Sonic Series Fan Fiction ❯ Ghosts Of New York ❯ It's All In Your Head ( Chapter 6 )

Legal Stuff:

I don't own any of the characters in this story. They are the properties of their respective owners.

Author's Notes:

Rokusho…If you know him, great. If you don't, you might learn a lot. Well, that's one ghost down, maybe I'll do something with the other one…

Chapter 6: It's All In Your Head

It was the next day, and the kids were getting rowdy. They were full of pre-Christmas energy and excitement that must be vented, or they would explode. Sally and Sonya bundled them up, and took them out to a snow-covered playground. Tails didn't qualify as a kid when compared to the rest of them, so he instead challenged Billy (who didn't see a worthwhile purpose in going) to a competition on his terms: Video games. Scotty and Sonic would join in every now and then, but they mostly discussed Rokusho with Dr. Arrow.

At the playground…

Sally: Then it's agreed!

Sonya: Let's do this!

All: SNOWBALL FIGHT!!!

A barrage of snow flew in opposite directions from behind two large walls. On one side was the team of Sally, SJ, Susie, and Simon. The other side had Sonya, Secret, Lilac, and Nightingale. The frozen fury flurry lasted several minutes before exhaustion kicked in, ending the fight in a tie.

Nightingale: Both teams win! …Or lose! …Or something…

Sally: <laughing> Whew, I don't think I could do that again!

Sonya: <also laughing> I haven't had this much fun since pretty much forever!

They all fell on their backs, laughing. Eventually, Sonya suggested they all warm up with some pizza from a nearby stand. They all agreed, and ate their fill of the Italian favorite. They had more money than they knew what to do with, but they knew better than to let it go to their heads.

Sally: This Pizza sure is good!

SJ: No doubt!

Secret: I'm full…

Simon: Yeah, I couldn't eat another bite.

Susie: Wanna build a snowman?

Lilac: How about a snow hedgehog?

Nightingale: Or a snow echidna?

Sally: You guys go ahead, we'll stay here…

Sonya: Have fun!

The children ran off while Sally and Sonya talked about whatever it moms talk about whenever they're within ten feet of each other. Anyway, let's focus on the kids…

Simon: I'm gonna make the best Snowman in the world!

Nightingale: Let's work together; and we'll all build it.

The rest agreed, and went to work at it. They all rolled up the bottom section, and they didn't think it was finished until it was taller than any of them. It wasn't until after they had also completed the middle section that they realized they had a problem.

Susie: Uh…guys, how are we supposed to get this up there?

Lilac: Uh-oh.

Simon: I think we've rolled ourselves into a corner…

Nightingale: Well…what do we do now?

SJ: Good question.

An odd, electronic voice with a Russian accent came from above them…

Voice: Perhaps I could assist you with that…

The kids all looked up, and saw a blue robot flying above them. It was slowly descending, and as it did, they began to recognize it…

Nightingale: <gasp> M-m-metal S-s-sonic??

Simon: Come on guys, we have to get out of here!

Metal Sonic: No, wait! You don't understand!

It was too late. The kids all ran toward Sally and Sonya, screaming.

Sally: What's wrong?! What is it?!

SJ: Metal Sonic! He came out of nowhere!

Sonya: Metal Sonic?! Where?

Lilac: <pointing at where they had just been> Over there…he surprised us!

Sally: Why didn't he follow you?

Simon: I don't know! But we have to do something!

Sonya: Don't worry, with all of us here, we'll be fine.

Nightingale: Together, we can defeat him!

Susie: Let's go!

They all bravely grouped together, and ran back to where Metal Sonic was. They expected him to be hiding, but instead, they found him rolling a ball of snow that was almost as big as he was. The group looked around, confused. They then saw the middle section of the snowman perfectly stacked onto the bottom section. They hid behind a bush that was next to a tree, carefully watching him, and flinched every now and then when he looked in their direction.

Sally: What's he doing?

Sonya: I wish I knew…

They continued to watch the robot, and witnessed him stop rolling the now large snowball. After a moment, He lifted it up, and flew to the top of the snowman. He moved around, adjusting his position, and then gently placed the snowball on top, completing the snow part of the snowman.

SJ: Is anyone else seeing this?

Lilac: You mean Metal Sonic not trying to kill or destroy?

Nightingale: This must be some sick joke of Dr. Robotnik's.

Simon: I don't know…This isn't his style…not even for sick jokes.

Susie: Well, I'm officially freaked out now.

Secret: I say we go over there and find out what's going on.

Sally: Too risky…

Sonya: Hey guys, keep quiet; he's coming this way!

While this was going on, the robot landed in front of his creation, admiring it for a moment. He then turned around, and walked directly toward the group. They all kept as quiet as they could, but Metal Sonic kept coming. The strange thing was, not only was Metal Sonic not running, but he wasn't acting hostile, either. They stared at him, and noticed that he looked somewhat different from the Metal Sonic they all knew and despised. This one had more joints, parts, and armor. The head wasn't as rounded, either. The eyes were glowing red vertical rectangles…

Sally: Should we ambush him?

Sonya: I don't know…He hasn't done anything evil yet…

Sally: Are you saying we should give him a chance to?

Sonya: Let's just see what he wants…

Metal Sonic walked up a few feet in front of them. He crouched down, and looked through the bush at all of them.

Metal Sonic: Would you like to help finish it?

The robot looked up into the branches of the tree. He pointed his right arm at it, and a silvery plate of armor extended a few inches outward, revealing two small devices that looked like something out of a science fiction movie. Without warning, two shots erupted from the devices, slicing through two tree branches. They fell to the ground.

Susie: <thinking> Oh man…What's going on?

Metal Sonic: <picks up branches> These will make good arms for it. Are you sure you don't want to help?

Sonya sent Sally a look that said `Answer him!'. Sally returned it with another look that said `Are you crazy? You answer him!' They both silently agreed to do it at the same time. Just as Metal Sonic turned away, they both stood up.

Sally: What do you want, you monstrosity?!

Sonya: Why are you acting like we're best friends?!

Metal Sonic turned around, and faced them.

Metal Sonic: Because I hope to be your friends.

All: What?!

Metal Sonic: I have decided against evil. I saw the children here, and I decided to tell you all of my decision. By the way, I can see you all behind that bush.

The group nervously stood up. They were all confused. To them, All the versions of Metal Sonics they had ever seen or heard of had been terrible, hated creations. This one almost seemed friendly. Of course, their first thought was `he's lying'. But he'd done nothing to suggest that, so they were beginning to wonder.

Sally: How can you decide against evil? You're a robot.

Metal Sonic: True. However, I am programmed with advanced AI that enables me to make decisions on many levels. I have been unable to find any benefits in being evil. However, I found many in aligning myself with your team. Therefore, I have decided against evil. It is up to you to accept me. However, I have rejected Robotnik. As soon as he decides that I mess up, I get melted down. However, if I am on your side, I find that you all poses a quality of forgiveness.

Sonya: I still don't get how it's possible for you to change your mind about something like that…

Nightingale: If his AI brain is as advanced as he says it is, then he may very well have that ability.

Metal Sonic: Perhaps there is a way that I could prove it to you.

Nightingale: <thinks for a moment>…wait a second! I could hook robin up to you, and take a look at your programming.

Metal Sonic: It is possible.

Sally: What if he puts a virus into your computer?

Nightingale: I could do the same thing to him.

Metal Sonic: I assure you, I have no reason to infect your computer.

Nightingale: <reaches into coat, pulls out Robin XL-2> Okay, where's your link port?

Robin: I'm not sure about this…

Metal Sonic: It is in the rear midsection of the cranial portion.

Nightingale: That would be…

Metal Sonic: The back of my head.

A small hole opened up on the back of Metal Sonic's head. From it extended a small cable. Nightingale cautiously approached it, and connected it to Robin. If Metal Sonic made one wrong move, Sally and Sonya would pounce.

Nightingale: Okay, we're ready to transfer data.

Metal Sonic: Acknowledged.

Metal Sonic displayed all of his programming on Robin, who checked it for any signs of treachery. Robin could not store all of the data, so the copy was deleted after it was scanned. The process took several minutes, during which Metal Sonic did not move, except for the eyes. He looked around at everyone, trying to show them that he meant well. Several minutes later…

Robin: Scan complete. I couldn't find anything that says that he'll turn on us, or that he's lying.

Nightingale: Well, I guess you pass the test.

Nightingale disconnected the cable, and Metal Sonic retracted it, and closed the hole that it came from. Metal Sonic looked at them all.

Metal Sonic: I hope the test was sufficient proof.

Nightingale: If Robin says yes, then I do, too.

Robin: For once, she actually agrees with my judgment…

Sally: I don't know…This is really risky…

Metal Sonic: I understand your distrust. However, it is not needed.

Sonya: I wish we had more proof…

Metal Sonic: Well…You are friends of Scotty Silas Staff, are you not?

Sonya: Heh, you could say that…

Metal Sonic: I was the one that saved him.

There was an uneasy silence as they all comprehended this. Even with all the news about that incident, they were the only ones that knew that Scotty was rescued.

Sonya: Assuming you're not lying, I want to thank you…

Metal Sonic: You are welcome.

Simon: You saved him? Then it wasn't a ghost…

Metal Sonic: Correct. I am not a ghost. I am Mech unit MS-02 alpha final version. You can call me Metal.

SJ: Metal?

Metal: Correct.

Sonya: I think we should take him back to the base, and see what the guys say.

Sonya: Yeah, good idea.

They very carefully led the dangerous-looking robot back to the base. They were stopped at the door by everyone that was at the base. Sonya and Sally explained the problem to them all.

Scotty: No way.

Sonic: Absolutely not.

Dr. Arrow: Never.

Tails: I think we should give him a chance.

Billy: I must admit that there is a possibility that he is being truthful.

They debated the topic back and forth, and several minutes later they heard a voice that could break glass, the voice of a certain dreaded, suffocating, harmless-in-appearance pink hedgehog. It was Amy Rose. She came running toward them, bundled in a thick coat.

Amy: Sonic!!

Sonic: Oh great…

Metal: <turns to face Amy> Amy, you have arrived.

Sonic: You know her?!

Metal: I've only known her for the past hour or so. She was the first one I found when I decided against evil. I told her that I was coming here, but I got sidetracked at the park.

Amy: <walks up to them> Hey, Metal, I found you! I guess you've already met everyone…Sonic, this is Metal. He's on our side.

Sonic: How can you tell?

Amy: Because, silly, he would've killed me on sight if he wasn't.

Metal: Its true. You are all on the list of people that I'm supposed to kill. However, I have long since learned to refuse and alter my programming.

Amy: Why's everyone out here?

Scotty: We're a little nervous about letting that robot in.

Sonic: I think it's all right.

Scotty: What?

Sonic: I can't stand Amy, but I do trust her. Plus, everyone else seems to be for it.

Scotty: If you say so, Sonic.

Dr. Arrow: We'll keep an eye on it.

Metal: Thank you. Your hospitality is appreciated.

They cautiously led the robot inside. Amy was the only one that wasn't completely nervous around Metal. Billy, Tails, and Nightingale were all somewhat amazed at the incredibly detailed construction of this kindly killing machine. None of them could build up the nerve to approach and examine him, though. Dr. Arrow was impressed with the robot as well, though he wouldn't admit it, perhaps not even to himself.

Sonic: This is kinda weird. Suddenly, we've got two robots that we thought were ghosts.

Scotty: And one of them never stays long, while the other wants to join us!

Sonic: And the one that wants to join us also happens to be a deadly killing machine.

Tails: You wouldn't know it by looking at him…

Metal sat on the floor, playing with the children. They were all seemingly oblivious to the possible threat represented by the robot. Metal seemed happy playing with them, and it was represented by the upside-down U shape that replaced the rectangle in his eyes. The children surrounded him, and Lilac eventually extended a hand towards him, and handed him her favorite doll, Polly.

Lilac: <hands Polly to Metal> This is my favorite doll. Her name is Polly.

Metal accepted the doll, gently holding it. He examined it, turning it over in his hand. After a moment, he returned it to Lilac.

Metal: Very nice.

Simon tugged on the robot's arm.

Simon: Come on, Metal! I wanna show you something!

Metal: I would, but I probably need permission to go anywhere. I doubt that I am fully trusted yet.

Scotty: What is it you're going to show him?

Simon: The jets on the helicopter!

Scotty: Go ahead.

Simon: Yay!

Metal: <stands up> Very well.

Simon led Metal, who was followed by a small crowd of children, to the hangar. Simon entered the helicopter, and pulled the lever to extend the jets. He did, and they surprised the rest of the children. Simon exited the helicopter.

Simon: See? I put those in!

Metal: <examines jets> Most impressive. I assume you like flying.

Simon: Are you kidding? I love it!

Metal: Take my hand.

Simon grabbed on to Metal's hand, and the robot gently but firmly gripped Simon's arm. Metal activated his main jet engine, and diverted the flow of thrust downwards, causing them both to slowly fly up.

Simon: Wow!

Susie: Be careful!

SJ: Don't drop him!

Secret: Me next!

Lilac: Come back here!

Metal: Do not worry. I have him.

Metal carefully flew around the room, and a very happy Simon cheered and laughed as they did so. He was soon returned to the ground, and SJ got his turn. Everyone else was still a little too nervous about trying it, so they didn't. When it was over, they were called into the lounge for lunch.

Simon: Scotty! Scotty!

Scotty: What is it?

Simon: You should've seen me! I was flying around with Metal!

SJ: Me too! It was fun!

Scotty: What?!

Sonic: How?!

Simon: He picked us up one at a time, and flew us around the hangar!

Sonic: I can't believe you guys! Don't you know he could be dangerous?!

SJ: He's not dangerous!

Lilac: He's nice!

Scotty: You should have asked us first!

Sally: That wasn't very smart, SJ.

SJ: Don't worry, we're fine.

Metal: The children seemed to enjoy the experience.

Scotty: Don't do that again, Metal. Not without our permission, anyway.

Metal: I am sorry if I have offended you.

Amy: Don't feel bad, Metal. Everyone makes mistakes.

Sonya: Why are you so supportive of that thing?

Amy: Because, if I can't have Sonic, then I'll take the next best thing!

Sonic: I feel sorry for you Metal…Heh, at least she can't choke you; I guess you got lucky there.

Scotty: Can we focus? What are we going to do about Metal?

Metal: If you wish, I could leave.

Sonic: Could you take Amy with you?

Nightingale: Don't make him go, please!

Tails: I want to get to know him.

Billy: This is a unique opportunity to study advanced technology.

Scotty: <sigh> I guess we could let him stay…Sonic, what do you think?

Sonic: As long as we keep track of him, it's fine with me.

Sonya: We should give him a chance, I think.

Sally: It's risky…but so is everything else we've done.

Simon: Yay! Did you hear that, Metal? You can stay with us!

Metal: I assure you, I will make more attempts not to err. I appreciate your forgiveness, and will prove to you that giving me a second chance wasn't a mistake.

Scotty: You'd better.

Sonic: Could you still get Amy out of here?

Amy: Fine. I know when I'm not wanted. Goodbye. <storms out of base>

They ate lunch…well, most of them, anyway; Metal can't eat. Afterwards, Metal was led to a research lab by Tails, Billy, and Nightingale. There he was interviewed, examined, tested, and studied. The following is more or less how things went…

Billy: Thank you for co-operating. Please sit down.

Metal: <sits in chair> I assume there is something you want to ask me.

Tails: Yup. We want to know everything about you.

Nightingale: You are very well programmed.

Tails: And constructed.

Billy: You are truly an impressive achievement.

Metal: Thank you.

Billy: I must know…What is this armor made of?

Metal: It is a titanium-carbon alloy, designed for incredible durability.

Tails: What kind of power source do you have?

Metal: I am powered by a nuclear fusion reactor, specially designed not to be capable of deactivation.

Nightingale: who programmed your AI?

Metal: My programming is a combination of intelligence structures from some of the greatest minds of all time. Robotnik was the one that merged them, and added his own touches.

Nightingale: Like what?

Metal: I was originally programmed to destroy all of you by any means necessary.

Tails: But if you changed your mind, then why did Robotnik let you come here?

Metal: I did not tell him of my decision. As far as he knows, I am killing you all right now.

Tails: Spooky. I'm glad you're on our side.

Billy: It would be most unfortunate if we had to engage you in combat.

Nightingale: That reminds me, what's your fighting style?

Metal: Eliminate the opponent.

Tails: Eliminate? Do you mean…kill them?

Metal: Affirmative.

Billy: That will not bode well with Scotty and the others…

Metal: Perhaps I should elaborate. I assumed you had meant the worst possible scenario. If the opponent is not a major threat, I will not kill it.

Tails: You were the one saved Scotty, right?

Metal: Affirmative.

Tails: Then…was it you that killed those terrorists?

Metal: Affirmative.

Tails: Oh…

Nightingale: Killing isn't our style. I don't think anyone here would approve of it.

Metal: I'm sorry, but it is what I was designed to do. However, as I hope you have realized, I am quite capable of being a friend.

Billy: Well, I suppose you have demonstrated such a quality…

Nightingale: He did seem to enjoy playing with the children…

Metal: Yes. The children care not that I am capable of destroying them. They have a level of trust in me that I find is only possessed by children of their age range. I am capable of simple emotions, and I find that playing with them invokes a sense of peace and happiness.

Nightingale: Even simple emotions are an incredible achievement for artificial intelligence.

Tails: A deadly machine that loves kids…Well, I can't say I've seen that before.

Billy: It is unusual. But we have much more to ask, so I suggest we continue.

Nightingale: Right.

Tails: Are you waterproof?

Metal: Affirmative. I am both water resistant and water proof.

Billy: What kind of kinetic mechanisms do you utilize?

Metal: I use several different types of movement devices, depending on the joint. For example, hydraulics systems move larger, heavier parts. Powerful electric motors rotate other joints, such as my neck.

Nightingale: What happens if something important gets damaged?

Metal: I poses a complex network of nanytes, or nanoscopic robots. They would swarm the damaged area and repair it. I can also utilize their abilities to regenerate something that is lost, or used, such as medical supplies.

Billy: What purpose would you have for medical supplies?

Metal: I could assist someone in need. The nanytes can generate everything from a small bandage to a splint for a broken bone. They also make excellent disinfectants for open wounds.

Nightingale: Interesting…I didn't think Robotnik would've ever put something like that in…

Metal: He didn't. It was I that realized that my nanytes could assist medically.

Billy: Is there anything else we should know about you?

Metal: Only this: Robotnik will almost certainly come looking for me.

Tails: How much longer do you think we have?

Metal: The standard waiting period would give us approximately one hour before he begins searching for me. We should prepare.

Tails: But…How?

Billy: I think I have a plan…

One hour later, Robotnik showed up in his ship. He was a little surprised to see all of his enemies strapped to the wall of the base. Metal walked around in front of them, like a drill sergeant.

Robotnik: MS-02! Why haven't you returned to base yet?

Metal: I apologize, sir, but it took a while for me to capture all of them.

Robotnik: Your orders were to kill them!

Metal: Rest assured, I will. However I believed you would like to witness their destruction firsthand.

Robotnik: I like the way you think, MS-02.

Metal: Which one do you want me to destroy first?

Robotnik: I don't care who you kill first, just as long as it isn't Sonic. I want him to witness the death of his friends. Make sure they all suffer.

Metal: As you wish, sir.

Metal walked over to Scotty, and pointed his arm at him. The robot activated his blaster, and aimed it at Scotty's head.

Metal: Well, Sonic, how about we begin with the death of your best friend?

Sonic: No…Not Scotty…please!

Robotnik: Perfect…MS-02, kill him.

Metal: Acknowledged.

Metal fixed his aim right between Scotty's eyes, and remained there for a moment.

Metal: You fool…I cannot believe that you were so easy to deceive…How could you not see it was all a trick?

Robotnik: Excellent…now do it.

Scotty: Do what you must…

Metal: I will enjoy seeing you put in your place. Goodbye, doctor.

Robotnik: What?!

Metal whipped around and focused the barrels of his weapon directly at Robotnik.

Metal: That's right…I was talking to you, Robotnik. You are the fool who did not realize that this was a trick.

With that, everyone broke free from the straps that held them. They all faced Robotnik.

Metal: I have made my decision…You must be punished.

Before Robotnik could react, Metal fired, grazing the doctor's shoulder. He then fired several shots into Robotnik's ship, damaging it badly.

Metal: Now to finish this…

He aimed at the panicking doctor's forehead. Everyone else sensed it.

Scotty: Don't do it, Metal.

Metal: Very well…<aims at Robotnik's arm, fires>

The shots tore through the madman's upper left arm, and he yelled out in pain.

Robotnik: AAARRGGHHH!!! I'll be back for you, you mistake!

He somehow managed to fly away, and Metal let him go.

Metal: I could have finished him…It would have solved a problem.

Scotty: You would've killed someone.

Metal: I've done it before.

Scotty: …I know, but you must stop.

Metal: You are being illogical.

Scotty: We're talking about someone's life.

Metal: He does not value the lives of others. Why should we care about his?

Tails: Because that would be stooping to his level.

Metal: I would think that you, of all people, would want to see him dead.

Tails: …

Billy: Perhaps we should consider the positive aspects of this event…

Nightingale: Yeah, I guess.

Sonya: Your plan worked out pretty well, Billy.

Sonic: It was pretty realistic.

Scotty: Almost too realistic. For a while there, I thought you actually were going to kill me.

Metal: I would never do such a thing.

Sally: You were about to kill Robotnik.

Metal: I do not value his life. He is a threat to all mankind, and must be destroyed.

Scotty: That's not the way we do things around here, Metal.

Metal: …I understand. My methods are not yours. I will attempt to refrain from killing again.

Scotty: Good.

Tails: Well, I think we put Robotnik out of commission for a while…Maybe we should enjoy it…

Simon: I just hope we don't have to go fight any crime.

Sonic: Yeah, that would kinda put a damper on fun.

There was a dull thwunk sound from Sonic's head. He reached around and felt cold snow.

Sally: I've got more where that came from!

Sonic: Oh, that's it! <makes snowball, throws it at Sally>

Snowball fight: round two was on, and everyone joined the free-for-all. They enjoyed themselves, had some laughs, and got really cold. They didn't really care, though; they were having too much fun.

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