Shadows // Stiles Stilinski x Male OC

21

It was December 21, and the small city of Beacon Hills was buzzing with activity. The entire population was heading to Honey Hill for the annual Civil War reenactment, a significant event for the quiet town where not much else happened. Students were getting dressed to participate, and everyone, even the older folks, wore old-fashioned clothes. The boys donned soldier uniforms, and the women wore long, vintage-looking dresses.

Stiles was among them, dressed in his soldier clothes and holding a fake gun. He stood in a group of other students, all excitedly chattering about the reenactment. But Stiles's mind was elsewhere. All he wanted was to go back home and sleep. He felt out of place, disconnected from the enthusiasm around him.

Not too far away, Alex sat in his room, gazing out the window. It was his 16th birthday, but he wasn't happy. He was worried. His grandma entered the room, holding a beautiful and elegant pair of trousers and a long shirt, ceremonial clothes.

"It's real pretty," Alex said, looking at what his grandma brought him.

"You've done the right thing," she said, her voice reassuring.

"How will I know if it worked?" Alex asked, looking up at her, his eyes filled with concern.

"When the curse has been paid, you'll feel it. You'll know," she replied gently.

At that moment, his aunt opened the door, peeking inside. "Oh, people are starting to arrive, sweetheart. It's time."

Alex took a deep breath, nodding. He glanced one last time out the window, thinking of Stiles. The weight of what was to come pressed heavily on him, but he knew there was no turning back now. As he changed into the ceremonial clothes, he couldn't shake the feeling of dread that clung to him.

The backyard was full of people, and when Alex arrived, everyone looked at him, smiling and saying, "Happy Claim Day." He gave them a fake smile and made his way to the center of the backyard, where the ceremony would take place. His uncle held his hand firmly, and his grandma stood next to him, smiling.

When everyone was gathered, his aunt began to speak. "Um, hello, everyone. And, uh... Oh, thank you for coming. Um... The moon will be out soon, so we should-- Uh, we should start." She cleared her throat nervously. "Um, phew, heh. Excuse me." she laughed and started

"As the Ancients have foretold...

a Natural will be Claimed. For it has been predetermined by the five elements...

that upon this night...

an old cycle shall end..."

Alex felt the weight of her words as she continued,

"...and a new cycle shall begin...

wherein the powers of Light and Dark will merge...

and that upon this child...

who becomes a man...

Alex Duchannes...

his true nature will reveal the true nature of all power...

for the new cycle."

The crowd watched in anticipation, the air heavy with the significance of the moment. Alex stood in the center, feeling the pressure of everyone's expectations. He glanced at his grandma, who gave him an encouraging nod. He took a deep breath, bracing himself for what was to come.

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Stiles was hiding in the woods, not wanting to participate in the Civil War reenactment. He thought it was stupid and something they did every year. As he paced around, he heard footsteps and looked to the side to see Scott approaching.