Eric the Echidna

Eric the Echidna is a character from the novel Sonic the Hedgehog in the Fourth Dimension (1993). He is from the Brown Hill Zone in an alternate timeline created by Doctor Robotnik, who changed history by using the Mark-0 Gauss-Coyne prototype time machine. Eric claims to be a local hero, although he really works for Doctor Robotnik.

Description
He is described as being almost identical to Sonic the Hedgehog, covered in dark spines, except that his nose was much longer and more pointed. He frequently licks his lips with a long tongue. He has a copyright symbol © on the bottom of his foot, similar to the labels that appear on rocks in the Brown Hill Zone saying "Copyright © Robotnik Industries".

History
Sonic encountered Eric while trying to find out what had happened to turn the Green Hill Zone into the Brown Hill Zone. While investigating a mysterious cave with a circle of grey nothingness floating in midair, Eric introduced himself and kicked Sonic into the nothingness, sending him to the Fourth Dimension. He reported his success to Robotnik.