III.III-Allies; Here, There, Everywhere

9:00AM was when second period was on the verge of starting. Late students scattered around to their usual hiding spots, with the regular staff finding them. The lockers were sprayed in their uniqueness from those with stickers, paint, and accessories all over. And with being such a larger school in mass, there were no second floors, so anyone could travel to their classes on time.

Of course, Ashley couldn't be due to the principal's chat.

That meant she carried a little slip of paper, her pass, to her second period, Algebra 2 Honours.

She would have done a more advanced math class like AP Calculus or such, but it was one of the many things she had to sacrifice in her life for those two.

Taking more challenging classes, joining clubs, or any type of youthful experience was impossible with them. That was evident in Tracey's poor grades and reputation at school. However, it was also apparent in Arthur's average academic success while he devoted himself to helping others.

Yet, Ashley tried her damnest to embrace that adolescence.

It was a silly feeling to Ashley when she did manage it.

This logical person who wholeheartedly believes in pure logic to have no emotions still wants a dramatic, carefree and rich life.

She did try to suppress and get rid away that desire.

She failed many times.

Ashely knocked on the door and was greeted by her math teacher.

"Ah-h, Ms. Nelson, you're here. With only," Mrs Longina pulled out her wrinkled arm to show a relatively new watch, "twenty-five minutes to spare. Could you solve this math problem for us?"

Ashley's class was doing a review for the final exams coming up. She didn't quite get why Mrs. Longina still wanted to do it, seeing as most of the students that Ashley could look at were visibly stressed.

But Ashley was up for a challenge.

The problem was P(x) = 3x^4 - 11x^3 + 15x^2 - 9x + 2, where Ashley had to find the factor theorem, zero product property, and the quadratic formula.

"Remember-r, you only have 5 minutes to finish." Mrs Longina looked absent-minded, but Ashely knew how much she enjoyed seeing her students struggle.

To spare the dull details of her math and work, the answer she found was x=1 being a zero with multiplicity three and 2/3 being a zero with multiplicity one.

All with 3 minutes to spare.

At this point, none of the students was genuinely impressed but annoyed that someone like Ashley had to be in their class.

Mrs Longina grumbled away into her notes, starting to write another problem.

Looking bored, Ashley sat in her usual seat. She sat in the third of the four columns, with her seat being the fifth among the seven.

"Psst, how did you do that so fast Ash?"

"Lucy, do you actually want to know, or are you just making conversation to not focus in class?"

"Hmmmm... stop reading my mind like that!" She mumbled as she looked ahead in class.

The girl mumbling away was Lucie Farrah. A brunette with bright pink highlights and short but long bangs that covered her right eye. She wore a flashy top, long sleeveless with patterns and pastel colours, and long jeans.

She was Ashely's best friend, so to speak. But, because of Tracey, she couldn't hang out with Lucie as much as she wanted. She rarely got to and could only do so within school. So, not only did it limit their time, but any special moment or bond that could start to build would be tossed down like a Jenga.

Which caused Ashley to question herself about a hypnotical path she could take.

The path of abandoning Tracey.

Ashley did believe in stopping him, but her youth would only last so long.

Once, Ashely told her feelings and her past to Lucie, and, shockingly, she was firmly against it. 'If you believe you have to stop him, I fully support you, Ash. He doesn't sound like someone I would leave alone for the sake of having fun or this "youth" you always go on and on about. Besides, no matter how long it takes, I'll be waiting for you Ash.'

It was a fond memory for Ashley.

A treasured one, in fact.

Especially that last line. A line that never came up before, but Lucie sensed that feeling within her. That doubt of losing her chance at a life Ashley knew could make her happy.

Ultimately, Lucie did keep her promise. Letting Ashley handle the tasks Tracey would give her. Spending every possible moment together and hanging with her as much as they could, even in places no sane person would.

Like, for instance, during an intel collection from the police station, Tracey had Ashley sneak into the station. Coincidentally, the "order" was given to her when Lucie was beside her. Although Tracey would have preferred Ashely to go alone, Lucie stuck by her to the very end, collecting that intel and, as a small bonus, pulling a prank on a police officer by slipping spoiled milk in his coffee.

By the end of it, Tracey was irritated beyond belief, but Ashley couldn't care less when she was too busy feeling so giddy about it.

It was one of the few moments she got to feel like a teenager.

And she appreciated every second of it.

In classes, she would scan around her area to notice everything she could. From the clock being five seconds too early, a boy clearly napping with his textbook opened, notes being passed around, anxious classmates trying to keep up, the very sad library Mrs Longina had.

To the sun beaming through the windows, blinding students who happened to look in its direction. The random announcements from the intercom about whoever student needed to leave and the bathrooms that made you gamble whether it was sanitary or not.

All of that.

Every bit of it felt right to Ashley.

Felt so comforting to Ashley.

She wanted to stop Tracey, her main goal after all, but Ashley always thought of the future.

The aftermath of his victory.

The aftermath of decades spent to stop one child.

What would be the end result?

And, Ashley believed, that was what separated her from the trio. Her ability to look push the present moment to reach for a happier, brighter future.

A future where she could enjoy her youth.

'Afterall, they couldn't just spend their own lives chasing justice. Right?'

...Ashley could figure out the answer right now. It was as simple as that math problem.

But she rather not.

Not right now.

Let that thought be something she deals with in the future. But, even if it was that answer, she thought it was, Ashley would help Arthur push past that exhausting mindset.

But Tracey would have to solve that with his own mind for once.

With that concluding thought, the bell rang loud and across the school.

The sounds of packing bags and sighs of relief were the loudest noises, drowning out Mrs Longina's words, "Be-e sure to finish up pages 15 to 17 of the review packet! I don't want to see any of you asking for makeup work if you didn't do such an easy assignment!"

Some students were too tired to groan at her, but they managed to. Lucie looked to be free, standing up straight and proud she made it through another day of math class. "Ahhhh, I wish school would just finish up, don't you, Ashley?"

"Maybe, but that would mean doing the exams first before the summer break." Ashely didn't bring a bag, so she was already ready. She was waiting for Lucie to finish packing up, but that reminder made Lucie look defeated all too quickly.

"Oh yeah, the exams...I know I'll do well on my electives, but I don't know if these exam reviews are happening out. Seems like they're just coming up with new stuff out of thin air." She lamented.

"You won't feel that way if you were paying attention in the first place."

"But school's just too painful!"

Ashley couldn't relate but pretended to with a noise that sounded like an agreement.

It wasn't that Ashley loved school, but it was a part of living an everyday, adolescent life. Without school, they were no clear divider between youth and adulthood.

Lucie finished her preparation for the next class, gesturing to Ashley to follow her.

They shared very few classes, math and gym, but the two friends travelled together to every class they had.

Though that would not happen today.

Mr Bernhard was right next to the class door, showing his hand briefly to Ashley when the pair walked through the doorway.

"Oh...you got to go now?" Lucie wasn't usually this deflated when it occurred.

Ashley assumed the reason why was because Tracey did defeat Michael. She had consistently told Lucie that once he had done it, completely ended Michael's plans in one single day, they would be able to decisively spend proper time together.

But, Ashely knew that new circumstances derailed that idea. "Just for today okay Lucy?"

Lucie looked doubtful, then muttered, "I'll see you at lunch," whisking away from Ashley.

The sight of Lucie's face, twisting with sadness before she left, pained Ashely.

She wanted to run after Lucie.

Chase after her, telling her that they could live out that dream.

But Ashley knew she could not do so as of now.

"Was I interrupting something?" Mr Bernhard innocently asked, sounding ignorant of his actions.

Ashley gave him a glare, hiding only a tiny bit of rage. "Not anymore. I thought we were going to talk after class."

For a split second, the man before Ashley looked to have some type of regret on his face. Then he hid it as soon as it came. "We were, but this situation is starting to deescalate too fast. Let's discuss more 'there'."

'There' referred to a silent-proof room within Mr Bernhard's class. He was the chemistry teacher, one of the few science teachers who exceeded the expectations of labs and experiments. Sometimes, Mr Bernhard would even do dangerous sturts to teach his students the risks of mixing unknown liquids. But to not alarm the other classes from the many screams from witnessing those consequences, Mr Bernhard created a soundproof room for those specific times.

It also made for the perfect place to discuss the shaky foundation of Hogley Lake's state.

The student and teacher arrived there without any issues. Ashley's classmates in the halls did not mind her because of her connection with Tracey. They most likely assumed it was the usual between them and Mr Bernhard since it was common for Tracey to get involved with the teachers, whether for arguments or assistance.

Yet, her classmates tend to force themselves not to glace at Ashley.

Before they entered Mr Bernhard's class, he asked Ashley, "How come you didn't go after Arthur?"

"Arthur doesn't like people getting involved. He rather be alone, and deal with it then for someone to tag along."

"You worried?"

She shook her head. "Arthur is perfectly capable of handling himself."

"Well, he does get into a lot of fights. Not even for things he does personally," He reflected.

Entering the class, it looked like a standard chemistry class with its large round tables, equipment, and centred desk for Mr Bernhard.

But to the right of the entrance came the silent-proof door.

It was around a similar size to the classroom, if not much more prominent, with collections of chemicals and books in drawers and shelves. Ranging from books about extracting DNA from a strawberry to making chemical fireflies. Experiments Mr Bernhard really shouldn't be doing, but he was never punished for them.

The room itself had black soundproof walls that covered everything. They were a few desks, only three small ones with a large one in the medium.

Mr Bernhard pointed towards Ashley to a small, two-seated desk on the right wide. As she walked over and sat down, Mr Bernhard locked the door shut so that no one could interrupt their conversation.

He sat down and pulled out a cigarette. Then, looking towards Ashley for approval, to which she nodded, and he lit one up with his lighter.

To start off with something light, she asked, "Were you able to successfully put in vents here now?

"Still working on it, but at least the fire alarm doesn't ring anymore." He breathed in a big puff of the cigarette.

Ashley could tell why she did that, "Pretty bad news huh?"

"Yep."

"Care to tell me?"

"Yep"

"Right now?"

"Impatient, are we?" He grinned slightly.

"I'm just...tired of all this."

"Me too kid, me too..." The cigarette was already half done. He took it out and held it in his hand. "There's a lot going on then what I was originally going to tell you Ashley."

Ashely innocently asked, "Like what?"

"First thing first, you likely have heard about Michael disappearance, right? Well, his supporters are now all over the place. Actually, I would say they're growing because of his disappearance, almost waiting to see what happens next. A lot of them are either back at the original base, setting more up, or just going about their daily lives."

Ashely wasn't surprised he was so in-depth since she gave him whatever intel she collected for Tracey. But what did shock her was how Mr Bernhard knew how he could tell who the supporters were.

"Are Michael's supporters openly expressing it?"

Mr Bernhard pondered over the question. "In a sense yes. You can't tell who is unless you pay attention to their clothing. Which is their white shirt. Hattie had it too, but the more you look around, the more people wear white t-shirts. Almost like it's a memento for him."

"Probably because of the fight between Michael and Tracey."

"What do you mean?" He suggested.

"That and how Michael always wore a black shirt. But that day, he wore a white shirt."

"These kids... Putting aside those supporters, a power shift is about to occur."

Ashley was increasingly becoming confused. "Already? It's only been one day."

"In one day, Tracey defeated Michael," He sharply reminded her, "A power shift happening overnight seems like nothing compared to that. It's a hunch though. During the after-school assembly, the tension was pretty thick. And the students who weren't paying attention almost made it a statement of sorts."

"How so?"

"When we talked about how the school firmly does not support Michael's actions, a split occurred between those listening and those who were not. First, they seemed to fill the air with a hostile, angry presence. Then, when we switched topics, they would pay attention clearly. Something about that rubbed me the wrong way..."

Ashley asked, "Any students you recognised in that same crowd?"

"Not really. At least, nothing worth mentioning. Like Dawson is one, but that's just how he is."

"I see... It seems like the school is turning against us."

"In a sense, yes," Mr Bernhard agreed.

"Well, I'm starting to think you were right about the principal."

"Oh! The Miss Genuis is admitting someone else was right?" He teased Ashley.

"Shut it. I only doubted you because it didn't make much sense for Tracey and him to work together-"

Mr Bernhard interrupted, "Which I told you, at the time, it made perfect sense because of his discipline towards students. Even if they're not working together, Tracey would idolise him."

"Yes, but it's that information flow that never made sense. No reasonable adult would hand over any responsible to Tracey. And then, I met him-"

"And you felt his energy. His mater of speaking. His way of digging your thoughts out. His remarks on you, right?"

Ashley nodded.

"DeMarous is a man that I can be proud to call him my boss but hate him for what he could be. I know for a fact if that power shift does occur, he would be at the top of it, in the event he chooses it. It's hard to know what he's thinking. Other than that, all we can do is wait. That is, if you didn't seem to have something you want to add."

Ashely wasn't the least surprised Mr Bernhard picked up on that. "It's about Tracey. Specifically, his parents."

Ashley started to explain everything Tracey had told her yesterday. Now that she was telling someone else, it didn't seem real. More like a fake story to make everything more complicated than anyone could imagine. If his parents were murderers, it changed everything in this town. How they were connected would change this impending power shift, the aftermath of Michael, and Hogley Lake's recovery.

It made everything so much more difficult.

That led to a further hatred of Tracey.

If he didn't try to push his way of justice for everyone, this town could be just an ordinary one, where it happened to be known for having a criminal that was later put on death row.

But no, he insisted further and further until it became impossible to ignore it.

"Thank you, guys, for everything. Without either of you, we never could have put Michael to justice. This day will be a landmark in humanity's struggle for peace and equality. We are the writers, and we will be the greatest of them."

As she talked, a small piece of his morning speech yesterday replayed in her head.

Arthur felt proud and joyful; Ashley felt distaste and dejected.

Because despite her goal of stopping Tracey, Ashley had aided in all his troublesome actions.

And the loss of any ordinary life was the price she paid.

Finally, after what felt like a century in the making, Mr Bernhard's only response was the last bit of cigarette smoke flowing out of his mouth.

"I truly don't know what to say. Except, well, this. Are you ready to sacrifice another piece of your life to stop him, once again?" He offered, sorrowful.

"Is that even a question?" Ashely said with a sad grin.

"Yes. It is. Because this isn't something you have to deal with anymore. That is something I have to deal with the other adults. I'm not saying that because you're a child, but because you're a child with no childhood. I don't want you to become an adult without that. You might not understand now, but, when you're older, you'll begin to see how precious that part of your life is. So, I ask again. Are you ready to sacrifice another piece of your life to stop him, once again?"

Ashely thought for a moment or two.

She thought about Lucy and what she would say.

She thought about Arthur and how he would feel.

Then she thought about Tracey.

What he would do.

What he would say.

What he would feel.

Finally, she spoke.

"I absolutely do not want to. But...of course I must."

Ashley looked very exhausted, but more than anything, she was filled with a sense of impatience and determination.

To finally stop Tracey and his twisted form of justice.

"Then, let us walk on this dammed path. Shall we?"