Transfer: Re-Enrolled

by THuntP

One was the star quarterback at his university, the other was a foreign exchange student with no knowlege of the language and customs of a world outside of the one he knew. What begins as a task to help the other learn the language, learn his school, and learn what it means to be a friend turns into a surprise love... College!Vecpio AU, remaster of my 2015 story, 'Transfer' .

45. Chapter 40

(AN: So in light of making any excuses, I know I said I wanted to try and get more of the story done in a timely matter but HAAAAAAAAAA boy didn't happen.

So, where was I?

Truth be told, I have actually been sitting on a 85% complete document for this chapter for months. But there have been so many obstacles. The first and most obvious is work. God has it only gotten worse in the last couple of months, and last month was probably the busiest and most frustrating work expierence I had. Y'know, if you need to take anythinig out of Transfer that you learned, it isn't that men = hot. It isn't that bigotry is bad. No, it's that working at a warehouse fucking SUCKS.

Asides from that, I had another family vacation in May for 2 weeks where I did write for a bit and felt inspired (and yes i am aware this is like the 3rd or 4th vacation ive taken while writing this story, hush). But mainly a large reason was lack of motivation. And it fucking sucked because it SEEMS like I lost interest in the story and am only finishing it out of obligation but it's further than that! I WANTED to actually get in the mood to write, the story was in my head so much and I think about this fic all the time, but everytime I just sat down to write I just... I just COULDN'T. Not helped by the fact that I had to go back to the drawing board for scenario events and ideas because this part of Transfer in the original version kinda... didn't have anything? Like, it's all just a bunch of fluff that goes no where and feels rushed. And the thing is, it might seem like, 'How do you go from the finale of the second arc to something more calm'? And that's what I had to do, because it isn't an easy task.

But somehow, I managed. And I'm so very sorry it took so long.

I told myself I would see the end of this story no matter what, and I'm gonna fucking do it.

I'm not gonna blame anyone, nor hold a giant pity party. You all have been waiting for a long time for a new chapter and I've even gotten new faves and follows since being gone. So thank you. I just hope the wait was worth it, which is why you all are getting a super long chapter and not getting it split in 2. So before we continue, let's properly start the final act of this story...)

cw: homophobia, including multiple uses of the f slur (one in a reclaimed context and the other being used derogatorily), major transphobia (including moments of deliberate misgendering, deadnaming, and an attempted use of the t slur), racism and xenophobia, misogyny, csa mentions, politics talk, and violence and blood.

this WILL HOPEFULLY be the last chapter with this many content warnings, i promise! i know i said the last chapter was the last time we'd see connery and monk and ccocc, but i kinda lied. sorry. but i WILL PROMISE that when we get through this chapter, going forward, we won't hear or mention ANYTHING about them outside of callbacks to them, and you have my word on it!

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THE DAILY MEAN BEAN

CCOCC EVENT GOES AWRY, CHALLENGES AHEAD FOR CONSERVATIVE STUDENT GROUP

by Brenda Hernandez

Friday, March 4th

TWO PAGE SPECIAL EDITION REPORT

"Thursday night saw the second conference put on by the student organization, CCOCC (The Central City Organization of College Conservatives) in the last month, a well publicized and highly anticipated event for both supporters and protestors. Members of both sides stood outside the Space Theatre involved in various scuffles, both verbally and even physically as the event inside transpired.

The Daily Mean Bean reporter Brenda Hernandez was assigned to cover the previous night's events, as well as collect interviews from supporters of CCOCC as well as members of the group. However, incidents began to occur which painted the night's events clearly and possibly for future days to come.

At 6:55 PM, as guests were confused about a delay for the conference, a strange video suddenly began to broadcast on the various TV's in the lobby of the Space Theatre. Many noted that the video, which seemed to be livestreamed, contained CCOCC student representative and Badniks running back, Connery Horse, alongside Badniks quarterback, Vector Crocodile, and Espio Chameleon, a transfer student who had been in the public eye since being arrested in November after attempting to apprehend vandalists who had vandalized the campus' football field.

Many in the audience, including Ms. Hernandez, noted that Mr. Espio was tied up via handcuffs, which have since been confirmed to be police-grade- and unable to be used by private citizens outside of undercover zone police. The livestream, which had gone on for several minutes, contained various confessions by Mr. Connery regarding things unknown to both students and those in attendance that night. Namely, the financing of the night's events and how they were being used, as well as admissions to committing assault and intentions to commit groundless accusations with the purpose of seeking jail time or deportation for Mr. Espio, a native to Yurashia.

Eventually, it was found that the events occurring on TV were being streamed from Stage 2, where the night's events were meant to take place. However, Zone Police quickly intervened in the situation, breaking up the crowd and leading away Mr. Connery in handcuffs as an ambulance was called for a student who had been tased by the CCOCC representative. This caused a major stampede from the guests of the event, who quickly either left campus or returned to their dormitories.

CCOCC and Mobius U officials confirmed with The Daily Mean Bean that Mr. Connery has since been suspended from campus, with the former leaving a statement at their location of meeting taped to the door at the ST building:

"CCOCC activities have been suspended until further notice.

We would like to extend apologies to all CCOCC members and visitors."

The group also posted this statement several hours later after the event on their official Scrambler page:

"We wish to apologize to all guests and attendees of yesterday's CCOCC event for the sudden and swift cancellation without notice, and will be glad to accept any and all refunds if requested.

Since its inception 37 years ago, CCOCC has always been an environment that cultivated free thought and allowed students to express their views without fears of repression or censorship. We did not consider our decision lightly to cancel yesterday's event, rather, we did so out of fear and concern due to the work of unhinged radical leftist activists and rioters who threatened us, our guests, and our venue.

We strongly disagree with the arrest and off-campus suspension of our student representative, Mr. Connery Horse, and believe that he was set up by a student to be taken out of context in order to be defamed as a racist. The student in question, Mr. Espio Chameleon, who has threatened individuals on campusin the past, as well as violently assaulting Mr. Connery during the event, has taken his right to stay in this zone as a student too far.

While CCOCC supports free speech, we also believe that acting like a thug is NOT free speech. The law exists for a reason, and laws are not meant to be broken. But for this individual, the rule of the law means nothing. He's nothing more than a violent beast without any semblance of humanity or empathy towards other people who don't agree with him, and no concept of social contract, leading to sociopathic levels of defamatory lies, and must be dealt with.

That is why we are announcing that we are taking several legal steps against Mobius U and several parties. First, to fight against the false arrest and defamation made against Mr. Connery. And the second, to ensure that not only no other person falls victim to this domestic terrorist, but that we deal with the system of wokeness that enabled such behavior from this student in the first place. Every day in the United Federations, our rights and lives continue to stay under threat and attack from the left, and in this case, it is no different. We will not be made into the piece of mockery that this student body thinks it is making us.

First, we intend to sue the Headmaster, the college board, and Fellows of Mobius U for their failure to provide adequate protection for students and guests, especially during a time when our group has been constantly threatened both online and in-person. This also includes the Dean of Student Affairs, Harvey Who. The second lawsuit is against Mr. Espio Chameleon himself, or rather, we wish to press criminal charges against him for assault, defamation, and disruption of peace for what occurred with Mr. Connery. This is so that we can uphold the order of civility our community deserves. Third, we intend to sue the Dean of Foreign Language and Study, Mr. Valdez Chameleon, for his allowing of Mr. Espio Chameleon onto this campus, lying to both university officials and students about this student's violent tendencies, and exposing any potential biases in his selection for Mobius U's Foreign Exchange Student Program. This is so that future picks for this program are civilized individuals who respectfully integrate within our society and respect our zone and the law, as they would expect us to do when we visit their zones.

We also are also demanding an official apology from the Central City Zone Police Department for committing false imprisonment once all of these cases are won, settlements and assorted punishments are finished, and all charges against Mr. Connery are dropped as they rightfully should be.

Should we need to take additional steps for further action involving lawsuits and criminal justice, such action will be taken. We have begun the process of seeking legal advice and will not take this case lightly. We will go through every possible court, if need be, the Supreme Court of the United Federations, if we have to seek justice against the actions of the violent, against a person who acts not like a person, but like an uncivilized, impish, screaming banshee maniac of a demon, as well as a woke university who doesn't care about those who pay thousands of mobiums just to be threatened by this sneak of a person, a student body made up of spoiled, anarchist communist leftists, and a zone police force who hear the false cries of wolf. All of this is done for the sake and safety of future students and the next generation, our zone, and for taking a stand for free speech. We will not stand for the destruction of decency and un-Federationalist values by being soft on crime, and we hope that our lawsuit can set precedent for other universities to follow.

Mobius U, it's your call now. You can snip the problem right where it is, or we'll ensure that we won't go down without a fight. Even if we bleed, we'll die fighting for freedom no matter what.

We will not be silenced."

Signed,

Monk Gorilla, Geoffrey St. John, Timothy Caldwell, Sydney Bland, Milan Ramada, "Fly Fly" Freddy…"

Reactions to this post have been met with pure mockery, with one poster erasing letters from the post and leaving only the sentence, "OW THE EDGE", in a form of digital graffiti.

Other statements have been made regarding yesterday's event. One of the top guests from last night, District Representative of the House, Katella Huntress, made a statement on her social media after she was spotted quickly fleeing out of the Space Theatre with her aides by her side.

"Just left (a)MobiusUni against my will. Myself, my aides, and the wonderful conservatives have been attacked and swarmed by a group of purple haired and furred sissy terrorists, a group that the Democracy Party continues to defend as they continue to lie about their status as the party of violence. (1/4)

As cities burn down and communism and wokeness infect every part of our lives thanks to this failure of a party, the Conservative Party; the party of peace and hard work, protection of the unborn, of male and female ONLY, of small government and destruction of wokeness, and of excellence and discipline, will be the leading warriors no matter what. (2/4)

Just like Solaris and the prophets who told His word, we will not back down against this terrorism and tyranny any longer, and will support and back OfficialCCOCC's upcoming lawsuits and fight just like Solaris does against evil. I don't care if people call me crazy or disconnected, call me whatever they want or blame whatever they want on me, I will not have my rights infringed and go down without a fight. I WILL make anyone who stands in my way fearful of the people of the United Federations! (3/4)

And just so it's clear, the ringleader behind this is a transfer student from Northern Mobius who claims to be Yurashian but acts like someone from Chun-Nan. No doubt a communist spy sent to our wonderful zone to obtain information for our enemies. Maybe even a psyop by the Democracy Party? Either or, this is why colleges have never been the accredited institutions they claim to be and further shows my point about the failure of DEI programs if someone like this is let in! (4/4)

Mr. Connery's father, Rep. Craig Horse, also commented while heading to the House earlier this morning, after threatening separate legal action alongside CCOCC's lawsuit threat as well as making a joke about banning his congressional aides and staffers from eating sushi.

"Despite the defamation of my son by the various parties within Mobius U, let me set the record straight.I never once taught him to act in the way he's been accused of doing, and I raised him with upstanding morals. That's not my Connery. I taught him that he should always have at least some respect for someone who's vastly different from him. Of course, this matters not to the left, who slander both him and myself as racists. We both do not hate Yurashian people. In fact, we love Yurashians and absolutely welcome them to our zone, whether for vacation, wanting a better life, or even because they want to help our economy by joining our job market! Provided they follow our laws, are respectful, and most important, enter through legitimate means. I've visited the zone of Yurashia on business, and it can be beautiful and its people are some of the most humble and hard working people on Mobius. But it pains me to see that the zone did not send their best to study abroad, leading to what occurred with my son and this Espio. He has every right to be critical of ineffective leadership, every right to be upset at the night he and his fellow group members set up being ruined, and every right to stand his ground in self defense, something many of my voters knew was a platform I ran on."

Though this and many other statements were made, the atmosphere on the campus has not been one of fear, but of resistance. The large rock which stands right in front of the B building and commonly graffitied during university events had been once again graffitied last night. Painted entirely in black, the word, 'RESILIENT' was sprayed across the rock in white as protestors held signs, chanted, played loud music, and made their disapproval against the guests very clear.

"This isn't just about one person anymore," said one anonymous student. "This is about losing our entire campus to a bunch of fascists who have run the place like it's theirs to own. You know, they're the ones coming to preach to us, saying we're the uncivil ones when just a week or so ago, we get a bomb threat called in because there's an LGBT group on campus."

This feeling was unanimous amongst protestors, some even citing the recording between Messrs. Vector, Espio, and Connery as more proof of their need to protest. Signs were made and chants were yelled in support of the Yurashian Transfer Student, who many believe was a prime victim of a CCOCC witch hunt.

"I mean, that entire confession was pretty much telling," said liberal arts major and member of the Social Justice Council, Raimondo Torres, 23. "Everything done over the past month was all just to kick one person off campus. I've seen this Espio guy around too. He never bothered anyone and always liked to keep to himself or was around certain friends. It's just pure bigotry, no question about it. I saw so many people attacking his Yurashian nationality, like, what, are we living eighty years in the past? You're so racist that you have to attack a random transfer student, let alone someone who is known around this campus to not relate to modern society? It's just pure cruel. But we've known for the longest time that for CCOCC, cruelty is the point."

With many on campus soon learning about what happened, it wasn't long before those who were a part of CCOCC and its allies were subject to public scrutiny. Even as far as today, some CCOCC members were spotted running away to and from their classes after confrontation from other students, who chased after them demanding that they feel shame as they hid their faces. Others simply ignored the crowd shaming them, instead delighting themselves in the attention they were being given and wearing the backlash they received as a badge of honor. In the words of one CCOCC member who filmed themselves giving middle fingers to students, "I don't give a fuck, I'll always own the libs no matter what."

In the midst of all the chaos, one student expressed dismay at the situation, citing his closeness with Connery and another member of CCOCC.

"It's weird because like, I expected things to go south hard but not THIS extreme, y'know?" said metalworking junior Rudy Lizard, 22. Rudy, who also played the position of Defensive End for the Mobius University Badniks last season, was very close to Connery and another CCOCC member, Monk Gorilla, both of whom were Badniks players. "It kinda started off light. Maybe a comment here or there during practice or during weight training, but like, Connery's usually pretty outspoken so I didn't think much about it. I thought he would eventually warm up to Espio since he was around him more and more, but then his comments only increased. Every time I tried to tell him that Espio seemed alright, he would fight back and wouldn't drop it until I did."

Rudy saw himself as the middle ground between Connery and Mr. Monk, often the one to bring the peace whenever either of the two became outspoken. But he felt partially responsible for what had occurred.

"I could have done more to change his mind. Then maybe he wouldn't have to go as far as he did. Then maybe, we could have continued being the close team we were rather than have a vocal minority split apart because of someone not on the team but friends with us regardless."

Other Badniks players corroborated Mr. Rudy's statement, often pointing out November's vandalism incident as the catalyst for when things between Mr. Connery and his team split apart.

"We were thankful really," said General Studies major Bull Bones, 24, another Badniks player. "Nobody kinda really asked Espio to help us but he did. I mean yeah sure, I found him kinda weird at first, but I got used to him the more [Mr. Vector] brought him around. It meant a lot when we heard about what happened and honestly I thought he was the coolest person out there acting like a real ninja. But Connery didn't see it that way. He saw Espio as nothing but a criminal and kept trying to convince us otherwise. He did get some minor support, but it felt like he just kept obsessing over Espio, especially since we were all getting closer to him."

When pressed on what he would say to Mr. Connery, "I'm not sure what you were expecting, Connery, but you shouldn't be shocked that you had everything turn around on you. You frankly were asking for it," he said.

Mobius U officials, as well as Headmaster Robotnik, all sent out statements regarding last night's incident, as well as enforcing new measures that are currently being set in place to not only control students on campus, but to prevent future clashes as well as unwanted guests from coming to campus and causing scenes.

"While we do understand that every student has the right to free speech," said Headmaster Robotnik's statement. "Safety for everyone on campus is our top priority over anything else, and we've championed that thanks to our several programs for students. Starting today, we will be quelling ALL student protests until order is restored on campus, regardless of party involved or not. This is to ensure that students not only return to daily life, especially as the midterm season continues but also the upcoming finals season, but also to ensure that we don't see the level of attacks that students have faced. This is temporary, and we will be closely monitoring campus to ensure that flaring emotions soon die down…"

The measure is already facing criticism from both sides, with several CCOCC members and high profile conservative commentators demanding Mr. Espio's immediate expulsion and a complete rescission of Mr. Connery's suspension, and students and commentators on the other side of the political spectrum saying that the school hasn't gone far enough and that crushing all protests silences voices demanding justice. Either way, students who found themselves in the middle of a sudden culture war, with a national level spotlight on all of Mobius U are saying they can finally return to a life they call normal, with some expressing relief that something resembling an end has finally come.

In the words of another anonymous student; "Could the Headmaster do it in a better way? Absolutely. But I just wanna go back to my life, man. I never asked for this."

(pg. 6, Upcoming Campus Events/Sports)

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The sound of beads hitting against one another was heard as Espio slid the last magatama bead through the string of his necklace. The last piece of jade slammed into another piece as the chameleon looked at the necklace with sadness in his eyes. He sighed as he brought the necklace down to his lap. Sure enough, when Connery ripped it off of him last night during their struggle, some of the beads either were crushed by his or the horse's shoes, or were completely lost.

And it had been a thoughtful gift from the priest of the shrine within Gojo, a symbol of protection that Espio had known all his life. And now here it was, damaged without care.

Espio frowned as he continued to stare at the necklace. Vector sat right next to him on the lower bunk as he too looked concerned for his boyfriend, in spite of the ice pack over his eye just like yesterday night due to his injuries fighting Monk.

"I'm sorry, Es," Vector softly said, rubbing the chameleon's thigh. "We tried our best to find everythin'... but it wasn't enough. I know that necklace means a lot to ya."

Vector turned to face forward, a look of sadness in his eyes as Espio too felt sad. He was thankful for Vector and the rest of his friends who helped stay behind to find the rest of the magatama pieces, but it felt like something so personal to him was ripped apart.

Now that his emotions of anger and shock had subdued through the night, everything that had occurred seemed to replay in slow motion. The guards that found them, the fight between Connery, getting tased (as he soon learned what it meant from Vector), hearing the horse's confession, Vector's confrontation, Mark protecting them from Connery, the large, angry crowd that came in, and then what came after.

So much happened all at once, and while he was happy that everything seemed to be over… Well, was it really?

"Hey, I know yer probably still reelin' from all that occurred last night," Vector continued. "I probably couldn't even begin to understand how yer feelin', but… I'm proud of ya, Es. Yeh were more brave out there than anyone I've ever seen in mah life. In fact, it…" the crocodile turned to face the chameleon. "It felt more like yeh were there to save me."

"No… I protect you, Vector," Espio replied. "But…"

"Listen, yeh tried the best ya could. Yeh weren't expectin' Connery to have anythin' like that, heck, neither was I. I knew he'd gone insane, but this was off the deep end!"

"I wo… worri-worry."

"Worry? Why?"

He didn't know how to explain to Vector clearly in English, but in times of war, as his mother explained, whenever a battle would be won, the enemy wouldn't just take the loss by letting themselves be trampled by the victoring army. They would do anything to preserve their honor through retaliation. Connery may have been gone, but CCOCC and its members still existed. And the whispers of everyone on campus… even cooped up in his dorm, the chameleon could still hear them.

And there were his friends too. What if they were once again dragged into all this? He thought back to the pain Mark must have felt when he was shocked by two tasers at once, the look in his eyes as he collapsed onto the ground. Sure, he was okay, but… why? Why did it have to come to this?

"Vector… Why did Mark… do that?" Espio asked. He turned to his boyfriend, seeing Vector's face shaken up by the question.

"Wh-Why ya askin'?"

"Why did he ha-hurt himself? I was to… to stop Connery, not him!"

"He wasn't supposed to."

Espio stopped. Supposed to? If he remembered his English correctly…

No… Oh no.

"Mark was only supposed to show up to get between us and Connery. That's it."

"You know?!"

Espio dropped the necklace on the ground in disbelief. His disbelief started to turn into anger. Did… did his boyfriend intentionally cause Mark to get hurt?!

"It… it ain't that simple, Es!"

Espio got up, his right eye twitching as he turned to his boyfriend. "Why?... Why, Vector?!"

The crocodile, in spite of his size, seemed to almost shrink in front of the chameleon. He looked away, eyes closed. Espio grabbed Vector's shoulders.

"WHY?!" he asked again, a mix of anger and sadness in his voice as he shook Vector's shoulders. The crocodile winced, turning his snout away from Espio's face.

"Ma-Mark and I talked 'bout it while we were plannin' out! I-I didn't force him to do nothin'!"

Espio let go of Vector's shoulders as the crocodile continued.

"I told him that yeh were doin' everythin' ya could fer all of us, and that he had to stop bein' afraid. He told me 'bout how he was bullied all the time by guys like me, how he had no self confidence, how he always hid behind ya anytime he tried to stick up fer himself or anyone else. That's why I told him that he can be brave, stoppin' Connery in his tracks by gettin' in his way. Sure, ya heard him talk to Mark like that, but if someone in the public was gettin' involved and the entire thing was recorded, then we figured it'd look bad on his part, wouldn't it?"

Espio's expression had only changed softly as Vector continued.

"But then, he used himself as a shield. Even I wasn't expectin' that, and I can swear on mah heart right now, I NEVER told him to do that. He did that in spite of his fears, all because he cared 'bout ya so much as a friend. Everyone, me included, are riskin' so much bein' associated with what happened last night. But I told ya all that 'bout mah football career when Connery tried threatenin' me with it, and I'd do it again if I'd have to. Because ya matter more to me than a football."

Vector slid off the bed, crouched down, and handed Espio the magatama necklace he had dropped. "I know I can't fully understand how ya feel, but I told mahself from the night I dated ya that I'd do anythin' fer ya, Es. And if I have to take the blame fer everythin' only so that ya dun have to suffer anymore, then I say bring it. Only so that I dun have to see ya asleep at night so conflicted. But… I hurt ya regardless. Even if I didn't want that… I knew yeh didn't want Mark involved and yet I ran with it. Es… I'm sorry. I can't express just how sorry I am…"

Espio's body softened up as he slowly grabbed the necklace from Vector's hand, staring at it. The crocodile proceeded to hug his boyfriend, not seeing that he had closed his eyes but feeling him shake. The chameleon's face fell as he too now felt conflicted about… everything. The biggest question on his mind being-

"What… do I do?" he asked. Espio didn't expect an answer right away, but Vector gave him one.

"Maybe… Just live."

Vector undid his hug as the chameleon watched his larger boyfriend stand up. "Lemme tell ya somethin'. I'd feel like utter shit when I lost a game and we'd get yelled at by Coach fer thirty minutes, then having to log in online to see everyone shittalk me. I'd get a pit in mah stomach when I failed an assignment or a test in one of mah classes, worryin' if it keeps up, then I'm off the team. And it's somethin' that sticks with yeh fer some time. But y'know what I eventually realized? As much as things suck when that happens, the world doesn't end if ya lose a game or fail a test. It keeps goin' on, and ya gotta wake up, look at yerself in the mirror, and continue on with the next day, hopin' that next time it'll go better. And usually, it does! And even if it doesn't, there's always somethin' to look forward to, no matter how small or how long it lasts. I mean, fuck, yeh think I dun feel like shit now?! I do! Knowin' that I hurt ya just… it's painful. But… I know yeh too, Es. Yeh would know if I was full of shit and call me out on it. I don't expect yeh to forgive me, but I at least know I fucked up and wanna make it better. 'Cause at the end of the day, life goes on, and I can't mope about this forever."

Vector crouched to his boyfriend's height. "Those CCOCC fucks ain't gonna leave ya alone easily, I can guarantee it. But at some point, ya gotta fight back by livin'. Yer done with them, and yeh ain't gonna give them anymore power. Ya got so much more to focus on, so many BETTER things to focus on. While they might be stuck in the past, ya gotta live in the present and just… well, live, Es! Live not just fer me or fer yer friends, live fer yerself, live fer the fact that ya still got classes and all that! Ya might be some big shot hero, but even big shots still got grades to worry about and other things to do."

Espio's expression changed softly as he saw Vector start to crack a smile.

Live…

Maybe all his friends had moved on back to their lives now… Sure, he wasn't going to keep his guard down, but what was life if you always lived in fear? It was that belief that shut the Brides away from the Outside World, fearing corruption and destruction of their lands. Once upon a time, Espio too was afraid of the Outside World and the images of desolace and debauchery. But eventually, his fear was overcome by curiosity, a desire to know… was there more to his world than the forests, mountains and the sea beyond the Historic District?

Live… Something he knew his father knew all this time. Was this what he also meant by having the answers in his heart?

But that didn't mean there wasn't uncertainty. Vector told him to do things for himself when he confessed his love for the crocodile just a month ago, and even now, when it seemed like things were finally calming…

How did he live exactly? How could he live when…

"Connery… make me feel not good. About myself. About Yurashia." Espio looked over at the clothes drawer. "I think about what he say to me-"

"Dun listen to any of his shit, Es," Vector pointed his finger at Espio. "He only wanted to take his anger out on yeh and only showed his whole ass while doin' so. Yeh aren't a problem doin' cultural things, I mean, it's yer way of life! Who cares if ya eat with chopsticks or can't eat meat, or if ya wear those kimonos or whatever yeh and Mr. Valdez call them, or whatever it might be! Yeh shouldn't feel ashamed about it. It's what makes ya you, Es. Connery just wants you to think that you're an unwanted outsider," Vector proceed to grasp onto the side of Espio's head. "No, that ain't it. He told ya more than just go back to Yurashia. He wanted to actively make yeh feel ashamed about who ya are by otherin' ya. In his mind, he was civilized and good, while yeh were a savage and bad. And he wanted to make sure ya hammered into yer head that yeh were an outsider and remind yerself of that everytime ya woke up and interacted with people outside yer village. But that ain't the Es I know."

"Bu-But I- am… I feel-"

The crocodile smiled. "Who cares 'bout where ya were born? I wouldn't want anything changed about yeh at all as long as I knew that it made ya happy or gave yeh a sense of relief or anythin' spiritual related. In fact… I think people on this campus can learn from yeh bein' unashamed."

Vector then turned to his phone and grabbed it, turning it on and showing it to Espio. "Besides, if anythin', our work is done here. We finally got CCOCC to back off us, I think the rest of the student body can handle them now. They're not our concern anymore. Didn't ya see today's issue of the Daily Mean Bean here? They're embarrassed now. Some of them finally admit Connery was the problem by hidin' their faces. And it's all thanks to yeh and the work ya did. But like I said, life moves on."

Vector proceeded to put his arm around Espio's small shoulder, resting his head against his free shoulder. "There's a sayin' we got here in the Federation. 'The best revenge is a life well lived'. Yer just gonna live yer life like yeh always have while they cry 'bout not bein' able to bother yeh. Besides, we got better things to do than focus on them. Likeeee…"

The crocodile shot a toothy smile as he moved his head up from the chameleon's shoulder. "...helpin' me study fer mah Japanese I midterm later today?"

That… made sense. There was still that nagging feeling at the back of his head, that someone would retaliate over what happened.

But there was that saying… he didn't think the Outside World had sayings just like in Gojo, and if they did, they were so strange, like, 'It's raining cats and dogs'.

Regardless, he had to stay calm for Vector's sake, and he knew he would learn the meaning of this saying soon. Perhaps he could ask Valdez? Either way, Espio sighed as he softly smiled. "Yes. I will. Thank you, Vector. And… I forgive you. For Mark."

"Awh, don't be so humble, Es. Ya shouldda seen how hot and cool ya looked when ya broke free from those chains. Almost got me feelin' somethin' at that moment!"

Espio playfully shook his head. For how he may have seemed to others, Vector truly was the smartest man he may have known. Maybe even more wise than his mother and the Brides, the elders, or anyone in Gojo. Maybe he too, could relate to how Espio felt at that moment, even see past the front of seeming calm to him…

That was one of so many reasons why he loved the crocodile.

The crocodile held the chameleon's chin and kissed his boyfriend, the two slowly enjoying each other's touch as their nerves shook.

"Here, yer missin' somethin'. Lemme just-"

Vector grabbed the magatama necklace and turned his boyfriend around, making a knot with the necklace's string and allowing Espio to wear it. "There ya go," Vector said. "Now ya look just like ya always do. Beautiful."

Espio felt the coolness of the glass beads in his fingertips, thinking back to everything that had been said between him and Vector. This morning, he had woken up thinking that the beads were useless, as they hadn't protected him at all last night. That he had only put them back together just because he was expected to come back with it on when he returned to Gojo.

Now… maybe the belief in his customs really were more than just legend, just not in the way the villagers expected…

"Oh, almost forgot!" Vector added. He grabbed Espio's inrou and handed it to the chameleon. He stared at the netsuke of the Eye of Infinity; his clan's symbol, wondering if the Eye, in all its power, had overseen and heard everything in the last couple of minutes. Nevertheless, he shook his head and attached his inrou to his obi by the netsuke, perfectly displaying it as he always did.

"So, now that ya feel better, how's 'bout we get some breakfast and get ready for Advanced English Lit?" the crocodile continued to speak. "As I said, life still keeps goin' on, and we gotta power through it! Dun worry 'bout me, though. I know I still look kinda rough from last night, but ya know me!" Vector smiled as he put down his ice pack. He began to flex his arms. "Still the… big and stron- agk!"

Just then, the crocodile's eyes widened as his back arched upwards and almost fell forward. Espio gasped as he put his hands onto his boyfriend's forearm. Vector hissed in pain.

"Argh… think I sprained somethin' last night…" he commented. "Monk hit fuckin' hard as hell. I'll… I'll still be fine though!" Vector gave a thumbs up. "Ya know the sayin', 'No pain, no gain'!... although, suppose I can't really apply that here, huh? Think there's some painkillers in the pantry. Mind getting some?

Espio nodded as he turned around to the nightstand and opened up the "pantry" drawer, reaching into it to obtain a white bottle that he saw Vector take these strange small white tablets from after a practice session or a game.

At that moment though, there was a BEEEEP from the door as it swung wide open.

"Espio-kun, Espio-kun where-! Oh, there you are!" Valdez had said as Espio got up, painkiller bottle in hand.

"Valdez-san, good morning-"

But before he could continue, Valdez almost rushed towards the fuchsia chameleon. "Espio-kun, what in the world were you THINKING last night?! I finally heard about everything that happened and while I'm very glad you're okay-" Valdez grabbed Espio by his shoulders, almost shaking him violently as he yelled in his native language. "Didn't I tell you, no, didn't I tell BOTH you and Vector that the officials would handle CCOCC?!"

Vector, who had just downed two pills, tried to stop the blue chameleon. "Mr-Mr. Valdez, it-"

"I don't want to hear any excuses, Vector! You put Espio into VERY grave danger!" he replied, getting into Vector's face.

"But whadda 'bout Connery, huh?! Ain't gonna say anythin' 'bout him?!"

Valdez ignored the crocodile as he turned back to the chameleon. "Are you not aware just how much scrutiny I'm under right now?! I'm having to answer to the Mobius U board next WEEK because of this! I told you this because I knew it would happen and you STILL went behind my back! I think you've become far too relaxed with your freedom! I think I now have no choice but to limit it since you continue to refuse to listen to me!"

"Valdez-san! I stopped Connery and his army!" Espio shot back. "I did it not just for myself, not just for Vector or my friends, but for you and the people here! I led my own army for the first time!"

"Espio-kun, this… this isn't a war! Stop treating it like it is! This is serious! Have you not seen that CCOCC has threatened legal action against both of us?! You have a month of weekends left to completely finish your community service and now you have the threat of going to jail AGAIN! It's like you've completely refused to listen to reason while simultaneously abiding by the way of the Historic District! What would your mother think if she heard about this, no, what would she SAY if she learned you were locked in prison in the Outside World?!"

"This was not by my hand, Valdez-san! Connery has hurt so many people that retaliation was the only way he would be stopped! This was for my honor! This was for OUR honor!"

"Honor shouldn't come to a point where you're risking your life and doing so through questionable methods!"

Espio's eyes lowered, his mouth curling to a frown. "You've become too relaxed, Valdez-san. You kept telling us that you were going to do something about this but never did. I only suffered more at the hands of that organization as they kept hurting the ones I love. You know all too well that the Brides had us train to not just protect our lands, but our people. What is a leader if they cannot protect their people, those who cannot fight back? Many people here cannot fight like we can, so that's why Vector, myself, and my friends all have planned this for weeks now-"

"WEEKS?! You planned this out for WEEKS BEHIND MYBACK?!"

Valdez's face had turned into one of abject horror. Espio could see Valdez's eyes almost roll to the back of his head as he lowered himself slowly. He moaned out like a zombie as he buried his face into Espio's night robe, grasping on tightly.

"Espio-kun, one of these days you are absolutely going to be responsible for putting me into an early grave through stress," Valdez said, muffled through the robe. "What in the world am I going to do with you?..."

"I think Es gets the point, Mr. Valdez," Vector replied. "Also hi yeah, I'm still here y'know. I know that yeh aren't happy with what he did, but he was doin' it selflessly. He didn't care how much he got hurt if it meant that others would stop gettin' hurt, if we could just… just finally be a couple like everyone else can. Look outside to how the others are treatin' CCOCC now. Can ya really say what happened was a bad thing? We played along with Connery's game and dished out what he gave us. He can talk big game 'bout a lawsuit, but what legal ground does he stand on?"

Valdez pulled away from Espio's robe, looking at Vector. "I know you're taking classes in Criminology on the side, Vector, but I'm just… just concerned-"

"At some point, ya can't be afraid. Ya gotta brave forward. Do it fer yerself, for others around ya. Es did it not just fer me, or fer his friends… he did this fer his dad."

"Na… Naga-san?!... Espio-kun, you…"

Vector turned to his boyfriend, who in turn looked at Valdez.

"...I would say I'm taken aback by how you are and what you've become, but when I see your eyes… it's like I'm staring right into Naga-san's mischievous young eyes all over again…" Valdez said in his native tongue. "You really are his son, Espio-kun."

Getting up, Valdez cleared his throat. "I'm still not happy with what you've done at all, but it's clear to me now that you thought of your parents and how they would deal with such a thing. However, it needs not reminding that the Outside World ISN'T like Gojo. Something like this doesn't fly by according to the law. I can't say I know what your future entails, but you need to be aware that even if you may not have gotten into trouble, and even if Connery was the one responsible for doing all those things to you, you still have some responsibility that lies at your feet, Espio-kun."

"I know. I care not, however. I swore that I saw him, Valdez-san. Just outside the hospital. All this time, I asked myself if he was proud of me. I was a little confused at what he meant by that fully in how I can do that. But that night, I finally got my answer. Vector talked to me too as well. I must continue to live not just for myself, but for those who care for me, for those who are thankful for my efforts. It's like my father always said. Calm might not be instantaneous, but it eventually happens. Think about how little conflict has occurred in our lands since our ancestors formed the Historic District. We've never had to fight anymore, we've never seen a reason for invasion."

Valdez seemed to turn away from the chameleon, his mouth slightly open as he rubbed his arm.

"I was always thinking I was giving you too much freedom, that if you returned to Gojo, the Bride would see you as a delinquent. And yes, you may just be as wild as some of the students here in your own way, but you have a sense of morality and direction. Maybe truly all this time, I was the one smothering you since you no longer have Naga-san in your life anymore."

Espio blinked. "Va-Valdez-san?..."

"I'm not your father, nor will I ever be. But when I learned of his death and quickly came back to the village, I saw how lost you were. I remember you telling me about how you felt you couldn't grieve after he died the other day. Though I was living in the Outside World with a new life, I felt more obligated than ever to visit to make sure you had someone around to not feel lonely now that your mother became busier and you occupied yourself through training and meditation. But maybe… maybe you learned something I hadn't in that time. Maybe that's why you feel a need to carry the burden of others. Even mine too… you… you did this not just for yourself or your friends, you wanted to not see me in pain like I saw you all those years ago?"

"Psst, Es, what's he talkin' 'bout?" Vector whispered as Espio held up a finger.

"Perhaps today I'll learn the aftermath of what has occurred. My spoils of war," Espio continued. "And as long as I know that you no longer are attacked by others, then I've finished what I've set out to do. I fought for the honor of the Shinobi Clan and my father, and now I must do my next task. To live. It may not be the way everyone in Gojo expects me to live… but how I'm living now… it's the life I'm enjoying."

"Don't you feel you've gotten attached? What happens when you leave?"

"Then I'll return to my life in Gojo, still at the very least, glad that I've had the experience I've had in the outside world."

Though this came from Espio's mouth, just seconds later, he felt a pang in his mind. Was… that really what he thought?

Valdez looked back at the chameleon, unaware of this personal conflict.

"It's… so weird," he said. "It's like you've changed overnight into a leader. Maybe that's what you are. Your mother may not know what truly occurred at that stage last night, but I think that you should be proud leading at your age," he said. "Just… please, for me at least, I know I'm asking for too much, just please stay out of trouble. It feels useless at this point since you no longer listen to me, but there's no reason to fight anymore. You seemed to have gotten what you wanted. What else is left?"

Vector tried to defuse the tension in the air, shaking his hands. "OKAYYYYY, I think we talked a lot of big things here today, and while I learned SO much in these last few minutes, me 'n Es kinda got places to go, y'know…"

"Sometimes I ask myself if Espio gets it from you, Vector…" Valdez sighed.

"Hey, I'm his boyfriend but it ain't like I tell him to do whatever fer me!"

"And to think in just a couple of days, we're getting an esteemed professor from Spagonia University to provide a lecture. Imagine what he'd say upon learning what happened here?! Then I'd really be fired!"

"Who?"

"Professor H.B. Pickle, considered one of the best minds in the field of ancient literature. The headmaster as well as higher Mobius U officials and those in his field of study are very excited to have him here, but they were incredibly worried about his safety when all of this broke and have been playing damage control for his arrival. I'm not sure whether I should be thankful that's resolved at least-"

But just then, there was another knock at the door. The three turned towards it.

"Are you expecting a guest, Vector? Is it one of your football teammates?" Valdez continued to ask.

"If it's a CCOCC person, I'm slammin' the door right in their face. Alongside mah fist too…" Vector replied through a mumble, walking to the door. He opened it up as Espio walked towards his boyfriend, wanting to see who it was.

"There he is!"

Just as Espio stood next to Vector, something was shoved into his face. It was white and circular, all sorts of different colors on the object in question. In fact, he HAD seen this object before! It was that sweet so many people in this world loved, what was it again… keik or something like that?

What he was MORE surprised about was the two people at the doorframe who had the sweet in question.

"Surprise!" said Razor, one of the two student representatives of the LGBTQ League. Standing next to him was the other representative, Nicky. How long had it been since he last saw them in public?

"How are you?" Espio asked, surprised. He bowed to them as both of them seemed to be in high spirits.

"It's weird…" said Nicky. "For the first time in a while, I woke up feeling… rested? Calm even. I hadn't felt that in forever."

"Are ya guys alright?" Vector asked. "I heard a lot 'bout what Monk did to yeh all. I even got caught up in that threat that got the bomb squad called here."

Razor and Nicky turned towards one another, a look of confliction on their faces as their smiles faded.

"Y-Yeah… actually kinda. I mean, I can't say that none of us of from the league didn't feel what happened to us," the shark said. "We all got it so bad, we didn't think it would stop. I thought that us having to move things virtually meant our group was done for. And it felt like I couldn't even do anything anymore without being smeared as something awful."

"I turned into a hermit," Nicky added. "Imagine being misgendered, threatened, and harassed to a point I couldn't leave my dorm without someone mocking me from outside. Last night was probably the worst, I was getting message after message of insults and threats about… well, everything. Random strangers calling me whatever they felt like, trying to act like they somehow knew me, and yeah, and the death threats. And the… sexual assault threats. AND trying to say me and the rest of the league is Ilbisian-"

"Oh did I get those a lot," Razor added. "I mean, at first it was fun to reply with a sassy GIF and block them, but when you had to start doing it almost every hour of every day, then that's when it became unbearable."

"Ha! I got 'What's a woman?' messages under my door like every other day. And that's still understating just how bad things got. Everything we talked about happened to JUST us. Imagine how we felt when our group got doxxed by some fuckhead with a huge audience, no doubt friends with that Monk guy. Thankfully, I think they all didn't know what I'm majoring in, so I was able to do really quick damage control and go into lockdown to protect everyone's identity, but it… it was a low blow."

"Any reason yer here tellin' us?" Vector asked, raising a brow. "Well, that and the cake."

"It's to thank you, obviously!" Razor replied, his mood becoming cheerier. "We know about everything that happened last night and it… it kinda changed the mood around the league a lot. If it wasn't for you, everything we just talked about would still be happening."

"You know that Mark guy, right?" Nicky added. "We're in the same major but we have almost none of the same classes since he's just starting out. But he came to me asking about what he should do to stop all of this."

"Wait, the plan! That means…?" Vector questioned, eyes widened.

"My idea," Nicky nodded. "I was the one who wrote that initial program of his after he found out that all of the TVs on campus - and most people's devices - don't have protection for airdropping. I told him I'd do it under one condition. He had to do his part to protect you, Espio. I knew how much CCOCC had been coming for your throat, and Mark seemed like he didn't want to get his hands dirty. But I told him that for all the times you've done stuff for him, he had to pull his weight and return the favor."

"Mark…" Espio murmured. He… did all of this just for him?

"I had hopes for the program, but once Mark had it, I still felt so awful about everything. Last night, I just… I broke down. I told myself to be brave but I just… I just couldn't anymore. I had accepted that they won. And that's when I got the notification for the air drop."

"When I got the text, lemme tell you," Razor waved his hand downwards. "I was like, 'Whaaat?' And then I saw it and heard everything. And that's when I knew that bitch was going down. Even I wouldn't air out my dirty laundry like that out of fear of being recorded!"

"And then we got word that Monk was found knocked out in Stage 3 of the Space Theatre. Ironically, it was Kit who got that picture. Someone sent it to her. I think she of all people got catharsis from seeing it."

"Well, yer welcome by the way," Vector winked. "Where d'ya think the black eye came from?"

As Vector pointed at his injured eye and the various bruises on his body, Razor's eyes widened as he gasped. "Oh, don't tell me!"

"Yer welcome. I dun think Monk's gonna be botherin' yeh guys anymore. Once that ego of his deflates, he's nothin'."

"V-Vector, you!" Nicky said. "Ugh, if only I didn't have this cake, I'd hug you! And we got this for Espio… oh fuck it, both of you deserve this cake! You're the heroes of our league!"

The hedgehog handed the cake to a surprised Espio.

"Ah… no… I only help you," the chameleon said.

He attempted to give the cake back, but Razor held out his hands. "It's our way of saying thank you, man! Without you doing what you did, we would still be afraid. Finally seeing someone take CCOCC down… it… it's inspiring. Us LGBTQ folk, we didn't get our rights because we sat around waiting for them. We were disruptive, loud, violent even. It's the only way it feels like you make change. And now… we-we don't even have to be scared anymore! I told myself and the other members, just live like you normally would. We shouldn't have to cower anymore. We need to defend ourselves and one another. Try as they did, Monk and his people can't get rid of us."

"We're planning to meet back in person again soon. Who cares what someone who's a part of that group has to say anymore? I'm not afraid anymore."

"That's the spirit!" Vector gave a thumbs up. "Y'know, I was tellin' Espio that life still keeps goin' on even when it feels like the whole world hates ya. And yer a good case of that. Ya still might have assholes on yer back, but what better way to shove it back in their face then to just live?"

"And besides… CCOCC thinks they're the only ones filing lawsuits? We've mayyy or may not have started to consider a suit against them."

"Really?!"

"Yeah, well," Razor put his hands behind his head. "When you're being slandered as a groomer constantly for just being gay, when you have people screaming outside your dorm almost every hour of every day, you wanna do something called sue for harassment. What, are they gonna make me feel bad for being a dick sucking faggot who DARES to do something like style hair for my degree? Bitch, I own up to the title and don't even give a fuck anymore. I'm a faggot and proud of it. Makes me wanna put it on a shirt."

"As fun as it would be to give one to everyone, reclaiming slurs is a little dicey with our group…" a sweat drop trickled down the side of Nicky's head. "But for real, thank you two so much for what you've done. Our group can't express enough of our gratitude for not only standing up for us, but for giving us the bravery we need to keep going forward."

"Well, yer welcome!" Vector replied. "And if Monk gives ya trouble again, ya know who to call. I know a friend or two who can make sure he falls flat on his face again."

Nicky laughed. "Nice. Well, we really oughta get going. We just hope you enjoy the gift. For now, we gotta return to normal life as you said."

"Bye fellas, we'll keep an eye on you guys too!" Razor grinned a toothy grin just like Vector. With that, the two LGBTQ League members soon began to walk away as Espio still held the cake, turning around as he looked at it.

"Well, that was nice of them!" Vector said. "See, Es? If even they can continue to live in spite of everythin', then yeh can too. Actually, once we head out fer breakfast, yeh'll see what I mean. Promise."

But Espio was still looking at the cake, turning towards Valdez.

"Valdez-san, why does the Outside World love giving large sweets as these as presents?" he asked.

---

It was just as Vector and Espio were about to leave the A building when they were stopped.

"Hey."

The two reptiles turned around to see Knuckles and Mighty standing right in front of them. In spite of the major bruises on their faces, both echidna and armadillo still looked full of life.

"You didn't think of getting breakfast without us, huh?" Mighty asked.

"Well, not when yer a campus celebrity," Vector grinned. "Of course not. How ya guys feelin'?"

Knuckles rubbed the side of his face. "Things still hurt like a bitch, but at least my nose stopped bleeding. I can still feel plenty of pain and had to sleep with ice on my face."

"Yeh and me both, man. In fact, pretty sure all of us feel some pain."

"You are hurt?" Espio asked.

"Well, Monk DID fist fight us," Mighty replied. "It comes with the territory. Connery did a beating on you too, right, Espio? I'm surprised you're taking it so well."

The truth was, his body did hurt, but he was used to worse.

"Anyway, who cares about him or CCOCC anymore? We got better things to worry 'bout," said Vector.

"If you even dare say midterms, forget it," Knuckles replied. "It feels like my plate is so full nowadays."

"Oh come on, don't you just have to bite a rock and you get a 100 based on how it tastes?" Mighty replied.

"I do not!"

"Sureeeeeee, tell that to the amethyst you have on our desk. Surprised you haven't bit a huge chunk off like it's hard candy."

"See? Now things really are gettin' back to normal if yeh two are back to pullin' the punches on one another!" Vector exclaimed, putting his arms around Knuckles' and Mighty's necks. "Alright, c'mon, we dun have much time before our first class."

With that, Vector opened the door for the three as they went outside. As they did, shockingly… for the first time in what felt like forever, Espio heard…

Nothing loud.

An understatement perhaps, as Overlanders and mobians traversed the campus, but it was almost like CCOCC had never existed. There was no person protesting that could be heard at the front of the campus, no person protesting out here behind the main building, nothing. It was like… normalcy had returned.

In fact, Espio could see the faces of other students. No one seemed to be on edge or angrily arguing with someone holding a sign. In fact, some were smiling, talking with others, on their phones just mindlessly heading to their next class, sitting on the grass, filming themselves, it was like…

"Life returnin' to normal 'round here at last," Vector said, taking in a deep breath.

"Still, it's like it's almost overnight," Knuckles replied.

"Hey, I'm still hungry y'know," Mighty interjected, getting in between the two. "Y'know we still got our wrestling finals bracket tomorrow, right?"

"Eat to get yer strength up, that's the way I like it," the crocodile said. "Alright, let's go fer real."

And as they walked down the steps to the K building for breakfast, Espio was almost expecting to be yelled at or even to be recognized. And while he heard whispers from people as the four walked by and saw people staring at him, they didn't stop him at all. Why?

But it felt relieving. To finally be left alone for once…

"See what I mean, Es?" Vector asked his boyfriend. "Like nothin' ever happened."

And sure enough, it was like that when they entered the K building, waited in line to get breakfast, got breakfast, and sat down to eat.

The dining hall was like how it used to be.

As they were about to reach the breakfast plates, Espio stopped when he noticed one person in line grabbing a muffin with a pair of tongs. Even from behind, the chameleon could recognize Mark's short frame. His eyes widened, he quickly abandoned his friends and his boyfriend as he ran over to the tapir.

"Mark!" Espio called out as Mark turned around, just in time to almost tumble to the ground as Espio brought him in for a hug. The tapir's glasses pushed up to his forehead as his plate almost fell out of his hands.

"E-Espio! It's you…! M-Morning, man! You're excited," Mark said as he was trying his best to return the hug. The chameleon breathed heavily as he looked up and down.

"You are… okay. Mark, are you doing good?"

"Well… yeah, actually. Not gonna lie, I thought tasers would hurt more but all that's left is a mark. Of course, you're probably more beat up than me, huh? All I have is this."

Mark pulled up his shirt to reveal the taser mark on his belly, which was still clear as day as the two friends grinned at one another. It felt so odd that the two could almost laugh off their injuries, but then again, the last 24 hours had probably been the most eventful yet oddest in his life.

"Anyway, I wanna treat myself as best as I can, but I don't have a lot of money left on my meal card," Mark continued. "Sometimes I wish I could be like you or Vector or his jock friends."

And speaking of Vector…

"Jeez, ran like a bullet, Es," Vector said as he walked up to the two friends, breakfast plate in hand. "Here, gotcha a plate too, Es. Yeh doin' okay, Mark?"

The tapir didn't even seem intimidated by Vector for once, even seeming… bashful.

"C'mon… all I did was take a taser for you two. You guys did more than I did…" Mark said, rubbing the back of his head.

"Hey, who's the one that wanted to protect Espio? Would the Mark from last semester do whatcha did last night?"

"...I… I guess not. I dunno, it feels like a lot hasn't changed. And yet…"

"I told the same thing to Es. Just gotta return to life and live it best. Say, why doncha join us fer breakfast?"

"Yes! Mark, please!" Espio said, nodding.

"Aren't… your jock friends gonna be there?"

"Hey, when has that stopped ya?"

And it was with that conversation that led to where Espio was now, sitting in between his boyfriend and Mark with Knuckles and Mighty across from them now that all five of them had their breakfast. He had wondered where the rest of his friends had been, as he wished he had gotten to 'celebrate' with the rest of them. Although, in Jewel's case, she was likely hiding away so no one could recognize her. Or she was studying hard with a pile of books by her side like she usually was.

"So Espio," Knuckles asked as he spread grape jam on a piece of multigrain bread. "Now that you got all this chaos behind your back, what you got on your plate?"

"Eehh…" the chameleon looked down at what he had gotten for breakfast. "Ah-Apple. And-"

"No no, I mean what's your schedule like? Figure since we're done talking about CCOCC, we can talk about what's going on with you now."

"Ah… I have… a mi… midtarm? Valdez helps me with ku-questions."

"What about that concert thing you were doing?" asked Mighty. "Did it happen yet?"

"Concert? What concert?" Mark asked.

How could he forget? With all the chaos of the last week or so, it was like he had barely made any progress with the spring concert. And they were supposed to be giving Bernadette their song ideas by Sunday…

"No… but I am… I don't know…"

Mark, who had just gotten the basic details from Mighty, turned to his friend. "You should do it, Espio! Who wouldn't wanna hear Yurashian music?!"

"Listen, you can opt out of doing it if you don't wanna do it," Knuckles said. "I'm sure Bernadette won't mind."

"Don't wanna do it?! But-!"

"But I say yes," said Espio.

"Doesn't mean you can't change your mind," Knuckles replied back.

"I'm sure Espio appreciates the advice, but like we said, we'd help him out! I'm sure if we think 'bout it hard enough, we can think 'bout a song idea!" Vector exclaimed.

"You're just excited to see your boyfriend on stage, huh?" Mighty asked.

"Sometimes, I think yer the mind reader of us all, Mighty!"

It was nice reassurance… but maybe he needed some other ideas too.

"Mornin', Espio!"

It was a familiar voice that had taken him out of his trance. Espio turned around to see Bow and his friends all with breakfast plates standing in front of them. The chameleon was happy to see them, only to note what all of them seemed to be wearing. Rather than their usual ragged or long clothing, all of them seemed to wear a mahogany jersey, a white symbol of a bow on the right side and another symbol on the left that Espio didn't recognize. Still, it was vastly different than what they normally wore.

"Still tired from last night, mate?" Munch asked. "Seen it in yer eyes, I did. Felt like a dream."

"I'm just hopin' 'oll that nonsense is over," Thorn huffed. "I think goin' back to peaceful days is more m' speed."

"As long as all this violence ends, I am happy with whatever outcome. But I'm glad to see everyone also doin' okay," Buck added. "Does it hurt perhaps?"

"Well, you try getting your face slammed into a wooden floor and see how far things go," Knuckles replied, pointing at his face. "Wait… maybe it's a little inappropriate to say in your case."

"Hey, what's with the shirts? Somethin' goin' on?" Vector asked.

"Yeah, you're all dressed the same. I haven't seen you guys like that before," Mark added.

"I thought yeh'd ask!" Bow brought up the shirt, showing it off to the five in front of him. "It's our football club, the Avalon Archers F.C! Knockout season starts this month, so we're showin' our support from 'oll the way here since we're first up against Longhurst-upon-Dorsey's F.C.!"

"I thought where you guys are from is pretty small," Mighty asked, head turned.

"Well… it's kinda why Avalon never really HAD a football club for so long…" Alan replied, scratching the side of his head. "Even then, we're at… err… the-the bottom of the bottom… Actually, the lower leagues like ours are this month and most people don't really care outside of the people who live from where the F.C.s live and the biggest of football fans…"

The five transfer students seemed embarrassed, shrinking more and more as they admitted that their team wasn't exactly trending material.

"Yeah… the Premiere in May is for the big teams, like Snottingham's F.C. And… and that's the one people actually care about…" Bow shyly continued. He then shook his head. "Bu-but that just means we gotta support them no matter what! We'll play on those big fields against Megalith Highlands, yeh'll see!"

"It would mean so much fer everyone back home to see such a prestigious award won by us, even as someone who doesn't follow football all that well. Plus, one of the players on our club was a fellow altar server alongside m'self when I was younger. Good to give him support," Buck added.

But Espio was staring at the shirt and back at his friends. Here they were, the same people who had helped him yesterday with his struggle, some of whom were in grave danger of being caught or attacked, and all five of them were acting like nothing had happened.

"Are you okay?" Espio asked.

"Okay?" Alan replied.

"Yesterday. Are you okay fu-from yesterday?"

Bow, Thorn, Alan, Munch, and Buck had all looked at each other, their faces slightly falling before slowly brightening.

"We-Well, of course! Quite a lot happened yesterday, yes, but…" Bow's eyes closed. "...but we stopped what we set out to stop! Yeh and Vector are happy, and we finally showed those gammons what happens when they mess with the common people! Look 'round yeh!"

Bow extended his arms out, turning in place. "Yeh can finally see smiles on people's faces again!"

"Besides, we'd never tell that we were involved," Thorn put a finger over her lip. "That'll just be our secret. As long as we can put past what occurred, then we can live in peace."

"It's loike I've sung a song to everyone here!" Alan added. "Espio… yeh did this. No one might really know the truth, but… I'm sure even yeh got what yeh wanted in the end, no?"

The chameleon blinked at the five. It… it seemed more clear now. At that moment, Vector elbowed the chameleon.

"Yer gettin' it now. Remember what I told ya 'bout livin'? They're not hung up 'bout what happened. And Buck was the one who got hurt too!"

"While I still reserve anger towards that Monk individual for how much he hurt m'self and others, in m' heart, I pray that he one day in the future acknowledge the pain he's caused and seek amends in his own way," Buck replied. "It's what Solaris would have wanted, for us to admit to our sin and to learn and better ourselves."

"Sounds like you had some kinda deep talk," Knuckles replied. "Something we miss?"

"Oh, just a boyfriend to boyfriend chat 'bout things. Mainly how to focus on the future," Vector replied. Just then, Espio saw someone marching towards them. The chameleon lowered his eyes and his blood ran cold.

It was a CCOCC member.

He wasn't familiar with this one, a green newt with black hair. A purple vest and a multipattern long sleeved shirt made him stick out clearly. But Espio remembered his face very clearly among the CCOCC crowd that cornered him and Vector last night.

"You… it's YOU!" he yelled as he stopped, the Newt's eyes dilating as his hands shook.

"Who's that?" Mark asked. "Do you know him, Espio?"

"Now let's put this into practice, showin' ya someone who HASN'T moved on. Just follow me, he'll eventually be gone," Vector whispered to Espio.

"You think this is funny, eh?! You're just sitting here, pretending everything's okay while you LIE and frame Connery for something that never even happened?!" the newt yelled, pointing at Espio. "Terrorist! You're a terrorist and you know it! You lie to get everything you want you little sneak!"

"Hey, back off, fascist scum! Should have known you were a CCOCC mem-" Mark was about to yell before Espio grabbed his hand, tugging it as he signaled to the tapir not to even bother. He had remembered what Vector said. Move on and live. And so…

He ate.

Mark had caught onto this quickly, looking back at the furious newt as he turned around and pretended like he didn't raise his voice. This did NOT sit well with the newt, but it also didn't sit well with the five Mercian transfer students. Alan, Bow, Thorn and Munch had already stood in front of Vector and Espio. Buck stood next to him, looking just as cross as the others.

"Yeh got a little problem with our mate?" Munch raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms.

"I remember you…" the newt said. "Yes… yes, you were with him too! You were involved in deliberately ruining our event last night! No wonder you defend him! Mercian and Yurashian, all in the same boat to me it seems!"

"Oi, gammon," Alan snarled. "If yer gonna 'ave an issue, we can settle it outside. But I ain't lettin' yeh touch Espio."

The newt scoffed at the quail.

"Out of the way!" he yelled, but just then, Bow and Thorn pushed his arm back.

"Roight, I'll tell yeh what yeh bloody muppet. Yeh oughta be causin' a scene like this? Really?" the lop rabbit questioned, pressing her index finger on the newt's chest with each enunciation. "I'd say look around yeh."

Vector, Espio, Knuckles, and Mighty all saw that most eyes in the dining hall were on the scene in front of them. But they were all staring disapprovingly at the newt. He tried to ignore the glare of eyes on him.

"Tch, out of the way, earrings," Sydney threatened, his eyes lowering as he got closer to Thorn. "This is between me and-"

But before he could continue, an outcry of major proportions began. Words left and right were yelled out as the newt started to get swarmed by people right and left. He dropped his plate of food, scrambling to his feet as he breathed heavily.

"You… you aren't gonna get away with this! We're still pressing charges against you!" the newt yelled as he began to run off with people tugging at his vest, clearly embarrassed as the loud commotion that Espio couldn't even make out had turned to cheers. Even as he heard the voices of Orbot and Cubot demanding the crowd to calm down, those cheers soon turned to…

Serenity.

It was like the dining hall was back to how things were just moments ago as everyone continued on with what they were doing.

"Serves a fascist like him," Mark commented as he ate a banana. Bow blinked, looking around.

"That… almost seemed unreal. And yet…" the sparrow commented. "We're the reason the people are like this."

"They're ready to go back to life like we are. I'm sure yeh got somethin' better to focus on," Vector said.

"'Course we do! Munch still has wrestling to finish up, we're helpin' Alan with that spring concert, and… actually, Espio!"

The chameleon raised up at this. Bow however, seemed to shrink as he turned away.

"Erm… actually, it may be a little too early to ask. Rest assured, I will ask when the time's roight!"

Knuckles and Mighty looked at each other confused, shrugging.

"Well, we gotta take our leave!" Thorn said. "We almost got class soon, Vector and Espio. Shame if yeh miss it."

"Ya sure it isn't another essay readin' assignment?" the crocodile replied.

"Maybe it's a group assignment. Would be fun."

"Well, we'll see ya there! Es, we probably should scarf this down. We kinda have lollygagged too long."

"I am happy to see you okay. I will see you su-soon," Espio said, bowing slightly to his friends.

"Bye for now!" the five said as they all smiled and waved the best they could with their breakfast in hand. Espio turned to see Vector cram his entire breakfast into his jaw.

"Vector, what are you doing?" he replied, almost taken aback at the sight in front of him.

"Hope you like the bottomless stomach as a boyfriend, Espio!" Knuckles joked. "He even comes with his own grinder!"

This joke almost landed Knuckles face first into a pile of fruit as he laughed.

"C'mon, let's get goin'!" Vector motioned his head as he grabbed Espio's hand, the chameleon still having a croissant in his mouth.

"See you in Algebra later today, Espio!" Mark said as he was finishing up. As they began to walk quickly towards the exit, they knew they had time, but Vector clearly wanted to just get on with the day with no more interruptions.

Unfortunately, as life loved to prove Espio wrong, there was an interruption.

"Well, isn't SOMEONE the popular one now."

That slimy tone, the squawking of that voice, there was only one person Espio knew who it could be. And sure enough, when he turned to his right, Jet stood with cereal in a styrofoam bowl, Wave and Storm to his side.

"Been buddy buddy with my cousin, huh?" the hawk said in a condescending tone. "Dunno how someone can handle being around him for so long…"

"Whaddya want, Jet?" Vector growled, getting in front of Espio.

"Oh! I didn't realize I got the hounds on me already! Didn't think that you set his leash loose when someone looks at you wrong."

"You aren't that special 'cause you fooled some horse, y'know!" Storm added, getting in front of Vector. "You aren't gonna look down on the boss like that!"

"What is it?" Espio replied, causing everyone to turn towards the chameleon.

"Huh! You can talk pretty well now, chameleon," Wave replied. "Surprised you aren't shaken up by getting cuffed in the stage with everyone on campus watching you. Maybe you have changed more than I thought."

"That's cause we're heroes to everyone on campus!" Vector argued back. "He ain't scared! And I wasn't either!"

Wave's tone turned sarcastic as her brow raised up. "Ah yes, very much clearly. Our resident heroes as you claim are a couple made of a roided jock and someone who thinks murder is okay. Clearly the heroes Mobius U have been dying for and that everyone is so happy to have."

"Look, whaddya want with him?"

"Whaaaat, can't I just acknowledge him spending time with family? Especially when he kinda acts like yesterday didn't happen?" Jet continued in his fake tone, hands on his hips as he turned his head and puckered his lips.

"Yer jealous or somethin'? Sounds like to me ya respect him fer bein' so nonchalant.

Jet raised himself up to look at Vector. His cheeks puffed up as he seemed to be on the verge of cracking up. "Respect him? Respect him?!"

He now began to laugh as Wave shook her head, grinning as Storm too joined along to laugh.

"You gotta be kidding! It's not that I respect you," Jet walked over to the chameleon. "It's that you're boring now."

Espio raised a brow at this as Vector fumed next to him.

"You were fun at the start of the year because you couldn't understand me and fell for everything I did. Now that you aren't falling for it anymore, now that half this campus thinks of you as this hero, you're just not fun anymore to mess with. What's the point trying to fool you and get on your bad side if you already know what I'm gonna do?"

"Not even gonna hide that Es was yer little toy?" Vector glared at Jet.

"Hey, out of everyone I've pulled the rug under, he was frankly my favorite. Now what's the point? He's smarter than I realized. What a shame. Figured you were gonna stay like that for as long as you were here."

"I told you," Wave replied. "Sooner or later, he was gonna figure it out. But I must say, kind of a shame it's ending so early. Weirdly, it was fun while it lasted. It isn't gonna be so fun going after some newbie freshman."

"But hey, their faces are just as funny!" Storm added.

"Hey, maybe yeh three should just like… stop bein' dickheads?" Vector interrupted. The three birds turned towards the crocodile as Jet's face turned smug.

"You know what? No. I'm not gonna do that. In fact, to make you more mad, I'm gonna go after someone when you're gone. Then what are you gonna do?"

Vector sighed, shaking his head. "Figures. I wasn't gonna talk any sense into you. But swear, if yeh go after Es-"

"Relax, relaxxxxxx! We aren't gonna go after your twink boyfriend. Besides, I look at him wrong and I'm dead."

"H-He can fight, boss…" Storm nervously said. "Mighty told me all about it-"

"Look, just go to whatever class you're going to," Wave interjected. "You don't bother us, we won't bother you. Besides, you already said he was boring, right, Jet?"

"Don't you think it's sad though? Just how much fun…"

As the green hawk seemed to do some sort of fake remembrance of all the times he pranked Espio, Vector sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Let's go, we're wastin' our time," he said, tapping Espio's shoulder. The chameleon quickly got one last look at the three birds, at least glad that they weren't going to play any trickery on him. Sure, he would rather deal with them than someone like Connery or CCOCC, but at this point, he'd do anything for peace.

Still, in spite of one final annoyance that morning, at least he was going to sit next to the man he loved in just a few minutes.

---

"What in the hell HAPPENED last night?!"

That was Rouge's response as she sat down upon arriving. There were still six minutes left until class started, and Professor Finitevus still hadn't arrived. That meant as of right now, Vector and Espio's main focus was the physical print issue of The Daily Mean Bean in their faces, Rouge pointing at the header of the front page.

"I was at one of the off-campus dorms with a friend when she got a text about something going on at campus, and then I got sent a video from someone still on there, and who do I see but you two alongside this horse guy?"

"Uhhh… we're famous now?" Vector shrugged his shoulders.

"This entire article is insane from beginning to end! I don't even know where to begin! And why don't I have such a detailed article about myself-"

"Ugh, Rouge… can ya… can ya let it go?"

This surprised the white bat.

"Look, I know it sounds spectacular. But… Es and I just wanna move on."

"I don't think most people have moved on."

"No no, I meant us. The other people here on campus can do whatever. I just made Connery stop, and as long as we're left alone, it doesn't bother me what happens."

Rouge blinked at Vector. "Shut down like that… cold. But, don't you feel a little… I dunno, brash at saying that? Espio, what do you think? I know CCOCC isn't gonna leave you alone just like that."

Espio had finished getting all his materials out for class when he looked at Rouge. He thought about what Vector said and how the other students and some of his friends acted.

"Live," he replied.

"Live?"

"I will live. Vector tell me to live."

Rouge seemed puzzled, but seemingly also understood. "Hey, listen… I might not know how things went… but I'm at least glad you're okay. I might sound shocked, but that's only because I know you. The fact you might have really just stopped CCOCC? It's…" The bat chuckled. "It's kind of cool."

"Rouge? Yeh…" Vector said.

"I know. Listen to me, giving out such a compliment. But for real… the fact you two did something so amazing even while getting caught… it's kind of insane to think I know such celebrities as yourselves."

"Celebrities? Oh, yeh insult me, Rouge, knowin' I'm big man on campus-"

"Hey, I swore I heard a little birdie say they didn't care about that title in a declaration of true love to a big bad horse. Sounds like a romance movie there, champ. Frankly, if Connery wasn't there though, I'd have assumed you were filming some kinda adult video. Looking good in chains, Espio."

The chameleon grasped the pen he held, shaking as his scales turned pink.

"Okay class, good morning," Professor Finitevus said out loud in his microphone as his voice boomed through the speakers of the lecture hall. "Now it needs no reminding since I sent you that announcement Wednesday night on Capsule, but if you weren't present for the midterm, you're able to take it at the assessment center in the A building. I've also begun grading some of your exams and between all my classes, this class might be in the top 3 of highest grade average for this midterm this semester, so definitely feel proud of that. Now, that doesn't mean everyone did amazing, but do note that you can still pass, PROVIDED your grade on the final is good, so don't stress. On that note, before we begin, I'm going to go over what our final is: an oral group seminar presented to everyone here, and myself and others in the English department. This is going to count for 40% of your final grade, so listen carefully…"

And so, class began that morning. Much to Espio's surprise, just as Valdez checked up on the chameleon quickly, he was paying attention to what this "final" was, how it would involve multiple people working together, and then minutes later, having his textbook open as they began their new unit: Modern United Federations Writers.

And during that one hour and thirty minute class? Nothing else had happened.

No one came into the class to disrupt, no one was outside of the classroom trying to protest his existence, nothing. It was just another academic day.

"I think this is the first time in a while I felt like I could relax in a classroom," Vector commented. "Heh, listen to me talk like that. But that's besides the point. Yer gonna need a copy of The Red Light of Windermere. Haven't read that since high school. Surprised they're makin' us read it again, but mah high school English teacher made a big deal out of it. Thought it was borin' to be honest."

"What is it?" Espio asked as he began to pack up, getting ready for Algebra 101.

"Oh, it's a book 'bout this rich guy who loses his girl after comin' back from a war and how he deals with it. I kinda stopped payin' attention halfway. I just liked the old movie version where they had bad special effects cause we all laughed at it in class. Yeh might like it though. We can probably borrow it from the H buildin' although there might be competition to get it. How 'bout we do that on the way to lunch?"

Espio nodded.

"Sounds great! Well, time fer mah next class. Have a good time with Mark, okay? "

And that's exactly what happened after Espio had left for class and headed back to the A building for Algebra 101. Upon seeing his friend, Espio stood right next to him as he seemed to be playing some kind of game on his phone.

"I really gotta introduce you to Warriors and Wizards: Duelist Simulator," he said as Espio watched. "They have Japanese language options and it's super beginner friendly. Let's see… what kinda deck screams you?"

Later, as they began their lesson for the day in their new unit (Rational Functions), Mark was in the middle of teaching Espio how to program and work a graphing calculator when he asked the chameleon if he wanted to have lunch with him and his friends.

"Vector and all those other guys are free to hang out! I asked the others and they don't mind, although Norris was pretty iffy about it. I had to talk him into it."

He remembered how the giraffe had been acting odd lately, starting from the day he learned he had been dating Vector. Something about him had changed that day, and while he seemed fine, it was something the chameleon could read on his face. Still, how could he deny such a thing?

"Yes," Espio replied.

"Alright! Now, let's-"

"Mark."

"What's up?"

At that moment, the chameleon remembered the talk earlier that morning about the Spring Concert. While Mark was now aware, he felt it something that Mark could probably answer better than him in regards to what he should do.

"You know Yurashia myu… miu.. zz… no, mus…"

"Are you trying to say music?" Mark asked.

"Mark, focus. Tell Espio the same too. You two have done nothing but talk," Valdez scolded from behind the tapir. Espio looked at the blue chameleon before turning to the brown tapir.

"Yes."

"Well, yeah! I love J-pop and anime opening songs and-"

"I need help."

"That concert thing Mighty mentioned, right? I only got the basics. Why don't you tell me everything from start to finish."

And so, Espio tried his best to explain everything that was going on with the spring concert, constantly being interrupted by Professor Quack moving onto another problem and giving a demonstration or lesson. It would take Espio nearly the rest of the entire class to explain that he needed help with ideas for the spring concert, since his knowledge of music was based solely on what he heard, not how to play it.

"And you wanted other ideas too that fit your idea of what life is like in your village?" Mark asked. Espio quickly nodded. The tapir rubbed the bottom of his lips, trying to think of something.

"Mmm… this is way more than Mighty explained. Y'know… I am familiar with a type of song that might match what you're talking about. Have you heard of enka?"

"En… ka?"

"It's like, a modern variation of ancient Yurashian music. Something like that would be perfect!"

"But I do not know en… ka."

"I think I might have to search for some examples for you. It's a bit harder to explain and I only really know about it because Persona 4's anime adaptation had an enka song in it and like, there's a thing about an enka singer in the beginning but uh, you told me you haven't finished Innocent Sin so- No spoilers!"

"Mark… you know so ma-much about Yurashia. I only do this by myself, but Vector, Knuckles, and Mighty are helping me. I need yi-your help too."

"M-My help? Wh-what you do you mean?! I don't know how to put on a music concert! I just listen to it-"

But Espio grabbed his friend's hand. "Please."

"...when is this thing again?"

"Three weeks."

"Three weeks? Oh boy, sounds like you have to crunch. But I mean… I did help you with Connery… I think a music concert is certainly easier than getting tased. Okay, I'm on board! Myself and the others can help find inspiration for songs so you can perform at that concert!"

Espio smiled and thanked Mark, bowing in his seat. Maybe finally, he would be able to have SOMETHING to show to Bernadette on Sunday.

---

After texting Vector about his lunch plans and Mark's invitation, the crocodile happily agreed and said that Knuckles and Mighty were open to the suggestion too. Plus, there was the matter of the book they needed for Advanced English Literature.

That was what led Espio to wait for Vector outside the I building, as he was getting out from Injury Evaluation II right before noon. As if on cue, the crocodile left the A building with several other students behind him.

"Oh, hey Es!" Vector said as he walked down the steps. Since the crocodile knew Espio still wasn't one for being so public, he did what he usually did, brought him in for a side hug briefly and looked down at him.

"How was things today? Nobody came to give ya shit?" he continued.

"Oh, no," Espio replied. "Mark is good too."

"I'll be sure to apologize to him fer what happened yesterday. I'm sure he understands but still… feel a lil' bad, y'know? Whatever, I'm just starvin'. Sure could go fer a nice protein shake right about now-"

"Sure you weren't skipping class and just gymming? If you were me, you'd have to remember in which parts of Mobius talc rocks are mined," interrupted a familiar voice.

Just then, Knuckles and Mighty had walked up to the two.

"Hello, Knuckles and Mighty," Espio said. "How are you?"

"Fine. Was just a study session for me," the armadillo replied. "I still got plenty of classes ahead. How's the workout?"

"Dun listen to him!" Vector replied, cross. "Yeh know Knux is lyin'!"

"I know I know, just messing with you. Injury Evaluation wasn't it?"

"Sure is."

"Good ol' Vec, always being as helpful as he's always been," Knuckles commented. "Let's hope you'll be able to evaluate yourself next time we rough up."

"Heh, bet yeh'd wanna see me like that. But first, lunch time! How's 'bout we celebrate properly fer yesterday? I'm thinkin' one of the chain places in the dinin' hall!"

"Really? You often don't eat from those."

"Call it a special treat fer us all! Besides, at least it's cheap protein."

"For you! I dunno how you manage to eat junk and yet still somehow be as buff as you are."

"Downundan genes, my echidna friend!"

"I mean, it sounds good. I'm down!" Mighty said, putting his arms behind his back. "I mean, long as you're treating, Vector?"

"Yeah… wait, HUH?! Yeh think I got infinite money on mah meal card?!" the crocodile yelled back.

"Don't worry, we'll afford some apple slices for you," Knuckles cheekily replied.

"You-!"

"Call it even for this morning. C'mon, I'm getting hungry too!"

"Espio, you've never had this restaurant, right?" Mighty asked.

"Naw, we've only been to Meh Burger, Meh Taco, and Sub Station II. Kinda wish this whole probation thing would end. I'm gettin' sick of not bein' able to take Espio out," Vector said as the four began to walk towards the K building.

"Take me out?..." Espio questioned if the crocodile meant… meant attacking?!-

"I see that look on yer face, Es! I ain't talkin' 'bout ninja stuff! I mean headin' off campus and doin' stuff!"

"But it would be fun to see you try to outsmart Espio, especially after yesterday."

"Knux, he somehow pulled a handcuff offa his arm with just his strength alone. Even I gotta know I'm beat there."

"I will not hurt you," Espio replied.

"Not even playful hurt? Aw, yer killin' the vibe, Es!"

"Is this how you two flirt?" Mighty asked.

"Yeh ever been boyfriends with a ninja?"

"Last time I checked, no."

It did give Espio some relief to see that Vector and the others were so calm, especially outside in the open when just days ago, this was where they would have most likely been confronted with a CCOCC group member or a protestor. At that moment, he could feel Vector grab onto Espio's hand. The chameleon was surprised and looked up.

"...can I?" asked Vector. "It feels nice. But if I'm oversteppin' yer boundaries, lemme know. I'll stop if so."

Espio looked down at their hands, one larger than the other. He wouldn't deny too, there was something that felt so nice to have such a large hand guarding his own. Plus, Vector was always so gentle and loving when he had his hands on Espio, especially since he always knew to ask if the chameleon was okay with it.

Remembering what he talked about with his boyfriend that morning, he closed his eyes and nodded.

"Yes. I like it," Espio replied. Vector seemed giddy at the response, and squeezed harder in response as the two held hands, finally indulging in being the couple they were after so long. Of course, Espio still had reservations about being so open when it came to romance, but maybe doing something like this wasn't so bad every once in a while…

And sure enough, he wasn't the only one on campus who was feeling happy.

As they had gone around North Hall to head to the K building, Knuckles elbowed Vector's arm as he motioned his head up ahead.

"Hey, guess whose life we also made easier?" he asked. Everyone looked up ahead and found that coming from a wall near the B building were several members of the Mobius U cheer squad. Namely, Mina, Perci, Ellie, and to the surprise of the three athletes, Kit. All four of them were talking and talking amongst each other, bubble tea in hand as even the blue kitsune seemed more lively than she ever had before.

"Well, would ya look at that," Vector said. "Looks like Razor and Nicky weren't kiddin'."

Sure, going to save Espio was possibly his biggest highlight of the previous night, being the shield to Espio's sword when he almost collapsed. But this was the second biggest, seeing just how much of a change they made in one night alone.

It really did finally seem like things had changed for the better at Mobius U, like life truly had gone back to normal like he wanted.

As the girls were in earshot, their conversation could be heard.

"I saw the new eyeliner that BreezieFresh was releasing on ClickClock, and oh Gaia, it is the cutest thing I think I've seen," said Mina, limping her wrist as she talked. "I need to, like I just gotta have it, y'know?"

"The waterproof liquid gel pencil, wasn't it?" Perci added. "Staci has hers already, she LOVES it."

"Whattt?! Tell her to let me borrow it! I'm almost out of my current one!"

"Style your hair on the same day too! I really liked how you styled it that one day!" Ellie also added.

"I style my hair so many days!" Mina replied. "It's like every week I need to try a new one! Kit, I've never tried the bangs look before. How would I look combined with that new eyeliner?"

The blue kitsune looked at her friends. "O-Oh… I think yo-you'd look great with it, Mina. My fr-friend was the one who styled this look fo-for me though. She could do it better than any stylist co-could. But if you need help, I can ma-maybe style it for you."

"Yeah yeah! You're friends with that Razor guy aren't you? I like, have stopped spending so much money when I started going to him. He's SOOOO nice and loves to style my hair and it lasts me a while too!" Ellie replied, touching the feathers atop her head. "Maybe he can help us?"

"He? Oh girl, I think we're ALL gonna help you get beautiful," Perci added. "You're not alone on this, Mina."

"Ughhh, and I have SOOOOO many plans already!" whined Mina. "I have class until 3, I have to get my hair and makeup done by 5 and by the time I get out at 8, I have to pray that I'll be able to make up my Music Theory exam that I missed Tuesday, AND I have to do it before we all go out clubbing tonight! I can't even cancel because I won't be able to make an appointment for another two months!"

The girls laughed at their friend, with Kit only grinning softly as the bandicoot got out her phone.

"Hey hey, quick selfie time?"

"Yup, gonna be alright. 'Kay, let's go," Vector said as they watched the four girls pose for a photo with their drinks. Just as the picture was taken, they were suddenly stopped when a gruff voice yelled out.

"The fuck you think you're doing out here?!"

Mighty immediately stopped walking.

"Th-That voice?!"

Vector had recognized it too, his eyes widening. "Oh no."

Espio could see up ahead why the three had looks of worry on their faces. He looked around and saw just who had told them to stop.

It was Monk, marching his way towards the girls, clearly not subscribing to the idea of letting life go back to normal.

Knuckles grabbed the three and brought them behind the rock in front of the B building. Espio tried to look up from the rock only for the echidna to bring him down.

"Espio, get down!" he whisper-yelled.

"Isn't someone gonna see us here?" Mighty asked.

"I dun give a shit. The fuck is he doin' here?!" Vector growled, his fists shaking. "Thinkin' he can show his face… The second he even TOUCHES someone, I'm-!"

Espio put his hand on Vector's fist, looking up at his boyfriend and then Knuckles and Mighty.

"Let me," he said. When he learned about how Monk was the one responsible for Vector's injuries, the anger he felt towards him equaled the level of rage he held for Connery. He refused to let the gorilla get his way, and regardless of how powerful he was told the gorilla was, he would fight until his life ended to protect his love, his friends, and the people of this campus.

"Espio, you're not gonna fight him here, are you?!" Mighty questioned. "What are you thinking?! You're gonna be in more trouble than-"

"I dun think Es wants to fight him now… he's waitin' fer the right time," Vector said. "I think I get it though…"

He looked past the rock to see Kit cringe, rubbing her temples.

"Oh for G-Gaia's…" she said through gritted teeth. "What do you wa-want, Monk?"

"Kit's stronger than people give her credit. Let her handle this. But… if things go south, Es…"

He smiled. "Ya got my permission. Go ham."

"Are you sure?" questioned Knuckles. "You heard how Monk just TALKED about Kit last night, dishonoring-"

"Shut up, shut up! He's already talking!" Mighty whispered as the four listened in on the conversation. From afar, they could even see that even the other cheerleaders weren't too pleased to see the purple gorilla.

"What are you doing here, Monk?" Perci asked. "Are you finally gonna apologize?"

"Apologize? Apologize for WHAT?!" the gorilla yelled back, his face already starting to grow red.

"You've been a real jerk lately!" Ellie said, pointing her finger at the gorilla. "You're so mean, acting like you did with Kit! She's been telling us everything that you've said about her!"

"Oh boohoo, cry me a fucking river! As if I'm going to hear from a bunch of emotional brats about 'how toxic I am'," Monk replied in a mocking tone. "...just because I fight degeneracy! But I'm not talking about you."

Monk's eyes lowered at Kit, sneering at her. "I'm talking about you, Tsunami."

Espio noted that the size difference between Monk and this Kit was even bigger than the one between him and Vector. Whereas the crocodile could lift Espio on his shoulder, Monk could likely grab Kit entirely in one hand.

There was just one thing about Kit. Her face didn't show fear or anger.

It showed annoyance.

"That's not m-my name," she said flatly. "I do-don't know a-anyone named that."

"Stop lying! It's you! You I'm talking about!"

"I just s-said that's not my name, d-dumbass. I don't kn-know who you're t-talking to. Lo-Look, why are you e-even TALKING to me in the f-first place, Monk? Is me drinking bubble tea o-on this lovely Friday a-afternoon somehow bringing about the e-end of civilization?" she asked.

"You think that just because CCOCC's suspended that you're just gonna walk along like nothing's wrong? That you're gonna continue being the little degenerate you've always been? I don't give a single fuck if all eyes are on us anymore, I'm continuing what I set out to do."

"Oh for… Y-You're really gonna c-continue this whole thing? Bro. Connery's g-gone. The ENTIRE campus knows a-about what happened yesterday and everyone's ta-talking about it. CCOCC put itself in the sh-shitter and they only got themselves to b-blame, but you're still out here ac-acting like you're tough sh-shit."

"It doesn't matter what the fuck happened, that's all lies made up by Vector and his effeminate… bareback soy-loving fucktoy! Lying about this shit just so they can continue shoving this mentally ill LGBT bullshit down our throats, so that people like YOU can continue erasing women and-"

Espio could see the veins on Vector's hands popping just before the interruption from Kit, who held her hand up.

"Stop. Like, ac-actually stop. I'm not in the m-mood for this-"

"I'M NOT DONE TALKING YOU FUCKING GROOMER!"

Monk's scream was like that of a reef blower at the highest setting. But as the other cheerleaders covered their ears and closed their eyes, Kit blankly stared at Monk, her ears flopping in the wind. She wiped off the spit that flew from Monk's mouth off her face. "Are you do-done saying it a-and not sp-spraying it? Like, for r-real?"

"Think you're all that, huh? You wanna act like you're the one that's tough shit and have a smartass response to everything I say? You won't be saying anything the second I take that little mutilated face of yours and beat it on the ground, right here, right now."

"Then do it."

Monk seemingly took a step back at this declaration.

"You wanna d-do it so bad? Then do it. B-But I'm not gonna let y-you debate my humanity in public."

Monk's face of anger turned into a smug grin. "Sorry to say, I don't think anyone who wants to openly talk and express how much they love to talk about butt sex and show their genitals, suck cock, eat pussy, and trans themselves in front of kids and normal people are actually human to begin with. Oh wait, that's what you, Vector, and that league of weirdo pedo faggots love to do."

"Monk, that's not only homophobic, how could you say that about Kit?!" Perci asked. "You know that's not true!"

Monk ignored the bandicoot and continued. "You seem them go back to wearing your grooming flags and pins, their symbols of child abuse and degeneracy and supported by your fellow left wingers, acting all happy because they think CCOCC is over…"

"Oh Gaia, here we go again…" Vector murmured to himself, hand on his hip. It was another classic Monk-ism about 'ensuring masculinity doesn't die' and all of the gorilla's favorite buzzwords. "How does he just go on like this? Not gonna lie, I'm tempted to say fuck it and punch him right there."

"The second he swings, I'm going," Mighty replied.

But before Monk could finish his spiel, Mina, hands on her hips, curled her lip. "Y'know Monk, you've really cared about this whole thing for as long as I've known you. If I'd known better, I think you're obsessed because you're in the closet. I've heard about stuff like this online! Come out! It's fine. You don't have to hide your true self!"

This did not sit well with Monk. He turned towards Mina and began to walk towards the mongoose, his eye twitching. "You actually think I would be standing here proud to be a faggot? Tch! Get real you stupid broad! It's almost cute the way you and so many others think that about me. Let me tell you something, I'd have already killed myself if I was! That's how they all end up anyway, which is why I'm NOT an LGBT and never WILL support that bullshit! Wanna know how I feel about it until the day I die?!"

Monk proceeded to spit at Mina's feet, causing the mongoose's face to contort.

"Ewwww! You-!"

But before she could yell about her ruined shoes, Monk scowled at the yellow mongoose. "Tch, why don't you run off with the rest of your little band of miserable women and let me handle the fetishist here…"

Kit, unfazed, spoke up. "Look, you j-joke. You're not this big s-strong alpha male. Yo-You're a loser, and that's all you'll ever b-be. You wanna do s-something to me? You wanna kn-knock the shit out of me that bad? Then s-stop talking big shit like you always do and actually D-DO it," the blue kitsune held her arms out.

"You think I don't wanna?" Monk cracked his knuckles. "I've been waiting to give you fucking black eyes for days! I'll make sure once I'm done with you, the word tran-"

Vector rubbed his temples. "Oh brother, this… fuckin' shit again…Y'know what, just… just fuck it. Lemme at him-"

But just as the crocodile got up and was about to confront the gorilla, Espio stopped him.

"Until he hits her," the chameleon said.

"Es-!"

At that moment, Knuckles tapped Vector's shoulder. "You said Kit can handle this. Let her. Look at her even, she's not at all bothered," he said, moving his head to where the group was.

"...happy you gloat in your… sick, grooming perversion!" Monk finished, now breathing heavier than before as he almost seemed to be foaming at the mouth from anger. Kit simply just slowly shook her head in response.

"D-Do you even hear yourself, you… strange, st-strange weirdo? Does your m-mom know you talk like that? Tch, why an I b-bothering… You're pathetic, Monk. Do the world a favor and don't breed. Please. G-Girls, come on, let's go. We've s-spent WAY too long here."

Just as Kit was about to walk away with the rest of her disgusted cheerleader friends, Monk's scowl turned into a face of pure anger as he knocked away the bubble tea the blue kitsune had in her hands. She yelped out as the plastic cup hit the ground, spilling brown tea and black tapioca balls all over the pavement. A crowd now suddenly began to notice what was going on as Vector, Espio, Knuckles, and Mighty all jolted at this.

"We kicked his ass and he still acts like that!" Vector snarled.

"Bitch hasn't learned his lesson! No, I'm done just watching-!" Knuckles cracked his knuckles, ready to run up to the gorilla when Espio held his arm out towards the three. He walked in front of them, ready to strike at any minute when Monk least expected it.

"What the F-FUCK, DUDE?!" Kit yelled out.

"Monk, what are you doing?!" Perci added, now also looking angry. "Stop it!"

"Listen here you fucking man!" Monk screamed, getting closer to Kit. "Too long I've had to PUT UP with just having to ACKNOWLEDGE you! Every single time you cheered, it felt like I was staring at a freakshow, not a woman!"

"S-S-Sounds like a you p-problem, now g-get the f-fuck away from me, asshole!" Kit yelled back. "I'm trying t-to enjoy my day, and y-you're doing everything you can to ru-ruin it!"

"You don't DESERVE to know peace! People like you ought to be ashamed for even just LIVING! You erase women, you erase mothers, you prey on children, you're even a mockery of men itself! YOU'RE the one that's a joke! Even having to LOOK at you makes me wanna vomit!"

"Y-You and me both, b-buddy. Now turn around, and wa-walk away. I really don't give a sh-shit about what you have to s-say anymore."

"You're disgusting, man!" Mina said towards Monk. "First spitting at my feet, now this… I can't believe I had a crush on you!"

"You WHAT?!" Ellie and Perci yelled out.

"And today, that Mina is dead! Cause I see who you REALLY are, Monk!" the yellow mongoose pointed her finger at the gorilla, mashing it against Monk's chest. Monk, in turn, once again slapped her hand away violently as he looked down at the cheerleaders in disgust. Mina yelped as she shook her hand, cowering to the gorilla.

"I wouldn't even be surprised if your little squad was infiltrated by a bunch of lesbians, which probably explains why you lot are so emotional as is," the purple gorilla continued. "Being a homosexual or a transsexual has no place on a sports team, let alone compatible in ANY society, and the fact you have him on your team should be shameful! Instead, you coddle him like he's one of you, instead of telling him that being a trans and proud is disgusting and grooming itself! So why not tell him to STOP. NOW!"

"What are you, my dad now?" Perci asked, raising a brow as she put her hands on her hips. She turned to face the blue kitsune. "Kit, you'reee… magically not trans anymore!... apparently according to Monk."

Their looks of fear turning into a smile, this elicited laughs from Mina and Ellie, a snortle from Kit, and an even redder face for Monk.

"Got the me-message now? Good. Now actually f-fuck off," Kit commented as Monk, in his ever so calm state, grabbed Kit's shoulder and tightened his grip on her. Both of them stared at each other with murder in their eyes.

"Let me go," she growled. "I'm NOT gonna repeat myself again."

Mina pulled Kit away from Monk's grasp. She was thankfully successful in doing so, leading to Kit showing her teeth.

"Just leave her alone, Monk!" the mongoose exclaimed, grabbing her fellow cheerleader's hand. "Haven't you done enough?"

"And haven't you had enough of letting him continue all the pedo grooming he's been doing? It's already sick enough I have to see his sex parades and displays back up. But now, I have to see the Faggot Pillow Princess shark, Pronouns the Hedgehog, and now HIM, walking around acting like they always do, controlling everything like HIS little faggoty rainbow movement loves to do-"

Kit's face turned into one of murder as she grit her teeth. Her tone more serious than ever, she spoke without a single stutter.

"Misgender me again, and I swear to Gaia, I will kick you in the fucking shin."

"Come on, Kit! Let's go! This is making me uncomfortable!' Ellie whined as she tried to pull the blue fennec fox away. In response, Kit jolted her arm away from the eagle girl.

"Wanna threaten me, huh? Wanna act tough? Wanna say all that stuff about me knowing I'll get the cops on your ass?" Monk got closer to Kit. "Well, I think not when I'm not the one living as a mentally ill, castrated, disturbed freak with pronouns thinking that he'll pass as a woman when he's a feminized man. At least I'll actually have a normal, straight life with a nuclear family and doing what nature intended while encouraging other men to be like me. Meanwhile, you'll be all alone from being doped on so much hormones and estrogen that you'll end up joining the 41%-"

It was this final comment that seemed to push Kit to the edge. In what felt like the quickest swipe on Mobius, Kit raised her right leg up, her foot making direct contact with Monk's shin. In just nanoseconds, the purple gorilla went from a look of smug superiority to screaming out in pain as what sounded like a loud CRACK could be heard very clearly. Monk continued to howl in pain as he crashed to the ground and was left withering. Perci, Mina, and Ellie all took a step back, shocked at what occurred. They looked down at Monk before slowly turning their heads in unison towards Kit. She too had been looking at the gorilla, only to then look back at her cheerleader friends.

"Hey, I wa-warned him," Kit said as she began to walk off. The other girls followed behind as soon, others who had watched the earlier commotion now began to walk around the obstruction on the ground, ignoring the pained noises from Monk.

"Why did you listen to him for so long? You should have walked away," Perci whispered as they passed by the rock the four were hidden behind.

"Letting him e-embarass himself by fr-freaking out in public li-like that. But m-my poor tea th-though..." the fennec fox replied as Vector, Espio, Knuckles, and Mighty simply stared back at what had occurred, everyone but Espio having their jaws dropped.

"Holy shit," was all that came from Knuckles' mouth.

"I dun think anyone's told ya us, but there's a reason Kit's always on top durin' cheerleadin' formations. She's small, but those legs of hers HURT. Trust me, we've joked about how she should be a punter," Vector said to Espio.

"Well… at least Espio doesn't have to kick his ass? Still… ouch," Mighty added.

"Dun feel bad. If he can talk shit, he better be able to take shit too. Did that to himself. C'mon, let's get lunch and ignore the asshole on the ground. We've been here too long anyway."

With that, Vector started to walk on the path continuing to the K building as the other three followed behind the crocodile. Espio watched as Vector deliberately stepped on Monk's foot on his free leg, the gorilla only making incomprehensible noises from his mouth in response. As he watched Knuckles take an image of the sight in front of them and continue on his way, Espio stopped and turned around to look at the withering Monk, his gaze lowering as the two met eyes. He could see a vein pop on the side of Monk's head as he tried to hide his pain with anger, but Espio only had one feeling towards the sight ahead.

"How disgusting," he thought to himself as he ran back to join his boyfriend and their friends.

---

LATER THAT EVENING

*riiiiiiing*

*riiiiiiing*

"Vector?"

"Hey Es, yeah, it's me!" Vector said, currently in the middle of the student lounge area in the first floor of the A building. He held his phone with his shoulder, several drinks in his hands as he blew a bubble of gum. "Just got out of mah Algebra I exam."

"Ah! How do you do?"

"Not sure, I won't see the results fer a a week. Sorry 'fer the call, I know yer probably busy at the Music Hall with plannin' out yer concert. And… sorry I couldn't help tonight. I got two more midterms later tomorrow and I'm actually havin' Knuckles and Mighty help me out fer mah Emergency Care and First Aid midterm. Not only is there a written exam, they do a practice session too."

"I unda-understand."

"Kinda wish Coach taught this class. This professor totally blows chunks, so I wouldn't be shocked if I flunk. Heck, I would have taken AD Sommersby…"

"I am sorry."

"Eh, no chip off mah shoulder. Hey, how's things goin' with yer concert?"

"Oh. Be-Berunadette say that we ma-must have songs by Sa-Sunday. And that we must pu-practice for th-three ha-hours daily."

"Three hours? Sounds like a lot. Probably can imagine there's more to it than just that. Yeh were mentionin' that she wanted to do visual things with the music. How 'bout this, Monday night when yeh gotta head to practice, I'll head down there with Knux and Mighty and we'll see how things are so we can help ya. How's that sound?"

"Ah! Thank you, Vector!"

The crocodile smiled. He wasn't surprised something like this was just a little complex for the chameleon, but one explanation from him and he knew Espio would get it just fine. Still, he didn't think music took THAT long. At least, small little doozies he'd play on the piano would just come to him like that. Even if it primarily entertained guests at family reunions…

"I'm sure yeh'll get it downpat and that Ms. Bernadette will be able to help ya," Vector replied. "Yer a natural at this, Es! Ya got this. If no one else believes in yeh, then I'll believe in ya."

He could hear Espio's hum clearly through the phone, a noise that made the crocodile feel at ease. Just then though, another call was coming in, this one being more important as the evident 'MA' appeared on the caller ID.

"Oh, I gotta hang up real quick, Es. Ma's callin' me. Then I really oughta head back to the dorm and get to studyin'. I'll see ya after ya get back from Community Service, alright? Love ya!"

Before Espio could reply, he took the incoming call.

"Ma?"

But before he could say anything else, Vector's speakers were filled with the panicked voice of his mother.

"Vector, what on Mobius is it I'm hearing about on the news?!" she exclaimed. "I'm seeing that you got involved in some kind of incident that ended with the police getting called! What happened?! Why didn't you call your father or I about this last night?!"

"M-Ma, it ain't anythin' so big-"

"AIN'T SO BIG?! Vector, did you think I would be okay when I see your name next to the words, 'Police were called'?!"

It would be like his mom to freak out over something like this. It wasn't like Vector to be a "troublemaker" as she liked to put it when she would forbid him from going out after 9 when he got his first car in high school.

"Ma, have ya ever known me to be bad?"

"Vector. Are you sure you want an answer to that question?

"Sure, maybe there's one or two things, but that doesn't mean I'm a little devil!"

"You somehow still had energy even after taking up football! How else would that explain that one fight you almost caused in High School?" Vector's mother sighed her 'I'm not mad, just disappointed' sigh. "I suppose that's what I should have expected having a football player for a son."

Vector's lips turned dry. He had thought about what he declared last night towards Connery, what the horse had said in response about his future. Since he was a preteen, he knew he wanted a career in sports in any way. And while he wouldn't take back what he said…

"I know. Maybe I'm starting to rethink it."

There was some silence on the other line before Vector's mom spoke. "What?"

"I've been doin' some thinkin', Ma. Maybe the football thing has only done me more harm than good."

"O-Oh. Oh, Vector, I didn't-"

"Naw naw, it ain't 'cha, ma."

She hummed briefly. "Vector, my mother senses are tingling. Something's wrong. What is it?"

"It's… it's just a huge list of issues I've been havin' this year. Maybe I oughta just give football up. It ain't worth all the drama and stuff I've had to deal with this semester."

He didn't want his mother to panic about Connery, or Monk, or CCOCC, or anything that's been happening with the Badniks, but that didn't stop her.

"Oh, honey, don't say that. You know that's not true. Just because you've had issues recently doesn't mean that it was a mistake that you got into football. Are you sure you don't want to talk about it? Sounds like you really need to. I thought you were doing fine with sports."

"Ma… I know yer wantin' to make me feel better-"

"Sweetie, I've known for years that you've wanted to play football and make it your career," she proceeded to sigh again. "Personally, I knew your path was absolutely decided when you were seven and you threw your foam football through Ms. Vanilla's window."

Vector's face grew just a little red as he gripped his phone. "M-Ma! I thought yeh let that go! Ms. Vanilla wasn't even that mad!"

"Do you know how strong you have to be to break a window with a foam football at that age? And besides, it didn't matter because Ms. Vanilla isn't your mother. I am. And I'm sure you remember what happened when we got home, right?"

"Yeah, mah ass still hasn't forgotten where that mark was."

"Vector!"

"What? It's true."

"Well, I suppose if you're back to being a smart alec, then I'm sure you're fine."

"What's wrong? Ain't as snappy as me, ma?"

"No. I recognize that you get it from your father. Was exactly like that when I first met him."

"And yet yer married to him."

"We all have things about us that make us different, Vector. And in your case, you know what makes you… well, you. If you really want to stop football, then your father and I won't stop you and support your decision. But I think that if you wanna prove whoever's hurting my little boy wrong, you keep at it."

That was just like his mom. In spite of her being the saccharine parent in contrast to his gruff dad, Vector's mother absolutely had her tough moments.

"I guess you're right. I'm just bein' dumb. And I promise that I ain't in any kinda trouble. Just doin' what's right, like I always have."

"Just as long as you're not getting hurt. I know you like to stand up for others, but it's important to be smart as well. Take care of yourself too, sweetie."

"Aw, Ma… There ya go again…"

"Whaaat? It's true! Listen, I have to get going and get started on dinner. Your father's coming home late tonight and I've already lollygagged enough as is. But Vector, when you're ready to talk about what's been going on, you can always call me whenever."

"...I will. I promise."

"Good. You're always gonna be my handsome little man no matter what you tell us. So don't be afraid when the time's right."

"I know, I know! I need to head out soon too, gotta study-"

"Study?! Oh Gaia, what was I doing holding you up so long?! Okay okay, I'll really go now! Tell your boyfriend I said hi too! I haven't heard about him in a while! You did say you were going to introduce him to us, weren't you?"

"Study?"

"Fiiiiiine. Talk to you tomorrow! Love you, sweetie!"

With that, his mother hung up, and Vector knew that it was time to get back to the dorm. At this point, he knew he was only holding up Mighty and Knuckles, and the echidna was no doubt getting impatient at this point.

As he spit out his now flavorless gum into a nearby trash can, still holding all his snacks, Vector was heading his way towards the stairs to West Hall when he heard out a voice he hadn't heard in a while.

"So, who was the girl?"

The crocodile turned around to see Julie-Su, walking up towards him with a bag slinged over her shoulder. Normally, he would groan and roll his eyes, but he'd rather take his ex than anyone from CCOCC these days.

"Why yeh askin'? Doesn't sound like much yer business," Vector replied, raising a brow in spite of the predicament.

"Whaaat, can't I be curious about how you've been? I've been seeing your name pop up a lot today. Some sorta thing happen last night with you, Connery, and that chameleon kid?"

He wasn't surprised Julie knew. At this point, it seemed like everyone on campus knew what happened on that stage last night.

"I'm just over it now. And besides, the 'girl' in question is mah mom, thank yeh very much."

"Always such a mama's boy, Vector, just like how I remember. It's cute though, brings back memories of when we first met."

Vector couldn't help but smirk a little bit. "Yeah, those were the days. Still remember invitin' yeh over for dinner that night."

"Can't help but feel nostalgic?"

"After everythin' that's been goin' on, forgive me fer wantin' to look back on happier times."

"Sounds like you aren't doing so hot. I heard vaguely about what happened last night. Sorry about Connery."

The crocodile sighed. "It's no biggie. I already cut mah losses with him back in December. Still… it's just a shame. We were such a close team, always together no matter what. I know it ain't mah fault, or Espio's fault, but I should have changed his mind. Or Monk's."

"I thought you said you cut your losses."

"I did. Doesn't mean I at least miss when Connery and Monk were cool. Sure, they could be kinda annoyin' from time to time but… y'know, yer still on a team. Doncha feel like that with some girls on the cheerleadin' team?"

Julie thought about it for a brief moment. "I guess. I'm not friendly with everyone, and the other girls are kinda on edge because of all this. Today is the first time I've seen them so calm."

"Yeah, I saw Kit, Mina, Ellie, and Perci earlier today-"

"And you saw what happened to Monk?"

"Front row seats."

Julie-Su smirked. "I bet that was some karma. Yeah, it isn't just them too. Tess has finally gotten back to recording her college vlogs. She kinda stopped for a bit because of all this. That and your little chameleon friend were in a few frames, so all her fans were asking her about him."

"Really? I knew she did that but I didn't think Espio was caught on camera."

"When your friend dresses the way he does, he's gonna stick out like a sore thumb. Tess complained about us girls a few times how none of her fans commented on her new hairstyle but instead commented about him."

Who would have thought Espio was making such a fuss even off campus? Of course, by Gaia, if they said anything bad about him…

"So, what are you gonna do now?" Julie-Su asked.

"Whaddya mean?"

"About all this. It's over, so…"

"I mean, I told Espio to keep livin' like nothin's changed. I should do the same mahself, and yet-"

"Come on, don't you think you should be doing your own thing? Your whole life doesn't revolve around him."

The crocodile turned towards the pink echidna. "Julie, whether I like it or not, Connery and Monk pulled me and the Badniks into this bullshit BECAUSE of Espio. Yeh cheerleaders were just as affected too! Yeh've seen Kit."

"Sounds like the problem is him then."

Vector growled. "Argh, yeh dun get it."

"No. No, I think I do, Vector. I think it's that you have toxic people in your life. They might not be HURTING you themselves, but they're bringing you into their drama. You don't deserve that."

"Are ya callin' Espio toxic?"

"Look, I know he's like your friend and all that, but you said yourself that you were pulled into this world of major drama because of him. Would any of your other friends do that? Would the Badniks do that?"

The crocodile stopped, thinking about the echidna's words. Would… they?

"W-Why do yeh care?"

"You might be my ex, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna step on you while you're already on the ground. That's something past Julie would do. I told you I'm totally changed."

That… was true. Ever since she had begun dating that new boyfriend of hers, Julie definitely hadn't gone back to old traditions. Maybe she really did change and Vector was too stubborn to admit it. Maybe… he was the wrong one.

But how could he admit something like this to the chameleon? Espio was his boyfriend, the man he would give anything up for just to be with.

"I dun wanna give up on Espio, that's why I did what I did yesterday," the crocodile continued. "It might have been dumb, sure, but-"

"Listen, you already knew Connery was bad news. Besides, that chameleon can take care of himself fine. He'll understand."

"I just… dun wanna lose him."

He turned away from the pink echidna, only for him to feel a hand on his back.

"Look, big guy, I know it's in you to play hero, but you gotta care about yourself. You're not selfish or anything for doing so," Julie-Su continued. "Maybe you just need a reset on everything. A new Vector."

"D'ya think so?"

"Hey, do you recognize this Julie-Su?"

"I… I guess not. Y'know, I kinda assumed yeh'd be back to bein' all flirty and everythin' and ignorin' whatcha did back then that caused us to break up. I can't say I still fully forgive yeh, but… yer at least makin' an effort to change. I dun wanna be friends just yet, but I figure I could confess that to yeh."

The pink echidna walked next to Vector. "Hey, this isn't High School anymore. We both need a reset, but that doesn't mean old traditions die. We both did football and cheerleading back then too."

"Heh, yeh dun know how many people had a thing fer ya, Julie. The guys on the team used to make a list of who they thought the hottest girls were and yeh'd make it to top 3."

"Did you do it too?"

"'Course I did! How else d'ya think we ended up datin'?"

"I can tell you don't do that with the Badniks though."

"Cause they usually lock tongues with some girl durin' a party, sleep together, and then kinda pretend it didn't happen cause Coach would have us hanged on the light post by our shirts."

Julie chuckled in response.

"You know, I'm at least glad you're warming up a little more each time, Vector. I know there's that one memory, but it was already so long ago. I'm sure most people from High School already forgot. And you're still hugely popular too! If it happened to like, oh… I dunno, Tom Manx, then I think everyone would still be talking about it."

"People have been talkin' 'bout that dude since Elementary School. He already HAS people talkin' 'bout him."

"Heh, unfair comparison I guess. Wonder what that guy's doing now."

The two now began to stare out the window, reminiscing on old memories from days just years ago. Their graduation happened two years ago, and yet it felt like a decade had passed. It felt like forever since the days the two were a couple.

"Listen, I gotta get back to mah dorm," Vector said. "This was fun and all, but I'm studyin' with Knux and one of our friends. Besides, yeh dun need me to hold you up all night. Ain't yer boyfriend gonna get jealous?"

"Oh, I wouldn't need to worry about that," the echidna replied. "He isn't like, overly attached."

"Still, he's yer boyfriend. Always good to let him know where ya are so he ain't worried sick-"

"I just said he isn't overly attached, Vector. Thank goodness he lets me have my freedom. I couldn't imagine having to be tied like a rope to someone!"

The crocodile's face was turning into one of confusion. What on Mobius was Julie going on about?

"Whatever, you gotta study and all that, don't let me be the one who takes your time away," she said in a surprisingly irritated tone. "Go join Knuckles and that socialist guy or whatever his name was. I can't remember."

Julie began to walk away from the crocodile, leaving Vector confused. He wasn't sure what to make of the echidna's sudden change in personality, but he figured now was his time to actually return to the dorm.

Which he did, for just four steps until he stopped.

His mind suddenly returned to Julie-Su's parting words. Something about what she just said, HOW she said it…

"Julie. Wait," Vector called out just as the echidna was about to turn the corner. He could see people sitting on the sofas by the vending machines turn towards the quarterback's loud voice as the pink echidna returned to where Vector was.

"What is it?" she asked.

"...I never said I was studyin' with Mark. Yeh dun even know the guy either. How d'ya know that detail 'bout him?"

"I dunno. I heard it somewhere. Maybe he's a part of that group. You know-"

"Mark ain't a part of any group or club on campus. He isn't open 'bout bein' socialist outside of his friends. I repeat, how do ya know that?"

"Does that matter, Vector? Shouldn't you get back to studying?"

"Naw… naw, I think it does matter. Yeh somehow assumed I was studyin' with him and know that detail despite the fact the dude hates sports and only recently started hangin' with me. How do yeh know him?"

"I talked to him like. Once? Maybe twice?"

Vector's eyes lowered. "I dun believe ya. Yeh heard it from somewhere."

"You're making this into such a big deal, Vector! What's it to you that I know about some nerd like him?!"

And that's when it finally hit him about why this was strange. A conversation from months ago between him and Connery. Yes… in fact, if he wasn't wrong, it was during the Thanksgiving game in the locker room when the horse confronted him about Espio. Not just that, Mark was brought up specifically…

---

"How can he NOT be when he came by the CCOCC table a few days ago with that little… that lardy friend of his?! Don't you see what's going on?! It's bad enough that the team is wanting to be buddy buddy with that thug, bad enough that I have to be publicly embarrassed by that dreadful practice we had on Monday because Coach Augustus seems to think I'm bringing this team down… no, it can't be just THAT! Soon, we'll see an overall destruction of this team being taken over by people like your roommate and that friend of his, all while they taunt me by showing up everywhere!"

"Who… Mark?" Vector questioned. "Dude, if that guy was somehow gonna bring the downfall of this team, he wouldda done it a long time ago. I'm like… the only jock he's probably talked to and our only relationship is that we're both friends with Espio, dude. Calm yer tits."

Connery's face, however, didn't change. "So am I to be mistaken when I was told that this… 'Mark' is a socialist?"

---

It didn't seem so strange back then, but now… now this brought up a completely new question.

How did Connery know about this when he and Mark only met once before, and the tapir mentioned hiding behind Espio the second he got pushback from the horse after defending him?

And it wasn't just that either. Now that he thought about it… didn't Monk find out about him being bisexual when the only people who knew were his parents, Knuckles, Mighty, and… and…

Julie-Su.

Vector's eyes widened as he stared down at the pink echidna. He wasn't sure what to say, what to do even.

"What?" Julie-Su asked in an annoyed tone.

"Yeh… yeh told them," Vector replied in a hushed tone. "Mark bein' a socialist, me bein' bi… yeh told Connery and Monk EVERYTHIN'!"

"W-What? What the hell are you talking about?!"

"I never thought about it once before, but it makes sense… ALL of it makes sense! Those two love assumptions, but they'd wanna hear 'bout about secrets from someone they know is credible."

"Don't you know how stupid you sound? I don't know where they heard that-"

"Stop lyin', Julie! Who else knew 'bout me bein' bi on the team other than Knux?! I hushed it up BECAUSE of Monk!"

"Maybe he heard you, I dunno! Why am I the bad guy here?! I thought you were changed, but you're still the same as you once were-"

"No. I thought YEH were changed. I wasn't born yesterday, Julie-Su. Didn't think I'd catch ya tryin' to get me to break up with Espio."

Julie-Su's face contorted as she heard the words, 'break up'. "So, it's about him. It's ALWAYS been about fucking him, hasn't it?!"

"Julie… why? Do yeh not know how bad those two got, not even countin' how they got CCOCC involved in this? Why?!"

Julie-Su turned away, looking over her shoulder. "Tch, I don't have to justify myself. Go away and enjoy your new little boyfriend, I clearly don't matter anymore."

"All of this… all of this was because you're bitter?"

She proceeded to turn around and walk up towards Vector. "No! All of this was because, in spite of everything, you never even gave me a SINGLE chance to show you how different things are!"

"Why would I?! Julie, we might be in college, but it was clear to me yer the same girl who thinks this is High School! Why WOULD I be obligated to forgive ya anyway?! Yeh made man life hell for the rest of mah time at Windy Hill after ya pulled yer stunt at prom. Yeh fuckin' BROKE UP with me publicly in front of the entire school just to humiliate me and yeh didn't even stay with the new guy fer a year! D'ya think I'm still not mad about that?!"

"What about Halloween, huh? You don't know how much I missed you, how much I realized I fucked up back then when you held me just like you used to-"

"Because I was, y'know, DRUNK!"

"That's an excuse and you know it! I know why. Because it's always been about that stupid little chameleon! Every second of every day I'd have to hear about Espio this and Espio that, and you two were just insufferable! The fact you cared about some… some small world IDIOT more than the people you spent years with-"

"Take that back."

"Why does he even matter so much?! What is it about him that I apparently DON'T have?!"

"He didn't LIE about everythin', fer starters! That boyfriend of yers… he ain't even real, is he?"

Julie-Su was silent, curling her lip in annoyance.

"Didja really just make up some boyfriend so… so yeh'd think I'd get jealous?!"

Julie-Su continued to be silent.

"Answer me, Julie!"

"Why's it matter? You clearly don't care about me anymore-"

"'Cause it has fuck ALL to do with that anymore! It's that… that yeh told all that stuff to Connery and Monk, stuff that yeh KNOW would get them mad! Why? Just… fuckin' tell me why!"

"Because I wanted you to come back to me, okay?!"

Vector felt disgusted, growling. "Come back to you? COME BACK TO YOU?!"

"Did that chameleon do anything to make you feel better? Did he comfort you the way I did when your grandpa died?! Did he make an effort to get you gifts and flowers and chocolates like we used to?!"

"So yeh told two people who are known to get pissed at anythin' they don't like 'bout mah secrets, mah friends, and what they're like, almost got me KICKED off the team, got me and Espio's faces plastered on national news DAILY, and yeh think because of that, I'd just come… crawlin' back to you?"

"That was the whole point! To actually comfort you in the way some runt of a reptile couldn't! They took everything I said as fact, no matter how absurd, and I wanted you to just forget him and focus on me!"

Vector was left exasperated, his hands raised up. "And yeh thought that would work?!"

"Well, yeah. I guess."

The crocodile slightly shook his head. "I dun... I can't even comprehend what I'm hearin'. Yeh almost ruined mah relationship because yer too SELFISH to let go of some High School romance."

"Selfish? I'M the selfish one?!"

"Oh dun even try to turn this around on me! Yeh realized yeh fucked up in breakin' up with me when yer new boyfriend left and I got even more dedicated to football! Yeh thought of me as nothin' more than a walkin' dick, Julie! And then, when ya didn't get yer way, yeh stroked Connery and Monk's bad side to get them where they are now! I bet they wouldn't even ACT the way they did without ya! Ya got people HURT because yeh were the one who turned them into this!"

With each yell, Vector got closer and closer to the pink echidna as the entire area had now gone quiet, every mobian and Overlander surrounding the two now turned to face Vector and Julie-Su.

"Get the fuck out of mah life," Vector growled.

"Wha… what?"

"I should have done it the night of prom. I should have never once talked to ya. But I'm done."

"You can't just… what about-"

"I SAID GET THE FUCK OUTTA MAH LIFE!"

Julie had her back against one of the vending machines as she seemed to be on the verge of tears. Her tearful face turned into one of seething rage as she threw her phone at Vector's face.

"Get fucked, Vector! We're done!" she said in between stifled sobs. The crocodile simply didn't give her a response as she quickly grabbed her phone from the floor and stormed away, her face purple in fury. He stared at her from where he stood, eyes lowered as the truth finally came out.

"She really blabbed to anyone who had drama on me or who didn't like Es just cause she thought I'd come back to her," he thought to himself. "Of all the dumbest…"

Vector looked over at the students who had been watching, who upon making eye contact, quickly pretended to be busy. He sighed, the reality of the last few minutes now sinking in. Perhaps this wasn't his most proud moment, but after everything he learned… With this new truth… how could he not be expected to be upset?

And it turned out, he wasn't the only one who learned something new that night.

"...that was why?"

Vector's face softened up as he recognized the voice. He turned around to see Knuckles and Mighty in front of them, both of them looking shocked, intimidated, and most of all, sympathetic.

"I… I only heard that you had to be there to know what happened and no one wanted to tell us because both of us didn't attend prom," Mighty said. "All this time… was that why everyone made fun of you?"

"You didn't want to say anything back then," Knuckles added. "And now…"

Vector gulped. He knew he had a lot to talk about with his friends, the biggest of all being his emotions…

---

CENTRAL CITY SOUP KITCHEN

LATER THAT NIGHT

It was nearing the end of Espio's shift for the night, and as usual, it had been nothing too eventful overall. A routine Friday community service session.

What was poignant to Espio however, was what he was told before his shift. According to Officer Wachowski, Espio had now served 75 hours of community service. And that if this continued, by the first Saturday of April, it would be his last community service shift. It was a prospect that Espio was finally glad to be reaching. Just one month of this… one month, and he'd finally be free…

At the current moment, the kitchen was still serving food for the community and the homeless, and Espio was currently helping Smithy cut open and pour packages of premade salads into a metal container. Simultaneously, the chameleon also was telling the lion everything that had happened in the last 24 hours.

"Ha! Doesn't that bring back some memories," Smithy said, looking behind his shoulder as Espio brought over the wet bag of salad to him. "Reminds me of all the times me and the rest of the Diamond Cutters would make plans for whenever we made drug deals. Or worse. Y'know what I mean."

The lion winked at the chameleon as from afar, one of the guards had been watching all the prisoners closely, Smithy especially, since he had been holding a knife to cut onion to put into the salad.

"Serves that little shit right though," the lion continued. "At least you got to rough him up a bit. If anyone gives you shit like that, you make sure they don't forget it."

"But he hurt Mark…" Espio said as he swirled around the salad with a pair of tongs.

"Well, the unfortunate thing is, no raid really goes the way you want it to. There's always things that happen that you don't expect. I'm sure you didn't expect to get put into cuffs by that nepo brat."

Smithy sucked his teeth, looking annoyed. "Damn politician kids, always the ones thinking they're tough shit because mommy and daddy always busts them out with their money. I try to be sympathetic to any new faces, but it's always those that are the most stubborn. Besides, it's usually their parents who vote to not give us rights and want us to live in dangerous conditions, so they gotta work to get on my good side. Frankly, you went soft. Not that it's a bad thing, of course."

His tough appearance soon softened up as he went back to his usual cheerful demeanor. "But enough about that brat, I'm proud of ya, kid!" he said. "Twenty-something years ago, you would have been a perfect little criminal for the Diamond Cutters! I can see it now: Espio, Scout for the Diamond Cutters! Maybe I wouldn't be stuck here, heh heh. I tell you, the stuff you and your friends did gives me hope for this next generation. Maybe you'll soon learn from the mistakes people like me made. Okay, salad's all done. Let's get it served, alright?"

Espio nodded as he followed after Smithy, noting how good the salad looked. He was proud that he was able to help to make such good looking food tonight. Maybe when he returned to the village, he'd help the nanny prepare meals…

"So tell me, now what are you gonna do?" the mahogany lion asked. "You stopped this Connery guy, and you told me about what Vector said to you this morning. But you gotta little bit more than that! Don't you kids get spring break soon or something like that? I dunno, I never went to college."

Supring? Espio remembered that word from when he was learning the seasons in English. Still, break could mean vacation if he remembered his ESOL lessons. Does that mean there was a break soon?

"I do not know," Espio replied.

"Oh come on, you oughta know. You college kids LOVE spring break. You're usually off at Seaside Coast or the beach at País Misterioso getting drunk off tequila and wearing nothing but bathing suits while you stumble into the water."

The chameleon raised a brow to this, with Smithy only nervously grinning.

"What? Oh, so it's my fault that I happen to like watching the Mobius Music Network? Okay so, maybe it isn't music and just reality shows. Maybe it's all I'm gonna see of the world outside this place, but… we don't get many channels on our cell TVs, okay?!"

While he was the closest thing the chameleon had to his late father, Smithy… definitely had his quirks that his father didn't. Maybe that's what made him so endearing though.

"Regardless, I'd start planning fast. It isn't something that happens every week y'know," the lion continued.

"Oh! I do… I am doing something," Espio replied, remembering one final thing he neglected to tell Smithy.

"You were? Well, why didn't you say so?! How about this? Take some good pictures and videos and show me if you can. You might need to sneak your phone in here, but I won't tell. I wanna see you, Vector, and whoever else have a good time."

He realized that Smithy was still talking about this 'supring break', so when Espio's face confirmed that he meant something else, the chameleon brought up the spring concert.

"Really now? Didn't take you for being too musical," Smithy replied as the two had gotten done serving another member of the community. "Excited?"

"I… do not know," Espio replied, putting down his tongs.

"I think you'd do a fine job, kid. How hard could one of those concerts be-"

But before Smithy could continue, Al and Cal, a pair of Overlander brothers and two of Smithy's fellow prisoners at Prison Island, came up to the chameleon.

"Message for Mr. Espio! Message for Mr. Espio!" Al. the shorter of the two brothers, said, announcing it quite loudly.

"Break time has come for you!" Cal, the taller of the two brothers, added. He held up a plate of food and a bottle of juice. "Go ahead and take your break, the lovely guards told us to take your spot. Smithy, go ahead and prepare him some of that salad."

"Ah, thank you very much," Espio replied, nodding as he grabbed the plate of food from Cal. It seemed to be the same food as on tonight's menu for everyone visiting the soup kitchen, only with the addition of Smithy piling salad onto the plate.

"See you once you're back from break, kid," Smithy said as Al helped Espio take his apron off, Cal grabbing it before it fell to the ground as Espio found an empty table to eat. Placing his plate and juice down, the chameleon adjusted himself correctly as he rolled up the sleeves of his kimono, grabbing his utensils as he stared at tonight's dinner. He was thinking about having the delicious salad he made with Smithy just moments ago, wondering how it must have tasted since it was made with their care.

And so, Espio enjoyed his lunch break in peace, watching the homeless, families in the poverty line eat while the Prison Island prisoners continued to serve. He watched as Smithy went towards the kitchen area with a tray in both hands as he sipped his passion fruit juice. It seemed to turn out to be just another usual night, and if the clock wasn't wrong, there was about an hour and twenty minutes left into his community service.

As he began to unwrap the main dish for tonight; cheese quesadillas, Espio was just meters away from a bite when the calm and peaceful shift changed…

…into a shift that ran his blood cold when he heard a shriek echo from the kitchen.

Espio quickly raised his head towards the direction of the yell as he dropped the quesadilla from his hands. The others who were getting fed, alongside the soup kitchen staff began to clamor in a panic and in fear as the officers overseeing the prisoners all began to be directed by the main warden. Some of them helped the panicked staff and visitors away from the back of the kitchen as others began to demand that the now rowdy prisoners leave the serving area and to put their hands up by taser gun. It was at this moment when Espio noticed the other prisoners did he realize something that caused his eyes to go wide.

Smithy was nowhere to be found. And in fact, the last place he saw the lion was the kitchen. The same kitchen the yell came from.

Ignoring the officer who had demanded that he join the kitchen staff, Espio quickly ran towards the kitchen, past several prisoners and the various zone police officers as they all yelled at him to get back. Espio slid into the room as he looked around, turning in time to see the sight in front of him.

And he froze.

One of the prisoners who he was working with earlier, a large dark purple cat with stripes and a scarred left eye, held up a knife towards the very few prisoners who were in the kitchen. Espio noticed that the knife in his hands was the same knife that Smithy used to cut the onions for the salad.

And speaking of Smithy…

In between him and several soup kitchen staff and cooks, as well as one prisoner, was the lion, holding his arms out towards the cat.

"Smalls, you don't have to do this…" Smithy said, slowly inching towards the cat. "Come on, just put the knife down. We don't like Prison Island any more than you do, but this isn't how you cope."

"Get FUCKED, Smithy!" the cat yelled back. "I've had enough of that fucking island prison! I've had enough of these fucking walls, I've had enough of fucking you! I'm not gonna let a single cop think that they can touch me and get away with it! I'm not gonna let someone throw me into that FUCKING cell again!"

"You think I don't know that solitary does that to a man?! I've been in your shoes, Smalls! But this is only gonna make it worse!"

"Not when I get the fuck outta here will it! Now let me GO! You know those guys too want out!"

"You know this isn't right. There's no saying what'll happen to you the second you leave this kitchen! We don't have anything to do with this, but you know this is gonna cause a riot that'll only get more people in trouble!"

"The minute those cops come into this room, I'm knifing you ALL down! You think I just started shanking people yesterday? It's what I'm known for, Smithy. And I think I'll start with…"

That's when "Smalls" turned his head towards Espio, who had now gotten the attention of the others.

"Start with your little buttbuddy…"

Smithy turned towards the chameleon. "E-Espio! Get outta here, run! I'll handle this!"

"One move and I'm throwing this into your fucking back, kid! Stand right where you are, or better yet, why don't you make sure the cops aren't already being called? I'm not letting this opportunity escape me!"

"Don't listen to him, Espio! I got this, I promise!"

"You don't got shit, Smithy! I'm done with this bullshit act you have, you're nothing more than some punk for all these little shits! You aren't their fucking dad, little bitch!"

"I'm not here to argue, Smalls. Just drop the knife and let it go. I promise you, you're only making this worse-"

"FREEZE!"

Just then, a zone police officer burst into the room and held up their taser towards Smalls. The lion turned towards the officer as he held his left arm towards him, screaming, "DON'T DO IT!" at him. But it was too late. With his head now turned away from the cat, Smalls rushed towards Smithy and yelled out. Before Smithy could even do so much as react, Espio felt the world go into slow motion as he watched Smalls swipe the knife down…

…at Smithy's right eye.

He watched as the lion's face turned into one of shock and surprise, unmoving as his mouth lay gaping. Blood raised up into the air as Smalls' face was one of pure rage, Espio feeling his entire world turn as red as the blood in the air.

In just nanoseconds, the blood soon spilled onto the floor, some of it getting onto Espio's hakama as Smithy fell forward, a loud scream coming from his mouth as he held his profusely bleeding right eye. The lion's body shook as the kitchen staff and cooks he had been defending now began to run out of the room, causing a mobian and Overlander wall by the exit as Smithy's body shook violently. Espio could only watch as blood poured from Smithy's hands, down his elbow and onto the floor as the chameleon felt faint.

It was happening… It was happening all over again. Another person he cared so deeply about was hurt. Espio's back collapsed onto the wall, feeling faint and his nerves tingling. He watched as Smalls began to mess with a door by the end of the kitchen, the exits leading out to the delivery trucks that Smithy would sometimes be unloading food out of.

With yells and screams flowing through his ears, Espio turned his head as he heard running and screams from the zone police by the door. He noticed that a fair number of the prisoners outside began to riot, grabbing chairs and anything they could as they tried to overpower the Zone Police. The chameleon felt short of breath, his nerves tingling, and as he looked on ahead, he could hear one thing over everything around him.

Smithy gurgling his name quietly.

Espio knew he couldn't let this go. This man had just hurt someone who mattered so deeply to him, and was dangerous too. He caused all of this chaos, all of this pain towards people who did nothing. Someone like him was why he trained all his life, and he didn't want anyone else to get hurt.

Espio felt rage in his blood as he got off the wall and marched towards the cat. Smalls took notice of this and turned towards the chameleon.

"I AIN'T GOIN' BACK! DIE!" he screamed as he jabbed the knife towards Espio's chest, the chameleon quickly dodging as Smalls growled. He proceeded to slash at the chameleon as Espio sidestepped, making sure to be aware of his surroundings, realizing he could make use of the tools in the kitchen and beginning to do so. At one point, when Smalls raised the knife up, Espio grabbed a pan topper and defended with it, using it like a shield as Smalls' knife got jammed in the topper. However, he was still able to kick Espio straight in the stomach as he fell back near the bloodied lion. Espio looked over at Smithy, who could only weakly raise himself up as the chameleon took notice of the bleeding eye, the very dark red, almost black wound indicating damage as what even seemed like flesh could be seen. He could only stare back at Espio just as the chameleon noticed Smalls on his way to attack Smithy yet again.

But before he could, Espio quickly raised himself up and yelled, grabbing Smalls' forearm that held the knife and preventing him from stabbing the lion. While it worked, the cat used his free hand to put it around Espio's neck, Smalls being much stronger physically than the chameleon. In spite of this, however, Espio remembered his training and as he began to asphyxiate, he slammed Smalls' other hand on the side of the table, trying to disarm him. However, with him losing oxygen as the cat's grip tightened, his strength was weakening. That's when, in a split second decision, he slammed the heel of his geta into Smalls' foot. The cat screamed as he dropped the knife. Espio took a step back as he took a deep breath, trying to get rid of the stars in his eyes as he saw Smalls recover from the attack.

Quickly, he rushed over to grab the knife only for Smalls to grab it beforehand. However, what he wasn't able to stop was for Espio to use one hand to raise Smalls' knife arm up, and the other to jam his fingers into Smalls' face. He locked his leg over Smalls' and, with it being the only thing he had, jammed his horn into Smalls' back over and over again just as the zone police began to file into the room. They all held their tasers up as Smalls was able to overpower the smaller chameleon, throwing him to the ground. This, however, lead him to be tased by multiple different tasers as Smalls was finally brought to the ground and placed into handcuffs.

But as it turns out, fate was not so kind to Espio.

Just as the chameleon rose himself up to check on Smithy, he was detained by the remaining few zone police officers.

"You're being placed under detainment for violating Article 9, Section 13 of the Central Mobius doctrine regarding Self-Defense!" one of the officers said as they cuffed Espio. The chameleon's blood turned cold as he realized that he was being arrested again, beginning to panic.

"No.. no! No, no no!" Espio cried out as he tried to get the officers to stop. But with each wriggle, they only detained him further.

Worse of all, from where he lay, he could see Smithy only staring back at him, barely holding onto consciousness as Espio was forcibly raised up and taken out of the kitchen in handcuffs. Espio continued to scream as he thrashed and struggled, trying to run back to his lion friend.

"YAMETE! KISAMA, HANASE!" the chameleon screeched, the tightening of the zone police's grip only getting stronger as they yelled back with venom in their voices. The sounds of police and ambulance sirens could be heard as Espio looked one more time at his friend, the friend he couldn't do anything to save…

---

END OF CHAPTER 40