"Now then class," Tesla walked around to the other side of the table to give everyone a better view of the navigational tools, "let's see if you can figure out today's lesson on you're own."
"We're navigating," Dark replied instantly, "but... to where?"
"A cloaked island, where your other teachers for the day are waiting," he looked impressed at how quickly Dark figured it out, "You seem to know your stuff."
"Nina's not the only one who's had good teachers," Dark stated, picking up a sextant, "the people who raised me had connections."
"I see," Tesla chose not to pry, since he had already learned Dark's past, "with that in mind, who else already knows how to navigate?"
Titania, unsurprisingly, raised her hand, as did a few students from Class A and Class B.
"Why don't you go and select your team's schooners while I teach the rest of the class?" Tesla pulled a box out from under the table, filled with rolled up papers, "There's no need to teach you what you already know."
Dark readily took one of the papers and unfurled it. Just as he hoped, it was a map of their current area of the ocean. Dark couldn't hide his excitement at the idea of boarding a ship for the first time in years. He rushed over to the schooners while the other experienced navigators grabbed their maps. He walked up and down the docks, looking over each schooner for just the right one. He didn't care about make or model, it just needed to feel right. Each schooner had it's own charm to it, but none seemed to call out to him, except one.
Anyone concerned with appearances would say it was an ugly shade of green, but what drew Dark to it wasn't the colour. It's charm was that no amount of paint would be able to hide the ship's age. It reminded him of the man who taught him to sail. Dark boarded the vessel and let the feeling of it bobbing in the water wash over him. He closed his eyes as he began to remember the ship he spent weeks on. He remembered the crew laughing and shouting, always having the time of their lives. They were the closest thing to a family he ever had. His eyes snapped open when the boat rocked. He looked around, feeling a slight breeze, and noticed that the door leading below deck was open.
Curious, he walked through the door and went below deck. Once he was down, he found the navigational tools easily and made to grab them.
"Kid," the voice made Dark jump.
He turned around, clutching his chest, and saw who it was, "Professor Shadow. What are you doing here?"
"Just doing a favour," Shadow told him, "It didn't take long for us to find out you were an orphan. So, Sonic did a little digging. Yes, Sonic." He added when Dark was about to ask, "The point is, he found a little speck of happiness in your tragic tale."
Dark looked over when Shadow glanced to the side. His eyes widened at the sight of an otter clad in black leather, a cutlass at his hip. Dark knew this man all too well and got a big smile on his face when he realized he was really there.
"Captain!" Dark ran over to the otter and hugged him.
"Hello Gup," the old sea dog returned the embrace by patting Dark on the back, "when I heard you had gotten into this school, I couldn't stay away." He looked around, "I see you've taken my lessons to heart."
"Are you here to watch me sail? Like back then?" Dark stepped back, almost driven to tears from his joy, "I can't imagine anyone would feel as comfortable with a pirate around as I am."
"Hm." The captain chuckled at how calmly Dark could say 'pirate', "No, even if your teachers let me stay, I shouldn't run the risk. Besides, I already know how quick you are to learn new skills, and sailing certainly isn't a new one for you. No, I came to give you a gift. But first, did you ever wonder why I convinced the Cult of Chaos to let me take you sailing?" He pulled a small package out of his back pocket, "Why the crew treated you so well?" He pulled a letter out of his front pocket and handed both to Dark, then looked at Shadow and nodded, "I hope that gives you some answers Gup."
Shadow walked over to the captain and placed a hand on his shoulder. The two then teleported away, leaving Dark with the gift and the letter. He opened the package, making sure not to rip it. It was a brand new pocket telescope and, sure enough, a note on the inside of the packaging.
Don't worry. It's paid for.
He held the telescope in his hand, smirking at the note. He then opened the letter, it wasn't even in an envelope. His smirk vanished when he read the letter.
I'm sorry I can't be here for you Gup. But in order to keep you safe, I have to say goodbye. Your mother wanted you for something truly horrible, and I just couldn't let that happen. She will find me, I can't let her find you. My only regret is that I won't get to see you live your life. I won't even get to name you. I just hope this sacrifice isn't in vain. Goodbye son.
Dark sighed as he folded the letter back up. If anything, this only raised more questions. What happened between his parents? Are they even still alive? He thought for a moment, trying to put together the few pieces he had, then decided it wasn't worth it. If his father really abandoned him to protect him, the Dark would honour his wishes and live his life. He took a breath and froze the letter, letting it crumble into snow.
"Dark?" He heard Nina call from the deck, "You here?"
"Yeah," Dark called back, putting the telescope in the box with the navigational tools.
Dark made his way back up and spotted his team. Alex had the map in her hand.
"You dropped this," she said when they spotted him.
"Sorry, I guess I got caught up in the moment," he noticed that they were staring at him, "what?"
"You're... Crying." Nina stated.
"Hm?" Dark put the box down and put his hand on his muzzle. He immediately felt his glove dampen as it absorbed moisture, "I guess the memories of my lessons were a little overwhelming." He lied, "But enough about the past," Dark smiled at the girls, "Let's cast off, shall we?"
...
What's a school story without a little mystery? And Dark's past is going to be a good one. I already know the answer of course, but I'm always eager to hear your theories.