His eyes open.

The morning sun shines brightly, and birds begin their latest song for the early risers. Manic Acorn turns over and starts to snooze just a bit. His bed was fit for a prince and was always so plush and relaxing. His mind started to reel for the coming days events and his adrenaline fed his excitement. The bed would no longer contain his outlook for the day. Manic gave a small smirk and rose up to lock eyes with his best friend.

"Oh uh… yeah…" Trace sprung into action and grabbed the alarm clock. He turned it and turned it then hit the button. The clock's alarm went haywire as Trace stares at Manic. "Wake up Manic the Hedgehog!"

"Good morning?" Manic questions.

Manic sighs but can't help smiling at his friend's antics. Manic jumped out of bed, a quick stop to the bathroom, then headed to his massive closet. The green hedgehog hybrid tried to maintain his wild hairy spines but managed to slick it just the way he likes. He threw on his signature dark red vest, grey long shorts complete with a jade fanny pack he wore off the hip. He slipped on the stylish new boots his great uncle designed in homage to his father - but a style all his own. Manic pulled on his collar and checked the mirror one last time. He contemplated the last few days trying to figure out his look for the next few weeks and finally decided on this attire. Manic, rising to his own meek confidence, turned to Trace and opened up for approval.

Trace nodded. "You're ugly."

Manic dashed over and tackled the robot. "What do you know? You're just a robot!"

"Robot how dare you!" Trace scoffs. "The nerve of this guy..."

Manic pins down Trace in victory then goes to stuff his pack. Trace gets up and brushes himself off when a chime occurs and he snaps to attention.

"There goes my morning. Looks like I'm working today. Again."

"Why are you complaining?" Manic zipped his pack. "It's not like you had anything else to do."

"Shouldn't I get a vacation? I think it's against my civil rights not to have a vacation."

"You're a Gizoid, Trace…" Manic expressed, heading to the door. "Everybody's gotta job to do."

Trace was indeed a Gizoid, one of many exploits the old team salvaged after freedom reigned over Mobius. Trace was the remains of an ancient civilization who constructed perfect artificial intelligence and manifest these robots to copy the abilities of other Mobians. Obviously with such technology sitting around, the current Kingdom decided to handicap the new robot's function and gifted a best friend to Manic. Now with Manic going on to mature, it was decided Trace needed to run maintenance on the massive residence.

"Besides, you should talk to Nicole about it." Manic opened the door.

Trace imitated a shiver. "Nah I'm good. She weirds me out."

Trace and Manic exit the regal room into an ornate hallway. They pass by illustrious paintings of beautiful scenery somewhere in the world of Mobius. It was a short walk through the hall where it joined together many corridors to this hub. Manic and Trace stepped in the center of the hub when a hybrid squirrel joined them.

"Morning Manic." She smiled.

She turns to Trace and gives a menacing glare then starts to walk away.

Trace joyously waves. "I don't get a good morning?"

Sonia turns to the Gizoid. "I thought I told you we are not on speaking terms! You animatronic janitor!"

Trace elbows Manic playfully. "Told you she'd forget!" Manic smiles and shakes his head. Sonia squints her eyes and continues down the hall. She was Manic's sister, another product of hedgehog and squirrel, colored magenta who was just a bit taller than her twin brother. She wore her purple hair in a fairy cut that hovered over her brilliant green eyes. She wore a red halter top with a circle cut out to show off her ample cleavage and a navy tutu with a golden belt. Another part of her attire were her tights with blue knee-high heeled boots with a signature white stripe on them.

"I hope your files get corrupted!" Sonia spat.

Trace was indeed a gift to both these siblings. While Manic attached to the Gizoid immediately, Sonia has always hated this machine. Until recently, it has developed into a love/hate relationship. The trio now turns a corner and heads toward the central wing. They pass by many workers and guardsmen who bow and curtsy in their presence. The brother and sister, nonchalant as they may seem, are indeed royalty – prince and princess of the Kingdom Acorn. It was customary to treat royalty like the greatest gift to man however, their mother put that to a stop and made them learn the value of hard work and determination. Their youth was spent in forced volunteer efforts around Knothole, helping to build houses, host charity drives, and spend time with other youths. This helped to keep them down-to-Mobius but for Sonia, old habits tend to die hard.

The pair made their way to the central dining room where breakfast was usually held. The two were seated and immediately served a healthy option of fruits and proteins alongside oats and grains. Sonia easily went for the fish and eggs. Manic grabbed some hash browns and a few honeydew melons to appease his sweet tooth. Trace just watched while imitating disgust on his face. Watching them, anyone, eat to their hearts content would confuse Trace, yet he could not look away.

"You're going to get fat." Trace commented as Sonia stuffed her face. She slammed Trace with a fist and he didn't react.

The pair was elbow deep within breakfast when the servers stopped and did a more exaggerated bow. Sonia and Manic didn't flinch as Queen Sally Acorn swayed into the formal dining room and took her seat.

"Good morning sweeties!" Sally smiled.

"Hey mom!" The three of them said.

Sally was a bit perturbed when the Gizoid called her mom. "Did you two sleep well? I know it's a big day for the both of you."

Manic started to slow his eating. He hoped the fiasco at last weeks orientation had worn off.

Sonia jested with a mouthful. "You bet it's a big day!"

"Sonia." Sally warned.

She gulped her food down. "I've been ready for this. Finally ditching the home school, no offense, and getting to make friends our way!"

Sally raised an eyebrow as Sonia scrambled to recover. "And education and learning and all that good stuff."

Sally turned to Manic. "What about you my little man?"

"Uh… I'm looking forward to my classes. Although I think my social status has already been shoved into a locker."

Sally's heart softened. "My poor little guy... Good thing I signed you up for a special class so you won't have to worry about it."

Sonia cackled.

"And you too." Sally raised an eyebrow.

Sonia turns to Sally.

"With your old friends, the D'Coolette kids, Belle and Jacques."

Sonia and Manic grunted in response. "Mom!"

Sally glares at the both of them and they easily backed down.

"Belle and Jacques!" Trace happily obliged. "Those two are so much fun! Remember when they hacked my software and I was speaking German! That was a fun week!"

Manic and Sonia went on the offensive. "Mom, Queen Sally, lord of all that is holy and junk! We told you not put us in a class with them! Yeah, we hate those two!"

Sally lifted her finger to surmise her statement. "Those two are great influences and their parents are good friends of your father and I. You're going to keep trying and your going to like it."

"Mom seriously?" Manic pleaded.

"That's final." Sally glared at her kids. She then casually reached for a grapefruit and sliced it in half. Trace turned his disgust toward the queen. Manic and Sonia gave a knowing look to each other. Sally's ears twitched then she braced herself and her food. Manic and Sonia followed the clues and did likewise. A burst of wind enveloped the dining room and the large plate of food was partially scattered on the table. Sally's eyebrow twitched in response as Manic and Sonia wear big smiles.

"Morning dad." Manic greeted.

Sonic tussled his sons spines and kissed his daughter on the forehead.

"Main man Manic," Sonic saluted then bowed, "Sunny Sonia. Titanic Trace."

Trace was giddy. "That"s me."

Sally and Sonic share a glance. "Sally."

Sally pulls a banana out of her hair. "Sonic."

"What's goin' on? Another day of peace in Knothole, how cool is that?" Sonic grabs many donuts from the table and sits down next to Sally.

"The kids are starting university today, remember!" Sally prodded.

"I remember." Sonic bit into his donut. "Yeah Yeah, your mom signed you up for that study class with ol' Rote."

"Oh… Rotor… Pinch me I'm dreaming…" Sonia rolls her eyes and catches Trace aiming to pinch her. She quickly slaps it away.

"You two are doing this." Sally wagged her finger. "It will build character. And don't' worry, there'll be new faces other than those two. Just try to get along, for our sake."

Sally's sweet face and eye-batting swayed the children to please their mother and father.

Sonia and Manic easily caved. "Alright! Just for you!"

Sally confidently smiled and met eyes with Sonic.

"Isn't today a big day for you too dad?" Sonia asked.

"That's right, I'm up early today because of it." Sonic took off his crown and shined it nicely. "The original big guy, my best pal, Tails Prower is coming back to Knothole. I can't wait!"

Manic turns to Sonia. "Maybe we'll finally get to hear some Freedom Fighter stories from him."

"Sorry kids," Sonic grabbed a piece of fish. "But no one from the old days is gonna go down memory lane when we're living the dream!"

Sally nodded in complete agreement. Manic and Sonia just fold their arms.

"Just tell us something!" Sonia pleaded. "I mean we know Robotnik did something with some stuff with the things and that's why Uncle Chuck is the way he is but c'mon we need details!"

"You owe us for these classes." Manic held them accountable.

Sonic and Sally look to each other. "No."

"Ha." Trace imitates laughs. "You thought you could win against the strongest tag team ever. Ha!"

"Now run along you two," Sally gestures. "No need to start a streak of tardiness for your first day."

Sonia and Manic gather the last of their food and head out of the dining room with Trace after proper hugs and goodbyes. Sonic and Sally watch them go like the proud parents they are. The room grows silent and the two of them look to each other. Sonic shrugs, grabs a donut, then blasts off. Sally sighs then returns to her grapefruit.

Manic and Sonia speed to the E. Omega University.

It was the first day of classes for the next generation of children born in freedom. Knothole had stepped foot into the golden era of peace after the final eclipsing of the Robotnik Regime. Since that day fifteen years ago, Mobius and Mobian-kind have begun to flourish with cities popping up all over the world. The most prominent aside from Knothole City is Westopolis, a Mobian City across the Central Sea under the government, the United Federation. Many cities are undergoing a drastic change from limited technology to a worldwide boom in machinery, engineering, cybernetics and of course internet and social media. These advents have been able to connect Mobius worldwide with Knothole at the hub. The moderator of Knothole has been kept extremely busy making new connections each day.

As for the former Freedom Fighters, most have gone into retirement and/or have settled down. The days where striving for peace have long since past and the fighting faction has moved on to think about peace in paradise. Kingdom Acorn now utilizes its knowledge to help rather than hinder like the old regime used to do. Today, Queen Sally Acorn oversees the entirety of the world project while still maintaining her duties to her city. To say she is busy is a well-overused understatement. She is the rightful queen to the throne and has the most influence of the power couple. King Sonic the Hedgehog remains much less as the figure head. He is supposed to handle small issues regarding the city but usually delegates it to someone capable of the job. He does however boost the morale of the people as he tries to go around and meet every one of the citizens. Sonic truly is a king of the people which balances the rarely seen Queen Sally.

Since the golden age has started, the future has been widely focused toward the children of this new generation. A university was constructed as well as a new education system to assist. Kids today would learn not only a quaint, brief history of the world of Mobius but learn the new possibilities that await them for the rest of the world. Sally made sure that her children would be forerunners for this program rather than warriors like they were. This manifests into the E. Omega University, a school dedicated to prepare young ones for the world ahead of them.

Manic and Sonia are proud of their parents for the outlook and the things they do as King and Queen. Now they are both ready to blaze a path of their own and to make names for themselves. Manic and Sonia took numerous classes to round out their education but were extremely excited for Music Theory. Even with the onslaught of lessons and material, their first day of class turned out to be pretty nice. However for each day, every day, they would have to check in to Rotor Waldron's class in Creative Studies – a forced grouping by Regents Sonic and Sally.

During the day, a special friend returns home.

Sonic brushes down his red and purple cape while Sally stands completely still. Sonic adjusts his crown to tilt as Sally eyeballs his movement. Sonic tentatively adjusts the crown just so as Sally rolls her eyes and helps to adjust it. Sonic flinches and stares at her. Sally shrugs and returns to normal. Sonic takes his time and tilts it just right.

The royal guardsmen by the door receive a message via earpiece and nod to each other. They step to the massive doors and pull back to reveal a golden nine-tailed fox. Sonic's face lights up and he immediately blasts to hug the big guy. Sonic squeezes the grown fox and finally makes eye contact with him.

"Hey Tails!" Sonic smiled.

"Sonic!" Tails eyed the king. "It's been a long time!"

Sonic held Tails up off his feet when he realized just how uncomfortable they were in this position. The two quickly break apart and opt for the more formal handshake.

"How you been buddy?" Sonic was so giddy. "I'm so glad you decided to come back. What'd'ya say we grab some chili dogs and chill out back!?"

Sally finally made her approach. "Give the man some time to breath!"

"Sally." Tails hugged her tightly "Isn't this quite the reunion?"

Tails turned behind him when Mina Mongoose finally caught up to her husband.

"You left me!" Mina shouted. "I understand it's been over ten years since you've seen your friend! But don't leave me!"

Tails nervously turned to look at Sonic and Sally "Heh… oops."

"See I wasn't the only one." Sonic teased Sally.

Mina goes and hugs Sally and Sonic.

"It's so good to see you!" Mina wipes her hair out of the way, "And to be back in Knothole!"

"Yeah Mrs. Superstar!" Sonic rubbed the underside of his nose. "Where's your next world tour takin' ya?"

Mina happily smiled "Well, it's not really official yet but since we've left Westopolis for good, I'm going to go into retirement and focus on my brand and my kids."

"Oh Mina that's awesome!" Sally held her heart. "That's the best news already today."

"Aside from me returning?" Tails smirked.

"We're happy both of you are back." Sonic grew puzzled. "For some kind of job right?"

Tails nodded. "I'm back to help assist Nicole with the load of connecting cities worldwide to our network grid."

"That's right." Sally agrees. "We want to make, not only Knothole, but the entire world a massive connected city."

Sonic shrugs, still not fully sure if he remembers or not.

Tails pulls in his wife by the waist. "And man have I got a surprise for you."

Mina giggles a bit as Tails digs in his pocket for his phone. "Now, it's not perfect, it has a lot of bugs to work out, but the bones are there."

Tails shows his phone to Sonic and Sally. Sally looks it over for a few seconds and gasps in great delight. Sonic glares at the screen and finally gives up. "What am I looking at?"

"Sonic!" Sally was excited at this point. "These are blueprints to allocate the ease of travel for citizens worldwide."

Sonic turns to Tails and he knowingly nods. "It's a teleporter."

Sonic was confused yet astounded. "How?"

Tails explains. "Well the idea is to harness the concept of Chaos Control. By tapping into a Chaos Emerald and creating a sort of bubble around something, someone, we can send things all over the world in the blink of an eye."

"Whoa." Sonic was floored.

"Tails this would truly bring the world together..." Sally was stunned. " This could eliminate airplane travel, fuel cost, encourage tourism, oh the possibilities."

Mina chimed in. "An even better example would be instant supplies for the earthquake refugees in Flicky Island. I heard how you guys have reached out to those poor people. I think it's such a sweet gesture."

Sonic happily takes the credit. "No problem! It's in the hero's job description." Tails and Mina are tickled by Sonic's confidence.

Sally sidesteps. "How long do you think this could take?"

"When I can get the science down, construction can begin anytime in the near future." Tails confidently stated while whisking his nine appendages.

Mina checks her phone. "In the meantime, I'd like to settle in and help out in the community. I'm sure my fandom will be anxious to see I'm here in the big city."

"Of course." Sally called. "Nicole." Sally called.

Instantly, the lynx checkered into existence and wore an unimpressed look as she stared at Tails and Mina.

"Hey Nicole!" Tails smirked.

"Welcome home Prower family." Nicole stoically greeted.. "I hope your entry into Knothole was pleasant."

"Like riding a bike." Mina smiled.

"Nicole you seem different." Tails implied. She turned to the fox ready with an explanation.

"Nicole, would you mind taking them to their new home?" Sally pleasantly asked.

"As you wish Queen Sally." Nicole blinked just outside of the room and gestures for them to follow. Tails and Mina did likewise.

"How is the family Tails?" Sonic asked.

Tails looked back and smirked. "You know. Another day, another world shattering problem. I think our kids should meet soon, though! We'll talk."

Tails and Mina stepped out of the throne room.

"Tails has really grown up huh?" Sonic shook his head.

"I'm happy for them." Sally said tentatively. Sonic sighs then runs from the room.

Manic and Sonia step just outside the doors of the independent classroom building.

They weren't looking forward to the next hour.

"So this is how a great day ends?" Manic asks. "Wait! Are we even sure they're here?"

"I saw them when I was eating lunch." Sonia spat. "Nearly chunked my chili."

Manic shakes his head. "I love our mom, I really do, but I hate her."

Sonia agrees. "Alright c'mon Slow Moe, let's get this over with."

The two inhale and let out a heavy sigh. They open the dueling doors of the class and step through the back of the minimal class. The heavyset purple walrus was at his desk on his tablet reading up on the latest news worldwide. So far it was all good. The class wasn't all bad, Rotor had it decorated well, with nice encouraging signs everywhere and some plants to liven the place up. There was a fan pointed to Rotor at all times since his blubber was starting to get out of control – he couldn't help it. As for the other students it was intentionally kept to a small class to encourage team building and better social situations. Manic and Sonia crept to front of the class. Rotor eyed the kids and then lifted a huge hand to point to the clipboard.

"You know what to do." Rotor immediately returns to his tablet.

Manic and Sonia signed in then turned to face the others in the class. Eyes quickly deadlocked and the royal siblings gritted their teeth. Sitting perfect and upright was Belle D'Coolette the prodigy of all prodigies. She was a straight A student with genius intellect who dabbled in cybernetics and used to cheer for her high school squad. Every parent wanted their child to aspire to become like Belle D'Coolette. Belle knowingly smiled at Sonia and Manic then winked at them.

Manic and Sonia turned their disgust to Jacques, Belle's brother.

He was also a certified genius and also took home many a competition for his fencing talents back in high school. Jacques was the quintessential athlete with a brain to match his brawn. He knew just how influential he and his sister were and made sure to keep themselves the apple of everyone's eye. Jacques bared his teeth at the siblings and then sucked his teeth.

Manic and Sonia had to look away to keep their cool.

That's when they noticed two new faces to the class. They were sitting together and looked similar – maybe another sibling pair. The boy was definitely staring at Sonia while the girl was so intently wrapped up on her phone. Manic and Sonia sat behind the two new ones when the door burst open. Manic and Sonia turn around instantly when Sonia smiles and Manic drools.

"Lara!" They both expressed.

The red echidna girl stepped into class with all eyes on her. She had a natural runway walk and a confidence in herself that no one could falter. She stared down Rotor who was still equally as unimpressed as before. Lara-Su, her formal name, was also a princess from Angel Island who was a world traveler by this time. For now, she would tend to her studies and become a learned woman. It didn't mean she couldn't look fabulous while doing it. She wore a tight top that stopped at her midriff and flowed into two tails behind each leg. A slim leather vest fits around her torso with a couple golden bangles on each wrist. She showed off her perfectly sculpted legs and capped it off with some sneakers paying recognition to her father.

"Sorry I'm late I got stopped and…"

Rotor tapped on the clipboard and Lara apprehensively signed it.

"Take a seat." Rotor started to get up. Lara sits just across the aisle from Sonia and waves with a friendly smile. Rotor lazily stands and checks the clipboard.

"Three… Five… Seven… Okay!" Rotor set the board down. "Afternoon! Welcome to Creative Studies. My name is Mr. Rotor Waldron, I am your… I guess, instructor. I don't know, I don't care. I have tenure here so basically I can do what I want and can't get fired. So…"

The kids looked among each other.

Rotor continued. "Here's what I'm going to say. I read all of your files, accolades, achievements, awards. You seven are pretty much the basis of the future, from what I see, at least. But what do I know I'm just an old washed-up walrus trying to leave and get sushi after this."

One of the new kids sort of chuckled but grew nervous afterward.

"Class project." Rotor commanded.

"On the first day?" Sonia muttered.

Manic shook his head. "No he can't be serious."

Rotor nodded. "The seven of you are going to participate in a class project that's going to take up all of your time here with as little questions and comments aimed at me."

Rotor sits down and picks up his tablet. "To get you started for today, I've invited a guest speaker for motivation and all that nonsense. Until then don't bother me, don't think about me, don't even look at me."

Rotor returns to his tablet.

The class went into an awkward state of lull when Sonia sped over to Lara and hugged her.

Manic wondered if Lara had forgotten about the pickle incident and would welcome him like a complete stranger. Manic had the biggest crush on Lara since they were little but with a three year age gap she was always steps ahead of him. Manic just sits back over-thinking his words and his worth toward the royal echidna. Trace says to go for it but what does that silly machine know. Manic would love to confide in his father for these type of things but Sonic insists on bragging he is prince and make her go out with him. Manic didn't like that approach either. Sally says to hand her a resume of all his accomplishments and make her see what a good candidate he is as her lover.

Manic sighs.

The new girl in front of them quickly reacted with a scowl and a grimace.

"You just breathed all on my hair." She stated. She then proceeded to whip out a compact and hairspray to try to adjust it the right way. "Oh lord! I am going through a crisis right now and I don't need… your breath."

Manic started to sink down into himself.

"Melody!" The other kid chided, whiffing the spray from his nose. "You know I might be partially allergic to that!"

The boy stopped and locked eyes with Manic and turned away. "Uh Uh I'm sorry I only raised my voice. She's my sister and I can talk to her that way okay?"

Manic put his mind at ease for the time being. Another quirky Brother and sister combination.

Melody was all in cosmetology mode while Manic leaned forward and put a hand on the boys shoulders.

"Sister huh?" Manic smiled and the boy did too. "I know the feeling. I'm Manic."

The boy turned his way. "Like depressive?"

Manic smiled. The serious look on the kids face was of true concern.

"Or like the disorder?" He quickly tucked into his shell. "Oh it's your name! Oh geez… I'm sorry if I offended you. It's just my curiosity got the better of me and I'd like to take this time to apologize for my behavior."

He nervously rolled one of his three fluffy tails in between his hands and looked away as he recited this apology. Manic couldn't help but laugh.

"You're funny." Manic smiled.

"No…" the kid nervously turned to face Manic. "I'm Skye."

Manic and Skye clasped hands in greeting.

"This is my sister, Melody, I'm sorry in her behalf for the way she acts in general."

"What did he say?" Melody snapped. "Did he make a comment?"

Manic laughed. "Yes he did." Melody finally turned and glances at Manic and her lip quivered.

Melody turned away and gushed.

"Yeah everyday Melody has some sort of identity crisis or something." Skye said emerging from his nervous shell even more.

Melody swipes at Skye. "Say something again and I'll have you digging your own grave. Ugh! I swear I hate you."

"Little brother?" Manic held up a fist.

"Oh yes." Skye bumped his fist.

"C'mon I'll introduce you to my sister." Manic hopped off his stool and turned for Sonia and Lara and realized where he went wrong. Lara immediately turned and looked at Manic. He froze like a statue in a blizzard. Lara locked eyes with Manic then put the pause on her current conversation and went up front to talk to Rotor.

Sonia knowingly turned to her brother and placed her head on hand.

"What's wrong Manic?" asked Sonia. He snapped to attention as Skye and Melody approach.

Manic snaps to attention. "Umm… I wanted you to meet the new guys."

"New kids, who this?" Sonia hopped off the stool and approached them.

Manic brought Skye forward to meet his sister when he recognized the look in his eyes. The heavy breathing, the watery eyes, the nervous tick – all symptoms he was having a mild heart attack as he looked at Sonia.

"Does he say words?" Sonia pokes Skye in his forehead.

"Don't put your hands on my brother!" Melody gnashed. Sonia loved a good challenge and turned for Melody.

"Say what?" Sonia poked Skye in the chest. Manic watched Skye's soul leave his body then return. Melody shoved Skye away from her and got in Sonia's face.

"You heard what I said!" Melody stood her ground. Everyone in the class was watching intently now.

"You must not who I am so lemme break this math down for you girlfriend." Sonia placed her hands on her hips. "You can address me as Princess Sonia 'round here, heir to the throne of Knothole…"

"You're still as dense as ever huh?" she interrupted.

Melody and Sonia turn to the side to see Belle watching from her table with an unenthused look on her face. Sonia forgot all about. Melody and turned to Belle instantly.

"You wanna say that again?" Sonia interrogated. Manic stepped to her side.

"Maybe she does have a hearing issue." Jacques chimed in. "Chick can't recall a thing."

"Sonia and Manic," Belle shook her head. "I'm so happy we have a class together. Doesn't this bring up all the memories we shared together?"

"J-just… stay in your lane, and this will work out fine." Manic warned. Sonia was not happy to hear that settlement coming from her brother.

"Nah!" Sonia stepped for Belle when Lara holds her back. "You got me messed up!"

Sonia blasts across the aisle and reels back a stiff mighty palm. The class was in complete shock as they watched her in what seemed like slow motion.

Sonia slaps Belle cleanly across face.

Jacques quickly assists his sister and punches Sonia right in the side. Sonia lands and holds her side when Lara grapples Sonia. The others in the class watch completely astounded. Melody looks at Skye, shakes her head no and sits down.

Rotor simply swipes up on his tablet.

Lara succeeds in getting Sonia to the back of the class. Manic stood before Belle and Jacques looking insignificant then heading to his sister.

"Sonia! You need to calm down!" Lara commanded. "Geez!"

Manic started to approach and calm his sister but saw Lara and froze again. Lara wondered if her brother would take over but he just stared at her. Lara eventually comforted Sonia to the point of stability when she exhales and returns to her seat. Lara furrows her brow and approaches Manic with determination in her eyes.

"Listen…" She turns to Manic, waving to step to the back of the class for some measure of privacy.

Manic realizes she's talking to him. What did she want? A kiss? A confession? A history of her unrequited love for the young speedster? Manic was about to spill over from her incoming words. He had to open every canal in his ear so that he could let her sweet sultry voice reverberate into his memory forever. Manic met eyes with the red princess and recorded this for infinite playback.

"You're her brother right?"

Manic double-checks then confirms with a nod.

Lara scowls in response. "I see. So why was I the one coming to your sisters rescue?

Manic paused. This didn't sound like a confession….

"Huh?" Lara continued, "Aren't you supposed to step up for your sister? When she's out of hand? Ya'll are royalty! You think it's okay for her to act out like this?"

Lara grips Manic by the vest. Manic didn't like any of this.

"Now look what's happened." Lara scans the class. "I had to take the lead in a situation where you should have acted. That's not right."

Lara and Manic lock eyes again. She was clearly pissed, with a burning fire behind her purple eyes. She was intense at this very moment, not relenting in her words. Manic could see the passion she had and exactly where he fell short.

"Wake up Manic. You need to man up." Lara releases Manic and walks back to her desk. The conversation was short, to the point, and just between them. Manic and Sonia look to each other and shamefully lower their heads. The exit to the class was right there and both of them could be out in a flash. The best option right now for their pride was to leave and try again tomorrow.

This was a bad first day of school.

Manic picked up one of his feet and aimed for the door when it opened and in walked the guest speaker. Sonia's jaw dropped and Manic met eyes with the newcomer.

"Ah welcome!" Rotor halfheartedly greeted. "Class if you could take your seats our guest speaker will say some words of encouragement for you. I present to you the last of a dying breed…"

Sonia and Manic look up to the speaker with hope.

"Uncle Chuck…"

The old robot looked to his family and simulated a smile on his face. He knelt down and lends a hand to Manic. He curdles his mouth and holds back a tear and grips his hand.

Mina sets down a platter of chili dogs.

"Thank you my lady!" Tails smiles at Mina.

"No problem." She smiles and winks at Tails. Sonic smiles at Tails as Mina walks away. He takes a bite of the fresh chili dog as the two of them relax on the patio of the latest Prower house.

"You ever just sit back and think about just how cool we are man." Sonic leans back and takes a dog for himself.

"All the time." Tails smiles and leans back also. "I gotta say Sonic, Knothole's looking good again."

"You think so?" Sonic curiously inquired.

Tails nodded. "Definitely! Everyone in Westopolis is trying to do things like they're done here. You and Sally are doing an amazing job."

Sonic smiles but turns away.

"It's kind of why I'm back actually." Tails started to explain. Sonic dashed his previous thoughts and focused on Tails.

"Got tired of seeing the ol' memories, huh?" Sonic asked.

Tails shakes his head no. "Just the opposite. I was starting to forget about you guys. You know, the things that make this place home. The idioms Bunnie can come up with, Antoine's feigning accent, That sloshing sound when Rotor walks."

"What is that?" Sonic exclaimed

"I have no clue!" Tails agreed. The two laugh and take another bite.

"Seriously. I missed my home. I missed my first family."

Sonic salutes Tails. "Welcome back Tails."

"Good to be back Sonic." The two shared a commemorative moment of silence. The two understood each other better than ever and now after a few minutes of catching up, the two were close to being best friends again.

"I didn't get a chance to ask you," Tails started, "How's your family?"

Sonic started to smile. "My kids are so awesome. I love being a dad."

"Being a King's not that bad either."

"True. I don't know man, it's just… seeing a part of you take on the world in their own little way. It's amazing."

Tails nods. "I know exactly what you mean, when Melody and Skye were—"

"But... that's where my happiness sort of ends Tails."

Tails wanted to go on but the look on Sonic's face looked more troubled than he'd ever seen before – this hedgehog has stared death in the face numerous times yet he looked utterly defeated.

Tails sat up. "What's going on Sonic?"

Sonic set down his food and sat up on the chair. He rubbed his face as if to relieve the stress of beginning this ordeal of a confession. Tails had never, never seen Sonic so distraught. Was the pressure of being King getting to him?

"You gotta understand this man," Sonic turned to Tails, "I mean, you were there and that experience is unlike anything and..."

"Sonic its taken a lot not to go back to that day..." Tails asked. "What's going on right now?"

Tails leaned forward and placed a hand on Sonic's shoulder when he looked just beyond to his wife, Nicole, and Queen Sally. Sonic clinched his fist and wiped his face quickly. Tails stood in respect to the queen.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but we've just received an urgent message from the United Federation." Nicole stated.

"W-what happened?" Mina asked.

"The Devil's Gulag malfunctioned in the worst way possible. All of the criminals rioted and have escaped." Nicole explained.

Sonic slowly rises and turns to Sally.

"They've asked us to return the prisoners to the stronghold." says the queen.

Sonic discerns the information then wears a smile and gives a thumbs up. "No problem, it's on the hero's job description."

Welcome everyone!
I hope you enjoyed the first chapter; please review and make sure to check my profile to follow me elsewhere so you can the beautiful character artwork that follows. Thank you for reading and as a result I'll have a few announcements:
1) After today, Chapters of "Sonic 51: Genesis" will release on Tuesdays from now until years end.
2) Every Thursday following a release, a character photo will be available for viewing on any of my platforms.
3) I also have a Pat-reon for those who are willing to support this content for as low as a dollar a month and will be shouted out in corresponding chapters as well as get behind-the-scenes information on the this story.

Until next time!