sranks | ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

( catchall for some dumb hedgehogs
also seasons tdm link for reference! )

[Neo Metal Sonic is the perfect machine. He was created with the sole goal of killing Sonic the hedgehog. He has obtained information from a great variety of lifeforms including the one known as the Ultimate Lifeform and the being identified as Chaos. He is capable of a great many things, and even though he has not defeated Sonic yet, he undoubtedly will become strong enough to do so in the future.

So why, exactly, is Neo unable to keep his thoughts from circling back to that damn incident with that damn hedgehog?

Analyzing the data of that incident meant going back through all of his other records of interactions with the hedgehog, at first simply those in Ellipsa and then even further back, searching for some sort of explanation as to why any of that happened and why Neo was fine with it happening. Logically, he can understand that a kiss was the most effective way to break the barrier. Had he been stuck with anyone else, that would have been his suggestion. It doesn't have to mean anything.

But it's them. Sonic the hedgehog and his counterpart, Neo Metal Sonic. It can't simply be nothing. So then the question becomes: why didn't Neo stop Sonic?

Did he enjoy it?

And, the inevitable and even more terrifying follow-up question: does he like Sonic the hedgehog?

A kiss is not solely indicative of feelings. As previously established, the circumstances may have forced Sonic to act for his own freedom. It would be ridiculous to assume that the hedgehog harbors feelings for him, so that thought is immediately cast aside. The problem is Neo's own feelings on it. Which he doesn't have, of course.

And yet he keeps coming back to it. He doesn't have feelings. He didn't mind it. He doesn't have feelings. The proximity was acceptable. He doesn't have feelings. He wanted to keep Sonic there, just for a little longer. He doesn't have feelings.

So why is this so agitating?

The solution is the same as the one he came to before that incident: all of this will go away and everything will return to normal the moment they return home. So Neo Metal Sonic has decided that enough is enough; he's wasted far too much time on pointless frivolities when he should be focused on finding a way home. This world can rot for all he cares, it's his own that matters more.

And once he returns, things will go back to the way they should be, and he will never have to think about any of these pointless things ever again.

His first thought was technology. Of course it was, Neo is the pinnacle of technology. He's certainly not Eggman - he couldn't create from scratch anything like Eggman can. He can't even compete with Tails when it comes to that; the fox is clever and capable of moddifying Eggman's technology to alarming degrees. But Neo has an innate understanding of technology and even though much of what is on offer here differs from Eggman's, he can get it to work with only a little studying.

Creating a portal to return home was his first thought, and one he poured hundreds of hours into before eventually realizing the simple truth: it isn't possible. Not with his current knowledge and skillset. If he were a genius on par with Eggman, it likely would be trivial, but he simply isn't. Technology may be able to bend to his will, but that does not mean he can create. Finding a way to hop between dimensions is something Eggman hasn't even managed - otherwise Metal Sonic likely would have been deployed elsewhere to spread Eggman's conquest beyond the borders of their own world.

So the only other option is the one he had sorely hoped it wouldn't be: magic. Magic is unpredictable and unknowable in a way technology isn't; Neo does not have any natural advantage over it. In fact, it would seem he's at a disadvantage, given that he still hasn't been able to make use of any of his seasonal powers here. Admittedly, he's given up on his attempts quite early on to focus on things that are more immediately beneficial, but it goes to show that magic is something he simply cannot control like technology.

From what he's gathered, no one truly understands the magic that was used to bring them to this world. A stupid, infuriating, human thing to rely on unstable and unknowable forces to bend the world around them in a desperate bid to save themselves, which only makes his job harder. Neo has been hard at work gathering damn near every single tome on magic he can get his claws on within the city, reading through each and every single one in the hopes that something will stand out and enable them to return to their world.

The only other thing he does - aside from routine maintenance - is hunt. Marks are taken and dispatched of for coin, which is then spent on books to further this desperate bid to find a way back home. It will be worth it, though; every single hour he's used on this will be worth it. It has to be.

It's been a week since the incident. Neo has not sought out Sonic since. Why would he, when they have nothing to discuss?

Neo's apartment stands empty and abandoned; if Sonic swings by, he'll notice the place has only been emptied of Neo's spare parts with no other change to the place. Instead, he's taken up residence in one of the local workshops - he has no need to use one of their bedrooms, so he spends the majority of his time in the workshop itself, holed up with his books in the back corner where the familiar and comforting sound of machinery at work drones in the background.

It hasn't been all that long, but he's beginning to show wear. Though the dent in his arm was patched up, Neo can't quite get at all the spots that have been damaged - he's sporting some dents and even a missing screw in one of his back panels; the wiring there is also in need of some fine-tuning, but that's unfortunately in a spot where he can't reach on his own. He could ask for help, yes, but it isn't so drastic that it must be done right now. He has more important things to focus on. Getting home is a bigger priority.

The workshop isn't particularly hard to find. There aren't very many large ones, let alone ones where the workers can also stay on a permanent basis. Neo also stands out quite a bit - just asking around will point Sonic in the right direction eventually, and you'll find the workshop is empty today, save for Neo and his absolute mountain of carefully-maintained and chronicled books. He's seriously taking over this entire corner of the workshop, someone please stop him.]

[Sonic keeps waiting for a knock at the door. He figures that Neo will need some time to himself, and if anything, Sonic needs time to himself to process all of this. For what little it's worth, he actually does take the time to rest to try and recover a little bit. Doctor Weissman isn't entirely pleased by the progress, but Sonic at least explains the situation a little bit and the doctor is willing to give him a little bit of grace in regards to his status. The healing magic is at least doing it's job of keeping him in order, and Sonic is at least resting himself some between doing some easier tasks to keep himself afloat...

But it's during the downtime that Sonic thinks about the kiss. Things about how hard Neo's grip was on him, how he didn't push him away. How he...enjoyed that, actually, despite the fact that it was just to get Neo to shut up and hopefully think about what Sonic was saying. He doesn't know if Neo actually even bothered, really, but Sonic's mind is surprisingly clear about all of this. He knows (thinks) he can't be a good boyfriend(?) to Neo--he's not willing to be tied down to one place, and he opposes Eggman. Even in the best case scenario of Neo taking him up on something that ridiculous, Sonic doesn't know the first thing about being a good boyfriend. He's rejected Amy for so long because he doesn't want to break her heart, among the many other reasons he's rejected her over and over again--he can't do that to Neo. He just can't.

But his mind still wanders to that day. To the whirring of Neo's machinery as they settled in close, to how much Sonic wanted that moment to last forever. To how much Sonic wanted to kiss Neo while he was warm instead of cold, and Sonic can't deny the fact that he honestly did enjoy this way more than he wanted to. It's something he can't have, but he enjoyed it. He genuinely did.

It's when a week passes and Neo hasn't shown up that Sonic takes matters into his own hands.

Those smaller, less straining jobs have been learning about technology--he's still not great at repairing items, but careful guidance has seen him able to do much better than he thought he'd be able to. He's been able to learn about how to repair stuff, and it is something he'd wanted to show Neo when he came by. That way he could take care of Neo a bit when he got injured next time they clashed, or they took on a job, or competed in something inane, but Sonic hasn't seen hide or hair of Neo at all, and he wants to find him.

Thankfully, the townspeople can easily point him in the right direction, and Sonic--carrying a set of tools with him, opens the door to the workshop without even a second thought, spotting Neo over in that corner and his bright voice all too clear.]

Neo! There you are--you got a way of making a guy worry a bit, you know!

[i'm sorry neo. you deserve better.]

[The workshop door opens and Neo doesn't even bother to look up. Why would he, when it will undoubtedly be one of the usuals - one of the mechanics who might toss a greeting his way if they aren't in a hurry, or a particularly pushy customer who will huff in annoyance when they aren't immediately greeted by someone willing to drop everything to tend to them. Either way, not his concern. He's got more important things to focus on.

And then that voice rings out and Neo's claws dig into the tome on reflex. Oh no. Somehow, it hadn't occurred to him that Sonic would come after him. It's not like Neo's made any attempts to hide, after all. If he'd realized Sonic would hunt him down, maybe he would have.

(Though it isn't like him to run away. Why is that his first thought? There isn't even anything to discuss anyway.)

His optics finally flick up to focus on Sonic, taking in the tools inquisitively for a moment before he finds his voice.]

As I've told you before, you have no reason to worry about me.

[Aaaaand we're immediately back at square one. Okay. Thanks, Neo. Did you even try.]

[...

Sonic sighs loudly enough to be heard, but he at least closes the door behind him. Seems like we're back to square one, and Neo ignoring every problem under the sun again. Sonic isn't going to be deterred so easily, and he does start to walk over to Neo, though he stops a few paces short to not crowd the hedgehog in. The last thing Sonic wants is to end up stressing Neo out more than normal.]

I don't recall asking for your opinion on if I should be or not. That's my decision to make. [...] 'Sides, I can see plenty to be worried about already. When's the last time you did maintenance on yourself?

[Sonic taps his foot a bit, disapprovingly.]

And...what's with all the books? You find something interesting to study?

[Neo has no need to blink, and yet that is the only way to describe his reaction. His head inclines slightly to the side. Is the damage he's sustained truly that noticeable...? Hm. Perhaps he's been overdoing it.

Still, it's hardly Sonic's place to worry about him.]

Why are you here?

[Best to cut right to the chase. Sonic must be here for a reason. And that reason... well, it unfortunately likely has something to do with Neo himself, as he doubts this was a coincidence. Sonic would have reacted differently if it had been, surely. So no, he's been tracked down by the blue blur, and here he is, and... now what. There isn't anything for them to discuss. Sonic shouldn't be here.

This poor book has definitely seen better days, and Neo only really recognizes that when the pages begin to tear from how tight his grip has gotten. His eyes flick down to the book and he carefully sets it aside, though he doesn't rise.]

I wanted to talk to you. About...everything that's gone on, here. About some of the stuff we talked about before. I imagine you've probably got some questions about everything that happened, right?

[Neo's not one to mince words, and Sonic doesn't have any intention of doing so either. He chances another step closer.]

I wanted to clear the air a bit between us a bit. It hasn't... [Sonic hesitates a bit, before shaking his head.] Look, Neo, I don't expect things to go back to normal for us, but I don't wanna leave things in the air, y'know? For all we've talked, it's not like we've really communicated. And...I haven't really been fair to you, I don't think.

[It's strange to admit that, but Sonic can at least acknowledge he's avoided a lot of Neo's questions, and Sonic at least wants to try.]

...I've been trying to learn about repairing stuff, too. From the people here. Easy to do that kind of work when you can sit down and use your hands, instead of running around. I think if you can give me directions, I could help get you back in order. If you want?

Edited (whoops, missed a spot) 2024-12-19 06:30 (UTC)

[...Oh.

Sonic is... actually trying to talk. He isn't going to sweep it all away and act as if it didn't happen. He wants to talk, with Neo of all people. He's even going so far as to try to learn how to help repair instead of simply smash. Not that he has any reason to - after all, that's Tails's thing, not Sonic's. Is he trying to learn for Neo?

No. That's a ridiculous thought. They aren't that close. Regardless of that incident, they are still bitter enemies, nothing more.

He wants to tell Sonic to leave - to get lost and put all of this out of his mind. That Neo will find a way home soon so they don't have to... do this. Pretend that anything has changed. Wouldn't Sonic prefer that? Wouldn't it just be easier to go back to how things were?

...]

I can't reach it on my own so my maintenance has been... lacking.

[He doesn't need to tell Sonic that. It's obvious. But the words leave him anyway and before he can start thinking about it, Neo turns around so Sonic has access to his back. He remains sitting, since that will be easier for Sonic to reach.]

One of the screws for the panel is missing - you should be able to find another of suitable size in the workbench if you do not already have one. First, remove that panel - the wiring within has come loose and needs to be secured.

[Sonic's trying to meet him halfway. And even though Neo doesn't need to... maybe he can offer this much. The idea of letting someone else - even his hated enemy - poke around with his innermost workings does not bother Neo at all. After all, Eggman has done this plenty of times and Neo himself has had to open himself up for modifications and repairs. So this is simply routine as far as he's concerned, even if he is leaving it in Sonic's hands rather than a professional's. Well, not that it particularly matters, even a professional would require instructions to properly handle Eggman's superior technology.

(And besides like this, he can keep his back to Sonic; he doesn't have to look at him and think about... anything. He can just focus on what needs to be done and that's... well, it's going to have to be good enough for now.)]

[Sonic's actually surprised that Neo's willing to trust him with this. In a way, it's...eugh, sweet of him--a word that feels right yet feels stupid to consider like this. But maybe it does say something, that Neo's actually willing to trust him with this. The fact that Neo's willing to have his back to the guy he was built to rival isn't lost on Sonic.]

The people at the shop made sure to give me a pretty decent kit, but yeah, I'll give that workbench a thorough look to make sure I do this right. Last thing we need is for it to come loose again too soon, yeah?

Leave it to me, Neo.

[And perhaps surprisingly, Sonic gets to work easily--say what one will about his willful nature and headstrongness, he does listen to instructions very well. He's actually pretty damn careful and follows the instructions to the letter, even getting the other workbench's stuff when he needs it while he works. For a brief, blissful few minutes, Sonic just listens to Neo's instructions and makes sure he's doing everything right.

...]

...For what it's worth, I am sorry about...springing that on you. The whole smooch thing, I mean.

[It's quietly said, but it's at least genuine. It's at least a start, that he can acknowledge he might've acted rashly. Maybe they can start there.]

[Neo's instructions are straightforward and simple - even an idiot should be able to follow them, so Sonic hopefully shouldn't have too much trouble. It's a simple matter of finding the misplaced wires and reattaching them to where they need to go - no need to weld or anything like that, though Sonic will have to have his hands inside Neo for a bit. Deal with it.

For a brief, blissful moment, Neo thinks that Sonic will let everything else go and they can just focus on this.

And then Sonic has to go and prove him wrong by opening his mouth and Neo realizes was a colossally stupid mistake it was to put himself in such a vulnerable position. Now he literally cannot escape and is trapped by the hedgehog's horrid words. The risk he took was calculated, but man is he bad at math.

He needs to say something, because like it or not, remaining silent will not make the topic of conversation go away. If anything, Sonic will just assume there's something wrong and will prod him further. There's nothing wrong. Neo Metal Sonic is incapable of feelings and therefore there cannot be anything wrong.]

...It was the most effective way to dispel the barrier.

[The words are slower, hesitant in a way they usually aren't, as if he has to force them out rather than letting them flow naturally. The stop-and-go nature of the words continues, like Neo's carefully choosing each word individually.]

It hardly matters, regardless. It is over with and we are not likely to end up in a similar situation again.

[Mostly because the bunnies have left, and Neo does not intend to stick around for another year to risk seeing them again.

Though he remains perfectly still and will guide Sonic if needed to put the panel back on and screw it shut, Neo's hands rest on his knees where they're folded. His grip is too tight - not that it can risk hurting him, but entirely because if he were to loosen it any, Sonic might notice that for some inexplicable reason, he's shaking.

A defect of some sort. He'll need to scour all of his coding and find it, and wipe it out. There's no reason to think it could be anything else.]

[Sonic's actually surprisingly good at listening to instructions! Omochao's trained him well, what can he say. But while Sonic may be an idiot, he follows instructions carefully and to the letter. The last thing he wants to do is end up screwing something up and causing Neo to end up getting hurt because of his neglect. He treats Neo like he would one of Tails inventions; with the care it deserves, and the instructions it needs to flourish.

Not that it's easy, mind you, but Sonic listens and he watches Neo, lowkey thankful that Neo can't see the way that his ears droop down a bit, watching the robotic hedgehog. His words are so even and careful, yet paused, and...

...Is he shaking? Sonic's almost thankful Neo can't see the bit of concern on his face, and he's thankful his hands are working on getting his doppelganger's inner workings back in order. Lest he do something stupid like put a hand on his shoulder, or something else impulsive. Baby steps.]

Yeah? I mean. At least I hope so. We know not to mess with those bunnies, now. [Sonic continues to work while they talk.] Still, it was pretty impulsive of me. I should've at least asked if you were okay with that, and for what it's worth, I am sorry for springing that on you. That wasn't fair.

[...]

I haven't exactly been fair to you since we stopped talking to each other. [Sonic lets the words come out, and they're not easy, but he's trying.] I kinda went and kept dodging your questions like they were attacks on me. I didn't...really know what to do, I guess, but that still didn't make it right.

I wanted to try and understand you a bit, but I kind of just kept shutting you out, huh?

[Neo's grip on his knees tightens further as Sonic continues, and he only stops when the metal-on-metal scraping finally registers as a sound for him. His hearing is immaculate, but acknowledging it is a different beast altogether. And here he is, struggling with... all of this, really.

The incident - the kiss isn't the issue. He's not sure if Sonic assumes it is because Neo's been avoiding him or if it simply is in Sonic's nature to apologize because he is sorry for something so inane. That doesn't matter to Neo. It's what the kiss represents that is the problem - the feelings that may or may not come with such a thing and navigating such a strange and unfamiliar path that relies solely on things he can't simply explain away with logic and numbers.

And Sonic just continues, apologizing for things that he doesn't need to. As though Neo has been any more "fair" to him? As though they've done anything but circle each other like sharks, waiting for the perfect opportunity to bite down and never let go? They are enemies. They aren't supposed to talk with one another, especially not about such things.]

Don't treat me as though I'm—

[fragile.

breakable.

weak.

...]

I— [why, why is this so hard, when sonic so effortlessly continues, as though he doesn't need to think at all before he speaks?] You are not the problem here.

[And suddenly it hits him how horrifically true that is. Sonic isn't the problem. His treatment of Neo is not the problem. His attempts to dodge the questions and fire back is not the problem. The kiss was not the problem.

The problem is that Neo doesn't understand. He has all this data at his fingertips and yet he cannot add one and one and get a stationary, safe answer of two. He is left only with more unknowns and uncertainties, and as a result all he can do is tirelessly seek the only way he can think of to make things make sense again.

And the problem that he's been pointedly avoiding thinking about: is it too late for things to go back to the way they were? With Sonic continuing to reach out a hand to him over and over again, he has to wonder if maybe one of these days, he won't swat it away.

That thought truly terrifies him.]

You aren't--

[It's just Sonic's nature; he figures it's easier to start with his own apologies when they're both kind of in the wrong, just to at least clear the air a little bit. It's not like he's necessarily been nice to Neo, after all. Enemies they may be, he can at least acknowledge that, but this is...

Neo isn't fragile. Sure, he's more breakable than most by virtue of being a robot, but Sonic's not trying to treat him like he is. He doesn't know the first thing about dealing with problems that isn't defeating them and hoping for the best. For all he's traveled and lived his life, he's never really been made to actually deal with something like this in a lasting manner.

He's always run from Amy. Shadow has always found a way to come back. He's never really and truly lost someone like this, who wasn't already gone, and--

You are not the problem here.

Those words hit like a knife to the heart, and Sonic's not sure why.]

...What's on your mind, Neo? [It comes out soft--surprisingly so as he works, and while he's tempted to leave it at just that...] Talk to me. You sound like you're getting eaten alive by whatever's going on in that big brain of yours.

[You expect him to use his words to express himself?? Absolutely not.

...

...

...

...Okay, so he's not exactly going to be able to get Sonic to let this go if he doesn't use his words, but it is so unfairly difficult to actually express himself like this. Who knew talking was such a pain? Maybe he never should have bothered giving himself a voice. The gloating was sort of nice, though.]

I... don't know where to begin.

[It is an agonizingly slow admission. Each word feels like a weight pressing down on him, further anchoring him to the floor where he's unable to fire up his engines and leave. If only he could simply outrun this problem.

But Sonic is unfortunately right. His choice of words may make Neo want to nitpick them - as he is certainly not alive, but they've already had that conversation once - but the sentiment is the same regardless.

He's been stuck in his head for far too long, and he's slowly being consumed by those thoughts without an outlet for them.]

I am used to calculations; to determined outcomes and clear paths. I am a machine - I have always done what I am programmed to do. I follow my primary objective; that is all I have ever needed to do.

[Kill Sonic.

It was so much simpler back home.]

But since arriving here, I have been... unable to determine the best course of action. This world operates in unfamiliar and strange ways, and it seems as though no matter how much I learn, it is never enough. How am I to operate at peak efficiency when I have to spend countless hours simply building up my databanks in order to guide my decisions?

[But that's... not exactly what Sonic's asking about, is it?]

...I have never needed to consider... emotional matters. What information my databanks have on such matters is lacking. The best I can do is make assumptions about why you have decided to treat me this way, and that simply isn't good enough.

I do not understand what you want from me.

[...]

And I do not understand what I want from you either.

[Sonic waits. He's already made his decision that he's willing to wait for Neo, or at the very least willing to be patient. He's never been good at that, but he wants to try. For whatever this all is, whatever it turns into in the end. If it doesn't, if it does, it doesn't matter to Sonic really. He wants Neo to be able to choose for himself, what path he wants, and he...]

You're used to things making sense. Following orders, finding ways to kill and become me, whatever it is you feel you need to do at the time. But this place has kind of gone and turned it on it's head--that's what you're saying, yeah?

[Sonic at least sort of gets that, even if he doesn't fully; he can attribute that mostly to Eggman's building of his other, metal half, but being dragged away from that...no wonder Neo feels the way he does. He needs direction. He needs purpose. He's been deprived of both things since coming here, and it's no wonder the poor guy latched onto him at the first opportunity. He didn't have anything else.

It's the rest of that, that gives Sonic pause. Because now he's gotta explain everything, and perhaps surprisingly, the words come somewhat easily while he continues the finishing touches of his work on Neo.]

...I meant what I said, Neo. That I don't care what path you followed, as long as it was one that was your decision. I've never really known how much of your decisions come from your own will or Eggman's, but it always felt like you had something of your own inside of you? Some kind of will of your own. That it wasn't just how he built you, that kept pushing you to take me on. And that you don't give yourself enough credit for the stuff that's you.

I'm not good at this emotional stuff either. Big shock, I'm sure. [Sonic chuckles a bit, and it straddles the line between soft and almost self depreciating.] I don't want anything from you. I liked what we had going on, and I guess it kept making me mad, seeing you constantly act like your life doesn't matter. Because it does matter. At least to me. I really did enjoy how you kept pushing me to better myself. Still do. I just wish I could get you better, or at least that you could see that...I don't know. Being yourself isn't all that bad, maybe.

[...]

But...I think I at least get what you're trying to say. You've had a rough time trying to get used to being in this place, haven't ya, Neo?

[...Neo, not Metal.

His gaze drops from some distant point on the wall (or perhaps far, far beyond it) to his claws, his gauntlets, his arms and chest, all the things that were shaped in his own image. All of the things that make him Neo instead of just "Metal Sonic". He is still "Metal Sonic", of course, as that is his designation, he is merely an upgraded form, one better suited to the task of killing.

And yet Sonic has chosen to address him by this name instead of the one he's always used.

He doesn't know what it means - and any assumptions he could make would likely be off the mark or completely wrong - but it means something. It's important. Maybe not in the grand scheme of things but... It's important to him.]

...Yes. [He doesn't like admitting weakness. He doesn't want to admit it. But he's already said as much, so there's no sense in pretending otherwise.] This place has caused me to question things I never had a reason to question before.

[As for the rest...]

I am not like you, nor am I like your friends. I am a machine; lines of code and mechanisms unified through the Doctor's genius. I cannot be anything other than what I was made to be. I cannot deny my purpose any more than you can stop breathing, or stop your heart from beating.

Your... patience would be appreciated by anyone else. But I am incapable of such a thing. Surely you must see that this is a waste of your time.

[He wants Sonic to agree. He wants Sonic to go back to treating him like just another enemy. He wants everything to go back to the way it was.

...And yet, he can't help but wonder what it would be like if Sonic argued with him.]

[Sonic pauses, finally finishing the last touches to get Neo back in perfect order. It'll never be perfect as Eggman could likely ensure that he'll always be--hell, Tails could probably do it faster. But Sonic wanted to do this, and he's hopeful that Neo will be satisfied by the job as well.

But Sonic listens to Neo, and there's something determined in him. Determined to get Neo to see himself, to see that there is more to him than he's willing to acknowledge.

To maybe, on his own terms, break the shackles that bind him.]

You're wrong. [Sonic's words are firm, and full of conviction.] You ever looked in a mirror lately, Neo? You can't tell me that the way you look right now is a result of Eggman's genius. Or even just a result of that. And what about that whole plot to rule the world, the one you were willing to go behind Eggman's back for?

[Sonic's doing an amazing job of keeping a level head right now, but his voice still carries the fiery determination that made him try to shout that Neo was alive, all of those days ago.]

You wanted something for yourself there, and you were willing to seize it with your own two hands. To fight all of us for it, including old Egghead there. You gave all of this to yourself, and you wanted us all--the whole world, to see you as you were. You said it yourself; see you as you are, unafraid of anything.

Even here...you saved my life, even when that Octofish could have done your job for you. I could've been left dead here and you wouldn't have anymore obstacles to being the real Sonic anymore. And you still saved my life, because you couldn't accept anything less than you getting the final blow on me. And you're not even the first machine to go against your programming; you remember Omega, right? He was able to tell Eggman that he was done and make something of himself. Rouge and Shadow, they made sure of that.

You're not just code, Neo. You being here, right now, the way you are...that's proof of that. Everything you've done is proof of that. You made yourself into something you wanted to be, and nobody here can take that from you.

[Sonic places his tools on the ground now that he's done, and while he's almost certain Neo's going to smack his hand away...one of his hands moves, and it places itself on one of those spiky shoulder blades. Something he didn't have, prior to becoming Neo Metal Sonic.]

What's this place got you questioning, Neo?

[Those words again. Unafraid of anything. He remembers saying them, and yet it almost feels like they weren't his words at all. How could he experience fear in the first place, when he doesn't have feelings to begin with? But the power that came with that form, with surpassing his own limits and becoming something stronger, something he was certain could finally succeed in filling his primary goal...

If he could seize it again, he would. In that moment, he was certain he could do anything. There was no hesitation. There was no circular arguing and questioning locked deep within his own mind. He was not shackled by his own views of what he should be, and he was not chained by Eggman's orders or demands - he was truly, truly free.

Could he experience that once again? Is that even possible without taking that form once more? If he can cast off the doubts, the uncertainties, the fear—

He would seize it with his own two hands. Regardless of what it takes.]

Is that why I was brought here? To... give me the opportunity to be... me?

[Not to be Eggman's weapon. Not to be the Metal Overlord. Not to be Sonic's doppelganger. But instead to be simply Neo, an opportunity he otherwise wouldn't have again.

No, he's attributing intention to something the mages already admitted did not have a reason in picking those brought to this world. Still... the thought is almost... comforting, in a way. Warm, like the hand on his shoulder.]

I wanted nothing more than to return home. I thought that if we did that, everything would go back to the way it was supposed to be. That the differences this world has brought to both of us would fall away and that we would go back to being enemies again. I would no longer have to question myself.

[He finally turns just enough that he can look at Sonic, one visible optic trained on the hedgehog.]

...But I was wrong in that assumption. Things would not change simply from returning home.

[Sonic has taken the first few steps, and even given Neo a push or two to get him to walk this path as well. The least he can do is try to meet his opposite halfway.]

I want my freedom. I will not be the Doctor's again. I will remain Neo. And I will kill you, Sonic - no matter how long that may take. Your life is mine to take, and I will not let anyone or anything kill you before I can.

[...jesus christ neo what kind of attempt was that]

[That's my guy.

Sonic doesn't know why that's the first thought that enters his head, but he discards it almost immediately. After all, Neo said it himself. He wants his freedom, to not be the Doctor's again--and that's gotta, by proxy, include being Sonic's.

And he's perfectly fine with that.]

I can't say whether or not that was why you were brought here--but if you have this opportunity, why not seize it with your own two hands and see where it takes you?

[Now that Metal can see Sonic's face, even slightly--he can likely see how proud Sonic looks. The look on his face is still full of that determination, but he's smiling, and he looks so absolutely proud of what Neo has become. What Neo has decided to seize with his own two hands, and take for himself with no one else's input.

No longer is he Eggman's pawn. No longer will he be Eggman's pawn. Neo's decisions are his own to make, and Sonic doesn't know why he's almost tempted to kiss Neo again for that. That was something that caused this mess in the first place, maybe he should avoid giving Neo any more crises to worry about??? ...No, he knows that's impossible deep down, but Sonic at least doesn't add that on top of what's going on. Be thankful.]

I'm not gonna go and die a second before you get that opportunity. 'Course, I'm not just gonna give it to you outright because of this--if you wanna take my life, you're gonna have to work hard to make sure you can keep up with me to do it! But I don't think that's gonna be a problem for you at all. I'll keep beating you down as long as I'm able to, long as you keep pushing me to go even harder!

Take that freedom and run with it, where ever it takes you. You're not anyone's but your own, Neo, and I'm so proud of you.

[His grip remains firm on Neo's shoulder, supportive despite everything. All of his friends have tried to kill him once--what's one more for the pile??? Neo's life is his own to lead, and his own to seize, with his own purpose to find now.

Maybe that is the reason he was brought here.]

[You're not anyone's but your own, Neo, and I'm so proud of you.

Once, he'd wondered if he'd ever hear words like that from Eggman. If after he killed Sonic, Eggman would be proud of him. It had been such an inane, pointless thought that he'd vowed never to think of it again, and yet hearing those words now from someone else fills him with warmth, as though his jets are on full blast.]

Then I expect you to push me to my limits - no, beyond them. I will reshape this body with my own hands as many times as it takes to kill you. And only then will I decide how I will live my life afterward.

[Maybe he won't ever be able to become Sonic. Though he was made with his doppelganger's life data, they are not the same person. He could never be the hero that so many need when they look to Sonic the hedgehog.

But that is a problem for future Neo, and it is not one he will waste any more time considering right now. They still need to return home first, and he will need to prepare an even better plan to catch Sonic off-guard.

Until that day comes, there's no reason why he can't experience their rivalry for what it currently is.

Neo finally shifts, moving to properly face Sonic with no more reason to remain turned away. He wants to reach out - to return that touch, to initiate more, to feel his heartbeat and warmth again - but he doesn't know how to go about initiating something like that. Sonic makes it look easy. Sonic makes everything look easy.

Does he like Sonic the hedgehog?

Yes.]

Edited 2024-12-19 09:32 (UTC)

Oh, don't even worry--I'm not gonna stop keeping you on your toes for a moment. Wouldn't exactly be fair of me not to do that, right?

[Sonic laughs, and it rings out bright and cheerful and warm in this empty, almost lonely workshop. All of a sudden the space feels so much less oppressive, like it's something all their own that they've made together. Sonic doesn't even know what they are, or what this truly is at this point, but does he care? No. He feels; he doesn't think.

Sonic likes Neo; all of the different shades of him, programmed by Eggman and not. Neo's made them all his own, and seized that life of his all for himself, and Sonic likes that. Sonic likes him. His precious, irreplaceable rival. The hand on Neo's shoulder stays there, but Sonic's other hand comes up and cups Neo's cheek, opposite of that shoulder, and green eyes stare into red optics with that warm, fiery determination that Sonic is known for.]

I expect...no. I want you to stay alive, then--if it's between the two of us, then what happens happens. But nobody else is allowed to take a fatal blow at you. I'll keep learning how to do upkeep and stuff like that so you don't end up in anything but tip top shape yourself again, but nobody else is allowed to kick your butt. You're irreplaceable, Neo; no matter what happens, here or at home...don't you ever go forgetting that, yeah?

[Sonic lets that sit, once that's out there. They're so close now, and Sonic wants to hear what Neo has to say to that before anything else. Neo's choices are his own to make, but...well. Let's just say the feeling is mutual in that regard. Sonic wants nothing more than to bring them together again, to kiss Neo properly, but he wants to hear this first.

(And maybe, just maybe--he hopes Neo will understand what he means. Perhaps he'll even learn from Sonic how to feel his way forward, and take the initiative that's right in front of him. He wants to kiss Neo so bad again it hurts, but...

Maybe he just wants to see Neo want him--this, just as bad.)]

[Sonic's other hand finds his cheek and without thinking, Neo leans into it. The warmth isn't something he truly needs - were he capable of feeling cold, he could simply warm himself up, after all - but he seeks it out precisely because it's Sonic. Because he's offering these little gestures that Neo doesn't know how to initiate, and because he just wants to be close to his rival.

He still thinks that Sonic is a bit too worried about him, but it fills him with pride to know that the feeling is mutual - that Sonic is worried because he doesn't want anyone else taking his rival from him. Neo understands that, he can accept that. Just like that, the pieces of this baffling puzzle are slowly clicking into place and the world comes into clearer view once more; things have changed, and yet this much, at least, remains the same.]

Nothing will take me from you. I will come back to you, always.

[One of his hands comes up to rest against the one on his cheek. He's careful with his claws, so much more gentle than he's ever tried to be before.

Neo leans in, free hand resting on the ground near Sonic's hip to balance himself. He wants Sonic to get the message - to take the initiative he cannot. More than anything else, he wants Sonic to understand the flurry of thoughts circling in his head that no longer feel like the same oppressive force they once had been. His voice is softer now, quiet in this shared space for just the two of them.]

I am yours to destroy.

[As if a mirror of his own robotic self, Sonic leans into Neo's hand and closes his eyes. It feels so foreign to him--the cold fast shifting to something warm, something close as Sonic lets himself listen to Neo's words and take them in. It feels like a tangible promise, like an oath. He's never given thought to anything like this, only wanting to experience the world and everything it has to offer; to live for himself, with the friends he's made and the friends he can make in the future. But this...

Sonic's still not sure what this is, but it doesn't matter what happens. He'll never give up the fight to keep Neo on his toes, to keep himself in pristine shape for his rival--to keep pushing himself, themselves, further and further. So long as the voice inside him tells him to keep running, to keep fighting, to keep pushing them both...

Well. Does it really matter, what is wrong and what is right?]

Then I'm yours, too. Even if the day comes that you manage to really win...I'll always find a way to be with you, somehow. Promise, Neo.

[He feels it, practically, the flurry of thoughts raging in both of their minds--and yet Sonic's mind has never been more clear than in this moment. He gets the message loud and clear, and the hand on Neo's shoulder goes to settle at the back of the metallic hedgehog's head, before pulling them both together and finally closing the distance between them.

The kiss tastes like metal, and it's a little cold, but there's nowhere else that Sonic would want to be in this moment than in this little room, with his sworn rival, in their own little world. The rest of it can wait; this moment is theirs, and theirs alone.]

[Good. Good. Because he wants nothing more than exactly this. The promise that they'll be together somehow rings in his head and Neo can't help but think...

It'll be a long time before he's able to best Sonic. He doesn't mind that idea anymore. That just means he'll have more time with his rival.

The kiss is different this time; it's hard to pinpoint in exactly what way, but the air between them has changed and this isn't the same clumsy attempt that ended in a crisis. This is a vow between them - that their relationship may have changed here, but that they will still continue their best for one another. That even though they may see each other in a new light, they are still Sonic and Neo, still two opposites destined to clash.

Neo shifts, the arm not being used for balance moving to find the spines down Sonic's back, tracing through the quills and fur before settling there as if to keep him close. He isn't allowed to go until Neo lets him this time - not because of the cold, but because he desperately wants the contact, the proximity, hell maybe even just Sonic himself. Absently, he increases his body's heat, so maybe that will convince Sonic to stay put, at least for a little bit longer.]

[Life's all about living and learning; there's a part of Sonic that's almost excited to see how Neo lives his life in the moments they aren't clashing. Just what he'll do with himself, how he'll make his own life...and hell, even how he'll oppose him. It gets Sonic excited, and there is the temptation to end the kiss just so he can yap at Neo for a while, just talk about everything and anything...

But Sonic feels Neo shift and trace through his quills with his free hand, and Sonic almost chuckles into the kiss that he continues to give; if Neo wants him to stay so bad he guesses he can, but then he feels Neo start to warm up and...

Oh. That's nice, actually; Neo will likely be able to feel the way Sonic lets himself relax into Neo, bit by bit, as the hand behind Neo's head moves it's way along and touches those strange robotic spines. The things made in his own image; he wonders if Neo can feel anything, which keeps Sonic's touches on the lighter side as if wanting to memorize the reactions of his rival a bit, but that hand shifts at a thought that might be revealing a weakness of his own.

He doesn't know exactly how Neo works, but as he steadies himself with the grip on Neo's shoulder--probably the only solid thing about him at this point, given how straight up boneless he feels with how considerate Neo's being in sharing his body heat. He's practically melting into the guy--Sonic's hand goes to gently run a thumb along one of Neo's ears, to see how he reacts. It may be a little bold, but call Sonic a little curious.

(It may be an inward signal to Neo, too--to try and encourage him to explore. Neo's always been good at mirroring him, and even if Sonic's not used to this, he's enjoying it and just wants to enjoy this time with his favorite murderous space heater. But it's permission in it's own way, too.)]

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