*Present Time

“Not here,” was mumbled as golden spheres scanned through the closet. Then his searching went to underneath the bed. “Not here either.”

……

“Oh come on! There’s got to be a way out!”

It was not one of Gadget’s normal traits to panic, but he was starting to. He had been in that dark bedroom for how long? Hours? Days? It couldn’t have been more than a day or two tops, but there was no clock, and he didn’t have his watch, so time was an unknown element for him.

After that interaction with Infinite and that food was left, he hadn’t seen the jackal since. But, after waking up from his previous sleep, more food had been provided while the plate from the last meal was gone. Gadget had tried not to eat at first, but gave in due to hunger. Considering he was still alive, he hadn’t hesitated to eat any meals that came after.

Enough of those thoughts, he had to focus on the task at hand. Infinite was able to come and go as he pleased so there had to be a way out. Right? Or was teleporting the only way?

That did not make matters better as let his body collapse on the bed. What was he gonna do now? There’s no other doors, and he hadn’t succeeded on finding any trap doors or anything. Belly full from a recent meal, there wasn’t much to do except maybe explore some of the other parts of the room, like the drawers and any shelves not yet looked through. He’d been so focused on finding an extra door somewhere that he hadn’t actually gotten around to snooping other sections, not that there was much left to explore. It wasn’t exactly a huge room, and he looked through almost everything already.

Wait, what was that smell?

*sniff, sniff*

“Ew, when’s the last time I showered?”

The Resistance member decided not to worry about finding the exit for the time being and stood from the bed. Steps were taken until he entered the bathroom. A bathroom closet was next to the sink. Opening it revealed towels and other toiletries. The shower curtain was already opened to show shampoo and soap there.

How long was Infinite planning to keep him here?

Who knows. All he knew for sure was that he reeked and probably should take a shower. If he’s going to be stuck here, he may as well. Gadget took a towel and washcloth out of the bathroom closet and then removed his gloves, shoes, accessories, and glasses. Turning the shower knob, he tested the water until it felt warm before stepping in.

Sprays of water droplets showered down on the wolf. Sighing, Gadget realized it had been awhile since he took a nice, heated shower; no rushing, and not cold. It was perfect. He sighed in bliss again, just enjoying the feel of the water falling on him. Taking the washcloth, he began to rub through his fur with shampoo. It felt great to get the dirt and grit off of him from the battles and debri from outside. Being dirty didn’t bother him or anything, but it felt good to be clean.

The wolf took his time and enjoyed the shower immensely. Once finished washing through his fur, he just stood under the water as his mind drifted off. Gadget couldn’t help but to wonder about this strange situation. Why had Infinite brought him here, and how did he know his name? The red Mobian didn’t feel he was much of a threat to the jackal, so it seemed silly to imprison him here, right? There must be something else.

There were also the observations of Gadget being a clutz. It’s true he’s always been a bit on the clumsy side, but not many others actually knew that about him, unless they were closer to him. But, perhaps Infinite just meant when Gadget fell down in the city when they first met….But that’s not what it sounded like. 

Who was Infinite? Gadget had met a few jackals in his lifetime, but he hadn’t been particularly close with any of them. There had only been one...Zero. He hadn’t seen Zero in, what, nine to ten years? It’s been so long… And yet, Gadget finds his mind constantly going back to that time. A happier time.

Shaking his head, he refused to get sad now. Gadget didn’t want to think about it anymore. It wouldn’t change the fact that they would probably never see each other again. Someday though, deep in his heart, he hoped. Maybe someday, by some chance, if Zero had lived through this war, maybe they would get to see each other again, just as they had hoped to, had promised to.

Closing his eyes, a red furred hand whipped away the tears that’d began to form. No more hopeless thoughts. Gadget couldn’t do this to himself. Especially not now; not when he was in a hostage situation. Zero would tell him to man up and that there’s nothing to be afraid of. Don’t let the world control you. You take control of yourself.

The water was shut off.

After drying off with a towel, Gadget only placed his glasses back on, and then opened the bathroom door for some air to come in. Clothes were not as necessary for men as their fur generally covered everything, but after showers or baths, Gadget kind of liked to wear clothes. It helped dry him off a bit more in ways that he couldn’t with a towel. He wasn’t sure if there’d be anything, but he headed towards the closet and switched on the light. Shirts and pants lined up the walls along with some pairs of shoes on the ground. He took a loose, dark green tee shirt and a pair of khaki cargo shorts. Everything slipped on and fit nicely to his form, not too tight, but not too baggy either.

“That looks nice.”

Flinching, Gadget almost fell but caught himself as he turned to the sudden voice behind him. Infinite sat in the desk chair, quietly observing him from across the room. Gulping, the wolf felt a bit of nervousness rise up in him, but, he knew the jackal would come back eventually. Infinite had said they would ‘talk later’. Is that what this was? Would he finally be told why he was brought here? Would he even bother answering? Gadget didn’t know, and he honestly wasn’t sure what to say either.

“Heh. What, no comment after someone was clearly watching you dress?” That earned him a glare, making the jackal cackle, “Yes, just like that.”

Though the enemy made him feel on edge, the Resistance member needed answers. So, he walked away from the closet and around the bed to stand in front of Infinite. Seeing him approach, the ebony jackal stood as well. He saw determination in the wolf’s eyes, and waited for him to speak.

“Why am I here?” Gadget began, “Why bring me here? I don’t think I can be considered as much of a threat as Sonic or the rest of the Resistance, so why? What do you want with me?”

“Heh, haha...hahahaha!!!” Infinite busted up laughing, causing Gadget to look at him as if he were a manic. “You still do not understand? I knew you could be a bit dense, so I guess this shouldn’t be a surprise, but, it’s just too amusing not to laugh.”

Hands balled up into fists, shaking, “This isn’t funny!”

A fist flew through the air, aimed right at Infinite’s masked face, but the balled up hand was easily caught. Gadget gasped.

“You’re so predictable Gadget,” Infinite spoke, voice laced with a certain seductiveness. Still holding the fist in the palm of his hand, he continued, “But, I guess that was one of the qualities I always liked about you.”

Teeth gritted, “Stop talking in riddles and give me some answers!” 

What was it about Infinite that was aggravating the wolf? He didn’t know, but he didn’t like being toyed with. 

“But why not? You were always fond of a good mystery. The books you used to read were either Science, History, or Mystery novels. Nothing else ever seemed to spark your interest to read but those genres.”

Eyes widened as Gadget’s mouth hung slightly ajar. How did he know that? Most knew he read history and some science, but not many knew of his passion for a good mystery. He was always told in school and growing up to just stick to reading the school subjects since those would be the most helpful in his studies, but in his spare time read mystery novels when no one was around. Only a handful, not even that many, Mobians knew of his love for those type of novels. Who?

Leaning in close to one of those crimson ears, the jackal whispered, “You still don’t get it, Gadget?”

The voice had sounded off before, but in that small whisper, suddenly sounded familiar. A voice from his past, one he never thought he’d hear again. Was it…? It would make the most sense, but somehow, Gadget was still in denial. It couldn’t be him. It’s been so long. It just couldn’t be…

Backing away from his ear, Infinite stared into Gadget’s eyes. The wolf looked back and observed the one showing eye, the yellow eye, matched the side and location of Zero’s. Most jackals had black fur and white haired streaks of some kind, but all of that, even the length, technically matched too.

But…

“I would love to keep playing this game with you,” Infinite began, “But I have some business to attend to. I will be back later, and we can talk then.”

His fist was finally released. 

Just as last time, Infinite snapped his fingers, but instead of a meal, there were snacks, drinks, and books that covered the desk. Gadget saw the array of mystery novels and couldn’t help the excitement he suddenly felt.

“I’m glad you’re pleased.” Infinite commented as a chuckle rumbled in his chest, causing Gadget’s face to flush in embarrassment. “I assumed you would be getting bored, so hopefully this will keep you occupied until I return.”

Facing back to Infinite, Gadget couldn’t help the strange feeling that bubbled in his chest. While the jackal did give him a sense of fear, there was something else. He wasn’t sure how to explain it. A clawed, gloved hand suddenly caressed Gadget’s tan cheek gently. Eyes widened in surprise.

“I will return shortly.” 

And again, he disappeared, and Gadget felt no closer to the answers he was seeking.