelia and Marie-Jeanne. They all smiled proudly at me.

My gaze lands on Tracy, who stands in between her parents, and she gives a shy wave. I reciprocate the gesture with a small smile. At least she's happy.

I met my mother's eyes again, my heart sinking despite her warmth. "Even if I go back, I'll just mess everything up again. I pushed everyone away after Allison died. Griffin deserves so much better than what I could give him. He—"

"Olivia," she interrupted gently, "never forget that despite your mistakes, you always have someone rooting for you. Whether it's your friends, your family, ancestors from past generations, or those blessed with the Phoenix's power, there will always be someone in your corner. You're strong--inside and out."

I reluctantly turn away. "It's hard to believe that with the nightmares every night," I say, my eyes landing on the katana on the floor.

Allison locked eyes with mine and smiled, realizing that I blocked the attack.

I couldn't help but grin, ready to run toward her. But something felt wrong. There was an ache in my back.

Slowly, I looked down, my eyes widening at the sight of the Oni's sword blade protruding from my stomach.

"Like I always said, Olivia," came a chilling whisper from Void Stiles in my ear as he twisted the blade, making me scream in pain as it felt like the insides were being torn apart. "Nothing lasts forever. I just needed the perfect distraction to take you out of the picture.

I heard someone scream my name as numbness spread through my body, my vision turning red as the sword was pulled out from my stomach.

An ache ripples across my head, pulling me from the memory. I rub my temple, trying to soothe it.

"How will you know if you don't try?" Ophelia speaks up, as if sensing the flashback. "As painful as those memories are, focusing on the past only makes it harder for you to move forward. You've shown me that, Olivia."

I glance back at her, seeing her standing beside my mom with a small smile. "This time, you will return on your own."

I nod and pull my mom into another embrace. "I love you," I whisper as she rubs comforting circles on my back. "I missed you so much."

"I love you too." She whispers as she pulls away, pushing some of my hair away from my eyes. "You always make me proud. Don't ever forget that."

She steps back, and I turn to Ophelia. "How do I get back?"

"I'll guide you." She reassures me, her eyes flashing orange before she presses her hands together.

A gust of wind blows from behind as Ophelia moved with grace, her hands gliding through the air in slow, controlled motions. Each movement seemed to ripple with hidden power as if the very air bent and curved around Ophelia's fingertips. Flames, subtle at first, flicker from her hands as she flows from one posture to the next.

Her eyes met mine and with a subtle nod, I mirrored Ophelia's movements as best I could.

I extended my hands, palms out, just as Ophelia had done. My arms felt heavy at first, awkward in their slowness. But as I moved, warmth built from deep within my chest, rising to the surface of my skin.

Ophelia stepped forward, her hands tracing wide, circular arcs. Flames danced along her arms, not consuming, but alive with purpose, like a controlled storm of embers. With a gentle sweep of her hand, she passed the flames to me, allowing them to leap across the space between us.

It swirled around my arms, clinging to me as if it recognized who I was. Despite copying Ophelia's movements, I couldn't help but watch in awe as the flames now mirrored my every motion, wrapping around my body like living ribbons.

As I pushed her hands outward in a slow arc, the fire followed, trailing my fingertips before sweeping outward into the void, only to coil back like a serpent responding to my will.

"Feel the flow of energy," Ophelia instructed, her own body still moving in tandem with mine. "Let the flames guide you. The fire of rebirth."

Third person's POV:

Olivia closes her eyes, focusing on the rhythm of the movements, feeling the ebb and flow of energy. Ophelia ceased her movements, seeing as now Olivia was almost able to do the rest on her own. Yet, she can still sense the hesitation, the heavy weight of memories flooding Olivia's mind.

Olivia recalls witnessing her parents' constant arguments, her mom working multiple jobs to keep them afloat, her struggles in her old school, and the battles against Beacon Hills' worst enemies that left her traumatized. She remembers blaming herself for the losses she endured, sacrificing herself to save Allison, almost losing her friends to hunters, the tragic loss of the love of her life over a petty fight, and the heated arguments with her son.

"You may not have had such a happy beginning in your childhood and following your adolescent years, but it does not define who you are." Ophelia sternly spoke so that Olivia can take her words to heart. "It is the rest of your story who you choose to be."

Olivia's steps become lighter, each shift of her weight igniting a new pulse of flame that radiated through her body.

"So now I ask you this...who are you?"

As she moved through the sequence, Olivia felt the flames meld with her, becoming a part of her essence rather than something separate. They flickered around her wrists, spiraled along her arms, and danced around her legs as she shifted into the next stance.

I'm a daughter.

"What's that?" Elizabeth, Olivia's mom, eyes the bracelet curiously.

"A gift. I got it for you before we left." Olivia says, slipping it onto her mom's wrist. "A congratulations on your new, and hopefully better, job."

Her mom smiles. "I'll never take it off, I love it." She pulls Olivia into a tight hug. "The way I see it, it'll symbolize how much work it took to get to where we are now."

The memory shifts to Olivia and her father, grieving over Phoebe, on the couch of their home in Beacon Hills.

"I could never feel obligated to stay here." Thomas, her father, says through his tears. "I want to stay here with you, Phoebe, and your mom. With my family." Olivia lets out a sob and wraps her arms around him. "I'm sticking to my word about never making that same mistake again. I'm not leaving, no matter how bad things get. Knowing Phoebe, she'd say the same. "

"But I'm a monster."

Her father pulls away, giving her a stern look. "You're a phoenix. You're still my daughter."

I'm a sister.

"You sacrificed your invincibility to save me." Phoebe says, picking up her bo staff. "I mean, it's a bit scary that you can't come back from the dead but I know you well enough that you won't settle by sitting out in the sidelines. Because of you, I'm not that same defenseless new girl who moved to Beacon Hills anymore. I'm a fighter...like you."

I'm a friend.

"Woahhh, we're halfway there! Woahhh, livin' on a prayer!" Scott and Olivia sing in unison, leaving Stiles to roll his eyes from the backseat of his jeep

Scott turns back to grab Stiles's hand. "Take my hand, we'll make it I swear! Woahhh, livin' on a prayer!"

Stile scoffs, unable to hide his amusement."Oh screw it, it's Bon Jovi. Livin' on a prayer!"

"Hell yeah!" Olivia laughs, watching Stiles air-guitar during the solo and Scott headbang along to it.

The memory shifts to when Olivia, Allison, and Scott left Kira to the Skinwalkers after the battle with the Beast.

"You wanted to impress me with the huge stack of papers about Bardo." Olivia teases, causing Kira's eyes to widen. "Thanks for that, by the way."

"I was hoping you forgot about that." She shyly scratched the back of her neck. "I'm never living that down, am I?"

"Not a chance." Olivia chuckles, pulling her in for a hug. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too." Kira whispers. "Thank you for becoming my friend."

Then it transitions to the last day of high school, showing Lydia, Allison, Malia, and Olivia clean out their lockers.

"There's no way in hell you're not going to walk and get your diploma with us." Lydia says firmly as Olivia nodded in agreement. "I had my mom and Sheriff Stilinski pull some strings and...they're letting you walk the stage. They just can't officially give you your diploma."

Malia's eyes widen. "Wait, seriously?"

"No woman left behind, Mal." Allison patted her shoulder with a smile. "You deserve it."

The memory shifts to when Liam and Olivia were walking to the van, moments before taking off to Mexico to rescue Kira and Scott from the berserkers.

"Olivia, as long as either you or Scott are there to help me through the full moon, I'll be okay." Liam reassured. "I trust you."

A wife.

"It's just...for the first time in my life, I can't wait for the future." Olivia whispers, to Allison as they cuddle on the couch of their apartment. "Every minute that I spend with you, I can't help but feel curious about how we'll raise our kids while at the same time, I'm excited that we get to do it together. I'm grateful that I get to start having a life with you because if I hadn't met you in the school hallway, I'm positive I wouldn't be here today. So...thank you for never giving up on me, Allison. I'm so confident that I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Allison looks at her with adoration. "Thank you for stumbling into my life, Olivia." She cupped Olivia's face in her hand, brushing her thumb across her cheekbone. "I can't wait to grow and live a beautiful life with you."

A mother.

It transitions to an old memory of Olivia and Allison, smiling as their son, Griffin, proudly runs towards them, holding a blue ribbon award for his painting.

Ophelia watches her with quiet approval. "You're ready, Olivia."

A phoenix.

Olivia's eyes snap open, glowing a fiery orange.

With a final graceful sweep of her arms, Ophelia places her hands on Olivia's shoulders. The flames surge, and Olivia feels the full force of the Phoenix's power course through her veins--overwhelming, beautiful, burning, and soothing all at once.

Olivia gasps but doesn't flinch, allowing the fire to fill her completely. Her movements continue to flow seamlessly as Ophelia whispers the final words:

"Now...return."

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A/N:

so SORRY for the year long delay lmfaoooo school kept me busy 100% of the time to the point I had no time to update my stories :'(

I'm still struggling to figure out how to finish it but i think I have an idea.

I hope you have/had an amazing day <3

see yall in another year! (jk)

~Cimbello