Sonic the Hedgehog

Cheerful Reunion

"Come on..." Miles Tails Prower mumbles as he twists a black wire belonging to a massive supercomputer with a small toothpick in his right hand.

The toothpick in question is a souvenir from his trip to the Bucket O' Sushi- a new Chinese restaurant that opened a few blocks away. While the actual quality of the food left A LOT to be desired, the young boy has been looking for a way to put his 300 IQ to the test. With the final twist needed, the technological mammoth of a machine lights up green, much to the genius's satisfaction.

"I did it!" he cheers, standing up in celebration.

The 2'7 tall fox waves his white-gloved fists in the air, which blow softly against his yellow and white fur. Years ago, Tails's only wish was THAT was the only part of him people saw. Instead, what caught everyone's unwanted attention were his large, abnormal two tails that currently lie on the soft grass of the front yard of his workshop. For the first two years of his life, Tails was referred to as other names. "Freak," "Weirdo," he heard it all. Then the Metal War happened. It didn't take long before his gifts were recognized and immediately put to work by The Commander. A man he wasn't particularly fond of.

Then HE showed up. His future best friend- the coolest guy he knows- the one and only...

"How's it hangin', pal?" an instantly recognizable voice asks behind the now startled fox.

Tails whirls around in excitement and stares at Sonic the Hedgehog in wonder.

"SONIC!" he cries before quickly clearing his voice. "Uh, I mean- hey, Sonic."

Before Tails can even process the fact his best friend he hasn't seen in a year is standing before him, the hedgehog speeds over to the left of him in a millisecond and picks up a purple bottle from the ground.

"Dishwashing detergent?" he examines.

"And a toothpick!" Tails adds, proudly holding up the tiny piece of wood in his hand. "Both of which have gone into reprogramming this supercomputer."

Sonic notices the giant computer before him and stares at it in awe.

"Woah, now you're just showing off!" he says. "Seriously, this is really cool, dude."

Just that simple sentence alone causes Tails's heart to burst with pride and validation. It was one thing to be praised relentlessly by the scientific community here at Station Square. It was one thing to be offered several Nobel Peace Prizes. But to be seen as "cool" in the eyes of Sonic is an honor that makes Tails feel like a million bucks. It is an honor he would trade riches for.

"T-thanks," he stammers out, rubbing the back of his head. "I-it was n-nothing, really. So... what brings you to Station Square, Sonic?"

Of course, Tails only asks as a casual formality. Yesterday, when the President and Commander showed him the off-the-chart energy readings downloaded straight from the compromised GUN satellite, the whole thing practically screamed Eggman. It was then the half-excited fox immediately knew Sonic would inevitably be a part of this.

"Ah, nothing much," Sonic answers as he nonchalantly leans on the supercomputer. "Just a genocidal maniac hellbent on ruling all of Mobius."

"So you heard, huh?" Tails says in a low voice. "Scary, isn't it?"

"Are you kiddin'?!" Sonic blurts out with a wide grin. "I'm glad that Robotnik decided to show his face again! Whatever he's planning... we're going to stop it and kick that disturbingly round butt of his! Hopefully, GUN manages to lock up that creep for good this time."

"I'm sorry," Tails mutters. "Did you say... we?"

"Well, of course," Sonic says casually. "I have no clue where these energy signatures are- 'nor what they are for that matter. And who knows what Robuttnik might be planning. I need your eyes and ears, pal! Will you help me?"

Tails's eyes start glistening with tears on the verge of emerging. He raises his hands and balls them into fists.

"I won't let you down, Sonic!" he declares.

Sonic laughs and ruffles his friend's hair.

"Don't go getting serious on me, little buddy," Sonic chuckles. "Might ruin the vibe of this sweet road trip!"

That last word catches Tails's ears. He excitedly hurries over to his supercomputer and grabs the garage remote off his desk.

"Who said anything about a road trip?" he says cheekily before pressing down on the remote.

The garage door starts sliding open in front of the pair. It finally finishes opening, fully revealing its contents. Inside the small, dark room lies a small plane. It has a slick-red paint job with the exception of its shiny, silver wings and turbine. Truth be told, the plane was just a side project for the two-tailed genius. Something to keep his hands busy and his brain active. But with the way Sonic is looking at it, Tails feels as though he just solved world hunger.

"I call it the Tornado!" Tails says, admiring Sonic's taken-back expression. "Well... what do you think?"

The blue blur turns to Tails with a bright smile.

"What do I think?" he repeats. "I think we need to get this baby in the air."

...