The harrowing ordeal with the python had left an indelible mark on Grace and Cynthia, the memory of their near-death experience forever etched into their minds. Fear now clung to them like a heavy cloak, leading the two friends to vow never to venture out alone again.
In the aftermath of the incident, Grace and Cynthia began to do everything together, relying on their shared strengths to face their lingering anxieties. Often, they found solace in the company of Ekene and Samuel, the quartet becoming a tight-knit group, bound by their experiences and the ever-present danger that lurked within Divine Gift University
In the rare moments when Ekene and Samuel were unavailable, Grace and Cynthia took comfort in each other's presence, determined to protect each other from the shadows that crept ever closer
News of Ekene and Samuel's heroic actions spread like wildfire across campus, with Ekene becoming the subject of much awe and admiration due to his impressive feats in confronting venomous reptiles. His unwavering courage and uncanny ability to face danger head-on had captured the attention and respect of his fellow students
"Ekene has a heart made of steel," One student praised, "Taking down different species of dangerous snakes is no small feat! How does he do it?"
"Not to mention that he does it without fear," another added, his voice laced with admiration
"Well, he didn't do it alone," a third chimed in, "Samuel deserves some credits as well,"
"Thank God for Grace and Cynthia," a fourth student said, her tone solemn. "How on earth can we explain that they survived multiple experiences with extremely dangerous snakes?"
However, not everyone was pleased with the report of Ekene and Samuel killing snakes. Mr. John, the school's Dean, visited the boys one afternoon, his stern expression a harbinger of the lecture that was coming
"Good afternoon sir," the quartet greeted in unison, their voice laced with a mixture of respect and apprehension
Mr. John's gaze swept over them, his eyes narrowing. "Good afternoon to you all. It has become apparent that you guys have been investigating the snake incidents." He said, his tone firm
Grace's eyes widened and she took a step forward, "Sir!" she began, but Ekene's gentle yet firm hand on her arm stopped her as he sensed the gravity of the situation.
"Sir, please go on," Ekene urged, his voice calm and collected
Just as the situation appeared to be taking a grim turn, an unexpected ally emerged in the form of a regal young lady. Her commanding presence immediately capturing the attention of everyone present, including Mr. John
"As you already know, anyone caught investigating the snakes incident would be expelled. Therefore-" Mr. John's words were abruptly cut off by the sharp, authoritative voice of the mysterious young lady
"Shut up!" she exclaimed, her displeasure evident
The entire group fell silent, taken aback by her boldness. As their eyes turned to the source of the commanding voice, they beheld a striking, elegant young lady standing before them, a beacon of courage and defiance
"My Princess, but it's against our cu-" Mr. John stammered, attempting to convince the young lady on why the boys should be expelled but she cut him off again
"I said you should shut up! Are you happy that students are dying in this school? Aren't you touched by the fact that this school is recording deaths every day? Yet, these brave young men stood up against the snakes, attempting to protect the school. And what did they get in return? The school threatening to expel them? You guys need to see a psychiatrist or-" the young princess' passionate tirade was abruptly cut short as two massive pythons emerged from the shadows, attacking the group with lightning speed
One serpent swiftly wrapped itself around the princess, while the other coiled tightly around Mr. John, rendering them both helpless. Panic and shock set in as the scene unfolded before their eyes
Ekene's voice rang out, urgent and decisive, as he urged his friends into action, "Guys, we need to act fast, or else the Princess will die!" he warned
The gravity of the situation settled heavily on their shoulders
Cynthia's eyes widened in alarm as she turned to Ekene, "What do we do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper
Without hesitation, Ekene issued his orders. "Cynthia and Samuel, you guys should save Mr. John. Grace and I will save the Princess. Now!"
The quartet sprang into action, moving with a precision that belled their youthful ages.
Mr. John's face contorted in fear. His cries for help fueled the quartet's urgency as they fought to free the helpless from the menacing pythons.
Samuel's calm voice cut through the chaos. "Cynthia, rescue Mr. John immediately the snake loosens its grip. I'll take care of the rest," he instructed, his voice steady and assuring
"Alright," Cynthia replied, her voice firm as she nodded
With calculated precision, Samuel approached the snake cautiously, avoiding sudden movements that might provoke a more aggressive response. He used a stick to gently nudge the serpent away from Mr. John, creating just enough tension to constrict the python's movements. Seizing the moment, Samuel quickly restrained the snake, holding its head and body in a firm yet gentle grip, while Cynthia quickly pulled Mr. John to safety
As soon as Mr. John was out of harm's way, Samuel took hold of the python's tail, swinging it with brute force and smashing it against the ground. In a decisive final blow, he seized a cutlass and sliced the snake into two, ending the immediate danger
Breathless and relieved, Cynthia turned to Mr. John. "Are you alright, sir?" she asked
Mr. John gasped for breath, his chest heaving, "Huff… Yes, I'm fine….. Huff….. Thank you!.... Huff" he stammered, still trying to catch his breath
His eyes locked into Cynthia's and he asked, "How is the Princess doing?"
Cynthia's face lit up with a reassuring smile, "Well, Ekene and Grace will save her," she replied confidently, her faith in her friends shining through, "I trust Ekene"
As the second Python maintained its merciless grip on the Princess, Ekene approached the reptile with the same calculated caution that Samuel had demonstrated earlier. Inching ever closer, Ekene waited for the perfect moment before seizing the python's head, his hold tight enough to prevent the snake from opening its menacing jaws
Seizing the opportunity created by Ekene's bravery, Grace sprang into action, working quickly to loosen the python's grip on the Princess. With a final tug, Grace managed to free the Princess from the serpent's clutches, their combined efforts proving triumphant
"Grace, you guys should go somewhere safe," Ekene ordered
"Alright," Grace obliged, ushering the shaken Princess away from danger
As Samuel arrived with the cutlass, Ekene adjusted his hold on the snake, gripping the python's tail with one hand while maintaining his grasp on its mouth with the other. With the serpent's body exposed and vulnerable, Samuel seized the moment, striking the Python with a swift and powerful swing of the cutlass, slicing it cleanly in two
The vanquished serpent twitched in its death throes as the immediate danger dissipated, leaving the quartet to take stock of the situation and ensure the safety of Mr. John and the Princess
In the wake of their heroic triumph, a heavy silence hung over the quartet and Mr. John, the shame of his earlier actions and the unexpected turn of events leaving him unable to meet the eyes of Ekene and Samuel. The young men he had sought to expel had become the saviors of not only the Princess' life but also his life, a humbling revelation that weighed upon him
"Mr. John, I believe you have no reason to be here anymore," the Princess stated, her words gentle yet firm
Mr. John nodded meekly, "Yes, my Princess. I'll now take my leave,"
With Mr. John gone, the quartet let out a triumphant whoop, celebrating their successful rescue mission and escape from a potential expulsion. The palpable sense of camaraderie between Ekene, Samuel, Grace, and Cynthia was a testament to their deep bonds that had formed through trials and tribulations
"Guys, I'm Princess Adaeze, the Princess of this village. Nice to meet you," the Princess introduced herself, her regal yet approachable demeanor putting the group at ease
"My Princess," Ekene bowed slightly and respectfully.
But Princess Adaeze waved her hand, "Please, I prefer to be addressed as Ada or Adaeze"
"Alright, Adaeze," Ekene complied, a small smile spreading across his face
Princess Adaeze turned to him,"Yes, what is it?"
Ekene's curiosity got the better of him, "Please, why is it that anyone caught investigating or killing a snake will be expelled? It doesn't make sense"
"Indeed, it doesn't," Princess Adaeze acknowledged, "However, that's a discussion for another day," she smiled again, "Once again, thank you for saving my life"
With that, Princess Adaeze took her leave, her departure punctuated by the lingering questions and curiosity of the quartet. As they watched her go, the quartet couldn't help but feel that they had merely scratched the surface of the mystery surrounding Divine Gift University