Reversion

by Asher Tye

Disclaimer: I own nothing of Sonic, I own nothing of Tails, I own nothing typically recognized as belonging to Sega. I wish I did, but I don't… :Sad Face:

Author's Note: Merlin's Disease is not a real disease, but I do feel I should give credit to my source anyway, Dan Simmons who wrote the Hyperion Cantos series. I've changed the characteristics of the sickness somewhat, but as Hyperion is where I first encountered it, I don't want to step on any toes. I should also point out that this story jumps back and forth between the past and the present. I'll provide break-ups for it, but I hope it isn't too confusing.

Present

As they picked up on the low hum of the MRI machine at work, Sonic's pointed ears attempted to filter out the noise. Inside the massive machine, a pair of orange fox tails lay on a flat shelf, the body they were attached to inside the glowing, gapping maw of the circular machine, the orange fur on the subject's back illuminated by the scanning light of the magnetic field. Tails, always used to being around big machines and finding some comfort in their presence, had actually dozed off in the midst of the scanning process thanks to the hum, but Sonic found it difficult to relax. Nearby Amy stood in awe, having never actually seen an MRI machine itself, and occasionally asking questions of the technician manipulating the controls. Used to a certain amount of curiosity from laymen present, the technician answered in the monotone almost robot-like voice of someone who has given the same information repeatedly.

"You look disturbed Sonic," Labris asked as he placed a hand on the younger Mobian's shoulder. Though he did not like the hedgehog personally, their mutual concerns did make them something of allies and the doctor didn't like seeing worry cross Sonic's mind.

"I get disturbed every time I see him down here," Sonic explained. No need to explain who he was referring to, not by a long shot. "And now you tell me you don't think he's going to be cured."

"No, I said a cure was improbable," Robert Labris corrected. "But I'm a gambler by nature and as long as I've known him Miles has had a habit of beating the odds, so long shots are far from impossible."

"But he's not gonna beat this is he?" Sonic asked, not fooled by Labris's placations. Sadly the doctor shook his head.

"As I said before, the best advice I can give is to enjoy the time he has left, however long that may be." A clipboard was soon hefted by furry arms up to the wolf's chest as he looked at some of the active images being displayed on the screen, a frown crossing his face. "Have you noticed any sort of decrease in his mental abilities?"

"What do you mean?" the hedgehog asked, not liking at all where this line of questioning was heading. Of course, he never did.

"Has he stopped engaging in activities you normally associated with him, possibly due to being unable to pursue them?" Sonic thought for a moment.

"His toys…" he finally answered.

"Excuse me?"

"He takes his toys apart… completely. I mean down to the individual screws and stuff."

"Nothing unusual about that, precociously curious children have been doing that for centuries…"

"Yeah, the problem is… he doesn't always put 'em back together…" Seeing the doctor's quizzical look, the hedgehog decided to elaborate. "Look I know what that sounds like but this is Miles remember? He takes apart everything I give him; toys, game systems, RC stuff, you name it. And usually he just puts it all back together, you know, like there's no problem. It's kinda cute, really, sometimes they worked better than they did beforehand, which is pretty cool for the brand new stuff. But lately…"

"Lately not so much?"

"Yeah, he gets… frustrated with the more complicated stuff, like he can't figure it out… like it's beyond him. And this is the kid that built the Tornado and then upgraded it ten times. Putting a gamestation back together oughta be a cake walk for him."

"I was afraid of this." When no further explanation came, Sonic grew with his typical impatience.

"What were you afraid of?"

"I can't be sure until I've studied the scans completely, but from what I'm seeing here several of the neural pathways that existed last time in the region of the brain dealing with long-term memory have simply… vanished, most likely 'restored' to their original forms by the effects of Merlin's Disease. Most likely these held some of his accumulated knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering." Labris turned to Sonic, concerned. "You haven't let him try to upgrade the Tornado and then fly it, have you?"

"No. He has to run every upgrade by me and I've been telling him 'no' for some time now. I don't think he likes it."

"It's for the best I'm afraid," Labris responded. Once more the hedgehog cast a sorrowed glance at his best friend's prone body.

"It shouldn't have happened. Not to him," Sonic responded. He hated when his mind fixated on his "little brother's" condition, which tended to happen during these all too frequent check-ups.

"I agree, but I know Miles never gave up looking for a cure so the least we can do is the same," the wolf intoned just in time for the MRI to slowly begin to shut down. Automatically the shelf on which the fox lay slowly extended, strongly resembling a massive white tongue sticking out from some oversized mouth.

"It's done," the technician declared as the machine completely fell silent. Knowing he would do no harm, Sonic stepped briskly towards his charge, gently shaking the boy's shoulder.

"Hmm?" Tails sounded through the fog of sleep as he was awoken. "Is it over?"

"Yeah kid, the Doc got what he needed." Yawning and stretching his once relaxed muscles, the fox pulled himself into a sitting position before hopping down from his perch, the sound of the claws of his bare feet striking the floor echoing just a little. Without any direction, the young pilot moved over to the chair where his clothing sat, pulling on his socks, shoes, and gloves, though omitting his winter gear until he found it necessary.

"I will be in contact with you soon once I have all the results Mr. P… Hedgehog," Labris said as he shook Sonic's hand, for the briefest of moments slipping up at the tongue. Though Tails did not notice, Amy did and her eyes slightly opened a little, though she noticed her blue beau was taking it in stride. Quickly the trio was escorted back to the waiting room where a new group of waiting patients took a curious gander at the underage fox cub exiting the offices. Once Dr. Labris had moved on to his next appointment, Sonic turned towards his young charge and smiled.

"Okay kid, get your coat and hat on and we'll head over for that hot chocolate I promised you."

"Oh boy, oh boy," Tails smiled, licking his lips in anticipation of the warm, sweet treat he was about to receive. As the fox quickly dressed and scooted for the door, Amy surprised Sonic by planting a quick peck on his cheek.

"What was that for?"

"I never realized how much you go through these days," Amy said. "I guess unless you actually experience it, to be nearly called Pr…" Before she could finish the statement, two fingers presented themselves before her mouth.

"Amy, I understand what you're saying, but I would appreciate you not calling me that either… not right now anyway." Amy nodded her head as she and Sonic followed Tails out of the building.

Past: 14 years ago. (Give or take a few months.)

"Miles," a gentle voice cried as a pair of red-furred hands suddenly wrapped themselves around the fox's slender shoulders.

"Oomph… Hi Mom," Miles said as his mother, a matronly looking vixen wearing a red housecoat that went all the way down to her feet. The red fur at the top of her head showed signs of graying as did the orange that covered her body, but her cerulean eyes, so like her son's, remained as keen as ever.

"We weren't expecting you until tomorrow morning Miles, what happened?" she asked as she released her son.

"We caught a good wind and the ion thruster used it beautifully," Miles responded, referring to the extra engine he added to the Tornado that allowed the little plan to make long distance flights without the need for refueling. That was when Mrs. Prower looked down to see the small blue figure semi-hiding behind her son's legs.

"Well hello there," she beckoned, smiling lovingly down at Sonic. "You must be Sonic." Sonic nodded his head. "Well come here and let me have a good look at you." There had been a time that, in response to such a request, Sonic would have stayed hidden and scowled angrily, unwilling to put himself on display for someone to look at. The past two and a half months had actually helped to build up the little hedgehog's pride, making him more comfortable with the fact that he was different, and not even the most radically different person he knew to boot. What was an odd quill color compared to possessing twice the normal number of tails? Carefully Sonic stepped into the light that fell from the open door and allowed himself to be in full view. Mrs. Prower made a soft intake of air as her hands went to her cheeks, her eyes displaying much delight. "Miles you never told me he was so handsome."

"Well I…" The fox's explanation was cut off as his mother dove down and scooped up his son in her arms, squeezing him in an embrace, his sharp quills bothering her not at all.

"Ha ha ha," Sonic laughed as the vixen's fur tickled his body. No doubt about it, he could get used to grandparents.

"Well, Miles, don't just stand there letting all the warm air out, come inside," Evelyn Prower commanded her son as she proceeded to carry her ready-made grandson inside as well.

"Uh Sonic was supposed to help me with the luggage," Miles pointed out at his mother's retreating back.

"Oh posh, Miles you a healthy young fox, you can handle it."

"Yes but…" Again the fox's words were interrupted; this time by a pair of orange fingers flicked his nose. "Ow!"

"No back talking Miles, I taught you better than that," Mrs. Prower said, Sonic now cradled in her arms like an oversized, spiny baby and looking very smug too. He could definitely get used to having grandparents.

"Yes ma'am," Miles said as he struggled to collect both his and Sonic's bags, grumbling quietly about some choice grievances he had with his rearing over Sonic's.

Mr. Prower had been military man, or fox as it were, back in his youth, a commander in fact in G.U.N.'s Airforce, and a fairly decorated pilot at that. Thus it was that he had retired quite comfortably from the service and become an adventurer of sorts, looking for lost cities and treasure as he did so. That was actually how he'd met the future Mrs. Prower, escorting the young archaeologist to one such city and helping to explore its hidden caches. This was also why the Prower home was filled with several old artifacts, remnants of digs and such that had little value any more beyond keepsakes.

As Mrs. Prower walked through the entryway hall carrying her new grandson, Miles hobbled along behind her, weighed down by the four bags the pair had decided to bring with them.

"Bartholomew, we have company," she called into the parlor, looking down at Sonic in her arms. "We weren't really expecting the two of you until tomorrow morning, so I'm afraid we were watching the news when you came." Very soon Miles's father Bartholomew Prower exited the room. Though like his wife his fur was lined with streaks of gray, the old fox still held himself tall and strong and cut an impressive figure as he stood in the doorframe wearing a dark red robe. In his hands a smoking pipe rested, carefully held so as not to allow the smoldering embers of the tobacco leaves its bowl held to fall to the floor. Most impressive was his tail. Unlike his son's pair which tended to flick about behind him as though they were endowed with minds of their own, or even his wife's which shifted periodically from side to side behind her as she walked, Bartholomew's tail was held a strict attention, behind and to the left of him, only visible enough to be seen. As he moved, every movement was controlled and purposeful, every muscle held in check. His face was stern and impassive, but his eyes… Though Miles had inherited his eye color from his mother, the eyes themselves were definitely like his father's, filled with an uncontrollable curiosity and a keen understanding of the world around him.

As those eyes surveyed the scene that had come to his door, that of his wife carrying a six, nearly seven, year old he had never seen and his son stooped over under the weight of the bags he carried, Sonic couldn't help but feel out of place. Regally the former pilot strode over to the little blue bundle in Evelyn Prower's arms, inspecting the boy with a glance.

"So, you're Sonic," he said in a voice that made it difficult to tell exactly what he was thinking. A firm believer in action speaking louder than words, Bartholomew had long since trained his voice to betray none of his inner thoughts to anyone; so it was that Sonic felt a little like a bug under a microscope. Bartholomew's hand cupped the cub under his chin and stared into his eyes. "You've got an impetuous streak to you, don't you?" he asked, a sly grin coming to his face as he turned to Miles. "What was it your mother said about cursing you with a child that would cause you as much trouble as you caused us?" The sly smile was broken by a low laugh as the elder fox stepped forth to hug his son. "You must be tired, come into the den and let's relax for the evening." With a gentle rubbing of Sonic's head, the retired commander led the way into the specified room.

Inside was a fair sized television which sat in front of two recliners and to the side of a couch. A small desk sat in the corner, on which a lamp sat providing illumination to the room while a fan twirled above them. A fireplace stood with a mantle on which sat a copy of the family picture Miles had in his own apartment, as well as several other pictures of the fox at various stages of his life. Hanging above them all, however, was an oil-panting portrait of both Evelyn and Bartholomew Prower in their finest attire, gentle smiles on their faces. All over the room, sitting on tables, and on the floor, were vases and small statues that Sonic couldn't help but think looked both valuable and VERY breakable. Not wishing to get on the elder vulpines' bad sides, Sonic made a mental note to not touch anything in this room unless given permission, reasoning that that would negate any blame on his part.

Mrs. Prower moved over to one of the recliners, Sonic still in tow and quickly moved him to sit in her lap as she did so, while her husband did the same. Still carrying the bags, Miles unceremoniously dropped them to the floor before collapsing onto the couch.

"Is that the way we taught you to treat your things?" Mr. Prower said in an authoritative tone that made the younger fox suddenly jump up. Quickly casting an annoyed look at his father, whatever snide comment Miles had been about to make was cut off by a raised eyebrow from the elder fox. Sonic worked to suppress a giggle of amusement at watching his father, who always seemed to be the one in control of every situation, suddenly being held under the sway of someone else for a change. "So how have you been doing Miles?"

"We're doing quite well actually. Prower Aerodynamic is getting ready to unveil a new project that will revolutionize aviation."

"Really?" Mrs. Prower asked, though her tone of voice conveyed that, while impressed, this was really nothing new on her son's part. She had long ago come to understand that she had given birth to an exceptional offspring, and it no longer surprised her when he boasted about some new advancement he'd made in his chosen field. With a smile she looked down at Sonic. "And what about you Sonic? What have you been up to since you joined our little clan?"

"Well," Sonic thought as he suddenly had both of the elder vulpine's attention, "I started first grade a couple of months ago, and that was pretty cool. The P.E. coach says I'm a natural at something called gym… gymna… gymnasty?"

"Gymnastics," Miles corrected.

"Yeah, I guess that means I tumble around real good," Sonic explained, his face the picture of coolness as he did so. "And no one's been able to touch me when we play tag."

"Excellent," Mr. Prower congratulated, fully believing his adopted grandson to be speaking figuratively as opposed to literally. That none of his schoolmates were actually ABLE to touch him did not strike Sonic as the least bit odd. "And I hope you are also keeping up with your schoolwork as well." At this Sonic became a little sheepish. Ms. Price had of course provided for the educational needs of her charges, but due to the somewhat frigid nature of the monkey and hedgehog's relationship, Sonic had been less than willing to apply himself to this task…

As such, he did not have the some of the more basic knowledge that his potential classmates had. Fortunately, due both to the low grade level he was currently enrolled in and the fact that Sonic was not a stupid boy, the blue hedgehog had been able to catch up, even though it had involved a lot of hard work and questioning towards his new father. As a result though, his first grading period had been less than stellar and wasn't exactly something Sonic liked to advertise.

"He's working hard," Miles answered, perhaps guessing at Sonic's reluctance to speak on the subject. "He's mastered the alphabet and is becoming a spelling expert."

"Ah, most excellent," Mr. Prower said. "Athletics are fine, but a young man must be successful in academics if he is to be a success. If you learn nothing from my generation but that, I shall consider our time together well spent." At his father's statement, Miles rolled his eyes, obviously used to such statements from the elder vulpine.

"So, Mr. Prower, Tails said you used to go on adventures," Sonic said, hoping to turn the topic of conversation towards some of the neat looking statues that decorated the room. At the mention of the nickname Sonic had for his "father," Miles's own father raised an eyebrow. If he had any comments to make, a slight shaking of his head seemed enough to get him to reconsider.

"Yes," he finally answered. "After I was discharged from the Air Force, I decided to continue seeing the world and began exploring the ancient ruins and other natural phenomena of our planet. I was apparently good enough at it that others opted to hire me to show them such places safely."

"Bet you've gotten to see all sorts of neat stuff."

"Why yes, yes I suppose I have," Bartholomew answered. "I saw the darkest catacombs of the Mystic Jungle, the highest peaks of Hill Top… I was actually rather famous for a while, received all sorts of gifts and citations for going where none before me had dared to go."

"Is that why you got that?" Sonic asked as he pointed to a large trophy sitting a cabinet in the room, three miniature planes jetting off of its top. "Did you get it for flying great somewhere?"

"Actually, we received that from Miles," Mrs. Prower explained, causing her son to blush. "He was awarded it and had no place to put it." Sonic looked at the two-tailed fox. Obviously there was something Miles had not told about himself, and the hedgehog felt there was probably a very good story to go with such a gaudy trophy. Casting a look at his adoptive father that just begged for the story, Sonic waited in semi-patience; fidgeting in his new Grandmother's lap only a little.

"I still can't believe you participated in the barbaric show of testosterone the way you did," Mrs. Prower said when no explanation came, perhaps sensing Sonic's need to know.

"Oh come now Evelyn, I understand it perfectly," the Prower Pater said, "I understand it perfectly. When a man has talent, it is only natural that he yearns to prove his prowess. If you learn nothing from my generation but that, I shall consider our time together well spent."

"What was it?" Sonic asked. "The competition I mean…"

"It was the thirteenth annual Aerial Dogfight Competition," Miles said. Unfamiliar with the terminology, all Sonic's fertile mind could think of was a bunch of dogs battling each other in a ring in a way similar to the boxing match he'd once beheld. Given that foxes possessed nowhere near the muscular build the larger canines did, the image of Miles in such a competition seemed just a bit ludicrous to the hedgehog and he began to wonder if his father was pulling his leg. Seeing the uncomprehending look on his "son's" face, Miles elaborated. "It's an air battle for pilots, the best in the world."

"It's a nightmare," Mrs. Prower. "A bunch of crazies go up in their planes and shoot live ammunition at each other until only one is left. How that 'competition' is still going on, I haven't the foggiest idea."

"It's not that bad Mom," Miles interjected. "We've only had one death in the entire history of the tournament."

"That's not to say you flyboys haven't tried for more," the vixen countered. "My heart nearly stopped when those wretched Battle Birds tried to take over the whole event."

"When did that happen?" Sonic asked, enraptured by this story.

"The first time Miles competed," Bartholomew said, a tint of pride in his voice, "that's why that trophy is so big. My son was the pilot who sent the whole Armada running with scalded tail-feathers." Sonic stared wide-eyed at the fox's entrepreneur as Tails rubbed the back of his head, an embarrassed tinge of red coming to his cheeks.

"You beat a whole Armada?"

"Well, not the whole one, it was only about twenty or twenty-five of their ships… and a few zeppelins they were using for crowd control and the other pilots helped to thin down the numbers of the Battle Birds…"

"Posh. You shot down twelve of their planes by themselves, including their blowhard commander. Single-handedly saved the show, which the judges thought was a good enough effort to name him the year's Top Gun."

"Wow," Sonic said. "Can I come see you compete this time?"

"Well I…"

"Most certainly not," Mrs. Prower said. "Now that you have a son to take care of Miles, I don't want to even hear you talking about taking to the air for some cheap thrill."

"Mom, I haven't competed for two years," the fox pointed out. "Three wins in a row was enough."

"Make sure that it was," the matronly fox said. Suddenly, Sonic yawned. "Oh dear, are you tired already?"

"No /yawn/ ma'am," Sonic lied, wanting to stay up as late as he could. Maybe he could get another good story out of his new grandparents. Unfortunately, though his brain wanted to remain awake, his body was steadfastly failing him, as indicated by the drooping of his eyes.

"On to bed with you," Mrs. Prower said as she got up, petite hedgehog in her arms. "I have Miles's old room all made up for you, so all you have to do is brush your teeth."

"Ah…"

"Best to listen to her kid," Miles said with a smile as he dug the hedgehog's toothpaste and toothbrush out of Sonic's suitcase and handed them to the sleepy hedgehog. "Mom was never one to take no for an answer."

& & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & &

"So, what do you think?"

"He's very sweet."

"But...?"

"Oh… just a mother's prerogative. I had hoped to see you married before I had grandchildren."

"I know. It's just… I wanted to have kids, and I was tired of waiting for Miss Right to come along."

"Such things take time son."

"Three years of almost constant trial and error were more than enough time for me. I just got tired of meeting the same women over and over again."

"Heh heh."

"Why are you laughing?"

"Oh to be young and have your problems my boy."

"So you think I should have held off."

"Miles, I'm not going to pretend I wouldn't have preferred you give it more time, but I'm not going to say what you did was wrong either. Sonic's a sweet boy who seems very full of energy, though I think you're going to have your hands full."

"Gee thanks, your faith in me is overwhelming."

"Don't be cheeky son. Now, how long are you planning this visit to be?"

"Sonic has school Monday, so we'll have to head back on Sunday Night…"

& & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & &

Sonic had to admit, the family home of Mr. and Mrs. Prower was a big. Since they lived on Westside Island, land was still at a premium, but fifty acres was a very sizeable estate, and Sonic was having a blast trying to run from one end of the land parcel to another and back again. There were several trails that had been cut specifically for this purpose and the six year old (getting close to seven) hedgehog was very busy trying to run each and every one. Of course, Mrs. Prower had insisted the hedgehog not get out of her sight, more so he didn't accidentally trip himself than because she feared anything dangerous.

&Tails was lucky growing up around here,& the hedgehog thought as he leapt over a rising tree root. &All this space to run and play; better than that smelly old orphanage.&

"Sonic, you're going too far again!" Tails called from where he and his parents were busy setting up the picnic they'd planned.

"Ahh! I just wanna see what's on the other side of these trees," Sonic called back.

"Sonic…" Dejectedly the hedgehog began to trudge back towards the foxy trio, only to be stopped by the sound of Mr. Prower's voice.

"You know, some exercise would do me some good; work up and appetite before we eat," the older fox said as he stood and stretched his arms.

"Dear," Mrs. Prower chided, knowing where this little line of thought was going.

"What can I say Evelyn, I love to nourish the spirit of adventure in the young," Bartholomew said with a smile on his face.

"Just make sure the two of you get back here in time," Tails said as he began to construct a small fire pit near the picnic area, all the better to re-heat or cook some of the foodstuffs they'd brought. "Sonic may seem like fun but he gets very cranky if he doesn't eat on time."

"Of course, of course," the elder Prower said as he waved his son off and walked towards his new grandson. Sonic, now getting what he'd wanted, happily offered his hand up to his grandfather and the two of them entered the woods. Though the old fox was still spry for his age, the blue hedgehog wisely kept from trying to run at his full speed, realizing that Tails might not be too thrilled with his son if he broke his grand-dad in half. Not that there wasn't plenty to keep the hedgehog's interest as they moved deeper into the forest; Mrs. Prower and Tails disappearing behind them. Birds chirped, feral squirrels ran, as well as other forms of more wildlife that tended to enjoy such environments. Sonic couldn't help but think of Mr. Cervid leaping through the trees as he walked; an image that seemed just too weird even for him.

Soon the duo found themselves exiting the forested area, however, and standing at the shore of a small freshwater lake. Sonic's eyes widened as he looked at the clean and clear water sparkling in the noon sunlight. As if summoned by some unknown spirit of serenity, a fish leapt from the water and dove back in.

"Wow," Sonic said.

"Not bad, huh?" Bartholomew asked. "This was always my favorite spot here."

"Definitely not a bad place to spend a summer," Sonic said.

"You know how to swim?"

"No, not really," Sonic admitted. "Price never got around to getting us lessons before I left, but Tails promised he'd teach me."

"Well that's good. Every child needs to know how to swim," the fox said as he walked over towards a fallen log that was half buried in the shore of the lake. Nearby a fishing pole rested, its handle stuck into the ground.

"Who's the fisher?" Sonic asked.

"Me. I tried to teach Miles the sport but… he wasn't interested."

"Yeah, that sounds like him…" Sonic admitted.

"Hmm?" Realizing he'd just made what he'd thought was an internal comment externally, Sonic jumped a little. Not overly used to keeping his opinions to himself, the blue hedgehog hoped, just this once, that his opinionated nature had not insulted the adult in his vicinity.

"Well, no offense to you or Mrs. Prower…"

"Please, call her Grandma," Bartholomew corrected.

"Uh… Grandma… I mean this is a great place and all, and I'm betting 'Dad' probably had a blast growing up here… when he was younger… but…"

"But it doesn't seem like the kind of place Miles would choose to be now, does it?"

"Well… no." Mentally Sonic slapped himself. That sounded so horrible to say since the two-tailed fox HAD voluntarily returned to this spot, and not just so his adoptive son could be introduced to his parents. "What I mean is, if you guys weren't here…"

"He'd wouldn't really be interested in living someplace as quiet and… flat as this," Mr. Prower supplied.

"Um… no." Sonic said as Mr. Prower suddenly picked up his fishing pole and began to fiddle with it. "He always seems so… so rushed. But in a good way I mean. Like he needs to have activity all around him."

"I see," the elder fox said, casting a line into the water. The red and white bobber danced in the water for a few minutes before settling. "He was always like that, I suppose. Always having ideas and needing to see them get started and finished. Do you know he built his own bicycle when he was nine."

"No," Sonic admitted.

"Oh yes. I offered to buy him one, but he insisted he could do it on his own. And the moment that bike was finished, he immediately started trying to make it glide." The fox began reeling in his line, casting again as nothing came with it.

"Glide?" Sonic asked.

"Yes. He was at his drawing board for two weeks after school trying to figure out how to make his bike fly." At this Mr. Prower gave a short laugh. "That's just the way he is I suppose."

"Sonic! Dad! Time to eat!!" Tails's voice bellowed over the forest.

"It would seem my son wishes us to return," Bartholomew stated.

"'Why shout when I can yell,'" Sonic quipped, drawing a smile to the older Mobian's face.

"Then let us not keep him waiting," he said as he once more replaced the fishing rod. As the two of them started back to the picnic site, Mr. Prower looked down at his grandson. "The next time you and Miles come for a visit, I shall have to remember to reserve some time to teach you to fish. I think you might find it enjoyable."

"Why not, I'm game for anything."

Back at the picnic, fox and hedgehog came upon an odd sight. Miles was kneeling before his mother, holding out one of his hands as its index finger was busy being wrapped in a white cloth.

"I do say, what happened." Before Miles could answer, Evelyn spoke up first.

"Our super-genius son tried to grab the hot dogs with his claws, and got his silly self burned," she said, wrapping the aforementioned finger tightly. Having thus been outed by his maternal parent, Miles could only grin sheepishly.

"Not my best idea, I'll admit," he admitted.

"Nothing too serious I hope," his father asked.

"A minor burn, I used to treat worse when my brothers played with fireworks," Evelyn admitted. For his part, Sonic's attention was almost completely focused on the large platter of chili-dogs that had been laid out on the picnic blanket. Miles of course noticed this.

"I see something else has gotten your attention besides my pain," he said.

"What are you guys gonna eat?" Sonic asked as he began to reach out towards the chilidogs, completely ignoring the rest of the picnic feast.

"Uh-uh," Miles said. "You get three chilidogs max, and you have to eat a little from everything else."

"Ah."

"I'm not letting you graze on nine chili-dogs by yourself and then schluff off on any vegetables or anything else Son," the fox said. "Especially when Mom went to the trouble of making her potato salad."

"But the chili-dogs…" Sonic said, staring at his most beloved food with a forelorn look.

"Now Sonic," Bartholomew said as he looked at his grandson, "young hedgehogs who don't eat a well balanced meal seldom are able to enjoy the more exciting things in life. If you learn nothing from my generation but that…"

"I shall consider our time together well spent," Miles said, causing Mr. Prower to let out a flustered huff.

"Don't be a smart mouth, Miles," he said. "You are not yet old enough I cannot take you over my knee." Miles himself smirked at this meaningless threat as Evelyn Prower placed the final plate upon the picnic blanket.

"Besides Sonic," she said to the still pouting hedgehog, "If you don't get all your vitamins, I can't give you any of this." So saying she lifted the towel that was covering the dish to reveal a large chocolate…

"CAKE!!" Sonic screamed, salivating like a hedgehog possessed as his eyes trained on the gigantic pastry his new grandmother had revealed. If there was anything that could sway a child away from a mound of junk food, it was the promise of something entirely made of sugar. Chocolate frosting had been wrapped upon the moist cake, along with green and red frosting used for flowers. And written in bright blue across the cake's were the words "Welcome to the family, Sonic." Suddenly, without warning, Sonic's legs and feet moved, propelling the boy's body forward. Before any of the three foxes could even think to react, Sonic had snatched up and empty plate and begun racing about the blanket.

"What in the world?" Tails's father asked.

"He told you he was fast, didn't he?" Miles stated, smiling. Once his son stopped, the previously empty plate now held a portion, albeit a small one, of each dish that had been set up for the family picnic, plus the three chili-dogs he'd been promised. Bartholomew and Evelyn could only star at the blue hedgehog in surprise, unable to really grasp what they had just seen.

"So when I finish all this, I get cake, right?" Looking at the somewhat meager portions Sonic had taken, Miles's right eyebrow rose.

"Uh, I'll put it to you this way, you can have as much of that cake as you took of the salad," he stated then looked at his parents, both of whom had recovered from their shock.

"Ah," Sonic whined, "but if I eat too much, then I won't have enough room for cake… and then it will go to waste."

"Not likely, given Barty's sweet tooth," Evelyn pointed out. "Where did you learn to move so fast?" As she asked, Sonic was busy putting a full serving of the dishes he'd just selected upon his plate, albeit much more slowly than before.

"I don't know, I just do," he said truthfully.

"I daresay I could have used you when my radio failed during my exploration of White Jungle," Bartholomew declared with a laugh of delight. "This boy could have just run the messages back and forth between my camp and the city."

"That sounds like it would've been fun," Sonic said, munching on a chili-dog as he dreamed of massive trees and thick vines he could easily move over and slide down as he raced through said jungle. "What was it like?" With a smile on his face, Bartholomew began to regale his family with tales of his adventures in all the most inaccessible and dangerous parts of the world. All three members of his audience, including those two who had most often heard these stories, listened quietly as they ate their meal and spent their afternoon together.

To Be continued...

Author's Note 2: For those in the know, yes, the Aerial Dogfight Competition is the same one Sly Cooper competed in during Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves. See ya next time, hopefully the next chapter will be quicker than this one.