Gadget POV 3rd person 

Option 1: Continue 

The sun crawled through the sky as Zero walked Gadget along the somewhat familiar streets, taking time to slowly remember what all was in the town and where everything was. The duo strolled by the docks, taking in the now setting sun as light rays shimmered on the crystal blue waves. The water was calm, giving a tranquil lullaby as a quiet yawn left the wolf.

“Tired?” Was chuckled out, and earning him a lazy nod in reply.

“Yeah, I guess all that walking just wore me out.”

“All that worrying of yours probably didn’t help much either.”

Nodding again, the red Mobian agreed, “True… it’s so strange though.”

“What is?”

“That my dream felt so real. It felt so long and painful. I feel like I’m finally getting back to normal. Though, that dream still haunts the corners of my mind…”

“Eh?” Zero sounded as an eyebrow rose, “You reading too many books again or what? Who talks like that?”

The jackal was playfully shoved as both boys giggled at Zero’s remark. Gadget stuck his tongue out before he started running ahead. A smirk danced on white lips.

“That’s how you wanna play, huh? I’m game!”

The teens started jogging down the street, taking turns chasing each other as they slowly made their way home; laughter filling the streets of their town, their home. 

By the time they reached the orphanage, it was dark. Exhaustion was all both felt as they practically crawled in through the window. Huffing and puffing, they settled under the blankets, not caring to change into their pajamas.

“Night Gadget.”

“Hey Zero?”

“Yeah?”

“Let’s go back to the lake tomorrow. We can walk around it, and maybe go camping!”

“You never want to go camping,” the jackal laughed, “And it’s a little cold for that.”

“Oh, right…”

“But we can definitely go there tomorrow and walk. I’m fine with that.”

Red furred arms squeezed an ebony torso as the wolf dug his face into the other’s chest. “Zero… thanks.”

“You’re welcome goofball,” he smiled sweetly as he embraced Gadget, “Good night. Love you.”

Gadget felt a light peck on his forehead. He grinned happily, “I love you too. Good night Zero.”

….

…….

………...

“Gadget?”

“Hm?” Was hummed quietly in question, but the jackal was already asleep. Gadget couldn’t think more of it as his eyes fluttered shut and sleep overtook him.

———-

“Gadget? Gadget?!”

Yelling was heard in the corners of his mind, and grew louder by the second. His name. Someone was screaming out his name. They sounded panicked. Who? It must have been Zero. Was he playing a trick on him again? The jackal pulled that sometimes. He wasn’t falling for it.

“Stop being so loud Zero,” Gadget groaned out, trying to keep his eyes closed, “Five more minutes…”

“Who’s Zero?”

That voice. 

“Huh?!”

Jolting up in shock, Gadget saw a sight he almost wished he hadn’t seen. Standing in front of where he laid at was the Chaotic Detectives and Sonic, all wearing expressions of worry. That’s when he saw he was on his bed, in his room, in the Resistance Headquarters.

Then the headache started.

Gripping the side of his head, the wolf groaned out in pain. The blue blur was by his side a second later while motioning him to lie down.

“You probably sat up too quickly,” Espio spoke as Sonic finally convinced the wolf to take it easy and lay back down.

“What happened?” Sonic inquired.

Looking confused, Gadget asked, “What do you mean?”

“Well, we kinda found you outside,” the young bee piped in, “You were out cold, and felt like a popsicle too. Heehee.”

“This isn’t the time for jokes Charmy,” the chameleon cut off.

“Espio’s right,” Vector agreed, “Why were you outside?”

“Uh…” to be honest, the wolf hadn’t the slightest clue. Everything felt like, a blur. “I don’t know.”

“Do you remember leaving the main room?” The hedgehog asked, “Did you go back to your room?”

His room? His bedroom? Wait…

“I think I remember,” the wolf replied slowly, “I left you guys for the night, but I didn’t return to my room. I… I think I walked outside myself.”

“Why in the world would you do that?!” Vector roared out, “What if someone saw you!?”

“I-I’m sorry,” the wolf stuttered.

“Enough Vector,” Sonic spoke sternly, silencing the room. Facing Gadget, he asked, “Why did you go outside?”

Before he could even stop the words, he answered, “Because the thought of being stuck in a bedroom again terrified me.” He remembered not wanting to think of Null Space or the decisions he’d have to make, and just how trapped he felt there.

Heavy silence filled the air. The detectives looked puzzled, but Sonic knew what he was referring to. When he found the Rookie, he’d been trapped in a room. Not just any room, a bedroom. He’d had his suspensions, but…

“Vector, Espio, Charmy,” emerald eyes faced them, “Could you guys go watch the monitors for awhile?”

It was a silent order, but they complied and left without a word. Not sure what to do, or what just happened for that matter, Gadget sat up quietly as he waited for what the hero had to say next. He hadn’t expected to be brought into a light embrace.

“I’m sorry,” the wolf spoke up, “I didn’t mean to worry anyone…”

“I’m sorry too.” Sonic cut off.

“Huh?”

“We shouldn’t have lost you that day in Metropolis. I’m sorry I hadn’t been there to protect you.” Huh??? Gadget was greatly puzzled now. What was going on? “I’m sorry for what Infinite did to you.”

Backing away, the wolf looked to see a sorrowful expression. The Rookie was lost. “What are you talking about?”

A matching look fell on the hedgehog’s face from the question. “Weren’t you...raped? Or at least sexually assaulted?”

Amber eyes widened like saucers. “NO! Where in the world did you get that idea?!”

“But… you were locked in a bedroom, and the large bruise on your shoulder…”

“I-I wasn’t!” He hastily tried to explain, “I wasn’t abused in any way!”

“O-oh…”

An awkward atmosphere settled between the two Mobians at this new information. Sonic felt ashamed for assuming and Gadget was embarrassed by the whole ordeal. Neither knew what to say at that point.

Suddenly, alarms blared throughout the based as bright red light flashed all around. 

“What the…?”

“Stay here,” Sonic commanded, “I’m gonna go check it out.”

And the blue blur was gone a second later.

Face was still on fire from the misunderstanding only minutes before. However, he didn’t plan on just lying there while everyone else was doing their part. He made his choice. The wolf left that room behind, and, Zero… but, he hoped he could find some solution to help everyone, including his friend.

Hopping to his feet, and causing the headache to come back slightly, didn’t stop him as the Rookie made his way out of the bedroom and down the hall to the main room of operations. All members of the Resistance that were at the base were accounted for. Knuckles, the commander, stood in front of everyone before speaking up. 

“We received a distress call from Rosan City. A large army appeared out of nowhere, and it looks like it’s Infinite’s doing.” That caused an invisible shiver to run through Gadget as he continued to listen, “We need everyone we can to go out there, save as many innocents as possible, and secure the perimeter. We don’t want this spreading more than it already has.

“I’m going to make up a few squadrons. Some will work to get the citizens evacuated, some will work on the outskirts of the city to make sure the army doesn’t spread. I’ll also have a few soldiers go through the city to try and take out what we can of the enemy in the city limits.

“This location has been under siege for awhile by Eggman’s forces. I don’t expect us to take out all of the enemies. Our main priority is to try to keep the situation under control until we can evacuate the city. Those who are given the mission of evacuation, the Chaotic Team will give you more instructions. Everyone else, stay here so I can give directions on how we’ll keep the city hopefully from falling into shambles.”

One by one, names were called that went to the side of the room with the Chaotic Team. Everyone else stayed right there so they could hear further instruction from their commander. It appeared everyone possible would be going out into the field, including Amy and Knuckles who usually stayed at HQ in case anyone needed them. Apparently, the situation in the city was that dire.

After the two main groups were made, subgroups were then formed and everyone had their tasks. Gadget would one of the few traveling into the city to fight and take out enemy forces from within. Sonic seemed against the Rookie going out, but Knuckles rebutted, saying they didn’t have much choice. Sonic would be helping in the outskirts, leading the other members and making sure the opposing forces didn’t get worse there.

Everyone had their orders. The operation would begin immediately.

“Hey Rookie?” Vector called out before tossing the unsuspecting member a Wispon, “Figured you’d probably need a new one.”
 
Nodding, he grinned in thanks, as his other weapon been removed when he’d been taken away by Infinite. Nerves grew as he tried not to think about what would happen in the city. He didn’t know what would occur, but had a bad feeling about it.

