THE PUZZLE

ROY'S ALLEGATIONS

Classes for the day had ended. Student's of Jazielly Academy were having free time. The senior students gathered the junior students for sport activities.

Meanwhile, Cohen laid on his bed, he had taken excuse not to participate in basketball practice. He was extremely tired from the class activities. Science class had made them carry out an autopsy which was really wearisome. As he recalled everything that happened in class, there was a bang on his door.

"The door is not locked. Come in". Cohen said.

A masculine figure stood before him. His partial enemy, Roy Cooper.

"I need to talk with you". Roy said in a low voice.

Cohen gave a nod without a word.

" Cohen, I plead of you to stay away from my Ashley".

"Your Ashley?". Cohen mocked.

" You seem to mock me. What about you? You killed your roommate Tom".

Cohen chuckled. His words made no sense.

" Stop it". Cohen shouted.

"Remember magic is prohibited here. Be careful not to hurt my precious Ashley". Roy warned.

" Again I repeat, stay away from my Ashley". Roy said.

Cohen's eyes narrowed as he watched Roy leave his room. The mention of Tom's name still stung, and the accusations lingered in the air like a challenge. He couldn't believe Roy would dare bring that up again.

"Ashley, huh?" Cohen muttered to himself, a mix of curiosity and amusement dancing on his lips. He hadn't realized Roy felt so strongly about her.

Just then Cohen's phone buzzed on his bedside table. A text from Ashley

"Hey Cohen. Need to talk to you about Roy. He's been acting weird lately".

Cohen's eyes sparkled with intrigue. " Look like this conversation just got interesting".

He typed out a response. " Just had a chat with him. Meet me at the library. We need to discuss".

As Cohen headed to the library, the encounter with Roy replayed in his mind. What secrets was Roy hiding? And what did Ashley know that Cohen didn't.

"Upon arriving at the library, Cohen spotted Ashley already seated at a corner table, her eyes scanning the room nervously.

"Cohen, thanks for coming". Ashley said, her voice barely above a whisper.

" Roy's been getting possessive and controlling. I don't know what's going on".

Cohen leaned in, his expression serious. "He warned me to stay away from you. Thinks I'm a threat".

" Ashley's eyes widened. "What did you tell him? ".

Cohen smirked. "Nothing".

★

During classes, Dean Miller noticed Lisa's seat was empty and was surprised. Lisa don't miss class. He thought on checking on her after class.

"Today, I will be teaching the Solar system". Mrs Adock said.

Ashley stole a glance at her roommate..

'A serious student'. Ashley thought.

"Hey!". Aoife whispered to Ashley.

"We will be having games after class, would you like to participate? "

" You play games in this dead school? ". Ashley asked surprised.

" Our school is more than your expectations". Aoife told her.

" So, how many days does it take for Mars to revolve around the Sun? ". The teacher asked.

" Six hundred and eighty seven days". Ashley answered.

" That's a nice one Ashley".

"Six hundred and eighty six point nine days". Mona added trying to show off.

" That's approximately six hundred and eighty seven days". Ashley shot back.

" It's ok girls. You both are correct". Mrs Adock said smiling.

Ashley gave Mona a wink, in return, Mona gave her a death glare.

★

Sport and games activities had begun. This wasn't the game Ashley expected. She had thought it will be an internet game challenge. She was ready to give in for that. She's a wizkid in that aspect.

"Why are they being archaic here?". Ashley complained.

Well, She was participating in Hidden Treasure. A game where you have to look for gems. The person with the highest number of gems wins the game.

The setting of the game was a bushy one.

"Improper care". Ashley scoffed and continued with her search. Then her eyes darted to some gems, about five of them. She smiled as she quickly grabbed them. However, her foot got stuck in thorns. She winced in pain as she tried getting her leg out. Her hands were covered in her own blood.

"Oh goodness! Why this school?". She cursed.

She regretted everything about the school. The atmosphere changed all of a sudden. The clouds turned black. Ashley stared at her blood and was totally confused. Suddenly, the wind picked ominously. Ashley's heart racing, she struggles to free herself from the thorns. The gems slipped from her grasp, forgotten in her panic. A massive, shadowy figure emerged from the darkness. Eyes glowing red, it towered around her. And then, the realization dawn on her that she had seen it before. It was the same creature that appeared to her that day and she remembered everything that happened.

"Why again?" She thought.

"What do you want from me?" She screamed.

Ashley stumbled through the darkness, desperate to escape the beast's pursuit. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows.

"Peach!". Ashley exclaimed, somewhat relieved.

Peach's eyes gleamed with an ethereal light.

"I've been searching for you, Ash"

The beast roared closing in.

" I almost forgot about that".

Peach raised her hands and a shimmering barrier erected around them.

"Your powers!". Ashley gasped

"I knew there's something really weird about you".

Peach nodded. " I have been hiding them, but it's time to use them".

The beast charged, it's claws swiping at the barrier. Peach's eyes flashed with anger.

"Back!". She commanded.

The beast recoiled as Peach's powers surged. The air crackled with electricity.

Ashley watched in awe. "Peach, how are you doing this?"

Peach's voice was low and mysterious.

"My ancestors' secrets. Ancient magic". The beast regained strength, its eyes burning red. Peach's powers intensified.

"Ashley, hold my hand". Peach instructed.

As their hands touched, Ashley felt Peach's energy course through her. The beast let out a pained roar. Peach began to chant, her words weaving a spell. The beast stumbled, it form distorting. Suddenly, it vanished.

Breathless, Peach releases Ashley's hand.

"It's gone"

Ashley stared at Peach in awe. "Your powers are incredible"

Peach's smile was enigmatic. "There's more to me than meet the eye".

As they walk towards others, Ashley asked " What just happened?"

Peach's expression turned serious. "That beast was summoned. Someone's playing with dark force".

Ashley's eyes widened" Who?"

Peach's gaze scanned the shadows. "I will find out".

"Let's get you to the infirmary".

Peach place Ashley's arm around her shoulders as they walked to the game unit.

"What happened?" The game master asked.

Everyone was surprised to see Peach (School's introvert)

"Miss Fernandez?"

Peach was trying to avoid the gaze of everyone.

" I hurt myself, I wasn't careful. Peach is taking me to the infirmary".

" Let'sgo". Ashley's said avoiding everyone's gaze as they both left.

"Peach didn't come out for the game. How did she know Ashley was in trouble" Jordan said.

★

" Miss Fernandez, thanks for bringing her on time".

" Can I see her?" Peach asked.

" Sure". The school's doctor said.

Peach went into the room.

"Peach". Ashley smiled seeing Peach.

"Thanks for everything". She added.

"It's nothing". Peach smiled.

Roy rushed into the room, panting heavily.

"Ashley, are you good?". He asked

"Getting better"

" Goodness! Hey you dumb asshole, what did you do to her?". Roy said accusing Peach.

" She did nothing bad. She only saved my life". Ashley said.

" You know she's evil. She had a reason for helping you". Roy spouts

" Roy, what's with the outburst? Stop all of this". Ashley said.

" You are taking sides with a demon. Ashley I know her more than you do"

"She's not a demon". Ashley shouted.

" I'll leave then". Roy said angrily

"Then, leave. I don't care". Ashley scoffed.

"You are chasing me because of this asshole".

"I'll leave instead". Peach said

" Peach, please stay with me". Ashley cried.

"Sorry, I have to go". Peach said and left.

Ashley turned her gaze to Roy giving him an evil smile

"Are you happy now?".

"Ashley you have to understand".

Ashley shook her head.

" Now, you leave". Ashley ordered.

"Ash..."

"Get out". She screamed.

Roy left immediately.

Ashley sighed crying, she actually did not know what her fate was in Jazielly Academy.