Android (Chapter 5)

Hundreds of helicopters whizzed overhead, dropping bombs, firing guns, destroying. Emmet and I stared into the madness in horror. People were running around and screaming, just like in the movies. Buildings were being blown up all around us, houses were catching on fire, there were huge tank-like machines driving around the city, destroying everything in its path.
Emmet swallowed and his voice cracked when he said, "Tails,"
"What?" I said without looking at him.
"What's happening?" Emmet sounded like he was choking back tears.
I shook my head, "I don't know."
I laughed nervously, "W-wait, this is all a dream, remember?"
Emmet didn't say anything, so I went on, "None of this is real, none of this can hurt us."
Emmet shook his head, blinking back tears. He sucked in a breath and looked at me, "And what if you're wrong, Tails? You have no proof that this is all fake. You don't know if this is dangerous or not, I don't know either. Why take the chance?"
I stared at the robotic tank-like vehicles plowing through buildings and houses, "Don't be stupid, Earwig."
"What?" Emmet said, sounding confused.
I said wearily, "I know none of this is real because none if this is possible. It's not possible for robots to take over the planet, it's not possible to burn through ropes with no tools but your bare hands.... None if it is even possible."
Emmet sighed and, his voice thick with stress, said, "Tails, don't be that way. This is real, I know it!"
I shook my head, "No, you're wrong. I'll show you."
Without thinking, I walked down the steps in front of the metal doors and out toward the street.
"Tails," Emmet called after me, "Hey, uh, w-what are you doing?"
I didn't answer. All I could think about was proving to Emmet that this was all fake. I walked up to the nearest giant tank thing and planted my feet into the ground in front of it.
"Tails," Emmet said sharply, "Don't be dumb. What are you doing?"
I stared up at the giant tank, holding out my arms. I was an open target, but it couldn't hurt me; It wasn't real.
The tank slowly turned to face me, pointing its turret right at me. I closed my eyes and tried to stay calm. It can't hurt you, Tails. I thought, Its not real, remember that.
"TAILS!" Emmet yelled, running at me. Right as the tank fired, Emmet grabbed the back of my shirt and pulled me out of the way. The shell from the tank whizzed past us, only a few feet away. It soared off into the distance, hitting a house and exploding.
Emmet and I hit the asphalt hard. I yelled at him, "What was that for?"
"Are you an idiot?" He screamed at me, "You almost killed yourself! I saved your life!"
I scowled at him and yelled, "This isn't real! You didn't do anything important!"
Emmet laughed hollowly and hollered, "I didn't do anything important, Tails? Don't be a moron! You wouldn't be saying I was so stupid if I had let that tank blow up your pretty little face!"
"Shut up, Emmet!" I screamed, furious. I didn't think I had ever been that mad before.
"I am not useless, Tails! Get some brains for once!" Emmet shot back, "If I hadn't pulled you out of the way, you would be dead right now. You know what I think? I think you're just crazy!"
I opened my mouth to protest, but before I had the chance to, Emmet said, "Yeah, you heard me. You dragged me into this mess, you almost killed yourself doing something stupid Lord knows how many times. Face it, Tails, you are psychotic! Schizophrenic!"
"Shut up, Emmet!" I yelled again, letting out a loud sob.
"Yeah," Emmet said, nodding, "If you hadn't dragged me over to that attic, if you hadn't been all 'Oh, don't worry, Emmet! Everything will be fine, that killer robot is really a good person!', then we wouldn't be in this mess! We would be back at the orphanage, safe and sound!"
I scoffed, "And that's a good thing to you? Living in a run-down old building full of kids without parents and cold porridge?"
"It's better than this!" Emmet yelled, fighting back tears, "At least the orphanage has food, beds, safety, good people-"
"Like who?" I broke in.
Emmet folded his arms, tears starting to run down his cheeks, "Emilie."
My face fell and Emmet continued, "Steph, Ivory, Joseph, Katie, George. I could go on,"
We were both quiet for a long time. Emmet let out a sob and I looked up. He shook his head and took in a shuddering breath, turning away from me.
"Look at us," He said, his back turned to me, "We'll never get anywhere arguing like this."
I nodded, reluctantly letting tears roll down my cheeks, "Yeah...."
Emmet wiped his eyes on his sleeve and said, "Maybe I'm a coward, but sometimes you just don't know when to say when."
I nodded again and Emmet turned to me, "Tails, this is real. I know you think its all a dream, but you can't just assume that and expect to stay alive. It just doesn't work that way."
I finally brought myself to look Emmet in the eyes and said, "I'm sorry, Emmet."
He nodded and we stood in silence for a bit. 
"H-hey, Tails?" Emmet said quietly.
I looked at him and he cautiously held out his arms. Hugging wasn't really something that Emmet and I did very often, but I think Emmet thought now was a suitable time for one. I thought that made sense, we both could've used some comfort then.
I hugged Emmet and he sniffed. Crying was also something that was pretty rare for us, especially in front of each other. Both Emmet and I hate crying and anything else that belittles either of us, but now we were both in tears. Ah, so dramatic.
I pulled away and said, "Okay, enough crying. We need to help Anara now."
Emmet stared at me in disbelief, "Are you nuts? She kidnapped us, Tails! She's the enemy. One of Them."
He gestured to the helicopters and tanks, but I shook my head, "You don't know that. I think she's special."
Emmet shook his head too and said, "No, Tails. Did you even hear what I just said? We need to play it safe. We can't trust anyone out here but ourselves."
I got Emmet's point, but I just couldn't gather that Anara would kidnap us. The idea that she had betrayed us hurt so much that it was just easier to at least pretend she hadn't done us wrong. But maybe she actually hadn't....
"But-" I protested.
"No, Tails." Emmet said sharply, "I am not risking my life for a stupid robot!"
I scowled at Emmet and turned away stubbornly. I sighed and said, "Fine, I'll do it myself."
"W-what?" Emmet said, "Don't be stupid, Tails! Come on...."
I shook my head and started walking away from him, "Nope, I don't need you. I can save Anara myself."
"She's a robot!" Emmet cried, "She can take care of herself!"
"Come on, Emmet!" I said, "You promised you would help me find a companion for Anara! She's lonely."
Emmet glared at me and looked around at the burning buildings surrounding us.
"If this is real...." He said softly, "Then we sure are screwed."
"Please," I said, "Please help, Emmet."
Emmet ran his fingers through his curly hair and said, "Okay, but you have to stay with me at all times."
I eyed him and he said, "U-um, you know, to keep me safe. You s-seem to know what you're doing."
I smiled and said, "Okay, here's what my plan is; We take Johnston avenue down to 50th street and we... Borrow some equipment from Mike's Store and then we go after the robots-"
"Tails, Tails!" Emmet said, rubbing his temples, "What the heck are you talking about?"
"Well," I said casually, "We need to kill all the robots so our town will be safe-"
"Dude, Tails, are you freaking insane?" Emmet said, "We are not saving the world! That's not what I signed up for!"
"Well, I didn't expect this apocalypse to come either!" I said defensively.
Emmet crossed his arms and said, "Why do you think we have to take care of that? Leave it to the army or something. We're kids, Tails."
"But-" I protested.
"Tails," Emmet said, "Let's talk about this in the morning. I'm really tired, can we please just find shelter. I think you're getting way ahead of yourself."
I sighed and said, "Fine, Emmet. We can find shelter and go to sleep- Oh, maybe beforehand we can sit under the stars and watch the robots blow up the world around us!"
"Tails," Emmet said, "Come on. We need rest."
I huffed and said, "Fine, but don't think I'm forgetting the plan."
Emmet shot me a look, but didn't say anything.
We took shelter in the very high-class alley.
"I feel like a homeless person." Emmet complained, "Oh, wait, we are homeless, thanks to you!"
"Hey," I said, "I did not mean to get us into this. But, the only way we can get out of it is if we save the world from the robots-"
"You know what?" Emmet said, "I don't wanna hear about. Tell me in the morning. 'Night, Tails."
I sighed and said, "Goodnight, Earwig."
A smile flickered across Emmet's lips.
I lied down a foot or two away from him and tried to go to sleep.
But my brain wouldn't shut up. Now, we had bigger priorities than taking care of Anara.


Tomorrow's mission, save the world.

Android (Chapter 4)

I felt like someone had just hit me in the head with a rock. I tried hard to remember what had happened, but all I could think of was images of Anara pressing the panels on her belt, that guilty look, Emmet's worried face.
I heard a terrible groaning sound and I realized it had come from me. I was afraid to open my eyes, but I did anyway. I tried to sit up, only to discover that my wrists were bound behind my back. Also, blindfold. Of course.
I felt like my throat was half closed up and I was still sweating. I remembered, I had passed out in Anara's attic. Anara.... Had she done this to me?.... Us?
Emmet! Was he here?
"Emmet...." I groaned, sounding like I was dying. Maybe I was.
"Tails?" I heard an anxious, but croaking voice.
"Earwig! Is that you?" I cried out.
"Yeah! Tails?" Emmet's voice came again and he laughed with relief.
"I'm so glad to hear from you!" I said, smiling, "Well, I'm not glad that you're here, here being all bad and mysterious...."
There was a silence and Emmet said, "Um.... Where is here?"
I turned in the direction that I assumed Emmet was sitting and said, "Gee, Earwig, I would gladly tell you if  I could see where in Lord's name we are."
Emmet said, sounding annoyed, "It was just a question.... So you're blindfolded too?"
Crap. "Yes."
"Wrists tied behind your back?"
I nodded and realized that Emmet couldn't see, "Uh.... Yeah."
"Any idea what happened?" Emmet asked.
I was so mad that Emmet couldn't see, because if he could, I definitely would've given him a 'don't be an idiot' look, "What do you think?"
"Sorry...." Emmet said, "You don't have to be so hard on me."
"Earwig," I said, trying to raise an eyebrow at him, "Then I wouldn't be very good at being Tails."
Emmet laughed quietly and I fought back a grin, which was kind of useless, because Emmet couldn't see me anyway.
"Okay, I got one for you, Tails." Emmet said, "What do you think happened?"
I was silent. I had an idea, but I didn't want to tell Emmet.
"Well, er...." I said quietly.
"What?" Emmet said, "Just tell me, Tails."
I sighed, happy that I didn't have to look at him, "Well, I think..... It seemed like....."
"Here, I'll say it for you, you baby." Emmet scoffed, "You think that your 'friend' Anara might have turned on us and kidnapped us. What a surprise, to be kidnapped by a robot! How shocking!"
I wanted to slap Emmet, but I had no idea how far away he was and my aim would probably be completely off.
I thought over the idea of Anara kidnapping us. I didn't want to believe it, I thought Anara was good. I really couldn't bring myself to believe that she wasn't. She seemed so sweet and helpless when I actually talked to her, but now....
"Remember what she said, Tails?" Emmet said firmly, "Remember what she said right before you passed out?"
I was silent and Emmet said, "'Please forgive me, Tails."
I shook my head, "You're wrong about her, Earwig."
Emmet laughed hollowly, "Is that so? So, you're telling me that Anara didn't capture us and this is all a figment of our imagination?"
An idea suddenly floated through my head and I didn't think it would work, but I tried it out anyway. I focused hard on the ropes binding my hands.
After noticing my long silence, which wasn't normal for me, Emmet said timidly, "T-Tails? Are you okay?"
"Shh." I said, trying to push everything besides the ropes out of my mind.
Suddenly, I felt the ropes on my wrists heat up and I didn't break my focus. They were so hot that I had to bite my lip to keep from screaming.
I smiled when the ropes binding my wrists broke with a poof.
I took off my blindfold and Emmet said meekly, "W-what just happened? Tails?"
"Be quiet, Earwig." I said as I started to untie his wrists.
"Tails! How did you get loose?" Emmet cried.
"Ever heard of telekinesis?" I said, feeling cool and proud of myself.
"Well, yeah, from books...." Emmet said, "Wait- You have telekinesis? Why didn't you tell me, Tails?"
I rolled my eyes, "Don't be stupid. I was thinking about your theory, about how maybe Anara didn't capture us and maybe this was just a figment of our imagination..."
"That wasn't a theory, Tails," Emmet said flatly, "That was me making fun of you."
"Well, it worked, didn't it?" I said, grinning.
Emmet pulled the blindfold off his eyes and he looked around in wonder. 
"Woah," He said, "Check it out, Tails...."
I nodded, "See? I think you were right, I think this is all a dream. None of this could possibly be real."
We were in a huge room where all the walls were made of this weird shiny metal that glowed blue. The floors were made of the same material.
"Wow," Emmet said, laughing, "This is crazy!"
I nodded again and grabbed his wrist, "Come on, Earwig. Let's get out of here."
"Yeah..." Emmet said, almost in a daze.
We left the room, yes, the door was open, and jogged down the hallway and to the front door. The whole building was made of that weird gleaming metal.
I grasped the huge metal handle of the front door and tried to open it; It was too hard.
"Here, I'll help." Emmet said.
I shook my head, "No, I'm okay."
Emmet raised an eyebrow at me and I looked down at my hands. My knuckles were white and my veins were popping out of my wrists.
"Fine." I said, reluctantly letting Emmet help me pull the door open. I guess it was kind of a two-person job.
Together we tugged on the huge metal door and it started to open. I felt a sudden tension, but I couldn't explain why.
With one last yank, the door swung open. Emmet and I stared out into the world in front of us, unable to believe our eyes.

Android (Chapter 3)

"Wake up, Earwig." I said.
Emmet's eyes fluttered open, "What are you doing in here, Tails?" He sat up and yawned. I sat on his bed, "I'm going to visit Anara today."
"The robot? What a surprise." Emmet yawned.
"And you're coming with me." I said.
Emmet's eyes flew open, "What? Why?"
I grinned, "You're not scared, are you, Earwig?"
Emmet shook his head, standing up. "Stop calling me that."
"Never. Come on, Earwig, get dressed. We're going." I said.
"Without breakfast?"
I snorted, "You sound like Thomas. 'To bed without supper? But all I did was throw Katie's teddy bear into the pot of beef stew.'"
Emmet laughed, pulling on his dull brown sweater, "Good 'ol Thomas. Leave it to the little kids to say things like that."
"So, what do you say?" I said excitedly, "Will you come?"
Emmet sighed, "Aw, Tails. Why do you have to pick the things that could get you killed to be interested in?"
"No, no. Anara is nice!" I said, "And what about Jesus? He sacrificed his life for those people."
Emmet raised an eyebrow at me, "Seriously, Tails? Are you seriously using that as your excuse?"
"It's a good one, isn't it?"
Emmet sighed, "Fine, Tails, I'll do it. But if I die, your name is going to be floating all around the funeral parlor and you'll start crying and say 'Oh Emmet! I'm so sorry I ever called you Earwig! I should never have made you go into that house!'"
I stuck my tongue out at Emmet like the little kids do. "Yeah, right! You're such a baby, Earwig."
"Am not!" He exclaimed.
I snorted, "Come on." I grabbed his hand and we quietly hurried down the stairs and out the door.

We arrived at the old abandoned house, where I pushed open the creaking wooden door in the floor of the attic. Emmet stood at the bottom of the ladder.
I motioned for him to come up, "Come on, Earwig."
Emmet twisted his shirt in his hands, like he does when he's nervous. "I-I don't know, should we really be doing this?"
I laughed, "'There's a dog loose in the wood! There's a dog loose in the wood! You sound like that rabbit from Watership Down."
Emmet's face flushed a little and he didn't say anything. I grabbed his hand, "Come on, Earwig."
Reluctantly, Emmet let me pull him up the ladder after me.
I stuck my head through the attic door and climbed up, holding my hand out to Emmet.
He scoffed, "I can get up myself."
I nodded, "Sure you can."
Emmet scrambled for a second, but managed to get up the ladder and into the attic. He glanced around the room and stood up next to me, staying close. I raised an eyebrow at him and he stepped back.
"Anara?" I said gently, more to the room then anywhere in particular. There was a still silence and Emmet whimpered quietly. A bit embarrassed, he took a step away from me.... farther behind me. What a wimp.
I heard Emmet gasp in horror as Anara's form slowly rose up from behind a pile of boxes and torn up furniture and I grinned to myself. I could hear his breath short out from behind me as Anara crept slowly toward us, appearing as only a silhouette.
I knew the last thing Emmet would want to do is chicken out in front of me, but I could tell that he was scared out of his mind.
"Don't be so tense," I whispered to him, "You'll make her nervous."
"I'll make her nervous?" Emmet hissed, "You've got to be joking."
I shushed him and slowly walked forward, "Hello, Anara."
Anara's eyes twinkled and she smiled a pretty smile at me. Tails.... Her voice echoed through my head.
I nodded, replying sweetly, "Yeah. It's me."
Tails came back for Anara.... Anara's smile lit up her face. She noticed Emmet and a look of fear covered her face. Her eyes flashed and she took a step back, but I put my arm on her shoulder, "It's alright, Anara. He's a friend. This is Emmet."
Emmet stared at Anara in terror, his face white as a sheet. I nodded and said gently, "It's okay, Emmet. She's nice."
Anara's eyes glimmered and flashed. Emmmmmmeett..... She repeated, Emmmet....
I could practically hear Emmet's heart pounding in fear. I put on hand on his shoulder and the other on Anara's. I wouldn't usually put my hand on Emmet's shoulder, but it would be easier to catch him if he passed out.
"She's nice...." I said again, "See?"
I gently guided Emmet's hand to meet Anara's. Emmet held his breath, not taking his eyes off of Anara.
Anara's eyes twinkled and a sweet smile spread across her face. Emmet.... She cooed, Hello.... Emmmmet.
Emmet blinked and he cocked his head to the side, "C-can she talk?"
I furrowed my brow, "What do you mean? She's been talking this whole time. Er, not really talking... She talks inside your head."
Emmet stared at me like I was crazy and said, "All I hear is buzzing."
"Buzzing?" I said, completely confused.
"Well, more of a humming." Emmet said, looking back at Anara, who stared curiously at him. Was I the only one who could hear her?
I nodded, "Okay." I said, "I guess I'll just have to translate."
Anara tilted her head to the side. Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuubbbbbiiiinnnnn...... Oh great, there she goes again. 
Emmet flinched and I said, "What?"
'N-nothing," He replied, "That was just weird. What did she say?"
I studied Anara, "She said 'Ruuuubbbiiinnnn....."
Emmet looked confused, "Rubin? What's Rubin? Like the sandwhich?"
I elbowed Emmet in the ribs, "No, stupid. That's 'reuben', as in R-E-U-B-E-N."
I looked back at Anara, feeling a little sad myself, "Rubin was Anara's love."
Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuubbbbbbbbiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnn......... Anara cooed again, a melancholy tone to her electronic voice.
Emmet stared at me, "Okay, you're starting to creep me out now, Tails." Oh, now I'm starting to creep you out? I thought, You weren't at all bothered by the robot or the weird buzzing sound you heard, but you were creeped out because I started talking about love? Geez, Emmet can be such a guy. 
I took a deep breath, "Okay. I'll explain everything to you."
I told Emmet about Rubin, about The Jar, about the illusion Anara showed me, about her rejected gift. I told him everything I knew about Anara.
Emmet let out a breath, "Wow, this is deep stuff." No, really?
I nodded, turning to him, "Emmet. I think we need to do something about Anara's loss."
Emmet stared at me, looking both surprised and shocked. He laughed nervously and said shakily, "What?"
I nodded again, a serious look on my face, "You heard me."
Emmet starting laughing and I wanted to punch him. Seeing that I wasn't being funny, he swallowed and said, "Wait. Y-you were serious?"
"Yes, Emmet."
Emmet grinned nervously and said, "Wow, you really are nuts, Tails."
I tried to be patient and I said, "Come on, Emmet. Just look at her, Anara needs us. Rubin deserted her and she's all alone except for us. I think we should find a way to make her happy."
Emmet laughed again, pointing at Anara, "That thing does not need our help, Tails. She doesn't look helpless to me. Dude, she's a freaking robot! Robots can get by on their own.... You don't honestly think it has feelings, do you?"
Within about two seconds, Anara's eyes flashed white and she shot her hand out. Then, a laser-like beam shot out of her belt, barely missing Emmet.
Emmet jumped to the side and stared at Anara in shock. I realized that my mouth was hanging open. Emmet collapsed where he stood and I rushed to his side.
"Emmet!" I cried, a feeling of panic flushing over me, "Anara! What did you do?"
Anara stared at me calmly, her head tilted to the side and a serious, but confused look on her face. 
Anara did not hit Emmet. Her electronic voice echoed through my head.
I blinked back tears, praying that Emmet wasn't dead. He slowly opened his eyes and I hugged him, "Emmet! Oh, thank God you're okay!"
Emmet looked up wearily at me, "What's wrong with you, Tails?"
Realizing how stupid and un-Tails-like I was acting, I let go of Emmet and stood up, brushing myself off. "Oh, you're alive. Okay, good."
Emmet fought back a grin and I shot a look at him. Remembering that Anara had just shot at him, Emmet turned back to Anara, backing up. 
I swallowed and said timidly, "Anara, why did you shoot at Emmet? He's a friend. Friend."
Anara's eyes twinkled as she stared blankly at me. Anara is a person as well. Emmet does not know, Emmet is foolish to think such a thing that Anara is not so.....
Emmet laughed nervously, taking another step backward and pushing me gently toward the door, "Yep, okay, I-I'm a fool. I-I never should have said that. Oh geez, Emmet is so stupid! Ha ha ha ha!"
Without taking his eyes off Anara, Emmet whispered in my ear, "Okay, Tails. We are getting out of here now."
I pushed his hand away from my shoulder and he retracted, embarrassed. I took a step toward Anara, saying gently, "No, it's not her fault. She's really nice, Earwig. Honest."
Emmet laughed hollowly, "Oh, yeah, she's really nice, Tails! Did you see what she just-"
I whirled around, firing a look at him, "Shut it, Earwig!"
Emmet eyed Anara suspiciously as I slowly approached her. I said softly, "You didn't mean to hurt Emmet, did you, Anara?"
Anara's eyes glimmered more and I continued, "Emmet is a friend. Right?"
"Of course I am!" Emmet hissed nervously at me, but I ignored him. Anara stared at me with that blank look she has and she said, Emmet..... is a friend. Emmet shall not be.... harmmmeeeddd?
I nodded anxiously, "Yes, yes, Anara. Very good!"
Anara smiled sweetly and nodded back. I turned to Emmet, beaming, "See? Doesn't she have a nice smile?"
Emmet shook his head, "Tails, you are definitely losing it...."
I went up to Emmet and looked him in the eyes, "Look, Earwig, Anara needs us. She's all alone! I'm sure we're the only people who even know about her."
"Well," Emmet said, "There's no way she can have that Rubin guy back. He's a human, am I right? He's dead by now."
My eyes lit up, "Does that mean you'll help?"
Emmet scowled at the ground and said, "Look, Tails, there's nothing we can do! Rubin is dead! How long ago was this guy around? Like 200 years, right? He's gone! Also, Anara is frankly not our problem. She's a robot! She can take care of herself...."
I glanced at Anara, who had that unbearable sad look that she gets plastered on her face. That look practically killed me, I swear.
I gestured to Anara and said to Emmet, "Come on, man! Look at that face!"
Anara turned her beautiful, sad eyes to Emmet and he almost winced. Emmet shook his head and said, "Don't be stupid, Tails. You are not getting me with the 'look at her pretty face' trick. Do you really think I'm that ignorant?"
I cleared my throat and laughed when Emmet shot me a look. Anara managed a sweet, soft laugh. To be completely honest, I didn't know robots could laugh, but it was good to hear.
"Please, Earwig." I whispered, swallowing.
Emmet groaned and said, "You know what? Fine, Tails. I'll help you do whatever crazy thing you intend to do to help Anara. I have no idea what you have in mind and I honestly don't know if I want to, but...."
I smiled cheesily and said, ".... But I'm your friend?"
Emmet nodded, "Sure, if you don't get me killed."
I nodded back and turned to Anara, "See, Anara? We're going to help you be happy!"
Geez, I thought, I sound like a moron. What was I going to do? I had no idea.
Anara laughed sweetly, but her face slowly fell. She looked a little.... Guilty?
I turned back to Emmet and said, "Thanks."
Emmet nodded, "Sure. You better pay me back for this."
My face fell, "What do you want?"
Emmet grinned, "Four of your Series Three Wacky Packs."
My jaw dropped, "Dude, are you serious??? I had to give Cassie two packs of gum for those!"
Emmet scoffed, 'That gum was probably five years old anyway."
I looked around nervously and said, "Seven. You didn't tell Cassie that, did you, Earwig?"
Emmet laughed and shook his head, "You're safe. Three Wacky Packs?"
"No, man!" I said, "Those Wacky Packages are ancient.... And mine!"
About eight months ago, all of us at the orphanage found a bunch of old trading cards and killed each other for them. Emmet and I lost.
Emmet crossed his arms, "Then I won't help you."
I scowled at Emmet and said, "Fine. How about one Wacky Pack and two Yugioh cards?"
"How about two Wacky Packs and one Yugioh card?" Emmet said, grinning smugly.
I narrowed my eyes and said, "Fine, you win, Earwig.... For now."
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Anara press a panel on her belt; It beeped five times. Emmet and I turned to look at her.
"What was that?" I asked her.
Anara stared at me blankly, calmly. She didn't say anything, she just stared at me. Her eyes flickered and I glanced at her belt. The edges of it began glowing white.
"What's going on?" I asked Anara.
She stared at me more and didn't say anything.
I took a step toward her, "Are you okay, Anara?"
Please forgive Anara, Tails.... Her voice came in my head.
I furrowed my brow and said, "For what?"
"What is she saying?" Emmet asked.
I stared at Anara and waited for an answer. I could have sworn that her eyes were filling with blue smokey stuff, but I wasn't sure.
I backed up until I was standing next to Emmet and I whispered in his ear, "Hey, Earwig. Do you see that? Look at her eyes."
Emmet followed my gaze and said, "What? What am I looking for?"
I whispered, "You mean you can't see it?"
"See what?"
"The smoke!" I whispered anxiously, "Her eyes have blue smoke in them!"
Emmet looked at me like I was crazy and shook his head, "I don't see it, Tails. Are you okay?"
He teasingly put his hand on my forehead and I said, "I-I don't know."
Emmet cocked his head and looked into my eyes, "Hey, Tails. Are you sure nothing's wrong?"
I shook my head, "I never said that."
Something was wrong. I suddenly felt my whole body catch on fire (not literally). Then, I could barely see or hear. My nose was suddenly filled with an unfamiliar, weird smell and I felt my sinuses close up.
"Emmet!" I screamed, "What's wrong with me?!"
"I-I don't know!" Emmet cried, sounding stressed, "Don't yell! Are you okay? You're burning up."
I tried to focus on him, but I couldn't think straight. Next thing I knew, I was out cold.

Android (Chapter 2)

Ruuuuuuubbbbiiiiiiinnnn. Where is Rubin's jar? You know where it isssss...... Give Rubin back his jaarrr. Rubin neeeeedsss his jaaaaaarrrrrr.....

My eyes flew open, only to see Emmet and Emilie hovering over me. "You okay, Tails?" Emmet said, looking worried.

I was sweating and breathing hard. Good, it was just a dream. I sat up, "Uh, yeah. I'm.... fine."

Emmet eyed me curiously and Emilie flung her arms around my neck. "Oh Tails! Please don't die!" She sniffed and I patted her on the back. "Don't worry, Emm. I'm not going to die." I looked at Emmet for help and he shrugged. I looked Emilie in the eyes, "I'm fine. Don't you worry, everything is fine." Emilie nodded.

After breakfast, I decided to go check out the abandoned house again. "Maybe I should return The Jar." I had said to Emmet earlier. "Yeah, that might be smart." He had said. I put on my hoodie and slipped out the back door.

I reluctantly cracked open the attic door and it creaked open. I looked around and went inside. I held out The Jar into open space, as if a ghost would just come out and take it. Was that what the woman was? A ghost?

"I have Rubin's jar." I said aloud, holding it out farther, facing a pile of old dusty furniture and boxes.

To my great surprise, a figure soon emerged from the pile, the woman from before. Her eyes sparkled, almost happily. You have Rubin's jar. She said in the same faraway, out of sync tone, but she seemed friendlier than before.

I held out the jar and she took a step forward, her high-heeled glittery white boots clicking on the wooden floor. She held out her hands and I gave her the jar. Ruuuuuuubbbbiiiiiiiiinnnn. She cooed in her sweet electronic voice. A sweet smile broke across her lips. It was rather nice, actually, to see her happy. She was extremely pretty when she wasn't trying to kill me. I smiled pleasantly, "If you would, could you please tell me who Rubin is now?" I ventured, preparing myself to make a run for it incase she attacked me again. "A-and I would like to know your name."

The woman cocked her head slightly, it was the tiniest bit creepy. Ruu-uuuubiiiiinnn.... She said, her voice changing key the tiniest bit. I braced myself, but the woman simply sat down on one of the old, torn up couches.

Suddenly, she pressed two parts of her black belt that ran about five inches up her waist and a hologram shot out of a little slit in the belt. That was it! She was a robot! I got it now....

I am the Anara 326812. Ruuuuubbbbiiiiiiinnnn...... Her voice trailed out of my head and she blinked. A diagram of a robot that looked just like her (I was assuming it was her) appeared in front of her.

I said gently, "Is it okay if I call you Anara?" She nodded slowly, her eyes staring off blankly into space, glimmering a sad bright blueish-green. Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuubbbiiiiiiinnnnn....... Anara moaned so sorrowfully that I wanted to comfort her. How do you comfort a robot? "Um, no, you don't need to tell me if you don't want." I said. I thought robots weren't supposed to have feelings. Whether she was a robot or not, Anara most definitely had feelings.

No, She said mournfully, Anara will explain my exact origin to.... Her eyes flashed, toooooo.......... She drew out the word, as if trying to figure out how to say 'you'.

"Tails." I told her.

Taaaaaiiiiiiiiilllllssss....... Anara pronounced very slowly. Her eyes flickered and the hologram changed. There was a sudden flash of light and I blinked. The hologram shifted, a diagram of a person coming up on it. It was me! Taaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiillsss..... Anara repeated, as if she was trying to memorize it and put it into her memory data- Oh my gosh, that was what she was doing!

Anara turned her head to face me and she stared at me, almost curiously. Tails wanted Rubin fiiillllessss, neeeeeewwwsssss...... I heard Anara's voice in my head as her lips moved out of sync, but they seemed to be less out of sync than when I first met her the day before. Ruuu-bbbbbiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnn. I covered my ears as Anara let out the highest pitched noise I had ever heard. Anara stared blankly at me, her mouth open slightly, as usual. She didn't say anything. I watched her for a second, waiting for her to say something.

Her eyes flashed and she started 'talking' so fast I could barely understand her. Rubin: Love of Anara 326812. Anara fond of- fond of..... Ruuuuuuuuubinnnn................. At least I think that's what she said. She was silent for a moment before sitting up straight and saying, Back 2,000 years ago, Anara gave Rubin a very special gift.... Anara stroked The Jar, which she was holding on her lap like it was a baby. Rubin's song. Anara gave Rubin the most beauuuuutifuuuuul...... Anara let out an electronic sound that sounded like it could be a sigh. Anara loved Rubin, Rubin did not love Anara like Anara loved Ruuuuubiiinnnnnnnn...... Anara's eyes seemed to fog up. She tilted her head to the side sadly. One day, Rubin left. Rubin left Anara.... She got an unbearable look of sadness in her eyes. Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuubbbbbbbiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnn............. She moaned. Androids are very repetitive, I noticed. I actually felt bad for Anara. She was just a lovesick robot, living 

alone in an old abandoned attic with only that jar to remember her love by.

I said quietly, "So, what is the jar for?"

Anara sighed a deep, grief-filled sigh. Anara gave Rubin a song. Anara gave Rubin her song, her song 

created just for Anara. Anara loved Rubin, so Anara gave Rubin her song. Anara's song is in this jar.... She patted the jar. Anara's song is still in this jar, Rubin would not except. Rubin did not want Anara's 

love..... Anara turned her head to face me. Rubin was not like Anara. Rubin was human.

I gasped. Poor Anara. Rubin didn't love her because she was a robot and he was a human.

Anara sighed again, Rubin did care about Anara, but Rubin would not allow himself to fall in love with Anara. Rubin knew how painful it would be for Anara when Rubin passed and she did not.

My eyes widened. That was why Rubin wouldn't except her, he didn't want her to be miserable after he was gone! Oh, poor Anara....

I put my hand on her shoulder and her eyes twinkled. "I'm sorry." I said. 

Anara's eyes flashed. Sooooooooorrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy............... I blinked. Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, soooooorrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyy......... Anara 

moaned. "What?" I said stupidly.

Sorry: def: "I'm sorry, Anara." A male voice that I didn't recognize started speaking. The voice seemed 

to be coming from Anara's belt. "I'm going to have to leave you soon, Anara." The voice continued. 

Rubin! It was a recording of Rubin the day he left her!

I blinked and I, to my great surprise, found myself in a dark, old-looking building. To figures stood a few feet away from me, Anara and who I guessed was Rubin. Anara looked pretty much exactly the same, 

except, well, happier. Rubin put his hands on her shoulders and said, "I'm sorry, Anara. I'm going to 

have to leave you soon."

The smile quickly faded from Anara's face and she looked at him as if to say, "What? Leaving? Why?" But she said nothing. I realized that they couldn't see me and I watched curiously. 

Anara looked down at the floor and Rubin tilted her head up. "I'm sorry, Anara."

Not taking her eyes off Rubin, Anara drew a jar, The Jar, out of a bag that was on the floor next to 

her feet and placed it in Rubin's hands. "My song." She said. Rubin smiled at The Jar and Anara smiled 

excitedly, probably hoping this would keep him with her for a little longer.

Rubin looked into Anara's excited eyes. She was like a little kid, smiling her heart out with excitement. 

Rubin shook his head and said, "Thank you, Anara. This is an amazing gift...." He put The Jar back in 

her hands. "But I cannot except it."

Anara's smile faded and she made a cute, confused pigeon-like cooing sound. Rubin turned and started 

to walk to the door. What a jerk! Anara ran after him. "Rubin!" She screamed, sounding more human 

than she does when she talks to me.

Rubin walked out into the rain, getting on his horse and leaving quickly, a sad, pained look on his face.

Anara ran after him, but stopped at the door. Could she not get wet? "Rubin!" She screamed again, tears streaming down her cheeks. She could cry, why couldn't she go outside?

Rubin rode off on his horse into the rainy darkness. Anara stood in the doorway, crying. She fell to her 

knees, holding The Jar to her chest. I don't think I had ever seen anything this sad since I heard the story of how Emmet ended up in the orphanage. But I won't tell it to you now, because that's a different story.

I blinked and the illusion faded away, sending me back to the old attic. Anara sat next to me, her cheeks were streaked with tears. Ruuuuuuubbbbiiiiiinnnnn...... I said quietly, almost in a whisper.

I gently patted her shoulder, her eyes glimmered when I touched her. "Rubin.... left?" I ventured.

Anara hesitated and nodded without looking at me. Rubin left Anara, he left. Anara gave him her song.

I said gently, "What do you mean your song?"

Anara turned to look at me for the first time in a while. I had no idea how long I had been there, but I 

needed to know.

My song. Anara said. She started talking fast again, really fast. SONG: def: One will give one's song 

away to their loved one if one trusts their other. Once a song is excepted, eternal love is to follow.

Wow. This is deep stuff. "So, why- er, how is their a song in that jar? I mean...."

Anara's eyes glimmered again, Anara is not sure how to explain to Tails..... exactly how..... Her electron-

ic voice varied from high to lower, changing key for a few seconds and going back to normal.

I patted her shoulder again, "It's alright Anara, some things are just too hard to explain." Anara nodded 

slowly. Being an *android, Anara could easily be tens of thousands times smarter than me, but she did 

everything so slowly.... Maybe it was just her........... Were there others?

Reluctantly, I stood up. "Hey, Anara, I should being going home now. People are probably getting 

worried." Anara's eyes glimmered sadly. Geez, I hate leaving this girl by herself, she just looks so sad....

Tails is leaving Anara?

I started to panic, "Uh- f-for now! Just for now...." Crap! What was I saying?

Anara's eyes sparkled and she smiled a pretty smile at me, Will Tails come back..... toooomoorroowww?

Without thinking, I nodded. It was probably a stupid idea, but I couldn't stand that look of pure sadness 

in her eyes. "Yes, I'll come back tomorrow. I promise."

Anara smiled, showing her perfect teeth. Thank you, Tails. She said, sounding a little more human, I 

thought.

I couldn't help but smile back. I had made her happy. I waved to her. Anara blinked and hesitantly 

waved, smiling more.

I climbed through the door out, holding the door above my head, taking one last look at Anara before I 

left. I stopped waving and reluctantly closed the door. I climbed down the ladder and left the house.

Right as I opened the door, Emmet came up to me. "Tails! You're late!"

"How can I be late if there was no scheduled time for me to get back?"

Emilie came into view. "Tails!" She came up and hugged me.

"What? You weren't worried, were you?" I gasped and Emilie giggled.

"No, I wasn't worried."

"Good." I smiled at her.

That night, I sat on my bed, listening to my Cat Stevens tape. It is the only music I have. Trouble is my 

favorite. I fell asleep with the earphones still in my ears. I had crazy dreams about Cat Stevens stealing 

Anara's jar and Rubin coming to save the day. I was happy to go and visit her tomorrow, she needed a 

friend.

*Android - A robot resembling a human.

Android.

I pressed my back against the old wooden attic door, it wouldn't budge. I was in an old abandoned house. I pressed my shoulder up against the door until it cracked open and I climbed through. I found myself in an old musty attic full of junk. Everything was covered in a layer of dust. Something caught my eye. I spotted a jar with the lid on tight. I picked it up, wiping the dust off. Something seemed to glitter  inside it, though it was clearly empty..... or was it? There was a note on it, it read: For Rubin. Rubin? 

I heard a sweet sounding, pretty, and almost electronic sounding voice echo through my head; That's Rubin's jar. I almost jumped out of my skin, dropping the jar. Instead of shattering on the hard wood floor, it landed on a gold and tan pillow at my feet. I could've sworn that wasn't there before. 

I whirled around, in search for the source of the voice, my black hair hitting me in the face. There was a woman, about 17 or 18, sitting on a stack of boxes behind me. She looked just like Molly Ringwald, I thought, only her hair was short and curly and kind of a weird slightly blueish white. She was wearing a silvery blue leather suit. What are you doing here? She said. Her lips were moving and I heard her say this, but what I saw and what I heard seemed to be out of sync. I heard her voice, but in my head. "What?" I asked, a little scared.

What are you doing with Rubin's jar? The Molly Ringwald woman asked in that odd out-of-sync way, her eyes glittering weirdly.

"Who's Rubin?" I asked stupidly.

Ruuuuubiiiiinnnn...... The woman seemed to sigh with grief. Her voice sounded electronic and far away, maybe even a little bit sad. I realized that it was hard to clearly focus on her. She seemed to drift slightly out of your line of vision every time you tried to look directly at her.

I tried to study her face and said again, "Who's Rubin?"

Her head snapped around so that she was looking at me, her head cocked to the side. Her eyes seemed to glow a vague blueish glow. Ruuuuuuuuuuuuubbiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnn........ She sighed a deep heavy sigh. Why did you leaaaaave me Ruuuubiiiiinnnn? I backed up a little, still holding the jar. The woman moaned in her electronic far away echoing voice, I gave you a song and you stiiillll won't loooooooove meeee....... The woman stood up slowly, I backed up a bit more. Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuubbbiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnn..... She said again. I was scared. I should never have come here! You know that old phrase, "Curiosity killed the Tails"? Well, that's not how it goes. It should be that way. 

I ran to the attic door and the Molly Ringwald woman cried out, Noooooo! Don't leave me Ruuuubiiiiin! Tears started rocketing out her eyes instantly. I climbed down the ladder and got the hell out of that attic! As I ran, I could hear the woman's mournful cries, Ruuuuuuuuubbbiiiiiiiiinnn. Why did you leaave meeeee??????

I ran out of the house at top speed, running to my house. Suddenly, a tall figure stepped in front of me and I skidded to a stop. Alex. 

Alex smacked her gum, looking me up and down with her creepy reddish eyes. "Hey, kiddo. Whacha up to? No good, I'm sure." Her curly red hair was tied in a ponytail and her intimidating dark red eyes stared at me. She pinched my face between her sharp, black fingernails. "Where you goin' Shorty?" Alex noticed the jar in my hand. "Aye, what's that?" She snatched the jar from me. "For Rubin? 'S that your boyfriend?" I shook my head, quivering in fear. 

Alex smiled at my fear, smacking her gum loudly. "Later, Tails." She said, tossing the jar at me, thank god I caught it. Alex walked off. 

Man, I hate my sister. Yes, Alex Gates is my sister. Well, kind of. We looked nothing alike, thankfully. I have almond-shaped eyes and straight black hair, while Alex has pasty white skin and thin curly red hair. I was so glad she isn't my actual sister, just my uh... orphanage sister? Whatever, I don't know what to call it. Oh and  how she called me Tails; My real name is Bailey Taylor, but everyone calls me Tails. Horrible nickname, I know, but I've gotten used to it after four years at the orphanage.

I suddenly remembered my situation. Well, the weird Molly Ringwald woman hasn't killed me yet, so I guess it's safe to walk instead of running all the way home.

I kept turning the jar over and over in my hands. I don't know why I had brought it with me, but I did. I was probably going to regret that later.

I opened the door to the orphanage where I live and the second I came in, Emilie jumped up and tackled me in a hug. "Tails! Where were you?" She said. Then she noticed the jar. "What's that?" Oh, Emilie, how will I begin to explain? "Umm.... A jar." I said stupidly.

Emilie cocked her head, her messy blondish ponytails swaying. "A jar....... Like a jam jar? Was there jam in it? Did you eat it all? Why didn't you save some for me? Why are you carrying around a jar-" 

"Woah, woah, woah, Emms. Too many questions!" I said, picking her up. "Isn't it past your bedtime?" Emilie pouted. "No...." She said slowly, "It's nine o'clock." 

"Which is past your bedtime!" I said cheerfully, rubbing my nose against hers.

"It's past your bedtime too!" Emilie said, smiling. 

I shook my head, "Noo, silly. There's a new curfew for the big kids. I can stay up until ten now!" 

Emilie raised her eyebrows at me, looking silly and cute.

I sighed, "Okay, Emms. We're going to play a game. It's called Be Reaaallyy Quiet And Go Back To Bed While Tails Sneeks In- uh! I mean-"

Emilie laughed, "You're sneaky! You were supposed to go to bed a half hour ago!"

I kissed her forehead, "And so were you. Run along, be quiet."

"Okay!" Emilie rubbed her nose on mine and I put her down so she could go upstairs.

I crept up the stairs, trying to be silent. Every rotting wooden stair creaked loudly as I went up the stairs and I sighed quietly. 

As I reached the top of the stairs, the bathroom door nearby opened and Emmet stepped out, yawning. He spotted me, "Tails? What are you doing up?"

I stopped in my tracks, eyes wide, and Emmet grinned. "So, where'd you go?"

"Shut it, Earwig. I'll tell you later." I hissed, trying to pass him. 

Emmet stepped in front of me, his big brown eyes staring into mine curiously. "Where were you? Is that a jar?"

"Yes! Now move!"

Emmet smirked, "Tell me and I'll move."

"Emmet! We're gonna get caught!"

"Shh." Emmet covered my mouth and backed me against a wall. We stood with our backs flattened against the wall as Jacob, one of the younger kids, passed us. 

Once he was gone, we unflattened ourselves. "That was close, the little kids are such tattlers." Emmet said.

I started to walk away and he grabbed my arm, "No way are you getting out of here without telling me, Tails."

I pawed at his arm, trying to get free, but Emmet only tightened his grip. "Let go, Earwig!" I hissed.

"Tell me."

"Fine. Come with me." I pulled on his arm and led him to my room (which I shared with about ten other girls and little kids). We lied down under my bed and I explained what had happened. "And she just started saying in this weird electronic tone 'Why did you leave me, Rubin? Why don't you love me?' and it was so creepy!"

Emmet smiled a little, "Wow, awesome." He looked at me, "You weren't scared, were you, Tails?"

I shook my head violently. "No!" I said a little bit too loudly. One of the little kids stirred. We froze, not making a sound. Please go back to sleep please please please go back to sleep. I thought. He did and we both let out a breath as if we had been holding it in. "Okay, I told you. Beat it, Earwig."

"Manners, man." Emmet said and I playfully punched his shoulder as he left. I got into my bed and fell asleep instantly.

I saw the woman from the attic, she was coming towards me, her eyes glowing blue. That's Rubin's jar. She said, reaching a hand out. I am nothing without Rubin, as Rubin is nothing without his jar. Rubin's song is in that jar. Rubin neeeeeeeds his jaaaaarr..... "NO!!!!" I screamed, bolting upright. 

Yvette, one of the women who worked here, came in, "Tails! What are you screaming about?"

I was breathing heavily. I gasped, my cheeks reddening, "Dream...." I said wearily.

Yvette walked over to me, "Oh, I'm sorry, Sweetie. Are you alright now?"

I nodded, glancing at all the other kids who were staring at me, a little embarrassed.

Yvette left and we all went back to sleep.