Over cocoa, Tails discussed the family's situation while the children focused on their meal.

"Ravenous little rascals, aren't they?"

"I'm sorry. They're usually well-behaved. We haven't had a decent meal in weeks."

"Don't apologize. I'd be the same way."

"Where are your folks if you don't mind me asking?"

"My brother's got his own place a good ways off. Never really knew my parents. I was abandoned as a cub because of my deformity."

"You mean your tails?"

"Yeah. As you can probably imagine, there aren't many foxes around with two tails."

"But I don't understand. How can you afford such a nice home? Is your brother affluent?"

"We both are, actually. Miles is my real name, but most people call me Tails."

"Wait...You wouldn't happen to be Tails Prower, would you...?"

"In the flesh."

"Then that would mean your brother is..."

"Looks like I've been found out."

"My goodness. Such a small world."

"it's a good thing I found you out there. I doubt you would've lasted much longer in the elements, especially when winter came."

"I suppose you're curious why we were there. It's not a particularly exciting story. Marital and financial issues led to a world-shattering end. You've heard it all before."

"Your troubles are over. We'll take care of you now."

"You really are a kind soul. We were right to put our trust in you."

"Just doin' what comes naturally. Feel free to stay as long as you like. When you're ready, we'll find you a place in town and take out a mortgage."

"I can't ask you for such a thing! You've done so much already!"

"No one suffers under my eyes. Most of us aren't like humans. We have a built-in sense of morality and ethics. Honestly, it makes me wonder how they consider themselves the evolved species."

"I see. You feel resentment towards them for their cruelty, don't you...?"

"I try not to, but some days it gets to me, and I can't fight it off. This must be how Shadow feels. He doesn't want to be evil, but it's the only way he knows how to fight evil."

"You're very wise. Perhaps you should consider therapy? Maybe it'll help you work through some of that anger."

"I think you're right. I'll see if I can find something locally and schedule an appointment."

"Can I tell you a secret?"

"I'm all ears."

"I think you'll become a great hero someday - maybe even greater than Sonic. I can tell you're different. You're introspective and thoughtful. Brain matters as much as brawn when you're fighting for something you believe in."

"I'm not doing this for praise or recognition. How others think of me makes little difference in the long run. It's nice to have people in my life who care, but it's what I think of myself that will ultimately matter on my deathbed."

"Morbid, but you're right."

"Anyway, you guys should get some rest. Can't enjoy the lap of luxury without a proper night's sleep."

"I guess it's true. Luck really can change on a dime."

"And this time, we won't let it change back."

"By the way, I don't think I told you my name. It's Maira. These are my sons: Ian, John, and Kyle."

"Well, Ms. Maira, I believe this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Once you're all settled into your new place, maybe I can drop by for juice and cookies sometime."

"I'd like that."

Down in the basement, Tails let loose, shredding and headbanging to Breakdown of Sanity's junior album, Perception. Raw emotion tore through his veins like fire, letting him know he was on the righteous path. Nothing would stop him from changing the world for the better, and that change would start within...

"HE'S CLOSE TO YOU, SO CLOSE TO YOU! REACH OUT YOUR HAND! OPEN YOUR EYES! WHAT MADE YOU NOT CHANGE YOUR MIND FOR SO LONG!?

That's right...

...The hero is you..."