The Alien Within

Chapter 22: The Rivalry Heats Up

Far away, in another academy which would be participating in the upcoming interschool track competition event, another track superstar by the name Bridget Mills schools, and the name of her school is Fiver Academy.

At Fiver Academy, the air in the locker room was thick with tension. The school had been preparing for the upcoming track meet with Riverdale Academy, and all eyes were on their star runner, Bridget Mills. With her short-cropped blonde hair and piercing green eyes, Bridget was as fast as a human could be. She had been dominating local races for the past three years, earning the title of "The Cheetah" for her incredible speed and agility.

Coach Stevenson stood in front of the team, nervously clutching a clipboard. He had just received a new set of stats on Tessa from Riverdale Academy. He cleared his throat, glancing at Bridget, who was casually lounging in a chair with her feet up on a locker, looking more bored than concerned.

"I've been reviewing Riverdale's track records," Coach said, his voice tinged with unease. "And… well, it seems we've got a real contender this time. Tessa's 400-meter dash record is... beyond anything we've seen before."

Bridget barely glanced up, her eyes half-lidded in indifference. "So what? Some bookish girl who knows how to run? I've got this."

The other girls on the team, who had gathered around in anticipation, exchanged worried looks. One of them, Clara, leaned forward, voice hushed. "Coach, I've heard things about her. They say she runs like she's got the wind beneath her feet. Some even said it's not natural."

Another teammate chimed in, "I heard she clocked in faster than our national record! People are starting to call her the 'Beast of Riverdale.'"

Bridget rolled her eyes, scoffing at the dramatic stories. "Beast, feet made of wind, whatever. It doesn't matter. She's just another runner, and I'm faster. End of story."

But Coach wasn't convinced. "Bridget, this girl is different. She's… well, let's just say she's not your average opponent. Her speed is almost—"

"What? Supernatural?" Bridget interrupted, laughing. "Come on, Coach. I don't care what fairy tales you're reading. When it comes down to it, she's human, and I'll crush her, just like everyone else."

The coach's shoulders slumped in resignation. Bridget's arrogance was as unyielding as ever. No matter how many warnings he gave, she refused to take Tessa seriously.

Well she does have the capability to back up that arrogance, and she has been giving amazing and steady results ever since her first time on the tracks.

However, this time, everything feels different, everyone could almost feel that the rumors aren't just empty rumors, the evidence truly shows that the girl, "Tessa", is a beast.

The rest of the team, shared nervous glances as opposed to Bridget's confident gaze. The stories they had heard about Tessa were enough to make anyone question just what kind of runner they were about to face.

---

Meanwhile, back at Riverdale, James sat at a dimly lit café, waiting for the man he had hired. He glanced around the room impatiently, drumming his fingers on the table. Moments later, a shadowy figure slid into the seat across from him, a nondescript man with a cap pulled low over his face.

"You're late," James grumbled, tossing a small envelope across the table. "That's for the last video. Keep them coming."

The man smirked, pocketing the envelope without checking its contents. "She's quite the runner, huh? Not to mention popular. I've got a few more shots lined up—real close and personal. Should give you all the dirt you need."

"Good," James muttered. "I want every move she makes. Every interaction. I need to know everything." His eyes narrowed. He wasn't just concerned about Tessa's rising star status; it was Adrian. That golden boy with his otherworldly grace, the one stealing the spotlight—and Tessa.

"Consider it done," the man replied, standing up. "You'll get your footage. Just make sure the payments keep coming."

James waved him off, his mind already racing with the possibilities. He had been paying this guy for weeks now, collecting footage of Tessa, not just for the school's benefit but for his own twisted vendetta. He couldn't stand how close she was getting to Adrian—and how distant she was becoming with him.

---

Later that evening, as the sun set over the quiet campus, Tessa found herself wandering near the football field. She needed space to think, to process everything that had been happening. Her speed, her powers, the constant pressure… it was all weighing her down.

"Mind if I join you?"

Tessa looked up to see Adrian walking toward her, his usual calm smile on his face. She nodded, unable to suppress a small smile herself. Adrian had this strange way of making her feel… safe. Even with all the chaos around them, his presence was always steady, always reassuring.

For a while, they walked in silence, side by side, the orange glow of the setting sun casting long shadows across the field.

"Tessa," Adrian began, his voice low and serious, "I know you've got a lot on your shoulders. More than anyone realizes. But I want you to know… I'll be there for you. Always."

She glanced at him, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Adrian, you don't have to—"

"I will burn the world if that's what it takes to have you," he said softly, cutting her off. His eyes, usually so calm, blazed with intensity. "And I'll destroy anyone who stands in our way."

The words hit her like a wave, making her heart race. It wasn't just the cheesy delivery—it was the sincerity in his voice. He meant every word, and it shook her to her core. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.

But before she could respond, there was a sharp rustle behind them. They both turned to see James standing a few feet away, his face a mask of barely concealed fury.

"What the hell is this?" James spat, his hands clenched into fists.

Tessa took a step back, surprised by his sudden appearance. "James—"

"Don't 'James' me! I knew something was going on with you two," he snapped, glaring at Adrian. "You think you're better than me, huh?"

Adrian sighed, his usual calm returning. "James, this isn't the time."

"Oh, I think it is!" James lunged forward, his fist aiming for Adrian's face. But Adrian, in his usual effortless way, bent back as if he were made of liquid. Before James could react, Adrian gave him a light shove. It wasn't much, but it was enough to send James stumbling backward, crashing into a nearby bench.

Tessa gasped, rushing forward to help James, but he swatted her hand away, his pride more wounded than his body.

"Stay away from me," James growled, scrambling to his feet. "Both of you."

He stormed off into the night, leaving Tessa standing there, torn between the two boys who were quickly becoming the center of her universe.

Adrian placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch gentle. "Don't worry about him. He'll come around."

But as they stood there, the weight of what Adrian had said earlier still hung in the air. "I'll burn the world to have you."

Tessa wasn't sure what that meant for her future, but one thing was clear: things were about to get a whole lot more complicated.

---

The preparations for the track meet event involving Fiver Academy were in full swing the next day. The air buzzed with excitement as Riverdale's track team geared up for what was sure to be one of the most intense track event of the year. So, it wasn't just the boys' team getting ready for battle in the upcoming final—Tessa was facing her own challenge in the upcoming track meet, with Fiver's own star runner, Bridget Mills, gunning for her.

...

Bridget, sitting in her locker room, stared at her reflection in the mirror, her arrogance still as solid as ever.

She had heard all the rumors, all the stories about Tessa. But none of it fazed her. As far as she was concerned, she was still the fastest.

But while Bridget prepared to face Tessa on the track, another battle was being fought in the shadows. Mr. Rudbick's eyes remained glued to the unfolding events, his plans growing darker by the day. Little did Tessa know, she wasn't just running against Bridget—she was running against a conspiracy much larger than herself.