Chapter 69: The Messenger Bird!
The air around Riverdale was buzzing with excitement. The flames that had ravaged the school only moments ago were now gone, replaced with the immaculate glow of freshly repaired buildings.
Tessa stood tall, her presence felt in every corner as the students cheered wildly. The moon bathed the school grounds in a soft, ethereal light, adding to the almost dreamlike atmosphere.
Mr. Hammond, the proprietor, couldn't stop staring at the miraculous turnaround. He adjusted his tie nervously, approaching Tessa, who was flanked by her allies. Adrian stood beside her with his arms crossed, a smirk on his face, while Ecdy and Nymff exchanged playful banter.
"Hello, Tessa," Mr. Hammond began, his voice shaking with gratitude. "Thank you for your help... it was beyond timely. I don't even know how to begin expressing my thanks."
Tessa smiled, a gentle warmth in her eyes. "I couldn't stand by and let innocent people get caught in the crosshairs of the SSG. Especially not my alma mater. Of course, I had to come through."
The students who had gathered around, now in a celebratory frenzy, listened intently to the conversation. Mr. Hammond's relief was evident as the tension in his shoulders visibly loosened.
"But... Tessa, how did you know they were going to attack the school?" Mr. Hammond asked, still a little dazed by the entire event. "I never expected that anyone would care, let alone come..."
Tessa smirked. "That's the thing about the SSG. They love to bully the weak, and it's quite easy to put 2 and 2 together to know who their target would be.. "
The whole crowd erupted in laughter, even Ecdy couldn't help himself. He chimed in, "Yeah, they remind me of that kid who always needed his big brother to finish his fights!"
Nymff followed up with her own witty remark, elbowing Ecdy playfully, "Or Ecdy when he lost to me in a sparring match... twice."
The group burst into even louder laughter as Ecdy, mock-offended, waved his hand at her. "I didn't lose, I was... warming up!"
Adrian joined in, grinning. "Sure you were, Ecdy. You're always 'warming up.'"
Despite the lighthearted banter, Mr. Hammond's expression turned serious as he lowered his voice, leaning in toward Tessa. "But Tessa, the SSG is a powerful organization. They've been around for centuries. After today, I'm sure they'll come back with even more force. How do we protect ourselves when they strike harder?"
Tessa paused, the weight of Mr. Hammond's question settling in. She had considered this too—there was no doubt that today's victory was only a temporary reprieve. The SSG wasn't the type to forgive or forget.
Her eyes glazed over for a moment as she sought the counsel of the moon goddess who resided somewhere deep within her consciousness. "Moon goddess," she began in her mind, "how do I contact them? How do I prepare for what's to come?"
A serene voice echoed back to her, soft yet filled with wisdom. "Tessa, you stand under the full moon. Can you not feel how powerful you are? Nights like these heighten your abilities. You can do almost anything under the moon's embrace."
Tessa nodded slightly, feeling the energy coursing through her veins as her skin tingled with moonlight.
The goddess's voice continued, "For this problem, Tessa, use the elements of nature. They are all at your disposal."
"How do I do that?" Tessa asked, unsure.
"Reach out with your power," the goddess instructed, "and call on nature's creatures to be your messengers."
Tessa obeyed, closing her eyes and letting the moonlight guide her senses. She felt a connection to the world around her, and her focus zeroed in on a distant figure—an owl, perched quietly in a tree- a hundred feet away.
The owl's golden eyes gleamed, its feathers ruffling as it sensed Tessa's presence. For a brief moment, the owl's eyes became glazed, its will overtaken by Tessa's call. Then, with a majestic spread of its wings, the owl swooped down, heading toward her at breakneck speed.
Ecdy's eyes widened at the sight. "Is that thing coming for Tessa? Should I—?"
Before Ecdy could finish, Adrian smacked the back of his head with a playful laugh. "Relax, genius. Not every bird is trying to kill her."
Nymff smirked, glancing sideways at Ecdy. "Yeah, because when there's no danger, you're the real hero, right? Saving Tessa from, I don't know, butterflies and sunny days?"
The group erupted in laughter, while Ecdy groaned in exaggerated defeat and rubbed his head in mock irritation. "I'll remember that."
The owl landed softly on Tessa's outstretched arm, its golden eyes locking with hers. A connection was forged between them, stronger than words could explain. She could feel its loyalty, its purpose. The owl was not just a bird anymore; it was a living conduit, a symbol of Tessa's growing power.
"Her name is Chinelle," Tessa said softly, her voice filled with wonder. "She'll be of help as your watch-bird, and if you need to contact me, just tell her. She'll find me."
"Wow!" Oxlade's voice broke through the crowd, filled with awe. "Tessa's got a messenger owl! That's so cool!"
Karl shook his head, his voice brimming with excitement. "That's what I've been telling you all along—Tessa's the most powerful superhero!"
The students erupted again into cheers, some bursting into tears of joy, others clapping uncontrollably. It was an emotional spectacle, their hero standing before them, the moonlight framing her like the goddess she was. Even the matrons and teachers couldn't help but join in, applauding with pride.
Tessa, the Moon Goddess of Riverdale, had become a beacon of hope.
Mr. Hammond stood quietly to the side, taking it all in. His school had been torn apart, only to be restored better than before. His students had suffered, yet they now stood triumphant.
He had watched as Tessa worked her magic, repairing everything piece by piece, all while bringing joy back to those who needed it most.
And standing amidst the celebration, General Rwald Dune—now the last man standing—watched with disbelief, frozen in place as Adrian restrained him. His bravado had crumbled entirely, replaced with the cold, harsh reality of defeat.