The first five chapters all take place on the first day. They serve as the world building chapters, which tend to suck pretty bad. Sorry about that, they'll pick up once I establish some of the characters and their roles.
Chapter 2: Unexpected Reappearances
About a half hour into the bus ride, all the sleeping teens were rudely awoken by the sound of the driver's voice screeching over the intercom. "We've got about eight stops left in the Sand Blast city area, then we'll be heading back to Green Hill Academy." The short, bald driver had a very whiny and irritating voice that screeched to such high octaves over the intercom that everyone received instant headaches.
Sonia sat up from her position of leaning on her boyfriend to stretch, leaving the echidna relieved to finally move his shoulder, but disappointed that they were no longer physically touching. His gaze drifted toward her, as she arched her back to relieve herself from the soreness of sitting for so long. She was wearing a low-cut, long sleeved, white crop top that ended just above her pierced navel, high-waisted ripped jean shorts that showed off her long legs, and lime-green Converse sneakers that matched the green emerald hanging from her necklace. His gaze started to drift downward from her face to her chest, where the gem rested just above her cleavage. She felt his gaze on her and giggled in response. He started blushing when he realized she'd caught on.
Suddenly he fell forward, smacking his face on the back of the chair in front of him after the blue hedgehog behind him had kicked the back of his seat. "Eyes front Romeo." He mumbled, only loud enough for Knuckles to hear.
Knuckles held his nose and winced in pain. 'I'll give him that one.' He thought to himself.
"Oh my Chaos!" Sonia gasped, putting her hand to his cheek to comfort him. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine." He glared at Sonic from the crack in between the seats.
1 NEW MESSAGE
Sonia's phone began to vibrate in her pocket, so she pulled away from Knuckles to see who had sent the message. She hadn't expected anyone to text her, seeing as how her boyfriend was already here. Her jade eyes lit up as she read the text, and a big smile crossed her face, making Knuckles a bit curious.
Elias: Hey Princess, did your chariot break down or something?
Sonia: Lol, no. Just got stuck with Snively as a driver. Should be there in another hour.
Elias: Hope your ears are still functioning by then.
While Sonia was consumed in her texting, Knuckles decided to finally take a nap. Sitting behind the two were Sonic and Tails who sat by the window. Sonic had been texting Amy the entire bus ride, while Tails looked out the window and wondered what was to come in the future. He'd be the youngest kid in his classes, and on top of that he would be new.
'What if everyone thinks I'm a nerd? Well I am, but what if they think that? What if I'm deemed a loser, and everyone makes fun of me? What if I can't make friends? What if me and Sonic aren't roommates?' He started giving himself anxiety from thinking so negatively. His leg began to shake uncontrollably in response.
Sonic knew Tails' uncontrollable shaking was a coping mechanism, meaning that the poor little guy was nervous. He put away his cellphone and patted the fox's head in an attempt to both comfort him, and get his attention.
The trembling kitsune turned toward him. "Sonic…I'm nervous." He confessed.
"There's no need to be nervous little buddy." Sonic assured him.
"What if no one likes me?" He wasn't worried about the academic portion of school at all, just the social aspect terrified him. He wasn't exactly a 'smooth' conversationalist.
"Are you kidding? Everyone's gonna love you! Guaranteed." Sonic spoke with such confidence, the nervous fox ceased shaking, and felt his anxiety beginning to flush away. "Even if they don't—which they totally will—you'll always have your big bro lookin' out for ya'! I wouldn't let anyone mess with you."
"Thanks a lot Sonic. You're an awesome big brother."
"And you're an awesome little brother." Sonic replied, ruffing his hair.
The two shared a laugh. Manic didn't look at them, but rolled his eyes at the sound of their laughter. He'd been sitting alone, on the opposite side of the bus in the row of seats beside Knuckles and Sonia. He had his back toward the window while his feet were kicked up onto the empty seat next to him. He really hated not having anything to drum on. The green hedgehog grew increasingly bored and decided to pull out his phone.
Manic: Yo
Shadow: Hey. Are you at the school yet?
Manic: Nah, still on the bus.
Shadow: Which bus?
Manic: 004
Shadow: Damn, I'm on 009. I'm about to punch this babbling raccoon chick in the face. Chaos, she's so damn annoying.
Manic: I'm not having the best time either dude. I've been listening to Sonia and Knuckles get all lovey-dovey for the past hour, and Sonic's over here kissing Tails' ass with some gay little prep-talks.
Shadow: Ew, I can't tell which of us has it worse.
Manic: I know right? All I know is after this I'm gonna need a serious smoke sesh.
Shadow: Same.
Manic: Meet up at the old hangout?
Shadow: Definitely.
"Hello Mother…" Sally spoke after opening the door to her mother's office.
The older chipmunk pulled her face away from the computer screen to see her daughter in person for the first time in eight years. She gasped, and stood still for a moment, trying to register if the girl before her was actually real. Her mind had played tricks on her like this before. Once she realized this was no illusion, she rushed out of her chair to embrace her daughter. "Oh Sally!" She cried out, letting tears trickle down her cheeks.
"It's been so long, Mother." Sally whispered, fighting back her own tears.
She took note of how her mother had let her hair grow out. She used to always have it cut to shoulder length, but now the older chipmunk's dark brown hair fell at her waist. Once they pulled away from their hug, Sally studied the features of her face, intent on burning the image into her mind forever. After being a part from her mother for so long, she had almost forgotten what she looked like.
"How are you here? Your father swore he'd never let you see me, or come to this school." Alicia knew something had to have happened. Max would never let her come here willingly, he hated this school more than anything.
"I finally stood up to him." Sally explained, "I hated Moebuis High, I hated that entire city! I was so unhappy there. I love Daddy very much, but I couldn't let him rule my life anymore." She appeared to be proud of what she had done, but sorrow was evident in her voice.
"What was the price for your freedom?" Alicia asked, placing a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"How do you know there was a price?"
"With your father, there is always a price." She said bitterly. "Mine were my daughters."
"It doesn't matter." Sally shook her head. "I'm just glad I'm here."
"I've missed you so much Darling."
"I've missed you too."
"Have you seen Elias or Nicole yet? She has missed you dearly."
"I saw them in the parking lot, they're waiting for their friends."
"I see. Well, now that reunions are out of the way, why don't I give you a quick tour, then you can go find your room."
"I would like that Principle Acorn." The young chipmunk smiled, "Can you promise me something first?"
"Anything Dear."
"No special treatment."
"You weren't going to receive any in the first place." She laughed, as the two exited the office, "How is your sister doing?"
Finally, all the Green Hill Academy buses began pulling into the school parking lot. Elias and Nicole got up from their spot on the main building steps and rushed over as the buses were opening their doors. Kids started pouring into the parking lot, greeting one another or trying to get to their bags. Elias pushed his way through the crowd until he spotted Sonia hopping out one of the buses. Before people could get in the way he rushed over to her. "Sonia!" He called out.
The magenta hedgehog looked around, then finally noticed him running toward her. "Eli!" She squealed as she met him half way.
He swept her off her feet and spun her around just as Knuckles did hours ago. Speaking of Knuckles, he was standing a little far behind the two. 'Not this guy…' He thought to himself as he crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. He was pretty confident. Normally he wouldn't be jealous of his girl hanging out with any guys, but this wasn't just any guy. This was Elias Acorn, the school heartthrob. Of all people in the world, why did he have to be her best friend? He was practically an Adonis. Humble, kind, athletic, incredibly good looking, he was on some next level shit. Next to him, every other guy was pretty much trash. The echidna couldn't help but feel a bit jealous at how easy he could make the magenta girl laugh, or the way everything he said made her smile. It didn't help that he was constantly calling her 'Princess' while it's common knowledge that he's known as the school prince.
"What's this?" The handsome squirrel asked, picking up the emerald from her chest to look at it closer. Knuckles tightened his fists at the sight of his hand briefly grazing her sternum.
"Well..." Sonia began in a shy tone, blushing a bit. "Remember how I told something unbelievably awesome happened over the summer? Well, the guy I've been crushing on since sixth grade finally asked me out! Come meet him!"
"Wha-?" Before he could respond, the magenta hedgehog already had his wrist locked in a death-grip, dragging him toward the angry looking echidna.
"Elias, this is my boyfriend Knuckles!" She let go of his hand to hook her arms around one of her boyfriend's arms.
'Not this guy…' Elias thought to himself.
Elias only knew him from the few classes they'd taken together in the past. From what he knew, the echidna was one of those macho-tough guys. Always had to prove he was the toughest, had the shortest-temper, and wasn't much of a socialist. He wondered what Sonia saw in him. The six-pack? Or maybe she's just got a thing for echidnas? Chaos knows it couldn't be for his brain. Regardless of his skepticism, the squirrel held out his hand for a greeting. Knuckles thought about not shaking it, but figured Sonia would get pissed, so he opted to just shake the guy's hand.
"Nice to meet you formally." Elias smiled warmly, the wind swiping the auburn fringe across his forehead. Chaos, he was so damn charming it made Knuckles want to scream.
"Same." He agreed, trying his best to put on his own charming smile.
"Well, I've got to go. I'll text you later Princess." The prince scooped her up once more in a goodbye hug before disappearing off in the crowd of suitcases and teenagers.
Sonic attempted to squeeze through the crowd while simultaneously creating a path for Tails, making sure his little brother wasn't bumped or hit by the bustling teens. It took a while, but the two managed to reach the grassy lawn of the campus grounds while dragging their suitcases out to safety. Sonic looked back to make sure the kitsune was still in one piece. "You alright Tails?"
"Yeah." He replied breathlessly. "That crowd is hectic!"
"Better get used to it Bud." The blue hedgehog chuckled. "Did ya' see where Manic went?"
"He went off with Shadow that way." Tails pointed his finger toward the single dirt road that led to the parking lot. It was the only trail connecting the campus to the outside world, with the closest city being an hour away.
Sonic shrugged his shoulders in response to the information. Much to his dislike, Shadow and Manic have grown pretty close over the past two years. They always ran off to do their own thing—whatever it was. He wasn't particularly fond of Shadow, kind of thought of him as an arrogant prick who only cared about himself. Even so, he certainly was an upgrade from Manic's old best friend.
"SONIC!" They were just inches from the main building's door when they heard a loud shriek from behind them. They turned around to see a pink hedgehog toss both her gigantic pink suitcases to the ground and charge at them with arms flailing about.
"Ames!" The blue hedgehog called back, dropping his suitcase to open his arms for the hug that was to come. She leapt into him, wrapping her arms around his neck, and her legs around his waist. He stumbled back from the force of her weight but managed to keep it together. "Whoa, take it easy Amy!"
"I'm just so glad to see you! To be here with you!" She squealed lovingly.
He finally set her down, and the two exchanged compliments.
"You look just as cute in person still. Thank Chaos!" She laughed, fanning her face with her hand in an attempt to cool the warmth of her now blushing cheeks.
"I look good no matter what!" He boasted. "You're not lookin' too bad either!"
She had changed a lot since the last time he saw her, almost completely. Aside from the signature red headband and gold bracelets she was sporting, everything else was entirely different. She looked much livelier than she did those few years ago. Last time he saw her she had short pink quills that barely fell past her neck in a boyish haircut, now the quills fell a little past her shoulders. Her once slender body frame had formed a bit of curve, mainly only in the hip area. She even found a new fashion sense, dropping the old tacky orange skirt and ugly tennis shoes—much to his relief—right now she was rocking a hot pink lace-trim tanktop with some acid-wash blue jeans, and pink sandals.
The blush on her face grew deeper. She clasped her hands behind her back and dug her foot into the grass in a shy manner. "Thank you." She giggled.
"Hey, you remember Tails right?" Sonic asked, pulling Tails out from behind him. He didn't want Tails feeling awkward, and this was the perfect opportunity to introduce him to someone.
Amy studied the timid fox's face for a moment before she finally registered who he was. "Tails! The little fox cub your mom adopted!" The last time she saw him he was about five years old. He didn't look much different, aside from being much taller now. He still had a baby face.
"Ye-yeah…" He nodded. She was so pretty, he found himself becoming increasingly anxious again.
Upon recognition the pink hedgehog immediately embraced him. "It's so cool to see you again! You're adorable."
He blushed wildly at the contact. Her embrace was so warm, and she smelt like cotton candy—he nearly passed out. After she pulled away she turned her attention back to Sonic and they chit-chatted for a bit before saying their goodbyes.
"We should all probably go check in before the line gets too long." Sonic suggested before picking up his bags. "It's been one hell of a long day already."
"After checking in we should text the others and all link up tomorrow at lunch."
"Yeah, that sounds cool. Everyone will be way too busy unpacking today."
"Great! I'll set up the group chat!" Amy jumped up and down in excitement. "See ya' later Sonikku!" She cheered before speeding back to where she had dropped her bags. Sonic cringed at the pet name, but didn't fuss about it, even though he absolutely despised it.
He and Tails entered the main building and headed toward the main office to check in and get their dorm keys. To their relief, the line wasn't too long.
Knuckles and Sonia stood way behind in the check in line. She had her arm looped around his while her head rested against his shoulder. They'd been discussing all their plans for the school year while they waited for the line to move forward.
"Can't wait to see you back on the field Mr. Star Quarterback."
"Can't wait to see you in those volleyball shorts." He gave her a wink, and she punched him in the arm playfully.
"Don't be so dirty! We're in public." She joked.
"Fine. I'll wait til we're not in public."
"Stop it." She giggled, bringing her blushing face closer to his to kiss him on the cheek.
The echidna's ear caught a loud familiar voice booming from across the room. He looked forward to see a big green crocodile walking back from the front desk with a key and schedule in one hand, while wheeling his luggage in the other. The croc was coming straight for him, a big grin on his face. "Check out the power-couple ova here! What up Knux?"
"Vex!" Knuckles greeted, letting go of his girlfriend to fist bump his old pal. "How long's it been since the last party?" He laughed.
"Too long brotha'." The crocodile replied, "I'm thinking about throwing another one at the Hotel Metropolis next week."
Vector the Crocodile was known as THE party GOD. His parties were legendary, about 99% of the school gossip was inspired by them because of how much shit went down at them. They weren't just any old cake and ice cream parties either. The crocodile came from a rags-to-riches kind of story and liked to flaunt his new fortune, as well as share it. His extravagant events always took place in cool settings, and always had some sort of clever theme to them. Last party he threw was earlier that summer. It was hosted at the Colors Amusement Park, and the theme was aliens, so everyone had to come in a futuristic-alien type costume. The way he invited people was pretty clever as well. He would send a barcode through text to as many people as he wanted to be there, then they would send it to whoever they wanted to come, but they were limited to only send the code to three other numbers. The parties could be extremely big or small, depending on how many people Vector sent the barcode to.
"I'm down all the time. Just send that barcode my way." Knuckles assured him. He'd love to take Sonia to a wild party.
"I'll let you know." He laughed at the echidna's obvious eagerness. "Just gotta figure out a theme here. For once I'm drawin' a blank."
"How about a romantic one?" Sonia suggested.
"Hmmm.. Never really thought about that." The croc grabbed his chin while he mulled over the idea for a moment, "I'll have to take that into consideration."
"Whatever theme, it's still gonna be a badass party like usual." Knuckles added.
"True." Vector agreed. "Speaking of badass, you'll never believe whose coming to this school now!"
The echidna took a moment to think about who Vector might be talking about, but he couldn't think of anyone. Everyone was already here as far as he knew.
"Who?"
"Julie-Su!"
The echidna froze, his mouth slightly agape and his eyes wide with shock. His breath instantly caught in his throat at the sound of that name. Time seemed to stand still as he was unable to breathe or move in the moments it took him to fully register what his friend was saying.
"Knuckles? Are you okay?" Sonia asked worriedly as she reached out to touch him.
He ignored her, focusing his attention on the crocodile before him. "WHERE IS SHE?" he demanded in an angry, yet desperate tone. All eyes were now on them thanks to the rugged echidna's outburst. His hands were shaking with pent up emotion.
'I don't know man! Chill." Vector raised both hands in a cautious manner as if someone had a gun pointed to him. "Mighty picked her up from the airport this morning. She should be around."
After absorbing the information he immediately turned toe and headed back out the front doors.
"Knuckles! Wait!" Sonia cried out. She didn't understand what had gotten into him, and she couldn't leave their place in line or their luggage to go after him. "What was that about?" She turned toward the crocodile.
"Abandonment." He stated vaguely before walking out the same door the echidna stormed out of.
Knuckles hastily made his way down the main building steps and started running in no particular direction. He zig-zagged between groups of students while making sure to keep an eye out for the hot-pink echidna. His mind was in such a frenzy he couldn't stop running, let alone think about anything other than finding her.
Julie-Su the Echidna, just hearing the name tore his heart in two. She used to live in the house across the street from his when they were little. Back then, Knuckles didn't like girls at all. He thought they were all just annoying cry-babies, but Julie-Su was different. She was as tomboyish as they came, didn't care about getting dirty, or getting hurt. While most girls were playing dress up, she was outside with the boys, wrestling—and beating them all. The two immediately struck up a friendship upon meeting, and were practically inseparably. They had sleepovers, trained for sports tournaments together, and told each other everything—he even told her about his growing crush on Sonia in their preteen years. The two were best friends, the red echidna had never pictured his life without her, until she was no longer there. Without any explanation or warning, the girl echidna had moved back to Echidnopolis in the eighth grade, leaving Knuckles with a plethora of mixed feelings. He called her hundreds of times for months, leaving her voicemails in which he sobbed, screamed, or sometimes begged for her to return his calls. She never did reply. Eventually, he stopped trying, but occasionally he sometimes caught himself absentmindedly dialing her number in times of sorrow.
That was all four years ago. To hear that she's back in town sent all those mixed feelings rushing back through him. He didn't know how to feel exactly. Happy because she's here? Angry because she left? Or sad for all the years he's missed her company? He didn't know what he would do when he found her, all he knew was that he needed to see her, he needed to know why…
'Why did she abandon me like that?'
