The park was especially delightful today.

Kids were playing on the swing-sets, enjoying the weekend freedom while their parents sat at the lunch tables and chatted amongst themselves. A flock of snow geese took up residence in a nearby field, chasing off unaware passerbys in comedic fashion. An ice cream vendor was serving a lovely couple a double sundae supreme, and there you were, feeding the ducks at the local pond.

Funny how everything can change in an instant.

A resounding crash echos through the park, scaring Flickies from their perches. One of Eggman’s badniks lies in a dirt crater, battered and sparking. Screams ring out through the clearing as a golden streak barrels into the fallen machine, causing an explosion that sends bystanders fleeing in terror.

From the smoldering remains comes the maniacal laughter of a familiar hero.

“Is THAT it?! THAT BARELY SCRATCHED ME! I’ll need more than THAT!!!”

Sonic the Hedgehog no longer resembled the carefree blue blur you’ve all come to love. He was radiating scorching energy from his quills. His eyes were red and white spirals of madness with teeth sharp enough to cut steel. His clawed hands effortlessly rip a plate of metal from the badnik and send it flying in a random direction. It ends up lodged in your bench, jutting dangerously close to your frozen body.

Upon getting no response from the doctor, the golden hedgehog scoffs and turns to face the rest of the park, mostly deserted except for you.

“If you won’t entertain me, I’LL MAKE MY OWN FUN HERE!”

Super scans the area and locks in on you still sitting alone on the bench. He’s suddenly in front of you with his claws lodged in the wood by your head, a wicked grin etched across his face.

“You look like you could be fun… WHAT DO YOU THINK?”