*Fall-9 years ago

Zero’s POV 3rd person 

Work that day had been like any other. There were the tasks of running small errands, cleaning, and other miscellaneous works. Zero hadn’t minded the job, for it felt unpredictable at times and he always enjoyed the paycheck he got at the end of each week. The employees were decently nice as well as his manger. But, despite that he got along with them, they cut him no slack, which the jackal much prefered. There was a good amount respect that resided at the docs; if you were willing to show respect, then you’d most likely receive it.

This was a job and place Zero could see himself staying at. It was unfortunate that winter would be there soon and that he’d have to end his job so he could return to the pack. Briefly, his mind wandered to the other jackals and wondered how they were doing. If any of them knew of his job, they wouldn’t mind it so much as it was a means to survive in the town he was chosen to reside in for the year. However, if they knew of Gadget, that would be a different story.

Jackals were expected to keep close to their packs and never developing relationships with outsiders unless it was deemed necessary and/or profitable. Those relationships were solely money and business based. Romance and marriage were never supposed to go out of the pack. The closest any jackal could come to is a romantic relationship with another close pack that maybe they worked with or had close ties to. In those cases, one jackal would move into the new pack, depending on which jackal chose to move. It was up to the couple, not the packs or gender.

Regardless, his thoughts stopped as the day came to an end. It was the end of the week so he received cash for the hours put in and he left the docs to head back to the orphanage; his home. Feet clicked as he walked down the sidewalk. It was dark out as his shift went late in the day and into the evening. The shifts usually ended earlier such as the afternoon or early evening. That day was different as a large shipment was going out so he stayed to help out and got paid extra because of it.

A sudden rustling was heard. Looking to the left, Zero saw the town’s park there along with a few bushes and trees. The noises sounded again, which made the jackal’s fur stand on end. On his tiptoes, he stepped over to the bush, and…

“Gah!” Falling back, a pet cat fell on his lap. He couldn’t help the tiny giggle as he patted the cat’s head.

“You really have gone soft.”

Flinching, Zero was on his feet the next second to see who was behind him. The sight was familiar and made the young one freeze on the spot.

“What, no hello?” the new comer sneered.

Zero’s eyes narrowed, “What are you doing here Jastar?”

“That sounds more like the Zero I know,” the jackal known as Jastar cackled, “I came to check your progress.”

“My progress?”

“Indeed. One condition you and the others are never told about is that regular checks are taken about halfway through the year to see how you’re doing, and to see if you’re even still alive... if we can even find the corpses.”

An expression of disgust grew on the younger jackal’s face. “And you’re as morbid as ever.”

“Heh,” he laughed again, “But anyway. I decided it was necessary to speak with you during this second progress check.”

“Second?”

“Oh yes, there’s already been a first check.” That said, this caused Zero’s face to pale slightly, and him feeling thankful that it was dark outside. Jastar continued with a visible wicked smirk, “And I was quite fascinated with what I learned.”

The younger jackal took a step back, while the older one stepped right back up to keep the space.

“I learned you got, how should I say, ‘unnaturally’ close with one of the locals.”

His tone was hostile, threatening, while still keeping that frightening smile on his lips. Fear crept along Zero’s spine. He knew that expression; that look screamed violence while hiding behind an obviously fake grin. The young jackal knew this older jackal well enough. Jastar was one of the leaders of the pack. He was in charge of maintaining success of the teen jackals as they grew into adulthood and were put into their future assignments with the pack. Jastar was also known for being cruel and aggressive.

What if Gadget…?

“Now, what should I do for your behavior against the jackals, the packs, and all customs of all jackals?”

Before Zero saw it coming, a fist flew across his face; bruising one of his cheeks. The punch caused him to fall roughly to the ground.

“Perhaps I should beat the shit out of you first, then drag you back into the pack; showing a live example of what happens when you disobey any laws or customs we jackals are and stand for.”

Though Jastar was quick on his feet, Zero was faster as he bolted towards him and kicked him across the face, hard. The older male fell to the ground. Chuckling, he stood up, only to see the younger jackal gone.

“This isn’t over Zero.”

—————

After returning to the orphanage, Gadget now slept in his arms. Sighing out, Zero knew he couldn’t stay right now. He didn’t know what Jastar was up to, but didn’t want to wait around to find out.

Slipping carefully out of the embrace, Zero got to his feet. Blankets replaced where he’d been sleeping in hopes of not waking the wolf up. Leaning down, his lips softly grazed Gadget’s temple.

“I’m sorry.”

And he was gone.

————-

Stealthily, Zero made his way across town. If he was going to guarantee Gadget’s safety, he was going to have to think of something. The only possibility was that if maybe he surrendered, maybe made a deal or something with Jastar, that Gadget could be safe. That or maybe flat out lie about their relationship… This sucks.

“Came back for a round two?”

Turning to the voice, Zero answered Jastar, “Even I’m not stupid enough for that. I may have gotten one hit in, but I know better than to assume I’ll get lucky again.”

“You always were bright, though hostile,” Jastar mused, “I can't help but wonder how a local got you to warm up to them.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m done with the locals.”

“Hm?” 

“Survival of the fittest,” Zero explained, “What better way to survive than to trick one of the locals in town for shelter and food.”

“While I would believe that in some cases,” Jastar spoke slowly, leaning down by Zero as he continued, “But you’re too prideful to pull that sort of stunt. You’re smart enough, but it’s your pride that lets me see through your lies.”

Gritting his teeth, Zero shouted, “If you fucking touch him…!”

A hand wrapped around his neck and he was thrown to the ground, head banging into the concrete and blood smearing in Zero’s white streaks. Pain shot through his body from the impact.

“It’s time we return to the pack,” Jastar snarled in disgust, “And teach you how to be a true jackal.”

————-

*1 month later

The ground smelled of wet dirt from the recent rain. Where he was at, that wasn’t the only scent in the air as blood and metal was also present. A jagged breath left him as his hands gripped metal bars.

“Ya really think you’ll get out?”

Head turned to see other jackals Zero shared the cell with. All of them were in there for various offenses; all of them teens just like Zero. Four other jackals were with him to be precise. One of the four wore a green band around his forehead much like anyone who was in karate. His name was Ben and that was who had spoken to him, as he had observed Zero standing by the metals bars and looking seriously outward. Zero shook his head.

“No, not today.”

As if to disrupt them, footsteps were heard heading towards the cell. Heterochromia eyes looked to see Jastar glaring at them. Despite his disgust, his hard gaze settled on Zero. 

“You’re coming with me today filth.”

“What, didn’t whip me enough this morning?”

Zero’s snide remark made Jastar fist ring against the bars.

“Hold your tongue!” The metal door opened and Zero was pulled out of the cell before the door slammed back shut. “We’re leaving now!”

Shoved outside, the young jackal squinted his eyes as he hadn’t been outside for awhile. Jastar roughly pushed him forward, so he walked; following the other jackal guard that was with them. As his sight adjusted, he was reminded of what a jackal village looked like; almost feeling nostalgic except for him being drug through the tent and cloth type homes in and by the trees, and the other jackals staring at him and snarling in disgust. He could care less as his eyes kept forward.

Steps continued onwards until, oddly enough, the three jackals which were a guard, Zero, and Jastar, were out of town. Confusion settled in his mixed colored spheres as he glanced side to side, seeing if there was anything he missed. Sneering, Jastar filled in a few of the gaps.

“We’re going on a little, ‘walk’.”

“...” 

He didn’t speak. Keeping his mouth shut and stare forward, Zero continued to follow the guard while Jastar stayed behind him. With where the sun was, it was early morning when they left, as the minutes turned into hours, and Zero’s feet began to ache slightly from the distance and hardly any breaks, the sun settled on the opposite part of the sky before the night finally arrived. The three walked over a hill and a familiar site came into view. Zero couldn’t help the feeling of nausea along with fear.

“This little old town. It’s been awhile,” Jastar spoke in a condescending manner, “Let’s go to the intended location.”

The group was silent as all that was heard were the crunching of footsteps on fallen leaves. They trekked up to a higher vantage point that was closer to the town. Zero caught sight of what Jastar had wanted him to see. Dread crawled up his spine. Instantly, Zero tried to run but the guard caught the back of his shirt; immobilizing him.

“NO!” Zero shouted, “GADGET!!!”

A part of the night sky was lit up. Sparks fluttered through the sky as flames danced on the familiar building that was the town’s orphanage. Struggling, Zero snarled out.

“Let go of me you piece of…!”

The young jackal was punched in the stomach, the air being knocked out of him as he fell to the the ground. Jastar placed a foot on his abdomen before digging his heel into Zero’s stomach; causing him to cry out in pain.

“There’s no saving him, or anyone in there for that matter. Want to know why?” He asked, face holding a wicked grin as he inflicted more pain on the helpless jackal. “Because we made sure to barricade all exits before lighting the place aflame.”

As if to agree with his statement, the building could be heard collapsing along with a chain of screams that rang in the distance.
