Author's note I have to apologize for both the delay with this story and my inconsistent update schedule due to being busy with helping out with the yearly summer activity program. Here is the next chapter without any further delays.
As per usual I like to give a thank you to Fanakatsuki, Keyblade Writer of the Dawn, Turquoise Triangle and SharpDragon Klaw for leaving a review. I have to thank all of you guys for the support and motivation for me to continue this story.
Disclaimer I do not own Sonic the Hedgehog.
The big bustling city with its bright flashing lights, Mobians walking on the sidewalks going about their daily business were bizarre to the Jackal Squad, mostly due to Zerinn's insistence they avoided cities due to their mercenary lifestyle. The warm early summer heat was a far cry from the blistering desert heat and the cold nights, Zerinn still couldn't shake away the unease creeping down his spine at his surroundings. There were far too many Mobians for Zerinn's liking.
The jackal glanced back to gauge his squad's reactions. Kaito shifted his weight from foot to foot, Ace, Quartz, and Saber scanned the city with slightly hostile expressions on their faces warning away curious onlookers who scurried about muttering a quick apology before running away to get far away from the jackals.
Nephthys scowled at a white-scaled crocodile who took the hint running away. The big scar on Zerinn's face was more than enough to tell the residents to keep their distance from the group of weary jackals.
"So, boss, what's our next move?" Quartz asked breaking the silence.
"I'll admit running into Gadget was a bit of a surprise," Zerinn said. "For now we're going to celebrate his birthday. We're going to gather some food, and then we'll meet back at the bunker to give Gadget a birthday he'll never forget. Kaito, see if you can find them and try not to get lost in this city."
"On it, Boss!" Kaito cried out breaking into a run heading into the vast city. Zerinn pushed down the small nagging feeling Kaito was going to get himself lost within the bustling place, Zerinn turned around meet Ace's gaze with a slight frown on his face.
"Heh, that's all well and good boss," Ace said. "So, how are you going to explain, all the killing Mobians, stealing and raiding than to Gadget? I don't think he's going to take the news that we're a bunch of killers for hire lightly."
Zerinn paused chewing his lip nervously his brain struggling to come up with an answer until he inhaled. Ace was known as the realist within the ranks of the Jackal Squad, Often Zerinn found himself
"If Gadget doesn't like what we're doing, then it's his problem, not ours," Zerinn said icily. "Besides, none of us can afford to show any form of weakness. Also, its survival of the fittest. Now we'll have to do a bit of stealing to survive in this cruel world."
The jackals fell silent upon hearing Zerrinn's words the group of jackals made their way towards the nearest grocery store silently moving together as a unit. Zerinn glanced back at the city seeing a few curious glances sent their way. Zerinn longed to cut them down, to make an example to show what happened to those who got in the Jackal Squad's way.
For now though keeping the members of Jackal Squad safe was Zerinn's main priority, it was his burden to bear as the leader of the Jackal Squad, and no one harms his squad, that was a promise Zerinn was determined to fulfill.
Meanwhile, Gadget and Mikhail having completed their errands having returned to the home they shared with their adoptive parents informing them they were going to be meeting up with some friends, before heading back into the vast city. In a stroke of good fortune Kaito met up with them, the three of them headed back to the bunker when they noticed a series of blight flashes going off in the distance with a large crowd pushing their way into the square eagerly.
"Something's going on over there," Mikhail said frowning. "Must be a big news conference or something."
The pair of half-brothers found themselves at the back of the milling crowd. Gadget stood up on the tips of his toes briefly glimpsing Sonic standing on the stage with Tails by his side holding his hands out for silence flashing a cocky smile.
"It looks like Sonic's here!" Gadget cried out unable to hide his excitement.
In the silent agreement, the trio of Mobians made their way down through the crowded streets. Gadget bumped into a sheep by accident as she turned around to glare at him eying Kaito warily. Kaito stiffened immediately his hand reaching down for his flamberge his fingers touching the surface of his blade jaw set in a tense frown.
"Excuse me miss, but can you please tell me what's going on?"
The sheep hesitated to keep an eye on Kaito a small scowl formed on her face with Kaito returning the scowl pulling the corner of his lip up in a sneer. Gadget mentally weighed the pros and cons of directing the sheep's hostile glare away from Kaito.
"Have you guys been living under a rock or something?" The sheep asked bluntly. "Sonic and his friends put an end to another one of Dr. Eggman's plans. I think his prized creation Metal Sonic went rogue or something like that."
Excitement seized Gadget's heart. It may have been six years since he'd last seen Sonic since due to moving from city to city. Gadget and Mikhail hadn't kept up with the recent news and having a jackal standing next to them where jackals usually didn't show themselves in towns or cities.
"We've recently moved into the area," Kaito answered firmly."None of us have even had the chance to catch up with the news."
"Well, that's typical then," The sheep muttered. "Good luck getting close to the stage. It seems everyone wants to cozy up to Mobius' hero."
An irritated sigh came from the sheep muttering something low underneath her breath, choosing to ignore the wolf. Taking a sudden step back a pair of children running through the group with their mother chasing them. The small group pressed even closer to the edge of the large crowd muttering apologies whenever they accidentally jostled someone. Gadget saw a hastily constructed podium with Sonic and Tails waving to the mass of citizens. Sonic was in his element answering several questions from a cat reporter.
"Yeah, basically Metal Sonic overthrew Eggman, and tried to seize control of Eggman's Empire," Sonic said smiling. "But we stopped him with the real superpower of teamwork, kicked his metallic butt and saved the day as usual."
The crowd ate up Sonic's words as Tails nudged Sonic in the side. Everyone noticed Sonic appeared to be more at ease giving out interviews, though Sonic seemed impatient to be heading out on his next adventure.
"You had help from all of us," Tails said grinning. "It wasn't just Knuckles and I. We had team Chaotix, Team Rose, and Team Dark, helping us too. They also deserve some of the credit."
"Tails and I invited Amy, Cream, Big, Espio, Charmy, and Vector, but all of them declined," Sonic frowned slightly. "We also tried to contact Team Dark, but we couldn't get a hold of them. In all seriousness, if they hadn't aided us in the final battle, against Metal Sonic, I don't think any of us would be standing here right now. So I extend a humble thank you to the members of Team Rose, The Chaotix and Team Dark for their help."
At the end of Sonic's speech, everyone applauded praising Sonic's words as more camera bulbs flashed in rapid succession. Sonic swept his gaze all around the area, pushing spying a flash of red fur, hearing the reporter calling out to the hedgehog.
"So what happened to the third member of your team Sonic?" The question came from a mink reporter. "Also, when do you think Eggman will launch his next assault?"
"Knuckles went home to Angel Island," Sonic said. "Big noisy crowds aren't his thing, anyway. Well, I'd imagine Eggman's busy licking his wounds. I don't think we will hear from him soon. I'd imagine he'll be back with another scheme to take over Mobius, but your local hero will stop Eggface's plan like he always does, that's a promise."
Gadget felt a tug on his shoulder tilting his head towards Mikhail as another round of applause went of for Sonic. Mikhail gently tugged on his shoulder again nodding towards Kaito already heading off into the distance. Pushing his way through the crowd hearing a few grumbles of resentment some Mobians glared at the jackal muttering low under their breaths.
"We should go check on Kaito."
The brothers made their way through the crowd hearing one of the reporters stating it would be broadcast all over Mobius as Gadget and Mikhail caught up to Kaito waiting for them. The trio walked away from Park Avenue heading back to Green Hill Zone.
"It was a surprise that a news conference was being held all the way at Park Avenue," Gadget said. "It's too bad we didn't have time to talk to Sonic though. I wondered if he would recognize both you and me, Mikhail."
Mikhail nodded in agreement at Gadget's words. Kaito ran ahead of Gadget and Mikhail. Gadget broke into a run noticing the sullen expression on Kaito's face. The excitement over seeing Sonic again faded away upon seeing Kaito's unhappy state the young jackal barely even looked up jumping slightly in surprise feeling Gadget's gentle touch against his shoulder glancing back witnessing the expression of concern on the wolf's face.
"Kaito are you okay?" Gadget queried. "Did that sheep say something to upset you?"
"I'm not okay," Kaito snapped irritably. "It's not like what that stupid bitch said, affected me you know. It's not my fault every single Jackal on Mobius are cold, ruthless mercenaries. We're trying to survive in this world, and they sit around in their homes well pampered, they wouldn't last a day out here."
Gadget and Mikhail recoiled shocked by Kaito's words. Ever since the young jackal was now Zerinn's second in command, there would be times where he would share Zerinn's sentiments on the current state of the world leaving him angry and bitter. It was a far cry from the energetic young pup who'd shaken water everywhere during their first meeting and wholly believed Gadget would take his older brother away.
"Hey, Kaito just ignore what she said," Gadget whispered. "If there's one thing I've learned not every jackal is bad. Sure Zerinn and everyone else in Jackal Squad may be a little rough around the edges, but we're family. You're the least cold and ruthless jackal; I know dusty tail."
Gadget felt Kaito's shoulder relax the jackal turned towards him raising a hand to wipe away the tears from his eyes. A shudder passed through Kaito's body before a gentle touch rested on his shoulder. Kaito quickly pivoted on his heel facing Mikhail smiling, softly.
"Gadget's right," Mikhail said. "You're one of the least mean jackals out there. You can't let other people tell you since you're our adoptive brother along with Zerinn. We're your friends; nothing will ever change that."
Kaito said nothing in response drawing them into a tight hug burying his head Gadget's shoulder. Mikhail embraced both of his adoptive brothers holding them tightly. Kaito let out a few low sobs. The group hugged Kaito for several more minutes until Kaito gently pushed them both away wiping at his eyes a small smile on his face.
"Thanks, guys. Both of you knew how to help me," Kaito said smiling. "Beehive's waiting for us back at the bunker."
Gadget and Mikhail chuckled at the mention of Zerinn's nickname, resuming their journey back to the Jackal Squad's base sharing stories. The further they left the square Gadget noticed Kaito's shoulders relax the jackal walking forward with a small smile on his lips.
Zerinn heard the distant shouts behind him sprinting through the packed streets his arms weighed down with the heavy sack filled with food, the warm savory smell of the meat made his stomach rumble with hunger allowing the jackal to salivate slightly. It didn't take long for the Jackal Squad to lose their pursuers hiding away from the small crowd running past their hiding place.
"It's a shame they weren't wolves we robbed," Ace spoke up haughtily. "The meat they were selling smells delicious though, I can't wait to get back to the bunker so we can have a real feast."
Flint chuckled in response. "Yeah, I'd wish they'd been wolves too. I mean they're wimps and cowards."
Zerinn gritted his teeth in response hearing the leather of his gloves creak. It would lead to awkward questions since Gadget hated innocent people who'd lost their lives for no reason at all. Zerinn had the feeling the result would be an argument breaking out between Gadget and him.
"Ignore them," Nephthys whispered in Zerinn's right ear. "They're doing it to provoke you to attack them. When we get back to the base, promise me you'll eat something."
"You're not my mother Nephthys," The words slipped from Zerinn's lips without thinking. "My real mother was weak because she died, leaving me alone in the care of an abusive monster and siblings. Besides my father used to say a fat mercenary is a dead mercenary."
Nephthys silently observed how much weight Zerinn had lost over their long career as mercenaries. She was all too aware of how hard mercenary life was, but she had to keep a steady head on her shoulders, in case she needed to stop Zerinn from doing something which would endanger them all.
Shouts alerted Zerinn to Gadget's arrival the trio of Mobians stood gazing up at the Gadget's group arrived at the medium sized run down old building.
The windows had long been shattered, graffiti lined the surface of the walls, and a damp musty odor hung in the air making Gadget's nose wrinkle from the smell indicating no one had bothered to clean the building in a long time.
"Its not much, but it's home," Zerinn said noticing Gadget's unease. "As I said, it's a temporary home until we move on to our next location."
The group made their way inside the bunker, the lights flickered dimly, making their way to a small dining room a medium-sized wooden table had already been set up with several cracked plates. Nephthys removed a small chocolate and vanilla cake from her sack setting it down on the table along with several matches and a small bottle of water set along next to the plates.
"Oh, that smells good boss," Nephthys said reaching in to claim a piece of beef. "It's well cooked."
"Make sure you get something to eat as well boss," Mikhail said. "Mmm, this is good meat, where did you get it from?"
"We got it from a grocery store," Zerinn lied. "Before you ask Gadget, no we didn't steal it, Nephthys was able to buy it on a special discount along with the candles."
The jackal opened the sack reaching down to grab a small piece of meat taking a quick bite out of it chewing savoring the taste of juicy beef swallowing it with passing slices of the warm meat to Flint, Ace, Saber, Quartz, Gadget, Mikhail, Kaito and Nephthys. Silence fell over the room the Jackal Squad settled in to enjoy their meal, along with the casual conversation.
Nephthys got up heading to the small table set in the candles of the cake lighting the candles with a lighter before picking up the cake carrying it over to the Jackal Squad.
"Happy birthday Gadget!"
Gadget looked down in surprise at the chocolate and vanilla cake with thirteen candles. The wolf inhaled before he blew out the candles to the cheers of the Jackal Squad. Everyone sat down at the table. Gadget swiftly removed the candles the smell of vanilla and chocolate caused his stomach to rumble noticing Zerinn was putting pieces of meat and vegetables on each of the plates. Quartz filled up the glasses with fresh spring water. Zerinn lifted the glass in his hand in a toast.
"To Gadget and Mikhail, a pair of trusted and valued friends of the Jackal Squad!"
Everyone followed up Zerinn's proclamation, along with a round of applause. Gadget took a bite of the small chocolate cake savoring the sweet taste of the vanilla. Around him, the rest of the Jackal squad tucked into the meal. For once Gadget noticed Mikhail sitting next to him on his left eating the cake., In the wolf's mind, this was the best birthday he'd ever had. It made him realize he wasn't alone anymore.
"All I wanted was to have friends, and family with me six years ago, shortly after my parents died," Gadget quietly said. "I'm so glad to have found it in the Jackal Squad and Mikhail as well."
The small celebration went on until the sun began to sink below the horizon, Gadget lingered at the doorway looking over at Zerinn giving him one last wave before he followed Mikhail back home to celebrate his birthday with their adoptive parents. Ace waited until Gadget and Mikhail were out of earshot before approaching Zerinn to voice his concerns.
"Boss, I hope it won't be the same thing that happened between your father and Marcus," Ace said gently. "He's going to make you look like a fool when he inevitably betrays you."
"Gadget's not going to turn on us Ace," Zerinn replied. "Besides he's far more loyal then Marcus will ever be. We've been searching for six years now, and once we find him, he's dead."
Ace looked back at the bunker entrance with Zerinn entering the building his tail thudding the ground in agitation. A small tight was frown forming on his face. For the last six years, Zerinn made it his mission to hunt down Marcus to end his life. Ace couldn't ignore the nagging sensation that Zerinn's drive to become Ultimatemate Mecerenary would cause the bonds within the Jackal Squad to fracture.
Author's note I'm well aware that the last couple of chapters were filler and short, but things will be picking up again in the next few chapters. One of my headcanons is that jackals are one of the least trustworthy races of Mobius, due to their nature of backstabbing their clients if they can't afford to pay them. It's one of the reasons Kaito became angry. I wanted to highlight the bond Gadget, Mikhail, Zerinn, and Kaito have with each other.
Zerinn is beginning to show signs of his discontent with the world since the friendship Zerinn has with Gadget is slowly going to fracture. The reason Ace and Flint hold a slight hatred towards Gadget, and to a lesser extent, Mikhail stems from the fact Cassius taught them to hate wolves.
As per usual thoughts/ constructive criticism and reviews are welcomed and appreciated as always. I will talk to you guys next week with the next chapter.