Chapter 3 Part 1
Sonic and Manic both got to try on their uniforms at the same time when Lady Wyndermere escorted them to school. Sonic was confused when Sonia joined them in her own red blazer and pleated red skirt. White tights were finished off by a pair of black loafers
"You still go to school, Sonia? I thought you graduated from college already?" He asked.
Sonia laughed. "Yes, but I'm under eighteen. So I just take higher classes. I'm aiming for my master's degree in robotics and computer programming."
Manic chuckled. "Sounds like you wanna take over for Robotnik."
She shrugged. "Well, yes, that is the idea. Someday. So when he's ready to retire he can rest assured that his work will continue."
Lady Wyndermere as she looked at Sonic. He looked so uncomfortable in his new uniform. "Is it too small?" She drew near and looked it over. "My, but you do look handsome."
Sonic nodded. "Not too small. I'm just not used to it. And these shoes are tight. We don't wear clothes in the resistance…"
Lady Wyndermere examined the crushed red velvet blazer and dress shirt. "You'll grow accustomed. Stand back with your brother." She encouraged as she pulled out a camera. "Sonia, dear, get in the frame. You and your brothers going to school." So that explained all the photographs on the wall of Sonia's wing.
"I wish Uncle Chuck could have come…" He said. "Like Ferrell did for Manic."
The roach smiled at them, though he couldn't help focusing on his son. "I never thought I'd be able to send you to school. I'm just so proud… to see you in that uniform."
Lady Wyndermere patted Sonic's head. What she didn't say was she had offered Charles a chance to join them but the man had no respect for the school. I do not want him going to that indoctrination center. What a stubborn curmudgeon. "Dr. Robotnik just didn't feel it the right time yet. He is on punishment after all. But I'll make sure he gets to see these photographs." She couldn't bear to tell him that he had chosen not to be here.
"It's not fair that he's being punished for fighting tyranny. To save us all from a tyrannical monster!" He felt her hand sit upon his cheek.
"Now, Sonic, you are entitled to your own opinions. However, you are basing your judgment on what one person has told you. I'm not going to tell you to not speak your mind but I will urge you to get to know Robotnik before you decide how you feel about him." Lady Wyndemere told him as she stroked his spikes. "Now, class will be starting soon. Sonia will be your guide today, so stay with her."
Ferrell smiled at Manic. "We'll be here to pick you up after school. Have a good first day, lad." He laughed when Manic leaped up to hug him. "First day of school…" He let the boy down as he left with Sonia and Sonic. "Thank you, milady. I can't say that enough. I'm so happy…"
She nodded. "Please, call me Ginny. They'll be okay. It'll be a little intimidating but they'll like it. Today'll be the hardest day. New school, new people…"
Sonia led Sonic and Manic to homeroom. "This is where we start the day and you'll get your class schedules here." She led them inside. "I have to go to my homeroom but I'll be back when homeroom is done." She promised.
Sonic and Manic regarded each other nervously. Manic shrugged. "I guess we just sit down…" They sat at two empty desks.
"Hello, you must be new." A bouncy pubescent buck said excitedly. "My name is Fawn, welcome to Robotropolis High District 2 or Central depending on who you ask. It goes by both."
Manic nodded. "Thanks. We're both very nervous. It's our first day. I'm Manic and this is Sonic. So, what happens here? We've never been to any school before."
"Well, in a few minutes the bell will ring and we'll stand for the Robotropolis Anthem. The teacher will enter and while we are standing, he'll make sure everyone is here. We'll then have the next half hour to catch up on any homework we might not have finished the night before or study for any tests." Fawn explained.
Suddenly a large shadow loomed over them and Fawn went quiet. "Hey, Duke…" He said with a tremble.
"Hey loser, did you get my homework done?" He demanded harshly. Manic and Sonic both frowned as the buck dug out a folder. "Good, you survive another day…" He took the folder and went to the back of the class.
Sonic looked at him. "He makes you do his homework? And he gets away with it? Why don't you do something about it?"
Fawn shrugged. "Eh, it's no big deal. He's the one who'll be worse off in the long run. I can't take the tests for him." He said with an almost sadistic smile.
The speaker began chiming as the clock struck 8 o'clock. A bugle played a bright tune over the intercom as the door opened. Sonic felt his stomach hit the floor hard when Robotnik walked in with Bartleby behind him, carrying his briefcase loyally. "You're the homeroom teacher?" He couldn't resist. He blushed and slinked into his chair as everyone laughed at him, except Manic.
"I am, as well as the science and shop teacher, but you mustn't speak during the anthem. Besides, you'll make me lose count." The old man quipped as he counted out the students in their seats. The song came to an end as he finished counting. "Now, everyone, you can see that we have two new students. Sonic and Manic Hedgehog. Sonia Hedgehog is their sister. You will make sure they feel welcome." He handed them each a form. "You will choose your classes today. The options are on the form. Choose eight. Four core classes, and four vocational classes."
Sonic trembled, his fur and spikes standing straight up, and Manic touched his shoulder. "Look, bro, they have extreme sports in the physical education category." He said, attempting to draw his brother from his fears.
Sonic looked down on the form, intent on choosing his classes. However, as he looked over the form, his stomach filled with ice again. "Um… there's so many… classes… I don't know what to pick… it's… it's… I don't know…"
Bartleby pulled a chair up. "Sonic, are you alright? If you need help, you can ask." He encouraged him.
Sonic shook his head and looked around. What was he thinking? He couldn't do this. He couldn't go to school. He couldn't stay here. Before anyone knew what to do, a blue puff of smoke choked them. When the smoke cleared, he was gone. Robotnik cursed for the class to hear. "Damn, Bartleby, go find him. He can't get far." He was thankful the school locked the doors during class time.
AN: Where did Sonic go? Will they be able to find him? Will he be able to survive high school?