Gadget POV 3rd person 

All gear was on and ready. Gadget didn’t wear any clothes, but had just his normal headset, side bag, glasses, gloves, and shoes. Wispon was in hand as he followed with the rest of the recruits out of the base.

Once getting to the city, all would split up and try to keep the enemies in the city limits at bay. Luckily, it wasn’t too long of a trip. They’d be catching a local train that was in use by the Resistance and ride over.

The trip was short and quiet. Too short for the Rookie as his nerves grew by the minute. He feared what was happening in the city, and was terrified of seeing Infinite. Zero was probably super pissed at him, and honestly, he had no idea what he’d say if they did run into each other.

Should Gadget acknowledge him, or just flee? Would Zero be angry with him, or would he assume Gadget was like the others, and try to kill him just as he’d tried to do before?

That made his heart stop. A thought just as worse as thinking Zero was dead was thinking he hated Gadget. He couldn’t have these thoughts now. There’s too much at stake. Lives are on the line. But…

“We’re here!”

Deep inhale, slow exhale. 

Okay, he was ready, or as ready as he’d ever be. The train stopped, the doors slid open, and out went the Resistance to their posts. Gadget didn’t have a specific post as he just needed to be somewhere in the city, battling it out with the enemy goons.

Shots were fired, flames rose high, screams filled the air, and the sky was painted red. It was a disaster. It was much like the city where Gadget had first seen Infinite.

No. He wouldn’t think of the jackal now. He had a job to do. He had to help save the citizens and the city. A cord appeared from his wrist and into the air he flew. Fear wouldn’t slow him down. Not now.

It felt like hours as the war raged on. He couldn’t count how many robots and replicas he’d destroyed with his Wispon. It seemed as if there was no end. Constant chatter was heard through the earpiece, but he hadn’t paid too much mind as he tried to stay focused on the task at hand. Any distractions could cost him, or someone else, their life.

After so long of going, Gadget finally stopped on a building rooftop as his palms landed on his knees and taking in large gulps of air. It wasn’t the tallest building around, but there was still a good view of the city, and the destruction that had been laid upon it. Amber orbs took in the sight after catching his breath. It pulled at his heartstrings. Why would Zero do this?

“You really have improved in fighting after all these years. I’m still thoroughly impressed.”

Hearing that voice, the wolf turned towards the source to see Infinite; leaning against a wall that held the door to go inside the building they stood upon, and ebony arms were crossed. His words had been spoken in an almost sneer type manner, and his presence made Gadget freeze as he stared carefully at him.

“I-Infinite…”

The jackal’s head seemed to tilt a bit, “Don’t think I’ve ever heard you call me by that name before.”

“Hey Rookie,” Sonic’s voice sounded from Gadget’s earpiece. A low growl left Infinite, making Gadget slightly flinch. “Everything okay over there? You haven’t said much so just checking in.”

Infinite stood straight, no longer against the wall, but hadn’t approached. It was almost like he was waiting to see what the wolf would do. Gadget gulped, trying to swallow his anxiety down.

Lifting a single digit to the device, a button was lightly pressed as he answered, “Everything’s fine. Just taking a breather.”

“Good idea. It’s been nonstop today. Be careful out there. Don’t hesitate to contact anyone if you run into trouble.”

“Okay.”

The line was cut. 

The earpiece was gone a moment later.

“W-wha?!”

Infinite was right next to him, and swiftly removed the device before crushing it in his grasp. Shock overtook the Rookie as he unconsciously tried to take a few steps back. Tried.

His wrist was gripped, not harshly, but with enough force to keep him there. “Where’re you going?”

“H-Hey!”

A sigh left the jackal as the broken bits of the earpiece floated to the ground from the roof, “That stupid hedgehog almost ruined everything.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

The single eye that showed through the mask stared at him for a moment, as if contemplating something. Then he answered, “That’s nothing you need to concern yourself with.”

The words were harsh, but Gadget couldn’t really get angry at him. After all, the wolf was the one who left. In the same breath, he was devastated that the other went to war on the city, and the world for that matter. Never mind, he could be mad.

A crackled voice suddenly sounded. As Gadget heard Eggman speak through Infinite’s communicator. It was enough of a distraction to wrench his wrist out of the jackal’s hold before taking several steps back. Despite the doctor’s voice coming through, both Mobians seemed to tune it out as they stared at one another.

“Why?”

“Hm?” The jackal tilted his head in question.

“Why did you do this?!” The wolf yelled out, feeling hurt, and tears stinging the corners of his eyes. “Why did you start this war with Eggman? Why did you attack this city today?!”

“Why did I do this?...” Gadget heard the other’s voice. It was hard to know what he was thinking since he had his mask on. But, the wolf felt a conflict of not wanting to care at all what the other thought, but really, caring too much.

“I attacked this city, and all the other cities, civilizations, and everywhere else, because they deserve it.”

“...W-What?” Dumbfounded, the Rookie wasn’t sure how to respond.

“Every place I’ve ever been to in my life, there’s nothing but death, destruction, and those who think themselves better, and step on those that don’t make the mark. That’s how the world works.”

“Why would you think that?”

A mocking snicker left Infinite, “You’ve always been too heroic and innocent for your own good.”

“T-that’s not…!”

“Tell me something,” he cut the wolf off, “How does the world view jackals?”

“How does the world…?” Gadget repeated, perplexed, “I don’t know. I’d like to think everyone is viewed in a positive way. Jackals are seen as more mysterious I guess, since they’re one of the few species that don’t tend to live among others. I never thought that way as much though, since…” he went quiet, both knowing he was referring to having met Zero.

“Let me tell you something,” both were a good distance apart, but in the blink of an eye, Infinite once more stood right in front of the wolf. Gadget didn’t budge, standing his ground as he listened.

“I know from personal experience what society thinks of jackals.” He began his snarky remark, before circling the wolf, and making Gadget feel on edge. “We’re seen as disgusting vermin who do nothing but take up valuable space. Jackals are cruel, violent, and think themselves better than all other species. That’s what the world thinks.”

Infinite had been behind Gadget at that time. Turning around to face the jackal, he disagreed, “That’s not true!”

“Which part? That jackals are awful creatures, or that everyone believes that?”

“Both.”

“Heh,” a chortle left Infinite as he stopped circling the Rookie and looked him in the eye. “That’s only true to you. I just listed only some of the insults and taunts I’ve heard. All of those from other species.”

That silenced the wolf as he stared down in thought. Was that really what the world thought? Is that how Zero grew up thinking? Hearing? Even so…

“Even if many Mobians thought that way,” amber orbs lifted to face the mask in front of him, “Not everyone does. I never thought of you that way. I know I can’t be the only one.

“I… I got adopted into a wonderful home. The couple who took me in, they were some of the nicest parents I could’ve ever had. They weren’t scared of me, and always encouraged me, despite what others thought. I had great siblings who’d been adopted just like me who were also encouraging and wonderful friends. I wish you could have met them. They would’ve like you, especially Mr. Kola.”

The atmosphere felt heavy. Gadget wasn’t sure what to do, but knew he wanted to fix this somehow. Was there anything he could do?

“Did they…”

“Huh?” 

“Did they pass away from the war?”

“Yes, it was in the third month. My parents helped in weapons production but died then. My siblings, like myself, were actively fighting in the war, but they didn’t make it either.”

The jackal’s hands seemed to clench. Shaking some, he replied, “I’m sorry.”

Shaking his head, Gadget responded, “That’s over now. I have a new task in front of me. I won’t let fear, doubt, or missing them, stop me from helping you.”

“...What?”

“Let’s not fight anymore,” the wolf pleaded, “Please. No more violence. No more death! Let’s stop this, and make a better future!”

“For the world?” Infinite snarled out.

Gadget didn’t move as he corrected, “For us.”

Time seemed to stand still as the jackal stared down at the wolf, being taller than the other. His single yellow eye was seen closing as he huffed out a sigh.

“You really are too good Gadget, even for me.”

“That’s not tru…”

“Even if I wanted to stop the war, I can’t.” Zero interrupted once more.

“W-Why? Is Eggman threatening you? Or do you owe something?...”

“It’s because I want to see this world suffer and burn it to the ground, just as it’s made me suffer; squishing out any hope of peace or happiness. Those things don’t exist while the world is like this!” 

A hard glare was directed at Gadget as he continued, “This world will never take away anything I care for ever again or I’ll be damned if I don’t slaughter the ones who get in my way on sight. Taking away my home, my squad,” his gaze softening now as he finished, “and the love of my life.” 

Pausing a moment, Zero then whispered, though loud enough for the wolf to hear, “I’ll fucking never let anyone take you away from me again Gadget. Ever.” 

Gadget was stunned, unable to move, unable to speak, or even breathe. A step moved forward towards the frozen red canine. A clawed finger lifted before gently caressing Gadget’s cheek, causing the shorter wolf to have half-lidded eyes and let out a shaky sigh.

“And if I have to stuff you in a room while I finish this war, I will.”

Eyes opening wide, the Resistance member jumped back, raising a dark chuckle from the jackal. He ignored it. “I can’t do that! I can’t just sit while everyone dies! I don’t want to be your enemy, but I don’t want anyone to lose their lives either. So much has been lost already.”

“Let me clarify that then,” Infinite spoke as he raised a hand face level, and red, small cubes appeared around his fingers, “You don’t have a choice!”

The cubes flew into the sky and began to form. The events unfolding had the rookie shiver in terror. The jackal spoke up, “Either you can come willingly to me, I can force you to come to me, or we can play a game. It’s been a long time since we’ve played anything, and you’ve always enjoyed games.”

Glaring, Gadget inquired, “What game?”

“If you can outrun my minions and escape the city limits without them catching you, I’ll let you go, for today anyway. Tomorrow’s a whole different story, but you’ll be free today, if you run and escape without being captured.”

To be completely honest, Gadget was at a loss. He knew he had to keep fighting Eggman with the Resistance. It was the right thing to do. But, this was breaking his heart. So much, he wanted to be by Zero’s side, forever. But, at the cost of the deaths of others, he just, couldn’t.

“I accept your challenge.”

“Hm,” Infinite hummed as he floated up by the cubes. Forming now, the cubes shaped into Mobians in black cloaks; unable to see any species underneath, just red glowing eyes. They levitated with Infinite.

“Before we start,” the ebony male spoke before snapping his fingers. A pinch was felt suddenly on the Resistance member’s neck. 

“Gah!” 

The pain was gone was quickly as it came.

“Just in case you do manage to escape.” 

The group of cloaked replicas and the jackal landed on the rooftop where Gadget currently was. Red hairs stood on end, and sweat formed along his brow from the tension, but also in determination.

“I’ll give you a five second head start.

“One…”