(AN: It's time for a Saturday Transfer! And on time too, mainly because my aunt and little cousin have been here in the past few weeks, so I'm happy with how this turned out...

...is what I'd say in a perfect world but since life hates me, I actually could have released this earlier. But instead, my laptop decided to play boo boo the fool and RESTART when I put it into sleep mode, thus, erasing 3k words when I was AT THE VERY END, and having all of it to be rewritten.

As you can tell, I'm not very happy that happened, but hey, at least I got it out, right? Hope you enjoy!

Oh, and by the way, thank you for all the support so far! Not even 5 chapters and we've hit 1k views, and I've heard so many of your nice compliments! This means so much to me, and I'll def be thinking of you, the readers, as I continue to write!)


It was about 7 AM when the alarm on Vector's phone went off. The sound of the digitized alarm rung throughout the room as the quarterback grumbled in his bed, twisting and turning. It was across from the bed on the desk, but Vector didn't want to get up from his warm and comfortable position. After all, after what had happened last night, he'd tried to get as much sleep as possible (even if he only went to bed an hour after his drink of water).

"Ugh, what a pain…" Vector groaned as he turned, realizing he'd have to get up SOONER rather than later. One more turn in his bed as the alarm continued to blare and Vector had just enough. Finally rolling off from his bed, the crocodile felt his tail droop as he slowly walked to the desk, grabbing his phone and turning off the alarm. He yawned, jaws open wide as he smacked his lips.

"Espio… Espio, ya awake?" he asked, walking to the chameleon on the floor. He still hadn't gotten up on the top bunk, but he was just starting to wake up. Vector crouched next to him.

"Wakey wakey, sleepyhead. C'mon, I got class at 8, so I better get a shower and breakfast before I head out. Ya got classes at the same time too, right? I saw it on yer schedule," the quarterback said. Espio said nothing in response, only made small, brief noises as he raised his torso from the floor, rubbing his eyes.

"There ya go. Let's not be lazy, ya got an excitin' second day coming up! And we ain't gonna be in bed all day."

Vector reached out his hand, but Espio didn't take it, only got up from the floor himself and stretched his limbs.

"O-Okay… never mind," Vector said. "Anyway, let's get this day started! First, we should take a quick shower before gettin' some breakfast! Got clothes with ya?"

Espio still said nothing, only staring at Vector. The crocodile, not sure at this point HOW he could communicate with Espio anymore than he was trying, decided it was time for physical demonstrations again. Walking to the drawer, Vector opened one that he wasn't using and found various haoris, hakamas, and even a few kimonos. Just then, Espio walked over to the drawer, slightly pushed Vector to the side, and got out a blue sort of dress…? It looked different from what he was wearing yesterday, as it seemed to be some kind of bathrobe rather than what looked like a shirt and pants (at least in Vector's mind).

Needless to say, Vector shook his head and didn't think about it too much. Espio already had boggled his mind enough, best not to let it continue as he saw it. With that, Vector decided to go for his 'ALTA-VADER' shirt, a nice navy blue shirt and some beige khakis. Getting out his phone again, Vector checked the weather and noticed that it would be rather hot today.

"Good thing I'm wearin' this," he said, putting the phone back in his pocket. He turned to face Espio, holding onto his bathrobe thing and another pair of his wooden shoes.

"Alright, Espio. I'm almost done here, just gotta get… one… last-" Vector reached back into his drawer, getting his shampoo and scale shiner bottles and placing them in the pile he held in his hand alongside his clothes. "-thing! Alright, let's go. Now, follow me."

Vector grabbed his keys and started to leave the room, Espio followed behind as the door shut behind them.


"So, in the mornin', ya just gotta go down to the first floor of West Hall. That's where the showers are fer this place," Vector explained to Espio as the two reptiles walked down the stairs. Opening the doors to the first floor, Vector continued. "So when yer in the shower, ya just gotta-"

Just as they turned the corner, Vector bumped into someone accidentally. It was the back of a large purple cat wearing a white shirt and jeans. Turning around, his ears flopped as his large yellow eyes looked at the two reptiles.

"Are you guys in line?..." he asked.

"Y-Yeah, sorry fer runnin' into ya, buddy," Vector said. "What the hell's goin' on?"

"I think the shower is full… I don't know though…"

Vector looked past the cat and almost gawked, seeing a large line forming at the showers.

"Ugh, seriously?!" the crocodile complained. "Probably those damn freshman who dun know when to get out."

"I think you'll have to wait a while…" the cat continued.

"Yeah, I can see that."

"I just hope I don't lose my place in line… I checked three times to see if I had everything I- wait, where's my furbrush?... Oh no!"

The cat got out of line and ran off presumably back to his dorm. While there was now an empty space in line, Vector knew there was barely enough time to get through this line and shower. And even then, he knew there probably wouldn't be enough towels for everyone (since some students liked to take more then they should).

"Fuck this," the quarterback muttered. "I ain't waitin' through this line. Thankfully, I happen to know a place we can avoid this crap. C'mon Espio, let's go."

Vector turned to his left towards the exit of West Hall as they were now in the corridor connecting West Hall and the A building. Turning left, they entered through the back campus of the school and started to make their way towards the I building: Mobius U's indoor gym.

Thankfully, the gym opened earlier than most places on campus, and very few people were already inside. Vector led Espio past the main room and into the hallways of the building, past the doors of the indoor basketball court and swimming pool to the other side of the building where the indoor gym's showers lay. Normally, he used these showers last year whenever he'd come to work out and was accustomed to it, but sometimes used it when the lines for the shower back at West Hall were too big.

"Alright, no one should be in here, so let's shower and head to K buildin' fer breakfast." Vector said, walking inside. After passing the lockers, Vector headed to his right into the public showers with their own individual stall.

"Ya probably never seen a shower before, so lemme explain how this works," Espio looked intensely as Vector got into the shower." Just go into this shower and pull this cover, see here?" the quarterback tugged on the shower curtains, pulling it to cover himself. As he opened the curtains, Vector continued. "Alright, now to turn the shower on, it's these two knobs. This one-" Vector pointed at the red one. "-is fer hot water. And this one-" He then pointed at the blue one. "-is fer cold water. And to turn it on, watchin' me so far?"

Espio only looked at Vector.

"To turn it on, turn the valve like this."

Vector turned the hot water valve to the right as the water burst to life from the showerhead. Espio gasped as he watched the water fall onto the ground and go down the drain below. Turning off the valve, Vector smiled at Espio.

"Well? Ya give it a try."

The crocodile mentioned towards Espio, the chameleon slowly walking towards the valve. He grabbed the valve and turned it to the right like Vector showed. Once again, the showerhead burst with hot water as Espio awed in amazement.

"Don't take yer hand off the valve just yet. To turn it off, turn the valve like this."

And then, Vector took his large hand into Espio's and turned the valve to the left, shutting off the water. Taking his hand off of Espio's, there was one more thing to teach.

"Since ya still can't understand me, lemme show you physically again the water temperature," Vector said. He proceeded to turn the red valve again, hot water shooting from the showerhead. Grabbing Espio's hand once again, he placed it under the water as the chameleon gasped.

"Itai!" he hissed, taking his hand out of the water and shaking it as steam rose from his hand.

"Okay, now, cold water," Vector continued, turning back on the blue valve as cold water poured from the showerhead. Espio looked a little more uncertain to put his hand in the water, but as soon as Vector did so, he followed, realizing that the water had changed temperature from the look on his face.

"Now, this is important. If ya feel the water is too hot or too cold, ya can turn on both at the same time," he continued. The crocodile turned on the hot water valve once again as the water's temperature turned lukewarm. With the tutorial finished, Vector placed his new clothes and his bottles on the floor and walked into the next shower stall.

"I'll be here if ya need me. Happy bathin'!"

Shutting the curtain behind him, the crocodile stripped off his clothes and put them under the curtains and grabbed his shampoo and scale shine bottles, placing them next to each other as he turned the water on full blast hot, with a little turned from the cold water valve. With the water splashing on his exposed scales, Vector relaxed as he rubbed his body, his nerves tingling with warmth. As he was just about to get washed up, he heard the other shower turn on and smiled, happy that Espio was able to learn so quickly.


THIRTY MINUTES LATER…

After their shower, Vector was able to find a few towels used mainly by gym goers and gave one to Espio after they were done. Thankfully, no one came into the showers, otherwise they would have seen first glance what a nude, football playing crocodile would look like. After they had gotten dressed, returned back to West Hall to put their clothes to the side to wash later, and prepped their backpacks for the day, Vector and Espio now sat in the K building eating their breakfast.

With the crocodile guiding Espio through the meal selection once again, Vector decided to go for pure protein (eggs, steak, bacon), and a cup of nuts and fruit, whereas he let Espio pick out a plate of grits, since the expression on his face made it clear NONE of the breakfast items being served that morning were anything he's had, and grits were the only thing he pointed at. With only twenty minutes left till Espio had to go to class, Vector sat at a table with Knuckles and Mighty, as a good chunk of the team weren't in the dining hall.

"Better hurry up, Vector," Knuckles said, finishing up his multigrain pancakes. "We got weight training soon, and you better hope what you're having this morning won't make you sick."

"There's a reason I'm goin' slow, Knux," Vector replied, chugging his nut and fruit cup.

"So much for contradictions…"

"It's weird you can eat so fast and yet not get sick. Lucky, I tell you," Mighty said, dipping his spoon into his bowl of oatmeal. "Oh, Espio… do you not like it?"

Espio, who had barely taken bites from his grits, only looked at his meal with contempt and a clear look of dissatisfaction on his face.

"Man, the thing that sucks 'bout not bein' able to interact with Espio is that ya can't ask him what he likes and doesn't like. Where the hell is that guardian of his, Valdez or somethin'?" Vector turned his head, hoping that the blue chameleon would appear SOMEWHERE.

"Lemme guess, English teacher role not going out so well?" Knuckles asked.

"Not so much that just… well, if the guy can't understand me and vice versa, how am I supposed to know if I'm gettin' through to him? Hell, I had to teach him how to use a shower today."

"A shower?" Mighty questioned.

"What, ya think they have showers where he's from?"

"…Northern Mobius, right?"

"ANCIENT Northern Mobius. Some village named Gojo, apparently."

"Lemme look that up…" Mighty got out his phone, and while he was preoccupied with that, Vector had almost just finished breakfast (with 15 minutes to spare!). For now, he could just relax until it was time for him, Knuckles, and Mighty to head out to their class (since they all had Advanced Weight Training for their first semester).

Getting up to throw away his trash and place his plate into the dirty dish pile, Vector returned to Mighty finished with searching up what he needed.

"I don't see MUCH on a Gojo…" the armadillo said. "…but from what I see according to Ring, Gojo is a village hidden and cut off from the rest of Northern Mobius. Apparently, no one except its residents know how to get in, and even if someone from the outside world enters, they forbid ANY outsiders from visiting, and apparently, they're very strict about it."

"How strict?" asked Vector.

"Well, it doesn't say, but I imagine they don't take kind to strangers."

"How did Valdez leave?"

"I dunno, dude. I wish I had an explanation, but I don't… Oh, hey! Notification from FriendSpace!" Mighty's face lit up, but then slowly his face and ears fell as he realized…

"-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand it's just a recommended post…"

"Let me guess, Wrestlin' Memes ain't goin' too hot?"

"Come on, making sports memes of any sport out there is what's hot now! What do you MEAN no one is into wrestling memes?!"

"Give it time. You just made that account last week," Knuckles said. "Either that or turn it into a wrestling thirst page. I'm sure you'll find SOME fans."

"Wrestling is a sport that you devote mind and strength to, not something for you to get your rocks hard!"

"Hey, it's a suggestion."

Just then, Rotor had sat next to Knuckles, putting down his plate on the table.

"Morning, guys!" he said, placing down his milk bottle after his plate.

"Aw man, doughnuts? Shit, I really want some but I KNOW I shouldn't be havin' any…" Vector said.

"Better hide those if Connery or Axol comes by. They'll chew your ass off if they do," Knuckles said.

"That's why I'm doing this when they're not here, so they DON'T see me. Trust me, last time they got on me last year for having a piece of chocolate cake for dessert, I mean, it was a small cake and some ice cream! Let me live, it's not like I can't live without sugar, just-"

"You'd rather die than give it up?" Mighty asked.

"Exactly! You don't know how helpful it is when you're working on projects late into the night and you need to wake up!"

"Try to get a bit more sleep this year, Rotz," Vector said. "Remember how ya complained last semester 'bout bein' tired and Coach humiliated yeh by forcing ya to run 'round the field seven times and not lettin' ya stop?"

"Yes, and I'd like to forget that."

"Hey, I will say since then, yer runnin' has gotten better."

"Well, it did actually make me realize that maybe adding running to my workout routine might help, and it did."

"Yeah, I've seen ya run hard on the treadmills last year. Ye've been lookin' great since then though."

"Stop, Vector! I can't handle the compliments this early in the morning!"

"Hey, he's just fulfilling his quarterback duty by inspiring the team!" Knuckles replied.

"Speaking of inspiring, Espio looks like he needs some motivation to eat. Poor dude looks hungry and… is that a plate of JUST plain grits?!"

"That's all he wanted apparently. I was just telling Knux and Mighty that it's a bit annoyin' not bein' able to know what he likes and doesn't like."

"If he doesn't want it, mind if I have it?"

"Dontcha got Advanced Weight Training?"

"Nah, I got the Monday, Wednesday, Friday ones. I do have Engineering II at 8:30 though."

"Well I mean, I guess. I'm sure Espio dun mind."

Sure enough, when Vector reached over to grab Espio's plate, the chameleon did little to resist his breakfast being taken.

"I say get him SOMETHING to eat," Rotor said. "Here, since I pretty much took his breakfast, take my meal card and like…" the walrus got out his wallet, pulling out his card. "I dunno, go to the canteen and get him a breakfast bar. It's the least I can do."

"Sure, I dun mind," Vector got up and walked his way towards the vending machines in the farthest corner of the dining hall. Swiping Rotor's card, the machine beeped as the door of the machine unlocked, allowing Vector to reach in and grab a honey and oats breakfast bar. Just before he closed it, the crocodile looked for a brief second before grabbing a bag of corn chips. He probably SHOULDN'T have taken it, but he saw it as a snack for midday, and besides, it's not like Rotor HAD to know…

Hiding the corn chips in his pocket, Vector returned to the table and was just about to hand the breakfast bar to Espio before he suddenly stopped.

"Wait a minute," he said, opening the packaging for him and handing the bar to the chameleon. Espio grabbed one of the bars and flipped it around, staring at it confused.

"Lemme guess, he's never seen a breakfast bar either?" Rotor asked, taking his card back from Vector. As he said this, Espio took a small nibble, the crumbs from the bar falling onto his… dress thing. Then, he proceeded to take a bite from his bar. From the chewing and the face he was making, it SEEMED to be the first thing he liked since coming to Mobius U.

"Huh, look at that, he enjoys it!" Mighty said after he pulled away his bowl of oatmeal away from his mouth. "What should we introduce him to next, huh?"

"I think we should wait to introduce him to new foods," Vector said. "I still need to ask that Valdez guy what he likes."

Just then, Vector checked the time on his phone and saw that it was 7:51.

"Alright, it's time fer this guy to head to class," the crocodile said. "I'll come back here after I take him, so save me a seat, okay? I guarantee more and more of the team will be here once I get back."

Knuckles reached to his side, grabbed his backpack and slammed it on the seat Vector just had stood up from. "No worries, dude. We got you."

"Alright, c'mon, Espio, I gotta take ya to yer next class. Ya got different ones today, right?" Vector asked, tapping Espio's shoulder. Once again, Vector brought out his schedule and pointed at it, Espio bringing out his in response. Looking over his shoulder, the crocodile moved his finger down the chameleon's schedule until he found his next class: Creative Drawing I.

"Okay, and that's… in the A buildin'. Let's head there now."


After dropping Espio off at Room A-145, the Artist's Studio, where Valdez had been waiting patiently, he thanked Vector for guiding him and before he could chat with Vector about how things were going, the Creative Drawing professor, Professor D' Coolette was just on his way to enter the studio, resulting in their meeting cutting short.

As Espio sat in front of an easel, Valdez by his side, Professor D' Coolette stood in the middle of the room, getting atop a small stage and looking at his students.

"Good morning, students…" the coyote said, his elegant blue suit standing out nicely in contrast to his red fur and yellow hair. "And 'velcome to Creative Drawing I… I am your professor, Professor Antoine D' Coolette, please 'old ze applause 'sank you very much."

Professor D' Coolette walked along the small stage. "For those who 'ave just begun to enter ze world of drawing, I would tell you that it is a challenge of great reward and value, but it's also a trial of wit, of self-worth, and also… of your ability to change. In zis class, there will be no silly things such drawing on ze computer or doing fun workstations. You shall draw ze people around you, and ze world around you. For it is understanding 'zose basics that you can achieve extraordinary heights in ze world of art…"

The girl next to Espio, a jewel beetle, clapped her hands to herself. "Goodness, Professor D' Coolette has such a way with words…" she muttered.

"As you can see," the coyote continued. "I 'ave provided you wiz a pencil, a mirror, and a canvas. Let us spend zis first 'our of class drawing a self-portrait, and when ze hour is up, show your work to ze class and introduce yourself. And do not worry if you feel you cannot stand alongside your peers. Zis introduction iz a way for me to understand your art, to see where you can improve, and most important, for you to understand the joie de vivre of art itself! Starting now, you have approximately… one hour. Bonne chance."

With two claps, the class had begun getting to work. Everyone scrambled for their pencils or adjusted their mirrors, whereas Espio sat lost after Professor D' Coolette's introduction.

"Okay, Espio-kun, let me explain," Valdez said. "I know Professor D' Coolette is a little… odd with his choice of words, but don't worry, what he wants you to do is to look into the mirror there and draw yourself."

Espio looked into the mirror by his side. He hadn't seen too many in his life, as most of the mirrors produced by the Yagyu clan was used by Bride of the Rich Nights. He could visibly recall a memory where he found himself in the Bride's chambers, filled with so many mirrors… His young face coming closer to the mirror, still in a place that he could call home-

"Espio-kun, are you listening?"

Tearing away his attention from the mirror, Espio looked at the blue chameleon.

"Y-Yes, Valdez-san."

"Good. Now, remember what I said. Just use the pencil and… draw yourself. I've seen you draw on some of the scrolls you send to the other Brides, and I'm sure you can recreate something beautiful, even if this isn't a brush and ink, nor woodblock ink either."

Espio grabbed the pencil near him, staring at it. He had used this strange device just yesterday, but he didn't even know it could be used to draw. From what Valdez explained yesterday, it was just pressing down on the parchment (or PAPER since that's what he called it anyway…) like the chameleon would making brush strokes to design the blank scrolls of the Shinobi. But this paper seemed far larger than any he'd seen so far…

He turned to face his right, seeing that beetle girl set up one of those brick shaped devices next to her for another angle. He wanted to ask her for more information, but when the two locked eyes, she suddenly spoke.

"Yeah, what's up?"

Espio said nothing in response, but Valdez spoke for him.

"I-It's okay, ma'am. He's just curious about your phone," he said. "Espio-kun, work."

"Curious about my phone?..." she said to herself as Espio stared at his blank canvas. He looked at himself in the mirror once again. His amber eyes piercing into his reflection's as his purple tail lay next to his head.

With that, Espio got started on drawing, making a large circle before taking another glance at the mirror. And for the next hour, Valdez watched as Espio drew a few lines before staring at the mirror once again and back to drawing. He was surprised that out of all his classes, this was the one he seemed to be adjusting to the most. Then again, unlike his classes yesterday, art was in a different layer of teaching than most main subjects as there was less verbal instruction and more hands on work.

Not to mention, painting with a brush and using a pencil were two different things, but it was amazing how fast Espio had caught on too. In that one hour block, Espio was able to do a self-portrait up to his face and shoulder, making finishing touches on the detail of his yukata and adding detail. Professor D' Coolette had even come around a few times, not saying anything, but only examining as Espio drew before walking away to look at the girl next to him.

With the hour almost up, just as he was about to write his name-

"Okay, time iz up in 30 'zeconds!" Professor D' Coolette announced, looking at the clock on the wall.

"You only have thirty seconds, Espio-kun," Valdez reminded the chameleon. Espio gawked, and realizing he almost had no time left, he hastily wrote 'エスピオ" at the top of the canvas.

"10… 9…"

"Espio-kun, they wouldn't understand that," Valdez explained. "Here, hand me the pencil."

And just as Espio had set down his pencil, Valdez wrote 'Espio' in plain English below the Japanese spelling of his name, and just as he got to the O.

"Time iz up! Pencils down!"

"Damn!" Valdez said, quickly writing the O and placing the pencil down.

With everyone done, Professor D' Coolette walked around the room. "You all had 'zome interesting portraits for me to see! Even in people who don't draw conventionally, I 'zee massive potential in you all. But 'zat shall wait for another time. For 'ze time being, please turn your canvas' around to show your peers and be ready for critiquing."

Valdez explained it to Espio, and doing as he was told, he turned the canvas around and stood next to it.

"Now, I ask you all to please come stand where I am so we can all 'zee your portraits."

Everyone proceeded to walk towards Professor D' Coolette, and Espio followed suit, realizing that he likely had to do what everyone else was doing. Valdez was pleased with how Espio understood, even though it was likely the physical cue that gave it away.

"So, we shall use 'zis time for critique, but also as a way for you to get to know your classmates," the coyote said, grabbing a clipboard by his desk. "Let us begin, I shall call you by the first name of your species. Let's see…" he squinted. "Mizz Jewel 'ze Beetle, Mizz Jewel, please go to your canvas and explain to the class what you did and who you are."

The girl who sat next to Espio, in her green summer dress, excitedly buzzed up to her canvas, showing off her face from different angles.

"Hello, my name is Jewel the Beetle!" she said. "And this is my self portrait that I've titled 'The Many Angles', drawn on canvas board with 2B pencil and shaded and highlighted using HB pencil. I used this art piece to show the many sides of me, as I feel that getting to know me is like seeing different sides of my face! I also used my HB pencil to highlight details that I feel are important, such as my shell and my antennae, as I feel it's what makes me unique!"

"Very interesting analysis, Jewel!" Professor D' Coolette praised. "And you have a knack for introducing your art too, almost as if you were prepared for 'zis! Do you have anything else you'd like to share?"

"Um, yes actually! I'm apart of the school's organizer committee, and I manage a lot of the clubs as well as school activities around here! In fact, yesterday you might have seen me around the sign in area, and that's because I managed that too!"

The class began to clap as Jewel bowed. It was clear to Espio that she enjoyed being in the spotlight and getting attention.

"Now, does anyway 'ave critique for our friend, Jewel?" the coyote professor asked, clapping his hands. A red wolf with glasses raised his hand.

"Yez, erm… Mr…"

"G-Gadget," the wolf replied.

"Ah, Mr. Gadget, of course!"

"W-Well, I do like the method in which you drew, combining light and dark pencils is a good choice, however I felt the portrait could have been more than just a head. D-Don't get me wrong, there's good detail, I won't deny! B-But I feel there should have been more to it."

There was a slight twitch in Jewel's face, but it was something Espio only seemed to pick up on, as she went back to full smiles.

"Ah, okay. I understand. Thank you," she said, bowing.

"Anyone else?" Professor D' Coolette asked. No one else spoke up, and the coyote clapped his hands together. "Okay, 'zank you so much Jewel for your introduction, and 'zank you Gadget for your critique. Next we 'ave… Mister… Espio. Mister Espio ze Chameleon, please go to your canvas."

Espio perked up when he heard his name. Valdez tapped his arm and guided him to his canvas, the two standing in front of me. The chameleon put his hand on his arm, knowing the spotlight was clear as day on him.

"And… your drawing, Espio?" the coyote asked. Espio opened his mouth but stopped. What did he even want him to do?!

"If you don't mind, Mr. D' Coolette," Valdez said. "I think I've done enough speaking for him, I'll translate for you." He then proceeded to turn to face Espio. "Espio-kun, if you were to title this piece, what would you call it?"

Espio turned to face his art piece, looking at it. Now that he thought about it, what WOULD he call it? He never had to name art pieces…

But something that was on his mind since coming to Mobius U, something he was reminded of when he looked in the mirror as he drew…

"…Reflections of Home," Espio said.

"Pardon me, Mr. Valdez, what did 'e say?" Professor D' Coolette said. "Jikka no 'ansei?"

"Ah, no no. That's what it's called in his language. The title for this piece is Reflections of Home," Valdez replied.

"And… 'ze medium?"

"Canvas board withhhh…" Now Valdez was nervous. He looked down at the easel, seeing the pencil with 2B on it. "2B pencil."

"And what does it represent?"

"He's asking what the art represents."

Espio raised a brow. He just did what he was told, he never knew there was also supposed to be a meaning too. After all, it was JUST him…

But that title rung through his head and his feelings from before arose…

"…it's a reflection of myself and my current thoughts, a reflection on my home, and a reflection of… of my art…" he said.

"Espio here says the art is supposed to represent a reflection of multiple things: himself, his thoughts, his home, and his art," Valdez translated.

"Intéressant! Now, from 'ze language you two use, and 'is description of 'ome, I assume you two are not from Central Mobius. Where do you two come from?" Professor D' Coolette asked.

"Valdez-san, is it a good idea to mention the village?" Espio asked. He felt very uncertain about Professor Finitevus casually dropping Gojo's name like it was nothing. After all, he was supposed to represent Gojo, he couldn't let outsiders learn of it!

"It's fine, Espio-kun," Valdez replied. "If you must know, Professor, Mr. Espio and I come from a hidden village in Northern Mobius. I can't reveal much due to Espio's wishes, but it is practically cut off from modern civilization."

"Oh ho!" the coyote said. "'ow mysterious! And 'e mentioned art too, what was 'is medium?"

"Our village specializes in ink wash paintings and woodblock printing. It's rather known for that in the area."

"My, 'ow magnifique! I 'ave such jealousy towards Northern Mobius artists, as their level of production and quality is beyond even moi! Perhaps it would be nice to zee ze art you've produced, Mister Espio! I'm sure ze class would love to see it."

"He's saying that he'd love to see your art, if possible."

"Oh, Valdez-san… you know I am not good compared to others in the village. Remember Suzaku-san? He produced many of the art that lays in the Dojo. Why not his?"

"Because Professor D' Coolette isn't talking about Suzaku-san, he's talking about YOU, Espio-kun!"

The coyote professor clapped his hands. "Well! Does anyone 'appen to 'ave any critique for Mister Espio?"

Jewel raised her hand. "Ah, yes Jewel?"

"Well," the jewel beetle began. "While I certain do love how Espio made his art look, like it definitely does feel like something you'd see in a museum, I feel that his art style isn't particularly… MODERN enough for a classroom setting. While I do see the intent and passion, something like what he would draw in his current style wouldn't be something I would accept if I were a teacher and I assigned him to something like a still life."

Professor D' Coolette nodded his head. "I see, I see… I suppose you could see Mister Espio's style as somewhat antique in a modern context… Does anyone else have any other critiques?"

Gadget raised his hand again. "Gadget again!"

"Well this isn't a critique," the red wolf said. "But I absolutely LOVE your art style! As Jewel was mentioning, I think your art style really seems like something that would come out a museum, but I think that's good because in terms of artistic composition, use of color, poses and expression and the like, I think ancient Northern Mobius art is very well drawn and your art certain does reflect that! Personally, I agree with Professor D' Coolette that it would be amazing if we could see some of the art you produced back in Northern Mobius."

Espio could see another slight twitch in Jewel's face that was unnoticed by everyone else, who had clapped for the chameleon. Espio continued to stare at his geta, not wanting any more attention that he was getting.

"Très bien, Espio!" Professor D' Coolette said, clapping. "Your art certainly seems to reach 'ze students! And I can definitely 'zee the work you put into 'zis! Even if your name is a little… erm… messy. Anyway, 'zank you for 'ze introduction! Now, let's see who's next…"

Espio got back in line with his classmates, confliction clear as day on his face.


MEANWHILE

Vector cracked his knuckles, his neck, and his back as he checked one last time to make sure the weights on each side of the barbell that stood in front of him was equal to 250 pounds. With a loud slam, the crocodile lay on his back on the bench press as Thrash stood above him.

"You ready to do this, man?" Thrash asked. Vector rubbed his hands together as he wrapped them around the bar.

"Ready as ever!"

From across the indoor gym, Knuckles, Rudy, and Storm, the albatross who was among the group of birds that confused Espio the previous day, were lifting weights together. The echidna turned to face the crocodile.

"Yo, Vec! Good luck!" he called out as Vector put up a thumbs up.

"Ha ha! Look, you're so concerned about others that you feel the need to slack on your lifting!" Storm mocked.

"Oh yeah, bub?! Just cause you're in wrestling doesn't mean I can't give Vector any encouragement!"

"You're gonna get distracted, that's what!"

"Oh, I'll show-… you distracted!"

"Knux, don't tire and explode your arms cause you wanna prove something…" Rudy said, but it was too late, as echidna and albatross increased the weight on the dumbbell they were lifting. The lizard sighed as he continued.

"And… go!" Thrash said as the dumbbell lifting competition continued. Vector lifted the barbell and was instantly hit with a wave of pressure coming from how heavy the barbell was. The Tasmanian devil watched over him to make sure the barbell wouldn't fall on their star quarterback, as how would Coach appreciate it if Vector died by asphyxiation by barbell?

Vector was able to get about six reps in before he started to feel the pain. He felt like his muscles were about to burst, the veins in his hands popping and adrenaline flowing through his pumping blood.

"Come on, Vector! You got this!" Thrash cheered. "Show us you can at least get to ten!"

But it was getting harder and harder as Vector continued to lift. He was finally able to make it to ten, but by now, his hands were getting shaky and the muscles in Vector's biceps were twitching at an intense rate.

Just then, a large, white furred figure stepped into the indoor gym. With his blue polo that accentuated his large figure (almost as if just stretching his back would cause it to tear) and the brown shorts held nice and tight to his waist without a belt, and his signature silver whistle hung by a necklace, Thrash and the other students in that Advanced Weight Training class recognized him as Coach Augustus the Polar Bear; the football coach as well as the instructor for Advanced Weight Training.

Coach Augustus walked over to Vector and Thrash, watching Vector struggle under the weight as he reached rep 13.

"Ha, looks like Vector here is about to probably burst his mouth open the way he's holdin' his breath like that!" the polar bear said. "Vector! What did I tell you about holding in your breath?!"

"S-Sorry… c-coach! This j-just… ain't… as… easy at… it… loooooooooks!" Vector sputtered as he reached rep 14.

"Come on, Vector! Make that barbell your bitch!" Rudy called from across the hall, earning him a glare from Coach Augustus.

"Oi, Rudy! You don't slutshame the Gaia given beauty that is the bench set!" he yelled.

"…sorry."

The polar bear crouched down to Vector's height. "Come on, kid. Let out your battle cry! Unleash your inner Unenviable Clunk! Show me you can at least reach 20 at the most!"

With that word of encouragement, Vector let out a roar as the adrenaline in him pumped into overtime. He was able to quickly use the sudden burst of strength he had to reach reps 16, 17, 18, and 19 quickly, and by the end, the crocodile's shirt was damped with sweat and his arms were now bulging with veins. With one last brief struggle, Vector grit his teeth as hard as he could as he lifted the barbell one last time and lowered it, finally reaching rep 20. With Thrash's help, the two put the barbell back in its place as Vector let his tongue out, breathing heavily as he could feel his heart beat quickly.

"Well, look at you! I thought you were crazy when you told me you wanted to try to bench 250 earlier this summer, but look at you! Keep this up, and the professionals would REALLY wanna scout you out, Vector," Coach Augustus said, holding out his hand as he lifted Vector off from the bench.

"Trust me… coach…" Vector breathed. "20… ain't enough…"

"And THAT'S what I like to hear! Anyway…"

The polar bear grabbed his whistle and blew on it hard, gaining the attention of everyone in the room.

"Alright, small fries!" he said. "For your first day of Advanced Weight Training, I'm very impressed! And don't worry, for all the non-football players in this room, I think your coaches will get a nice compliment wrapped in cellophane from me about your performances. Now go on and hit the showers, class is dismissed!"

Everyone dropped what they were doing, grabbing what they needed and started to file into the hallway Vector and Espio went to earlier this morning to use the shower. Just as Vector was about to grab his duffel bag, he was stopped by the Coach.

"Except you, Vector. I need to talk to you once everyone leaves," he said. The quarterback looked puzzled, why was he singled out? Surely he hadn't done anything WRONG, as after all, it WAS only his second day…

As everyone piled out of the gym, leaving the two behind, Coach smiled at Vector.

"I've been hearing from the other teachers that you've been mentoring that transfer student from Northern Mobius," he said.

"Ya know about Espio?" replied Vector.

"Course I do. When it comes to the staff, word about stuff like this travels fast. Still though, how incredible is that?"

"Aw, coach… ya dun gotta be that soft."

"Oh, I mean it," Coach Augustus proceeded to pat Vector's sweaty shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Vector. Doin' stuff like this shows you're a team leader, and your making your team, your school, and myself proud. Keep it up, it shows why you're the quarterback of this team."

Vector felt himself flush red as his heart continued to beat fast.

"Say, why not bring your little friend to practice this Saturday? I'd love to meet him!"

"Aw coach, I'd love to but… the dude doesn't know English. It's a bit hard to communicate with him, and frankly I dun think he even knows what football is."

"Oh, there's no need for concern. I still would like to familiarize myself with him, as I'm sure he likely hangs around you a lot."

"Yeah, he can't really speak to others so I'm kinda his personal guardian at the moment."

"Then I'm sure he wouldn't mind if he joins. Maybe it could inspire him to join the team too?"

"As what, water boy?"

The two laughed. "Ha, not a bad idea!" Coach Augustus proceeded to look at his watch. "Ah, now if you excuse me, I gotta go back to my office to do some more paperwork before my next class. Go ahead, take your shower and join the sausage fest in the locker room."

"Will do, coach!"

Crocodile and polar bear parted ways as Vector made his way towards the locker room and Augustus left the building.


MEANWHILE

Espio walked into his next class 2 minutes before 10 am, Valdez in tow. Today was the first day of his ESOL tutoring, and surprisingly, there wasn't anyone else in the classroom, no students nor teacher. The only thing notable in this class was a large tree in the middle of the room.

It gave Espio flashbacks to visiting Tsunoda, remembering the Gossamer Clan's dojo being atop a large tree covered in cobwebs. He remembered always having to swat them away whenever he'd visit with mother, which Bride of the Endless Reach didn't like as she often had to make the cobwebs again.

"Are we in the correct class?" Espio asked.

"Yes. Don't worry if it's empty, both your professor and I will personally help you understand the basics before we feel you're ready to enter the actual ESOL classroom," Valdez replied. "Your teacher is fluent in other languages, but Japanese isn't one of them, so that's why I'm here too."

Espio sat down at a lone chair as he waited for class to begin, the feeling of emptiness returning to him once again. Just then, he noticed a silhouette stretch its wings in the tree. Beginning to flap them, Espio could sense danger, but Valdez put his hand on the desk.

"It's okay, Espio-kun," he said. Just then, the figure flew her way towards the two chameleons, stopping in front of them. It was a female owl, wearing a yellow corset vest, her fleece filled with brown and white feathers. A few of them even scattered onto Espio's desk as he stared at them.

"Apologies for the fright!" she said in a stern but motherly tone. "I suppose I get a little excited whenever I see a new student."

The chameleon stared back at the owl blankly.

"How are you today, Professor Longclaw?" Valdez asked as the owl turned his attention to the blue chameleon.

"Oh, quite fine, Mr. Valdez. My first class was very attentive, but this new addition will feel right at home when he's ready to move on up," she smiled at Espio. "Ah, haven't introduced myself. I'm Professor Longclaw, your ESOL instructor for this year. I'll be the one helping you to learn English during your time here at Mobius U."

Espio once again, said nothing in response.

"Well, you weren't wrong, Valdez. The poor boy is as mute and afraid as most of my first-time students. Not to worry, that can be arranged. But first, let me take attendance."

Professor Longclaw flew back to her tree, where her desk was, as Valdez translated what she had said to Espio. From the tree, Professor Longclaw poked her head out.

"By the by, you were mentioning it earlier this morning, Mr. Valdez, but you said Espio here has a roommate who's helping him learn English, correct?" she asked.

"Yes, it's Vector the Crocodile who's helping him out."

"The football star? Wow, never would have imagined it. Okay, I'm just making sure."

With the conversation finished, Longclaw flew back to the two, a notebook and some papers in her hands.

"Well, Espio. We're just about to get started with the tutoring lesson. But before that, I want to give you this," she said, handing Espio the notebook. "Make sure to give this to your roommate. During your time here, I'll be assigning you work, but I want him to carry this notebook as a way for you to write down what he teaches you. For example, write down a sentence and repeat what it says, so on and so forth. I'll also be checking it to make sure he's not lazing around on his tutoring too."

Still confused, Espio grabbed the notebook as Professor Longclaw proceeded to place the papers on his desk. "And this is our syllabus. I'll explain more about this soon, but for now, we're ready to begin the very beginnings to learning English,"

She had waited for Valdez to finish translating everything to Espio in real time, and once the blue chameleon was done, she continued. "As I'm sure you're going to learn quickly, English is a VERY different language from Japanese. There's far different sentence structure, word usage, and many other concepts that don't exist in Japanese. It can be frustrating for a new timer, but remember, we're both here to help you learn as best as possible, so please don't be afraid to ask questions. Most important of all, don't be afraid to make mistakes. Many of my students when they first arrive are often afraid to speak up, scared that they'll mess something up. And the fear is justified, as learning a new language can be very scary."

The owl proceeded to smile. "But… you learn more learning from your mistakes than beating yourself up. So as we begin, don't feel discouraged, okay?"

Professor Longclaw flew to the chalkboard at the front of the classroom as Valdez translated everything for Espio once again. Once he had gotten to the end of Professor Longclaw's speech, he was so confused.

"Don't be afraid to make mistakes"

"You learn more learning from your mistakes than beating yourself up."

Was this what they taught people in the outside world? His mother and his senseis in the Ninja Academy all said that failure was never an option and to be ashamed of all failure one commits. Back when he was training in the Ninja Academy, many of the students were shamed in front of their fellow pupils for making mistakes, and his own mother HATED it if Espio performed any action that wasn't seen as perfection in her eyes.

What a strange way of learning…

Professor Longclaw began to write on the chalkboard, Valdez walking up to the board alongside her as she wrote the phrase, 'MY NAME IS _"

"Let's begin with some very simple exercises," she said. "In your time at Mobius U, you're going to meet new people, new instructors, and overall, faces you would have never seen otherwise. As such, you can't expect to be silent all the time, as everyone loves a friendly introduction."

Valdez translated everything back to Espio in Japanese as Professor Longclaw handed him the chalk. The chameleon proceeded to write, "私の名前は_です" underneath the owl's sentence.

"As you can see, Espio-kun," Valdez explained. "You're no doubt more familiar with this sentence, Watashi no namae wa. Well, this sentence is the same as this one above it. This is just the English translation for Watashi no namae wa _ desu."

"It's said like this," Professor Longclaw proceeded to clear her throat. "Hello, my name is… and then you'd say your name! In this case, you would say, Hello, my name is Espio."

"Once again, Espio-kun, Hello, my name is Espio. Do you want to hear it again?"

Espio stared at the two briefly before nodding.

"Hello, my name is Espio. Hello, my name is Espio," Professor Longclaw repeated to herself twice. Espio tried to say it back to himself.

"H-Hallo… m-ma-mai n-nei… nei? Name? Neim?" he said to himself, trying to make sense of the sentence. "Valdez-san, once again?"

"Hello, my name is Espio," the blue chameleon repeated back to the fuschia chameleon. He repeated it back to himself once more, confident that he could say it. Standing up from his seat, he bowed.

"H-Hel-Hello… mai… m-mai… nei-"

He then closed his mouth. He realized the way he was saying my wasn't like how Valdez or Professor Longclaw was saying it. Lowering his head, Espio sat back down in his seat.

"No!" Professor Longclaw said. "No no no, don't give up, Espio! As I said, it's okay to make mistakes! You're still learning!"

Valdez sighed. "Professor Longclaw, as much as its encouraging that you want to never give up, Northern Mobius society teaches that failure is shameful. No doubt, Espio is ashamed of his inability to repeat us."

The owl looked concerned. "Do you think he's going to shut us out?"

"…not necessarily, but for now, it might be best if we wait a bit to try again."

Professor Longclaw looked down. "I… I see… Well, we can try again before the end of class, but for now, let's just review the syllabus."


An hour after that disastrous tutoring lesson, Espio walked out of class, looking down at the floor as Valdez stared at him.

"Espio-kun… I know you're mad at yourself, but you can't give up already," he said.

"But, Valdez-san… I can barely even say one sentence! How am I expected to represent the village… represent the Shinobi clan if I can't do what I'm asked?!"

"You're still learning, Espio-kun! You didn't expect to be a master of English in one day, did you?"

Espio said nothing in response.

"Look, you'll start getting better as time passes. As Professor Longclaw said, many of the people who tutor with her don't know a word of English and come out of it being able to hold conversations without any problems. It's naturally going to take time, and just because Bride of the Constant Vigil didn't allow failure doesn't mean we here at Mobius U don't understand that people sometimes make mistakes and we can learn from them."

Valdez smiled at Espio, who only looked at his feet.

"Now look, I need to return to my office and write a report on you and the other transfer students. We can meet during lunch if you'd like, you know where my office is, correct?"

Espio slyly nodded, since the two had went there to retrieve his supplies the other day.

"Okay, good. And remember, stay positive!"

Valdez left as many students walked past the chameleon, who continued to stay put in his place.

How… how could he tell him to stay positive?

The feeling of dread filled the pit of his stomach as he walked away from the crowd. He watched as the crowd of people were talking amongst each other, looking at those strange brick shaped devices he saw that beetle girl named Jewel have earlier today during Creative Drawing I, and those faces… the faces of joy or carelessness…

Espio turned the corner to the intersection, heading away from the crowd. He tried to drown out the voices of the crowd, but they continued to beat into his head.

Why? Why was everyone so happy when he was miserable? He didn't understand this world, this language, all these things Valdez called 'technology', these 'classes' he'd go to, these strange people and so many concepts to foreign to him. How did the people here understand what was going on? How could they go about their every day like it was just customary? Like all these unnecessary things were the way people here lives? How could people like Vector talk to him knowing full well he could never respond?

Espio sighed, knowing that he missed everything about Gojo… He missed the daily walks around the village, waking up in the dojo ready for another morning of his daily training, his meditation hour in the garden, seeing the sights of Gojo from below, and all the meals he'd have with Mother and Shami…

Mother and Shami… Heavens only know what they were doing at a time like this… Ever since his father's death two years ago, he knew she'd been feeling lonelier and more disconnected from life as she kept to herself in her chambers. The Bride was a strong woman, and she knew to take care of her children, but he felt guilty leaving her behind… leaving the village behind…

What would his father say if he saw how much of a disappointment he was?

The chameleon had enough of this. Turning left and taking the corner, he found a slightly open door and knew he had to get away from all these people. He just didn't take notice that the sign by the door read 'JANITOR'S CLOSET'. Instantly, the smell of something VERY strong hit his nostrils. He wasn't sure what it was, but there were many strange bottles with multicolored liquid. He wasn't thirsty, but mother always told him to never drink anything if you don't know where it came from.

With the dim light shining above him, Espio didn't care if the room was slightly dark or all the supplies here took up most of the room. He sat down on the floor, his good friend known as the darkness and loneliness coming to greet him as if they haven't seen each other in forever.

Here he was, sitting on the floor, not wanting attention as he usually did. For as skilled as he was as a ninja, Espio had a bad problem with shyness, and he never wanted attention as much as the Bride tried to force him to interact with others. Sure enough, places such as these turned out to be the best way to hide yourself…

Bringing his legs up to his face, Espio buried his face in them, his horn's tip slightly poking out as he succumbed to the silence and loneliness of that sole janitor's closet.


SOME TIME LATER…

Vector walked out of the B building, humming happily as loud rock music blared out of his headphones. He had just left his first Physiology II class for this semester and was rather pleased with how well the class seemed to be turning out. But none of that mattered right now, because it was lunch time, and there was a plate full of veggies and carbs calling his name from the dining hall.

He held his backpack tight as it lay lazily across one shoulder, passing by other students as he held his phone in his hand. Just as he reached the brick pathway to the K building, the crocodile suddenly stepped on something hard.

"Huh?" he said, moving his foot and looking down to see he had stepped on a pair of keys. Reaching down, Vector grabbed it to examine it closer. It didn't SEEM like a student's set of keys, as there were far too many, but maybe it was better to give it to the lost and found…

At least, until Vector looked closer to see that the pair of keys each had a different letter on each one written in sharpie, and a keychain that read, 'I LOVE TO MOP'.

"Oh, this is probably, Snivley's," he said, remembering that Headmaster Robotnik's nephew, Snivley, worked as a janitor for the university. The quarterback remembered that his main supply office was in C building and decided to check there first before turning in the keys. Taking the keys and heading the other way where the students from B building were walking, Vector passed by a few people as he entered the nearly empty C building. There were a few people sitting on some the chairs close by on their laptop doing assignments while others were watching videos on their phone, laughing to themselves as they texted away.

Taking a right all the way down the hall, Vector turned left as he found himself in the hallway leading to Snivley's office. Passing by a small computer lab, he knocked on the door to Snivley's office before slightly opening the door ajar.

"Yo, Snivley, ya in there?" Vector asked. "I found yer keys on the ground outside of B buildin', I thought I'd-"

He stopped as he noticed who was in the closet. Instead of seeing a small, hook nose Overlander with an attitude that said, 'I really wish I wasn't here right now', he saw Espio, staring wide eyed at him.

"E-Espio?!" he questioned, quickly entering inside the closer. "W-W-What the…?! What in the?! What the hell are ya doin' in Snivley's office?!"

Espio said nothing in response as Vector crouched down at him, the crocodile's face falling as he noticed the look on Espio's face.

"Hey… is everythin' alright, pal? It ain't like ya to just walk into a closet. That's somethin' I'd do if I was drunk, but…"

The foreign chameleon still said nothing. Vector sighed as he got up, holding out his hand.

"Here, let's go. I'm sure the smell of cleanin' chemicals ain't good fer ya the more yeh stay in here."

This time, Espio took Vector's hand as he stood up, the crocodile leading the way as the two reptiles left the Janitor's closet. As they walked down the hall, Espio suddenly stopped Vector.

"Hm? What's wrong, Espio?" the quarterback asked. The foreign exchange student looked down then up at Vector. He then proceeded to open his mouth, but seemed like he was… struggling doing so?

"Eee… Eto…" he mumbled. And then, in one brief instant…

"H-Ha-Hall-Hallo! Ma-My name is… is Espio!"

Vector's eyes widened as his jaw dropped. Realizing what he said, Espio covered his mouth as he realizing he messed up on the hello again, but Vector lowered them as he stared at the smaller reptile.

"Oh… my Gaia…" the crocodile said. "E-Espio… did yeh?..."

Espio stared at Vector with a look of surprise.

"Ya… ya did! Oh gosh, ya said yer first words in English!"

He didn't care how loud he was as he suddenly hugged the chameleon tightly, lifting him up from the ground. "Ha ha ha! And I dun even care if ya said hello wrong, we can always work on that! I knew yeh'd be able to do it, man!"

Vector put Espio on the ground as the feelings of negativity he felt earlier that day go away. If only Vector could know how proud Espio was right now, not just for finally being able to say his first words in English, but making Vector happy like this…

"Say, keep improvin' and I'll give ya a really nice gift!" Vector winked. "Now c'mon, I think I gotta brag 'bout this to the guys!"

Vector started to make his way out of the C building, Espio giving off a small smile as he followed behind his roommate.

END OF CHAPTER 3