The first week of the new semester continued without a hitch and everyone got into their own routine. For Metal, his routine was specific and very rarely changed aside from the spontaneous checkups. Classes every weekday, track once a week, gym three times a week. Run every morning, eat during long breaks, study and work the whole evening, shower, sleep and start it all over again. He tried to rest during the weekend, but if he was honest with himself, it was just more studying. If he had any extra time, he'd jog around campus for some fresh air.



Emerald University itself was beautiful. There were gorgeous brick buildings, clean walkways, and even some grassy areas with trees casting a satisfying amount of shade. There was a nearby city, but the campus was green like its namesake and cushioned itself within valleys and hills.



There were still a few eyesores. A lot of the building names had some sort of homage to Dr. Robotnik, and near the front of campus was a giant bronze statue of himself. One would think he made the university... The reality was simply that money talked. When he threatened Metal and said he controlled the entire campus, he wasn't exactly wrong. Students would keep coming though, because Emerald University was highly regarded and contained a wide range of majors that some could only get there.



The next track practice day gave the exact same frustrations as the first. Metal continued to get second place while Sonic continued to improve just out of reach. For what it was worth, Metal's efforts forced Sonic to work hard... Getting the eventual win would be more satisfying. Instead of half a second behind, he was a quarter second behind. He was close.



The only two people who seemed actually impressed with him were the coach and Sonic himself. Not that he really wanted validation from his peers... When practice ended and everyone went off in pairs and groups, though, it was hard to not feel some type of emptiness.



He hated eating outside of his dorm for the same reason. Everyone was so happy; he didn't get it, didn't get what was so fun about anything. The chatter bothered him, made him angry, so he tuned everyone out with his own music. On the most stressful days, he'd lie in bed and listen to music and do nothing else. It kept him calm; he wouldn't deal with an attack if he was calm.



Another week, another routine. The third practice day arrived, and within it came some interesting news:



The coach would officially decide which team members would specialize in what events for the upcoming track meet.



The coach saved Metal and Sonic for last, instead letting everyone else take a crack at their own records. Plenty athletes were adequate and some were even good. No one could compare to Sonic as a racer, though... except for Metal.



The coach called for Sonic next. "We'll see who will be our leading runner this time, eh?" he called.



Metal didn't let anyone else's words bother him. He focused intensely on Sonic as he went to the track. He paid attention to Sonic's own methods, how he improved each time. The cocky grin vanished from his face as he took his place on the starting line. Good. He needed to know it was serious.



The coach began the timer and he took off with impressive speed. Sonic wasn't his usual eager... Metal was surprised. He wondered if he pushed Sonic more into racing well than he thought.



He zoomed past the finish line, then the coach wrote down the time. He improved a quarter second since the previous race, but it was an incredible lead compared to the second best time.



"Last but certainly not least... Come on up, Metal," the coach called for him.



Sonic playfully bumped Metal's elbow as he passed by. Metal didn't have the luxury to react.



He prepared himself at the starting line and waited for the cue to take off.



Click! The timer began and Metal received the signal to run. He ran with everything he learned up to this point. Pure focus. He didn't think about time, didn't think about anything that could possibly distract him. Faster, slower-- he didn't know. He just ran.



He passed the finish line and panted from a race well done. He checked his time on the board--



His eyes widened. The other teammates were silent.



He won. Metal beat Sonic by the fraction of a second. He'd be the main sprinter for the meet.



"Oh my God," Metal muttered under his breath. He grabbed his head and let out a laugh of disbelief. He did it.



"Don't get too comfortable," Sonic said with a grin. "This was just a one-time thing!"



Sonic's voice snapped Metal out of his moment. He quickly corrected his posture and huffed: "Correct. I'm going to be a second ahead of you next time, and then two after that."



Sonic laughed. "Love the attitude! I'll keep working hard, so you better watch your back."



The awkward air from the other students dissipated when Sonic spread his cheerful demeanor. Metal didn't care; he was focused on his goal. His lead was only the beginning, and eventually, Sonic would become the other Sonic. He would win the next track meet for them and become the real star of the show. Everyone would see what he was capable of, finally.



There was still a lot of work to do. To prepare for the track meet, the selected team were given their strategy and the order they would do for the relay races. They met a few extra times to have more chances to prepare. After Metal beat Sonic's record, everything else became easy. Studying wasn't as aggravating. Classes felt a little less boring, too... Even Sonic was slightly less annoying.



Sonic definitely noticed Metal's change in tune. When they practiced together, he didn't scowl or make any snide comments. He didn't really talk either, but Sonic wasn't expecting miracles either way.



He took another shot in connecting with Metal once more:



"You're not going to treat me as the bane of your existence anymore, huh? Beating my time was that important to you?" Sonic asked, raising a brow.



"I see you still have a talent in asking stupid questions," Metal huffed in response. "Maybe you would want to win too if you were constantly compared."



"I... Huh." Sonic scratched his head. "I honestly never thought about it. It's been a blast racing with you, and you've made me work harder than anyone else. But, for me, I never saw us as similar. I'm happy for you even when my time gets beaten. I didn't make it easy on you!"



"How have you never seen us as similar?" Metal asked, bewildered.



"I mean... There's a bunch of blue hedgehogs out there probably. Maybe more Sonics, too. Who cares? You're you, I'm me."



Spoken like someone who never had to prove himself.



"I dunno what your parents did to name you Sonic, anyway. Metal's a cooler name for you," he continued.



Metal was surprised to hear the compliment, however vague. He didn't know how to respond to it. Instead, he focused on the first sentence: "I never had multiple parents."



"Oh? My bad," Sonic said with a light, awkward chuckle. "I mean, I know you got a dad."



Hardly. His posture stiffened, something that didn't escape Sonic's notice. He decided to not prod further.



"Well, I got an adopted brother. He's my best friend and the smartest guy I know! Honestly, he'd probably be in college too, but I'm glad he's taking it slow, enjoying being a teen. It escapes so fast, and before ya know it..." Sonic shrugged. "Ah, nevermind. It's not a big deal. I'm sure when I'm thirty, I'll look back at this year and think about how young and inexperienced I was," he said with a laugh.



"Wasn't aware I asked about your life story," Metal replied, shooting a glare his way.



"Damn. Guess I hit my 'talk to Metal normally' threshold for today, huh?" Sonic sighed. "It's just conversation. Learn to relax."



"Don't tell me what to do."



"Sheesh..." Sonic slightly shook his head. "I'll take what cooperation I can get, I guess. Remember your goal isn't to kill me at the meet. You do know we're teammates, right?"



He would never get it. Even thinking about explaining Metal's own frustrations was aggravating, so he didn't even try. It must've been nice to cruise through life and have a healthy, presumably blessed upbringing. Everyone assumed Metal had it all because his father was famous, but all it did was make him more miserable. The true freedom lied in Sonic the Superstar. Foolish hedgehog.



Metal was so caught up in his own thoughts that he didn't answer Sonic's question. Sonic clicked his tongue and continued their practice. He just had to hope that Metal got the memo.



So came the day of the track meet. The turnout for the event was expected; some families, plenty of students. This wasn't considered a particularly important game for most... but for Metal? It was the most important.



He never told his father about the game, though he undoubtedly knew. Metal wondered if he was going to watch the broadcast... Plenty of Sonic's fans were here, either way.



Metal saw the same pink hedgehog in the stands, excitedly waving towards Sonic. She wore an outfit with the school's colors: green and white. Gaudy, but surprisingly fitting for her. To Metal's surprise, Sonic actually walked over to her.



He rolled his eyes and looked away while crossing his arms. He waited for a few minutes, then felt stares from the same direction. He glanced over and briefly made eye contact with the pink hedgehog. She darted her eyes back down, but it was already too late. She was probably not pleased that Metal took Sonic's position from the last time they did a competitive race.



Sonic moved his arms like he was saying something to her. Were they talking about him? Metal scoffed to himself. He just wanted the games to start already.



There were different events in the track meet itself, though Metal's events involved the relay race, and, even more importantly, the sprints. He studied his adversaries, their own recorded times... He would absolutely clear them. He couldn't relax and take the races any less seriously though; the competition was real this time.



"You better not be slackin' this meet, Metal," teased Sonic. When did he return from chatting with others? Metal was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even notice.



"You are the one with that problem," grumbled Metal in reply.



"Well, I'm just sayin'... My times could still beat yours!"



Could, not would. "If that helps you feel better," he mumbled.



Sonic laughed. "Kinda does. This'll be a piece of cake, though. We haven't had a lose streak; with the two of us, we can do anything! Or, well, race the fastest!" Sonic gave a confident grin.



Metal honestly hated how chatty and eager he was. He wished they weren't associated with one another, but he was unfortunately right before: they were teammates for the relay. Even though he disliked Sonic, he took his cooperation just as seriously. "Do not disappoint me," he said.



Sonic grinned at him. "Me? Disappoint? Oh please, when have I ever?"



Metal glared at him.



"You know in your heart that I'm super impressive and cool," Sonic said with a dramatic sigh.



God, Metal couldn't stand him. Fortune shined upon him in that moment; the games were starting then. They went to their positions to prepare for the meet.



Metal didn't really care about whether his other teammates won or lost; they just had to win if he had to work with them. Finally, it was time for the sprints. Sonic's group went first. He watched the times closely... And Sonic was in first during both runs. Those were the times to beat.



Metal's turn next. He approached the starting line with the other racers. He focused ahead, attempted to drown everything else out. Only the finish line existed.



Bang!



All the racers took off. One foot in front of the other. He really didn't hear anything; what could've been the crowd was instead white noise. You practiced this a hundred times, Metal thought to himself. He controlled his breathing, kept on pace.



He saw other racers in his peripherals, then eventually, he didn't.



Suddenly, he crossed the finish line. He staggered to a stop, then heavily panted to catch his breath. It started and finished so fast. As soon as he was able, he looked up at his time.



He scowled. He was in first place in his group, but it didn't matter. He beat one of Sonic's times, but not the other... And that didn't matter, either. Only their best time would count towards the event.



He had only one other shot. He couldn't let his nerves get to him... He went to the starting line again and readied himself for the race that would decide it all. He readied himself...



Bang!



He gave it his all. As long as he could control his breath, he could keep pushing himself. In, out, in, out... He didn't see anyone in his peripherals at all, or he just never noticed where they were.



He passed the finish line, nearly collapsing as he stopped. He caught himself in time, then desperately caught his breath. He felt a bit of pain-- maybe pushed himself a bit too hard. He checked the times again...



...!



It was worth it! He got the best time! He beat Sonic for real!



He let out a breath-filled laugh. Anything else that happened afterwards, he didn't care. He won and it counted.



He grouped up with his team afterwards to prepare for the relay race. Sonic watched him with a smirk. "Don't let your ego lead us to losing," he teased Metal.



"Don't let your slow pace lead us to losing," Metal huffed back.



He laughed. "Oh, now you're delusional. You sure you're hydrated, buddy?"



Metal shooed him away with one of his hands. "Don't call me that."



Despite Metal's harsher words, he stood proudly with Sonic when it was time to begin their relay race. The race itself consisted of four team members competing against three other teams, sprinting down the track with different set obstacles in their path. One person would pass a baton to the next, signalling their turn to race. Sonic was the third teammate, handing the baton to the fourth and final team member, Metal.



Bang! The race began.



For Metal, waiting was the hardest part. He anxiously watched behind him. Sonic was waiting, too... Two other teams already started their run while Sonic was still there.



He clenched his teeth and tapped his feet. Their other team members weren't that slow, were they? They--



Sonic had the baton! He took off and closed the distance between the other teams. He was close. Metal prepared himself to run and held his hand out for the baton.



There! Metal felt the weight of the baton in his hand; he tightly gripped it and charged forward. There was still one team ahead of them. Not for long. Metal didn't care if it was reckless or not; he wanted to win. He put all his energy into every step-- just had to remember to breathe.



He stopped paying attention to everyone around him again. He focused on the rhythm of his steps, the pounding of his heart.



It was over. He passed the finish line before he could even process it. He caught his breath--



"YEAH!!" Sonic shouted in excitement. His team rushed up to Metal and eagerly clutched onto Metal's shoulders. Metal was confused-- he expected Sonic's aggravating friendliness, but his other teammates?



Then he saw the times.They won!



Metal cleared all he competed for. He won. Metal laughed again, then allowed himself to celebrate with his team members. He felt like he was a part of something, even if for just a moment. Metal threw one of his arms around Sonic and cheered with him.



The track meet eventually came to an end. Most of the track members reconvened back in the locker room to shower and change back into normal clothes. Metal was in his normal winter outfit, about to leave when Sonic approached him again.



"Hey, you killed it out there. You've come a long way, man!" Sonic cheered.



'Don't patronize me' was Metal's first thought, but strangely, it felt wrong to say. "... Thanks," Metal replied instead.



Sonic passed a warm smile. "Before you go, I wanted to invite you to a party I'm having with some friends tomorrow. We just want to catch up for the new semester, celebrate some accomplishments, the track meet included." He handed Metal a small, folded paper note. "No pressure! It'd be great to see you, though. There's not gonna be a million people there or anything."



Metal unfolded the note and looked at it, showing a building name and a time. Sonic's dorm was just a few buildings away from his own... He wasn't aware Sonic was that close by.



"The doors will be open!" Sonic beamed. "There'll be lots of music, games, and pizza! Hmm, what kind of pizza do you like? I bet you're a meat lovers kinda guy."



"I don't eat pizza." Metal folded the note again and put it in his coat pocket. "... But I'll think about it. Bye." He adjusted his sports bag over his shoulder, then left. Sonic gave Metal a slanted smile and crossed his arms.



Metal drowned out any additional sounds and potential interactions with music from his earbuds and his phone. He took it easy on the way back to his dorm by choosing the scenic route. Evening pinks and purples dominated the sky... Not a cloud in sight, either. He hoped they'd get some snow at least one more time before the end of winter.



He got back to his room, set his sports bag down and collapsed into bed. With a sigh, he brought out the note from his pocket.



Sonic invited him somewhere? He supposed Sonic did try to talk to him nicely all the time... but it always felt so fake. Was it still... fake? Why was he still being nice even when Metal bested him?



He was admittedly curious. Sonic the Superstar surely had tons of friends, so it was strange to rope Metal in, too. He wouldn't be surprised if it was anything disingenuous... But, even so--



Why did he want to go?



...



He put the note back in his pocket. He'd have the entire next day to consider it, at least. He didn't want any socialization to distract him from his new reality:



He won.



Metal smiled to himself as he lay there in bed. He took in a deep breath and enjoyed the music that played from his earbuds.