Notes: Hi everyone! This is where the endings start. There are multiple endings. I will make sure to have everything labeled so there’ll be hopefully be no confusion. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the chapter!

End 1: Happy, but Never Knowing the Whole Truth, Ending

Part 1

*Unknown POV 3rd person 

What stood before him was an electrical conduits powering much of the Eggman’s army, if not all of it, and, the Phantom Ruby. Once this was destroyed, everything will be put into place. Everything will be just as it should be. And he was ready, for the final part of his plan to unfold, and to take what belongs only to him.

Male Voice: “It is time. The war is done. Finally, all will be made right again.”

Before this mysterious figure could continue with his efforts, however, he sensed the presence of another as an unexpected portal opened not too far behind his person. Turning towards the intruder, a growl rumbled in his throat.

Male Voice: “Of course ‘you’re’ here. How did you find me?”

Female Voice: “Did you really think I would not catch on to your plans? You should have known I would eventually figure everything out, especially you bugging my base.”

Male Voice: “Touche. However, this has nothing to do with you.”

Female Voice: “On the contrary. Whatever you plan to do to bring suffering here, I will not allow it.”

Male Voice: “Pft. Suffering here? I don’t give a damn about this world. There’s only one thing I want from here.”

Female Voice: “Well, you won’t have it.”

Not expecting her next move, she pushed them both through a portal she created behind them, making the two leave that location, away from the other’s unknown plans and intentions.

--------

Gadget POV 3rd Person

Feet pounded the rocky ground as he sprinted towards the battle scene, hoping Zero would be alright. The explosion was huge, and thick clouds of smoke puffed through the air at an alarming rate. It wasn’t long though before he arrived. 

Gadget saw the Eggman’s Death Egg Robot lying on the ground in pieces, while Zero’s illusion was still standing, though looking worse for wear. What was a surprise to see was Knuckles putting Eggman in handcuffs along with the Chaotix Team helping to keep the man restrained, and not far away from them was Gadget’s siblings, Kytra and Brian, and they were speaking with Zero. Worry coursed through him as he ran over to the trio.

“Guys!” All three looked towards the source to see a panicked wolk stop in front of them. Pants left him as his hands landed on his knees. “What’s going on?”

“Zero was filling us in on what happened here in this battle,” Kytra answered with a grin, which hopefully was a good thing.

Brian replied to the unspoken question, “Tails told us what Eggman did to Zero, the whole mind control thing. He told us, the Commander, and a few other soldiers that were with us. The Chaotix Team knows as Knuckles relayed the message to them.”

“Good,” Gadget sighed out in relief, “I was hoping there wouldn’t be any issues once some of the Resistance started coming here.”

“There’s been no trouble at all,” the jackal spoke up, “They’ve all been quite civil with me, despite all that’s happened…”

“Don’t worry about it,” Kytra slapped him on the back, hard, “It’s not your fault that Eggman turned you into a murderous, rapist psychopath.”

“Kytra!” Brian yelled at her.

“What? That’s what he was.”

Mumbling, Zero agreed, “Well, she’s not wrong. I did some bad shit under that mind control.”

Facepalming, Gadget cut in, “Zero, please just ignore her. It’s not your fault. My sister doesn’t know when to shut her mouth sometimes.”

“Sister?” Zero looked between the cat and bird, “Are these your adopted siblings?”

“We sure are,” Brian gave a happy grin as he held out a hand, “It’s nice to finally meet you Zero.”

“Likewise.” The two shook hands. Mixed colored eyes then glanced at Gadget, “I thought they passed away.”

“At the time I told you that, I thought they had as well, but not too long after, the squad they were in was found and they were both alive.”

Hesitation filtered on the ebony Mobian’s muzzle, but regardless, he inquired, “Did your parents make it?”

All three shook their heads ‘no’. Frowning, Zero continued, “Guys. I am so sorry.”

“Don’t be!” Kytra held both of the jackal’s hands in hers. “This isn’t your fault! Eggman did all of this, not you! Sorry if my speech is a little, um, blunt I guess? I’m not the best at being considerate all the time I’m told.”

“Nah, you’re fine. I’ve met others way worse than you in that department.” Smiling then, Zero commented, “I’m glad Gadget has you two as his siblings. You both seem to care about him a lot.”

The unexpected truth spoken from him had the siblings stunned for about two seconds before Kytra bounced on him and gave him a tight hug to where he could hardly breath. Brian came over lifted the two in the air, similar to what he had done when seeing Gadget for the first time in months during the war. A white muzzle turned colors from both embarrassment and from the lack of oxygen. Gadget noticed and decided to step forward.

“Guys, he needs to breath.”

“Oh right. Sorry!”

The group huggle ceased as Zero gasped for breath. “Ugh! You two are crazy!”

“Not as crazy as you!” Kytra shot back. He glared but decided to ignore her statement as he faced the crimson canine. 

“How’s Sonic doing?”

“He’s been better,” Gadget confessed, “But Tails is with him and patching him up.”

“Why didn’t you stay with them?”

“Well, after the explosion, I was concerned and wanted to make sure you were alright.”

Gaze softened, “Gadget…Thank you. I’m sorry for worrying you.”

Out of nowhere, the Rookie enveloped the jackal in a loose embrace. “I’m so happy to have you back Zero.” The hug tightened slightly, “I missed you so much.”

The gesture was returned as fingers ran through the red fur on the back of the other’s head and along his shoulders. “I missed you too, my dear Gadget.”

“Daw!” both jolted before jumping apart, forgetting they had an audience, “No! Keep hugging! I wanna get a picture!”

Zero retorted, “Over my dead body.”

This only made the feline giggle as the four felt the happiness and relief of the war finally being over and having the old Zero back. They knew things wouldn’t be easy after all of this was over, but they were determined to strive for a better tomorrow and a brighter future. Zero and Gadget looked loving towards one another as they laced their fingers, hope burning brightly for the two of them.

-------

Several days passed after the final battle with the Resistance’s adversary, Doctor Eggman. He was highly charged for many crimes, among those being war, destruction, death, and other wrong doings. The man would most likely be in prison for the rest of his days, but many knew that he had a tendency for escaping. All they could do was hope for the best and pray he never gets out.

Zero had to answer to some crimes. Not towards the war but during his time as a mercenary. He confirmed that he played a hand in the Jackal Massacre that took place a few years back; not that he killed hundreds of jackals, but that he went originally to stop leaders from forcing old traditions on the newer generation of jackals, only to have it end in bloodshed. A group of hyenas took advantage of the disaster and continued to murder. While the jackal could have also been sent to prison, Zero was a large reason for putting a stop to the mad doctor once and for all, so they decided to waive the jail time and only requested he help in the rebuilding process through various cities, which he more than agreed to.

Now, however, was a day off as Gadget and Zero arrived at Tail’s house/workshop. They were greeted by the young, energetic fox. Today, he hoped to run some tests on the Phantom Ruby to see what made it ‘tick’ in a sense. Various scans were performed before the results were ready to be told to the couple.

“Well,” Tails started, “It looks like the Ruby is not just stuck in your chest.”

“What do you mean?” Zero asked.

“It looks like power from the Ruby travels all through your body. Kind of like blood goes through the body through veins, the Ruby power, or energy, does the same thing.”

“Okay?”

“I had convinced the Resistance to keep all of Eggman’s power sources operational because of something that I read in one of the reports about the Ruby. The scans confirmed my suspicions.”

Frowning slightly, Gadget asked, “What did you find out?”

“Basically, the Phantom Ruby needs a power source in order to keep functioning,” the genius explained, “And with how the Ruby was put into you Zero, if the gem is either removed or if the power source is shut down, you will die.”

“WHAT?!”

Hastily, the wolf inquired, “Is there anything we can do?”

“Actually, because of my studying of Eggman’s notes, I prepared something in case my assumptions were correct. Sit tight and I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

With that, the young fox flew out of the room. With him gone, Zero sighed out as he leaned back into the couch. After the scans were completed in the workshop, the duo waited until Tails finished analyzing and then came to the living room to tell of his findings. Now they sat in silence as the weight from this new found information had them both nervous. Red gloved fingers reached out and grasped the other male’s hand. Digits intertwined as they leaned more into each other.

“Whatever happens,” Gadget started, “I’m not leaving you.”

Ebony fingers curled around Gadget’s as he smiled, “Thank you.”

Changing his position suddenly, Zero leaned over Gadget’s head a bit as it rested on his shoulder, and kissed him sweetly. The gesture was returned as the wolf used his free hand to cup the side of the jackal’s face. The kiss was soon over as they stared at one another lovingly.

“Geez guys! At least get a room before you do that.”

Experiencing deja vu, both flinched and pulled away only to see Tails who had invited Brian and Kytra over. While both of the males flushed deeply, the feline’s smirk grew.

“Don’t worry Zero. I don’t plan to always cockblock you. I just don’t wanna see the nasties while I’m around.”

Hairs stood on end as Zero was too speechless to say anything, and Gadget looked about to die from embarrassment.

“KYTRA! STOP!!!”

“Hahahaha!”

Jumping to his feet, he ran across the room and chased her outside. Zero, Brian, and Tails just shook their heads from the exchange. It was usually Zero who threw a fit, but not this time.

“Anyways,” the kitsune broke the silence, “How about we head to my workshop and I’ll explain what I have in mind. Hopefully those two will be done soon and can join us in the conversation.”

Nodding, Zero stood from the couch and followed the other two back into the workshop. It was settled in a garage and it was easy to see Gadget running after his sister throughout the yard as the garage door was open. While it was amusing to witness, they had more pressing matters to attend to than revenge for her teasing.

“Kytra! Gadget! Get in here!” Brian yelled out, “We have stuff to do.”

Instantly ceasing, the siblings came in. Kytra walked over towards Brian while Gadget stood by Zero; once more holding hands as they waited for the news that’d be told to them. Tails was in front of his main work table which had a metal box on it. Opening it up, he revealed a long cylinder type device and turned towards the group to showcase it. 

“What is that?” The feline asked.

“This is a regulator. It can take in energy and use the energy available to it to remain functioning without needing an outside source,” Tails explained to them, “With the Phantom Ruby, it has its own power source by itself, but since the Doctor fused it to Zero’s body, it now needs a separate power source to keep going. Kind of like a wall outlet. Generally, there’s one or two sockets, but if you have more than two appliances to plug in, then you plug in an extension cord so there’s sufficient power for all appliances, or in Zero’s case, parties.”

“Is that like an ‘extension cord’ then?” the jade bird questioned.

“Well, more like the large power source Eggman used for the Phantom Ruby is the extension cord. What I have here is to help have the same amount of energy without needing the extra power source.”

Sighing out, Kytra replied, “I am so freaking lost.”

“This probably isn’t the first time either is it?” Zero snickered at her; earning himself a tongue sticking out in the process.

“Anyway,” the genius cut them off, “I think the Ruby has more than enough energy for Zero by itself.”

The bird brought up, “Then why is there a separate power source?”

“Um, how should I best explain this… Think of like a dam for a river.”

“Okay?”

“If there’s a ton of water and no dam in place, the water disperses everywhere. It will go in all sorts of directions and could flood everything, but not necessarily be useful in any way. Or maybe think of a wire. If there’s electricity, but nothing to control the current, it just goes wherever and can’t be used. With Zero, the Phantom Ruby has more than enough power to sustain him and he can create illusions without a power source. However, there is nothing controlling the flow of the energy, making it to where a lot of it gets lost and can’t be used. But, if there were to be a conductor attached to the Phantom Ruby, it could help concentrate, or regulate, all of its energy that it has, not losing any, and use that as a self running power source. Kind of like windmills or solar energy panels that use the nature around them for power instead of seeking a separate power source.”

Amber orbs lit up as Gadget exclaimed, “That’s brilliant!”

Everyone half understood the topic, but basically got that Zero needed the device in Tails’ hand in order to no longer need the power source that Eggman built. That was all they really needed to know as the two nerds geeked out about the invention.

“So, how’s this going to work?” Zero spoke up.

“What I’ll need to do essentially is insert this around the Phantom Ruby and plug the wires into it.”

…

“You want to stick that thing inside me?!”

“I’m sure that’s not the first thing you’ve had inside of you,” the cat snickered which earned her a hard glare.

“Shut the hell up.”

Giggling hysterically, Gadget facepalmed while Brian and Tails shook their heads. 

“I invited these two out here to help with the operation.”

A deadpan expression was shot at the kitsune as Zero remarked, “You mean I have to trust my future in the hands of that obnoxious pink thing over there?”

“Be nice or this ‘obnoxious pink thing’ might just make the process painful and miserable.”

A shiver ran down the jackal’s spine as he jumped away from the unexpected voice behind him. “Fuck! Stop being so damn creepy!”

“Enough you two,” Brian huffed out, “This is serious.”

“What do we need to do?” the Rookie asked.

“I have everything planned out and ready. I’ll go more into the details of the operation now so we can just get this going rather than waiting any longer. The sooner this gets done, the better.”

So the five began the long conversation of what to expect, what needed to be done, and how best to approach the next several days as this took place.