(AN: Wow, I'm on time with a chapter that's still long? How surprising!

Anyway, if you recall from my last AN, I mentioned that I started a new job! I'm still trying to get used to it, and frankly, my first couple of days were beyond hard due to me being stuck packing boxes as high as I can in a 13 foot tall truck... completely unaware that I neither have the strength nor height to do it.

But hey, I got to do a thing that actually WAS frankly fun and felt like it didn't last forever, so that was great! In fact, I got my proofed version last night and wanted to upload it on my break... but I guess FF mobile app isn't too GOOD when it comes to uploading and copy and pasting documents... so that's why it's at 2!

Regardless, I'm excited for these coming chapters. I think a lot of new arcs are gonna spring up, so keep your eyes out on certain characters, they're definetly going to become relevant in the future. And not just that, we'll check in with Espio about something weird that's going on with him... what's that you ask? Read and find out!)

Also apologies for the earlier deletion. This file didn't have all my bold and italics originally so I have to upload it again. My bad!


THE NEXT DAY

After Advanced English Literature and saying goodbye to Vector, Valdez closed his eyes and firmly said, "No!"

"Eeeh? But wasn't my punishment not taking me to Vector's game?" Espio asked, questioning his family's friend.

"I said that wasn't your main punishment, just an add on. However, this will now be your main punishment!"

"But Vector really wants me to go! I could get to celebrate this… Th-thanks..gi-giv.. iing?"

"I don't care if Vector wants you to go, you're still in trouble for what happened, and your punishment is not being able to go with him. Look, if you want, I can take you to my place for Thanksgiving. We can have a proper Gojo-style meal, and I can make sure you don't miss Vector's next game on TV. Besides, campus will be closed from Thanksgiving until next Monday, so you'll have to be with me since I don't think they'll keep many things open."

Espio looked at the ground as the two made their way to the chameleon's Algebra 102 class, with the transfer student discussing with Valdez about what Vector told him last night: about this holiday called 'Thanksgiving', and how he wanted Espio to come over to his home for the weekend and not only meet his parents, but also have his first Thanksgiving meal. He was excited at first when he told him about it, but once Valdez dashed his dreams…

"Is there anything I can get you to compromise on?" Espio asked.

"Espio-kun, my word is final. Your mother may not be here, but I was still asked to be your guardian by her. I told you when we left the jail: I don't want you to get complacent with all the freedom you have here, and unfortunately, what you did is the reason why I'm giving you all these punishments. If it'll make you feel better, after Thanksgiving, I won't give out anymore for what happened. Just… PLEASE, continue to be on your best behavior. I can tell that everything I've done has gotten into your head, but this will be the last one."

"…yes…"

He felt like he was being coddled and talked down to like a child, but Espio kept his mouth shut. One thing he learned very quickly since childhood is that sometimes, it was better to just stay silent and deal with whatever you don't want to do, no matter how much you hate it. And it just so happened that this was another such case…

As they walked up the stairs to the second floor, Espio and Valdez saw two familiar people standing near the hallway where the Algebra classroom was.

"A-Ah! Mark!" the chameleon said, his mood changed as he ran up to his friend and Mark's giraffe friend, whose name he couldn't remember. "And… N-No… Nour…"

"It's Norris, Espio-sama!" the giraffe replied. "At least you remember now!"

"How's your morning coming along, Espio?" Mark asked. "Hey listen, I got good news. I need to be really quick about this since we only got minutes before class starts, but I've been waiting for you!"

The tapir grabbed his backpack and placed it on the floor as he crouched, opening it up. "So yesterday, when you said that you hadn't heard of Tokusatsu, I figured since I already introduced you to anime, I wanted this to be what I introduced you to next! So here you are!"

Mark brought out several new DVD's. Espio grabbed one of them, which depicted an Overlander man dressed in an outfit that made him look like Vector's friend, Sonic. He was surrounded by various strange things he'd seen in the anime Mark let him borrow, and from the katakana at the top of the DVD, it seemed to be called, 'Sonic Man X'.

"Okay, so I figured I'd start you off with Sonic Man X since this is a remake of the series from 40 years ago. It's basically the same story and everything but the visuals are better, and it doesn't look like it was filmed on a budget," Mark explained. "Alongside that, I also got you the sequel series, 4th D, ONLY watch this one once you finished with X!"

"And don't forget to watch the best version of Sonic Man, that one being Prologue! That one's the prequel!" Norris added. "That's Sonic Man Prologue, got it?"

"And then after that, I got you-"

"Espio-kun, I know that you and Mark are friends, but you MUST go to class right now. Come on," Valdez said before turning to the tapir. "Mark, you should head to class too before Professor Quack closes the door and takes attendance. If you want to show Espio your shows, wait until after class, okay?"

"Aw…" the tapir said before he put some of the DVD's back in his bag. "Mr. Valdez is right, I'll just wait until class is over and tell you about the rest, or we can grab lunch together and I can tell you about it!"

Espio nodded before turning around, entering the crowd of people hurrying to get to their classes. He wasn't sure about what Mark was trying to introduce him too, but it looked RADICALLY different from the anime he had seen before. Whatever it was, considering Mark's anime taste, he couldn't wait for whatever this strange new DVD was.

Entering the classroom, he went to his normal seat and sat down, waiting for Mark to come.


Just as Mark picked up his bag to get ready for class, Norris stopped him.

"Hey uh… Mark? Now that we're here, I think we need to talk," the giraffe said.

"Is it what we were talking about on Witchcarts last night about checking the National Barter?" the tapir replied. "I put up all those pots for sale and despite the fact that you managed to sell them all out-"

"No, it isn't about that, although I AM 1 mil coins richer. No, it's about Espio."

Mark tilted his head. "Huh?... What about Espio?"

The giraffe looked around a bit. "I know he's your friend and everything and that's fine but… okay, I'm not gonna mince words but… don't you think that Espio is a little… well… boring?"

Mark gawked at his friend. "W-Wha?... BORING?!"

"Now now, it's not a personal attack, Mark! It's just… well… you think it would be really cool that we have someone from Northern Mobius actually be apart of our friend group! I mean, think of all the possibilities! We could have talked about our favorite mangas, favorite Northern Mobius artists on Scrambler, AND he could also help us translate newly released anime that hasn't been subbed yet and help me win arguments online too by saying I know an actual Northern Mobius person! But… we're here introducing it to him like he's never seen it before! How the heck can he say he's from Northern Mobius and yet never seen anime?"

"Mr. Valdez explained to me that Espio is from a place that doesn't have stuff like anime or manga, that's why I introduced it to him. But… I don't call him boring!"

"Okay so maybe boring wasn't the right word, maybe he can be described as… well… dry? I mean, he keeps to himself, never really speaks up and doesn't seem… passionate! He doesn't act anything like I've seen Northern Mobius people act!"

"That's not any better! Just because Espio isn't like us or even like the Northern Mobius artists we follow online doesn't mean he's boring, Norris!"

"Well, I just think that maybe Espio-sama could learn quite a few new things from us, and that includes showing just a little bit of excitement. You know, like those people who get interviewed on the street in places like Ryube? I think Espio would be even cooler if he got to that level!"

"Don't try to make it seem like it's better! That's an incredibly rude thing to say, dude!"

"Why do you feel like he has to continue being dull, Mark? He isn't from whatever samurai village he's from, he's in our world!"

"I can't believe you!... Ugh, I gotta go to class…"

Angered, the tapir turned around and marched away, trying to avoid his giraffe friend.

"U-Uh… M-Mark! Hey Mark, come back! I didn't mean…" Norris whined, but it was too late. Mark had already joined the crowd and entered the classroom just a minute before the door closed. But even as he took a seat in front of Espio and turned around to face him, the chameleon staring back-

"Okay class, good morning. Well, you know what time it is. Let's get started with our warmup before we talk about Wednesday's homework," Professor Quack said. Turning around, he got out his dry erase marker and began to write a question on the board.

As he turned around to look at the question, his mind kept going back to what Norris said.

"…don't you think that Espio is a little… well… boring?"

"Why does he have to continue being dull?"

"Espio isn't a hivemind," Mark thought to himself as he turned around to look at the board. "He's his own person. So what if he isn't from a 'proper' Northern Mobius? Doesn't make him boring…"


Throughout the day's Algebra lecture, Espio had noticed that Mark seemed very on edge, and even frowning. It was odd, as normally Mark was usually upbeat during class. He was a little concerned, and so, once the two were walking together down the second floor of the A building after being dismissed, Espio was the first to ask-

"Mark, a-are you… you… a… al… alra-alright?"

He was still struggling with the word, 'alright', which he felt had too many similar sounding syllables to it. But thankfully, he had been getting it more down pat now that he was possibly going to move up to a new class with Professor Longclaw next semester for ESOL.

"Oh… I'm… I'm fine, Espio," the tapir said. "I just have a lot on my mind."

He then turned towards the chameleon. "Hey listen, Espio… I want you to know that even though I might be really big into stuff like anime or manga or listen to pop idols or play games from Northern Mobius, don't feel bad if you don't know what that stuff is. I know Mr. Valdez explained to me you're from that one place… I can't remember what he called it. B-But that's besides the point. Before coming here, you might have never heard the stuff I just now mentioned, and I understand why you'd feel lost once we start talking about it."

The portly tapir then began to smile. "But I'm really glad you're at least interested in learning about everything I have to teach you, even if it's from the same part of Mobius you're from. And in return, you're teaching me something new too. It's that not everyone from Northern Mobius is the same… and that jocks aren't half bad guys."

Espio returned the smile before looking back at his friend. "Th-the… DVD?"

"Oh RIGHT, my gosh I forgot about that! Sorry, you can tell I've had a LOT on my mind. Here, let's walk to the K building together and I'll give you what you need! You can eat with me and the guys if you want, although, I assume you're probably gonna find and eat with Vector, huh? No worries, I understand. In the meantime, now that you're almost done with the anime I leant you, I wanna tell you about a few new series I can let you borrow-"

And so, as the two friends made their way to the K building for lunch, Espio was glad that he was finally able to have lunch with Mark without someone interrupting him. The tapir spent the time telling Espio about a few new anime series he wanted him to watch but told him that this 'tokusatsu' had to come first, as he at least wanted Espio to give it a shot.

"…and if things are going right soon, once Thanksgiving break hits tomorrow, I'm gonna see if my local game shop will have their manga on sale! They usually keep both English and Japanese manga in stock, and I figured since not every manga has an anime adaptation, I could introduce you to it too! And it'll be easier for you to read!"

Espio smiled, hoping to be able to enjoy whatever Mark had planned. "And the D-DV… DVD?"

"Here, let's get our lunch first and I'll show you-"

Just as the two opened the doors to the K building, Espio saw a pile of tables in the main part of the student's center, with various people surrounding them.

"W-What… what is go-goin… going… o-on?" he asked, pointing at the tables.

"Oh, is today a Club and Organization day? I didn't realize!" Mark said. "Actually, let's wait and get lunch a bit later! These guys usually hand out a bunch of free stuff, sometimes including candy! Oooh boy, I sure hope the anti-drunk driving table has those taffies I like!"

The tapir began to make his way towards the tables as Espio followed behind them. He noticed as Mark seemed to be talking to… Jewel.

"…and here you go, here's the one for your friend," she said. "By the way… have we met somewhere?"

"Yeah… you look familiar," Mark said. "Oh, hey there Espio! I got you your card!"

The chameleon turned to face the jewel beetle, who gasped and quickly turned away.

"C-Can you two move it now?" she said, trying to shoo them away. It was surprising to see how much the beetle girl was trying to avoid the chameleon rather than try to insult him, but not like the chameleon minded at all. As they moved out of the way, Mark held out the card in front of Espio.

"Okay, so I think this is your first Club and Organization day, right?" he asked as the chameleon held the card the tapir had given him, turning it around.

"What is th-this?" Espio asked, pointing at the card.

"I'll take that as a yes. Okay, so we're gonna go around all the tables and you need to listen to basically whatever the club in question offers. And when they're done, the people managing that table will sign your card, and when you get a signature from every table, we have to take it back to that girl and she'll give us a card for a free lunch!"

Espio wasn't sure what Mark was saying, but it seemed like he knew how this went. As such, the chameleon figured it was for the best that he followed his friend. The first table they had gone too seemed to be interesting, with Belle, the girl from his Creative Drawing class, introducing the two to the Math Club and handing out some kind of circular sweet to the two.

"Hey, come on, Espio! Give it a shot!" Mark said after the two had gotten their card signed by Belle. Espio had opened the candy and held it in between his index finger and his thumb. He noticed that unlike most sweets he'd had from the Outside World, this one not only didn't have much color to it, but it also seemed to leave a sort of dust on his fingers. A little unsure, the chameleon reluctantly put it in his mouth, crunching on it as he began to chew. However, Espio wasn't a fan of the taste, and made a clear as day face as he chewed.

"Ha… don't like it, huh?" Mark asked. "Mind if I have it then?"

The chameleon gave the candy to his friend as they continued. There wasn't anything too distinct about the other clubs, and despite them REALLY wanting the two to join, Mark spoke for the two and denied them all. There was however, a table after getting a signature from the Medical Club that intrigued Espio.

"Oh hey there!" a shark sitting next to a hedgehog that looked… a LITTLE like Sonic, had loudly said, showing off two rainbow armbands as he put his elbows on the table. "How are you two doing today?"

"Lemme guess, LGBT club?" Mark asked.

"Well, seems like you've already seen us before! But ha ha… looks like your little friend here hasn't! I'll get your signature in just a minute, but Nicky, wanna do the honors?"

"U-Uh… s-sure!" the hedgehog with glasses replied as they gave Espio a pamphlet. "So, we're located in the C building in Room C-134 around middays, which is when we meet. Here in the LGBTQ League, we're a safe space offering to help students first discovering their sexualities or gender identity and how to talk about coming out to friends and family, but also helping them meet people like them, discussing general queer topics or stuff in the news and what we can do about it, and even organizing around the school not just to promote our group, but we also fundraise for the LGBTQ+ charity we donate to! And we're happy to accept help from allies too!"

"A few of the people who were with us last year unfortunately left because they graduated, so we're happy to receive any new members! And like Nicky said, this club isn't just for people who identify as non-straight or non-cis, we gladly love having support from our allies too! If that's something you might be interested in, definitely come by! We'd love to have you!"

Espio unfortunately, didn't seem to understand. What he did notice however, was that the people running this table seemed very full of energy, almost as if they had lived their life wanting to choose their own path. From how the shark was smiles, to how the hedgehog went from nervousness to confident introducing the club.

"Well, thanks you two!" Mark said. "My friend here doesn't really know too much about this stuff but if he's interested, I'm sure he'll come by! I'm straight myself, but I support what you guys are doing. Hey, Espio, let them sign your card!"

The chameleon turned to the two and handed the hedgehog his card. They signed it quickly and returned it to Espio.

"Well, if you want more information, the pamphlet Nicky gave you should tell you more about us!" the shark said. "And for name's sake, my name is Razor! I'm majoring in cosmetology and I've overseen the club since last year!"

"And as I'm sure R-Razor has said," the hedgehog said while raising their glasses. "I'm Nicky, majoring in computer networking myself. If it's okay with you two, I go by they and them pronouns."

"No problem… oh… well I was gonna say something a bit gendered, but I guess it doesn't apply in this context," Mark laughed. "Well, thanks you two! We only got… wow, one more to sign! And… oh… it's CCOCC."

Razor looked shocked before whistling. "Whew boy, them? Last year, I was told there was an incident between one of the old heads of the LGBTQ League and them about two years before I arrived and since then, the school had to spread us apart as far away as possible. I try my best not to look at them."

"Y-Yeah but sometimes they give you those hardcore stares and you can't help but look," Nicky said. "O-Oh, sorry, I suppose you two should go get those signatures. Just… don't provoke them. At least ONE person tends to yearly."

"We'll be careful," Mark said as Espio followed him to the final remaining table. "Oh joy, can't wait to hear the crowd of hypocrites preach to me about how everyone but them should be allowed to suffer consequences when someone says something they don't like."

Espio was confused, even more so as they walked up to the table, where a black and white skunk sat by himself and stood up to look at the tapir and chameleon.

"Ah, hello there," he said. "Have you been to a Club and Organization Day before?"

"I have, but my friend here hasn't," Mark said, with the transfer student noticing that his friend seemed to be perpetually annoyed. The skunk in question looked up and down at him.

"…is it costume day or something? Whatever, so our group is CCOCC, an anagram for the Central City Organization of Campus Conservatives, a group for any and all conservatives on college campuses fed up with illicit displays of liberal bias and pandering. We're an anti-censorship and pro free speech group, so we accept any and all voices who are concerned with what they see as a frank agenda pushing on our campuses. Too long, conservatives like us have been pushed out of the college environment, our views called-"

At this point, Espio was just lost. The skunk was going on and on and… he wasn't even sure WHAT the skunk was talking about at this point. If anything, Espio just wanted him to be done. It seemed even Mark looked the same too.

"Hey buddy, look that's… great and everything," he interrupted through gritted teeth. "But we'd like a signature for our cards, PLEASE."

"Excuse you, but I'm talking here," the skunk shot back. "Unless you're one of those people who loves to cancel college speakers and comedians, which in that case, why don't you take your little PC views and shove it up your-"

"I can assure you I'm not, I promise. Now I repeat again-"

Just then, someone pushed past the crowd of organizers and pulled up a chair. When they sat down, Espio gasped, realizing that the person sitting next to the skunk was-

"Thanks for leaving my spot, Geoffrey," Connery said. "Were you telling this gentleman about-"

Just then, the horse turned to look at Espio. The chameleon watched as in mere seconds; the horse's face went from netural to surprised to shocked to disgusted.

"What… what are YOU doing here?..." he said with venom in his voice.

"He's with me," Mark said. "We're just signing our cards for the Club day today."

"Don't be silly. You mean to tell me you… you WILLINGLY hang out with him?!" Espio began to hear the horse growl. "It's bad enough that Vector and the rest of the football team seem to defend his law-breaking activities, have Coach Augustus on their side and reprimanding me for being concerned about people like HIM… and… and worst of all, cause us to lose our last game because our fellow players can't learn to stay away from you and have everyone put the blame on me… now… NOW you now have to taunt me by appearing everywhere in my life, boy?!"

Espio could only stare back into the horse's eyes, fiery with contempt.

"Hey, back off from Espio!" Mark said, getting in front of the chameleon He held a fist up. "I don't know what he's done to piss you off, but you aren't gonna insult my friend like that!"

Connery however, turned his attention from Espio to Mark. He slammed his elbows on the table as hard as he could and stared daggers into the tapir's brown eyes, snout pressing against the side of his hands.

"Oh, I'm sorry," he replied. "I wasn't aware that telling the truth was now considered an insult, but I suppose anything goes in this world driven by people who feel the need to silence innocent people. Judging from your appearance, I'm not going to even dignify you with an answer for someone who doesn't even look like they've ever played sports once in their life, let alone knows how our culture works," Connery's eyebrows then lowered, causing the horse to look angrier than Espio had ever seen him. "This. Doesn't. Involve. You."

With the last bit of venom in Connery's voice, Mark yelped as he quickly scuttled around Espio, hiding behind his friend. Espio turned back to face Mark then back at Connery, who was giving him the same look he had given the tapir.

"Whatever, as I always say, let the snowflakes be," Geoffrey replied, grabbing a bottle of water from the floor next to him. "They'll tear each other apart soon trying to contest over who's the most 'woke' while we care about more pressing issues. Well, since you heard us out and… since you asked… 'NICELY' I guess…"

He held out his hand. "This is what you want, right?"

Espio held out his card as Geoffrey swiped it from his hand, signing it as Mark handed his. Once the two cards were signed, Espio noticed that the card was now entirely filled.

"There, now you have the signature of a TRUE club."

"Now rid yourself from my presence," Connery said. "I wish not to be humored by a criminal and a liberal."

The two walked away as Mark continued to cling onto the sleeve of Espio's blue haori. He looked up at the chameleon with scared eyes.

"…Espio? Remember when I said earlier that you showed me that not all jocks were bad guys?" the tapir asked. "Yeah, I'm now starting to regret my words."

Now fully away from the CCOCC table, Mark looked back at Connery and Geoffrey, who were now talking to a group of girls.

"Sheesh though, who the heck is that jerk? He seemed to know you."

"H-He… he is… is…" Espio put his finger on his chin, trying to remember how the sentence went. "V-Vector's friend."

"Vector's friend? Jeez, he probably should look for new friends soon. Gosh though, what a hardcore loser… Did you see him not only try to resort to personal attacks but also call me a liberal?" Mark then put his hand on his chest. "I'll have him know that I happen to be a proud member of the Organization of Online Tapir Socialists, AND we talked about Class Consciousness on group chat while I farmed last night on Witchcarts, thank you very much."

Mark then turned back to Espio. "Sorry you had to get caught up with that. From the way it seems, probably doesn't seem like the first time you've butted heads with him. Just ignore guys like that, Espio. They're all bark and no bite. Besides, I know you're stronger than him anyway. Just because he plays football and has huge muscles doesn't mean that you probably can't beat him up. Uh, not that I'm saying you should get yourself into MORE trouble than you already are. I'd rather not see my friend get sent to jail AGAIN."

The tapir looked down at his feet before looking back up. "…anyway, we got all our signatures we need! Now that we have that, we just gotta return it to the organizers and we get our free lunch!"

And so, Mark took Espio back to where Jewel was as the beetle was busy taking care of another group of students. When they were done, she stopped.

"Oh… it's… YOU two again…" she said, clearly not excited.

"Uh, we're ready to turn in our cards?" Mark replied as he grabbed Espio's card, handing it to the beetle. She grabbed them and looked at them for a minute before setting them down and handing the two another card. Espio grabbed it as he saw that it was black with gold lettering. It said, "FREE LUNCH PASS".

"Just head on over to where the canteens are, RAs Blaze and Sally are helping today with that. Give them your card and let them know what you want."

Just as the two were about to head off, Espio stopped and stared at Jewel.

"Oh, and while you're here Espio?"

The chameleon sighed mentally, knowing that Jewel was about to subject him to MORE verbal abuse.

"…I'll see you in class tomorrow, I guess."

Espio was surprised. There was no threat, no yelling, not even anger. Jewel STILL looked like she was trying to avoid the chameleon out of embarrassment.

"Espio? Come on, let's get our free lunch!" Mark said as he tugged on Espio's haori again. The transfer student turned towards the portly tapir and simply nodded his head, following after Mark.


It was after lunchtime that Espio returned to the dorm and sighed. He already had a rough morning, from Valdez denying Espio's request to visit Vector's family for Thanksgiving, to angering Connery beyond belief, and while it wasn't as bad as the rest, it had to be topped off with the free food he got from Sally and Blaze having meat in it…

He justified it mentally by reminding himself that it wasn't like it was the FIRST time he'd had meat nor would it be the last staying in the Outside World, but it still hurt him on a spiritual level to defy the rules of the Historic District's religion each time. It was good at least, albeit cold, and it was topped off by those delicious 'chips' that he had when he visited Mark's dorm for the first time to watch his first anime, and a drink he hadn't yet learned the name of. All he knew was that it felt bubbly in his mouth, and it had a flavor he's NEVER tasted with any drink before… though it did leave his hands shaking for a few minutes.

Thankfully, Mark had given Espio the next set of anime and tokusatsu DVDs for him to watch, so he was waiting for Vector to come back from Biology II so he could watch them until it was time for the chameleon's Psychology class. That, and to inform him of the bad news…

Espio walked over to the desk, pulling the chair back before setting down his bags and sitting down, resting his head on his forearms. He began to reflect on not just the day's events, but the events of the past few months. It felt so odd knowing not only were you an outsider to everyone outside of Gojo, no one cared if your mother was the leader of a village, you were just a nobody until you did something that people took notice about. Even the stares, for the most part, had finished. Everyone had mainly moved on from the vandalism incident, of course, except Connery…

He sighed, not sure how he managed to adjust himself to the Outside World so quickly. It only felt like yesterday he'd seen a car for the first time, and now, he was typing on the computer at a faster speed every time, he knew how to plug in the headphones into Vector's school laptop without his help, and each week it seemed like he got to try a new food he'd never have before.

But there was still the case of Mother… He still wrote his weekly letters to her, with Valdez returning to Mobius U on Sunday evening with Espio's letter delivered and a new one from the Bride herself. It felt like each week he had to send her the same message: 'Good day, mother. I'm fine, my studies are fine, I'm doing everything you wanted me to, and I'm not interacting with the Outside World at all. Bye.'

It felt like torture, he WANTED someone to talk to from home about the Outside World and show them that it shouldn't be demonized. He wanted to tell them about people like Vector, or Mark, or their friends, about the Halloween party or the football games he went to, about the food he ate, or how he got to use his ninja training against real enemies…

And more importantly… he wanted to talk to someone about… something odd going on.

About yesterday's photo… the one of… Vector…

Just then, in the middle of his thoughts, he heard a familiar, 'BEEEP', and turned his head towards the door. The dorm door opened and in walked in the large frame of Vector, bag over his shoulder.

"Hey there, Espio!" he said. "Just got done with lunch, had a bit of a peaceful day since Connery was out volunteerin' fer today's Club and Organization thingy, so me and the guys had quite the nice lunch without feelin' like he's breathin' down mah neck. Heck, Rotor actually got to enjoy a soda by sittin' at the end part of the table far from Axel," Vector then put his bags down. "But that's besides the point, what did Mr. Valdez say?! Can ya come with me this Thanksgivin'?!"

But Espio looked away from Vector and back at his hands. Vector quickly caught on.

"Oh… oh no… Espio, dun tell me he said no?..."

The crocodile grabbed the back of his head, sighing. "What did he say?"

"He said…" Espio looked down, realizing that he HADN'T learned the English word for punishment.

"D'ya not remember?" Vector said as he grabbed his phone, Espio looked over to see him tapping away as he placed his phone in front of him. It was one of many things that helped Espio translate for Vector whenever he didn't know the English word for something, and it was helpful to memorize once he DID finally hear it out loud.

With the tap of the familiar jingle, Espio spoke into the microphone. "Batsu."

Immediately, the translation was shown as Vector picked up his phone again.

"…punishment?"

Espio quickly remembered the pronunciation, as he would have to write it down tonight once it was time for another one of Vector and his' lessons.

"Is it about the vandalism thing?" Vector asked. "I thought he got over that but…" he then sighed as he sat on the bottom bunk bed. "Man, that sucks. I'm sorry, Espio. I didn't mean to get yer hopes up. It doesn't seem like even I can change his mind. I mean, I can TRY and ask if ya can come 'round fer Christmas break at least. That way, ya can at least come once. Besides, I still got mah Thanksgivin' game so I wouldn't be around fer much of the mornin' and afternoon. And Pops and I would be glued to the TV all evenin' watching the Professional Leagues' football game while Ma does all the cookin'. Getting' on our ass 'bout it too, ha…"

It saddened Espio to see he would, once again, miss out on another one of the Outside World's unique days. Whatever that… OTHER day Vector mentioned was, he hoped he could go there.

"Well, hey, even if ya can't go to not just the game next Thursday, as well as mah place, I gotta little surprise fer ya!" Vector then got off the bed and walked over to his bag, unzipping it as he pulled out what appeared to be the same 'tickets' for a football game. However, they seemed to be a little different as Espio squinted his eyes to get a closer look.

"Take a look at these! Mighty got me and Knux free tickets for the Mobius U and Empire City's wrestlin' match tonight! And he even gave me a free one fer ya! It'll be in the first floor in the I buildin', but I figure this could be a chance to introduce ya to not only a new sport, but also let ya see Mighty too!"

Espio grabbed the ticket from Vector's hand and looked at it. Whatever it was, it definitely seemed really interesting, but more importantly, it meant more time being with Vector. With him not being able to go with him for this, 'Thanksgiving', anything worked. He smiled at the quarterback and bowed from his chair.

"Thank you," he said clearly, no longer having difficulties giving thanks.

"Heh, no prob, bud!" Vector grinned in response. "And if ya want, we can go out fer somethin' after. Uh, that is, if ya want to. Did yesterday make ya too full?"

The crocodile laughed to himself. "Oh man, I'm eatin' out again after doin' it yesterday. Man, if Coach learned 'bout that, he'd be PISSED."

But Espio was looking at Vector's bag when he noticed what was poking out of it. After Vector looked at his friend again, he caught onto it too.

"Oh, lemme guess, anime time?" Vector asked as he walked over and grabbed his school laptop, placing it in front of the chameleon alongside his large headphones as the chameleon quickly opened his bag to get out his new DVD's.

"Huh, those are new. Did Mark give ya those?" he asked over Vector's shoulder. Espio turned around and nodded his head.

"Well, I'll letcha know when it's time fer mah next class. Make sure ya ain't late either! We can skip tonight's English lesson since we're headin' to the match, but tomorrow evenin' we gotta make sure we're doin' it. That Longclaw professor of yers stopped me the other day and wanted me to double what I'm teachin' ya cause yer gonna be movin' in with the big leagues next semester. Which reminds me… after Thanksgivin' break, I gotta talk with Coach and talk about what classes I want fer next semester…"

And so, Vector got back on his bed with his phone as Espio already loaded up the first DVD.


LATER THAT NIGHT…

It was in the middle of the night's wrestling match and Mighty had just finished his match for his weight class, winning that match as the announcers by the floor announced that they were moving to the 184 class. Espio watched as the referee grabbed Mighty's hand and raised it into the sky, the light blue outfit he was wearing drenched in sweat as it accentuated his physique. The chameleon even noticed that the red shell Mighty usually wore over his head was gone, and it was replaced by a strange helmet.

"Told you the dude was a master at what he does!" Knuckles said. "Even whenever we playfully wrestle, one second I have the upper hand, and the next, my ass is on the floor being slammed. Sally's come by our dorm on more than one occasion."

"Oh yeah, I've heard her dude," Vector said. "Still though, it's amazin' that Mighty managed to pin down a guy that apparently is in the same weight class as him, yet double as buff as him."

"I always thought that was pretty insane myself. Mighty's buff but lean, strong, even when he doesn't always intend to be. I think it comes naturally!"

"With a name like Mighty, I can only guess why!"

Espio turned back around as he listened in on Vector and Knuckles talking next to him. As it seemed that a red rat was getting ready to head onto the mat, the chameleon noticed Munch, the rat friend of Bow and the archery gang who hung out in the gym just above. He wanted to say hi, but just earlier when he tried to go on down to the floor to see Mighty, Vector and Knuckles had stopped him.

So, he was still here on this… very uncomfortable seat, watching the red rodent getting ready as the opponent from Empire City stepped onto the mat. With the referee getting in the middle of the two, a whistle was blown as the two crouched with their arms in front of them. The chameleon wasn't going to lie, many of the matches he had seen in his very first wrestling game reminded him a lot of the yearly sumo games put on by the villagers of Tsunoda during the yearly sports festival in Genshu. The main difference was that the wrestlers weren't stripped down to nothing but fundoshis, the ring was rectangular and wasn't made of rice bales, and more importantly, not all the wrestlers appeared to have a husky build. It felt all so familiar, and yet… so different at the same time…

But there was one thing about what was going on that definitely differed from the times he sat along with his family and the Brides and their husbands and children in Genshu watching the sumo matches from stands…

As he watched the red rodent grab his opponent, bringing him onto the floor as he rubbed his body against the other, Espio began to pitch his breath. The rat moved on from holding his opponent to the side to getting full on behind him, pinning him down to the floor and raising his butt in the air as the opponent struggled as hard as they could to get out of the rodent's grasp. Espio began to grasp his hakama, his breath pitching as he noticed the scales of his hands get slightly redder. What was going on? Why was he feeling like this? Was he sick again?

He felt his forehead, which felt hot to the touch. The odd thing was though, he wasn't sweating. His body just felt warm, he felt himself starting to sweat, all he could do was stare at his hands, and-

Just then, the two wrestlers got up as they prepared for the second round. The rodent got on his knees and placed his hands on the floor as the opponent got behind the rodent, putting his arms around the other's waist. Espio could even feel his body just… buzz in a strange way. But why now? As he mentally remembered, sumo was done by many of Tsunoda's strongest, burliest men in their village, and they were just stripped down to fundoshis. Here, all the wrestlers wore something that at LEAST covered up, even if whatever it was seemed to be very tight, didn't cover the arms, and most importantly, showed off details of the body in a way that a fundoshi could NEVER do.

It was a strange reaction for sure, and Espio simply shook his head, opened and closed his eyes in a rapid succession. He then rubbed the side of his head, trying to bare his surroundings and his focus. Whatever this strange reaction was, he wanted it to stop. It was starting to scare him because not only did it come out of nowhere, he wasn't sure WHY it was happening.

In that time that Espio was trying to mentally calm himself down from the strange reaction his body felt towards thinking about what he had been seeing throughout the match, the whistle blew again as Espio opened his eyes. He saw the referee holding the rodent's hand, raising it in the air. It signified that he had won, and Espio sighed, glad that it was over. In fact, even his scales had returned to their natural fuchsia color, and his body stopped feeling weird. Whatever just happened? He didn't want it to happen again.

"See? Told you Ripper is frankly scary! I think Mighty should be thankful that they aren't on opposing teams. I think those two would be at it for QUITE some time if you ask me," Knuckles said. Espio decided it would just be for the best to listen in on his friends.


It was after the night's match that the total tallies were added up, and Mobius U had won against Empire City, certifying their win prior to this year's Collegiate Wrestling Tournament. As the wrestlers were being interviewed by the press and the attendees were leaving, Vector, Knuckles, and Espio had walked past the crowd and saw Mighty with Munch and Ripper, all three of them still in their light blue and white singlets and headgear.

"Hey there, yeh three!" Vector said as he patted the armadillo's shoulder. "Great match out there!"

"Wish I could say the same 'bout mahself," Munch replied. "But I gotta little carried away in the second period. I was too open."

Just then, the rat turned to face Espio. "Ah, Espio!" he said loudly. "You came to one of our matches! I'm so happy! How did you like it, eh?"

The chameleon looked up at the rat, nodding. "It was g-good," he replied.

"Heh, glad you liked it!" Mighty replied. "I know you're more used to football, but you're welcome to come by whenever we have a match! It also means that I sometimes won't be around to watch the game with you. Wrestling season starts just as Football season is starting to wrap up before the College Playoffs. Speaking of which… when is that?"

"First games start the first day of December," Vector replied. "Coach is makin' sure I get that drilled into mah head. He wants us all to start practicin' every non-practice day in the evenin's. Man, as if I'm not busy with mah schoolwork. It's just gonna pile on more and more before finals."

"Well, that's the life of an athlete," Munch replied. "Always busy with time passing by them at high speed. Well, I think we should start heading out soon to our locker room to get showered and changed. Ripper, what do you think?"

The red rodent looked up at the two before nodding.

"Sorry, he doesn't speak too much," Mighty said. Just then, his stomach began to rumble.

"You didn't snack on one of the fruits we have in the fridge before the game?" Knuckles asked. "You know, it's a half hour 'till eight. The dining area closes at 9. We got time to grab dinner. I did suggest to go out, but Vector told me that he and Espio already had takeout the night before."

"That's the spirit," Munch said. "Always getting food into your body matters a lot as an athlete, but making the best choices is the ideal situation. Of course, splurging every once in a while isn't TOO bad."

"Heh, yer like the anti-Connery, dude," Vector replied. "But ya, dun worry, I hear ya. The headmaster told me the same thing first day too. Though, kinda dunno what I want tonight… do I want protein, carbs, or something a lot more light-weight with not too many calories?"

"Well, one thing's for sure, you better get ready cause we're eating good tonight!" Mighty replied. "See you guys in a bit!"

"No prob!" Vector then tapped Espio's shoulder as the chameleon looked up at his friend. "Hey, let's head out and wait fer Mighty, Espio. Then we can go eat, okay?"

The chameleon nodded as the crocodile, chameleon, and echidna walked out of the gymnasium, following along the crowd.


THE NEXT WEEK…

It was Wednesday night on the 24th when Sally had just left the dorm after doing an inspection. Currently, Vector had his bags packed with stuff such as his school books, clothes, and his football gear packed as he got ready for the next day. Once it hit daybreak tomorrow morning, it was out of here and to the Central Mobius Dome, where the Badniks would be playing a match against the Grand Metropolis U Metallics come noon.

Espio was sadly looking at all the things that Vector was packing, still upset that he wasn't going to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with Vector. The crocodile picked up on this very quickly though.

"Hey, it's okay, man. I still need to talk to Mr. Valdez about Christmas when I get the chance, but ya can watch me on TV like last time! Ya remember the channel, right?"

"One hundred… f-forty," the chameleon replied.

"See! Ya remember! And remember, RIGHT at noon, okay?"

Vector then turned back towards the chameleon. "Say, what ARE ya gonna be doin' fer Thanksgivin' anyway? If ya dun celebrate Halloween, then I doubt ya celebrate Thanksgivin'. Ya gotta place to stay or somethin'?"

Espio didn't reply, as not only was he not sure about what Vector was asking, he still wasn't even certain about this whole Thanksgiving holiday. What did you have to do? What kind of celebration was there going to be?

"Well, regardless, it's okay, Espio! I'm sure yer gonna have a fine Thanksgivin', so dun worry 'bout me! I'll be fine! Now come on, we should start headin' to bed."

He then looked past Espio's head at his work laptop, which was paused on a shot of a masked Overlander in all blue. "…besides, I gotta pack the laptop too. Yeah I know, it'll suck. But why not bring yer DVD's with ya to wherever ya go? I'm sure ya can find a DVD player somewhere."

Espio sighed as he disconnected the headphones and ejected the disc. Placing it back in its case, the chameleon handed the laptop back to Vector as he packed it up.

"Okay, that should be everythin'," Vector said. "Alright, lights out. We gotta big day tomorrow. Ya might not be playin' a game earlier than ya normally play, but I'm sure yer gonna be busy too."

Vector smiled at his friend as Espio got up from the chair. He helped Espio up the bunk bed and to where he normally slept. "Hey, ya brushed yer teeth and all that, right?"

Espio nodded, still normalizing the concept of cleaning your teeth with devices like the 'toothbrush' when he was more used to cleaning them with toothpicks.

"Well, sounds great! I'll have to get to sleep now since I gotta wake up super early, so hey, see ya next week!"

Vector gave one last smile, and with that, he crawled into the bottom bunk. Espio could feel the wood of the bunk bed creek as he lowered himself into his own bed, feeling his head touch the cool pillow. The feeling of loneliness that he hadn't felt since his first couple of weeks coming to Mobius U had returned, feeling like a lost friend that you tried to get away from.

Sighing, he rolled over, trying to ignore the feeling as best as he could until he fell asleep.


THE NEXT MORNING

It was around 9:30 in the morning when the door to the dorm beeped and opened. Espio quickly woke up, thinking that Vector had returned only to see Valdez's frame by the door.

"Ah, Espio-kun, good morning. I'm just in time," he said before looking at the bottom bunk. "It seems that Vector has already left. Did he tell you? The college football teams are playing a game for today since it's almost tradition for Central Mobius to play football on Thanksgiving. Not sure why though… Anyway, the campus is currently closed today and the last few students and staff are on their way to leave since everything is closed. And of course, you remember your punishment…"

Espio sighed, still upset that he wasn't going to be able to go. He crawled off the bed and climbed down the steps, rubbing his eyes.

"Well, you should start getting your stuff packed too. I say just bring a change of clothes. You won't need your student ID or your meal card with me."

"All of them?" asked Espio.

"You'll only be with me for four days, as we both have to return to Mobius U on Monday, so bring four pairs of hakamas, and any of your haoris and happis, even a kimono if you want to."

Espio looked over at the drawer by the wall, walking over and pulling up the drawer with all his clothes. Picking up all that he needed, including 3 hakamas, 3 haoris of different color, and one of his kimonos that he wore for primarily special occasions. With Valdez holding up his bag, Espio neatly put each article of clothing in the bag, zipping it up as he figured he could wear his same geta shoes.

"Okay, let's head out now. I'll show you where I've been living ever since I left Gojo!" Valdez said as the two began to walk out of the room. "And don't worry, I have authorization to open your room as a member of staff, so don't worry about leaving your room card here. You won't get locked out."

Espio nodded as he followed his family's friend, the two walking through West Hall, then the hallway connecting the A building, the A building itself, and down the three flights of stairs to the front campus of the university. Espio noted how empty the place felt, remembering how Valdez mentioned that most of the students were gone. Going down the steps, walking on the pavement, past the Gerald Robotnik Memorial Fountain, and the gates leading towards the school, the two chameleons walked past the gates as they headed to the same parking garage that most of the students and staff used for parking.

After reaching where Valdez normally parked his car, the two got into the car and shut the door behind them. With Valdez helping the fuchsia chameleon with his seatbelt, he started up the car as it began to whirr to life. Espio sighed as he stared out of the window, watching as Valdez began to drive out of the garage.

"Are you still disappointed that you can't see Vector's game?" Valdez asked.

"Yes," Espio replied.

"Don't worry, this will be your last punishment. Going forward, I'll see if I have time on my schedule to take you to an away game. The football season will end soon, so I'll try and see this coming December if I can. And speaking of which…"

Valdez turned his head as he made a right turn out of the parking garage.

"Espio-kun, here in the Outside World, they celebrate a holiday that I think you might find interesting," he continued. "It's called Christmas. It's a holiday about giving to others and enjoying time together with the people you love."

"…that's… that's similar to New Year's…" Espio said, remembering that until a child turned 13, they were given money from their family each new year. That, and extended family of the Bride and her husband would come by for the New Year's feast and the 100 bell rings done by the temples to signify the start of the new year. Giving to others and enjoying time together with the people you love… was that really done by the Outside World?

"Well, in a way. You know, they actually celebrate New Year's here in the Outside World. It's just… a little different compared to how they celebrate it in Gojo."

"Actually… is it possible for me to return to Gojo for New Year's?"

Valdez turned his head. "Well… the school is closed for both Christmas and New Years… unfortunately, because of your arrest, the police may not like that you're travelling out of the country. I can ASK them if it's okay, but please note that they may say no. If they're okay with it though, then of course. I'd be happy to take you back."

Espio looked down at the floor and frowned, feeling sick at the idea of missing New Year's with his mother and Shami. His father had already been gone for two years, and the year he died, the Shinobi clan hadn't even participated in any celebrations. He knew he had to be closer to his family, but all that happened in the past couple of weeks… he was slowly but surely starting to regret his actions the day of the Vandalism incident.

"It'll be okay, Espio-kun. I'm sure of it. You've been on your best behavior and I don't think they'll see an issue with you just wanting to visit your family."

But Espio didn't see it the same way. He sighed as he looked out of the window, feeling like how he did during his first car ride outside of Gojo.


After some time, Valdez parked the car in front of a brick building in the middle of Central City. Turning the car off and letting the transfer student unbuckle his seatbelt, Valdez opened the side door and allowed Espio to get his belongings.

"Is that everything?" Valdez asked. Espio nodded.

"Valdez-san, what's the time?"

"It's almost close to eleven. Why?"

"Ah! Vector's game is almost close!" Espio gasped, realizing there was still time to watch the game.

"Don't worry, I'll let you watch it while I prepare lunch. We'll go a little light because I have a big feast planned for us both. I will ask, though, that you help me."

"I never thought the day would come where I would be the one making my own food. It's usually the nanny that prepares our food."

"Well, I feel that it's time that you learn soon. I don't understand why the Bride didn't teach you how to cook."

"Mother always makes sure that it's only the women who cook. Yet I was always interested whenever our nanny did cook in front of us. She sometimes showed me how things worked, but never once was I allowed to help her."

Valdez frowned. "Well, don't worry. Tonight, I'll teach you what I've learned. It might not be as good as your nanny's, but it's the thought that counts more than anything, no?"

"Of course, Valdez-san."


MEANWHILE

"Hullo?"

"Vector, honey? Are you there?"

"Ah, ma! Yeah, I'm here. But it won't be too long before our game. What's up?"

"Okay, I understand! I won't be too long, but your father and I wanted you to know that we're rooting for you back here at home! We're already tuned in and we hope that you do your best in a few minutes! And don't worry, whether you come back home as a winner or a loser doesn't matter to either of us. We still love you, and we're going to have a good dinner tonight, okay?"

"Ma… aw, yer too sweet…"

"Speaking of sweet, I wanted to ask… pumpkin pie or cheesecake for dessert?"

"Ya know me! Cheesecake!"

"Ha ha, okay. I have all the ingredients I need anyway, so I'll get started on that right now. Your father also sends his regards as well. Have an amazing game, sweetie. And remember, you'll be fine!"

"Of course! A'ight ma, see ya!"

Vector hung up his phone as he checked the time, realizing that in a couple of minutes, he had to throw his phone in his locker and head out to the stadium. He sighed as he hit his back against the wall, looking at the very fancy locker room. Just by looks alone, this locker room DEFINITELY was meant for the professionals, and a lot of money was put into it.

"And one day…" Vector said to himself. "One day, I'm gonna be in this locker room all the time. I just know it."

Looking at the ceiling, Vector let himself daydream for a bit as he imagined his future. A future where he could make a career based off his playing, a career where he could enjoy a sports life and a life with his family and his friends, friends like Knuckles, Mighty, the team, and…

And Espio…

He hoped that his roommate was tuned into today's game, as he wanted to show him and the rest of the nation just how well he played. In fact, he felt like dedicating today's game to his friend and-

"Are you done sleeping?"

Vector's daydream ended abruptly as he looked towards the side. As he did, he frankly saw the LAST person he wanted to see.

"Connery…" he said, getting up from the floor.

"I'd like to ask you a question, Vector," the horse said, arms crossed.

"Really? Doesn't sound like it's about the game. That's rare comin' from ya. Yer the type to answer questions, not ask them-"

"Don't play smartass with me, Vector," the running back's face scrunched up. "Tell me… do you find it amusing when that little roommate of yours is anywhere near me? Do you just ask him to be around me, you know, maybe you think it's OH so hilarious that he just shows up whenever he wants?"

Vector rolled his eyes. "Dude, ya made such a big deal about us comin' to play today's game here in this stadium and how we gotta look as good as possible fer the professionals and yada yada. Suddenly NOW Espio is on yer mind before the game?!"

"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?"

"…what does that have to do with anythin'?"

"You treat it like it's no big deal! You know that there's nothing worse than having some… some communist socialist garbage infested within one's head! And if that boy is friends with your little roommate, then I think we'll soon start to see this team think that socialism is a good idea the more they all begin to hang around each other, and by GAIA's name, I REFUSE to ever let our team side with criminal apologists, supporting nonathletes, and worst of all, seeing no issue with socialists!"

Vector however, continued to just look at Connery with a confused stare. "…dude? D'ya know how weird ya sound right now?" He then sighed and shook his head, getting up from the floor and walking past the horse. "Look, we should start gettin' ready fer preparations fer the game. I'll see ya in a bit to discuss what ya need to do."

"Hey! Hey Vector, don't you walk out on me, I'm not done with you!"

However, the crocodile had already left the room, leaving the horse to run after him. With the last of Connery's tail swooshing in the wind, the bathroom was entirely clear.

However, a head poked out from behind the bathroom stalls, smiling.

"…didn't take the bait… but Connery's starting to get REAAAL mad…" they said to themselves. "He's still ghosting me though… And if he keeps it up, I think I know who to piss off next…"


It was around 12:31pm and inside Valdez's two room apartment, Espio sat on a chair like some of the large seats he had seen in places like the A and K building back on campus. With the Mobius U vs Grand Metropolis U game blaring on the TV, Valdez watched over him as he prepared lunch for the two.

"Espio-kun, thank you for your help with making the rice," Valdez said. "Tell me, what flavor onigiri do you want?"

Espio turned his eyes away from the TV, which was showing a closeup of Thrash rubbing his face with his gloves. "Umeboshi, please."

"Unfortunately, I don't have that. I tried to find some, but they didn't have any at the grocers I checked at."

Espio frowned, as umeboshi was possibly his favorite flavor of onigiri. Well, it was time for the next best thing.

"Tsukudani."

"I can make that. I have plenty of seaweed. Do you want just one or two? If you want just one, I can serve you something else. Would something like fruit or tsukemono?"

"I'll take two and some tsukemono."

"Espio-kun, that's certainly quite a lot. I know you aren't the type to eat too much, but I'm surprised you want a bit of a heavier lunch. What about tonight?"

"I'll be fine, Valdez-san. I promise."

Valdez shook his shoulders. "Well, okay. In the meantime, when the meal is ready, I'll let you know so you can set up the table."

"Of course. Thank you, Valdez-san."

With that, Espio returned his attention to the TV, seeing someone running to past the 20-yard marker. The chameleon's heart jumped, as at first, he couldn't tell who it was due to being distracted. But once he saw that familiar green tail with red spikes, Espio smiled as he raised his body up, hands on the armrest. He could clearly hear Wes Weasley and Sam Speed start to go crazy as they both yelled 'TOUCHDOOOOOOOOOWN!' as Vector finally hit the end goal. Espio smiled and clapped softly as he relaxed back onto the chair, happy for Vector's goal and happy to see him as the camera closed up on him running back to his team in open arms.

With that usual smile of his, Espio could only wish that he could be there in that stadium that looked even bigger than the stadium back at Mobius U. He wanted to see Vector achieve that goal in person, to hear the crowd go wild, and most important of all… to see that wide, happy smile of his in all its beauty.


Once 1pm hit and the small table in front of the TV was set, two plates of four pieces of onigiri sat next to a pitcher of water and a small cup of tsukemono as Valdez and Espio sat on their knees from across each other. The two put their hands together and bowed.

"Itadakimasu," the two said in unison as they grabbed their chopsticks and began to reach for their retrospective pieces. While Espio was able to get his Tsukudani flavor, Valdez went with salmon flavor. Placing their pieces on their plate, the two held their chopsticks nice and tightly as they raised it to their mouths, biting off a piece and chewing as Espio nodded his head, looking back at the TV from behind Valdez's head.

"This is absolutely delicious, Valdez-san. How did you learn how to make onigiri?" Espio asked.

"After coming to Central Mobius upon leaving Gojo, as much as it was fun learning about Outside World cuisine, I did miss the food from home. Thankfully, with stuff like computers, I was able to learn how to make the same cuisines we have back in Gojo," Valdez replied. "I've tried my best to learn about everything I've had and liked. That's one aspect of the Outside World I feel that the Bride could appreciate. Parts of our history and the legacy of our ancestors still do exist. Not even outside of the historic district, but also in other parts of Northern Mobius, and even outside of that part of Mobius too!"

Espio looked down at his half eaten onigiri piece. "I… suppose I never saw it that way. I always assumed that if I learned about any of these new things, then the legacy of people like my father or my ancestors, the entire structure of Gojo and the Shinobi clan would crumble. But… here I am eating food I'd have back home while watching Vector's game."

The chameleon then moved his body to the right as the sound of a whistle blew. Valdez too, also turned around and looked behind him as Bull Bones (he finally learned his name properly!) grabbed the ball and threw it behind him to Vector.

"Well, let's just eat for now and get ready for tonight," Valdez said as he turned around. "I will have you help me, though. I do have a big meal planned."

"What are we having?" Espio tilted his head.

"Oh goodness, Espio-kun, I bought quite a bit. I think you'll see once we get started. Now eat."

With him going back to his onigiri, Espio followed suit, alternating between focusing on his meal and the game on TV.


THAT EVENING

Amid the line of houses of different structures, shapes, and stories, a one-story house with a teal roof stood in the middle of two two-story houses. The only notable thing about this house was the red convertible parked in the driveway, which hadn't sat there since August.

Inside the house, two crocodiles sat on a soda, bodies raised up as they looked at the TV intensely. Both of them holding onto a pillow tightly, they sat motionless as they were on the edge of their seat being watched by a female crocodile who was opening up a steaming oven.

"Go… go…" the two crocodiles said. "Go… go go go go go GO GO GO GO GO GO GOOO!"

As they watched an olive lion run across the field, the two held onto each other as when the lion finally reached the end goal, the two then cheered. Raising their hands into the air, they high fived each other.

"Yeah, now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!" Vector said as they watched the lion raise a fist into the air. "Just minutes before half time and I KNEW Gandar would be the one gettin' that last touchdown in!"

"This team frankly better win it!" Vector's father, Garth. "The boys 'n I already bet on this game at work earlier today and I ain't gonna lose out on a hundred mobiums if ya ask me!"

"I ain't bet, but I need braggin' rights fer the team to show that supportin' the Downunda Gators isn't a mistake! Literally everyone's been talkin' 'bout how Gandar is gonna make an improvement fer the team!"

"I'll say! They've been playin' their best since like… what, seven years ago?"

"Oh trust me, Vec, I remember the glory days when the Gators was winnin' Mobius Bowls all left 'n right! Those were the days to be a football fan, kiddo! When y'eh didn't have all these fancy graphics 'er had to listen to it on a radio at work with a crappy speaker! Kids like y'eh got it too easy these days! Now the boys at work just stream the damn thing on their phones!"

Just then, Vector's mother extended his face in between the two male crocodiles, eyes closed and smiling.

"Well, it seems like you boys are having fun, it seems," she said with very clear sarcasm in her voice. "So much fun, that it seems that you've forgotten who's cooking tonight's dinner. If you ask me, I think once dinner is over, I deserve to have a little bit of rest as a reward. And you know how high that sink will get once we're all done."

She then grabbed her son and husband's shoulders, bringing them both back as they stared into her face. "So, I expect you two boys to take care of the dishes and clean the table tonight. I've done too much work today and my feet are killing me. It's the least I can ask since you two have spent quality father and son time watching TV. Understand?"

With her teeth gritted, Vector and Garth looked side to side before looking at each other.

"Yes, ma'am." "Yes, honey," they both said in unison.

"Good! Now, dinner should be complete in ten minutes. Once it's all done, help me set up the table, okay?"

With that, the female crocodile walked away as Vector and his dad sighed.

"Y'er ma sure can be a goddess at times, but other times, she can show her frightenin' side just like any other croc like us," Garth said. "That's why I love her though…"

"Oh, trust me, pops. I know," Vector added, not looking forward to ALL the cleaning that was going to be done, especially since he wanted to go out to do early Black Friday shopping at some of the stores that were already open. But, he knew he had to do what he had to do, especially since his mom was in the kitchen since he had gotten home from the game earlier today.

"Hey, at least we'll get y'er mom's nice, cooked meals again," Garth said as he bumped Vector's arm with his elbow. "That matters more than whinin' 'bout cleanin' up, eh?"

Vector smiled. "Yeah, pops. Yer right."


Around the same time that Vector and his family were sitting at the dinner table with a traditional Thanksgiving feast consisting of the usual Turkey, green beans, corn, mac n' cheese, rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, and salad, miles away back in Central City, Espio and Valdez were sitting once again on their legs at the same table they ate lunch. Unlike Vector's meal, the two chameleon's meals consisted of udon with tofu and seaweed, miso soup, rice with natto, and pickled daikon radish that had been slightly garnished. With a kettle of green tea to wash it down and a packet of premade mochi for dessert, Espio awed in all the food he'd seen in front of him.

"A feast this large I'd only see during the New Year's feast," Espio commented. "Do people in the Outside World eat this much food on this day? As far as I remember, last year around this time, we would have our normal meals back home."

"Well, they tend to eat a variety of different foods," Valdez replied. "But meat is involved in the main dish. And while I know you've eaten it far too many times at this point, I still do think it's in your best interest to respect that it does hurt you each time to eat it."

"You make it seem like I'll get addicted to it, Valdez-san."

"Well, if the Bride finds out you've been eating meat, it won't reflect good on either of us, Espio-kun. Among the many OTHER ways we've been disobeying her word. Speaking of your mother… did you bring your letter to her?"

Espio nodded.

"Good. I'll leave Sunday morning at dawn to deliver it and give you her reply when I get back. But for now, let's enjoy a prim and proper Gojo style meal since I know it's been a very long time since you've had one."

They bowed once again as they had done during lunch, saying in unison, "Itadakimasu". Immediately, Espio grabbed the hot bowl of udon with his left hand and his chopsticks with his right, bringing it to his face as he brought it in the first batch of noodle, seaweed, and tofu. Slurping as he ate, he put it down for a second to swallow and sighed happily, the hot noodles and broth warming up his body.

"It's delicious, Valdez-san. Just like home…" he said. "This was even better than the one Vector had given me when I first arrived to school."

"Those were one of those microwavable ones, right?" Valdez replied. "I'm not a fan of those either. Having lived in Gojo for too long, I knew what it meant to taste true noodles. They are, however, a huge delicacy with the Outside World, even outside of our province of Northern Mobius."

"I wish Vector were here to taste these… I know he'd love it."

"Vector's taste likely is very Central Mobius, if I had to bet. But I feel he wouldn't be opposed to trying new things. If you get the chance, why don't you introduce him to foods from Gojo? He's been doing so much to teach you about the Outside World, maybe you could return the favor by teaching him about Gojo."

"I already did a week ago when he put his chopsticks into rice sitting straight up."

Valdez, who ironically was in the middle of his natto rice, had just coughed violently as he kept his mouth closed. He quickly looked up, grabbed his cup of green tea, drank a long sip, and looked again at Espio.

"He did WHAT?!"

"I quickly took it away from him when he did it. I hope he won't be cursed."

"I'm sure he won't, Espio-kun. But good on you for quickly taking that away. I wouldn't want to play with that level of curse either. Still, don't worry. I'm sure Vector will be alright and that your futures will be… well, there's a saying in English. Smooth sailing is what it's called. It means that for the time being, things will be calm and no kind of disruptions or anything will occur."

"Do you think so?"

"Of course."

Espio took another swig from his udon, but as he was about 3/4s of the way done with it, his expression changed, hidden due to the bowl in front of his face.

"…but what of these changes I've been feeling lately?" Espio thought to himself. Was it really a curse from what happened last week? Or… was something even bigger going on?


THAT WEEKEND…

Espio never did learn the answer to his question, not on Friday, not on Saturday, and not on Sunday morning when he woke up once again on the air mattress Valdez had left out for him. Unlike each morning however, Valdez had left Espio a note saying that he had already left Central Mobius to Gojo with the fuchsia chameleon's letter and that he'll return likely in the very early evening with his mother's reply. The bottom half mentioned that his breakfast and lunch were in the fridge, and that he could keep himself entertained with some of the books he had on a shelf in his room or the TV.

Espio did neither after breakfast, and only resorted to his meditation and training, which he had been slacking on ever since he arrived in Valdez's apartment. Other than that, Espio made sure that all of his clothes were dried ready to be taken back to the dorm, all his belongings were in his bag, and that the time on the clock above the TV was right.

For the rest of the morning and afternoon, Espio simply sat around, not doing much as he waited for Valdez to return from Gojo. Espio looked up at the ceiling for some time after his training and meditation, thinking about the last week and everything that had been going on.

"At least there's Vector and Mark… and others too…" he said to himself, happy to at least see his friends and more importantly, his roommate, once again.

Finally, it was around the start of sunset when Espio heard a click from the front door. Looking up, Espio was on edge until he saw Valdez in his usual clothing, likely changed out of the haori and hakama he had to wear every time he went to Gojo.

"Ah, Espio-kun," he said with tiredness in his voice. "I'm back. I'm very tired as you can see, so I'll nap for a bit before I get started on dinner. But I have your mother's letter. I haven't read it yet myself, so tell me how it is when you get the chance. I'm off to rest now. Call me if you need anything. And don't forget, come tomorrow, we need to wake up to go to campus as I have a staff meeting."

Handing Espio a scroll, the blue chameleon turned around and walked into the room in front of the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Espio looked at the scroll before walking into the small kitchen, opening the scroll up as he began to read.

"To Espio,

I'm still glad to hear that your studies are doing well and that you're continuing to avoid contact with the Outside World. However, even if the cold is coming, that is no excuse to slack on your training and meditation. If it means you'll grow stronger, I suggest you wake up as early as possible and do your training outside so you can grow resistance to the cold again,"

Espio expected this response. However, the next few lines were… something different.

"Now that you have received my letter, there is an important matter I must discuss with you. As you know, this coming May will be your twentieth birthday. As you know, many men and women at your age now begin the process of becoming a suitor. As such, when you return to Gojo after your school year, myself and the other Brides will begin to transition you into your suitor period. During this time, all four of us will consider who you shall take up to be your wife. Once we found the woman you shall marry and she agrees to it, when the time is right, we shall announce your engagement to the people of Gojo and marry you exactly six months after your engagement.

Once this occurs, you will then be transitioned into having both political and economic power over the entire village and govern alongside me. Due to your father's death, you will take up as my second in command as if you were a husband of a Bride until I step down once Shami is of age to become the next Bride and true ruler to Gojo. Then, as all siblings of the new Bride does, your power will be weakened in favor of Shami's future husband, but you will have the ability , as family of the Bride, to offer personal advice and suggestions to her, which she may consider.

This is the outline of your future going forward, and next week, I plan to discuss with Conquering Storm, Rich Nights, and Endless Reach about this. I simply wanted you to know about what was going on.

With that, I shall await your next letter. If you return to Gojo anytime soon, we'll discuss more about this.

-Bride of the Constant Vigil

永伽の花嫁"

Finished with the letter in its entirety, Espio could only lower the scroll down as he looked off into empty space. The letter contained so much information about so many different topics that he didn't know where to begin. He was now going to become a suitor and soon have a wife? He was soon going to have control over Gojo like Valdez and his mother discussed when they debated about bringing Espio to Mobius U? He likely was expected to have children and a future set up for him?

All of it happened so fast, and Espio simply didn't know how he could manage all this new information. He knew this had to happen someday, as it was customary for EVERY family member of the Shinobi clan to go through with what he was about to deal with in months time. He knew he couldn't escape fate, and like with everything else in his life, this is what was expected of him. After all, there was nothing worse than disobeying the wishes of your family.

However, the biggest thing about this letter, and the part that his mother didn't know…

Was he truly ready for this? And most importantly: would him becoming a suitor, marrying, and soon ruling alongside his mother solve the strange feelings he's been experiencing?

END OF CHAPTER 15