What I'm Made For...

by Futurehauntendghost

Summary:

It's been a month since Metal Sonic has turned to the side of good. But he's been struggling with how to fit into his new lifestyle. Because of this, Sonic has an idea to on how to solve it.

...Or at least he knows people who can.

Notes:

“You’re never going to be Sonic…”

“And You’re not even good enough to be my fake.”

Chapter 1: Good Enough

“Hup! Hrmm!” The small bunny child tries to jump higher to grab his ball stuck on the tall tree branch, but it has no effect. No matter how high he jumps, he is unable to reach it.

“Hopper, c’mon! Get the ball!” The other small children around him move closer to watch the bunny’s failed attempts.

“I can’t… reach it!” Hopper utters after what feels like his one-hundredth attempt. He sits beside the tree stump, pooped out. “I can’t do it.” He sniffs, “I can’t do it!”

“Uh, it’s okay.” Another child says, patting the bunny’s shoulder. “We can just go get another one.”

“That was the last one!” Hopper yells out. “We might as well not even try.”

Before any of the children could protest, they heard a rustle in the leaves above them. They all looked up and saw a hand grab the ball. They all smiled. “Holy cow!” one said.

As they all look up and see who was their hero, their smiles completely drop as they see their face. A robotic face with a metal plate for a mouth, a black LED screen for eyes, blood-red pupils, tall pointy quills on his head with a blue and white coloring scheme, and spikes for a belt. The children look at the figure’s hand one more time and see it more as if it were a metallic claw.

The children begin to shake in fear as the figure’s red eyes peer in their direction. He moves his hand with the ball toward them. “Here you go,” He says. His voice is booming, thunderous, and monotone—not a single emotion is expressed through it. The robot leans down toward the frightened children. 

As the robot brings the ball closer, his claw finger pops the ball like a balloon. This surprises the taller figure, whose red eyes widen. The loud pop causes the small children to shake and huddle around each other in fear.

The robot brings the ball closer to the children anyway. His other hand grabs Hopper’s hand and places the deflated ball in it, much to the child’s defiance. “Sorry about that. Just… trying to help!” He says awkwardly like someone reading a script poorly.

Hopper moves away from the robot, flattened ball still in hand. And the children quickly run away from the robot.

Metal was left in shock yet unsurprised, as if this result was expected. But it didn't stop him from clenching their fists in a small bout of rage. But it isn’t let out. His fist unclenches. And his body mimics breathing in and out.

Something He couldn’t do. Something He wasn’t meant to do.

…

Time to keep trying.

 

---

 

A rhythmic amount of knocks is heard in front of the Diamond Cutters door. Lanolin perks up and walks over to it. Expecting maybe mail or a visitor.

Not Tangle holding Neo Metal Sonic’s hand.

A calmed Whisper looks up and sees the front door. She immediately gets out of her chair, grabs her wispon, and aims it at the robot.

“Woah, woah, woah!” Tangle waves her hands and moves in between Whisper and Metal. Still holding Metal’s hand. “We're all allies here, we're all friends!”

“We are?” Whisper raises an eyebrow at the statement. Lanolin motions her hand to the wolf, causing her to lower it. “Why is he here?” She asked.

“Well, he-!” Tangle begins her rebuttal, but Metal puts their hand on her shoulder. Stopping her in her tracks.

Metal puts their hand near their chest. It seemed as if they were considering what their following words should be. He raises his head. “I’ve heard that the diamond cutters are still in need of new members,” The way the robot moved while talking was off-putting. It was more… expressive. Not in a way that felt natural, almost alien. It didn’t help that his voice was still monotone. But it nearly felt chipper, yet never sincere. “And since my new… tubular path I’ve been has led me to the side of the restoration. I figured a more… awesome way to show that I care about it is to join the group that protects it!”

Every mobian in the room had an eyebrow raised at this. This is not the Metal they were accustomed to. Every word he said felt like it had come from another person, and his vocabulary was off of their usual dialect. Metal almost always sounded professional in every scenario he was in. Here, he sounded casual. Weirdly. Almost disturbingly.

“So what do you say?” Metal gestured his arm. “Would you let me join?” He seemed desperate, this was a fact the girls were able to decipher quickly. But the thing with Metal is that it shouldn’t have been. So the fact that they could read him like an out-of-character book was concerning.

But it was something that made them gain their answer. 

Whisper raised her hand. “Veto.” 

“What she said,” Said Lanolin. “Veto.”

Metal’s red optics widen in surprise. “Y-You…”

“Hey, c’mon, you guys!” Tangle moves over to the others. “What’s wrong with letting him join our team? I mean, I know we can agree that… All that earlier was a bit weird, but where’s the harm?”

Whisper squints over to Metal skeptically, then back to Tangle. “I don’t trust him.” She says through clenched teeth.

“Same.” Lanolin nods her head.

“Guys, it’s been a month since he’s joined our side!” Her arms waved to Metal, along with her tail, which made a hand that pointed at them from above. “He should be more than trustworthy by now.”

“Did you not hear him a minute ago?” Lanolin side eyes, “That was weird as heck!”

“Yeah, I know. But, but, but! Sonic and Amy confirmed to us last month that he was no longer a threat. And since then, that hasn’t been proven wrong! And we trust those two, right?!”

“Yes, but…” Metal tensed Himself as Lanolin began speaking. He already knew what she was going to say. “I trust Sonic and Amy. I don’t trust Metal Sonic. At least not yet.”

“He still has a long way to go until they earn my trust,” Whisper muttered.

Metal fist clenches, hiding their unbridled anger. He couldn’t show it now. He still wants their trust.

“So, sorry, Metal.” Lanolin stacks papers beside her. “If you truly mean what you say, then we would be happy to have you. But…” She sits up firmly and stares at Metal right in the optics. “As leader, I can’t fully bring myself to trust you with my teammates.” Whisper nods her head. “And possibly not while you're acting like that right now. I don’t know what ‘act’ you're trying to play right now. But it’s not convincing.”

Metal’s fist tightened, and now he was trying his hardest not to let their true feelings be shown.

Tangle tries again to convince the others. “But guys, they really-!” But the robot pats her shoulder once more.

“It’s A-o KAY, Tangle.” Metal rubs their finger at the bottom of their pointy nose. “I figured you wouldn’t want me around here anyway.” Their other hand was still clenching. Their burning emotions must be disposed of. “Well, then… sayonara!” They then turn around and march out the door.

“C’mon, Tangle, you have to at least know they weren’t completely trustworthy yet, right?” Lanolin confides the lemur as she sits down near the two.

“I guess…” She mumbles. “Though, do you guys get the feeling he was acting kinda like-!”

BANG!

The sound caused all three of the girls to stand up and see the source. It looked as though a fist had made a perfect dent in the wall, and it was starting to crumble slowly but slightly.

“...he’ll be okay,” Tangles says, unsure of her own words.

 

---

Metal sits at the cliff's edge, hands on his head, banging and scratching it every few seconds. FAILURE, they think. A complete and utter FAILURE. No one trusts them, no one cares about them. They can’t do anything right! Not when they want to. Not when they NEED it to.

“Heya, Mets!” A chipper voice is heard behind them. It doesn’t take a genius to know it’s their copy. Their asinine copy.

“SHUT. UP,” he utters immediately, not even giving the hedgehog a glance.

“Woah, buddy. I haven’t even said anything snarky yet.” Sonic smirks.

“I don’t want to hear you right now.” He looks back at the hedgehog, who currently had his hands on the back of his head, with now indignities feelings. “I never want to hear your voice.”

“Calm down, I’m not here to make fun of you, I just want to talk.” the blue hedgehog moves behind the robot. They still don’t look at him. “I heard from Amy about what happened today.”

“Mm…” Metal mutters something. But it goes unnoticed.

”I also heard you and Belle got in a fight not to long ago.” It almost sounded as if steam was coming out of the robot.

“And I even heard from Tangle on what happened before that.”

Metal squints as their hand clenches once more, his rage brindling.

“I will say though, I absolutely don’t say words like, tubular.” Sonic snarks.

The robot suddenly stands up and turns around at the hedgehog. “You just make it look easy, don’t you?!” He bursts out. “You have zero issues with acting like the annoying little rodent you are, don’t you!?”

“So you were trying to act like me today!” Sonic snaps his fingers. “Gotta say you were doing a terrible-!”

Metal slaps Sonic’s hand “Cease your mockery!” he yells, surprising the hedgehog. “I don’t need you, YOU of all people, to tell me that today was a failure. I don’t want to be reminded of my failures. It seems that’s all you ever do around me!”

“Sorry, Mets.” Sonic stares at the robot, shocked at the rage before him. He’s seen them mad before, back when they were an enemy, of course. It’s weird to see it when they know their ally. He kicks his foot into the dirt. “May I ask why you were acting like me?”

Metal stares at the smaller hedgehog before him as if they both know the answer already. It was as if it was the stupidest question in the world, and the question itself made them angry. “I-I mean… Everyone else told me that the way you were acting was similar to me and all.”

The robot pierced into his eyes. As if he was lasering into his skull. “You're just so beloved by all, aren’t you?” He practically seethed, not breaking eye contact. Metal’s voice wasn’t raised, but it was still filled with rage.

“Huh?” Sonic raises an eyebrow. “What do you…”

“Everyone just trusts you more, they like you more. Everyone you’ve ever met, everyone I’ve ever known. Everyone knows that you are better than me.” 

The words cause Sonic’s eyes to widen. Metal thinking he was better than him? That concept alone is something he never thought they would say. Let alone think.

“And I am BEYOND tired to know, think, and even acknowledge the fact that even when I try to lower myself onto your level, it still becomes evident that I am not better than you, and no one will ever think otherwise.”

“Well, wait, hold on…” Sonic backs away slightly from the robot. “Why do you want people to think you're better than me?” He asked. “What would you even gain from doing so?”

“My purpose!” He barked, startling the blue blur. “My entire existence was to be your superior in every way. What am I at all if not that?!” They stared distantly at the ground, hoping an answer would come to them.

This felt a tad familiar to the hedgehog, but he couldn’t put his thumb on why yet. He moved closer to the machine and put his hand on his shoulder. “Hey, it’s alright. I think I understand what you feel. But…”

Metal swerves Sonic off him, and the hedgehog lands on his back. Before he could even wince in pain, the robot inched closer to his face. 

“YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW I FEEL!” He screamed. Sonic’s mouth drops agape at the sound of their voice. The monotone in their voice seemed to have broken, it sounded as though they nearly shrieked. “You don’t know what it’s like to live your life with a single purpose! You don’t know how it feels to be compared to a copy every moment of your existence! You don’t know how it feels to want to prove others wrong, to show them that you are better, only to be lowered as the trash you are. And you don’t know how it feels to be told to be yourself when you don’t even know who that is!” They stand up. “I was Neo Metal Sonic. And it was made with the sole purpose of excelling and defeating its inferior copy Sonic the Hedgehog.”

“I thought you didn’t want to do that anymore!” Sonic called out.

“I DON’T!!!” Metal shouted. They then stepped back, with their optics widened. It’s clear that he had no intent of having those words being let out. And the last word he said was filled with more emotion than any of the other things he said tonight.

And the silence after it was louder than anything else. Metal turned around and sat back at the cliff edge. Staring far and empty in the distance.

Sonic stood up from the ground and became lost in thought. He thought back on Metal’s words, “You don’t know what it’s like to live your life with a single purpose.” And then thought of something.

He walked closer to Metal, but this time not too close. “You're right.” He says. “I don’t know how you feel. And it was pretty stupid of me to think I do.” No response came out of the robot, their body was still. “But, I think I know people who do.”

 

---

The following day, Metal Sonic, Sonic, and Tails were flying on the Tornado. The hedgehog was laid down on the left wing while the machine sat on the right.

Tails looked over to his right at Metal, looking more distant than he ever had before. “You doin’ good over there?” He asked, raising his voice from the loud wind blowing. Metal doesn’t respond.

“Don’t worry about him!” Sonic assured. “I’m sure he’ll be more talkative when we get there!”

“Alright… If you say so.”

Metal looked at the blue ocean absentmindedly. He had never seen the ocean like this before. He’s seen it while he was on air fleets and such, but he’s never paid it to mind with other matters on their mind. But now that there’s nothing, no more significant objective to complete… It’s hard to explain. He doesn’t even know if he could.

As he stares at the blue vast, he notices a large piece of steel floating in the water. He looks up to see what the source is, and he sees the Tornado’s destination, along with something familiar. “That’s…” He sputtered. Emotions were once again overfilling him. “That’s a… Death Egg!”

“Mm?” Sonic opened his eyes and saw the sight described to him. “Oh, yeah!” He sits up to get a clearer view. “Didn’t get the chance to look at this with the bright sky last time!”

“Welcome to Scrapnik Island, Neo Metal!” says Tails, looking over to the now more surprised Metal.

“Scrapnik…” Metal uttered, He looked over his current data. “That’s not a word. What does that even mean?”

“Oh, you might find out soon enough.” Sonic snides.

Once they land, Metal is the first one to plant his feet on the island, rushing ahead to get a closer look at the destroyed death egg. “I had no idea of this.” Sonic walks to his side, and Metal turns his head toward him. “Why was I not made aware of this?”

Sonic shrugged. “You never asked.” He smirked. Causing the robot to squint.

“Sonic! Tails!” A different robotic voice is heard to their right. A tall green robot makes its way toward the three. While Sonic and Tails smile at the machine, Metal is stunned at the sight. “It’s so good to see you again!” Welcomes the machine.

“Heya, Siggy!” Sonic waves at the machine. “We’re here with a visitor. Mets, this is…” Sonic goes in to introduce Metal to the machine, but the copy quickly makes his way to the machine in awe.

“You're a Sigma unit!” He exclaimed. The units he used were usually sharp, firm, and clean. But the one that stood before had rust growing on his sides, dents, and bents around his body. and a red fabric around his neck. “Why do you occupy this island?

“Oh my!” Sigma looks over to Tails and Sonic. “Is this another scrapnik?” Tails shrugs, “You can say something like that.”

The green machine inspects the slightly shorter one. “You look brand new. I’ve never seen your unit type before. I presume you must be a newer model, yes?” Metal doesn’t answer his question, he doesn’t even speak. He was speechless, he had zero idea what to even mutter to him. 

Sigma quickly backs away from Neo Metal Sonic. “Forgiveness requested! I did not mean to get “ close and personal ” with you.” 

“Uh, anyway!” Sonic walks up to Metal, gets on his toes, and wraps his arm around his neck. “As I was saying, This is Neo Metal Sonic. Me and tails here thought it would be nice if he visited this place.”

“Ah! I see…” Sigma’s eyes pan back and forth between Sonic and Metal. You two do look quite similar.” His eyes drift to Metal. Perhaps more than… Irrelevant.” He then stands astute. “In any case, allow me to introduce myself. I am Unit E-117 Sigma. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Neo Metal Sonic.”

Metal shook his head, snapping himself out of his thoughts. “Introduction is acknowledged.” He says, trying to remain stable.

“I assume you must be stunned. Allow me to show you around.” Sigma begins to move forward to the island. Metal turned his head around to see Sonic gesturing to follow him. The copy’s optics furrowed at the hedgehog before following Sigma. With Sonic and Tails following suit.

“This area is called “Scrapnik Island” because it’s a refuge for scraped badniks, correct?” Metal asked.

“Yes, of course.” Sigma nodded his head. “Though, “Refuge” is the incorrect word to use in this scenario.”

“What word would be correct?” Metal asked. A rusty sandworm badnik, now busted enough to just be a worm, crawled in the machine's direction. Sigma picked it up and cradled it in his arms, with the worm bot chirping codes in response.

“Home.” He says.

Metal stared at the two in awe. Home? He thought. Why was the place so far away from the doctor? How could they consider this a home? The copy had no idea what to say; it didn’t even know what to think. Unable to even think of a hypothetical answer to the questions his mind had, it was perplexing.

As Metal and Sigma walked ahead of them, Tails and Sonic walked at their own pace behind them. With the two-tailed fox soon tapping the other’s shoulder. “Sonic?” He said.

“Yeah, lil’ bro?”

“The thought occurred.” Tails lowers his voice to make sure he isn’t heard. “ How do you think Metal’s gonna react when he sees…” His eyes point to the destroyed Death Egg. “ Y’know,” He mouths.

Sonic thinks it over before shrugging. “We’ll figure out when we get there.”

“Well, how do you think HE’S gonna react to…” Tails points at Metal.

“Like I said, we’ll figure out when we get there.” Sonic puts his hands on the back of his head once more.

Tails sighs, “If you say so.”

 

---

 

Eventually, they made their way inside the Death Egg ruins. The dark and looming hallway uneased the two mobians behind the machines. “Admittedly,” Sonic says. “This place is a lot less creepy when you don’t have to worry if your life’s in danger.”

“Yeah, but we should really get some lights installed.” Tails added, holding one of his tails for comfort. “We should bring Belle here! She knows all about how to tinker with this stuff!”

“Oh yeah!” Sonic rubs his nose. “Probably should’ve brought her with us. Eh, maybe next time.

They soon enter a room with sunlight, as if part of the roof was blown away by a missile. The sunlight shuns to a long table filled with flowers, with the tallest in the middle being a tall sunflower. Even with companying sunlight, the sunflower shuns the brightest.

Standing by the makeshift was something somewhat familiar to Metal. A dark sky-blue figure with a cowboy hat stood in front. Who was too fascinated by the flowers in front of it? The end of its dreads, which matched its base, had rust beginning to grow. While its right hand looked more like a fist, the left was a spikey ball.

Metal walked forward first to inspect the machine even further. His steps brought its attention as it turned around, which startled both him and Sonic more out of instinct as they both got their answers.

“Ah, Sonic, Tails.” Sigma turns to the mobians. “It has been some time since you’ve last arrived. And since then, we were able to bring Mecha Knuckles out of his robust senses.”

“Oh, Cool. Cool, cool, cool…” Sonic inches over to Mecha Knuckles. “Hopefully, that means he won’t attack us again, right?”

“That is my meaning, yes.”

Mecha Knuckles turns over to the hedgehog and slightly bows towards him. The machine emits a few beeps, some of which were glitched.

“He says: I wish to apologize. ” Sigma translates. “I was not in the right area of mind, and I thoroughly request forgiveness for my actions. ”

“That wasn’t a direct translation.” Metal says. “He directly says. ‘I Thoroughly request forgiveness for ME actions.”

“His “Beeping Module” was slightly damaged due to recent circumstances. I didn’t feel the need to note the poor grammar due to it being irrelevant.”

“Welp, it’s all water under the bridge!” Sonic shakes Mecha Knuckles's hand. “Your certainly more cooperative than another knucklehead I know.”

Metal turned his head to the garden. “What’s this?”

Tails makes his way over to the garden as well, “I was about to say. I don’t remember this room being here the last time we were here.”

“Yes, most of us had decided to make a makeshift sunroom. Recently, a supply of seeds soared across the island. And since then, we’ve made this a home for fresh-grown flowers.” Sigma raises his hands. “It has become quite ‘popular’ with everyone here.” His fingers form quotation marks. “Unfortunately though, the last of seeds have recently been planted. And we wish to have more stored in this room.”

“That sounds cool!” Tails remarks. “Remind me to bring seeds the next time we come here.”

Sigma nods his head. “Understood.” A few seconds pass, then Sigma turns his head toward the fox once more. “Mister Tails?”

“Yes?”

“We wish for you to bring more flowers next time.”

“Heh heh, Alright, alright!” the fox chortled. “Although, please just call me Tails. It feels weird to be called something so formally.”

“Understood.” A few more seconds pass. “Tails?”

“Yeah, we got it!” He snickered. “We’ll bring more seeds.”

Metal stared at the blanket of dirt covering the flowers. He had been lost in thought since arriving on the island. He stared at the tallest sunflower flower; it seemed to have been there the longest. 

The sound of steps is heard behind them. Another figure enters the room. The figure stands in an area of the room that doesn’t have much light. It looks more rusty than all the other machines, so rusty that it is hard to tell its original color. Its head has quills akin to hedgehogs. It wore a tan cape that covered most of its body. Its eyes are a bright orange parallel LED screen, and its left foot is replaced with a wheel.

Sonic smiles at the figure, while Tails does the same; he is more nervous while looking at Metal Sonic.

“And here’s the one who wished for a sunroom.” Sigma moves over in between the two. The other figure moves forward towards the light, just enough to see small hints of blue on its body. “Metal Sonic, this is Mecha Sonic.”

Metal Sonic freezes. His vision tunnels onto the robed robot. Mecha also freezes, now looking over the other robot in more shock.

 

“...What?”

Notes:

Comments are nice~

Chapter 2: Your Own Person

Summary:

"You have a chance to live your own life now. Be your own person."

“...What?”

Tails was the first person to break the silence in the dead silent room. It is only natural for him to do so after the shocking news he, Sonic, and Amy just heard.

Belle moved over to the front of the others. “Now I know what you guys are thinking…” She stressed. “But, please believe me.” The tinkerer steps away so they can get a clear view of what’s behind her. “Metal Sonic really does want to reform.”

Behind her was Metal Sonic, standing perfectly still as he waited for an order. He waved his hand to the others in an attempt to communicate.

“I don’t believe it.” Tails said, crossing his arms. “What makes you think it’s not a trap?”

“Because he told me it wasn’t!” Belle rebutted. 

“You don’t know if he’s telling the truth!”

“Well, I trust him!” The tinkerer refuted. “He’s been with me for three days in Windmill Village, and he hasn’t done anything REMOTELY bad.”

“But, how do we know this isn’t some kind of long-con?” Said Amy, piko hammer in hand. “I mean, I wouldn’t discount Eggman for thinking like this.”

“Because he told me!” She moves over to her desk and grabs a piece of graphing paper. “When he first came here, I asked him why and he said this!” She shows the front to the others.

BECAUSE I WANT TO DO GOOD

“But how do we know that’s true?” Tails asked, “Like Amy said, all of this being a ploy isn’t too far-fetched. And even if it is, what if he wants to prove Eggman wrong, and he’s playing as a double agent or something?” 

“He’s not!” Belle explodes on the young fox, catching him and Amy off guard. She takes a deep breath. Metal’s red optics widened. He had never seen Belle this passionate about something before. So ready to be on the defensive. 

“Sawdust, I’m sorry, but he really does want to change! He’s been trying to help other people in the village the past few days. It hasn’t been going perfectly. But he’s trying! He wants to try! We should at least give him a shot, right?!”

Amy and Tails thought over what they should do while Sonic stood beside them, arms crossed.

“Sonic, you have to agree with me, right?” Belle appealed. She knows he goes out of his way to give people second chances. She knows he must be more willing to accept him.

He shrugs. “Hey, don’t worry about me.” He says. “I’ve been on your side for a few minutes now.”

“Huh?!” Tails swerves his head to the hedgehog. “You really want to trust him?”

“Yup.” He nods. “If what she’s saying is the truth, then I’m more than willing to give him a chance. If he is, we have nothing to lose!”

“But you…” Amy sighs. She thinks it over for a few seconds and stares at Metal. The copy sees her staring and does so in return. A familiar memory plays in Amy’s head, a memory in the snow as she puts her hammer away. “Alright.” She coincides. “If you say so, Sonic. I’m not against giving people second chances and all that. But…” She then points at Metal. “ You only get one shot. Betray it, and you're gonna be nothing but scrap metal.”

Metal nodded. He acknowledged the pink hedgehog’s strength as quite durable. Something stirred in his insides as he did—an unfamiliar feeling. Could it be fear? Negative. While Amy may perhaps be powerful in combat, Metal was more than confident in his own skills to believe he was capable of a fight against her.

“What’chu think, Tails?” Sonic looked over to the fox.

“I mean… If you really believe so, then I guess we should at least let him try.”

There it was again. Only bigger. This feeling didn’t feel uncomfortable but bitter.

“Oh, Thank Gaia!” Belle gives a sigh of relief. “I promise you, none of you will regret it. You’ll see!

“I have a feeling I won’t.” Sonic smiles. He then snaps his fingers. “Though Metal, I gotta ask. What made you want to switch sides?”

Snapped out of his daze and looked at the ground. Reason? The purpose of his new objective. He walked over to Belle’s desk and grabbed a piece of graphing paper and a pen. As he finished writing his answer, he showcased it to Sonic.

I WANT TO HELP OTHERS

What he wrote on the paper was a lie. This was his newly made directive but not his goal.

“Oh, I get it.” Sonic rubbed his nose. “Me and you aren’t so different, huh? Though, heh, I doubt you’ll reach my level of helpfulness. World’s fastest hedgehog and all that.”

Metal immediately began writing again, quickly showing the hedgehog the result.

I INTEND TO

A more acceptable truth was shown but not acknowledged.

“Haha. We’ll see about that! Though it’s no competition.”

As the others around him laughed with him, Belle told him not to “Egg him on,” although her voice was in a jokey manner. Metal finally realized the unknown feeling before him.

Envy.

---

 

“...What did you say?”

Neo Metal asked again as he slowly moved toward the other copy.

Mecha stared at his updated version of himself with a blunted shock. Not even knowing how to react. 

The blacked-robed copy was now face-to-face with his older counterpart. He looked at the rust on his body—the same rust that covered almost his entire body. He looked at the dents on his head and the wires peaking out. It seemed like he was also being compared to the other with a fresh coat of blue paint on his body and his more advanced features. It was clear that Metal was superior.

Something he took pride in.

Before Mecha could speak to his counterpart, for the first time since Metal had a voice and for the first time since his emotions became loose, the latter began to laugh. “HA! Hahaha!” The laughter startled everyone in the room. The feeling felt fresh to Metal—the first time he’d felt this euphoric in a long time. His laugh started at first with a more realization of who was superior, and then it felt like a huge relief had washed over him.

“Uh… Mets?” Sonic inched closer to the laughing machine. “You okay there?”

Metal turned his head to the hedgehog almost manically. “Never been better, hedgehog!” He states jubilantly. “I fully understand why you’ve brought me here now. You wanted me to see that I have my very own inferior copy.”

“Wh-what?! No!” Sonic shakes his head. “I mean, kinda… but not in the way that you-!”

“No, I understand perfectly!” Metal interrupted. He moved over to Mecha. “You wanted to show me that I am at least better than something on this planet. And I couldn’t be more ecstatic!” He looked at him, glaring at him at his horizontal screen. “Word of advice: You’ll never succeed at being better than what’s out of your reach.” As he utters it out, Mecha freezes up at the words. Metal laughs once more as he walks out of the sunroom, leaving the room in silence.

“Oh my…” Sigma marveled. “That was quite the event!” He turns to Mecha Knuckles. “Perhaps you can go check on his status?” The hat-wearing copy nods and paces his way out the door.

“Jeez,” Sonic rubs the back of his head. “I was expecting his reaction to Mecha not to be the greatest, but I didn’t expect this.” Speaking of, he looks over to the caped robot. “You doin’ okay?” He thinks.

Mecha Sonic unfreezes and looks over to the hedgehog. “I…” He ponders telekinetically to his copy. “I’m not sure.” He looks down on the ground. “I made my peace of who I was, what I was to my creator, nothing more than a machine. Even though I’ve accepted that, it still feels… shocking to stare at my own replacement.”

“Yeah, that must suck,” Sonic responds, which causes Tails to raise an eyebrow.

“Wait, what are you…” Tails pointed at Sonic and Mecha before slamming his fist on his palm. “Oh, right! You can speak to him telekinetically, right?”

“Yup, sure can. Though I think it kinda works like Wi-fi or something. I can’t just talk to him when I’m on Green Hill, and he’s still here.”

“Got it!” Tails searches himself before realizing he has forgotten something. “Oh, shoot…”

“But anyways, Sorry about all that. Mets is trying to be better; he really is. It’s just been kind of rough on him.”

“I see…” Mecha nods. “I suppose I shouldn’t judge too much. Adjusting to your new life would be difficult after being thrown out by the doctor.”

“Actually, uh… He actually left on his own.” Sonic adds, a bit nervously.

Mecha tenses up, “What?”

“He left the doctor… on his own?” Mecha felt a rising of emotions swell over him. Sonic felt the copy’s surging emotions through himself, like a dam that was about to burst with anger. Sonic quickly moved closer to him.

“Hey, it’s okay, bud, just…”

Mecha begins to shake slightly. Rage was beginning to consume him. “He wasn’t abandoned, he wasn’t scrapped for parts, he wasn’t even considered TRASH! He just LEFT?!” His visor shows a bit of red glowing. Something that quickly frightened everyone.

Sigma moves near him the closest. “Please, Mecha. Remember where you are!” He beseeched. “You are in a better place now. Remember that!”

The copy’s shaking slowly stops as his eyes return to normal at the same speed. He begins to clear his head. He sees Sigma, the afternoon sun shining down on him, the distant noise of flickies outside, and the flowers, including the tall sunflower in the middle. His head rises. “You're right ,” he says.“ Forgive me; my behavior was unbecoming of me.”

“It’s alright, man.” Sonic moves over to him and pats him on the shoulder. “Just gotta remember to let it all pass.”

“I utmostly agree!” Sigma adds. “We Srapniks have been using this technique on almost all our inhabitants.”

“Absolutely,” Mecha says, almost absentmindedly. “I do wish to actually speak to Metal Sonic. I feel as though he is emotionally lost.”

“You abso-TOOT-ly should.” Says Tails. “I feel like he shouldn’t have the wrong idea of you.”

“Yes.” Mecha then gets an idea. He moves over to the table of flowers and grabs a pot. He then scoops a blue flower with his claw hand and plants it inside the pot. “I hope he appreciates this.” He then turns to Sonic and Tails. “I don’t know if you even have the say, but I have a request.”

---

Neo Metal Sonic stared at the setting sun near the closing in waves by the ocean. The robot stared at it with almost a newfound clarity. 

What a joyous day this has been. His own inferior copy. His OWN inferior copy! After many pointless years of believing the lie that he was even close to being better than that foolish hedgehog. He now has knowledge of someone who, he undoubtedly, is better than. It feels refreshing! It feels wondrous! 

His detectors then sense something crawling on his foot. He looks down and sees a rusty Newtron Badnik. Its right eye was normal, but its left eyelid was closed and broken. “G-G-Greetings.” It glitches out. It climbs up Metal’s leg all the way to his shoulder. “I am unit NB-B-B-B.392. What is your code name.”

Metal squints at the gecko Badnik, considering to even answer it. He then deems it meaningless not to. “I am Neo Metal Sonic, MS.00 Version Metal*N4.0.” He titles.

“Mm. I don’t recall-recall your coding in my database. Are you similar to unit Mecha Sonic, MS, version …”

“Ha!” Metal pats the badnik head with his metal claw finger. “Don’t be foolish. He is by no means similar to me. I’m more superior to him than he’ll ever be. Even before he entered his rusty state.”

“I see.” The newtron crawls onto Metal’s top robotic quil and rests its body on it. “The sunset looks exquisite to-to-today .”

Metal was slightly surprised at the compliment the badnik gave. It was unnatural for a badnik to express this type of description of something. ‘The sun is blazing today’ would’ve been more typical. But at the same time, he wasn’t that surprised, only for a reason he denied. It was simply because he had a similar thought.

The copy doesn't note on it. They simply nod silently.

He hears footsteps in the rust-colored dirt. At the sound of it, the Newtron turns invisible, and Metal turns to see Mecha Knuckles has appeared before him. He waves his right hand. “Howds,” he says, his broken voice still evident.

“Well, if it isn’t the other loathsome copy.” Metal gibed. “Did you come here to see if you can even compare to my superiority? You’ll find it difficult if so.”

Mecha Knuckles shook his head. “Your words have left Mecha Sonic in a states of distressed. It would be advised that you apollo.” The copy’s beeps were being glitched out to oblivion. Fortunately, Metal was able to detect his meeting.

Metal practically scoffed, “I won’t give my inferior copy that luxury.” He says. “He’s seen that I am the superior. Even if I were to “Apollo” to him, it would be seen as null and void.” He uses his fingers to make quotation marks. All of which to mock the other.

The machine with the cowboy hat thinks to himself. As if he was thinking to himself, he then raises his head. “Why does beings superior matter?”

“It means everything!” Metal said, growing frustrated. “We of all beings should know! If there is a being that is superior to you in every way, you serve nothing! You are obsolete! You are trash!” He glares at Mecha Knuckles provokingly. “Everyone here should know that well! Including you.”

For a slight moment, it seems that the other robot’s eyes turn red. Now brought into a slowly burning anger. Before it seems like they can do something, a voice is heard from behind.

“Please try to calm down, Mecha Knuckles.” Mecha Sonic says, holding a potted plant with a blue flower in his left hand. “Remember your procedures.”

Mecha Knuckles's eyes slowly shift back to orange. He closes his eyes, and his body shifts very slightly and slowly, almost as if he is breathing in and out. Something Metal took note of. The dark-sky blue copy then raises his head and turns to Mecha Sonic.

“He is beyond irritating.” He warns.

The caped copy nods his head. “I can sense that .” He then pats his shoulder. “I would like to speak to him alone, if I may?”

Mecha Knuckle’s nods and turns to walk toward Metal. He stops by his side and turns his head. He then fully turns around and kicks him in the leg. Metal barely reacts due to the fact that he can’t feel the pain. A fact that both of them knew.

“MK.00!” Mecha Sonic yelled sternly. Mecha Knuckles turned away and stormed off. “Forgive him for that. He tends to act out from time to time.”

Metal turns his head over to Mecha. “Why are you choosing to speak to me?” He says, “I’ve already told you I was better. Are you here to try to prove an undoubtable fact wrong?”

“No,” Mecha answered bluntly. “There’s no competition between the two of us when it comes to physicality. Especially noting the state of my appearance and my form at the moment. I’m here to ask something of you.”

Metal didn’t respond; he just looked at his own copy and waited for the question. “I’ve heard you’ve left the side of the doctor. Is that correct?”

“Yes,” Metal responds. “And I’ll have you know, I did so all by my one violation. I was never thrown away or forgotten like the other machines here.”

“ I…” Mecha clenches his left metal hand, holding his emotions back. “I was made aware of that as well.”

“Then what is your question?” Metal then laughs. “Don’t tell me that was it? Is your memory as charred as a simple mobian’s?”

“Why?” The question snaps Metal out of his snide remarks, catching him off guard. “You left Doctor Eggman with your own violation, correct? It was your own decision, was it not? So why did you make it?”

Red optics widened as Metal stared at Mecha. He looks over to the ocean, its crashing waves making it the only sound heard. “That is none of your concern.”

“Really?” Mecha turned his head. “Is it because it was an unfair question, or is it a question you don’t have the answer to.” 

The black-capped robot didn’t answer. Neither of which was true. He knew why he did. But he would never allow himself that weakness. And he would NEVER let his weaker copy know it as well.

“ I simply wish to know why you made the decision to leave. Why you decided to abandon your objective.”

“I did not abandon my objective!” Metal blurted out. He widens his red eyes, realizing he spoke aloud.

“You didn’t?” Mecha tilted his head, he felt some form of vindication rousing inside him. But he let it pass, shaking his head. “You and I are very different then,” He states. “I’ve abandoned my original directive not too long ago. To see that you still carry onto yours is…” Pitiful was the correct word. But it didn’t say it aloud. Deeming it irrelevant. “I’ve since decided my own objective outside of what anyone else has directed me to do.”

Metal raises his head. Your own objective? Choosing his own reason to live? How could he already have one? How could he be so far ahead?

“What is your new objective?” Metal asked.

“I don’t know,” Mecha responds bluntly and clearly. The wording isn’t definitive, but his assuredness was. As if this was the clearest answer.

An answer that pissed Metal off.

“That’s not a valid answer.” He says. He could feel his fists clenching once more. Emotions once again burning and overflowing inside him. How dare he have the confidence over a stupid, FOOLISH objective. How could he live with that?

“I believe it is.” 

“It isn’t!” Metal barked out before he was even done with the sentence. “You can’t not know what your objective is. You say you have a newfound purpose with an objective as stupid as “I don’t know.” What could one do with that?!”

Mecha stared at his other. It felt like Metal was almost puffing with rage. He was growing irritated. He then answers. “I don’t know.” He says. “I just do what I choose to do. And I’m content with that. ”

“That’s foolish…” Metal uttered. “You’re foolish! You can’t possibly think you're better than me by living for nothing !”

“You keep saying that I’m trying to be better than you. When I admit that you are indeed better than me in the physical department, so how could you think I’m trying to be better?”

Metal’s body hitches. Shocked by Mecha's words.

“Do you believe I AM better than…”

“I am better than you.” Metal’s voice was repressing his rage less so. His anger toward Mecha became more and more apparent. “I am the purest version of myself I desire to be! I am the version of myself that knows and will complete his objective! I am my own perfection!” He walked over to Mecha’s side, making him side by side to wear his ear. “You are not better than me! You aren’t! You WON’T!” With that, he stormed off.

Mecha watches him leave, now with a new deception of Metal. He thought of him as his replacement, who seemed to ride off of the idea of being better. 

Now it seems like he needs to be.

---

He is perfect! He is perfect! He is perfect!

These words were repeated over and over in Metal’s head. These words of affirmation were true. They were! They had to be! They are perfect!

He needs to leave this island! This rust stain of an island.

He moves toward the parked tornado, with both Sonic and Tails both setting up to leave. Sonic is the first to notice him. “Hey, Mets! You having fun here?”

“I wish to leave.” He says, ignoring the question but also answering it as well.

“Not great, I see,” Sonic then shrugs. “Well, it seems like it was your own dang fault.”

“Alright, we're good to go.” Tails says on the wheel of the tornado.

“Got it!” Sonic gives him a thumbs-up. He moves toward the left wing to hold onto it. As Metal begins to move closer, Sonic raises his hand toward him. “Hold it there, buster!”

“What?” Metal was already growing irritated.“We’ve been asked to request to leave you here on Scrapnik Island due to the request of Mecha me! And due to your bad attitude, we’re not even going to give you the choice.”

Metal nearly sputters, processing Sonic’s words. “...What?” He growled. “You're going to abandon me here?!”

“No! We're not just gonna leave you here! We're gonna come back, or at least Tails might.”

“What Sonic is trying to say is that we want you to get to know these people more.” Tails adds. Sigma, Mecha Sonic, Mecha Knuckles, were sure if you give them a chance-!”

“I am NOT going to spend my time with these weak imbeciles! I refuse to!” Metal protests.

“See, this is why we're leaving you here no matter what.” Sonic gestures to Metal, something the latter perceived as mocking. “I’m not gonna accept you seeing these guys as trash after just knowing them for, like, ten minutes! So, until you treat these guys with the respect they deserve, you're not going anywhere.” Sonic then glares at his copy, more serious than he’s been all day. “Sides’ how can we trust you if you're just gonna treat those who want to like crap?”

Metal wants to say something, he wants to call them both imbeciles, idiots , for even thinking they could just leave him here to rot ! But he knows they're not. They even said they were coming back. But, even if it’s unvalidated, he was still angry. He wasn’t weak. He wasn’t FLAWED , he doesn’t deserve to be stuck here with those who are.

The tornado starts up, and as its engine begins to blare up, Sonic gives Metal a thumbs up. “Just give it a chance! They’ll give you one!” He shouts out to the loud plane.

As the tornado flies away, Metal stares it off with his rage suddenly bursting out. “I AM PERFECT!” He screams.

Although he wasn’t sure who it was for. Mecha, Sonic, or himself.

Notes:

Comments are nice~

Chapter 3: More

Summary:

“I know you are capable of more than this… Don’t be led astray as I was.”

Must find Doctor Eggman.

 

Metal’s systems were almost non-functioning, a constant reminder of the destruction he had endured. What was left working was the only thing keeping his legs from moving. He had been left behind in the destruction of the Final Egg, a base placed in the mystic ruins for the empire.

 

He had been left there for a long time but didn’t know how long. An organization of some kind had found him, still a wreck from the rubble. He didn’t need to be there. He was being suspended from the doctor for too long. He quickly escaped.

 

He was now staggering toward a city street, his next steps shrouded in uncertainty. He knew the bases that were the closest to him in the area but had no way to track down the doctor. It would take a long time to get closer to progress.

 

As he stumbled to the sidewalk, he passed a nearby technology appliance store. The store's window showcased televisions, blaring the news as the newsteller's voice was heard through the speaker.

 

“...And the people around me have been left with massive hysterical shock since the announcement had been made just moments earlier.” 

 

The newsletter stood in the middle of a busy city center, with a crowd filled with citizens screaming and shouting in fear. 

 

The television cut to what was familiar to the blue clone. It was the doctor. He was making a speech—or, as he later learned from the television, a declaration.

 

Metal stopped walking as the newscaster described what happened just a few moments ago. The doctor had destroyed a majority of the moon with a laser from space and was threatening to blow up the earth with the same laser.

 

He had no idea of a laser from space. He didn’t even know the doctor even had a laser in space. Why didn’t he know before?

 

The news then showed a miscellaneous amount of footage from earlier. They were showing security cameras of Eggman causing destruction.

 

Along with something else that displeased him.

 

He sees that in some of the footage shown on screen, a black hedgehog seems to be working beside the doctor. He seemed to be fast and capable of taking care of enemies.

 

More efficient, more powerful, more… everything.

 

Had Eggman created him? Did he make another superior to Sonic? One superior to him?

 

He wasn’t forgotten. He was replaced…

 

He was replaced…

 

He was useless…

 

He was…

 

…

 

SMASH! Metal’s fist crashes into the glass, sending shards of it inside.

 

He wasn’t useless—he was valuable—He is still a powerful asset to the Eggman Empire! He didn’t need to be replaced; he was already competent.

 

He’ll show him. He’ll show the doctor that he is still powerful! He’ll show him he didn’t need to be replaced and abandoned. He’ll show him that he didn’t need to be replaced by that FAKER . He has become better! Better than he ever was before!

 

He’ll become perfect! More perfect than the faker could be! More perfect than his copy!

 

He’ll show him his mistake… He’ll show it to everyone!

 

---

The sun begins to rise as its shadow moves toward the island. Neo Metal Sonic stood at the edge of the metal, staring off into the rising sun. He had stood there for the past two hours when his calculations showed that the sun would begin to rise, an activity he enjoyed occasionally.

 

As he stared at the orange sky on the horizon, he heard steps behind him and a voice. “Good morning.” Metal didn’t bother to turn around to see that it was Mecha Sonic.

 

He doesn’t turn his body to face him at all. If it weren’t for the slight shift in his body, Mecha would’ve assumed he didn’t even hear him. “I didn’t get a chance to give this to you last night.” Mecha places down the potted plant he had hand in hand the other night on the ground. “We all hope you enjoy your time here. We plan to turn the sunroom into a garden later today; you can assist if you like.” With that, Mecha Sonic leaves.

 

Once he was sure Mecha was out of sight, he turned around and looked at the potted plants. He moved down towards it and picked it up. The pot was made out of metal as if scraped off somewhere to create the shape of a potted plant. And the flower itself was a blue rose. 

 

Flowers were always an anomaly to Metal; a small part of him couldn’t see their purpose. Keeping small forms of life in the dirt, making them take space in his places of comfort, felt needless and excessive. But on the other hand…

 

They always allured him somehow…

 

“I al-al-also feel the sense of the beauty of this flower.”

 

“Ah!” the new voice startles Metal Sonic. He looks around to see the source, but no one is around. “Who said that?!”

 

“It was I!” Metal sensors feel something crawl on his head as its head peaks out to his black lenses. “NB.392, pleased to reintroduce-duce-duce myself.”

 

Metal quickly swipes the Bdnik off his head, only for it to stick to his arm. “Why are you on me? How long have you been here? How do you know my thoughts!?” He demands.

 

“My, three queer-queries. I’ll answer them in order.” The newtron moves over to Metal’s shoulder. “Question 1:” The gecko machine opens his mouth wide. “Why are you on me?” Metal’s voice is heard through his mouth. It then closes it as its own voice comes back.  “I’m made aware that you are a new-new-new arrival in Scrapnik Island, and you are the first machine here I’ve met with 0% of rust or broken parts. I was, admittedly, intrigued.”

 

“Of course you would be,” Metal responds, “I am…”

“Perfect, I believe I heard-heard from you last night. You screamed that phrase and uttered it approximately fourty-seven-seven-seven-seven…”

 

“Alright!” Metal barks, ceasing the Badnik’s words. “I get your meaning. How did you even know about that?”

 

“Ah, but that leads to Question 2:” It opens its mouth wide again. “How long have you been here?”

 

“I’ve been on top of head-head for approximately eight hours and thirty-seven minutes. You might be aware of this, but Newtron types of the abili-ability to turn invisible kept me from going unseen by you. I assume the doctor still hasn’t updated you to tell when one is in such a state, correct?”

 

Metal’s red eyes look away, squinting, not answering its question. He, of course, couldn’t see the unseeable. He remembers the day when he battled the chameleon. He tended to struggle whenever his skin blended into the walls.

 

“At anyway rate, it’s the last question, Question 3:” Metal doesn’t even look at it, opening its mouth wide again. “How do you know my thoughts!?”

 

“Neo Metal Sonic, you’ve made the incorrect assumption that I can read your thoughts-thoughts-thoughts.”

 

“What?” Metal asked, getting uninterested.

 

“You see, you’ve been sharing your thoughts of the flower through the speaker during that entire interaction.”

 

Metal’s head turns back to the Badnik. “What?!”

“Indeed-deed-deed. There’s a probability that you said many things the night before that you thought you thought-thought-thought.

 

Metal grunted. This was an embarrassing habit that the robot tended to have. He had left most of his existence without a voice, leaving him only with his thoughts. Because of that, it sometimes became hard to distinguish between the two, trying not to say what he was thinking.

 

“Now that all your questions have been answered, we should help with the sunroom.” The Newtron Badnik climbs back on top of Neo Metal’s pointy head. “They might-might-might need your assistance.”

 

Metal turns his head, “My assistance?” He asked.

 

“Why yes. You’re the most technologically advance-vance out of all of us. You would be a massive-massive-massive assistance for us.”

 

“I see…” Metal mutters before his stance stiffens in realization. “I see! Of course, you will need me a lot. It’s, as you said, NB.392. They would never get anything done without my presence. It’s only preferable that I ‘lend a hand’ as they say.”

 

“That is what I requested, yes. ”

 

“Then let’s be off!” Metal places the potted plant near a spot where the now arisen sun shines upon it. He then marches off, “They depend on my assistance!”

 

---

Metal moves toward the sunroom, now with a bunch of big pieces of metal ready to be bent into the right shape.

 

Inside were Mecha Sonic and E-117 Sigma, as well as two other types of Badniks. Looking closely, they were Egg Pawn’s, one blue and the other red.

 

Upon arrival, Sigma looked up at Metal with joy. “Neo Metal Sonic! We're so glad you’ve come to assist us. We have already gotten a head start getting the metal; all we need to do now is get them in the right shape.”

“I assumed so, yes.” Metal walked inside and picked up a piece of metal plate. “So what shape are you making this into? I can guarantee I can flawlessly turn it into its ideal shape.”

“Oh, Neo Metal Sonic,” Sigma moves closer to Metal and immediately takes the metal away from him. “It would be more sufficient and easier to have another helping hand. Trying to do so alone would be much slower.”

 

Metal takes the metal plate out of Sigma’s hands. “I can assure you I can get this done by myself.”

 

Sigma takes the metal back in his direction, “While I don’t doubt that, I assure you it would take a shorter time to allow another to assist you.” They both struggle with the metal plate, refusing to let go of their grasp.

 

Eventually, Mecha Sonic takes hold of the middle of the flat metal plate and snatches it away from both. “The more time you argue, the more time we waste not getting this done.” He says.

 

Sigma turns to Mecha and nods. “Your right, forgiveness requested Mecha Sonic. You're the rock that keeps me steady.”

 

“Mm.” Mecha Sonic looks back at Sigma, whose eyes point toward the other clone by him. He then turns to Metal. “I think it would be best if you assist me through this.”

 

Metal’s head turned. “Why do I have to team up with you?”

 

Mecha points to the two Egg Pawns, who are already working on folding their piece of scrap metal. “Because there’s no one else to work with. Like it or not…”

 

“...Fine, Just don’t be a nuisance.” 

 

Sigma claps his metal hands, “Oh, I’m very glad to hear the concept of you two getting along!” He then turns his way toward the exit. “Alright! Tails the Fox has recently given me access to a communication device. I will now use it to communicate what flowers to bring here. Good luck!” The machine waves off and leaves.

 

“O-O-O-Oh! More flowers.” NB.392 says, still on top of Metal’s head. Everyone else besides Metal is startled by this, while Metal looks up at the Newtron Badnik, as if he forgot it was there.

 

“Don’t mind him. He won’t cause any problems as we try to make progress.” Metal assured, pointing at it.

 

NB crawls onto Metal’s forehead, close to his black LED screen. “Hello, Mecha Sonic. Hello EP.168! Hello-Hello-Hello EP.169!” It says, waving its hand to all three of them enthusiastically.

 

“I see. So you have become friends with NB.392?” Mecha Sonic asked.

 

“No. Cease this useless conversation. Let’s begin already.” Metal moves over to the other side of the metal plate. Mecha shrugs and moves to the other.

 

Afterward, the four began bending the metal into the perfect shape. Metal was reluctant to fully cooperate with Mecha. It felt as though he was trying to do most of the work. Something Mecha only minded slightly, admittedly less because his younger predecessor was doing the bending. But because it felt like Metal was trying to prove something to him. Something he already felt like he knew, Something he didn’t like.

 

As they progress, one of the Egg pawns, EP.169, raises his hand. “Model Neo Metal Sonic, I have a query for you,” it asks in a deep and monotone voice.

 

The other Egg Pawn turned toward his counterpart, “EP.169. We are all occupied with our duties of garden making. We don’t have the time for useless questions.” It scolded. Its voice is higher and monotone. 

 

“Ask your question.” Metal Sonic says.

 

EP.169 lowers its metal plate and faces Metal. “Well, I’ve heard you’re from outside the island. And I would like to ask what life is like out there. I’ve always wondered how life has evolved since I was last outside.”

 

“We were never truly ‘Outside,’” EP.168 corrects. We were designated to the Death Egg near Angel Island.” It then turns to Metal. “But I am curious: What is life outside like?”

 

Metal rolls his eyes, “Well if you must know, there is more life outside this island.” He thinks over what else to add. “The sky is still the same, the plains are filled with lifeforms and flickies, and the people there live their lives nothing more than what you would likely predict.”

 

“But that sounds even more lovely than we predicted!” Said both of the egg pawns, practically squealing. 169 turns to Mecha Sonic. “Don’t you feel the same?” He says.

 

Mecha ponders for a moment. It’s been so long since he’s been outside the island, but it hasn’t been that long since he yearned to leave. But that was only to go back to Doctor Eggman. To go back with only the intention to go for himself alone is…

 

“...I’m not sure.” He answers. “I don’t even know if I would.”

 

Metal looks over to his older counterpart, almost like he is above him. “You just can’t seem to ever make up your mind.” He says. Causing some sort of growl to come out of Mecha.

 

“ Maybe if we went there, we could make moebian companions!” 168 adds.

 

“That would sound splendid!” 169 nods his head. “Do you have moebian companions, Neo Metal Sonic?” 

 

“Companions?” Metal turns his head. “You mean friends?”

 

“Ah, yes! Of course.” NB.392 says, still on Metal’s head. “Seeing that you had left the side of Doctor Eggman, that would mean you would join the side of Sonic and his friends. Does that mean they’re your friends?”

 

Metal looks at the ground. His inner engine puffs out, mimicking a dry laugh. “Hardly.”

---

Neo Metal Sonic kicks the Moto Bug with swiftness with his left leg. He instantly grabs another by its head and slams it onto the other, destroying them both.

 

Efficient, but not flawless.

 

Another Badnik, a buzz bomber, tries to move in behind him and attack the village he was trying to defend.

 

With quick haste, he grabs an Egg Pawn on its head and swiftly throws it at the flying Badnik, making it explode on impact just before it could reach a nearby village child. Although, the flash from the explosion must have been too flashy for their own eyes, seeing that they covered it up.

 

Sufficient but far from acceptable.

 

He can do better.

 

Behind him, a spinner Badnik, begins to close in on the clone. He notices it too late as it nears his head.

 

Before it makes an impact, it is quickly kicked away from him. Seen next to the now-down Badnik was the black hedgehog himself, Shadow.

 

“Try to pay attention next time,” He snides. The hedgehog didn’t bother looking at Metal before turning to the next opponent.

Metal quells his emotions. There were still enemies to defeat. He turns to the next Badnik to eliminate, more rashly, now suddenly caring less about perfection.

 

Soon, the Badniks were destroyed, and no one was hurt. Thankfully, it was only a recon team, so no one with an actual chance from the empire came to it.

 

Metal’s sensors detected that the villagers were looking at him. Some of the children were staring at him with fear and curiosity. He turned to the children to look back, only for them to quickly turn and run away.

 

…As expected.

 

He moves toward Shadow now that he has dealt with his share of Badniks. “I appreciate you assisting me with this attack.” He says. “It was needless, but I thank…”

“What are you doing?” Shadow asked bluntly.

 

“I’ve been helping take down any Badniks near villa-”

 

“That's not what I meant, and you know it.” He interrupts. “What are you doing? Why are you suddenly helping us?”

 

Another one is asking the same question. He didn’t think he would have to explain himself this often to others this much. Metal assumed just once would be enough for mobians, but apparently, it’s the opposite.

 

“I’ve changed alignments because I no longer wished to work with the doctor.” He answered.

 

“Oh? And why is that the case?” Shadow raised an eyebrow, not buying what he was saying. “You don’t seem like you’ve had a change of heart. Did you really begin to care about the world? In the span of what? Two weeks?”

“I’ve been helping the restoration for sixteen days.” Metal responds. That’s not what he meant. Even he knew that. “I simply wish to help those who can’t easily help themselves.”

 

“Why? What made you decide to do that?” Shadow stepped closer to Metal intimidatingly. “You’ve been doing the opposite for years, causing pain, suffering, and destruction to people you never met. So please, tell me. What made you have a change of heart?”

 

Metal didn’t have an answer that wouldn’t make Shadow get off his back, and the lifeform’s presence was starting to make Metal’s emotions overflow.

 

“That is between me and me alone.” He states.

 

“That’s a load of crap, and you know it!” Shadow exclaims. He then looks at Metal’s form. “And what’s up with this?” He gestures to his Neo form. “I don’t remember the doctor giving you this form before you turned rouge.”

“The fox gave it to me,” He says. Making Shaodw to widens his eyes in shock. “It’s a less powerful form. I can’t turn into my overlord form, but it’s still powerful.”

“And he still made it for you?!” Shadow shouted.

 

“It was a request from me. Belle and Sonic were the ones who gave the ‘okay.’ It was even Sonic who had the idea of these blasted limiters.”

 

The lifeform scoffs, “Belle, I should’ve known better, naïve that she is. But Sonic?! He allowed you to have this form. Him trusting you immediately is foolish!”

 

Metal red optics squint at the mention of Belle. For some reason, Shadow, of all people insulting her, irritates him. “I assure you I have no intention of betraying any of you. It doesn’t benefit me in any way. Also, I implore you not to speak ill of Belle. She has better intuition than most people in the Restoration combined. I suggest you trust it more.”

“Tch.” Shadow rolls his eyes. “Whatever.” He looks back at him. “I’m warning you, if you even think of hurting anyone, I will destroy you. And I will ensure NO ONE will fix you afterward, understand?”

 

Metal’s optics turn back to normal. “You're not the first person to threaten me as of late. I once again assure you you will have no reason to worry.” He begins to step away. His head turns to him. “Although I doubt a faker like you will do the job anyway.” He turns his head back straight and begins to walk off.

 

At that comment, Shadow snickers. “You have the biggest nerves of steel to call me that. You, YOU, of all people, are the most hypocritical to even think of me like that.”

 

Metal stops walking, emotions close to breaking through. He pauses. “...I didn’t expect a faker like you to understand.”

 

“And I didn’t expect a faker like YOU to be dumb.” Shadow's snide comment made Metal’s fist clench. “Isn’t your name Metal Sonic? You were made to be his faker. I am nothing like that.”

 

“LIAR!” Metal quickly turns back to him and gets up at his face, his optics piercing his skull. “Do you really consider me a fool, Shadow the Hedgehog!? I know what you are! You are a fake! A replacement for me! I know what you and Eggman did to the moon! I know that you are the reason he abandoned me, Why he replaced me! Because you are my own!”

 

Shadow took a small step back at Metal’s burst of anger. “You… You think I’m your replacement? How could I…”

 

“I know that you are!” Metal yells, letting all of the irrational emotions take over. “That’s all you can be. That’s all that you are. You don’t have a past! You don’t have anything because you're just a fake!”

 

Shadow's eyes widened as he remembered something. “No memory… Is that why you told me that long ago? Not because you were lying to me or messing with my head, but because you actually thought I had no past?!” The hedgehog almost seemed amused. He knew how foolish of a claim this was. Perhaps Metal wouldn’t know much about his past anyway, and yet…

 

“You are nothing but a fake!” Metal barks. “Just a fool who needs a reason to exist because you’ll crumble!”

 

Shadow snickers before turning the other way. “I could say the same thing about you.” He walks away.

 

Metal almost overheats with his rage. What does he know? He doesn’t know anything about him! He could never understand him! 

 

He’ll never be better than him! No one will!

 

---

 

As the shattered moon began to surface in the sky, the machines had finished forming the gardening tables and completely blown away the ceiling so it could freely receive all of the sun and water it needed.

 

Regarding gardening upkeep, they all don’t know more than the bare minimum of what one could know about the subject. Flowers need dirt, sun, and water. Nothing about the amount that was usually needed.

 

Sigma came back inside the Sunroom, almost more chipper. “Ah! Wonderful job everyone! This looks adequately perfect!”

 

“The dirt hasn’t been added yet.” Says Metal. “We were about to assemble some outside.”

“That’s what I came here to tell you all, actually. I just ended my conversation on the communication device I received this morning. And I’ve been told that we don’t have the right soil for planting, nor any seeds. So, someone is coming to our island tomorrow morning to send us the supplies!”

“I see,” Mecha says. “Is that all then?”

 

“Yes, we can continue this tomorrow! I’m glad most of you could get along with each other.”

 

Metal then turned his way out of the room. “If that’s all for today, then I don’t have any business being here. Goodnight, " he said before leaving with NB.392 still on his head.

 

Sigma and Mecha watch him leave as the green machine turns to Mecha. “So, how did it go?” He asked.

 

“He was… cooperative, but that was it. It felt relunct, though.” Mecha answered. “It still feels like he has something to prove.”

 

“Mayhaps… but cooperating is still cooperating. I’m sure he’ll let go of his “Walls” and “Be himself.” as they say.”

 

“Where did you learn those sayings?”

 

“Oh, Sonic and Tails had told this unit before they left yesterday. I’m taking their advice very seriously.”

 

“Well, let’s hope you're right.” Mecha begins to take his exit out the door. 

 

“Are you all right, Mecha Sonic?” Sigma asked.

 

“...I don’t know.”

 

“You will tell me if you’re not, correct?”

 

“...Yes.” With that, he leaves, leaving a worrying Sigma.

 

---

 

Metal Sonic stares at the dark sky, sitting on the brown sand near the ocean. The stars shone down on him. Sightseeing, in general, was appealing to him for reasons he didn’t know why or at least didn’t know how to explain.

 

It was weird. His mind usually felt like it ran a thousand miles per hour like it was always thinking about every scenario at every second. And yet, staring at the sky or just the scenery of the woods felt cooling.

 

“Hrmp! Hmmp!” Metal Sonic turns his head behind to see that NB.392 had been pushing the potted plant he had been gifted toward his direction. It was like watching someone pushing a giant boulder up a cliff.

 

“Why are you doing that?” He asked.

 

“I didn’t wish-wish you to leave behind your gift!” it grunted.

 

Metal rolled his eyes and lifted the pot along with the Newtron, who was still holding on, and placed it in between his legs. “I wasn’t going to leave it behind. I just didn’t want to bring it with me.”

 

“Ah. I see.” NB.392 then climbs onto Metal’s waist to his shoulder. “Forgiveness required. I wasn’t thinking logically. It is a repeated mistake I’ve been making for a long time.” 

 

“That is irrelevant to me. Bother someone else with this.”

 

“ Possibly-Maybe-No.” It glitched, juggling through responses.

 

“Pick one. I don’t care which.” He says, staring off into the sky once more.

 

“Question: Earlier-Earlier, when asked if you had any companions outside of the island, you responded with “Hardly,” but that hardly implies that the sum of that is very little. So does that mean you have a singular friend?”

 

Metal doesn’t even look at him back to answer, “...Possibly.” He says, staring at the starry sky, the sky that felt like it was always there for him…

 

---

…The sky felt like it was all he had. Neo Metal Sonic was staring at the night sky on a hill, not thinking about anything. Not thinking about anyone. It felt like he had turned off his logic settings.

 

He wasn’t deaf during this, though, so he quickly turned his head when he heard the sound of grass being stepped on. Seeing the pink hedgehog.

 

“Oh, there you are!” She says, giving a smile of relief. She walks over to sit beside him. “I feel like I’ve been looking for you for hours!”

 

“...Do you need something?” Metal asked, not wanting to be affected by her usual efficacious, bubbly emotions.

 

“Well… How’ve you been?” She says, almost as if she was dodging something. “We’ve never really been one-on-one with each other, you know? So I just wanted to see how you're doing.” She gestures her hands towards him. “Like, uh… How’s life on the good side?”

 

“It’s been adaqueint.” Metal answers. “People distrust me, still thinking I’m here to turn against them at any second as if I’m a double agent. They still don’t, even after I’ve saved at least a few of their lives.”

 

Amy puffs out air. “Well, sorry to hear that. But you at least understand WHY they like that right? I mean, it hasn’t even been half a year since the last time you were terrorizing towns.”

“I am aware of that. I am very aware of that fact.” Metal looks down on the ground. “I suppose… I falsely speculated that it would go differently.”

“You mean you hoped? You wanted to be accepted by everyone?”

 

“I…” Metal doesn't look at Amy but instead looks at the starry sky. “I suppose I expected more. The path I’ve been on my whole existence was pleasing the objective I wanted to accomplish. I’d… speculated that it would at least be more accepting.”

 

“Mmm…” Amy looked down at the grass, but now, neither was looking at the other. She then takes a deep breath before speaking again. “Well, there is something I’ve been meaning to tell you for a minute now.”

“Oh?” The robot’s head turned to the hedgehog’s. “Just now?”

 

“Well, like… not NOW now.” She twiddles her thumbs. “More like a couple of days now. It’s just kinda a saying, y’know?”

 

“Ah. I see.” He turned his head away. “I don’t understand moebian, eh… “Slang” even a slight amount. The one thing I at least appreciate in my days with the Doctor is that I didn’t have to worry about that.”

 

“Yeah… uh, about that in particular?” He turned back towards her. “I’m… it’s just…” She stumbles her words, scrambling to find the right one until she blurts it out. “I’m so, so, so sorry for bringing you back to Eggman!” She says.

 

“I…huh?” Metal tilted his head, “What do you mean?”

“You know! Back in the snow, like… I don’t how long ago! But like, when I found you nearly all busted down, I brought you back to him! And I just… URGH! I don’t know! Maybe I could’ve brought you back home with me! And then maybe you would’ve been on our side since then and just… Gaia below, I don’t know! Things could’ve been different if I hadn’t done that!”

 

Metal was stunned. He had never seen Amy act this way before. Well… that was a mistake. He had, but never towards him. A part of him felt flattered at it. But… the need to reassure her came first. She almost looked like she would cry, a feeling he would not allow.

 

“You can’t blame yourself over past decisions.” He says. “Perhaps things would’ve been better if you did things better. Being taken in by you does sound…” ‘Nice’. Is what he wanted to say, but he doesn’t allow the sudden emotional spark. “...But statically, you don’t know that for a fact. I recommend that you try to focus on the facts more. It is statisticly… foolish to trust your instinct thoughts.”

Amy smirks and wipes her eyes. “You sound like a teacher, " she says. Her elbow bumps his arm, surprising him with its sudden touch. “Also, don’t tell me what to do.”

 

“I-I was simply recommending it!” Metal almost shifts away, until Amy begins to laugh.

As expected, her infectious emotions were getting to him.

 

But he didn’t mind it as much as he thought he would.

 

Amy stops wheezing with laughter. “Don’t worry, Mets. People will begin to trust you one day. I’m sure of it!”

“How can you be so sure of that?” He tilted his head again.

 

“Heh, cause I sure do!”

Metal’s optics widened in surprise. “Y-You… Trust me?”

 

“Heck yeah, well… I at least believe in you. And once Amy Rose believes in something, it is now undoubtedly 100% certain that it’s true!”

 

“I…” He ponders what to say to her. He wants to say… something for this moment. ‘Of course, you would,’ or ‘It’s only natural,’ But nothing could come out.

 

Amy pats his back rather hard. “Don’t worry about it, Metty.” She reassures. “I’m certain I won’t be the last to do so. Shoot, I think Belle has been there since the beginning.”

 

“... You're right.” He finally utters. “I suppose you're right.”

 

“Of course I am! I’m never wrong about most things. Girl intuition, I suppose!”

 

Metal then turns back to her. “Although, I have to ask. “Mets?” “Metty?” you know my title; speak it!”

 

“Oh, come on, Mets. It’s just a nickname, nothing much to stress about.” She says, a laughter benign to surge out.

 

“Yes, it does. I don’t want to be associated with that… silly title!” His response was only met with more laughter, much to his annoyance.

 

…And yet, he felt as though he was more closer to getting what he needed.

Notes:

Okay so that whole Metal and Shadow argument and the beginning was wholeheartedly based and kinda stolen from @jammerlee on tumblr, where they and other few people RP a reason for why Metal did what he did in Heroes. and it is such an AMAZING theory that I had to take some of it. So shout out to them.

Also shout out to Metamy week that's is happening currently at the time of me posting this. That lastscene wasn't supposed to be outwardly Metamy but you can think of it as that I won't blame you.

So do any of you have any Queer-Queries?

Chapter 4: Help

Summary:

“I fixed him, in fact. Just like how I’m going to help all the robots you abandon.”

Notes:

This chapter was supposed to be longer but I wanted to get Something out so here its is.

Belle placed her tools onto the shelf she had made a few hours earlier. The shelf was filled with tools and trinkets: a bracelet made by Amy, a moving gift from Tangle, just a bag of colorful buttons, and an ‘Honorary Diamond Cutter’ badge from Lanolin.

 

A small dash of wind is felt behind her. She turns around and sees Sonic holding a move-in box with extra tools. “I think that’s the last of it,” he says.

 

“Thanks again for helping me, Sonic.” Says Belle, “It really does mean a lot.”

 

“Ah, it’s no problem. Had nothing much going on today, anyway.” He places the box down on the shelf. “You sure you're gonna be alright here?”

 

“Absolutely!” She nods her head, assured in herself. “I have you to thank for that!”

 

“Nah, that was mainly you.”

 

She had decided to move back into Windmill Village not too long ago, and her friends had decided to give her some moving gifts. Belle had told them many times that she wasn’t “Moving away” moving away. She just wants to live in the place she considers home the most. But that didn’t stop the gifts. Something Belle didn’t mind too much.

 

Of course, it wasn’t that long ago that she was kicked out of the village due to her origins being suspected once the people were made aware of Belle’s immunity to the metal virus. It didn’t help once people were made aware that the Tinkerer had returned to being Dr. Eggman. Making her even more untrustworthy.

 

Thankfully, Sonic and her new friends convinced everyone that she had nothing to do with Eggman besides being created by him. While some were still at least a little suspicious of her, everyone else, and mainly Elder Scruffy, the head of the village, trusted her and allowed her to live back in the village, her original home.

 

Belle, of course, was still working on the restoration. Thankfully, Windmill Village isn’t that long of a walk from the Restoration base. Or at least what she considers a long walk, around an hour and a half. But thanks to the fact that she can’t feel tired and that she loves sightseeing, she has zero problem with doing so.

 

“Welp, if that was it, I’m gonna leave you to it.” Says Sonic, giving a classic smirk. His wrist begins to beep as he looks at the mechanical watch. “Shoot! I gotta skidaddle! It’s my turn to get dinner for me and Tails. Catch ya later!” With that, he dashes off, making the door behind nearly fly off due to the sudden wind.

 

“Later Sonic!” The marionette waved off the hedgehog, and she began to take things out of the box and began to organize. ‘Since when did Sonic wear a watch?’ She thinks. ‘Tails must have made one for him. He probably doesn't have the best sense of time.’

 

TAP TAP TAP

 

The sound of tapping is heard from the window behind her. It must’ve been Sonic again. Belle rolls her eyes and turns around. “Jeez, Sonic. I already told you I’m going to be- GEARS AND STARTERS!”

 

Belle nearly falls on her back as she sees what is out her window. It wasn’t the bright blue hedgehog she saw earlier. It was his mechanical copy, Metal Sonic. He taps at her window again, as if he wasn’t sure if she heard him.

 

She moves forward the window as Metal points at the bottom of it. Letting her know that he wants to be inside.

 

With caution, she slowly opens the window. As it fully opens, she quickly backs up with her arms, defending her face, expecting him to rush in to grab her. But that doesn’t happen. Instead, he enters inside, setting his foot on the wooden table.

 

“M-Metal?!” She sputtered. Metal places his feet off the ground and gets off the table, standing next to Belle. “What are you doing here? Why are you here?”

 

Metal looks around the room, trying to find something. He turns around and finds something useful. He moves towards it and picks up a piece of graphing paper and pen, beginning to write. Their words were mathematically accurate. Every letter matched with every line as if he were making letters off a graphing equation.

“Uh… what are you…” Belle tries to look over at what he is writing before he then turns around and shows her what he wrote.

 

BECAUSE I WANT TO DO GOOD

 

“W-What…?” Belle tilted her head, trying to wrap her head around this, before  “You want to do good?” She asked as he nodded his head. “You do? You mean… you’ve turned on da-” She shakes her head before talking again. “You’ve turned on Dr. Eggman?”

 

He nods his head again. While his answers were simple, they were still so perplexing to Belle. “Seriously?” She queried, becoming cautious. “You’ve REALLY turned your back on Dr. Eggman? You don’t work with him, you're not a double agent, and this isn’t part of some big ploy? This is all you? And you really want to be on our side?”

 

He nodded his head once more.

 

“Why?” She asked, her guard becoming less guarded. “What made you want to switch?”

 

It takes him longer to answer this time. Before Belle could say something else, Metal returned to the table and got another piece of paper to write down again. He turns around and shows her the new writing.

 

BECAUSE I WANT TO HELP OTHERS

 

“You do?” Belle said, becoming more hopeful. “You really want to be on our side? Completely?” He nods his head once again. “Oh, sawdust!” Belle begins to pace around the room with excitement. Metal was still looking at her, more confused about what she was doing. “Oh, sawdust, this is great! This is amazing!”

 

The marionette then quickly scoops Metal Sonic in a hug, which surprised and confused him immensely as he kept his arms to his sides. “Oh, this is so great! Hahaha!” Belle rejoiced, almost vindicated.

 

She sets him down, and as she does, she realizes a question. ‘What is she going to do with Metal?’ Logic begins to cloud her mind. Should she bring him to the restoration and tell everyone else? Maybe… No! No, not that. Her mind then begins to think rationally. Metal could be lying to her. Eggman knows she wants to help all of his robots. He could be taking advantage of that and making Metal Sonic his pawn. Well, what can she do? Keep him here? Maybe…? If she keeps him here, he won’t be near any restoration information that might come out and be used against them if Eggman finds out. But what about everyone in the village? They just started to trust her again; most of them do, at least. She could easily lose it again if they found out she’s keeping Metal Sonic, you know? One of the most dangerous freakin’ machines out there! Maybe… Maybe she could- Wait, where is he going?

 

Belle snaps out of her thoughts as she sees Metal walking away, going straight to the front door. Outside! “Nonononono!” Belle quickly runs over to the front door, blocking it so he can’t leave. “You can’t go outside! Not yet!” 

Metal tilts his head as if to ask why. “W-Well… I just don’t know about you yet! Maybe you can just stay here?”

The copy then returns to the table and begins writing something new. He then walks back to the door and shows it to Belle.

 

I WANT TO GO TO THE RESTORATION

 

Mmm… that was suspicious. “You can’t go there yet! Everyone won’t trust you. Just… just stay with me for a little bit, please?” She looks at him desperately. “I wanna believe you really want to become better, and I think I already do, but I wanna know that I should’ve! I just… can’t fully trust you to go to the restoration yet. Please understand! I can help you convince them. But…” She snaps her fingers. “Maybe I can help you convince the village here! Yeah, yeah! If you can tell the people here your new good intentions, I’ll help you convince everyone else! Okay?”

 

She stared at him, anticipatedly waiting for an answer. A stray hand reached for her tail, ready to pull it if he tried to move toward the door anyway. But thankfully, he beeps and then nods, giving a thumbs up.

 

Belle sighs in relief as her hand backs away from her tail. “Oh, thank Gaia…” She says. “You won’t regret this! I swear, you won’t!”

 

She then looks around her house, remembering what she was doing before. “Uh… If you don’t mind, could we convince the people here later? I wanna set my stuff up here first.” Metal turns around and looks at the boxes surrounding the space. He then looks back at Belle and gives another nod. “Cool, cool…”

---

“...Cool!” Belle utters as she stares at the blue ocean below her. In amazement at the sight in front of her.

 

“Try not to fall out.” Amy playfully warns, keeping her eyes on the sky as she drives her pink cabriolet, which is currently in its flying mode.

 

“Ah! Sorry.” Belle moves back from the ocean and sits straight. “I just never gotten the chance to really look at the ocean before.”

 

“Yeah, it does look pretty cool.” Amy then snaps her finger, remembering something. “Hey, you brought the translator Tails made you, right?”

 

“Yup!” Belle pulls out her bag and pulls out a green tablet. “And you brought the gardening stuff, right?”

“Yuh uh! Along with… the stuff you brought in the back?”

 

“Oh, those are my tools! Never leave home without them.”

 

“A lot of tools to never leave at home…” the pink hedgehog rolls her eyes. 

 

Yesterday, Tails asked them to bring some soil, seeds, and watering pots to a place called Scrapnik Island. A place when told about the history, Belle was ecstatic to go to. An island filled with former Eggman robots that have abandoned their original purpose to live on an island sounded terrific!

 

And apparently, that’s where Metal Sonic has been for the past few days. And she hasn’t seen him in a while. So it would be great to see him again.

 

Soon, they reach the island. As Amy’s cabriolet slowly levitates down onto the rusty sand. As the car transforms back into average car wheels, Belle quickly hops out of the vehicle and gawks in amazement at the sight before her. “Incredible…” She utters.

 

Amy walks up to her from behind, also staring at the sight. The gigantic scrapped Death Egg. “I’ve heard Sonic talk about this place, but… holy cow!”

 

At the mention of him, Belle raises her arms in the air. “Why am I just learning about this place yesterday when I could've known this for months!?”

 

“I mean, I think Sonic found this place around the time you joined the restoration.” Amy then rolls her eyes. “Also… Sonic straight up forgets a lot of things.”

 

“Why, hello there!” A robotic voice is heard from a distance. The girls both turn around and see the green scraped-up Sigma unit walking towards them. Belle quickly hawks in excitement at the sight of him.

 

“You two must be the ones Tails asked to come here in his stead. It is an honor to meet-” Sigma is cut off when Belle quickly approaches him.

 

“Gears and starters, you look amazing!” Belle, like lighting, moves over to his left metal hand, which is covered with a white glove. “I love the style of your machine work!” She moves to his left leg at the same speed. “Did you engineer it yourself?” She then hops on his shoulders. “I love your scarf! It looks so nice and…” She gasps, “Is that a monocle?! What is it made out of?”

 

“Okay. Down girl.” Amy moves closer to the scene in front of her. “I think he would like it if you got off his personal space.”

 

“Yes.” Sigma chips in, “I agree. You are indeed currently invading my ‘personal space.’

 

“Oh, Sawdust…” Belle gets off of Sigma and is now embarrassed. “I’m so sorry! I just get so excited when it comes to mechanics.”

 

“Forgiveness is unnecessary. This unit is acceptable with “letting it go” and…” Sigma scans over Belle’s body and finds something interesting. “Mmm… You were created by Dr. Eggman as well, yes?”

 

“Oh! Uh… yes?” Belle scratches the back of her neck. She assumes it’s to be expected that a former Eggman machine would see that in her core.

 

“I see… It's wonderful to meet another one of us who is no longer under the doctor's influence.” He says, giving Belle a slight sigh of relief. “Ah! I forgot to introduce myself. I am E-117 Sigma.” He takes out his hand.

 

The marionette recognizes this and shakes his hand. “Belle the Tinkerer, it’s nice to meet you.” the machine says, now in a more welcoming spirit.

 

“Heh… Same to you.” Belle gives a shy smile, still embarrassed by her previous actions.

 

Sigma then tilts towards the pink hedgehog behind her. “And who might you be?”

 

“Amy Rose, it’s nice to meet you finally.” Amy walks up to the green robot and gives out her hand.

“Ah,” Sigma puts his hand near the front of his face, almost as if to mimic a gasp. “I didn’t know I was subject to such conversations.”

“Nah, It’s just that I’ve heard Sonic and Tails talk about this place a few times.”

 

Belle walks back towards Amy’s car and pops open her trunk. “Okay! Is there a place where you want the soil and stuff?”

 

Sigma’s perks up at the mention of soil. “Oh yes! Although, I ask that you don’t worry about carrying it all in by yourselves. Just by your arrival, I already have someone on their way here to assist. Thanks to our technology, he was notified of your arrival, so he should be here any second!”

 

“Oh, awesome!” Amy stretches her elbows, “I kinda didn’t want to carry all that stuff in just Belle and I. So I’m glad we don’t have to do all the work.”

 

Belle picks up four bags of 12 quarts of soil, one in each hand, and drops it by both of them. “Amy, no offense, you could’ve carried it all by yourself easily!”

 

“Uh, thanks?” Amy scratches her head. “I don’t know why you would say that, though.”

 

“I’ve “lifted” your hammer before. That thing felt like it weighed as much as a car!”

 

“Oh, come on…” Amy scratches her head bashfully. “You're just not that strong.”

“I’m perfectly strong, and that THING was like carrying an entire house!”

 

“I’ve should’ve expected the ones that would come here would be one that would annoy me the most.” A familiar monotone robotic voice is heard from behind. Amy and Belle turn their heads and see the source. It was almost an utter.

 

“Metal!” Belle rushes up to the clone and quickly hugs him by his waist, surprising the robot and causing him to stiffen up. “How’ve you been? I haven’t seen you in a few days.”

 

“I’ve… been fine.” Metal pats the marionette's head awkwardly. “It’s good to see you too.” He then feels a firm pat on his back, nearly knocking him forward.

 

“You’ve been giving these guys trouble, Mets?” Amy asked cheekily.

 

“I haven’t been harming them, no.” Metal responds, bluntly.

 

“Neo Metal Sonic hasn’t necessarily damaged any of us. Although he has been one with a… “Sharp Personality” if I were to give details.”

 

“Oh, sorry about that.” Belle scratches the back of her hair. “Metal is kinda like that. He tends to be… very blunt at times.”

 

“As blunt as a gun.” Amy smacked the back of Metal’s back again.

 

“I just speak my mind.” Metal crosses his arms. “I don’t see the full issues with that.”

 

“Other people do.” The marinette sighs. “C’mon, Metal. You said you would do less of this.”

 

Metal looked at Belle’s eyes, eyes that spoke of concern and disappointment. For a second, the copy looks disheartened, before shaking his head, and turns his head away from her. “They're all emotionally fine. Since you're so worried for them.” He says.

 

“Okay…” Belle wasn’t sure whether or not she should believe that. Metal rarely was honest and nice at the same time. But above all else, he seemed different. It was like he had less of a spirit in him. Almost more dull. “Hey, are you okay?”

 

“I’m perfectly fine.” Metal responded immediately.

 

“Okay. I believe you.” Belle said, a lie.

 

“In any rate,” Metal takes the bags of soil from the marinette. “We should get moving, there are plants that are in need of being… planted?” The machine shakes his head, in the stupidity of the mobian language. “Let’s be off then.” He quickly paces off.

 

“Oh! Hold on!” Amy grabs the bags of seeds with her and runs toward Metal. “Jeez, this isn’t a race!”

 

Belle looks over to Sigma. “I’m so sorry, if Metal has caused any trouble. I can try to help him out if you’d like.”

 

“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. Miss Belle.” The robot does a wave off gesture. “Metal Sonic hasn’t been the best in cooperation, but other than that he has been an adequate guest here.”

 

“Thank you for your kindness.” Belle goes over to the trunk and grabs a watering pot. “Also, Whenever you have the time I would love to talk mechanics with you. Especially how you did repairs for yourself, BY yourself.”

 

Sigma looks surprised at the marinette’s interest before nodding. “I would be happy to discuss those things with you.” He says.

 

Belle smiles and then walks toward Metal’s direction. Clearly she has a lot to talk about today.

Notes:

I’m back from the Ao3 curse! Nothing bad don’t worry. Just school. Sorry this took so long! I’ll TRY to get chapters out quickly. But no promises.

Comments are nice~

Chapter 5: Defeated

Summary:

“Nobody can defeat me! Not you! Not Sonic! Not anyone!"

“I just don’t know, Belle…” Elder Scruffy scrunches his nose. “I mean, this is a BIG ask.”

Belle had recently decided to talk with Windmill Village’s town representative, Elder Scruffy. About her current… predicament. The marionette had agreed to let the now defective Metal Sonic into her new living space. But she wasn’t going to do that without allowing Scruffy to know that.

“I swear! He isn’t going to do anything bad!” Belle gestures toward Metal, sitting in a wooden chair behind her, hands on his metal knees.

“You can’t fully be sure of that!” Scruffy retorted. “He showed up to you a day ago. That’s not enough to gain that much judgment on him.”

“I… I know. But…” Belle knew this. She knew there was the strongest possibility that this could be a trick. She could barely sleep that night thinking about it. He could’ve snuck out of her house to gather information or even attacked people in the village and blamed it on her.

But he didn’t.

Maybe this means he’s playing the long game, waiting for the perfect moment to strike or betray her. But… “I know all of the things he’s done in the past could make one distrust him. But I just know I believe in him!” 

…But because of the fact that he didn’t, she couldn’t help but have faith in him.

Metal looked up at Belle, looking astonished. “And, if I’m truly wrong, If metal truly hasn’t changed sides, then…” Belle takes a deep breath, conviction, starting to strive through. “I’ll leave the village! I’m already pushing everyone’s trust by being here. And if I retroactively put them in danger because of this, then I’ll leave.”

Metal’s red optics widened. Seeming like he wasn’t expecting her to say that. He had the sense that Belle would be more lenient and trust him. But something about this, her saying that she would leave her village if her faith were misguided, made him feel… something. Something he didn’t know how to describe.

Elder Scruffy stares at the marionette with surprise at her words before quickly pinching his nose and sighing. “Chaos, help me…” He mutters before looking back up at Belle. “Alright. If you REALLY believe he wants to switch sides, right, Metal Sonic?” 

Scruffy eyes turn to the robot clone. Snapped out of his thoughts, Metal quickly nods his head.

“Mmm…” Scruffy puts his hand back to himself, still unsure. “If he is true to his word, then I’ll allow him to stay.”

Belle takes a sigh of relief. “Oh, thank you so much!”

“Don’t worry about it. “But, Belle…” Scruffy takes both of Belle’s hands reassuringly. “Some of the people are on thin ice with you. And if you end up being proven wrong about your faith, I’ll… I’ll do what I can to make you stay after that. But…” He takes a deep exhale. “No promises that I’ll be able to convince them.”

“Okay, Elder Scruffy.” Belle sighs in relief and shakes his hand. “That’s all I needed to hear.”

“No problem, now. It’s getting late. I’ll let everyone know in a town meeting in the morning. For now, I think you should rest.”

The marionette nods her head and turns to Metal. “Come on, let's head back.”

Metal nods his head in return and follows her out, shutting the door behind him, being sure not to slam it. Scruffy puffs out a sigh. “Light Gaia be with her…”

As they make it back to her house. Metal still felt the emotion he felt when she defended her. It felt like it wanted to burst out of his system. 

“Brzzzst!”

He lets out a beep to get her attention. She turns her head. “What’s up?” She asked.

The copy stared at her for a few seconds, unsure of what to say and how to convey it. The possibilities that ran through his head felt unknown. 

 

Appreciation.

Gratitude.

Joy.

Vindication.

Ally.

Sister.

Loyal.

Ecstatic.

Surprised

 

Words he knew the meaning for felt like he had lost it or as though there was a more significant meaning behind it. A meaning he had no idea how to identify.

He felt like grabbing a piece of paper to write it down in words. But there wasn’t even one coming to him. The words were fleeting away before he could identify them. What was happening to him? What error or virus had befallen him?

Belle patted his shoulder, snapping him out of his head. “You seem a bit lost in thought. Are you tired?” She lightly smacks her forehead, “Wait, no… robots don’t get tired, Belle. Urgh… YOU should know that.” She sighs. “Sawdust… well. You should probably rest your mind a bit. So, cool down for the night, Kay?”

Metal stared at her for a moment. His body was always stiff, but at the moment, he felt frozen. He nods his head.

“Kay.” Belle stretched her arms. “Well, if you need me. I’m gonna be in my room inventing. I like to build random stuff to take my mind off things. Night!” She walks off to her room. Leaving the Metal to stare at the ground in silence.

…What WAS this feeling? It was irking him now.

He plays back her words to Elder Scruffy from earlier.

“I know all of the things he’s done in the past could make one distrust him. But I just know I believe in him!”

Again…

“…But I just know I believe in him!”

And again…

“I believe in him!”

“I believe in him!”

“I believe in him!”

“I believe in him!”

“I believe in him!”

He hadn’t realized he had been standing in the same place for two hours and four minutes until he noticed the sun had completely gone down.

He then hears a noise coming from Belle's room. He walks over to identify it but sees her resting her head on her desk, sleeping with an unfinished wooden basket beside her face.

Something he didn’t know she could do. She was a machine, wasn’t she? The Doctor had created her himself. He wasn’t in a state of mind that was his own, but when did he have the ability to do this? Or was this something that she surpassed him in? Something she could do regardless of programming?

Why was she better than him?

What has she done to be better than him?

He still felt the unknown feelings as the recording played again without even realizing it.

Gratitude

“ I believe in him!”

Ally

“ I believe in him!”

Loyal

“ I believe in him!”

Sister

…What was this weakness?

---

 

“The garden is down here.” Metal walks down the dark hall with Amy and Belle behind him. Amy is more wary of the dark, while Belle is walking in it just fine.

“Belle, can you make a light or something?” Amy asked the marionette.

“Yeah, I can.” Belle's eyes then glow like a built-in flashlight. Amy covers her eyes briefly because of the bright flash but quickly looks behind Metal’s back. “Thanks. Now, this place is at least a little bri-”

“GREETINGS!” On the back of Metal’s head was NB.392, who had yelled ecstatic at the two new guests

“Oh my gosh!” Amy falls onto the front of Belle's body in surprise, and Belle stares astonished.

Metal stops on his feet as his tensed shoulders fall. “Of course…” he muttered.

“I’m delighted to meet new guests! I am unit NB-B-B-B.392. What are your names?”

Amy holds her ears in pain. “Jeez! It’s beeping is so loud!” She yelps. “Why is it beeping so loud!?”

“Unit NB, please turn down your volume.” Metal didn’t even turn around, but his annoyance was evident.

“Oh, forgiveness requested.” NB’s volume gets lowered to a flicky’s squeak.

Metal reaches for the Newton badnik’s body and lifts him. Turning around to the others. “They're not going to hear you with that meek voice!”

“Sorry.” His voice was now at a more normal volume. “You're very-very-very helpful.” 

“Quiet you.” The clone shook his body from the compliment. “Amy, Belle. This is NB.397. He doesn’t have a voice box implemented, so I can translate what he says.”

“Oh, wait. I actually have something for this.” Belle quickly pulls out a yellow tablet. “Tails lent me a copy of his translator for today.” She turns it on ecstatically. “Please go again, NB.”

“It is very nice to meet new guests-guests-guests!” The newtron reaches his hand toward Belle and Amy, with the pink hedgehog shaking it.

“What did it say?” Amy whispered toward Belle.

“He said he’s happy to meet us.” 

“Cool, cool.” Amy nods her head and looks back at NB. “Well, it’s nice to meet you too, uh…”

“NB.397.” Metal answered instantly.

“NB! It’s nice to meet you!”

NB leaped onto Amy's head almost like its name was a command. “It is so joyous to meet some of the people Metal Sonic has been-been speaking about.” It exclaimed.

“Aww, NB said Metal has been speaking about us!” Belle gushed.

“Aww, Really?” Amy inched closer to Belle to get a closer look at the tablet.

“I-I… I do no such thing!” Metal quickly turned back around, not facing the two in the eye. “I don’t know why it would say such a thing in the first place.”

“But you do, just never directly-ectly.” NB chimed in. “For you see, Neo Metal Sonic tends to say words through his voice box from my hypostasis, unconsciously says his thoughts aloud.”

“Yeah, y’know, I’ve noticed him do that occasionally,” Belle added, nodding. Sometimes, she would walk into a room with him inside, hear him saying something to himself, but then stop once she made her presence known.

Amy snickered, and her elbow bumped into the marionette’s and whispered, “I heard him mutter rock lyrics to a song I showed him once.”

“Alright!” Metal quickly began to walk forward. “We can’t stay here the whole time chatting. We have flowers that need to be planted!” The clone says, marching off.

“Uh… I’m so sorry for him, NB.” Belle turns to the badnik. “He’s not really the nicest person to be around sometimes.”

“Oh-Oh-Oh. There is no need for apologies. Neo Metal Sonic hasn’t been a bad company for this unit.” NB quickly hops onto Belle’s beanie. “Quite the contrary, this unit has greatly enjoyed his company!”

“I’m glad to hear that.” She smiles at the good news. “I haven’t seen him for a while.”  Her smile slightly faltered. “Not since the argument.”

“Argument?” Amy's head tilts. “You two argued? When?”

Belle looks as if she didn’t mean to bring that up. “Oh… I… It wasn’t that serious. It happened a few days before he was put here. D-Don’t worry about it! It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Hmm… Okay.” Amy nodded her head, doubtful and untruthful. She was going to find out more about this.

Eventually, they make their way into the makeshift garden room, with the giant gap in the room making a beautiful shade. “Gorgeous…” Amy looks around the room amazed and places the soil near the table. “I gotta say, this place can look real pretty with the right decorations.”

“That is the intention, yes.” Another sound of beeps is heard in the room as Mecha Sonic and Mecha Knuckles walk in behind them. Metal looks as if he just mimicked a sigh as a huff of air flows out of his body.

Belle gasped in surprise. “Oh, jeez. I didn’t even notice you two.” She said, The small tinkerer then takes a closer look at the machines. “Woah, the tinking on both of your bodies looks amazing!” In astonishment, Belle moves around the two, making both machines unsure of what to do. “Though, and no offense, I am noticing a lot of you guys need a good washing or something. There’s rust all over you guys.”

The pink hedgehog then pats Belle on the head. Snapping her out of her fixation. “Okay, girl-mechanic. Remember to try to give them personal space.”

“Oh… right. Uh, by bad.” Belle moves her arms in an awkward attempt to make a ‘aw shucks’ motion while slightly avoiding eye contact. 

Mecha Sonic looks closely at the marionette, scanning her up and down until he recognizes the signature way how she was built. Mecha Knuckles also acknowledges this as he bumps his ball hand onto the other’s arm. “Iz she all so one of us?” He says.

 “Oh, uh…” Belle looks at the translator once again.

“It seems so.” The older Sonic clone replied.

“Uh, hey there!” Belle waves at the two. “Sorry for earlier, I’m Belle the Tinkerer. I… really get enthused over mechanics. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

Mecha Sonic shakes his head. “It’s alright, it’s your first time here.”

Belle looks over his words before heaving a sigh of relief. “Oh, thank goodness. Sorry, I’ll try to keep to myself more.”

“Again, it’s no issue.” Mecha Sonic puts his claw hand to his chest. “I am Mecha Sonic, V.02. And this is Mecha Knuckles, MK.00.” He gestures to the shorter clone as he moves toward the dropped soil bags.

The marionette’s eyes widened when she looked at what Mecha told her. “Oh, Mecha Sonic? I didn’t…” She looks behind to glance at Metal, still trying not to look at the scene behind. Belle looks back at the older clone. “I mean, didn’t… I don’t mean to…”

Amy seemed to have felt the same awkwardness as Belle. “I’m gonna see if Mets need any help. You know how he is; he knows nothing about plants!” She quickly walked to him.

“I understand your confusion.” Mecha nods her head. Though, he was wrong. Belle wasn’t confused. She just wasn’t sure what to say. “Doctor Eggman had created two copies of Sonic the Hedgehog. One that was more successful.” His claw hand points to Metal then puts his hand again in his chest. “And one that was defeated.” His voice almost sounded defeated. Like he said, it was the first time he said this aloud. “The one behind you was one he made after my failure. Abandoning me in the process.”

“I’m so sorry!” Belle reaches her hand toward his claw. She accepted that… Dr Eggman was a cruel and evil man. And she knows this isn’t even the worst thing that he’s done. But abandoning his creation, seemingly multiple of them behind and letting them feel this way, felt so horrible. “I’m sorry that happened to you, and I’m sure you're not a failure!”

“Thank you for your kind words. But I’m doing ‘okay’.” He puts her hand to herself. “I have to ask, though, are you also one of the doctor’s creations? I recognize his signature building style in your form.”

“Oh… Uh, yeah. I am.” She responds a bit cautiously, unaware of how he would react. It only makes sense that there’s some Eggman in her system. He did have amnesia, but it must’ve been a reflex for him to design that way. “I’m not really… proud of it.”

“It’s alright. We don’t choose our creators. You have no fault in that.” 

Belle blinks periodically before nodding again. “Thanks, Mecha. That… means a lot.”

Amy looks over the two with a soft smile. “Looks like they're getting along.” She beamed.

“It seems they are.” Metal responds flatly. 

“Mm.” The pink hedgehog squints at the copy, Clicking her tongue as she turns her way to Mecha Knuckles. “Oh, hi!” She waves at the machine, seeing him holding a bag of soil wrapped around his ball arm. Amy picks it up from his arm. “Thanks a bunch!” She unveils it and pours it down on the table.

She then hears a broken beep from the robot with the cowboy hat. “Uh…” Amy turns to Metal. “What is he…?”

“He’s thanking you for ‘assting’ him.” He says, using air quotes.

“What do you mean by ‘assting’?” 

“His voice beeping is slightly broken. So it causes him to mess up common grammar.” Metal snides into the shorter robot, causing his ball fist to make sharp contact with Metal's leg. “…immature.”

“Ehh… dunno about that.” Amy shrugged. “You did kinda just insult him. Can’t blame him for responding in kind.”

“Hm.” Metal dumps another bag of soil down the table, making another awkward silence.

Amy puffed out air. She then claps her hands to get Belle and Mecha Sonic’s attention. “Hey, this room looks really pretty. And it’ll look even prettier once we get some flowers blossoming! But I’ve been thinking. And we don’t have to do this, but maybe we can make makeshift pots. Hang them up in the room so they’ll look real pretty with the sunlight.”

“Mm. That's not a bad suggestion.” Mecha puts a claw on his chin. “Some loose flowers around the island could use a better home.”

Belle looks up at her translator to Amy. “Mecha Sonic gives that a thumbs up!” She says, giving one of her own.

“Cool! Could you two maybe get some parts for that? We can just finish up here and plant down these seeds.”

“That’s fine with me.” Belle nods.

“Follow me. I know a place on the island with scraps of metal to spare.” Mecha Sonic leads Belle the way as they exit the room.

Amy clapped her hands, “Okay, that should be good.”

“I don’t understand why you suggest something like that.” Says Metal. “The room seems like it would be fine without pots filled with plants filling the room.”

“Eh, maybe it’ll look good, maybe it won’t. Won’t know until we see.” 

“I suppose.”

“At any rate, with them gone, we can talk just the two of us.” She beams at the clone. “We haven’t done that in a while.”

Metal looks back at his history log data. He supposed it has been long since they’ve talked one-on-one, minus Mecha Knuckles. They last did so when they were on the hill to the starry night sky. 

“What did you want to talk about?”

“Well, you didn’t hear it from me. I heard that you and Belle had a little argument recently.”

Metal stops his movement, freezing his arms before slightly relaxing his now tense arms. “…I see.”

“So uh…” Amy clicks her tongue again. “Wanna talk about that?”

“…I didn’t hurt her feelings.” Metal responded flatly. 

“Okay, well, what happened then?”

“Nothing you need to worry about.” He states again. He did not even glance at her.

“Uh-uh.” Amy moved closer to Metal, pointing at his chin. “You don’t get to say that and not make me worried. What happened?” Her voice became louder, more passionate. Something that caught Mecha Knuckles's attention as he began to listen in.

“I told you not to worry about it! Now leave it be!” Metal became more irritated. His own volume became louder.

“I’m not gonna leave it alone. Tell me what happened. Or who started it, or at least how it ended, just please tell me something!”

Metal slams his hands onto the table and finally turns his way to the pink hedgehog. “You just need to feel everything, don’t you!?” Amy slightly steps back, startled by the clone’s frustration.

“W-What are you…”

“You just need to feel every emotion for everything that exists! You need to overwhelm everyone with your “worry” and your “Sorries” or even your tears! I’m not even close to understanding why one could feel this strongly about anything this irrelevant to them. But I know, for a fact, that it is a nuisance to me! It is a distraction!” 

Amy’s face fell, dismayed. As expected, it caused Metal to falter, but not for long. “I refuse to let your emotions out! Your overwhelming feelings to test me any longer if all they are meant to do is annoy and stall me! And I suggest you take that for advice!”

Metal poked the pink hedgehog on the shoulder. She was too appalled to react fully. Her face still had the same expression as before; it was as if her brain had paused to process.

It didn’t take long for it to change. Change into anger. 

She immediately pushes his shoulder back, catching the clone off guard. “Maybe you need to get some emotions of your own. You always have that weird scowl on your face! You always look so dang angry with it. Oh, wait! It’s because your face can’t move! It can’t emote!”

She moved closer to him, and she pressed on. It was a sour spot to insult something like that, maybe even childish. But she was too angry to care. “And sure. Maybe I’m a little “Emotion heavy.” Wanting to let the world know how I feel at every moment, but at least I know how I feel! I know when I feel happy; I know when I feel sad, or scared, or even goofy! And sure as heck angry! But at least I know it! I don’t know what’s going through that head of yours. I don’t know what you're thinking! You seem to be in your head all the dang time! So come on, spill it. Say what you wanna say! Say what you feel about me! What do you feel about Belle? How do you feel about anyone?!”

“I…” Metal looked back and forth to the angry hedgehog before him. He had never seen her like this. Angry, yes. He was used to seeing her in battle. This felt different. Almost as if she wasn’t holding back. But not in the physical sense. “I don’t know what you want from me.”

“I don’t know what you want from me either!” She burst out. “Do you want me to be some deadpan girl who keeps to herself constantly? I’m not gonna do that! Because I don’t want to do that! And you can’t make me do that. I’ll tell you how I feel about every little thing you find pointless every day. Maybe once you're done with that, you can finally express how much you hate me.”

She walks away from Metal and moves to the door. Metal reaches out almost immediately. “I don’t…” the words came out of his speaker before he realized what he said. He didn’t hate her? Why? What stopped him? He stated how he found her distracting to her face! Why didn’t he agree with that?

Amy had already reached the door before he could think of the answer. “Have fun with your robo friends. Hope you learn more about yourself here than with anyone else. Not like I ever tried.” With that, she stormed off.

…

What?

What is happening to him? This feeling of weakness, feeling through him again? “I don’t hate you.” Why was he thinking that for her?

“That wasn’t a nice-nice-nice thing to say, I believe.” Metal freezes, hearing NB’s voice once again. It seemed to have hopped off of Amy’s head at one point.

He then quickly grabs the newtron that was on top of his head and grips it to his face. “Shut. Up.”

Mecha Knuckles then moves over to the two and stretches his ball arm to intentionally miss punching close to the side of Metal’s face to catch his attention. As the newer model looks over to the puncher, Mecha’s arms reel back as he puts himself in a fighting position. “Let. it. goes.” He threatens.

Metal looked over to the other robot as a puff of steam let out of his system. He lets go of the Newtron, making it land on the floor. It still crawled to Metal’s side.

“Stay out of this.” He ordered. “You have nothing to do with this. Leave it be.”

“I believes I have some ideas.” Mecha Knuckle's stance never wavered, still ready to knock sense into him at any moment. 

“Oh? Enlighten me then! What have you figured out about that outdated data of yours!?”

“I thinks your just confused,” Mecha states.

Metal mimics a scoff. “Confused? About what? I know that anyone here! What could be confusing to me?”

“I don’t mean in the literal senses. I mean in the inner.”

“The inner…?! What blather are you on about!? That doesn’t even make sense!”

“Oh!” NB moves closer to Mecha Knuckles, climbing its way onto the top of his cowboy hat. “I believe I understand what-what-what MK.00 is proposing. He’s saying you're just confused about your current-current state.”

“What would he know!?” Metal’s voice booms louder as he becomes more erratic. “I'm perfect, far more than any of you are!”

“But I hear you state how stuck you are with your new comrades in your new home-home. Last night, when you spoke about your frustrations with the ultimate lifeform.”

Metal optics widens. Of course, He’d been speaking aloud. Without noticing or remembering, someone was listening.

“Or even your frustrations over your thoughts on the tinkerer. Or your feelings over Amy Rose.”

Metal lifts the table and throws it to the wall behind them, both of them ducking in response. He couldn’t take this anymore. He’s not going to be told by them, by THEM, that they know him more. “I know my emotions PERFECTLY!” He burst out in anger. 

The side of the wall begins to creak slightly as a chunk of it begins to tear.

“None of you know NOTHING about me! And it’s made abundantly clear every moment and every time I’m with you! You don’t know how I feel! You don’t know my rage! My anger! My feelings! Which I don’t even want! What could you know about my feelings? My feelings for ANY of those moebians?!”

“Neo Metal Sonic… you have spoken on them just a few minutes ago.”

Metal’s engine felt like it stopped, stuttering at Newtron’s words. “W-What?”

“When Amy Rose left-left-left the room, you had spoken about them aloud. Speaking about ‘Feelings of Weakness-weakness-weakness.’”

“Wevebe een in the room still when you spoke.” Mecha Knuckles jeered.

Metal stared at the ground in disbelief. Why did they have to know his own thoughts?

“Neo Metal Sonic, I have zero understanding-anding of your cognitive state. But-but-but, I wish to know more if you allow this unit.”

“I don’ts.” Mecha Knuckles says. "If he's just gonna be ‘stuck in hiss own head,’ Then how can we help him?”

“We can still-!”

“THAT’S RIGHT!” Metal barked, stomping his feet, making the tear in the wall grow. “None of you know nothing of me! You didn’t even know I existed before I came here! What could you know about me?!”

“I still wish to reach out!” 

For the first time since he’s heard it speak, Metal hears NB’s beeps in complete clarity. No garble, no glitching, clear as crystal beeps.

“And I truly do believe that everyone-anyone-EVERYONE you know wants to do the same.”

“You…” Metal was lost. He didn’t know what to say. Words were lost to him. “You don’t know who I am!” He steps forward. “You can’t understand who I am! What I am! None of you could!” He steps away from the light when it becomes brighter.

NB moves away from Mecha Knuckles and to the newer clone. “I still wish to be by your side. If you just allow me.” 

Speechless, wordless, and shocked. He was again overwhelmed with this weakness, and it kept getting bigger. “I…”

A loud creak is heard, and a side of the wall begins to fall onto the three. Mecha moves away first, noticing it immediately. The same couldn’t be said for the others. “NB!” He screeched.

That snapped Metal out of his thoughts. The wall was coming down faster. And without thinking, without going over the consequences, without thinking of a more thoughtful way, by thinking sporadically, He leaps to NB and wacks it away from the falling metal.

 As NB’s tiny body is swayed to the other side of the room, the wall falls onto Metal, and the hard, unexpected steel hits him right at the center of his chest and right into his proces-

 

BOOTING SYSTEM DOWN.

MS.00 CONSCIOUS STATE: UNCONSCIOUS

CURRENT FORM: NEO VER.03

STABILITY: DOWN

NEO FORM STABILITY: INOPERABLE

COOLING FEATURES: FUNCTIONING

TEMPERATURE: NORMAL

FULL STATUS: DEFEATED

DUE TO INACCESSIBILITY, NEO VER.03 CANNOT BE USED UNTIL REPAIRED

Notes:

I am back from the curse! Hopefully the next chapter comes out sooner.

Chapter 6: Big and Scary

Summary:

“The world doesn’t seem nearly as big and scary anymore!”

Notes:

Sorry it took another minute, life and stuff.

(And I was working on a certain Big Bang with a lot of cool people that you all should check out.)

https://www.tumblr.com/futurehauntedghost/787114714306150400/post-by-erebusfin-1-image?source=share

Belle and Mecha Sonic walked to the edge of the island, an area that was by the edge of the island. The marionette steps onto the edge to take in the view of the ocean. 

 

“Woah!” She gasped, “This place is so great! Why the heck am I just now here? Why did Sonic take so long to tell me about this place?”

 

“That is a good point.” Mecha nodded his head. “I wonder how long you’ve been a part of Sonic’s company and not have heard of this place.”

 

“Uh, about a year now, I think.” She laughs. “Heck, I’m not even the only one he could’ve told about this!”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Well, there’s me, of course, and Metal. But then there’s also Omega. Uh, E-123 Omega, to be specific. And then there’s also Gemerl. I don’t know his code name, though. Dunno if he even has one.”

 

Mecha’s interest seemed to have peaked. “There’s more Eggman machines that rebelled?”

 

“Yeah! I mean, if you and Metal can, Why can’t more, right?”

 

“The same goes for you, I presume?”

 

“Uh, sorta?” Belle shrugged. “I mean, I was made by Eggman, but not really? He wasn’t in the… correct mind when he made me.” She faces toward the ocean. “He thought he was someone else…”

 

“Someone else?”

 

“Yeah, someone else entirely…” Belle’s voice seemed to become somber, “Someone that is his daughter. Someone that loved me…” she said with a lowered voice.

 

She quickly shakes her head. “Ugh, sorry. That was a bit too personal!” She turns her head to Mecha. “Life has been good to me! I hope it is for all of you.”

 

Mecha nods, “It has been.” He said. “ Although, maybe not ALL of us.”

 

“Mm?” She perks her head before her eyes, then widens in remembrance. “Oh, Metal!” She snapped her fingers. “Yeah… It’s been kinda rough for him.”

 

“You seem to be accompanied with him personally.”

 

“Oh, uh, yeah.” Belle nodded. “We live with each other now, so we kinda have to be now.”

 

“You live with him?”

 

“Yeah, in a place called Windmill Village. It’s a nice place. You all should visit sometime.”

 

“I’d noticed the two of you were distant with each other.”

 

“Us?” Belle begins to look meek. “I mean, admittedly, yeah. We haven’t really spoken to each other in a while. And the last time we did…”

 

“It didn’t end well?” Mecha presumed, finishing the sentence.

 

“…Yeah.” Belle nodded her head again.

 

“What exactly happened?”

 

“Nothing bad!” Belle quickly assured, “At least nothing violent.” Belle then sighed, “I guess it was a lot, though…”

 

---

 

It had only been two days since he had regained his Neo form, and it seemed like he was on some manic high.

 

Metal was so happy at first. FINALLY, he was in an acceptable form. Finally, he was in a form where the appearance was his decision! Finally, he could speak once again!

 

This is what it must’ve felt to feel normal, maybe even sane! Beyond belief, he was relieved.

 

But then the third day arrived. And not only did the euphoria run out, but something else also disappeared. Something at the time he couldn’t pinpoint. 

 

When he was in public, people would still run away from him, give him worried glances or suspicious glares, or say something threatening to him unwarranted.

 

He hated it. He hated all of that.

 

He knew now that this was inevitable and that it was just plain foolish to think it would be otherwise. But that still didn’t make it easier to accept. 

 

Why was everyone still afraid of him? He’s not stupid enough to assume why, but look at him! He was stronger, faster, and better than ever, perfected beyond anything now!

 

He was on par with his loathsome copy, wasn’t he? He was on the same side as him now! They’re “Friends” or whatever foolish thing he called him now! 

 

So why didn’t it feel like it wasn’t?

 

It took the fourth day to realize the truth.

 

…He wasn’t.

 

Metal felt he shattered apart.

 

After everything… After every-LITTLE-thing he had done, he wasn’t superior to Sonic! Hardly even par as he thought of it. Sonic was beloved by all who could see it. Most precious friends are who they are because of him. So is he, but he’s not content with that!

 

What was he supposed to do now?! Return to the empire. He couldn’t do that. He would NEVER do that now. Let alone would they even let him. Eggman would likely be reprogrammed to never do something like this again if he was fortunate. He predictably would be ripped up for scrap and parts after his transgressions.

 

What was the point? What was the point of it all?! What was the point of THIS?! What was it all for if his objective wouldn’t even be complete now?

 

He can’t give up now! He can’t be decommissioned now! He was so close! He was right there! He has to complete this objective that has been nagging his systems since he was created.

 

On the fifth day, he had found a new solution. Metal had already done half of the work to join Sonic’s side, but clearly now, that wasn’t enough. His original… opinions were unnecessary. They were his downfall. They always were! He had to drown them out! Figuratively, of course. He has to get rid of them and leave no trace.

 

What Sonic IS he would have to be! What Sonic WANTS is what he has to want. He has to be the better Sonic. Completely.

 

Which leads to today, the sixth day. Metal practicing his Sonic’s poses in the mirror.

 

Sonic wouldn’t pose like this. He changes the pose. Better, but not accurate. It has to be something more… arrogant. He changes it again. No, now it seemed snide. Maybe…

 

Metal walks over to a bag and takes out a chili dog, placing it closer to where his mouth would be.

 

He stared at the mirror for a few seconds, trying to see if something would click. Something right, something perfect.

 

Nothing.

 

He crushes the chili dog in his hand. “Curses!” His voice box uttered. He cleanses his hand of the filth and stomps on it on the ground furiously. “Curse this… DAMN, inability!”

 

A knock is heard on his door, “Hey, Metal?” Belle’s muffled voice is heard inside. “Are you okay in there? I heard you yelling.”

 

Metal’s hands clench tightly before slowly releasing. His face never leaves the ground, facing the stained chili dog. “I’m fine.” He says.

 

“Okay…” She sounded unsure. Metal assumed she would leave after, but the door slowly opened. “Do you wanna talk?”

 

“I told you I’m fine. Accept that.” He said more sternly.

 

“I mean…” Belle twiddles with her fingers nervously. “You say that. But I’ve heard you yell in here about a couple times now. I could at least listen.”

 

Metal’s face finally turns to the marionette’s, still not saying anything.

 

Belle eyes the food stain on the ground. “Oh? What’s that for?” She asked. “Neither of us eat.” Metal’s fist clenched. “I don’t know what you're planning to do with…”

 

“Don’t worry about it.” He interrupted. “You wouldn’t understand.”

 

Belle shrugged, “Try me.” She says, “I can still just be an ear.” She then crosses her arms. “I’ve heard from Tangle and them that you’ve been acting differently. Or at least oddly. We can start with that.”

 

“…I was just upset. That’s all.”

 

“About what? I’m really not trying to push you, but I can’t really help you with so little.”

 

“Help?” Metal walks forward the marionette. “You think you can help?!”

 

“I-I I want to try!” She slightly backs away from him. “I don’t want to be your enemy, at least!”

 

Metal’s red eyes pierced through Belle’s. “You don’t know me! You don’t understand me! We’ve barely been acquainted long enough for you to claim to be!”

 

“I just… I just want to help you!” Belle burst out. “Gears, is it really that hard for you to accept!? I’m sorry, I want to be close to one of the few robots that was on the Eggman Empire! Cut me some slack for that!”

 

Something inside Metal snapped at that. ‘Was on the Eggman Empire’ Utter. Foolishness.

 

“You know NOTHING of me!” He roared, which caused Belle to back away once more. “You weren’t even a part of the empire! You didn’t know Eggman! You know nothing about any of this! If so, then here’s a question: What’s your objective?”

 

“Uh… I…” Belle stared speechless at the taller robot. An answer couldn’t leave her because there wasn’t one to be found.

 

“You have none! You were made by some… False doctor who didn’t even remember his own cruelties! Meanwhile, my objective is to surpass Sonic the Hedgehog. That stupid blue hairball! Here I am, saying things I despise in a pose I loathe in a voice I hate!”

 

“Then just don’t!” Belle rebutted, “If this isn’t you, just stop! Just be yourself.”

 

“Be myself ?!” It almost sounded as if Metal’s voice cracked. He sounded offended, appalled. “THIS IS ME!” He moved closer to Belle, backing her into a wall. “I told you before I’m not you! I have this objective that I have to fulfill. What do you even mean when you say that!? You say this as if this isn’t all I am! All I’ll be! Not like you, though.” Belle’s back touches the wall as Metal stands above her. “You were allowed to live as free as you ever wanted! That was your objective! Do you know how much I YEARN for that to be the case for me? Maybe then I would learn who ‘Myself’ is? You are just some irritant embodiment of my out-of-reach reality! But it’s stupid to think I could! YOUR stupid to think I could ever be more than-!”

 

…He didn’t know she could cry. Maybe if he did, he wouldn’t have stopped talking. It felt confusing to stop speech because of someone else’s tears.

 

It wasn’t a downpour; it was just three small stripes of sadness. Belle looked less sad and more shocked. 

 

As did he.

 

He couldn’t stay here any longer. He quickly walked away from the marionette and walked out the front door, leaving the house.

 

Belle wiped her tears with both of her hands. She then covers her face with them and sighs. “What am I doing wrong?”

 

---

 

“It wasn’t that serious though, don’t worry.” Belle waved her hand off to Mecha Sonic. “I mean, don’t worry too much about it.”

 

Mecha stared at the marionette with confused worry, unsure what to say to her. 

 

“I’m… not really like any of you guys.” She says, disheartened. “I mean… Sonic was never really my enemy. I don’t even really know Eggman. The only thing that connects me to all of you is that he made me. And even then, not really.” She laughs sadly, “I don’t know! I’m just rambling.”

 

“…When I first awoke here, I was… SO angry.”

 

Belle turns her direction to the machine. “What?”

 

Mecha moved closer to Belle’s side as he stared his view toward the ocean. “I was thrown out by the doctor after I failed to destroy Sonic. It… didn’t feel correct to me. I understood I failed my objective, but to be shut down just because it felt… unjust.” 

 

Mecha seemed lost, reflecting on himself. It almost seemed like he rarely did it.

 

“Now, I’m thankful to Sigma for repairing me to the best of his abilities. But I wasn’t as appreciative of that before. I wasn’t appreciative of ANYTHING here.” Mecha stared at his left hand, “I only wanted to go back to Eggman. I wanted to prove him wrong. That I WAS still necessary for the empire. I’m unsure what I would have done if I had known of Metal Sonic’s existence; it likely would have destroyed me. Figuratively, of course.”

 

He then stares at his claw hand. “Or, maybe I would be where I am now, but sooner. I believed my purpose was to serve Eggman. But that was because it was set for me to be that. But now it’s my own. And the idea that it feels so…” He ponders on the word. It felt like he was given the thing to do everything for anything, but the words to describe it always failed him.

 

“…Free.” He says, “I don’t know if that’s the right word for it. But it feels correct.”

 

“Huh…” Belle blinked as she took in what Mecha told her.

 

Mecha Sonic stares back at Belle. “Maybe we’re not alike. But I don’t feel that it’s wrong for you to assume a kinship with us.”

 

“Mmm…” Belle felt her eyes begin to well up with tears. She quickly wiped away any tear that would’ve fallen. It felt like it would’ve been mawkish to cry over this. She can’t understand what Mecha is going through. She couldn’t. So why?

 

“Oh…” it almost seemed like his eyes widened at the sight of her tears. “I wasn’t aware that you could… Please forgive me. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

 

“No, no, no!” She says reassuringly. “I’m fine. I just…” She dry heaved, and at that, she fell to her knees. … "I don’t know.” She laughed weakly. “You just kinda got me thinking.”

 

“About?”

 

“I…” Her wooden mouth opened, then closed; it felt like what she would say would be embarrassing or maybe upsetting. She would’ve dodged it further, but she couldn’t bring herself to do so. “I was made to be the Tinkerer’s daughter.” She let out.

 

“The tinkerer?”

 

“Yeah, uh…” Belle shakes her head, making sure she won’t cry again. “Eggman had lost his memories and became a tinkerer for a village. And… he made me to be his daughter.” She heaved out. “I didn’t… really spend too much time with him, but eventually he recovered his memories. And now…”

 

She couldn’t stop the wave of tears that came out of her. Or the cry she let out as she did. As She held her arms together, Mecha stood awkwardly close to her, unsure what to do.

 

“It felt like my dad abandoned me…” She cries. “Why would he do this to me! I was his daughter! He made me be all of this! He made me good with machines! He made me emotional! He made me able to cry! He made me like everyone else! How could he discard me like I was nothing!” 

 

Mecha moves closer to Belle and crotches down toward her.

 

“Sorry…” Belle sniffles, “I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have said all of that. I don’t want to burden you with anything.”

 

“You say we’re unalike, but I believe you just proved yourself wrong,” Said Mecha. 

 

“…What?”

 

“I don’t necessarily relate to being the doctor’s ’daughter.’ Still, you seemed to have lost your Original directive as well, correct?”

 

“I…” Belle wipes her eyes again, thinking about whether or not it is true. “Maybe.” She said, “There’s not a lot like me and Metal. There’s Omega, but he’s not the talking type, I don’t think. And Gemerl just seems to distance himself from all of that anyway. So, I thought that with Metal now living with me, I finally had someone to relate to. To go through all of this with. But now… I don’t know. We both came from Eggman. I thought that it'd be simple.” She sighs. “It was a stupid thought. Sawdust, do I know that now. But I dunno. He just seems so lost. So am I, I guess. But I don’t know what to do about it.”

 

“The two of you are similar in that way. You two are just two separate kinds of lost.” Mecha said, “I could be wrong, but from my experience, being lost isn't a bad thing, 

 

“What does that mean?”

 

Before Mecha could answer, a lighter, more aggressive-sounding beeps was heard in the distance.

 

“What’s that?” Belle asked.

 

“I believe…” Mecha moves closer to the beeps, with Belle following behind.

 

As they gain distance, they both see Sigma leaning down the newtron badnik Belle had encountered earlier that day. It seemed to be conveying something important to Sigma.

 

“Sigma, what’s going on?” Mecha asked. 

 

Sigma looks up at the two. “Oh! Belle and Mecha Sonic! I’m so glad you're here!” He says. “NB.392 was just telling me something happened to Neo Metal Sonic that needs to be dealt with immediately!”

 

“What happened?” Belle asked.

 

NB begins to hop high toward the two as his beeps become louder. “A piece of metal has fallen-fallen-fallen on Metal Sonic. Shutting him down temporarily!”

 

“What?!” Belle yelped! “Gears and sawdust, is he okay?!”

 

“I’m not completely sure! But he has been kicked out of his Neo form!”

 

“Oh, gears…” Belle mumbles as she paces around nervously. “Oh gears, oh gears, oh… shoot! We gotta go, where is he?”

 

“I’ve told Mecha Knuckles to place-place-place him into the repair quarters!”

 

“Okay, then let’s go! Take me there!”

 

Sigma picks NB up. “I can lead the way. Please follow me!” He says as he makes his way inside, with the others following suit

 

 

---

 

 

Belle was the first to enter the room, seeing Mecha Knuckles, Amy, and Metal’s body strapped down on a table. What NB told them was correct. He was no longer in his Neo form. He was now back in his normal one, but it seemed the damage he had dealt had ruined a good portion of the blue paint in his body; even his left ear was now chipped.

 

“Amy, what happened?” She asked, rushing toward her side.

 

“I don’t know, I just got here!” She says. “I left the room for two minutes, and then this happened!

 

“Why did you leave the room?!”

 

“I was pissed at him!” Amy pointed at Metal. “He pissed me off And-! I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m really stressed, and I don’t do well under it.”

 

“If you want to knoe what happe , It was Metal Sonic that started an arguementis with her,” Mecha Knuckles said, gaining everyone’s attention toward him. “And then his anger cause the scrap to fall on him.

 

Amy stared at him for a few seconds before turning back to Belle, “I don’t know what he beeped out, but yeah, that’s what happened.”

 

Belle moves towards Metal’s body. “Well, can we still fix him?”

 

Sigma moves toward Belle’s side and does a quick scan of Metal’s body. “Don’t worry, Miss Belle.” He says. “He’s perfectly salvageable. I don’t even believe we need to add any new parts. I just need to restart him, and he’ll be ‘good as rain,’ as they say.”

 

“Can I help?” Belle asked, “I know a lot about mechanics!”

 

“That would be very helpful, yes.”

 

“Okay…” Belle gives a quick sigh of relief before pointing to Metal’s forehead. “I believe most of his systems are in the back of his head.”

 

“Wonderful! Let’s begin.”

 

Amy backs away from the two mechanics who began working. “I feel like this might take awhile…” She says.

 

“I believe you’d be correct.” Mecha Sonic says.

 

“Oh! Uh, hold on…” Amy quickly picks up the translator and walks back toward Mecha Sonic. “So… pretty weird that there are like… two Sonic clones, huh?”

 

“It was surprising to me, yes.” Mecha Sonic nodded his head.

 

“Ha ha… yeah!” Amy laughed awkwardly. Unsure what to say next.

 

NB then hops onto Amy’s head. “Would you like to hear the limericks that I created?” He asked. “I’ve been making-making some in my free time for the past twenty days, so I could say I have a hobby.”

 

“You know, sure. I would like to hear that.” Amy said.

 

“Perfect!” NB mimics a clearing throat before quickly beginning. “Machines aren’t friends with water/Because it will send their systems to clutter/Water is always a machine's fodder/Unlike a typical otter/To machines, water is a rotter.”

 

Amy claps her hands. “Oh, that was pretty good!”

 

“I’m glad you think so!” NB said proudly. “I have eight-eight-eighty eight more limericks I made! I will read them to you, NOW!”

 

“O-Oh…” Amy gives them a thumbs-up and a shaky smile. “Well, go ahead!”

 

 

---

BOOTING SYSTEM UP.

MS.00 CONSCIOUS STATE: CONSCIOUS

CURRENT FORM: MS FORM

STABILITY: REVIVED

NEO FORM STABILITY: INOPERABLE

COOLING FEATURES: FUNCTIONING

TEMPERATURE: NORMAL

FULL STATUS: REVIVED

 

“-ink that should’ve done it.” Metal sound receptors were slowly returning to normal. Leading the voice before him to sound muffled. As his screen came on, he slowly rose to see Belle and Sigma standing in front of him.

 

“Oh, thank goodness!” Belle rejoiced. “I was so worried it wasn’t gonna work.”

 

“You should trust your skills more, Miss Belle,” Sigma says. “You're on par with my skills, if not higher.”

 

“Heh… yeah. Oh!” Belle quickly moves over to grab the translator and sprints back to Metal.

 

“Now, are you still functioning?” Sigma asked.

 

Metal rose up from the table, and before he answered Sigma’s question, he had one of his own. 

 

“What happened?”

 

Metal then freezes; what came out of him wasn’t the voice box he was given. It was his beeps. The same beeps he had all before.

 

He was back at the start.

Notes:

I don’t know how to make limericks… etto bleh!

Notes:

Comments Are Nice~

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of Moving Forward AU