Chapter 2 – Arrival at London

What seemed like an endless flight has finally reached its end when the plane arrived at London. Tails shivered as he came out the plane. The temperature was very cold compared to the warmer climates of Sydney and Station Square, a temperature he was used to since those were the places he spent the most time than anywhere else. Thankfully, it was not nearly as cold as the ice-themed zones he travelled all those years ago when he was a young pup. All the same, he was well aware that it is winter and not summer like back in Australia.

London was a beautiful sight. There were lots of buildings as far as the eye could see, and Tails could hear the chiming of the Big Ben clock tower. Tails thought he was going to stand out, but it seems like the townspeople never took notice of an anthropomorphic fox in clothing walking around the streets. "Guess strange things also happen here like everywhere else in the world," he said to himself.

It wasn't long until Tails caught his bus, which took him to the district of Kensington. As Tails drags his luggage, he sees his final destination, the Kensington Hotel. Inside, he waits for the receptionist, and she greeted him warmly after a moment of waiting. "So, you're Mr Miles Prower?" she asked.

"Yes, miss," confirmed Tails.

"Here's your key," said the receptionist. "Your roommate is upstairs waiting for you."

Tails took the key and took the lift to his floor. "So I'm sharing a room with someone else," he said to himself. "I wonder who it could be…"

At the floor where his room is, Tails discovers his roommate is a green dragon about his age. He was an average-looking dragon, but charming, nonetheless. "Hi," said the dragon. "I guess you and I are going to be roommates, huh?"

"I suppose so," replied Tails. "My name is Miles Prower, but you can call me Tails, as I am a fox with two tails instead of one."

"Interesting indeed," said the dragon. "My name is Alex Brimstone."

"Nice to meet you, Alex," smiled Tails as the two shook hands. "So, are you another student on this vacation?"

"Oh no, of course not, chap," said Alex. "I'm going to be in training to get admitted into the London Furry Campus, where you'll be studying during your two months stay."

"So that's the college I'll be attending," said Tails.

"That's right," said Alex. "You're going to love it there. All kinds of furries go there, from foxes, to dragons, and so on. We're also supported by the Royal Cat Academy, a fine college for cats, and even dragons go there, well, the ones that have feline features, of course."

"Huh, never expected something like that before," pondered Tails.

"Yeah, it's a pretty long story, but it's become one of the most important turning points for the academy," continued Alex. "Anyway, there's more to the London Furry Campus. We got dormitories, a large café, and there's plenty of training courses, like uh, what's your major?"

Tails blushed modestly. "I'm mostly into designing inventions and using computers," he said.

"Well, you're in luck," smiled Alex. "There's a couples of courses on Information Technology and Engineering."

"Sweet!" exclaimed Tails. "I think I'm going to enjoy these two months!"

That evening, Tails and Alex were having their dinner while watching television. Tails was enjoying his stay, as he and the dragon have gone sightseeing for the afternoon, and they have shared stories with each other, but now Tails was beginning to miss his friends at the other end of the world. Presently, they heard a knock at the door. Alex opened the door to see who it is. Much to Tails's surprise and delight, Sonic was at the door.

"Hullo, guv'na," greeted Sonic as he attempted a British accent.

"Who are you?" asked Alex.

"I'm Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog," said Sonic in his normal voice.

"So you're the blue hedgehog Tails has been talking about," smiled Alex. "If you want to see him, he's right here."

"Sonic!" exclaimed Tails. "What brings you here?"

"I just came in to check that everything is alright with you," said Sonic. "I admit I was a little bit worried for how you'll fare."

"Oh, you don't have to worry at all," smiled Tails. "I've made it to this hotel safely and with no problems. My new friend Alex Brimstone is very kind and has helped me out getting adjusted to this place."

"Thank you so much for looking out for my buddy," Sonic said to Alex. "He's a great and brilliant kid."

"I know," said Alex. "Tails has said wonderful things about you and the others across the globe. Are you all from Australia?"

"No, not really," said Sonic. "I was born in Christmas Island, and I met Tails during my adventures in South Island. Back then, I was eleven and he was four. We had lots of adventures together battling Dr Eggman and his robots."

"It's good to know you two have spent the years securing the peace and freedom of the world," said Alex.

"It was nothing," said Sonic. "Well, now that I know Tails is safe, I better head back to Australia, which is a piece of cake if you got really fast speed."

"I envy you and your speed," chuckled Alex. "I wish I was a hero."

"Maybe you will one day," smiled Sonic. "I'm outta here now, catch you later, dudes."

"Bye, Sonic!" said Tails. "Thanks for checking on me, I'll be alright, and you take care of yourself. Say hi to everyone for me."

"You bet I will," promised Sonic. "Enjoy your Christmas in London, and see you in two months."

"Have a Happy Christmas, Sonic," said Alex. "It was nice getting to know you."

"Always a pleasure, and a Happy Christmas to you too, Alex," said Sonic, and he left the hotel.

"Well, what a nice fellow," commented Alex.

Night came, and Tails was busy browsing through the television channels. Then, a sudden thought came to him, so he decided to ask Alex about it. As the dragon came with some sandwiches and tea, Tails popped the question. "Alex, I have a question," he began. "If the Royal Cat Academy has dragons, does that mean they have dragon teachers there too?"

"No, I don't think so," replied Alex. "I believe they employ their own staff members as dragon trainers, all of whom are cats. I know, because I have some dragon friends who go there. There are quite a number of dragon trainers who are excellent, but my friends say that the best one of all is Blaze the Cat."

Tails stopped for a moment. That name sounded familiar to him. "What was that?" he asked. "Did you say Blaze the Cat? Is she a purple cat with a ponytail?"

"So you know her?" asked Alex.

"Oh, yes," said Tails quickly. "Sonic and I met her years ago, and we were pretty good friends with her, well, at first she didn't want anyone helping her, but in a critical moment during the battle against Eggman and Nega, she realised and understood the importance of friendship and teamwork. We helped each other out on several occasions."

"Sounds like you're pretty close to her," said Alex. "You know something? You should go see her and rekindle the friendship. Tell you what, after our first day at the campus, I'll take you to the Royal Cat Academy and we'll find Blaze. How does that sound?"

Tails thought for a moment, he had felt a bit lonesome being away from Sonic and his friends, so it would make him feel better to reunite with an old friend. "That would be nice, Alex," he said happily.

"Then it's settled," smiled Alex. "Tomorrow it is."