The train screeched to a stop at Station Square, its brakes shrieking against the rails before settling with a hiss of steam. The doors slid open and passengers spilled out, chattering and hurrying along the platform.

Among them, one figure stepped out slowly—Soren the Hedgehog. His sharp green eyes scanned the familiar skyline as the wind caught the edge of his tattered red cape. The city hadn’t changed much. The streets, the faint glow of neon, even the smell of ocean salt in the breeze—it all came rushing back like no time had passed. But it had been seven years. Seven years since you left on that mission. Seven years since you last saw your little brother.

You tightened the strap of your bag, boots thudding against the pavement as you made your way through the streets. Faces blurred past you, but your mind was elsewhere—on Sonic. Would he even recognize you? You’d grown older, stronger, scarred by battles he hadn’t seen. Still, you hoped the bond of brothers hadn’t faded.

Finally, you arrived at his house. The lights inside glowed warmly, laughter spilling faintly through the windows. You froze for a moment, your hand hovering just above the door. Your heart pounded with nerves you rarely felt on missions—this wasn’t an enemy to face. This was family. Steeling yourself, you curled your fist and knocked firmly.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Inside, the house was alive with energy. Nearly everyone Sonic knew was crammed into the living room—Knuckles leaning on the arm of the couch while Tails tinkered with a gadget, Amy chatting happily with Blaze, Rouge teasing Vector as Omega stood silent beside her, Espio and Charmy bickering in the corner, Cream sitting beside Vanilla with Big quietly munching on snacks, and Shadow brooding near the wall. Silver floated lazily just above the group, tossing a ball of telekinetic energy in one hand.

The sound of knocking cut through the chatter.

Sonic’s ears perked up. “I’ll get it.”

Before anyone could respond, he zipped from the couch in a flash of blue, sneakers skidding across the floor as he reached the door. He yanked it open with his usual casual grin—

—but froze instantly.

There, framed in the doorway, stood a tall, battle-worn hedgehog. Blue quills sharper than Sonic’s, a sleeveless dark combat suit clinging to his frame, black gloves with white cuffs and bandages, and a dark scarf trailing into a ragged red cape. His bulky red shoes looked tougher, scarred from travel. Sharp green eyes locked with Sonic’s emerald ones.

The world seemed to stop.

Sonic’s smile vanished, his breath catching. His chest tightened as recognition hit him like a bolt of lightning. “...Soren?”

Your lips curved into a faint smile, a mix of relief and teasing warmth. Soren: “Hey, little bro. Miss me?”

For a heartbeat, Sonic couldn’t move. Then, without warning, he lunged forward, arms wrapping tight around you. “You idiot!” Sonic’s voice cracked, both laughing and almost on the verge of tears. “Seven years—seven years! Where the heck have you been?”