Chapter 126: "Return of the Legend"
As Tessa walked through the quiet corridors, her ears picked up the hum of a lesson in progress. Drawn by curiosity, she paused outside a classroom. Inside, a man with spectacles was standing by the board, marker in hand, explaining something with quiet enthusiasm.
"So, when these birds chirp early in the morning or make those loud, consistent sounds," he began, voice animated, "those sounds aren't just noise. They trigger biological responses in the environment around them. For instance, without these vibrations, seeds might not break open as easily, which would slow the growth of crops. Nature is interconnected, each sound a vital part of the cycle. Isn't that wonderful?"
A hand shot up from one of the students, and the teacher nodded, inviting the question.
"But, sir, can't plants grow without these sounds?" the student asked, voice earnest.
The teacher smiled, taking a thoughtful pause. "Ah, that's a good question. While plants can grow in silence, some studies suggest that sound frequencies can enhance growth. Sounds are deeply woven into the fabric of all life, from the tiniest seedling to us humans."
Tessa, absorbed in the exchange, was suddenly distracted by a voice to her right. Turning, she found herself face-to-face with Principal Hammond, his face bright and youthful with excitement.
"Tessa, you came!" His voice carried the same warmth it had years ago.
With a smile, Tessa stepped forward and embraced him lightly. Then, throwing a glance at Oxlade, she raised an eyebrow. "This one tricked me. I thought the school was in trouble, but... I'm honestly surprised. It seems Riverdale is thriving."
The principal chuckled, patting Oxlade's shoulder as if they were both conspirators in a well-played ruse. "We had to get you here somehow," he admitted, eyes twinkling. "In a week's time, we'll be holding the graduation ceremony for this year's class, and we're inviting every student who graduated over the last six years. Tessa, we want you to be our guest of honor. Your presence would mean the world and ensure everything runs smoothly."
He looked at her, almost apologetic, but Tessa just laughed. "I understand," she replied, exchanging a brief look with Adrian and Nyala, who both nodded subtly. Her expression carried the weight of pride and nostalgia—she knew what her presence here symbolized.
"Walk with me," Principal Hammond said, gesturing down the hall. Tessa fell in step beside him, memories flooding back with each familiar turn.
As Tessa, Adrian, and Nyala followed Principal Hammond down the hallway, curious eyes trailed them. Students loitering between classes or waiting for their next lesson stopped in their tracks, their attention shifting to the unusual entourage beside their esteemed principal.
"Who's that woman walking with him?" one of the students whispered. "She looks so young, but he's treating her with this... deep respect, almost like she's some ancient sage or something."
Soon, murmurs spread through the hallways, and the once inconspicuous trio had become the center of attention. Heads turned, students leaned out of classrooms, and whispers grew louder with every step.
Then, a gasp echoed from the crowd as someone realized, "Wait! That's Tessa—the Moon Goddess! The same Tessa that Oxlade always talks about." Excitement tinged their voice as they continued, "She's the one whose speed was unmatched in the history of the inter-region track meets for Grinwall. If Bridget Mills of Fiver Academy was like a cheetah, Tessa was the fucking wind itself."
"Hold on… that's the Tessa? The unbeatable quiz champion!" another chimed in, awe in their tone. "Any time she represented us, we never lost. She was unstoppable!"
As the recognition spread, students poured out of classrooms, filling the corridor and crowding around. Murmurs became gasps of astonishment, building into a chorus of excitement.
"If that's Tessa, then who are the others with her?" one student asked, eyes flicking to Adrian and Nyala.
"Wait… Adrian?" someone else said, eyes widening. "You mean Adrian, the football legend? He led us to our first-ever finals in the national tournament! The principal even lined the walls of his office with Adrian's photos—it was the best season we ever had."
Another voice added, with awe in their tone, "I've seen two legends in one day. I can die happy now."
The crowd around them continued to swell, students pushing forward to catch a glimpse of the legendary trio. Some reached out, brushing Tessa's hand as if touching her would bring them a piece of her greatness. Others simply stared, mouths open in awe. The hallway buzzed with excitement, until it erupted into cheers and applause. Some students even bowed or fawned over her, their admiration almost like reverence.
Tessa looked around, caught off guard by the wave of adoration that had swept the students. Her eyes met Adrian's briefly, who merely shrugged, his expression somewhere between amused and mildly exasperated. Nyala's calm, bemused smile showed she was enjoying the unexpected attention.
Principal Hammond turned to her with a grin. "You see, Tessa, you're a legend here. This school still remembers you—and always will."
Tessa stood before the gathered crowd, her heart a blend of pride and shyness as the students around her gazed up in awe, their admiration palpable. Between the green Rhemonics who already revered her as the "Moon Goddess" and now these students practically worshipping her legacy, it felt almost overwhelming.
Principal Hammond caught her eye and gave an encouraging nod, subtly signaling her to speak. The atmosphere was electric, the students clinging to her every move, their faces shining with anticipation. It was a chance to inspire them, especially in these troubling times when Rhemon's fanatics lurked, threatening the peace.
Taking a steadying breath, Tessa stole a quick glance at Adrian, who gave her an encouraging nod, his expression softening in support. She began, her voice calm yet resonant, reaching every corner of the hallway. "For those who don't know me, my name is Tessa," she began, her tone both warm and confident. "And this is my brother, Adrian. We were once students here at Riverdale Academy, just like all of you."
The crowd stirred, their murmurs flowing through the corridor like a river.
"She called him her brother!" whispered one girl in awe.
"I knew it—that really is Adrian! The soccer god of Riverdale!" another student exclaimed, her eyes shining.
"She's even prettier in person, I wish she could be my girlfriend," someone mumbled dreamily, before his friend gave him a slap on the back of the head. "Get real, Duke—she's out of your league!"
Tessa overheard it all, thanks to her enhanced hearing, and couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. She winked at Duke, and his face turned beet red, his heart racing like a drum as he realized she'd noticed him. He froze, as if the world had stopped, a moment that he'd likely remember for the rest of his life.
Adrian smirked as he observed the effect Tessa had on the crowd. Quietly amused, he crossed his arms, his gaze flickering between the students and his sister. He also checked out the 'competition', who wanted Tessa to be his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Nyala stood just behind them, observing it all with a calm, proud smile.
Tessa then raised her hand, commanding silence once more. "I promise to stay until graduation day," she continued, her voice clear and unwavering. "Together, we'll make this week one of the best Riverdale has ever seen."
The hallway erupted in cheers, the students' voices echoing off the walls. Tessa's words had ignited a spark, one that cut through the tension and fear brought on by the threat of Rhemon. For these students, she was more than a former student—she was their legend, the living proof of Riverdale's spirit.
As the applause died down, the principal stepped in, clapping proudly. "Well done, Tessa," he said, his voice barely audible over the excited buzz. "You've given them more than you realize."
Tessa looked out at the sea of faces, each one filled with renewed hope and admiration. And she realized, in that moment, that she was back where she belonged—standing as a symbol of resilience, a spark of hope in the face of darkness.