A/N: Welcome to Chapter 6, the first of a two part chapter that introduces our new main characters, new main setting and sets up some new main plot arks. I hope you all enjoy and leave me a review to let me know what you think so far of all the new characters. Please enjoy chapter 6!

Chapter 6

Emerald Lake (I)

The busses, carrying all of the Mobius High students rolled down the roads, continuing along their long journey towards the country side of Central City. The student's marveled at the rolling hills, sparse farmlands and blue, clear skies as the busses passed by the marvelous scenery.

Four hours passed as the roads slowly made the transition from pavement to dirt and gravel. Large clouds of dust billowed around in the air, disturbed by the wheels that propelled the busses forwards. Finally, after a long and grueling ride, the students looked out in awe as the busses took their final corner, driving underneath an overhanging archway and into the school grounds.

Two large buildings loomed over head as the busses drove into the large parking lot, breaking to allow the students exit. The two main buildings were situated in front of the parking lot, with one more small, yet longer building off to the east near the tree line. Forrest and trees surrounded most of the area, breaking only for the two large sporting fields that lay between the three buildings. Small paths snaked through gardens and into brick-layered areas for casual activities. Little dirt paths winded off through the thick forest foliage, with one path seeming bigger and more prominent than the others which travelled off towards the large, crystalline lake known as Emerald Lake.

"Okay everybody, please don't push. Grab your bags and head off to that large building over there," Gold instructed the students, pointing to the shorter building which was the housing areas, split into two sides for boys and girls. "And watch for cars!" Gold called as a continuous stream of smaller vehicles began entering the area, securing the parks closest to the buildings.

Manic, Knuckles, Espio and Amy all walked ahead, Espio and Amy wanting to be as far away from Tikal and Sally as possible whilst Manic and Knuckles were stuck in a heated discussion about a band that they disagree on.

"Hey Fi, wanna ditch this crowd and go find out where the best chill places are?" Scourge asked from the back of the pack, turning to walk away from the rest of the group before she answered.

"Yeah, let these losers do their little school shit," Fiona agreed, jogging up to Scourge as the two set off towards the other, central building. Silver watched the two walk, shaking his head as they left out of sight.

"Everything okay?" Sonic asked noticing the distracted Silver.

"Wh-what? Oh, no, nothing," he stuttered, shaking his head to draw his attention back on the other teenagers.

"You kind of zone out there for a second," Tails added, concerned for the Silver hedgehog's well-being.

"Are you sure everything is… Clove!" Tikal changed her train of thought mid-sentence as she spotted her pronghorn best friend step out of a sedan parked near the front of the school. "I'll catch up with you guys later. Hope you get good dorm mates," she called out as she rushed off with her things.

"Oh no… I never even considered the fact that we would have to be living with three other people…" Rouge shuddered, imagining all of the possible, disgusting people that she might have to room with.

"Hey, it can't be that bad. Besides, you don't have the threat of having to room with star football player over here," Shadow emphasized the word star in a sarcastic tone.

"Yeah, because I'd love to room with your emo-ass," Jet retorted.

"Ha, you guys think that's bad. Try sleeping next to this kid," Sonic laughed, indicating to Tails. "Snores ALL night."

"Hey, at least I don't sleep run!" Tails snapped back jokingly.

"He still does that?" Sally asked. "I remember at nap time in pre-school he was always the least fun to fall asleep next to."

"Wait… sleep running's a thing?" Silver asked curiously.

"Awww Silver, your so cute," Cream giggled, joined by the rest of them.

"What?" Silver asked in response.

"Were just joking Silver. Sleep running isn't a thing. But if it was, I bet this one would do it," Sally pointed towards Sonic.

"Yeah, he's always running in his dreams because it's the only time he can beat me in a race," Shadow shrugged, smirking.

"Ha, you keep living in your little fantasy world all you want. I'll race you any day," Sonic challenged.

"What about right now?"

"First one to the dorm rooms?"

"You're so on! Three, two, one-go!" Shadow yelled as the two dumped their bags aside and sprinted off towards the building.

"Why do I always get stuck with the clean-up," Rouge sighed, hoisting Shadow's bag off the ground and began carrying it towards the dorms. "I swear that hedgehog thinks I'm his mother or something."

"You'd think after everything that happened last semester, they would have grown up a little bit?" Sally chuckled to herself, watching the two boys shrink as they raced towards the dorms.

"Are those two always like that?" Sonia asked, eliciting a small giggle from Cream and Tails.

"Those two were always at each other's throats since the day Shadow arrived at school," Jet responded. "Unlike them, I don't have to prove that I'm the fastest."

"Whatever you say sweetie," Cream soothed in a somewhat patronizing tone.

"Hey!" Jet snapped, causing the group to burst into another round of laughs as they walked towards the place where they would all call home for the next 20 weeks.

…

Gold hurried down the winding corridors of the second floor of the central building, searching for Razor, the principal's office. She finally came to a large, wooden door and pushed it open, coming out into a small waiting area. Ficus' were situated in the corners of the room with a row of plastic chairs lining the walls. A door led into a small room to the side that had golden label on the door that read 'Gold's Office'. Gold smiled to herself, adjusting her glasses to get a better look. She was pleased to know that she already felt welcome by this new principal before even meeting him.

She walked around the mahogany secretary's desk, which she thought would be her main station of working, which was situated in the back corner next to another door. Gold knocked three times on the door before a deep, masculine voice barked from the other side.

"Enter." Gold couldn't help but feel slightly nervous by the sharp tone but steeled her nerves and pushed open the door and walked into the large, spacious office. A large, black chair was situated behind a low lying desk. Slowly, the chair swiveled around, revealing a young, buff shark with sharp, white teeth and a fin that protruded from his back.

"Hello Sir, my name is Gold and-"

"Ah, Gold. I've been expecting you," he interrupted. "My name is Razor. I'm glad to finally meet you. I run this campus."

"Nice to meet you too Razor. I'm looking forward to working for you," she replied, shaking his extended hand.

"I've heard good things about you. However, I also know that my colleague has put you in charge of a little mission to find out who set the fire at the old campus, correct?" Razor asked. Gold nodded sheepishly without speaking. "I hope this won't subtract your time from your many duties that you need to perform."

"No sir!" Gold shook her head, promising that she will only conduct her research and investigation in her off time.

"About that…" Razor sighed. "You won't be getting much time off. I recently had a staff member quit and am understaffed. I need you to also be the caretaker of the girl's dorm in after school and before school hours."

"What?!" Gold widened her eyes as her mouth fell. "That means I'd be working pretty much 24/7. I can't be the secretary and also the caretaker for all of those women."

"I thought you would react that way," Razor took a seat. "Naturally I would fill the position myself but I am already helping in the boy's dormitory since our old caretaker has taken paternal leave to help his wife who is 8 months pregnant so I can't do both jobs."

"That is very noble of you, sir, but-"

"I know it is a lot to ask, and I won't force you into it. But I really need a helping hand. Also it's almost double the pay," Razor smiled as he noticed Gold's eyebrow raise slightly. "Also, think of how much easier it will be to get to know the girls on a more personal level and create a rapport with them. It will help your investigation along… swimmingly," Razor chuckled at his pun as he finished his little speech.

"…Okay, I'll help out," Gold confirmed finally after a few moments of contemplation.

"Very good. I'll direct you to your quarters. If you would please follow me," Razor ushered the tenrec out of the room, picking up her belongings and bags off the ground as he helped her carry them to the housings.

…

"Clove!" Tikal called out as she rushed up to give the pronghorn a great big hug. "You were right, this place is A-Ma-Zing," Tikal marveled.

"I told you," Glove chuckled as she Tikal helped her pull out the last of her belongings and shut the boot. "Later mum and dad," she waved, blowing them both a kiss as they reversed out of the park and drove away.

"So how was your drive?" Tikal asked as the two girls began to walk towards the dorm. Clove opened her mouth to answer but screamed softly when she felt a pair of hands fling over her eyes and everything went dark.

"Guess who," a cheeky voice whispered into her ear.

"Mighty, you know I hate it when I do that," Clove whined cutely before turning around to plant a kiss on the brown, black and red armadillo's lips.

"C'mon, you know you like it when I surprise you," he smiled before turning his attention towards the echidna girl next to him.

"Hello, I don't think we've met yet. The names Mighty," Mighty said, holding out his hand to Tikal, who shook it happily.

"Oh, so you're the Mighty that I've heard so much about. I'm Tikal."

"Oh, so you're the Tikal that I've heard so much about," Mighty mirrored her speech, jokingly as the three of them broke out into laughter. Clove opened her eyes and noticed a small, yellow squirrel standing next to Mighty.

"Ray! So good to see you again!" Clove cheered as she wrapped her arms around the squirrel in a tight hug before breaking apart.

"Hey Clove, it's been a while. And hello, my name is Ray," Ray game a sheepish smile towards Tikal who returned her own radiant one back at her.

"Did you two have fun over the break?" Mighty asked as the four set off towards the dorms.

"Yeah, it was alright," Clove sighed. "But it would have been more fun if you invited me down to your beach house instead of Ray."

"Sorry Clove," Ray muttered shyly, not realizing that Clove was joking… well half joking.

"C'mon Ray, she's just joking. Besides, she's just jealous that you're my best friend and she isn't," he winked towards Clove who blushed slightly before shaking it away.

"You know I'm not jealous. Besides, I'm your girlfriend so I should be number one preference," she placed a hand to her chest before everyone broke out into another laugh.

"Clove, you should know better. It's always bros before hoes," a deep, mysterious voice spoke up. Tikal turned around to see a black hedgehog with dark blue quills and reptilian eyes walk over to the group.

"Shut up, Mephiles," Clove snapped as she graciously accepted his hug.

"How have you guys been?" He asked, addressing Mighty and Ray.

"I've been better," Ray replied quietly.

"You coming with us to the dorms, Mephiles?" Mighty asked, gesturing towards the building that loomed over them.

"No. I just need some time to myself for a while. Too many people. I'll see you guys around," he replied solemnly before walking off on his own.

"I take it that's Mephiles?" Tikal asked.

"What gave you that hint?" Ray responded jokingly, finally allowing some of his anxiety to leave him despite still being in the presence of somebody new. He always felt safer when around his friends, especially Mighty, and seeing at how he and Clove acted around Tikal, he felt a lot calmer than he had previously.

"He's exactly like you described him, Clove. Although I feel like he is hiding something…" Tikal thought aloud.

"Maybe, but we all have our secrets. He just likes to keep to himself a lot. It's cool, we all need our alone time every now and again," Mighty defended the hedgehog. "Now come on, let's find out which room we'll be in."

"I hope we are together like last semester," Ray smiled up at Mighty.

"I know we will be buddy," Mighty laughed. Suddenly, Tikal noticed somebody exit out of the housing area and rush down the steps out of the corner of her eyes. She recalled the same dark skin and red highlights in his hair. She quickly turned around to get a better look at him, but had already lost sight of him in the sea of other students who frantically rushed in and out of the dormitory.

She searched around the parking lot, passing over groups of cheering girls, friends greeting each other and parents dropping off their kids. She couldn't find him.

"Who you looking for, Tiks?" Clove tapped her shoulder.

"Oh, nothing. I just thought I saw the guy that saved me on the street from that car the other day," Tikal sighed.

"Whoa, you almost got hit by a car?" Ray muttered.

"Heh, yeah," Tikal rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. "But I was saved by this black skinned guy with red highlights. He looked weird, sort of like he didn't belong on this world but… strangely attractive."

"Sounds like you're talking about Eclipse," Mighty said nonchalantly as he began ascending the small steps to the building.

"Eclipse…" Tikal repeated to herself silently as she followed her new friends into the building.

…

The long, black limo rolled along the dirt road. It's tinted dark windows rolled up all the way so that it was impossible for anybody who would happen to be standing on the side of the road to see who was inside of the car.

"Okay, stop here please," a voice inside the limo asked. Slowly the driver pulled the limo to a stop on the side of the road just before the gateway that lead into the main parking area of the campus.

"Why do you want to stop here? You'll have to walk further," a deep voiced male asked. As he spoke, a door flew open and a young, energetic orange porcupine jumped out of the limo, carrying his bags with him and a smaller back pack slung lazily over his right shoulder.

"I told you dad, I don't want anybody to know who you are. I don't want any special treatment from people just because they think I'm your son," Spike reminded his father as he shut the door. The man inside rolled down the window and stuck out his hand.

"Fair enough. Have a good time at school, son," his father replied finally, letting his hand drop from the window. Spike placed his father's hand in his own and pressed his lips against the silver ring around his pinkie finger.

"Goodbye dad," Spike laughed as he raced off down the road and took a left into the main schooling area. A wide, goofy grin was plastered on the porcupine's face as he searched the sea of bustling people, keeping an eye out for any of his friends. He continued to scan the parking lot until he laid eyes on her.

"Breezie!" Spike called, waving as he ran over to greet the hedgehog, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace when he found her.

"Hey Spike, how's it going?" she asked nonchalantly, whipping down dust off of her suit pants. "Have a good holiday?"

"It was alright, but I never thought I'd be glad to be back at school. I missed everyone," he sighed, thinking about his friends that he didn't get to hang out with much during the winter holidays. "Did you hear that we'd be getting a bunch of new student's joining us this semester?"

"Yeah. Rumor has it that this emo hedgehog Shadow guy set fire to their school, so they all gotta stay here," Breezie replied, waving goodbye to her parents who zoomed off in their car. "Walk with me to the dorm rooms?" Breezie asked, flipping her hair back from out of her eyes with her hand.

"Sure thing," he grinned at her as the two made their way over to check out who they would be rooming with this semester.

"So did you hear that Rosemary's new movie is scheduled for release this year?! I'm so excited that I-" Breezie cut herself off mid-sentence as she turned to see a familiar purple haired mongoose exit out of her car.

"Mina!" Breezie called out. "Here, Spike, could you take my bags over to the dormitory. I'll meet up with you later, K?" Breezie soothed as she threw her arms around the porcupine to deliver a quick hug before sprinting off to catch up with Mina.

"Yeah… sure thing…" Spike mumbled dreamily, watching the hedgehog in the distance.

…

Tails weaved, dodged and ducked his way through the hordes of people coming in and out of the main dorm area. He raced over towards the area where the busses had parked them, realizing that he forgot his favourite sweater on the seat of the bus. He was desperate to make it on time before they all began their journey back to the city.

The young fox was lucky enough to make it just before the bus driver began to leave and the driver was gracious enough to let the kitsune hop aboard to grab his sweater. As he exited the bus, he turned around to wave his thanks at the driver when he collided head first into somebody.

"Ouch, I'm so sorry," Tails mumbled, rubbing his head as he stood up to get a better look at who he had hit. "Oh, hey Amy, did you forget something on the bus too?" The pink hedgehog glared down at the fox who gave her a goofy, nervous smile.

"Yeah, I did. Why do you care?" She replied in a very sour and uncharacteristically mean tone.

"S…Sorry?" Tails replied, confused.

"Just get out of my way. I don't have time to deal with you right now. I need to sort some things out," she sighed, pushing past Tails. The confused, and rather hurt fox grabbed her wrist, holding her in place.

"Did I do something to you? Why are you acting so cold?" Amy stared him in the eye, shooting daggers when Knuckles words echoed in her head. She decided to toss aside her blatant anger at the small fox who she was told had convinced everybody to not invite her to the party in an attempt to not incite any more hatred from her friends.

"No, I'm sorry Tails. That was uncalled for. I'm just a little bit stressed today and I took my anger out on you. That was uncalled for and I'm sorry," Amy grit her teeth as she forced the words out of her mouth.

"That's okay Amy. We are all a little stressed today. It was my fault for running into you anyway so I'm sorry too," he smiled, walking up to hug her for an apology. Amy furrowed her brow as Tails hugged her, pinching the skin on the back of her hands to bare the hug from Tails, who she just needed to be as far away from as possible at that moment.

"Well, I gotta go. Bye," Amy spat out quickly as she hurried away in the opposite direction. Tails watched her go, confused by the strange behavior of his pink haired friend. Finally, after a bit of contemplation, he just shrugged, deciding that it was just stress and began to head back to the dorm and the others when he felt a light, tentative tap on his shoulder.

"Um, H-hello?" a shy, innocent voice asked. Tails turned around to come face to face with a small seedrian, about the same height as he was standing in front of him.

"Oh, hey. How can I help you?" Tails asked, flashing the shy seedrian a slight grin.

"I was just wondering if you knew where the dorms are? I'm new here and I don't quite know where everything is," she mumbled.

"Yeah, I was just heading that way so you can come with me if you would like," Tails offered.

"Oh, really. That would be wonderful, thank you," she nodded her head before following along next to Tails.

"By the way, my name is Tails."

"I'm Cosmo."

"Nice to meet you," Tails shot Cosmo his signature sweet smile. "This is also my first day here too. I came from the other campus."

"Oh, well at least we can both be lost together then," Cosmo giggled, to which Tails joined in. The two made small talk as they continued to walk towards the dorms, braving the ever busy entrance of streaming students. The two walked into the main lounge and over to the back wall behind a couple of the nice aqua couches. A large chart was hung on the wall which listed the names of all the girls and boys who were attending the school and also their accompanying floor and room number that they would be staying on.

The rather large lounge area was a cozy room that was littered with couches, small tables and fabric chairs for the teenagers to chill. A small doorway near the back wall led to the staff area, including their sleeping arrangements and two large, double doors led out to both the east and west. A stream of boys were walking in and out of the eastern doorway whilst the girls migrated towards the west. It was the only place in the dorms which allowed both boys and girls until ten at night, at curfew for the students. Animals of the opposite sex were only allowed in each other's dorming areas until eight at night.

"Well, I should go check out my room. It was nice meeting you," Tails said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

"Yeah… you too," Cosmo agreed, letting her head drop to the floor so that Tails couldn't see the small crimson indicators appear on her cheeks. "Maybe I'll see you around school sometime?"

"Totally," Tails grinned. You should come hang out with me and my friends sometime."

"I'd like that."

"Here," Tails stated, ripping out a small piece of paper from a notebook in his bag and taking out a pen. He scribbled a ten-digit number on it and handed it to the seedrian. "Text me and we can hang out sometime. Since we are both new to this campus, maybe we could find out where everything is together?"

"Okay, I'd like that," Cosmo smiled, taking the scrapped piece of paper.

"See ya, Cosmo," Tails waved as he walked off to the stream of boys to find his way to the dorm.

"Bye… Tails."

…

Jet unzipped his bag and began pulling out some of the essentials from his bag. He picked one of the beds on the far side of the room, next to the bedside table, and starting slipping on his bed sheets and pillow. Once finished, he looked at the empty three beds, wondering when his roommates would arrive and who they would be.

Jet fished out his phone from his baggy footy tracksuit pants and sent off a quick text to Cream.

Jet: Hey, how's your room?

Cream: Sorry Jet, can't talk. Bye

Jet furrowed his eyebrows as he read the text, annoyed at her avoidance. He assumed that she must have some pretty bad roommates or something. He decided to do something nice for her to make up for it. However, before Jet could begin brainstorming, the door swung open and in walked a short, yellow squirrel.

"Hi, is this room 304?" the squirrel asked.

"Yeah it is. My name's Jet. I guess we'll be rooming together this semester," Jet smiled, trying to make a good first impression. He eyed the small squirrel. He wasn't very tough, or strong, or confident and he wasn't the best looker Jet thought, but at least it wasn't somebody like Scourge.

"My name is Ray," the squirrel sighed, walking over to the other bottom bunk and plonking his bag on his sheets. "And I guess we are."

"Everything alright? You seem kind of down?" Jet asked, looking at the squirrel who sat with his head in his hands as he stared at the floor.

"Oh," Ray shot his head up to look at Jet. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. I'm just kinda sad that I didn't get to room with my best friend. This is the first time in three years that we didn't get put together."

"I'm sorry buddy. Maybe us coming to this school screwed up the usual rooming situation. Don't worry, you and I can just be friends," Jet offered, walking over next to the squirrel and offering out his hand, trying his hardest to keep up a friendly perception so that he wouldn't have any room hassles in the future.

"Oh, are you one of the city campus kids?" Jet nodded as he smiled. Ray looked over at Jet, and his belongings. He noticed the small insignia on his navy blue tracksuit pants. "Were you on the football team at your old school?"

"You know it. I was one of the star players! Storm, Knuckles and I kicked ass!" Jet gloated, letting part of his cockiness show.

"Maybe you should try out for our football team. It would mean taking the bus for an hour drive on weekends for games though," Ray suggested, but the thought of long commutes every week filled Jet with dread. "Either way, I'm glad you were my roommate. I'd hate to get somebody horrible."

"I know what you mean. There is this one guy who I know that I would hate to ever be caught in the same class, let along the same room with. Watch out for him if you know what's good for you, Ray. His name is…"

As Jet opened his mouth to finish his sentence, the door was kicked open with a tremendous force as a green hedgehog sporting a leather jacket and ripped jeans stormed in.

"…Storm," Jet sighed. The hedgehog just grinned at the green hawk as he walked over to Ray.

"Bottom bunk is mine, kid. Scram," Scourge snapped, picking up Ray's belonging's and chucking them over to Jet's side of the room.

"Hey Jet, want a tour of the school?" Ray asked, rushing over to the door to escape Scourge who dived onto the bed and placed his hands behind his head.

"Gladly," Jet hissed, glaring at the obnoxious hedgehog as the two boys left the room.

"Be back soon dear," Scourge snickered, winking at Jet as the two rushed out of the room.

…

"I guess you and I are roommates this year," Sonia smiled as she noticed Sally unlocking the door the she was heading towards.

"Oh, hey Sonia. Is this you too?" Sonia nodded as the two girls entered the room, letting their eyes fall upon their shared area. It was nothing special. Two sets of bunk beds. Two wardrobes on either wall of the room, each with a small cardboard section to separate it into two halves and two bedside tables situated underneath a square window that overlooked one of the campus' football ovals.

"It could use a little something," Sally announced as she walked over to the room. "Do you want top bunk or bottom?"

"I'm more of a top girl myself," Sonia responded, placing her bag on the floor.

"Oh, me too," Sally winked, laughing as she saw the crimson colour appear on Sonia's face. She was clearly a little uncomfortable talking about such topics. "Okay, okay. Noted. We aren't ready for those kind of talks yet. I understand."

"Sorry, it's not you. I'm just not that… experienced… in that kind of situation so it's always kind of embarrassing when people talk about it. Especially somebody experienced," Sonia apologized. Sally turned around, narrowing her eyes at the pink hedgehog.

"What do you mean by, experienced?"

"Just that it looks like you aren't as new to this whole thing as I am," Sonia placed her hands up defensively.

"Oh, and why's that?" Sally put her hands on her hips. "Because it kind of sounds like you are calling me a slut or something."

"No, no, no…" Sonia began to sweat. "I just mean… like… your just so pretty and I'm sure all the guys probably drool all over you. They take one look at me and think I'm just one of the guys. Well Manic's friends always did anyway," Sonia sighed as she flopped down onto Sally's bed. Sally softened a bit, taking a seat next to her.

"Sonia, don't say that about yourself. Just because you aren't super skinny doesn't mean you aren't beautiful. You are strong and fit and guys find that attractive too," Sally placed a comforting hand on the hedgehog's shoulder.

"You really think I'm attractive?" Sonia asked, not used to being called it before.

"Definitely. I'd go for you in a second if I wasn't already committed to somebody else. And I'm not just saying that because pink hedgehogs are my type," Sally laughed playfully.

"Thanks Sally. That really means a lot, especially coming from somebody as pretty as you."

"Hey, if you ever want to borrow some of my clothes all you have to do is ask," Sally offered.

"Thanks again. By the way, how are things with you and Amy going. She seems to be avoiding you." Sally looked away, her smile fading.

"I kind of screwed up a bit last weekend," Sally admitted.

"Have you tried talking to her, properly. Maybe you should give it another shot and really open up to her. You'll never know what might happen if you don't try," Sonia offered her advice.

"You know what. Maybe I will. Thanks Sonia," Sally smiled, giving the hedgehog a talk before leaving the room. "Wanna go exploring around the campus later today and maybe get some grub?"

"Count me in," Sonia smiled. After Sally left, Sonia climbed up to the top of her bunk and began setting up her bed, ready for the many nights to come when her other roommate walked through the door.

"Oh, hello. You must be my other roommate… wait, I recognize you from somewhere…" Sonia said, stroking her chin in thought.

"Oh do you? Where from," the girl asked, walking over to place her stuff on the other bed.

"Yeah! You're one of Sonic's friends right? My name is Sonia, I'm his sister," she beamed, jumping off the bed to rush over to greet the stranger.

"Really? I didn't think Sonic had any siblings. Well… yes. Yes, I am one of Sonic's very best friends. If you're his sister then I know we will just become the best of friends," the red vixen smirked, shaking Sonia's hand. "By the way, my name is Fiona. Fiona Fox."

…

"How great is it that we got placed in the same room?!" Sonic cheered, picking up the small kitsune in a big bear hug as the two stood outside the same room.

"Yeah, it's great, but can you maybe… you know… let me go so I can breathe…" Tails choked. Sonic instantly released him and Tails eagerly sucked up the air greedily filling his lungs. The two opened the door and walked inside, happily greeted by an unfamiliar face.

"Hey, you guys wouldn't happen to be Sonic and Tails, would you?" the armadillo asked, noting the two teenagers.

"Yeah, and you are?" Sonic asked.

"Sorry, the names Mighty. I saw that you two were also in this room," Mighty responded, shaking both of their hands. "You two can have that bunk over there," he pointed to the bunk bed on the other side of the room. "This is mine and above me is somebody called Mephiles."

"Mephiles… sounds exotic," Sonic noted half-mindedly.

"Yeah… that's one way to put it. Don't worry if that's a problem. He keeps to himself a lot and is rather secluded, but he is a great guy once you get to know him," Mighty smiled.

"Sounds like a little somebody we know," Tails and Sonic looked at each other knowingly before they set out their belongings on their respected beds.

"I'm sure we are going to get along just fine though. Can I be honest with you guys for a second?"

"Go ahead," Tails smiled, showing a toothy grin towards the armadillo.

"I'm a little bummed out that I didn't get put in the room with my best friend. We got put in the same room for three years straight and always had a blast," Mighty thought back to the good times. "So no pressure on you two, I'm sure we'll have just as much fun," he laughed.

"Yeah, I got lucky that I got put with my best friend," Sonic smiled as he sat next to Tails and placed his hand on Tails', their fingers intertwining.

"Oh… are you guys also more than friends?" Mighty asked, noticing the small gesture and the looks that he noticed the two occasionally giving each other.

"Yeah… is that a problem?" Sonic asked, staring at the armadillo.

"What? No, not at all. I think it's great," Mighty smiled. "Never roomed with a couple before. Hope you don't mind me third wheeling all the time," Mighty joked, lighting the room with laughter as the awkwardness that threatened to fall over the trio dissipated into the air.

"That won't be a problem, don't worry," Tails reassured Mighty. "It was weird. We were always good friends and then suddenly we were just more, y'know."

"Have you ever felt that way about your best friend?" Sonic asked, smirking at Mighty.

"Haha, nah. Ray and I are just really good friends and nothing more. Besides, I'm currently going out with my girlfriend, Clove. We are coming up on our one-year anniversary in a couple weeks," Mighty stated proudly.

"Wait… Clove… Where do I know that name from?" Sonic thought.

"She wouldn't happen to have a best friend call Tikal, would she?" Tails offered.

"Yeah, that's the one. I met that echidna earlier today. She seems like a fun one," Mighty smiled. "How do you know her?"

"Tikal is one of our close friends who went to the city campus with us before the… fire…" Tails trailed off, frowning as he thought back to the horrific fire and the poor cat who was stuck back home on life support.

"Yeah… she wouldn't shut up about best friend Clove," Sonic finished the sentence for Tails, trying to lighten up the mood again.

"It's so crazy how we only just met, but it's like we already have connections in a bunch of ways. I can tell we are going to get along swimmingly," Mighty replied. The three of them began talking about interests, hobbies, favourite shows and everything in between as the spent the rest of the afternoon getting to know each other better.

…

Cosmo was smiling to herself, thinking about the cute little kitsune that she had that little encounter with all the way until she found her room, number 117, and stuck the key she was given by one of the coordinators into the lock and turned it. As the small seedrian walked into the room, she was immediately overwhelmed by two girls who were clearly already deep in conversation.

"I used to be with a guy like that… a long, long time ago," Amy sighed as she lay on her bed, looking over to the green and black pronghorn.

"He is just so perfect Amy," Clove said dreamily, looking up to the ceiling. "It's been almost a year, and Mighty is still just as kind, sweet and funny as back when we were first dating. That… and he is kinda amazing in bed," Clove laughed, winking to the flustered pink hedgehog.

"Ummm… hello," Cosmo squeaked, feeling awkward by the chosen topic of conversation that she had walked in on.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you there. You must be our other roommate. Sorry that the bottom bunks are already taken, that won't be a problem will it?" Clove asked, turning to the shy seedrian.

"N-No, not at all. And hello, my name is Cosmo."

"Hey Cosmo. My name is Amy, and that's Clove," Amy responded, smiling at the seedrian. "We were just talking about boys and relationships, feel free to join in if you would like."

"N-No, that's okay. I'm fine," Cosmo replied sheepishly.

"Don't be scared Cosmo. We are all girls here and we're going to be living together for a semester so you can consider us friends, too," Clove smiled, to which Amy agreed. It was clear to Cosmo that these two had been talking for a long while before she arrived since it seemed like the two had known each other for ages.

"So tell us, do you have a boyfriend at the moment?" Clove asked.

"No, not at the moment," Cosmo mumbled shyly.

"So you did have one before? Who was he?"

"No, I haven't had a boyfriend before," Cosmo mumbled again.

"Oh… well that's okay. You don't need to have a boyfriend to have a good time, right?" Amy laughed awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood a bit for their new roommate.

"Well… actually, I've never actually…" she trailed off.

"Had sex before? It's okay. I haven't either. I was with my boyfriend all through year 11 but neither one of us were really ready for that kind of commitment at that point," Amy sighed, thinking back to how much she wanted to have Sonic, but how he kept saying that he wasn't ready for that next step.

"Kissed anybody before…" Cosmo finished.

"Oh… well… I'm sure a lot of girls our age haven't…kissed… anybody before," Clove faked a smile, trying to make the seedrian feel welcome.

"Well… there is this one guy I just met that I kinda like," Cosmo responded, slightly louder as a shade of crimson appeared on her cheeks. Both girls looked at each other, smiling.

"Go on, tell us his name," Amy cheered. "I'm sure he loves you already!"

"His name is Tails…" Cosmo sighed dreamily.

"Oh… Tails… Cosmo… listen… I just think that… maybe… you shouldn't really," Amy trailed off, thinking the best way to tell Cosmo that Tails was taken. However, suddenly, a little inkling in the back of her mind began to pulsate, taking over all of her thoughts. She didn't mean to say the next words that came out of her mouth, and didn't know why she lied to the seedrian, but there was a small part of her that took control and spoke quickly to Cosmo.

"I mean, I know Tails really well and he is a great guy. You should definitely go after him. You guys would be a perfect couple…"

"Really? Thanks Amy!" Cosmo smiled, rushing over to give the pink hedgehog a small hug.

'Why the hell did I just say that?' Amy thought, but smiled through her façade as she returned the hug to the grateful seedrian.

A/N: Thanks for reading and stay tuned for the second part of this big introductory chapters. Please let me know what you thought about the new characters and possibly some theories about possible connections between our old and new cast before they all eventually meet up! Also don't forget to vote in the poll as it will be closing when the next chapter is published and I will take our top two (maybe 3) characters and create a couple more scenes with them. Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope you all like the new environment for the new story so far. Don't forget to let me know what you think :)

Next time on SH:EL

The last of our full cast and dorm rooms are revealed and the semester truly begins!