12A/N: The last chapter of Manage Thy Anger… did any of you percieve its end? I didn't. I had this little premonition of it going on for a lot longer, but what can I say – every world has its end, and this is it for this version of ISBVI. So, enjoy this chapter and this story as a collective, and please don't forget the upcoming Ask the Cast chapter.
Chapter 12: Graduation Day
With a glimmer of green lights, four figures appeared inside the tower classroom. A cool breeze blew into the room, due to the missing window, and Dave enjoyed the warm afternoon sunlight streaming in after so long in the cold of the upper atmosphere. The middle-aged teacher collapsed in his chair behind the desk and sighed as Team Sonic found themselves seats. Just then, the bell rang, and the usual group of students entered.
"Hey, you're back!" James said as he took a seat.
"So how'd my substitute do?" asked Schnieders. Mr. Gaczko had just walked in.
"It took a lot to get these guys moving, but I think I whipped 'em into shape," the replacement teacher said with a chuckle. "We got to hear a real neat story, thanks to our spiky friend here."
"You say it's neat, but I say it's embarrassing…" mumbled Shadow. He looked up suddenly. "In fact, you'd do well to never mention it again. That is, unless you want a Chaos Spear through your leg."
"Now, now, Shadow…" scolded Dave. "Those jokes aren't appreciated in the city…" There was a long pause as several students entered and found chairs. "I think we already did that joke."
"Soon, the mind-raping shall commence!" Mayhem hissed. Mandy laughed loudly and hugged the ebon vulpine.
"Your sense of humor reminds me of Jake's!" the girl laughed. Jake looked at her and shrugged.
"Y'know… I told you I'm not a huggy person," growled the three-tail. "I strongly suggest that you release me." Mandy let go and turned to Jake. Before the dark-haired boy could say or do anything, she was embracing him tightly. A clump of dirt flew through the open spot in the window, almost hitting Jake's head.
"All right, settle down ya knuckleheads!" shouted Schnieders. "I'm calling an honorary graduation ceremony today."
"Does this mean I don't have to go to Dr. Mathews' class?" Andy and Sammie asked in unison.
"Just for that, you don't get to watch." Andy and Sammie groaned and walked out of the room. "Without further ado, I'd like to have Knuckles the Echidna step forward," Schnieders said proudly. The scarlet monotreme stood up slowly and approached the desk. The teacher reached inside the top drawer and brought out a diploma. "Knuckles, for your bravery and courage in the field, I present you with this graduation diploma for the ISBVI Anger Management course." Gloved hands took the paper gently, and the students began chanting for a speech. Clearing his throat, Knuckles turned around.
"Ladies and gentlemen, humans and sapients," the echidna started. "A few weeks ago, I almost ran down a fat megalomaniac-in-disguise. It was all part of his plan to get me out of the way so he could steal a priceless artifact from me and use it to take over the world. I was mad enough about the fact that I lost my truck, but when I learned that Robotnik was behind it, I practically strangled my teammates. If there's anything I've learned from this class, it's that managing your anger is a real lifesaver. In fact, it was Eggman's rage that caused him to lose that fight with Super Schnieders." There were many gasps and cheers. "But the thing that takes precedence over that is… there's nothing wrong with staying calm. If you end up like Shadow did when he tried to trespass at my house, I'mma pummel you until you need three of these classes… or until they sentence me to three of them. Also, I've realized that the copious amount of TV show and video game references in this whole ordeal is quite annoying, and that I'll probably never turn my TV on again as long as I live." More cheers ensued. "It also kinda bugs me that we got so much more attention than that card game story and the rewrite of that play…" There was some general confusion among the audience. "Anyway, I just want to thank a few people for their support in this. Shadow, for sticking with me and making fun of all the kids in here, and Sonic for driving me to class most of the time. Oh, and Tails, for taking that joke so well." Shadow snickered loudly. "Also, I'd like to thank James for getting so mad when I tried to cut his hair. That made him look really funny." The hippie glared at Knuckles. "I'd also like to thank Andy for helping me defend that kid who always looks surprised… and for hitting that one albino kid…" A low giggle could be heard from down the hall.
"Uh, I hate to break into your little speech there, but are you just trying to stall?" Dave asked, scratching his head.
"Why would I be trying to stall?" asked the echidna. He shook his dreadlocks and continued. "And last of all, I want to offer a special thanks to Mr. Schnieders. He saved all of our butts, and it's all thanks to his calm attitude and years of experience."
"Well, I guess it's time to let you guys go to your next class…" Schnieders said. Everyone got up and crowded through the door, and Team Sonic stayed behind.
"Thanks, Dave," said Sonic.
"Yeah, you really saved our butts back there!" Tails agreed. "Right, Knuckles?"
"Hn."
"Well, I've gotta teach some social studies in a few minutes, so you guys should get going," Dave said, a little sadly.
"Hey… if we need you again, we know where you are," assured the blue hedgehog. With that, the three Mobians walked out the door and down the hallway. As they were nearing the stairs that went down to the middle floor, Knuckles almost tripped over the cane of a short girl with shoulder-length brown hair.
"Watch where you're going, you tard!" she yelled. Before the echidna could respond, she had faced him and squeezed the sides of her head. In an instant, her prosthetic eyes had hit the Guardian in the face, causing him to run around in circles.
"Get 'em off me!" he screamed. "Aaaaagh, they're all ocular and stuff!" When spiked mittens had succeeded in throwing the pieces off, Knuckles put a hand on the girl's shoulder. She turned and glared at him with empty sockets that could've been full of fire. "Young lady, I think you have a problem with your anger," the echidna told her. "Maybe you should visit Mr. Schnieders sometime."
*sniff sniff* I can't believe it's over… A story that's been the collaborated efforts and ideas of almost an entire school has come to end, and I couldn't have ended it better. Yes, Manage Thy Anger will always be one of my favorites, and it puts a vice on my heart to watch its last chapter come to a close. I know this is my most popular work, and I want to let you all know that I really appreciate the support you've given it. And trust me, this long farewell is totally not just a ploy to run the word count up… *shifty eyes* I hope you've enjoyed this tale that I've spun since last year, and please don't forget that my other epics need love.
Final Installment: Ask the Cast