Sonic paced.

Amy sat on the floor with her head in her hands.

Knuckles stared blankly at the floor.

Shadow leaned against the wall, arms crossed, with a concerned look on his face and deep in thought.

Tails was frantically working on the Miles Electric.

The little fox looked up sadly.

A single finger twitched.

Tails' eyes widened. "Sonic!"

Everyone was looking over his shoulder immediately.

A hand raised uncertainly, and Tails grabbed it and held tight.

"Good morning!"

The fingers closed around Tails' hand.

With Tails' help, Metal sat up.

How? Why?

He should be lost in the mech's scrap if not disintegrated entirely. There should be nothing left of him but a fond memory.

He looked around the room. His eyes settled on each face.

Sonic and Amy looked like they were about to cry. Knuckles gasped. Shadow smiled.

Tails hugged Metal tight, and Metal held him close. He didn't want to let go. He didn't want to lose Tails again. Tails looked at Metal with teary eyes. He smiled brightly.

"Welcome back. We're all here for you. You're home now."

"Thank you."

Metal froze. He spoke!

He had his voice back!

The emotionless, menacing edge was gone, replaced by warmth and sincere joy.

"How?"

That was all he could manage to ask.

Tails had an explanation ready.

He held up the Miles Electric. It was frozen on a number.

00.00.02

A timer.

"When you destroyed the mech, it broke Eggman's connection. The self-destruct paused. You were badly damaged, but I could still save you. I had to save you."

Metal pulled Tails back into the hug.

"Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"You're a hero now, Metal. And we're all so proud of you."

Metal had a lot to catch up on.

"Does Eggman retain control over me?"

"No. When I repaired you, I severed the connection entirely. You're free now."

"I am programmed with loyalty to the Eggman Empire. How did I overcome my programming?"

"When you rebooted the night I found you in the rain, your systems were damaged. Some of your functions failed. Only your basic functions worked. Your loyalty was no longer enforced. You got a rare chance to break through your restraints."

"How did I get my voice back?"

"I unlocked the restrictions when I repaired you."

"How long was I inactive?"

Before Tails could respond, someone else jumped in, "7 long, long years."

"Sonic! Don't say that! It was only a few months. Don't listen to him."

Sonic shrugged defensively, "C'mon. How often do you get the chance to make a joke like that?"

"Just because you can doesn't mean you should."

Metal's metallic laugh filled the room.

"See! He thinks it's funny!"

"Or is he laughing at you?"

"It doesn't matter. He's here. He's okay. Let's go celebrate!"

Sonic held a hand up and Metal high-fived him.

"Let's go!"

Notes: Good news: Metal's alive!

And shout out to Horderlock. Great headcanon. Love when the little details are noticed. Artificial hedgehog superweapon buddies! :)