Sonic gazed over the field as waves of sunlight crashed over him, the wind swaying his quills in the breeze. A flicky swept past his field of vision, setting the hedgehog's mind wandering. He found himself stewing in curiosity about the bird's life story. What gave it meaning? What gave it purpose? For years, his own purpose entailed foiling Robotnik's plans to conquer the planet. The real question was, why? Why did the doctor desire so desperately to rule over all life on Earth? Why did Sonic always have to stop him? What was it all for? As he witnessed the season shift before him, the air seemed to reflect Sonic's somber change in attitude. As time went on, he found himself increasingly isolated from those he cherished most. Even Amy barely came around anymore.

"Maybe I should pay Tails a visit. It's been a while."

The hedgehog stretched his limbs, cracking his legs in preparation for yet another in his legendary string of sprints. He burst away, breaking through the barrier with little effort. Overcome with intent, he headed straight for Miles' workshop.

Sonic looked around, examining the interior of the structure. It was just as cluttered as he remembered. He thought about cleaning up for his brother, but remembered Tails didn't like people messing with his stuff.

"Guess there's some kind of method to his madness. Wish I could figure it out, though."

The hedgehog quickly located his partner's lab, heading into the garage to greet him. As expected, it was filled with the smoke and steam of countless contraptions clustered into a single area.

"You in here, Tails?"

"Sonic," Tails questioned, "Is that you?"

The hedgehog waved as the fox peered out from the other side of the tornado.

"Long time, no see." Sonic said in an unusually mellow manner.

"Sorry. I've been busy. Gotta maintain the machinery, ya know?"

"I was just dropping by. Wondered if you wanted to take a break to play some video games or something."

"Wish I could, but the thrusters need a serious tune-up today."

"Ah...Gotcha..."

"Are you okay? You look kinda...Tired."

"Sleep was a little broken last night. Might head home and take a nap. Eggman's been quiet for the last few days. Probably coming up with another hair-brained scheme again."

"I see what you did there."

Sonic chuckled. It was strange how something so small made him feel alive, if only for a moment.

"Anyway, I should get back to work. I'll drop by when I have the time."

"Cool. I'll be waiting."

"Get some rest. Don't wanna be too tired if Eggman shows up again."

"For real."

"Later, man."

"Later."

Sonic thought about seeing a movie or getting a bite to eat before heading home, but decided to wait until Tails could join him. Doing things alone felt...Odd...For reasons he couldn't entirely explain. Back home, he trudged upstairs to bed. He closed his eyes, waiting for the darkness to take over.

"Why do I exist...?"

That night, Sonic had a dream. Alone, he defeated an army of demons, ghosts, and ghouls from numerous folktales. Fighting badniks was fun for a while, but overcoming bloodthirsty monsters in the dream world made him feel unstoppable. When he awoke, a revelation dawned on him. The reason his life felt empty was because he wasn't living up to his full potential. The kid gloves had been on for way too long. He knew from then on what he had to do.

"I have to become the ultimate version of myself - the one people will look back on fondly when I'm gone."

For many, this task alone would've felt impossibly herculean, but given his accomplishments, Sonic felt confident he could handle the pressure. He had nothing to lose, so why not try? That was all he could do.

"Get ready, Eggman. Next time, it's for keeps."