Crazy by Gnarls Barkley.
Enchanted by Taylor Swift.
~~~

He sat in the dingy, tensely quiet room. A lightbulb above flickered and the wooden stool he was perched on complained as he shifted. He was cold. Forward thinking. Determined and frequently teased in his emotionless demeanour.

"I'm disappointed."

The flat tone cut through his circuits and came as a brutal reminder that in these few moments, he could feel. At least, feel something similar to what he had learned to be either discomfort or shame. Still, he refused to budge and allowed the screwdriver to proceed poking around his shoulder socket. But the man holding him down by the head gave a sharp grunt and he received a reminder that perhaps he wasn't as reserved as he was programmed to be.

"You froze. I didn't create you to freeze. I created you to destroy."

For a moment, his vision dissipated into darkness before revealing clearer shapes and brighter colours. In that process, his mind was already working on syncing his new limb to the rest of his form. Experimentally, he flexed his dagger like claws and cautiously steered his elbow upwards. Both movements were successful, so he opted to try lifting the entire arm- but was rudely smacked over the head by his old, dismantled limb.

The screwdriver slipped under the slit between his torso and head quickly and propped the latter up, forcing red optics to stare into scarlet eyes. Black sclera highlighted the mans chilling gaze and his contemplative grin dropped into a frown. His hand, once gripping his large goggles, lowered to hold his glasses prior to slipping them on. In doing so, it only made the sitting machine feel more distant and tense.

"This has happened before. About a fortnight ago you let Sonic and his mangy companions slip away. You watched them leave with that old plane. You froze." The man set the screwdriver down on a small tool trolley prior to striding around his creation, hands behind his back.

"After Snively's examination, he saw fit to let you find them. His stupidity combined with your malfunctioning led to you freezing upon meeting them days later. No, correction. You froze upon meeting Sonic."

The room entered a still silence upon him simply standing behind the robot that now held it's head low. He frowned at the position, concluding the machine had become less...robot-like with more exposure to his organic counterpart. Originally, he didn't pay much mind- he didn't expect that to be the easiest pill to swallow. However, his creation freezing entirely and almost short circuiting both times admittedly did...surprise him.

"Why are you failing, Metal? It seems every time you see that blasted rodent, your focus becomes entirely tunnelled. You weren't built to obsess over him, you're made to tear him apart."

Doctor Robotnik could feel his patience slipping upon the dragged out silence, so he gave a swift smack over the machines head. Metal quickly sat formerly, head turned just enough to watch him. There, even though he was a machine, Robotnik could see the darkened red optics- no doubt rage (which he knew Metal was programmed to be motivated by- courtesy of his organic original).

He grinned, one so stretched it looked like it would start ripping through his skin. "The issue isn't your focus, is it? You still want to tear him apart. Become the true, superior Sonic. I may have an idea to what your problem is."

Robotnik dragged a chair from the far side of the room over, twisted it around so he was sitting on it backwards and flipped a section of Metal Sonic's head open. Just above his eyes sat a small box with a little black and red SIM card and hole on each side. The emperor pulled the tool trolley closer, acknowledging Metal's rather contemplative gaze (or perhaps he was looking too much into it) and yanked out a wire amidst the tools. He plugged it in and stuck the other end in an old fashioned computer that sat beside a hefty steel door.

"Your motivation is rage. Unstable anger. Why? Because your organic brother felt such a thing at the very last moment until you were created. That should be the only thing you can 'feel.' Evidently, that's not the case." Robotnik stroked his moustache as he watched an overwhelming amount of data swim onto the computer screen.

"However, if every time you see him, you receive some sort of update...my programming for you can change. Of course...we need to ask how it's even possible for you to receive updates. What is it that- ah!"

The mans glee brought Metal to stand, though he merely observed as the emperor proceeded with his manic typing. But with Robotnik whirling around and marching closer, the blue robot considered if he should've moved at all.

"Hold still."

Alas, a hand merely rested on his shoulder as his creator fiddled around with the box in his head. Almost feeling perplexed, Metal demanded an explanation (internally) but stalled upon the computer screen emitting a horrendous, screeching sound. Robotnik hurried over swiftly, almost in a panic, believing the computer was frying- but found himself stuck in place upon what was playing on the screen.

The screech was screams. The bangs were towering, spider like limbs crushing muddy ground. The rumblings and roars were lightning and flames. But staring seemingly right at him were fading, chocolate brown eyes and bloody blue fur. A child's desperate, pleading cries almost couldn't be heard over the drowning noises of demolishment. They definitely were forgotten by the present day crash behind him and Robotnik whirled to see Metal's legs kicking and arms pulling at the wire in his head. The tool trolley lay in a heap beside him and the wooden stool beneath was nothing but splinters.

A realisation dawned on the emperor and despite him stepping towards his creation, Metal swung a kick (that missed) and scrambled up only once the wire was ruined and on the floor. The robot hung his head with clenched claws.

"Metal." He spoke calmly, but it came across colder than intended.

"I...think I know why you freeze upon meeting Sonic. Before...that showed, I came across a peculiar piece of data within your memory card. I needed to be sure, but after that I am. It seems Sonic's own memories are being uploaded to your own. You and him are connected. Admittedly, I'm not sure to what extent- but I will soon figure that out. Just like with everything else. I need to-."

In a flash Robotnik found a claw ripping through his tailcoats collar, emotionless optics observing him and Metal's other hand pointing towards the computer. The emperor sweat dropped and lifted up his hands.

"I suppose it's reasonable to request an explanation. Well, what you saw is true- for one thing. It happened nine years ago now, when Sonic was five. That rodent on the screen was his father. He was a nuisance, a bug that needed to be exterminated."

Metal's optics fizzled briefly and his grip loosened just a touch. Robotnik became increasingly frustrated at the reaction and he grumbled, giving a scolding scowl.

"It needed to be done. Along with everything else I'm doing, it's necessary. You wouldn't have been created for starters. Without Sonic's rage it wouldn't have been impossible. You should be thanking me." Upon the declaration, Metal backed away. Robotnik chose to tower over his creation, hands behind his back and face hidden beneath shadow, only his glasses glimmering.

"I created you. I gave you purpose. I gave you life and I can take it just as easily. You should reconsider when and where you choose to get angry, and for your sake I suggest leaving that for your organic look-a-like."

Robotnik sighed, slipped his glasses back up his nose and straightened the cuffs of his gloves. He watched Metal ever so slowly lower his shoulders before turning around and stroking his moustache.

"Perhaps you need some target practise. Something- someone more manageable than Sonic. Keep it to the hedgehog species, for familiarity's sake but I'll let you take your pick. We just need to see what you can do to someone who's similar enough to him." He slowly turned. "Don't disappoint me Metal, I'd hate having to do to them what I did to Sonic."

—————

The shine of the billboard only magnified his arrogant grin and entitled thumbs up. Blue fur and quills weren't glistening and eyes weren't instilling fear into others just by merely glancing. In fact, as people passed by- many beamed with a newfound sense of hope, some swooned and others even cheered to their friends.

Those green eyes were friendly, inviting and inspiring. As per the description the billboard gave the hedgehog who despite gaining a respectable amount of popularity still was named 'the blue blur.' But a brown puffer vest the hedgehog wore caught his attention and he could feel his circuitry begin to burn, thus he quickly stepped away.

Admittedly grateful for being unimaginably fast, he made a swift exit of the city called 'Central City' and used his jet to take off into the clouds. At least, he aimed to but a mobian below snatched his focus. He was a fair distance away from the bustling streets, so briefly wondered how far this creature had traveled prior to them climbing up from a rock. Pointy ears, sharp, downward facing quills, tail and soft, pink fur. The familiar characteristics were enough for him to divert course and make a swift dive for some nearby shrubbery.

The pink hedgehog spun rapidly, trying to find the culprit for the sudden disturbance. The trees leaves swayed in the wind, but no more than usual. The vast pond didn't show any ripples of disruption and the scattered bushes move like the taller greenery. However, small blue creatures by the pond had stalled their dancing to watch her. Seeing their panic, she gave a gracious smile and curtsy, allowing the animals to proceed with playing.

The pink hedgehog waited a moment, received no more disturbances and opted to sit crisscrossed beside the rock. There, with a protruding tongue she hummed and revealed a stack of Tarot cards from within her quills. With plenty of skill, she shuffled the cards and closed her eyes prior to setting them across the rock. Already hoping for something in particular, she bit her lip and carefully selected three cards- moving them to the front.

"Oh please please let it have something to do with him." She plead under her breath, only squinting as she flipped the first card.

It revealed a large white 'X' which led to a compass in it's centre and continued it's dotted path towards the top. She frowned at it's vague description but refused to lose hope, instead flipping the next two. The second presented a circle of mobians holding hands with a purple heart surrounding them. The mobian at the top was shaded blue and on the final card a knight was positioned proudly atop some rocks. The hedgehog cocked her head contemplatively and reached to bring them closer for examination, but was pushed onto her back by a tremendous blast of wind. She watched the three cards be swept away as the rest of her deck collapsed onto the grass around her.

"No-!" She rolled over and pushed herself onto her knees only to feel a chilling touch envelope her quills.

She froze immediately and held her breath as she was lifted into the air. Tears pricked at her eyes and she received slight whiplash upon being whirled around, merely so a claw could squeeze her throat. She tried to gasp and hit the arm that held her, her legs uselessly kicking as her vision swam. But seeing blue ears and blue fur made her limbs pause as her fear became an overwhelming force.

"N-not you!" She rasped as the first tears started to fall.

Never in her life had she felt so utterly helpless and terrified. Still, she needed to see his face so she shook her head but only felt sick at the sight. She paled, almost looking ghostly, at seeing red and black eyes, silver arms and spray painted shoes. Her captor had a bolt for a nose, no sign of a mouth and it's fur was shiny and smooth.

He couldn't possibly be..?

Her captors head turned to below, seemingly caught off guard by something as he began observing all around them. Only when she realised he was facing down did she understand they were in the air. With the little strength she had, she began kicking again as she started to hiccup. If it weren't for adrenaline she knew she'd either faint or scream in a terrified outburst.

But then she heard what was most definitely her saving grace.

"Hey ugly! Mess with someone your own size huh?!"

The pink prisoner gasped and clawed as her captor roughly flung her aside, keeping her in a choking grip. There, the pair looked to the ground below and found a blue hedgehog grinning in return. He held himself with confidence and swiped beneath his nose, almost challengingly. But she could see the growing expression of confusion as his head tilted and his metal copy soon mimicked the gesture. Then somehow even more fear set in as her supposed saviour relaxed his stance and took a step forward, but that merely set his look-a-like off for the robot tossed her aside thoughtlessly and took to the ground.

The pink hedgehog felt the breath leave her entirely as blues switched to greens, clouds swirled into flowers and her limbs flailed maniacally. She tried to scream but merely inhaled as blue fur smothered her view and the smell of spices and grass swarmed her nose. Only once she was sure she heard his heartbeat along with hers (although impeccably quicker) did she lower her hands from her face to meet her saviours smiling face.

He had the greenest eyes that held a magnetic, confident glint. His grin soothed her shaking form, his warmth calmed her heartbeat and despite the bags hanging under his eyes she was completely stunned by his agile form. Even though his lips were cracked and he sustained many scars, she lost the ability to hide her blush when he spoke.

"You alright?"

"M-me? Yes, thank you." She bowed her head in gratitude.

Then felt her nose crushing against the ground and her rolling across the grass, only stopping from hitting a rock. She groaned, shook her head and froze upon that same blue hedgehog flying over her- his metal copy following right after.

"H-hey-!" She twisted onto her front and pushed herself up to watch the pair observing each other.

He looked confused, and by the robot not attacking yet it seemed they both were. They slowly sidestepped in a cautious circle, simultaneously moving to press a hand on their temples. Their heads cocked to their lefts and the pink hedgehog ducked as two tremendous gusts of wind kicked up the grass.

There came a boom and she was sent tumbling again as the trees dangerously arched. With a frown she scrambled up to see the pair bounce over one another in blue spheres, only to spin around and crash against their opponent again. A blue wave burst from them and she stumbled back, only staying up from clinging onto a neighbouring tree. Repetitively, the two collided a few more times prior to the robotic version unwinding and grasping his opponent between his claws.

"No!" The pink hedgehog cried and in a panic examined her surroundings, then upon finding a stone, picked it up and threw it.

Immediately regret sank in as the robot slowly turned it's head from the bonk. She began to sweat and nervously took a step back, but her saviour spun within his constraints and broke free of the machines grasp. Stumbling upon landing (somehow still looking graceful) he immediately took her hand as he passed and sprinted into the trees.

She soon began panting as they swerved and winded through the forestry. "What're you doing?!"

"Fighting him's above my pay-check."

"You get paid? You seem a bit...young."

"I-...no. And I'm fourteen for the record, so...."

She giggled but attempted in hiding it behind a cough. "I'm really grateful for you saving me but we shouldn't just leave him right?"

"I'm not, as much as I want to. He'll find me soon enough, so I need to get you safe."

"I can help."

He gave a dazzling smile over his shoulder and she found herself blushing again. "'Appreciate that, but I can manage."

"Can you? You almost got turned into blue jelly back there."

"Ah. Well, that's cause I haven't got this Spindash thing completely down yet. 'Dunno how to do it without a warm up first."

"You managed just before."

He grinned, eye ridges wiggling. "You're right! Guess I can handle this on my own." He winked.

She frowned, ignoring her heart flutter. "Well I need to go back anyways. I left something of mine."

The blue hedgehog expertly stalled and let go of her hand to dig in his quills, swiftly revealing a slightly damaged stack of purple cards. "You dropped them when Metal-Me gave you a sky ride."

Gratefully, she accepted the deck and held them close. "Thank you. For saving me too. Maybe you could tell your metal friend I don't exactly like being in the sky?"

"I'll give him my piece." He stretched. "Before I head off for round two, mind giving me your name?"

"A-Amelia Rose. But you can call me Amy."

"Suits you. I'm-."

"I know who you are." Amy giggled.

"You do?"

"Yeah! You're that blue blur everyone's talking about! You're the one who's gonna save us!"

"Oh yeah?" He replied, sounding a little dejected.

The pink hedgehog panicked, worried she upset him, and stepped closer. "I'm sorry, a-are you okay?"

He sighed, shoulders slack and mumbled. "Yeah, I just like...introducing...myself...."

"Oh! Well, I don't know your name. No one does, really."

The blue hedgehog looked happier immediately and with a puffed out chest offered a thumbs up. "Well, Amy, you can call me Sonic. Sonic the Hedgehog!"

Amy giggled. "You're odd, Sonic the Hedgehog."

"Speak for yourself, you're the one who wants to tag along after almost dyin'."

"I owe it to you. You saved me."

Sonic stiffened at her sincerity and his eyes widened. "W-well I don't want you to throw yourself into trouble!"

She batted her eyelashes. "You can protect me!"

"Oh jeez...."

"Oh please let me help!" Amy tucked her cards away, jumped forward and took her saviours hands between her own.

"I'll be useful, I promise! I can keep you focused."

"Come again?" Sonic raised an eye ridge.

"You and that robot back there were really in sync, not to mention it was like he could tell you were coming. And when you did arrive you two were-."

"Yeah yeah. Just had a headache is all."

"Do you still?"

"Faintly."

"This could be important."

Sonic freed himself to rub under his nose contemplatively, foot tapping the grass. "What makes ya say that?"

"My cards! They showed me I'd meet you, this must be why! You need my help-."

"Need is a strong word...."

"And I want to pay you back. Not that you're making that easy."

"Hey I-! Alright, fair. But are you sure you're up for this? I mean you-."

"I have nowhere else to go. And, I'm great company!"

Sonic's ear flickered, he sighed and slowly met pleading, bright green eyes. "I already have company, for the-."

"Record yeah I know." Amy frowned. "Please?"

"Well...you got something to fight with?"

"I...I'm meant to."

"Come again?"

"Long story. I-I'm sure it'll come soon! I just need to wait longer than expected is all."

"Right. Well, I'm sure Tails can whip you something up in the meantime."

"What do you mean?"

Sonic held his arms out as a gesture and after shaking them did Amy realise he was offering her to be carried. Of course, she excitedly accepted and giggled once he began moving again (he did take slight pride upon her blushing- but only slightly).

"Tails, he's my right hand...fox. My best friend. My- heh- my brother. He's the smartest guy you'll ever know. And there's Knuckles, who's a bit more dense but makes up for it in strength." He laughed and Amy found herself practically mesmerised by the sound.

"Sounds like you've got quite the team mister leader."

"Ha-! I'm sure you'll fit right in. And I ain't no leader, that goes to-."

Sonic's smile, Amy found, made the world around him seem brighter. His laughter truly made it that way. But even without a frown, just with those distant eyes, did the world seem larger and more frightening.

"Sonic?"

"Hmm? Oh, sorry. Guess I do need you to keep me focused." He chuckled.

"What're you thinking about?"

"Nothin'."

"Fine. Who?"

His shoulders rolled. "What makes you-?"

"You're easy to read." Amy warmly smiled.

'That's a first.' Sonic cleared his throat.

"An old friend."

"Oh. You talk in the past, why?"

"Because it is."

"You look like you don't want it to be."

They swiftly passed the trees, crossed a few roads and traveled across fields. Sonic found himself briefly imagining a blue eyed chipmunk in his arms as he showed her the multitude of flowers and crops prior to meeting questioning green.

"It's better this way."

"Hmm. I know we just met, but I think it's best to have your friends with you. For one everyone's together, so it's much easier to make sure they're all safe. Secondly, why have an adventure if you can't enjoy it with anyone?"

"Huh. You really think so?"

"Yup!"

"Well maybe-." Sonic shook his head. "Let's just focus on getting you somethin' to smash robots with for now."

Still, deep down, he wished- hoped that Amy was right.

—————

With a bolt between his teeth and grime climbing up his gloves, he twisted a screwdriver on some yellow metal plating. With it tightly secured, he dropped his tools and held up his project. A yellow rectangular device with a large grey screen on the front. It had two handles on it's sides and two little silver and green antennas at the top. Beside the screen were some directional pads and next to him sat a dim red spiralled wire.

He sighed and hoped his brother would make a swift return with the necessary parts he needed to complete his invention. Still, he set the device beside him and looked to the pilots seat where a snoozing red echidna snored- brown hat flapping atop his head. Currently, he perched on the top wing of a newly painted red plane and allowed two golden fluffy tails to sway behind him.

Until he heard sudden steps hurrying from behind. He scrambled up, spat out the bolt, acknowledged the echidna's startled awakening and frowned upon seeing who slowed to show themselves. But they weren't alone, a nervous smiling hedgehog awkwardly waved in his arms, being held in a bridal carry.

"Sonic-?"

"What's going on?" Knuckles wondered and clambered out the Tornado.

Sonic set Amy down and offered a sheepish grin, holding up his hands. "We have company."

"I can see that. Why?"

"This is Amy. She wants to help."

Knuckles' arms crossed and he looked to the stranger. "You got something to defend yourself with?"

"Not yet. Do you?"

He punched his fists together pointedly, but Amy merely looked confused.

"He's really really strong." Sonic provided.

"Just as strong as Sonic is fast."

"Well I wouldn't-."

"What about you? Can you fly or something?"

"I- no." Amy rubbed her arm. "B-but I still want to help!"

"Sonic, you can't start bringing random citizens along."

"I'm not! She's-."

"We're trying to protect them, remember? Not use them as one use shields."

Amy frowned. "I'm not that fragile."

"I-I wasn't-." Knuckles coughed. "I just don't think-."

"Why don't you give me your best shot then, huh? If you're really as strong as you say."

"That's not a good idea." Sonic and Knuckles replied simultaneously.

Amy raised her hands and touched thumbs. "If I can hold my own here, then I think I can manage."

"Woah woah!" Tails interrupted, flying over and standing beside his brother. "There's no need to-."

Knuckles shrugged. "Alright."

The fox paled. "That's not-!"

A heavy wave of dust clouded the brothers' visions as a loud hit rumbled through their ears. They stayed frozen, worried to see Amy nothing more but a pile of pink pieces on the ground until they heard Knuckles give a unique noise.

Only when did they slowly peak did they realise the guardian was confused. Even more shockingly, wind swirled at his and Amy's shoes- with the pink hedgehog's position evidently being pushed back by the trail of mud. Still, she stood wide eyed as Knuckles' fist rested against her burning hands, her arms shaking. For a flash, bright pink electric-like vines twisted up her limbs prior to bursting into warm smoke.

"Woah." Sonic breathed, absolutely blown away.

Sure, Amy was drenched in sweat, pale, quivering and panting- but when he was punched by Knuckles he was flung into the air and struggled to move properly for a few days. Never mind everything else the echidna has hit since. Easily, and by far, a hit of the guardian's had never been handled so well up until then.

Tails gulped, finding himself a little bit scared of Amy. "Well. I th-think we can all agree Amy's more than suitable to join the team."