Chapter Text
Chapter 1:
Metal soared through the skies of South Island, passing along the trees of Green Hill. Dr. Eggman had not ordered him to head this way, nor did the doctor have a mission in mind for him.
Metal had a small pocket to be on his own, so long as he continued to adhere to his creator’s orders.
The robotic hedgehog wasn’t wasting his opportunity chasing down his loathsome copy this time. Not when someone important to him was waiting for him back in Starlight City.
Metal had checked a blue bag he was carrying and making sure he had everything before he headed there. He scanned his belongings to make sure he packed the twinkies, the strudels, and packs of strawberries.
He then noted his reflection in the pond nearby. He was still the person everyone feared. Not that he had given them a reason not to, but he had to change if he wanted to be let into the city.
Metal put the bag near the rocks, and activated the shapeshifting ability. From the liquid mercury, his appearance changed.
Gone was the metal hedgehog, the fastest machine in existence, and staring at him was a REAL hedgehog.
Metal now resembled a dark blue furred hedgehog, wearing a black and yellow hoodie, with red eyes highlighted by blue. He looked sorta like a biker or a tough looking citizen.
“Much better.” He said, his voice still robotic to a certain degree. He never understood why he never made his voice sound less robotic, but he didn’t dwell on it. He needed to head home.
(Later)
Metal walked through the dirt and gravel road of his little neighborhood, passing by a few civilians. “Mr. Mars! What’re you doing out here so late?” A teenaged quokka said.
Metal placed the strap on his shoulder and begun explaining in sign language. “I had to go on a grocery run, Barry. I should ask you the same. Don’t you have work tomorrow?” Metal answered with his own question.
“I guess that’s fair. Why I’m out here is that I wanted to get some cool pictures of the sky and the trees before I head to bed.” Barry explained.
“I see.” Metal signed, nodding in understanding. “I’ll be heading home. Have a good night, Barry.” Metal signed as he walked away.
“Bye, Mr. Mars. Good night.” Barry said, sheepishly walking off. “Mr. Mars looks REALLY scary sometimes.”
(L-ater)
Metal picked up the hide-a-key under the floorboards of the house and unlocked the door. He placed the keys in his jacket’s pocket and walked inside.
He could hear the faint sound of a tv on, which made the metal hedgehog sigh to himself.
“Papa?” A young voice called out to him from the side of the wall. It belong to a small little wolf in pajamas.
Metal turned around and knelt to the pup’s level. “It is late at night, Kiran. Why aren’t you in bed?” Metal asked in his signs.
“I couldn’t sleep…You were gone.” Kiran explained, and Metal gave the pup a pat on his shoulder.
“I was merely getting groceries. I figured I’d stock up before the store was too busy.” Metal explained to the boy.
“Oh, ok then. Sorry.” Kiran apologized for being up late. “Papa?” He asked, with Metal turning his head in question.
“We can look at the stars tomorrow, like you promised?” Kiran asked. Metal smiles profoundly and nods his head.
“Of course. But. I need you to sleep first…” Metal signed, with Kiran reading a few of the words back aloud.
“Okayyyyy…” Kiran said, before Metal scooped him up.
Metal took the wolf to his bedroom and placed him in the bed, pulling the blanket over him and giving him a pat on the head.
“Do you need anything else?” Metal asked, with Kiran cooing as he relaxed into the pillow. “C-Can I get water, Papa?” Kiran asked.
“Very well.” Metal signed, walking back into the kitchen to make a small cup of water for the pup.
“There we are. It’s cold, so be careful.” Metal explained after he put the cup down near Kiran’s dresser.
“What do we say?” Metal asked, gesturing Kiran to think. “Thank you, Papa.” Kiran said, trying to be polite.
“That’s right. That’s my boy.” Metal said, patting his head affectionately.
“Night night, Papa…” Kiran said. Metal smiled toward the little wolf and waved goodbye from his bedroom.
“Good night, Kiran.” He said, plain and simple. Metal walked out of the room, making sure Kiran fell asleep before leaving.
Metal then sat in the living room, changing the channel of the tv while lowering the volume so Kiran wouldn’t wake up.
“What’s this?” Metal asked himself, looking at the tv screen.
“I wonder if I should make a strawberry shortcake for Kiran tomorrow…” Metal thought to himself, thinking of what to make Kiran for his birthday.
This was the secret life Metal had. To the people who saw the machine who was responsible for destructions and Dr. Eggman’s greatest weapon.
But to this small home in Starlight City, he was Mars the Hedgehog. Kiran’s father, who he could turn to if in need.
Metal didn’t think he’d ever find himself caring about something beyond his mission to surpass Sonic, but he knew he couldn’t abandon Kiran.
Not after finding him alone.