(AN: I'm still in my mood of laziness when it comes to writing, but I'm trying to get better with it day by day, especially because we're reaching our climax of this arc! But soon, we got a roller coaster of events to go through first before the end, and I can't wait, because the end of this chapter and the next was one part of the story I've been waiting to write for a WHILE.

Sorry for the delay, I'll try and get on the next chapter quickly! Otherwise, enioy! At least you'll be having more fun than me bc rn as I edit and post this, I'm forced over 12 hours at work for NO discernable reason. I wish my bosses a very screw you.)


"Hello. I wanted to make sure that the Connery party was still reserved for this Friday at 8 PM. It is? Okay, good, as I'll likely need to make an arrangement for my reservation… Yes, another person. Yes, a thirteen party reservation for the alfresco area… Yes, I'd like that added to my bill… What do you mean I can't change it now? Aren't I the one paying for all this?!... look look, I don't have much time. Talk to your manager or whatever and get back to me, I have to leave soon. Bye."

Connery hung up his cell phone as he sighed, hopefully finished all his preparations for this weekend's main event. Friday evening, he was going to be meeting several conservative commentators to promote CCOCC's next conference on the fourth of March. Provided, incompetent workers actually did what he wanted…

It was turning out to be a busy yet exciting time for CCOCC. Not only was the public's support for the group going up each day, but Connery himself was starting to become somewhat of a celebrity among his political party. He never would have imagined the day when, during a debate about spending, one member of the Conservative Party in the house mentioned him by name. It felt like a dream!

But still, there was work to be done. Not only had there still only been one conference, but their agenda hadn't been finalized. Mobius U officials hadn't seemed to entertain their idea for free speech rules on campus, and the biggest elephant in the room? Vector's roommatewas STILL here…

It angered Connery every time he thought about how, in spite of everyone protesting against him and the forced exposure to backwards Yurashian 'culture', he was STILL on campus. Worse yet, the horse didn't know WHAT he was planning next. He heard about how that lardy tapir friend of his had some kind of card or something destroyed, after he tried to attack Timothy, the Overlander told him that Vector came up to him after a wrestling match and tried to fight him about it. It didn't surprise Connery that Vector was still trying to find ways to defend him, but nothing about the crocodile surprised him anymore.

Thankfully, it seemed that things were FINALLY going to go his way. One of the people invited to the dinner on Friday was Pluribus Fink, who was still trying to find ways to get that chameleon's not guilty verdict overturned and was wanting to work with CCOCC to make sure that happened. If it did… then finally, FINALLY that criminal would get what he deserves…

"You remember what father said," Connery told himself. "You have to wait weeks to get the results you want, days if you have the public behind your back. It won't be too long now…"

At this point, once he was gone, it was time to focus on other aspirations. From the removal of Valdez Chameleon as Dean of the Department of Foreign Language and Study, to an overhaul of all student vetting, to disallowing punishment against speech, to other goals. So many other members of CCOCC had things they wanted to do thanks to Connery giving them the boost they needed. From the investigation and removal of every professor with socialist sympathy, to people like Monk wanting groups like the LGBTQ League eradicated and for the university to adopt code disallowing that community, or Geoffrey campaigning for men's rights. To some more economics based members wanting to set up booths around the university to show how the Democracy Party has made prices of almost everything worse for students such as their terrible loan relief plan, the like.

He wasn't going to lie, the horse was excited for the future.

Just then, Connery's dorm door knocked as the horse looked over. He stared at his door with suspicion, as he had become increasingly wary that one of the far left activists on campus found his dorm and are sending their terrorist army towards him to harass him.

Connery snorted, his snout vibrating as he got up. No way was some weak leftist going to make him afraid…

The horse walked up to his door, pressed his ear against it, and called out, "Who is it?"

"Connery, it's me, Sydney."

The running back sighed. It was one of his fellow CCOCC members thankfully, although he WAS confused why he was here, as one of the group's meetings was in about an hour. Not wanting to waste much time, Connery opened the door and revealed the black haired newt standing at his door.

"What are you doing here, Sydney?" Connery asked, raising a brow. "Aren't you supposed to be getting ready for the meeting in a bit?"

"I was… we're all starting to arrive there. Monk's already there and he was wondering where you were," the newt replied.

"He's been to three of these meetings and yet hasn't realized I'm one of the last to arrive BECAUSE I'm the student rep?"

"I mean, his word, not mine. Although, that's not why I'm here…"

"What's wrong?"

Sydney looked around as he whispered. "Mind if I come in?"

Connery opened the door for the newt as the horse walked back to his desk and sat down, preparing all the things he needed for the meeting.

"So… how's the planning for the dinner in two days?" Sydney asked.

"Going well. I'm hoping to hear back from Representative Huntress soon, as I was wanting her to be a guest for the conference in March. Other than that, the others we've invited have agreed to come. Sorry that you all couldn't come, this is just purely for promotional purposes. But also because well, I do have the most influence in all of CCOCC right now."

"Yeah… you sure do…"

"Tell me, you said you're here for something, no? What is it?"

"Well, it's just a… concern I have."

"A concern? Don't tell me… is there an infiltrator within our group?!"

"No! No no, it's not that. Trust me, the rest of us have been making sure none of the information about our next conference leaks until we're ready to promote it after your dinner. But… it's something else that's been bugging ME personally."

"Well? Spit it out! You know that our group is founded on free speech."

"Y-Yes… erm…" Sydney pulled at the collar of his vest. "You see, Connery… I'm very happy that you've encouraged us to pursue goals that we want the university to achieve soon. For example, I see Monk and the work he's doing exposing the LGBTQ League and I know that without you, he wouldn't have done that. But… it's more so about what us as a group is doing right now."

"I don't understand where you're going with this."

"Let me put it… ah… in an easier way. I've been very focused on how the university suppresses our free speech and how we need to advocate against the rules that limit conservative voices. But… I think that it's important that we all focus on that right now. And it seems that, despite being the face of CCOCC, you aren't too focused on that. It seems what you're more concerned about is the Yurashian chameleon."

This elicited a response from Connery. Was Sydney ACCUSING him of not caring about the status of criminals on campus?

"Excuse ME?!" Connery yelled, standing up.

"No-Now now, Connery! I DO agree that there ARE criminals and undesirables on campus and that we need to do everything we can to stop them. B-But I imagine that there's an entire network of them we all need to be exposing and making sure they get the justice they deserve. Instead, it feels like all our resources are devoted to this one person. Shouldn't we go after other criminals too?"

"I let you into this dorm, heard you out, only to tell me I should stop CARING about that chameleon?!"

"I-I never said that, Connery! I just said that maybe the c-chameleon isn't the ONLY criminal on campus and that we should expand our-"

"That chameleon is the root of EVERY single problem here on campus when it comes to criminal actions! Think about it, we already had issues before he arrived. But once he planted his feet on our campus, this place has become beyond dangerous and ripe with terrorists!"

"But that's the thing! We can focus on the chameleon AND the other criminals on campus! Why do we need to focus on him above anyone else?"

Connery got into the newt's face, his expression darkening as his mustache followed his scowl.

"Don't try to get uppity with me, Sydney. I know EXACTLY what I'm doing. I'm rooting out the source of the disease rather than the spread. And if you don't like it, then feel free to submit your resignation to CCOCC and join the conservatives in name only that want to act like our group is the problem. All your issues are important, but I'm your student rep. And I know what's best for this group. So if you're done wasting my time, leave and head to the ST building for the meeting. Now."

With his expression still angered, Connery watched as Sydney seemed intimidated, scuttling to the door and shutting it behind him quickly. The horse snorted out of frustration, completely knocked off his feet that one of his OWN could ever suggest that he was going too far with that chameleon. If anything, Connery wasn't going hard ENOUGH, as he still had his defenders. From Jewel, to that tapir, the Badniks, and Vector… ESPECIALLY Vector…

"Stop focusing on him, he says…" Connery said to himself, checking the weather on his phone as he debated getting his letterman jacket. "Stick your tail out of line, Sydney, and I'll show you what happens…"


MEANWHILE

"What do you MEAN?!"

…was the voice heard aloud in the students service building. Jewel slapped her hands on the desk in front of her, Espio standing right behind her. In front of them on the other side of the desk sat an unamused Harvey Who, Dean of Student Affairs at Mobius U.

"Jewel, how many times do I have to explain this to you," Harvey said in his usual gruff voice. "As much as I know about your feud with Connery because of you two's political beliefs, I can't necessarily stop him from expressing his free speech. He's just as much allowed as you are."

"You can't seriously be taking a side on this, are you?!"

"I'm NOT taking a side. This is the policy of the university. You've been here two years and helped the staff out greatly, you should know this by now."

"Do you not know how many people are being hounded by CCOCC? That's why I brought Espio here! Because of him being Connery's target! He even named him in his speech! That's why you HAVE to cancel CCOCC's next event! Rhetoric like that will only get worse, and who knows what'll happen!"

"As much as I disagree with guest speakers and students possibly targeting the personal lives of students, from what I've seen, CCOCC are protesting your average things most conservative organizations I've seen advocate for. It's no different than political organizing by politicians, no matter how nasty."

"You can't be serious! There's no genuine protest behind what they're doing!" the jewel beetle shrieked as she pointed at Espio, who continued to maintain his usual stoic look. "Anyone with half a brain can tell you that all this that Connery and CCOCC are doing is just a coverup for a personal harassment campaign towards Espio here!"

The owl turned towards the chameleon, staring at him in the eyes. Espio stared back, the eyes of some of the elders of Gojo coming to mind as he looked into the owl's eyes.

"Espio, is it? I assume you have some kind of proof that the protests are personally going after you, yes? Aside from Connery's mention of you, has CCOCC members tried to personally harass you en masse?"

"Of course they are-" Jewel said before the owl put his winged hand up.

"Jewel. Let Mr. Espio speak for himself. Is it true that you feel personally targeted?"

Espio turned his head. He wasn't sure what the owl was trying to ask him, as he never heard of that word before until coming here.

"I do not understand that word," he replied. The owl raised a brow as he turned to the jewel beetle, his mustache moving along with the movement of his head.

"Jewel, it seems that Espio here is confused about the situation. For his sake, I ask that you try not to speak for him in the future when it comes to dealing with the officials."

"But Harvey!-"

"Ah ah ah. Remember what I told you. Connery is just as much entitled to his beliefs as you are. And even though I've received much complaint about CCOCC, much of the complaints are about outside protestors being verbally and sometimes physically violent. Not from CCOCC members. There are a lot of complaints, however, so we are planning to deal with them soon in a future staff meeting and we'll make sure Connery is there so he understands. But in the meantime, I ask that you please stop trying to completely shut down CCOCC. It wouldn't be fair to them if they had to stop all organizing, likewise the same with the other political organizations on campus. I would also do the same if someone tried to stop you from organizing too. Do you understand?"

Jewel grew silent as her demeanor changed. Set on staring at the floor and solemn, the insect bit her lip as her face grew red. Espio walked up to his friend, looking down at her with a look of concern on his face as what seemed like small beads of tears on the sides of her eyes. Then, she nodded her head softly.

"Y-Yeah… yeah, I understand…" she said weakly.

"Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, the next person is waiting to meet with me. Until then, have a good day."

In a shocking display, Jewel never responded with her usual, 'You too!' when someone told her to have a good day. Instead, she just turned around and silently fluttered out of the room, Espio following behind her as Jewel held the door open for both him and the next person to meet with Harvey. The jewel beetle continued to look down at the floor, seemingly both angered, upset, and embarrassed all at once.

"I'm sorry, Espio…" Jewel said weakly, sounding ashamed. "I tried my best to talk to Harvey but… he's always followed the rules no matter what. I couldn't even convince him…"

"It is okay…" Espio replied before the beetle turned towards him.

"No! No, it's not okay, Espio!"

The chamelon seemed surprised by Jewel's sudden outburst as she too even looked surprised at what she did. The insect put her hands over her eyes, rubbing them before she glided them down her face.

"I'm… I'm so sorry…" she said. "I just… I just want all of this to end. Not just for me and the rest of the university but… mainly for you. I don't know how long I can go without seeing SOMEONE go after you or… or something about Yurashia. I even saw outside the campus, an event being advertised where people would be destroying Yurashian made cars this weekend at a junkyard. I can only imagine how you, Mr. Valdez, and Mrs. Cinder feels about all this."

She put her hand on her arm, looking back at the door. "I just don't know how I can get Harvey to see it my way. He's always been glued to the rules like I have, but… this goes past anything! At some point, you have to put your foot down…"

Jewel then sighed, pure exhaustion overtaking her body. "No matter what, I PROMISE you, Espio… I promise that I'll do whatever it takes to stop Connery. W-Within university rules of course. As much as you're good at being a vigilante, it's… not really my thing."

The chameleon looked down at Jewel as the beetle grabbed his hands and put them together, looking at his eyes. "Understand?" Jewel continued.

Espio nodded. "Yes."

"Good. Now… in the meantime, I'm going to grab lunch. Sorry for taking time out of your lunch… This was just more important."

With that, Jewel fluttered away as Espio stared back at her. He was glad that he had allies at a time like this, as the chameleon was still unsure about how to tackle everything going on over the past few weeks. Through all his ninja training, nothing was ever taught to him by what to do when you were the target of (primarily) verbal harassment. Add to that how others had been feeling and it only made Espio more anxious because of his uncertainty.

He could remember so many lessons about what to do when surrounded by enemies, take them all out one at a time. But in this case, when he couldn't fight because of all the scrutiny he was placed under, what was he to do?

Espio sighed. It was too much to think about, especially since he was going to be forced to tackle the effects of what the CCOCC had done to him and others he knew. Mark seemed to almost recluse from society, Mighty became almost uncharacteristically depressed after, as Knuckles later told Espio, finding out one of his wrestling partners was a CCOCC member, to even having Rotor tell him about how he was so close to confessing to Bark the other day but didn't because a follower of Monk interrupted him to harass the walrus.

"It almost makes you wonder when this'll come to an end," Rotor told Espio after meeting him in the A building. "It makes me realize how much I took normal college life for granted. Not even my interests seem fun anymore because as soon as I feel some semblance of happiness… it's taken away from me."

Rotor's words hung in Espio's mind after he told him this. Truth be told, most of his happiness these days came from being with Vector, the person who could cheer him up the most. In spite of everything, it was his relationship with Vector that allowed light to shine through the darkness. Even though he thought he knew so much about his boyfriend, it turned out that each day he seemed to learn new things about him. It enforced the idea that Vector really was the most amazing person he knew…

*BUZZZ*

Espio felt his phone in his pocket vibrate. The chameleon gasped, wondering if it was Vector calling to ask about his whereabouts. Since dating him, the crocodile had become much more worried about Espio's safety, checking up on him to make sure he's okay and reminding him that if he's ever in trouble, to call or text him whenever and wherever. Plus, after the heated debate between Jewel and Mr. Harvey, Espio just wanted to hear Vector's voice.

But as Espio grabbed his bag and pulled his phone out of it, he looked confused. It was a number he didn't recognize. Unsure of what or who it was, he was about to answer the call when he stopped.

"Vector said something," Espio thought to himself. "What was it?... 'Do not ansa-answer the phone for someone you do not n-know…'

But what if it WAS someone he did know? Sure, he had all his friend's numbers saved, which he knew that if their names displayed, that means it was them (something that shocked Espio when he first started using his phone). Not wanting to take a chance, Espio answered the phone and put it on speaker.

"Hello?" he asked, unsure of what he was about to hear. He frowned, the uncertainty getting to him.

"HELLO. WE'RE CALLING ON BEHALF OF YOUR CAR'S EXTENDED WARRANTY…"


"And that is what happen… happened? Happened."

Espio finished recounting his story to his boyfriend, holding his phone up. Vector looked absolutely horrified, completely silent as he listened to the whole thing.

"Do ya know whatcha just did?!" Vector responded, putting his hands on his boyfriend's shoulder.

"No? I cannot understand them."

"Espio… not… everyone who calls ya is a real person."

The chameleon turned his head. "What?"

"Some people that call ya are just robots just tryin' to scam ya. What did they ask?"

"Aa…" Espio put his finger on his lip, trying to remember. "They say… sa-serbice? And… they wo-wanted k-credit caard. I told them I do not have it, and they get mad."

Vector sighed. "Well, maybe it's lucky that ya dun have money or any important personal info. But just in case, we should go tell Mr. Valdez to make sure he hasn't gotten screwed outta anythin'. Poor dude is likely already deep in debt as is. Besides, this is yer first time gettin' one of these calls. Ya didn't know."

"I should not an-answer?"

The crocodile crouched down to Vector's height. "Hey, ya remember what I told ya. If it's a number ya dun recognize, dun answer. Or, just make sure that if ya do answer and they are someone fake, hang up. Okay?"

Espio nodded slowly. "Okay…"

It was almost cute that teaching Espio about how to use a phone was like a child learning how to use technology for the first time. Of course, perhaps he should have been told about this earlier, especially since, days before Espio went on trial, he had clicked on one of those 'You're the millionth visitor' ads thinking he actually won something. A situation that had to be resolved by getting Rotor to fix up the viruses on the chameleon's laptop.

But it wasn't like he was going to be mad at his boyfriend. He didn't know any better, and that was okay. He was still learning about this world each day, despite him being here for months.

"Say, while we head on over to see Mr. Valdez," Vector replied as he took off his shirt, going to find a new one. "What did Jewel talk to ya 'bout?"

"Ah… we go to a man. Ha-Harvi?"

"Harvey? Oh yeah, that owl dude. I've only seen him seldom. Well? What didja three talk 'bout?"

"Jewel asked about gu-group. She wants it to stop. But Harvi… Harvey said no."

"If I had to take a guess… CCOCC, right?" Vector had taken out a new shirt, putting it over his snout.

"Yes!"

Vector was not surprised. Though he only got to know Jewel this year, he came to find out she too was NOT a fan of Connery, let alone CCOCC. Although it was for different reasons, he was at least glad someone else openly expressed their dislike for the horse, especially nowadays.

"I dun get it. Connery and all of them are clearly goin' after yer ass. I dunno why the university is just… lettin' it happen. It's like they just think yeh'll ignore it and it'll go away. But that's not how assholes work. They work to make other's lives miserable."

Vector thought back to all the people who had been hurt, from Mighty, to Kit, to his fellow Badniks, all of them. He wondered how they must have been going about their lives, trying their best to study, to eat, to… to just live, all while random strangers wanted them to fight about something as dumb as politics. It was like this was just a chess game Connery wanted to play, only that no matter who walked by him, they were forced to play against their own will.

Vector shook his head. He wasn't going to let this ruin his day. After all, there was something more pressing at hand-

"Forget it," the crocodile said. "C'mon, let's go see Mr. Valdez and see what we can do. Better to make sure, no? Besides, I'm sure he can explain to ya what to do next time."

"Okay," Espio nodded as he held his phone in his hands. But just before Espio could put on his geta, there was a knock at the door. Both reptiles looked at one another and looked confused.

"Ya expectin' someone today, Es?" the quarterback asked.

"No…?"

Vector started to get suspicious, so he slowly walked to the door and pressed the side of his face against the door. He looked up at the ceiling and called out, 'Who is it?'

That's when the voice that responded thankfully assured them.

"Vector hun? Is that you? Can you please open up? It's a REALLY big favor."

It was Rouge. Vector sighed, putting his hand on his chest, glad that it was someone he knew.

"It's just Rouge," the crocodile responded, Espio walking up to the door. He opened up the door as the white bat, wearing a gray shirt and black pants, stood at the doorway.

"Well, there you two boys are," she said, softly waving. The bat crossed her arms as she slightly tilted her head. "I'm in a bit of a pickle and I was hoping you two would help me. You know how I was out of class earlier today, right?"

"Yeah, I was wonderin' where ya where. Ya never missed a single day of class."

"Well, let's just say I had a bit of an emergency earlier this morning… don't worry, I'm doing fine. I just wanted to see today's notes from the lecture."

"Oh… we just were 'boutta head out but sure, I can getcha mah notes. Hold on one minute."

Vector turned around and walked over to his nightstand, crouching to grab his bag on the floor. As he zipped it open, he could hear Rouge from behind him ask, "So, how's things been with you, Espio, hun? Still having to deal with the campus arrest?"

Opening up his notebook and flipping the pages to today's notes on narration reliability in short fiction, Vector walked back to the doorway as he handed his notebook to the bat.

"There we go. It's nothin' too huge, just this and… mainly that's it," Vector said.

"Oh, you're such a sweetheart, Vector. Thank you. But uh… Espio? Do YOU have your notes too?"

"My no-notes?" Espio questioned.

"You know, I don't wanna miss out on anything!"

"H-Hey! I jotted down everythin'!" Vector retorted.

"Hush Vector, I'm speaking to Espio here."

Vector's mouth was open as the bat got closer to his boyfriend, smiling as she held her hands together.

"Come on, please?" she continued. Espio turned back to the desk where his bag lay, walking over to it and opening it up. He pulled out a green notebook and held it out with both hands to the bat.

"You're just as sweet as Vector too, Espio! I knew I could rely on you two boys. Now let's see, what's the difference between what you two wrote down…"

Putting Vector's notebook under her arm, Rouge opened up Espio's English notes and flipped through the pages. However, as she flipped through 3/4 of the way through the notebook, she stopped.

And stared at the notebook.

"Somethin' wrong?"

Rouge's face seemed unreadable at first, but then she looked up and then turned her head back and forth between Vector and Espio. Vector raised a brow, crossing his arms.

"Are ya… okay?" the crocodile asked.

"U… Uh… y-yeah… yeah I am… I just…"

That's when Rouge flipped over the notebook and revealed what she was looking at. And that's when Vector's eyes widened.

Earlier today during class, Espio was having trouble with one of the words Professor Finitevus used. Unreliable it was, the chameleon having trouble both spelling and saying it. So that's when, during one of the professor's examples, Vector took Espio's notebook, wrote the section he needed for him, and left him a note by the paragraph that read, 'Now you know how to spell this and say it if you follow this pronunciation. You're doing great!'

Complete with a heart.

Espio gasped as he realized what he was looking at. His scales grew a lighter shade of purple as he was clearly embarrassed, still not comfortable at being so open with his relationship. But Vector was calm, knowing full well that the white bat was already aware about his feelings for his boyfriend.

"Vector… is… is this…?" Rouge asked. "Are you two properly-"

"Uh… s… surprise?" Vector shrugged his shoulders, holding his hands up.

That's when Rouge lowered the notebook in her hands and gave one of her signature smirks, winking. "Well, look at you. You believed you wouldn't have a chance with him. And now look at you, you're dating Espio here. Why wasn't I aware? You know I'm the most TRUSTWORTHY person you know, Vector!"

"What?" Espio asked.

"Ah, sorry about that, Espio. Vector here told me about his feelings for you some time ago. I already knew, I just didn't expect you two would make it official. Wipe that look off your face! It's not a bad thing, promise!"

"Yeah… sorry 'bout that, Rouge," the quarterback rubbed the back of his head. "I probably shouldda told ya earlier, but Espio ain't the type to be open 'bout this kinda stuff. More of his culture from what I understand. But now I guess ya know,"

"I'll say. Don't worry, I totally understand and… I think you got a good pick, Vector."

The crocodile smiled softly. He was glad that there was SOME semblance of positivity in these times.

"Anyway, mind if I come in to copy these notes? I won't be long, I PROMISE."

"Well… I did tell ya we were just on our way…"

"Where were you off to?"

"To see Mr. Valdez. Espio got a call from one of those car scammer robocalls and he believed it and talked to it. We just wanna make sure he hasn't been scammed yet."

Espio looked down at the floor, seemingly embarrassed at what he'd done until the crocodile put his hand on the chameleon's shoulder as a way to comfort him.

"Didn't he know?"

"Considerin' Espio talked to the TV when he first started usin' it and thought everyone could hear him, no. He didn't."

Rouge whistled. "Rough. No worries though. As long as you didn't provide them like your credit card information or anything super big, you should be fine. I know a thing or two about scams like that."

"He will?"

"Sure he will! My mother unfortunately was the type of person to fall for scams like this. After some time, I had to pretty much step in and deal with so many of the issues that would arise from situations like this. If anything, Espio should be GLAD he's from out of the country, otherwise he'd be screwed. That is, unless he has someone else's information?"

Vector turned towards the chameleon, who seemed confused. He shook his head. "I do not understand."

"Then he likely didn't reveal someone else's info," Rouge shooed her hand. "See? No need to worry. He'll be fine, especially now that he knows not EVERYONE who calls him is a real person."

"Well great!" Vector said. He shook his boyfriend's shoulder playfully. "See, Es? Yer gonna be fine! Now ya know fer next time!"

Espio thankfully seemed relieved as Rouge continued.

"Okay, now that we're done here, can I PLEASE come in now?"

"Just take off yer shoes. Espio doesn't like anyone with shoes on inside the dorm."

"What? But I like these shoes! Do you not know how much these cost me?"

"Doesn't matter how much they are or how good they look, he wants them off. Right, Es?"

The chameleon nodded as he stared down at Rouge. "Please," he said. The bat rolled her eyes.

"So much for being my best friends…"

"When was that made official?"

Rouge ignored the crocodile as she walked inside, complying with Espio's unofficial rule as she sat down in the middle of the room, pulling out a red pen, a red notebook, and both Vector and Espio's English notes as she began to copy them all down.

"Regardless, I can't thank you two enough for this," the bat said. "Sorry I also asked to butt in. I didn't feel like making the trip back and forth, both because I didn't want to, and well… the obvious elephant in the room."

"If I had to take the world's WILDEST guess… CCOCC, right?"

Rouge seemed surprised. "How did you know?"

Vector pointed at himself then at his boyfriend.

"Well, yer looking at CCOCC's two biggest targets right here. Dun worry, we ain't plannin' to give up this title anytime soon. Not because we dun wanna, but even if we did, it won't be long before we're crowned that again."

"That bad? I've just mainly kept my head down when it comes to them. What did you do to piss them off?"

"Let's just say, drama between its student rep and one of its members, both Badniks. And Espio… whew, where do I BEGIN."

"It is insane how they've kept this up so long. Like, there has to be an endgame at SOME point, right?"

"Not likely. At least, until Connery gets his wish and Espio is fully gone from Mobius U. Until then, I'm just tryin' to ride out the shitshow. But I won't lie, it… it does get hard. Other people besides Espio are hurtin'."

Rouge interrupted her note copying to look at Vector. "And you haven't talked with Connery?"

"He told me that as long as I'm still with Espio, he ain't givin' me the opportunity to interact with him. Not like I care. Good riddance, I say."

"Sounds to me like you've had a loaded second semester. I thought the first was enough, what with you breaking your collarbone and Espio getting arrested. But now we have student protests on the daily, ready to boil over into something more serious."

"Ya think?"

Rouge went back to note copying. "I may not be the world's most political person, but even I know there's a tipping point for everyone. For example, whenever I miss out on a rare gem, it's one of the very few times I lose my cool."

"Well, ya did say that all of Mobius' jewels are gonna belong to ya one day…"

"I did. But this goes back to something I told Espio months back. You two are the prime example of why this campus has never gotten dull. Something always seems to be happening, and it's thanks to you two being around one another that there always is something happening. Like bread and butter I remember describing you two. And now look at you, the enemy to an entire political group on campus for the sole sin of being a Yurashian man's boyfriend."

"Sure am glad things ended up that way."

Rouge sighed as she turned a page in her notebook. "Don't worry, you two. Pretty soon we'll see an end to everything, and then campus life will go back to normal. At least, until you two like… I don't know, blow up a toilet."

Vector snorted. "Heh, thanks fer the idea. Maybe I'll use that as an excuse to show firecrackers to Espio. That'll sound like a great date night."

The crocodile could hear Espio chuckle softly behind him, turning to see his boyfriend no longer looking as serious and as embarrassed as he did before. Vector smiled, small things like this reminding him about the good parts of life dating someone as incredible as Espio.

Soon, Rouge finished up copying as she handed the notebooks back to the two reptiles.

"Thank you boys SO SO much!" she said. "You don't know how much of a lifesaver you guys are, especially with Professor Finitevus not answering any of my emails for the whole day."

"No prob. Got any issue like this, come to us and we'll help. Just… yeh'll do the same fer us, right?" Vector asked as he brought in Espio for a side hug. "BOTH of us I mean. Yeh ain't gonna discriminate now."

"Well… we'll see. Club Rouge doesn't have a couple's discount last time I checked," Rouge waved a finger playfully, messing with the two. "Oh I'm just messing. Of course I will. Now, I gotta head out because I have volleyball practice soon. I'll see you boys Friday in class. And uh… you two? I know the whole CCOCC thing is frankly exhausting, but… hang in there. I'm sure everything will… hopefully be okay."

Vector nodded his head understandingly. "No worries, I get it. And thanks… yeh don't know how much me and Espio need it. Especially now."

"Thank you, Rouge…" Espio replied, bowing.

"You know I hate to see either of you two hurt. Make sure that you look out for one another, especially now that you're together as a couple."

"First a psychologist and now a couple's counselor? Ya sure ya ain't majorin' in that kinda field?" Vector asked.

"Hey, what can I say? It interests me. But for real, I have to get going."

With that, Rouge made her fashionable exit out of the dorm as the two reptiles watched. It was almost like she walked around with a sense of elegance, thankfully without harmful things like selfishness.

"I knew Rouge would be positive," Vector said after shutting the dorm door. "She already knew 'bout mah feelings, although I assumed she kinda already knew. Guess she surprised me this time."

"Rouge… know…" Espio said.

"See? I knew that things would be positive between our friends. Just like how yeh were scared to tell Mark or Buck, ya thought Rouge was gonna shun ya, right?"

The transfer student shook his head, seemingly understanding.

"That ain't the type of person Rouge is. She can be sassy, a little hard headed at times, sneaky too… but she means well. It ain't like her to be rude and nasty."

Something he wished CCOCC would take lessons from.

"That aside, at least we dun have to visit Mr. Valdez anymore! Trust me, I dun wanna have to get chewed out fer not explainin' somethin' to ya again. So that means-"

Just then, the alarm on Vector's phone went off as the two turned towards it. The crocodile walked past his boyfriend and grabbed the phone, seeing what the alarm was for.

"Ah, gotta head out to mah final class fer the day," Vector said. "I should get goin'. After I get outta class, I gotta head to the I buildin' fer mah off season trainin' fer an hour. I'll letcha know when I'm off so we can grab dinner. Until then, have a good time with Alan at practice, okay?"

Espio nodded, turning to the dulcimer case.

"Okay."

With that, Vector packed up everything he needed, put his bag over his shoulder, then reached down and kissed his boyfriend on the right cheek, holding his other cheek with his large hand.

"Love ya. Can't wait to see ya in a couple of hours, Es!"

With that, Vector got up from the floor and with his tail softly waggling, left the dorm for class.


FRIDAY

"Yo, EspiOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

…was the first thing the chameleon heard after finishing up breakfast with Vector's group and waiting for his boyfriend to clear his plate. Passing the time with the Like a Dragon manga Mark let him borrow weeks back, the chameleon's eyes blinked as he stared up at Manic, who had just slid his breakfast plate down the table and right in front of the chameleon, some bits of maple syrup flying from his plate onto the table in front of the chameleon.

"Manic…" Espio replied, unsure of WHAT to say about such an opening aside from... "G… good morning."

"How's my favorite Yurashian dude doin', huh?" Manic continued, holding his hands up as his breakfast plate was piled high.

"You aren't high this morning, are you, Manic?" Knuckles asked.

"Maaaaaan, that's the first thing I get this morning? Low blow, Knucklehead. Low blow."

"Sounding exactly like your brother there…"

"Say, ya called out fer Espio in particular. What's up?" Vector asked, finishing up a plate of scrambled eggs.

"Oh right! That!"

Then suddenly, Manic's demeanor changed as he grabbed Espio's hands, surprising the chameleon as he let go of the manga.

"PLEEEEEASE! You gotta help me dude! You're the only one I can think of at this point who can unscrew this situation!"

Espio was taken aback by the pleading the green hedgehog was performing. He looked around, trying to find a way to respond to WHAT just happened.

"Hey hey, stop stop stop, Manic!" Mighty said, shaking his hand. "What's wrong? Why do you need Espio? Are you even okay?! What's going on?"

"It's about the History of Music Spring Concert!"

The three athletes looked at each other and then, in unison, all spoke.

"...the what?"

"You know! The yearly concert put on by the music department? Well, I mean like, the most popular one since there's one for orchestra and choir and… argh, that's not the point! My point is that I REALLY need Espio!"

"Me?" the chameleon asked. "Why?"

"You're friends with Alan, right?"

"Ah! Yes!"

"Alan was telling me and another friend of his in one of their classes that he's been teaching you how to play Appalachian dulcimer. That means you can play instruments!"

"But what does Es have to do with a concert? He ain't even majorin' in music," Vector asked.

"It…" Manic sighed. "Look, I can't explain it all here. How about this. When are you available? What's your schedule today?"

"We got Advanced English Lit in 'bout an hour, then Espio has Algebra I and Psychology I back to back. He doesn't get off until two. Ya sure ya can wait that long, Manic?"

"No prob, bro! That's perfect! I already have a free schedule as is. Just find me and I'll take you to where we need to go so you can know more about what I'm asking!"

"Don't Sonic and Sonia also play instruments too? Why haven't you asked them?" Knuckles asked.

"Oh, they ARE gonna be in the concert! We're all playing together! It's just that this concert has fewer people and themes than we imagined, and we were told that if we know anyone who might fit a theme well, to bring them to the music department and meet the Dean. It's really, REALLY important!"

"Ah… I think I get it now!" Mighty replied. "Still, wait 'till Espio gives you an answer. You did kinda come outta nowhere with this-"

"PLEEEEEEASE, PLEASE PLEASE PLEEEEEEEASE, Espio bro! I'm beggin' ya! I'll go on my hands and knees, heck, I'll even DO your homework for ya if it means you'll come and hopefully do it! I don't have many options left!"

Espio felt intimidated by how much pleading Manic was doing. But… he was another good friend of the chameleon's… how could he say no and disappoint him?

"Okay."

"Really? You'll do it?!"

"I will go with you."

"Alright! Now that's what I'm talkin' about, bro! I knew I could rely on you! Here, gimme your phone number and text me when you're free so I can take you to the G building!"

After all was said and done, Manic happily got up from the table and left, leaving the four to stare at the green hedgehog in good spirits.

"Well he's certainly happy," Mighty said. "Still though… you in a music concert? Can you really do it, Espio?"

"O-Of course he can!" Vector said as he brought the chameleon in for a side hug. "Espio's the best dulcimer player I've heard in man life! If there's anyone more qualified for playin' in that concert, it's him!"

"You mean that seriously, right?" Knuckles asked.

"Yeh bet! In fact, why dun we all meet up with him and check this thing out together so we can support him? It's the least we can do if he decides to go for it!"

"I suppose that's true… Manic seemingly does want him to become a performer at that concert. But I worry that he won't be as good as the other players. Besides, he needs to at least know more about this."

"Dun worry 'bout it, Knux! Es is gonna knock it outta the park, ain'tcha?"

The chameleon looked up at his smiling boyfriend, his snout in front of his face as he slowly nodded. As Vector continued to praise him and talk about how good of a choice Manic picked, the transfer student wondered…

What was he about to get himself into?


LATER

Comparable to size with the I building, the G Building at Mobius U, located to the left of the K building and right of the student services building, was better known as the Brutus Kintobor Hall, was where the music majors of Mobius University spent most of their time studying music history and practicing in whatever area of music they were majoring in. With Manic opening the door to the building, Espio, Vector, Knuckles, and Mighty all walked inside as they looked around the tall building. Brass shined all over the hall as students walked past the five.

"Okay, so we gotta meet Bernie now," Manic said, turning to the four. "But uh… it's just gonna be me and Espio when we arrive to her office. That okay with you guys, right?"

"Yeah yeah, no prob, Manic!" Vector replied.

"How long should this take?" Knuckles asked.

"I kinda wanna explore the place…" Mighty added. "I've never been here."

As Vector and Knuckles verbally agreed, Espio looked all over the building as his mouth lay open agape. "Amazing…" he said in his language before Manic tapped his arm.

"C'mon bro! We can't keep Bernie waiting!"

The green hedgehog started to walk towards the left part of the building, his spiked hair flowing with each step as the four followed behind. Espio looked around more and more of the building, hearing the sounds of instruments and voices singing from certain doors.

"My-musik?" Espio asked his boyfriend.

"Yeah, this is the music buildin', it seems," Vector replied. "Nice place though. Never had a reason to go though. Wonder who that Bernie person Manic keeps mentionin' is. Ya really think they'd allow ya into this concert thing?"

Espio wasn't sure, nor did he ever hear of a person called that since his arrival to the Outside World. Truth be told, he wasn't sure why Manic needed him of all people. They were friends, of course, but of anyone to play music on this campus… why him?

Soon, the five stood in front of a large door in the office area of the G Building, a sign next to the door reading, "BERNADETTE HEDGEHOG, DEAN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC".

"Okay, we're here!" Manic patted Espio's shoulders. "We won't be too long, guys! In the meantime, just… I dunno, do whatever you three do best. C'mon bro, let's head inside."

Espio looked over at his boyfriend who gave a smile and a thumbs up as the chameleon felt assured to… well, whatever Manic wanted him to do. Following the green hedgehog, he knocked on the door rapidly and called out, "Yo, Bernie! I'm here!"

Manic opened the door to the office as a soft feminine voice said, "Ah, Manic. It's you. I assume this is about…?"

"Yeah yeah, it isn't something on short notice!" Manic walked inside with his hands behind his head, his spiked hair bouncing. "You also aren't getting on me for calling you Bernie either!"

The voice sighed. "At this point, I've resigned myself to this fate."

Espio looked over from behind Manic to see from behind a wooden desk similar to the one Valdez had, a female blue hedgehog sitting on the other side. The chameleon couldn't help but feel like the hedgehog looked strangely like Sonic. The only difference being the tuft of yellow bangs on her head, the mauve beret she wore on her head, and how her quills waved more downwards than the blue hedgehog's. In fact, from the way she looked , could she have been the hedgehog triplets' mother?... No, Manic felt too familiar with the woman in a way that didn't feel like a mother and son relationship…

With her light blue dress matching her blue quills, she looked over behind Manic, locking eyes with the chameleon.

"Ah!" she exclaimed. "You must be the one Manic told me about. Espio, is it not?"

Espio felt confused. She was well aware of him even though he never saw this woman before?

"How do you nn… know me?" Espio asked.

"You're Valdez's boy, right? The transfer student from Yurashia? Trust me, most, if not ALL of the staff is very much well aware of you."

Espio felt conflicted. It felt like the entire university seemed to know who he was at this point. With the exception of everyone not bowing to him, Espio would have assumed he was back in Gojo due to his status.

"Ah… yes. My name is Espio," the chameleon bowed. "Nice to meet you."

"Well, it's an honor to meet you too. Please, sit down you two. I don't want to take up time in your day, as I'm sure you have class soon."

With that, Manic pulled up an extra chair for Espio as the two sat down, Espio wondering when he was going to come into the picture. However, immediately, the woman turned towards him.

"I suppose I should start with introductions myself," the blue hedgehog woman said. "My name is Bernadette Hedgehog, Dean of the Department of Music. I'm the one in charge of all students majoring in all music related courses here at Mobius University. From chorus, band, orchestra, stringed and wind instruments under our Classical Performance and Composition courses, to Contemporary Music, Musical Studies and Education, EVERYTHING about that I handle. And one of the things I'm in charge of is the yearly performances and concerts performed by each different major and degree at the university."

"It's why she's always so stressed!" Manic joked as Bernedette looked tired.

"Yes, putting on so many performances in one year is… exhausting. But it is my job, and usually the students help me with all performances. However…"

The hedgehog woman looked down. "Every year, every music major all comes together to put on one giant concert in the spring, all of which are based on different themes. Last year, our theme was 'Central Mobius Music through the Years', where the students all showcased the evolution of music in the United Federations. This year, I was wanting to expand that for our new theme."

Bernadette got up and walked over to a cabinet, opening it up and grabbing various papers from it, walking back to her desk and setting it down in front of Manic and Espio.

"This is my hopeful dream for this year. 'The History of Mobian Music', where we showcase music from all over the world and spanning generations among generations. Unfortunately… Due to budget cuts to the arts earlier last semester, we don't have many students this year thanks to last year's graduating class now gone to put on a performance of this caliber. Due to this, we'll likely only be able to manage five themes. That isn't nearly enough for a two hour concert, and I don't want to have to scrape by. This is a grade for all music majors as well as opportunities for anyone interested in majoring in music who might not have an idea for what they want to do with their major to move to an area they may enjoy."

Espio felt confused. He was overloaded with so much information, and the question still begged… where did he come into this?

"I can tell you seem confused, and even wondering why I'm talking to you about this," the hedgehog woman continued. "While talking with the different students in each of the majors if they may know anyone who would be willing to help out with our concert, Manic mentioned you. He said that you may be a very high selling point for people to come, as not only are you very well known around the campus, you would be perfect for your own theme for the concert."

"Exactly, Bernie!" Manic said. "Imagine it, an entire section dedicated to Yurashian style music, all thanks to Espio! He would know more about it than anyone else!"

"Mr. Valdez has brought up that your knowledge is that of several hundred years of ancient Yurashian tradition, including your music as well. I was even told that one of my Music Theory and Composition majors from Mercia, Alan, was personally teaching you an instrument similar to one of Yurashia's instruments."

Espio bounced. Bernadette knew about this? Then… was she trying to ask…?

"In case you couldn't tell, I'm asking you if you would perhaps like to help out with our concert? I'll allow you to put in your own section covering Yurashian style music from hundreds of years ago, as we have other Zones and time periods represented in the concert as well. Of course, I very much know that you are currently in General Studies, so it may not make sense why you would want to join."

"I mean, I'm in General Studies too cause I dunno what I wanna do with my life! But Bernie still let me join the band ensemble cause she recognized my talents!" Manic said, putting his hands together. "C'mon, Espio! Don't let Bernie down! She really wants this to go on smoothly! Last year's concert was so fun too. Sonic, Sonia and I all got to dress up as rockers from like forty years ago and-"

"Manic, Manic," Bernadette said, putting her hand forward. "As much as I know Espio is your friend, let him make his own decision. If he doesn't want to do it, that's fine. I understand it may be difficult for him because not only will he be a part of our concert, he'll have to direct his section of the concert."

"What?" Espio asked.

"Usually, for each section in our yearly concert, we have the students all collaborate amongst one another to show their abilities to work as a team. One student, however, is the head of one section of the performance, writing the music and practicing with their group. One huge aspect to our yearly concert isn't just performance and audio design, it's visual design as well. To help bring people closer to the music they're hearing, we have the students dress accordingly for the section they're in. Usually, many of them like this part as most students have to dress fancy for other performances and concerts, so allowing them to go wild with appropriate wear for theme is one of their favorite parts. For your part, you will have to make sure not only is your song Ancient Yurashian in both style and composition, but you have visual design that matches with your home and society."

Espio blinked. If he was understanding the hedgehog woman correctly… then… he was going to be bringing his life in Gojo to the Outside World?! The chameleon didn't know how he felt. All his life, his mother told him that those of the Outside World could never understand their ways of life, how the people of that world were, in her words, 'Foolish in their ways of thinking that the way of life and tradition of the Historic District could be shared among those who wish to bastardize the history of ancestors'.

This was more than just sharing a meal he would normally have with Vector, or explaining his magatama necklace or his inro he'd carry on his obi to anyone who was interested. Heck, this wasn't even like others being used to him wearing the clothes from his lands.

This was him sharing nearly every cultural aspect of his identity to heaven knows how many people. Music, imagery, all of it to people who may not even properly understand it.

And Espio wasn't sure if he could do it.

"I do not know…" Espio said.

"It's okay to decline if you want, Espio," Bernadette said. "Putting on a performance of this caliber is no easy feat. I see how many students stress to work on every aspect of their section of the performance alongside their normal classes, not helped by the fact that the date of our concert is about a month until exam season."

Espio understood slightly where Bernadette came from, but there was also another worry.

"I do not know mi… musik. I do not pu-play in Gojo. Ot… other people play musik for my-my family."

"You never played music in Gojo?"

Espio rubbed his chin. Usually, it was the villagers who would play for the Brides and their families. But the chameleon's late father had a shamisen that he explained before his death was given to him by his father as a family heirloom when he married his mother. Only on rare occasions would Espio find his father playing the shamisen, watching as the older chameleon male would strum with the bachi in his right hand. He even remembered getting to strum a few strings with his hands when Naga would hold out the instrument for him, smiling and laughing before the nanny would take him away. Before taking up the Appalachian dulcimer, that was his only exposure to instruments.

But would his lack of experience be enough to somehow carry an entire performance? As Bernadette said (if he understood correctly), he would have to MAKE his own music and direct every aspect of this performance. Who would even be helping him too?

"If you're uncertain about this, Espio, I'll let you think about this in the coming days and sit on it. I don't want to force you to say yes. However, our concert is planned to be for the 8th of April. So, while I'll let you think about it, there will be a point where if I don't get an answer by… let's say at the end of the month, I'll take it that you aren't interested in helping out with the concert. Don't worry, I won't take offense if you don't want to. It is your choice at the end of the day."

"Okay…" Espio nodded, conflicted at what his answer would be. Perhaps the hedgehog was right, maybe he should think about it more…

"Well, if you ask me, I think you should do it, Espio!" Manic said. "Sonic, Sonia and I are gonna have our section in the performance but you know we got your back! We'll help you out if you want!"

Bernadette smiled. "Well, that's extraordinarily kind of you and your siblings to do, Manic. You've always been quite humble when it comes to music, easily your main passion above all. The fact that you might possibly be the first person to work on two performances for the yearly concert at once… it's a lot for one student. I think you'd be capable of doing it."

"Ahhh c'mon, Bernie!" Manic waved a hand. "Don't stroke my ego, if anything, you gotta inspire Espio here!"

"Yes well, I always want each of my students to work as hard as they can and push themselves, but also recognize their hard work and talent. Even someone who feels like they may not have any talent when they first enter my field of majors have gone on to create wonderful talent in the world of music. Espio, I feel that you too may also demonstrate that. So please, I ask that you do think about it."

Espio looked down at his knees, everything he heard floating in his head. Think about it… huh…

"Okay," Espio said, nodding.

"Well, if you have any questions for me, feel free to ask them now. If not, I'll let you go on your way. Thank you for allowing me some of your time, Espio."

"You are welcome," Espio bowed his head in response as he got up, no questions to ask the hedgehog woman. With that, Manic opened the door for the chameleon as he stepped out of the office, Vector, Knuckles, and Mighty looking up at the chameleon.

"Yo, what happened, Es?" Vector asked, immediately going to his boyfriend.

"Bernie told him about everything and asked if he wanted to participate. Although… I think he's a little unsure," Manic replied, looking at the conflicted Espio. "Preparing those concerts ain't a chip off the block. It's hard as hell."

"Did he say yes?" Mighty asked.

"Nah… said he'd think about it. Right, Espio?"

"Yes…" Espio replied. "She want me to do Yurashia musik. But I do not know how."

"Well hey, if yer worried 'bout that," Vector crouched down to the chameleon, looking at him in the eyes. "Then I'll make sure I can help ya!"

"What?!"

"Yeah! I dun wantcha to do this alone! Yeh proved ya can manage so much here, Es! What's one little concert? And not only do ya know ah got yer back, yeh got Knux and Mighty too!"

The echidna looked alarmed, holding up his hands. "Whoa now, where are you going with this, Vec?! I didn't agree to-"

"Hey, it's for a friend. Besides, this thing could be kinda fun!" Mighty replied, hands behind his shell. "I'd be down to help too! I never really did anything like this… but if it's for a friend, well, we could put on a good performance, right?"

"But you don't know how to play music!"

"Neither do you! But I'm sure you have no problems helping out Espio, right?"

Vector slid towards his friend. "C'mon, Knux! Better to not make Espio embarrass himself, no?"

"Y-You two…"

"Knuckles…" Espio said, walking up to the red echidna. "You can do it."

Knuckles blinked as he stared at Espio, getting Vector's hand off his shoulder. "Well… I have my qualms… but if you trust in me, then I suppose I'll help too. Just… don't expect me to be a good singer or instrument player. I'm not good at either."

"Hey, all I can do is play the piano!" Vector said. "That sure ain't Yurashian!"

"Soooo…" Manic said. "If you four are all decided, I think I'm gonna head out now. Seems like you made up you guys mind. Laterrr!~"

The green hedgehog held up finger guns towards the four as Knuckles walked forward.

"HEY! Tell Sonic he needs to pay me back for two days ago!" he yelled towards Manic. Manic raised his index finger up.

"I'm sure I'll probably forget!"

The echidna shook his head. "Typical of Manic…"

"Oh, forget about him, Knuckles," Mighty replied. "Right now, I think the main thing we're focusing on right now is supporting Espio!"

"Yer right, Mighty! Count us three on board fer helpin' ya out if ya wanna go fer it, Es! Ya know ya always got mah support as yer boyfriend!" Vector said, grinning.

"Why does HE get your support and we don't?" Knuckles questioned.

"Boyfriend privileges, now shut up."

Espio softly smiled, happy that even though he was uncertain about his choice, his friends were going to help him out. And especially Vector… he knew he would be vital to this performance. But he knew it couldn't only just be them.

But still… the fact that they were all willing to help out in spite of music not being their area of expertise just for him…

"Thank you all…" Espio bowed before hugging Vector. The crocodile returned the quick hug by patting his smaller boyfriend's back.

"Wow! That's the first time ya did that in public, Es! Gettin' more confident, eh?"

"Hey hey, enough PDA," Knuckles replied. "We missed lunch to go to this thing and it's almost over. We have to hurry quickly because SOME of us still have class."

"Oh, dun be jealous, Knux! But yer right, I'm gettin' hungry too. Let's go enjoy a nice lunch, guys!"

Espio smiled, happy to join his friends walking along to the K building…

…until his phone began to buzz.

Espio stopped just seconds as they began to walk, the others turning around as the chameleon reached into his bag and pulled out his phone. On the screen, there was a number calling him that he didn't recognize. Espio raised a brow at this.

"What is it, Es?" Vector asked, going behind the chameleon to look at the caller ID. "Oh… ya remember what I told ya 'bout answerin' to people ya dun recognize, right?"

"Do not do it," Espio replied.

"Just cancel the call. It's just a scam."

Vector swiped the right button on the screen as the phone stopped buzzing. With the screen turning black, the two reptiles started walking back to their friends…

…only for the phone to buzz again.

Espio looked at his phone and saw that it was the SAME number as before. This time, Espio was getting concerned.

"Vector?" he asked. "I do not think this is a su-skam?"

"Ergh, hand it here. I'll tell 'em they got the wrong number," Vector replied, annoyed as now, Knuckles and Mighty walked towards the two reptiles.

"What is it?" Mighty asked.

"Some idiot keeps wantin' to call Espio," Vector replied as his boyfriend handed him his phone. Vector answered it and held it up to his ear. "Listen bud, I dunno what it'll take ya to realize-"

Vector's angered face softened up. "Huh?... Naw, this ain't Espio… It… It's an emergency? Who is this?"

Espio, Knuckles, and Mighty all looked at one another as the crocodile handed Espio back his phone.

"They wanna talk to yeh. They say it's an emergency," he said. The chameleon grabbed the phone and put it on speaker, allowing his boyfriend and friends to listen.

"Hello?" Espio answered.

"Is this Mr. Espio Chameleon?" the voice replied.

"Yes?... Who is this?"

"My apologies. This is the front desk at MU University Health Services and Hospital."

"Hospital?" Vector asked. "That's… that's the campus hospital…"

"What? What do they want with Espio?" Knuckles questioned before Mighty shushed the two.

"What is going on?" Espio continued.

"There's been an incident involving a student. Almost an hour ago, one Ms. Jewel Beetle entered the hospital and checked herself in following an emotional breakdown in one of her classes. She asked us to specifically call you after we were able to confirm that she was able to process the situation going on, and to come pick her up immediately."

Espio blinked as his eyes widened, his mouth slowly opening. Was… was Jewel hurt?! He could see the faces of his boyfriend and his friends, all of them with uncertainty and concern as they looked at one another.


It wasn't too often a student of Mobius University would find themselves at the campus hospital if it didn't have to do with something regarding sports physicals or an illness, as the hospital was visited by non-students alongside being your average clinic with a section for emergencies. Such was the case as Espio would learn after the four walked their way from the G building to the campus hospital, the farthest building from the main campus that was still on Mobius University grounds.

As they entered inside, Espio looked around, a strange smell entering his nostrils as he took note of the people sitting down on chairs. He saw a bear woman holding some strange object with white liquid inside of it, a baby in her arms drinking out of it. There was an Overlander man with a Chao on a leash wearing a black jacket that said, 'SERVICE CHAO, DO NOT TOUCH', a old Zeti in a wheelchair next to a younger Zeti woman, a fox child bouncing up and down next to his sitting pregnant mother, among many other people.

"So many people," Espio told his boyfriend.

"Hospitals are almost always filled with 'em," Vector told him. "But that ain't why we're here,"

The crocodile walked up to the front desk, which thankfully didn't have a line as Espio, Knuckles, and Mighty stood behind him.

"Can I help you?" the woman at the front desk asked.

"Hi, I'm here to visit Jewel Beetle. Mah boyfriend here got a call that she specifically wanted him to arrive to come pick him up as an emergency contact," Vector replied.

"Ah! You must be with Mr. Espio then. Yes, I'm the one who made a call to him. Let me notify the nurse with Ms. Jewel that you'll be arriving soon. In the meantime, I ask that you four all line up so I can have your picture taken for visitor IDs."

After Vector, Espio, Knuckles, and Mighty all had their sticker IDs on their shirt (Espio being told to stop picking at it by Vector despite his worry that it was permanently stuck to his haori), they took the elevator to room 427, Vector leading the group all the way to the room. Soon after arriving to the door, the crocodile knocked on the door as a voice said, ' Is this the Vector party?'.

"Sure is! Can we come in?" the crocodile asked.

"Door's open."

With that, Vector opened the door as the reptiles, echidna, and armadillo walked inside. When Espio took a look at Jewel however, his heart completely sank.

The jewel beetle looked BEYOND miserable. Despite her demeanor when he last talked to her just days ago, Jewel looked tired, sick, and worst of all, scared. She was breathing heavily with the nurse in front of her helping her breathe normally.

"Jewel," he said, pushing past his friends and running up to her. "What happen?"

"Are you Mr. Espio?" the nurse asked, Espio nodding his head quickly. "Ms. Jewel here checked in due to an ongoing nervous breakdown she had been having in regards to the extreme amount of stress she's been under. She was telling me how it had to do with political activism she was apart of."

"Whaddya mean? Was this… was this ongoin'?" Vector asked.

"I…" Jewel replied weakly, shaking as she grabbed a cup of ice water she had next to her on the examination table. "I hid it… hid it all… I'm… I'm not okay…"

"Jewel, Jewel please… remember what I told you. Deep breaths, as healthy as can be. Okay? Right now, thinking about that isn't going to do you any good," the nurse told her.

"How bad did this get?" Mighty asked.

"Jewel explained how she hasn't been getting good sleep, she's become isolated with others around her and she's only forcing herself to not do so, neglecting her studies, eating very little, and even describes having panic attacks at night where she feels like her heart has stopped and she wakes up."

"How awful…" Knuckles said. "What about now? Why is she only coming now?"

"She collapsed for a couple of seconds in one of her classes due to fatigue. We let her rest for a bit here, but I think it would be in her best interest you take her back to her dorm and let her sleep for the rest of the day."

"She is okay?" Espio asked.

"Well, okay isn't the word I would use… but Jewel says that she just wishes to leave and wanted you to be here for her. You're a very good friend, Mr. Espio."

The chameleon looked back at Jewel. She really… trusted him so much?

"It… it's fine… re-really…" Jewel said, continuing to shake. "You're right… I-I just need to rest. I haven't been doing wonders with my mental health…"

"Jewel, yeh of all people should know that matters just as much as yer physical health," Vector said, walking forward. "A lot of people dun realize that."

"You know that, Vector?"

"Ya might be surprised, but a lot of athletes think the only way yeh get hurt is physically. But not mentally."

"Are you studying to become a sports therapist?" the nurse asked.

"Athletic Trainin' to be exact. But I've taken some classes regardin' stuff in the medical field."

"Well, if Jewel believes herself that she should be okay under your supervision, I'll head to the doctor that attended her earlier and sign all the discharge papers. Jewel, I recommend you come back when you can and check in with us. In the meantime, try to rest and eat a good meal if you can. And remember that your friends are here for you, you're not alone."

With that, the nurse turned around and started walking towards the door, grabbing a clipboard by the desk. "Excuse me," she said.

With that, she exited the room and closed it behind her, leaving Vector, Espio, Knuckles, and Mighty to turn around towards Jewel.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Knuckles asked.

"I… I don't know…" Jewel said softly, staring blankly at the floor before turning towards Espio. "E-Espio… I'm… I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry I got you involved in all of this. I only wanted to help you… but instead… I… I neglected myself. I'm so scared of everything, Espio… When I wake up each day, when I sleep, when I walk around… I… I think about them all. I hear the voices of the protestors around campus still going on, all of them recognizing me and it… it's too-"

"Jewel, ya heard what the nurse said, dun think 'bout it!" Vector said. The beetle's eyes widened as she looked like she was about to cry. "Look… this has been doin' a lot of harm to ya whether ya recognize it or not. I get where yer comin' from though. We're all hurtin'... 'cause of CCOCC."

Jewel slowly turned her head towards Vector. "You… you…?"

"It ain't just Espio. Knux and I have been targets, even Mighty here recently. Livin' with this ain't easy, but we always have each other to back us up no matter what. And yeh have the same thing too. Not just Espio, us as well. Ya can't give into fear and intimidation. That's only what they want."

"Vector…"

Jewel brought her legs up to her body, pushing her face against them.

"I'm happy you're saying this but… I don't know how much more of this I can handle. I can't protect myself. I can't protect the people CCOCC hurt, I… I can't even protect Espio! And I… I-"

Jewel once again began to breathe heavily as Espio could see how wide and scared her eyes looked. He quickly grabbed her shoulder, silently looking at the woman as she tried to control her breathing. Then, she hugged Espio tightly, bringing him closer and closer, not caring that the chameleon's horn was pressed against her shoulder.

"Es-Espio! You're… you're the only person who cares about me this much…! You and… and…"

That was all she could say before the jewel beetle began to sob loudly. Espio could only let Jewel continue to hug her as Mighty came over with a box of tissues from the desk, passing them out one by one to Jewel.

"We'll be here as long as ya need, Jewel," Vector said. Jewel, who despite being in the middle of her sobbing, rubbed her eyes as she looked at the crocodile.

"Bu-But doesn't Espio have his community se-service toda-today?" she cried.

"It is okay," Espio replied. "I am here."

"Here, if it's okay with you," Knuckles said. "We haven't eaten lunch. I can come back with something for you to eat too. Have you eaten at all today?"

Jewel shook her head. "No… I've felt so nause-nauseous today. I don't know if I want something."

"I'm pretty sure the student store sells medicine for upset stomachs. That or antacid tablets. Don't worry, that and having some fruits and vegetables to eat should be enough to help you feel a little bit better."

Jewel looked over at her friend, almost surprised. "Espio… you promise that you'll be here for me?..."

"Yes," replied the chameleon. "You are my friend."

"Y-You… you too… And not just you… all of you… thank you. You don't have to do this-"

"Hey, yer Es' friend," Vector said, walking up to the two. "I dun wanna see mah boyfriend hurt cause his friend is hurt. Get what I mean?"

Espio looked over at Jewel as she slowly nodded. What would have been a moment to behold, seeing Jewel starting to slowly calm down was cut short.

…by a worried Mighty.

"Huh?" he asked, looking around. "Guys… what's that sound?"

The others stopped what they were doing and listened carefully. They looked around the room, trying to decipher what Mighty said.

"Mighty, I dun hear anythin'-" Vector said before getting cut off. They could hear what sounded like loud yelling and… and screaming. Then, all of a sudden, there was a boom that shook the five.

"It's coming from outside!" Knuckles said, all five of the mobians looking at the closed blind window. Vector, Espio, Knuckles, Mighty, and Jewel all walked over to the window, Jewel fluttering next to the armadillo as the crocodile opened the blinds. And when they did, they were shocked at what they saw.

They were in full view of the campus, where there was a large crowd gathered. Despite the limited view, there was what seemed to be a very large scuffle right behind North Hall, with police and even what looked like smoke on the ground, another flash and a boom making Jewel gasp with surprise.

"What… what the?!" Vector said, pressing against the glass. "What's goin' on there?!"

And then, in unison, four phones all began to buzz and play a loud alarm. It was coming from Vector, Knuckles, Mighty, and Jewel's phones. The four grabbed their phones from their retrospective pockets and checked it, Espio looking over at his boyfriend's phone as they read the message.

"MU ALERT. THIS IS NOT A TEST. An ongoing protest has suddenly become violent on Mobius University grounds. All Staff and Students inside any building are advised to not leave where they are as police and campus security are currently busy handling the situation. Any Staff and Students outside on campus are advised to enter the nearest building and wait for the all clear."

Everyone looked up at one another, concern rising in their faces.


The doors to the stairs of the campus hospital burst open as the five all ran down the stairs to the main lobby. Vector and Espio's tails and Knuckles' locks waved wildly as the sounds of Espio's geta clacking against the tiled floor, Jewel's wings flapping and everyone else's sneakers skirting against the floor echoed throughout the walls, each of the five going from floor three… to two…

Finally, they burst through the doors leading to the main lobby, where many of the people who Espio saw earlier waiting for the doctor were surrounding the main entrance, with a bald, glasses wearing Overlander man in a white coat standing above the door with his hands stretched out.

"You heard what the University officials have said!" he exclaimed. "We are not allowed to let ANYONE leave the premises until the all clear is given. This applies to this building as well!"

"I left my child in the N building because I had class! I am NOT going to leave him alone!" a flamingo yelled.

"I have to get to class soon! I already close to academic suspension!"

As the Overlander man tried to assure everyone, Vector, Espio, Knuckles, Mighty, and Jewel could only just watch from a distance, realizing their situation very quickly.

They were all stuck here.

"What do we do?!" Jewel questioned, grabbing her arm. "Where do we go?! What's going on?!"

"I'm tryin' to text someone I know… damn! None of the Badniks are respondin'!" Vector exclaimed. "I need them at a time like this!"

"I think everyone else is concerned about their safety too. We'll learn soon what's going on," Knuckles said. "If we want to get out of here without issue, we have no choice but to wait."

"But we gotta see what's going on! Make sure no one we know is hurt!" Mighty said. "How are you not scared, Knuckles?!"

But the echidna turned away from the armadillo, that bit of silence saying more about how he felt about the situation.

Meanwhile, Espio could only look ahead as the crowd began to disperse one by one as another resource officer came walking by to assure the crowd. He looked up at Vector, trying to find assurance.

"What do we do?" he asked his boyfriend.

"All we can do is wait, Es. It'll be okay, though. I promise. We'll be outta here soon."

Vector gave Espio a kiss on the forehead, the chameleon too concerned to care about his feelings on PDA to raise an issue. He wasn't going to lie, seeing the campus look like that from afar… it reminded him of all the images he had seen of wars from generations past in Yurashia's ancient history in scrolls and paintings. Smoke, fire, and weapons as far as the eye could see… was that what was going on at campus? War?

It felt like hours, but only five minutes had passed as nurses, doctors, and the resource officer all walked around the building, radios in hand as they spoke into them. Espio at this point hadn't even cared about what they were saying at this point. He just wanted to leave.

Then, something changed.

…but it wasn't for the good.

Because suddenly, there was a pounding at the glass doors at the front of the building, alongside frantic screaming.

"HELP! OI, SOMEONE OPEN UP! LET US IN!"

Normally, such a frantic voice would have already alarmed Espio, but just as he could hear the voice, there was something about the voice he didn't know if most people recognized.

It was accented.

Espio turned around, and his eyes widened in horror and shock. Right at the front doors of the campus hospital, in clear view pounding the door… was Bow and Thorn. Both sparrow and lob rabbit looked petrified with fear, pounding the door with fierce intentions to be let in. Espio immediately sprung into action, running out of the chair he sat in as he ran to the door. The others quickly got up and followed after him.

"Hey, HEY! We said NO one could leave!" the officer said, noticing what was going on.

"PLEASE! GET US A DOCTOR! ANYONE!" Espio could hear Thorn yell, turning back to the officer as Vector got into the officer's face.

"Someone CLEARLY needs a doctor at this time! And we're gonna get 'em in!" he said as Espio ran to the door, looking for a way to unlock it.

"ESPIO?!" Bow questioned. He continued to pound on the door frantically. "Espio, get us inside! Please, we need to get inside NOW!"

"How do I?" Espio asked.

"Right there! There's a lock right there! Turn it the other way!" Jewel said, pointing to the lock as Espio turned it as it clicked. Just as the officer marched towards them, Bow and Thorn almost tripped inside as the automatic doors opened up. Espio grabbed them, both of them with extreme panic on their faces.

"What happened?!" Espio asked.

"Es-Espio…! Oh, Espio!" Thorn cried, grabbing his forearms. "It's awful!"

"Thorn, calm down!" Vector said. "What's goin' on?! Why are yeh two here?!"

"It ain't us!" Bow screamed, looking up at the two with fear in his eyes. "It… it's…!"

"It's WHO?!" Knuckles questioned.

That's when Espio heard Jewel violently gasp behind him, as did other people surrounding the group, and when Espio looked up.

He felt the color drain from his face.

Alan and Munch were carrying a bloodied, beat up looking Buck, the deer's arms around the two's shoulders. The copper rat looked over at the cervid, saying, 'C'mon now then, mate! We're almost there! Yeh just gotta hol' on fer us!'

"Oi, anyone?! Is there a doctor around?!" Alan yelled, looking around frantically as Espio, then Vector, Knuckles, Mighty, and Jewel all ran up to the group of Mercian transfer students.

"Ba-Buck…?! What happened?!"

The deer closed his eyes and winced from pain, holding his side as blood continue to fall from his face and mouth, breathing heavily. "It… it's fine. I'm… I'm okay… I just… I just need to see a doctor…"

"Hold it!" Vector said. "Ya can't just skirt around the question! WHAT happened?! How did ya end up this way?!"

From behind them, Espio could hear a doctor saying, 'Code 234, patient has entered with multiple bruising from a probable fight. Immediate care is necessary! NOW!'

"Munch, what happened?!" Mighty asked his fellow wrestling buddy. The rat closed his eyes, not wanting to meet Espio's.

"It's… it's awful, Mighty. What he did to Buck…" he replied. "I… I don't even wanna remember… He was fine one minute, and then he…" Munch growled. "Rrr... DAMN!"

"Sirs, sirs!" the woman at the front desk said, slamming her hand on her desk. "I demand that you please allow us to take care of this man immediately. It's clear that he needs to be sent to our urgent care facility!"

"No no…" Buck said, shaking his head as he got his hands off Alan and Munch's shoulders, slowly walking towards the desk. "Please… it's… it's nothin'... I haven't been to a… a Fed hospital… Please, just let me see a doctor… I promise I'm okay…"

The deer hunched over the front desk as he weakly grabbed a pen to his side, everyone watching with intensity as Vector turned towards Bow, Thorn, and Alan.

"Yeh three! I need answers and I need 'em NOW!" Vector yelled. "WHAT happened?!"

"It… it's awful, Vector…" Thorn said, bringing her hands to her chest. "I don't even want to-"

"Dun say that! I need to know EVERYTHIN'! Alan! Yeh tell me, what's goin' on?!"

Before Alan could even open his mouth, a new voice spoke up.

The sound of a groan.

Because from behind the crocodile, Buck's eyes became almost blank looking as he collapsed, hitting his bloodied head against the desk and then landing on the floor face up.

"Buck…?! BUCK?!" Thorn screamed, running to her friend's side as the entire crowd now began to scream, running out of the campus hospital in a massive stampede as the sound of crying children and babies, footsteps, and screams could be heard around them. Bow held the lop rabbit back as she was completely inconsolable, screaming and crying as the others could only watch in complete horror and shock. Alan closed his eyes and put his hands over his ears tightly and Munch lowered his bycocket, turning away so as to not look at the awful sight in front of him. The front desk lady immediately got to the phone and called for help as Vector crouched down to the fainted Buck, checking his pulse.

"He still has a pulse… but his breathin' ain't right! Alright, I'm gonna need some help here!" Vector yelled over the panicked crowd. He turned towards the horrified Jewel and Mighty. "Jewel, Mighty, I'm gonna need yeh to find a doctor and QUICKLY! Someone who can quickly get Buck on a stretcher!"

"I know where we'll be able to find someone quick! I'm familiar with the hospital staff too!" Jewel said as she grabbed the armadillo's hand. "Mighty, we have to go NOW!"

"Right behind you!" he replied as the jewel beetle and armadillo ran off to get help.

"Knux, I need ya to get over here and help me!" Vector demanded next. The echidna ran next to his friend and crouched down, holding his hand above the deer.

"What do you want me to do? Don't you know what to do in situations like this?" he asked.

"I…" Vector shook his head, looking around. "I dunno what to do first!"

"Aren't you in athletic training?! Shouldn't you know CPR or something?!"

"I ain't CPR certified yet, Knux! Look, we can't argue now! Here's what we're gonna do. I need ya to hold up Buck's head fer me. I'm gonna unbutton his shirt so we can get some normal air flowin' in him."

"On it!"

Knuckles did as he was told as Vector began to unbutton the lithe deer's button up shirt, checking for breathing once again.

"It feels… a little normal… but it still ain't enough! Damn, where's the doctors?!"

Then, Vector turned towards Espio.

"Es, quick! I need yeh to help me with this one! Help me push on Buck's chest!" he yelled.

But Espio didn't move. The chameleon only sat on his knees, staring blankly at the sight in front of him. His entire breathing was hitched, scared even, as his ears were ringing.

Even though his friend's limp body was on the floor, from the way he was positioned, from the way he looked lifeless…

At that moment, he didn't see Buck passed out on the floor.

He instead saw his father's dead body where Buck was, in the exact same position the deer was in when he collapsed to his death. With static ringing in his ears, the setting began to drain itself of color as the sounds of Thorn and the crowd's screams and crying and Vector yelling out his name began to be drowned out by static, and new voices that flashed him back to that awful day years ago.

No longer was the environment the hospital.

His mind recreated the scene just as he remembered it.

"NAGA-SAMA HAS FALLEN!"

"QUICKLY, GET YUEN-LI-SENSEI! HE'S BLEEDING!"

"ALERT THE BRIDE! NAGA-SAMA HAS NOT WOKEN UP!"

"NAGA-SAMA ISN'T BREATHING! HURRY! HELP HIM!"

Even though Espio could see Vector calling for him, he couldn't hear him. The voices… the memory of that terrible day… it all came back to him. It forced Espio to freeze, forcing him to relieve the moment he most suppressed from his mind all over again… only with his good friend instead of his father.

Why…

Why did this happen… again?

Even as Vector continued to call for him and medical personnel burst in with Mighty and Jewel in tow, Espio still continued to sit on his knees, his mind making it seem like the guards of the Shinobi Clan were running past everyone in front of the chameleon to help Naga as best as they could until Yuen-Li told them the unfortunate news just minutes later when he arrived.

Even as he watched Buck be lifted onto a stretcher, with Bow, Thorn, Munch, and Alan all running to their friend in fear and panic, all Espio could do… was shed a single, solemn, and silent tear.


END OF CHAPTER 35