Chapter 10 – The Graduation Ceremony

It was the day before the graduations when Tails found three letters in the mailbox, two of which were for him and one for Alex. In the apartment, he gave Alex his letter while he anxiously opened his first letter. It was from the London Furry Campus.

"What does it say, Tails?" asked Alex curiously.

"Hold on, let me read," said Tails as he read the letter out loud.

Dear Mr Prower,

We are pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed Information Technology as part of your preparation for tertiary study. We cordially invite you to the graduation ceremony which will be held tomorrow evening at 6pm. If you wish to bring along friends or family members, feel free to do so as the ceremony caters for everyone. Please find enclosed a list of proper attire for the occasion.

Keep in mind that if you can't make it to the ceremony, we will send your certificate to your apartment the day prior to your departure. We hope you have enjoyed your stay at the United Kingdom.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Phillip Hooves

Headmaster

Tails was so pleased to know that he have earned his certificate. He was so excited that he checked out the following letter, which to his surprise was from Blaze. He pulled out the letter, and also read it out loud.

Dear Tails,

The Dragon Training Graduation Finals will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2pm in the Dragon Stadium of the Royal Cat Academy. Hope you can make it then.

Blaze

Tails couldn't contain his happiness any more. He will be seeing Blaze and earning his certificate on the same day, and was keen on inviting her to the evening graduation ceremony.

"Looks like you're in a good mood," smiled Alex.

"I am," said Tails happily. "I knew I could do it!"

"Well, we better start preparing for the big day tomorrow," said Alex. "The graduation ceremony is going to be something memorable."

So they did. Tails and Alex went to the shopping mall to find clothes for the graduation ceremony. They searched for the finest suits, sharp-looking shirts, trendy ties, and good shoes.

When the big day arrived, Tails and Alex were scheduled to visit the Royal Cat Academy for Blaze's dragon training finals. All around the Dragon Stadium, the crowd waited anxiously for the spectacle to commence.

Finally, Blaze entered the stage with her dragons. As everyone applauded, Blaze signalled them to stop so that the finals can begin. It was a magnificent display as the dragons performed their dive bombing, shooting targets with their plasma blasts, and improvisations with their shadow powers.

The main event came when it was time for the dragons to fly through rings. One by one, they effortlessly flew through the rings with finesse. At last, there was one remaining dragon, a young and seemingly shy female Twilight Storm. Tails wondered if she was that favourite student Blaze told him about as the dragon appeared hesitant due to having to fly at dizzying heights. The crowd cheered for the dragon to take flight, and Tails joined in too. With the encouragement of the audience, Blaze, and the other dragons, the Twilight Storm jumped, spread her wings, and soared around the arena. To everyone's astonishment, she did loop-the-loops, somersaults, and spins as she flew through rings with amazing precision. When the dragon flew through the last ring, everyone applauded loudly, and she simply took a bow, feeling so proud and happy that she has conquered her fear of heights and made a performance unlike any of the other dragons before her.

When the show was over, Tails and Alex waited impatiently for Blaze as she was congratulating her students for the performance they made and rewarding them with fish. After the dragons left, Blaze turned to see Tails and Alex. "So glad you boys could make it," she smiled.

"That was absolutely brilliant!" exclaimed Tails. "You and your dragons were marvellous back there!"

"Thank you, Tails," said Blaze. "Well, I'm due for the conference where they'll evaluate my teaching."

"Oh, Blaze, I have good news," said Tails. "I passed my course and I have been invited to the graduation ceremony tonight at 6 o' clock. I was wondering if you would like to come since we're allowed to invite friends outside college."

"Congratulations for your success," said Blaze. "And of course, I will be happy to come since I have nothing on tonight."

"Awesome, it will be a great night," smiled Tails.

"I'm sure it will," said Blaze. "Right now, I better get going. See you at the graduation ceremony, Tails."

"Alright, see you soon," waved Tails as Blaze made her way to the main building.

With the evening approaching, Tails bathed and dressed up for the occasion. He felt classy wearing a white shirt with a black suit and pants, and even wearing black shoes instead of his usual red and white sneakers. After adjusting his tie, he was all set to go out. Alex was ready for the evening too.

Inside the reception area of the London Furry Campus, Tails and Alex could see all the furries who have made it to the ceremony including friends and families they have invited. There, they found Blaze, who was wearing a delicate black dress.

"Hi Blaze," called Tails.

"Hello Tails," said Blaze. "My, you're looking great."

"Thanks, I bought this suit yesterday," smiled Tails. "And you look glamorous."

Blaze blushed at the compliment. "Thank you very much," she said.

"Miles Prower!" called Dean Hooves as he beckoned Tails to join him.

"Looks like I'm being called," said Tails.

"I'll be waiting in the meeting hall," said Blaze.

"Alright," said Tails as he followed Dean Hooves. "Spare me a seat so I can sit next to you."

Dean Hooves fitted Tails with an academic dress, and brought him along with the other graduates into the meeting hall. The hall was full of furries taking their seats. Tails found Blaze at a certain row, reserving a seat for him. As he sat next to her, Dean Hooves, also wearing an academic dress, stepped on the podium and brought everyone's attention to make his speech. He cleared his throat, and began.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a productive two months, and I am pleased to get to know you all who have been invited from across the globe to participate in the preparation for tertiary study." Dean Hooves paused impressively. "Now, to all the graduates, congratulations, and please form a line where you will receive your certificates."

So Tails went in line with the other graduates. With each graduate stepping up the podium, Dean Hooves gives one after the other a handshake and a certificate. After all the graduates got their certificates, everyone applauded as they took a bow before taking their seats.

Following the end of the ceremony, everyone went out of the hall, talking about their certificates and evening taking photos. Tails walked down the campus with Blaze and Alex as he checked out his certificate. "Pass with High Distinction on Information Technology," he read.

"I am so proud of you, Tails," said Blaze contentedly.

"Me too," said Alex.

"Thanks guys," said Tails. "I will treasure this for the rest of my life. Sonic and all my other friends will be pleased."

"It's too bad that the day after tomorrow is when you return to Australia," said Alex.

"Yes, I know," said Tails. He suddenly felt a little sad from the reminder, but he was also happy that all his efforts have paid off. He will never, ever forget this fantastic evening.