Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“There's nothing better than laying on the beach, soaking in the sun, and relaxing on such a beautiful day,” Sonic said, eyes filled with undeniable warmth, and patted the spot next to him, “Come on Mets, this is one of your lessons.”

Metal dutifully obeyed, the sand dipping under his weight as he sat close to his organic counterpart, their arms brushing. He was aware he was too close, invading the ‘personal space’ concept Tails had explained to him once. But Sonic never minded. Metal knew he did not. He found himself once again thankful for their mind connection. 

I did not think you would partake in such leisure activities, Metal remarked, It is out of character for someone like you.

“Just because I’m the fastest thing alive doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a lazy day,” Sonic replied before raising an eye ridge, “I thought we agreed no more jedi talk until you get used to your voice.”

Childishly, Metal thought of giving Sonic the silent treatment. He did not like his voice. It was a higher pitch than he would have liked.

“Mets,” Sonic said exasperatedly, clearly sensing his disdain, “I like your voice.”

Metal decided he will not reply. Immediately, he felt a rush of satisfaction when Sonic spoke to him mentally.

The silent treatment doesn’t work when I can just talk to you in your mind. And seriously? I thought you were supposed to be the more mature one between us.

I am mature, Metal retorted, I do not build sand castles.

You enjoy sand castles as much as I do, Sonic then smiled softly, the kind Metal often found himself staring at for too long, I really do like your voice and I find it absolutely shameful I can’t hear it out loud.

Worst part of it was, Metal could feel Sonic was being sincere despite the teasing. 

“I suppose I shall entertain you,” Metal responded, the voice only a tad higher pitch than Sonic’s, and felt an ecstatic warmth from Sonic. A warmth Metal coveted. He liked it when Sonic sent him such happy emotions, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

“There we go,” Sonic grinned, pleased with himself, “Now, back to our lesson. It’s important to note that your mind should be clear of all troubles. After all, what’s the point of this if you’re just a worry wart."

“What is a worry wart?” 

“It means someone who lives and breathes stress. Not literally, just metaphorically.”

Metal filed away the new term and definition. Due to his original purpose of a killer robot, much of his database was lacking. A fact quickly remedied by Sonic and Tails.

“I see. One must be in a state of complete tranquility for this. Is this like stargazing?”

“Yup! Think of this as the day time version of it.”

Metal laid there for a few moments, listening to the hedgehog’s quiet breathing and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The sky was clear blue, without a sign of white fluff, and the sun shone brightly at them.

Eventually, he spoke, “I think I like stargazing more. That is not to say I do not like this, but I prefer looking at stars than the sun. I can see the constellations at night too.”

“I get what you mean. I personally can’t choose one, both are pretty nice in their own way,” Sonic brought his arms behind his head, “I take it you wanna go stargazing tonight?”

Metal hesitated briefly but copied his counterpart’s action. The position was slightly uncomfortable and if he had a mouth, he would have frowned. Instead, he beeped in displeasure and resolved to just cross his arms. Sonic chuckled, but it was not mocking or teasing. It was fondness.

“Yes, I would like to go stargazing,” Metal then looked around, noting the long absence of a certain two-tailed fox, “I thought Tails would have been back by now.”

Sonic sat up, face slightly troubled, “The kid can handle himself,” but he still stood up, “I’m gonna go look for him anyways. He does tend to wander too far if he’s daydreaming.”

“I check East and you check West?” Metal prompted.

Sonic nodded, “Let’s meet back in half an hour."

With that, Sonic took off in a blur. A manner befitting of an older worried brother. One Metal shared. Even if it were not for their linked mind, he quite enjoyed the fox’s presence. He also found he was more patient than Sonic was when Tails was too hyper. Additionally, the young fox was a genius and despite his young age, was a brilliant inventor and capable of fixing and flying a plane. They speak often of the mechanics of machines and Metal’s own hardware. Like his own voice chip. Tails had it installed for him. 

Still, Tails was young. Metal took off in the opposite direction, his thrusters working at low speed, calling out the fox’s name in the highest volume he could manage, and maximizing his auditory sensors for the slightest noise of the yellow fox. He made sure to search extensively for every small crevice and cave of the island. He had made it to the other side when his auditory sensory picked up distressed yelling and he swiftly changed course towards where the yelling came from.

When he came into view, yellow fur stood out against a large slab of rock. But there was a small crevice between the grey rock. And stuck deep in the crevice was one of the fox’s legs.

Tails was sobbing, eyes teary and red, and called out in relief, “Metal! I’m stuck! I can’t get out! I tried everything!”

Metal did not like to see Tails cry and he swiftly attempted to console the sobbing fox.

“Do not fret, I will get you out,” Metal said firmly and was glad he had not dulled his claws yet for he lunged towards the rock, claws easily breaking away the material, cracks coming apart. He kept at it until the gap widened and finally, Tails was able to free his trapped leg.

Just as Metal began to stand up, Tails had jumped him, arms wrapping itself around his chassis. Unprepared for the action, he stumbled and fell on his back.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much!” Tails cried out, “I was so scared I was going to be stuck there all night!”

“That is ridiculous,” Metal said and unsure of what else to do, returned the embrace awkwardly and patted the fox’s back, “Sonic and I would have noticed your absence, just as we did right now.”  

Tails sniffed and gave him a wobbly smile, “Yeah that’s right. You guys came out to find me.”

Tails stood up and held out a hand to him. Metal stared at it. 

“Oh! I’m offering my hand to help you stand up,” the fox explained.

Metal should have figured that out. Sonic had done the same. Back then, with the lava.

Regardless, he was careful not to accidentally scratch the fox with his claws and let the younger one help him to his feet.

“Sonic is looking for you on the other side of the island. We should go back home and let him know you’re fine.”

“Right! Let’s go!”

Before Tails could take another step, Metal had swiftly picked up Tails under his arm. The fox yelped in surprise but did not resist as Metal powered up his thrusters and took off.

He was in the same spot as before. He gently settled the fox down, who had a bright smile on his face.

“Boy, that never gets old! It’s just like with Sonic! Really fast!”

“But I am faster.”

“Yeah-” and Tails abruptly cut himself off, puffing his chest, “That’s not true. Sonic’s beaten you in all three races!”

Maybe before, he would have felt frustrated. Angered. But all he felt now was a motivated ambition. Just as Sonic was competitive, so too was he. Even if Sonic would continue to win, Metal will still give it his all not to make it easy. He was rather proud when all three races had Sonic huffing at the finish line, crossing it mere milliseconds before he did. Metal was created with Sonic’s life data after all, his speed was nothing to laugh at.

Nonetheless, Metal was finding amusement in the slip-ups Tails would say. A humor he shared with his organic counterpart.

“You are correct. But there will be many races in the foreseeable future and I do not give up easily.”

“Don’t I know it,” Tails said, “You know, I’m really glad you’re with us Metal. You like the same things I like! And you make Sonic really happy too!”

Metal’s motors whirled slightly. He felt joy to hear that. Tails’ acceptance and the reason for Sonic’s abundant happiness.

"Thank you," and he truly meant it. It had only been two weeks, three days, and nine hours since that fateful day Sonic pulled him from the lava. He was out of commission for several days but Tails had managed to repair him as best as he could.

Understandably, the young fox was wary and fearful of him initially. But after several days of Metal learning anything and everything he could, the fox had quickly opened up, eager to explain concepts Sonic would struggle at. It was why it was gratifying to hear the fox has accepted his presence in their life.

Suddenly, Metal felt a pull in his mind, a warmth washing over him coupled with relief. He tilted his head, sending back his own wave of content. It was only recently that he learned their emotions could be sensed even if apart from the hedgehog, a new development certainly, for Metal had not had that back when he thought Sonic was destroyed. Exactly how far apart that extended though, he was uncertain.

In a blur of blue, Sonic stood before Tails, hands on his hips, “What took you so long kid? We were starting to worry.”

“I didn’t mean to worry you or Metal,” Tails bit his lips, ashamed, “I wasn’t watching where I was going and my leg got stuck! I couldn’t fly away or do anything! I’m really sorry Sonic.”

Sonic swiftly ruffled the fox’s fur in between the ears, “Hey bud, that’s nothing to apologize for. Metal found you anyways, so it’s all good. Just be careful next time, yeah?”

Tails nodded vigorously, “I’ll be super duper careful!”

Sonic smiled at the young fox. Metal stared again. The difference was minuscule but he could tell this was a different smile. It was one of fondness too but it was unlike the one Sonic gave him. Perhaps because Tails was his little brother, a smile meant for family and the one Metal had was one of deep friendship. 

Matter solved, Metal followed them inside the broken airplane as they spoke of lunch.

~

Later, when they can both hear the soft snores of the young fox from inside the airplane, Sonic had taken a dark green blanket, spread it out on top of the plane, and invited Metal to sit with him. Their arms once again brushed and their hands laid next to each other. 

For some reason, Metal had a… want? A longing? He was not sure how to describe it. He just knew he would have liked to hold Sonic’s hand. He was unsure of how to ask of it.

“Something’s troubling you,” Sonic piped up, “Come on, fess up. What is it?”

“What does it mean when you wish to hold someone’s hand?” Metal asked instead.

Sonic paused, “I guess it means you like that person.”

That was an easy answer to comprehend. Metal did like Sonic. 

“May I hold your hand?” He finally asked.

A myriad of emotions passed the hedgehog’s face. Metal waited there, growing unsure with each passing second. What if Sonic did not like him? But that could not be it. Metal could not feel any disdain or dislike through their connection. In fact, what he felt was elated… confusion? 

“Sure Mets,” and Sonic did the honors of clasping their hands together, their fingers intertwining between them. Metal could feel the warmth of Sonic’s paw even through the glove. He could not help but notice their hands were a perfect fit. 

Metal beeped in happiness, deciding that he liked this very much. In return, he felt a wave of embarrassment from his organic counterpart. Along with a slight flush on the hedgehog’s cheeks. Metal wanted to question the reaction when Sonic coughed.

“I think it’s time Tails and I take you to see the nearest town,” Sonic declared, “There’s lots of things to see and new people to meet. I wanna make sure you experience that.”

“Is this how you met Tails?”

“Oh no, far from it. I met the kid three years ago in some forest when he was being bullied by a bunch of other kids just because he had two tails. I stopped them and they quickly skedaddled since no one wanted to mess with me. Turns out, Tails was a big fan of me and wouldn’t stop following me around. Then I found out his parents were gone and he was homeless and I couldn’t exactly leave him. So I took him in. I’m glad I did. The kid saved my life more than once every time we went after Robotnik.”

“Were you not worried how young he was to face the doctor's dangerous schemes?" 

Sonic puffed out a small chuckle, “You have no idea. But hey, I figured if I could take down Robotnik at ten, what’s the difference at five? Besides, he had me and I did everything I could to keep him safe.”

“Both of you are fortunate to have met each other than.”

“We’re fortunate to have met you too, you know.”

Sonic’s eyes were dark yet they shone as the stars and moon reflected off it. Metal looked down at their joined hands. He recollected his memories, the ensuing fights, the destruction he caused, how uncaring he had been at one point. Powerful and arrogant. 

“Even if I had caused you pain?” Metal inquired quietly, “To you and the others?”

“Yes, because the end was what mattered,” Sonic used his other hand to lift his face, once again facing such a caring expression, “You’re not like that anymore. You’re your own person, no one can tell you what to do, and you choose to be good.”

As if the words weren’t enough, Metal felt the prideful emotions leaking from the hedgehog. His motors whirled slightly and steam rolled off of him. He could not hide his own overwhelmed emotions, both outward and inward. From Sonic’s close proximity to his genuine words and the emotions with it. He gave back just as much, sending his own adoration and gratitude.

Sonic’s cheeks were completely red and Metal was glad he was not alone in his embarrassment.

“I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to that,” Sonic murmured in a daze as he slowly let go of his chin.

Metal beeped in bemusement, “I do not think I will ever comprehend that not everyone shares a mental connection.”

“I think most people would freak out over it if they did.”

“Why would they 'freak' out?"

“Because it means someone reading your every thought and knowing what you feel at all times.”

Metal stared at Sonic, But you do not mind it, do you?

Of course not. You’re like my other half, I can feel you at the back of my mind even when you’re not pushing our connection. It feels like you were always there but I just didn’t know it. Does that make sense?

Yes.  It is the same with me, you are always there with me, whether you are aware of it or not. This truly does not bother you? Your privacy, your secrecy, you will have none of it. Not with what we have.

Sonic’s eyes glint with an emotion Metal could not pin down or label. It felt like fondness but not quite.

There’s nothing I want to hide from you. All that I have, I want you to feel it too.

There was something deeper in that statement. Metal knew it. With the way Sonic knowingly smiled at him.

Something flew above them and Metal’s attention was quickly shifted. He saw the form of a star against the sky whisking past the others and leaving a trail of sparkling white. Metal refused to look away, enraptured at seeing such a rarity.

“What is that?” Metal asked quietly.

“That’s a shooting star,” Sonic explained, his own voice murmured and soft, “They do that sometimes. I’m not sure why. They’re also called wishing stars. Some believe if you wish something on it, your wish will come true.”

“Wishing star,” Metal repeated, watching as the star faded away, “It sounds purely fanatical. But as a shooting star, it is…” and he tried to find the right word for it and settled on the best he knew, “Beautiful.”

“Yeah," Sonic replied, "Very beautiful."

If Metal had not been so ensnared by the event, he would have noticed Sonic was not staring at the stars, but solely at him and only him.

Chapter Text

If Metal had the facial expressions for it, he would have frowned. 

He waited for either of his companions to mention the clear problem of the single-seat biplane. However, all he did was stand idly in their makeshift hanger courtesy of the resident genius and watched as the same genius flew into the pilot seat, helmet firmly put. He shifted towards his counterpart and the hedgehog was as nonchalant and carefree as ever. 

Metal was missing something. Though it would not last long. He swiftly synchronized with his counterpart, fully opening the mental connection to reach further than thoughts and emotions. Everything Sonic could see, hear, taste, smell, Metal could too. Nothing was hidden, every thought from the hedgehog displayed as if his own. Every memory and experience shared. He felt no resistance from Sonic, only mild amusement, as Metal found what he was looking for.

“You…” and Metal paused at the absurdity of the knowledge he discovered as he ended their synchronization, “Stand on the wing while Tails pilots the Tornado?”

Sonic had the gall to grin, eagerness displayed freely on his face, “It’s fun, I promise you’ll like it.”

“It is highly impractical and dangerous,” Metal admonished, “There are numerous variables that could lead to our fall, such as weather changes, malfunctions, mistakes-”

“Are you saying you don’t trust Tails’ flying?”

Metal beeped in irritation, both from being interrupted and the connotations of his lack of faith in the yellow fox, whose mirthful eyes shifted back and forth between them, “I do in fact trust in Tails' ability to pilot the biplane. I was not trying to instigate-”

“Oh I get it,” Sonic crossed his arms and smirked, “You’re just scared. In that case, you can just fly beside us,” and the hedgehog jumped, landing safely on the wing.

The absurdity of that statement was clearly vivid. Sonic would have felt the fear from him if it were true. This was not the hedgehog lying about something false, it was about the challenge he implied. A challenge he apparently thought Metal incapable of doing. He felt his competitive side flare up, undeterred to let such a remark slide as the hedgehog looked down at him, as if daring him to follow.

As such, Metal jumped as well, being careful not to topple the plane's balance, and leaned close to the hedgehog until their noses barely touched one another, “I am not easily frightened, you know this. And I am fully capable of doing the same thing you can do. Perhaps even better.”

Dark eyes locked with his own red optics and Metal admitted he rather liked the somewhat fond and… intense expression on the hedgehog. He also liked that such an expression was being used on him, so much so, that his motors whirled the slightest bit.

Unfortunately, Sonic broke their gaze and gave the young fox a thumbs up, “We’re ready Tails.”

Tails nodded, wearing an expression difficult to place. But if Metal had to guess, Tails looked oddly relieved.

~

It occurred to Metal that Sonic had challenged him, not because of their competitive drive, but to broaden his horizons once more.

The water that had shone from the bright sun below them morphed to white viscous clouds, separating the Land of the Sky from the Land of Darkness. The latter of which where the doctor resided. Where Metal was created.

Delving in such thoughts were unpleasant and upsetting. Metal looked forward instead, observing as the clouds around them broke away from their presence, soft and pliant. The sun’s warmth was inviting but hardly felt as the breeze of the wind was on him in a constant force. Such matters should have been a problem for a figure standing on the wing of a plane but he wagered- after experiencing it firsthand- that such matters did not apply to them. 

For Tails was an excellent pilot, keeping the plane leveled, and Sonic was steadfast, confident, as he kept his balance. Metal found it easy to adjust to this new form of transportation, feeling a wave of tranquility and quiet content at the view. He felt a trickle of warmth enter his emotions, a certain bundle of joy that emitted from the hedgehog.

You could have told me this was another one of my lessons in experiencing new things, Metal began, Instead of purposely goading me.

Well I could have, but you’re adorable when you’re all riled up.

Metal turned to Sonic, seeing the corners of his lips curled upwards. It is a nice sight, with the wind blowing and Sonic’s quills swaying. Metal did not let that distract him. 

I am not adorable, Metal paused, having learned the latter statement a while back, I see provoking me still gives you entertainment.

Sonic shrugged, not at all apologetic, before perking up, “Look! We’re almost there!”

Metal’s optics narrowed at the drifting continent in the sky, taking in the new sight. He was glad to see it to its recovered state, without the smoke and fire he had caused when he was hellbent on destroying under the doctor’s orders. 

Unlike last time, he carefully surveyed the floating continent. It was bigger than the island they call home, that much was for certain. Perhaps thrice its size. One third of the continent was covered with sparkling water and off the edge of the continent was a waterfall that fell onto the viscous clouds below. The rest of the continent was made up of land terraformed by humans and mobians alike. Though it was not a high scale construction, not like the connected continents the president resided in with its high skyscrapers. 

Instead, the continent- Palmtree, he reminded himself- was exactly as Tails described it. Metal could see the abundance tracheophytes the continent was aptly named for. Away from the beach, was a large scaled town surrounded by smaller rows of houses that spread out. It was easy to figure the town was its main source of trade and attraction. 

Tails guided the Tornado to a runway whose length ran from the end of the continent to the airport that was situated on the outskirts of the town. The landing was smooth, once more highlighting the fox’s abilities. Several airplanes were situated to the side and that was where Tails guided the biplane to a complete halt.

“So Metal,” Tails smiled widely as he took off his helmet, placed it in the cockpit, and flew out of the seat, “How was the ride?”

Metal did not hesitate to answer as he got off the wing, Sonic following, “Exceptional. I enjoyed myself immensely. Your piloting was excellent as well."

“Thanks! I’ve been piloting since I was five.”

“And it is very unusual for a five year old to pilot, correct?”

“That’s right, kids those ages are usually learning their letters and numbers,” Tails explained.

“Tails was already speaking full sentences by then and tinkering with whatever he could get his hands on,” Sonic said proudly.

Tails rubbed the back of his neck and Metal recognized this look as embarrassment, “What can I say? I was born a genius. Oh! I forgot to mention this, but I’m going to meet up with Professor Pickle at his research facility.”

“Do you want us to wait for you?” Sonic asked.

Tails shook his head and smiled innocently, “Nah. I don’t wanna third wheel on your date.”

Metal was already confused by the statement, the terms unfamiliar and out of place, when Sonic suddenly started to choke out of nowhere. Metal beeped out of surprise, worried for the hedgehog until Sonic managed to laugh it off weirdly, face slightly red. Metal could feel an odd wave of embarrassment.

Tails continued on, apparently unconcerned that Sonic could have died, “We can meet up near the cafe- you know the one- for lunch. If I’m not there, assume I’m too caught up with the professor’s newest invention. Have fun!” with those words, the young fox parted, waving as he flew away.

Metal waved back and heard Sonic muttering, “If he’s not there, it just means I’m gonna have to drag him out of that place and put some food in his belly.”

“I assume that is a regular occurrence?” Metal inquired.

“More than I would like.”

They started to walk down the remaining runway when Metal finally asked, What did Tails mean when he said ‘I don’t wanna third wheel on your date’? Why would he be a third wheel? And he said date but I do not think he implied it as date- the day, month, and year.

There was a jumble of emotions springing forth from the hedgehog, too many for Metal to handle. His counterpart’s thoughts were in disarray too and Metal let out a series of confused and worried warbles. 

Sorry, Sonic winced, Didn’t mean to worry you. You just- caught me off guard, is all. Um, a date is when two people, uh, romantically involved that is, go somewhere together. A third wheel is someone joining two people already on a date. Tails was obviously joking, he laughed, albeit awkwardly.

Yes, the fox was obviously joking. Sonic only brought him here so that Metal could experience new things. He processed these new terms, intrigued by the idea of romanticism. That was not a concept explained by Sonic or Tails before.

“Anyways,” Sonic exclaimed, “Do you wanna go see the plaza? There’s a bunch of stuff they got going on there. Heck, every week they have this little festival for people to dance and eat. I think they might be throwing their festival tomorrow-”

~

The town was bustling with life, people going about their day, children running amok and having their own fun, merchants and vendors out in the streets hollering their products. Most importantly, it is filled with warmth and joy. Things Metal favored recently.

Metal observed a group of flowery dressed people conversing as they walked through the plaza. One of them locked eyes with his optics and nervously looked away. That was the third time it has happened. They were already garnering many looks directed at them. Metal suspected it was because of two factors. One, Sonic was a well known hero. Two, Metal was a well known villain. Past villain. Obviously they had not forgotten what he had done weeks prior to today. 

"Don't stare for too long," Sonic commented idly, "Some people consider it rude. Or in your case, probably extremely unsettling."

Metal redirected his gaze to another group of people across the plaza, They find me intimidating. As they should, since I am not adorable.

Sonic snickered but responded with, No Metal, we gotta show the people here that you're friendly.

That is difficult to achieve, Metal flicked his optics toward a bright smiling woman shaking hands with a vendor, I am a robot, therefore I lack the facial expressions to act or behave friendly.

A part of Metal, the newly grown sentimental part of him, was… upset by this realization. He erased the feeling, or tried his best to. It was unpleasant to feel such negative emotions. He rather preferred the positive ones. He stepped closer to his counterpart, relying on his comforting presence after that thought.

There was no doubt Sonic sensed his emotions and the hedgehog shook his head and tugged Metal along as they strolled through the plaza.

“Your actions and words are enough,” Sonic then grinned, “I remember you saying you wanted to try out clothes a couple of days ago. There’s a clothing store about a block away. It’s where I got my favorite clothes.”

Attention shifted to an entirely new subject, Metal perked up. He had seen his counterpart’s favorite outfit- the pink shirt, blue and purple shaded shorts and shoes, the hat barely staying put because of the ears, and the yellow accents of the outfit. Granted, he had not acknowledged it when he first laid optics on it. At the time, he was much more focused on destroying the Land of the Sky. He resolved to forget the matter. The present and future were what mattered. He had to remember not to look back but forward.

Still, clothes looked interesting and Metal would not oppose to wear them or view more of them.

“Your favorite outfit is certainly unique,” though Metal would not wear such an outfit. It was not aesthetically pleasing to his optics.

Sonic chuckled, “Unique huh? I suppose that's a much better compliment compared to what you called it last time. Thanks Mets.”

“You are welcome.”

They made it through the plaza, some people expressing excitement as soon as they caught sight of the blue hedgehog only to back down at the sight of him. Hm. Cowards. Metal would not hurt them. He was walking alongside their hero peacefully, could they not see he was now reformed?

All the while, Sonic waved at them and greeted the few who were brave enough to say a simple ‘hello.’ Metal observed the interactions, the greetings and expressions. He liked learning new things and social cues such as these were interesting. And as wary as the people were, he did enjoy the walk through the plaza. He also noted some people were holding hands. Perhaps he could ask Sonic if they could hold hands. However, he felt too… shy to ask for it, with so many people around.

Finally, they arrived at a store full of colorful variations of clothing. Metal tilted his head at the mannequins in display behind the large window. One of the mannequins wore a dark red leather jacket with equally leather pants. He swiftly decided he did not like the dark colors. His optics drifted to the next mannequin, one much more vibrant and pleasing.

“You can stare at those all day, or we can go in and you can try them out,” Sonic held the door open, grinning widely.

Excitement. The anticipation. Those emotions bundled in him. The only times he felt such a heightened mixture of both was when he was racing Sonic. 

Entering the store, he was assaulted by the various options. Rather, of how much garments filled the place. He sauntered in slowly, trying to scan each piece of fabric, gauging what he liked and did not like. What he did like, he threw those together in a file. This way, his preferences were simple to mark and it eliminated what fabrics to avoid. 

He did note the uneasy stares of the few people spread thin but he blatantly ignored them. They in turn did the same, nervously stepping around him. He did hear Sonic speak to them- his counterpart was explaining how Metal was a good guy now- and he let the voices drone in the background as he gravitated toward lighter colors, not the odd catching bright ones, but softer.

There were various styles. One rack contained long one pieced fabrics. Dresses, he read on the stand above it. He reached out and picked a two colored dress, the top half a light red and the bottom half white. The size was appropriate for his stature too as soon as he finished scanning it.

“Uh, Mets, that’s a dress,” Sonic said, joining his side once more.

“I know it is a dress,” and he continued on to the next garment.

“I know you know it’s a dress. It’s just, dresses are usually meant for girls.”

Metal paused and stared at his counterpart, “Clothes do not have gender. Or am I wrong?”

Sonic blinked and puffed out a small laugh, “No, you’re right. Clothes don’t have gender.”

Satisfied, Metal moved on to another rack that read ‘Sweaters’ on the stand. He picked out a light blue one. And then a pink one. And he grabbed another pink one. 

Pink, he decided, was a nice color.

Clothing piled up on his arms, almost towering over him. Sonic had to help him eventually when they started to fall off him. 

“Are you really gonna try all these out?” Sonic asked incredulously, eyes drifting upwards to the top of his pile.

“No. I intend to have them all.”

Sonic’s eyes widened, “Woah, slow down Mets. I don’t have enough money for all of this. ”

Metal paused once more. That was a problem. He saw the price tags. He just had not given it any consideration. An error on his part. Or rather, the doctor’s error. He was built for destruction. Not preservation and counting.

An idea came to him. Metal eyed the clothes on his arms and the ones on Sonic. He was growing attached to them all.

“Mets,” Sonic quickly said, picking up his attachment, “You haven’t even tried them on. And that’s not to mention where we’re gonna place them.”

That was another dilemma. Most of the island’s scattered broken vehicles were filled with dust. The airplane was kept clean because half of it was Tails’ lab and the other half was their resting place.

“Perhaps I acted too hastily,” Metal stated, “I will take three then.”

Sonic winced, apologetic almost, “Mets, money-”

“Is not a problem,” Metal interrupted.

He placed all the items but three back on the rack. He left the hedgehog confused as he marched towards the counter. The human behind the counter glanced at him nervously. 

“H-Hello,” she stuttered, “How c-can I help you?’

Metal placed three different sweaters on the counter. He liked the dresses but one of the sweaters was long enough to count as one.

“Save these,” he commanded, “We will be back soon for them.”

She nodded shakily and gave an awkward smile, “O-Of course.”

Reassured, he made his exit with Sonic at his heels. 

“Where is the nearest bank?” Metal prompted immediately.

“Uh, I think it’s in the middle of the town,” Sonic replied, still very confused, “But I could be wrong.”

Metal nodded and headed for that destination.

“Metal? I’m sensing some strong vibes from you. Please tell me you’re not gonna rob a bank. That’s a really bad idea and I’d have to stop you,” Sonic stressed, keeping up with him.

“You can just as easily know my intentions if you read my thoughts or synchronize with me.”

“I mean, yeah, but that’s way too easy. I want you to tell me.”

“Very well then. I plan on accessing the doctor’s bank account.”

Sonic stopped walking. Metal halted as well, looking back at the stunned hedgehog.

“The doctor. As in, Robotnik? He has a bank account here?” Sonic questioned, still in disbelief.

“Yes.”

“You’re gonna access Robotnik’s bank account?”

Metal let out a series of beeps from annoyance. Why was Sonic repeating the obvious? 

“Yes. I have his account number in my files. I am uncertain of why the doctor placed them in me but I will not let them go to waste. We’re losing valuable time. I would very much like to wear my sweaters soon.”

Sonic continued to stare, his stunned face morphing to one full of pure glee, “Metal, you're absolutely amazing,” he chuckled joyously, “Man, I wish I could see the look on his face when he notices what you’ve done.”

“He will be very mad,” Metal admitted, “Then again, this can be his karma. That is how it works, correct?”

“You’re on the right track,” Sonic grinned and finally moved. His counterpart patted his back, “I believe we've got a date with the bank."

Chapter Text

Sonic’s disbelief came off so strong, Metal had to question it.

What’s wrong? Metal asked as he stuffed the bag the bank had graciously gifted him with rolls of cash. The people at the bank were quick to hand over the money once he uttered every single number that was the doctor’s bank account. Judging from their expressions, they looked relieved too. He wondered if the doctor had threatened them. 

Robotnik was practically swimming in cash, Sonic tapped his foot, I wonder how he got all this?

It is not far to assume the doctor probably has customers eager to buy his technology, under a false name of course, Metal kept stuffing the bag, irked that there were still too many on the counter, I would appreciate your help, unless you are too busy standing.

Sonic snickered but ended up throwing the money into the bag as well, I really hope you don’t go crazy with all this money.

Foolish thought. I am incapable of ‘crazy.’  

Sure Mets.

The bag became heavy with every single bill fitted, but all Metal had to do was adjust to it as he positioned the strap over his head and on one shoulder, letting the weight distribute equally on his body. Once again, Metal was… upset to notice the looks thrown their way. The same expressions he kept receiving without fail. Fearful. Hateful. And… envious? The last emotion had him confused until he realized their eyes were not directly at him. Instead, their gazes were locked onto the stuffed bag. He had an epiphany, a strong one.

I can win the favor of the people of Palmtree, Metal eagerly started, looking at his counterpart, They will not be so fearful or hateful of me if I give them money.

Amusement emitted freely from the hedgehog, You saying you wanna bribe them? 

Yes. Besides, it is impractical to carry this much money.

Sonic gave him a small smile, They would have warmed up to you, eventually.

Perhaps. But I would rather they stop giving me such negative looks. I do not like it.

I noticed. Your mood goes down. I don’t like it either, Sonic shrugged, You wanna give them money? I’m all up for it. They may even like you more than me for it.

Privately, Metal hardly believed that small possibility. Sonic was a very warm person. Metal was cold in comparison. 

~

Metal severely underestimated greed.

Hordes of people lined up, surrounding him to the point where their tall figures blocked his sight of the plaza. He had no idea where Sonic was. Metal had lost him in the ensuing chaos. He could, however, hear his organic counterpart’s voice among the elated masses and soon enough, mentally as well.

Mets!? You good in there?

Yes, Metal happily handed out a roll of cash, all with a solid one hundred printed on, to the hands of an awed rabbit mobian child who was half his size.

Half a second later, the same child cried out in pain as another canine mobian accidentally stepped on her foot. Metal let out a series of distress. How dare they, this was a child, like Tails. He was quick to act, clutching the collar of the canine mobian and raising them in the air without effort. The canine let out a yelp of surprise, their legs dangling in the air. 

"You stepped on her foot," Metal reprimanded firmly, "Apologize immediately."

"I-It was an a-accident," came the distinctly male voice, dark eyes frantically shifting between Metal and the child, "I-I'm sorry!"

Metal turned to the rabbit child, who was gazing up at him, yellow eyes wide. Her eyes appear to be sparkling with wonder.

"Do you accept this apology?" He asked in a calmer tone.

She nodded, bouncing on her feet, "It was an accident, he didn't mean it. Thank you! You're so nice Mister Robot!"

Content with the response, Metal settled the canine mobian back to his feet, who scrambled away, appropriately frightened. Good. Accident or not, Metal had not liked it one bit.

"My name is Metal," he politely corrected, "Not Mister Robot."

"Thank you Metal!" She cheered brightly.

Metal would have returned the smile if he could. He nodded in acknowledgement to make up for his lack of facial expressions and a prompt 'you are welcome.'

He shifted his attention back to the crowd, noting they were calmer. Controlled. Wary. But not uneasy. Not frightened. Not entirely. 

As hastily as he and Sonic threw the money, just as quick did it disappear into the hands of humans and mobians. He was glad to have been met with gratitude and acceptance. Cautious acceptance, but acceptance nonetheless.

A human did question where the money came from and Metal answered it honestly. They had looked startled. Sonic was quick to throw a charming smirk and added 'We're just doing what Robin Hood would have wanted.'

The explanation went over smoothly and after Sonic had explained who Robin Hood was through their mind, Metal had a clearer idea of how organics worked. They liked to be petty. He supposed they had the right to it. Robotnik could be merciless when he wanted to. But Metal was not too far off from merciless either.

Metal found himself holding an empty bag as the crowd dispersed, waving and much more welcoming, along with hopes they would see him tomorrow for the festival. Hm. It was surprisingly simple to obtain their favor. He inputted bribery into his organics file.

Sonic was not too far away from him, easily standing out with his presence and what seemed like adoring fans hounding him. There was not anything wrong at first. His counterpart’s not so modest emotions were on full capacity as he signed their shirts, pants, hats, and everything that could be written on with a dark pen. But Metal soon picked up confusion, which was quickly followed by annoyance. Sonic’s voice was higher, denying whatever it is his fans had said.

He decided that was his cue to interrupt, sauntering through the small crowd, grabbed the blue hedgehog’s arm, and declared loudly to the fans, “Your presence is no longer necessary. We will take our leave. Should anyone pursue us, I will use force to discard you.”

“He’s kidding!” Sonic rectified, half grinning, “But it would be rude if someone stalks us.”

Disappointed groans were let out but they obliged nonetheless and did not follow. With them out of the way, Metal had a new dilemma. He was holding Sonic’s arm and he very much wished to lower his hand and wrapped it around a gloved hand, like the night they had gone stargazing. Should he ask or should he let the matter go? He wanted to ask. He wanted to hold hands very much. With reluctance, Metal unclasped his hand. Some other time. When they were alone. He still felt timid with other people around.

Sonic looked at him, his eyes shone and smile soft, You know Mets, when you think pretty hard, I can hear your thoughts loud and clear.

Embarrassment filled Metal, I apologize. I was not aware of how ‘loud’ I was.

You don't have to apologize. You put up with me that one time I had a song stuck in my head. I’m still surprised you haven’t knocked me over for that.

The hedgehog’s smile turned to a playful grin and Metal relaxed at once, ever so grateful for his counterpart’s comfort and knowing exactly what to say to put him at ease.

The song was irritating after prolonged exposure, he admitted.

Yeah, I know that, you kept glaring holes at me for it, Sonic nudged his arm, I don’t mind if you wanna hold hands. I would be happy too! But I also won’t push you for it. Heh, who would have thought you’d be shy?

Sonic was still grinning, still playful but caringly fond and Metal could feel how warm those emotions were. Metal’s motors started to whirl and an effort to prevent them from whirling louder and emitting steam, he hastily changed the subject.

What happened back there with your fans? You were annoyed with them.

He had not expected for Sonic to scowl.

Some chick is going around calling herself my girlfriend, the hedgehog shivered, Everyone was convinced too! Said they heard the rumors from Tidal Tempest all the way to the Capital.

Confusion settled over Metal, I assume chick here is not used to reference a hatchling bird. And what is a girlfriend? 

A chick is some teen girl, or older, Sonic explained, A girlfriend… well, remember what I said about two people being romantically involved and stuff?

Yes.

Right. So if it was a guy and girl, the girl would be the guy’s girlfriend and the guy would be the girl’s boyfriend. If both are girls, then they’re each other’s girlfriends. Same goes for guys. If gender doesn’t matter, then they usually call their romantic partners significant other or lover. I think that about sums it up. 

Metal processed the new information, inputting them into his newly dubbed romance file. He paused in his step when he realized the implications of what Sonic had said earlier. Sonic never had a romantic interest. So Metal could say firmly that Sonic indeed had no girlfriend. And if Sonic had acquired one recently, Metal would have known about it considering the fact their minds were linked.

You do not have a girlfriend, she is lying, Metal replied, a dark emotion piling in him that nearly resembled… anger. It felt like anger. That wasn’t the right word, though it would have to do for now. If his counterpart noticed the change, he didn’t comment on it.

She is, Sonic sighed, I normally don’t care. I have crazy fans all over but this one is actually getting attention. Apparently, she’s a hedgehog, so that makes the whole ‘she’s my girlfriend’ more credible. 

She cannot keep saying such outrageous lies, Metal retorted, fisting his hands, We should find her- I should find her. It is best to keep you away from her, lest anyone spot you two together and believe the lies. I will deal with her.

For some reason, Sonic merely laughed, his lips curled upward in amusement. Metal huffed. His counterpart clearly did not know how absurd the whole situation was. It figured he would have to be one to fix this. Maybe he could get Tails to help. The fox always seemed to know the right answer.

Sonic stared straight at his optics, And how exactly are you gonna deal with her?

I will give her a lecture on reckless lying. Make her see the errors of her ways. If she refuses to learn, perhaps I will threaten her. Minimally. By telling her she will never have you as her boyfriend because you have never met her.

Sounds fair, Sonic then tilted his head and Metal belatedly realized they had arrived at their destination. The conversation must have upset him more than he realized, if he couldn’t notice the clothing store he had emptied Robotnik’s bank account for.

Metal’s mood lifted considerably and he looked expectantly at the hedgehog. Raising an arm, Sonic reached into his quills and pulled out a thick roll of cash.

"I believe you have a sweater waiting for you." 

~

Tails blinked once at Metal. Then twice. Then he gave Sonic a disgruntled expression. Metal was saddened by the reaction. Did Tails not like his sweater? The sweater- his sweater- was a light blue one, much like the sky. The sleeves went past his hands and stopped right before his fingertips. The collar was snug around his neck and the hem ended slightly past his chassis. He felt very… what was the word? Snazzy. He felt snazzy in his sweater.

Sonic looked offended, "Hey, don't give me that look. Mets picked this all by himself." 

Tails narrowed his eyes at the hedgehog, almost as if scrutinizing the elder, "You can't blame me. I wouldn't put it past you," he smiled buoyantly at him, "Did you really pick this Mets?" 

Metal nodded assuredly, “Do not fret Tails. I have much better fashion sense than Sonic. In fact, I am offended that you would think Sonic chose this sweater for me. If he had picked anything, I would have thrown it at his face.”

“Well it’s good to know you can stand up for yourself and not just do whatever Sonic tells you to do.”

“I told you Mets doesn’t listen to me all the time,” Sonic half grinned, “You just don’t know it because Mets likes to say no in our minds. But enough about that. I’m starving and Tails, you need some food in you. I don’t think I remember you eating breakfast.”

“He did eat breakfast,” Metal added proudly, “I made sure he did, after he fooled me into thinking he had eaten dinner the night before.”

Sonic gave the kit an exasperated look, hands on his hips, “For a genius, you sure don’t act like it sometimes.”

Tails rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, “Sorry. I know it’s a bad habit but when my mind is occupied, I just… forget everything else."

"I will have to put you on a schedule," Metal proclaimed, "Clearly, drastic measures should be taken." 

"Later though. Come on lil bro, let’s get some chili dogs.”

Tails rolled his eyes, “Hey Mets, don’t you think Sonic is getting a little too chubby? We should probably cut him off those chili dogs.”

Metal looked over Sonic. The hedgehog still looked the same, why- oh. It was a joke. 

He nodded curtly, “I agree. Sonic, the next time I see a chili dog in your hand, I will burn it.”

“Woah, hey, let’s not get too crazy.”

~

Sonic was once again bombarded by fans, this time in a chipper mood after digesting five chili dogs.

Tails was eating a sundae and Metal sat across from the young fox. They were seated in a patio, adjoined to a restaurant that served deserts. While the hedgehog was occupied several feet outside of the patio and Tails still eating, Metal decided to observe the other occupants.

Most of the people here looked young. Though a particular set of people caught his attention. He watched as an older woman dutifully used a napkin to wipe the mess of a younger child who looked no older than three years old. They had a man with them too and he held an infant in his arms, gently rocking and shushing the baby.

He knew the basic concepts. They were undoubtedly the father and mother of the two children. Just like how the president was Sara’s father. He looked back at Tails, who was munching another bite. Sonic had said the kit’s parents were gone. Disappeared from the fox’s life. Disappeared… or dead.

“Tails, what happened to your parents?” Metal inquired promptly, his curiosity getting the best of him. 

Tails bit into a cherry, “Hm? I don’t know. I honestly don’t remember either. I can’t even recall if I had any parents. My earliest memory is living in the forest and sharing berries with a wild fox.”

But Tails did have parents. Otherwise, how could he have been born? In retrospect, the fox was like his counterpart in that regard.

“Sonic does not have any clear memories either,” Metal revealed, “He has no parental figures. He was alone, until you.”

“And you.”

“Yes, and me.”

The kit looked satisfied with that response and went back to his sundae, halfway done with it. Metal however, still contemplated over the matter. A father and mother can create a child. He wagered the same could be said for a woman paired with a woman, and vice versa for the men. How this was done, he was not certain. But if all it took was creation, and following that logic….

Metal emitted a warble sound more out of surprise than anything else and hastily asked the fox before him, “Is the doctor my father?”

“Um,” Tails pinched his face, “Well, he did build you, so I guess so? But you don’t have to call him your dad. I mean, do you want to call Robotnik your dad?”

No. Yes? Maybe. He had few scant memories of the doctor. But he could still remember the proud look the doctor had given him. Was that a look a father would have given their child? Tails did not push him for an answer and Metal was glad the kit was easily distracted by the sundae in his hands.

Back into observing the interactions of organics, he noted a particular duo holding hands. He watched, fascinated at how neither were shy to display such physical contact. They were cat mobians- he assumed- and one laughed at something the other said. It was very easy to imagine the two replaced by he and Sonic. Sonic laughed like that too, fond and affectionate when Metal did something ‘funny.’ He would have smiled if he could, happy to daydream such a scenario.

Suddenly, one mobian leaned closer, closing their eyes. The other did the same. Their lips touched. 

Metal looked away, back at the young fox, “Tails, what are they doing?”

Tails blinked and looked at where Metal had been staring. The fox coughed abruptly before gathering himself back into a calm manner.

“Oh gosh, Sonic didn’t tell you. Of course. Leave that to me right?” Tails said, looking oddly anxious, “Okay, um, they were kissing. People who like each other a lot do stuff like that. Uh, I should probably explain dating-”

Metal may be lacking severely in many subjects but he was more than adequate at connecting the information to another set of information. His processors gathered together the bits and pieces, until he understood.

“Those two are romantically involved,” Metal began, the answer becoming clear in his database, “They are on a date. They held hands and kissed each other. People who are romantically involved perform acts such as hold holding and kissing. Correct?”

“Yup,” Tails affirmed, “That’s pretty much the gist of it!”

The fox finished the last of his sundae, evidently content. Metal was… frozen for a lack of better terms. Like something in him malfunctioned. 

Sonic and he had held hands that night. From what he understood, an act like that was not exactly limited to friends- he had seen a mother hold a child’s hand, if only to make sure the child did not get lost in the crowd- and concluded those of relative same age reserved this act as a romantic gesture. 

Was that why the hedgehog had felt such complicated emotions when Metal had asked? He had not known. No one had told him. But Sonic had not minded, not back then and certainly not earlier. And- that thing those mobians did. The kiss. Metal could never do that. He… was upset by that notion.

What did it matter if he could never do such a thing? Sonic and he were not romantically involved. They were each other’s half, nothing more and nothing less. And he was content with that role. It would not make sense if they were romantically involved, for Metal was a robot and Sonic an organic. 

So then why did it… hurt?

Mets? 

The hedgehog was at his side in a mere second, no doubt he had sensed the negative emotions Metal had inexperienced in that small time frame. He supposed he should be glad Sonic did not often rummage through their synchronization. His counterpart was too nice for that. Unlike Metal.

Metal closed the notion of romance. Nothing good would come out of it. 

“I was just thinking of something… unpleasant,” Metal said, opting to be at least truthful. He did not like lying to his counterpart, “It is nothing troublesome. I believe your fans are missing you,” he ended, hoping his counterpart was assured enough to drop the matter.

Sonic’s shoulders slump in relief. Oh. Metal had not noticed how tense the hedgehog was. He did not think his emotions- the pain he had felt- would cause such a reaction. He felt warmed by it, the knowledge that his counterpart cared for his well-being.

“Nah, I’m good. You guys ready to head out?” 

Chapter Text

Metal gently lifted Tails in his arms. The fox cub was fast asleep, snoring lightly and shifting in his sleep, mumbling nonsense. Tails did this often. Sleep talking, Sonic had explained once. It was a curious subject to Metal. The body was asleep and yet the brain continued to function, the realm of unconsciousness and dreams were awake. Such things were impossible for Metal to experience. As a robot, he was offline when he needed to recharge. In those moments, he ceased to exist. And when he went online, he was back the next second. Being unable to dream did not bother him. He’s seen the way the young fox would sometimes curled in himself, shivering under duress. Dreams came at the price of nightmares.

He left Sonic behind to take care of the biplane and lock up the garage while he moved silently through their home, being careful to not jostle the young fox. A few twists and turns and he was at the end of the airplane, the tail end removed to connect to the underground passage Sonic and Tails have painfully crafted. Raising up on a makeshift staircase, he walked towards the other end, to the corner that was Tails’ room, and laid the fox cub on his mattress. He froze when Tails turned around, curling in on his sides, but relaxed when the fox cub remained steadfast asleep.

Leaving a snoring Tails behind, Metal sauntered to the other corner of the plane. Like Tails, Sonic’s room was tidy and organized. Though his counterpart had him to thank for it. It was a mess when Metal had first seen it. He headed to the small wooden closet by the bed and lifted the hem of his sweater, pulling it over his head, and carefully avoided his spikes and sharp edges. He folded the garment, pleased at how symmetrical it was, before storing it alongside Sonic’s clothes. With that completed, he bent his joints, both hands holding onto the platform below him and lowered himself into the first level, landing with a soft thud. 

Light footsteps echoed and he glanced around in time for Sonic to come in. The hedgehog was holding a woven basket filled to the brim with fresh fruit and delicacies. They were a gift from the town they had left. 

Sonic’s grin was mischievous as he raised the basket, Should I hide this and tell Tails I ate everything? 

It would be cruel, Metal chastised, and I am fairly certain Tails would bite you for it.

That's only if he manages to catch me, Sonic tilted his head toward the entrance, I’m not sleepy yet. Wanna sit by the beach with me while I munch on some of this?

Metal hesitated, I do not want sand on my chassis, not when I just got it waxed. Tails had been the one who told him to get one back at Palmtree on their second day. A protective layer to keep his chassis pristine. Both Tails and Sonic had awed at the end result and Metal would be lying if he said it hadn’t made him smug over his appearance and relish at the attention. 

Sonic looked him over, Yeah okay, got it. Don’t wanna ruin your nice, shiny, and glossy coat. I can bring the folding chairs. Is that good?

Metal nodded in response and Sonic handed over the basket to him. Holding it, he made his way near the shoreline, once again admiring the scenery. It was quiet, a peaceful and serene sort of quiet. The kind he loved. His mood was already in high spirits from the festival they had left and would not be subsiding anytime soon now that he realized he was going to spend the night possibly stargazing with Sonic.

Sonic returned and wasted no time to prop up the chairs. With nothing but the ocean and its reflective light and calm waves, Metal settled onto his chair whereas his counterpart all but plopped down. He lowered the basket between them, placing it on both ends of their arm chairs. 

“You know,” Sonic began, reaching out to take a chocolate muffin, “you’re pretty good with kids. They wouldn’t stop following you during the festival and it was pretty adorable when they trailed after you like little ducklings." 

Metal recalled the memory, “They were impressed by my flower crowns. I am quite surprised to know children are easily entertained by simple braiding.”

Sonic chuckled, “Your flower crowns were starting to look like real crowns, that’s why they were so impressed. Heck, I am too!” the hedgehog then took a bite of his muffin and said, mouth stuffed, “oh man, these are really good. I’m gonna have to go back and get some more.”

“Chew with your mouth closed,” Metal demanded, “or else you’ll choke.”

He felt the amusement first and it was followed by a mockingly innocent look as Sonic took another bite, chewing the muffin, and barely comprehensible words, “Who? Me? Impossible.”

“If you were offered 10 chili dogs and were told to eat it under one minute, you’d choke,” Metal paused and scrutinized the hedgehog, “I think if the doctor realized your weakness to chili dogs, he would have won a long time ago.”

“You give Robuttnik too much credit, the guy knows I love them and hasn’t done a single thing to destroy me with it,” the blue hedgehog finished his muffin and snorted, “I’m starting to think someone lied to him about his 300 IQ." 

For a brief moment, Metal felt a flare of indignation. In that second, Sonic tensed, concern and confusion waving through their connection. Those emotions settled Metal back, grounding him to a reasonable state as he teared his gaze away, the ocean invading his sight.

“I apologize,” he finally said after the silence stretched, “I do not know why I was… upset over your comment, when I knew it was said in jest. To the doctor no less.”

“It’s probably because you were angry at his behalf.”

Surprisingly, the answer did not shock Metal. He felt the sudden need to hide. He did not want to face his counterpart and see the expression of disappointment. Metal should not care about the doctor, not with all the things he had committed. It was irksome and confusing. He was perfectly fine with emptying the doctor’s funds but an insult at the man’s intelligence had him- what was it Sonic said? Ah yes- angry.

Comfort emitted from the hedgehog and a warm hand grasped his shoulder pad, “Hey, Mets? It’s okay to feel that way. I mean, he built you . You probably feel indebted to him-”

“I certainly do not,” Metal retorted, facing the hedgehog again, “that was not what upset me. It was your stab at his IQ. The doctor is a genius in his own right, if he weren’t, there was no chance of my existence.”

“Ah, I see,” Sonic smiled softly, letting go of his shoulder, and Metal immediately missed the contact, “so you were protective, in your own way.”

Protective sounded more correct, a better description than angry. Still, Metal stared back at the ocean and crossed his arms, a habit he picked up from Sonic, and proclaimed, “I do not like emotions.”

“You’ll learn to handle it like a champ soon enough,” Sonic promised, “besides, it’s not all bad, right?”

Metal recalled his confusing emotions on the matter of romance, and he tried hard not to feel embarrassed and knew terribly well he failed in his attempt when fondness entered through their connection.

“I suppose it has its merits,” he conceded.

“I’ll take that as a definitive yes,” the hedgehog’s attention went back to the basket, “Oh! That’s mint chocolate. I thought Tails ate all of them….”

At the mention of Tails favorite candy, Metal looked at the chocolate bar in Sonic’s hand. It was another curious subject, since mint was the fox cub’s favorite while Sonic strongly disliked it.

“Is it because you are a hedgehog that the flavor is unpleasant to your taste buds?” Metal asked.

Sonic shook his head, “Nah, that has nothing to do with it. I ate it once and I didn’t like it, simple as that.”

If Metal could have, he would have glared for such a response. Alas, he pushed his annoyance at the hedgehog and Sonic gave him an apologetic look, smiling sheepishly. 

“Er, I guess it’s not as simple as that to you.”

“What gave it away?”

Sonic’s lips stretched further to a grin, “Your sarcasm is getting better!” The hedgehog placed back the mint chocolate and tilted his head, expression deep in thought, “Huh, this a little hard to explain. I don’t like mint because I don’t like the flavor, it makes my taste buds cry tears. Not literally of course. It all just comes down to preference,” he perked up, “like when you picked your sweater! There were clothes you didn’t like and those that you did. It’s the same way with food.”

The example cleared away Metal’s confusion and he stared down at the basket, “But in this case, food isn’t judged by appearance. It is judged by flavor.”

“Yup,” the blue hedgehog stared at him pensively before frowning, “It sucks that you can’t eat though. I bet you’d love chili dogs.”

A series of beeps emitted from Metal, very much amused at the prospect, “And what if I do not? What if I hate it?”

Metal warbled again at the sight of Sonic’s horrified expression. 

“Those questions are blasphemous,” Sonic warned, but nothing indicated true anger, especially with the flowing mirth leaking into their connection and the tiny grin at the end, “and completely false. If you were given the chance….” he trailed off, eyes furrowed and staring down at the basket.

The hedgehog was certainly thinking hard. Because Metal could hear his loud thoughts and he startled at the ludicrous idea his counterpart just came up with.

You want to synchronize and eat that brownie? Metal asked incredulously. 

It could work, Sonic replied, determination written all over, why haven’t we thought of this before- It will absolutely work.

Metal almost argued against it. But he refrained from doing so. Truth was, he was uncertain. It is a possibility. A strong one. Synchronization meant unity. They would become whole. Once Sonic eats anything, Metal would know the taste too. And it won’t just be a memory from the times he’s synchronized with his counterpart before. He would be able to taste it in that same exact moment.

Suddenly, Metal was very much on board with the idea.

Metal did not resist when the blue hedgehog synchronized them, their link easily opening further. Their senses blended together smoothly, unable to distinguish one from another.

But something felt different. 

Metal blinked. And he blinked again. He stared at Sonic. The blue hedgehog stared back and when Metal blinked again, he was staring at himself. But not quite. Because that was Sonic, still the same blue fur, big eyes, and white gloves.

Metal looked down. He stared at the body he was inhabiting. He saw himself, the metallic limbs. But he also saw the lean muscles and fur, the familiar form of his counterpart. 

Sonic, who was wearing his body, said in his mechanical tenor, “Did we just switch bodies?”

The question was abnormal. Fictional. Illogical. 

Metal answered, “I believe we just did,” and his voice was not his, it was Sonic’s voice.

“I didn’t know we could do that,” Sonic said, his tone filled with wonder.

“Neither did I,” and it was odd, to speak in Sonic’s voice but not so odd as it felt right.

“Your files are a bit of a mess,” Sonic mused, “wow, this is… I can see your visual hub here.”

Leaving Sonic to do as he pleased, Metal promptly took the gloves off. He stared at his hands, Sonic’s hands- paws really- with tiny claws. He brought them up to his face, blinked, and leaned forward. Warm. The hands were warm. And he could feel them on his face. On his eyelids, on his mouth, on his cheeks. He could feel the soft fur. He touched his nose, a bit cold to the touch, and he gasped.

Metal gasped again. He could gasp .

The sensation of touch felt surreal alongside doing such reactionary noises besides warbling. Metal’s functions allowed him to resemble something close to touch and temperature. But being in this organic body- in Sonic’s organic body- was a completely different experience. He could feel every single bristle of fur. 

What he lacked in his robotic body however, was smell. He had no need for it, the doctor hadn’t seen it fit to give him that sense. But in Sonic’s body, through his nostrils, he was aware of every single scent strongly wafting through. He was nearly overwhelmed and he stayed still for a moment- tried to because he realized he had to breath and blink - until his sense of smell was under control.

Not really paying attention to Sonic’s, “I feel like I’m in a computer- Mets this is awesome,” Metal made haste to remove the shoes and socks. He set down his now bare feet on the sand. He smiled- he can smile - as he felt the sand shift under his feet, coarse yet fine grained.

“Mets! You gotta eat! You gotta try everything out!”

Sonic’s enthusiasm was mirrored by Metal’s own. He left his feet alone, attention shifted to the basket waiting for him. He was suddenly aware of the mouth he had. The lips, teeth, tongue, and saliva. He brought up a finger, surprisingly finding the limbs easy to control, and touched his teeth. They felt sturdy and a little sharp. Wet too.

“That is so weird to see but also not. So? What’s the verdict in being in my body?”

Metal found it hard to say the right words and he ended up saying, “I have teeth.”

Sonic emitted warbles and Metal startled at hearing it, his ears flickering instinctively. His ears moved.

“I got fingers and toes too, don’t forget those,” Sonic joked, his happiness drifting through the connection and his counterpart curiously unclenched his hand, long claws unrestrained, “I’m tempted to claw a tree in half right now. But you still haven’t eaten anything yet.”

Eating. Metal focused again. The basket. He reached out and immediately picked up the mint chocolate. 

He sensed Sonic’s panic immediately, "Metal, there are literally so many options. Don't do this to me. If you eat that, I-"

Metal swallowed the whole thing. The flavor assaulted his taste buds, the fresh strong scent invaded his nostrils, and underneath the strong taste was a sweet tangy flavor that was almost nonexistent. Determined to not back down, he chewed the chocolate until it dissolved in his mouth and he forcibly swallowed it down his throat.

"I did not like it," Metal said after a moment.

"I noticed," Sonic somehow managed to shudder in his form, "I can still taste it in my mouth. Your mouth. Our mouth? Let’s go with that,” a metallic hand shoved itself in the basket and grabbed a pastry with red jam covered on the top surface, “this is what you should have eaten first. Give it a try.”

Metal gingerly took the offered pastry and the scent waft through his nose, calmer and less strong than the mint. It was a nice smell. This too he had not hesitated to bite it, downing half of the pastry in his mouth. He was overwhelmed once more by the taste, but he did not recoil from it. This was sweet- very sweet. Delightful. No, that wasn’t the word. It was delicious.

“I knew you’d like it,” Sonic beamed, the ringlets on his face falling to a flat line and Metal peered at it- he hadn’t known his eyes could change shape, did Sonic do something?- before returning to the pastry and gobbled down the other half. Crumbs were on his palm and fingers and he abandoned all preservations and licked the leftovers. Sonic warbled, his counterpart was clearly laughing at him but Metal did not care. 

“Whatever that was, I enjoyed it immensely.”

“I’m not sure what it was called but it’s covered in strawberry jam. I guess we can write down strawberries as your favorite. Try the brownie next, we’ll see if you like chocolate more.”

In the end, Metal was only mildly guilty the basket was near empty. Guilt that was forgotten when he kneeled over, arm stretching around his stomach that was filled to the brim. The contents of the snacks he had digested were now wallowing in the ocean. He had thrown up shortly after downing all the fruit. The wave softly pushed against the shore and Metal eyed the yellow blob in the water. That was the last fruit he had eaten.

“I told you to take it slow,” Sonic patted his back comfortingly and held a steady hand on his shoulder to keep him from face planting into the water.

“I understand now,” Metal muttered, and felt his stomach churning slowly, “why you would willingly choke on 10 chili dogs.”

“To be fair, you didn’t choke.”

“But I vomited,” Metal repeated it in wonder, “I vomited.”

“And let’s hope you don’t vomit again,” Sonic set him back and Metal fell ungracefully on his behind, “you’ll feel better in a bit.”

Reassured from his counterpart’s words, Metal relaxed. His shoulder slumped too. He stared back at himself, “I had not realized organics were incredibly difficult. Emotionally complex? I can understand that on some level. Body functions? Less so.”

“Pretty sure it’s all confusing to you because you’re a robot,” Sonic tilted his head, the flat lines changing to small wavelengths, “I wonder why we can still see each other in our real bodies. I can see your claws,” the hedgehog bent his knees and grabbed his hand- it was odd but not unwelcoming, as no matter what form, it was still Sonic, “but I also see my hand and that’s what I feel.”

Metal processed the words- would have filed them away if he were in his body- and spoke, “Perhaps something went awry in our synchronization.”

“Maybe it was because I was thinking of you when I synchronized us,” Sonic mused, “like, I didn’t want me to eat- I wanted you to eat.”

Metal bit his lip and when he noticed, he stopped himself. He was too expressive for his liking. He blamed it on Sonic. It was his counterpart’s body after all.

“Our connection is strengthening,” he presumed, “and it is allowing us to accomplish what we want. In this case, you wanted me to eat. Therefore, the synchronization switched us.”

Sonic turned over his hand and Metal could feel the cold limb that was his body under his palm. Now that he knew how warm this body was, how could Sonic stand to let him hold his hand?  

“Because I like holding your hand Mets,” Sonic answered easily, unbothered and Metal felt his face burned, similar to how steam rolled off him when he was too giddy. The hedgehog continued, “Look, if we can do this just because of that tiny thought,” Sonic stared at him, eagerness emitting freely, and the wavelengths dissipating to curved lines, “imagine what else we could do.”

“I am finding it difficult to imagine,” Metal admitted, hoping the blush on his face would go away, “I am already overwhelmed in your body.”

“Oh. Do you want to switch back?”

“As much as I enjoyed being organic, I am more comfortable in my body. So yes, I would like to switch.”

He felt the instant Sonic ended their synchronization, no longer whole, and he was inwardly relieved. Being connected like that, especially when his thoughts on Sonic inappropriately jumped to matters of romantic nature, was unnerving to him.

However, he was not quite in his body. Because he was blinking, he was breathing, and his nose still smelled the scent of seawater. 

“Um,” Sonic rubbed the back of his head, “okay, that didn’t switch us.”

Metal’s lips pulled downwards and he stood up, “Did you not think of us switching our bodies when you cut synchronization?”

“I swear I did,” Sonic lifted his arms in a panicked manner, which looked a little odd when it was done in Metal’s body.

“Let me try then,” Metal thought first and foremost of them switching as he opened and closed the synchronization. 

This time, he wasn’t staring at himself. Sonic was back in his organic body and Metal was back in his inorganic one. Back to the senses he can switch on and off, back to the files, and his visual hub. As exciting as it was to be in Sonic’s body, it was too much for Metal to handle, everything so new. Perhaps another day he would like to revisit this experience but Sonic’s failure to switch them back was worrying. 

“I think we should be careful,” Metal promptly said, “our synchronization is evolving and it is becoming unpredictable.”

“It’s becoming exciting,” Sonic insisted, hands flailed in the air, “we’ve got to do it again tomorrow- at least to show Tails. He can help us figure out whatever our bond is doing to us.”

Metal couldn’t help but pause, picking up the word, “Bond?”

“Our synchronization thingy,” Sonic explained, “that’s basically what it is. Plus, it’s easier to say.”

Metal updated his files and started to head back into the plane, “You should sleep, dawn is a couple of hours away. Tails would no doubt have many questions for us.”

Sonic snorted, but it was weak and he jested good naturedly, “And whose fault is it that I’m up this late?”

At that, Metal felt slight remorse. Both because Sonic will no doubt be sleep deprived for the rest of the day and because Tails will be sorely disappointed at the bare basket. 

Well, it was still technically Sonic’s fault. Tails can blame Sonic too.

Chapter Text

The hedgehog was sound asleep, limbs entangled in the duvet, and snoring lightly. Usually, Metal liked to explore the island at night, without the supervision of his counterpart and Tails. He enjoyed their presence greatly- perhaps favoring Sonic’s presence more- but he liked to be alone as well. For a moment to have in silence with his own thoughts, unperturbed from his counterpart’s thoughts. 

Sitting on the raised platform with his metallic legs hanging in the air, he had no desire to be alone. He was still reeling from the effects of the… bond. He never thought he could experience what it meant to be an organic. To breath, to smell, to hear, to see so clearly without the visual hub, to know the sensation of real touch. All of it without needing to command it within his system.

For a brief period, Metal had felt alive.  

Alive in a way that a robot should not. In a way a machine could not. The experience had opened too many opportunities and a desire so strong he was proud of locking it away right up until Sonic had fallen asleep. 

Metal looked down at his hands, the sharp claws, the metallic fingers, and the dark plating of his palms. Nothing but cold limbs.

He was… torn.

Half of him had coveted the rare experience, and wished he had recorded the whole event to make sure there was not a single detail forgotten. It was that same part that had him desire for an impossibility. 

The other half wanted to shun the experience. It was abnormal. An error in their unpredictable bond.

Metal was snapped out of his conflicting thoughts when warmth washed over him. He looked up, toward where the hedgehog slept comfortably. He let the distraction take him, to rid himself of a dilemma he should not want. 

Shifting to his feet, he stepped silently until he was standing over his counterpart. The hedgehog’s expression was peaceful, evidence of a nice dream, nice enough to have his emotions leak through their connection. He sat at the edge of the bed, taking the warmth greedily. He paused when his metallic claws barely brushed the fingertips of Sonic’s hand. 

In a moment of weakness, Metal selfishly clasped his hand over Sonic’s. 

The next second, he found himself staring at Sonic. At a much younger version, smiling freely as his tiny gloved hands plucked a yellow flower from the grassy plain. A sunflower, Metal identified. 

This… was not a memory. It was too… real and yet, not. He glanced around, trying to figure out where he was, how he got there, and why Sonic’s appearance looked so young.

“Metal?”

He startled at hearing his name from Sonic’s younger version, in a younger voice too. 

Sonic smiled up at him, almost bashful, and offered the flower to him, "It's for you."

Metal was… endeared by the action. He bent his knees to obtain a closer look- Sonic was much smaller, barely reaching hip level- and tenderly took the flower. It felt real in his hand. 

“Thank you,” Metal said, bewildered by the whole event but drawing a conclusion of what may be occurring. He remembered enough of Sonic’s early childhood to know the blue hedgehog was once mute. Here, this version of Sonic was speaking well enough, even if he should not be able to. Adding to that, Sonic was asleep before Metal was thrust into this world.

Somehow, he was in Sonic’s dream. This was perhaps another rapidly developing side effect of their evolving connection.

Before he could delve into the matter any further, Metal was no longer seeing the younger version of Sonic. The scenery shifted too. 

No longer were they surrounded by thick leaves and flowers. What replaced the setting was a city Metal could not identify, the sky dark but golden lights brightened the entirety of the streets populated by people of all kinds. It was a festival, he thought, remembering the one he had been to, only there was music playing in the background in this one. 

He could see Tails in the far distance, on his toes to reach a certain dessert before a red echidna helped him out and plucked something covered with blue frosting and handed it to the fox cub. That was Knuckles, Metal realized. There were more familiar faces in the background, people Sonic had met in his adventures. The Chaotix. Mighty and Ray. Fang, Bean, and Bark. Was that the doctor selling popsicles further back?

Metal scanned the crowd. Where was-

He found himself emitting a series of warbled noises as he was yanked by the arm and pulled close to a warm chest.

Sonic bared a grin and winked at him, “Missed me?”

There… was something different about the blue hedgehog. Sonic was too close to his face, his arm was wrapped around Metal’s chassis, gently holding him against the other, and his other hand intertwined with his, easily fitting together. 

This was the closest he’s been to Sonic since the hedgehog lifted him from the lava. 

Metal quite enjoyed the closeness with his counterpart. And the free affection Sonic gave like sunlight. It was strong, overflowing, and Metal shyly returned the same emotion, adding his own affection into the mix. 

“You were not away for too long,” Metal said, unsure of how to reply in this dreamscape. 

“Good. Wouldn’t anyone here to take you away from me. Are you still up for it?”

The question reminded him once more that this was a dream and it was a dream Sonic was unaware of. Metal did not want to risk reading the hedgehog’s thoughts, lest the dream be broken. He was growing very fond of the close proximity and did not wish to separate.

He answered carefully, “Yes.”

Sonic’s grin stretched further and suddenly, the hedgehog dragged them to the crowd of slow moving people. Metal tried not to step on Sonic’s feet on the way- a difficult task when one hand held tightly to Sonic’s and the other gripped the hedgehog’s arm. They halted only for Sonic to give him an encouraging nudge, gently pulling on their clasped hands.

Sonic uttered in a quiet voice, "Watch my step." 

And Metal obeyed. The pattern of their movement was effortlessly simple to repeat, one foot following the other, Metal following Sonic’s lead. It took far too long for Metal to realize what they were doing, when their movements matched the rhythm of the music in the background. 

It was called dancing. They were dancing. 

Metal warbled and Sonic laughed softly with him. He looked at the blue hedgehog, the fond eyes and easy smile and he suddenly had an urge. An impossible urge, one he should not even entertain, but the longer he was entranced by the hedgehog before him, the more the urge grew. Sonic stared back, eyes glinting, and Metal realized what a mistake it had been to think so loud.

He froze when Sonic leaned forward, closer to his face, eyes half lidded.

Metal wanted out. He wanted to leave.

And he left. 

Metal pulled his hand away from the sleeping hedgehog, shaking slightly as he tried to calm his emotions. He hastily walked away, adding distance between them until finally, as his feet touched water, he could no longer feel Sonic’s muddled confusion through their connection. 

Metal cursed at himself, angry at how he nearly lost control. Had he not decided romance was not an option to pursue? That the mere idea of it was laughable? He was too selfish, taking those moments for himself, knowing full well it was all a dream. And it was because it was a dream that Sonic was easily influenced. Metal had broadcasted his desire so loud that Sonic had heard it and was going to….

He forcibly destroyed those thoughts. No more. He needed to focus on the more pressing matter. 

Like how he was able to enter Sonic’s dream. The fact that this occurred after they had switched bodies was not lost on him. It was not a coincidence.

A notification flickered in his visual hub, a warning of low battery. Metal dismissed it as soon as the peak of the sun surfaced above the water, a final thought entering his mind. Dawn was rising. It had still been fairly dark when Sonic finally slept. Metal stared down at the orange hue coloring the remnants of the dark. Apparently, hours had gone by for morning to arrive while he had unintentionally entered his counterpart’s dream. 

The mere idea only brought more questions as he opened up his solar panel.

~

“You and Sonic did what!?" 

Metal tilted his head, concerned over the question the young fox had screeched out. Did Tails need to get his hearing checked? If so, they should find a practicing doctor soon- 

He halted that train of thoughts when he peered at the fox cub’s face. Tails' ears were functioning fine. He was merely stunned at the information Metal revealed.

"Sonic and I switched bodies last night," Metal repeated and pushed a plate of cooked eggs onto Tails' gloved hands. He was pleased to note Tails accepted the plate, albeit dumbfounded.

"Wha- how?" 

"I shall tell you after you finish your breakfast." 

Tails pulled a look and Metal deciphered that expression as annoyance. He’s seen enough of it when the fox cub encountered a technological problem before giving up and asking Metal for help. He’s also seen it a few times in the rare moments Sonic came back from his daily runs. Nonetheless, Metal was unbothered by the expression. He merely stared back until Tails pouted and picked up the fork.

“You’re getting too good at negotiation,” Tails muttered under his breath before hastily eating down the contents.

Last night’s memories resurfaced and Metal put a firm hand on Tails’ arm, effectively halting the young fox. Tails looked up at him, puzzled and mouth stuffed but unlike the blue hedgehog, did not speak.

“Slow down. You will vomit at that pace. Vomiting, I have learned firsthand, is not pleasant. It is disgusting and a hindrance to the organic body.”

Tails swallowed down the substance, “Are you implying you vomited when you were in Sonic’s body? How?”

Guilt resurfaced as Metal pointed at the nearly bare basket settled on a top shelf. He had been hoping Tails would forget the delicacies, too distracted by the newfound ability he and Sonic shared. To a degree, Tails was effectively distracted but Metal had inadvertently brought his attention back to it. He should have calculated that better. Mentioning his personal experience would have indubitably broach the woven basket. But he had not wanted Tails to vomit too. 

Much to Metal’s relief, Tails was not saddened. Instead, the yellow furred fox smiled excitedly at him, “You ate the whole thing? No wonder you threw up! What did you like best? Did you like the mango? Which was your favorite fruit? Did you enjoy the choco-”

“I will answer your questions after you finish,” Metal cut in, “you do not wish to waste food, do you?”

“Guilt tripping me too,” Tails laughed softly and glanced towards the front of the plane, where the form of a sleeping blue hedgehog was splayed out on the bed, “you’re not gonna wake up Sonic?”

Metal was quite frankly uncertain of how Sonic would react when awake, and if Sonic wanted to sleep further, Metal would not stop him. 

“He’s only had five hours of sleep.”

“He’s not getting up anytime soon then,” Tails nearly whined and focused on Metal again, “I’ve been meaning to ask, how’s your charging facility holding up? You haven’t had any problems so far?”

“I tested it this morning. All of my systems are operational at 100%. Once again, using solar energy as a substitute bears no issues,” he would have smiled if he could, happy at the progress, “I no longer have to rely on voltage.”

It had been worrisome at first. Metal was- is - a high functioning robot built to perfection. The maximizing voltage output necessary for his functions was not a problem, not when the doctor had readily supplied it for him. However, on this island, Sonic nor Tails had a generator of that scale. Metal had to cut off many of his functions until a solution was found. 

A sleepless night later, Tails had drawn up his alternative method. Two days later, with Sonic acquiring the rarer elements from the land of darkness, Metal gave his consent to have the fox cub completely change his facility. Metal had been- for a state of better word- nervous. The doctor’s work was incomparable to no other being, and he had doubted the competency of an eight year old kid at the time. It was only Sonic’s confidence that had him agree to the whole operation.

“Woah, your eyes!” Tails suddenly exclaimed, rising from his chair, hands on the table as he tried to lean close to his face, "I didn’t know they could do that.”

Confusion had settled until more of last night’s memories arose- Sonic inhabiting his body, the startling eye changes that seemed to reflect the hedgehog’s emotions. Metal quickly scanned through his systems, scrolling through the latest changes and found his answer. The upside down V shaped lines to signify joy, semicolons to indicate sadness, the smaller and sharper ringlets to indicate anger and fear, and wavelengths for befuddlement, one he noted he was currently displaying.

He knew his counterpart lacked the genius trait Tails and the doctor had, so how was Sonic able to modify his ringlets to morph into certain shapes depending on his mood? Metal came to a conclusion, the same one he had the night prior. The synchronization. The bond. It was… frustrating, the way their bond was apparently adapting to their wants in a way neither he or Sonic could predict. And Metal immensely disliked the very prospect of not being able to understand a variable that was acting on random impulses rather than calculation- albeit aware or unaware of it. Still, Metal disabled the changes.

“I have reason to believe the form of my visual eyes may have been a result of the synchronization- the bond, and the fact that it is evolving. It is the reason why Sonic and I were able to switch bodies and now this,” he hesitated briefly, wanting to add ‘I also entered Sonic’s dream’ but decided not to, not unless Sonic remembered and Metal vehemently hoped the hedgehog would not. He was very adamant on pretending it did not happen.

Tails smiled, face practically brimming with curiosity, “That is a lot to unpack.”

Metal gently shoved the young fox back in his seat, “It is and we will not get started until you finish your breakfast.”

~

Sonic was still snoring away when Tails brought them to the workshop, notebook in hand, and eyes focused with an intelligence Metal knew not to doubt. Questions left without filter, the mind of a genius at work, connecting information together seamlessly. Metal began from the beginning, the conversation Sonic and he had prior to the synchronization, the switch, how otherworldly it had felt, seeing Sonic’s form in his body, the attempts to switch back in their original bodies.

The dream lingered in his thoughts, indecisive of whether or not he should reveal this tidbit to Tails. Metal found he had no opportunity to bring up the matter, not when Tails was muttering under his breath in a rapid manner.

“Your theory has some valid ground,” Tails pondered, “the connection you two have, the fact that it’s evolving, I can think of one reason why that is.”

Metal waited patiently, watching as the young fox paced.

“Back then- synchronization allowed you to know what both of you were thinking, every move, every attack. Equals. But you were an enemy and the synchronization only went so far at the time. When we brought you back on, you two could sense each other’s emotions and read each other’s thoughts, just as long as you two were close by, and that was without the synchronization. This whole time, you two build on a relationship, one of mutual attachment. This must have deepened the connection you already shared.”

It made sense- logical and rational sense- and Metal was mildly relieved, “Which means our strengthened relationship evolved the bond.”

“Exactly! The bond conforms to what both of you want- it answers to you both. And like you said, it’s new and neither of you knew how to control it, but with practice….”

“We would be able to control it,” Metal continued, finally having an answer. He would have been content with this reveal, had it not been for the fact that it did not answer how he was pulled into Sonic’s dream. Metal had not done it intentionally. But if the bond was answering to one of them….

Then it would mean Sonic was the one who pulled Metal in. Though it made no sense, not when the hedgehog was unconscious to even push that want. If he followed that logic, he was back to his frustrations, of the bond acting on its own.

A shrill noise rang in the air and all thoughts of Metal possibly voicing the dream incident was swiftly erased as Tails jumped and from above, the groggy groan of a blue hedgehog was heard.

“Who calls so early in the morning!?” Sonic bellowed and from Metal’s position, could see the hedgehog try to curl in, bringing the pillow to cover his ears.

“It’s past noon!” Tails hollered back and bounced his way to the communicator, eyes widening at the incoming call, “it’s the president! He’s calling us!”

Metal was alert in an instant, his previous dilemma shoved in a file he pushed at the bottom, and he stood beside Tails. Likewise, in a blur, Sonic was at the other side, face morphed to dubious concern.

Tails answered the call warily, “Hello Mr. President.”

“Hello Tails!"   The president exclaimed joyfully, his form taking up the entire screen, "Sonic! You're here too, that makes things so much easier,"   the president's attention shifted over to Metal, and the smile slipped, edging into a surprise, “Metal Sonic! I’m glad to see you’re still with them too! Not with- well, you know who.”

With the doctor. That was the only person the president could have been talking about. Still, Metal could not help but feel irked at the name.

“As am I,” Metal replied, “and I would prefer if you call me Metal. I have taken it as my new name.”

“You can speak now! Oh! My apologies, Metal, I will do well to remember your new name.”

“Mr. President? Not that we’re not glad to hear from you, but uh, you don’t usually call for a chat,” Tails inquired.

“Not to worry, there’s nothing wrong, other than the usual public demands, which, there seems to be a lot of,”   the president trailed off, muttering under his breath and biting his nail.

The president was not very leadership material. Metal was not impressed by the man, not even after he reformed. To be honest, he disliked how much of a… pushover the man was. A far cry from Robotnik. Then again, he supposed he should not compare the man to an evil genius. 

A wave of minor sadness threaded through the bond, Would it be wrong of me to think I’m sorta really disappointed there’s no evil overlord trying to take over the world?

Amusement coiled in Metal, I do not think I am the best person to ask, not when I was thinking the president should be removed from power.

Sonic puffed out a small laugh, not disagreeing with Metal at all. Tails gave him a questioning look, but had no doubt put the clues together, and gave Metal an exasperated look. 

The blue hedgehog waved his hand, trying to get the president’s attention, “Mr. President! Why don’t you tell us what it is you called us for if it’s not to save the world?”

“Right! I have called to invite you all to a celebration thrown in your honor this Saturday. This last takeover was too close for comfort, but as always, you prevailed! Many of us wish to show you our thanks here at the capital! Myself included! And of course, my dear Sara, who’s very excited to see you again.”

A celebration? Just like the festival? Metal assumed so. He was admittedly curious. The festival at Palmtree had been fun, a memory worth preserving, would the celebration at the capital be any better? Before he could ponder it further, he sensed uneasiness from his counterpart that flickered out just as quick as it had arrived. 

“A party huh?” Sonic bemused, “we’ll think it over.”

“Oh you can count him in Mr. President,” Tails happily responded, “because I definitely wanna go! Metal, you wanna go too right?” 

His counterpart certainly did not feel enthusiastic about it but Metal did not let it dissuade him from his answer, “It would be a new experience.”

Tails beamed at him and bared his toothy smile back at the president, “Now you can definitely count Sonic in!”

The president clapped his hands together, “Splendid! I shall see you all soon!”

The call ended and the fox cub’s tails wiggled, turning around to show his joyful face. Metal was a bit confused to see such eager behavior. Tails only acted like this around mint and-

Sonic tapped his foot, “Tails if you steal their tech again, I will be very disappointed.”

Technology. 

Tails quickly defended himself, “It’s not stealing, it’s borrowing. They know I’m good at building, it’s not my fault they hand their tech for improvements. I’m not going just because of that though. This is a great way to reintroduce Metal.”

Metal could only stare at the fox cub, perplexed, “What do you mean?”

“To let them see you’re not evil, that you’re with us now. You’re a good guy now and people need to see that.”

If he had the mouth for it, he would be smiling. He could start a new image as someone good. It will not erase the past, the misfortune he brought upon everyone, but it was a start and he wanted nothing more than to show he was changed.

You’re that eager to go huh?   Sonic’s voice drifted through, clear with fondness, and it brought Metal back, to the unease the hedgehog had felt for a millisecond and he locked eyes with his counterpart.

Metal tried to understand but could not, nor did he risk trying to synchronize- the dream pushed all the way and hidden in his database- and he questioned, Why are you reluctant to go?  

A shrug, Not really a fan of parties dedicated to me, not from a bunch of stuck up strangers and Sara… can be a bit too much. But Tails is right.

“Are you two talking to each other jedi style again?” Tails pouted.

“Nope,” Sonic lied, “we just like to stare at each other’s eyes.”

“Yeah you would, wouldn’t you?” The fox cub teased, evidently amused. 

Tails was clearly being… sarcastic. So why did Sonic’s cheeks flushed? The embarrassment from the hedgehog was strong too. Metal was missing something here and his confusion would eventually have his counterpart explain. 

“But enough about that!” Tails’ eyes brimmed with untethered curiosity, “you two switched bodies! I need to see that. For scientific purposes, obviously.”

Or perhaps not.

Metal fisted his hands, a spike of something negative growing from him and he had to take a moment to process what it was. This was the same emotion from before, when he pulled himself out of Sonic's dream. It took a while to recognize it.

Fear. It was fear. Metal would have marveled at the mere idea, if the feeling had not been so daunting. He could not bond with Sonic. The hedgehog would see, he would know. Metal cut those thoughts short, trying to bury them with a different issue, trying vainly to hide the truth.

"Hey, hey," Sonic’s voice helped calm Metal, albeit tiny as it was since the hedgehog emitted concern, and a frown as he tenderly placed a hand on his arm, "talk to me, are you okay? What's wrong?" 

It was working. It had to be. Good. 

"I… just think it would be wise to let our bond adjust. To give it a few more days until we attempt to switch bodies. There are still so many uncontrollable variables."

Sonic scrunched his face. The hedgehog could sense it perhaps. Could sense that Metal was omitting some parts of the truth. The hedgehog's confusion was palpable but underneath it was the barest hint of skepticism. Metal braced himself for the line of questions that would arrive. 

Sonic stared but to Metal’s relief, accepted his answer with a nod, "Yeah, that makes sense. This is still pretty darn new and I don’t wanna make you do this if you’re uncomfortable.”

Tails tapped his chin, upset but deeply contemplative, "Practice could control it, but if you really think it's best to wait it out, then I’m with you. Maybe you guys can switch after the party? We've got two days until Saturday after all."

Sonic shrugged, throwing a faint smirk, "Works for me. Now if either of you don't mind, I have a bed calling for me and a nice dream to get back into." 

"A nice dream?" Metal asked impulsively and inwardly cursed at himself right after. 

"A very nice dream," was Sonic's response before he headed back to his messy bed.

Metal refused to let that sparkled of hope flare at those words as he dealt with a pouting Tails. Instead, he panicked internally. 

Two days. That was how long Metal delayed the inevitable. 

Chapter Text

Metal dreaded the day. He was still very excited for the celebration, of experiencing new things, but he also had to acknowledge the deadline they had all agreed upon. And in his wish to ensure nothing slipped from the dream incident nor the emotional turmoil it had caused him, he had distanced himself. Nothing that would cause suspicion, he merely spent more time with Tails and ventured to the corners of the island in his lonesome rather than stay in Sonic’s presence.

Though the blue hedgehog knew something was up, Metal could sense the wary skepticism grow, but it was largely overshadowed by concern. Metal thought perhaps his counterpart would question him for it and would bring up the subject and push for an explanation the second they were alone that night, but to his surprise, Sonic did no such thing.

“I know you’re hiding something,” Sonic had said when Tails turned in for the night and Metal had halted, fingers frozen around the broom.

“It’s not hard to tell, when you push your thoughts so loudly, yelling about how angry you are that sand exists. Which is funny and very distracting, so you’re succeeding there.”

The admission that Sonic knew, that he had known what Metal was doing, had brought him immediate… shame and embarrassment. For thinking he could somehow evade the incident.

“No, no, Metal,” Sonic furrowed his eyes, placing a hand on his, “I’m not- I am not upset, you know this, I just want you to know that it’s okay.”

“Is it?”

“I know it’s hard to hide something with what we have, and I’m not going to push you for it because you deserve this. Your own privacy, you’ve never really had that before. But you can’t blame me for being worried too. Whatever it is that’s bothering you, whatever it is you’re hiding, I’m right there. Whenever you want to talk about it, I’m all ears for it.”

Sonic had turned in too and had left Metal in the kitchen. The hedgehog’s words had helped ease the guilt but it did nothing to the festering negative emotion that was fear itself. To have his affection be exposed, his selfish wants and needs vulnerable, had him scared.

And, all too soon, the day had arrived.

At the center of South Island was the capital and the city was… extravagant. A great contrast to the last sight Metal recalled. Though literally anything would have made the capital a better sight. For the last memory he had was an aflame city and frightened civilians running towards safety. The same civilians who were staring at them. To be more precise, staring at Metal.

Remembering Palmtree, Metal handled the stares with dignity. He would show them he was no longer a villain. No longer evil. Walking side by side with Tails and Sonic proved it.

The more Metal took in the sights, the more he noted the drastic difference. The capital made the festival at Palmtree look so… free. Everything here was controlled, restricted, and limited. Guards were stationed around the building, identifying every civilian before granting them entry. Their safety measures were for a show, Metal was certain of it. After all, what better safety precaution was there other than Sonic and Tails.

He had also not failed to notice the way the civilians were dressed. More… stiff. Less vibrant. His questioning mind was picked up easily.

“Those are formal clothes,” Sonic answered, laidback as they neared the entrance, “People can barely breathe in them. Not sure why they wear them in the first place.”

“Because it’s supposed to represent a smart appearance. All business-like,” Tails added.

Metal tilted his head, “The president is not smart. I suppose the formal wear is his mask for what he lacks.”

Tails shook his head in disapproval but the small smile was evident, “You can’t insult the president, at least not here, where people can hear you. Don’t go around threatening him either. Remember, first impressions matter. Show them whose side you’re on.”

Of course. Metal was determined to prove his new path on heroics. He will not fail in this endeavor. His reputation was on the line. Not just his, but Sonic and Tails' too. They were vouching for him after all. 

The guards brightened visibly at the blue hedgehog, huge smiles painted on their faces.

"Sonic! It's an honor to meet you!."

"My son is a huge fan! Can I get an autograph for him!?"

"Sonic, thank you for saving us all once again! You're a true hero!"

Metal could not help the chortle he emitted, amused at seeing his normally confident counterpart be uncomfortable with the praise. He could feel the discomfort wave off of him.

"I was just doing the right thing," Sonic hurriedly said, "Sorry pal, but can me and my buddies go in? Sort of on a tight schedule with the president." 

The guards blinked as they registered his and Tails' presence. Metal refrained from glowering menacingly at them. Such useless unobservant guards. No wonder the capital fell so easily on that day. He was offended on Tails' behalf as well. Tails was just as much of a hero as Sonic was. 

The guards shifted almost nervously, limbs tense. Metal was not oblivious. It was obvious they were frightened of him. If he could sigh, he would have. It was beginning to be… tiring to be on the receiving end of such an expression. Hopefully, tonight changes that.

“This guy wouldn’t hurt a butterfly," Sonic smiled amiably, throwing an arm across Metal’s shoulder pauldrons, "He’s with me and he’s here to make amends.”

The way the guards hastily bowed their heads, sidestepping to let them pass through, surprised Metal. Out of all the places, the capital had definitely suffered the worst of the consequences of his destructive drive. Logistically, the security detail should have denied Metal entry, especially in a place that held an exposed president among many other civilians. Though, perhaps he should have foreseen this. Sonic was a hero known to the entirety of Planet Freedom, everyone knew of the great feats the hedgehog accomplished, and what exactly he was capable of. If Sonic had forgone coming to this celebration, Metal was certain he would have been denied entrance.

Inside, the view was aesthetically beautiful. Chandeliers from the ceiling lit the room, the walls a pristine pure white, with shiny marble floors. Once again, Metal was subjugated to stares from all around. Humans in the ballroom held their noses high, stiff, and unwelcoming. Metal meet their gazes and did not shy away. This was fine. Let them see how much he has changed. He intended to change their perspective of him, one way or another.

Fingers curled around his wrist, gently tugging him along. Metal looked up to Sonic grinning.

“I think I see Mr. President hogging the lobsters in the back. Let’s go say hi.”

Sonic’s grasp was warm. Soft. Pleasant. Metal nodded, not bothering to object that he would rather avoid any interactions with an incompetent buffoon of a president. The masses shifted around them, some unwilling to step within a foot of their distance. Not that it bothered him, their distance made it easier to keep track of Tails.

When they neared the enormous banquet of various dishes and desserts, some of which Metal could not identify, he found himself in a state of hard difficulty from bonding with his counterpart to switch bodies prematurely. He supposed he could not fault the president for nearly devouring all of the red lobsters. The refreshments were dazzling and tempting now that Metal had experienced firsthand the delights of edible substance. It was only the fear of the consequences after that had him abruptly stop that desire. Sonic’s worry was palpable at the immediate change. Metal did what he did best the past several days. Deftly ignoring it for his own wellbeing. 

“Wah!” The president was still a fool, being startled so badly by his appearance, and almost tripped over his own feet. Fortunately, he caught himself at the last second by the edges of the table. Four suited men, wearing dark sunglasses and an earpiece in one ear, all jumped to action.

“Mr. President are you alright!?”

“Breath in and out Mr. President!”

“Mr. President, should- Hey! It’s that robot!”

“You! What are you doing here!?”

Sonic pushed Metal behind him, no doubt ready to defend. Similarly, Tails stepped ahead too, a determined pout set on his face. Their actions were unneeded, however.

“I’m fine! And there shall not be any fighting here,” The president soothed, trying to regain dignity as he straightened out his uniform, “Metal is a guest, vouched by Sonic and Tails and accompanied by them. We will treat him as such.”

Remarkably, the president’s bodyguards obeyed without question. But it was not without reluctance and frowns thrown at Metal. It was… a stark difference, to see the way the president commanded them compared to the doctor. 

A huge smile spread on the president’s face, “Sonic, Tails, Metal! I am glad to see you all here. I feared for a moment you wouldn’t Sonic. Since you didn’t show up the last two times I invited you.”

Sonic shrugged unapologetically, “Sorry about that. The locals needed my help at the time.” 

That was clearly a lie. Sonic had napped throughout both events. But it was a lie Tails eagerly nodded to and said, “It’s true, it’s why I showed up alone those times.”

The president bought it nonetheless if the way he nodded naively to it was any indication.

Sonic patted Metal’s back, gaining everyone’s attention, “But I’m here now and Metal is very excited to be here.”

Sonic’s voice rang clear, That’s your cue Mets. Remember what Tails said. 

Metal replied indignantly, I remember exactly what he said. First impressions are vital. Do not fret, I can do this.

“Hello,” Metal said, noting the very surprised faces of everyone, even the ones that were eavesdropping around them. He remembered the introductions Tails had taught him precisely to use for this moment. However, saying the words ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you’ would not release from his voicebox. Because it simply was not true. Instead, Metal decided he should affirm his redeemed status by utilizing one of the new social terms he has learned.

“I promise to not lay waste to the capital. Again. Unless circumstances force me to. Although statistically, the chances of that happening are extremely low. So everyone here is safe. For now.”

Metal would have smiled if he could. He was proud of the way he handled his introduction. For it was straightforward and honest with his intentions. His sense of accomplishment was dampered immediately as he began to feel his counterpart’s exasperation blend into their mental link. It was then Metal noticed the uneasy stares.

Metal, amusement coiled between them, You literally could not have done any worse than that.

I could have called the president an idiot. Your statement is therefore invalid, Metal countered but conceded slightly, Perhaps I should have worded my response better. However, it is not my fault if they saw it as a threat.

“Aha,” Tails smiled awkwardly, filling up the impromptu silence, “He’s kidding, his sense of jokes are just ill-timed.”

“Yeah, you gotta land your jokes better Metal,” Sonic easily ran with the excuse.

Metal picked it up, facing the wary masses, “I apologize. I am still learning. It does not help that Sonic is not funny and therefore a bad teacher.”

For his credit, Tails did giggle. Sonic gave a dramatic gasp.

“Wha- that is completely untrue! I have made you laugh like a hundred times.”

The blue hedgehog was obviously exaggerating the count. And it would be one more as Metal let out a series of beeps, unable to hold back his own amusement.

“Face it Sonic, Metal was always laughing at you not with you,” Tails teased, doing a poor job of stifling his laughter.

The president laughed too and acknowledged his bodyguards, “You see? Your fears are completely groundless! It’s very evident Metal has changed and for the better might I say. Oh! Before I forget, I was told some troubling rumors from Tidal Tempest. Apparently, the locals there claim to have spotted a couple of machines lingering on their lands. I’m sure it’s nothing big, probably a few stragglers, but it is a cause for worry for the locals! I hope you don’t mind passing by there as soon as you’re able to. I’d send reinforcements but well….”

The man did not need to say anything anymore. Sonic was the better, no, the best option to handle the problem. It was the hedgehog’s forte after all.

“Don’t sweat it Mr. President,” the confidence Sonic exuded practically radiated, and a wide smirk spread on his features, “I’ll take care of it.”

“Thank you so much! Truly, it is one less problem to worry about and I can only imagine what-”

“Mr. President,” interrupted one of the bodyguards, “It’s almost time for your speech.”

“Ah. Right,” the president mumbled under his own breath, and said in a low voice, inaudible to Sonic or Tails but very clear to Metal as he maxed his auditory, “Well, seeing as how Sonic showed up, I’m going to need a bit more preparation to change the speech,” the man straightened up, “I hope you all enjoy yourselves here! My little Sara should be out any moment and she’s very excited to see you again Sonic.”

“I can’t wait,” Sonic’s smile was strained.

There was discomfort again. Was Metal missing a vital piece of information? Why was his counterpart reluctant to see the president’s daughter? What had he said that day… ‘Sara can be a bit too much’ were his exact words. In what regard did Sonic mean it?

When the president left with his entourage, Tails perked up and nudged Metal.

“That was good Mets, despite the fact you kinda threatened them. What’s important was that they saw you’re not some emotionless robot. You made a joke and showed them you were capable of laughing. That’s what really got them. Look, even the atmosphere feels less tense. Less glares too.”

At those words, Metal surveyed the ballroom, pleasantly surprised to see the kit was right in his assumptions. It made Metal feel… happy for it. Sonic gave him a winning smile, embracing the emotion, but the moment ceased as quickly as it arrived.

Metal was yanked backwards by Tails, narrowly avoiding a figure dashing by them and heading straight for Sonic. Metal dialed up his senses, activated his fight response, and raised his claws, fully ready to battle. Only to halt his own movements at the sight before him. 

“SONIC!” 

Metal immediately lowered his auditory setting to the lowest.

It seems the president’s daughter has not changed one bit. Though her attire was a major difference, with an elaborate hairstyle and wearing a glittering dress. The tiny gems almost looked like diamonds. In fact, a small scan confirmed that they were diamonds. Metal was a tiny bit impressed. That had not lasted long either.

Sara pounced at Sonic but the blue hedgehog swiftly avoided her clutches. She pouted but recovered quickly, not at all fazed. Oh. So this was what Sonic meant by ‘a bit too much.’ She liked to invade his personal space. Sonic, evidently, did not like it. And his counterpart was too polite to voice it.

“Sonic I’m so glad you came!” She squealed. Loudly. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you here! You really should come with Tails more often. And you still look as strong and handsome as ever! Hey, hey, what do you think of my dress?”

“It’s… something, I’ll tell you that.”

“I think it looks great Sara,” Tails inputted, “What do you think Metal?”

Just like with the president, Metal was inclined to shut down any conversations with the girl. She was very loud. She also made Sonic uncomfortable with her clingy tendencies. Still, Metal was there to show them how reformed he was and he has been doing well so far. He would not break this streak.

“The dress is eye-catching. It accentuates your figure and despite the sparkling gems, it is, as the people call it, a pretty dress. You are also likely to blind someone if they stare at you for too long. It is an ideal dress to blind your enemies with.”

Sara blinked at him and then her smile grew bigger. Metal stepped back, thrown into a state of confusion as her face was centimeters away from his.

"That's exactly right! Old pervs are always looking at me so who cares if they go a little blind. Serves them right when they have their own wives! Your name is Metal, right? I’m happy to see you’re with Sonic and Tails instead of creepy Robotnik. And you really think this dress fits me? I was worried maybe it was a bit long….”

Sara clearly did not harbor ill intentions from what Metal had done in the past, not with the way she stood unguarded around him. The fact uplifted Metal’s mood. He must be doing something right if that was the case.

“If it was a bit long, it would have been ripped by your heels,” the silver shoes were murderously high and can no doubt serve as a hard blunt weapon too. He figured she would not like to hear that. Instead, he complimented, “Your heels are pretty as well. Though to be fair, your appearance is enough to be objectively beautiful."

“Oh good point. And thank you!” She proceeded to do another act Metal was not prepared for. She hugged him. “You’re not all that bad! Even if Robotnik did create you. Plus, you clearly have good taste in clothing!”

The insult of the doctor was ignored in favor of the latter statement. Hm. Perhaps Metal was too hasty in his opinion of her. He updated his file on her. She was a much better character than her father by a large margin and she instinctively knew he had an amazing fashion sense. He decided he would tolerate any hugs she freely gave.

Something negative began to blend into him. Almost apprehensive, wary even. It was not anger but the same dark emotion was in it. For once, it was not Metal experiencing this emotion. It was coming from Sonic. Alarmed, Metal stared at Sonic. The blue hedgehog, with a cheery smile that did not match his negative emotions, gently pried Sara off of Metal.

"Sara, it isn't pretty cool of you to invade Mets' personal space like that," Sonic said, his tone jovial yet firm.

Metal wisely decided not to say he had not minded it. The situation was surreal enough as it is. What had set his counterpart off to react in this manner? He could not recall a moment in which Sonic acted this way, not even after scrolling through the hedgehog’s past. Even Tails could not smother his surprise but there was a glint to the kit’s eyes. 

Tails knew something that Metal did not. And in some way, it unsettled Metal. He was the one who was supposed to know everything about Sonic. They were linked in more ways than one. And they were linked forever. As that reasoning filtered through Metal, so did the rest of his issues. Shame filled him. How could he state such a thing when he was the one avidly attempting to hide his own selfish want.

Sara huffed and rested her hands on her waist. Before she could respond, one of the security guards stepped in and whispered something in her ear.

“Sorry guys, and sorry Metal, sometimes I forget myself,” she amended and crossed her arms, “Anyways, have fun! I need to be with my dad. I hope I see you guys later!”

She scurried off, accidentally stepping on the other organics as she did. Or perhaps not so accidentally. The way she intentionally stomped on an old human did not look like an accident. 

With the president’s daughter gone, Metal stared at Sonic once more. The negative emotion had withered away, leaving relief in its place. 

What… Metal was unsure how to even ask for an explanation.

Sonic answered nonetheless, grimacing a little, Sorry. I didn’t mean to… I just- she shouldn’t have done that. I know you didn’t mind but, the hedgehog closed his eyes, I really don’t have an excuse other than I didn’t like that she was hugging you. Again, sorry. That’s uncool of me. And if I’m the reason why you felt shame too, I’m even more sorry.

“Are you guys good?”

The fox cub looked at them both, eyes flitting between them. Knowing the young prodigy, he had probably connected they were conversing mentally. Sonic did not respond and Metal realized it was because he was waiting for him. It took a moment for Metal to answer, to process the apology his counterpart gave him. The fact that Sonic had no viable excuse for his actions caused concern for Metal. Still, he realized now was not a good time to question the hedgehog about it.

“I am fine,” he reassured the kit, glanced at Sonic briefly, and said, “We are both fine.”

Tails looked doubtful, “Okay. Well, I don’t know about you guys but I see a chocolate fountain in the back so if you need me, I’ll be drowning in it.”

“Don’t make a mess,” Sonic said, waving off the kit, who rolled his eyes.

Though Sonic could not explain his sudden behavior change, Metal felt it was necessary to disclaim the last part of his apology.

I wasn’t filled with shame because of you, was all Metal dared to reveal. Any further thought could slip between them.

Dark eyes shone at him, Oh. It’s because of… that.

Metal let the silence answer for him. He broke the gaze, settling onto the middle of the ballroom. Soft violin music played in the background accompanied by a piano and in the midst of the throes of the music, there were pairs moving along with the rhythm. 

They were dancing. 

Metal found himself unable to move, as the memory resurfaced, of their evolving bond that had pulled him into a dreamscape, of sharing one dance that had not been completed because-

That women’s dress was absolutely horrid. Terrible fashion sense. It was a mark of true horror. An abomination. Ugly. Disgusting. The red and purple mixed together should be considered a crime. The fact that it was a striped dress made the whole garment worse. Who would purchase such an atrocious garment? Who was the person who stitched it together? Actually, the better question is, was Metal allowed to burn it?

Abrupt laughter emerged from Sonic, “Dude no. That’s called arson and that’s a crime.”

“That dress is a crime.”

“Sure.”

Crisis averted, Metal still could not erase the small selfish part of him that wanted to join the masses dancing without a care. Seeing them in such close proximity with one another… It would only be dancing. There was no harm in it.

Metal faced the hedgehog once more, hopeful as he asked, "Would you, if it is not an issue, dance with me? I want to try it.”

Bafflement emitted from his counterpart. It was not a rejection nor an opposed reaction. Those were good odds in his favor. The bafflement leaves soon after and Metal was delighted to see a flustered hedgehog instead, fondness and what felt like embarrassment flowing from him. 

Sonic rubbed the back of his head and looked away, uncharacteristically timid as he said, “It’s been a while since I’ve danced but yeah, why not?”

The burst of warmth Metal felt from within was too much like the night they had stargazed and held hands. He raised a metallic arm, excited for a new experience, of a chance to try something new with his counterpart. Sonic gave him a soft smile, one Metal knew was reserved for him only, and reached out, their fingertips brushing past another.

A cough echoed from an amplifier and Metal’s attention shifted to where the noise came from. On an elevated platform adorned by South Island's flag, the president stood tall on a wooden carved podium, back straight, and mouth hovering over a microphone. Sara’s glittering figure practically outshone everyone, not at all stiff, but casual as she stood beside her father. At once, the music ceased and the masses slowed to a halt. The speech. It was about to begin.

The disappointment was heavy, engulfing the remains of his warmth. However, his emotions were curbed when a gloved hand intertwined their fingers.

Relax, Sonic soothed, grinning slightly, After this speech is done, we’ll dance as long as you want.

The words hastily erased any lingering doubt and Metal demanded, You better keep your word.

Any further communication was cut as the president finally began, his voice resonating for all the occupants. 

“Welcome everyone! To another beautiful year and another celebration commemorating our hero Sonic the Hedgehog for keeping us well protected and triumphant in his battle against the evil doctor. Now, I am sure you are all aware our hero has graced us with his presence," the president smiled cheerily, gesturing to their location. 

Discomfort rolled off of Sonic in huge waves as hundreds of eyes settled upon the hedgehog, grateful and awed. The hedgehog hid it well with a cocky smirk and a lazy wave. Still, Metal wished he could force everyone's gaze away.

A suited man stomped forward, holding an embroidered blue necklace with a golden emblem attached to the end. The president lifted the necklace and looked at Sonic as he continued his speech, "So it is with great honor I have this chance to present the Hero Medallion to-"

Boom.

Bricks scattered, debris flying across the ballroom. Broken glass glittered among the marble ground. Panicked screams filled the air. Heavy thuds vibrated on the ground. An army of robots invaded the ballroom, towering over terrified faces. A loud cackle ricocheted, familiar, and unwanted as a flying machinery entered the fray. Sitting in that machinery was a man who had not changed one bit with his glasses, large mustache, and round figure. 

"Robotnik!" The president shouted in horror.

The doctor grinned and puffed his chest, "Oh please, you're too kind! But I must ask you to reconsider changing the name of the award to the Genius Medallion. Oh! Sara! How nice it is to see you again." 

As if on cue, one of the robots swooped down and caught Sara’s struggling form, "Ow! Watch it! You know, the feeling isn't mutual. I hate seeing your creepy face!" 

The doctor intended to kidnap her. Again. Metal acted on impulse, Sonic trailing after him. It filled Metal with a sort of satisfaction as Robotnik's eyes widened slightly at the sight of him.

"Crashing the party, Robuttnik?" Sonic mocked, crossing his arms, "Guess you must have been pretty upset not to get an invite."

Sonic had always been confident and laid back and for good reason. However, Metal could not let this drag on. In fact, with everyone's attention on them, he planned to show he was resolutely not on Robotnik's side.

"Surrender now doctor and you will not be harmed," Metal demanded, battle stance ready.

"You can speak," Robotnik turned furious and yelled at Sonic, "How dare you meddle with my perfect creation using your dirty rodent hands!"

Sonic smirked, "Don't blame me, he asked for it."

Robotnik frowned deeply but it flickered away as smugness oozed out of him, "Well, it is of no concern. Not now at least." 

With a push of a button, Robotnik flew further away, dragging a captured Sara with him as well. 

"Let's see how you can get out of this one! Save Sara or save the poor defenseless fools in this party! Ho ho ho!" 

The doctor did not wait for a response. He was nearly out of sight, the figures becoming smaller and smaller in the night sky. To make matters worse, the robots started attacking and they were not merciful. Screams were hurled from every direction. The president, yelling for his daughter, was promptly escorted out.

His creator truly was tricky, forcing upon them a difficult choice. It disgusted Metal. But as the doctor said, Metal was a perfect creation. There was a way to save them all. 

"Go after them, save her," Metal proclaimed, easing Sonic’s rather loud inner conflicted thoughts, "I will protect the people here." 

Sonic hesitated for the briefest moment but nodded, "Watch out for Tails!" and became a blue blur.

The constant presence of his counterpart went dark. Growing so used to Sonic’s presence, Metal was off-kilter as the barest hint of emptiness surfaced so abruptly. He steadied himself. Now was not the time to be bewildered over it.

He had a duty first. Protect the people. 

Metal worked nimbly and cautiously. He evaded well-timed swings and shots. These robots were not much of an issue, not compared to him. But to a room filled with defenseless civilians, they posed a serious threat, especially in such large numbers. He made sure to be gentle, using the blunt side of his claws to carry every victim out of harm’s way. When he released them outside of the ballroom, most screamed in terror and ran out of the building. Some, Metal was pleasantly surprised, cried out of gratitude. Others pleaded to save the others. 

An unnecessary request. He was going to save and protect everyone. At one point, he crossed paths with Tails, who was doing his own share of saving by distracting the robots long enough for civilians to run away.

Remembering how Robotnik had flown away, and knowing how tricky he was, Metal shouted over the chaos, “Tails! Robotnik kidnapped Sara! Sonic went after them! Take the Tornado and help him!” 

A robot stepped in front of him. Metal decapitated the heavy machine at breakneck speed, his claws tearing swiftly through the wires. Tails’ eyes widened in awe but sense came back and the kit held a determined expression as he nodded, extended his tails, and took to the air. That should make Sonic’s task easier to accomplish.

When the last of the organics were escorted out, Metal relaxed. Finally. With no civilians in the way, it was time to shift gears and annihilate.

While these robots were bulky, towering twice his height, and had enough strength to plow through a wall, they were obsolete to Metal. It helped that they had no formation or enough processors to form a cohesive plan. It was likely their programming was only to attack and nothing more. 

Another thud and Metal stepped over the fallen robot. The ballroom no longer held its regal visage, not when debris and broken machinery covered the floor. For a moment, he stood there and took in the fallout.

Metal was… upset. Over many factors that occurred in one single night. But he was saddened for most of the dance he was promised with. There was zero chance of the celebration picking up right after, zero chance for the musicians to began anew. His hopes for a dance were, to put it aptly, crushed.

A scream pierced through the air, breaking Metal out of his melancholy. Someone else was still here. He fisted his claws. It sounded like a child in distress. He hurriedly activated his jet engine, closing the distance to the shriek. He sped by a corner, searching for the child. 

Instead of being greeted by a small helpless child, Metal’s optics picked up a robot. A red spherical robot with mechanical limbs, blue led lights acting as its eyes and mouth.

This one was new. Metal scanned it. Very new.

The robot laughed nervously. It laughed. It can speak. Belatedly, Metal realized the red robot was holding a peculiar device with a red button on it.

"Wow, you sure are terrifying! Please don't kill me later for what I'm about to do," and the robot pressed the button.

Metal whirled back in surprise as his visual hub was blocked by a red screen with giant letters. 

COMMENCING SYSTEM SHUT DOWN

No. No. No. Metal looked through his system, trying to override the forced command. Panic was consuming him as every attempt denied him. What should he do? How can he stop this?

How. How. HOW. 

He could not give up. Not like this, he had to keep trying-

SYSTEM OFFLINE

Chapter Text

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. . .

. . . . .

. . . . . . . 

SYSTEM ONLINE

Red optics flickered on. A series of coding scrolled past his visual hub. These were codings Metal was familiar with, the program that defined his very existence. However, the last set of coding was foreign. Anger coiled in him as he read the new commands in his database. He was capable enough in his own programming to change them if he so desired. Yet, he could not. His new commands prevented him from doing so.

The rest of his functions were loading and as his auditory system booted, a loud screeching voice invaded his hearing, accompanied by a deeper mocking one. The latter sounded like his creator. The former could not be Sara. The tone was too high-pitched. Plus, Metal had full faith his counterpart had saved her. The question was, who was the other voice?

After a few seconds, Metal was fully operational. His visual hub finally allowed the real world in his sight. Cold steel walls and floor greeted him. A monitor was lit beside him, displaying his mechanics, along with a cluster of screwdrivers, bolts, and an assortment of metallic objects. A workshop, Metal concluded. He observed the other half of the room and let out a surprised warble. There was a pink hedgehog trapped in a cage, adorned in a green blouse and orange skirt. The pink hedgehog was frozen at the sight of him.

A shadow rose over him and Metal looked up at the source of it. 

Robotnik smiled down at him. Metal could see the man’s nose hair. Disgusting. He stepped back to not see it. He was going to erase this memory as soon as possible.

“Metal! It’s good to have you back in my hands, where you belong. A masterpiece such as yourself shouldn’t have been gallivanting around with people inferior to you. Though it is curious why you stayed with that pesky hedgehog.”

Robotnik looked genuinely curious. As if the mere idea was an impossible feat, unheard of even. Hm. Even one as genius as the doctor did not know everything. The fact relaxed Metal by a fraction.

“Because I did not want to be a villain or to be used for nefarious ploys. Sonic took me in and taught me many things. Good things," Metal emphasized.

The doctor was peeved, "Apparently not! I bet it was him who told you to empty my bank account!"

"It was my idea," Metal defended, "And besides, you deserved it. Especially right after you sent your robots to attack all the guests." 

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Robotnik waved lazily, “No one was seriously harmed. I need servants to do my bidding after all.”

Metal nearly snapped back but paused as he realized that yes, while the robots attacked and took several people hostage, they all had minor injuries. Still, he was not deterred. He pointed at the captured pink hedgehog, whose jaw went slack since he began speaking.

"Why have you kidnapped this innocent mobian?"

Robotnik frowned and pointed to her frantically with both hands, "What do you mean why? She's Sonic's girlfriend!" 

Girlfriend. 

A term reserved for female romantic partners. The doctor was implying that she was Sonic's….

Girlfriend.

"She is most certainly not!" Metal shouted, unable to will away the dark web of what felt strangely close to anger, "I would know if he had one and he does not!" 

"Hey! I totally am Sonic’s girlfriend!" she was quick to retort, only to wilt a moment later, "He uh… just doesn't know it… yet."  

"What!? You mean I wasted my time tracking you down for a lie!?" The doctor bellowed, stopped, and rubbed his chin, "Well it's not a huge problem. Sonic's goody two shoes will try to save you anyway."

Metal should not be surprised by the man’s grim thinking yet he was. The doctor’s tendency to make the best, or rather the worst, out of any situation was what made him a genius over the common people. And as delusional as the pink hedgehog was, she was above all else, innocent and caught in the crossfires of the doctor’s wrongdoings.

Though Metal knew it to be true, he still needed to hear the confirmation, "I don't see the president’s daughter anywhere. Sonic and Tails must have beaten you and saved her. Again." He made sure to emphasize the last part.

As expected, the doctor turned red and a vein popped from his forehead, "I have half a mind to take away that obnoxious voice box."

"Why?" Metal asked, feeling very much like his counterpart, and wished he could smirk, "Because I'm right?" 

Robotnik's face began to look like a ripe tomato. The man took a deep inhale and the anger faded, replaced by a grin. Metal was on guard. This was…. uncharacteristic. The doctor's ego was easy to exploit, Sonic certainly used it to his advantage many times. There must be something his creator was planning and considering the lengths Robotnik took to kidnap him….

"Your smart mouth will soon not be a problem anymore. Now, I've got plans to finish and you, Hyper Metal Sonic, will help me. Willingly or not." 

Worry coiled from within. Metal was right. The doctor had a new scheme, one that involved him. This was fine. Sonic and Tails would save him. They would stop Robotnik. They always do. Until then, Metal had to stall.

“My name is Metal and I would appreciate being called as such. I suppose asking for my release is out of the question,” Metal commented dryly.

“Hmm. Despite your ill manners and attitude, I'm pleased to see how far you’ve grown,” Robotnik chortled, a grin spreading across his face, “It’s not a surprise though, growing into your sentience would have been inevitable. I would have removed such self-awareness but! It’s one of the many factors that make you my best creation.”

Out of all the emotions that were circling in Metal, he had not expected to feel proud. The second he felt it, shame settled a beat later.

"Now, Metal, I don't want you snooping around, so step into the cage with little miss hedgehog and be a good boy. To make that extra clear, don't try to escape your cell. Oh, and play nice. The poor thing is shivering," Robotnik cackled.

Every part of Metal wanted to deny that request. But the newly installed coding forced him to comply. Robotnik pressed his hand against a monitor and the door of the cage opened. Metal reluctantly stepped in.

The pink hedgehog squeaked and pressed against the steel bars in a corner, putting as much distance as she could between them. Metal wanted to reassure her, but he feared Robotnik's reaction. With another swipe of his hand, Metal was locked inside the cage. The doctor chuckled as he left the workshop, the door sliding shut behind him.

When it seemed like his creator would not return, Metal shifted to face the pink hedgehog. The shaking of her form had him raise his metallic arms, trying to attempt a mock surrender, in hopes that it would alleviate her fear. It barely worked. Fear still held her.

"I am not your enemy," Metal tried to soothe her, "You saw, you heard my conversation with Robotnik. That is proof enough of my intentions."

The trembling stopped and she looked to be contemplating his words. Finally, she said slowly, "That… that's true. Otherwise, you wouldn't be locked up here with me. You just- you look pretty scary." 

Relieved, Metal dropped his raised arms, "I apologize. To be fair, my appearance is meant to be frightening. I was created that way on purpose."

She lodged herself away from the corner, inching closer as she skeptically looked him over, "You were created to look like a scary robotic version of Sonic? But… why?" 

"To beat Sonic. Evidently, it did not work."

At that, she visibly brightened. It was like all the fear and apprehension left her as she smiled, "You mention Sonic took you in. Does that mean you live with him!?" 

Her abrupt change of attitude swiftly reminded Metal that she was still very delusional. Actually, supplied with what Robotnik said, she must be the same hedgehog the false rumors spoke of back in Palmtree.

"I do," Metal answered politely and not so politely said, "Why are you lying? You are not Sonic's girlfriend. In fact, when Sonic heard of these rumors, he was annoyed." 

Red face, she huffed and looked away, "Not that it's any of your business-" 

"It is. My business, that is." 

"Ahem. As I was saying, I said those at first to spite some mean girls who were bullying me back in my town. But then the town was attacked and Sonic saved me," her expression softened immensely and she clasped her hands together, squealing out of… excitement? "Oh, I'll never forget it! He was so brave and handsome, it was love at first sight! And, well, after that, everyone in my town believed me," she pouted, and if Metal was not mistaken, she looked a bit guilty, "I really didn't expect the rumors to get so out of hand though…." 

Oh. So, not delusional. 

"You should address the rumors and state that you are not in fact Sonic's girlfriend."

"Well, I'm not his girlfriend now but I will be." 

The pink hedgehog was determined. Metal could see it in her demeanor and stance. For a moment, a very selfish part of him wanted to say he was Sonic's boyfriend. It was technically true in a way, him being a boy, in the context of using male pronouns, and a friend. In the end, he opted not to. It would be rather hypocritical of him. 

Metal raised his chin, "You can try but your chances are not high. Sonic is annoyed by you already from the false rumors."

"Sonic hasn't gotten to know me yet! But when he does, there's no doubt that I'll be his one and only true love," she sighed dramatically, as if imagining the whole encounter in her head.

"I take back my initial assessment of you. You are clearly delusional if you think that. Sonic would not-” Metal struggled to find the words, spite spreading in him like how a corrupted file would, “He would never think you were his one and only true love.”

“Hmph,” she rested her hands on her waist and glared, “How would you know? You’re just a robot! A robot wouldn’t understand love! A robot can’t even feel emotions!”

“For your information, I do, in fact, feel emotions,” Metal snapped and pointed a sharp claw at her, “Which is why I can safely say you will never be Sonic’s girlfriend.”

The pink hedgehog’s cheeks flushed with what was undeniably fury. Instead of responding back, she merely looked away, not daring to look in his direction. Metal understood immediately what she was doing. He often did the same to Sonic. So he was more than a bit annoyed when she did it to him first.

Fine. It was not a problem. Metal would appreciate the silence anyways. Yet, as he sulked near the entrance of the cage, the conversation with the pink hedgehog kept repeating itself in his database. As calm and stoic Metal liked to believe he was, he could not deny the pink hedgehog’s words had hurt him in a way he thought impossible. To be feeling such pain… Metal did not like it. Hated it, even. Then again, the fact that it hurt proved her wrong.

Just like that, from a single conversation, festering doubts in Metal arose the more he thought about her words. Because if she thought he couldn’t feel emotions, then maybe….

The sound of his whirling jets broke him out of his heavy thoughts and he took a moment to dissolve the insecurities that held him in a vice grip. Or tried to at least. Sonic was his counterpart, half of Metal was incomplete without Sonic, and Metal was certain Sonic felt the same way. Sonic would never think of him as a cold emotionless killer machine. Not anymore. 

The reassurance of such notions helped him to break away from the sudden pool of negative thoughts that had invaded his system. His faith in Sonic should have never wavered, not when Sonic has done so much for him. Tails would have scolded him for thinking so. 

A growl echoed. Metal glanced at his cellmate. She was still refusing to look at him, but the way she hugged her stomach, and how softened her features became was evident to him that she was hungry. While she was annoying, delusional, and hurtful, Metal did not want her to starve. He may be cruel, but not that cruel.

Metal searched for a way to contact the doctor. But the cage was bare except for its inhabitants and he wagered that if there was a communication device set inside of him, Robotnik likely created it to call him and not the other way around. The grumbling echoed once more and Metal decided he may as well test his boundaries and see what he was capable of in his new surroundings.

When he slashed at the entrance, the steel bars crumbled apart under his sharp claws. Red lights blared and a loud alarm boomed from everywhere. 

The pink hedgehog jumped, and shifted to him, her face pale, “What- what are you doing!?”

“Do not try to escape,” Metal quickly cautioned, “We are in Robotnik’s base. You will never make it out. Especially when-”

A horde of machines entered the workshop, all ready to engage in battle.

“-all of the doctor’s robots are here."

The pink hedgehog yelped and backed away immediately. Metal stayed in the same spot, inches away from the entrance. He began to count how long it would take the doctor to arrive, it could prove useful in the future. Unfortunately, it was not long. At the one minute and forty-three seconds mark, Robotnik stomped through the room.

“What is the meaning of this!? Why bother clawing the cage when you can’t even escape!? I have important matters to attend to-”

“She is hungry,” Metal interrupted, not wanting to hear his creator’s childish antics any longer than necessary, “I was unsure whether you intended to feed her. It would be quite rude if you did not, considering you kidnapped her.”

The doctor pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, “Yes, alright. Can’t have skeletons in my cells anyways. It would ruin my reputation.”

Robotnik’s reputation was already ruined. Metal wisely decided not to verbally state his opinion. The workshop was bare once more as the robots filtered out, obeying the doctor’s commands. The doctor did not stay long either, quickly fixing the cage, and left saying he would have a robot come by later with substance.

“Thank you.”

Metal turned to her, surprised at her gratitude. There was an unsure smile on her face. Small but prevalent.

“You are welcome."

Silence. 

Then, the pink hedgehog opened her mouth, closed it, and repeated the motion. Until finally, “I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have said you don’t feel emotions. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have cared if I was hungry. What I said was uncalled for and makes me no better than the bullies back home. So. Sorry.”

For a moment, Metal was unable to utter a word. She likely could not have known how much her words had affected him earlier. She simply apologized because she wanted to. To best it all, she looked sincere too. Maybe she was not as cruel and mean as he had initially thought. Now, it was only fair Metal returned the favor, even if it hurt to admit it.

“I apologize as well. I cannot say Sonic would never love you, only he can decide that. As for your high claims, I suppose you are not delusional….” he trailed off, unable to believe it quite yet. But he was trying and that had to count.

Fortunately, the pink hedgehog was not offended, “Hey, I am not delusional. Can’t a girl just dream about it?”

The pieces fit and her wild tales made sense to Metal. She was not delusional, but merely a daydreamer. A lot like Tails in retrospect. He supposed he could not blame her. Sonic was the sort of person people would dream about. Perhaps he would dream about Sonic too if he were able to.

Before he could answer, a lone robot entered the workshop with a brown bag. Metal narrowed his optics at it as it hovered closer, the red robot shaking as if nervous. He waited until the pink hedgehog grabbed the bag and spoke to it.

“You are the robot who forced me to shut down,” Metal wanted to claw it apart and take its remains to the lava, “You waited until I was alone and kidnapped me.”

One of the robot’s eyes went flat and its body flinched. Metal could not help but wonder why his creator had built such an… expressive machine.

“I’m very sorry about that,” it said in a small voice, clearly terrified. As it should be. “I had explicit orders from Dr. Robotnik himself to make sure I got you here no matter what. Aha. Surprise!”

“I do not like surprises,” Metal said, his red ringlets glowing in brighter luminosity. The red robot laughed nervously.

“Oh gee. No wonder Dr. Robotnik likes you. Ahem,” it turned to the pink hedgehog, “I am called Orbot. From now on, I will bring your meals at a scheduled time,” it turned back to him, “I really don’t want to be on your bad side. I hope we get along in the future, Metal.”

Unlikely. Metal lets his silence speak for itself. Taking the hint, Orbot waved weakly as it exited the workshop. Good riddance. Metal still felt deeply insulted for how easily he was taken away. Logically, he knew there was nothing he could have done, not when the doctor had used his genius mind to effectively shut him down from a single push of a button. Metal was defenseless against it. And with Robotnik’s new codings in his system, he was physically unable to fight back. Powerless. 

Metal gripped the bars between his metallic claws. He was starting to learn how much he hated being powerless.

“This blows,” the pink hedgehog suddenly said, holding a bitten sandwich. Next to her was a nearly empty water bottle. “There isn’t even mayonnaise on it!”

Metal was glad for the distraction, “Nor are there any vegetables. All organics need to sustain a healthy diet. I will bring up the subject to Robotnik next time.”

“Don’t bother. I’m gonna give him a piece of my mind when I see him now that I know he isn’t that terrifying,” she took another bite, chewed, swallowed, and paused. She stared at him, “Huh. I haven’t given you my name, right? Sorry about that.”

With that, she placed her sandwich on the bag, held her gloved hand out, and smiled, dark eyes shining with a friendly demeanor, “I’m Amy Rose! I wish we could have met under better circumstances.”

Metal looked at her outstretched hand. He tentatively reached out and placed his hand into hers, careful not to harm her with his claws.

“My name is Metal and I concur with your statement. Being kidnapped and sharing a cage is not ideal to meet new people.”

They shook. He tried not to show how proud of himself he was. He just shook someone’s hand, the proper introduction usually made between two strangers.

Amy rolled her eyes, “Tell me about it. It’s obviously one of the best ways to meet people.”

Metal paused, processing her words, until deciding that no, she was not serious. She was being sarcastic. He was recognizing it quickly and from a total stranger. He wished Sonic and Tails were here to see it too.

“You should tell that to Robotnik. It will undoubtedly annoy him. Maybe we should suggest that he try it out too.”

She blinked at him and laughed a beat later, “I think you should say it. It’ll be super hilarious if it’s coming from you of all people. Um, also, can you call Robotnik back again?”

Again? But she had food and water. Confused, he asked, “Why?”

“I sort of… have to… use the bathroom.” 

“Oh.”

Chapter Text

Despite the circumstances, Amy Rose had quickly become a… friend.

She was not a friend of Sonic. Nor a friend of Tails. Not someone known by Sonic or Tails either. She was a friend he made on his own. Perhaps if this was a different situation, Metal would have been delighted and proud of himself for forging a new relationship. Especially when he realized they both liked clothes and that she understood fashion in a way Sonic and Tails clearly do not. Not to mention the fact that she saw him as a person and not just as another mindless robot built by his creator.

However, perhaps friend was a tentative term to describe Amy Rose, perhaps even the wrong term to name her. Because the more she spoke about Sonic, the more Metal was seeing her as a rival. He had to temper the ugly emotion threatening to release and lash at her at times when her affection for Sonic was too obvious for his liking. 

No doubt after the eventful day she had, exhaustion was upon her and she fell asleep in one of the corners, her words trailing off into slumber. She had fallen asleep midsentence. Part of him was upset at the abrupt end of their conversation. Another part of him was glad and relieved. For as much as he marveled at this new friendship he acquired, it was hard to remain unbothered by her affection for Sonic.

Without her rambles and distractions, Metal was left to ponder his unfortunate circumstances. He did not doubt Sonic and Tails would come to his rescue, and as Robotnik mentioned earlier, for Amy’s rescue as well. It was a waiting game now and Metal hated those types of games. Moreso when he had no clue what Robotnik’s plans were. If it came down to it, Robotnik would undeniably force Metal to fight Sonic against his will. While concerning, he had complete trust in Tails’ ability to hack into his system, as the fox cub had done so before. This time, it should not be so difficult, not when Tails had already seen his inner mechanics and how his system worked.

Yet, as Metal reassured himself of his confidence in his friends, the absolute silence in the workshop unnerved him. As illogical as it sounded, the silence was deafening. He had never been so far apart from Sonic, never for this long, and to be forcibly separated certainly did not help the silence in his mind. The bond Metal had with Sonic had grown to be such a constant factor in his life. A bond, Metal was quickly realizing, he was entirely dependent on. To have it gone, to not feel it at all, left him empty. Hollow. Bare. Alone.

Even the warmth Sonic emitted so freely, his brightness and loud presence, was gone. Metal was cold in a way he had never felt before. He could feel the coldness seeping into the emptiness of his counterpart’s presence, like a corrupted file going haywire.

Metal tightly clenched his hands and wrapped himself in a poor imitation of a hug. He loathed how cold he felt, how it left such a barren in its wake. 

In his desperation, he wished Sonic was here. He wished for his counterpart’s easy warmth, his confident grin at the face of danger, and quips at the tip of his tongue. He wished Sonic was the one hugging him. He wished Sonic would whisper comfort words for him. He had many countless wishes and he knew all were futile. And yet, that did not stop him as he continued to fervently wish for his counterpart.

It happened so swiftly that Metal could not process what he was seeing, his body stiff at the abrupt change as warmth seeped back into their bond and confusion overwhelmed him.

Sonic was wide-eyed and mouth agape, frozen in step in their airplane abode, back in their island home. The blue hedgehog looked as though he was exhausted, the eyebags under his eyes barely visible. Behind Sonic, Metal could see the backside of a sleeping Tails, seemingly asleep in his chair, a blueprint messily sketched on the table.

“Mets?” Sonic hesitantly asked, reaching a hand out as if to touch him, “Are you really here?” 

Metal did not know how to answer that. Instead, he reached out as well, his metallic fingers hovering over the palm of Sonic’s paw. It was Sonic who braved forward, intertwining their fingers firmly, and Metal let out a series of beeps as he felt the physical contact. This was real. It was real and it should not be.

 “This is impossible, I should not be here,” Metal dropped his hand in surprise but Sonic was unrelenting in his grip, squeezing harder as if to convince himself this was actually happening.

Sonic opened his mouth again, his dark eyes scanning the room around them, “What- Are you locked up? What happened? Are you okay?” Sonic did a double-take at a particular spot to his side and asked incredulously, “Is that a pink hedgehog?”

Just like that, Metal found himself back in his cell, only Sonic was here too. But he was not here, not really. Because Metal could still see the familiar sight of their home, could hear Tails snoring in the background. 

“I think we are in two places at the same time,” Metal spoke slowly, trying to come up with an explanation that would not drive him insane from the complete unpredictability of this event, “I can see what you are seeing and you can see what I am seeing.”

“What about this?” Sonic raised their joined hands, dark eyes brimming with concern and curiosity, “I can feel this- heck, I can smell the mechanical scent you always give off.”

“I…” Metal trailed off, recollecting a memory. The discussion he had with Tails the day after the body switch, and after the shared dream, “Tails said the bond conforms to what we want.”

Right as he said that he knew what most likely happened. It seems Tails was not wrong in his assumption about their bond.

“I-” Metal paused, embarrassed for what he was about to say, his engines whirling the tiniest bit, “I really missed you. I was not handling our separation very well. To the point where I was adamantly wishing you were here. With me. The bond must have listened to my wishes.”

A wave of fondness settled through the bond. Metal greedily coveted the warm emotions, gladly took from it after being so cold. 

Sonic's expression softened and he gave a gentle squeeze to their joined hands, "Hey, I missed you too. You're always there at the back of my mind. I felt pretty out of loop when I suddenly couldn't feel you at all. Our bond didn't just listen to you, it heard me too." 

Their bond was swiftly getting too attentive, too adaptive to their needs. As joyful as Metal was for the bond to bring them together in such a perplexing way, he dreaded what else the bond could do. The dream sharing was one thing, but Metal’s non-platonic feelings for Sonic were another. If Metal was unable to control his emotions, how would their bond answer to it? 

Sonic caught his attention, pulling at their joined hands, obviously feeling his anxiety. Metal should really let go. But well. Sonic was the one holding tightly onto him.

"This is something we have to discuss at a later time," Metal quickly moved on, "Preferably once I am out of Robotnik’s cell." 

Sonic nodded, agreeing right away. Safety was always at the foremost of his mind. "You didn't answer my questions. I'd like an answer to them," he stared at Amy, "To all of them."

"In that case, yes, I am locked up, though that should have been an obvious answer. Robotnik built a machine to lure me into a trap and shut me down with a single press of a button. I am still very angry about that. I came back online with new codings. I am unable to disobey Robotnik because of it. I am okay. Sort of. I am not happy following Robotnik’s orders. I cannot escape because of his commands. The pink hedgehog is Amy Rose. Robotnik wrongfully thought she was your girlfriend and kidnapped her. Thus, she is locked up here with me." 

Sonic took a deep breath, "There's an innocent civilian taken hostage and you can't disobey Robotnik. Okay. We can work with this." 

"Robotnik also has a new scheme underway. One that includes me. He will likely force me to fight you."

"Yeah, I kinda gathered that. He wouldn't have robotnapped you otherwise. Do you have a clue of where you might be?"

"If I knew, it would have been the first thing I told you." 

Sonic puffed out a small laugh and Metal was delighted he was the cause of it. Delighted to have heard it. He had missed Sonic far too much. Perhaps more than what was healthy.

"Glad to see being robotnapped didn't curb your sassiness." 

"Sonic?" A groggy young voice entered the conversation, "What… who are you talking to?" 

Tails was awake, rubbing at his eye and yawning. Two tails unfurled and with a more awake face, Tails glanced at Sonic questioningly, brow furrowed. Metal did not miss how the fox’s eyes slide over him.

"Um, why are you holding your hand in the air?" 

And as he suspected, Tails could not see him. Rationally, it made sense. The bond was strictly between him and Sonic. Anyone else was an outsider.

“I’m not-” Sonic pointed at him with his other hand, “You can’t see Mets over here? I’m holding his hand!”

“Tails cannot see me,” at Tails’ unphased look, Metal added, “Or hear me for that matter. Do not try to convince him otherwise. It is likely our bond makes it so that we are in each other’s presence by warping the mind’s perception. Hence why we are able to feel each other as if this event is real.”

“That is… I don’t even know what to say,” Sonic said, looking back at Tails, “Hey bud, I know I haven’t been on my best but I swear I’m not crazy.”

Tails did not look convinced, “That’s usually what crazy people say.”

“Fair point. But Mets said something about how you said the bond conforms to what we want, like, it answers to us. I think you were on the right track because even though you can’t see him, I can. I’m holding his hand and I can smell him. I can see where he’s at too. It’s super weird.”

Tails, who had been slumped over the desk, hopped off the chair, seriously considering Sonic’s words as he neared them. 

Tails pointed at a general location at him, “You really can see Metal? And he’s standing right there?”

At Sonic’s nod, Tails hovered closer. Metal let out another series of beeps as the fox cub’s hand went through his mechanical body. Metal quickly stepped back. That definitely felt surreal. If he was not careful, he might short circuit his own system from being unable to interact with surroundings that felt realistic to him.

“Your hand just went through him,” Sonic too was dazed.

“Yeah, that expression on your face can’t be faked,” Tails dropped his arm, and Metal would have sighed in relief if he could. The yellow fox went on, the eyes of the genius glinting, “You said you’re holding his hand right? What happens if you stop?” 

“Nothing, most likely,” Metal answered, and Sonic relayed his answer, “We began to see each other without physical contact. But even then we could not believe it ourselves until we held hands.”

“Hmm, I knew that the bond was evolving but I never imagined it could do this,” Tails muttered, “How did this even begin? Did Robotnik have something to do-”

It happened just as quickly as it first materialized. 

Metal felt cold all over again. His other half’s presence disappeared from his mind. The sight of their home gone and with it, Tails as well. He was back in his cell. Alone. Empty. Cold.

At each passing second, Metal grew… frustrated. Why did the bond cut off so suddenly? Neither of them had indicated to end whatever it was the bond was doing. He tried wishing and wishing over again, hoping the bond would listen and do something, but his results yielded nothing.

Why was the bond acting this way? Why was the bond so unpredictable? So random? Metal clenched his hands. Just when he thought he understood the bond, he was back to phase one. 

Light snoring caught his attention and he glanced over to the corner of the cage. Well, he was not entirely alone. He wondered how she did not wake once when he had spoken. Though, he was not surprised. When Metal speaks, it is always with a low tone unless he was upset. His counterpart however was incapable of speaking at such low volumes. It was no doubt why Tails had woken up.

Metal did not know how long he stood there, waiting for Robotnik’s inevitable return. He did not want to risk going offline, not when Robotnik had tweaked his system to accommodate for his creator’s best interests. He was not oblivious either, he noticed his charging panel was removed, no doubt returned to his old charging system. He still had a couple of days, however, before requiring it. 

In his wait, hours had probably gone by because a long while later, the entrance to the workshop slid open. A lone red robot floated into the room, brandishing a plate complete with a sandwich and a water bottle. Metal stared at it with less tenacity. He studied Orbot instead, red ringlets locked onto the odd robot.

“Good morning!” Orbot exclaimed loudly, “New day, new plans. I bring good news, big brother!”

Metal let out a series of beeps. Loudly. Before stating adamantly, “I am not your big brother,” and continued on warily, “I doubt your definition of good news is the same as mine.”

“Schematics really,” Orbot then opened the cage with a series of numbers on the monitor. Metal was pleased to note the robot slide the plate slowly, with caution, and with a nervous laugh as Metal leered at him.

“Huh? Wha…” Amy was finally beginning to awake if her groggy words were any indication. 

“Good morning little lady!” Orbot greeted before returning its attention back to him, “Robotnik wouldn’t want me to tell you this, but honestly, Cubot would have probably spilled it anyways when he comes by to meet you. You don’t mind, right? I hope you don’t, he’s really excited to meet you!”

Metal simply stared at Orbot. What was that one phrase Tails like to say? Oh, he found it. Why on Earth would Robotnik create such a robot? If Cubot was the same, why would the doctor build two of them for that matter?

Metal brightened the luminosity of his ringlets, “If this Cubot does anything like what you did, I’m slicing him to pieces with you.”

“Wow. You’re not a morning person at all big bro. But cheer up! Robotnik’s almost done creating a new and improved update for you! We’re all gonna be a big happy family soon!”

Metal turned silent, processing the words. That… was not good news at all. Orbot did not wait for an answer, cheerily waving as it left the workshop, oblivious to the turmoil it had given him. Metal hoped Sonic and Tails were at least close to finding him. He ignored the rational part of his mind that said it was futile to hope so idealistically. 

“Geez, what a way to ruin our morning,” Amy piped up, fully awake as she turned to him in concern, her brow furrowed, “It sounds like Robotnik’s evil plans are almost underway. New and improved update… what does he plan to do with you?”

“Nothing good,” Metal said and scooted the plate towards her, “But you are correct in your assessment. The doctor will be here soon, likely in a couple of days, or if we are unlucky, tomorrow-” he paused, looking at her slightly trembling hands as she took the plate. She was scared. That will not do. “Sonic and Tails will rescue us. They have never failed before and they won’t begin now.”

It seemed to do the trick. Amy perked up, confidence renewed, though she did scrunch her face in disgust at the sandwich’s ingredients.

“You’re right! We just gotta wait. Easier said than done though. Orbot? That’s the name, right? He said you were all gonna be one big happy family soon. I’ve only known you for a day or so, but I don’t see you being happy with them at all.”

No, Metal would not be happy with them. But it was the words that went unsaid, the implication, and the hints Orbot carelessly gave. And that left Metal deeply unsettled. A stronger, colder emotion than the loneliness that had suffocated him without his counterpart’s presence. An emotion he recognized that was not so different than the pink hedgehog’s earlier emotion. One that emphasized his defenselessness and vulnerability to Robotnik.

Metal was scared. Because if what he thought was correct, then Robotnik intended to restart him. He would lose everything that was himself. Everything that defined him. His will. His sentience. He will be erased and a new blank slate will take his place. There was no death for machines, that was a term reserved for organics, yet Metal could not help but call it as such.

“Metal?”

A hesitant hand was on his shoulder pad. Metal would have sighed in relief if he could. He needed this distraction, lest he spirals any further into the gloom of negative emotions.

He gently dislodged her arm from him, “Do not fret for me. I was… lost in thought.”

Amy frowned, “Somehow, I don’t think you do that a lot. Whatever Robotnik’s planning must really be upsetting you.”

She was quite observant. Another trait he can admit to admiring in her. However, Metal did not want to dwell on the matter any longer than necessary. He needed them to talk about something different and he blurted out the last thing that happened before his kidnapping.

“Did you know the president had thrown a party in the capital?”

Amy stared at him for a long pause until she nodded slowly, “Uh, yeah. Everyone knew about it, it was the talk of the town back home! I really wanted to go because I heard Sonic was going to show up,” the fond smile she had- one Metal was quickly noticing came with any mention of his counterpart- slipped as she said, “But it ended up being a disaster.”

“Well, before the party ended up as a disaster, there were so many organics wearing luxurious clothing. I was quite surprised. Like the president’s daughter, Sara. She was wearing a dress made out of tiny diamonds.”

She gasped, “No way. Oh I bet she was wearing the newest Zucci dress that came out on last issue’s fashion magazine. Was her dress a sweetheart line and, like, really long?”

There was a fashion magazine? Metal did not have time to ponder it further when he realized she described the correct style of the dress. Once again, he reveled in the fact that she enjoyed fashion. Sonic and Tails could never.

“Yes. Her heels matched her dress too.”

“She had the complete outfit!? I wish I could have seen it,” Amy sighed, “She could be a model if she wanted to. I've seen her in several photoshoots and she's always wearing the latest trends. Setting them too." 

Fascinating. Metal had not known Sara was that deep into the fashion world. He really needed to delve further into it. And he will, just as soon as Sonic and Tails rescue them. Maybe Amy could share her wisdom about fashion too-

"You know, I really thought she was Sonic's girlfriend. There were rumors about them dating too," Amy continued on, "I was pretty jealous of her. I mean, I admire her a lot, don't get me wrong, but my heart would break a bit every time I heard Sonic saved her yet again and went on a supposedly romantic date afterward." 

That, Metal had also not known. They were not true, obviously, but it brought up another suspicion. Sara was incredibly touchy and clingy. If he remembered correctly, which he did, she had also made flirtatious remarks to Sonic in the days when Metal was their enemy. He knew the blue hedgehog did not have any romantic feelings or intentions to pursue Sara. But the question was, did Sara have romantic feelings for Sonic?

Then again, using that logic, Sara had pretty much acted the same way with Metal too at the party. He was starting to think Sara’s touchiness and boldness were just a natural part of her. In any case, Sara never claimed to be Sonic’s girlfriend despite it all, unlike the pink hedgehog Metal was currently sharing a cage with. 

Which brought him to another question, one born out of curiosity rather than jealously. A curiosity that he should not indulge, should not even entertain the thought, but he was selfish. There was someone else, right here with him, who had the same affliction for Sonic, and Metal wanted to know just how similar they were to his feelings. Or how different it was.

“You had a chance meeting with Sonic when he saved you,” Metal said quietly, “And you never saw him again. Yet, in that brief encounter, it was ‘love at first sight’ for you. You do not know Sonic, not at a personal level. So what exactly is it about him that you love?”

The envious expression on the pink hedgehog’s face was quickly replaced with one full of fondness, an expression Metal was not entirely comfortable with.

“He’s handsome, that’s already a given, but I’m not that shallow,” she began, “Sonic is a hero, he does what’s right without being held back. Even when people are scared, Sonic is always there to save the day. He’s strong and courageous. He can do anything.”

Amy was not far off from her description of his counterpart. However, this did not sound right, not completely, and it took Metal a moment to understand why.

“You do not love him.”

“ Excuse me-”

“You love the idea of him.”

Amy was clearly taken aback, with her wide eyes and absolute befuddlement. She looked as though she had been slapped on the cheek. Metal continued forward, words flowing freely from him.

“If you love him, it would not have been for the image he holds for the public. It would be for the way he cares deeply about his friends and family. Sonic has been Tails’ big brother for years, and it is clear to see how much he values family, acting both as a brother and parent figure. I know it was not an easy path yet Sonic did his best in caring for Tails. 

His kindness would have been another factor. He forgave me for my past actions when no one with a rational mind would. He gave me a second chance, even if I had not wanted it. He believes in the best of everyone. His belief in me gives me the drive to be a good person.

However, his confidence would not have been a factor. He is arrogant. He is far too smug. He believes he can never lose and his competitive drive infuriates me just as much as it motivates me. He does not even keep the house clean, it was a mess when I moved in. He naps far too much and takes any opportunity to avoid responsibility if he does not care for it. 

He… is not perfect and he does not need to be. But he is more than just a hero and I… admire him a lot for it.”

Perhaps Metal divulged too much, but he needed Amy to know, to understand why her ‘love’ was shallow. He glanced at her and quickly leaned back as the pink hedgehog’s face was far too close for his liking. He stared, confused at what to make of her expression. He could not pin down what her face expressed.

“I see…” Amy finally said, her gaze looking far too scrutinizing for his liking. She clasped her hands together, somehow more relaxed than before, “It sounds like you really like him.”

“Of course I do. It is quite difficult not to. Everyone likes him, even Robotnik, loathe as he is to admit it.”

The pink hedgehog began to smile, “Right. You know, I’d like to apologize again.”

Metal warbled in confusion, “For what?”

“For saying you don’t feel love. Because it’s pretty obvious that you do.”

Chapter Text

Confusion was what settled first. Righteous indignation a second later for the doubt that was there in the first place. However, the way Amy had peered at him, her relaxed posture afterward, her sincere apology. Her statement along with her dark eyes that shone with a certain glint, one Metal has recognized thanks to Tails, brought him new enlightenment.

Metal was suddenly all too aware of her gaze. He felt vulnerable in her presence and exposed to her sight. All above were feelings he knew to be irrational, when Amy was in no way a threat, not when he could destroy her fragile organic body with a single strike. But he had swiftly come to learn that words can be utilized in a way a weapon could.

At that moment, Metal felt like a virus had frozen all his functions. He could not move even if he wanted to. Because the feelings Metal had tried so hard to hide from everyone, from the whole world, from Sonic, were easily seen by the pink hedgehog he was imprisoned with.

If Metal had a heart, he was sure it would be palpitating. As it stands, he did what he knew best. Hide.

“That… you…” Metal tried to begin, tried to form a coherent sentence, “Whatever it is that you are implying- it is not true.”

Amy’s eyes shone too much for his liking as she crossed her arms, “What am I implying?”

Metal did not dare say it, retorting instead, “You know exactly what it is.”

She stared at him, a look of astonishment on her face as she said, “It’s why you were so angry with me. It’s why you didn’t like how I talked about him. I can’t believe I didn’t see it earlier. I should have known. You’re in love with Sonic.”

Amy spoke into existence the very thing Metal could not admit. How could she say it so nonchalantly? As if the mere words did not cause her turmoil and guilt. Not in the way it did to him.

“Do not…” Metal’s engines whirled the tiniest bit, “It is not true, I do not-” but he could not finish the feeble lie. She knew and Metal would not be able to convince her otherwise, not with his weak attempts.

Defeated, Metal turned away from her. He gripped the bars of the cage instead, needing something to ground himself with. For a moment, he relished how crushed the steel was under his unrelenting grip. Of course, Amy did not let the subject drop, no matter how much Metal wished she did.

She asked softly, barely above a whisper, “Why are you denying it?”

“You would not understand.”

“Then help me understand.”

Metal gripped tighter and the steel bars almost gave away. They were irreparably dent. He faced her then and decided hastily what was the point of hiding, of denying, when she already knew. And suddenly, he spoke of the insecurities that had gnawed at him from the very beginning.

“Look at me. I have claws for fingers. A jet engine instead of a spine. A laser projector instead of a stomach. A chassis for a body. An engine for a heart. Everything that defines me are all mechanical tools. I am a machine. A robot.”

Amy did not look at him in pity and it is what drove Metal to say the truth behind it all.

“I love Sonic,” a sense of relief washed over him, to finally be able to say it, “But I know the reality. There will never be anything of romantic interest between him and I. Not when I am a robot. Sonic deserves more and I cannot give him that. Even then, the chances of Sonic recuperating my feelings are below zero. That is why I deny it. Because it is the only option I have.”

For a long moment, neither spoke. Until Amy muttered, “That’s not fair.”

Metal could do no more than nod in agreement, thankful she understood his turmoil, “Yes. It is-”

“I mean it’s unfair for Sonic. You’re taking away his choice. Does he even know what you feel for him?”

“No, and he never will. I know him, he will sooner do anything he can to try to make things better, perhaps even entertain me for the slightest moment and that is not what I want. Nor do I wish him to try to force himself to do it. Besides, our bond-” Metal paused, and if he were able to, he would have sighed deeply. He was beginning to think he knew what tired meant. Perhaps that was what he felt at the moment.

“Bond?” Amy prompted, “What bond?”

“Sonic and I share a unique bond,” he revealed, “We are linked in every way possible. It acts on our wishes, it makes the impossible possible between us. I am scared that perhaps, one day, our bond will force Sonic to have the same feelings as I do for him.”

“I… may not completely understand this bond you two have but… if you two really are linked in every way possible… doesn’t that mean he already k-”

A door slides open and a booming voice echoes in the room, the large figure of Robotnik swaggering inside. Metal and Amy jump, obviously not expecting to be interrupted. Though Metal should have known better than to let his guard down. Trailing at the doctor’s heels was Orbot accompanied by a similar looking robot coded yellow and square shaped. Cubot, Metal presumed.

Robotnik’s swagger broke slightly at the damaged bars, “What have I told you about damaging my things when you can’t even escape!? I know you can follow orders! Ugh, it’s that rodent’s fault. His bad influence has ruined you in more ways than one. It’s a good thing that will soon no longer be a problem.”

Metal shifted uneasily as the doctor cackled. Orbot and Cubot floated right in, them too cackling but louder, as if to please the doctor.

“Right you are! Especially now that you’re almost finish with the new-”

“Silence Cubot! Don’t spill the beans too early.”

“Big brother! Look! This is Cubot! He’s got a few loose screws in his head but don’t let that bother you.”

The yellow square robot bounced up to the cage, “It’s nice to meet you big bro! I can tell we’re gonna be real close! And you must be Sonic’s not girlfriend! It’s nice to meet you too!”

“Both of you shut up before I scrap you!” Robotnik ordered and the two robots simultaneously winced.

Metal glanced at Amy, who in turn shrugged confusingly. Staring back at Robotnik, Metal questioned warily, “Why are you here doctor? To gloat? You may do so if you wish. It will soon be over anyways, when Sonic defeats you. Again.”

Unfortunately, Robotnik remained unfazed. He smirked instead, “Ah but how can he defeat me when he has no clue where I am? For being my greatest creation, you are a bit slow on the uptake. Don’t worry, I don’t blame you, just the company you had previously kept.”

“It doesn’t change the fact that he’s right,” Amy spoke up, defiantly staring down Robotnik, which was quite impressive considering her stature, “Sonic always beats you.”

The doctor’s eye twitched, “Sonic this, Sonic that. Pah! I can’t wait to see the look on your faces when you realize I will come out on top. Now, enough about that rodent,” Robotnik placed his hand on the monitor and the locks of the cage released, “Metal, step outside and make yourself comfortable on the table right over there.”

Dread coiled in Metal’s wires. He was helpless to the commands as he complied dutifully, lying still on the hard table. Robotnik grinned down at him as he set up his workstation. In the background, Metal could hear Amy arguing with the annoying robots. It… sounded like she was worried for him. 

Staring up at Robotnik, Metal knew it was futile to ask but he did anyway, fear slowly but surely creeping in him, “Please don’t change me anymore than you already have.”

As soon as the words were uttered, Robotnik froze in his movements. Metal could clearly read the outright surprise on the doctor. He concluded this was not an expression Robotnik wore often. Perhaps never. A genius such as the doctor was always prepared for anything, even if it meant planning for their own defeat. Metal himself was surprised to see the doctor speechless, brief as it was.

“Fascinating,” Robotnik said in wonder, “You have evolved far more than I had imagined. Tell me, do you feel fear at this very moment?”

Metal could not lie even if he wanted to. His coding prevented him from doing so.

“Yes.”

“Since when were you able to feel such an emotion?”

“It is… a recent development.”

For a moment, Robotnik merely stared before he went back to work, albeit at a slower pace than he had initially started. Metal watched as Robotnik began to connect the wires to his chassis and metallic limbs. When the last one was attached to his forehead plating, Robotnik finally spoke.

“When I created you, I did so with the intention that you would be an emotionless, ruthless machine. The fact that you have deviated from this…” the doctor’s eyebrows furrowed, deep in thought, “Obviously, your change was brought upon by the environment you were in. No doubt the yellow furred brat changed more than a thing or two in your coding.”

Metal wisely decided not to add his own input. Tails had not messed with his coding since they were enemies. However, his own emotions… he was sure it was directly influenced by the bond he shared with Sonic. That was the one factor Robotnik had not counted on. It did not seem like the doctor was aware of how greatly the bond had impacted him and his organic counterpart. It was for the best then, for Metal to hide this from the doctor at all costs.

Robotnik shook his head, “No matter. It’s a problem that can be easily fixed later. Metal, shut down your system.”

Once again, Metal had no choice but to obey.

~

Coming back online, Metal was faced with a waving hand in his visual hub. The constant rapid motion of it was quickly overwhelming him as he booted the rest of his functions. He reached out nimbly, halting the hand's movement by the wrist. By the sound of a familiar yelp, he quickly loosened his hold. It was Amy.

Pink invaded his sight, “Metal! Thank goodness! Are you okay? Do you feel any different? Did that creep Robotnik change anything in you?”

Metal would have frowned if he could, “I do not see any changes in my coding. In fact,” he scanned his functions to double check, “Everything is still the same.” 

This should have given him joy. That perhaps Robotnik was considerate enough, dare he say nice enough, to listen to Metal when he had all but pleaded to the doctor. Yet, he knew his creator. Robotnik never did anything without a purpose. Metal surveyed the workshop, hopeful for a clue as to what the doctor could have possibly done.

“That’s good news!” Amy cheered but her smile slipped a moment later, “This is good news, right?”

“I have reason to believe otherwise. How long did the doctor work on me?”

“Um, maybe a day or two? Couldn’t really tell the time here.”

Metal brightened the luminosity of his ringlets as he whirled on her, “An entire day or two?” And Robotnik had made no changes in his system. He gave his full attention to the startled pink hedgehog, “Amy, you have to tell me everything he did to me. Do not leave a single detail out.”

“Well that’s the thing! He didn’t open you up or anything. All he did was stare at that monitor of his. I-I don’t know. It just looked like he was… analyzing you. That’s what he did the entire time,” she looked apologetic for being unable to explain more, “After he was done, he was mumbling a lot. Like, crazy mad scientist vibes. I tried asking him about it,” she scowled, “But he just laughed at my face and said a ‘ditzy little girl’ wouldn’t understand. What a jerk.”

“I agree. He is a jerk,” Metal leaned back and pondered, “It sounds like he was gathering my data. A thorough collection of it. It makes sense, I have changed a lot since my creation. The question now is, what does he intend to do with my data?” 

Just like that, he connected the hints immediately.

“Orbot did mention the doctor had a new and improved update. That is why he needed my data. His new update needed to be compatible with me-” Metal paused abruptly, as a drawing conclusion came then, and he felt dread all over, “Which means we are running out of time. His next visit will likely have his plan set in motion.”

Amy bit her lip, “I know this looks bad but you said it yourself. We’ll be rescued soon.”

Metal hesitated. She was right. Sonic and Tails could arrive at the last minute. They have faced worse odds. Sonic certainly has. Metal will have to get in contact with Sonic. Perhaps with how urgent the situation was, their bond can make it so they can meet again.

“You are right. However, as much as I loathe to admit it, there is still a chance they might not rescue us in time. For that, we need to have a backup plan. Anything to stall the doctor for as long as possible. The second he comes back we have to act on it.”

The pink hedgehog smiled, almost proud, "Well, not to toot my own horn but I happen to be an amazing actress. I can pretend I'm dying of… something. Whatever it is, I can have him distracted for a couple of days before he notices something is up." 

Metal was impressed, "That could work. Robotnik did say he does not want skeletons in his cell. Besides, he is a doctor but not a medical one. You will surely send him into a panic."

"Great!" Amy smiled wider, "Just leave it to me! Now that we've got a plan, I really feel like we should go back to that conversation we were having."

Confused at the sudden change, Metal prompted, "What conversation?"

"The one about Sonic."

Oh.

"I do not think this is the appropriate place to converse over it," Metal tried to deflect.

“It didn’t stop you from telling me everything, did it?”

No, he supposed it did not. But it was a moment of weakness. She had been willing to listen and Metal had taken advantage of it. He… should know better. How does he know she would not tell Sonic the moment they are free? What if she tells everyone?

Frantic, Metal grabbed her shoulders, “You have to promise me you will not tell anyone what I told you. Especially Sonic.”

“Hey, hey, relax, I would never do that,” Amy soothed and gently dislodged his hold on her. She brought up a pinky and said, “If it makes you feel better, I pinky promise I will never ever tell anyone. I’ll stake my life on it.”

Her life? Metal was momentarily awed. And confused.

“What do you mean by ‘pinky promise?’”

“It means we lock our pinkies,” she reached out with her other hand and carefully singled out the smallest of his claws, “And make it official. Should I ever break the promise, then you have every right to break my pinky.”

Something washes over him, something that felt a lot like relief and eternal gratitude, and he asked tentatively, “Why are you willing to go so far?”

“Because I can tell this is important to you. Plus, you’re my friend,” she smiled, pure and not a hint of deceit in her. 

Her words rang true. There was no reason to doubt her. So, Metal attentively locked their pinkies, slowly as to not accidentally harm her from the sharpness of his claw. 

When their hands pulled away, Metal locked on to her and admitted, “You confuse me. Why are you helping me if you believe you love Sonic? Should I not be considered your rival? Or is it because you do not see me as competition since I am… not organic.”

Amy sighed and patted his back, “We need to work on your self-esteem. Look, what you said to me… I had a lot of time to think about it since Robotnik had you under. And in the end, you were right. I don’t know Sonic. I think my love for him was shallow. Maybe selfish too. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I just love him like any other fangirl does. You helped me realize that, when you were spilling your own feelings for him. That’s real love.”

Embarrassment coursed through Metal, “Was I so obvious?”

“Oh yeah. I’m pretty sure everyone and their grannies can see it. That’s why I think that maybe, just maybe, Sonic already knows.”

If Metal had a heart, it would have stopped beating. His engines whirled and he took a moment to calm himself, before smoke could leak out of him. It would not do to panic, he had to control his emotions. But Amy’s words kept repeating itself in his system. 

It cannot be true. Metal had hidden his own feelings, made sure they were not so transparent. Never even entertain such thoughts in Sonic’s presence. If it was true, if Sonic did know, his counterpart would have told him, would have discussed it at length how it can never happen, would have rejected him gently and moved on as friends. 

"Trust me, he is unaware of my feelings. It is for the best, for both of us." 

"Delaying it will only hurt you in the long run," Amy replied softly.

"Then so be it," Metal snapped, and quickly apologized, "Forgive me. I know you are merely trying to help. But I stand by what I said." 

Amy sighed, "Okay. I won't try to change your mind. Just… don't be too hard on yourself. I don't like seeing my friends suffer." 

"You have nothing to worry about. I have everything under control."

Chapter Text

Light snoring echoed in the workshop. Metal understood that organics needed their sleep to function and Amy was no exception. But her lively presence had served as a distraction, and had helped ease his worry and fright. Without her, Metal was resigned to the endlessly growing dread in his system.

It was an emotion Metal strongly learned to dislike. He was scared. Of what Robotnik intended to do with him, of his bleak future in the doctor’s hands. Metal knew the doctor was up to no good and he was increasingly aware Sonic and Tails truly had no idea where they were. How could they? Robotnik has been so secretive with his plans, unlike the loud persona he usually wore. Metal had no doubt that would soon change once Robotnik enacted his plan. But by then it would be too late… Metal would not be the same as he was now. He knew Robotnik too well for that. 

The dread in his being sunk into him heavily, and Metal found himself trying to imitate a pathetic embrace as he wrapped his limbs around his chassis. The act hardly helped, the fear driven deep into his mind and fluctuating like a virus.

Suddenly, Metal thought of the other half that defined him. He tried to remember the warm presence, the easy grin, the soothing voice. Blue fur that swayed with the wind, the cheerful laughter. Metal loosened the tight hold on himself. 

He had to be brave. He had to be strong. He had to…

A hitched breath released nearby. All the dreadful emotions in Metal was assuaged, halted for the briefest moment as relief washed over him so strongly, he was overwhelmed in it. The coldness he had grown used to crumbled as soft warmth seeped into the crevices of his being. The bond, which had been so quiet, was alive in an instant.

Metal whirled his head, instinctively knowing where to look without a single rational thought to back it up. Sonic stared at him in muted disbelief, the hedgehog standing a few centimeters apart from him. The world around them flickered between the starry night over the green scenery of wherever the hedgehog was and the cage in the workshop.

Sonic did not look any better than the last time he was here. But the slow spreading smile on the hedgehog’s face dissipated any flaws he had, an image that could imitate the brightness of the sun itself. The dread that had manifested so deeply in Metal uncoiled, swept right into the bond. And the wonderful smile on his other half slipped, brows furrowed in tight concern.

Metal had no idea what drove him to do so, only that he had craved the presence of his counterpart, missed him sorely, desperate to have his comfort in any form. He wasted no time, rushing for contact he selfishly longed for. Sonic caught him easily, not budging a step as firm arms wrapped around Metal. Against all odds, Metal felt the flesh and fur of his counterpart, the softness of his nuzzle, the warmth against his robotic body. His metallic claws barely scratched the quills of the hedgehog’s back, always aware to not accidentally harm another organic with how sharp they were.

“I’m right here,” Sonic muttered softly, “you’re okay, I’m here, I've got you."

To hear those words, knowing the hedgehog was right but also wrong, tore a function Metal had been trying so hard to control. He shuddered against his will and his engines whirled without his input.

“B-but you are n-not-” Metal tried to form the rest of his words but he found himself unable to, his emotions tangled in a mess. It did not help that he could not stop his shaking form either. He could not think clearly and he panicked further, unable to comprehend his lack of control.

“Mets,” a gloved hand rested on his platings and Metal compliantly followed the movement, one ear pressed against the hedgehog’s chest, “You hear that? I want you to listen to my heartbeat. Focus on that.”

A rhythmic beat. The heart pumping through Sonic’s very being. The only reason the hedgehog was alive and breathing. Metal focused on it entirely. Sonic soothed him all the while, freely giving his warmth, healing the parts of their bond that had been empty. Metal did not know when he stopped shaking, only that he was finally back in control when Sonic guided him to face the hedgehog head on, the gloved hand gentle against his platings. 

Sonic gave a small smile, “Are you okay?”

“No,” Metal answered testily, and when his voice chip gave him no trouble, he continued quietly, “Robotnik intends to restart me. I will cease to exist.”

The surprise was palpable on Sonic but a determined expression quickly settled, his other gloved hand settling over one of his own metallic hands, “I won’t let it happen.”

Metal could not help the fondness, welcoming it wholeheartedly, “I know. But it does not change the fact that I am afraid. I am no closer to discovering where I am. I cannot help you.”

Sonic shook his head, “You don’t need to. I’ll find you. Tails said he might have found a lead. That’s why I’m in this zone.”

Hope renewed in Metal, “I am very glad to hear that. But where is Tails?”

“We split up, he was in the tornado, keeping a lookout for anything suspicious while I stayed on the ground. But he called me a while back, he’s asleep somewhere safe right now.”

That was good to hear. At least the fox cub was getting his sleep.

“Still, it’s dark, you should try to get some sleep too. Those bags under your eyes-” 

“Metal? Are you okay? Are you… talking to someone?”

Metal was startled at the interruption, even more surprised that Amy had awoken without him noticing. Her face was pinched into obvious concern. Although Metal knew she could not see Sonic, he was all too aware of his sudden position, of the closeness of his counterpart, the gloved hands still resting on his face and over one of his hands. Embarrassed, he took a step away from the hedgehog, ignoring the yearning to reach back. He released a beep in confusion when Sonic refused to let go of his hand. 

Metal glanced at Sonic, saw the sheepish look as the hedgehog apologized and released his hand, “Sorry.”

“I…” Metal was unsure how to answer. Especially when he sensed what he thought was disappointment from Sonic’s end. “Apology accepted.”

Amy quickly fretted over him, closing the distance as she said, “Oh my gosh. Don’t tell me whatever Robotnik did to you is making you act all weird.”

“What?” Sonic was perturbed, “What does she mean? What did Robotnik do to you?”

“Nothing that changed me,” Metal reassured him before focusing on Amy, lest she think he had a ‘few loose screws’ in his head, “Do you remember when I said I share a unique bond with Sonic?”

“Yeah?”

“My bond with Sonic is able to alter the perception of our minds. Sonic is here with us, in this cage, standing right there, just as I am with him in the forest he is in. We can see each other, hear each other, and feel each other.”

The pink hedgehog was not convinced and Metal had to refrain from snapping at her because of course she would not understand. The whole concept was new to her. Still, she was his friend, and it… hurt to see she clearly did not believe him. At his side, Sonic sent a wave of comfort. Ah, his counterpart had sensed it, brief as it was.

“You do not believe me,” Metal stated, more as a fact than a question.

"It's not that,” Amy argued, “I believe what you think you're saying is real but I just find it a little hard to believe.”

“Fair point, you can’t get mad at her for it,” Sonic mused and waved uselessly at her, “tell her I said it’s nice to meet her.”

There was no harm in it, other than the fact that she would think him as mad as Robotnik, and he exasperatedly said, “Sonic says it is nice to meet you.”

Amy held a very strong skeptical and worried look, “Maybe you should take another look at your programming, I think you might’ve missed something.”

Well, now Metal was just offended.

“Heh, let’s convince her then,” Sonic’s eyes shone with mischief, a smirk falling easily on his face as he playfully jabbed at his metal arm. Metal welcomed it, he really had missed his counterpart dearly, “repeat after me; it’s rude to ignore your fake boyfriend and when you get the chance, slap Robuttnik silly for thinking I had time for a relationship. He should have known better that I’m still everyone’s favorite eligible bachelor.”

Metal really did not want to relay the hedgehog’s response. But, those words were certainly not something Metal would ever say. Never. So, Metal repeated them back to her. In a deadpan tone. Sonic cackled loudly, amused at his choice of delivery. 

Amy’s wide eyes blinked once. Then twice.

Metal would have sighed if he could and he leered at Sonic, “I will personally ensure no chili dogs will come within 10 feet of you after this."

Sonic winced and his laughter significantly piped down, "Worth it. I think." 

“Okay, consider me more convinced than before,” Amy tentatively said, “Sonic really is here then… standing right there?” She pointed in the blue hedgehog’s general direction. When Metal nodded in affirmation, she laughed slowly, almost as if nervous, “And he can see me?”

“Yes. Everything I see, he can as well.”

Amy looked at herself, apparently not liking what she was seeing. Which, Metal could concur. Her clothes were wrinkled, lint stubbornly clinging to her clothes despite her past attempts to get rid of them. Robotnik did not care for her state of dress, only that she be kept alive. In fact, Metal had a very interesting conversation and had listened attentively to her rant of unfair justice on her attire. He even saved a couple of files on it.

The pink hedgehog’s muzzle darkened with a red hue and she cried out, burying her face in her palms, “Oh my gosh. I’m hideous! He can’t see me like this!”

This was, unfortunately, not surprising to Metal. She had lamented before, when they spoke of escaping, that she would be meeting the hero of Planet Freedom in her current state. First impressions mattered, she had said, and that was a lesson Metal had learned very well in the party at the capital.

While Sonic awkwardly stood there, Metal did not hesitate to join her side, mimicking the actions his counterpart had used on him in his moment of weakness earlier. He carefully pried her gloved hands away.

“Sonic is not shallow, your appearance will not matter to him. What matters is what kind of person you are and he will soon know what I know of you. That you are a good person. Besides, Sonic has no right to snide you, not when his room was a complete and utter mess before I arrived.”

“Thanks Mets,” came the sarcastic retort that Metal was helplessly fond of.

Amy sniffed and her smile was wobbly, “Sorry. You’re right. I just- it’s getting to me, being locked up here for almost an entire week.”

She swiftly regained her composure and Metal was glad to see it as she breathed in deeply and let him go. Imprisoned with the pink hedgehog for so long with no one else’s company, he had grown accustomed to her cheery attitude. Seeing her in any other state was an unusual sight. 

"I see you've gotten to know her pretty well." 

The blue hedgehog’s voice was jovial yet the pretense betrayed the emotion whirling through Metal. Tightly coiled, almost negative as it blended with his own emotions. He was reminded then, of the last time he experienced this similar emotion, and it was back when Sara had hugged him. Why… was Sonic feeling this way? Was it because of the physical contact of other organics? Did Sonic not like the idea of other organics touching Metal? Why?

Sonic grimaced and Metal knew he had thought that last question too loud. 

I’m sorry. It’s not you, I promise. I’m just not used to- sharing you, I guess, with anyone who isn’t me or Tails  

It… made sense. A pleasant warmth spread through Metal, the sentiment, the sincerity of Sonic’s explanation had him delighted. It was… sweet. The fact that Sonic was used to monopolizing his attention, so much so, that it had the blue hedgehog in a state of what Metal finally recognized as jealousy whenever the attention strayed. 

Undeniably happy for something Metal should absolutely not read too much into, he dared to reveal a small truth of his feelings, Do not fret. You are still my favorite. You always will be.

Sonic crossed his arms, a real grin settling on his face, and the negative feeling filtered out, leaving behind the easy joy his counterpart gave so freely. Metal returned it just as fiercely. He had gone too long without it.

“But I am allowed to have friends and I am proud to say Amy Rose is my friend,” Metal said out loud, more for Amy’s sake as the silence had dragged a tad too long, if the questioning gaze on her face was any indication. 

“What is Sonic saying?” Amy implored, “Is he- did he say you’re not allowed to have friends!?”

Sonic wilted at the jab, a small stung briefly entering their connection, and Metal shook his head, amused, “It was a misunderstanding. He is glad to know I have forged a new friendship.”

Sonic grabbed at his shoulder pauldron, the touch existent and firm, “Quick, tell her that any friend of yours is a friend of mine too. I don’t want her thinking I’m some sort of a control freak. That’s more your thing anyways.”

The last statement was said in a tease and it is the only reason why Metal relayed his words of friendship to Amy. Otherwise, Metal would have been perfectly content to let Amy believe Sonic was the possessive type. It would make their first real life meeting hilarious in retrospect.

“Oh. Well, in that case, it’s nice to meet you too,” Amy smiled hesitantly, “even though I can’t see you.”

Sonic puffed a laugh, “Yeah, it does feel kinda weird to be meeting like this. Mets, do you think she'll be able to hear me if we-"

The sound of a door sliding open interrupted the blue hedgehog, replaced by a cackling laughter and a heavy presence. Robotnik entered the room, the grin on him wide and evil, as Cubot and Orbot trotted behind the man dutifully.

Dread seeped back into Metal, suffocating in its strength and too late he had noticed the encompassing swirl of dark emotions was bare for his counterpart to sense. The dread barely lingered as heavy comfort was pushed in and Metal unconsciously relaxed the frigid pose he had locked himself in as Sonic took a step in front of him and Amy, as if to protect them despite knowing how futile it was. 

"Today marks the greatness of my brilliance!" Robotnik said in greeting, scanning his hand on the monitor and the door of the cage swiftly unlocked, "And soon, the whole world shall know it too!" 

"Robotnik," Sonic nearly snarled, walking towards the doctor, smirking as he stopped a few paces from the man, "I swear I'm gonna pummel you once I find this place. Maybe trash it too while I'm at it," Sonic faced him, "Hang in there Mets. No matter what happens, I’ll find you. I’ll get you and Amy out." 

Metal felt the mistake at once. Felt the bond twisting underneath them. 

The doctor straightened his back, alarmed and stunned in a way Metal never thought was possible for the human. It was not just he who was shocked. So was Amy, her eyes wide and mouth agape. Metal too was in a similar state.

Because Sonic was in control of Metal’s body. Sonic had walked out the cage in it, directly disobeying the orders Metal had been given, had goaded to the doctor’s face and everyone had seen and heard it. Metal could do no more than watch it unfold before his blinking eyes, seeing Sonic flicker between his organic body and Metal’s robotic one, as Metal in turn sucked in a deep inhale, the fresh scent of pine and the earthy smell of the ground invading his nostrils.

“S-Sonic?” Amy squeaked in surprise, with Cubot and Orbot copying her confusion.

“That’s impossible,” Robotnik proclaimed in disbelief, “the synchronization was never meant to do this. What have you done?”

To hear that from his creator, from the human who had built Metal from scratch, had brought a unique sort of shame and guilt in Metal. One he was forced to file away as he came upon an abrupt realization.

“Sonic, Robotnik cannot control me,” Metal said, trying to pull Amy alongside him only to belatedly realize he could not, and he rushed, “Not with you at the helm of my body!”

The ringlets on Sonic brightened, the implications of his words dawning on the hedgehog. Metal thought this was it, his freedom at a moment’s notice, his joy almost overbearing-

“Get out of my perfect masterpiece you spikeball!” Robotnik bellowed and he stomped heavily in a childish manner, “Metal! Force that annoying blue rodent out of you!"

Metal’s breath hitched, the last thing he was aware of as he was forced to obey despite the turmoil it gave him. Loneliness took over, the coldness invading what was no longer there in his mind, and Sonic nowhere in sight. No. No. This was wrong, this was the moment they should have one-upped the doctor, should have prevailed against him. 

“You really are a terrible human,” Metal managed to utter, his hopes crushed out of existence.

Robotnik boomed in laughter, no longer tense or angered, “Why, thank you! Now, be an obedient little robot and follow me. Your time to shine has come!”

“Hey! You can’t just- oh no, I feel really faint,” Amy said, leaning against the steel bars, and Metal held on to her act, maybe, maybe, “my chest hurts so much, I-I suddenly can’t breath.”

Robotnik paused momentarily, mildly alarmed, “Cubot! Orbot! Make sure she doesn’t die!”

But it did not stop the doctor. Metal was helpless as his own feet trailed behind Robotnik, Amy’s panicked voice blending with Cubot and Orbot before the door slid shut behind him. 

“Those two are fools,” Metal tried to stall, “she needs medical attention-”

“And she will get it, provided she isn’t faking any of it. An awful coincidence, that she suddenly has chest pains when she was perfectly fine before,” Robotnik sauntered through the hall, not slowing down an inch, “And I’m not taking any chances after what I just witnessed! To think the synchronization has tainted you, your perfection sullied by that pesky hedgehog’s dirty presence! It’s disgusting! I will not stand for this nor will I risk him sabotaging my plans.”

“Sonic did not taint or sully me,” Metal defended as they rounded a corner, “If anything, our synchronization opened new opportunities. I learned and experienced many things I would have never been able to-"

“Enough!” Robotnik spat and he marched past an opened door, heading towards an elevated platform in the middle of the room, with a cluster of wires hanging from the ceiling, all of which connected to a set of monitors, “I don’t wish to hear anymore of how much he’s ruined you. Come over here.”

Reluctantly, Metal approached the platform and let the doctor adjust him to stand in the center. 

Robotnik grinned widely as he began to connect the wires to his robotic body, “Rejoice Metal! For you will be reborn and more powerful than ever. A brand new version of you will walk this planet. Nothing and no one will stand in your way.”

“There is nothing to rejoice,” Metal said quietly, “You will have me killed in this very spot.”

The doctor shook his head, as if disappointed with his response as the last of the wires connected, “You will be enlightened. Now, commence system shut down.”

This was it. Robotnik was going to restart him.

Metal thought of Sonic then, and it was the last thought he had as his system went offline.

Somewhere on a quiet island, several zones away, Sonic the Hedgehog buckled to his knees, tightly clutching his head as a searing pain consumed his mind.

After what felt like hours, Sonic finally gulped a proper shaky breath as the remnants of the pain diminished and for the first time in almost a month, a sheer cold laid in his mind.

“No, no, no, no,” Sonic cried, chest heaving with every short breath. There was always a presence lingering at the back of his mind, always there no matter how far apart they were. A presence that had entwined itself firmly to his soul, embedded to his entire existence. The same presence he had coveted with gentle care and gladly welcomed to the core of his being after Metal had accepted his hand in the pits of molten lava.

But now, the presence was smothered, huffed from existence. Sonic was alone in the depths of his mind and he shouldn’t be.

Sonic gritted his teeth. Whatever Robotnik did to Metal… Sonic swore to find a way to bring him back.

No matter what.

Chapter Text

The trek down the hallway was a long one. 

Not that it mattered to him. It gave him time to scan the surroundings of the base he would operate in for the foreseeable future. Exploring and becoming familiar with the base was his first order. A map had been installed in his system, one he was currently utilizing as a reference as he walked silently down the hall.

His sensors picked up vibrations and he swiftly spun his head. Shortly after, a line of badniks entered his field of vision as they exited a room, patrolling down the center of the hall. He didn’t bother stepping aside, quietly moving forward.

The badniks scurried from their path, huddling close to thick steel walls as they walked around him in a wide berth, not daring to make eye contact. He glared at them, the luminosity of his optics brightening in the darkness. They hurried along faster. 

Pathetic. Although, inferior machines did serve their purpose as expendable tools. A small price for the greater cause.

The sound of machinery steadily progressed as he got closer to his chosen destination. A loud clang resounded in the air as he finally arrived at the one of the significant chambers of the base. A manufacturing building, mass producing badniks of different varieties. As his inferior allies were created, he noted none of them were equipped with the nanotech he possessed. In the background, he was idly aware of the slightly upgraded badniks that served as guards with their humanoid shape. One of them tried to speak to him in binary code.

Deeming them acceptable enough to converse with, he greeted them back. A single syntax had them swiftly minding their own business, almost bowing at his feet as a single meek badnik strived forward as his guide. He let the temporary guide explain the fundamentals of the place as he walked ahead of them, a keen eye on everything to ensure nothing was awry.

Eventually, he grew bored and dismissed his guide. Everything was in working order here. Time to move on.

Taking an exit from the back, he immediately spotted the hovering forms of two robots fervently arguing with each other. A quick scan of them had him displeased. They were useless in terms of combat. Yet, his master placed them high on the hierarchy level, right underneath him.

Perhaps they had a different purpose. One he intended to find out. He marched towards them, intentionally making his steps heard. The two startled loudly, their optics widening at the sight of him as he came to a halt. His silhouette engulfed them in his shadow. Hm. They were smaller than he thought they were.

“Neo Metal Sonic," said Cubot, fidgeting his fingers, "Wow, you’re a lot taller than I expected." 

"Much more intimidating too, haha,” Orbot laughed nervously, “I do like the belt and cape! It’s a nice touch. Very fashionable.”

They were able to communicate in the language organics could. Much like he was. Curious. 

“Both of you lack combat capabilities,” Neo tilted his head, searching through his database for more info but found none, “What is your purpose for our Master if not to fight for his glory?”

“I’m so glad you asked, big bro!” Cubot chimed, “We’re aide robots!”

“Yes, that’s right!” Orbot agreed, “We help Doctor Robotnik with his world domination plans and carry out duties to keep the base functioning. You can say we’re like his personal assistants.”

“Although, most of our time is spent delivering food and coffee.”

“Shush! Big bro doesn’t need to know that!”

“It’s true! We even give food to Amy-”

“Shut up, you dolt!”

Ignoring their ramblings, Neo then understood their purpose. It made sense why they were high up in the command chain. For that reason alone, he decided to treat them marginally better than the other badniks.

“Then I look forward to your cooperation,” Neo stated, “however, if you fail in any endeavor of our master,” he mimicked Cubot’s voice to mockingly say, “Big bro won’t hesitate to rip you apart.”

After all, an aide who cannot accomplish their purpose deserved to be scrapped for their incompetencies. His master should have no use for failures. Cubot yelped. Orbot nodded frantically.

Before the two had a chance to reply, a screech came from above and Neo listened to it attentively as his master’s voice filtered from one of the speakers.

“Neo Metal Sonic! Report to the control room!”

Without a word of acknowledgement, Neo swiftly left the two aides behind. The two immediately began to speak behind his back, perhaps thinking he could no longer hear them. Tch. Fools.

“-so many big quills. Isn’t he supposed to have three small ones?”

“Forget the quills! He sounds so different! Low pitch and all!"

“Uh, duh. If he sounds like you-know-who, his maliciousness would probably throw a fit.”

“True. But did he have to make him so scary looking? Not to mention that attitude -”

"Please, like it was any different befo-"

The last of their words died as Neo was finally far away from them to hear their gossip. Besides, Neo wasn’t interested in hearing what they had to say about him. It was all useless information.

Pulling open the map in his hub, he made haste, not intending to make his master wait for long. The control room was located in the highest tower, far away from the lowest levels of the base where Neo had been created approximately fifty-eight minutes ago.

Badniks wisely kept their distance, immediately knowing where he ranked among them. If it came down to it, Neo wagered he could order them to do anything he wanted. He was second-in-command after all, right underneath his master.

The entrance to the control room slid open in his presence and Neo admired the organized set of monitors and a large panel filled to the brim with various levers and buttons. The ceiling was high, bright white lights flooding the room, a contrast to the dimly lit hallways. A wide window spanned in a curve, displaying a marvelous sight of the whole base and the evening sky. His master was there, looking out the window before turning to face Neo.

“Neo Metal Sonic!” His master greeted joyfully, “Sorry I had to send you away so soon, there were… unprecedented matters that required my attention.”

Neo nodded, his master had important duties to attend to and he wouldn’t question the brilliance of a genius, “I understand, Master.”

For some reason, his master giggled at his response. But he coughed and the silly expression was replaced by a serious one.

“See to it that you do,” his master had a glint in his eye as he asked, “Now tell me, what is your primary objective?”

Neo tilted his head, confused. Shouldn’t his master know it already? Perhaps he merely wanted to double check. It didn’t take long for Neo to search for it in his programming.

Neo recited the objective, word for word in utter contempt, “Destroy Sonic the Hedgehog.”

His master’s grin stretched across his face and Neo stood proudly. While Neo was taller than most of the other badniks roaming the base, his master still held several inches over him. Neo could easily match his master’s height if he shifted his form but he was satisfied with his current one. He also didn’t want to offend his master.

“Good. Very good,” his master said, crossing his arms behind his back, “and do you understand what that entails?”

Neo stared at his master, almost eager as he answered, “Track, find, and eliminate.”

At his master’s nod, Neo felt an indiscernible ache. A pull of… dark excitement. This was his moment to prove himself worthy of his master’s trust. Sonic the Hedgehog was a fake, a lesser version of Neo, and soon, a nuisance that will not trouble his master any more. Just thinking about the blue hedgehog brought Neo a burning hatred for his loathesome copy. He was ready to fulfill his primary objective, ready to destroy, and he waited impatiently for his master to give him leave to do so.

“I like your excitement!” his master’s evil grin was subdued, “but you will have to curb it. I don’t want you going after Sonic, not now at least. Instead, you are to keep your distance from that blue rat until I say otherwise.”

Neo’s system lagged for a second. Deep anger rolled off him and he forced himself to halt the demands of why he couldn’t accomplish what he was created for. Though it irked him severely, Neo knew better than to question the orders. His master knew best.

“I understand, Master.”

“I knew you would,” his master smirked proudly, “Now! Let me share with you my plans of conquering the world!”

His master sauntered forward, heading toward the large panel and punched a button in haste. The middle part of the steel floor gave away as a pillar surfaced from it. Immediately, Neo sensed great power. He stood in awe as three shining gems were revealed, clasped to the pillar with three empty places beside them.

“These are the chaos emeralds,” his master explained, “you should know about them.”

Neo nodded, swiftly finding the information in his database, “The chaos emeralds wield mysterious but powerful properties and abilities.”

“Your data is functioning quite well,” his master was pleased, “Not that there was any doubt. I am a genius.”

Neo knew this already. He didn’t understand why his master felt the need to say it out loud. He wasn’t like the other inept badniks. He didn’t voice his doubts, waiting instead for his master to continue.

“I found these shortly after you- err, shortly after my latest setback by that pesky hedgehog! Sonic had these on him, long ago, but I was able to swipe one off of him and found out one alone can power my biggest robot. But why stop there? I know six of them exist, and though I found three of them, the rest are out of my grasp despite my best attempts. This is where you come in.

“It is your objective to look for the remaining three chaos emeralds. With all of them in my hands, I’ll be able to create an army that even Sonic himself can’t stop on his own! And with an army, no one will be able to stop me! Hahaha! My own brilliance truly amazes me.”

Neo watched as his master cackled loudly and pondered over the plan. His master truly was brilliant, if a little imprudent. He silently scolded himself for daring to even think of that of his master. It was clear Neo still had much to learn and that his own intellect was levels below his genius of a master.

When his master regained his composure, Neo asked dutifully, “Are there any resources that can help me find the remaining chaos emeralds?”

“Good question!” His master grabbed a gizmo from the one of the drawers underneath the control panel, and handed it to him, “This device can track the chaos emeralds. Unfortunately, when I tried to search for the last three, the device would suddenly stop working. I figured the chaos emeralds must be blocked somehow or require a certain task to attain them. One of them was in a treacherous and dangerous area, and I couldn’t search for it, otherwise I’d risk my safety. But I know that you, my masterpiece, can retrieve them without a problem!”

Once again, his master was brilliant. Despite holding off his primary objective with great reluctance, Neo could confidently believe that those chaos emeralds would soon be in his master’s hands. The gizmo in his hand was simple to use, the tracking device already at work, pointing at the direction of the sunset. 

“As you wish, I will bring you the chaos emeralds, Master,” Neo declared.

“I know you will! Now go! We mustn’t waste anymore time, lest that spikeball finds out my plans!” His master spat.

Neo nearly wanted to argue. The blue hedgehog wouldn’t be a problem if Neo was sent to destroy him now. He tightly clutched the gizmo in his hand as he headed towards the exit, obeying his master nonetheless.

“And don’t forget you are not allowed to go after Sonic!” His master bellowed as Neo was at the door frame.

It took an immense amount of willpower for Neo to not break the gizmo in his hand. He took a second to calm the rage in him.

He responded curtly, "I understand, Master."

Neo left in haste. When he was certain he was out of sight, he took his frustrations out on the closest thing he could get his claws on. It was unfortunate that a line of badniks came strolling down the hall. It didn’t last long. The badniks were torn to pieces on the ground in seconds. They never stood a chance.

With his frustration ebbed, he waited until another line of badniks patrolled the hall. They paused just inches away from the destruction and peered at Neo questioningly. 

“They were in my way,” he glowered at them, “All of you will share the same fate if you don’t pick these up and dispose of them in the incinerator.”

The badniks quickly obeyed and Neo continued onto his task.

Find the chaos emeralds. If Neo could find them quickly, the sooner his master could command him to go after his loathsome copy. The desire to find that blue hedgehog consumed him and despite wanting to run off to the end of the world to look for him, Neo was first and foremost loyal. He had to wait.

But Neo was not sure how long that would last him. He was starting to learn patience was not one of his strong suits, if the way he was feeling right now was any indication. 

To fight his impatience, Neo imagined what he would do once he found the hedgehog. There were many ways to dispose of an organic being and with an infinite choice to pick from, he had a difficult time envisioning which was the best approach. 

While he debated over his list of options, his attention was broken as he noticed he was about to commit a significant act. His hand hovered over the monitor, the door beside it was the only obstacle in his way.

This was the first time Neo would be under the sunlight. Outside. Free from his master's supervision. The thought itself was… exhilarating. 

He gently pressed his hand on the monitor, watched as it scanned his hand, until finally, the door slid open.

Bright. Clear. Whereas the base was grim and dark, the outside was its opposite. Nothing looked dulled. Even the green blades under his feet were vibrant in color. The cool breeze was welcomed, neither cold nor hot. Rays of the sun illuminated the plains in hues of soft tones- 

Neo shook his head, stopping the abrupt thoughts, and looked at the screen of his gizmo. He shouldn't distract himself any further. His master said he shouldn't waste time and with that in thought, he began following the direction the tracker pointed.

But he froze midstep, not quite believing what he was seeing.

The plains morphed to coarse tan sand, and in the horizon, clear blue water stretched out for miles. The setting sun met the water halfway, its brilliance lighting the gentle waves. 

Was this… what the ocean looked like?

Neo paused his astonishment and went into high alert. Someone was watching him. He spun, intent on intimidating whoever dared to sneak up on him, but lagged once more.

There was no mistaking the blue fur and hedgehog form, not when the description was embedded deep into Neo’s data.

Sonic was mere centimeters from Neo, barely reaching up to his shoulder pads. The hedgehog stared up at him, the expression on his face akin to wonderment and… relief? Neo waited for the hatred to fill his core but was left speechless when none of it surfaced. There was nothing.

Suddenly, his master’s orders rang loudly.

I want you to keep your distance from that blue rat until I say otherwise!

You are not allowed to go after Sonic!

Panic began to consume Neo and he forced himself to jump away, putting as much distance between them as he could, the sand subsiding under his weight as he landed. But it mattered not, and he whirled his head, seeing that he was back in the plains, with no sand or ocean in sight. The hedgehog was gone too, almost as if never there to begin with.

Frustration built in him just as strongly as confusion did. 

What just happened? How could he have been seeing the ocean and sand? Was there something faulty in his visual hub? And why was his loathsome copy there too? How was he there? Why had he looked fascinated by the sight of him? Why hadn’t Neo felt the course of hatred flow through him when he saw him in that instant? It didn’t make sense. Especially now that he’s filled with rage at the thought of him, almost burning him up inside.

Neo quickly ran a diagnostics and when nothing came up, he couldn't understand it, couldn't find the logic as to why the events transpired. There must have been an error in his system and if it was causing such intense hallucinations, such pretense emotions, he had to report this to his master. 

It is your objective to look for the remaining three chaos emeralds.

He looked at the gizmo in his hand, the blinking arrow pointing toward the sun. No, he mustn’t trouble his master, not yet. Not unless he returned with one of the chaos emeralds. He couldn’t bring such upsetting news without a consolation to ease it. He was meant to be perfection, his master’s masterpiece, and he wouldn’t fail before even starting.

Burying the confusion, Neo continued on. He would serve his master first and foremost, and only then could he ask his master to fix whatever was malfunctioning in him.

Chapter Text

Moonlight cascaded the stone path. The night was silent with the exception of organics that thrived in the darkness. The sound of a rattle echoed, but Neo barely paid attention to the reptile preparing to strike. He merely paused, briefly, as the snake attacked. Only to watch the snake cowardly slithering back from where it crawled out of; its venomous teeth hardly left a scratch on him.

Useless. Why these idiotic organics continued to prosper was beyond him. Weren’t they ruled by pure instinct? Something that spanned back generations from their ancestors? All of that and it was for naught in the face of an apex predator. Neo was certain that would soon change once his master conquered the planet and overrun it by badniks. Only then would these lifeforms learn their place, to be ruled under the feet of his master. Besides, instinct was such a primitive way to live, outdated and pointless.

The tracker flashed and Neo continued, his steps as quiet as the night. He had been following the signal for nearly five hours and his patience had slowly but surely dwindled. There could have been many things he could have accomplished in those wasted hours had his master given him free reign. He could have given his insight, methods of strengthening the defense of the main base or improving the combat processors of the badniks. 

Most of all, he could have used that time to effectively deal with his loathsome copy.

The thought of the blue hedgehog burnt any patience he had left. Neo could have been forcing that fake to struggle to breath under his foot. Perhaps he’d even hear the hedgehog beg for his pitiful life, as if he had a right to it-

The world around Neo shifted abruptly.

He tensed as the dark forest was replaced instantaneously with what looked like an island, covered in abandoned rusted objects. He was aware, almost stupendously, that he was sitting on a green piece of fabric, on a broken airplane that had moss covering most of the surface. The night sky remained unchanged- or it would have. He was certain it was the night of the crescent yet the full moon glared brightly in the sky.

A star whisked past the others, leaving a trail of white streak in its wake. 

“Another shooting star.”

Someone was with him, in close proximity, and Neo wondered how their presence could have slipped past him. The thought was halted as the hedgehog he vehemently hated sat beside him, facing him. He belatedly noticed the hedgehog was holding his hand. The gloved fingers, his sensors picked up, felt warm.

Neo could not begin to understand how any of this was possible. His rationale came up with nothing. His diagnostics concluded no definite answer. 

Sonic smiled unabashedly at him, without fear, without hate, “We should do this again.”

The strangest fleet of emotion coursed through Neo. He didn’t recognize it. He didn’t want to.

Neo slapped his loathsome copy’s hand away, incredibly wary of the strangeness he felt, of the blue hedgehog he was supposed to hate, and yet, could feel none of it fill his drive. He backed away on his feet, and startled at the form he was in. He was smaller, practical, and lacked his spikes and adorned clothing. Worryingly most of all, was the lack of his master’s commands to enforce his distance.

A creeping emotion crawled in his system. Neo shuddered from the force of it. 

What was happening?

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Sonic asked, his expression the definition of hurt as he stood on his own feet.

Neo snapped, quickly going frustrated at the lack of sense of this whole event, “What have you done to me?” and his voice, higher pitch than normal, even that was changed as well.

Sonic took a step closer and Neo threateningly raised a clawed hand. The hedgehog stopped immediately, his dark eyes widened as he raised his gloved hands in what was no doubt a faux play at surrender.

"What are you talking about? I didn't do anything to you." 

Was this an illusion? A severe hallucination from a malfunctioning vision part? It would make sense, if it weren’t for the fact that Neo had felt his loathsome copy’s hand, had felt the warmth and solid weight. 

"Lies," Neo hissed, "I don’t know how this is happening, but this dilemma will be fixed soon enough.”

It happened then. The hedgehog’s confusion was overtaken by a slow realization as he lowered his arms. 

"I think I get it," Sonic said, voice laced with wonder, "This isn't really happening. You're not here. I remember. All this- we must be in my dream." 

In a dream? Wasn’t that something only organics go through when they recharged in the night? Machines didn’t experience such things and Neo was no exception. But with no other answer at hand, Neo decided the hedgehog must have been telling the truth. 

“How?” Neo spat, “How could you have done something like this when your inferior mind is nothing compared to the brilliance of my master.”

Sonic looked like he had been slapped, crossed between bewilderment and anger, as he yelled, “Your master!?” 

Before Neo could respond with a scathing remark, he was pulled with a strong unyielding force. He couldn’t fight it. He was thrown back and barely managed a rough landing on solid stone. He quickly straightened and spun his head, taking in the familiar dark forest.

Neo took a moment to calm the confusion in him, safe now that he was away from that semi hallucination. When the confusion eased, he let his anger build and seethed in it.

Neo didn’t know what games Sonic was playing at, to be able to manipulate his emotions, or by what measures he had done to drag his presence in a dream, but he wouldn’t stand for it. His master would fix the issue the moment Neo came back.

Until then, Neo had a task to complete. He set out to follow the tracker once more, his steps heavier than usual and smoke releasing from his vents out of pure unadulterated anger.

~

The tracker stopped working on the outskirts of the mountains. Neo eyed the landscape. He could search for every cave in the mountains and find the chaos emerald that way. Or, he glanced at the small town situated a couple of miles away from the base of the mountains, he could ask for information about the possible whereabouts of a certain gem.

The first option would be too time consuming. The second option could narrow down a location amongst the vastness of the mountains. Surely someone might have some input for the chaos emerald. He figured it wouldn't be detrimental to try at least. 

At the edge of the town, Neo was hidden behind a ruined shed. The sun had risen and with it a cloudy sky. The morning brought a bustle of mostly mobians along the streets. He moved, hidden behind houses, until he saw a commerce down a long street. Various objects were on the market, ranging from edibles to trinkets. The market was probably the town's main source of earnings. It was the perfect chance to blend in as a traveler or merchant. 

Logically, Neo knew he couldn't step out into the open in his current form. He would attract unwanted attention. Anyone with a single brain cell could tell who his allegiance laid to. Not to mention his presence could spread word of his whereabouts to a certain blue hedgehog. Since he was still under his master’s commands, he'd have to avoid that at all costs.

His next step then was to take a mobian form. That presented a new issue entirely. He couldn't replicate another individual’s form, lest the townsfolk attempt to start a conversation with him in familiarity. That would arouse problems and suspicion. 

It was more practical to be an unknown variable.

Neo already had the basis of it down. He shifted to the form of a hedgehog mobian, shortening his height to match the townsfolk and the color of his fur the same dark navy he was coated with. His metallic five quills were exchanged for three shorter inconspicuous ones. His red optics for red irises surrounding a pupil. The black fabric twisted to a scarf around his neck. The shoes on his feet were coded red with black and yellow stripes. 

His new form was adequate. Not too friendly that it would encourage others to approach and not too intimidating to scare them away. He paused and shifted some of his nanotech for a plain brown bag that hung from his shoulder. Now he was the image of a traveler.

Neo practiced his breathing, through his mouth and nose, until it was a normal pace. He also set a counter for every blink. That should be enough to pass as an organic.

There was no hesitance as he stepped onto the market street and quietly sauntered within the crowd. He garnered a few curious looks but no one looked alarmed. Perfect.

Neo scanned the market until he found a gem stand, tended to by a squirrel mobian eagerly trying to make a sale to a pair of sheep mobian trying on different rings. He headed for their direction, mindful of his presence and made sure there was space between him and the customers. However, said customers were too engrossed in a certain fake gem to notice his arrival. 

Tch. Organics really were such idiotic fools.

“Oh? Caught your eye, didn’t it?” The squirrel mobian scurried to his side, wiggling his eyebridge, “I have an exact replica of that ring if you want to take it home for your lucky lady!”

Neo refrained from glaring. Instead, he mimicked a polite smile. Showing such expressions would undoubtedly make the questioning easier.

“Actually, I was hoping you might know of a certain treasure,” Neo pointed to the mountains, “in my travels, I heard there was a gem worth millions hidden under those mountains.”

“Ah, a fellow treasure hunter,” the squirrel mobian crossed his arms, “well, your guess is as good as mine. I’ve heard the same thing too but it’s more of an old tale, a bedtime story really. If there really were such a thing, I would have found it by now.”

Highly doubtful. Neo didn’t voice it.

“I see,” and Neo turned around to leave, processing the new information. The chaos emerald was hidden in those mountains but its location, and existence, to the locals were purely speculation. He’d have to inquire the townsfolk for more.

“Wait- hold on!”

It wasn’t the squirrel mobian who caught up to him. One of the sheep mobians approached him. Her wool was a pristine white. It was evident that she took great care of her appearance and her yellow dress was likely ironed, like his master’s clothes were.

“I couldn’t help but overhear you’re a treasure hunter!” She exclaimed, “Sorry about Frank, he thinks he’s the world’s leading expert on all gems.”

For a moment, she didn’t say anything more and Neo didn't realize what she was waiting for until she gave him an expectant look. Neo had more important things to do than converse on trivial matters but it wouldn’t do to cause a scene or to have her spread rumors because of his lack of manners. 

“This ‘Frank’ should consider a new profession. Half of the gems in his possession were fake.”

She blinked, mouth agape, “R-Really? Oh, I knew it! Those prices were way too good to be true. Anyways, that’s not why I’m here. You’re not the first one to come asking around about treasure up on those mountains.”

He wasn’t? Who else could be searching for them? More importantly, whose side were they on?

The sheep mobian suddenly smiled in excitement, her hands clasped together, “Sonic was here yesterday asking about it! The greatest hero of Planet Freedom was here in our charming little town!”

Neo froze. His loathsome copy had passed by here. The hedgehog was searching for the chaos emeralds as well. This was not optimal. Where is he now? Neo wanted to ask but couldn’t. He grew irritated. His master’s commands hindered his ability to voice the question. Fine, he was capable of asking in a way it wouldn’t breach the commands.

“Did he find what he was looking for?” Neo asked, barely managing to suppress the anger.

“Oh, I’m not quite sure, but he did leave last night. I believe Professor Leighway might have helped Sonic with that treasure you’re both seeking for. The professor is a big connoisseur of history and knows pretty much everything! I’m sure he’ll be happy to help you if you ask.”

A lead, Neo wouldn’t dare waste it, not when it’s become a race to see who could find it first,  “Where can I find Professor Leighway?”

“In the town’s one and only library! Come on, I’ll take you there!”

Neo very much desired that she didn’t take him there. 

“Unnecessary, I’m sure you’re busy. You can just give me the directions-”

“Nonsense! Besides, it’s always nice to talk to new people and I’m sure a treasure hunter such as yourself has plenty of stories to share!”

Neo gritted his teeth under closed lips. He put his processor to work, and soon enough, a list of fabricated stories were available. All he had to do was put up with the mobian for a short time. Easier said than done, was the phrase wasn’t it?

~

The sheep mobian had introduced herself as Darcy, who was a resident of the town. She had been in the market with her cousin, Jadis. She never traveled outside of the town. She worked as a seamstress. She was annoying. Neo hated her immediately but couldn’t erase the file he had created for her. Not yet at least. The moment her usefulness ended, that file was going in the trash.

In turn, he had given her a simple name to remember. Neo. He gathered his full designation would only prompt further questions and suspicion. He himself used it as well, seeing as how Neo Metal Sonic was, for lack of better term, a mouthful. 

From the list of stories, Neo had chosen one that would highlight the brilliance of his master. It was never too late to convert the simpleminded fools of the planet’s true ruler.

“Wow! Your master must be a genius!” Darcy was awed, “To be able to power up an entire city! The technology there must be way ahead of ours.”

This town was a backwater place. Any other place would be superior to this primitive one. Neo wisely didn’t voice his opinion. He didn’t voice many of his opinions to her.

But his master deserved to be praised, “My master has an IQ of 300. He is beyond the levels of a genius, even if his methods are eccentric.”

“Well, you know what they say. There’s a thin line between crazy and genius.”

Doubtful. Neo pondered it over, unknowingly narrowing his eyes. Perhaps there may be a small truth to it.

“Oh, we’re here! There’s the professor- what’s going on over there!?”

At the entrance of the library, was a group of mobians who circled another of them. They seemed to be rough handling the one in the center. Fighting amongst their own race. Pathetic.

Darcy pulled at his arm and Neo faltered, half a mind to snap at her, when she quite literally yelled, “That’s the professor they’re messing with!”

Well, she should have led with that.

Having the professor incapacitated in any way was detrimental to his task. Plus, saving the professor from a group of over confident fools would benefit him graciously. It also gave him the chance to hit something after the vexing company he had to deal with.

Darcy tried to pull him back but Neo sidestepped her. He marched to the group, not bothering to sneak up on them. He wouldn’t need to. He far outclassed them.

“What do you want shorty?” One of the thugs sneered.

Another hollered, “Get lost if you know what’s good for ya!”

The others said much of the same pointless threats. Neo assessed them for a second. He couldn’t seriously maim them, it would be counterproductive to his task. But that only meant everything else was available.

Delivering swift punches and kicks felt incredibly satisfying. They were far too slow to even be considered a match, much less a challenge. The last of them ran away, his tail tucked between his legs and likely carrying a wounded pride and bruises. 

Pleased with himself, Neo locked onto the professor, who looked elderly. Adorned in a knitted sweater with large round glasses that covered the majority of the owl mobian’s face, the professor bowed to him.

“Goodness gracious, thank you young lad!” The professor met his gaze, “Those hooligans caught word that I gave Sonic the location to a very rare gem. I didn’t! But of course, they didn’t listen.”

If not a location, Neo eyed the professor with interest, then certainly a clue.

“Dealing with them was not a problem. My name is Neo. I’m a traveler and a treasure hunter of sorts,” he greeted, “I have also heard of a rare gem in those mountains and came searching for you in hopes of a lead-”

“Oh, wow, that was simply amazing!” Darcy bounced up to them, her brown eyes shining at him, “My, I didn’t know you could fight like that! I guess it makes sense, being a traveler and all. Professor Leighway! This is Neo! I’ve been showing him around town and promised to take him to you! He’s searching for treasure up in those mountains and I told him you could help with that!” 

While very annoyed with her interruption, Neo was glad his time spent with her was not a complete waste. Her words impacted the professor, whose initial skepticism had morphed to one less invasive when Darcy joined them. 

“Ah, I see now. You’re searching for it too? I must warn you, it’s a dangerous path. I gave the riddle to Sonic, because if he can handle Dr. Robotnik and his evil woes, then I can rest easy knowing I won’t have led him to his death.”

This must be what his master spoke of. The chaos emerald hidden in dangerous territory. 

“I won’t be easily defeated,” Neo said, irritated at the elderly mobian for even hinting he’s not as strong as his loathsome copy, when it was the exact opposite, and he demanded, “Tell me the riddle.”

The professor sighed but eventually spoke, “At the highest peak is where the gem you seek, as light shines on broken rock the heavens reveal the path unlock.”

Neo immediately filed away the riddle and created multiple backups to ensure its storage. It wouldn’t do to suddenly lose it.

He almost pivoted and left but remembered that manners were important to these people, “Thank you Professor Leighway,” he turned to Darcy, “Thank you for leading me here. I’ll take my leave.”

He didn’t bother waiting for them to respond. From what he has seen so far, goodbyes lasted too long and no doubt Darcy would make a huge fuss over it. Speaking off, he erased the file on her but kept the professor’s. The erudite might prove to be useful for the other chaos emeralds. 

As he left, he could still make out their voices, his hearing as sharp as it normally was in his preferred form.

“He’s a bit of an oddball, isn’t he?”

“Why, I thought he was polite! Handsome too! Say, doesn’t he look a bit like Sonic?”

“Hm, well now that you mention it, I do see a resemblance…”

They were too out of reach now. Neo fisted his hands and looked at his reflection in a passing window of a shop. His navy blue fur, short quills, red eyes, and tan muzzle. He gritted his teeth. It wasn’t intentional. He chose this form because it was practical. Besides, they looked nothing alike bar the hedgehog form. 

Neo paused in his step.

They should look alike. He had the right to use the hedgehog’s face because it was his face. Neo was the original one, not Sonic.

…

Neo continued walking, avidly ignoring any point of reflection. He shouldn’t waste time with pointless questions, not when his master expected the chaos emeralds to be delivered to him.

Too consumed by his own thoughts, he barely noticed something had bumped into him. Neo glanced down and saw the teary eyed look of a rabbit mobian who looked to be around five or six years of age. The child’s eyes widened at the sight of him before scurrying behind him. Neo had no time to question the child when a group of children stomped forward, rambunctious and rowdy.

It was quite amusing to see their little faces, which had been full of glee and mockful looks, shift to terror under his stare. Neo barely made a move before they scampered away. The corners of his mouth twitched, his first sign of a genuine smirk. 

Honestly. Organics were such pathetic beings. Though he supposed the children weren’t as terrible as the adults. At least they knew their place in the face of a powerful presence.

The child who had hidden stepped forth, “Um, thank you mister.”

Neo stared at the child, who flinched in response. He did nothing to help the child. But, they would be useful in the future. As servants under his master’s rule. 

“You're welcome.”

Finally, he left the town behind. Here’s hoping he wouldn’t come back for the foreseeable future.

Chapter Text

Climbing to the highest peak was an easy feat given the fact that Neo simply flew with his jet engine. As much as he would have preferred to speedily hunt for the chaos emerald, he was well aware he wasn’t the only one seeking the gem. Sonic the Hedgehog had likely solved the riddle since Neo couldn’t see a spec of blue among the mountains. Which meant his loathsome copy had a head start.

This brought an annoying dilemma. Neo had to keep his distance. He wasn’t allowed to chase after the fake rodent either. Which meant, after he solved the riddle, that stealth was the only option available in sequence to comply with his master’s commands. The air around him hissed as his vents opened, letting his frustration ebb as quickly as it had arrived. Focus. He had to stay focused. The chaos emerald was his primary objective.

Feet firmly planted on rough rock, Neo scanned his surroundings as he ran the riddle in his visual hub.

At the highest peak is where the gem you seek, as light shines on broken rock the heavens reveal the path unlock.

The first part of the riddle was simple enough to understand, any incompetent fool could follow it. However, the latter part of the riddle had him mildly confused. ‘Heavens’ was another word for the sky, and the ‘light’ referenced was undoubtedly the sun. Neo followed the sun’s trajectory, still rising from the East as morning light faded. Facing the direction of the sun, he carefully monitored every square inch of the area that laid within the sun’s path. 

He spotted it. A broken slab- the ‘broken rock’- that looked as though it once resembled an altar, surrounded by a mass of green at the base of two smaller mountains. He would never have found it without the riddle. It was too well hidden by foot alone.

Neo launched into the air, confident of his answer. It wasn’t long before he descended steadily and landed on softer ground. He traced a metallic finger along the crevices of the slab, trying to understand where and how the ‘path unlock’ would appear.

-the heavens reveal the path unlock.

Hesitantly, Neo lifted his head and looked at the sky. There had been no sight of clouds when he arrived at the mountains and now, he found himself stumped as masses of white suddenly appeared and overtook the sky, an unnatural phenomena occurring right before his sight. White covered the entirety of blue but left the sun untouched, its light narrow and direct. 

He took a step back, away from the broken slab, and followed where the path of light struck. A few paces from the broken slab laid a moss covered stonewall. Neo headed closer to it and placed his palm over the moss, trying to find the hidden path. However, a burst of light flared shortly after he made contact and he quickly lowered his sensitivity, blindsided by the abruptness of it.

Then, the ground under him disappeared and Neo fell.

Automatically, his jet engine worked at full capacity and he warily hovered in the air as solid rock moved above him and the entrance from where he fell closed back up. Whereas the land above held nothing but an altar, the land underneath was a different story. Ruins were carved into stonewalls, some withered away as a trail of green grew amongst the crevices. 

The fall wouldn’t have been long, he mused, as he landed on solid ground once again. There were torches that lit up the place, their flame chasing away the darkness. A stone built archway came into view with stairs that led further down. Above the arch was a depicted familiar object, glowing a faint red hue. The chaos emerald. It was here. Neo was ecstatic. He was close, he knew it. 

Neo quietly took the stairs and curiously gazed at the ruins. The language was lost on him, and as much as he tried to make sense of it there was nothing in his database that could help translate the hieroglyphs. He duly noted the fact. Perhaps his master could download some sort of data that catered to lost languages. 

At the threshold of the stairs, Neo paused in his step. Three different paths laid before him, one stretching to his left and the other to his right. The middle path ahead extended for several feet before hitting another crossroad. The left and right path did the same. This wasn’t just a temple as he initially assumed. It was a labyrinth. 

Voices were picked up by his auditory function and he was quickly broken out of his musings. In his excitement, he had nearly forgotten he wasn’t the first to traverse through here. As he suspected, the voices were matched swiftly in his database. One belonged to an irrelevant organic. The other belonged to his loathsome copy.

There were hardly any hiding spots for him to use, not with everything out in the open. When steps accompanied the voices as they drew closer, he hastily made a decision. He morphed into a liquid state, covering the entire wall underneath the arch and camouflaging with the stone brick walls. He held still, irked by his master’s commands that were overridden in his system, repeating itself over and over in his visual hub.

I want you to keep your distance from that blue rat until I say otherwise!

Neo was keeping his distance, as much as he could, since he couldn’t leave without the chaos emerald. He tried adding his input, trying to placate the commands with his reasonings, and surprisingly, the commands relented.

Just in time for Sonic and his sidekick to arrive near the threshold, neither suspectful of another presence. 

Neo glanced at them, almost in disbelief at how close they were. How close the blue hedgehog was within maiming distance. His hatred seethed quietly, still remembering what the hedgehog did to him in his so-called dream, at whatever manipulations were at play. The hatred was slightly mollified when he spotted singed quills.

“Left is a no go,” spoke the yellow fox cub, who was writing on what looked like a makeshift map.

“Yeah, no kidding,” Sonic huffed, “as terrible as it was, I’d still take the lava over water any day.”

Tails gave the hedgehog an exasperated look, “Even though you fell and could have burned to your death?”

“Do I look dead? No. Because you saved my butt there and we made it out of there completely fine. A win-win to me,” the blue hedgehog then looked straight ahead, “Third time’s a charm, right?”

“That, and because left and right were a dead end,” Tails answered, “Are we gonna go fast and risk another lava incident or take it a bit slow?”

Sonic shook his head, not even taking the time to think it over, “As long as you have my back, we’ll go fast. Robotnik wants those chaos emeralds really badly and whatever he has planned is nothing good. Not to mention he has…”

The hedgehog trailed off, and while Neo couldn’t see the expression, he clearly sounded upset. Neo zeroed in at the strangeness, the arrogant personality not as accurate as his data described. His loathsome copy had a weakness and if Neo could find said weakness, he could use it to his advantage and exploit it.

The fox cub determinedly looked up at Sonic, “We’ll get him back and we’ll find the chaos emeralds. One step at a time.”

Finally, Sonic turned and ruffled the cub’s head, a grin spreading on his muzzle, “One step at a time,” he held out a hand, “Ready?”

Tails grasped the hand with his own and they went off in a blur, swiftly turning left ahead.

Morphing into solid form, Neo stared at the direction they took off. The sidekick had mentioned a third party, someone they both cared about. Did his master have someone imprisoned at the base? If that was the case, why hadn’t his master told him? If his master didn’t deem it important enough to share, Neo reasoned, then it didn’t matter. His master knew best and Neo knew better than to question a true genius.

As he took a step forward, intent on following the blue blur, he was once again irked at the prompt commands in his system and the forced locked position that prevented him from moving any further.

You are not allowed to go after Sonic!

This was… a bit concerning. It was obvious the hedgehog and his companion were on the right route, if the marked map and the previous conversation they had was any indication. While they took a left further in, Neo could take a right, but he didn’t like the risks of who would find the chaos emerald first. Therefore, it was the most logical choice to follow them and swipe the chaos emerald before they could. Neo had to follow them. The commands strongly held him in place. How frustrating.

Hm. Earlier, Neo had managed to bypass the command by inputting his reasons. There was a chance he could do so again. The command stated Neo wasn’t allowed to go after Sonic but it mentioned nothing about Tails. He quickly ran his input, and waited almost worryingly, until the commands acknowledged and relented once more.

It worked. The locked stance no longer prevented him as he advanced forward. Elated, Neo sped off, knowing the hedgehog’s speed would give him a considerable lead. Not like it was much of a challenge, his own speed would easily catch up to them. 

He delighted in being right as he found them at a stopping point, after going through many turns and subsequent dead ends. He morphed to a liquified form and kept close to the walls as he silently trudged closer. This wasn’t a dead end, Neo noted, as he eyed the stonewall that contained a three by three puzzle, small enough to shift the bricks around with the help of an empty space. Each brick had a unique sign with the exception of three: two were left blank and the last one had a carved shape of the chaos emerald.

The blue hedgehog was in the middle of shoving one brick past another randomly before seemingly giving up and faced his sidekick, “Okay, I’ll admit it. I have no idea what I’m doing. Tails? Are you done thinking over there?”

The fox cub had been strangely quiet, merely gazing at the puzzle with a pensive look. Sonic folded his arms and tapped his foot but remained quiet nonetheless. Neo almost couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Wasn’t Sonic the Hedgehog arrogant enough to never let someone else take the reigns? To never play second fiddle? Yet, there the hedgehog was, waiting for his sidekick.

Neo himself was at a loss with the puzzle. There was no correlation and if there’s nothing to piece them to one another, then chances were the only way to figure out the puzzle was to look for other hints in the labyrinth-

“Aha! That’s why they look so familiar!” Tails suddenly exclaimed, “look- these are the same symbols we saw in the lava room, and that right there- those are from the mirror room. I don’t recognize the last two symbols but I bet it’s from the other path if we hadn’t gone left.”

Well, that confirmed Neo’s theory. It was surprising to know it was the fox cub who had figured it out. Seemed as though his fake counterpart wasn’t as smart as Neo believed him to be. He quickly updated his database. His superior intellect outclassed his loathsome copy’s. Of course.

Sonic still looked confused, rubbing the back of his head, “I do remember seeing them but how is that going to help us out here?”

Tails bounced on his feet and took his place before the puzzle, shifting the bricks confidently, surprising Neo once again with his dexterity. 

“Because the lava symbols were placed at opposite corners, top left and bottom right. The mirror symbols were placed in the middle of top and bottom. It follows a pattern! The last two should be placed top right and bottom left and all we have left is the chaos emerald right in the middle with the blank ones next to it.”

For a moment, everything was quiet as the last of the bricks was set in place. And it continued to stay quiet. Neo thought, perhaps almost ridiculously, that they were malfunctioning.

“Um,” came the not so eloquent response from the blue hedgehog.

Tails huffed, his tails twisting, “It was a fifty-fifty chance but I was banking on it. I’ll switch the last two symbols.”

When the fox cub switched them, the effect was immediate. The stone wall came tumbling down, revealing another hidden path and torches abruptly ignited one by one, showing a stairway that led further down. This had to be it, the final puzzle. Now if only Neo could quietly slip past them…

“Good job buddy!” Sonic praised, “Although, I swear the chaos emeralds didn't take this long to find the first time.”

“Thanks, and didn't you find them in the special zone?”

“Exactly. They were challenging but they didn’t require much thought. Not like this whole place. I guess after I collected them, they made themselves harder to find.”

“That wouldn’t surprise me. With Robotnik in possession of three chaos emeralds, we can assume the others were too difficult for him to find.”

“But that won’t stop him, and I think I know who he’s sending to look for the others.”

Neo halted at the statement, just a few paces away from his loathsome copy and closer to the newly opened path. He wouldn’t dare risk a glance. The hedgehog knew Neo was looking for them too. Who else could he have meant? He knew Neo existed, knew he was a powerful threat. The thought pulled a dark excitement in Neo. He was ready for a fight when they would inevitably encounter each other face-to-face. 

When his master would give the order, Neo would be ready. For now, he slithered across, blending with the stone ground. It was pointless but he had to try anyway. He barely paid attention to the two as he made it to the wall, the voices of the two filtering in the background.

“One step at a time?”

“One step at a time,” came the firm response.

There was nothing Neo could do as the hedgehog and his sidekick blasted inside. At least he didn’t have to move so infuriatingly slow. He shapeshifted quickly and sped after them.

~

Fortunately, there were no more puzzles or mazes. Unfortunately, Neo had no choice but to hide in the shadows as a red chaos emerald floated over an altar. His loathsome copy and his sidekick were too close to it. It didn't matter in the end what route he would have picked. He was too late anyways.

Neo glowered at the sight of the blue hedgehog excitingly taking the chaos emerald, the gem gleaming in his gloved hand. The fox cub joined him and their grins matched each other as they high-fived. 

Their happiness made him want to stab them, more so his copy. Anger rolled off of him in waves and as much as he would sadistically enjoy tearing the place apart, his commands kept a firm control on him. He couldn’t risk his cover. That didn’t mean he wasn’t allowed to seethe, imagining ways to inflict the worst of pain onto the hedgehog. 

Worst of all though, Neo failed to accomplish his first objective. His master would be immensely displeased. Disappointment beyond belief that his masterpiece failed. Neo feared for what kind of punishments his master would bestow upon him. What restrictions his master would inevitably place on him, stripping him more of his freedom.

And it was all Sonic’s fault, Neo thought vehemently.

The blue hedgehog suddenly froze and his sidekick questioned him worriedly. The hedgehog shook his head in response, pausing for a moment, before turning his head. Neo froze all thoughts when the hedgehog stared at him. 

It was impossible. Neo was too blended with the shadows and had morphed himself into its likeness. 

Yet, those dark eyes eerily locked onto him.

The hedgehog passed the chaos emerald to his companion and took a tentative step, not once looking away. It dawned on Neo, no matter how much it didn’t make sense, that the hedgehog knew he was here, lurking in the background, and had full intentions to engage with him.

Anger faded and was replaced by panic as his master’s commands began to blare loudly in his system, overwriting every function. He couldn’t interact with Sonic, not in any shape or form. When the hedgehog took another step, he shifted back into his preferred form.

Neo barely had time to witness the surprised expression on his copy before he hightailed it out of there, a sonic boom echoing in his haste. He didn’t stop, not even when the hedgehog had yelled at him to wait. He kept going until he was out of the temple, wrecking apart the entrance from where he fell. He allowed himself to slow down once he took to the skies, knowing the hedgehog couldn’t get him from up here.

The commands were no longer deafening, Neo was back in full control and he hated what he had been forced to do. To run away like a coward, to turn his back on his loathsome copy rather than stand his ground and tear him apart. Neo knew his master meant well, that his master was a brilliant man whose intelligence he could never hope to reach.

But it didn’t stop the hatred at himself, nor the sliver of embitterment he felt for his master. Despairingly, Neo shook off the anger and bitterness. 

What use were they to him now? He had to report to his master and nothing, absolutely nothing, would ease the blow.

Chapter Text

The trek down the hallway felt a lot longer.

Each step felt heavy, the weight of failure burdening him since he left the labyrinth. He was barely aware of the other badniks, too consumed in his own myriad of thoughts. Still, he kept going. His arrival had already signaled his master. He would be waiting and Neo wouldn’t dare delay him.

Guided by the map installed in his database, Neo rose higher as the elevator brought him to the highest peak of the base. He was scarcely able to take in each level, the transparent walls of the elevator swinging from one floor to another in rapid motion. Finally, the elevator skidded to a halt and opened. Neo reluctantly left it behind. 

Out of every room in the base, this one would take the price of most extravagant- a room befit for a King. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, spiraling upwards. The walls here were made out of glass and he could see how far the landscape expanded to the horizon. A vibrant red velvet carpet stretched from the elevators to a small set of stairs, and raised on a platform was a sleek throne, dark in color and mere centimeters from touching the high ceiling. Lounging comfortably on the throne, back rested over the armrest and crossed legs swinging over the other, was his master. Completely relaxed and humming.

For a moment, Neo admired his master’s brilliance in hiding such a colossal base under a veil of invisibility. His master didn’t look overly concerned he’d be found out either. Or, Neo suddenly noticed, to care that someone had entered. Was his master not alerted of his presence? Neo was half tempted to leave, but he knew he had to report his failure, and to voice his concerns regarding his loathsome copy.

“Master, I have arrived,” Neo loudly proclaimed.

“GAH-” his master startled badly, a hand over his chest as he controlled his breathing. His master faced him, eyes blinking before an ear to ear grin spread and he rose to his feet, closing the distance between them, “Neo! You’re here already! That means you found those little pain-in–the-back emeralds! Or at least one of them. Don’t keep me waiting! Hand it over!” His master waited expectantly, grabby hands in motion. 

His master really hadn't expected him to fail. The burden in him weighed more.

"I regret to inform you I have not acquired a single chaos emerald. There were unforeseen circumstances. I was en route to tracking one, but Sonic the Hedgehog found the chaos emerald before I did. It is currently in his possession.”

Every passing word had his master’s face shift from eager to downright anger, “How… HOW DID THIS HAPPEN!?”

Neo hid a wince and explained to the best of his abilities, "It happened because of the commands given to me. I am unable to directly confront Sonic, and as a result, could not attain the chaos emerald without exposing myself," he pushed forward, daring to request, "If you remove the commands, I'll be able to steal the chaos emerald from him in combat the next time I encounter him-"

"No! Absolutely not! I can't risk the synch-" his master froze, took a deep breath, and calmly said, "What I mean to say is that you’re not ready.”

But he was ready. How could his master not see it?

Neo carefully responded, “With all due respect Master, I am Sonic perfected. I can eliminate the hedgehog-”

“I said no.”  

His master looked greatly displeased. Neo’s frustrations were quickly replaced by despair. He had overstepped. 

Neo bowed his head immediately, “Forgive me. Please accept my apology.”

His master waved a hand, “This is your first strike, make it your last. You’ll just have to be faster. In fact, I can save you a bit of time. There’s a chaos emerald south from here, in the Aquatic Ruins. But one wrong step and the ruins will flood, making it impossible to search for the emerald. There’s booby traps as well, I almost lost my mustache! Would have been a shame if I did. Point is, Sonic hates water. I doubt you’ll find him poking his nose in there.”

That was true. Reinvigorated, Neo declared, “I will not fail again.”

His master cackled, “Your loyalty is so refreshing. Just remember to make sure that annoying rodent doesn’t know of your existence.”

Well. Neo did want to voice his concerns about the strange occurrences related to his loathsome copy. There was no better timing than this moment, however much his master would undoubtedly hate it.

“Unfortunately, Sonic is aware of my existence.”

“HOW!?” His master spluttered, “I told you to stay away from him!”

“I did stay away from him,” Neo defended himself, “but when I was hiding in the shadows, he somehow knew I was there. It’s almost as though… he could sense I was there, despite the impossible logistics. When I realized I was discovered, I fled the place immediately.”

At his statement, his master straightened his back, face entirely unreadable.

“How strange,” his master commented, “What about you? Are you experiencing anything weird that involves him?”

“Yes,” Neo answered in relief, “There was a particularly intense hallucination that alluded that I was somehow in Sonic’s dream and he was talking to me as though he knew me. When it happened, it felt as though my emotions weren’t my own. I suspect that I really was pulled into his dream and that was when he truly knew of my existence. Master, I humbly request to fix whatever malfunction or faulty defense that is enabling this issue.”

For a pause, his master was silent, chin in hand. He was muttering under his breath, rambles that Neo couldn’t understand or make context of.

Eventually his master stopped and ordered, “Tell me your name.”

Confused as Neo was by the random order, he answered dutifully, “Neo Metal Sonic.”

“What is your primary objective?”

“Destroy Sonic the Hedgehog.”

“And how do you feel about Sonic the Hedgehog?”

Another odd question but Neo continued anyway, the answer coming to him easily, “Hate. I want nothing more than to have him struggle under my prowess as I take his life.”

Seemingly satisfied, his master sighed and rested a hand on his shoulder pauldron. Neo stared at the hand touching him. He couldn’t decide if he liked it or hated it. He settled on indifference. 

“These issues of yours, I’m afraid, are normal," his master began, "You see, I built you out of Sonic’s life data. It’s expected that you experience moments of Sonic’s life. Be careful of such moments because that is when he will try to convince you to join him, and he will spit lies to do it. What’s important is that you stay true to yourself, as my most loyal servant, and to fulfill your primary objective when the time is right."

The explanation made was logical, a solid answer to the misgivings he was currently going through. As annoying as it was to be told to put up with it, Neo acknowledged the side effect as a challenge. Sonic must truly have been pathetic, if he thought he could bring Neo into the fold of Heroism. Naive too, if he thought it would be such an easy task.

“I understand, Master.”

“Good,” his master turned and sauntered his way to the throne, lounging on it once more, “If you need any information on Aquatic Ruins, take a look at my files with the initials AR. Or ask Orbot, he’s been reading too many tourist guides.”

There was still a lingering question, the mysterious third person his master had imprisoned somewhere, but Neo acknowledged the dismissal for what it was and pivoted back to the elevator. His master cheerily waved him away before the elevators slid shut. 

The feeling of failure had lifted, considerably so, when his master elected to not punish him for it. His master, apparently, wasn’t as cruel as his profile made him out to be. Neo swiftly updated the info, it would make his future decisions less stressful.

Stepping out of the elevator, Neo had a map pulled up to search for Orbot. A red dot blinked, crossing a bridge from the other side of the floor to join a yellow dot. Neo wasn’t looking forward to interacting with the two aides, remembering how annoying and useless most of the information they sprouted was. But Neo was nothing if not thorough and if his master said Orbot had key information about Aquatic Ruins, then it was his duty to hear out the badnik.

Just as he was about to round a corner and confront the gossiping aides of his master, he picked up the conversation, and the topic had him stuck in place.

“-can’t believe she has the audacity to call me ugly!” 

“I know right? So ungrateful, after all the tasty food we’ve given her, the comfy bed we gave her, all the clothes she keeps asking us to buy for her…”

“Ugh, she’s the only prisoner we have but she’s such a handful. If only his evilness would let her go, we wouldn’t be so overworked.”

“Why hasn’t he let her go?”

“Don’t tell me you forgot- AH!’

The two panicked, clearly not expecting the sight of him when they turned the corner. Neo hardly paid attention to their nervous rambles when he tried to connect the information he had. His master did have someone imprisoned, a female organic, but the person Sonic and his sidekick were looking for had distinct male pronouns. There was no one else on the base, but chances were this female organic would likely have the answers he was looking for. After all, her imprisonment meant she was valuable to his master, and by extent, to his loathsome copy as well.

The mission would be delayed but the information he could gather would more than make up for it.

Neo wasted no time, “This prisoner, where is she?”

Orbot laughed nervously, “What? What are you talking about? There is no prisoner here.”

“Nope! Aha, none whatsoever,” Cubot was much in the same state.

Neo narrowed his optics, illuminating the red to the highest setting, “Don’t take me for a fool. If you lie to me again, the Master will have to make due with only one aide.”

Cubot, the bigger fool between them, broke first, “S-she’s in the left wing! The last door in hallway CD-2!”

“You idiot!” Orbot smacked the yellow cubed robot before clasping his hands together and practically groveled to him, “Big bro, you’re really not supposed to know of her existence, so if you could just forget this whole thing, we can all go back to our duties!”

“Then perhaps you two shouldn’t gossip for the whole world to hear,” Neo glared at Orbot, “What do you mean I’m not supposed to know of her existence?”

“Um, well, you see, this prisoner knows a lot of information about-” Orbot hesitated. Neo raised his claws as a threat. Orbot hurriedly answered, “a-about our Master’s big plans! In order to make sure she doesn’t spill the beans to Sonic or any other inhabitants, his maliciousness decided to keep her as a prisoner for as long as she breathes. And to keep her existence a secret.”

Cubot included, rather unhelpfully, “Which we just failed.”

If she knew this much, if she knew more than what Neo knew, why was she still kept alive? Wouldn’t it have been better to eradicate her existence? Neo doesn’t think he would ever understand the levels of genius his master worked around with.

Still, he was more curious about the prisoner, for she must be someone formidable to have his master on edge, “You haven’t failed. I will keep her existence a secret. You,” he stared at Orbot, “send me a file on anything and everything you know about Aquatic Ruins.”

Neo didn’t bother waiting to hear a response. Orbot would do as he was told, their rank of hierarchy would enforce it. He heard them begin to chatter as he headed to where the prisoner was located.

“-think we should tell his cruelness?”

“And have him be angry with us? NO! You heard big bro, this continues to stay a hush hush business.”

“I really don’t like this. What if she says something about-”

“It wouldn’t change a thing, his maliciousness made sure of that.”

The conversation came to a halt. If they had talked anymore, Neo was already too far to hear them. For a couple of bumbling fools, they did have their moments of usefulness. He’d be wise to not overlook them for it. 

The room he was looking for didn’t take long to find, considering Neo had caught the two running errands for the prisoner. Hallway CD-2 was bare of anything, no other door was available than the one at the end of the hall. She really was meant to be hidden, to be imprisoned so far away on the lowest levels of the base. 

Lights flickered overhead, a sign of maintenance failure that would have been easily fixed anywhere else. Neo marched down the hall until he finally stood before a steel door. He couldn’t hear any noises coming from the other side. The door must have been thick, half a foot likely. He grew wary.

A brightly lit monitor beside the door awaited for authorization. Neo didn’t hesitate. He rested his palm over the screen, the monitor scanning his codes, and with a light beep, the door creaked open, the weight groaning as it revealed the inside.

Neo was not certain what he was expecting, but to be confronted with pink was not it. The walls, ceilings, and floor were in the same light pink color. What caught his attention though, was the fact that the other half of the room was behind steel bars. The imprisoned side held a mahogany table complete with a dining set, a bed furnished with red duvets and pillows with a privacy screen beside it, a mirror accompanied with a sink and a small wall that connected to a corner. 

Sitting on one of the chairs, arms crossed, was a very pink hedgehog. She was adorned with a red headband with a matching dress with white linings. Her quills were styled down. Her eyes were shut tight and an irritated expression marred her face.

“I told you to leave me alone! If you can't get me out, then what's the point-" 

The pink hedgehog faced him and her anger vanished as her eyes widened. Her mouth was agape, shock coursing through her as she suddenly stood up, her chair tumbling over.

"Metal?" She gasped, holding a hand over her mouth, "Is that you? What happened to you!?"

Delusional. It was the first word that came to mind when she had reacted to him in familiarity. But she knew his name, or at least part of it. Orbot’s claims were true about her valuable insight into them. Neo considered her carefully. 

“It seems you know who I am, but I can’t say the same,” he crossed the doorway and demanded, “State your name, prisoner.”

An expression of grief overtook her. How odd.

“But… you already know my name," she muttered before raising her voice, face suddenly hopeful, “I’m Amy Rose! We’re friends! Don’t you remember?”

Neo narrowed his optics, “I’ve never met you before.”

“Yes you have! Back when Robotnik had us both imprisoned for days!” She cried, clinging to the bars that separated them, “That’s how we met! Robotnik kidnapped me because he thought I was important and he kidnapped you because he had these big dumb plans and needed you for them!”

Every word that left from her mouth sounded like utter nonsense.  

He’d never felt the need to cackle like his master but he was severely tempted to at the moment, “You are clearly delusional.”

“You told me the same thing when we first met,” Amy pounced, dark eyes glinting, “when I told you I would be Sonic’s one and only true love.”

A whirlwind of emotions flew through Neo. He settled on the one he was familiar with. Hatred.

“You’re important to my loathsome copy then,” Neo hissed.

“Everyone is important to him,” she deflected, her eyes never once leaving him, “You especially.”

It seemed her delusions had no boundaries. He mockingly asked, “Oh? Why is that?”

“Because you were with Sonic for weeks! You lived with him, you cooked for him, you made sure the house wasn’t a mess. You admire and respect him!” Her expression was filled to the brim with resolute, “You love him! You told me that yourself!”

For a moment, he could do no more than stare at her, his emotions coming to a stalemate. Nothing about her body language betrayed what she said. She believed every word she was saying.

“You couldn’t be more wrong,” he retorted, looking down at her and channeling the hate that came so easily to him, “I hate that damn copy.”

She was unfazed, “You know, I heard that there’s a very thin line between hate and love. I didn't think it was true, but I'm starting to see it with you.”

Neo stepped back. She couldn’t be reasoned with. Why his master intended to keep her imprisoned would continue to remain a mystery. He turned his back, intent on never coming back when her next words halted him.

“I know you don’t believe me now but I bet you’re experiencing some strange things with Sonic, right? I bet Robotnik couldn’t remove it and I’m pretty sure he lied to you.”

Neo should leave. But his master had her imprisoned because she knew too much and there was no way she could have known about this, not when the only person who knew was his master, and Neo had just told him about it.

He stiffly faced her again, “What are you talking about?”

“You called it a bond,” Amy softly explained, “A bond that links you and Sonic in every way- it makes the impossible possible. It allowed you to hear each other, see each other, and feel each other. Something like that doesn’t just go away, not when it connects so deep.”

Neo wanted her words to be delusional too. But he was all too aware of the dream he had been pulled in, when he had felt solid warmth from Sonic. He hadn’t told that part to his master. Yet, she knew.

Without a word, he left her behind, ignoring her calls. He shut the door and continued on, trying to put as much space as possible between them.

His master would never lie to him. His master’s words were gospel truth and Neo knew his place would forever remain as his loyal servant.

Still, the pink hedgehog’s words echoed in his mind and he marched down the hall, each step heavier than the other. The one phrase she said had struck a chord in Neo and he found himself seething from it.

How dare she insinuate Neo would ever love his loathsome copy. There was nothing between them. They had barely even met. The mere idea of it was simply preposterous and it built the anger he welcomed so graciously into himself.

Neo hated Sonic with every fiber of his being and nothing would change that. When the time was right, when his master ordered it, Neo would be glad to fight his loathsome copy-

“Metal!”

Neo snapped to attention. The hallway flickered back and forth to a homely room with warm colors. His anger, so righteous and furious, had dimmed. Sonic stood in the middle of it all, his smugness nowhere in sight.

Instead, a sad smile tugged at the hedgehog’s lips, “I’m sorry-”

Whatever he said next cut off. The hedgehog was gone and with it, the homely room.

Neo was shaking before he even realized it. He forced himself to stop. They had to be lying. His master warned him of this. They were liars. All of them.

An incoming file was sent to his system. It was from Orbot. 

Neo shifted his focus. 

The chaos emerald. 

Nothing else should matter. Not the delusions of a prisoner or a hero trying to manipulate his emotions.

Absolutely nothing.

Chapter Text

Sonic the Hedgehog had an immeasurable fear of water. Neo had no vulnerability. As a perfect being, fear was beneath him. To fear water was childish almost. A mortal fear, one Neo could never share or understand. 

The Aquatic Ruins were already flooded when he arrived, and the sky was dark with heavy clouds. The areas untouched with water were still wet, he observed when the soil subsided under his feet. He raised one foot and felt something dark coiled in him at the sight of mud clinging to his foot. He identified the emotion quickly.

He was disgusted. His form was marred by dirt and it would no doubt be tediously annoying to scrub every particle until he was free from any sign of it. He realized, suddenly, that he would be tainted even further as the tracker he held in his grasp indicated downward. He very much wanted to punch something.

Neo scanned the plains once more, hoping for any hint that could salvage him from going underwater. There was none. He was broken from his musings when a droplet hit his nose. He looked up. Rain began to pour, steadily at first until heavy pelts hit the ground. 

Neo didn't think he could hate something more than Sonic, yet here he was, being proven wrong. 

He trudged through the flooded plains, eventually reaching stone bricks under his feet. The ripples in the water extended far with each step, mesmerizing almost. Then, his next step didn’t meet solid ground. Below the surface, he could see a glimpse of a passageway leading into darkness. 

Looked like he found his entrance. He braced himself before diving straight into the waters. Darkness consumed him before he brightened his optics to the highest degree.

Ruins greeted him, greatly resembling the ones from the labyrinth. The gizmo in his hand began to beep. Igniting his jet engine, he dutifully and swiftly followed the signal. Water wouldn’t damage his system right away, but prolonged exposure could possibly do harm. It wasn’t a risk he was willing to take. He wouldn’t bear the humiliation and embarrassment if he came back to his master damaged by such a trivial thing as water.

He was creating his own map of the area in his visual hub, full of twists and turns reminiscent of the labyrinth but with hazardous traps at every step, when the sound of gravel echoed around him. He whirled around and realized the route he had entered was blocked off. The matter would have been more pressing if he hadn’t noticed the water level began to descend that same second. Water filtered out and he was back on steady ground.

At first glance, the chamber he was locked in was a dead end. It was rather small with nothing to it except more complex ruins, with the exception of an engraved chaos emerald on the wall across. Unremarkable: such engravings could be spotted everywhere in here. More significantly, he detected high energy levels at the middle point of the chamber. He walked closer to the source and watched as a field of cyan blue energy appeared out of thin air. 

A warp zone, his database informed him.

Neo quickly looked through his makeshift map and his apprehensiveness left when he noted the chamber was located in the center of a semi-completed circular maze. 

Well. The warp zone was his next destination then. Question was, where would it lead him to? Only one way to find out.

Neo stepped through the warp zone. The effect was almost instantaneous, a blur of colors flickered before cyan blue engulfed him once more. Bright sunlight overwhelmed him as soon as he stepped out from the other end of the warp zone. 

At least it wasn’t raining anymore, he thought in relief. But where was he? He stood on fine sand that led to an open ocean and greenery with palm trees to the other side. An island, he deduced, when he walked among the beach and reached the corner just to see a long trail of sand that circled around. His navigator couldn’t pinpoint a location, he wasn’t in the Land of the Sky nor in the Land of Darkness. Eliminating those two out of the sequence left him with one conclusion. 

Warp zones usually provide a shortcut from one place to another, but very rarely do they warp to a different plane of existence. A pocket world within the planet. They were called Special Zones.

Each special zone was unique and could range from perilous to sanctuary level. He was uncertain which of the two this world landed on. 

Movement from thick tall grass had him quickly adapt his battle stance. He scanned the section and was momentarily surprised to see multiple tiny lifeforms. One of them came out of hiding.

A small white creature looked up at him with big eyes and a smile, its head was round and bigger than its body and possessed no nose. The creature had no fingers or toes, just bean-like feet and arms. A small pair of wings accompanied the creature, fluttering lightly, with a small tail too. A floating dot wavered over the head and he watched, confused, as the dot shifted to a question mark

The creature chirped.

As if on cue, the other lifeforms scurried out from their hiding spot, all of them coming in different colors and shapes but retained the same tiny form, their eyes wide in curiosity. Neo warily considered them and when one of them came too close, he raised a clawed hand in warning. But the creature merely blinked at him, their floating dot changing to a question mark. It didn’t even flinch.

Neo searched through his database, almost coming to a complete loss on what these things were until he managed to find a file that resembled them. He skimmed through it. The Chao were a species that existed solely in certain special zones. They were extremely rare and highly sought after as pets. The price of one could single handedly fund an entire base. They were essentially harmless, barely even counted as a threat with how weak they were.

Putting away the file, he noted most of them began to drift away, their interest taken easily by the ocean waves or a butterfly fluttering by. They were rather simple beings, he assessed, and hardly worth his time. 

Focusing on the matter at hand, the gizmo in his hand indicated the chaos emerald was somewhere here. Although, he was deeply befuddled when the tracker kept pointing at random directions. Changing orientations didn't fix the issue either. 

But it was here, that much he was certain. He just needed to figure out how-

A Chao dared to land on his head. 

Slightly irked from the distraction, Neo reached up and grabbed the creature. He held the yellow Chao by the foot, dangling in the air and chirping at him before trying to escape from his hold. These things really were helpless. He almost pitied it.

Another flew into his peripheral, dark blue in color and held a rather blank expression. Or rather, it was blank, until the Chao began to laugh at the creature trapped in his hold. Somehow, this caused the Chao in his hold to sob. Perturbed, he released the tiny thing and it flew away, joining a group by the ocean.

The dark Chao stopped laughing and hovered near him, a glare fixed on its face. It began to chirp at him too, pointing at the Chao he released before huffing and crossing its arms, apparently displeased with him.

It would be a lie if Neo said he wasn’t faintly amused by this particular Chao, who seemed to delight at the misfortune of others.

“Arrogant little thing,” he spoke and had a sudden thought, “You wouldn’t happen to know where the Chaos Emerald is, would you?”

The dark Chao scowled but the confusion was obvious as the floating dot shaped to a question mark. Neo felt a bit mortified for even asking. Hadn’t he just declared them as simple beings? The Chao likely couldn’t understand him either, much less know anything about the powerful gems.

However… it wasn’t like his master was anywhere in sight. Or Orbot and Cubot. Talking to the Chao wouldn’t be a detriment to his task either. Begrudgingly, he could admit they were… what was the word for it? 

He found it. Adorable. He understood then why the price of one was outrageously high.

“I wonder if you would sell for the same price,” Neo said, watching as the Chao’s negative attitude shifted to poorly hidden curiosity, “since your personality is undesirable compared to the others.”

The Chao chirped angrily at him. Neo couldn’t understand a word. He wasn’t bothered by it. Still, he had a mission to complete. He selected a path further inland, hoping he could find a hint for the chaos emerald among the palm trees.

Surprisingly, the dark blue Chao followed him, hovering at his side. When Neo turned to look at the creature, the Chao scowled and looked away, crossing its arms, but stayed nonetheless.

How confusing. And amusing. 

When an hour turned into two, Neo began to despair. The navigator was all but useless and nothing on the island led to clues for the chaos emerald. He couldn’t afford to fail, not again. He was supposed to be perfection. Perfection couldn’t bring failures. Perfection wasn’t allowed to bring failures.

So caught up in his misfortunes, he was vaguely aware of his small companion. Waving arms invaded his sight, the Chao’s normally aggressive expression softened and was chirping quite loudly. Neo reeled back into himself, closing off the thoughts that had consumed him with the Chao’s fretting behavior.

Neo stared at the Chao, who was smiling at him before catching itself and returned to scowl, though less harshly than before. The Chao chirped too, almost as if rambling. He found himself growing… endeared by the creature. The Chao had been worried for him. They had to be a deeply sentimental species, enough to sense emotions off a robot. 

“Thank you,” Neo said before he could stop himself.

The Chao seemed to understand that, if the way it was struggling not to smile was any indication.

“Perhaps my master wouldn’t mind if I bring back a pet,” Neo muttered, but he knew it was a false claim. His master had no use for organics when machines were a better solution. Neo agreed with his master on that front but he was willing to make an exception for this one particular Chao.

Once again, the Chao tilted his head, unable to comprehend what Neo had said. Not that it mattered as the Chao moved on, flying higher to obtain a fruit hanging from the palm trees. The Chao did this constantly, as it followed him, to sustain itself. They were a rather gluttonous species. Or perhaps this particular Chao was just greedy.

However, instead of chowing down on it like it normally did, the Chao expectantly looked at him and presented the peach to him.

Neo, for a moment, didn’t understand what the Chao was doing before realization hit him. The Chao was offering the fruit to him.

What an idiotic creature. Neo was begrudgingly charmed by it anyway.

“I don’t require edible substances,” Neo explained even though he knew it was useless, “I am a machine. I’m fueled by a different energy source.”

The Chao still looked at him expectantly, stubborn. Neo shook his head, hoping that was an indicator enough. It wasn’t. Neo suspected he’d be annoyed by the Chao’s adamant nature. But he was merely amused by the whole prospect and reluctantly grabbed the fruit. 

The Chao’s whole demeanor changed, delighted that the offered fruit was taken. If only, Neo thought bitterly, his master was this easily pleased as well. 

“I can’t eat it,” Neo tried to reason once again, pointing at the Chao’s mouth and to his lack of one, “You can’t be that simple to not notice.”

Apparently, his charade was enough for the Chao to comprehend. His companion’s eyes widened and chirped loudly, the floating dot changing to an exclamation point. Satisfied, Neo wordlessly offered the fruit back.

With a dazed look, the Chao accepted back the fruit. It wasn’t long before the floating exclamation point changed to a questioning one.

“You clearly have never seen a robot,” Neo said as he observed the peaceful island once more, “My master’s domain hasn’t reached the Special Zones. Not yet at least. Once he does, your world will become part of a great empire ruled by a greater emperor.”

The Chao merely chirped, trying to understand but failing anyway. But the creature seemed to agree with his statement. Or perhaps that was Neo’s own biased thinking.

Regardless, Neo found himself endeared by the action and before he knew it, he raised a metallic arm, slowly reaching out to the Chao. He hesitated, confused by his own actions before abandoning reason and giving a gentle pat on the Chao’s head.

The Chao blinked up at him before smiling widely. It released a loud chirp and promptly proceeded to pounce him. Neo was frozen, uncertain on how to respond to the affection as the Chao nuzzled against his platings, entirely unafraid of him.

Blue. Cyan blue. The Chao began to glow a cyan blue. Neo’s system immediately alerted him of high energy levels. 

Neo was barely given a moment’s notice before he was warped away. The warp zone was just as vivid and colorful as the first time he entered, a myriad of colors flying by quickly. The Chao wasn’t clinging to him and he quickly grew concerned. His concern was unfounded as he turned around and watched the Chao happily waving him away. 

Neo wasn’t given the chance to return the gesture as the warp zone spat him out.

The sun was overtaken by dark clouds, with lightning striking the skies and the boom of thunder filled the air. The sand was replaced by cobblestone that led to an enormous arch weathered by wind and water. Underneath the arch, darkness awaited him. 

The gizmo became functional again, pointing toward the dark path.

Somehow, unknowingly, Neo had managed to find his way again. Thanks to the dark blue Chao that had stuck to him. He paused everything and swiftly updated the file on the Chao species. They were powerful enough to be able to create warp zones at a whim, and he wondered how this information wasn’t common knowledge. The general populace would have made great use of it, his master would have harnessed such power and controlled it in an instant if he knew.

But the fact stood that there were Chao on the Land of the Sky, living amongst those who could afford them. People who would have benefited, perhaps even profited, if they had known what the Chao were capable of. Since they hadn’t, Neo came to one conclusion. The warp zone from the Aquatic Ruins was a unique one, it had to be, since it ultimately led to a chaos emerald. Which meant the Chao in that specific Special Zone were in a league above the other Chao, better than them-

“-over here!”

The familiarity of the voice forced Neo to hide in haste .

Shrouded in the darkness of the woods that surrounded cobblestone, Neo seethed in frustration as his master’s words were proven wrong. His damn copy strolled into the open view, beckoning to his sidekick.

The time in his lonesome searching for the chaos emerald had mollified Neo from the confrontation he had with the prisoner. But seeing the blue hedgehog- here at this very moment, so close and so far- revived every doubt that had clouded his mind. 

No, Neo didn’t believe Amy’s outrageous claims of a supposed infatuation for his loathsome copy but what he did believe was the ‘bond’ that she spoke of. His master’s simple explanation should have been sufficient for him but his need to know everything got the best of him. The dream sequence and the apparitions he had experienced with Sonic were not something Neo could simply ignore, as much as he wished he could, as much as his master wished he could.

But if it is true, if there was a bond that exists between Neo and his loathsome copy… was it possible Neo could use it to manipulate the blue hedgehog? Sonic had no qualms doing so, it stood to reason that Neo could do the same. He quickly pushed away those thoughts. The risk was too great. His loathsome copy had some control over the so-called bond, enough to manipulate his feelings every time he dragged Neo into it. No, Neo needed to be careful. He decided then, that his best course of action was to stay hidden for the meantime and observe his loathsome copy for any weird behavior. 

Not like he had much of a choice, Neo thought darkly as he morphed into the wall and followed the pair into the abyss underneath the arch. Or rather, he manually imputed to trail after Tails when his commands had tried to stop him.

Darkness gave way to dim light, courtesy of the fox cub’s flashlight. Neo listened keenly to the two organics, alert for any conversation that could bear important information to his mission or potential weaknesses to take advantage of.

To his disappointment, neither were in a chatter mood. In fact, Neo noticed an odd discrepancy.

Having his loathsome copy’s image burned to his mind and database, Neo could state every feature on Sonic without hesitation. Which was why he noticed the flaws immediately. Every time Sonic would turn, Neo noticed the dark eyebags clinging to the hedgehog and he had to take a pause because they weren’t there before. He was attuned to the hedgehog’s every move, every word, and even appearance. 

What Neo was seeing now was a tired Sonic and he was perplexed by it. His database had no previous information on a Sonic that was tired. The blue hedgehog was never anything less than vigorous in his encounters against his master. 

What made this time different?

His pondering came to a halt when bright light filled the room and he quickly adapted to the colors. The pair he was following startled as well.

“Woah. Good timing,” the yellow one said, pocketing his flashlight, “I was about to run out of battery.”

“Good timings are usually awful coincidences for us. For me really.” 

“Yeah, no thanks to Robotnik.”

The slight against his master irked Neo but the feeling dissipated as he observed the newly brightened room. Spacious, much like the base’s manufacturing chamber, but modeled greatly after a temple design. The resemblance was uncanny to the chamber where the red chaos emerald had resided but this room held a clutter of rocks and boulders of all sizes with cobblestone walls structured tall enough to almost touch the ceiling. Pieces of the wall were missing, broken down by time. But the holes made it easy to see the raised platform in the middle.

There was no chaos emerald hovering over the perched altar. At least, Neo assumed the broken slab was an altar.

Strange. But the emerald had to be here somewhere. He wasn’t the only one with the same thought.

Sonic crossed his arms, “Tails, how likely is it that someone got here before us?”

“Very unlikely. We had to take four special zones to get here! And that’s because you didn’t wanna go into Aquatic Ruins.”

Well. That explained how they were here to begin with. Neo believed his loathsome copy’s disdain for water would keep him away from this particular emerald, mainly because his master believed so. But Neo should have known better. The hero was known for his relentless persistence after all.

A scoff, "You know my relationship with water isn't the best."

"What relationship? It's non-existent. Just like you and…" The younger trailed off.

Neo wasn’t an expert on social interactions- he didn’t need to be- but the mood of the atmosphere dropped considerably.

The fox cub winced, “Sorry- I wasn’t thinking- I was just-”

Sonic shook his head, “Nah, you’re good. It’s what you always used to say, back before- all of this happened,” he uncrossed his arms and threw his companion a grin, Neo couldn’t tell if it was genuine or a mask, “So, should we take a look around? It is a pretty big room, maybe the emerald decided to grow legs and take a walk.”

“I highly doubt it but sure.”

Ignoring the last remarks, the conversation had been strange, especially since it had made his loathsome copy falter for the briefest moment. It was something Neo would have to file away for later. For now, he rose higher on the wall until he hit the ceiling, uncaring about the pair below him who were checking every square inch of the bottom.

Fortune was on his side as he spotted, to the back of the chambers, a hidden room accessible by stairs that had long been worn down and no longer climbable. Hovering in that room was a vibrant chaos emerald of violent coloring. Neo abruptly glanced down. The pair below were no closer to finding it, and in fact, seemed to be giving up.

An emotion began to spread in his system, one he hasn’t quite experienced. It felt like what joy was described to be and oddly enough the emotion felt familiar. Neo wasn’t one to dwell on such feelings and yet, he couldn’t help but bask in it. Caught up in such a pleasant warmth, he was unprepared for the sudden shift.

For a split second, Neo was on the ground and yet, he was on the ceiling as well. The change was so quick, Neo thought perhaps he was malfunctioning. 

Until Sonic, his loathsome copy, headed straight for the hidden room without pause.

Neo’s elation was cut short, and a heavy confusion settled in, mixing itself well with the anger he’s long since grown accustomed to. His desire to eradicate the hedgehog raised tenfold, burning him up inside, as he realized yet another loss as the chaos emerald was in Sonic’s hand.

Tails had reached his damn copy, exclaiming in surprise, “How did you know exactly where it was?”

“I don’t know-” Sonic stopped himself, blinking before his eyes widened, as if a great realization came to him. 

Neo realized it too, at the same time Sonic did.

The blue hedgehog stared at his direction, dark eyes pinned to his liquified form despite how well Neo had camouflaged himself.

Sonic’s gaze was unflinching as he breathed out, “You’re here.”

The acknowledgement of his presence forced his system to overhaul his actions. Neo didn’t fight them, relenting control as he tried to make sense of what just occurred, his mind in a state of confusion and his emotions a jumbled mess.

The feeling only worsened, heightened by panic, when he realized his copy began to chase after him into the darkness of the hall.

“Metal! Stop!” Sonic’s voice sounded desperate, laced with worry and anxiety, “This isn’t you! Robotnik’s using you!”

Lies, Neo thought in near hysterics. Like his master said. He wanted to voice it, to shout it back in vehemence, but the commands tightly embedded into his system restrained his ability to speak to his copy. He couldn’t say anything, couldn’t even face his copy because the commands of his master controlled every aspect of his metallic body. It was annoying, it was frustrating. He was trapped and he couldn’t do anything to escape from it.

Relief finally came when Neo entered the skies, flying high above the clouds and away from his copy’s sight. Relief that was short lived when he realized he had, once again, failed in his mission to retrieve the chaos emerald.

Anger curled strongly in him and Neo let it, because it was better to dwell on something familiar than on the muddled pandemonium that was his copy, with his master’s words and the prisoner’s statements echoing back to him in tandem.

Finally, the unbridled anger forced Neo to let his vents air out, his anger now at a manageable state and his mind settling back to a more reasonable one.

First things first, Neo needed answers. 

From his master. 

And from the prisoner.

Neo headed back for the base, angry at himself for failing, angry at his copy for beating him twice, angry at his commands that stripped him of his will, and angry for not knowing whatever the hell was going on between him and Sonic.

Chapter Text

The trek down the hallway was full of mocking stares.

Or perhaps Neo was imagining such stares and the thought itself reignited the barely quelled rage. Despite the long trip, he was in no better mood than when he had left his master’s base. He was without answers, left ignorant like a fool, oblivious to knowledge kept from him.

His master, all great and mighty, had to be hiding something from him. And Neo would see to it what it was. No matter the outcome of the conversation with his master, he would see to the prisoner as well. He would not be left in the dark, he refused to.

Red and yellow caught his attention but he barely acknowledged the floating robots, not deigning to reply as Orbot and Cubot greeted him with a disgusting amount of joy. When Orbot trailed at his heels, Neo’s short patience had waned and he snapped around to glare at the inferior robots. They both shook, voice chips silent as if ripped from them, and orbs flashed, mimicking a wide-eyed expression.

Everything stopped to a standstill. The badniks that had been working dutifully, froze at the sight of Neo’s indisputable and encompassing rage at their master’s personal assistants. 

The entire hallway was drenched in silence. 

They were waiting, Neo realized. On whether or not he would destroy his master’s servants.

Neo could imagine it too well. Ripping the mechanics apart, crushing their engine to the point of no repair. Orbot and Cubot would be no more. It would be too easy. It wouldn’t even be a challenge.

He didn’t. For as angry as he was, he would not dare displease his master, not anymore than he already has. Besides, destroying them would be pointless. His priority at this very moment was getting answers.

Pivoting on his feet, he returned to his trek. The silence remained when he marched inside the elevator and the doors slid closed.

His master was not sitting on his throne when Neo exited the elevator. The genius man was hunched over a scroll of blueprints that laid on top of a dark steel table, at the base of the platform he usually sat on. His master was holding a tablet and muttering under his breath. It was evident that his master had not heard of his arrival.

“Master, I have returned,” Neo announced promptly, not wasting time as he closed the distance between them.

“Neo! Just in time- AGH!” His master took a step back and released a weak chuckle. 

Neo detected an unusually high heartbeat. He discarded the thought, intent on his pursuit of answers.

“I failed to retrieve the chaos emerald,” Neo forcibly admitted, “It was no fault of my own. Even with perilous water, Sonic was there. Once again, I had been unable to act- to fight and finally destroy the hedgehog- due to your commands.”

Back straightened, his master regained his composure. However, annoyance graced his face. And anger too.

“Again? You failed again!?” His master shouted, face red, “It should have been the easiest task ever! Sonic hates water! And even with that advantage, you failed!”

Frustration answered in his stead, “I wouldn’t have failed if your commands hadn’t been there in the first place.”

“Oh, so you’re blaming me?”

Yes.

Knowing his place, Neo dipped his head, “No, master.”

“That’s what I thought. Now, tell me what exactly happened.”

Neo dutifully complied, “The Aquatic Ruins was one of the entrances to the chaos emerald. I had to go through two warp zones to find its true location. At the final location, Sonic was there. I located the emerald before he did. However, an unprecedented event occurred.”

Neo looked up at his master and saw the pensive look and glint in his eyes. His master knew. Knew what, exactly, Neo was uncertain about.

“What was this unprecedented event?”

“I was in my liquefied state, hiding on the ceiling. From my high position, I was able to spot the emerald. The hedgehog had no clue I was there or the whereabouts of the emerald. And yet, for a moment, he did. Because I believe he was seeing through my optics, just as I was looking through his eyes.”

His master did not look surprised. Alarmed, yes, but not shocked by the news. 

Neo continued, watching his master’s face carefully, “When he saw me, I did as commanded and retreated but because of the narrow entrance, the hedgehog was able to chase me. During the chase, he claimed that I wasn’t acting as myself, and that you were using me.”

“Preposterous,” his master swiftly said and his expression was difficult to read, “The rodent’s gone mad now.”

He hasn’t, Neo wanted to voice. Because Neo would know if he was, every detail of his loathsome copy was burned into his database. The second anything was awry, Neo would latch onto it. 

Which was the exact reason why he wanted answers: the situation with Sonic had gone awry and he didn’t understand how or why.

Neo pushed, speaking almost too quickly, “Why was it possible for him and I to see through each other’s eyesight?”

“I told you already,” his master tched, “Moments like this are expected because of the life data I used to build you. Don’t tell me you’re falling for his trap to lure you in.”

Offended, Neo denied it, “I’m not falling for any of the hedgehog’s antics. However, your exact words were ‘it’s expected to experience moments of Sonic’s life.’ Your words meant that this was supposed to be a one-way transmission. That does not explain how the hedgehog was able to see through my optics.”

His master sighed, as if the matter was trivial. It probably was. His master wasn’t the one dealing with this issue, nor did he understand how wronged Neo felt from it. 

“Neo, this is, unfortunately, one of the consequences of using Sonic’s life data. My work has already greatly minimized these issues. In time, you will overcome this. But for now, you must do everything in your power to push that hedgehog away from your mind.”

That was it? That was the only answer his master could provide? Neo suffocated the fury threatening to push him to the edge. The prisoner’s words echoed in his mind and he stared unwavering at his master.

“Why is there a bond between Sonic and I?”

His master blinked, “Where did that come from? There is no bond between you and Sonic.”

Lies. Neo didn’t know how he knew, but he did. His master was omitting the truth from him. He had to be. But why hide the truth from him? To his most powerful servant, to the one who would destroy Sonic?

Did his master not trust him? Neo felt anger curled in him at the thought. He decided then, that it didn’t matter if his master trusted him or not. Because Neo was beginning to return the same favor.

“I understand your confusion Neo,” his master proclaimed, chest puffed, after Neo had stayed silently seething, “and I will forgive your rude attitude. Let bygones be bygones. You are still a very powerful machine so don’t worry, soon the time will come where you will shine and destroy that annoying blue rodent!”

His master laughed. Neo didn’t share his amusement.

“And do try to get that last emerald! It took me some time but I have finally unlocked the chaos emerald’s full potential. Plans have changed but the endgame has not. Get me at least one emerald and I will become unstoppable with four in my hands and you by my side.”

Plans changed? And his master had barely bothered to mention them to him? Annoyed, Neo glanced at the blueprints. His interest was piqued when he found his designation number on them.

These blueprints gave him a promising future. Neo’s thoughts ran through the numbers, the diagnostics, the processes. He, for a moment, was eager to set the plans into motion. 

With or without his master’s permission.

His master frowned when Neo had yet to leave.

“I said go! You’re dismissed! And the same commands still apply, don’t interact with that blue spike ball! The end is near and your time to fight is nigh. Don’t do anything unnecessary.”

“Yes, master."

Neo hastily left, not wanting to test his master’s patience. His master was still muttering under his breath, computing calculations and rapidly writing on the blueprints, as Neo retreated back into the elevator. 

But Neo wasn’t leaving the base, not yet.

He still had a prisoner to speak to.

~

Most of Neo’s anger had left, leaving confusion in its wake. 

His master, brilliant and mighty as he was, seemed to not trust Neo, a fact that both angered and wounded his pride. His master must have his reasons. The end was coming to a near, however, and Neo would wait. The blueprints he glimpsed gave him enough reason to not push the subject. For now.

But while his master was unable to provide the answers Neo had all but demanded, there was someone else who understood the troubling connection between him and his loathsome copy. Someone else who could give him the answers he was seeking.

Steel doors groaned and pink invaded his sight. There was more pink than last time. The person of interest was eating on the mahogany table, her attire much the same as their previous encounter. She looked irritated, probably expecting the bumbling fools that were Orbot and Cubot, until she caught sight of him.

The clang of metal on wood resounded as she dropped the eating utensils in favor of jumping to her feet. She was wide-eyed and a smile grew on her face. The expression looked genuine. Neo was immediately cautious of her. 

“Metal, you’re back!” Amy proclaimed, clasping her hands together as she hovered near the bars, “I knew you would!”

“I came back for answers,” Neo cut in, uncomfortable with her familiarity, “It’s obvious you know more than you should.”

She smiled softly, “You’re talking about the bond right?”

Neo stiffened. Was he that predictable? Or was she too observant?

As if reading his mind, Amy said, “It wasn’t hard to figure out that it had you spook when I told you about it. You practically ran off.”

That was true. Still, Neo guarded himself around her.

“Tell me more about the bond,” Neo demanded as he stood right in front of the bars that separated them.

The pink hedgehog’s smile slipped, “I- I don’t know any more. That was the only explanation you gave to me at the time.”

Ah. How could Neo forget her other ludicrous claims? He put no real faith in her delusions, other than the bond. Because it was the only thing that mattered, the only thing that was currently giving him a dilemma that he couldn’t solve.

It’s the only reason why he continued, “And how was it that I gave you that explanation? What led to it?”

“Um, well, we were both trapped in the same cage by Robotnik. I was asleep when I heard you talking. You told me about the bond then, and how it allowed Sonic to be in the same place as you,” She furrowed her brows, deep in recollection, “You said the bond alters the perception of yours and Sonic’s mind. Because of it, Sonic was able to see and hear anything you could. I couldn’t see or hear him but I was able to talk to him through you.”

Not just see, Neo warily thought, but hear as well? This was dangerous. Why was his master not taking this dilemma seriously? What if Sonic appeared when his master finally revealed his plans to Neo? Wasn’t his master a genius? This could gravely put the empire in danger. Sonic could-

“Man am I glad to know Amy’s safe! She’s right, by the way. About our bond.”

Well. At least he appeared now instead of before.

Much more informed now, Neo wasn’t that surprised to see his loathsome copy mere inches away from him. The hedgehog wasn’t here, not physically anyway. The base was still hidden, still safe. On the other end, the dark room Sonic currently inhabited was a bedroom. Someone else was sleeping on the bed. Yellow fur stuck out. The sidekick, Neo’s mind supplied.

As much as he hated to agree with the blue hedgehog, he reluctantly admitted, “It would seem she was, considering how you’re here.”

From his peripheral, he saw a smile spread on Amy, “Sonic is here? You’re seeing him?”

“Unfortunately,” Neo spat, not once looking away from the intruder in his mind.

"Sonic!" Amy suddenly proclaimed, staring at the general location where his loathsome copy stood, "Metal doesn't remember anything! Robotnik wiped his memories clean!"

Ignoring her, Neo observed the blue hedgehog. Sonic was, for a lack of better word, exhausted. He looked worse than the last time Neo had been forced to flee. 

Neo was torn into two prominent emotions swirling in him. A masochistic joy at the sight of the hedgehog’s poor health. And a ghost of pain for seeing such a sorry sight. He ignored the latter.

“I got it Amy,” Sonic reassured her, which was pointless. She couldn’t hear him. 

Fierce eyes shone at Neo, filled with determination, “And you’re not getting rid of me. Robotnik did something to you but it didn’t stop our bond. And I won’t stop until I have you back, no matter what.”

A discomfort laid heavy in Neo and he let his anger rise to rid himself of the vulnerability.

"Come find me then," Neo glowered, and hated how Sonic was nonplussed by his intimidating stance, "Once you do, I will destroy you and your life will cease to exist."

In the background, Amy gasped. Sonic, instead of begging for his life, began to smile. The action invoked a fury in him, and a faint whisper of emotion he couldn't identify. 

The unknown emotion troubled Neo. He didn't want to know more of it. He didn't want to see the hedgehog either. He didn't want to hear whatever lies he'd inevitably sprout.

If this bond was real- as it is currently proving to be- then Neo would force the bond to obey him.

Neo reached out, expecting his hand to move through Sonic’s organic body like a hologram. When it didn’t, Neo was quick to act. He gripped blue fur, almost in a state of shock at how real he was despite the impossibility of it. A gloved hand squeezed his wrist and dark eyes swirled with emotions Neo was slowly beginning to comprehend.

And that thought, that single thought, scared him.

Neo stared Sonic down and hissed, “Leave me alone.”

The darkness of the bedroom vanished along with its inhabitants. The blue hedgehog was no more. Neo gripped nothing but air. He slowly lowered his hand, taking a moment to suppress his whirlwind of emotions.

"Metal?" came Amy’s voice, "…you're shaking." 

Neo stared at his limbs. It seemed he was. He forced himself to stop before shifting his attention to the pink hedgehog. 

“Did you know he’d be here?” Neo snapped.

“No,” Amy was affronted, “but seeing as how you two are bonded, it’s not hard to figure out he’ll always be there with you. Besides, like I said earlier, this has happened before.”

Forced to face the wretched truth, Neo couldn’t quite claim her a liar. Her delusions, he thought with sudden dread, could no longer be called as such.

Neo was swiftly growing uncomfortable with what this all meant. He made another firm decision then. It didn’t matter what happened in the past, of whatever history Amy claimed to have with him, or the life Neo supposedly had with Sonic.

It didn’t matter because Neo would destroy Sonic regardless. Snuff the life out of those fierce eyes, watch as he took his last breath, and reign as the victor. His need to destroy Sonic was irrefutable. Nothing would stop him from completing his life’s purpose.

He ignored the phantom emotions that swirled under his anger. The miniscule part of him that acknowledged the revelations of his past self, the part of him that Neo adamantly refused to linger or ponder over.

“The past is of no importance to me,” Neo declared, “My master has built me to become his perfect creation. I am no longer the ‘Metal’ you once knew.”

Instead of the distraught expression Neo expected, Amy snorted.

“I don’t believe that at all. You told me you liked fashion,” she eyed his cape and kilt, “and look at that, you still do.”

Was she mocking him? She didn’t look like it. 

“My attire is practical.”

“Nah. You just wanna look all scary.”

Neo glared at her, “I can have you killed. Save my master the trouble of imprisoning you.”

She held her ground, leveling her own stubborn stare, “You won’t. You won’t hurt me at all.”

For a moment, he entertained the thought. But the satisfaction wasn’t there. She wasn’t the one he had to destroy. And if he did erase her out of existence, he’d have to deal with Orbot and Cubot. The thought was enough for him to back off.

Annoyed, he gripped one of the steel bars, “I don’t like you.”

“That’s ironic!” Amy laughed, “You didn’t like me at first either, when we were imprisoned. But then we talked and settled our differences. I like to think I’m your best friend, even if the time we spent together was short.”

She had mentioned it before, supposedly being friends with him. But she wasn’t speaking in the past tense.

Neo let go of the steel bar and asked incredulously, “You still refer to me as your friend? When I am my master’s loyal servant? When I all but declared to end Sonic’s life?”

“Not just friend, best friend! And yes, I do. Friends don’t leave each other behind. I mean, yeah, I don’t like this new you but that’s why I’m gonna help you steer into the right path. Starting with the whole master thing. It’s really creepy that you call him that.”

“It is a title of respect,” Neo said as he crossed his arms. Although Neo was not certain he respected his master as strongly as he did at the beginning.

“But Robotnik is evil!” Amy fisted her hands, “He wants to rule the world! Can you imagine how terrible the world would be if he were in charge?”

Yes, he could. The thought came to him immediately. His master, genius as he was, had his faults. His master was short-sighted, too soft, too finicky. Neo was a witness to it, with not just the encounter he had with his master today, but previous ones as well.

In truth, Neo contemplated deeply, if he were in charge, he’d rule the world better than his master would. They were simple facts. Neo was better in every way. Power suited him and people would always bow to the strongest.

Hm. Maybe she was onto something. He supposed he could see why she had been his friend before.

“I think you have a point.”

Amy blinked. She clearly hadn’t expected that response.

“Wha- seriously? I mean, of course I do! I just thought it would be a lot harder to convince you of it.”

“I am beginning to see my master’s faults. He is a great man, my existence itself is proof of it. However, the world would be in capable hands under a different ruler. Under complete domination. I believe I can accomplish such a world.”

She went pale, “You… you’re not kidding. Are you?”

Amused, Neo answered, “I’m not.”

An alert was sent into his visual hub and Neo thought it best to disappear, before Cubot came in with the prisoner’s meal. 

“You have given me much to think about,” Neo confessed, inwardly knowing she would not reveal his goal, not if he could offer her an escape from her imprisonment, “Perhaps the next time we meet, these bars will be set free.”

Amy smiled. But it looked strained. Sad yet hopeful, somehow.

“Well, I’ll be right here. Don’t hesitate to visit, okay? Even if it’s for something small, I’ll lend an ear.”

She wanted to see him again, despite knowing his intentions. Neo couldn’t help but think she would make a loyal subject.

Lights flickered overhead as he left her room. Out of sight, he stared down at his hand. He clenched and unclenched his fingers into a fist, but it didn’t erase it. 

His hand still felt a linger of warmth when he gripped the junction of neck and arm. His wrist held an equally phantom grasp.

Neo hated how it made him feel. 

Vulnerable. Weak.

He steeled himself.

One more chaos emerald.

Just one more and he’ll have his desire to end Sonic’s life.

Chapter Text

With a focused mind and sheer willpower, Neo managed to put aside all the predicaments that transpired within the last thirty hours in order to continue his mission.

Which led him to another dilemma.

As if it wasn’t enough to deal with everything that occurred with his master, the prisoner, and his loathsome copy, Neo was forced to parade as another simpleton organic in the city past the outskirts of South Island. The gizmo beeped quietly, indicating that his next destination was a weapons military base that was set between a bank and an enormous shopping department. He surveyed his surroundings, somewhat incredulous that a fortified military base was built in such a heavily populated city. The local urban planning was certainly questionable. 

For a moment, Neo contemplated why his master couldn’t have just blown everything in the vicinity to find the chaos emerald. Perhaps, he thought somberly as he witnessed children running amok, his master was too soft. Too weak. The prisoner, Amy Rose, was a prime example of it. 

It was becoming apparent that his master did not like casualties. What a pity. A weakness like that was a hindrance for world domination.

The matter merely strengthened his ideals. Organics were, after all, expendable. Everything was, now that he gave it thought. In the face of true power, of himself, everything else seemed so miniscule. Neo could ruin the world in the blink of an eye, that was how foolishly weak they were to him. 

But it wouldn’t be easy. His adversary, his reason for existence, would try to stop him.

World domination could not be possible so long as Sonic lived. Neo, as much as he hated to, acknowledged that. That was one truth his master was correct about.

Neo pushed those thoughts away, coming back into reality and forcing himself to act as organic as possible. Only to be eye to eye with a lemur mobian, who was waving a hand in front of his face.

Neo inwardly cursed himself for his lack of awareness. It seemed he wasn’t as focused as he thought he was. A mistake he’d have to ratify quickly, if to avoid pointless interactions like this one.

“-you okay?” The lemur’s voice was feminine, curious and worried dark eyes set upon his face.

“I’m fine,” Neo said, remembering to blink and breathe as though it were a normal function, and asked, almost annoyed, “Is there something you need?”

“Me? You’re the one who just completely spaced out all creepy and stuff!” She snorted and then pointed a finger at his chest, leaning in ever so slightly, “Hey, has anyone ever told you that you kinda look like Sonic?”

He was suddenly reminded of the backwater village he had encountered in his search for the first chaos emerald. He refrained from wrecking something with his claws. 

Neo didn’t know if he was angry because he resembled his loathsome copy or because his loathsome copy resembled him. Yet again another dilemma he was willingly going to ignore for the sake of his mission.

“I’ve been told before, yes,” Neo swatted her hand, not liking how close she was to touching him, “Excuse me. I have somewhere I need to be.”

Sidestepping around her, he trudged closer to the military base, not bothering to pay attention to the offended mobian and her not so subtle rude remarks. He was glad to be rid of her, for his patience had waned to abysmal low levels ever since he left his master’s impenetrable base.

The night sky made his task easier to accomplish as he stepped into the shadows of a back alley and morphed to his surroundings. The people around him chatted endlessly, strolling without a care. The soldiers guarding the military base behaved the same way. Their security defenses were a joke as he slipped past them and entered through the hinges of the door undetected.

Surprisingly, the guards inside were better equipped than their counterparts outside. Although, Neo stared pensively, perhaps the reason for their heightened security was due to a certain man whose face was quickly scanned and identified by his database. 

The president of South Island. He was, at the moment, surrounded by highly decorated soldiers.

Interest piqued, Neo listened in to the conversation, which was beginning to sound more like a discussion. A poor attempt at discussion.

“-need a higher budget!”

“Taxes are already so high!” the president exclaimed, flinging his hands around, “Besides, you and I both know if a problem ever arises, Sonic will be there to take care of it.”

Judging from the pins on his uniform, a general answered, his jaw tense, “With all due respect, we can’t rely on one hedgehog. There may be a time he won’t be able to help us.”

“Nonsense! He’s never failed us. The same can’t be said for you folks. The budget stays the same,” the president muttered under his breath, too low for his companions to hear but not for Neo’s heightened auditory function, “Heaven forbid I raise it, I need all the money I can for Sara’s expenses.”

Neo watched them disappear, their discussions turning into arguments. Especially from the generals who tried to reason.

The president, Neo decided, was completely useless. More importantly, the president wasn’t a threat. His military prowess was laughable and the way he snided them in favor of his daughter told Neo all he needed to know. The Land of the Sky wouldn’t be able to muster a resistance when the time for world domination came.

It would be far too easy to rule them. They would finally learn their place. As his servants. 

Leaving them behind, Neo crept further down. The hallways went dark and empty as he reached his destination. When he noted the lack of cameras, he morphed to his usual form. 

Stacks of boxes filled the room, barely leaving enough space to walk amongst the mess. It was a storage room. Hardly maintained too. He supposed that was part of the reason why the generals wanted a higher budget. It also explained their outright ignorance of the fact that they had a warp zone right underneath their nose.

Honestly, Neo was expecting more of a challenge. Better yet, a fight. He would have enjoyed the chance for an outlet of his, for a lack of better term, unstable emotions. 

Pushing the desire away, Neo unloaded a set of boxes from the corner of the room. His gizmo beeped loudly. Removing the last of the stack, he was greeted by a circle of cyan light. A warp zone.

If Neo had been in his organic form, he would have smirked at that moment.

With zero hesitation, he stepped through the warp zone.

He was met with something quickly approaching his way, and Neo just barely managed to avoid it with a single side step. The asteroid flew past him, launching off into the distance. 

Well. Neo composed himself and kept a vigilant attitude as he surveyed the physics-defying world he currently inhabited. The sky was a rose colored hue that seemed never-ending, going as far to extend below eye-level. Blue platforms floated with no structure, horizontal and vertical. Distant planets were seen on the horizon, some closer than others. Sparse asteroids had escaped from a faraway asteroid belt. Flashes of yellow light illuminated the pink sky, glowing bright before dimming, and starting over again. Debris hung in the air, likely remnants of an asteroid impact.

A rush of excitement surged in Neo.

A Special Zone, a wildly different one.

The gizmo beeped at random intervals, constantly changing directions. Despite the erraticness, he knew without a doubt the chaos emerald was somewhere here, locked away. 

It seemed like a challenge was finally heading his way. Neo crossed his arms, looking around him. Special Zones had their own set of rules, a lesson learned from last time. It had been a Chao who led him to a chaos emerald. This time around, Neo didn’t see any organic creatures scurrying in this world. It would seem he would have to acquire the chaos emerald with a different method.

Exploring this new strange world, then, was his next objective. 

Watching the floating platforms and debris, Neo flicked a pebble that had floated in front of him. The pebble launched but never landed. How strange. Neo jumped once and his theory was confirmed as he landed back on his feet.

Despite the lack of gravity, Neo himself remained unaffected by the zone’s rules. Hmm. Neo updated his file on Special Zones. Perhaps, in the future, he could take some time out of world domination to investigate them further. Because despite the circumstances, he did find the Special Zones interesting. He wondered what else lay in them, wanted to see their strange worlds and creatures.

Surprised yelps broke Neo out of his musings. He watched, startled and growing increasingly annoyed, at how merely a couple of feet away two unwanted guests were warped in. One smaller and yellow furred and the other the obnoxiously blue color he hated.

Neo clenched his fist. What were the chances at this point? Ah right. Ridiculously high.

Both figures saw him, wide-eyed, but it was Sonic’s stare that had Neo’s system forcibly ready to obey the commands of his master. But before Neo could hiss his displeasure and force himself to abandon the mission, the world shifted around them in an instant.

The gasps of surprise were drowned out by the platforms aligning itself, like a puzzle becoming complete. Neo stumbled the slightest bit when the platform he stood in methodically moved to attach itself to another piece. Even when the platform had rolled and twisted, Neo had remained firmly attached as if he held his own gravity circle. That same extension applied to his two new unwelcome guests.

A plane of glass materialized, separating Neo and Sonic. He barely noticed that the sidekick wasn’t there before bright neon lights consumed them. He turned, ignoring the alarms in his visual hub, and was greeted by floating letters that read;

FIRST TO REACH THE END RECEIVES THE GRAND PRIZE

The ghostly image of the chaos emerald appeared before turning into mist, leaving behind a race track. One that seemed to go on forever in the horizon. The neon floating words changed.

ARE YOU READY?

Above them, a golden cage appeared. Inside was a trapped fox cub.

“Tails!” Sonic exclaimed, a frown on his notably tired face.

“I’m okay!” The fox cub then turned his attention to the floating words, looked directly at Neo without fear, before facing Sonic again, “I think I know what’s going on. This Special Zone won’t let you get the chaos emerald without a challenge. And to make it fair, it created an entire competition based on the strongest ability of whoever wants the chaos emerald. I’m out for the count here, probably until this is over. After all, I can’t run fast, not like you,” a flitting look was thrown at him, a familiarity to those eyes that made Neo uncomfortable,  “-and Metal.”

Smart fox, being able to deduce the rules of this Special Zone in such a timely manner. 

Still. A competition. A race. A race against Sonic.

The commands from his master repeated itself into a sequence, the large red front in his visual hub making it difficult to see. Yet, Neo found himself resisting the commands, the forcible pull to leave and get away from the blue hedgehog becoming weaker and weaker. 

Neo did not want to back down. Not from a race to see who was the fastest one. To beat Sonic at his own game. Neo’s pride was on the line and he refused to leave, no matter what. 

Thick block letters appeared in his visual hub. A question. An option.

OVERRIDE IVO ROBOTNIK’S COMMANDS?

YES     OR     NO

Freedom . 

Neo didn't think twice as he answered.

<YES>

.

. . . 

COMMANDS OVERRIDDEN

The annoying alarms disappeared and there were no more locks on his body. The commands that had been enforced upon him were erased out of his programming. For the first time, Neo was in complete control of his system. And he had done it through sheer willpower.

Adrenaline began to thrum at his newfound freedom. 

Sonic stared at him, dark eyes slightly widening, and Neo felt the barest sparks of their so-called bond opening as he felt a thin thread of foreign emotion inside of him.

But it changed nothing. Neo was absolute in his resolve, in his hatred, in his life’s purpose to destroy a certain blue hedgehog. He let the hatred flow through him and watched with sadistic glee at how Sonic sharply inhaled, as if stabbed in the chest. Neo too felt the lingering pain of it.

How interesting. How intriguing. How dangerous.

“You will not find it so easy this time to obtain the chaos emerald,” Neo proclaimed, arrogantly looking down at his loathsome copy. His reflection on the glass mimicked him. On the other side, Sonic crossed his arms.

“I thought you weren’t allowed to talk to me,” A knowing smirk grew on the blue hedgehog. Neo hated it, no matter what the swirling emotion underneath was saying how opposite it was. “What changed?”

“A change of perspective,” Neo decided to reveal before looking away to confidently declare to the Special Zone, “I’m ready.”

It was fascinating to see how this Special Zone acknowledged his answer, the neon floating words swift to change.

PLAYER ONE IS READY

“If a race is what it will take, then so be it. Hope you’re ready to eat my dust,” Sonic stretched his legs, cocky as ever, his smirk turning into something fond that Neo refused to dwell on, “You can deny our bond all you want but it won’t change a thing. I won’t stop until you’re with me.”

Red optics flared, “Then you will die trying.”

Infuriatingly, it did nothing to deter Sonic. Neo hated that smirk, he swore he did.

“Challenge accepted,” the hedgehog then declared much in the same manner Neo had, “I’m ready!”

PLAYER TWO IS READY

Again, the words changed.

RACE START IN 4

“Good luck Sonic!” Tails cheered before staring at Neo. Neo was certain to hear words of discouragement from the fox cub. The sidekick would always side with Sonic. The history itself was proof.

But. He didn’t.

“I know you don’t remember but… good luck Metal,” Tails said, clenching the golden bars that kept him trapped.

Hmm. A loyal subject in the future. A genius one at that. A welcome replacement to fill the inevitable absence of his master.

Ahead, the countdown began.

3

Neo prepared his jet, the whirl of his engine coming alive. He spared Sonic a glance.

2

The blue hedgehog was crouched with both hands on the ground. As if sensing the stare, Sonic winked at him. Neo glared in response.

It didn't escape Neo’s notice how tired the hedgehog still looked. It was almost a pity. Sonic would not race at his best. A part of Neo was… upset by this notion. How can he prove to be the faster one, the better one, if the hedgehog was exhausted?

Then again, Sonic has a history of beating odds lower than this. Neo would be a fool to let his guard down.

1

Neo was on standby, staring intensely at the changing neon numbers. A bubble of excitement crept on him. He cared more about this than he should. But he couldn’t help it. And he knew he wasn’t the only one feeling this way.

GO!

With a blast of power, Neo launched off.

At the corner of his peripheral, he wasn’t surprised to see Sonic keep up, neck to neck on his side of the track. The blue hedgehog was fast, he was known to be speed incarnate. 

As much as Neo hated him, he could grudgingly admit Sonic wasn’t the same as the others. In a world of inferiors, Sonic couldn’t be counted among them. And that’s what made him a threat. After all, no organic being could reach mach one without breaking a sweat.

The straight track eventually deviated into sharp turns. Neo was forced to slow down, barely skidding on the edges of the platform. The deceleration had held him back for a tenth of a second. A small cost to even count as significant. 

However, in a race of pure speed, what had seemed an even race at first had tipped the scales with that small cost.

Sonic pulled ahead. The gap was miniscule but it still stung Neo’s pride. A wound that had come and gone, leaving behind in its stead absolute exhilaration and thrill. He knew this wouldn’t be easy and he welcomed the challenge. 

Proving who was the faster one swiftly became his goal, the chaos emerald becoming a vague importance as they both headed upward, the platforms rising to near impossible heights. He wouldn’t dare lose, not to Sonic.

The planets were moving. Actually, Neo belatedly realized with some embarrassment, they weren’t: the track had turned into a series of loops, the world constantly shifting from up and down. Neither slowed down, blasting through the loops with ease before the path became a straight line. Then, parts of the ground started to crumble.

With his jet engine, Neo had no issue hovering over the missing ground. In fact, he was highly amused, and smug, to see his loathsome copy slow the tiniest margin to maneuver around the disappearing ground. Fool. 

A wall manifested in front of him.

Neo hastily changed directions, evading the wall before he could crash against it and kept going. Another wall appeared. Prepared, Neo went around it. More walls appeared.

Well. The Special Zone seemed adamant to make the race as fair as possible, not that he was complaining. It would make his victory that much satisfying.

As Neo maneuvered around thick walls, he began to notice the track becoming narrow. It had been spacious, enough for his master’s gigantic robots to walk on. But as they raced on, the platform had shrunk to less than half of its original width. They were both inches away from each other, the glass being the only obstacle to separate them.

Dark. It was becoming dark. The abyss below grew daunting. A darkness consumed the pink hues of the atmosphere, slowly sucking the light out of it. Neo was wary and in the faint bond, the same emotion distantly echoed back.

A shocking alert entered his visual hub.

WARNING: BLACK HOLE IMMINENT

A what?

Neo barely smothered his surprise when he felt a pull begin to slowly drag him back. He didn’t relent, keeping his thrusters at max capacity, very concerned at the rate the abyss was growing. He wasn’t the only one struggling either, nor was he alone in his worries.

“What the heck is that!?” Sonic yelled, eyebrow ridge deeply furrowed as he too was being pulled back.

“A black hole,” Neo answered, figuring two heads were better than one, especially concerning his own survival rate, “Or, it will be soon.”

“So what you're saying is, we can still outrun it?”

Neo snapped at the hedgehog, almost in disbelief at what he just heard, “Nothing outruns a black hole. Nothing can escape from it.”

“I highly doubt the Special Zone will kill us,” Sonic had the audacity to smirk, “Besides, this is way more fun, right?”

Unbelievable. Their survival was on the line. The track, Neo was rapidly suspecting, was growing dangerous with each passing second and it would only increase as they kept racing.

Yet. 

Yet.

Neo couldn’t deny the hedgehog’s words, not when adrenaline spiked in his wires, functions, and his entire system.

Even still, he refused to show how much he agreed with the hedgehog.

“You’re insufferable.”

An infuriating grin, "You're not denying it."

Neo didn’t bother responding and focused instead on the reading levels of the imminent black hole. Which, true to Sonic’s word, halted moments before becoming an all consuming vacuum.

Though the world was now a dark void, a circle of cyan light lit ahead on the track. It seemed the race was far from over, seeing as how they were going to be transported to another zone.

They blasted through the warp zone and the change in scenery was abrupt. 

White filled the air, hitting and whipping past him. Snow, Neo determined. More accurately, a blizzard. A heavy one with how difficult it was to see past the wrathful snow. Before he knew it, a sleek board manifested under his feet, a pair of tight iron cuffs holding his feet prisoner to the board.

The hedgehog yelped and Neo glanced to see his opponent in the same state, his own feet locked onto the board.

They weren’t slowing down either.

Branches whisked by, barely bothering Neo, although Sonic had a harder time, gritting his teeth through it. The branches were painful, Neo knew they had to be, especially at the speed they were riding down the snow, all the while making tight turns to avoid head-on collision with pine trees. Neo couldn’t even boost, not without risking a crash with how thick the forest was.

For a mere moment, he admired his loathsome copy’s strong will. Most organics would quit. The pain too much, the freezing temperatures too unbearable. Perhaps it was those conditions that had the world shift in an instant.

The blizzard cleared and the forest was notably less dense. Pink circular disks entered the gray skies, too distinct and unique to even suspect they could possibly be from his master. When they began to shoot lethal lasers, Neo figured for certain they were a design from the Special Zone. Especially when a stray shot decimated a single pine tree, leaving ashes in its wake.

Far too often Neo had to lean his entire weight to avoid being hit, not wanting to test how much damage the laser could do to his body. So focused was he on avoiding - and taking the chance to boost to gain a slight lead - that he failed to notice the glass that separated him and his opponent was no longer in place.

He only noticed when the hedgehog nearly collided against him. 

Blue fur swayed with the harsh wind, and a sheepish grin was thrown at him, “Whoops, sorry about that!”

An opportunity began to arise in his mind. The fact that the glass no longer separated them meant everything was fair game and that Neo had to test.

In response, Neo tracked the movements of a circular disk, boosted, and grabbed the metallic object. Not an ounce of hesitance ran through him as he smugly threw it at Sonic. Amusement coiled as he watched the hedgehog nearly tumble over trying to avoid the flying disk on top of dodging lasers and trees.

“My apologies!” Neo said, very much not apologetic.

Neo was not sure what he hoped to see. Perhaps an indignant hedgehog, a retort of his underhanded tactics, or a disapproving frown. He really should have known better, that it would have been none of those outcomes.

Sonic had a wide grin, not at all perturbed as he leaned forward on his board, using his weight as leverage to speed up, "That's how you wanna play? Two can play that game!”

The new challenge had Neo swerving, too many close calls to be comfortable with. His loathsome copy was less than graceful, veering haphazardly and skidding dangerously close to the cliff. Neither stopped exchanging disks, trying to gain the lead, when a familiar cyan portal appeared down the track.

Neo threw one last disk, not bothering to watch if it hit its mark, not when the next part of the track was coming up. He had to be prepared. Whatever obstacle it was, he’d overcome it.

Cyan light engulfed him before spitting him out, his board gone and the previous blue platform returning. However, the setting was dramatically different.

It was hot. Too hot. He hastily activated his fans, attempting to cool down from the sudden intense heat of this new world. Heat caused by pure lava that surrounded them, inside of what looked eerily like an active volcano. The sky was clouded by deep dark smoke, a telltale sign of an eruption on the cusp of emergence.

Not a second later, another alert was brought to his immediate attention in his visual hub.

WARNING: TEMPERATURES RISING

Well. Not an eruption then. Neo forcibly released his vents, still trying to cool. This was manageable, he decided, trying not to panic as he swiftly ran through his diagnostics and shut off non-essentials to prevent overheating his engine.

Instead of the familiar straight track he had grown accustomed to, a series of short ledges led to the top, bombarded by rising and falling lava. His opponent barely spared the dangerous trek another glimpse as he jumped to a ledge and promptly squeezed himself against the volcanic wall as lava abruptly soared before falling back down. Singed fur from one arm was the only indication that it had affected the hedgehog. That, and the smothered painful grimace on his face as he spared the wall a dubious look. 

If Sonic's instinctive reflexes weren’t enough to dodge the lava's inconsistent intervals, then Neo had to be cautious. He had no desire to end up as melted metal.

With the lack of his full power, Neo took to following the same tactic as his loathsome copy. Lava didn’t rise when he landed but he stumbled as part of the ledge broke under his weight, forcing him to clutch the volcanic wall. He pulled his claws away immediately once he found his bearing. Smoke arose from his hand. The volcano walls were not an option of safety then. A last resort if need be. His metallic body would not be able to endure it for long. A small mercy that the platform remained unphased by the blazing temperatures, a reprieve for a cool touch.

It would seem speed wasn’t their boon for this part of the track. And it showed. If Neo had to guess, this tested their determination more than anything. Because a race wouldn’t have Sonic taking burns with reluctant ease or Neo minimizing melted parts of his body and prioritizing his legs and arms to function. 

And of course, being the supposed hero he was, the hedgehog was greatly concerned every time Neo had to suffer a melt. Neo didn’t bother responding, partly because he was annoyed to be thought of as weak when the hedgehog himself held a numerable amount of burnt injuries, and because he had to take a moment to use what little of his power was accessible to shift and regain the intact limbs. 

The Special Zone, if anything, was changing Neo’s perspective that perhaps machines weren’t so superior to organics, not when they were both struggling to get out of the volcano.

When Neo nearly lost his footing with a broken ledge, he spared a look downward and inwardly wanted to curse. He discarded the possibility of hallucination when a red notice appeared in his visual hub as if to spite him.

WARNING: LAVA LEVEL RISING

Was there an end to this? Neo hoped so, as he hastily picked up the pace. At a fair distance away, Sonic noticed the abrupt change and looked downward.

The hedgehog groaned, “You’ve gotta be kidding me!”

Neo shared the exact same sentiments. 

With both jumping at a faster pace, a mistake was bound to happen. The ledges weren’t particularly reliable after all, and neither could they predict the random sprouts of lava. When dark smoke began to clear and show a blue sky closer than before, Neo felt ecstatic, and his hurried frenzy to escape the damning volcano ended up causing his error.

Too engaged in the prospect of freedom, he failed to notice the soaring lava heading his direction. Fire engulfed his entire left side and would have had his head too if he hadn't maneuvered it the instant he felt the impact. To worsen the situation, a piece of the ledge slid down and Neo barely managed to clutch whatever was left of the ledge with his remaining arm.

Lava kept rising below him.

Dread began to creep upon him as he frantically removed the burning limbs and tried to morphed new ones. Vents worked overtime, releasing heat as he fervently tried to speed up the process, ignoring the warning alerts scattered all over his visual hub.

Was this it? The end of him caused by a dangerous race, soon to be submerged in lava faster than he could recover. Consumed by his dooming thoughts, he vaguely acknowledged the arrival of a blue blur.

Sonic gripped his remaining arm, pulling him up with a desperate strength Neo didn’t think him capable of, “I’ve got you!”

Something about this felt familiar. Very familiar. A phantom of the past he couldn’t remember. Strange emotions overtook his panic and despite knowing they were opponents vying for the chaos emerald, despite knowing they were on the opposite ends trying to do all they could for the win, Neo knew - almost instinctively - that Sonic would never abandon him.

Neo was hauled onto the ledge, ignoring the sudden revelation in favor of reclaiming his limbs. The hedgehog was close, hovering over his kneeling form with concern written all over his expressive face, asking if he was alright, when the hedgehog himself looked half burnt.

Neo could kill him as he was, unguarded and vulnerable. His hand moved without conscious thought, dragging the hedgehog to the edge by the neck.

Lava almost reached them.

Gloved hands wrapped around his metallic wrist, dark eyes shining with an emotion hard to identify, “You’re really gonna do it?”

Conflict warred in his mind. Neo wanted to, he desired it, from the very root of his programming. A smaller part of him was against it, was aghast at the idea and that left him confused. It left him frustrated.

“I hate you!” Neo hissed but reluctantly released the hedgehog and hastily continued the trek upward. 

He’d have his chance another day, another time. He reasoned with himself, trying to put his clashing emotions to rest. He focused on something else. The chaos emerald. That’s why he was here. Win the race, win the chaos emerald. Win the race, prove his superiority over Sonic.

Win the race. That was the objective.

As the last of the smoke cleared away, a familiar warp zone came into view. Relief flooded Neo. Finally, he’d be out of this hellscape. He was uncertain if the hedgehog was coming up close, not wanting to spare a glance. But he knew anyway that Sonic wasn’t that far behind.

Rushing through the warp zone with a silent frenzy, he took another moment of relief at the original pink sky and platforms. The old track coming into view. Far ahead in the distance, obnoxiously large neon letters glared brightly, hovering over a black and white painted ground.

FINISH LINE

The end was near.

Neo quickly reoperated his functions, shutting off non essentials in favor of his jet engine, his nanotech scarcely making a slow recovery from the loss of the lava. Not a beat later, the sound of another pair of footsteps joined him, barricaded back to his side of the track, the glass dividing a wall between them.

Back to the beginning then. Pure speed would determine the outcome. 

A lightning yellow laser nearly shot him. Neo took back what he said, as more began to disperse, creating a hazard path that forced him to twist his body in unusual angles. Several hit their mark, he knew, but he braced it and pushed forward. His loathsome copy wasn’t doing any better, sliding and jumping his way to the end. The signature blue fur shifted to a damaged dark hue with all the injuries the race has given him.

The last stretch felt surreal. Neo reached the finish line at the same time Sonic did, panting heavily as he did so. 

Neo didn’t know who stepped on it first. He didn’t know who was the fastest one. His functions, still struggling from the aftermath of the lava, weren’t in any condition to rewind the camera and check who had come out on top. 

The colored letters began to shift. At the same time, Neo felt a burden lift from his body. He startled, looking down on his body as it regained its whole form, the nanotech there as if never melted away. Functions were back to full operation, his system as strong as it was before the race. He hadn’t noticed how weak he was toward the end, barely scraping by.

Out of his peripheral vision, Sonic no longer held burnt injuries, regaining the vibrant blue fur. His exhaustion was gone, the tired demeanor replaced by an energized surprised look.

The Special Zone had healed them. Somehow, that didn’t surprise Neo.

A warp zone manifested not too far from where they stood. A way back into the real world, no doubt. Above them, the letters finally announced the results.

THE WINNER IS

SONIC!

Heaviness buried itself inside Neo. An emotion he didn’t think he’d ever feel. 

Pure and utter defeat.

His mind was silent, his thoughts quiet, as he blankly stared at the gleaming prize of the race. The gem shone with its blue coloring and it floated its way to the hands of the hedgehog.

Sonic took the chaos emerald in hand, a satisfied grin on his face. He pocketed the emerald in his quills, an energy source capable of granting great power smothered by organic parts. Neo was not sure whether to cry in outrage or sulk in his distress at the sight.

The hedgehog turned his attention to him, smiling as he did so, “That was a good race!”

Sonic looked earnest, genuine in his praise, their faint bond eliminating any doubt on the hedgehog’s end. Yet, Neo still felt mocked. 

Dark thoughts consumed him. He shouldn’t have wasted his opportunity, he shouldn’t have spared Sonic’s life. He should have killed the damned hedgehog. Should have left him to burn in the volcano. 

But he hadn’t. He didn’t. And Neo began to hate himself for it too.

“Hey! I found you guys!”

Broken out of his spiraling emotions, he stared up at the yellow fox cub. He was flying in, the golden cage he was trapped in nowhere in sight. Had he managed to escape from it? How? The Special Zone seemed so strict with its rules.

"The cage was getting too claustrophobic so I did what you taught me that one time!” A lone needle glinted from the fox’s fingers as he raised it enthusiastically, “I lockpicked it!”

“That’s great Tails! Wait- watch out!”

Neo would have found the hedgehog’s concern unwarranted. The race was over. The danger was over. Perhaps, he pondered as a yellow laser hit the fox cub, the Special Zone was slightly petty over its hostage escaping.

Usually, Neo wouldn’t care if the sidekick had gotten injured, much less move an inch as the now unconscious fox cub fell to the endless bottom of the Special Zone. Ironically, the hedgehog was too slow to grab his little companion, crying his name with distress as he just missed grabbing one of the tails of his sidekick.

Neo shouldn’t care. But Sonic did. And their thin bond, so fragile and weak, had suddenly strengthened with intensity as a rupture of overprotectiveness slammed right into him. 

He swept past the hedgehog, zooming downward with speed. He grabbed the fox cub, carefully handling him in his arms. One hand under his head and the other under his knees. He looked small. Defenseless. Vulnerable. 

Oddly, the fox cub began to resemble the Chao he had begrudgingly grown fond of in the other Special Zone. He made his way back up but stopped short in the air. 

“Tails!” This time it was a shout of relief. Sonic looked up at him expectantly, somewhat impatiently waiting for Neo to release the fox cub in his arms.

The thing was, Neo didn’t want to let go. The surge of protectiveness had stayed in him, and while it did raise some concern in him, he was nonetheless reluctant to give him back to Sonic. He has said it before. Tails was a genius, one that could rival his master. A genius who didn’t wish him ill, not with the way he had wished Neo good luck. He’d be useful in his plans for world domination once his master was usurped.

Besides, Tails would be in much better care with him. Perhaps Amy would appreciate the company too.

Sonic must have sensed his hesitance because apprehension began to grow on his end.

Neo clutched Tails closer to him and looked down at the hedgehog, “I think Tails would be in safer hands with me.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying, you fool, that I’d take better care of him. I’ve decided you don’t deserve him.”

For the first time, Neo saw something other than confidence. The hedgehog was unsettled, uncertain of how to act or even what to say. Sonic was, uncharacteristically, speechless.

Satisfied, Neo continued, “The next time we meet, it’ll be your end.”

There were no more words to exchange. Neo left the hedgehog behind, ignoring his shouts as he flew through the warp zone.

On the other end, the storage room was the same as he left it. The bond was cut off, no longer sensing the hedgehog’s emotions. It was a relief, small as it was. He glanced down at Tails. He didn't want to harm the fox cub. But, he would surely try to go back to Sonic once he awoke.

Neo decided then, for Tails to join Amy's imprisonment. He'd still protect him there.

With that issue solved, he wondered how to escape without notice. He couldn’t morph out of the military base with his guest.

Well. He had lost the race, yes, but he’d still be faster than anyone else in this incompetent base.

It was time to head back to headquarters and finally begin to plan.

Chapter Text

The trek down the hallway was, for once, not unsettling.

Upon his arrival, the other badniks kept their distance. They gave Neo a wider berth than before. The reason for it he suspected, other than fearing to be scrap metal on the ground, was the unconscious fox cub in his arms. No one questioned him for it, they knew their place too well for that.

On the flight back to the base, Neo had checked the fox cub over and concluded no serious head injury. But the laser that hit the side of the kid’s head had caused him to be temporarily knocked out. Other than that, Tails was fine. He briefly considered taking Tails to Amy’s prison room. His master would certainly not be happy to have the fox cub in their secretive base. 

Then again, there was the possibility his master would take advantage of the situation and use Tails as a hostage. The thought itself made Neo coil in anger. No, he would not let it happen. 

In fact, Neo darkly thought, he could guarantee his master wouldn’t be making any bold moves.

Soon, the throne his master sat on would no longer belong to him. 

Mind made up, Neo promptly progressed to where his master was stationed. He kept the fox cub with him, both because he was still worried for him and because it would certainly provoke a reaction from his master. After all, Neo wasn’t above pettiness and it wasn’t as if his master could do anything to harm them.

His master was, in the end, a man. An organic that could bleed as red as any other on this world.

The control room looked different as Neo marched through the entrance. Every monitor was turned on, sets of sequences and images filled the screens. The pillar was on full display, the three chaos emeralds shining in its glorious might. His master was frantically typing on a keyboard, mumbling under his breath, an evil glint evident through the glasses he wore.

As a final act of subservience, Neo waited. He watched his master’s movement carefully and kept a keen eye for the schemes that were finally in their ending phases.

A small whimper from Tails broke his focus. It also garnered his master’s attention.

“Neo- What- Why do you have that little furred brat!?” His master hissed, completely thrown off his trance.

Neo gently laid the fox cub on the ground, watching as his two tails curled to cover himself, content in his dream state. The fox would wake soon, he realized. Hopefully Neo would be done here by then.

“I brought Tails here to protect him,” Neo answered, opting to act naive. The satisfaction he would receive seeing his master’s face as he realized Neo’s true intentions would inevitably bring him a dark amusement.

The confusion on his master’s face was priceless, “Are your screws on loose or something? Why on Earth would you do that?” His face changed suddenly becoming unreadable, “What happened to the blue rodent? I doubt he was happy when you took his little tagalong.”

“He wasn’t,” Neo affirmed, “He demanded I give him back. Obviously, I didn’t.”

An eye twitch, “You mean to say, that you talked to him? You spoke to him!?”

“I did.”

“You defied my orders!” His master bellowed, his tall frame towering over Neo, “And now you’ve brought me a useless two-tailed fox! What am I supposed to do with it!?”

“Perhaps you should imprison him, like you did to Amy Rose.”

Immediately, his master’s face was wary.

“How do you know about Amy Rose?”

“Your useless aides, Orbot and Cubot, can’t keep their mouths shut,” Neo stared straight back, “Amy was very helpful in answering the questions you could not.”

His master tsked in disappointment, “You actually believed her? Neo, you should really know better than to listen to the lies of a silly little hedgehog girl over me. ”

“A little ironic you say that, since I trust her more than I do you.”

There it was, the face of startling awareness, the face of someone realizing they were losing control of the situation.

“Neo,” his master said slowly, “What happened to the chaos emerald I sent you to find?”

“Unfortunately, Sonic has it. I’m not too concerned about it. I saw a glimpse of the plans you have for me. Three chaos emeralds are enough. I can make it enough."

At his words, his master relaxed the slightest bit. He was clearly underestimating him. An assumption Neo was more than ready to debunk.

“Of course. I never doubted you, you know? Not when you were built by yours truly,” a grin overtook his master’s face, suddenly confident as a heavy hand was placed on Neo’s pauldron, “You’re finally ready to accomplish what I made you for. To kill Sonic the hedgehog.”

Neo was ready the moment he became aware of the world. He didn’t verbally state his opinion. He didn’t think he should waste anymore of his time. 

Somewhere at the back of his mind was appalled at the ease, of how accepting Neo was to rid the world of a singular blue hedgehog. A fact Neo steadfastly ignored in favor of the present.

“I know I am. However, I don’t need you to do it. In fact, I think the empire would benefit greatly under my rule.”

How amusing it was to see a human being turned shades paler.

“What are you trying to imply here?” His master demanded.

“I am merely stating,” Neo flared his red optics, “that you are of no use to me. You are obsolete.”

“How dare you. I made you! And I can quickly dismantle you as I see fit. Don’t ever speak like that to me ever again! Go back to the room where I created you, it seems there’s some tweaking to be done to get rid of your rebellious attitude!” His master hastily ordered, his anger clouding his judgment.

An order. A direct one. Neo could feel his system pushing him to obey but he held strong, his determination to be free of any authority overcoming anything else. 

He had made it this far. He refused to submit.

A prompt appeared in his visual hub and Neo was more than glad to read its contents.

DISOBEY IVO ROBOTNIK?

YES OR NO

Neo almost pitied his master as he inputted his answer.

<YES>

.

. . . 

IVO ROBOTNIK’S AUTHORITY OVERRIDDEN

“No. I’m done following your orders,” Neo exclaimed, delighted at the way Robotnik stepped back, fear settling into him, “Don’t worry Master. I have no plans to kill you. At least, not yet."

Robotnik yelled, in a frantic frenzy, "Initiate Code Red!"

Neo remained calm as hordes of badnik filled the room. Blasters were aimed at him. Thankfully, they wholly ignored Tails, acknowledging the bigger threat. Robotnik was quick to scurry away and hide behind one of the bigger machines. Fleeing like a pathetic coward. Neo was disgusted by the behavior. This was the man he used to admire and respect. He couldn’t believe he had once viewed this man on a high pedestal.

“Stand down Neo Metal Sonic!” Robotnik ordered, still trying to regain control despite the fear that held him, “I would hate to blast you away when I’ve spent so much time on you!”

Robotnik’s first mistake, Neo pondered as he morphed to imitate the man, was to believe his own plans could never go awry. Belief that his creations would never turn their back on him. The man’s own egotistic mind proved to be his hubris.

 Every failsafe and backup plan was installed in Neo’s database. As such, he had zero qualms about using them to his advantage.

Neo spoke, pitching his voice to sound exactly like Robotnik, “Disregard Code Red. Initiate CD-0923.”

The thing about machines was that they were logical. They weren’t sentimental organics, whose loyalty swayed with the winning side or to whoever they had taken a liking to. Machines followed logic, they followed rules and they obeyed commands.

Neo acknowledged he was the same. But he had evolved. The perfect creation, a machine with a mind and decisions of his own.

Code Red signified there was an intruder intent on harming Robotnik and all needed to protect their creator. But CD-0923 signified the ultimate command. In the event someone could hack into Robotnik’s base and take control of his badniks. It was a failsafe command that would only work with Robotnik’s voice.

And as it stood, Neo had been the one to say it. It didn’t matter if he was the real Robotnik or not. Nothing Robotnik could say now would save him.

The expression on Robotnik was one of terror, the realization that he had lost the upper hand and his empire with one fell swoop.

“Seize this imposter,” Neo ordered, sadistically gleeful at how effortlessly he was obeyed as two badniks secured Robotnik, tightly gripping the man’s arms and forcibly holding him in place.

“You fools! I am Ivo Robotnik! The only imposter is this one!” Robotnik struggled but it was useless.

“For how much you like to gloat about your own genius, it amazes me how short sighted you are,” Neo went on, taking immense joy in the situation, and mockingly crossed his arms behind his back in the same manner the man did, “You are a disappointment. It was expected however. Organics, I’ve come to realize, need to be put in their place. You are no exception.”

“You’ve gone mad!” Robotnik yelled, sweat forming upon his brow, “I didn’t build you to strive for power! I built you to serve me! To kill Sonic and to bring me his head!”

“True, but you built me out of Sonic’s DNA along with your genius. I am the best of you both. You have lost Robotnik. You’ve been usurped from your throne. Your empire is my empire.”

Robotnik looked torn between fear and anger. Neo relished in the reaction before ordering the badniks to lock him away. The genius was dragged away, yelling curses and promises of revenge. 

To which Neo laughed at. And he paused, surprised at the abrupt sound that left from his mouth. Laughter . How odd. 

One of the badniks hesitated before communicating to him through morse code and pointed at the still form of Tails.

Neo was silent for a moment, contemplating. He hadn’t thought this far ahead. Taking away Robotnik’s power had been the main goal. He remembered, suddenly, of the prison the base had. It was where Amy should have been, if it weren’t for Robotnik trying to hide her away from Neo. The prison had cell blocks, enough to detain a small party.

Neo looked at the monitors, at the plans of how world domination could be obtained. At the unlimited power that would be in his grasp. He needed to focus on that first. He needed to finish the last calculations. He could deal with everything later. 

Power was what he wanted first. 

“Take Tails to the prison chamber. Take Robotnik and Amy there as well, all in separate cells. Keep several guards there.”

The badnik did as he was told, bending down to pick up the fox cub. If it had been any less careful, there would be one less number to his army of badniks. Before Neo set out to do anything else however, he quickly logged into Robotnik’s account and changed their chain of command permanently, effectively removing Robotnik out of the picture. Neo morphed to his normal form, glad to see the badniks unphased and awaiting orders.

They would soon see the front lines in the upcoming war. But not now, not yet. He dismissed them all until he was the last one standing in the room.

Alone, Neo stared out of the expansive wide window, at the sun that was beginning to set.

Adrenaline thrummed in his coils. 

Neo was quickly coming to realize he liked the feeling of complete and utter freedom.

~

The world was a blur when he groggily opened his tired eyes. He yawned and rubbed an eye, ridding himself of the nasty eye booger. He blinked several times until his vision finally cleared. He frowned as he was met with an unfamiliar gray ceiling. Weird. Where was he? He didn’t remember falling asleep, much less on such a stiff bed. Come to think of it, where was Sonic?

It was then that his memories hit him. 

Eyes wide open, Tails swiftly sat up, a pang of anxiety swirling inside of him as he saw steel bars. 

What happened? Where was he? All he could remember was finding Sonic and Metal right before-

Right before a laser got him.

Tails bit his lip, his two furred tails coming around to shield him from the new environment. He took a deep breath and tried to rationalize the situation. He had no clue what happened after he was knocked out but seeing as how he was imprisoned, he was likely saved by Metal. Who, in turn, presumably kidnapped him. Which meant he was a prisoner. Which meant Robotnik had him imprisoned-

“Oh, you’re finally awake!”

Tails nearly gave himself a whiplash with his own tails as he saw Ivo Robotnik on the very next cell to his own.

"Dr. Robotnik!" Tails said angrily but couldn't quite maintain it for long as he was truly and utterly baffled by why Robotnik was locked up too, "What's going on!? What tricks are you up to!?"

"Nothing! Zilch!" Robotnik angrily responded in the same manner, clutching his hands around the bars that separated them, "I have a bone to pick with you! I bet it was you who changed more than a couple of things in Metal! Because of you he's gone crazy!" 

What? Tails blinked. What was he talking about? 

"Hey! Leave him alone!" Tails' head snapped to a red dressed pink hedgehog, whose hands were settled on her waist. She was in a cell right across from Robotnik. "We both know it wasn't his fault! It was yours to begin with! When you decided to kidnap Metal and turn him into Neo!"

Tails has never met the girl but Sonic had told him of her. Of a pink hedgehog who was imprisoned with Metal. A pink hedgehog who quickly became a friend to his stoic robotic friend.

Now, Tails never doubted his big brother but his logical mind found it hard to wholeheartedly believe the phenomenon of the bond between Sonic and Metal. Seeing proof of her existence however, quickly erased any lingering doubt.

"You're Amy Rose! Sonic told me about you!" Tails exclaimed, still in too much a state of disbelief to say anything more.

Amy looked surprised for a moment before sending him a friendly smile, "I am, and you must be Tails! I knew Metal was telling the truth but it's still surreal. That bond of theirs must be really powerful."

"Bond," Robotnik cut in, deep in thought, "Neo mentioned it before. What on Earth is this bond you two are yapping about?" 

That's right. Robotnik didn't know about the bond. Tails wondered, briefly, if it would have changed anything if the man had known.

Still, Tails huffed, "Why should I tell you anything?" 

"Because, you pea brain, if it might help us stop Neo from taking over the world, it's something you should share with the whole class!"

Nothing could have prepared Tails for that statement.

"What do you mean Metal wants to take over the world? He would never-" he bit his lip, stopping himself. Metal would never. But Neo? A taller intimidating version of his past self, with spikes to accompany him, and billowing dark clothes. Tails hadn't known this new version of his friend for very long but the way Sonic would sometimes go somber, his usual confident smiles turned strained, and the restless attitude that kept the hedgehog from resting…

All Tails knew at that very moment was that it was Robotnik's fault. 

"Metal would never take over the world," Amy spoke up, breaking Tails out of his musings, "But he's not the Metal we know right now. Since Robotnik is useless at explaining, I'll start from the beginning."

Robotnik grumbled, obviously not liking being spoken to that way. They both deftly ignored him.

"Neo is Metal’s new name," Amy began, crossing her arms and giving Robotnik a stink eye, "Dr. Robotnik here completely restarted him into a new person. Well, sort of. Neo still retains some parts of his old self. I'm pretty sure that's the reason why he likes me better than Robotnik."

Tails couldn't help but add, "That's a very low bar. Anyone is better than Robuttnik."

"Can we get back on track?" Robotnik snapped, “There’s more important matters than your childish antics.”

Amy nodded and continued, face contorted to concern, "That's not the only thing. Neo is still experiencing the bond. It was why he came to find me, because I was able to give him answers Robotnik couldn’t. I told him the truth- about who he was before he was Neo. I think he believes me but… even knowing, he still wants to destroy Sonic.”

“Of course he does,” Robotnik chuckled, stepping back from the steel bars, “I’m assuming this bond of theirs is their synchronization, isn’t it? That day, when I restarted Metal, Sonic had taken over his body. It’s a feat that was never supposed to happen. Even I was surprised by it. That’s when I knew I had to take extreme measures. Not only did I wipe Metal’s memories clean, but I delved deep into the root of Metal’s programming. I implemented a complex code so intricate it could never be changed. I made it so that Metal has no other desire, no other endgame, than to kill Sonic.”

Tails' heart almost stopped beating. Amy gasped, horrified. Despite the heaviness of what Robotnik announced, his mind was too smart for its own good as he came to realize several things.

“If that were true, Metal shouldn’t be trying to take over the world,” Tails said slowly, “which means he deviated from his own purpose. There’s a chance he could still stop all this.”

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple,” Robotnik said in a low voice, and for the first time in his life, Tails saw an itch of sincere and genuine worry on the man, “Metal has become power hungry. Bloodthirsty. He told me he has full intentions of getting rid of me. Whether it will be after or before killing Sonic, I don’t know.”

“He’s not bloodthirsty,” Amy defended, “You said earlier Metal brought Tails to protect him!”

“And yet, he locked him down here. With me right next door.”

“I think…” Tails furrowed his eye ridge, “… that Metal is confused. I suspect the way he’s behaving now is completely on impulse. If it is, it explains why he suddenly wanted to protect me,” Tails glanced at Amy, “It explains why he seeks you out,” Tails glared at Robotnik, “It also explains why he threw you in here.”

“But I wiped his memories clean, he shouldn’t be behaving this way!”

“Don’t you get it?” Tails huffed, “It’s the bond! It’s the only thing keeping Metal from becoming a homicidal machine! The bond is what allows him to feel empathy! I'm almost certain the bond remembers us too."

Robotnik groaned into his hands, "It would explain a lot."

"But Metal still wants to kill Sonic," Amy said, her fingers fidgeting nervously, "When he shouldn't with the bond intact." 

"But now we know why," Tails threw a glare at Robotnik, "Because of what you did to Metal’s programming. He won't stop until Sonic is dead. But the bond won't let him."

"So he's in a state of conflict with himself," Robotnik frowned, "That just means one side will come out on top. Either Neo will kill Sonic and fulfill his purpose, or he'll be driven mad by his inability to do so."

A moment of dead silence. The fox’s ears flickered, unable to counter what Robotnik just said. But if there was anything Sonic taught him, it was hope . 

"It won’t get to that point,” Tails confidently said, “Metal will stop. Or Sonic will make him.”

Robotnik gagged, “The power of friendship really does disgust me.”

“That’s because you don’t know it,” Amy retorted before facing the fox cub, her face just as optimistic, if not, even more, “I believe in Metal, changed or not. He’ll come around.”

Tails nodded, relieved to hear the words from someone other than himself.

“Guess we’ll just have to wait for now though,” Amy slumped her shoulders, “Does Sonic know where we’re at?”

That was a good question but Tails abruptly jumped and dug through his fluffy tails. He released a noise of triumph as he found his communicator device. He had built them as a way to communicate with his big brother when they separated, and with how often Tails got lost, they also came with a locator feature. Thanks to this, Sonic could finally find the base that had evaded them for so long.

Tails enthusiastically waved the device in the air, showing it off to the two other occupants in the prison and answered Amy.

“He will now!”

“Fantastic! We’ll be saved,” Robotnik cried, but then sulked, “Or we’ll be doomed. Neo is too powerful as he is. And with what I left behind, the key to unlock the chaos emeralds’ full potential, he’ll be unstoppable.”

Those were not words Tails wanted to hear at all. It still didn’t stop him from hoping though, nor did it stop his tactical mind.

“Sonic will need our help then. We can create a plan, maybe stage a distraction, while he sneaks in.”

Robotnik rubbed at his chin, “Well… that could work.”

“It’s worth a shot,” Amy nodded, “Anything that can get me out of here, I’m all for it.”

Good. Tails smiled, glad to have some sort of plan. But it didn’t stop the worry gnawing in him.

Judging by what Robotnik and Amy had said, Metal had become much different. That was expected, Tails knew on some level there would be changes to his robotic friend. But he was scared for Metal. For Sonic.

Because Neo had become unpredictable. Usurping Robotnik? Protecting Tails? Wanting world domination? Not to mention Robotnik’s meddling with Neo’s programming and the bond, weak as it was, still there.

Tails wasn’t an emotional genius, it wasn’t his forte, but he had seen the way Metal and Sonic had interacted before all of this occurred- the stares and subtle touches- and he knew his big brother like the back of his mind.

If Neo was experiencing that along with his desire to kill Sonic…

As much as Tails hated to agree with Robotnik, the man was right about one thing.

It would drive Neo mad. 

Tails hurriedly pulled up Sonic’s contact.

They have to act fast. 

Neo- Metal’s sanity was on the line.

Chapter Text

Neo, as much as it vexed him to admit, had overestimated himself.

He had a half of mind to drag Robotnik out to speed up the process but his pride stopped him from doing so. Besides, he didn’t need Robotnik. He didn’t need anyone.

A flash of yellow and pink invaded his thoughts. A blue blur crossed his thoughts too. He tried to ignore them. Tried to ignore the ghostly lingering imprints of a life he supposedly had. Of a bond that remained even now. Dormant but there. A bond he knew would resurface and hinder his actions, his emotions, once the other recipient dared to show his face.

The download bar on the screen was slow. With nothing to do but wait, Neo’s relentless attempts of ignoring his conflicting state couldn’t be stopped. It was easier to focus when he had a mission to accomplish. When the only thing that had run amok in his mind was finding the chaos emeralds for Robotnik.

However, there was no master to obey and submit to. There was no long and arduous journey to seek chaos emeralds. There was nothing to distract himself, nothing to nullify the alien emotions that held him in a vice grip, clashing against the anger and hatred he warded deeply in his core.

In the middle of the growing distress, he hardly noticed the world shaking around him. He thought the ground was rattling, that an earthquake had arrived, and he nearly set off to fix the damage the natural disaster would inevitably give to the base. 

Only to realize there was no earthquake. 

It was Neo’s body trembling.

Rage surged in him, hot and explosive. Vents opened up, steam rising to the air, and it wasn’t enough. He rapidly moved away from the monitor, from the large panel filled with important various levers and buttons. 

Glass shattered into pieces, leaving the wide window a wreck with its sharp edges. He retracted his hand slowly, his claws closing into a fist. It still wasn’t enough.

An alarm had set off at the destruction and several badniks rushed inside, their stance ready for an attack from an intruder. They were a bigger build, meant for large scaled attacks. He needed them. He couldn’t afford losses for his army in his upcoming war for his empire.

Yet.

Neo glowered as he threw away a robotic head into the pile of wrecked wires and metal, the badniks permanently out of commission. It was enough. For now.

Trying to be logical was a losing cause. Because now that he had a moment to himself, he was starting to see certain events with loose clarity.

Why had he brought Tails? To protect him? Tails shouldn’t matter. Not to mention the pink hedgehog, whom Neo found amusing at first but was still very wary of. Amy shouldn’t matter either.

But they did matter. 

It was the bond, Neo rationalized. It gave him a bleeding heart, empathetic in a way he wasn’t meant to be. Then again, empathy was one of the reasons why Neo was different. It was why he was superior. It was why he was above machines and men.

Ruling the world wouldn’t be satisfying if Neo murdered every organic simply because they were inferior. A benevolent ruler would let them live but only to serve them. They should be fortunate, then, that Neo decided to be merciful. 

Besides, organics had their uses. Tails, a replacement for Robotnik. Amy, a loyal subject. Exceptions could be made.

But there was one organic who could not be an exception.

Sonic the Hedgehog.

Neo tolerated Tails and Amy but he would not - could not - accept that damn hedgehog.

Neo hated him. He hated him with a righteous fury. He swore he did. He needed to kill him. He needed to erase Sonic out of existence.

So why, when the opportunity had presented itself, did Neo not take it?

The core memory of that encounter resurfaced. Of burning lava and melted metal. Of thick smoke and hot rocks. Of singed fur and too worried eyes. Hauled from his demise and brought back to live another day. Saved despite how antagonistic he was. Asking for his well being, oblivious to the burns that had matted the other's body.

A strong sensation pulled at his mind, enough for Neo to reel back and halt all movements, uncertain how to deal with the sudden hindrance. Of the pounding on his mind, trying to grasp at non-existent strings.

The throbbing on his mind that eventually began to hurt.  

Neo raised a trembling hand and gripped his jet engine, trying and failing to maintain his bearings. He settled his weight against the panels, unable to support himself as he shook, his mind felt like it was tearing itself apart-

Fire had consumed most of his body. He thought about letting it take him.

“Grab ahold of my hand!”

He looked up to see the one he tried to beat. He sounded desperate to help him. His friend came down to stop him, voicing his concerns, but he would not stop.

Metal was their enemy.

So why… was Sonic trying to save him?

The memory ended abruptly and Neo barely left the panels unscathed as he began to claw at what he could reach, his emotions quickly growing unstable.

It had happened before. That was why it had felt so familiar. Enough to drag back memories that should have been erased.

Memories Neo didn’t want to remember. Because if he did-

No. Nothing would happen. It wouldn't change his end goal. It wouldn’t stop his hatred. It wouldn’t stop the fondness-

Neo startled at the sudden thought. 

He crumbled to the ground, head in his hands. His mind splitting-

Metal scanned the crowd. Where was-

He found himself emitting a series of warbled noises as he was yanked by the arm and pulled close to a warm chest.

Sonic bared a grin and winked at him, “Missed me?”

There… was something different about the blue hedgehog. Sonic was too close to his face, his arm was wrapped around Metal’s chassis, gently holding him against the other, and his other hand intertwined with his, easily fitting together. 

This was the closest he’d been to Sonic since the hedgehog lifted him from the lava. 

Metal quite enjoyed the closeness with his counterpart. And the free affection Sonic gave like sunlight. It was strong, overflowing, and Metal shyly returned the same emotion, adding his own affection into the mix. 

“Stop it,” Neo hissed to himself, the terrifying memory and clashing emotions sending him down a spiral, "It won't change anything. It won’t change what I have planned so stop.”

Something strained in him. It was the bond, he realized. Amy had been right. The bond conformed to the wishes of the owners. So relieved he was, he was caught off guard when another whirl of memories manifested.

Sonic did not look any better than the last time he was here. But the slow spreading smile on the hedgehog’s face dissipated any flaws he had, an image that could imitate the brightness of the sun itself. The dread that had manifested so deeply in Metal uncoiled, swept right into the bond. And the wonderful smile on his other half slipped, brows furrowed in tight concern.

Metal had no idea what drove him to do so, only that he had craved the presence of his counterpart, missed him sorely, desperate to have his comfort in any form-

“I said stop it!” Neo shouted, clawing at the ground. Hard steel came apart, breaking easily under his sharp claws and brute strength, “It doesn’t matter! I have to do it! I have to kill him! Stop it!”

Silence.

Until the irk of his ire appeared, as if summoned by the bond. He probably was. Neo was beginning to loathe it more than the damn rodent. 

The world blinked around them, between the control room and a starry night in a desert. 

“Metal!” Sonic exclaimed, taking a step and reaching out a hand before thinking better of it. A deep worry marred his face as he took in the sight of Neo, “Are you okay!? Where’s Tails!?”

Like always. Caring about others before himself. The hero, who was worried more about his enemy than defeating him.

Neo hastily dragged himself off the floor, his pride unwilling to show anymore of his humiliating and vulnerable state.

“I don’t need your help. And Tails is under my protection, you shouldn’t concern yourself with him,” Neo hissed.

As always, Sonic remained unphased by the venom Neo spoke with. In a way, Neo admired that trait of his loathsome copy. Not that he would ever admit it. He’d sooner bend the knee to Robotnik than admit it to the hedgehog’s face.

“What’s going on?” Sonic questioned, a frown on his face, “Your emotions- they’re all over the place. They’re strong enough that I can feel them.”

Alarmed, Neo tried to shut off his whirlwind of unstable emotions, or at the very least, hide them. It didn’t work, because a second later, the splitting pounding returned with vigor. 

“I know you’re hiding something,” Sonic had said when Tails turned in for the night and Metal had halted, fingers frozen around the broom.

“It’s not hard to tell, when you push your thoughts so loudly, yelling about how angry you are that sand exists. Which is funny and very distracting, so you’re succeeding there.”

The admission that Sonic knew, that he had known what Metal was doing, had brought him immediate… shame and embarrassment. For thinking he could somehow evade the incident.

“No, no, Metal,” Sonic furrowed his eyes, placing a hand on his, “I’m not- I am not upset, you know this, I just want you to know that it’s okay-

The memory ended abruptly, without his own intervention, a fact he was immensely grateful for. Unfortunately, as Neo recovered from the sudden pain, Sonic was staring at him, a knowing glint shining in his eyes. Sonic had seen them too. He knew. He knew what Neo was going through.

“You- you’re remembering,” Sonic said, the hopeful look on his face painful to see, and the simple words uttering a truth Neo still didn’t want to believe.

“It doesn’t change a thing,” Neo said darkly as he loomed over the hedgehog and said without remorse, “I will kill you. One way or another. ”

Sharp pain echoed. Neo stared at the hedgehog. There it was. The crack in the facade of a hero who was suddenly no longer calm and collected. Sonic smiled, another painful thing to witness as it wasn’t as confident as the others he had thrown his way.

“You know, it hurts every time you say that,” Sonic swallowed and Neo watched, fascinated by this behavior, “But it doesn’t change a thing for me either. I won’t stop until you’re with me.”

Steel determination crossed Sonic’s face as he suddenly proclaimed, boldly, “I will die trying.”

The connection cut off. The bond dormant once more. The hedgehog nowhere to be seen and the dark sky gone.

Neo was alone. Back to his dilemma and frustrating emotions. 

“I will kill you.”

“I will die trying.”

Sonic’s fate was sealed. The hedgehog would cease to exist in the near future.

Neo should be happy about it. But he was angry instead. He wasn’t sure which statement he was more angry about. And that infuriated him more.

He turned to the monitor, and grew more frustrated with the download bar still not complete. He stepped around the mess he made on the ground and resolved himself to work on other matters. Anything to distract himself.

But he couldn’t help recall the last memory the bond had shown him. His past self had been trying to hide something and had succeeded.

Neo wondered, briefly, what it had been.

~

Neo was uncertain how much time had passed. Perhaps hours. Perhaps an entire day cycle, even. Time didn’t matter to him. Time wouldn’t matter to a being on the cusp of divine power. His emotions were still at odds with another but he stayed firm with his position, no matter how senseless his thought process was becoming. Going off in a haywire, like a virus attacking another virus.

Consumed in his war plans and knowledge of the chaos emeralds, Neo had nearly dismissed the bumbling forms that were Cubot and Orbot when he had been inspecting the builds of badniks that would lead the front lines.

He had half a mind to destroy the two fools, simply because he could. It would be laughably easy. He certainly had no use for them. Their parts would serve as materials for the eventual mass production.

However, like every time before this one, he stopped once word of their conversation reached his auditory function. 

“-no! We gotta wait for the signal!”

“Do you even remember what the signal is?”

“Erm… no, I don’t.”

“Exactly, so shut up and listen to me, unless you want big bro to find out what we’re planning. His maliciousness will definitely reward us after this!”

“Oh! Do you think his evilness will finally give us a vacation?”

“I hope so! I hear Palm Tree is beautiful this time of the year.”

The two continued to blabber off, waiting in a corner. Their sight was blocked by a large container tank. Neo supposed he should be grateful the two were very incompetent in their tasks and incapable of keeping their mouths shut. He took great amusement in seeing their digitized expressions shift to horror once he stepped into their sight.

“Cubot. Orbot. Big brother is very curious of what he just heard,” Neo mocked, locking his hands behind him, “Why don’t you tell me what Robotnik is planning? Your reward will be your life intact.”

Cubot yelped and quickly hid behind a frozen Orbot.

"What?" Orbot nervously began, "What are you talking about-"

Neo brandished his sharp claws menacingly, "Unlike our dear old master, I have no use for either of you." 

That had two of them panicking. As suspected, Cubot broke first.

"It's Robotnik! He made a plan to escape with the other prisoners!"

What? 

A loud alarm went off, echoing in the halls and alerting every badnik in the facility. Neo had no doubt what it was, watching as Cubot and Orbot gave each other knowing looks.

"You two live. For now," Neo spat before turning his heels and hastily pushed his way to the prison.

Anger didn’t even begin to describe how Neo felt. How dared Robotnik try to escape. How dared Amy and Tails conspire with Robotnik against him.  

It felt like a betrayal.  

From all of them. 

Neo turned a corner and immediately had to swing his arm to blast away the badnik that had been thrown his way. It skidded along the floor right before it came to a stop at Robotnik’s feet. Tails and Amy were by his side too.

That irked Neo far more than it should have. His loyal pink subject and yellow genius standing next to the man he usurped.

Neo was very disappointed in them.

He didn’t bother exchanging words. He was quick- too quick for any of them to react- as he hauled them back in their cells. And he made sure to place Robotnik far away from his apparently not so loyal subjects. The angry tone and insults from the man only served to amuse him when he threw the man to the corner.

“Wait Metal!” Amy pressed herself against the bars, “You don’t have to do this! Let us go!”

Neo snapped at her, his ire growing tenfold, “I expected Robotnik or Tails to attempt to escape. But not you.”

“Maybe I wouldn't have if you had just set me free!” Amy said exasperated, “I told you- I’m here whenever you need an ear. And I can be that person if you’re struggling. Talk to me!"

Amy stared at him, and her expression gave everything away. 

Neo hastily faced the yellow fox, seeing his eyes skid between them and non so subtly looking past him to the exit. 

“You two are trying to distract me,” Neo concluded, taking a step back, “Why? It’s futile to escape when you’re no match against my army. The only person who can stop it is-”

Sonic.

The dots connected.

“He’s here, isn’t he?” Neo hissed and both flinched at the reaction.

It hurt. A bit. To see them terrified of him.

But it was nothing compared to his madness.

“Metal,” Tails began, bravely standing up straight, “It won’t make you happy.”

Neo didn’t need an explanation on what. They both knew what the fox left unsaid. 

“My happiness isn’t what I desire,” Neo retorted, “there’s only one thing I desire and I won’t stop until it’s done.”

“Metal, please listen to reason,” Amy pleaded, her eyes shone wet, “You don’t want to do this! It’s not you! Robotnik did something he shouldn’t have! It’s why-”

Another alarm. In the distance, faint booms and explosions were heard.

Sonic was here.

Neo needed to leave now.

Amy and Tails shouted for him but it was hopeless. Neo would have to check on them later and punish them accordingly for their betrayal. Robotnik, however… The man likely instigated the escape, considering how Cubot and Orbot played a role in it, no matter how minor it was. Although the same could be said for Tails. Neo should have kept those two separated from the beginning.

The noises of destruction didn’t sound too far from his position. 

Knowing who the hedgehog was and what he stood for, Neo was betting there was a high chance his loathsome copy would look for Tails first. It was what he did after all. Protect people.

Neo didn’t like it, having Tails- and presumably Amy- being taken from him. But it was a small price to pay for the moment.

He needed every scrap of time he had left to finalize the transformation.

He would become something far greater. 

Far more…

Powerful.

Chapter Text

The chaos emeralds were shining brightly from their pedestals.

The fact that their energy was being consumed at a rapid pace did nothing to lose their eternal glow. This did not surprise Neo. According to Robotnik’s research, the gems didn’t just hold powerful properties and abilities. 

The gems held unlimited power.

That was what Robotnik had discovered in the time Neo had been away on his mission. Hours, days even, were poured into researching them only for it to all be taken away. Mankind truly was useless, Neo darkly thought. If a genius like Robotnik could not do anything to prevent Neo’s plans, then there wasn't much hope for everyone else.

However.

There was one adversary who could.

Robotnik had done his utmost best to counter that. A plan had been underway, stretching back weeks. Neo had seen it all in the files Robotnik had kept tightly secured. The doctor had come upon a single solution. An answer to end the hedgehog once and for all.

The man had thought he needed all six of the chaos emeralds in order to reach his answer. When Robotnik had refined his research once more, six had turned into four, but Neo had managed to key the final pieces together and brought the requirement down to three.

From below, the sounds of destruction hadn't ceased. Loud booms echoed from a distance. The ground quivered from their force. Alarms blared and flashing red lights dimmed the room. Neo didn’t have to look at the status report to know the damage was high.

Sonic worked quickly. Neo expected nothing less from the fastest hedgehog known to Planet Freedom. But that didn't mean he had to like it. 

A ping went off.

The monitor read in capitalized letters:

COMPLETE

 In an instant, a surge of power coursed in him, filling his core to the brim with it. Adrenaline rushed through, creeping into the crevices of his being. A thrill ran through his very wires.

The fight outside began to inch closer. Neo held off the awe of his newfound power. Time was of essence, he couldn't afford to waste any. 

Neo unhooked the wires from his plating and stared down at his claws and tested his new ability. Tiny blue sparks went off at first until a cackle of lightning arised from the tips of his claws. They angrily lashed out, striking everything within vicinity. Smoke invaded the air, the area practically singed from the destructiveness of his new ability.

There it was, Neo thought with a maniac glee. The power he had been striving for- the power he had been longing for. At his fingertips, ready to obey his every whim.

A cackle filled the air, blue streaks terrorizing every scrap of metal in the room. The room began to crumble apart from the force of his new power, leaving behind a merciless wreckage.

Such destruction… 

Neo could only stare at the sight. He had a sudden thought, a terribly great one, but was cut short from his musings when a familiar adversary marched through the entrance.

All at once, Neo’s emotions spiraled. He couldn’t separate one from another. He knew it would drive him mad, that perhaps it already had, and it was for that reason alone he decided he had to eradicate the source of it. Only then would his mind be kept sane.

Even if the idea caused such deep turmoil to wage in Neo, he would not relent. This was his purpose. His existence of living. 

Sonic had to die. It was the only way.

Neo spoke, the air around them still crackling with blue, “I told you that when we crossed paths again, your life would meet its end by my hands.”

“And I told you that I wouldn’t stop until you’re with me,” fierce eyes locked onto Neo, “no matter what.”

How naive.

“Then your fate has been decided.”

Sonic plastered on a smirk. It was a fake expression, a convincing one for anyone who wasn't Neo. An expression to hide the hedgehog's true uneasiness and hesitation, “I don’t plan on going down easy.”

“No, but I will make this a swift end.”

Blue lightning surged, breaking everything into fragments and tearing apart the very room. The terrible thought Neo had earlier was becoming a reality. Robotnik had theorized a great plan but the man’s own humane mind was his shortcoming. Neo, at this exact millisecond, had swiftly come to the conclusion that it was possible to enact the power that Robotnik had tried so hard to seek but ultimately failed.

Shattered pieces assembled onto one another, bending and molding to Neo’s wishes. The building around them crumbled before joining the mass that surrounded Neo. He could not see the blue hedgehog, encased by lightning and metal, but knew anyway the hero would do as he always does. Protect.

The shouts of terror went unnoticed, not cared about really, when immense energy and mass consumed Neo. His nanotech welcomed the metallic assemblage, combining and changing the structure to fit his whims. He felt his form morphing, expanding twice, quadruple, until finally, the transformation was complete.

Myths had told legends of ferocious beasts that conquered the skies and land, long before the Land of Darkness and the Land of the Sky split in two. It was these stories that influenced his dear old master to seek a mighty form that would inspire horror and dread. A frightful appearance that cowed anyone and anything into subservience.

A dragon come alive but not one that breathed fire or scales for skin. No, instead, a dragon made out of metal and capable of lances of lightning. A metallic creature that reached the skies above and viewed everything underneath as nothing more than tiny specs in the distance. 

Neo’s draconic form did not hinder his technology. The blue spec below was enhanced in his visual hub and a deep satisfaction took root at the reaction of his greatest adversary. Of the shock and worry lines, of the realization that things would not end smoothly. 

Of the realization that Neo intended to make good on his proclamation. 

Sonic’s fate was sealed.

When Neo spoke, his voice reverberated through the ground, and every living organism scattered in the horizon, running away from an apex predator.

“PREPARE TO MEET YOUR DOOM, MY LOATHSOME COPY.”

Speed was no issue. In fact, Neo was delighted to find he was faster.  

The velocity surprised them both as Neo lunged and gripped the hedgehog in his clawed hand. The tiny form of his organic counterpart struggling to break free had Neo in a mad frenzy, near hysterics as he bellowed haughtily.

“YOU ARE WEAK. YOU ARE NOTHING. YOU WILL BE NOTHING.”

Neo threw the hedgehog with all of his might, almost in a trance at how hard Sonic hit the ground, gasping for breath as the harsh impact cut his oxygen for the briefest moment. Neo knew for a fact the hedgehog had more than a couple of broken bones from the impact itself.

Twinges of pain echoed in Neo. A sorrow etched its way into his mind at the sight below him, of the harm he caused. A conflict warring in his mind, endless and unrelenting, of the injustice, of the guilt settling deep in his core.

It didn’t matter.

Sonic had to die. 

He had to. He had to. He had to. He had to. He had to.

Otherwise, Neo could never rest. He hated Sonic. He hated him. He hated him. He hated him. He hated him.

It was why Neo existed in the first place. The original one would reign supreme. Neo would reign supreme.

Sonic had to die.

If he died, Neo’s mind would finally be rid of all those contradictory, useless emotions. It was the only way. It was the only way. It was the only way.

In the midst of his internal struggle, he was hardly concerned when a spec of yellow and pink ran forth to the hedgehog. They were no threat. Misguided, yes, but not a concern.

Tails reached Sonic, the kit speaking in fast ramblings and tried to get a response from the hurt and delirious hedgehog. Amy stood on the other side, trying in vain to help but could do no more.

Neo watched the scene unfold. He was angry at their apparent loyalty. He was angry at how easily they ran toward danger. He was angry too, at how frightfully easy it was to dispose of his counterpart. He was angry.

And as much as he tried to deny it, he was angry at himself for what he did.

There wasn’t much fight left in Sonic. It was clear from the beginning the hedgehog never wanted to fight him. Neo wondered if things would be different had that resolve changed.

But it was pointless to think of what-ifs. The end was near. 

Neo should be happy. He should be happy. He should be happy. He should be happy.

He might have been happy if the bond hadn’t existed. He might have been happy if he wasn’t feeling such heavy remorse.

He could still be happy, if he snuffed out the last of Sonic’s life.

With the barest hesitance, Neo slowly reached down. The expressions he was faced with showed him what true fear looked like. Hurt echoed in him but he didn't stop. 

Yet. Yet. Yet.

Sonic didn’t look at him with fear. Sonic smiled weakly at him. Neo could not read what his expression said. He decided it did not matter. It didn’t matter. It didn’t matter. It didn’t matter.

Sonic had to die. He had to-

“NEO METAL SONIC!”

Neo was broken from his confused musings, surprised at the newcomer. Robotnik was gasping for breath and holding the chaos emeralds Neo had used in his arms. Frankly, Neo was more stunned at the fact the human carelessly entered the battlefield. Robotnik was the type to cower away until he had something to protect him. Then again, there wasn't a place or robot to hide behind. The base had been leveled in order to acquire Neo’s current state. A minor setback Neo would eventually repair.

The man was at Sonic’s side, fear still gripping him but stubbornness overriding it. It was a persistence Neo was familiar with. It was one of the things he inherited from his old master, after all. 

Instead of facing Neo head on, Robotnik had the insolence to acknowledge the hedgehog still sprawled on the ground, head being looked at by Tails. Neo had to raise his auditory function to even hear the conversation.

“I’ve always known you were narcissistic,” Robotnik spat before throwing the chaos emeralds to a barely conscious Sonic, ignoring the yelps of protest from Amy and Tails, “Go and make your fairy tale ending a reality or Gaia help us all, this metallic madness will spread to the entire planet!”

Neo used to think the doctor was a realist, not a naive fool. 

Sonic was weak, and it fell on Tails to take out the chaos emeralds from the blue hedgehog’s quills. Neo recognized them. How could he not when he had been valiantly searching for them and was forced to abandon each one. But instead of three, there were four. 

Sonic had four. Not three. Neo had thought only six existed. But there were seven of them now. Neo tried to understand Robotnik’s reasoning but it was for naught. Having all seven has changed nothing. The situation was still the same. The end was still the same.

“THIS IS NO FAIRYTALE ENDING. THERE IS NO HAPPY ENDING.”

A heaviness settled in his mind but he paid no heed to it. Sharp menacingly claws lowered and Neo closed his emotions, locking away the sorrow. Tails and Amy refused to move, trying in vain to convince Neo to stop, even as Robotnik balked and ran. 

He hated that he had to hurt them too. But he knew they would not leave Sonic. 

Sonic. 

Sonic. 

Sonic. 

Sonic. 

Sonic.  

Always him. Always Sonic.

An unholy roar ripped itself from Neo as he forced himself to crush the hedgehog, trying in vain to avoid the kit and the pink hedgehog but knew it was no use as they too were swallowed by his grip.

Blood. Neo expected to see a river of red liquid. He expected for his mind to finally be at ease. He expected an end to his madness. He expected to be relieved.

Golden light shone from within his metallic hand. A blast of energy forced his grip to slip and give away, and more shockingly, forced Neo to take a step back from the force of it. Red optics sharpened as he witnessed an impossible sight. 

Gone was the familiar blue shade Sonic was known for. A golden hue overtook his form, glowing in an unnatural light. Dark irises had been replaced by a vivid crimson color. Sharp quills swayed upward by an unseen force. 

Sonic himself looked just as bewildered as Neo felt. Tails and Amy- both Neo was grateful to see unharmed- shared the same sentiments. They looked at Sonic like he was an ethereal being as he hovered above them with his own might. Neo himself couldn’t shake the awe of Sonic’s presence and immense power that showed an infinite symbol in his database. Limitless. Zero limits at all.

The chaos emeralds, Neo quickly clued in. Sonic had consumed them somehow. How, Neo did not know. Why, he knew even less. What mattered in that moment was that Sonic was no longer at death’s door.

Sonic was…

Otherworldly. 

Breathtaking.

Dangerous.

Neo snarled and lunged once more, attempting to end the threat. To rid himself of the weak emotions threatening to cripple his mind. To rid himself of Sonic once and for all.

Sonic stopped the oncoming attack with a single hand but not without any effort. Gritted teeth but smirking nonetheless as the now golden hedgehog withstood the blow.

This.

This changed things.

“Metal!” Sonic exclaims, a new set of determination flowing off strong to the point where Neo could feel it, “The chaos emeralds- they can do anything can’t they?”

Sonic flew- he flew- until he slammed into him, the chaos emeralds fueling him made the hedgehog strong enough to tumble Neo for the slightest bit. Neo released an animalistic robotic growl because how dare he. How dared Sonic-

Sonic had both gloved hands resting on his platings, just underneath where Neo’s visual optics were. His deceptively smaller form brimming with energy, glowing brighter with each passing second.

Red irises shone like rubies as Sonic spoke with unyielding authority, “I want our bond to come back! Like the way it was before! I want you to remember everything!”

Desperate. That’s what Sonic sounded like underneath the bravado. Neo would have laughed. He didn’t. Because he felt the pain strongly resonating within him. It felt like a dam was broken. A river flowed between the two of them, a river of open emotions and thoughts.

It was too much. Too overwhelming. 

Pain split his mind and Neo desperately tried to lodge free from Sonic’s close contact, to somehow stop the terrifying consequences of Sonic’s granted wish from the chaos emeralds.

“STOP THIS MADNESS. YOU WILL DIE. YOU HAVE TO. YOU HAVE TO. YOU HAVE TO.”

Neo succeeded in flinging Sonic off of him, managed to grab him once more before throwing the hedgehog to put distance between them. However, like an annoying pest, the hedgehog returned and Neo willed lightning to emerge, electrocuting his counterpart and forcing him to halt. Sonic merely shrugged it off, baring the pain without complaint.

“But that’s not what you want,” Sonic said, his voice carrying strong in the wind, “I can tell- I can sense it. You and I- we’re halves of each other.”

Halves of each other.

Halves of each other. 

A memory ripped free.

“I think most people would freak out over it if they did.”

“Why would they 'freak' out?"

“Because it means someone reading your every thought and knowing what you feel at all times.”

Metal stared at Sonic, But you do not mind it, do you?

Of course not. You’re like my other half, I can feel you at the back of my mind even when you’re not pushing our connection. It feels like you were always there but I just didn’t know it. Does that make sense?

Yes.  It is the same with me, you are always there with me, whether you are aware of it or not. This truly does not bother you? Your privacy, your secrecy, you will have none of it. Not with what we have. 

Neo lashed out, trying to land a hit, hoping it would stop the onslaught of memories that came in, drowning him under. Sonic avoided every attempt, and instead of backing away- instead of backing away from a draconic terror hellbent on trying to kill him- the hedgehog was gentle when he placed his warm hands on his platings once more. 

Sonic was here and he gave every comfort freely without restraint. His soft smile tender and patient.

Neo hated Sonic. But that wasn’t true, was it? 

Amy had been right.

Neo didn’t hate Sonic.

Sonic’s eyes glinted with an emotion Metal couldn’t pin down or label. It felt like fondness but not quite. 

There’s nothing I want to hide from you. All that I have, I want you to feel it too.

You could have told me this was another one of my lessons in experiencing new things, Metal began, instead of purposely goading me.

Well I could have, but you’re adorable when you’re all riled up.

Metal turned to Sonic, seeing the corners of his lips curled upwards. It was a nice sight, with the wind blowing and Sonic’s quills swaying. Metal did not let that distract him. 

What did it matter if he could never do such a thing? Sonic and he were not romantically involved. They were each other’s half, nothing more and nothing less. And he was content with that role. It would not make sense if they were romantically involved, for Metal was a robot and Sonic an organic. 

So then why did it… hurt?

Metal looked down. He stared at the body he was inhabiting. He saw himself, the metallic limbs. But he also saw the lean muscles and fur, the familiar form of his counterpart. 

Sonic, who was wearing his body, said in his mechanical tenor, “Did we just switch bodies?”

“Slow down. You will vomit at that pace. Vomiting, I have learned firsthand, is not pleasant. It is disgusting and a hindrance to the organic body.”

Tails swallowed down the substance, “Are you implying you vomited when you were in Sonic’s body? How?”

Metal faced the hedgehog once more, hopeful as he asked, "Would you, if it is not an issue, dance with me? I want to try it.”

Bafflement emitted from his counterpart. It was not a rejection nor an opposed reaction. Those were good odds in his favor. The bafflement left soon after and Metal was delighted to see a flustered hedgehog instead, fondness and what felt like embarrassment flowing from him. 

Sonic rubbed the back of his head and looked away, uncharacteristically timid as he said, “It’s been a while since I’ve danced but yeah, why not?”

“I’m Amy Rose! I wish we could have met under better circumstances.”

Metal looked at her outstretched hand. He tentatively reached out and placed his hand into hers.

“My name is Metal and I concur with your statement. Being kidnapped and sharing a cage is not ideal to meet new people.”

The pink hedgehog began to smile, “Right. You know, I’d like to apologize again.”

Metal warbled in confusion, “For what?”

“For saying you don’t feel love. Because it’s pretty obvious that you do.”

"Trust me, he is unaware of my feelings. It is for the best, for both of us." 

"Delaying it will only hurt you in the long run," Amy replied softly.

"Then so be it," Metal snapped, and quickly apologized, "forgive me. I know you are merely trying to help. But I stand by what I said."

“There is nothing to rejoice,” Metal said quietly, “You will have me killed in this very spot.”

The doctor shook his head, as if disappointed with his response as the last of the wires connected, “You will be enlightened. Now, commence system shut down.”

This was it. Robotnik was going to restart him.

Metal thought of Sonic then, and it was the last thought he had as his system went offline.

Neo-

No, he wasn’t Neo. That wasn’t his name.

Metal. That was his name.

“Hey, you with me?” Sonic, in all his golden glow, asked, all the while staring at him with unrestrained hope.

The urge to terminate Sonic was still there but Metal now knew why it was there in the first place.

“Yes. Give me a moment,” Metal replied softly, as softly as he could with the draconic form he had taken in his mad rage, “Robtnik’s programming is deeply rooted in me. I have to remove it. If I don’t, I risk killing you.”

“Then let me help,” Sonic offered, and his golden hue burned brighter. 

Metal could only take solace in the wait. He had been so cold. A corpse without life, without any warmth and so empty. Neo had been cold and Metal understood why that had driven him mad. 

He couldn’t fathom how he survived so far, when the bond was the reason life breathed in him. When he was back to having Sonic’s presence in his mind and his core, a comforting warm presence Metal couldn’t live without.

A message appeared in his visual hub and Metal snapped to it. There it was, hidden underneath layers of complex programming.

PRIMARY PURPOSE: KILL SONIC THE HEDGEHOG. ENFORCE ANY MEANS NECESSARY.

That explained a lot. It explained how Neo had gone so far. How Metal had gone so far.

Metal basked in his counterpart’s easy presence, sorely depending on it as he changed his primary directive with careful command.

PRIMARY PURPOSE SUCCESSFULLY OVERRIDDEN.

NEW PRIMARY PURPOSE: FREE WILL.

Finally, finally, Metal relaxed. For the first time since becoming Neo, Metal’s mind was clear. Content. At peace.

Metal let the tranquility sweep him in and let go of the power he had accumulated. The metallic assemblage reverted to its original state as Metal cut off the excess of his nanotech. Scraps of metal, copper, and iron filled the area around them. Metal had shrunk to his original state. Not the form he had taken as Neo but the form Metal was used to. The overwhelming power no longer suffocated him and Metal was glad for it.

No being, alive or not, should have that much power. Metal was not above anyone, wasn’t superior to anyone. He was no god. He was just Metal.

And Metal liked the life he had before Robotnik kidnapped him. He liked being with Sonic and Tails. There was no other place he’d rather be.

“I like being with you too,” Sonic took his hands, clasping them together, and Metal’s elation soared, because his counterpart had heard his thoughts- their bond practically singing with how open it was and the physical contact practically boosting it beyond its usual levels, “Home isn’t home without you."

Metal had always known but hearing the words sealed it for him. A sense of belonging, even after his latest attempt to commit horrible deeds. To know Sonic would never leave him behind and consider him as part of his life brought a euphoric emotion to swell in his very being. 

Metal knew what it was- the emotion he was feeling- and he knew without a doubt Sonic could feel it.

There was no hiding it and Metal looked away, away from Sonic’s brilliant aura and all knowing gaze but could not- would not- let go of the hedgehog’s warm hands. He was scared to see the reaction for his non-platonic feelings. He was afraid of rejection. He wouldn’t be able to handle it, not with everything that occurred, not when he had been on the cliff of madness and despair.

“Metal, look at me, please.”

How could Metal not listen to that request, when Sonic had said it so kindly and patiently. When there was nothing but pure warmth emitting freely from the hedgehog.

Metal braved forward, meeting entrancing red irises and a soft smile. Sonic had always been handsome, it was an indisputable fact, but he was more than that, so much so that Metal could not find a term suited to his counterpart’s very presence, golden image or not.

“I know. I’ve known all along,” Sonic admitted and if Metal had a heart, it would have stopped at hearing that confession, “What we have- there really are no secrets.”

Metal could barely form a coherent sentence, thoroughly incredulous as he asked, “Then why- you never- why?”

“Because I wanted you to figure it out yourself.”

“Figure out what?” Metal retorted, his insecurity getting the better of him and at the disbelief Sonic had played innocent when all along he knew, “The fact that it’s impossible? Because we’re different? Because you’re an organic and I’m a machine? Because of-

“I wanted you to figure out that I feel the same way.”

Speechless. Metal was rendered speechless. All functions went to a stall.

Sonic raised their clasped hands closer to his chest, not once looking away, "You didn’t know what it was- not at the beginning. What I feel for you, I have felt from the beginning, when I pulled you out from that lava. You had always felt it but you didn’t know what it was and that was the problem. It felt like- like I would have taken advantage of you if I told you because you were still learning.

“And when you started feeling the same way for me, I hoped- I wished for you to clue it together that I feel the same way but- but then you were kidnapped and things got out of hand.”

The words- the confession- took a moment to process from the sheer disbelief Metal was going through. 

But then. Was it really a surprise?

Their bond had hidden nothing from each other. And when he looked back on it- recollecting every memory spent with Sonic since he was saved- it was true.

Metal hadn’t known because he was still so new. He had wrapped himself in insecurities before he could consider the mere thought of Sonic reciprocating since the beginning.

Even though Metal knew- knew within his core- he still asked, doubt creeping in his voice, “You don’t care that I’m not like you? That I’m not organic?” 

“I never cared about that. It’s all you. I like all of you,” Sonic grinned, leaning forward until their foreheads touched, and Metal felt his engine begin to whirl the tiniest bit, both from the contact and his heartfelt words, “Can I hear you say it? I deserve it, you know, for saving you. And the world too, I guess.”

There it was, the hedgehog’s cocky and teasing attitude and Metal hated- but not really- how endearingly fond he was of it. Steam let loose from his vents, embarrassed, because saying it out loud was different from simply feeling it. But Sonic was too charming and Metal found he could not deny his counterpart when it was such an earnest request, when everything had been set free between them.

“I…” Metal began, his emotions of pure joy overwhelming him as he paused but continued nonetheless, quiet as he spoke, “I love you.”

Sonic’s smile could light up the entire planet. Illogical, Metal knew, but that’s how bright his smile was. To him. At him. Because of him.

“I love you too.”

It did feel different, hearing it. To hear it be acknowledged. To know this emotion was mutual, a feeling they both felt. A connection that deepened their bond.

And their bond sang, powerful and strong. Every emotion Sonic felt, every emotion Metal felt. 

They felt whole. 

United. 

Together. 

Like halves of the same coin.

“This is so beautiful! A real love story!”

Startled, Metal whirled his head. Amy, tears in her eyes but with a wobbly smile and hands cupping her face. Tails stood next to her, a grin settled on his face.

“Finally!” Tails said, facing Metal and pointing at the still golden hedgehog, “Do you know how many times I had to hear Sonic talk about you? Or see him give you that puppy eyed look? I was counting down the days for this to happen!”

Embarrassment filtered through and Metal couldn’t help the warble of noise he released from pure amusement.

“Tails, bro, please, you’re killing me,” Sonic nearly whined, “You’ve ruined the moment.”

“No, he didn’t,” Metal looked at all of them, “You and my friends. There’s nothing more that I want. This is the ending I’m content with.”

It’s perfect, Metal pressed to their bond and was rewarded with a smile, this one more fond and loving.

Suddenly, a flash of white light blinded Metal and separated him from Sonic. He would have braced himself for an attack, if it hadn’t been so brief.

The chaos emeralds floated in the air and Metal watched, stunned, as they sprung up in the air in a circular motion before splitting into different directions.

“No!” Tails yelled, looking disappointed, “I need to know how it happened! How it turned you into a golden hedgehog with so much power! It defies what we know about the chaos emeralds- not to mention the fact that there were seven to begin with. What if there’s more-”

Sonic quickly put a stop to it, laughing as he said, “Alright, we can talk about this back home. Amy, you want a ride back home? Or do you wanna hang with us for a bit?”

Metal perked up immediately, ready to persuade Amy that she should absolutely go with him before he noticed something glaringly obvious.

Irises. Everyone’s irises. Metal saw the moment each of them took notice as well.

Sonic’s dark eyes, which had been a dark color that matched darkness itself, had shifted to a vibrant green. Sparkling like emeralds. Amy shared the same iris color, matching Sonic, and instantly pulled a mirror from her dress, screeching at seeing her own eyes.

Metal couldn’t help but wonder where she had gotten a mirror during the whole fiasco.

Whereas Sonic and Amy held the same color, the same could not be said for Tails. The fox cub’s dark eyes had morphed into a strong blue. Blue like the clear skies above them.

Tails spoke, almost rambling, “It seems as though the proximity of the chaos emeralds, or perhaps direct exposure from all seven when combined, changed us. To what extent? We have to test it out-“

“We’ll give it a whirl after we’re home,” Sonic ended, back to his regular blue fur, which Metal thought suited him far better than gold.

“I agree. I’ve been away from home too long. I’d like to go back,” Metal glanced at the pink hedgehog, who finally calmed down and seemed to be appreciating her new eye color, “Amy, do you wish to join us?”

Amy didn’t hesitate, a spark to her newly colored irises as she accepted enthusiastically, “Yes! We have so much to talk about!”

They began to settle around each other, finally at peace now that there was no threat. No danger. No world dominating plans. Just them, homesick yet happy.

Metal took one last look around them, at the ravaged land that was the only evidence of what occurred. Amy and Tails kept walking, oblivious, unaware that he had fallen behind. But not Sonic. He would never leave him. That was a fact.

The hedgehog smiled, earnest and handsome, as he offered his hand, Come on. I still owe you a dance, remember?

The celebration event seemed like such a lifetime ago- practically irrelevant with everything that happened after- but the mere fact that Sonic remembered and intended to keep his word had Metal undeniably growing with joy, despite his shyness.

Metal clasped their hands together, careful as always with his claws. Their fingers fitted together smoothly, pieces of a puzzle easily sliding with each other.

I remember. We’ll dance as long as I want. Will you be able to keep up? Metal couldn’t help but tease, far too delighted by how right everything was.

Sonic scoffed goodnaturedly, Will I be able to keep up? Please. Get ready to be swept off your feet, handsome.

While the events that led to this point were heartbreaking, filled with anguish and false hatred, Metal was selfish enough to admit he would not change any of it. Not if it had given him this.

“Hey lovebirds!” Tails hollered, a mischievous grin plastered on his face, “I’m not afraid to leave you two behind if you stare at each other’s eyes for too long!”

No, Metal decided, as he watched Amy lightly scold Tails and Sonic laughing, his hand solid and warm against his, he wouldn’t change it.

Chapter Text

White snow fell through the crevices of his fingers. Wet and cold on his paw before he flicked his wrist and watched as the remains returned to its natural state. A cold breeze hit him and he welcomed it, the fur on his body insulating him well enough.

Snow was beautiful, Metal firmly decided. A large contrast to the sand he was accustomed to living with. He breathed in deeply, consuming cold air into his lungs, and exhaled, a puff of fog releasing from his lips. The scent was different too, more clean and crisp. 

"Aren't you cold?"

The sudden question or appearance did not startle Metal. The hedgehog's presence was a beacon, and it flared brightly in his mind when Sonic was in his vicinity. Metal had known the moment Sonic woke up from his sleep, had known the moment Sonic checked on Tails and saw the fox’s drooling state sprawled on his bed, had known the moment Sonic sought him out on the beach.

Metal turned to face Sonic. The hedgehog’s form flickered between his body and Metal’s robotic one. Another breeze hit him and Metal shivered this time. Sonic immediately dialed up Metal’s built-in heater and Metal sent a wave of gratitude through their bond as warmth began to seep into his body.

Things had changed. 

They had changed.

On rare occasions, Metal and Sonic would switch bodies. There was no warning when it happened. One moment Metal was happily showing Amy his dress, and the next, he found himself mid-attack in a spar against Knuckles.

To others, perhaps this would be an annoyance. A problem. Bothersome. 

But they welcomed it.

It reminded them that their bond was strong. Unwavering. Unbroken. Indestructible.

A month ago, on the day everything began and ended, the chaos emeralds had not only changed his friends and his half, but Metal too. It had been a subtle change, not one he would have immediately noticed. Not when he had been all too happy to be reunited with Sonic again, their bond repaired and strengthened. 

Eventually, Metal noticed the nanotech had been tampered with by the chaos emeralds. It felt stronger, his programming felt impossible to break into, walls behind walls to ensure the safety of his primary objective.

Metal no longer feared being controlled by Robotnik. He no longer feared being controlled by anyone.

The sense of safety had grown tenfold since that realization. Any lingering doubts were erased from existence. The phantom that was Neo, a husk of madness and anger and frigid coldness, no longer haunted Metal.

Red ringlets shifted to a V. The flickering revealed a frowning Sonic. Metal had been thinking too loudly. 

"Neo wasn’t all of that, not entirely."

A metallic hand reached out to grab his paw, their bond thriving at the contact. Of being whole.

"That part of me was cruel," Metal said, a small dense fog releasing from his lips, "He-," and Metal paused, correcting himself and taking the blame because in the end, it was all him, "Neo was the worst of me."

"But he was still you. Neo didn't kill me when he could have. Neo took Tails from me as his own twisted version of protecting him. Neo liked Amy, or at least, tolerated her presence, and I'm not gonna lie, I'm still a bit peeved by it."

Neo liked that she was loyal, Metal admitted, intertwining their hands, A loyal subject to command. Neo took Tails to replace Robotnik.

"Neo enjoyed racing against me," Sonic’s all too knowing gaze pierced Metal, "Neo liked the little dark Chao he met. Neo was obsessed with me. At the core, it was still you. You just needed a little help to break out of that programming."

Despite Metal's misgivings, his counterpart’s words rang true.

Neo was Metal. Neo at the beginning was Metal at the beginning.

I supposed I will always be destined to try and kill you, Metal lightly teased, and tugged the robotic limb down, forcing them both to sit on the cold snowy ground.

Sonic immediately scooted closer, the heater warming the organic body Metal was currently inhabiting, "I like to think of it as more as, you will always be destined to be obsessed with me. I like that better than trying to kill me."

Obsessed. Perhaps. But Sonic was too. No sane hedgehog would willingly walk into a fight he had no chance of winning against the draconic form Metal had taken. And that was before they learned Sonic could go super.

When the cold began to overwhelm Metal, he easily opened the link between them and reverted their bodies.

Sonic fared better, not shivering as much as Metal had. His counterpart leaned into his side, shamelessly seeking warmth, and Metal happily granted the silent request. He wrapped a robotic limb around the hedgehog’s waist, content to be out in the cold if it meant being this close to Sonic. Content enough that he missed the moment Sonic’s thoughts came to a jarring halt.

"Huh, I just realized something," Sonic began slowly, a sense of guilt emitting from the hedgehog, "And the fact that I just realized it makes me a terrible boyfriend."

You're not a terrible boyfriend, Metal immediately replied, offended by the hedgehog's words.

"No, I am," Sonic insisted, turning to look at Metal with a distraught look, "We haven't been on a date."

Metal took a moment to process that statement. When it did, he mercilessly shoved the hedgehog off of him, suddenly no longer content. Sonic yelped as he was thrown on the ground, face planting on the snow.

"You are a terrible boyfriend," Metal hissed and crossed his arm, petulant, "How dare you not take me on one!”

In hindsight, Metal should have known too. Tails had explained it to him in Metal's first festival outing, a time that seemed such a lifetime ago. But why take the blame? Besides, between the two of them, Sonic knew social cues better than he did. Metal had learned people could get divorced two days ago and that was only because Amy’s parents were divorced when Metal went to visit her.

Sonic pushed himself off the snow, not at all perturbed by the abrupt push judging from the wide grin on his face. The hedgehog shook himself, snow flying in bits, before jumping to his feet.

Sonic smiled softly, so earnest and fondly, as he extended a hand out to Metal. The anger was quickly disintegrating, replaced by an emotion Metal still felt shy to admit. His counterpart did not hold back, his affection blending into Metal's own.

"Let me make it up to you. Metal, will you go on a date with me?" 

Metal’s vents promptly opened, a steam emitting in air, quickly growing bigger because of the cold. He hastily tried to close them, embarrassed by how eager he seemed.

Yes, Metal thought loudly, taking the hedgehog's offered hand to stand. 

"I wanna hear you say it," Sonic teasingly demanded, stepping close enough for their foreheads to bump. The action was not awkward or stiff. Nothing between them ever was.

"You are lucky I am very fond of you,” Metal quipped before admitting into the cold morning, “Yes, I would like to go on a date with you.”

“Music to my ears,” Sonic smiled, the kind of smile Metal knew was for him and him only, “I want this to be a surprise, so no peeking into my mind, okay? You can hang out with Amy later, if it’ll make it easier.”

It would help. Ever since they reunited, the bond between them was constantly flowing. This close, they know each other’s thoughts with a single nudge into their bond, hardly any effort at all. However, putting distance between them muffled their link, muted and faint. But never broken. Never dark. Never empty. After the whole fiasco with the chaos emeralds, Metal didn’t think there was anything in existence that could sever their bond.

Are we going on a date tonight? Metal asked, filled to the brim with excitement.

“Tomorrow,” Sonic clarified, “Give me some time to make this the best first date ever,” he winked, “A date to remember for eternity.”

At those words, Metal was tempted to read his counterpart’s thoughts. Very tempted. It was a testament to how much self control he had as he resisted the urge to do so. 

Sonic caught on quickly and laughed, "I promise your patience will be rewarded. There’s no harm in a bit of mystery.”

The hedgehog swiftly leaned in and warm lips met the screws on his platings. Despite the many times Sonic has done this, it still left Metal bashful every time. Sonic knew that very well and Metal knew it was why Sonic continued to do so.

“If this was a distraction, then it was very successful,” Metal said as he pulled forward his counterpart and basked in his presence, nuzzling into the other.

Sonic’s emotions were always clear and loud and warm. He felt his counterpart’s arms wrap around his chassis, he too relishing the emotions emitting from Metal without a filter.

They did not need words to describe this moment. Their emotions, their love for each other, did that well enough.

~

Metal couldn't help but stare as he watched his pink friend pick up one outfit before throwing it on the ground. She snatched a shirt from its hanger, scrunched her face in disgust, and nearly shouted at the poor employee who was aiding them. The change in seasons had her bundled up in a red coat with green mittens. A stark contrast to his thin blue sweater. The cold didn’t bother Metal anyway, despite the organic form he took. The same form he had taken when he was Neo. He was quite attached to it, remembering his journey and the people he had met in this form. Plus, Metal thought fondly, Sonic liked this form.

He was broken out of his thoughts as Amy growled and nearly ripped a dress in half. She was clearly stressed.

Which, Metal thought, was quite funny. He picked up the shirt she threw on the ground and put it back on the hanger. Amy would be upset over it later.

"How are you not freaking out!?" She hollered, throwing a shirt to a random direction, and inadvertently hitting a passerby in the face, "This is a big moment! This is the moment!"

She grabbed a sky blue dress and Metal nearly commented that he liked that one. But she threw that one away too.

"I am aware, in a social construct, that it's a big moment," Metal explained, purposely being vague just to see how she would react. 

Amy, as he came to learn, could make many funny looking expressions. Like the one she was wearing now. He hadn’t seen this one before, this was a new expression. Somewhere between offended and horrified. He filed that away, amused by it.

Amy suddenly grabbed his shoulders, pulling at his organic fur too as she hovered menacingly, "I need you to understand that it is, in fact, a big moment. The very first date between you and Sonic. It has to be perfect.”

She sighed dramatically, letting go of his shoulders. Metal was grateful. She was incredibly strong. The exposure to the chaos emeralds had amplified her strength. A rarity no one could explain why.

Amy suddenly squealed, "A romantic night with your one true love.”

At those words, Metal eagerly shared her enthusiasm. He wasn't immune to it. He was well aware of how much first dates were romanticized. Which was why Metal was very excited for his first date. Well, correction, their first date. 

"A romantic night with my other half," Metal added, his lips curling to a smile, the action strange and familiar all the same, “I wonder what he has planned for us.”

Metal turned his head, his fond smile mimicking Sonic’s, and his counterpart raised a brow at him. Surrounding his other half was a field of flowers. Orchids, his database provided. Bright and sunny with a cool breeze. In the distance were grand green plains and mountains that reached the skies. Wherever Sonic was, he wasn't in the same hemisphere as Metal. Snow was still falling in the city before he and Amy entered this particular shop, and the moon had already settled in the dark sky.

“I thought we agreed on keeping it a mystery,” Sonic said, a false look of disappointment on his features.

I was unaware you were searching for locations for our date, Metal resisted the urge to lean on his counterpart and hold his paw.

The last time he had done that weird stares were thrown his way for everyone else thought he had been speaking to the air and holding nothing. It was an embarrassing encounter and not one he wished to repeat.

That did not stop Sonic from doing so himself, having no qualms with throwing an arm over his shoulders and pulling him closer. The floral scent had engulfed his counterpart and Metal found himself admiring this pleasant scent.

Sonic nuzzled him, his warmth comforting as always, “Now that you do know, I'd appreciate it if you look the other way. I'm gonna-”

“Metal, what are you looking at?” Amy's eyes narrowed, “Hey! I know that look! Sonic, leave us be! This is supposed to be a surprise too! Now shoo!” She tried to wave him off. It was unsuccessful, her hands passed through Sonic’s body as though he was a specter.

The warm emotions were tinged with exasperation. And it showed in the way Sonic backed off, shivering at the odd sensation of real but not real. 

“Shooing me away, Ames? Seriously?” He grumbled despite knowing she couldn't hear him, “It's like you're not my boyfriend. Can't even stop and chat with you.”

We will have plenty of time to do so on our date, Metal reassured, amused as he felt the slight possessive streak. It was the same negative stint from so long ago when Sara had invaded his personal space. But it was gone as quickly as it had arrived. Sonic had no reason to be jealous just as Metal had no reason for it either.

The smile was right back on Sonic’s face and he winked before taking off, leaving Metal alone.

“He's gone,” Metal declared and Amy stopped trying to frantically swat at the air beside him.

“Good. You’re gonna wow him with-” She yanked a sweater from a hanger, “This? No… this red is too bright, it’ll clash with your color.”

“Sonic would not mind,” Metal pointed out, although he did not object. She was right about the colors clashing, “But I will not be wearing clothes for our date. I have a strong suspicion they will get ruined.” 

Considering how his counterpart was scouting the planet, Metal also suspected they would be traveling a fair bit and he would rather not stress over the fabric on their first date. It would be a waste of good clothing.

Amy froze and promptly cried out, “Then why are we here!?”

“You brought me here,” Metal reminded her and smiled as he picked a soft green oversized shirt, “But this does not mean I will not be wearing clothes on future dates.”

The joy was back on her face as she clasped her paws together, “I knew there was a reason why we’re besties!”

“Metal!” 

Metal swiftly shifted, abandoning his organic appearance for his robotic one. Beside him, Amy looked nervous but had a paw ready to throw the entire rack of clothes on any possible assailants. He was high on alert as the fox cub ran towards them with a gizmo in hand.

Metal spotted his name on the device. It was decided shortly after he returned home that a tracker should be installed in his system and he had eagerly consented to it. And it seemed that the issue bothering Tails had him using the tracker for the first time to locate his whereabouts immediately.

Tails was frantically looking behind him as he reached them, “I think I’m being stalked,” Tails’ namesake flittered behind him nervously, fluffed up, “I keep looking over my shoulder and I feel eyes on me! I don't know if it's Robotnik but I really didn't want to find out unless I was with you.”

Metal stepped forward and rested his hand on the kid's shoulder, protective, “You made the correct decision. Stay close to me. Amy, be ready.”

If it was Robotnik, the doctor would soon learn there was no method to control Metal, not with how much the chaos emeralds had tampered with his nanotech. In fact, Metal was quite eager to test his new resilience. The satisfaction he would feel from seeing the look of horror on Robotnik's face as he realized it would be cathartic. 

Metal was about to start scanning the entire room for Robotnik when a figure stepped forward, bundled in a large dark glittery coat. Long brown hair flowed past the shoulders and cat ears were poking out from her head. Dark square sunglasses covered half of her face.

“What the…” 

Metal recognized the voice immediately and it was confirmed when the tall figure pulled up her dark sunglasses. Teal eyes looked down at them and a pout quickly settled on her face.

“Metal!?” Sara exclaimed, the loudness of her voice catching everyone's attention, “Awe, I was hoping to see Sonic! I got a really big favor to ask. Actually, no, this could still totally work!”

Metal reared back, releasing a series of surprised beeps as Sara grabbed his shoulder pauldrons. And began shaking him back and forth, or at least attempted to.

“My dad wants to set me up with this grade A jerk who sticks his nose so high up in the air, I can see his nose hair! It's disgusting! I know he's gonna try something with me so I need a bodyguard with me for the entire time he's here! Can you please help me!?”

Well. That was a lot of information to process. Metal gently pried her hands away, cautious to not accidentally harm her with his sharp claws. While a part of him was relieved she still didn’t harbor resentment from what Metal had done in the past, he quite enjoyed not being treated like a rag doll.

Tails, no longer fretting with worry, asked, “Sara, don't you have your own bodyguards?”

Sara stomped, “I do but they're so useless! And they're not going to listen to me! The guy my dad is trying to set me up with is a total head honcho, I think he's the heir to some big tech company. Knowing my bodyguards, they'll be too afraid to touch him or risk getting fired or sued,” Sara turned to him, eyes gleaming with unshed tears, “That's why I need your help. He'll be here tomorrow. Scare him away! Enough to send him packing home!”

Forced into circumstances by her idiotic and incompetent father. Metal pitied her. While he had no reservations about her character and would have agreed purely to spite her father, her timing was unfortunate. Metal would not be convinced to change his first date with Sonic to another time.

Metal saw Amy from the peripheral of his visual hub. She looked in awe of Sara and was fidgeting her fingers, as if undecided on whether or not to speak to her. A solution swiftly proctored. 

“I can't help you and neither can Sonic,” Metal raised a hand and gestured to his pink friend, “But she can.”

Amy blinked. Sara tilted her head, now acknowledging the pink furred hedgehog. The act finally spurned his pink friend to act and Amy gleefully shook Sara's hand. 

“Hi! My name is Amy Rose! It's nice to meet you!” She smiled, all white teeth, “You don't have to worry anymore because I will make sure absolutely nothing happens to you!”

Sara's eyes widened, no doubt shocked by the strength behind Amy’s enthusiastic handshake. And Amy was holding back too.

However, Sara still looked uncertain, “I don't know, I'm having a hard time believing you can help me with that snobby jerk…”

That was understandable. Amy’s appearance wasn't intimidating but Metal knew how to quickly prove it to Sara. In the same way Knuckles and Sonic had been shocked and left speechless.

Metal swiftly picked up Tails and held him under his arm. The kit blinked but otherwise had no problem with his new position. He looked perfectly content to be hanging in the air.

Metal turned to Amy, “I believe a demonstration of your strength will show Sara that you are more than capable of helping her. Pick us up.”

Amy smiled wider and happily did so. She didn’t struggle as she lifted them up with one arm and Metal balanced himself while he sat on her paw. There was no sign of exertion as she raised them up higher and past her shoulders.

“What. Wow. That’s crazy. You’re super duper strong!” Sara readily smiled, teal eyes now concentrated on Amy, “Why haven’t we met before!? And just how strong are you!?”

There was a hint of red on her cheeks, evidently flustered from the attention of someone she admired, “Oh, this is kind of a new thing, I haven’t really been able to show off. I’m not sure how strong I am but I can lift a car!”

Now that Sara had her proof, Metal smoothly removed himself from Amy’s hold and planted the kit back on his own feet too.

“As you can see, Amy can help you with your problem. Sonic and I aren't necessary.”

“Yeah, I'll say!” Sara didn't waste a second, dragging Amy along with her, “Come on! I gotta give you a tour of my place and show you where I keep the weapons! Omg, you can stay over if you want and we can have a sleepover!”

Metal would have been concerned, and would have stopped Sara, if Amy hadn't nodded vigorously and agreed, “Okay!”

They had left the store and were out of sight when Tails smiled and said, “That was really nice of you, Metal.”

Metal ruffled the fur between the fox's ears and would have smiled if he could in his robotic form, “I know.”

~

Tails shivered, hiding himself further under the duvets that covered him. Metal promptly retrieved a thick blanket from Sonic’s side and laid it over the kit, careful to not tear the material. He was content when Tails sighed and nuzzled into the fortress of blankets he had built.

The heater was set at max setting but it seemed the fox cub was still too young to make use of his own body heat. When Tails no longer shuddered, the cold no longer affecting him, Metal hopped off the ledge of the platform.

He headed for the makeshift kitchen, turned on the stove to mid heat and placed a pan on top, and took out a plastic container from the fridge. Leftovers from a dinner meant for two. He carefully poured the contents on the pan, ensuring the rice and chicken didn’t spill anywhere else. Grabbing a spoon, he pushed around the food until everything was hot and ready to consume.

The muted bond began to flare and the emotions he sensed were now strengthening. Metal swiftly grabbed a porcelain plate and served the entire meal on it before leaving it on the table. Right on time.

The newly installed door of the airplane was pried open and the familiar loving sight of his counterpart scrambled inside, freezing and shivering.

“H-Hey M-Mets-s,” Sonic managed to say through chattering teeth, rubbing his arms to heat himself up. His counterpart eyed the steaming food and his lips stretched down, his exhaustion visible, Tired. Don’t wanna eat. Wanna sleep.

Metal raised his internal temperature and pulled along his other half with him. Sonic sighed in relief, pressing against his robotic body for warmth. Metal let him and subtly guided him to sit where his plate was.

“Eat,” Metal commanded, pushing a spoon into a paw, “This will accelerate your body warmth,”

Sonic shook his head, hunching over the table, eyes droopy, I don’t wanna.

“I made it for you,” Metal purposely stated and stood close to continue warming his partner, “And while you eat, you can tell me what happened.”

Sonic tiredly picked up the spoon and muttered, “Robuttnik. Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

“I felt a strong pain on where the hip would be. How did that occur?”

He trapped me in a hamster cage, Sonic took a bite and swallowed, I had to run really fast. Cage broke. Went flying and managed to hit me there.

That explained the sudden phantom pain. Metal had wanted to look but Sonic’s words earlier had discouraged him from doing so and Sonic hadn’t said anything or asked for his help. Metal had speculated his counterpart might have accidentally harmed himself. It was more common than not with how much of an adrenaline junkie Sonic was.

But to know that Sonic’s pain had been caused by the doctor had Metal glowering with barely concealed anger. His anger was quickly soothed by the care emitting freely from his partner.

Still, Metal spoke in a subdued tone, “I hoped you ruined Robotnik’s day.”

Sonic weakly grinned after taking another bite, “I did one better. I destroyed his egg mobile.”

Metal warbled, his amusement high. He imagined the frustrated look on the doctor’s face was a sight to behold.

“You left him stranded.”

“I think so?”

“Good.”

Although the blue hedgehog was tired, exhaustion even seeping into his demeanor and into their bond, he managed to finish his plate and drank half a glass of water. Sonic stood up and took the plate and spoon with him, his actions becoming known even without Metal having to nudge into their bond.

Metal forcibly took the utensils away from his counterpart, “I'll wash them.”

“I can do it-”

“I know you can. But let me take care of you.”

Sonic stared at him, his green irises shining with a glint and his affection washed over Metal, strong and consuming. Metal blended their emotions with his own affection as he gently pushed Sonic away.

Sleep.

The smile on his counterpart was soft, I'll wait for you.

Having no desire to prolong Sonic’s awake state, Metal hastily washed the dishes. He dried his hands on a towel before dragging his unsteady partner to the other end of the plane. Sonic leaned on him, eyes closed and seeking the easy warmth from his heater.

Hold on to me, Metal requested and Sonic readily did so, embracing his chassis, and he swiftly pulled them up to a higher level. Sonic shifted, bleary eyes landing on Tails’ sleeping form on the other corner.

Tails is fine, Metal pulled his counterpart to the bed, It's you who isn't. You need rest.

Sonic didn't refute and fell on his bed the moment he was close enough. His counterpart shifted back against the curved edge of the plane and patted the spot beside him. A wordless invitation. Metal joined him, being careful to not damage the frame or bed sheets. Sonic wrapped himself around him, clinging to the heat and to his presence.

With how tired his other half was, Metal wondered if their date would have to be postponed to the next day. He would prefer Sonic to get as much sleep as possible and considering how he came back late into the night, late enough it was almost morning, it was a possibility he wouldn’t awaken until noon. Perhaps even past that.

“Course we're still going on a date,” Sonic mumbled, voice muffled from pressing against his side, “Found the perfect spot. You're gonna love it.”

Metal resolved to quiet his thoughts and caressed the hedgehog's quills, “Sleep.”

Chapter Text

Dreams were never coherent. There was no beginning or end to them. There was no controlling them either. The appeal of them continued to elude Metal and with the knowledge of how he used to be an empty killing machine, twice over, he feared an aspect that came with them. The downside of them, the nightmares, would have inevitably haunted his nights and wreck his mind in the days following his crimes.

Sonic, for all his optimism and never ending sense of justice, was not immune to them. The first few days after bringing Metal home again, Sonic had twisted and sweated in his sleep, dreaming of what-ifs and giant sharp teeth consuming him to fill the belly of a metallic dragon. Illogical dreams with no rationale. Metal truly did not envy Sonic for them but he had been wrought with guilt for being the cause of them, directly or indirectly. 

Since then, Metal made it a habit to enter Sonic’s dreams at the first sign of distress. Sonic had not minded- and still didn’t- and his nightmares would swiftly turn pleasant at Metal’s interference. Most of the time Sonic did not remember his dreams, only the lingering awareness of a delightful sleep and a pep to his step for the day. Metal wouldn’t try to force his counterpart to remember either, he would prefer Sonic to forget the nightmare that had vexed him in the night. When Sonic did remember, the hedgehog never failed to give his gratitude despite Metal telling him it was unnecessary. 

It wasn’t an issue and it would never become one. Metal would do anything to lessen the burden on Sonic’s shoulders, to ease his sleep and keep his dreams a wonderful escape from reality. From the duty that had been thrust upon him at such an early age.

Thus, when Sonic began to clutch him in earnest, ears flat on his head, and face scrunched, Metal knew tonight would be another night of an enemy Sonic couldn’t beat. Not alone, at least.

All it took was a single thought and the bond easily obeyed to his whims, linking them to feats unknown by any other than them.

Metal looked up and was greeted by a sleek throne, dark in color with its stile grazing the high ceiling. A red velvet carpet laid at its feet, rolling on the stairs and underneath him. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, spiraling upwards with painfully crafted detail. He recognized the place. The throne room from Robotnik’s invisible base, where everything had gone wrong and right. Sonic must have stumbled upon this room while he had been searching for him. While he had been searching for Neo.  

He looked down and he was correct in his suspicion. The bigger proportions, the spikes, and billowing black clothing. His guilt had just begun to settle, of being the reason for Sonic’s nightmare again, when he heard the familiar shout.

“Metal!”

He turned his back, lowered his gaze, and saw the determined dark eyes, the soothing blue figure of his counterpart. The appearance before the chaos emeralds had changed him.

“I won’t stop until you’re with me!”

The same words he had said at the end of Neo’s madness. Words that Sonic made come true by sheer willpower backed by an incredible golden power. But once was enough and the might of the chaos emeralds had irreversibly changed Metal’s entire directive. Sonic would not struggle here, not when his dreams should be filled with joy.

Metal embraced Neo and spoke, the voice baritone in nature. 

“There's no need. I give up. Let's go home.”

Sonic furrowed his brows, confusion plastered all over him, and strong enough that Neo felt it from his end. Neo couldn’t fault him for it considering everything that had happened at the time.

But the confusion on his counterpart was soon replaced by undisguised hope, “Really?”

Neo mused if this was how Sonic would have looked had he not been consumed by madness. If his primary objective had not been locked behind impenetrable steel walls. 

Sonic’s hope was infectious, bright and beaming, and Neo stepped forward, discarding the throne without a second thought. 

Neo deliberately sent a wave of affection for his other half and replied, “Really. I meant what I said.”

The affection Neo sent caught Sonic off guard, the hedgehog blinking and surprisingly enough, stammering, “Oh- you- that was- wow. Okay.”

What an interesting reaction. And when a stray loud thought from his counterpart reached him, Neo swiftly grew amused. He tested this new fact by gently grasping Sonic’s chin and tilted his head up. Neo sensed the elevated heartbeat and the rising temperature of his face. 

How adorable. He knew Sonic had heard it by the way his eyes widened further.

Neo hovered over Sonic and teased, “You find this form appealing?”

“N-No, I don't,” Sonic said, still muddled from the abrupt change of personality. And still thinking this dream was real because Sonic would have known better than to outright lie when their bond made it impossible.

Still, Neo was enamored by this rare side of his counterpart and lightly bumped their foreheads together, “You forget yourself. Your every thought, I hear them. Your wishes and desires, I know them. There is nothing about you I don't know. You can't lie to me. There are no secrets between us.”

The flustered state worsened and Sonic’s voice lacked the usual confidence he wore, “My every thought?”

Neo read them easily. The same thoughts Sonic had whenever he was feeling particularly affectionate. Private moments where their intimacy blended into one. Metal cherished those moments as much as Sonic did, and Neo would be no different.

“If you kiss me,” Neo softly said, “I would not object to it. You know I wouldn't.”

Sonic swallowed, nervous in an excited way, before the confidence Metal adored, and now Neo did too, returned and his counterpart’s steely eyes pierced him, “Do you remember everything?”

“I do.” 

Neo caressed the soft cheek with a dull thumb, not missing the way Sonic’s breath hitched, and marveling at the irony of his question when he himself did not remember the events that transpired that day. He swiftly pushed those thoughts aside. There would be nothing to ruin Sonic’s lost gaze or his belief of the dream he thought to be real. Besides, Neo was quite pleased to have his other half’s attention focused solely on him.

Neo tilted his head, playful as he asked, “Are you afraid to kiss me?”

Sonic didn’t answer.

In the end, Neo was successful in turning this dream to another pleasant one, the nightmare long gone and forgotten.

~

Daylight filtered through the windows of the plane, signaling the start of another day in their life. A day where their first date would occur. Metal carefully pried away Sonic’s clingy limbs and silently removed himself from the bed. A glance on the other corner greeted him with a messy bed but no fox cub in sight.

He scanned the plane, quickly locating Tails on the dining table, munching on cereal and buried under a red blanket for the continuing cold. Metal went ahead and grabbed a blanket from Tails’ side and used it to cover Sonic’s still snoring form. Sonic mumbled nonsense in his sleep and Metal couldn’t help but be endeared by the reaction. Leaving him to sleep, Metal trekked through the plane to join the young fox.

“Good morning,” Tails said, or tried to with his mouth stuffed with milk and cereal.

“Good morning. Please don’t talk with your mouth full. Remember what happened last time.”

Tails swallowed and smiled sheepishly, “Right. So, do you have anything planned today? Other than the date that is.”

Metal tilted his head, having grown to learn the tales of the small fox, “No. Why? Is there something you require?”

Two tails wagged behind him and the smile on Tails’ face was brimming with joy, “I want to build a snowman! Will you help me build one Metal!? Please!”

It was moments like these that reminded Metal that for all the intelligence Tails wielded like a weapon and inventions that were capable of incapacitating an organic being, he was still a kid above all else. Sonic had made himself an excellent role model and a caring brother to preserve, and even encourage, the fox’s childish antics. 

Metal would gladly do the same. Even if his reasoning was a bit more selfish in nature. How different was a snowman from a sandcastle?

“Of course I’ll help. Will the cold be a problem for you?” Metal asked as he stepped up to a window and placed his palm on it, registering the temperature from outside, “It’s three degrees colder today.”

“I should be fine,” Tails said after taking another spoonful of cereal, “The sun is out, it won’t be too bad. I’ll wear a jacket and boots just in case though. I really don’t wanna get sick.”

Shortly after, Metal pushed the door open and the immediate drop in temperature was unrelenting as it sneaked past him. Tails excitedly took off and landed on the snow with a wide grin, a green parka engulfing his tiny form. Metal shut the door behind him and opted for an organic form as he walked down the stairs. The dark blue of his fur stood out against the snow and he stared at the fox cub, intending to follow his lead in the art of building a snowman.

Tails didn’t bat an eye for his change in appearance and pointed towards the water, “Let’s build a snowman near the shore!”

Metal eagerly followed the fox cub. The island was now coated with a white plane of snow, inches deep as he trudged through it, their footsteps visible. Tails carried himself well, not slowing down one bit. He came to a halt at a spot right before snow changed to sand.

“Right here!” Tails bent his knees and started accumulating snow in one area, “We gotta get as much snow together as possible and mold it to a big snowball! You saw the cutouts of a snowman yesterday, right? They were in front of the store you and Amy were in.”

Metal imitated the young fox, helping him build the base of the snowman, “I did. They're made out of three snowballs in descending order. They also had weird faces.”

Tails giggled, “Yeah, they did have weird faces. We'll make them better though!”

Listening to Tails’ instructions, Metal ended up having to roll a giant snowball until the fox cub was satisfied with the size. They made two more, a medium size one and a smaller size. Metal firmly grasped the middle snowball and stacked it over the base. Tails held the last one and he flew in the air to place it on top. 

“There we go! What do you think?”

Metal looked up at the faceless snowman, at how it towered over him with its blank canvas, “I think we should get started with its face.”

Usually, Metal would be aghast at wasting perfectly edible vegetables. Their funds were not expendable and organics required specific nutrients to live healthily. But seeing Tails placed the carrot on the snowman as its nose, completing the look, Metal found himself not caring about it.

Metal pulled his lips to a smile, vastly entertained as a sudden thought arrived, “The nose looks big. Like Robotnik’s nose.”

Tails grinned at him, mischievous, “I have a brilliant idea and I have a feeling you’ll like it too.”

“We don’t share minds, but I have a feeling you’re correct. I’m certain too that we have the same idea,” Metal replied and they both turned to look at the snowman.

The snowman now had a pair of dark sunglasses, an item that had been long hidden in Tails’ closet. There was a tied up bundle of branches sitting over the carrot, even mimicking the same color of the mustache. An old yellow handkerchief was draped around where the neck would be.

“Well, well, well,” Tails tried to sound intimidating and he puffed his chest as he looked up at the Robotnik snowman, “If it isn’t Dr. Robotnik, trapped in the body of a snowman. You belong to us now! And you gotta listen to what we say! Right, Metal?”

Metal humored the fox and nodded seriously as he pointed to the dressed up snowman, “Failure to comply with our orders results in termination. Permanently.”

“You know, that still sounds terrifying coming from you.”

Metal narrowed his eyes, immediately snapping his head to where the voice came from. A red echidna waved at them, hauling a sack over his shoulder as he sauntered forward to join them. Metal hadn’t heard him arrive, having been too caught up in playing pretend with Tails. Metal would make certain to remedy that. The last time someone had caught him off guard, he had been kidnapped.

Resolving to push those thoughts away, Metal waved at the echidna in greeting and replied, “I was built to be terrifying. Not that I mind it. My intimidation makes it easy to scare organics when I don’t want to bother with them.”

Knuckles snorted and shook his head, “I have no idea what Sonic sees in you. Guess he likes danger enough to court it too.”

“Sonic did went up against Metal when he was a giant robotic dragon wanting to kill him,” Tails threw him a sheepish smile, “No offense.”

“None taken. I’m still rather upset with him for it,” but never enough to berate Sonic for it. Not when it gave him this life. He looked at the echidna, “You’re here early.”

“That’s because the treasure map I had was a fake. Instead of going back to beat the guy for selling me a dummy, I figured I should let it go and drop by early,” Knuckles pointed at the snowman, grinning, “You guys gonna make more of those?”

Tails’ blue eyes glinted, “Maybe. Wanna join us?”

The echidna lowered the sack from his shoulder and pulled out a worn stereo, “Only if you guys don’t mind jazz music.”

By the time Metal sensed his counterpart rising from sleep, they had amassed a large number of snowmen by the beach while listening to soft jazz tunes. All the snowmen had a bundle of branches sitting on their faces and tree branches for arms, sticking out in various poses the doctor liked to pose in. None of them came close to the original. There weren’t enough glasses and handkerchiefs after all.

Metal felt his counterpart go through his morning routine and quickly ate something, the lingering taste of apple registering through their bond. Metal continued rolling a giant snowball right as Sonic finally made his way over to them.

Metal stopped his movements just a second for Sonic to give him a quick peck on his lips. He was shy, yes, but he would never pass up the chance for the affection Sonic so easily gave.

“I can’t tell whether this is a snowmen army or a party,” Sonic loudly exclaimed, garnering Tails and Knuckles’ attention, “Why do they all look like that old ugly doc? Also, hey Knuckles.”

Tails snickered, “Metal and I thought it was funny.”

“Hey Sonic,” Knuckled tipped his hat, grinning, “I see it more as a party. The Robotniks can’t say no to it either apparently.”

Metal added, “They face permanent termination by me if they do so.”

“Brutal,” Sonic smirked, “I like it.”

“Do you want to make one too, Sonic?” Tails asked as he stacked a snowball to complete another snowmen.

“Nah. I'll hang around and listen to the music. Is this a new cassette, Knuckles? I haven't heard this one before.”

“Yeah, I got it as a gift from the old man when I helped him from drowning. He's fine, but I don't think he should go fishing anymore,” Knuckles frowned before stepping back to admire his handiwork, paws on his hips, “Heh, I'm pretty good at this.”

Metal finished creating a snowman too and concurred with the echidna, “They’re surprisingly easy to build. I wonder why the doctor hasn’t built anything resembling them. He’s the type to take these sorts of things that make people happy and use them to scare people instead.”

“Don’t go giving him ideas,” Knuckles chuckled.

Sonic rested his chin in one paw, contemplative, “I actually wouldn’t mind it. Fighting against a robotic snowman sounds fun.”

“And interesting!” Tails said before suddenly turning to Metal, slightly frowning, “Speaking of building, do you think Robotnik will use any more of that nanotech like yours for future schemes? It hadn’t occurred to me that he might until now.”

From the way Sonic and Knuckles tensed, the mere idea of it unsettled them. Metal understood why. That type of advanced technology could prove to be troublesome and considering what Neo had done with it, their caution was well warranted.

“My database tells me that the materials required for nanotechnology aren't readily accessible. In fact, Robotnik was lucky to obtain them. The chances of him retrieving more are slim.”

“Why is that?” Tails curiously asked.

“One of them is a rare metal with 0.10% chance of spawning in a Special Zone. The other is naturally found in the deepest trenches of the sea and considering the dangerous sea creatures that lurk in the Land of Darkness, Robotnik will not put his life at risk again.”

“That’s a relief!” Sonic exclaimed and Knuckles nodded in agreement.

But Tails pouted, “I guess that rules out potential organic nanotech…”

A negative tinge hit their bond and Metal swiftly soothed his counterpart.

Tails is an inventor. He’s naturally curious about it.

But the idea rubs me the wrong way. That kind of stuff could hurt him.

Outwardly, Sonic didn't show a hint of his disapproval and the grin fell easily on his face, “Sorry bud. You’ll have to make due inventing with what we already have.”

Knuckles looked down at the fox, his soft spot for the kid evident, “If you want, we could search the city’s junkyard later.”

“Yes! I’d like that! I’ve been running low on-” 

Tails rambled on but Metal was effectively distracted when the stereo shifted to a different song, this one more upbeat and its lyrics catchy. An immediate intent was sent through their bond, a request. Metal looked at his counterpart and the smile on his face matched the one on Sonic.

Sonic held out a paw and Metal wordlessly accepted it, their fingers intertwining as the hedgehog pulled him close by the waist only to turn him around and dip him. The world suddenly shifted but Metal hardly paid attention to it. He was far too entranced by the effortless charm of Sonic, his grinning face and swaying quills. His heart, Sonic’s heart- their heart was racing. 

Sonic’s joy was bright, an addicting emotion Metal would never tire from, an emotion he would always selfishly consume. His own affection breathed into their bond and when Sonic pulled him up, Metal gently bumped their foreheads together.

“You cannot be serious,” they heard Knuckles say.

To which Tails immediately replied with, “Welcome to my world.”

Metal switched them around, taking the lead. Their movements were natural, their bodies in sync with one another, never stumbling or tripping. They danced as if they had done it for a lifetime, easily reading each other’s moves without a second thought. Metal dipped Sonic in turn with the chorus of the song. And then he found himself staring up at the organic appearance he took. The dark navy blue, red irises, tan muzzle, and the short quills. 

There was a flicker and Sonic’s form was there, looking up with a cocky smirk at the echidna.

“Envy doesn't look good on you Knuckles.”

“What the- don't do that! That still freaks me out!”

Sonic barked out a laugh and the laugh still carried when Metal pulled up his counterpart.

~

This moment was reminiscent of a night where a shooting star had fallen. One of the first wonders Metal had seen with his optics. A memory Metal had coveted because it was the first time he had thought the planet he lived on, the world he lived and existed in, was worth protecting. He knew there were many more wonders like it and he had been- still is- excited to see more of it.

While Metal did not see or read Sonic’s thoughts, the anticipation of something was reverberating strongly in their bond. Enough to make Metal excited for whatever it was.

Sonic had taken him to the northern provinces of the Land of Darkness. Where the snow was heavy and the forests dense behind them, untouched and wild in nature. In front of them was a rocky cliff with the sea underneath it and the sound of waves crashing against the eroded base. The sea stretched all the way to the horizon, never ending and imposing.

Over the waters the sun was beginning to set, slowly descending into its natural cycle. Hues of orange and yellow cascaded around the sun and the same hues were reflected in the water. A twin of the sun in the raging sea.

“We got here a bit early,” Sonic took his hand and guided them to the edge of the cliff.

“The sunset isn’t what you brought me here to see, then?” Metal looked at the sea and the sun with the respect it deserved, “It is beautiful.”

“I’m not gonna disagree with you there,” the toothy grin spread wider, eager and excited, “But what I want to show you will be even more amazing!”

His counterpart sat on the edge of the cliff, legs dangling over the treacherous rocks and the long height. Metal sat beside him, ensuring his partner was kept warm in the cold temperature. He had tried to persuade Sonic to wear a jacket but the hedgehog was quite adamant in his refusal to do so. It had irked him, but Metal was too fond of him to continue arguing.

“If it fails to surprise me and the date turns out to be a disappointment,” Metal teasingly began, slightly squeezing the paw in his hand. And always careful to not harm him with his claws, “Prepare to be lectured by Amy.”

Sonic barely hid back the wince, “Please don’t. She beat Knuckles at arm wrestling. You know I don't want to be on her bad side.”

“I'm well aware of how much she frightens you.”

“Don't say it like that!” Sonic cried out, “I’m not scared. Just- appropriately intimidated by her. And you won’t be disappointed, trust me.”

Metal raised his chin, “I’m offended you even said that.”

Sonic rolled his eyes goodnaturedly, “Force of habit. Not everyone has a bond like us.”

“Which is still odd to me. I will never understand and I don’t want to. Even when I was Neo, I still felt our bond. It was weak but present.”

There was a shift in emotions and it wasn’t from Metal. His amusement rose and he warbled as he recollected the last time Sonic saw Neo. He had assumed Sonic had forgotten the dream when the hedgehog hadn’t brought it up or thought of it during the day. Now, seeing how red Sonic went, Metal knew it was because he had been too flustered by the dream, too flustered by Neo.

Metal recited the same question, intentionally informing Sonic the reason why his dream went so pleasant when Neo had been in it, “You find this form appealing?”

Sonic’s eyes widened and the embarrassment coming from his partner was cute, “That’s why-” and he paused, the embarrassment rolling off as he laughed, “I was so confused when I woke up. But I’m not complaining. No matter what form you take, I'll still be head over heels for you. Always will be.”

Metal already knew that but it was a different feeling to hear it out loud. Metal knew that Sonic knew it too but Metal still wanted to say his piece. To speak it into existence here and now.

“Neo couldn’t kill you despite the madness. That proves there’s a part of me that is deeply embedded to you. If I were to ever reset again, I will come back to you regardless. I always will.”

Sonic didn’t respond but he didn’t need to. Their bond was overflowing with their emotions. Metal couldn’t tell which was his but it didn’t matter. Their affection for each other was all the same.

Night had already settled in the midst of their conversation and so distracted he was, Metal nearly failed to notice the strange occurrence in the dark sky.

Startled, he broke away from the gaze and looked up. Waves of green and soft pink light manifested overhead, stretching over the sea. They flared brightly like ribbons twisting in the sky and Metal was enraptured by the bizarre phenomenon.

“What is that?” Metal quietly asked.

“They’re called the aurora borealis,” Sonic softly explained, murmuring almost, “The northern lights. They mostly appear in winter. There’s lot of myths surrounding them. My favorite one is that they bring good fortune.”

“The aurora borealis,” Metal repeated reverently, watching the lights dance, “People have such odd perceptions to think this somehow brings good fortune. But I admit that they are…” there were many words to choose from and yet, he used one he liked best, “Beautiful.”

“Yeah," Sonic replied, "Very beautiful."

Metal looked back at his counterpart and found he wasn’t staring at the northern lights. 

Sonic was staring right at him. He had been staring at Metal this entire time. Instead of looking at the undeniable wonder of the northern lights, those green irises were locked onto him, memorizing his every action.

An undeniable warmth filled Metal to his core. The same warmth that filled Sonic to his veins.

Their emotions engulfed each other, saturated with their devotion for one another.

Their bond sang and halves became whole.

Metal leaned in to kiss Sonic.

I love you.

I love you too.