Metal Overdrive

by The Conflicted Writer

Metal Sonic: a machine that wishes desperately he wasn't a copy, of either life or of Sonic the Hedgehog. Through an adventure around the world as he seeks the power to come to life, he must come to grips with both what he is and what he wants to be.

38. New Objective

Half the time men think they are talking business, they are wasting time.
-E. W. Howe

The New Objective

"Do you feel it?" asked Shadow, his face stern yet his words not harsh.

Tails starred hard at the little stone before him. He knew the power was there. He knew it was more than a simple stone. But he could not feel it.

Tails sighed. "No."

Shadow and Metal groaned as they lowered their heads.

"Nothing?" asked Metal.

"Nothing," responded Tails.

Tails picked up the green Chaos Emerald, examining it while running his fingers over its clear cut edges. "I just can't seem to get at it."

"I don't think this is something you can teach someone," claimed Shadow as he turned his head to Metal. "It can only be learned."

"Perhaps you are right," sighed Metal. "I was just hoping it would work."

"Come on, guys," Tails somewhat begged. "I know I can do it. How did you find your powers?"

Shadow looked up, uncrossing his legs. "I was feeling multiple different emotions when I discovered them."

"They do say out greatest skills are realized when we are under emotional stress," Metal agreed.

Tails nodded. "Well, what were you feeling?"

"Joy," said Shadow.

"Stress," said Metal at the same time Shadow said 'joy'. Metal and Shadow glanced at the other. Tails scratched the back of his head.

"Enjoyment," said Shadow at the same time Metal said, "Despair."

"Anger," said Metal the same time Shadow said "Happiness."

Tails set the Emerald back down. "Never mind that idea, then," Tails sighed while looking glum.

Shadow closed one eye and scowled. "Are you making fun of me?"

Metal held up his hands in defense. "No, no! It just how I was feeling when I got my first ability."

"What about your second?" asked Tails as his eyes lit up slightly.

"Desperation," said Shadow.

"Courage," claimed Metal..

"Rage" stated Shadow.

"Determination" replied Metal.

"I see…" said Tails as he placed his gaze back on the Emerald. "And after that?"

"I just figured out the rest myself" said Shadow, a spark forming in his hand.

"I as well," said Metal as his hand glowed. "As soon as I had a firm grasp on the feelings and emotions I felt when performing a move, I could manipulate it almost any way I wanted."

"Then maybe Chaos Powers are triggered- and controlled- by emotions. Shadow, do you always have to feel a certain way when focusing energy in a certain way?"

"Rage…" Shadow looked off to the side in thought. "I'm always angry when I perform Chaos Blast."

"Perfect calm, or lack of emotion is what happens when I use that one ability you saw me use against Sonic."

"Then maybe I need an emotion for a certain power. I always either feel either relaxed or determined when I fly."

Metal nodded. "Yes, I remember now. You told me once that you can't fly and cry at the same time."

"But how do we make him feel certain ways?" asked Shadow. "You forced energy into him last time, and that's hardly an effective way to grasp as emotion. Plus, I don't think anyone here has the guts to make him cry."

Metal faked a sigh. "Perhaps it will not be hard with the current elements we possess right now…"

Tails frowned, his eyes becoming sad. "You mean Sarsar…"

Metal nodded.

"Speaking of the wolf-dog," said Shadow, his tone that of trying to change the subject, "have you guys figured out what he is yet?"

"I might of," sighed Tails glumly as his body limped. "I think Sonic summoned energy from the Earth's dark spirit, Dark Gaia, in order to turn himself into that creature. He did it before, but it was forced. This time, he must have summoned it so he could defeat Metal."

Metal looked out the window to see that it was starting to rain. "It took on a shape of its own, the Darkness. But we don't know why it's so nice to us. Well, most of us, anyway."

Shadow raised a brow in confusion. "How could Sonic do that? The only move I've ever seen him do that uses Chaos is Chaos Control. He must be hiding more power than he lets on."

Metal quickly looked away from the window. "Yes, he must…"

"Hold on," said Shadow as he looked out the window himself. He paused then stood up. "I have an idea." Walking out the training room doors, Shadow left Metal and Tails to themselves. Metal looked over at the guitar in the corner he almost regretted getting.

"So…" asked Tails, "How's that song coming?"

Metal fell back and placed a hand over his eyes. "Fine… just fine. The transition to the third 'verse' is a little off, but I've almost got it. It should be ready in time for his birthday."

Tails blinked, not really moving. "Do you think we should tell them?"

"Not really," said Metal nonchalantly. "If they knew what Sonic was capable of, we'd never be able to get him back and living in his shoes. If Sonic isn't Sonic, I'll have to be, and I don't want to be Sonic."

Before Tails could continue their discussion, Knuckles and Storm barged in, both of them growling. "I'm telling you, you oversized owl, I can leave a bigger bruise, even if my fists are smaller."

"No way, anteater," growled Storm as he pointed at one large, orange gloved fist of his. "Even if you can hit harder, it will only be in that one spot. Besides," Storm flexed a few times, "I'm way tougher than you. You'd be lucky if you knocked off a few feathers."

"Did you just call be an anteater!" yelled Knuckles. "I swear, you Chaos damned mother f-"

"Excuse me!" Metal suddenly cried as he leaped up. Knuckles paused and turned to face Metal. "Have you ever heard of knocking before entering?"

Knuckles coughed loudly.

Storm laughed and pushed Knuckles down with a single slap to the back. "Knuckles thinks he can leave a bigger bruise than me. But his tiny fist can't do anything."

Knuckles pushed himself up and spoke, his irritation not well hidden. "Sorry to disturb you. What were you guys doing in here?"

Tails sighed glumly. "We're trying to tap into my Chaos abilities, but we've gotten zip since we started."

"Then can we use this room?" Storm said excitedly. "We need to fight where all the wimps won't get hurt."

"So, you guys think you're the strongest on the ship, huh?" asked Metal, his tone that of sarcasm.

"No, I know that I'm the strongest here," claimed Knuckles as he flexed.

"Oh yeah?" growled Storm.

"I know the answer to my own question," said Metal. From him came a strange whistle like sound, and Knuckles and Storm froze. A large rhythmic thumping could be heard, and the rain outside began to pour harder.

Sarsar, the great lumbering hedgewolf, ran in his feral way towards Metal, his large hands his tongue flapping as he went. Knuckled and Storm quickly stepped out of the way and Metal put his hand up. Sarsar screeched to a halt and sat as a pet to his owner and let his tongue hand out in an almost cute fashion.

"Who's a good freak of nature?" cooed Metal as he rubbed Sarsar's cheek. Sarsar stopped being cute and did not look amused. "Fine, good Sarsar. No sense of humor." Sarsar grinned stupidly. "Anyway, Knuckles and Storm think they're the strongest on this ship. What do you think, Sarsar?" Sarsar turned around and his lips curled in a snarl. Knuckles and Storm didn't even have enough time to put up their hands in defense as Sarsar unleashed his stretchy arms/fists and pounded the heavy weight duo into the thankfully padded walls, impaling them.

"Good Sarsar. See, I learn," said Metal as he tossed a piece of jerky that he pulled from nowhere into the air. Sarsar caught the dried meat in his mouth and chewed thankfully.

Tails grinned slightly. "Come here, Sarsar." Sarsar did as was asked and moved to Tails, easily looming over him. However, he bent down to Tails level just to get scratched behind the ears. "That face once belonged to Sonic," whispered Tails. "I'm not really sure which one is nicer, though…"

Metal looked outside again, and it was pouring harder again. The weather had really been acting up the past two days as they flew to Central City. "Tails…" before he could continue, Sarsar turned his head and growled. Metal looked behind himself to see an agitated Blaze holding a semi-thick book. Metal turned back around while pulling out a water bottle and squirted Sarsar in the face, causing him to whimper. "Bad Sarsar, no growling at Blaze. Why don't you growl at Iblis? He's a cat."

Blaze cleared her throat. "Excuse me, Metal, but I would like to register some formal complaints about some of the other passengers." Blaze seemed oblivious to Knuckles and Storm stuck in the wall behind her.

Metal looked at the book Blaze held. "And I don't suppose that book is a list of complaints?" Metal asked, sounding almost terrified. "Why are you coming to me? I'm not the captain."

"But you, Tails, Mephiles, and Shadow are the unofficial leaders. I can't find Shadow, Mephiles is with Iblis and I still have a hard time facing him, and you- and Tails- are here. But this book is my first complaint." Blaze tossed the book to Metal who caught it and read the title out loud.

"The Alphabet of Manliness, by Maddox. What is this?"

"That's mine!" yelled Knuckles. Blaze suddenly turned around to see Knuckles struggling to get himself out of the leather wall that held him. "You can't just look through my stuff without asking!"

Blaze grinned and chuckled at Knuckles predicament. It was a silent laugh though, as she was still not accustomed to letting her feelings run wild. "Well, well, look at what the cat hung up to dry."

"It was Sarsar, for your information," claimed Knuckles stubbornly. "There is no shame is losing to that monster thing."

Sarsar growled and barred his teeth. Storm rolled his eyes. "You're going to get in worse trouble" Storm stated.

"Sit, Sarsar," said Metal with his eye lights on the book. Sarsar reluctantly did as he was told. He sent a death glare at Knuckles, who stuck his tongue out.

"Knuckles, what the hell is this?" said Metal in a disgusted manner. "'D is for taking a dump'… why is there a picture of a turtle head? Oh, wait…"

Tails suddenly burst out laughing and clutched at his sides. The rain outside lost some of its luster.

Blaze nodded at Metal. "He's been leaving that thing laying around, open to some other… less than pleasing pictures."

Metal flipped through some pages. "'O is for obedience'… why is there a guy throwing a Frisbee and a female catching said Frisbee in her mouth?"

Knuckles cheeks became red. "I'm warning you, Metal! Just stop right there! I will hurt you! I'm like the echidna version of Chuck Norris: I eat rocks and crap lightning!"

Metal flipped a few pages back. "'N is for Norris, Chuck'. Yep, that's the very first sentence of this chapter."

"I would like to demand that Knuckles find a new form of entertainment, perhaps an actual book."

"That's not exactly fair, Blaze. It's just a book. From the obviously sarcastic way this guy writes, I can only assume that this Maddox is joking around."

"He is?" asked Knuckles as his eyes crossed somewhat.

Storm rolled his eyes again. "Gee, Knuckles, even I'm not that stupid."

Tails laughed again and Metal shook his head. "Fine, torch the book. Just make sure the ashes end up in the trash, please."

Blaze nodded and grabbed the book as Metal threw it back to her. "I would also like to ask-"

"Noooooooo!" screamed Knuckles as he doubled his efforts to un-impale himself.

"I would like to ask that you brush Sarsar and give him a bath. His fur is getting all over the place."

Metal turned to Sarsar, who was still sitting obediently. "Sarsar, do you know how to clean yourself?"

Sarsar nodded and sort of grunted a 'yes'.

"Are you actually going to do that?"

The burly Hedgewolf shook his head and this time grunted a 'no'.

"Note to self: Sarsar hates water as well. I will schedule a heavy duty bath later."

"And a nail clipping," stated Blaze. "His claws have ruined the fridge handle."

Tails looked at Sarsar's claws, and scratched the back of his head. "Do we even have clippers that can cut those?"

"Are you guys gonna leave us here much longer?" asked Storm suddenly.

"I think 'hedge' clippers will do the trick" stated Metal as he raised his hands up in a comical fashion. "Huh? 'Hedge'…?" Everyone was silent. Metal fanned himself with his hand. "Gee, tough crowd."

Knuckles took this opportunity to give his opinion. "The only thing funny about that was how sad of an attempt it was." Now, everyone laughed. Except Metal. He slumped forward some.

"I should probably stop trying," Metal grunted. Metal looked out the window. The rain had stopped, he noticed, but it was still cloudy out.

"Anyway," said Blaze apologetically, "I would also like to know if Professor Pickle is going to be a permanent member of the group."

"Why do you ask?" Tails looked saddened. "I kind of wanted him to stick around with us."

Blaze shook her head. "I'm sorry, but that guy's breath always smells like cucumbers, and he's a little scatter brained. His assistant is okay, but Pickle's just a little too annoying for me."

Metal nodded. "I'm not sure, Blaze, but I'm think we're just dropping him off at his current lab in Central City. I think we're stretching his health already while taking him in his current condition. Especially after someone," Metal looked at Sarsar, "tackled him with a bear hug and ruined his already wet bandages."

Sarsar grinned sheepishly, and then hid his head under his mighty hands. Blaze rolled her eyes.

It was at this time that Shadow leaped into the room and held up a bowl dramatically. "Behold the ultimate dairy treat: chocolate ice cream with sprinkles and strawberries!"

Everyone froze. Even Knuckles had stopped trying to pull himself free. Shadow had talked of the bowl of ice cream in the same manner he would talk of himself when referring to himself as the 'Ultimate Life Form'. It was not sarcastic in any way what so ever, or at least Shadow didn't sound that way.

And Tails laughed. He laughed harder than he had in a long while. Soon enough, Metal, Blaze, and Sarsar joined him and were unable to stop. Shadow stood still as he held up the 'ultimate dairy treat', but he let a smile come to him. Knuckles and Storm, who were still impaled in the wall and in no mood for shenanigans, simply looked somewhere between surprised and disturbed.

Shadow looked out the window and noticed that the rain had stopped. In fact, the clouds that had made the rain were gone as well. This very much supported his theory.

"Attention passengers," came Jet's voice from the intercom system, "We are now approaching Central City. Please place all your carry on items in a bag, and for those with weak stomachs, it is suggested that- hey!"

There was now the sound muffled hawk as Omega proceeded to relay the message. "We are now entering Central City. Be ready to depart."

"You can't just interrupt the captain like that!"

"You were wasting time. Land the vehicle so that we may leave quickly."

"Did you ever think you have an obsession with killing Eggman?"

"No. I know I have an obsession with killing Eggman." The sound of clicking could be heard.

"… We'll be landing soon" Jet said hastily, and the intercom turned off.

"Come on," said Tails as he started to walk out of the room, grabbing the bowl from Shadow. "Let's get going before Omega 'fires all weapon systems.'" Tails started to leave, but paused and turned around. "Sarsar, get them out."

Sarsar grumbled something inaudible and peeled Knuckles and Storm out of the walls, which now had imprints of two he had plaster, and dragged them after himself. Knuckles did not look amused even more so than before. Revenge was the word Knuckles sent Metal with his glare. Storm was basically doing the same thing.

Blaze chuckled again. "It does my heart good to see a couple of idiots get their comeuppance." Blaze walked out as well.

Metal looked at Shadow and Shadow returned the gesture. "Clever," said Metal.

"It was, wasn't it?" Shadow replied. "But it almost seems cliché."

Metal looked outside again at the approaching buildings and the shining sunlight. "Indeed, it does. But, if it had to be a cliché, at least it's not a thief involved technique."

"When should we tell him?"

"Let's do a bit more testing. I'm not completely convinced that his abilities are weather based."

"Do you think he might actually be one of those 'kitsune' that is lost on Earth or something?"

"Not likely. It would be too convenient a plot twist for the sequel."

"…"

"I don't think it's a coincidence that it has been raining like that after I forced Chaos energy into Tails and he saw Sonic acting the way he did. But, like I said, more testing."

"Excuse me," came Mephiles's voice as he stuck his head in. "I thought I felt misery in this room that wasn't Tails. Am I too late?"

Metal chuckled and nodded. "Sorry, Meph, Sarsar just peeled the misery off the walls and carried it to the exit."

"Nuts." Mephiles walked into the room with, of course, Iblis not too far behind. Iblis looked at the imprints and his muzzle shifted as if he were grinning.

"I also thought I heard something about controlling the weather," Mephiles noted. "Has Tails discovered his abilities yet?"

"We have," noted Shadow. "But he hasn't."

"Theories are very different from knowing, Shadow."

"You'd better get to knowing soon. You never know when a prophecy will come to fruition."

Metal made a sound like sucking air through teeth.

"Prophecy?" asked Shadow while sounding somewhat nervous. Prophecies always led to trouble.

Mephiles quirked a brow at Metal. "You didn't tell them- or him- yet?"

Metal's head sagged. "I was kind of hoping we could actually wait until he needs to do what it is he's supposed to do."

"What are you guys talking about?" Shadow slightly demanded as he pointed a finger at Mephiles. "Is Tails some kind of savior?"

Mephiles cleared his non-existent throat, then spoke (with added echo effects) in an ominous tone. "The one of six movements and of sound knowledge yet unsure wisdom shall be the one who shall bring forth an era of harmony. He shall be of righteous deeds, and of the utmost innocence. All who meet him shall smile in his purity, and strong men will bow before his kindness. He must be trained in the art of destruction, and in the ways of creation. He will always be needed.

"Of course, that's just the shortened version, but you get the gist of it," Mephiles said simply.

"Is the real version just as vague?" asked Shadow.

Metal nodded and sighed. "'Harmony' is the word the real version intensified. Apparently, Tails is supposed to be the one who will bring it to this unworthy planet."

"Don't talk like that," said Shadow. "If the people who actually deserve harmony get it, then I think the unworthy people getting it too is worth it."

"However," started Mephiles, "this prophecy is anything but specific. I could not interpret any specific time or date when Tails is meant to 'bring about harmony.'"

Shadow looked skeptic. "And where exactly did you get this prophecy?"

"Three monoliths, two prophets, and four religions dedicated to the whole thing. Being a son of Solaris helps with authentication." Mephiles suddenly turned his head and ran. "No, Iblis, put those dumbbells down!" Iblis dropped the heavyweights-the really heavy weights-and a very large clang, and a very large crack in to padded floors was made. "I meant on the rack…"

Iblis starred at Mephiles.

"I shouldn't have had to say it, Iblis, it should have been obvious."

Iblis turned away.

"Yes, I know that, but that's only because we don't have money in the first place."

"Man, listening to those guys talk is like listening to a person on the phone," Metal observed out loud. "You can only guess what the other person said to him."

Shadow raised a brow and crossed him arms like he usually did when he knew something that should have been obvious to everyone else. "Were you planning on telling Tails anytime soon?"

The ship gave a slight lurch, signaling that the Great Babylon had landed. "Oh would you look at that, we've landed. Better go make sure Sarsar doesn't try to run out and scare people."

Metal moved to leave, but Shadow grabbed his shoulder and held him back. "Don't try to weasel your way out of this."

"Do I at least get points for not trying to tell you some bull?"

"No."

"Eerrgg…" Metal looked out the window again as Shadow removed his hand. "I just can't stand to put that much weight on his already sagging shoulders. He already had to carry the weight of his life, then of Eggman's (and that's a heavy weight to be sure), and of a whole city. And now his only family member is completely out of his mind. To make it worse, he has living proof that Sonic is not being the good guy, and he has to be tortured by it even though all that proof wants is a scratch behind the ears and a piece of jerky. I can't force this destiny on him, not when we don't even know all the details. It would only make him worry. Please, Shadow, don't tell him about this, not until I understand more."

Shadow nodded and his features softened, which was odd because his features were already pretty soft. "You really care about the kid, uh? You're like his new family now."

"Shadow…" said Metal sounding exasperated, "I would also appreciate it if you would not call me his 'new' family, at least like that. I am not his replacement Sonic. I'm not anybody's replacement Sonic. At least, I don't want to be. If I am Tails' family at all, then I would be his… be his…"

"Father?" suggested Mephiles as he and Iblis walked back over to them.

Metal kicked the ground sheepishly with his metallic foot. "Well, I wouldn't use that strong of a title."

Shadow walked by Metal as he went for the door. "Don't sell yourself at too cheap a price. I believe, with the way you treat and respect him, Father is a pretty good title. At least you deserve that name a little more than Mr. Cucumber."

"You mean Professor Pickle?"

"Riiiiiggghhhtt, sure I do. Now, I think you really should keep Sarsar inside so he doesn't scare anyone."

"Come on, Iblis, let's see what a real city looks like." Mephiles and Iblis walked out as well.

Metal looked outside the window one last time. "A father," he said to himself. "And Tails is my son…" Metal thought that arrangement of words was quite strange, but he had to say it out loud. He rather liked it. Maybe someday he'd have the guts to say that while someone was listening. For now, he would wait for the opportune moment.

Metal made sure his sword was secure in its scabbard as he walked down the hallways. Metal wondered what Tails would say if he introduced this idea to him. Would he appear too strong? Now that he thought about it, he never even told Tails that he… loved him. Unfortunately, that word's meaning had been truly distorted in this society. Love now had a meaning of intense passion when all Metal felt was… respect. No, that's not the word… care? That seemed too weak. The only real word for it was love, not as an strong passion, but as a bond between two people.

Metal stepped out of the Great Babylon and looked around. It sure was convenient that G.U.N. happened to have an air strip to land on right on the outskirts. That made getting Pickle to his new lab (who knows why he moved it again, there wasn't even a university for about seventy miles) easy.

Currently Tails, Sarsar, Vector, Blaze, Silver, Adam, and Professor Pickle, still in a wheel chair, were all outside. Everyone else had stayed in the ship and hoped this would be fast. They wanted to get to Grand Metroples as fast as possible. They needed to get the Emerald Eggman would obviously have.

"Ah," began Metal as he took the surprisingly quaint looking city in. "What a nice looking set of stone and progression."

"So, this is a normal city of this time period," stated Silver as his golden eyes wondered around. "The history books of the future made- will make?- them look like they were nothing but dirty, disgusting places filled with corruption and crime."

"It's an unfortunate truth about this world that no one remembers the good things anymore," said Professor Pickle. "They only want sympathy for the bad."

"Uhh, boss," whispered Vector as he leaned next to Metal's hearing sensors, "Did you happen to notice that this guy sounds almost exactly like Mephiles?" Metal turned to look at the good Professor who was being pushed by Adam.

"It does seem bleak, sir," Adam noted to his teacher. "But at least, here and now, we can experience all life has to offer."

Metal made a gagging sound. "Dear lord, that was almost as bad as one of Sonic's."

Vector, Tails, and for some reason Sarsar, decided to laugh at this. Blaze and Silver looked confused, while Adam and Professor Pickle looked offended.

"What's so funny?" asked Blaze earnestly.

Silver eyes suddenly lit up and he grinned. "Oh, wait! I know what you're talking about." Silver cleared his throat and heroically pointed in a random direction. "'Letz show hem da real supah powah of teamwurk!'"

Before, Metal, Vector, Sarsar and Tails were laughing. Now the ones that needed air could not get access to it because of their joyful banter, while Metal could not resist using a 'XD' emote with his eye lenses.

Metal, being the super computer that he was, was expecting a response from Pickle and Adam, and was expecting a remark from the probably still clueless Blaze, thus he had a comeback prepared. However, there were no more words used in this conversation. There was a different sound.

The cocking of guns.

Metal stopped, and as fast as the eye, whipped out his sword and faced his opponents. G.U.N. officers, about twenty of them, were lined up, each with a pistol, save for one who had a tranquilizer gun.

Everyone stopped. Adam and Pickle were frozen with fear. Blaze held still, except for her swaying tail. The others were still on the ground.

"Why are you here?" Metal asked sternly.

A single officer stepped forward, keeping his gun pointed at the group. "Metal Sonic," Metal growled at that, "By order of the G.U.N. commander, you are to be taken in for questioning. Surrender or we will use force."

Metal shook his head. He simply could not believe how dumb some people were. "You guys really think that a few measly guns are enough to stop us? I mean, really? Us? If you had asked nicely, I would have come along and talked, but if you think you have to resort to such crude methods, then I'll oblige. Sarsar," Sarsar grunted in a questioning manner. "… sick 'em"

Sarsar barked. He also lunged. He also took about twenty bullets to the arm. But he was simply too strong.

All the G.U.N. soldiers were knocked out in about five seconds, with at least three of them having broken legs, five having a busted ribcage, and all of them with bleeding noses.

"Good Sarsar," Metal called as he tossed a piece of jerky into the air. Sarsar grabbed the meat and chewed as Metal walked over to the pile of soldiers. He lifted one of their heads. "Alright, pal, how can I help you?" Metal hissed.

The soldier spit out a tooth before speaking. "I already told you. The Commander wants to arrest you. I have no idea why, we just follow orders."

"Never should have told those reporters…" Metal whispered to himself. "Alright, fine guys, let's get go-" Metal was interrupted as he heard screams. Metal turned, as did everyone else, to see a G.U.N. soldier holding a gun to Tails head as he carried him away into an armored vehicle.

"Now, are you coming quietly," asked the soldier that Metal was talking to before, "or do we have to make an accident happen?"

Sarsar growled, but Metal held up a hand. "I'm coming, Tails!" Metal cried out after him. He assessed the situation. Chasing the car in any way, shape, or form would be foolhardy, as that would put Tails life in even the slightest danger.

"Oh dear…" said Pickle before he entered a coughing fit, "Those brutes have kidnapped Tails… I've heard that they don't serve very good meals in their detention center."

If Metal had blood pressure, it would have risen quite a bit right now. Tails was in trouble, and all he could think about is food!

Metal was about to do something rash, like give the professor another cut, but Vector and Sarsar held him back.

"Pickle?" asked Blaze, "I think it would be best if you leave us now."

Pickle sighed. "Adam, she is right. Take me to my new lab."

"Yes sir."

"Wait." Pickle pulled out a large envelope and held it out to Blaze, who took it. "When he calms down, please give it to him."

Blaze looked at Metal, who was flailing about in the two giants arms of his companions. "That may take a while…"

Silver looked at the tallest building in the city. "I'm guessing it's that one."

Shadow, meanwhile, was standing at the door. He had heard the familiar sound of guns and had come out only just too late to save Tails. (He would have skated, but then the fancy rugs would have caught on fire.)

Stupid G.U.N. It was like he always said: "Guns don't kill people; the government does."

-break-

He was a hardened warrior. A little too hard, some might say. However, three years stuck in a space can, seeing the devil incarnate, and watching your only family die in front of your eyes might do that to anyone.

Never had he said sorry. Never had he admitted to being wrong. He still, to this day, believed a certain hedgehog to be evil beyond all reason. In fact, he hated them all.

Animals.

They thought they were so… superior. Evolution… damn that Darwin. Damn them all. He had watched animals defeat that fool Dr. Eggman as if it were a game. The military had issues with him, and they were failing at them.

And they just kept getting freakier. Now there were these 'Knights of Chaos' that had just garnished popularity. Bah. At least when Sonic made a show all the attention was on him. But these 'Knights' were grabbing all the media's attention. And- in the name of everything sweet and fluffy- Shadow was made out to be a hero as well. That was torture.

And then there was 'Chaos.' It was something that had been under study for the past seventy-five years. But never, not once, had any human tapped into a Chaos Emerald's power through anything more than a machine. This aggravated him. But it was his entire idiotic subordinates' fault. None of them believed in the Chaos as anything more than a name for a screwy energy. Idiots. He had held an emerald once. Only once. He felt it. The true power. He could still feel now. It was the power that had many different names. Aura, Chi, Spiritual Flow, Chakra. It was an eternal and infinite power. But he could not tap into it. If he could get his large hand on another emerald, he could show those freaks what power was.

But he could smile. He had captured one of them. The weakest, it would seem. The meeting had been set. Their leader and a few of them were coming to get the little freak back. He'd see about that…

The automatic door to his office (a giant room with a very large T.V. monitor screen) opened, and he smiled. "Ah, welcome," he said warmly. He was a very good actor. "I hope you weren't treated shamefully by our staff on the way up here."

Metal had come with Sarsar, Vector, and Shadow. It was the only help Metal was allowed. It was the only help he needed. Sarsar, because of his strength and loyalty. Vector for his ability to read people faces, even if they are masters of hiding their intentions. And Shadow for a… special plan.

"No," said Metal distastefully as he out of habit reached for his sword. Unfortunately, that was a safeguard he was not allowed to bring to this 'peaceful' discussion. At least they didn't know about his other weapons.

"Please, sit down," said the commander as he gestured to a few chairs. Metal, Shadow and Vector sat in the chairs while Sarsar laid himself on the ground.

"Wait a second…" said Shadow as he slit his eyes at the commander, "I remember you now… you were that kid with heterochromatin back on the ARK…"

"How nice of you to remember," the commander said through his teeth.

"You were the one who always stole my pudding cup on Thursdays."

Everyone, including Sarsar and the commander, turned to Shadow with an odd look. Except for Metal, who instead settled for, 'O.O'

"…What?"

"Ahem. Anyway," started the commander. "You're probably wondering why I summoned you here."

"Nope," Metal said sarcastically polite. "I'm wondering why you kidnapped our friend and how it is you still have the support of the people. I'm not wondering why you summoned us here. That is very far from my mind at the moment."

"Boss," said Vector as he nudged Metal, "I know you're mad right now, but he's got an ace."

"I'd listen to your friend there," the Commander said.

Shadow scowled. "I can't believe Rouge convinced me to join G.U.N. for a little while back then. You've always been a brat."

"And I can't believe I let you join."

"Hold it!" yelled Vector as he held up his hands. "We're going to be here all day if we keep throwing insults at each other. Lemme speed things up here: we don't like ya and ya don't like us. Can we talk about letting Tails go?"

"Tails?" the commander grinned.

Metal growled and made a fist. "The little kid you kidnapped that could put each mechanical guy in the entire military to shame."

"Ah, right. The little mutation: even more of a freak than the rest of you." The commander redirected his gaze at Shadow. "Well, most of you."

"Freak…?" asked Metal. "You think we're freaks?"

"No. I think they're freaks. You are even less than that. You, as a robot, aren't even considered a real citizen. That's what we're here to talk about."

Metal paused. He realized that the commander had a point. Metal had nothing that would classify him as a person in the sense of legal documents.

"All right," began Metal more calmly than before. "Start talking."

"You understand your predicament, then? Good, you're not as stupid as the fool who made you." For some reason, this statement made Metal even madder. "As you understand, you don't have any past, in a sense, no social security number, no I.D., and no passport. Technically, you don't exist. I understand that you wish to go to Eggman's county in order to get a hold of a Chaos Emerald. Let's face it, that's all you crazy people are after."

Shadow and Vector scowled.

"But, I can't let an unauthorized citizen, especially one with such a chaotic record, go wherever he pleases. In other words, as a machine, you are property. And property can be owned. And now I own you."

"And how do you figure that?" Metal seethed.

"I have the mutation under lock and key. If you want him back, you'll have to work for G.U.N."

"No," answered Metal curtly. Vector gasped.

"But are we gonna just leave the kid here!"

"No. We'll storm this place and take out everyone, if we have to. The last thing I'm going to do is be someone's property."

The Commander smiled devilishly. "I wouldn't do that. I've got a button right here that will let a soldier know to shoot that little freak right in his big head if I so choose. The second you walk out, he's just another 'failed experiment' for the public to hate."

Metal glanced at Shadow. Metal gave a nod. "I hate him."

"I hate him as well. I do believe he is the only person in the world who deserves my hate."

The Commander snickered. "So, I see you're not leaving."

"You disgust me," claimed Shadow as he turned his head away. "You're almost as bad as Black Doom."

The Commander's face turned red and he shook violently. "How dare you compare me to that floating piece of shit? I am a human! I am nothing like that monster!"

"Really? It's funny how people like you always use being human as an excuse for not being a monster. Monster, as a definition, is something deformed or huge. I suppose that would fit Black Doom quite well. You're soul is just like that, though. Deformed and vile with no compassion for anyone."

The Commander took a sharp breath. He would not be talked to by this… thing. "I suggest you silence," the commander whispered. "I'm not one to be trifled with."

"But how could you deny it? You hate Animals with a passion. You always have. I remember that quite well about you. But you never liked humans, your own 'kind,' either. You wasted valuable time and resources in order to beat me, sending many humans in my unstable path, knowing they would only slow me and the Black Arms down. And then, let's not forget, you wasted that prototype, Diablon, which I'm sure was about four billion tax payers dollars down the garbage chute. All for what? A grudge with me that you didn't even have proof to back up with."

The Commander grinned. "And what are you going to do about it? It's done, isn't it?"

"But you still hate me. You've made that quite evident. The second I make even the slightest mistake, you'll jump at it so you can get me."

"And If I do? I'm the Commander. I may as well be a king. Everyone will do as I say no matter what. If I could do it all over again, knowing what I know now, I would still waste all that time and money killing you, and anyone associated with you. I don't really care. All these soldiers are just pawns. They might as well be robots, because I own them."

"You slimeball!" shouted Vector as Sarsar growled. "I used to think the world's situation was bad; now I can see it's in hell! You're worse than Eggman!"

"And yet, the people of the world still love me."

Shadow grinned. "And with that, we win."

"What are you talking about?" the Commander fumed. "You haven't won anything! I might just kill the kid because I very well feel like it now!"

Shadow turned to Metal. "Would you like to tell him?"

Metal's voice seemed to smile. "It would be my pleasure. You see, Commander, you called me a machine, a piece of equipment. A good machine usually has access to a lot of different features. A video camera, internet access, and video editing are just a few."

The Commander looked confused for a second, but he suddenly realized what he had said. Sarsar chuckled.

Metal mocked clearing a throat. "I believe you said," and then a recoding played, "If I could do it all over again, knowing what I know now, I would still waste all that time and money killing you, and anyone associated with you. I don't really care."

Suddenly the commander pulled out a pistol and aimed it at Metal. Realizing this was stupid, he aimed it at Sarsar. Realizing that was just as stupid, he aimed it at Shadow. Realizing that was even stupider, he aimed it at Vector. Vector yawned.

"Delete that video right now or I'll shoot!"

"Nope."

The commander freaked out and shot a bullet. It bounced harmlessly off Vector's scales. "I felt something. I think it was a mosquito."

Metal grabbed the Commander's collar and pulled him down to face him. "Now, here's how it's going to work. You let Tails go, and my video won't be seen on the internet by all your loyal subjects, O king."

The Commander growled. "Let's negotiate a little better. It's going to take a little more than that for me to let the freak go. Since I made an error, I guess I can't make you my property. But I can still turn the entire government against you. There's no denying that." Metal let the commander's collar go.

"Then we have reached an impasse," stated Metal.

The Commander took a deep breath "How about this… We could use your help with some problems that are threatening the innocent."

Metal growled. He found a sweet spot of his.

"There is a cult that has been taking people. Not just as members, but as prisoners. We originally didn't care," Sarsar growled, "but it has become a threat to security. People are in a panic. If you wouldn't mind, we could use you as covert agents and take them out from the inside. Or just blow them up. Apparently, you sideshow freaks can do that, but the government can't." The commander pulled out a file labeled Brotherhood of Metallix. "This is all we have on them. It's not much, but I'm sure you 'heroes' can take care of that little issue."

Vector took the file and gasped. "No way… these guys…"

"What about Tails?" asked Metal. Sarsar nodded and stood up. Apparently, he wanted his fuzzy buddy.

"We'll keep him here until you-" suddenly the Commander's phone beeped. "What is it?"

"Sir," came a young male voice from the other side. "T-The fox has escaped."

"What!"

Shadow and Vector grinned. Sarsar looked relieved.

"H-He was let out with the help of a soldier, sir. The soldier left a letter of resignation, saying what we've been doing is… wrong."

"You sound like you might think that too…" the Commander whispered softly but cruelly.

"I-I'm sorry sir, but after talking to the kid- to Tails- I just can't live with it anymore. He's opened my eyes. Maybe we should stop using our resources the way we do."

"You're fired, Ned."

"I thought so, sir. You won't be hearing from me again." The other end shut off.

Metal laughed. "Well, what do you know? This whole meeting was a waste of time."

"Not really," the Commander said with his face stern. "I know how you heroes operate. You're still going to take down that cult, now that you know about them. The guilt will eat at you unless you do."

Metal looked off to the side. He had definitely found his sweet spot.

"Know this 'Metal Overdrive', Shadow; This isn't the last you've heard from me. Our paths will cross again. And next time, I'll have all the aces. If I see that video on the internet, I will turn the world against you."

"But for now, I have them. Here's the new deal," said Metal as he poked the commander in the chest. "After I take care of this issue, you will make me an official citizen. And you'll make an official apology to Shadow and let the world know you were wrong about him. Do this, and I'll delete the video so I can't use it against you anymore."

The Commander's face turned red again. "Fine…"

"Excellent. Come my friends; let us be on our way."

"Stop talking like that."

"Come on, Shadow, it's fun."

"You will never hear me talk like some old knight fart. Never." They started to walk out of the room. Vector walked slower than the others as he read through the file. Sarsar was making his way out, but stopped, turned, ran up to the Commander and gave him a very large, very slobbery lick.

"Ugg! You stupid… whatever you are!" Sarsar seemed to chuckle and he ran out.

"Ergg… there's more things that look like Sonic every day. Note to self: Make a new file on the beast that was seen around the broken planet. Apparently it wasn't Sonic the Hedgehog after all." The Commander pressed a button on his phone. "Send Mr. Ix in."

"Yes sir," came a voice that wasn't Ned.

A few minutes later, a hunchbacked man with a large black overcoat stepped slowly into the room. His long white beard reached to the ground, and he was careful not to step on it. His ears and forehead were hidden by the tall hat he wore but left enough space for his eyebrows to show how he wanted others to think he felt. His right hand had a large black glove and his left arm had simply a wrapped up stub where his hand should have been.

"Ah, Commander…" Mr. Ix spoke is a harsh whisper. "I take it the negotiations with the 'Knights of Chaos' did not go well."

"They went terrible!" the Commander shouted as he banged a fist onto his desk. "Your plan to kidnap the kid failed!"

"Did it, sir? Surely they will now take out the cult. If that robot is anything like Sonic, he will rush here before taking the glory. Once we give him what he wants, we will snatch the credit from under their noses and make G.U.N. look like the victor."

The Commander smirked. "Clever, Mr. Ix. But are you sure he will come back here first? And what about the Emeralds? How do you plan to get those from them?"

Mr. Ix chuckled. "This will take time, sir. They are powerful beings, after all. We must simply wait and catch them off guard. This will not be easy. I will take care of it personally."

"Very well, Mr. Ix, I expect a full report on this situation in a week. You are dismissed."

"Yes sir." With that, Mr. Ix stepped out of the door.

As Mr. Ix walked down the hall, he grinned to himself. "This world had changed so much since I last visited it. It's a lot more of a challenge to take over. How entertaining. I can't wait until the poker game with Eggman. I wish he hadn't rescheduled. Heh, heh, heh…"

-break-

"Tails!" Metal yelled.

"Metal!" Tails cried as the two quickly embraced each other.

Blaze smiled. "I always get a warm fuzzy feeling when they do that."

Silver nodded in agreement. "Should we give them the thing Pickle gave you?"

"Give them a moment," said Blaze. "They were both scared, I'm sure."

"Tails, you're alright!" Wave cried as she came up and joined Metal in squeezing Tails.

Metal was a little baffled by this. But, he would let it slide. He was just happy his… son was alright.

Knuckles rolled his eyes. Sonic and Tails were never this fuzzy. But then, this wasn't Sonic. "Yeah, yeah, Tails is safe. It only lasted about three hours, ya know."

Meanwhile, in the Great Babylon's kitchen, Vector and Shadow were spilling over the information inside the file. Shadow looked a picture. It was of a Black Labrador with a robotic arm and leg. "That's disturbing," said Shadow.

"It is," said Vector. "That almost happened to the Chaotix a while back. Except we didn't get to choose."

"I can't believe these kids are just tossing their body parts away like this. All in the name of a 'Greater Existence.' Do they even realize the intensity of what they're doing?"

Vector shook his head. "Their leader is crafty. He's a real smooth talker. He got one of our old members to turn against us for money. I'm not sure if Fang really meant it."

Shadow looked up from the paper he was reading. "Fang? I think I might have met him once."

"Purple weasel with an Australian accent and a six shooter?"

"That's him. Sure seemed rather smart to be a former Chaotix member."

"Hey!"

"What do you know about this cult personally?"

"They're crazy and they want to turn the whole world into robots. That's about it."

"Real helpful. Well, it looks like Central city is where they're hitting the most right now. If we send Metal, he could probably blend in well enough to tell us where their base of operations is."

"I just hope Grimer isn't in charge anymore. He was… grimy."

"Well, if that's our plan and we got nothing else, I'm off. I will not rest until I figure out where that Power Star that I'm supposed to 'shoot at the wall' to get is."

Vector sighed and shook his head. He would never understand Shadow.

-Author's Note-

Blarg. More filler. In that whole 'Harmony' thing is going to become ironic towards the end, considering how I've changed the ending from what I would have done two years ago.

More character building, yay! My only gripe with this chapter in that I did too much telling instead of showing with the Commander and maybe made him a little too aggressive to start with. We only ever see him three times, though, so I wasn't sure how to handle that. But it's a fanfiction, who cares? Though the story I'm working on now is my attempt to write for real, but is still fanfiction. Not sure when I'll find the time to write it, though.

For those wondering, Sarsar, the name I chose for the Hedgewolf, is the pronunciation of the Arabic word sarsarun, which means 'fast wind.' Considering that Metal's been reading Arabian Nights, I thought he would go with an Arabic name.

Sincerely,

As if you didn't know by now.