Gadget POV 3rd person 

Beeps sounded, instantly waking up the slumbering male as he jolted in his seat. The noise signaling the shuttle was about to land. 

“Huh?”

Checking the time, it was almost 11am.

“Must have been more tired than I thought,” Gadget mumbled to himself as he stretched, “Today’s the day.”

He didn’t feel ready at all. Yet, he couldn’t wait to get there… He felt like the worst person in existence. Huffing in frustration, he shook his head to clear his thoughts as the shuttle landed safely.

Once on the ground and completely turned off, the Resistance member hopped out of the metal ship and onto the grass. He purposely had the shuttle park near the lake that was right outside of town. In case somehow anyone did manage to track it, they’d still have to look around in the town to find him.

It sucked having to think like that, but in the same breath, if he hoped to get Tails out in one piece, he had to play by Infinite’s rules, just as back in Rosen City when he chased Gadget down with his creations.

Steps trekked along the familiar paths, passing by the lake and his gaze catching the tree they used to hang out at. He paused. No matter what he did, nothing would ever be like it was. Gadget wasn’t stupid enough to believe that, and neither was Zero. Though, he almost fell for it back in Nullspace; in that room he was imprisoned in.

A sigh left his mouth as lips corners pinched down. What would happen when Infinite finally got what he wanted? He couldn’t honestly expect things to just, get better between them, right? This war has literally killed thousands in bloodshed.

He was in love with a murder and psychopath...

In his dreams, he kissed this same insane Mobian, a lot. Granted, he hadn’t hit that crazy point yet, he didn’t think, in his dreams. But ignoring that fact, he still very willing made out with him when he was clearly a prisoner.

Gadget facepalmed. Was he an idiot?

Stopping all other thoughts, he walked past the tree and into West Sea Town. Many changes were instantly noticed to the eye as half standing structures that used to be new buildings were there; well, before the war. The civilization was absolutely deserted now, and all that remained standing were parts of buildings, and a lot of debris scattered the streets.

Carefully, he made his way to the docks. It didn’t take too long as the town wasn’t huge, and remembering exactly how to get there always helps. Once at the docks, he approached the abandoned building which was very near to him.

It was a shock that the place was still standing, hardly being touched from the war and through the years he’d been away. Of course the front door was boarded up as usual, but that was never where Zero and Gadget entered when visiting the property. No, it was in a side door.

Feet headed towards the destination; finally then standing in front of the door he needed to go through. 

But, he hesitated.

If Gadget went through that door, he would be surrendering himself to Infinite. If he went through, he’d be possibly betraying the trust of his friends and family. If he went through, what would Sonic think of him? What would happen between Zero and himself after this?

He gulped anxiously.

Despite the fears, despite the feeling of hopelessness that buried its way into the pit of his stomach, he took a deep breath… he refused to leave Tails here to die. Fingers gripped the knob as the door was pushed open.

Awaiting him on the other side was Infinite; seemingly expecting him. His single showing eye became half lidded as the wolf stepped completely inside and closed the door behind him.

“Glad to see you finally made it.”

On guard, Gadget only spoke, “...Infinite.”

Gagged muffles were then heard. Looking up, gold orbs widened, “Tails!”

An odd but familiar sound brought Gadget’s attention away from the ceiling back to where he stood and noticed Infinite now in front of him rather than sitting in the chair as he had been only moments ago. Fur stood on end as he flinched, earning himself a chuckle from the jackal.

“And you came alone. Good to see you can follow directions.”

“...I’ve seen what happens when they aren’t followed.”

“Hmm.”

Infinite backpedaled a few steps before snapping his fingers. In the next second, Tails sat on the floor, still tied up, between Gadget and Infinite. The Rookie hesitated to approach the fox, which caused a humored glint to be held in that lone visible eye.

“You kept your end of the deal so far. I can keep mine.”

Slow, careful steps were taken until reaching the tied up fox; bending down to then start untying him. The tape was first removed from his mouth. A surprised expression fell on the kitsune’s muzzle.

“G-Gadget?”

“Hey Tails,” The ruby canine returned as he worked on the rope around the kid’s torso.

The yellow Mobian whispered, “You’re the one Infinite wanted to bait here?”

“...Yeah.”

“Why?”

Gadget didn’t answer. He couldn’t even if he wanted to; both because of the mark ingrained on his neck, and because Infinite was literally standing right there.

Once all the rope was gone, the wolf handed the other a set of keys.

“Huh?”

“I came here by shuttle. It’s outside of here. Sorry, you’ll have to search for it.”

Both stood up. The fox looked hesitant to leave, but Gadget gave him a small smile.

“Go ahead and get out of here.”

“But what about you?”

Though he didn’t want to leave the Rookie here, he knew there wasn’t probably much choice. He didn’t stand a chance against the overpowered jackal after all.

“It’s okay Tails,” Gadget gave a thumbs up. “Now go.”

“...Alright. Be careful.”

Steps sounded before the door was opened and closed, leaving only the two in the abandoned warehouse. As they stayed inside, Tails hid beside another building close by. Fingers dig into a pocket on the inside of his shoe before finding a tiny device. A button was pressed on the side and it expanded into a small handheld screen. Unleashing a cord from the side of the screen, he placed it in his ear before selecting a green circle.

——-

Sonic POV 3rd person 

Currently, it was morning and him along with Knuckles have been trying to plan what to do. Silver, and Gadget’s siblings were all there as well. Amy normally would have been, but she’s been sticking to the medical bay to help all the newcomers that arrived recently.

They had hoped Shadow and Rouge would find something, any leads would have been fine, but nothing turned up so far, and it was now just a waiting game; hoping those two would find something because no one at the base had any clues.

A call suddenly appeared on the large monitor. Knuckles answered, hoping it was Rouge or Shadow. It was neither as a familiar yellow furred face appeared on the screen.

“Tails!”

“Shh!” He shushed them, “I’m okay. I’m free now and wanted to get a hold of you guys.”

Sonic asked, “Free? How did…?”

“Gadget came… Didn’t you guys send him?”

The room fell silent. Seeming unsure of how to respond, the azure hedgehog decided to take a stab it.

“Actually, Infinite sent us a video along with a crypt message of your location. None of us knew where he meant, except Gadget it seems.”

“He just left and didn’t say anything?”

“I’m not sure if he could,” Brian spoke up, “The message sounded like he wanted him to come alone.”

Tails scratched his cheek, “Hm, perhaps that mark on his neck wouldn’t have let him talk anyway. Who knows.”

“Where are you by the way?”

“I’m not sure. I’m trying to send a signal to you guys, but it’s not working.”

The Commander replied, “Maybe your location is almost out of range for that device you have. We’ll try to locate you on our end.”

“Possibly… Anyway, I’m going to get a closer look to see if I can figure out what Infinite wants with Gadget.”

“Tails don’t!”

“It’s okay. I’ll be quiet, and this might be our only chance to figure out what’s going on or what the Rookie knows.”

Not leaving any other options, Tails muted their end so no one could hear them, but they could hear and see Tails and his surroundings. Shuffling closer back to the warehouse, he crouched beside a window before extending a thin cord by a cracked hole in the glass that turned the camera view and volume to catch everything going on inside; allowing both Tails and everyone at the base to see and hear.

As they all silently observed, the two in the warehouse were unaware they had an audience.

——-

Gadget POV 3rd person 

The door clicked shut as Tails left; now leaving just the two of them in that space. Golden spheres glanced briefly around, seeing familiar old machines; remembering the first time they came here. Gadget got coated in a layer of dust, before Zero cleaned his glasses after he bumped into things, and then they talked before kissing and confessing their feelings… Of course Zero just had to pick here of all places to meet.

“You seem deep in thought,” Infinite pointed out.

“...It’s nothing.”

“Hm…Well, if you say so. Now, let’s get to the matter at hand. Take off your clothes.”

…

……

………

“WHAT??!?!!”  

Gadget’s face deeply flushed as his eyes flew wide open.

Laughing loudly, the jackal replied, “I need to check and make sure you’re not being tracked by the Resistance.”

“...” 

That made sense, but was that wording really necessary? He was probably just trying to fluster him. Whatever. He complied and slipped off his shirt and shorts. Along with those, his shoes, gloves, side bag, and Wispon were discarded; trying to ignore the stare he could very well feel along his body as he undressed. 

All were scattered along the floor in front of him. Red cubes floated from Infinite’s palm towards the wolf and the items on the ground. Light shined from the floating cubes as every inch of clothes, personal belongings, and Gadget himself, were scanned.

“No trackers. I’m surprised they didn’t force you to wear one after what happened in Rosen City.”

“...”

Frowning, the Resistance member chose not to speak, as he just didn’t know what to say. He didn’t like thinking of what happened in the city much. 

Not seeming to mind the silent treatment, Infinite continued to speak, “You may put your clothes back on.”

Complying again, Gadget grabbed everything off the floor before dressing himself once more. That single eye was on him just as earlier, but he did the same as last time, and did his best to pretend he wasn’t being stared down like he could be pounced on at any second. The pink tint on his muzzle couldn’t be stopped though.

Shaking his head a bit to get rid of the thoughts, he finally finished putting everything back where it belonged; including his Wispon. Perhaps, no, this was definitely a bad idea. Kind of short on options though, fingers gripped the weapon before pointing it right in Infinite’s direction. Noticing this, the jackal tilted his head slightly in question.

“You said you wanted an exchange. I came so Tails could leave, that was agreed upon. However, I never said I would willingly go anywhere with you, or give you any information on the Resistance.”

“I don’t need to get information on that stupid band of dimwits from you,” Infinite scoffed, “If I want anything from them, I’ll get it myself.”

“...”

The Wispon was still in the enemy’s general direction. A wicked grin plastered on his lips, though couldn’t be seen due to the mask on his face. However, it could be clearly heard in his tone as he began to speak.

“Is this a challenge?” Gritting his teeth, Gadget felt fear crawl down his spine as he suddenly had a bad feeling about this. “If so, then let’s make it mean something.”

“Mean something?”

“Yes, there is no point in fighting if there isn’t anything being fought for.”

…

“What do you want?”

“You know exactly what I want.”

Sun colored orbs narrowed, knowing exactly what Infinite did indeed want… him.

“But,” the jackal sneered, “What do you want? What are you fighting for?”

Pausing, there were a million ways to answer that question; the war to end, life the way it used to be, to have his old Zero back. Teeth clenched at the heartbreak he overwhelmingly felt. But, he couldn’t stop. Not now.

“I want this war to end. I want life to be as it used to be.” Gadget saw that single eye almost scrutinizing him. He pressed on, “Not everything was perfect, I can’t deny that. However, not everything was bad either.”

“Oh really now?”

Despite the hidden taunt, the red canine didn’t yield, “Yeah, really. And there’s regrets I have; ones I hope to find a solution of some kind to.”

“Such as?”

Staring straight into the single eye looking already at him, Gadget answered, “Like mending lost relationships.”

They both knew Gadget had been talking about the two of them. It was clear as day that Zero’s fingers curled into clenching fists.

“There’s no going backwards Gadget.”

“I know that. I still have to try to make a better future, don’t I?”

“You feel that’s your responsibility? To fix a fucked up world?”

“Not exactly, but more, to do my part to make the world a better place.”

A low growl erupted in the jackal’s chest; clearly not pleased by the wolf’s answer. Although, it was predictable. The growling soon ceased as what followed was a short laugh; greatly confusing the Resistance member.

“Of course you’d say something so disgusting like that,” Gadget glared at that remark, “Now, what do you want Gadget?”

As mentioned before, there were so many things he could say, but only one could be done before the possibility of a better future was even possible. He answered honestly and seriously.

“I want you to stop fighting in this war.”

That seemed to stun Infinite. “What?”

“If we fight and I win, that’s what I want. I want you to stop fighting in this war, permanently.”

Pausing, the jackal seemed to seriously consider the proposition laid out before him. It wasn’t ideal of course, but…

“I will agree to your terms if you agree to give what I want if I win.”

“...Which you said I should know.”

“I’m actually going to change it a bit. It’s not like I technically said what I wanted.”

“Then, what are your terms?” Gadget inquired, suddenly feeling uneasy.

“If I win our little duel, then you must stop fighting in this war. Permanently.”

Almost exactly the same word usage. If one wins, the other ceases their efforts in the war. Why would Infinite possibly request Gadget of that? He was extremely confused, and it showed prominently on his features.

Infinite fazed to right in front of him. Flinching in surprise, Gadget tried to backpedal, only for his arm to be swiftly grabbed.

“H-hey!”

In a hushed tone, as to where the unknown audience couldn’t hear, Infinite answered his unspoken question. “If you’re not fighting in the war, then you have no reason to run away from me. Then, I can finally capture you, and have you all to myself. There will be nowhere for you to run, except right back into my arms.”

Wrenching his arm away, Gadget jumped back several feet; both of them now on opposite sides of the room. Taking on this challenge was absolutely insane. There was no way he could possibly win! But, if he could somehow manage to win, then the war would practically be over. Eggman wasn’t anything without Infinite, and the doctor would no longer hold his own in the war. There was a lot to lose, but there was more to gain.

“Infinite. I accept your challenge.”