Chapter Text
A big chunk of metal fell from the sky approaching the village Miles lived in. The now burning plane that housed it just a moment ago illuminated the dark sky – it was a nice change, in otherwise dreadful situation. There was no moon nor stars visible for the past few days.
Seeing an aircraft of this type wasn’t a rare occurrence. It always patrolled around this time; scanning the area from above for any living creature. Miles, as fascinated as he was by the technology, never dared to step under its light. He heard about what happened to those who did.
What was rare, though, was the fact that it was coming down in flames. A spark glittered in his eyes as he observed from his hiding spot. Excitement bubbled inside him, his tails would’ve swished around if not for the grip he had on them. Underneath all that was fear he decided to ignore.
As the aircraft left his sight, he couldn’t help but wonder if its crash will put him in a more difficult position in the future. It never hurt to be too careful, especially when Robotnik was involved.
He shook the thought off quite easily. There was an object that hit the ground and Chaos strike him down if he won’t check out what it is.
Slowly, he approached it. Every sound made him halt in his step and flinch, making it a longer journey than it should’ve been. But, at last, he made it.
The mysterious thing turned out to be a robot.
As soon as he realized that, he tensed as if a lightning struck him. One could never trust Ivo Robotnik’s creations. Especially mobian-shaped robots. They could either hide a machinery many never seen firsthand, or fur and skin. Working with those was a gamble.
Swallowing down the anxiety, he managed to step closer. The robot still radiated warmth.
Standing above it, hesitation was evident in his trembling paws. He curled one into a fist and shakily knocked on the robot’s chest. A relieved exhale followed the echo it caused.
The robot was hollow – safe to work with. At least as safe as Robotnik’s tech could be.
Regaining the excitement, Miles reached to grab a flashlight from his belt, only to realize it wasn’t there. It probably fell off when hearing the whirring he ran in panic to hide. Cursing under his breath, he looked down. While able to make some of the robot’s features in the darkness, it wasn’t enough to judge its condition.
As he got up, a sigh left his muzzle. Glancing at the empty houses ahead, he shook off the frustration and took a step towards them.
The routes he usually took were a bit more difficult to navigate in the dark. More debris fell onto them due to the robot’s impact, which didn’t help. Dust still hadn’t fully fell down, only obscuring his vision further. With no burning aircraft or flashlight t0 illuminate his way, he stumbled more times than he’d admit. Small rocks bit into his knees and gloves barely saved his paws from sharp edges.
Squinting at each building, it didn’t take him long to notice what used to be a store. He found most of his tools there, so it should have something to haul the robot with. He wouldn’t be able to drag it to his workshop without wheels.
The doors were closed, with some broken off pieces creating a hole big enough for Miles to squeeze through. He’d chosen the harder way to avoid the whole wall collapsing. A few steps in, he grabbed a lamp for emergencies and activated the mechanism to light it up. Small fire started inside it, and a smile curved his muzzle. He was still proud of this little project.
Most of the store’s shelves, although molding and bending, stood tall – helped by structures made of metal rods and rope. They were emptied and fixed by him over the years. When his workshop got too cluttered he restocked them with less important projects. Radio prototypes he couldn’t get rid of, folders full of blueprints that he put off for too long. Stuff like these. The few shelves that were down, lied there since Miles could remember. Too rotten to be fixed, too delicate to move.
He navigated the imitation of a labyrinth like the back of his paw, swiftly finding the back door.
The warehouse always seemed untouchable to him. Not because he lacked skills or curiosity, but whatever he got from the main store was enough so far. He couldn’t really asses the situation in there either. For all he knew it may have fallen on him as soon as he took a step inside. Years of using it as an excuse, yet he swallowed the doubts and turned the knob so easily. For science.
(In the future, he will think back to this moment – the first time he felt brave enough to break out of his status quo.)
It was darker there than in the front. Probably because the roof actually still held up. He had to force himself to stay focused in his search. There were some vehicles in there, much more materials than in the front. Maybe one of the crumbling boxes on the side hid something that will change his creative direction for forever! Barely stopping himself from checking them out, he walked further inside. Paws curled into fists as regret crept up his spine. But he’ll surely come back for them later.
Soon enough he found what he was searching for – a few shopping carts joined together by chains, perfect to haul that robot into the woods if he could separate one. The few in front of the store were all crushed, bent beyond recognition, so he never had a chance to get one before.
He analyzed his options for a bit before noticing doors closer to the carts. Probably safer to leave through than if he were to try forcing the bulky metal frame trough the slim door he came from. Although the big doors were rusty – and if he had to assume, what held them hidden from his previous explorations were ruins of the neighboring building – he knew better than to fight already unstable wall behind him.
With a sigh, he slowly retraced his steps, until he was back at the entrance. Instead of going to the robot though, he walked around the building to confirm his suspicions. Asses the situation.
“Aw man,” he grumbled, staring at what was in front of him, “this is gonna take forever!”
It took two days – cleaning up what used to be someone’s home. In the meantime, he was at least able to take a look at the robot in daylight. Turned out, it was made to resemble a hedgehog.
Dimmed eyes, covered in dark green plastic, stared right through him each time he approached. Its nose was round, made of some kind of rubber. Sturdy, as it survived the fall. The blue paint covering most of the body was chipped at points. Its muzzle, arms and belly were painted peach. Soles had wheels built into them, feet were shaped to imitate shoes.
It didn’t seem too damaged. On the surface at least. Every time he was close by, he couldn’t help but squeal or giggle from the sheer excitement of seeing a machine like that. Beside the vehicles in the storage, it was the biggest piece of machinery he’d ever seen. If put up against the wall, it might’ve reached his shoulder.
He had to fight with himself to not unscrew a hatch on its stomach right there and then. The impatient part of him wanted to work and learn now. The logical told him that it will only cause more filth to gather. It was probably full of sand and dirt already, from laying on the ground. The wind wasn’t any help either... at least he didn’t have to worry about sand damage.
He let out a sigh full of relief when getting rid of the few remaining bricks. All that he had left to do was to make a clear path and open the door safely.
In the past two days he went in and out of the shop more than ever. Either to check the status of the roof, gawk at the big machines he didn’t think could be found in such a small village or to clean the rust off the doors. The vehicles were obviously broken, stuck in place too dark to work with in but too unstable to move them. Mold likely covered their inner circuits. Still, observing them and brainstorming about their capabilities bought him joy.
He took off his mismatched gloves and spat at his paws, placing them on the metal surface. A shudder crept up his spine at the texture of crumbling paint. Tensing his muscles he pushed. Slowly but firmly he started opening the door. It was a tedious task. Each creak or crack made him stop and back out, until he was sure the ceiling will not fall on him. It took much longer than opening the door should.
He managed to do it though.
Breathing heavily he fell onto his back. Although no aircraft scanned the area since the crash of previous one, he was sure it wouldn’t last. His body ached like never before, muscles sore. He’ll have to move the robot quickly.
Stretching his arms he waited for a popping sound, then walked into the building. Now illuminated with daylight, Miles realized how big it actually was. There was rot not noticeable with just a flashlight in some corners, the walls crumbling in some places exposing what’s inside. And then there stood the haul he needed.
He moved towards it and took out a bolt cutter. Separating one of the carts, he grabbed its handle. Pulling proved it was still usable despite its wheels were creaking due to their age. He pushed it out and slowly but steadily he moved forward. At last, after two days he’ll be able to work on the robot.
With both tails swishing behind him in content, the worst part was over.
At least he thought so until he tried to lift the robot up and put it inside the cart. In his already exhausted state, it was much harder than anticipated. Almost as if the metal frame melted into one with dirt below. Every time he managed to separate the two, its weight would overwhelm him. By sheer luck none of his fingers broke when the mass fell onto them repeatedly.
After some more struggling, he sat down. Back against the smooth metal, head in paws. Lack of sleep from excitement and anxiety started to wear him off. The fact he pushed his body past its limits didn’t help. Frustration built up inside him, threatening to spill out at any moment. How will he ever be able to leave this place like this?
Emptying his mind, he closed his eyes for a bit. The metal, even if not as much as two nights prior, still had some warmth from laying in the sun. The silence was calming, despite the books he read always describing it as ominous. Almost dozing off, he slapped his cheek lightly and pulled himself up. He had work to finish.
Failing a few more times, an idea sparked inside his mind. He put the cart on its side and tried pushing the robot in. That proved to be more efficient. There was still issue of lifting it back, but after a few hours, this too was resolved.
The irony of thinking that the hardest part of something is over, is that it will get worse. It hit him a few hours later, as he struggled to push the cart.
Miles should’ve expected that pushing a body which he barely lifted up through forest’s dirt would be more than unpleasant. Especially in darkness of night. Especially on old creaking wheels. The only thing that kept him going was the fact he’ll have a chance to get closer look at Doctor Robotnik’s technology.
He shivered under the chilly wind, and watched as some fur left with it. Winter was coming. With aching muscles he pushed through, stumbling over roots or rocks every so often. The walk back to his house was relatively calm. No whirring, no lights. Just him and the heavy weight.
As the familiar sight entered his vision, relief washed over his face. It may not have been the prettiest place out there, but it was sturdy enough to shelter him. Pushing past the front doors, he reached the entrance to his house. Instead of the front door, he headed towards workshop’s.
Walking in, he turned on the light. The room was just as he left it. Blueprints pinned to a board, scrapped projects all over the floor and a workbench in the middle. Shelves full of books he managed to rescue from the crumbling buildings were lined up against one wall, in between them stuffed boxes with screws and other trinkets he could use. On the other wall a desk with his computer and all the other more delicate things.
He hauled the robot to an empty corner closest to it and sat down next to it. Sighing with relief, he tilted his head back and then looked over at his newest pet project.
“You’re finally here, huh?” a soft smile curved his muzzle, before changing into lighthearted laugh. It’s been long three days, but finally the machine was here. Now he could look into its mechanics and programming without a worry. How he couldn’t wait to clean the gears and change the broken parts, to find out how to utilize its data for further use. Maybe he’ll even be able to build a similar robot from scratch!
The excitement made his tails swish energetically, eyes shone brightly as he stared at the robot he bought to his home. It may have been a difficult journey, but it was so worth it. His mind spun miles per hour, as he got up to write down some of the ideas.
For the next few minutes all that could be heard around the workshop was rustling of a notebook and pen scribbling on paper. Miles already forgot about the pain in his muscles, focusing solely on the page in front of him. Sometimes his gaze would wander back to the robot. The smile on his face grew each time. Every so often a yawn escaped him between writing. His paw moved quickly despite the blurring vision.
Eyes heavy, Miles didn’t let himself sleep.
Humming echoed around the workshop as Miles was putting the robot back together. It took some time but the repairs were done.
During that he found out its model classification – SON-0C – engraved inside the stomach. He zapped his fingers more than he’d care to admit while removing some broken wires. Changed those. Also checked its programming for any malware and tracking devices. Beside the damaged memory banks, he didn’t find anything of note though. Not surprising, based on the classification it was probably a prototype, a first version. Not meant to have many features yet.
Tightening the last screw, he wiped his forehead. Not bad for a first try with Robotnik’s tech. A yawn followed. Although he spent the whole process on short naps and caffeine, pride overwhelmed his tiredness. He reached for his coffee, now cold, and took a sip. The beans were way too old. Scrunching his nose, he still swallowed. One day he’d get used to it. Not that he had much of a choice.
Adjusting the blanket around his shoulders, he got up. On the way to the computer, he made sure to turn up the heating. Although there was little-to-no snow outside, the winters tended to be harsh. He barely made it through before getting a house.
Unplugging SON-0C from his computer, he glanced back at it. The robot sat there motionless. Just as it was left. His shoulders slumped as he went to connect it to Miles Electric for a quick scan. What could’ve gone wrong?
A buzz filled the silence before he could grab the tablet. Green plastic eyes illuminated, and the mechanical limbs flexed.
SON-0C went online.
He was at its side in seconds. Starry-eyed he looked at the robot, waiting to see what it’ll do. After a few minutes of staring at each other, he realized it was probably scanning him.
“Oh man,” he pinched the bridge of his nose, “should’ve installed my info before turning it on!”
Unsure, he glanced at the robot. It tilted its head and Miles chuckled at the motion. SON-0C had a lot to learn. Although he was aware of its AI, whatever it was taught disappeared with the previous data. A paw grabbed the metal imitation of one, and guided the steel body towards the workbench.
Miles sat the robot down at one side of it, and then went to stand on the other.
“I’m Miles Prower,” he started, carefully analyzing the reaction. “I repaired you,” slowly, to make sure it processed his words, he continued. “Can you nod if you understand me?”
The robot nodded.
Miles squealed, bouncing a bit. He turned around a few times in excitement, before noticing that SON-0C again stared at him confused. Immediately he stopped. When no one was watching it didn’t feel this… awkward.
With a cough, he fixed his composure.
“How about,” he spoke up again, “I teach you how to write?”
The robot didn’t react, but that didn’t discourage Miles. He pulled out paper and two pencils, then put one sheet in front of SON-0C, then guided it on how to hold the pen properly. To his surprise, it followed without many issues. Beside putting too much pressure at first, it learned quickly. Robotnik really knew what he was doing w hen programming the AI .
Miles observed as the robot’s eyes seemed to shine brighter, before it started writing words without his guidance. It probably found them through his custom web. He connected it after ruling the option safe. The words didn’t convey any message, but he was still impressed.
(When he looked at the page later, turned out it was rewriting dictionary. But at that moment he was content with just watching.)
Suddenly his nose tingled, and soon enough a sneeze jerked his body. SON-0C looked up, as if woken up from a trance.
“Sorry, it’s a bit cold lately,” he pulled the blanket closer.
SON-0C seemed to analyze him for a moment, before the air became warmer. The temperature change and a too familiar whirring made him flinch, but looking back at the robot he relaxed.
“Oh! Thank you!”
The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled.
SON-0C observed the living organism before him. Mobian, Tails Prower, approximately six to ten years old. Since he went online the fox showed him the area around, taught him how to handle delicate things without destroying them and learned sign language for easier communication.
In other words, he treated SON-0C like another living organism.
So now, they sat in front of each other, practicing. He finger-spelled words or sentences, Tails translated and SON-0C would judge if he’s right. They had to pass time somehow anyway.
‘We have to go,’ he repeated, moving his metal claws slowly.
The fox, deep in thought, squinted. No answer followed. Then he jerked up and blinking rapidly looked around. It took him a few seconds to realize what he was just doing. SON-0C tilted his head a bit frustrated, to which Tails chuckled awkwardly.
“Sorry,” he scratched his cheek, “can you repeat that?”
SON-0C only stared intensively, scanning the condition of his companion. Bags under eyes. Shoulders slightly slumping.
This time he changed the signs, ‘You should sleep. Living organisms aren’t meant to look like this. Especially of your age.’
Tails thought for a bit, then smiled proud of himself.
“I got that! You should sleep, living organisms aren’t meant- wait,” he halted. “Are you… are you worried about me?” His eyes brightened with realization, “Oh! Oh, man! I didn’t know your AI was advanced enough to feel- oh man, oh man-” his tails swished rapidly behind him.
SON-0C didn’t acknowledge the excitement though. Last time he did the fox had a need to stop himself from expressing it. It felt… bad. To be a reason that the kit didn’t want to express his emotions. SON-0C himself didn’t understand emotions on the same level as his companion, but deep inside his program they existed. More artificial, but loud and existing. His previous files got destroyed, but one thing was for sure – SON-0C was meant to feel.
So glancing at the fox, he couldn’t help but feel- care. They didn’t know each other for long, but SON-0C could clearly see that Tails was a good kid. Easy to get attached to.
He walked towards Tails’ side and tugged at his paws to get up. Pulling slightly, he started guiding him to the bed. Still bouncing, Tails fallowed, muttering something about the miracle that technology is. As his knees buckled, the rambling stopped. Metal arms caught him before his body could meet the ground though.
“Thanks,” Tails laughed awkwardly while SON-0C helped him stand straight. “I guess I should get so-” a yawn stopped him mid sentence, metal claws grabbed the furry paw again, “get some sleep...” he finished.
As they got back on track Tails stumbled a few more times, he didn’t come close to the floor again though. Slowly they reached the boy’s bedroom. As soon as he was in front of the mattress, Tails threw himself onto it. Not even bothering to properly cover himself with a blanket. SON-0C was about to remind him, but quiet snoring made him stop. Shaking his head, he tucked the other in. After a moment, Tails nuzzled closer into the blankets with a shiver. Winters seemed harsh on him. Without hesitation SON-0C turned on his built-in heather just like on the first day.
He stayed there until the morning came, guarding the sleeping fox as if he was built to care.