Delusions of the Alternates

The Creator?

The trio arrived at Beerwah State High School just as the morning sun began to cast long shadows across the sprawling campus. They had made their way to a small, weathered shelter near K block, a forgotten nook of the school where the paint peeled and the benches were cracked from years of neglect. Bri, Octavia, and Brian huddled together, their breaths forming faint clouds in the cool air.

For Octavia, every second was a test of willpower. Her eyes scanned the grounds with a predatory intensity as clusters of students milled about, laughing and chatting without a care. The more teenagers she saw, the more a deep, primal urge stirred within her—a hunger that clawed at her insides, demanding release. Her knuckles turned white as she clenched her fists, her jaw set tight. She had to hold herself back, each passing face a trigger that tested her restraint. But she managed, for Bri's sake, locking her fury away behind a mask of strained calm.

Bri, by contrast, was focused. Her gaze was fixed on the doorways of C block, a building that stood like a silent sentinel across the quad. She was waiting, hoping to catch a glimpse of the one person who might help them. And then, she saw her.

Lilli Wallace emerged from the double doors of C block, her slightly obese frame moving with a certain clumsiness as she clutched a binder to her chest. Her black hair was tied back in a messy ponytail, and she walked with her head down, avoiding the chaos of the schoolyard. She made her way directly toward the shelter where the trio was hidden.

Before Lilli could reach them, a group of five figures rounded the corner of K block. Gordan, Sam, Sammy, Mikah, and Lucas came to a halt, their eyes widening as they spotted the trio under the shelter. Confusion spread across their faces like a ripple across still water.





Gordan—a 14-year-old boy with slight acne and pale skin, his curly brown hair falling into his eyes. He is Lilli’s boyfriend, and his instinct is to protect her.

Sam—a 14-year-old boy with obesity, his black wavy hair unruly as he scratched his head in bewilderment.

Sammy—a 15-year-old girl with slight acne and curly light brown hair, her brow furrowed in suspicion.


Mikah—a 14-year-old boy with brown curly hair, his eyes darting nervously between the newcomers and his friends.


Lucas—a 14-year-old boy with slight obesity and jet-black curly hair, his posture tense, ready to react.

“Who the hell are you?” Gordan asked, his voice flat and guarded. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

Before anyone could answer, Lilli arrived at the shelter. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Bri and Octavia. Her binder slipped from her fingers and hit the ground with a dull thud. Recognition lit up her face like a sunrise.

“Oh my God,” Lilli breathed, her voice trembling with excitement. “It’s you. It’s really you. Bri and Octavia—in the flesh. I can’t believe it.”

She bounced on her heels, a wide grin spreading across her round cheeks. Her friends exchanged bewildered glances, but Lilli paid them no mind. She rushed forward, her hands clasped together as if she were meeting celebrities.

“How are you here? What happened? Where did you come from? Is it true what they say about the creature? Oh, you have to tell me everything,” Lilli gushed, her words tumbling out in a frantic stream of questions.

Bri held up a hand, a weary smile on her lips. “Lilli, please. We need your help. We’re in a lot of trouble, and we don’t have much time.”

Lilli’s excitement dimmed as she took in the serious expressions of the trio. She nodded, her eyes narrowing with determination. “Okay. Tell me what’s going on.”

Bri explained their situation in hushed, urgent tones. She spoke of the danger they were fleeing, of the enemies that lurked in the shadows, and of their desperate need to lay low until things calmed down. She left out some of the darker details, knowing the weight of the truth could crush even the bravest of souls.

Lilli listened intently, her chubby fingers twitching nervously. When Bri finished, she let out a slow breath and nodded.

“I understand. You can stay at my place after school. I know a spot where no teacher ever goes. You’ll be safe there until we can figure something out.”

She turned to her friends, who were still staring in confusion.
“This is my friend, Bri, and her companions. They’re in trouble, and I’m helping them. You guys need to keep this quiet, okay?”

Gordan stepped forward, his pale face hardening.
“If you trust them, then I do too. But if they bring trouble to our door, Lilli…” He let the threat hang in the air, unfinished.

Lilli placed a reassuring hand on his arm. “They won’t. I promise.”

With that, Lilli led the trio to a secluded spot behind the shelter—a small alcove hidden by overgrown bushes and a rusted old pipe. The air smelled of damp earth and decaying leaves. It was a forgotten corner of the school, invisible to the teachers who patrolled the grounds.

“Stay here until the final bell rings,” Lilli instructed. “Don’t move, don’t make a sound. When school ends, I’ll come get you, and we’ll go straight to my place.”

Bri nodded, gratitude flooding her eyes. “Thank you, Lilli. I owe you one.”

Lilli smiled, her eyes sparkling. “You don’t owe me anything. Just stay safe.”

She hurried away, leaving the trio hidden in the shadows. Octavia finally let out a breath she had been holding, her shoulders sagging with relief. The urge to kill still simmered beneath the surface, but for now, it was quiet—a storm held at bay by the promise of shelter.

Bri watched Lilli’s retreating form and whispered to herself, “Maybe we actually have a chance.”