The rising sun sent beams across the Mystic Ruins, bathing them in soft, warm light. In a nearby house, a certain hedgehog continued to snore quietly. This didn't remain the case for long, though.

"Sonic!"

An orange blur raced into the room, leaping onto the bed.

"Sonic, wake up! Wake up, wake up!"

A faint groan answered.

"Wha… Tails…"

The kit giggled, bouncing in his excitement.

"C'mon, Sonic! It's morning n' you said you'd teach me how t' spin! C'mon!"

The hedgehog grunted when one enthusiastic hop landed on his stomach, then one eye cracked open. Another groan.

"Did you even sleep last night?"

Tails rolled his eyes.

"Sure I sleeped, but it's morning now n' you don't sleep in the morning!"

"Okay, okay, I'm up." Sonic slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes. "You know I already have an alarm clock, right?"

"Uh-huh!" Tails chirped, completely oblivious to the sarcasm. "So can we go now?"

Sonic sighed, rubbing his eyes.

"All right, I'll be right there."

Tails yipped in excitement before scurrying back out of the room, and Sonic couldn't help but smile at the kit's enthusiasm. Letting out a yawn, he got out of bed and pulled on his shoes. Tails was waiting by the door, still hopping. Sonic smirked as he opened the door and headed out, followed closely by the excited kit. Soon they reached a flat, grassy area.

"Okay," Sonic said. "Now first, you need to get moving as fast as you can. Then you jump, pushing off hard, curl in tight, and spin. Watch me first, alright?"

Tails drooped just a little, but nodded eagerly.

"Kay, Sonic!"

Sonic grinned, then took off running in a wide circle. Once he reached the right speed, he leaped and curled into a spiny blue ball. When he landed back on his feet, Tails leaped up and down, clapping with enthusiasm.

"And that's how ya do it!" Sonic said, dusting himself off. "Ready to try it?"

The kit nodded eagerly.

"Yeah!"

Sonic smiled.

"Alright then. But be careful, okay?"

"Kay!"

With that, Tails took off running. The grin on Sonic's face grew as he watched the kit pick up speed, then leap and tuck into a ball. He spun, then landed. He stumbled, but managed to catch himself. Sonic let out a whoop.

"All right, lil' bro!"

Tails turned, his face long.

"But I tripped."

Sonic felt his heart fall a little at how sad the kid looked, but nothing could dim his proud smile as he gently ruffled the kit's bangs.

"Well, you wanna know something? I did too."

Tails looked up, his eyes wide.

"Really?"

"You kidding? I fell on my face the first time!" Sonic placed his hands on Tails' shoulders, giving them an affectionate squeeze. "I'm proud of ya, little bro."

Slowly, the sadness left Tails' eyes and a smile spread across his face.

"Really?"

Sonic laughed and ruffled Tails' bangs again.

"You bet."