Gadget POV 3rd person 

The journey back to HQ seemed to drag. Leaning back in his seat, he stared out through the train window as the exhausted wolf loungly watched the scenery pass by. Trees and grass dotted the ground which gave an almost tranquil feeling, but flames, thick smoke, and a fire red sky could still be seen in his view from the city he just left beyond that.

Sonic decided to tag along as he hoped for some answers from Gadget before making it back to base. He couldn’t blame the blue blur, and he more than planned to tell, but how much would he confess? How much should he confess? Probably leaving out the whole make out scene from the bedroom in Null Space would be a good idea, as he couldn’t tell his hero that. 

Still, the Rookie knew he had to tell some things, like the fact Infinite and Gadget knew each other before the war. Should he go into the romantic parts? Did that specific detail matter? It probably did, but it would be hard to admit to it. It’s not that society is against homosexuality, but it was considered a minority versus liking someone of the opposite sex. Some Mobians were completely against homosexuality. Gadget couldn’t imagine Sonic being that way, but telling him those parts of himself suddenly made it hard to swallow.

Currently, Gadget sat alone as he waited for Sonic to return. He went to grab water bottles for them, more specifically Gadget, as he was about half dead from the chase. 

Looking out, he thought of today. He was so furious with Zero that he could scream and punch the shit out of him if allowed. But, it more broke his heart than anything else. They were officially enemies, and Gadget wasn’t sure what tomorrow would bring. It seemed like Infinite would not stop until successfully removing him from the war. A shudder ran along his spine as he crossed his arms tightly. Honestly, he was terrified, of everything.

What would the Resistance think of him when they found out? Sonic? His family?... He missed them. They were always there for him and always stood by his side. His heart wished things turned out differently.


-Gadget past thoughts- 3rd person POV 

Seeing the orphanage leave his sight, the little wolf couldn’t help the guilt seeping into his heart from abandoning Zero. He hadn’t had much choice, for once he’s adopted, he has to leave. 

Granted, Gadget was extremely thrilled to be picked, and by none other than the Kola’s. His father admired the pair, and he couldn’t help but feel the same as he learned more with his father.

Also, there was the fact that Zero was eventually going to go back to the pack. While the jackal did say he’d return, there was no way of knowing when that’d happen, so maybe this was the best option? He wasn’t sure. Someday, Gadget would return to the town and find Zero. He’d have to try.

Mind boggled in thoughts caused him to fall asleep in the car as his new parents drove.

——-

“...Adget…”

Groggy, the young Mobian heard something, “Hm?”

“Wake up sleepyhead.”

Hearing the feminine voice, yellow spheres opened to see Mrs Kola standing by him, car door open as she lightly tapped his shoulder. Realizing what happened, sleep left him as he jolted up straight.

“S-Sorry!”

“Don’t be,” she giggled, “It’s a lot that’s happened over a short span of time. 

“We’re here so how about coming inside? Your father and I already took your things in.”

Unbuckling his seat belt, the wolf hopped out of the car before giving her a large grin, “Thank you so much!”

“Aww!” She squealed before giving him a tight hug and easily lifting him into the air, “You’re so cute!”

“Honey! Put him down before you suffocate him!”

“I won’t,” she almost argued until seeing Gadget’s muzzle turn a shade of blue. Gently putting him down, she apologized, “Oh! Sorry!”

Coughing lightly, he chuckled, “It’s okay.”

Gadget couldn’t remember the last time, outside of Zero, that someone hugged him like that. It was, comforting, and warm. The duo then led him outside, as they all had been in a garage for the vehicle, well, vehicles. Stepping out, there was a beautiful yard with a few trees and a small garden near the front of the house. It was a beautiful country home as hills lie as far as the eye could see. The sun was beginning to set, and Gadget couldn’t help but stare at the view in awe.

A hand patted his head. Looking up, Mrs Kola motioned to the house. Gadget turned his body away from the lovely landscape to witness an even more breathtaking home. It had to be at least three stories tall, made of brick and windows, and lights danced along the outer walls.

“Wow…”

Both parents looked at him with smiles on their faces, “Welcome home Gadget.”

The trio walked inside to see a beautiful entry with cream colored walls, pictures scattered everywhere along with motivational quotes such as ‘Do your best today!’. Warmth spread in his chest and through him at the welcoming and family friendly home. To the left was an entryway to the living room with dark maroon carpet and a lit fireplace while to the right was the kitchen with apple red colored paint on the walls.

It was then from the living room came two Mobian children that had to be close to his age. One was an emerald green male bird with a look of confidence and kindness, while the other was a pink female cat in clothes two times her size, and a look that screamed curiosity and excitement. Her eyes settled on Gadget and her fascination only seemed to grow.

“Is this him?! Is this Gadget!?” Not waiting for an answer, she jumped right up to him, grabbing one of his hands in both of her and began to shake it, “It’s so nice to meet you! I’ve been pumped since Mr and Mrs Kola told us they’d found someone they wanted to adopt. And you’re so adorable!”

Once more, Gadget found himself in a death like squeeze. Shaking his head, the bird came up and successfully untangled her from the innocent wolf. She a muttered a, “You’re no fun,” at him which caused him to chuckle as he spoke.

“This here is Kytra. She gets overly excited very easily, but don’t worry, she means well. I’m Brian. We’ve both also been adopted just like you.”

“Really?” Gadget wow’d, though knew that made the most sense they were all different animals, but still, that’s a lot of children to adopt he thought.

“Yep yep!” Kytra nodded enthusiastically, “Mr and Mrs Kola, can I show Gadget to his room?”

“Sure sweetie,” Mrs Kola agreed, “Gadget dear, your belongings are already in the room. You are welcome to unpack, socialize, explore, whatever you would like until dinner. Just please don’t go outside. It’s getting dark and it can be very easy to get lost in the forests near the house. We’ll make sure to give you a tour of outside tomorrow.”

“Okay!”

The little red wolf followed his two new, siblings he guessed, to his new room. The three children went up the stairs and to the hall on the right. In the right hallway, there were four doors on the right wall and three on the left. His was all the last in the left side.

“Here’s your room!” Kytra dramatically introduced, both hands stretched wide towards the door with his name on it. Gadget was awed that a name plate made of wood and with a beautiful mix of red and gold spelled his name on the door, but then was distracted by Kytra’s introduction and giggled. 

“Seems like you two will get along,” Brian sighed as he wrapped an arm around both of them, giving both of the shorter kids side hugs, “I was worried you’d scare him away girl.”

“Me? Scare away our new brother? Never! I’m insulted!”

“Yeah, whatever,” he laughed as he rolled his eyes. A humored grin was held as Gadget had watched the two interact. He had a feeling he was really going to like it here.

“Anyway,” Kytra interrupted, stopping the teasing, “Go ahead Gadget. Open the door to your new room.”

“Huh? Oh, right.”

Without a second thought, his fingers gripped the knob and pushed lightly to enter a room with a beautiful cream color, same as the walls in the entryway. It was pretty bare, but there was a comfy looking bed by the window on the left side with an accompanied empty desk and chair while an open closet door was seen open on the right and another closed door not far from it. A dresser settled between the closet and mysterious door, and a few outfits could be seen hanging up on hangers. It might seem plain to some kids, but to Gadget, as he had lived in a small closet for a few years now, felt absolute joy.

“Wow…”

“The Kola’s plan to take you shopping this weekend so you can get some stuff for your room,” Brian explained, as if knowing Gadget’s curiosity, “They purposefully left the room like this so you could have the freedom to decorate it how you choose.”

“Really?!”

“Ah yeah!” Kytra gave a thumbs up, “It’s gonna be a great time! You get to buy new clothes, blankets, stuffed animals, and all sorts of cute stuff!”

“I think that’s just you Kytra,” Brian facepalmed.

“Hmph! You’re just jealous.”

The emerald Mobian snorted, “Jealous? Of what?”

“That my room is awesomer than yours.”

“Yeah, that’s it…” he half heartedly agreed while shaking his head.

“Actually,” Gadget chimed in, catching their attention, “It’s ‘more awesome’, not ‘awesomer’.”

“Ah! Whatever!”

Fits of laughter left Brian as he fell to the floor. Kytra stuck her tongue out and Gadget crouched by the bird in concern. “Are you okay?”

“Yep, I’m awesome. More awesome now that I have a bro that has my back.”

“Hmph!”

Whispering, the canine asked, “Is she actually mad, or…?”

“Yes!” she butted in with a glare, which only last about to seconds before a large smirk overtook her lips, “So mad that I’m gonna squeeze ya!”

“What?”

Gadget was lifted off the ground as arms with the strength of a thousand men wrapped around his abdomen, and demanded he have breath, but none entered his lungs. Was this going to be a normal thing in this family? Being unable to breathe?

“Kytra, put him down, you’re going to suffocate him.”

“Do I have to? He’s just so cute!”

“Kytra.” Was said in a demanding tone.

“Alright,” she gently released him, allowing him to gulp in air once more. She giggled, “Sorry. And for the record, I wasn’t mad earlier. I was just playing. It’s adorable how you thought that though.”

Sighing out Brian then noticed something on the ground. “Yo Gadget. Is this yours?”

Looking at what his new brother was referring to, he held a small picture, and was holding it out towards the wolf. Instantly recognizing what it was, he hastily took it, feeling relief that it hadn’t been lost.

“Who’s that in the pic with you?” Kytra asked, looking over his shoulder, “You two look cute. Where are you guys?”

“Uh, well,” Gadget blushed slightly, remembering the memory of where it was taken, “We were at an amusement park. It was right after lunch. We went to the games section so we could let the food settle before getting back on any rides. There were a few photo booths around and we decided to take a picture together.”

“Not very often you see jackals hanging out with other species,” Brian hummed in thought.

Nodding, Gadget spoke with a soft smile, “Yeah, but he was different. His name is Zero. He’s...my best friend.”

“Aw! That’s so sweet!” The cat muled, “Was he at the orphanage with you?”

“No, he has a family of his own.”

“Hm, and they didn’t adopt you?”

“Kytra!” Brian hissed, telling her to stop.

Gadget didn’t respond and just stared longingly at the photograph. He mumbled to himself, though was heard by both new siblings, “I’m really going to miss you Zero.”

Feeling arms around his shoulders, Kytra apologized, “Sorry. That was a stupid question. I don’t think through stuff sometimes. I grew up in an orphanage. I was left on the doorstep of the orphanage I grew up in. No one knows my parents, so I think I didn’t have much, um, parental guidance as I’ve been told, and that my manners kinda suck.”

“Oh. I’m so sorry.” Gadget soberly replied. He then inquired, “What about you Brian?”

“My mom died while giving birth to me. I looked so much like her and my father couldn’t stand it, so he sent me to an orphanage so he didn’t have to support me, or look at me. Those were his final words to me instead of a heartfelt goodbye.”

“You guys…”

“Don’t be sad!” Kytra exclaimed, “It could be worse! After all, we got adopted here, and the Kola’s are some of the nicest Mobians I’ve ever met. Um, what happened to you?”

“Well, my parents and I were in a car accident. I made it out alive but they didn’t. I got this scar over my eye and impaired vision from the accident. My parents, they were really amazing. They loved me more than I could ever imagine. They always encouraged me and built me up to be a better me everyday.”

“Wow,” the bird smiled, “Sounds nice.”

“I think the Kola’s are like that too!” the feline grinned, “You’re gonna love it here!” 

“I think so too!” Gadget agreed wholeheartedly, “Too bad you guys didn’t get to meet Zero. I think you would’ve liked him.”

“Well, who knows. Maybe someday.” Brian encouraged.

“Yeah, someday.”
 
-End of Flashback-