The Road Trip Begins

It took all night, but Tails had made the Chaos Emerald Metal's battery. Whilst Tails took a three our nap, Metal started to pack provisions; food and water for Tails, back up parts for himself. He made three calls (by plugging into the phone), one to Cream the Rabbit to take care of Tails special rose, one to the people they intended to meet, and a call to the train station in order to book a ride to West City. (I made that up myself. Not very original, I know.)

Tails thought long and hard before walking out the door with that robot. Many reasons to not go ran through his head. That thing could kill him, his friends would never believe that Metal had changed, or he would probably become a vigilante because he would have to most likely steal an emerald were just three of them.

Many reasons to go ran through his head. He felt he had no meaning in life, his friends had practically deserted him, and Metal needed help were just three of the reasons.

But, in truth, none of that mattered. Tails judgment was clouded-or perhaps made perfect-by the two desires of love and friendship. They had talked and conversed, and it seemed that Metal understood better than most what it was like to be considered a freak. They had intellectual conversations, and Tails was never asked what certain words meant only why living creatures acted particular ways. While Metal had meant to pay back Tails for his kindness, Tails weakness of lack of understanding was used and Tails felt he had become indebted to Metal for his kindness.

And of course, Tails wanted to see her again…

They took one last look at the beautiful land of Mystic Ruins that Tails owned. The sky was cloudy and gray, though not gray enough to rain. Before they left, Metal asked Tails to take a picture of this place for a scrap book he would like to make.

"So, what's the plan Metal?" asked Tails when they reached the station. No one was there and a train was just pulling in.

"We will head to West City in order to meet The Chaotix. They will escort us to a near by abandoned base of Eggman's. Once there, we will have sufficient material to redesign myself. Then, I will ask them to escort us to the other emeralds." Metal clanged his claws together excitedly.

"I don't suppose you told them who you are?"

The happy clanging stopped. "I told them that you were coming with a robot guard. When the first task is over, I intend to reveal myself as Metal to them."

Tails gave Metal a worried look. "Are you sure you want to do that? They might freak when they find out you're the rouge robot that tried to kill them… twice." (If you don't know what Tails is talking about, refer to 'Knuckles' Chaotix' and 'Sonic Heroes'.)

"They never turn down work that pays… I want them to know who they are working for. They deserve that right."

"Who deservers what now?" Metal and Tails were too interested in their discussion to notice that Sonic had walked off of the train.

"S-Sonic?" Tails asked. "What are you doing here?"

"Well like I said yesterday, I came over to spend the day with you. The last thing I expected to find was Metal Sonic!" Sonic then pointed accusingly at Tails. "Or finding out that my best friend fixed him and lied to me about it."

Tails was shocked. Sonic had never given Tails such an angry look before. Tails let his head fall feeling at fault for this mess.

Metal stood in front of Tails as if to defend him. "It is not his fault" he said. "He was merely trying to-", at this, Metal was socked in the face. His body screeched across the floor seven feet away.

"Tails" said Sonic, "How could you? He's robot enemy number one! Why didn't you tell me?"

"I-"

"He could be trying to hurt us! You could have been holding on to a ticking time bomb and not even realize it!"

"Sonic-"

"Did he blackmail you?"

"Please-"

"Why would you do this?"

Tails suddenly screamed, "That's why!"

Sonic was taken back by this.

Tears were welling up in Tails eyes now. "You and I haven't talked in so long… you don't even know that I'm in pain. And when we do talk, you move so fast that I can't get a word in. Metal's been kind to me, trying to be a friend. It may be hard to tell, but he knows what it's like to be a freak! He listens and responds to me about more than what Eggman is up to or what the latest in footwear is!"

"He! How could you talk about that thing like that!" Tails was at a loss for words. Sonic did not even hear what Tails had said.

By this time, Metal had gotten back up from his assault. He saw Sonic and Tails yelling at each other and had a feeling. Metal was surprised to find that this emotion was not the anger that he had grown so accustomed to feeling when he saw the hedgehog. It was warm, comforting, and something that he had felt only once before. He had felt excitement, became well known to sadness, and even understood peace. But only once had he ever had a reason to feel this.

Metal was happy.

He had a friend. A friend that was standing up for him. Tails might have been yelling and skewering it, but Metal had heard Tails ultimately say Metal was a good friend.

Metal had little time to celebrate, as Sonic was on top of him not three seconds after getting up. "You" said Sonic, "just won't go away. There's only one Sonic the Hedgehog, and that's me!" Sonic raised a hand like a claw and aimed for Metal's head. Metal turned off his optical sensors expecting it all to end.

'So,' Metal thought, 'this is where it ends. My adventure's over before it begins. I tried. I made a friend. I at least had a taste of life. That's more than this robot deserves'

'That's good thinking' said a voice in Metal's head that he did not recognize. This voice was powerful and commanding, yet soft and understanding. The words were more thought than said. Though Metal was not the one thinking this, he could not help but feel it was familiar.

It did not matter. Metal was done for anyway. 'Hmm,' Metal thought. 'My main processor is still running. I'm not obliterated. I wonder why?'

Metal turned back on his sensors and saw that Tails had latched to Sonic's back and was holding his arms in place.

"Run!" said Tails. "I'll hold him off! Get on the train with the emerald!"

"What!" Sonic screamed struggling in Tails surprisingly strong grip. "You gave him the emerald too! I'm gonna get you for this Tails!"

Metal got up and stood there for a moment. Tails was risking his friendship with Sonic, maybe even his life, for Metal. He almost couldn't comprehend what was happening.

"What are you doing? Go on without me!"

Metal started walking towards the struggling pair in an almost determined fashion. "I am sorry Tails. I made a promise I intend to keep." Sonic was the one to close his eyes, as it appeared Metal was coming in for the kill. Sonic was surprised to still be untouched five seconds later. "Run Tails" he heard Metal say. Sonic opened his eyes and saw Metal and Tails running (or fast paced walking) for the train.

"Hey! Get back here you-" Sonic started to say, but was cut short when he face planted the concrete. He looked at his feet to see them cuffed together with claws. He looked back towards Metal to see that his claws were gone. "Come back here you walking junk yard!"

Tails ran ahead into the train while Metal stopped and turned around. Sonic could swear Metal had a smug look on his face while he said, "Invalid name and command." Then he got aboard. Sonic started clawing his way to the train. Just as he was about to get his hand inside, the door slammed shut and the train started moving.

Sonic punched the ground and cried after the train, "I'll get you eventually! You can't outrun the fastest thing alive!"

Metal and Tails took a seat in a booth marked 17. They sat opposite each other and stared at each other, both unwilling to speak. This silence continued for ten minutes, during which time Tails replaced Metals hands. Then Metal got a conversation starter of bizarre proportions.

"What is so fragile, just saying its name breaks it?"

Tails blinked in surprise. "What?"

"It is a riddle. What is so fragile, just saying its name breaks it?"

Tails sat back down and placed a hand on his chin in thought. "Hmm… Will it break if I touch it?"

"Negative"

Tails closed his eyes. "Let's see… Will it break if… I touch something near it?"

"Possibly"

Tails opened his eyes and scratched his head. "Uh… Gee… I don't know… Will it break if I clap my hands?"

"Affirmative"

Tails squinted his eyes in frustration. "Is this object real?"

"Affirmative"

Tails let out a sigh. "All right, I give up. What is it?"

"Silence"

Tails gave a small gasp.

"Silence is broken whenever a sound is made. Even speaking the word breaks it"

Tails stared at Metal for a moment, and then gave a small chuckle. "Wow, did you think of that yourself?"

"Affirmative" Then Metal put out his claw. "Thank you"

Tails gave a questioning look to Metal. "For What?"

Metal stood still, save for the occasional bump the train made. "For being my friend. You defended me and saved my life again. I double owe you now."

Tails grinned and shook hands with Metal. "Hey, like I said, you've been my friend. You were there when no one else was. You already paid me back for the first life saving with that." Tails took on his solemn look when they put their hand and claw down.

Metal easily noticed. "What is the problem?"

Tails looked as if he was about to cry. "It's just… I wish there was some way I knew for sure what you say is true… I wish I knew that you are more than a machine and that you understand me…"

Metal sat back. He just had to find the right one… Bingo.

Suddenly Tails could hear a strange Arabian horn coming from Metal. It was relaxing, yet very depressing at the same time. Then, words started to come.

"Time, Alone we bide our time

Never will we know, if our love is true…

At night, I sleep and dream of you

Only to awake, in my empty room"

Tails stared, mouth agape, at Metal, and could swear Metal looked like he felt sorry for Tails.

"You give me power

You give me reason

So will you love me?

Time only knows

Time only knows"

Metal stopped playing the song.

"Please" said Tails, rotating his hand to emphasize. "Keep playing."

"It is the same verses over again" said Metal, though he really meant, "Isn't this depressing you?"

Tails gave a sad smile. "The music is nice and slow. This artist has a nice singing voice. Please…" Tails really meant "Yes, but I don't care right now."

And so Metal restarted the song. As the song continued, Tails eyes started to droop being tired still after working on Metal all night. Metal got lost in the song himself and started to space out. His head turned to look out the window at the passing scenery. The lush green pine trees sped by and Metal day dreamed of jumping from tree to tree while racing Tails to his workshop to build the latest in CPU technology. Then Metal saw something that snapped him to full consciousness.

Jumping from tree to tree following the train was a liquid blob of blue. It had a pointed head with large green eyes and what could be mistaken as two dreadlocks. It had large forearms with giant three fingered hands. It shins were the same except with two toes. It was a shape Metal recognized all to well and since gaining feelings had hoped never to see again. For, Metal believed, this creature wanted vengeance for the misuse of its power.

"Tails" Metal said, scared out of his mind. Tails was laying down curled up asleep sucking on the tips of his tails. Metal looked back outside expecting to see the creature lunging at the window. However, it was gone. Metal stared in every direction and could not find the creature. Had he imagined it? In his spaced out state, did he lose control of his thoughts for a moment?

Metal sat back and relaxed. It was probably the light playing tricks on him. The creature was locked away in its nice home at Angel Island.

Metal reached into their bag and pulled out the waterproof camera they brought. There was no way he was going to let such a cute picture of Tails slip through his claws.

-break-

Vector was sweating up a storm. Very rarely did the large crocodile run into such a challenge. This was decided entirely by fate. His opponent gave a stone stare, though Vector could see the insane happiness in his eyes.

Vector gritted his teeth in a scowl. Might as well get it over with. He raised his fist in the air and brought it down releasing what was inside.

"Nooooooooo" Vector screamed.

"Yes" Espio the Chameleon stated. "That will be 3000$."

Vector grabbed his head in frustration. "No fair! I demand a re-roll!"

Charmy the Bee looked annoyed. "No way! You already had three!"

"Come on Vector. You landed on my hotel powered Broadway. Pay up." Espio said while twirling a star shaped weapon.

Vector gave Espio the stink eye. "You've been using your freaky ninja powers, haven't you?"

Espio stood up looking irritated. "Ninjas don't cheat…"

Vector grinned evilly. "Well, maybe you're not a real ninja!"

Espio looked royally pissed, for lack of a better term. "Are you questioning my honor?"

"Nah, I'm questioning your hygiene."

Espio turned red. "That's it!" He jumped at Vector and started their weekly brawl. Charmy then cried "Yay! Fight time! Fight time!" and joined in. They started rolling on the floor, bumping various objects in their small office, including the table and spilling Monopoly pieces everywhere. Vector landed on the metal game pieces and cried in pain. Right jab. Eye poke. Sting! Bubble gum flying all over the place.

Then they herd a knock at the door. "Come in" Vector cried.

Tails and Metal walked in, Tails with a confused look on his face. Vector was sitting in his chair behind his desk, Espio was standing in a corner meditating, and Charmy was buzzing around with an oversized grin on his face.

"Hey guys" Tails said. "I thought I herd a fight going in here."

Vector grinned. "Nah, we were just sitting around, waiting around for you and your robot to show up."

"Yeah" said Charmy. "Vector didn't start a fight because he became bankrupt in a game of Monopo-mff" Vector quickly placed a hand over the talkative insect's mouth.

"Don't listen to him. He can be a honey nut sometimes. Anyway it's nice to see you again, Tails."

Tails shook hands with Vector and said, "Likewise." Tails then got more serious. "Did you have a lead as to the location of an Eggman base?"

"Even better. We found one not to far from here. Espio, get the map."

Espio opened his eyes, "I don't have the map."

Vector gave Espio a stare. "What?"

"Charmy had it last."

Vector turned to Charmy who was flying around Metal, fascinated the 'ultra cool' robot Tails had brought with him.

"Hey, are you the one that called? Did Tails make you? Do you have any cool blasters that shoot stuff? Are you gonna come with us? Will you-" Charmy, once again, was stopped by Vector's hand.

"Charmy, where the heck is the map?"

Charmy scratched his head then pointed to an empty corner of the room. "It was on the ground over there."

"Well, it's not there now!"

Metal finally spoke up. "Excuse Me."

Vector turned to Metal, unaware of what he was really talking to. "Yes?"

Metal pointed his claw at Vector. "Is that it on your backside?"

Vector turned his head to stare at his back and, of course, there was a large piece of not so neatly paper. "Oh, there it is!" Vector released Charmy and reached for it. But it was stuck. Vector grabbed the map with both hands and started to pull. He grunted and struggled for a while.

"Uh, need any help?" Tails offered.

"No-hmpf-I got this." Vector clenched his teeth and out of instinct ran forward. Since it was a small office it took him less than half a second to hit his head against the wall. A boom box fell off a shelf and landed on his head. Vector stifled a "ouch" and held up his prize. Tails, despite his worrying nature, couldn't help but snicker at the comic scene. Metal, on the inside, was having an emotional experience with humor and was laughing his head off.

Vector walked over to his desk to lay out the map. Upon trying to set it down, he realized that it was stuck to his hand.

Espio stepped forward. "Hold on" he said. "Let me get it or you'll tear it." Espio pulled out a weapon from nowhere and cut the gum that was stuck to the map.

While Vector tried to get the rest of the gum off his hand, Espio began to explain there route. "The base was abandoned by Eggman two years ago. It is hidden in the last place anyone would think to look for him. A car parts factory."

"Are you serious?" asked Tails in disbelief.

"Quite. Eggman just left it there and no one has gone near it. We should have no problem finding whatever it is you're looking for." Espio leaned across the table. "Incidentally, what are you looking for?"

"Oh no" said Vector walking over, trying to get the pink substance off both his hands now. "We don't ask questions. We just do what we're told and get paid."

"It's alright" said Tails. "We need spare parts to give my friend here an upgrade. Afterwards, if all goes well, we'll have another job for you."

Charmy then got in all their faces and shouted, "What are we waiting for? Let's get going!" Metal inwardly smiled. Even as a demented robot, he thought these guys were hilarious.

Time Only Knows copyright "The Prince of Persia"

-Author's note-

God, looking back I almost want to puke. I love and hate what I did. If I wasn't such a n00b with Sonic the Hedgehog at the time, I would have written this better.

The thing is, at the time I wrote this. I didn't actually know what the Mystic Ruins were. All I knew was that Tails lived there and that trains were the main form of transportation. Hilariously, I actually played all the Sonic games backwards. My first was SA2B, then Sonic Heroes, then all the 16-bit Sonic games in reverse Starting with Sonic 3 and Knuckles, then I played them as they came out afterwards. If I hadn't, this would have turned out differently. How differently? I'm not quite sure.

The Conflicted Writer