Sonic High: Emerald Lake

by twotailedfox

32 main characters, 12 years of school and 1 campus in the middle of nowhere. As the students of Mobius High try to finish their senior year, relationships will be tested, tensions raised and drama will lurk around every corner. Dark and mature themes, many different relationships (no relationship is safe) and real world problems including suicidal thoughts, rape, racism, death etc

62. Chapter 62: Expulsion

Chapter 62

Expulsion

That morning was one of the most tranquil, peaceful mornings the student body had the privilege to wake up to. The slight drizzle past overhead overnight and the clouds parted to let the sun shine down as it rose from its hiding spot. A beautiful rainbow streaked across the blue sky. Unfortunately, despite all the crazy events occurring and the ambulance sirens piercing the silence the previous night, the world never stopped spinning and the time finally came to start exams for the seniors. They had been studying hard the past couple weeks but for the next few days it was time to buckle down and get to work – if only life was kind enough to give them a break.

Luckily, the residents of room one-two-three had a break this morning as none of them had an exam until that afternoon. They figured it would be the perfect time to get some sleep before late night cramming. However, they didn't get that luxury. The blaring alarm sounded loudly, waking Sonic, Mephiles and Mighty with a start. Sonic's phone vibrated rapidly as it rang, shuffling across the table-top.

"Turn that bloody thing off," Mephiles grumbled as he rolled over and plugged his ears.

"Just answer it already," Mighty bellowed as he grabbed a spare pillow and shoved it over his head to block out the sounds.

"Sorry, sorry," Sonic apologized as he reached haphazardly for his phone. "Who the hell is calling me at seven in the morning." Sonic answered the phone with a dull, monotone voice that was laced as much with irritation as it was with tiredness. "Hello?"

"Sonic, sweetie, sorry to call you so early but I need to tell you something," Bernadette, Sonic's mother, answered in a hurry.

"Mum?" Sonic was confused and surprised. He sat up in his bed and threw his blanket over him to cancel out some of the sound. "Is everything alright? Are you alright?"

"Me? I'm fine, this isn't about me. This is about the school," Bernadette responded.

"What about the school?"

"How much do you know about Claire Fox?"

"Enough," Sonic said. "I haven't properly met her but I know that she's Fiona's mother and that she's the best lawyer in the country who hasn't yet lost a case."

"Yes, but I'm afraid the news gets worse. Amadeus has hired Claire–"

"To sue the school, yeah, Razor has already talked to us about it because we are all going to testify as witnesses," Sonic interrupted.

"Wait, what, you're going to be called upon? I don't know how I feel about that." Bernadette said in sorry.

"Mum, seriously, it's going to be fine. I was Tails' best friend and nobody knew him better than me. Rob, Razor's lawyer, says I'm a key part of his defense."

"You've met with Rob O' Hare?"

"I've had a couple briefing meetings with him."

"Without my knowledge?" Bernadette raised her voice.

"Chill out. I need to do this. I'm going to do this. Tails wouldn't want the school to be shut down."

"Okay, okay, just keep me updated, please. I don't want you getting mixed up in all of this. You have no idea what Claire is capable of. She will stop at nothing to keep her record of wins alive and if that means dragging you down on the podium then she will."

"Rob and Razor have me well trained. She won't get me to say anything I don't want to, honest," Sonic smiled.

"Just, be careful. She's going around recruiting her witnesses. She's already using Sonia and Aleena against the school, and I wouldn't put it past her to use your relationship with Sonia and Aleena and your father against you."

"She won't use my father. None of us have any contact with him at the moment. He's long gone."

"Good, good. Just, keep an eye out for your classmates. We can't afford any screwups now."

"I'll make sure nothing goes wrong, mum, you can count on me."

"I know I can, my little hero," Bernadette smiled into the receiver. "I'll let you get back to sleep. I love you, Sonic."

"Love you too, mum. Bye," Sonic hung up on his mother and removed the blanket.

"Fucking finally," Mephiles cried out.

"Can you please be quiet now and let us sleep," Mighty added.

"Sorry, sorry!"

…

The cafeteria wasn't particularly busy that morning. Most students took the morning off to sleep in and enjoy the peace after being woken up with all the sirens the night before, and the seniors were all attending their exams. A few sparse students dotted the seats at some of the tables, but no table was full. Blaze wasn't that hungry. She decided a bowl of cereal would do just fine. She filled up her bowl, grabbed a spoon and scanned the cafeteria. That's when she spotted Cream sitting by herself and decided she'd have a little chat.

"Cream, hey," Blaze waved as she strolled over and flung her legs over the seat to squeeze in opposite Cream.

"Hey, Blaze, how are you?" Cream smiled pleasantly as she cut into her eggs.

"Good, good. No Wave or Sonia or Cosmo this morning?" Blaze tried to make small talk.

"They've got a Biology exam right now. I felt bad sleeping in when they all couldn't, though. Thought I'd grab some breakfast," Cream replied nonchalantly with a shrug.

"Cool, cool," Blaze said absentmindedly. Clearly something was weighing on her mind. "So, since you're here I figured I'd ask you something."

"Why do I have a bad feeling all of a sudden?"

"No, it's nothing you should be anxious about," Blaze waved away Cream's concerns. "It's just that, well, I spoke to Mighty yesterday and–"

"Let me stop you right there," Cream interrupted. "I think it's sweet that you're sticking up for your friend but Mighty and I have said everything we need to say to each other. I don't need this right now."

"But you told me you really liked him."

"I did, I do. But, it will never work out."

"Why not?"

"It just won't, okay?" Cream was getting annoyed.

"I won't go away without a proper answer," Blaze stubbornly stood her ground. "He's been through a lot, but he's a good guy and you guys would make such a great couple."

"Blaze, please, I can't."

"Just tell me why and then I'll leave you alone," Blaze pushed further.

"Because of my mother!" Cream bellowed, then covered her mouth when she realized how loud she screamed that.

"Mother?" Blaze was confused.

"Okay, fine, since you won't leave me alone I'll just tell you," Cream rolled her eyes. "My mother is annoyed at my slipping grades and we're both moving back to Soleanna after we graduate."

"What?" Blaze gasped.

"Yeah," Cream sighed. "We're set to leave mid-December. That's why I can't start something with Mighty. There's no point getting in a month long relationship for it only to crash and burn when I leave."

"Have you thought about long distance?"

"I don't want to put the strain on us. And it's unfair on Mighty to start something if it's all going to implode."

"But he really, really likes you. Maybe it would work."

"That's what I'm afraid of. What if Mighty follows me to Soleanna? I don't want him to sacrifice his life here in Central City just for me. It's unfair."

"Have you tried talking to your mother?" Blaze asked.

"It just wouldn't work. You don't know Vanilla. When she puts her mind to something, it doesn't change," Cream shook her head.

"You're eighteen, Cream. Your mother can't control you any longer. Trust me. If you put your foot down and really talk to her I'm sure she'll understand."

"But–"

"Cream… my only family left is Razor, and I only found out he was my dad a month ago. I'd give anything to still have a mother around. You still have one. She won't want to lose you, just like you wouldn't want to lose her. If you just took to her I'm sure your mother will understand."

"You really think so?"

"It can't hurt to try. You do like Mighty, don't you?"

"I do," Cream nodded.

"Then what's the worst that could happen?" Blaze offered.

"Okay, I'll confront her. Thanks, Blaze."

"Anytime," Blaze smiled. "Now, mind if I have a bite of your eggs?"

…

Frustrating would be an understatement. Fiona was trying to turn a new leaf – really. If somebody told her three-hundred and sixty-five days ago that she would be scurrying around the school apologizing for her past deeds and begging for forgiveness because the fiancé of a man she once loved helped change her mind she would have laughed in their face. And yet, here she was, doing exactly that.

Honey, Storm, Infinite… none of them would give her the time of day. Doors were slammed in her face, and cold shoulders were turned. She didn't even wrong some of them that much, but still they ignored her, or thought this was some sort of devilish plan to wreak more torment and torture before they graduated.

Fiona sighed, sagged her shoulders and kicked the gravel as she stomped down the path in a huff. How could she possibly prove people she was trying if they wouldn't even let her try? If it wasn't for Espio and that stupid song he sung at the cafeteria yesterday, maybe things would have been different. Fiona clicked her fingers. That was it! Espio was her public enemy number one. Everybody knew how much the two of them hated each other, especially after they used to be such good friends – or at least tolerated each other – and if she could get him to stick up for her then maybe others would listen.

Fiona took off to Emerald Café and stormed through the door. She scanned the room until she saw just the two people she was looking for; Espio and Bean sitting in a corner together laughing and sipping cups of coffee. She sauntered up to their table and took a seat in the only vacant chair.

"What are you doing here?" Bean grumbled bitterly.

"Come to enact some stupid vengeance for our song last night? I think the crowd really liked it," Espio sneered.

"Yeah, thanks for that," Fiona seethed through clenched teeth before she remembered what she came here to do. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, gathering her senses. She put on her nicest tone. "Sorry, I didn't come here to fight."

"That's new," Bean added snarkily.

"I didn't ask you," Fiona barked out of instinct. "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to snap like that. Old habits die hard."

"What are you really here for then, Fiona," Espio sighed disinterested. "If you can't tell, neither of us want you here so just spit it out and then run off to go ruin somebody else's life."

"Look, the truth is," Fiona took a deep breath. She couldn't believe that she was here, admitting defeat. "I'm sorry."

"Come again?" Bean and Espio's eyes grew wide.

"I'm sorry."

"I must've heard you wrong," Espio stuck a finger in his ear. "Are you, the big and mighty Fiona Fox, apologizing to a lowly pawn like me?"

"Yes. You won. I don't want to play our game of chess anymore."

"I was never playing a game, Fiona."

"I know, but I was, and I was making you play. I lived for our back and forth. I guess I just missed being your friend."

"We were never friends," Espio countered. "Our whole friendship was built on lies and manipulation and I was just another pawn, like everybody else at the school was."

"That's not true!"

"It is," Bean added.

"Alright, fine, I admit I was a bad person." Bean and Espio folded their arms. "Okay, I was a fucking shitty person who cared for nobody but herself. I guess I'm more like my mother than I thought. I'm a product of my surroundings, okay? But Lumina helped me see the error of my ways. I want to be a better person. I'm really sorry about everything I've done in my past but I'm here to apologize and prove to you that I'm turning over a new leaf."

There was silence as Bean and Espio exchanged a strange look before they both burst into raucous laughter. Fiona looked confused.

"Great acting," Bean applauded.

"For a second I actually thought you were serious," Espio wiped a tear from his eye.

"I'm not joking. I'm being serious."

"I'm sure, I'm sure."

"Look, I don't know what kind of game you're playing but I'm not biting this time. I'm never believing another word that comes out of your mouth. I'm done with you," Espio said.

"We both are," Bean added.

"I'm not making it up. I'm being serious. I'm really trying to make amends."

"We don't care," Espio ignored her.

"But–"

"If you're really serious about turning over a new leaf then you've got to prove it by doing me a favour."

"Anything."

"Leave us alone," Espio snorted as he stood up and, without looking back at her, she stormed out of the cafeteria.

"Bean… please, not you too," Fiona begged.

"You're way beyond apologies now, Fiona. You had too many chances to count."

"But remember when we used to be friends."

"Yeah, used to. But then you made your choice. This time I'm sorry, Fiona. I'm sorry you're so sick and twisted that you somehow thought everything you did was okay. Goodbye, Fiona. Have a nice life," Bean shook his head before he fled to follow Espio, leaving Fiona alone in the cafeteria will all eyes on her.

…

It was like I was a character plucked straight from a romance novel and she was the suave stranger that came into my life and swept me off my feet. It was the first night I'd arrived at the school and I ran into her outside the dorm. She offered to show me around the next day and, as cliché as it sounds, one thing led to another. Fast forward a week and there I was asking her on a date. She told me she knew the perfect spot.

Now, here I was, trouncing through a creek with my shoes off giggling like a schoolgirl. I didn't recognize myself. I couldn't remember the last time I was this carefree. She took me down to the lake's edge and we pushed through a small patch of bushes. A small creek ploughed through the earth on a bed of pebbles and rocks, stretching uphill from the lake and winding its way through the verdant forest. We followed it, laughing and talking underneath the dew-tipped leaves that rustled above our heads.

It was my own slice of heaven. A pristine day with the girl of my dreams. I couldn't believe I had been so lucky. Not one month prior I had been expelled from my old school and my world was dark, but this Junior brightened up my life when I had finally given up on ever looking for happiness. She turned to me and laughed with closed lids. I'll never forget that smile on her face. To me, it was perfect. To me, she was perfect. My very own sunshine, Lara-Su

"Can I ask you a question?" Lara asked me as we leapt from rock to rock, hand in hand.

"Shoot," I replied lazily.

"Why did you come to this school so late in the year? Did you not like the old one?"

"Honestly? No, I didn't, but I didn't leave by choice." Lara seemed confused. "I was expelled.

"Why?" Lara gasped.

"To tell you the truth, I'm not a nice person."

"Yes you are."

"No I'm not. I'm spiteful, bitchy, short tempered and stubborn. I'll always hold a grudge and I get irritated easily and then lash out when anger strikes."

"Wow… I was not expecting an answer like that. We can't get that deep unless we're having a drunk D&M," Lara tried to lift my spirits with a joke. I gave her a weak smile but she could see through me. "You're none of those things, Lien."

"I am," I sighed.

"I don't see any of that. I see a strong, independent, sweet and beautiful girl who might be a little scared of the world so she pushes others away before she can let them get too close."

"Well, you're right about the last thing." Lara was quiet for a moment before she asked something that shocked me at first.

"Mother or father?"

"What?"

"Which one hurt you? Mother or father?"

"Mother," I admitted. "How did you know?"

"I know the signs. My best friend Rutan has a similar outlook on life. He's different around me, but I see the way he looks at the world; like it hurt him, and he cuts himself off to avoid being hurt again. He retreated into his shell and began to bully others to protect himself."

"What happened to him?" I asked, intrigued.

"His uncle came to get him and they ran off to Spagonia together. I still keep in touch. He's happier, now, once he was away from his father," Lara explained.

"I know the feeling," I sighed. "At least he had you in his life to help him through it. I have nobody."

"That's not true. You have me, too," Lara smiled and stretched onto her toes to plant a soft, sweet kiss on my lips. The first of many. I felt lighting surge through me from where our lips touched. It coursed through my body and excited my entire being. I knew then that she was the one. I knew then I'd do anything to keep her.

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

"Of course. You don't have to ask my like we're still in primary school," Lara giggled. "I thought I was the childish one."

"Then let's make it official," I said as I pulled out my small switchblade and got to work on the thick trunk of a juniper tree that grew beside the creek. I carved a primitive heart and inside put the letters D and S with a plus symbol between them.

"D and S?" Lara asked in confusion.

"It would look a bit weird if I put L and L, so I opted for using our last names. Su and Da, together forever."

"Su and Da, I like the way that sounds," Lara gave me that smile again and I melted. I'll never forget that smile.

Lien sighed as she hit her head against the wall, staring down at her boots. The sweet images of Lara faded away and her smile was replaced with the disapproving, disappointed frown that adorned her face when she visited Lien in the nurses office yesterday. Lien never wanted to make Lara frown, and she couldn't start now. She needed that smile in her life. But she couldn't forgive Wave. Even if it meant losing Lara, she just couldn't see a world where she would forgive her. That hatred helped shape who she was. Wave ruined her life, and she knew it. Now, not only had Wave taken everything from her, she was taking Lara away from her too.

Lien looked up with determination in her eye. She'd get revenge against Wave, and Scourge wasn't going to be around to protect her this time.

…

"So Shads, why'd you ask me to meet you back here? I thought this was your secret spot with Mephiles. You're not begging me to take you back, are you?" Sonic winked with that cocky grin of his that always grinded Shadow's gears.

"Your ego still amazes me," Shadow shook his head with a sigh. "But I am glad to see you happy and smiling again. I missed your annoying voice."

"Aw, cute, and I missed your dim outlook on life and all that brooding. I could cut myself on that edginess," Sonic added.

"Okay, dial it back a little blue boy," Shadow hissed.

"Sorry, sorry."

"I am glad you're finally taking some steps, though. We're finally hitting step five."

"I am. I just spent a little longer in step four than I would have liked," Sonic admitted.

"Depression is a tough one, but acceptance is the most important."

"It took Tails to show me that." Shadow looked confused.

"Actually, that's why I called you here," Shadow began. "I spoke to Mephiles and he told me you woke him up the other night because you were talking–"

"Yeah, I've been meaning to apologize for waking him up that night. I was talking to Tails."

"But Sonic, Tails is dead."

"I know that, don't be daft. I mean I was talking to his spirit. He came to me and helped me forgive. He was finally able to find peace, and knowing that his spirit has finally been able to rest, I've found peace too. He'll always be with me, and looking over me, but I've got to keep living life."

Shadow closed his mouth. He recalled what Mephiles had said to him. Sonic was talking to himself. But was it really Shadow's place to tell Sonic that? If Sonic thinks he was really talking to Tails then who was Shadow to tell him otherwise? Sonic was finally moving forward and Shadow refused to be the one to throw him back into the vicious cycle of depression.

"Sorry, we were talking about why you called me here?"

"Oh, yes, right…" Shadow trailed off as he tried to think of an excuse. Then it hit him. He didn't need an excuse. There was something he'd been meaning to ask Sonic.

"You and I. We never really worked out together, did we?"

"You mean, like, as a couple?"

"Yeah."

"No, I guess we didn't. They say that opposites attract, but I guess we were too dissimilar. That's why our friendship is so strong," Sonic smiled. Shadow had to admit, he missed the old optimism that Sonic used to exude. It was refreshing to see him this happy again.

"Mephiles and I though, we're quite similar and we had something special. So special. But ever since he left me for Sonia and he was taken, and Maria came back into my life, things have been strained."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"But that's why I need your advice."

"Me? Really? What would I know?"

"You were in a dark place. A really dark place. But through it all you've managed to make something strong with Blaze. How can you guys be so good together despite Tails' death, and your drug addiction, and her darkness, and her father. And don't forget about how your best friend hates her. And–"

"Okay Shadow, you can stop listing reasons why Blaze and I shouldn't be together," Sonic rolled his eyes with a grumble.

"Sorry. I didn't mean it like that."

"I know what you mean. How come things have been strained?"

"Can I trust you?"

"You know you can."

"Yeah," Shadow couldn't hide his smile. Sonic always did seem to be the one person that could make him smile without fail. And Mephiles. "The truth is, when Mephiles left Sonia at the altar he didn't just leave. He was kidnapped."

"Yeah, but that organization you used to work for. G.U.N, wasn't it? Sonia told me everything."

"Good. Well, I left G.U.N after I found out what they'd done to Mephiles. But when Maria came back into my life I knew I needed the Commander for help."

"So you sold your soul back over to them so he'd help you protect her?"

"Exactly," Shadow sighed. "But I can't let him know that I resigned as an agent with the people that tortured him. He'd feel betrayed. Furthermore, he's been really distant recently and he's been spending more and more time with Mina. I think he's hiding something from me."

Sonic didn't say anything. He just laughed. Loudly.

"What's so funny? Why are you laughing?" Shadow growled.

"I'm laughing at you. You're an idiot," Sonic explained.

"What?"

"The answer is simple."

"How is it simple?"

"Just talk to him!"

"Weren't you listening to what I said? I can't."

"And why can't you? Just tell him what you told me. It'll dispel his fears that you have something for Maria, and if you tell him the truth then he'll tell you what he's really doing because, trust me, it's not fucking Mina behind your back. He doesn't swing that way," Sonic chuckled.

"How can you say it like it's nothing?"

"Because. You asked me what my secret was for keeping a strong relationship with Blaze was, right?"

"Yeah."

"Communication."

"Communication?"

"We talk to each other. I tell her how I'm feeling and she tells me what she's feeling. That way we can help each other work through our differences and problems."

"But what if he can't accept me if I'm an agent."

"Then you break up." Shadow gasped. "That's reality. You can run from the truth if you want, but it's who you are, Shadow. Mephiles will find out sooner or later so the choice is yours. You can either tell him the truth and work through this together, or he can find out by himself and get angry that you were lying to him. True, you might break up if you tell him, but you also might get stronger. But option two only ends in a breakup."

"You really think that's the answer."

"Trust me, you're being over dramatic. Let Mighty be the overdramatic one. His life is soaked in drama and we all know he secretly lives for it. But you, your simpler. Tell him you love him and tell him the truth. If he really loves you then he'll accept you, warts and all."

"Thanks, Sonic. That… actually helped," Shadow admitted.

"I'm quite intelligent, actually," Sonic smirked knowingly.

"And there's that cockiness again," Shadow shook his head. "You're such a douche."

"And you love me for it."

"Whatever," Shadow turned and walked off with his hands in his pockets. He held up his hand to say goodbye without turning around. "Don't ever change," Shadow called back.

…

"Cosmo," Jet called aloud as he rattled his knuckles against his girlfriend's dorm room door. "Are you ready to go to lunch?"

"Could you be any louder?" Clove answered the door in annoyance.

"Sorry, I though Cosmo would be here," Jet apologized.

"She's just in the bathroom."

"Mind if I wait inside?"

"A little," Clove said abrasively. "I've had a rough couple days and, honestly, I'm not really in the mood for small talk so just wait in the hall for her, okay?"

"O… kay," Jet was interrupted by the sound of the door slamming in his face. "Rude," he grumbled under his breath but his spirits instantly lifted when he felt two thin hands snake their way around his waist and a face snuggle up to his back.

"What are you doing here?" Cosmo asked as she nuzzled him from behind.

"Didn't you get my text? I was thinking we could eat lunch together," Jet offered.

"No, must have missed it, but that sounds like a great idea. Let's go," Cosmo smiled and placed her hand in his. Jet couldn't help but gaze at her neck. The necklace he gave her was nowhere in sight. Nack's words echoed in his head.

"Hey, sweetie, where's that necklace I gave you?" Cosmo's hand moved to her bare neck and guilt flushed her face.

"Oh, it's just in my room," she lied.

"But you used to always wear it. How come you don't anymore?"

"I just don't want to lose it." Jet pursed his lips. He knew she was lying to him but he couldn't tell her how he knew. He could feel something in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't believe how easily she was lying to him. As much as he hated to do it, he needed to know for sure.

"Hey, do you mind if we swing by my dorm first? I've got something I'd like to give you," Jet smiled innocently.

"Okay." They swung a right and crossed the common room and ascended the boy's side of the dormitories until they made it to Jet's room. He fumbled inside, tiptoeing around Scourge's stuff that was thrown carelessly to the floor. He'd tried to have a go at Scourge for leaving his clothes everywhere but it ended with a black eye. Jet learn his lesson and ever since both him and Ray just kept out of Scourge's way. Jet reached into his drawer and pulled out a little stuffed dog with a ruby-red heart on its collar.

"What's that?" Cosmo asked.

"It's a love puppy," Jet explained. "I was talking to Nack the other day and–"

"Since when do you talk to Nack?" Cosmo interrupted, her face draining of colour.

"Every now and then. I was thinking about maybe trying out something new. I was talking to Rouge about poker and she told me to give him a call and he invited me to come and play poker with them." Now it was Jet's turn to lie.

"I… I don't think that's such a good idea."

"How come? You don't still play with them, do you?"

"No, of course not. I told you I gave that up, thanks to you. I just don't think you should play with them."

"Okay. If you say so then I trust you," Jet smiled sweetly through a thick façade. "Anyway, Nack told me about these love puppies. Apparently couples who really love each other get them as a sign of their love so I got you this one. It would mean a lot for me if you had it."

"Wow, Jet, this is amazing. I don't know what to say?"

"You could say you love me?"

"Of course I love you," Cosmo gave him a quick kiss. "This really is amazing…" Cosmo stared at it, rubbing her thumb along its soft fur.

"I really must thank Nack for the great idea. I'm sure he knows just how much this means to us."

"Yeah… I'm sure he knows how much value it has," Cosmo whispered. Jet frowned. She'd taken the bait. He felt bad for testing her, but he needed to know the truth. Now, their relationship was in her hands.

"Anyway," Jet jumped up. "Let's go to lunch!"

…

"Wave, Wave!" Wave paused and looked around. She could have sworn she heard somebody calling her name. She spun around and could see somebody she didn't recognize sprinting towards her. A smaller girl in the year below her rushed up to her, puffing loudly. She had peach skin with red fur and long pink hair done up in a side pony-tail that ran down her side. She had deep violet eyes and wore a black vest over a white shirt.

"Can I help you?" Wave asked politely. "Wait, you're the girl from the cafeteria, aren't you? Lara, wasn't it?"

"Yes. You don't know me but I know you," Lara inhaled deeply, sucking in air. "I'm… I'm Lien-Da's girlfriend." Wave gaped.

"Lien is a lesbian? Lien has a girlfriend? Lien has a heart?" Wave had so many questions.

"Believe it or not, it's true."

"But you… you're so…" Wave trailed off.

"Young?" Lara finished her sentence for her.

"I was gonna say normal."

"Surprisingly, yes, I'm normal," Lara laughed. "Look, I just wanted to apologize for everything she's done to you. I know all about her past with you."

"That's all well and good, but a small apology from you isn't going to cut all the torment she's put me through."

"I know. I can't begin to make up for all the times she's wronged you, but I want to at least put everything into perspective. I bet she never told you why she targets you specifically."

"No, she doesn't. And, honestly, I don't really care anymore," Wave huffed.

"But you deserve to know the truth."

"How do I know you won't just lie to me to make her look better?"

"Because I… I saw what she did to you in the cafeteria yesterday," Lara sighed, her gaze shifting to her feet. "I've seen a couple of the things she's done to you while here and she told me about how she used to treat you at primary school."

"And you're dating her. What does that say about you?"

"I broke up with her."

"I… I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. I couldn't believe she was capable of that. That's not the Lien I know, but then I saw it with my own eyes. I gave her one last chance but she admitted that she couldn't forgive you, so I walked away."

"Then, please, explain what the hell I did to make her hate me so much because I have no idea," Wave exacerbated.

"Well, the truth is…"

…

Sonia sat on her bed, her head leaning against the wall as she stared up at the mattress suspended above her. Her hand rested on her bulging belly, rubbing small circles gingerly and humming a sweet tune.

Her brain was throbbing. Hundreds of voices were yelling and arguing, but it all culminated in a screaming match and she couldn't make heads or tails of anything. Each voice was defending a side; one of three sides.

Firstly, there was Knuckles. Despite knowing it wasn't his kid he didn't care. He only cared about Sonia. They went for walks together and talked about their feelings and had a good couple of weeks together. He asked her out knowing full well that the baby was part of her now. He didn't care about any of that, he only cared about her. He was so right for her and it scared her.

However, there was the elephant in the room – Espio. He was the father. It was his child. And it wasn't like he was such a bad guy. She enjoyed chatting with him in class and he has already shown countless times how good he can be with a baby. If she was being honest, he wasn't the ugliest guy either. Subconsciously, Espio had been on her radar. She'd always been attracted to him, but it never crossed her mind until Geoffrey dropped that bombshell. It just made sense.

Finally, she could cut both of them and fend for herself. A part of her wanted this. She could cut out the drama and the heartache early before she got pulled in too deep and just focus on herself and the baby. Yet, a selfish part of her despised this thought. Why should she have to sacrifice a healthy love life just because she was having a baby? It was all too much and it gave her a migraine. Sonia searched through her bag for a Panadol and popped a pill, swallowing it with the help of some water and waited for the voices, and the pain, to cease. That's when she heard a small knocking at the door.

"Sonia? Sonia, can I come in?" Knuckles asked softly as he gently swung open the door.

"Hey," Sonia smiled sweetly and nodded.

"How are you feeling?" he asked caringly.

"I've got a pretty bad migraine," Sonia admitted. "Everything has just been so confusing. Thanks for being patient with me and being so cool with all this."

"Of course," Knuckles sat beside her and placed a hand on hers. "I'm here for you, whatever you need. You know that." He kissed her forehead gingerly.

"I'm sorry about all this."

"Hey, hey, it's not your fault. Who would have guessed that Espio would turn out to be the father. Life is cruel that way."

"It's just so chaotic. I'm struggling with my thoughts."

"If you need anything just let me know. I won't force you to decide, and if you decide that it would be best if you and Espio wanted to raise the kid that's fine. I don't want to, but I'll leave if you ask." Sonia could see the pain and regret in Knuckles' eye, but he knew it was the right thing to do.

"Kiss me," Sonia whispered.

"What?"

"Kiss me. Before you regret it." Knuckles smiled and pressed his lips against hers.

"Sorry, am I interrupting something?" a third voice ruined the kiss. Knuckles pulled apart and they looked towards the door to see Espio standing there.

"No, it's fine. Please, come in," Sonia asked. Espio flashed Knuckles an apologetic look.

"Why are you here?" Knuckles asked. He tried to hide the bitterness from his voice but his frustration was palpable.

"U-um," Espio stuttered, taken aback by the reception. "I just wanted to say that you two shouldn't let me get between you. You guys were happy and dating and no news about the father should let me get between you."

"But Espio–"

"Wait, please let me finish," Espio interrupted Sonia. "I don't care if you really love him and want him to help you raise our… your baby. I just ask that you let me be apart of their life. Maybe like the distant uncle or just a family friend, you don't even have to tell them I'm their father. I just want a part of their life."

"Of course, Espio. I couldn't imagine not letting you be a part of it," Sonia assured. Espio smiled his thanks, apologized again and backed away.

"What was that?" Sonia asked.

"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to sound so bitter," Knuckles said.

"It was a bit immature. Look, thanks for coming, but I'd like to be alone right now to gather my thoughts."

"Totally. I'll leave you to it," Knuckles jumped to his feet and made his way to the door. He paused. "Just remember, if you need anything I'm only a phone call away."

"I know. And thank you, for everything." Knuckles smiled and closed the door behind him.

…

To say Mighty was confused would be an understatement. He'd tried to spend the day studying and memorizing all the quotes he needed to put in his English essay but the information wouldn't stick. There were two more important things occupying his mind.

Firstly, Clove. Mighty couldn't believe that he had been a father; would have been a father. He didn't even know. He didn't have a chance to even be happy, or sad, or feel anything at all. Clove never gave him a chance. He lay awake last night thinking about what could have been. He wondered what his son might have been like, and how it might have felt to hold him. Would he have had Mighty's eyes? Mighty knew the two of them would have been best friends. He decided he liked the name Flynn. Flynn the armadillo, or maybe he would have been a pronghorn. Mighty wouldn't have minded.

He pictured his possible future. Ten years from now Mighty would be driving Flynn to school, and Mighty would drop him off and he'd tell his friends that his dad was cool-ish. He'd host sleep overs for Flynn and his friends, he'd take Flynn to see the new Space Fight movies. They'd play in the park until the sun was gone, and have late night movie marathons in their pajamas. Mighty would teach Flynn how to play guitar, and give him advice about girls, and take him on skiing trips… And holding Flynn's little hands.

Mighty knew they would have been best friends. But that future is gone now. Taken away without a thought. He just wish he was told, but that can't happen. Not now, and not ever. Because, secondly, Cream.

Maybe Mighty could have grown old with Cream. They'd travel the world and fall in love and have a baby that they could call their own. But not anymore. Cream hated Mighty. He didn't know why, but she wanted to forget all about him. He thought he was really getting somewhere with her. He thought he had finally been able to move on from Clove and Ray and the sadness that those two had brought him, but alas, he couldn't.

Mighty couldn't study. So he didn't. He got up and went for a walk to clear his head. He trotted off through the winding forest path and down to the small babbling brook. He kept walking until he got to a small clearing – one Mighty thought nobody knew about but seemed to be a popular destination at the school. He took a seat in the shade and watched the clouds float high above him. That's when he heard somebody approaching.

"Who's there?" Mighty asked in a daze.

"S-sorry. I didn't think anybody would be here," a familiar, apologetic voice rang out through the silence in the clearing. Ray strode out of the tree line and took a step closer. The wind blew across the divide between the two.

"What… what are you doing here?" Mighty asked as he sat up on his knees.

"I couldn't stop thinking about what Clove did, and the secret she kept from me… from us," Ray admitted. He took another step closer but paused and rubbed his wrist nervously, looking everywhere but at Mighty.

"C'mon," Mighty sighed as he pet the dewy grass beside him. "Come sit." Ray obliged.

"You came here too?"

"Of course. This was out spot."

"We had a lot of spots, didn't we?"

"Yeah, we did indeed," Mighty chuckled lightly.

"There were a lot of things we called 'ours'," Ray smiled.

"I guess we have been friends forever."

"Best friends," Ray corrected.

"Do you remember when we were little," Mighty began reminiscing fondly. "We would teach each other how to read."

"Yeah, I remember we read those Deltora books together. You loved them."

"So did you."

"You said you wanted to move to that land when we grew up."

"And I got mad at you when you said it wasn't a real place and I couldn't," Mighty smiled.

"We made a good pair, you and I. When I was struggling with some of the words you'd help me out," Ray said.

"And you always seemed to know the words that I didn't."

"Or remember when our mother's took us to swimming classes together on Wednesday afternoons back at the local pool?"

"With Virgil?" Mighty could recall their tall swimming instructor with the acne-covered face.

"I always hated him."

"No, he was the best."

"That's because he liked you. You were always the best at swimming."

"I really took to water, didn't I?"

"Yeah, but whenever Virgil got frustrated with me because I was struggling you pretended to drown so he would lay off and get distracted saving you."

"I think he knew I was pretending, but he must have found it endearing or something, for whatever reason," Mighty laughed.

"You always were a good swimmer," Ray remembered.

"But you were the best when it came to land," Mighty pointed out. "You were the best long-distance runner at our school."

"Still am," Ray puffed his chest jokingly.

"When we did cross-country you could have easily come first every time, but you always slowed down to run with me and we'd finish near the back because I was shit at long distance."

"You were a much better sprinter."

"I was alright."

"Our P.E teacher would always get angry at me because he knew that I could be the best," Ray mused.

"I think that's why he hated me," Mighty joked.

"Remember the skiing trips? You'd always be there to pick up the pieces when I fell."

"And you'd always fall with me if I had a stack trying to perfect that three-sixty because you felt bad that I couldn't quite get it."

"You never did get it, but you were too stubborn to quit trying."

"Nothing's changed," Mighty beamed a goofy smile.

"And remember when we decided we wanted to take up roller blading?"

"I think I lasted a week."

"You couldn't make it two feet without falling."

"Men were not meant to be on wheels. We have feet and toes for a reason!" Mighty complained.

"Sure, sure, whatever you say," Ray rolled his eyes in a light-hearted, sarcastic way.

"And remember all the sleep overs?"

"There were so many. Pretty much every weekend."

"Every single weekend," Mighty affirmed.

"We'd stay up and talk about music," Ray added.

"And movies."

"And school."

"And friends."

"And girls."

"You were so happy for me when I told you I finally worked up the courage to ask Clove out. You… you were so supportive…" Mighty trailed off. Ray didn't say anything more. There it was. Just saying that name suddenly widened the divide that the two had been bridging. Mighty's thoughts instantly trailed back to his unborn baby.

"I'm sorry. I should go," Mighty said quickly.

"W-wait," Ray called out. "You… you don't have to go."

"I do. I'm sorry. Goodbye, Ray." Mighty fled without another word, leaving Ray alone in the clearing by himself. Ray grumbled to himself in frustration and flung himself hopelessly back against the grass. He watched the clouds above him, trying to make faces or images out of the clouds to look for a sign. For anything.

"Chaos," Ray whispered to the heavens. "It's Ray. I know I've never really tried to reach out to you. Heck, I don't even know if I believe in you, but I'm desperate and it's worth a shot. Give me a sign. Something. Anything. I don't know what to do. If you are real then please, help me out." But nothing happened. The day continued on like normal, and Ray continued to lie in that clearing and watch the clouds roll on by.

…

"Manic, are you sure this is such a good idea?" Mari-Su asked incredulously as her nerves began to get the better of her.

"It is. Trust me. I know about shitty parents, but there's something about you that I trust," Manic replied with a tilted smile. The student and the older woman stood waiting outside the main assembly hall that had been set up with rows and rows of desks for the examinations. Manic knew Julie would use the whole two hours she was allocated to sit her exam and figured this was the perfect time to ambush her.

"Thanks. You know, I don't think I ever did properly thank you for everything you've done to help me reconcile with my Julie. I don't even know you, but you've been on my side since the beginning. How come?" Mari asked.

"Honestly, I just don't want Julie to go through the same thing I had to go through with my father," Manic explained.

"You never mentioned him before."

"That's because I wanted nothing to do with him. He really screwed over our family. Originally when I first heard about Julie and you I thought you were just the same type of selfish person but when you explained yourself to me… I don't know, I just found myself believing it. I don't want Julie to have to go through what me and my siblings went through."

"There's more to it though, isn't there?" Mari probed. Manic rose his eyebrows.

"How did you know?"

"A mother always knows. Something changed, didn't it?"

"My father… he came back into my life."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"I thought it would be, but he's really trying to show me how sorry he is and I think he's genuinely trying to repent for the past. I can see the same thing in you. And if I'm giving my father a chance, I think Julie should give you a chance, too."

"You're quite the little gentleman," Mari laughed as she gave Manic a quick hug of appreciation.

"What the fuck is going on here?" a stark and surprised voice perforated the silence. Mari jumped apart from Manic and the two whipped their heads to the thick wooden doors where a surprised girl with a judgmental scowl glared back at them.

"Julie, darling, we've been waiting for you," Mari-Su stepped forward.

"Not another step," Julie-Su warned. "I don't want you anywhere near me, or my friends!"

"I was just–"

"I'll deal with you in a bit," Julie pointed at Manic, silencing him before he could explain himself.

"Please, Julie, I've made some mistakes in the past," Julie rolled her eyes. "Okay, I've made a lot of mistakes in the past, but I've come here to try and fix things. I'm still your mother and I still love you. You just need to let me prove it to you."

"I think you already proved to me exactly what kind of person you are," Julie hissed. "I did some research. I wondered why you came here, to the middle of nowhere, when you could have just seen me when I get back to the city in a couple weeks."

"Because I wanted to see you."

"Me, or the priceless gems?" Mari faltered slightly.

"What are you talking about?"

"The seven September gems. Ever heard of them?"

"Of course I have. They're quite beautiful… and expensive," Mari controlled herself. "But I don't see what that has to do with you and me."

"They are currently on display in Westopolis, and soon they will be transported to the new exhibit in Central City. And guess which road the armored car will have to drive down late at night? The one that goes right passed our secluded school!" Julie accused as she pointed at the road just beyond the parking lot on the other side of the row of trees.

"And you think I'm only here to rob a moving, heavily armed vehicle? All by myself? Julie, you've been watching far too many heist movies," Mari scoffed.

"Give up the ruse, mother. I'm not falling for it. I've spent too long hoping you'd change. You had your chance. It's too late!" Julie began to get worked up. Hot, angry tears stained her eyes as her voice grew louder and more aggressive. "My whole childhood you never cared about me. You used me and abandoned me and you don't get to come back now after I've grown up and expect me to forgive you just like that! You blew it. Now get out of here."

"But, Julie, I–"

"I said get the fuck out of here!" Julie screamed. Mari took the hint and slunk away, ignoring Manic's pleas to stay. Julie stood steadfast, breathing heavily with clenched fists. She dried her furious eyes with the hem of her shirt and turned her attention to Manic. She stomped up to him like a warrior ready for battle. She poked him in the chest. "And you."

"Listen, Julie, I really think you should give her a chance."

"No, I really think I shouldn't. I don't know the specifics of what you, Sonia and Sonic went through but Sonia has said about how her father is reaching out. That's all well and good for you but that's your family. Mine is different. Mine isn't as stable, and that's saying something. So, please, if you have any respect for me and our friendship you'll drop this and walk away. Understood?"

"Understood. I'm sorry," Manic dropped his head and said nothing more as Julie pushed past him scurried to the bathroom to gather herself.

…

Depressed and downtrodden, Amy Rose scrolled through social media on her laptop in bed. Ever since her book was released her accounts were swarmed with negative messages and trolls. She couldn't bear to go onto her website because she couldn't take the criticism. She hated herself for getting emotional and changing the final few chapters of her novel just to spite Sonic and Manic.

Eventually she worked up the courage to stop by her website to scan the next wave of abusive comments and negative reviews when something surprised her. The newest ones were all positive. Not only that, but they all had the same through line.

I had originally posted about my utter distaste for the end of the book but since seeing the updated version that's been making the rounds I need to amend my rating. 4/5

I'm so glad Amy has shown herself to be an author that listens to fans and retroactively goes back to fix her mistake. I'm considering recommending this novel to my friends now. 4/5

Still not the next big series, but I do have to admit the author's updated version is a big step up in quality. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending. 3/5

Amy couldn't believe her eyes. Everyone was praising her book but she couldn't understand why. She did some digging and came across and anonymous post claiming to be her that updated her novel in full; but with the original ending. Immediately Amy knew who was behind this. Only one other person, apart from Zouge. Amy quickly scooped up her phone and dialed.

"Hello," a cheery voice answered from the other end. Amy smiled. It had been a while since she had heard that voice filled with such happiness.

"Sally… hey," Amy said somewhat hesitantly. "How have you been?"

"Oh, Amy, this is a surprise. I don't think we've spoken since you tried to ask about…" Sally trailed off as her mind wandered to Tommy. She shook the thought of him out of her head and put on a brave face. "What can I do for you?"

"I wanted to say thank you."

"For what?"

"I found the ending you posted online."

"I have no idea what you're on about," Sally smiled, and though Amy couldn't see it she could hear it in Sally's voice.

"You were the only person who had a copy of the original book. I should have listened to you when you told me to publish the first version. Everybody loves it," Amy cheered.

"I told you they would! Despite our history I wanted everybody to see the genius that I saw."

"I don't deserve this second chance, and I don't deserve what you've done for me. Especially not after how I treated you and how things between us ended."

"I have to admit we don't have the best past, but I've been thinking a lot about you recently," Sally began.

"Sally, please, I have to stop you right there. I'm not–"

"Not in that way," Sally rolled her eyes through a jovial laugh. "I'm happy with Julie, and you've got Manic. I meant about what happened when we broke up."

"You mean when you overheard me talking about my feelings towards Sonic?" Amy sighed.

"No. Well, yes, but no. You spoke the truth when we broke up. You said how you mistook friendship for feelings and wanted to give us a try. It didn't amount to anything because you weren't into girls. That's cool, but when you asked me to stay friends I turned you down because I was hurt. I liked you in a way you could never like me and it took me some time to get over you."

"But you are now?" Amy asked as she leant back on her pillow and put Sally on speaker.

"I definitely am now," Sally confirmed.

"Wow. You don't have to be a dick about it."

"But don't you like dicks?"

"Wow, okay, is that how we're going to play it?" Amy tried to sound offended but the two girls burst into laughter.

"I missed this," Sally sighed when she gathered her composure.

"Me too," Amy admitted.

"Apart from Sonic, you and Tikal were my first real friends when I moved to Central City and you always had my back. I'm sorry I pushed you away but I wanted to make amends."

"You had nothing to be sorry about. I was the bitch, not you. I'm the one who should be apologizing?"

"How about we're both sorry?"

"Deal," Amy agreed. Then, she continued tentatively. "So, are we friends again?"

"I'd like to be. I missed these chats over the phone and gossiping about others."

"Oh, you want some gossip? Wait until I tell you about Espio and Sonia."

"Espio and Sonia? Wasn't Sonia seeing Knuckles?"

"That's the best bit! Come over and I'll tell you more," Amy invited.

"I'll be there in five," Sally said as she hung up. Amy smiled as she placed the phone on her bedside table and slipped her laptop back underneath her bed while she waited for her new, old friend.

…

Silver roamed the hallways in somewhat of a daze. His mind was spinning quicker than his brain could decipher his thoughts. Emotions collided together, all swirling around Fiona Fox. He tried to block out the intrusions but they only came storming back stronger and more distracting. He couldn't run from them any longer. He needed to face them and silence them once and for all, and he knew just the person that could help him.

"Scourge!" Silver called out as he sprinted up to the taller, leaner boy in the black leather jacket. Scourge was propped up against the locker with a cigarette in his mouth. He looked down at Silver from over his sunglasses and pushed off the wall.

"Hey Silver, what's up?" Scourge greeted him casually as he took a drag and blew a plume of thick smoke up into the air.

"Are you smoking?" Silver gaped.

"What gave you that insight, Einstein?" Scourge mocked.

"You can't do that in here. We're inside."

"So what? It's not like anybody is gonna do anything about it."

"But the fire alarms–"

"Haven't had their batteries changed since they died in this hallway," Scourge finished Silver's thought as he pointed to the small circular devices clinging to the wall. The red light that is always on to indicate safety was noticeably dull.

"Still," Silver rolled his eyes.

"Hey, you came to me so did you want to ask me something or did you just want to judge me?"

"Sorry, I did need your advice… about Fiona," Silver admitted.

"You want advice about Fiona. Stay away from her and if she tries to talk to you then run the other way," Scourge replied.

"That's just it. I can't. I think I might like her." Scourge choked on some smoke and let out a fit of coughs. Silver pet him on the back to ease his pain.

"Did I just hear you right?" Scourge asked as he gathered his composure and immediately took another drag of his cigarette.

"Yep. I'm a mess," Silver sighed.

"And what makes you think you like Fiona, of all people?"

"Well the first time we had sex I thought it was just a drunken mistake but–" Silver, again, was interrupted more of Scourge's coughs. He couldn't believe the words that were coming out of Silver's mouth.

"The first time?!" Scourge couldn't take any more surprises, at risk of suffocation, and instead pressed the glowing end of his cigarette against the wall and twisted it until its light was extinguished in smoke and ash. It left a black mark.

"You really shouldn't deface school property like that."

"Fuck that! We're talking about you and Fiona. What do you mean the first time?"

"Her and I have had sex. Twice. I just can't help myself. And yesterday she came up to me saying she wanted to talk about us and that she thinks she might actually like me," Silver explained.

"She's lying."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I know her. She'll say whatever to get her way and either she's just using you for sex of she has some ulterior motive. Knowing her she's devising some big plan to get back at someone and she needs you on her side."

"I don't know. It just felt different. I wanted to believe her but after she got run out of the cafeteria last night I looked into her eyes and she looked genuinely hurt."

"That was hilarious," Scourge held his sides as he howled with laughter. "I really have to give it to Espio and the other fags, he knows how to put on a show."

"Hey, those 'fags' are my friends. Don't call them that."

"Since when? You always hated Espio."

"Still. You really shouldn't be calling people nasty names. That and the smoking indoors. I thought you were changing."

"I'm sick of having this fucking chat with you, Silver. We agreed you'd stop trying to change me and accept me for me," Scourge hissed through bared teeth.

"I know, but you were changing all on your own. Don't think I didn't see how you stood up for Wave at the cafeteria the other day when Lien was targeting her. You were like a little knight in shining armour," Silver smirked.

"Your walking a fine line, Hedgehog," Scourge warned. "And how did we suddenly get on the topic of me. We were talking about you and Fiona, and how it should never, ever happen!"

"Why shouldn't it? What if she really has changed?"

"You always wanna see the good in people, and I respect the hell out of you for it, but some people are just rotten."

"I don't believe that for a second," Silver protested. "Just look at you. I got through to you."

"I'm different. I'm not entirely bitter."

"But–"

"Look," Scourge interrupted. "It's up to you. It's your life and it will be your funeral." With that, Scourge pushed past Silver and didn't bother looking back. He only stopped in his tracks when he came face to face with the person the two of them were just arguing about.

"Scourge, can we talk?" Fiona asked tentatively.

"Absolutely not. I've got nothing to say to you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go see Rouge," Scourge grumbled without making eye contact.

"Wait!" Fiona called out as she grabbed his shoulder. He let out a growl as he swiveled around, grasped her wrist and twisted it. Fiona winced in pain as she retracted her arm.

"Don't touch me," Scourge warned. "You don't get the right to do that anymore."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean," Fiona lashed out, changing her tone at the flip of a switch. "Don't act like it was my fault things between us ended badly. You dumped me because you got bored of waiting for me to get out of prison, then got mad at me when I got with Void because he was there to protect me when you ran away like a coward."

"Whatever," Scourge rolled his eyes and got ready to storm off when she touched him again on the shoulder, but this time it was gentle and weak. He could feel her body tremble as she reached out. Scourge furrowed his brow and peered into her eyes.

"Please, Scourge," Fiona begged as her gaze met his. His eyes shifted from angered and guarded to soft and curious. He could see her pain and anxiety and a strange vulnerability he'd never seen in her eyes before. For once in his life when he looked at her he couldn't tell what she was feeling. There was something in there, something new, but he couldn't put his finger on what. Was it… love?

"You… you really do like him?" Scourge softened under her touch.

"I think I do. I don't know. I'm trying to turn over a new leaf. I don't want to leave this school being the most hated student. I've wronged so many people, and I can't be forgiven, I know that, but I at least want to try to make amends. I've seen the kind of person my mother is firsthand and I don't want to become that."

"If you continue down this path, that's exactly where it will end."

"It's funny, really," Fiona mused. "Of all people I wouldn't think I'd be having this kind of talk with you. You hate me."

"And you me. But we share two big similarities."

"And what are they?"

"We both have really shitty parents, and we both care about Silver." Scourge thought for a moment and, for the first time in a long time, smiled at Fiona without a hint of malice of bitterness. "I'll talk to him for you, but you better not screw him around of you'll be answering to me and my fist."

"I'd like to see you try to take me," Fiona bit back, finding some of her trademark fire in the pit of her belly. "But thanks, Scourge, this means a lot."

…

Bean's room was dark. The lights were off and the curtains were half closed. Only a thin beam of sunlight streamed through the crack to partially light the room. Espio sat beside Bean on his bed. His roommates were out. The two of them sat together in silence. It wasn't an awkward silence. It was a silence filled with the knowledge that both of them were content in each other's presence without the space needing to be filled with words. However, there was one thing weighing on them.

"Hey, Bean," Espio finally broke the silence with a timid, raspy voice.

"Yeah, Espio?" Bean said equally as quiet.

"Can we talk about, y'know, what happened at the hospital yesterday?"

"Nothing happened," Bean pointed out.

"I know, but something almost did."

"Oh… you mean how we almost…" Bean trailed off.

"Kissed," Espio finished his thought. "Yeah."

"What do you want to know?" Bean tried to shake it off like it was nothing. "I was scared and worried for you and feelings were muddled and we both just got swept up in the moment."

"No," Espio said firmly. "That would be a nice, easy answer, but it was more than that. Much more. You can't say you don't feel it too."

"I do," Bean admitted. "But it can't happen."

"Why not?" Espio asked, his body shaking. He wanted Bean, he knew he did, but something was holding him back.

"Because of Sonia."

"Just because we share a kid doesn't mean I need to be with her. What if I want to be with you instead?"

"Don't say that," Bean bit his lip. "It's already hard enough to stand by. Don't make it any harder by saying something you'll regret."

"Why are you making this difficult?" Espio protested. "I don't regret saying this. I've regretted a lot of things in my life but not this. We almost kissed, that wasn't an accident. We both clearly want it, so why are you making up excuses now?"

"Because of Sonia," Bean repeated.

"Our kid shouldn't stand in the way of our happiness."

"I didn't say because of your child. I said because of Sonia."

"What does that mean?" Espio needed a better answer. This wasn't good enough.

"You love Sonia."

"I–"

"Don't argue with me," Bean interrupted. "You do and I know you do. I can see it in your eyes. I see the way you change when you're around her. I see that way your spirits lift when she walks into the room. I can see the way you look at her. You love her, and you have a kid with her. I can't stand in the way of that."

"What if I want you to stand in the way of it?"

"Please don't make this any harder than it needs to be."

"At least you know how I felt when you met Techno," Espio sighed. Bean looked down at his shoes. Espio placed his thumb underneath Beans chin and lifted it up so they were looking at each other. "Are you sure?" Bean wanted to protest. He begged himself to call out and take Espio for himself, but he knew the truth. Espio was still hung up on him because of the past, but he knew how Espio really felt.

"Yes," Bean sighed. "We're not kids anymore. We've both fallen in love since our silly little sleep overs. You and I just wouldn't work out. I think you should give Sonia a chance." Espio didn't reply, so Bean continued. "Who cares how I feel anyway? You waited ages for me so I can wait for you. And hey, if Sonia does turn out to be the love of your life then I'm happy for you. If not, oh well, maybe then we could give us a try. Who knows what the future may hold but, for now, I think you should be with Sonia and be there for your kid."

"Thanks Bean, I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything. Just go show Sonia how much you care about her."

"I love you," Espio finally admitted out loud.

"And I love you too," Bean smiled.

"You should kiss me."

"What?" Bean gasped, and his face flushed red.

"Kiss me," Espio repeated. "If you don't do it now then you'll regret it forever." Bean's eyes grew wide, but slowly softened with realization. He wanted to; he really did. It took all his strength to resist giving into his urges and doing what Espio said.

"No," Bean swallowed, forcing the words out.

"No?"

"That would be unfair to both of us, and it would be unfair to Sonia. Best not knowing what could have been," Bean offered a fake, sad smile. "Thanks for the talk, Espio, but you and I are best friends and nothing more. I enjoyed this talk, but let's just do something dumb and fun next time, okay?"

"Okay," Espio said. With that, Espio jumped off Bean's bed and made his way to the door, pausing when he got to the handle. He spun on his heels and crossed back over to Bean. He grabbed Bean's hand and hoisted off the bed. Before Bean had a moment to protest Espio closed his eyes and crashed his lips against Bean's. Bean only fought it for a split second before he gave himself to the kiss completely and, for a few glorious seconds, they finally found peace with each other.

"That… that was…" Bean cleared his throat when Espio pulled away after what felt like eons.

"Sorry," Espio apologized, "but I've spent the past couple years regretting not ever doing that. I'm not going to spend the rest of my life wondering what it would feel like."

"I… I don't know what to say."

"I do. Thank you, Bean, you're the best friend a guy could ask for." This time when Espio smiled it wasn't weak, but a strong sure smile. He knew their friendship could stand any test. If they could overcome Fiona and her tricks, the two of them could overcome anything. "I'll see you around."

"You too, Es," Bean smiled back, equally as enthusiastically. "Now go get her!"

…

The music blared loudly as the band serenated the jumping, jostling crowd with their favourites songs. The stadium was packed, with people crammed in like sardines, rubbing shoulders and stepping on each other's toes. Thousands of people streamed up and down the stairs in an uninterrupted flow of lightly-coloured shirts.

However, underneath all the glitz and the glamour of the stadium was a less well-known world. A maze of tunnels and corridors connected beneath like a labyrinth, some even big enough to drive a car through. It was easy to get lost in the crowds above, but it was even easier below to get sucked up in the never-ending maze. And yet, Claire navigated it like an expert.

There were few signs, but Claire always had impeccable direction. She scurried through all the twists and turns until she found her way underneath everything and ascending a small staircase up to the backstage area where the technical help and pyrotechnics were waiting with bated breath to keep the concert running to their carefully laid plans.

Claire scanned the crowd. She knew exactly who she was looking for. She had done her research and knew that, of the many people today, there was one stagehand that had been working at a certain concert put on over the break. That's when she saw him, the tall wolf in the black cap. He matched the picture she'd been given. Without missing a beat she slipped across the floor and crept up on him.

"Are you Whisper the Wolf?" Claire asked.

"Yeah, what's it to you?" Whisper responded coldly.

"I need to speak to you."

"Look, lady, if you couldn't tell we are in the middle of a performance and I'm pretty busy."

"It will only take a few moments," Claire insisted.

"Not now. Leave me alone," Whisper snapped as he brushed her away. Claire clicked her tongue in annoyance, took a breath and replaced her scowl with a smile. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a wad of notes stuck together with a rubber band. She slapped it into his hand.

"Maybe this will change your mind." Whisper looked at it with wide eyes, quickly thumbed the cash and pocketed it.

"Okay, two minutes, what do you want?"

"A few months ago Espio the Chameleon played here, correct?"

"Yep. I helped oversee the concert."

"Perfect. Those are the exact words I needed to hear," Claire smirked. "I've been doing some digging and I'm following a lead. You wouldn't happen to see what he was doing backstage before he came on to do his set?"

"Of course. I never let the performers out of my sight while they are up here."

"Good. You wouldn't happen to see him with a woman named Gold?" Whisper shrugged. "Long ears, golden skin, a middle-sized tenrec?" Claire clarified.

"Rings a bell. I think I saw her. Why? She important to you?"

"Not to me, but I think she might've been important to him. Tell me, did you see him do anything with her?"

"Actually, now that you think about it…" Whisper trailed off as he casted his mind back. He clicked his fingers. "Yes! I remember now. They were backstage and Espio was with a bunch of groupies but he ran away from them and into her arms. I'm pretty sure they kissed." Claire smiled devilishly. Just the news she needed to hear. She was glad her lead proved fruitful and wasn't just another dead end like the last venue she investigated.

"Thank you," Claire replied politely. "You wouldn't happen to have any proof, would you?"

"Sorry ma'am, I only have my word. But, I swear on my mother's grave, I saw the two of them…" Whisper trailed off as Claire, without another word, turned and sauntered away from him like she didn't care what else he had to say. "Well, that was rude."

…

The night was still young, the moon had barely crept up over the row of trees that encircled the campus. Nack had to be careful. Word about his little game nights were getting out and already he saw Ash stalking around the grounds at night with flashlight in hand. He had to be more careful. He knew the one time the coast would be clear would be while everybody else was in the cafeteria eating dinner. Nack made sure to text everybody to get food early and meet him inside the dilapidated, forgotten shed at seven thirty sharp. Ash wasn't going to catch him.

Nack glanced down at his watch. Seven thirty-five. He looked up at his guests that joined him around the table. It was the usual bunch. Honey, Storm, Rouge and one of their newer invitees, Infinite. But not Cosmo. Not the one person he wanted to see.

"What's the hold up, Nacky?" Honey cooed.

"Yeah, you said seven thirty sharp, and we got here sharp," Storm complained. "Now come on, deal us a hand. I'm ready to win back my forty bucks you took from me last week."

"Fine, fine, let's begin," Nack admitted defeat as he began shuffling the deck. Rouge let out a relieved sigh as she felt her shoulders relax. She was glad. Cosmo made the right choice. Jet was just being paranoid. Then, she heard a voice from the doorway.

"S-sorry I'm late," a shy voice made Rouge tense up. Cosmo was standing in the doorway. Nack's eyes lit up.

"Nonsense. We were only just about to start."

"Last time I was late he let me have it," Storm vented his frustration.

"Don't worry Storm. Girls get special treatment. That's just the way it's supposed to be."

"But that's not fair."

"I'll show you just how fair it is later tonight," Honey purred and rubbed her hand against his thigh.

"Enough you two. Keep it in your pants," Nack snapped, before turning like a dime back to his smiling, charming self as he coerced Cosmo over to a chair next to him.

"Nack," Cosmo began. "If I play, can I get the chance to win my necklace back from you."

"Of course."

"Then I'm in."

"Cosmo…" Rouge piped up cautiously. "Are you sure you want to do this."

"Rouge…" Nack warned.

"I need to do this. I need to win back my necklace," Cosmo said with determination.

"Good. Then let's play," Nack dealt out the cards.

The minutes faded into hours and the night grew long as the group played poker, celebrating their wins and fuming over their loses. Eventually Infinite called it a night and Storm and Honey retreated back to his dorm room to do a different kind of extra-curricular activity. Then it was only Rouge, Cosmo and Nack left.

"Are you sure you want to stay, Rouge?" Nack said as he took the last of her money. "I think you really should walk away."

"You're right," Rouge let herself fall back in defeat. "I had you last week but I have to admit you've beaten me fair and square tonight."

"So I'll see you tomorrow," Nack waved her away.

"Oh, I don't think so," Rouge refused to budge. "I'm not going anywhere. I wanna see how this all plays out." Rouge had to admit she was exhausted, and she knew she had a textbook calling her name on her desk, but she'd promised Jet she would stay and keep an eye on Cosmo. And if Rouge could read people, which she could, she knew Cosmo was getting desperate.

"Three Queens," Nack winked as he took the last of Cosmo's money. "Looks like I win again. You can't out bluff me, Cosmo."

"Wait, please, I can't lose. Just… just one more game," Cosmo begged.

"You have no more money. And you didn't bring anything else of value."

"But what if I did."

"What could you possibly have that you can bet?" Nack set the bait and laid the trap.

"This," Cosmo said as she pulled out a small stuffed animal; it was the love puppy. Nack feigned ignorance and furrowed his brow in confusion.

"What's that?"

"It's called a love puppy. You want something with value, right? Well, my boyfriend gave me this as a present. It's a representation of our love. I think that's good enough to match you betting my necklace, right?" Cosmo put everything on the line. She needed to get it back. She'd lied to Jet about curbing her addiction and she'd lied to him about not continuing her secret games with Nack. She'd lied so much that she even lost the beautiful gift he gave her and then lied to him about where it was. She knew he would keep asking about it until she showed him she had it. It was now or never. If she wanted to save her relationship then she needed to win it back here and now.

"I guess that will suffice," Nack grinned a greedy, conniving grin. She took the bait. He noticed Rouge's glare and winked at her as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the necklace that Jet had given Cosmo. "Rouge, if you wouldn't mind, could you deal 'em?"

"Whatever," Rouge grunted as she snatched the deck and gave them both two cards. Cosmo looked at her hand and her heart sank. A two-seven off suit. The worst type of hand.

"You look distraught," Nack pointed out. "Want to just give up now?"

"Not a chance," Cosmo fought back determinedly. "Flip them." Rouge flipped the first three cards and, to Cosmo's complete shock, it was two sevens and a five. She had three of a kind.

"Something you like?" Nack pointed out, noticing the glint in her eye. "You really can't bluff."

"Average hand," Cosmo commented as Rouge turned the next card over. It was king. Not what she wanted. She could feel her heat beat faster in her chest.

"Getting nervous?"

"You wish. Flip the last one," Cosmo commanded. Her heart soared as Rouge flipped over the last card to reveal the two of spades. She had a full house.

"What have you got?" Rouge asked.

"Read 'em and weep," Cosmo displayed her hand confidently. "Full house. Looks like I win the necklace." Cosmo reached over to grab her prize when Nack put a hand on hers and stopped her in her tracks.

"Not so fast," he tutted. "You were close, but still you just can't beat me." Nack slapped his cards down and sat back, drowning in his victory. Cosmo's heart sank as she looked at his cards. A king and a seven.

"No…"

"Full house, sevens over kings. Sorry Cosmo, but he wins," Rouge said in a monotone voice.

"No," Cosmo repeated in disbelief.

"Thanks for the love puppy, Cosmo. I'll put it on my desk and every time I look at it I'll think of you," Nack gloated.

"No."

"Anyway," he yawned as he stood up and pocketed his money and took the necklace and the stuffed animal. "It's getting late and we all have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Good night," Nack cackled as he pushed open the creaky door and disappeared into the night. Rouge didn't know what to say. She slid off her chair and walked around to kneel next to Cosmo and place a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you alright, Cosmo?" Rouge asked sympathetically. Although, she'd be lying if she said Cosmo didn't deserve what she got.

"…No."

…

Another day passed by and once again it was dinner time in the cafeteria. The usually raucous students thinned out as each day passed and more and more of them were deciding to skip meals in favour of ramen noodles and late night study sessions. However, some students still enjoyed to kick back and relax with a hot meal with their school mates. Thankfully, Sally was one of these people as she continued to work through her body dysmorphia and forced herself to eat with her friends.

"Next week," Blaze said plainly as she pushed her vegetables around on her plate with a fork.

"I'm not ready," Sally wailed. "There's so much I still don't know."

"Babe, chill, you'll do great," Julie soothed her with a calming hand across her back. "You're one of the smartest people I know."

"You too, Blaze," Sonic added.

"What exam are you most worried about?" Sally asked their small group.

"Chemistry, I think," Blaze admitted. "I just can't wrap my head around the formulas."

"Definitely history for me," Julie announced.

"Mathematics. I'm crap at numbers," Sonic shrugged. "What about you, Sal?"

"For me I think it would have to be…" Sally trailed off as she noticed someone pushing through the crowds. They were coming straight for their table.

"Fiona," Blaze grunted.

"Blaze," Fiona nodded when she finally reached the table. Her gaze shifted to Sally. "Sally."

"Ahem," Julie cleared her throat.

"And you two as well," Fiona rolled her eyes. "Do you guys mind leaving for a second so I can talk to Sally and Blaze privately?"

"Fat chance," Sonic laughed.

"This doesn't involve you two."

"Anything you need to say to them you can say to us," Julie stood firm.

"It's okay," Sally offered a nervous smile.

"We'll be fine. Can you guys go grab some desserts from the ice-cream bar?" Blaze asked.

"Alright, but I don't like this," Sonic ground his teeth.

"Just flash us a look if you need us to come back."

"I will," Julie gave Sally a kiss as she got up to leave, Sonic following close behind.

"Alright," they turned their attention back to Fiona. "What do you want?"

"Another scheme?" Blaze asked.

"More humiliation?" Sally hissed.

"No. None of that," Fiona began. "I just wanted to come here to apologize." There was silence for a moment before the two girls burst out into laughter.

"That's good," Sally dried a tear from her eye.

"You almost had me going there for a second."

"I'm being serious," Fiona huffed with folded arms. "I've really fucked with both of you over the course of the year. Apart from Espio I targeted you two more than most. I'm trying to change my tone and I can't do that without repentance."

"You want repentance? Then you can repent the fuck away from us," Sally bit back, but even Blaze openly cringed.

"Not your finest," she shook her head. "But, Fiona, sorry if we find that hard to believe. The last time you faked repentance was at the dance when you tricked me to win formal queen."

"I know, I know. I've lied a lot and I've done nothing to expect you to forgive me but I'm being honest. Can you ever forgive me?" Sally and Blaze exchanged a weary glance before, again, Fiona was met with only laughter.

"I don't care what you say, Fiona, but we'll never forgive you."

"Besides, this is probably just a trick to find some leverage now that year twelve is coming to a close and you want something to use against us when school ends," Blaze added.

"That's not it, I swear."

"I don't care," Blaze grit her teeth. She was getting annoyed. "You tried and we aren't listening. Now, you should leave before you embarrass yourself." Fiona tried to bite her tongue but no matter how hard she tried she just couldn't resist retaliating against a threat.

"Are you trying to threaten me, pussy cat?" Fiona warned, falling back into her old ways. "You forgave Silver pretty quickly and he cheated on you. Although I guess I can't blame you, he was great in bed."

"Oh, you want to take it there," Blaze stood. Fiona copied her.

"No, not here, let's take it outside."

"Blaze, seriously, calm d–"

"Stay out of it," Blaze hissed, knocking Sally's arm away from her wrist. She could feel the darkness swirling around her, enveloping her. However, with Fiona staring her down she didn't want to fight it. She wanted to give in and use it to fight back.

"Listen to your boyfriend's boy toy."

"Take that back," Blaze clenched her fist.

"Silver cheated on you, and I bet Sonic is too. You must just not be great in bed if guys keep exploring their options," Fiona teased.

"I'm warning you."

"Blaze, seriously, stop!" Sally tried to get her to back down.

"Come on, give me your best shot." Blaze rose her fist and readied herself when she noticed Sonic standing in the crowd, staring right at her. She was confused. If he was there then why didn't he step in? She met his gaze and noticed the sorrow in his eyes. His face morphed into a frown and his face begged her not to. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.

'Calm,' she thought. 'Calm down.' She knew why Sonic didn't stand in. This wasn't his fight. This was hers. She could defeat her own demons. She exhaled and opened her eyes, lowering her arms. The blackness that tickled the corners of her eyes receded.

"No," Blaze said. "No. You're not worth it. I'm done here," Blaze turned her back on Fiona.

"Oh, am I not good enough for you now?" Fiona bellowed. Now they had absolutely everybody's attention in the cafeteria. They were encircled, and all eyes were trained squarely on them. Blaze didn't reply. Fiona got down on her knees. "Is this what you want? You want me to beg down on my knees? Well, here you go. I'm doing it. Is this good enough?"

"You really are a piece of work, Fiona," Blaze shook her head. "I don't forgive you, but I do pity you."

"Pity? I don't need your pity. In fact, you know what? I don't need your forgiveness. You deserve everything that I did to you," Fiona ranted. Tears stung her eyes. She willed them back into her ducts. She wasn't going to let anybody see her cry. "You think you're just some perfect gift to the world. But you're not so perfect. I know the things you've done. You aren't some saint, yet you look down on everybody like you're better than them. It's disgusting."

"I think you should stop," Sally stood up for her friend.

"Oh, you can't talk Mrs. Fire Starter," the crowd gasped. "You used me as a patsy. I went to jail. Actual jail, because of what you did." Fiona began to spiral. "And your new best friend helped me sabotage your body. We used your illness to seriously harm you, yet you forgive her? That's total crap. You've done shit way worse than me."

"But I never mean to hurt people." At this point Sonic and Julie came to their girlfriend's sides.

"That's enough, Fiona," Julie said sternly.

"So sayeth the brother fucker," Fiona hissed.

"You're just embarrassing yourself now," Sonic tutted.

"This coming from the heroin addict with daddy issues," Fiona spat. "You've all got secrets and you've all done shit you want to forget. Sonic, you mentally abused Tails for months. Sally burnt down the school. Julie is a boyfriend stealer and stole Knuckles when he was dating Rouge. Blaze almost caused Sally to starve herself to death. Besides, I'm not any worse than anybody else at this school. I was just the only one to openly accept it," Fiona turned on the crowd and began singling out people.

"Mina, you strung Manic along to get with his brother and then sexually assaulted Sonic."

"Spike, you tricked Sonia into thinking you were the father of her child just to get with her."

"Breezie, you used Spike's crush on you to force him to do all your bidding."

"Clove, you aborted Mighty's baby without telling him. And Ray, you starting dating your best friend's ex-girlfriend a month after they broke up. And Mighty, you're such a whiny little bitch that you don't even realize just how emotionally manipulative you've been to Ray."

"Lien-Da… I don't even need to begin with you."

"Amy, you tricked Blaze into thinking she was pregnant just to get back at her because you thought she convinced Sonic to dump you, and then after you got back with Sonic you fucked his brother behind his back."

"Knuckles, you–"

"Fiona," a voice finally piped up to stop her. She recognized it, and it silenced her rant. She looked around her and noticed all the pairs of eyes glaring intensely at her. As she scanned the crowd she stopped at the person who the voice belonged to.

"Silver…" Fiona blinked. "You'll defend me, right?" Everybody looked at Silver. His chest beat fast. He wanted to help her, he really did, but his thoughts travelled back to his conversation with Scourge. He locked eyes with the hedgehog but his expression was unreadable. Silver bit his lip and lowered his head.

"Sorry Fiona, but no."

"But… but I…" Fiona began to crumble against the gazes. She howled with anger, completely losing her cool and giving into her animal instincts. She threw herself at Blaze and the pair tumbled to the ground. Fiona pinned Blaze down and delivered a savage blow to her face.

"Fiona, no," Sonic called as he tackled her off of Blaze, but she rolled away and got back up, her eyes fixated on Blaze. Breezie dashed away with lightning speed to get Razor. Julie tried to join in to help Blaze and Sally but Julie held her back. Knuckles and Jet were first on the scene, restraining Fiona's arms as Sonic tended to Blaze as she wailed on the ground, holding her blackened and bruised eye.

Fiona snorted hot air out her nose and tried feverishly to shake Jet and Knuckles off of her. They couldn't hold her much longer. They began to lose their grip and with a ferocious tug she ripped herself, and her shirt sleeves, free of them.

"You caused this," Fiona growled, pointing a finger at Blaze. "You're a dead woman. I tried so hard to repent. You've always been the person who praises everybody and says everybody deserves forgiveness. You forgave Amy after she tricked you and stole the possibility of a child. You forgave Breezie after she stole your man. You forgave Silver after he cheated on you. You even managed to forgive Sally after she literally burnt you alive. And yet you can't forgive me? That's bullshit."

"I used to think everybody could be saving," Blaze replied. "But you proved me wrong." Fiona roared and prepared to lunge again when a loud, authoritative voice bellowed loudly.

"Enough!" Razor thundered. "Fiona, stay here! Everybody else, to your dorms. Curfew is in active. Anybody seen outside their dorms in fifteen minutes will get detention. Do I make myself clear?" In an instant all the seniors scattered, leaving just Fiona alone.

"R-Razor… I didn't mean to… I just wanted to… I…" Fiona babbled, unable to deliver a coherent sentence.

"Do you think I need this right now?" Razor felt the anger filling up inside him, consuming him. "This has been the toughest year of my career, and it could end with me losing my school. You've been nothing but trouble this whole year. You've gotten into fights; you've gotten teachers fired and you've ruined lives at every step. Enough is enough. If I keep turning a blind eye just because of your mother's authority then she'll use that and Amadeus will win. I can't have a student like you ruining this trial for me. This behaviour is unacceptable and I need to make a statement!"

"What are you saying?"

"Fiona Fox, you're expelled!"

…

The earth below grew dark under the crescent moon. There was barely a cloud in the sky and almost all the lights in Mobius High were extinguished. Most of the students slept soundly, dreaming about their summer holidays that were almost upon them. However, Tikal, again, struggled to sleep. She tossed and turned in her sleep as a cold sweat gripped her face. Her hands were clammy and her breaths were short and sharp. Suddenly, like she'd been struck by something, she awoke with a start.

Her eyes flicked around the room until they finally settled on the comforting darkness and she remembered where she was. She took a few shaky breaths and steadied herself. She wiped away the sweat with the corner of her blanket and rolled her legs out from under the covers. She slipped into her shoes and crept out of the room and down the hallway to the bathroom.

Tikal stood in front of the mirror and splashed some cold water in her face to calm herself down. She thought she was behind this. She thought she had moved forward. Sonic had forgiven her. Tails had forgiven her. But, after another nightmare and a sleepless night ahead of her she realized something; She hadn't forgiven herself.

…

Shadow hid behind the tree at the end of the parking lot just out of site as a quiet car rolled into the school grounds. The night was plunged into silence as the engine cut off and Shadow studied a figure emerge from the car with calculating eyes. The figure walked over to the bench in front of the office building and sat down on the wooden bench as instructed.

Shadow scanned the horizon to make sure the coast was clear before he scurried over and sat down on the bench beside the man. The man turned his head, his facial features obscured by the darkness and the black hoodie he was wearing, and glared at Shadow.

"Did you bring it?" Shadow asked.

"Of course. Do you have the money?" the man replied. Shadow nodded and pulled out a stack of notes bounded by a rubber band and handed it to the man. He flicked through them with his index finger and counted the amount. Two-Hundred. When he was satisfied he stuffed the money into the pockets of his jeans and from his hoodie he pulled out something concealed in a brown paper bag.

"Is that it?"

"As promised. Don't go telling the Commander about this or we'll both get fired," the man said. "I almost got caught twice swiping this from the weapons department."

"Don't worry. This stays between us. I don't want the Commander finding out about this either."

"Good luck, Shadow," the figure tipped his hat before retreating to his car and disappearing into the night. Shadow sighed and opened up the paper bag to examine his purchase: A slick, black pistol with a silencer attached to the barrel.

…

As the sun rose in the sky and expelled the shadows back to their hiding places for another night, Nack skipped merrily through the winding gravel paths. He had woken up at the crack of dawn and put on his nicest clothes; a white button-down shirt with a tie, brown chinos, blue suede shoes and a navy-blue blazer.

Nack made his way down to the parking lot at exactly the stroke of seven and waited patiently for his guest to arrive. Not five minutes later a Ute barreled underneath the welcome gate and screeched to a halt in one of the parks beside Nack. Nack put on his biggest, toothy smile and waved politely as somebody got out of the car and made their way over to him.

"Hello, pleased to make your acquaintance," Nack said respectfully as he shook the man's hand. "My name is Nack and I'm a prefect here at this school."

"Nice to meet you, Nack," the otter responded. "I'm supposed to meet Razor here?"

"Principal Razor told me everything. He's very busy today but he's instructed me to show you around and help reunite you with your daughter," Nack smiled devilishly. "Right this way, Mr. Shellbreaker!"

---

A/N: And there we have it, Fiona Fox is officially expelled! A lot of you guessed that it would be Fiona, but it wasn't supposed to be a big plot twist. It was just the natural place to take her character. After everything she's done to everybody how could she not finally get her just desserts? (Yes, I know she did go to prison but she got bailed out and met Void who not only became her lover but eventually one of her closest friends). What did you think of her big breakdown? Originally when I planned out this scene ages ago (like early 2018 at this point), I didn't have it as big or dramatic but as I began to write it I just got carried away, much like how Fiona did. She's been my favourite character to write for so I wanted to send her off with a bang. It'll be sad not writing her conniving schemes anymore. Unless she still comes back... Who knows? :P

As for some other big reveals, Shellbreaker is finally here and Nack is pretending to be a prefect? He might be slimy but he is a business man. Mina paid up her due so he'll help her out, but what does his plan entail, and will Mina actually be spared from her sick father?

Shadow has a gun? Any theories on why he procured it secretly or who he could be thinking of using it on? And Claire continues to dig and get the dirt she needs. She's building quite the compelling case.

Mighty and Ray finally began to become friends again. It was probably my favourite scene to write as it's one very close to my own heart. Despite everything that's happened to Mighty and Ray they are still best friends and they clearly still miss each other. But Mighty knows it just can't happen. They can't just make up and act like nothing's happened, not after what Clove did. How will Ray react?

There you have it. Espio and Bean finally kissed after dozens of chapters of teasing it. I know some of you really wanted Espio and Bean to end up together but, as Bean said, Espio needs to give Sonia a chance. At least they got a kiss in, right? Did you think I'd really let them walk away again without at least something? But don't fret, this story isn't done yet. Espio, Bean, Sonia and Knuckles' futures are all still up in the air. We've still got a couple chapters left to end this tail and anything could happen.

Cosmo, Cosmo, Cosmo... Jet fell for Nack's trap and tested his girlfriend, and Cosmo fell for Jet's trap and took the bait. Nack has known Cosmo for a very long time and he knew exactly how this would all play out. He knew Jet wouldn't be able to resist the temptation and he knew Jet would ask Rouge to prove his claims. What will this mean for Jet and Cosmo's relationship when Nack inevitably let's Jet know the truth, and why exactly is Nack going to such lengths to try and break these two up? Only time will tell.

So much more happened in this story but that's not for me to sit here and recap it all for you. Let me know your thoughts, and let me know how you think this will all wrap up. This chapter took quicker than I expected. I guess it's not as long as last chapter but it's still the second longest out of all of them at 18,000 words. It looks like that 16,000 word chapter was short comparatively now, and the rest look to all be at least this long. We've just hit February, and we've still got four chapters to go. Even if it takes me over 2 months per chapter I should still get this done this year, which is exciting. 11 months to write 4 chapters? Easily doable...right? Well, you guys know by now that reviews give me motivation and the more I recieve, the quicker I want to dive in to the next chapter so keep them coming and let me know everything!

QotD: Since this was Fiona's swan song I'd love to know what you thought. Was this a fitting end for Fiona? Did she deserve it? Did you love watching her break down in front of all the people she's wronged throughout these past twelve months and beyond? Was I too harsh on her? Not harsh enough? How would you have ended Fiona's sotry (if it really is the end)?

Next time on SH:EL

Nack upholds his deal with Mina and gets revenge on Breezie all in one day. And his trump card? Captain Shellbreaker!

Sonia recieves advice from... Scourge?

Razor and Ash weigh up the implications of his rash decision to expel Claire's only daughter

Sonic admits the truth to Blaze and she discovers his secret Heroin stash

Cream stands up to her mother and Wave stands up to Lien-Da

Jules vs. Manic, Sonia and Sonic. Can he prove he's changed?

Bernadette discovers something horrible when visiting Rosemary

Claire makes a deal with Espio

Nack shows Jet the truth

...and Shadow pulls a gun on somebody, but who?

All this and so, so much more next time on Chapter 63: A Game of Chess