Episode Two: It Actually Does Matter, But You Sure Wish It Didn't

Hours earlier…

"Report cargo status of capture hedgehog abroad over!" A helicopter is currently roaming above the city. Seemingly peaceful, the vehicle was actually withholding a dangerous fugitive: a blue hedgehog, wanted for various criminal activities.

"...That's a 10-4. Cargo secured on board..and—." The radio transmission from within the plane seems to come to a halt. "WHAT!"

"Didn't copy that over," spoke an individual from the other end.

"T-The hedgehog is gone; he's taken out everyone aboard…"

"What's wrong! Come in, over!"

"What in the world!?"

That is his cue. Instantly, the door from the helicopter breaks off to sail in the blue sky as a similarly blue hedgehog appears leaping out to hang onto (very expertly, he will admit) a closeby, dormant missile.

"Freeze!" yells the same individual as before. "What do you think you're doing! Get that hedgehog!" And how was anyone going to get me, anyway, the hedgehog sneers before casually jumping on top of the helicopter. He tears off a piece of the wing as his mode of escape.

He silently laughs to himself. It has always been like this in the beginning of each adventure: adrenaline rushing in his body, heart skipping a beat in excitement, zealousness growing rapidly. This feeling is a bit over the top, but ha! For this hedgehog, nothing in the world could replace his thirst for adventure.

Preparing himself, in the midst of the clamor of helicopter noise, the blue hedgehog speaks his notable line: "Talk about low budget flights, no food or movies…I'm outta here!" His cocky smile is hidden by his board. "I like running better." One. Two. Jump! Letting go, he begins to dive into the city below.

The hedgehog gave away his signature, cocky smile before spinning off to white oblivion. "Yeah!"

"Cut! Good job, Sonic!"

The jovial hedgehog's mood immediately darkens as it is revealed that he is laying on a safety net, unable to move since his board became tangled in the net. "Would someone get me down…!" Rapidly, a team of people, humans and animals alike, begin to help the famous blue hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog himself in all his glory.

"Yo Sonic!" a red echidna appears; camera at hand.

"Don't you dare..." Sonic grimaces, struggling to escape as it only made the situation 100% worse. Camera flashes.


"You better delete those…" Freed from the tangled mess, Sonic is now enjoying himself by eating a muffin, giving his red-dreadlocked buddy a death glare.

"No can do," Knuckles replies with a sneer, avoiding making any eye contact with his blue friend. "And, is it really necessary for us to take over an entire block in the city…? I thought we simulated the background images when those people travelled to the land of odd driving and hot dogs."

Sonic shrugs in response, taking another bite into his muffin. "I don't know. Ever since, these foreigners arrived...I became totally loss what was happening here." Knuckles eyes Sonic curiously.

"Don't tell me you're still mad…," Knuckles coaxes. Sonic gives him a sly glare.

"What? Me, Sonic the Hedgehog, hero of freedom and smiles...Mad? Pff," he scoffs. "I don't know what that word means." Knuckles takes a couple of seconds. "Of course, I'm mad! This is my—I am implying our—anniversary game and I—in which I mean we—absolutely no say in it. We are allowing a bunch of strangers—those AMERICANS—do our dirty work."

Knuckles fatherly pats his shoulder. "It's okay, let it out all out…" Sonic punches his shoulder.

"Shut up…, I live…," Sonic looks over the set, full of people doing various jobs. Cameras were everywhere aligned, shooting the opening scene of the new game, marking the franchise's tenth anniversary. It has been exactly ten years since he became a video game icon, rivalling his never-to-be-named fat plumber. He was hosted in talk shows, his face appeared in some parade, and other accomplishments followed once he stepped in to audition for the role of SEGA new mascot.

The Sonic the Hedgehog in the video games only cares for adventure, speed, and freedom. In real life, this hedgehog has to add fame to the list. The order never mattered, but it was a guarantee according his SEGA contract. Who wouldn't give their life for the chance of luxury by just pretending to be the hero the whole world thought you are? It was the perfect scheme, Sonic had to admit. Yes, sacrifices had to be made to achieve this dream, but the outcome was awesome! Despite the bumps on his path to fame, this hedgehog became persistent in making his dream come true. Of course, fame has its setbacks, but...who cares?

The one thing he couldn't ignore is that despite how organized and prepared the cast and crew felt they were on set, ohoho, Sonic knows that this tenth anniversary was inevitably going to be a trainwreck.

And, Sonic had to be the main star on said trainwreck.

"Where's Tails by the way? We have to be at the auditions soon…," Sonic asks, placing a red and white t-shirt over his head. This nudity when acting was a simple routine that he tends to forget in public that he has to wear pants.

"He said he was going somewhere and meet you—"

"Sonikku!" Sonic twitches. He doesn't need to turn around to realize the presence of the American co-producers who were helping the Sonic Team out with the new game. He is perfectly fine when his Japanese directors affectionately calls him "Sonikku" on set; however, when those Americans, in their exaggerated and cringeworthy stereotypical accents, speaks his name aloud, his whole body aches in pain.

"Yes…," he moans in reply. All the Americans' babbling transforms into simply gushing over how Sonic is so amazing at his job and how they just turn looney when they are around his presence. Or, so, this is what Sonic is thinking they are saying as he is just blocking them out. He nods whatever they asked a question because at this point Sonic just wants to go home.

"So, you got all that!" The Americans peer closer to Sonic's face, making the scene more uncomfortable than it needs to be. Sonic smiles and nods awkwardly. "Great! We check on you about it later!" They scurry anyway to run their circus elsewhere.

"Check about what?" Sonic later asks Knuckles when they are out of sight.

"...Something about pie…"

"You're obviously lying, Knuc—"

"Sonic! Knuckles!" A young, yellow-orange fox, vainly avoiding the clustered area, runs over to the two actors. A smile plastered on his face, Sonic gleams at the sight of his childhood best friend, Miles Prower.

"Tails!" Sonic returns the enthusiasm, but refers him to his childhood nickname. Knuckles fists bump him as well; however, he couldn't help noticing how sweaty his companion is on a mildly cool day.

"You took a run?" he inquires, about to pin this shady fox down. While Sonic always fails to notice the obvious hints involving his best buddy, Knuckles, for good reasons to be decided, always enjoy holding suspicions about this meddlesome fox. Not in a demeaning manner, however.

"...Yeah, I was meeting a friend," Miles instantly replies, keeping his confidence in front of the echidna. Miles knows well of his judgmental habits towards him; however, he always knew how to deal with his curious friend.

"Sure, you were." Knuckles quickly deducts that his pal was straight up lying as Miles glares deadly daggers at him. Knuckles simply stares back in a full conversation of the eyes:

What are you getting yourself into, Miles?

None of your business, Knuckles.

You better not be meddling as usual.

You're not my father.

Does it have to do with Sonic?

I'll tell you later.

Clueless Sonic looks back and forth at his two companions, believing that they were in some intense eye-staring contest. "So, who's ready for torture?"

Miles breaks out of his trance with Knuckles, shrugging and sighing simultaneously. "If we must…"

"Hey! You guys always dread these casting calls since it first started," Knuckles quips, his eyes fixed on the two of them as they always been groaning every time they drag themselves to listen to some hope-filled weirdo who childhood dream or whatever was to become a star and this is their only way to make to the big leagues.

"Do you wanna come?" Sonic looks shocked. Knuckles usually try to avoid things he wasn't required to do like the lazy butt he is; however, this time, Knuckles shrugs in assent. He had to ask Miles some questions, but he needs somewhere to corner him of course to get those answers.

"Why not? They should be amusing. How bad can they possibly be?"


"Were we that bad when we first started?"

"Yes...But, this is definitely the worst."

After spending hours of undergoing through what apparently was talent, the three friends are regretting their choices of being good, honest role models in helping their video game company choose the rival character of the anniversary game. They just need to find a hedgehog with some sort of resemblance to Sonic who was also a decent actor for playing an complex-layered, dark opponent. These guidelines were straightforward enough, they foolishly assumed as they continue to suffer through ear bleeding-level of acting.

"Darkness consumes all who savors the light!" Number 417 booms, straining his vocal cords as he vainly attempts to deepen his awkward presubcent voice. The three just glance looks of pity, masked with encouragement.

"It's like he's doing his best," Knuckles whispers to the two, "but his best just not good."

"At least, his appearance is quite edgy…" Tails tries to compliment; he has been straining his pitiful smile for the past hour.

"He just looks like Sonic with bad bangs," Knuckles snaps, eyeing Sonic for a response. He was hoping for at least a comment about the insult or the audition; however, Sonic just sits quiet, impatiently tapping his pen against his clipboard.

It was when Number 417 began to repeat the dialogue, Sonic instantly interrupts: "Yep. Good. Thanks for your audition. The door is a thataway." Once out of eyeshot, Sonic groans, sloaches on his custom-made director set, not even caring that his shirt collar is poking him in the eye. "Guys, please be the amazing friends that I hope you are, and tell me that we're done."

"Too bad, we aren't that amazing," Knuckles replies, cooly pointing to line of edgy, dramatic hedgehogs outside in the hall. Sonic moans louder this time.

"Just kill me now…"

"You renewed your contract for this year," Miles is quick to reply.

"Burn it, then kill me…"

"Number 402, the one with the scar, today was good. Terios, his name was?" Miles offers after taking a quick glance off his notes.

"Tails, we're not allowing a satanic cult worshipper play a character in a children's video game series."

"They allowed you," Knuckles is quick to quip, deserving a bonk on the head by the one insulted. "Hey! I am just expressing my opinions since I am here. Speaking of which, does anyone else of crew have a say in this?" With that statement, he quickly turns to the present team members who were sitting in the dark, drooling from their mouths since the first one arrived. "Nevermind."

"We have one more day left of this, but we ultimately have to pick one or else we are just drawing straws," Miles spoke after a few minutes past. "If Sonic here…"

"Hey, don't bring it up, Tails. You rejected a few I personally tolerated with…," Sonic snaps, missing the glances between the echidna and fox. While walking to the audition hall, Miles and Knuckles fully discuss through careful eye communication what was the fox's devious plan.

It's not going to work.

I just need to try it out.

Fine, but if it crash and burn, it's on you.

It's going to crash and burn regardless.

"Yes, yes, that's true, but...We don't want them to turn out into your fuel of jealous cravings once they receive some attention during the game production."

Sonic tensed up at Miles's comment. "I...I only did that once." Knuckles and Miles peers close to him.

"Sonic, you become instantly jealous whenever a new star comes along and threatens to take your spotlight...according to you, of course," Miles explains, crossing his arms. Even in his little chair, his dominance made the hedgehog shift around uncomfortably.

"Yes, I may have done that with you," Sonic points at his orange buddy. "And you…" Then at Knuckles. "And, Ivo...Amy...and even Big for a quick second…"

"And, then you go all crazy and we lose you for the entire production season." Sonic reluctantly nods in agreement. Miles usually doesn't go this far in recalling Sonic's questionable behavior.

So why now? Sonic wanted to ask.

"So, we need to take this in a different step."

"A different step?" Sonic inquires, straightening himself up against his seat. "What do you mean by that?"

"By a different perspective, one you normally don't think about, but subconsciously do."

"Explain."

"Sonic, what do you want in the rival character?" Miles asks boldly. His plan must work according to plan. Of course, error was inevitable, but Miles knows his buddy well enough that he can trick him to work in his advantage. "What you want personally? Not according to the producers or team."

"Decent Actor. Hedgehog…"

"Not according to the producers, Sonic," Knuckles nudges his arm. "Like, how you want the actor to act as?"

"I don't know. Someone who would listen to me, but know when to stay back when I ask…"

"Someone you know who doesn't care about the spotlight and is okay for you to take it," Miles suggests.

"Someone who just be happy to get a paycheck, despite having to deal with your pain in a butt," Knuckles continues, avoiding Sonic's deathly glare.

Something was definitely up with these two, Sonic concludes, but decides to keep amusing this game they're playing.

"Someone," Sonic begins, stroking his chin in thought. "Someone who could tolerate this madness, yet can tolerate me and I can tolerate him...But…"

"But…" the two friends buds their heads against him. Sonic scoffs, pushing their heads away.

"But, I need to accept. Temporarily, of course."

This time, Sonic strongly notices the sly grin that creep up on their faces. Before he can question their odd expressions, their snickers makes him believe that they just simply lost their sanity. "What is wrong with you two?"

"Well, I was thinking…," Miles begins, ignoring Sonic's shudders. Years of knowing this fox lead to Sonic distrusting him every time he starts a sentence with "I was thinking." Miles grew accustomed to it and was prone to exaggerating each word. "What if we have your brother audition for the role?" The elephant was revealed and burst through the hallways.

"My what?"

"Sonic, don't be like this," Knuckles growls.

"Be like what?" Sonic asks, defensively. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Your brother. Your eldest brother."

"The brother you never talk to or talk about, but have that one cringey talk during the holidays that your mother forces you two to do ."

Sonic blankly blinks at them. "Nope. No clue what you're talking—" That's when the truck selling realization hits point-blank across the face. "Y-You two...No...No...Nononononono."

We broke him. "Sonic…," Miles tries to comfort him.

"Absolutely not! I rather have that devil worshipper than him!" Sonic plops to his feet. He is becoming like a tantrum child. "We are already having problems with Knuckles's relationship with his rival and you two want to add my brother to the mix."

"Hey, in my defense, that bat was chosen by the likes of the company and not from two friends who are concerned over your wellbeing," Knuckles explains, trying to remove any talk of that sexy, alluring, annoying batgirl of all people.

"W-Wellbeing?"

"Sonic, what Knuckles is trying to get at is that you need someone who knows you enough to tolerate you and, according to my research of him, is a pretty decent actor who fits all our criterias," Miles offers, pleading that his plan did not already sink before taking lift off.

"Research? Tails, don't tell me—"

"The internet is becoming a vast source of knowledge."

"That is called 'STALKING,' buddy!" Sonic exclaims. He is not at all surprised by this action from his friends, but still for his buddy to stoop so low for his sake. Sonic can only groan. "Isn't that a crime or something?"

"Or something," Miles bluntly replies as he weakly smiles. "Sonic, you told us yourself. You wanted someone to not steal your spotlight, someone who would listen to you not because of respect but because he is too naive in the business. So, you can…" Miles gulps. He hates stooping this low even though he believes it was for the best. "Manipulate him…"

Sonic's ears perk up at that last statement. Knuckles and Miles mentally sighs. It was their last resort, but they have to keep this show going. "But, why would he even agree to that?"

Miles causally shrugs. "He is running tight with money…"

"How do you know—"

"The internet."

"Tails—"

"Sonic," Knuckles begins, finally voicing his opinion in this combulation, "we both know that you and your brother never had the best relationship, so even when this game is over, he leaves too without tarnishing your fame."

"He...He isn't that dumb to not realize that I am using him that way." Knuckles and Miles mentally fist bump each other, seeing how their plan left a mark on Sonic, a corrupted mark, but a mark to say the least. "And, he doesn't even act…"

"You didn't have any acting experience and you got the job."

"I was a natural, they said."

"To make you feel better about yourself," the fox mocks, chuckling at Sonic's pout. "C'mon, this is your best option." Miles smiles, pointing to emo freaky hedgehogs behind them, waiting to deafen their ears.

"I feel like you two have something more to this." The friends just shrugs after that comment. "But, the team said specifically asked for no favoritism, especially with this contest, though."

"But, we don't know him…like you said."

"I've been a bad influence on you, bud…" Sonic shuffles Miles's fur affectionately.

"You are known for that," Knuckles grins, rubbing the recent bruise on his elbow from Sonic's latest blow.

"Fine...Fine...How are we going to contact him later, anyway?" Sonic asks, calling the casting call off since he "was not feeling so hot." Behind Sonic's back, Knuckles and Miles fist bumps.

The plan was in motion. What can possibly go wrong from here?


Everything. Knuckles concludes his thought. They, Sonic and himself, are sitting in his Tempest, nicely armored, golden yellow-armored vintage Hummer H1, which Sonic jokily refers it as the Tank, just outside of Sonic's brother's apartment. Miles just coincidentally print out a map to the location, giving to them, as he needed to cook dinner for his grandparents. Sonic vainly tried to excuse the trip with his red buddy, but Knuckles assume he would have back out of it if Knuckles wasn't there to press him on.

Which is totally happening at this moment, even though Sonic would say otherwise.

"It's just my brother, Knuckles. Why ye of little faith," Sonic grins. And yet, Knuckles could see his grin quivered as his friend repeatedly taps on the dashboard. It was understandable, Knuckles has to admit. Sonic struggles to even talk about his family on a basis even through his sessions with him. His relationship with his brother was a whole Pandora's Box, he wasn't sure if he wanted to open. However, Miles just had to pry it with his crowbar of friendship.

He has a heart of gold, Knuckles sighs. A warped version of it, but it's there. Knuckles look at the anxious mess of his companion. "Sonic, as your thera—"

"No, I am not doing this with you," Sonic interrupts, trying to keep his zealous composure. "I am Sonic the frickin' Hedgehog. I saved worlds, countless times...on screen. Talking to my brother would be easy peasy lemon squeezy. But, without the whole script reading stutters." He puffs as his hand fiddles with the door's handle. He has been saying this four times since they arrived her half an hour ago.

Knuckles had enough of his lollygagging as he awkwardly opens the car door for him and push him out. "You are actually frickin' slow, go!" He gives him a thumbs up and strained expression of "Just do it." His only fear that Sonic would just blast away with his sonic speed, leaving this whole operation to just failed. However, surprisingly, Sonic quick stepped into the building leaving the red echidna to imagine just how awfully funny this scene is going to play out.

Sonic ignores all signs of his anxiety running amok: his heart beating rapidly, his breathing stuttering, and his earnest desire to just run away. There is no reason why he should be feeling this. On the other hand, Sonic believes that his older brother should and would thank him for providing him with the opportunity to leave this rock he refers to as his home. Sonic never once even consider where he was living as he didn't concern him until today.

What a dump. He concludes after dashing up through the building to find his apartment suite. All Sonic has to do now is to simply ring on the doorbell and ask his brother if wanted to go to his audition. His brother would obviously decline and that's when Sonic will slip in his charm. About the salary or whatever. For some reason, Sonic actually wanted this plan to work…

For the manipulation, he reasons, and for payback. He sneers as he presses on the doorbell. He hears the rings echoes within the suite. He stands there patiently until another second past and his brother didn't open the door yet. His anxiety starts to rise, but Sonic foolishly thinks that his brother had the audacity to not open the door this late at night. It wasn't like someone like him was doing anything special? He obviously wasn't out on a date for obvious reasons.

Sonic immediately presses on the doorbell, repeatedly. Nothing. No answer. No call. Sonic fails to calm himself as he starts to bang on the door. His quick reflects balance out as he rapidly bangs and rings the doorbell. He is causing a ruckus outside, but he doesn't care. The neighbors should be just enamoured by having a famous person in their presence. This was a flawed excuse.

After the clamor, Sonic almost fall inward as the door whipped open to see his brother, Shadow the Hedgehog, confused and shocked to see that his younger brother is currently standing in hallway in front of his suite. All Sonic's plan flew out the window as...

Sonic figured out he was screwed.


Knuckles and Miles are thinking the same in their corresponding locations as they texted.

M: On a scale of one to ten, how much hope do you think he won't screw up?

K: fact u start the scale at 1 is 2 much hope