Chapter 1: New Kid, New First Day, New Problems
Sometimes, life doesn't go the way one expects it to. Life is like a merciless little gnat. It will pester you and buzz around your eyes and ears until you give up and freak out. Many teenagers expect life to be a complete breeze and go they way they want it to. It works for some.
"SONIC! GET YOUR BLUE-TAILED BEHIND DOWN HERE! NOW!"
Well, it works for some.
Rolled up in a mountain of covers, a wary grunt sounded. An unusually large, tan hand emerged from the blankets and snatched up a digital clock from the bed-side table. Two eyes peek out from the hole in the covers. 8:14 AM!? You have GOT to be kidding me... The blanketed one sighed and tossed the clock across the room. It landed on the carpet with a soft thud.
Like a sloth, the young teen slowly unwraps the blankets around him, gets up, and staggers to the bathroom. No point in showering today, he thinks to himself. I'll just brush my teeth and see what they want. Without glancing in the mirror, the young boy squirted toothpaste onto his toothbrush and began to rapidly brush his canines and molars. Depressing thoughts on how his day could go swirled through his head. Maybe he'll trip and fall? It doesn't seem likely, but he has had his moments. He could always get hit by a bus. But, honestly, how stupid would he have to be stand in the middle of the road? Pretty darn stupid. He finished up and went straight for the mouthwash. A disaster will befall him today. He doesn't doubt that. He spit into the sink, dotting the rim with a couple drops, and looked into the mirror. What he saw surprised him.
What reflected in the mirror was no average boy. He was completely blue. His whole body was cover in a vibrant, Dodger blue color. His hair was composed of six long spikes. The only spot untouched was his mouth, which was surrounded by a smooth patch of tan fur. That patch of fur was adorned with a black, nubby nose and large eyes. His eyes. His eye whites were huge, but his irises were a shamrock green. Did he even have eyelids? The young boy groaned in utter frustration.
For, it was not his appearance that surprised him, being a Mobian was completely normal, being a Mobian hedgehog was even more normal, but it was the state of his fur. It was disarray, and parts of his under-skin showed through. He usually didn't mind, but the lady downstairs did. Sighing, he swiped his hands across his fur and called it a day. No point in trying to look too presentable. Pulling on some worn jeans and a blue sweater, he trudged downstairs. Rounding a corner, he was greeted by the edge of a kitchen countertop and the smells of breakfast. Being slightly burnt, of course. A young woman faced him. She had to be in her late 30's and was also a Mobian. She looked similar to the teen, but had light blue eyes and lavender fur. She wore a simple yellow dress and white apron that complimented her blonde bang above her eyes. Contrary to the ferocity of her words before, she smiled softly at her son.
"Well! It's about time, sleepy head! How was your night?" The boy averted his eyes from her and shrugged. He walked towards the small breakfast table.
"It was fine, Mom." His mother gave him and upset look, but washed it away and grabbed a plate of food. Food should cheer him up. Across the table from him, another member of the family was engrossed in the daily newspaper. The young teen fiddled with his silverware and narrowed his eyes at the other. "'Morning to you too, Dad." The newspaper twitched, and another Mobian peeked out. He looked much more like his son, but he had a fringe of brown hair above his eyes, which were brown too. He gave his son a sheepish grin.
"Ah. 'Morning, Sonic! Sorry 'bout that. Just looking for any new jobs on market." Sonic nodded slowly and averted his eyes once more. His wife gave the older man a panicked glance. He should know better than to talk about that in front of him. The older man bit his lip and regretted his actions. It's best to change the subject. "Well! Bernie, don't you make the best food around or what?" Bernie looked at her husband mildly. He gets points for changing the topic, but he didn't need to lie about her cooking. Everyone knows she's better at baking anyways. Her husband shrugged as she put a plate of eggs, toast, and sausage in front on their son. Sonic glanced at his breakfast and sighed.
"Do I really need to eat this?" His mother fiddled with her apron. Here he goes...
"Of course you do! You need a healthy breakfast to start your day right." A sudden choking sound came from the head of the family. Sonic shifted in his seat as he watched his mother shoot his father a look out of the corner of his eye. He'd better watch his back. His mom turned back to him. "Please, sweetie. Just eat." Sonic questioned her.
"Why?" She looked taken back.
"H-Huh?"
"Why do I need to eat this?" Bernie looked into her son's angry eyes and fumbled with her apron's helm. Sonic never questioned his parents before. She and her husband shared a look. Things are getting worse. The atmosphere immediately got tense.
"Well, you should. I mean, it's a great way to start your day-" Sonic cut her off.
"No. Not that. Why? Why should I even be starting my day with "healthy breakfast"? What's the point?" Sonic's father banged the table and stood up. He would not watch this any longer. He would not watch his son disrespect his mother like that.
"Because, Sonic! Because you're starting new day of school at a new high school, and that's it!" Sonic rose hastily from his chair and narrowed his eyes at his parents. He hadn't finished growing, but he already taller than his mom and close to his dad. He wasn't trying to be menacing, but in Mobian households, this was a big offense. It was considered highly disrespectful for a younger Mobian to ever show any manner of defiance against his elders. Both his parents stood stunned, too shocked to comprehend what their son had just did.
"Think about what you just said. This shouldn't even be happening, and it's all your fault." Sonic reached over the kitchen counter, grabbed an apple and left the room. Snatching up his backpack and shoes, he stormed out the door and slammed it behind him. Serves them right, Sonic thought this while sliding on his shoes and heading down his driveway.
As he chowed down on his green apple, the young hedgehog found himself welling up in despair once again. His life had been going great. He was in good school, had great friends, had several girls after him, and was extremely popular. Everything was going great until a couple weeks ago.
Several weeks prior to today, Sonic was cruising with his friends at the local teen hangout. It was the said to be the coolest mall in all of Mobius, the name of the planet. The place was called Prim Park. It was the hottest spot, and all the teens from his school hung out there. Sonic was no exception as he laughed with his group of close friends and followers. A tall boy rose up from their table. He had fiery, red fur and violet colored eyes. He had spikes like Sonic, but his were longer and more limp. He was a handsome young man for an echidna, of course.
"I'll go buy some more drinks." Sonic jumped up and grabbed the edge of his friend's maroon shirt.
"I'll go with ya, Knuckles!" Knuckles gave Sonic a confused look as they walked over towards the smoothie bar.
"Can't take the popularity?" Sonic jabbed him in the side.
"More like I can't take pressure! Jeez, you think they'd cut a guy some slack! I can't ask out several girls to the Homecoming Dance." Knuckles shook his head as he paid for the drinks.
"Well, you don't have to rub it in!" They laughed heartily and continued to take hits at one another. Suddenly, Sonic's phone vibrated and stopped all conversation.
"Gotta take this. Go on to the others without me." Knuckles nodded and left. Sonic slid out his phone and answered the call. "Ye'llo? It's Sonic!"
"Sonic? Oh, sweetie. Hello." Sonic raised his left eye ridge. It was his mom. She sounded upset and quiet. She's usually so bright and happy when they talk.
"Yeah, Mom? What's up?" An almost inaudible sigh was heard on Sonic's end. Something wasn't right.
"I'm sorry, I mean... Uh, sweetie, I think you need to come home now. It's important." Sonic was confused by this request but didn't ask why. He agreed and hung up. Sonic quickly returned to his table and reported that he had to leave.
"What!? Why!?" "No fair!" "Meeting some other girl, huh?" "Always Mr. Popular, I see." Sonic dodged the questions and comments with his usual charm and left the mall. The moment he was out of sight, he quickly dashed home with incredible speed. Many Mobians are blessed with usual talents and abilities. Sonic inherited super speed, agility, and great reflexes. Sonic ran past dozens of people and stopped in front of a beautiful blue, two-story home. Using his key, he unlocked the door and headed in.
"Sonic? Is that you?" After closing the door, Sonic jogged towards the family room and looked inside. Both his parents were sitting on the couch, but something was wrong. The shades were pulled over the windows, giving the room a dark, depressing ambience. His parents were huddled together on their couch. His mother's arms were around her husband's neck while his head was in his hands. Sonic shuffled towards his parents and sat down on the couch with them.
"What's wrong? What happened?" He asked. Both his parents exchanged worried glances, and his father sighed.
"Sonic. We're moving." The air stilled. It was a strange feeling. Something in Sonic just halted. Sonic gazed at his dad.
"What?" Sonic's mother took his hand in hers.
"Sonic, sweetie, we're-" Sonic shook free and stood up.
"I heard what you said! I-I just..." He was stammering. Sonic never stammered before. Why? What in the- I don't... The poor boy couldn't even think straight. His father picked up his head looked his son in the eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Sonic." He didn't need to hear anymore. With tears smearing his vision, Sonic dashed from the room and raced up the stairs. He crashed into his room and slammed the door behind him. He was moving. Sonic knew they were going far; he could tell by his parents' faces. No more school. No more friends. No more girlfriends. No more. He'd have to start all over again. I've lived in this house since I was baby! Why!? They can't do this! This isn't fair! Sonic grabbed the nearest thing to him, his lamp, and smashed it against the wall. It shattered and glass flew across the floor. Angry and upset, Sonic stomped on every glass shard he could find, making more noise and more glass shards. Hot tears still covered his eyes until he finally broke down and yelled. It wasn't a sad yell. It was filled with anguish and despair.
Downstairs, his parents heard his emotion-filled screams and lowered their heads. Bernie patted her husband's back.
"It's not your fault, Jules. He'll understand later on." Jules sighed and clutched his wife's hand.
"I hope so."
Sonic didn't go to school for the rest of the week. He stayed home in bed until it was time to go. He had already messaged most of his close friends about his departure, and the sad responses he got only worsened his mood. Not wanting to see anyone before he left, he stayed out of sight until it was time to go. Sonic never felt more alone.
Sonic threw away his apple core into a nearby bush as he reached his new school. Dwelling over old memories always made him more down than up. Sonic's old school was called Emerald High. It was named that way after the mysterious Chaos Emeralds. The Chaos Emeralds were mysterious gems that had unlimited supplies of mystical powers; however, they have been missing from the public eye for over 200 years. Now, the gems are merely a child's tale. Emerald High is filled with prestigious kids with multiple backgrounds. The student body is filled with preppy and outgoing teens. It's always a great time at Emerald; however, Emerald has a "sister".
Emerald High's sister school is Chaos High. Like its name implies, Chaos High is filled with students that are opposite to Emerald High's. They're known for their reputation of being in gangs and being delinquents. Chaos High is a dark and broody venue; it's so much unlike its sister, Emerald High. It's located all the way on the other side of Green Hill Zone. Sonic used to live in Emerald Town, but now, he lives in Chaos Village. Even the new town he lives in is the opposite of his old one.
Sonic sighed as he looked up at the tall, depressing building. It looked almost scary. What a beautiful place. All it's missing is the gravestones. Sonic walked into the school and approached the front desk. A plump, green muskrat sat behind it. She bared her yellowing front teeth at the teen. Thinking it was a smile, Sonic gave her his trademark grin.
"State your business." Actually, she was sneering at him, and her voice didn't sound too pleasant either. Sonic instantly dropped his smile.
"Transfer student." The muskrat tapped away on her computer. A file and Sonic's picture soon popped up.
"Sonic Maurice the Hedgehog?" Sonic cringed at his full name. In Mobius, you must add your species into your name as well, so there's no confusion. That's not what Sonic hates though. What type of last name is "Maurice"? Sonic nodded. "Sit over there while I get your files." She jerked her thumb to a row of three plastic chairs against the wall. Sonic sat down in the left one. After a couple minutes, another student entered the building. He was a dull gray-looking hedgehog with long spikes that had several black bands on them. He wore a black sweater and dark, faded jeans. His black boots looked very intense with the bright blue designs on them. Sonic stared at the student as he went to the front desk.
"Sorry for being late. Had some, uh, trouble getting here." He fumbled a little with his excuse and tried to act cool about it. The muskrat adjusted her eye glasses.
"Of course you did, Mr. Venice. Sit over there while I get your late pass ready." The teen nodded and sat on the other end of the row of chairs. Sonic shifted a bit and pretended not to notice the individual. He could already smell trouble coming off him. After a couple seconds, Sonic turned his head slightly to look at the other. His fur a was really dark grey. If he washed it, it would look more white. Maybe even silver...
"Hey." Sonic jumped slightly and scolded himself for looking so stupid. His eyes met with those of the other student. They were an intense gold. "You got something to say?"
"No. Not really. Why? You?" Sonic wasn't going to make himself look weak on his first day, that's for sure. The other hedgehog narrowed his eyes ever so slightly.
"No, I don't." He turned away slightly, but then, he turned back around on Sonic. Sonic looked back at him. The guy looked at Sonic up and down. "Wait. Do I know you from somewhere?" Sonic gave him a bizarre look. What's this silver-haired wannabe talking about!? Of course not- Wait. Silver... Silver! Sonic blinked twice.
"Silver!?" Silver gaped back at him.
"Sonic!?" Sonic gasped in shock at his old childhood pal.
"Dude! It's been forever! How long has it been? 8 years?" Silver chuckled and smiled at his old friend.
"Actually, it's been 9. You were always bad at math anyways!" Sonic scoffed and returned the smile.
"Yeah, yeah." The two turned fully towards each other and began conversing deeper. "I can't believe it's you. I haven't seen you since you moved away. We were 7 back then, remember?" Silver nodded.
"Yeah, I remember. Man, you changed, Sonic." Sonic raised an eye ridge and gaped at Silver.
"You think I changed? Dude, do you even own a mirror?" Silver and Sonic laughed, but on the inside, Sonic was serious. Silver changed way too much. His fur used to be so much lighter, and he never wore such dark clothing. Something happened, and Sonic was almost sure this school was apart of it. "Silver, really, what happened? Why'd you move all the way out here?" Silver looked down and sighed. This caught Sonic off-guard, for Silver never showed any of sadness on the outside. Silver was really "lock-and-key" kind of guy. He would tell you all his positive emotions out loud and proud, but if he was ever sad or depressed, he'd keep it inside, but you could still see it in his face or eyes no matter how much he smiled.
"What can I say? My old man couldn't keep a job. We had to leave." Sonic nodded.
"I know how that feels." Silver looked up.
"No way. That's why you moved?" Sonic nodded. Actually, that's what Sonic assumed. He didn't really know the full story. "Sorry to hear that. Say, how's Blaze doing?" Blaze was Silver's very close friend. The two were almost inseparable. People used to joke about how they were like husband and wife, but the two took it as a compliment. When Silver left, Blaze was super depressed. She'd hang out with Sonic and others, but she rarely talked and never seemed all that interested. Sonic shrugged.
"She's okay, I guess. She missed you a lot. Actually, maybe she still misses you. I don't know." Silver sucked in his breath and sighed again. "You okay?"
"I don't know anymore, honestly." Before Sonic could console him, the muskrat secretary interrupted.
"Mr. Maurice? Mr. Venice?" The two got up. "Here's you late pass, Mr. Venice, and here's your student information, Mr. Maurice." They received their items and thanked her. "Mr. Venice, would you kindly escort Mr. Maurice to his classes." It wasn't even a question; it was an order. Rude, Sonic thought. Silver rolled his eyes and prompted Sonic to follow him. They went down a long hallway and up a pair of staircases. Silver started to talk as they walked.
"This floor is where your locker will be. Most of your classes will be here too. If you're ever lost, do not ask around." Sonic looked at Silver. Isn't he giving the opposite kind of advice? "Trust me. People will mess with you and send to the completely wrong places. You'll look like an idiot and be late all at the same time." Sonic nodded. "Well, being the new kid, you're already a walking target."
"How come?" They stopped in front of the door. It was their homeroom, which they were both late for. Silver placed a hand on the door knob and sighed.
"You're about see." Silver flung open the door into the classroom. There were twenty-four students and one teacher in the room. All the Mobian students turned and stared at Sonic and Silver with little to no interest. The teacher stood next to his desk. He was a tall man with buff shoulders and a red torso. His dark brown suit seemed to constrict him in multiple ways. He had long, black horns on his head with red under-fangs for a mouth and glowing yellow eyes. His large red hands had dull blue claws on each finger. His name tag only read "Zavok". It almost goes without saying; this teacher was intimidating. Sonic stared in shock. Teacher!? This guy looks like a murderer! Who would hire him!? Silver cleared his throat.
"Sorry we're late, Mr. Zavok. Had to escort the new kid up here." Sonic took that as his cue and stepped forward.
"Yes, sorry 'bout that. My name's-"
"Three thousand." The teacher's voice boomed, cutting Sonic off. Sonic blinked.
"H-Huh?"
"Must I repeat myself? I said, three thousand. I want a three thousand word essay and one thousand word synopsis on my desk the next time you two see me. Each." Sonic stared at him. Is he serious? Sonic could not believe a teacher like this even existed. This had to be a joke.
"Are you serious?" Silver and the other students looked at him. "An essay? On what!? I didn't even do anything!" Sonic was not about to put up with meaningless crap. The class was shocked that he even talked back, much less give the teacher attitude. A new student talking back to the Mr. Zavok was whole other show. Silver was too shocked to stop him. The teacher stared him down.
"It will be on your snappy attitude, disgusting tone of voice, ridiculous accent, and how you were tardy for your first day of my class. In fact, make it five thousand words with a two thousand synopsis." Mr. Zavok turned his back on an extremely peeved off blue hedgehog.
Sonic rarely cursed. He was usually too good-natured and happy to do so. If you asked his friends if he ever cursed, they'd all say no without missing a beat. Sonic had a clean mouth. However, this was the one time Sonic lost his cool. Instead of taking his seat right away, Sonic cocked his head while giving his teacher the most disgusted look. Quietly but clearly, he mouthed the words "Motherfucker said what now?" to the back of his teacher's head. Mr. Zavok didn't see, but everybody else did. They all gave Sonic shocked looks and bemused smirks. Silver couldn't believe what he saw. Sonic could not been serious, could he? Some students started snickering and caught Mr. Zavok's attention.
"What's so funny?" No one said a word, but some people gave Sonic short glances. Silver pulled Sonic away from the door and to a seat before Mr. Zavok could look at him. Mr. Zavok glared at the back of Sonic's head and resumed writing his lesson plan on the board. Sonic and Silver took their seats in the right-middle of the classroom. Silver took out a sheet of paper, wrote something down, and handed it to Sonic. Sonic took it and read the note.
'I cannot believe you just did that.'-Sil Sonic gave him a look and took out his pencil to write down something. Keeping his eye on Mr. Zavok, he handed it back to Silver.
'He deserved it.'-Son Silver wrote back and continued passing.
'You really wanna die on your first day, don't you?'
'Hey, no else seemed to mind.'
'I'm serious, Sonic. No idiot makes an enemy of The Zavok on their first day.'
'I'm honestly too mad right now to care, Silver.'
'You should care. Check your schedule. Who's your 7th period teacher?' Sonic flipped through his papers and looked at his schedule. He almost groaned out loud.
'Why does the world hate me? Things were going so well only a couple weeks ago for me! They were going my way. What happened?'
'How should I know? I'm not a psychic. Better get started on your essay. Oh, btw, this may be a little belated, but Welcome to the Hell known as Chaos High! Please, don't enjoy your stay. :)