It had been a long week at the Wachowski house. Between Sonic accidentally short-circuiting the microwave (again), Knuckles attempting to “train” Ozzy with disastrous results, and Tails staying up late tinkering with gadgets, Maddie and Tom were frazzled. They stood by the front door now, Maddie smoothing out her dress while Tom straightened his tie.

“We need this,” Maddie said firmly, brushing a stray hair from Tom’s forehead. “One night. Just one night where we’re not referees for three over-energized boys and a dog.”

Tom laughed. “It’s not a lot to ask, right?”

In the living room, the boys were less convinced. Sonic zipped up to Maddie with a look of panic. “Wait, you’re leaving us? Like, leaving leaving?”

Tails hovered nearby, his tails twitching nervously. “Are you sure that’s safe? I mean, statistically, without you here—”

Knuckles crossed his arms, attempting to look stoic. “I do not require parental oversight. However, I question the wisdom of leaving them unsupervised,” he said, gesturing at Sonic and Tails.

Maddie held up a hand. “Relax. We’ve got someone to watch you.”

At that moment, the doorbell rang. Sonic’s ears perked up as Maddie opened the door, revealing the babysitter. She stepped inside, exuding calm confidence with an easy smile. She crouched to greet Ozzy, who wagged his tail furiously, and the boys froze.

Sonic’s jaw practically hit the floor. “Whoa,” he said under his breath, before zipping to her side. “Hi! I’m Sonic. You must be the babysitter. You’re...uh...wow. Cool! Really cool. Did I say that already?”

Tails shyly approached, nervously fiddling with his gloves. “I’m Tails. Uh, hi. Do you, um, know anything about aerodynamics? Or...mechanical engineering? Just curious!”

Knuckles, not one to be outdone, straightened to his full height and gave a small bow. “I am Knuckles, guardian of the Master Emerald. I require no supervision but will evaluate your skill as a protector.”