Author's note, First of all, I want to apologize that this chapter was so late. The reason for the delay was due to the site experiencing some technical difficulties around the time I uploaded this chapter.
Also, I like to give a big thank you to everyone for over 25 follows. For everyone that's either left a favorite, follow or be even viewing this story, I want to say thank you all so much.
As always I'd like to give a thank you to Fanakatsuki, Turquoise Triangle, Kyeblade Writer of the Dawn and SharpDragonKlaw for leaving a review. Your support genuinely means a lot to me as it motivates me to keep going with this idea.
A thank you goes out to muddy leaf for favoriting and following the story. I genuinely appreciate the support, and I'm glad to see you're enjoying the story.
I don't have anything else to say except let's get on with the chapter, and all I can say about this one is a couple of unwelcome characters makes a reappearance and trust me no one is going to be happy to see them again.
Disclaimer It's the same as the previous chapters. I don't own Sonic the Hedgehog.
Far out in the desert, a pair of figures trudged through the sandy landscape before arriving at a bus stop. Aster scanned the area a small satisfied smirk forming on his face his ears were pricked listening for the sound of the approaching bus, juggling a pair of rings between his fingers.
Dune paced impatiently next to Aster, clasping a small old worn out wanted poster between his fingertips making eye contact with Aster, a slight frown playing at the corner of his lips. Aster scowled at the jackal standing his ground holding onto a small knife clasped between his fingertips waiting for the right time to use it.
"You know, Dune, you've got a lot of guts for bringing me this information," Aster drawled. "You're lucky I'm not going to kill you where your stand. So this Marcus had the gall to betray your father?"
Dune took several steps silently unsheathing a knife pressing it against Aster's throat. Dune kept the blade pressed against the fennec fox's neck tracing a thing line allowing a thin trickle of blood to stain Aster's fur crimson. It was a silent warning of how Dune would go in for the kill when Aster least expected it.
"I'm not the scared coward when we last met six years ago," Dune sneered. "Yeah, it sucks I'm no longer the leader of the Jackal Squad. Instead, I found my calling in becoming the leader of our hometown, I've killed more Mobians then you could count on your fingers."
Aster looked down at the aggressive look in the pair of bright yellow eyes before Dune stepped back with a huff keeping his blade lowered at his side. Aster found himself impressed with the young jackal's bravado. For starters, he wasn't afraid to go for the kill a far cry from the whimpering child he'd met in the desert campsite six years ago.
"Show this poster to my brother," Dune said icily. "I'll be heading back to the village. I had to pay a lot of money to get a hold of this information. I'm surprised you didn't demand the release of your friends."
"Chad and Mara are no longer useful to me," Aster replied smoothly. "In the end, they turned out to be useless pawns that didn't live up to potential. I don't need their help in killing the Eggman lover or you freakish brother."
Any further conversation between Dune and Aster ended when the fennec fox noticed the bus pulling up to the bus stop the doors opening with a hiss the wolf driver turned to face the two passages briefly glancing at them.
"Sir, you do know weapons aren't allowed on this bus," The driver spoke with a hint of a tremor in his voice. "If you're going to ride this bus to Sunset Heights, then I'll have to ask you to dispose of your weapon."
"He's not riding this bus, I am," Aster said firmly. "Don't breathe a word of what you've seen to anyone, got it?"
The bus driver meekly nodded reluctantly allowing Aster to climb on the bus the doors closing behind the fennec fox, before with a lurch the buss took off into the distance with Dune watching the bus go. Aster was nothing more than a pawn to the vengeful jackal longing to take his revenge on his brother.
"If I know you all too well Zerinn it's going to be your anger that will destroy the Jackal Squad."
Smirking Dune turned on his heel heading back the way he came glancing up at the moonlit sky allowing a chuckle to escape his lips. If something went wrong with his new plan well a few more dead bodies would be worth the price.
The next moring's light caused Gadget to stir from a restful slumber opening his eyes gazing around at a blurry landscape before yawning reaching out for his glasses putting them on his snout turning to look at the clock reading 8 am. The wolf stifled another yawn pushing back the sheets standing up on his feet the warm, sweet smell of pancakes floated up the stairs to the room the brothers shared, as Gadget descended the stairs heading into the kitchen.
Aria stood at the stove flipping a pancake up in the air catching it in the pan flashing Gadget a warm smile. Mikhail slipped on a pair of gloves picking up the rubbish bag slinging it over his shoulder carrying it out of the kitchen greeting Gadget with a good morning.
"Good morning honey," Aria said warmly. "Mikhail's doing the trash and after you've had breakfast, can you please do the dishes?"
"Yes mother, it's no problem."
Gadget moved to the sink glancing out of the window he saw Mikhail down the steps only to stumble on the last step crashing to the ground with a pained yelp followed by the rubbish bag tearing open spilling rubbish everywhere.
Mikhail lay on his back groaning from the pain pulling away the boot revealing his slightly sprained ankle. Mikhail attempted to sit up only to fall back with a yelp on the ground.
"Mikhail!" Aria cried out running out of her home, over to Mikhail's side bending down pulling at the boot covering Mikhail's left foot exposing the slightly swollen limb. "Cairo, call an ambulance, Mikhail's hurt his ankle! Gadget you need to grab an ice pack and pillow now!"
Gadget raced out of the house his heart in his mouth running to Mikahil's side a small crowd of anxious Mobians gathering around Mikhail; a grey rabbit told the crowd to back away from Mikhail who lay there on the ground moaning in pain. Gadget and Aria raced over to Mikhail clasping an ice pack and a pillow the urgency of the situation was all too clear.
"Put an ice pack on his foot," Aria instructed Gadget. "Gently though and keep him calm. Make sure to elevate his ankle to relieve the pain. Cairo's calling an ambulance, which will be here soon."
"I'm sorry mother, I should've been more careful in looking where I was going," Mikhail said softly. "I misjudged the step, and I slipped."
Gadget sank to his knees slipping his hand into Mikhail's hand squeezing it gently. Cairo pulled back Mikhail's boot pressing the icepack against the swollen flesh. One of the Mobians slid a pillow underneath his head. "Mikhail, it's going to be okay, the ambulance will be on its way soon."
"Yeah, I hope so too," Mikhail gasped out wincing from the letting his head rest against the pillow.
After several minutes Cairo exited the house sinking to her knees, rubbing Mikhail's hand reassuringly. Several minutes passed the siren of an ambulance cut through the air, the vehicle pulling up to the curbside the nurses exiting the ambulance carrying a stretcher between them hurrying over to where Mikhail lay on the ground picking him up carefully placing him in the vehicle before it sped off towards the hospital.
"Come on we're going too," Aria said hurrying over to the small ford parked in the driveway, the three wolves piled into the car following the ambulance to the hospital. Aria gripped the steering wheel tightly her knuckles turning white. Non one spoke in the car since all they could do was hope Mikhail was going to be okay.
An hour later Gadget found himself sitting in one of the reception chairs next to Cairo who reached out to touch Gadget's hand squeezing it reassuringly. The smell of medicine was heavy in the air with several Mobians sitting down in the reception area waiting to be called for their appointments. Gadget shifted uncomfortably on the hard plastic chairs he was starting to develop a dislike for hospitals.
"I'm sure Mikhail will be fine," Cairo said reassuringly
"Mr. Cario and Mrs. Aria?"
The pair of wolves stood up along with Gadget as a bird nurse approaching them with a clipboard and a pencil.
"Is Mikhail going to be okay?" Aria asked anxiously.
"Yes, he will be okay. It's a minor ankle sprain since he's still in the X-ray room. It will be a while before he can receive visitors. It doesn't look he's fractured his foot, but still, he's lucky to have such caring adoptive parents."
Gadget heard the sighs of relief coming from his parents Aria sank back into the chair relief plastered on her face. Cairo wrapped draping an arm around her shoulders placing a tender kiss on his wife's forehead. Gadget joined in the warm embrace before they broke apart with smiles on their faces.
"Why don't you go get Mikhail a get well card?" Cairo asked smiling.
"Of course, and please tell Mikhail I'm so glad to know Mikhail's going to be alright."
Gadget held out his hand feeling the weight of the rings placed in the palm of his hand before he exited the hospital the warmth of the midday sun gracing his face, the wolf walked along the bustling streets in search of a stationary shop.
A half hour later found Gadget exiting the stationary shop with a plastic bag containing a get well card hearing a shout. Gadget turned around towards the direction of the shout noticing Zerinn and Quartz hurrying over to them with smiles plastered on their faces.
Zerinn paused tilting his head noticing Gadget's half-hearted greeting. "Gadget you look like someone's kicked you while you were down. Did something happen?"
"Mikhail got into an accident, and he sprained his ankle. They're still performing an X-ray to make sure nothing's fractured."
Both jackals paused with Quartz reaching out to give Gadget a sympathetic pat on the shoulder with a small smile. Quartz made a low noise of sympathy reaching forward to pat Gadget on the shoulder.
"I'm sorry to hear about Mikhail," Zerinn said smiling warmly. "Perhaps if you want to grab some lunch you're more then welcome to join us. "I'm sure Mikhail will appreciate the gesture."
Gadget smiling followed the two jackals touched by the unexpected gesture of kindness from the other two jackals. No matter what happened in Gadget's life, he knew he could be able to count on Zerinn's support.
Gadget, Quartz, and Zerinn hung around at the back of a bakery waiting for lunch according to Zerinn. Gadget's stomach rumbled at the mixture of aromas coming from the bakery door. From their hiding place, a click of the door to the bakery opened as a brown and white dog descended the steps setting down some boxes a sweet aroma wafted from the containers in the dog's hands made Gadget's stomach rumble in hunger.
"Not yet," Zerinn said placing a hand on Gadget's shoulder. "We're both hungry, and besides most of the citizens here are well fed enough."
For a few minutes, Gadget and Zerinn waited until they both ran forward with Zerinn picking up two of the boxes ripping off the delivery label hoisting them into his arms passing the second box into Gadget's arms seeing a startled expression on the wolf's face.
"Zerinn what are you doing?" Gadget queried panic in his voice.
"Shut up and run!"
Gadget forced himself to sprint with Quartz and Zerinn trying to ignore the panicked shout echoing through the air. The bakery door opened allowing a brown and white dog to chase them across the cobblestones. Gadget turned his head catching a glimpse of a pleading expression in the dog's lime green eyes.
"Please stop! Those were an order from a customer!"
"Well, you shouldn't have left them lying around!" Zerinn rebuked grinning. "Maybe you'll think twice before setting your property outside in the streets!"
Gadget hesitated to hear the dog pleading with them his voice on the verge of tears. The wolf glanced at Zerinn's back seeing the jackal turn to meet his gaze a small scowl forming on his muzzle already guessing what his best friend intended to do. Quartz glowered briefly at Gadget shaking his head before sprinting ahead.
"We've got to get back to the bunker with this food," Zerinn said. "Don't even think about it Gadget. We need this food to survive. The citizens living in their luxury homes don't need it."
Decision made Gadget skidded to a stop aware of Zerinn's shout turning to pass one of the two boxes into the dog's arms. Gadget handed over the box to the strange dog panting in relief at the unexpected gesture of kindness.
"I'm sorry we stole these from you," Gadget said softly. "I'm not going to steal from this place ever again. Sorry, I couldn't get the other two boxes back, and my name is Gadget. What's your name?"
"It's Russell," The dog answered frowning. "Since you were honest enough to return some of the stuff you and your friend stole Gadget, I won't identify you as one of the thieves. Although if you want some advice, I suggest you find some new friends to hang around with."
After finishing his sentence, Russell turned on his heel smiling heading back to the bakery. The sound of the door closing behind him along with the sound of the muffled voices echoing from within the building. Gadget felt a light tap from Zerinn, with a fierce scowl on his face gestured in the direction of the bunker. The two of them set off at a fast walk carefully balancing the boxes in their arms.
"Gadget you're an idiot!" Zerinn snarled in anger."We're in a strange new place, and the first thing you do is hand someones' goods back to them. It's going to be harder for us to steal what we need since this place is going to be on the lookout for a group of jackals from now on."
"Take someone else on your raid next time Zerinn," Gadget snarled. "If we're going to steal from innocent people then I don't want any part of it."
"That's fine with me. I'll be sure to take either Kaito or Quartz the next time we go on a raid since they're not going to complain about stealing from other Mobians, unlike you weakling."
Gadget nodded in silence ignoring Zerinn's barbed comments. Gadget picked up the box of donuts handing it over to Quartz the two jackals ran away down the streets. Sighing Gadget began the long trek back to the hospital passing by the bakery once more glimpsing Russell at the window waving along with a small friendly smile. The wolf waved back with a broad smile. Gadget didn't see the harm of making friends with Rusell; it would be nice to make some other friends perhaps he could introduce him to Mikhail once he was out of the hospital.
Besides, you wouldn't have to feel like you were on thin ice all the time with Zerinn. Gadget thought to himself. After today I'm not even sure if I want to be his friend anymore.
A tight knot formed in his stomach the wolf shook away the lingering doubt about his and Zerinn's friendship. He felt relief that Mikhail was going to be okay for now. The wolf-headed back towards the hospital still carrying the get well card clutched in his fingers.
It was late evening by the time Quartz and Zerinn returned to the bunker; Quartz wisely chose to stay clear of Zerinn making an excuse he needed to polish his knives. The rest of the Jackal Squad picked up on the fact something happened. Ace, Nephthys, and Kaito paused in their cleaning making their temporary home more presentable looking up to see Zerinn standing there frowning setting down the box of donuts along with some other packages of food they'd stolen.
"Boss, just so you know we've got a job offer," Flint informed Zerinn. "A few minutes ago, when I was out on patrol a cat Mobian came up to me saying that there's someone here in Sunset Heights who has information on Marcus' whereabouts."
Upon hearing the news, Zerinn couldn't fight the wide grin splitting his face, upon hearing the name of the Mobian who'd betrayed his father all those years ago.
"We're going to be heading out to meet with our client," Zerinn informed the rest of the Jackal Squad. "Quartz, Sabe, and Flint come with me. The rest of you stay here; we can't leave this place unguarded."
"I want to come to!" Kaito cried out. "Marcus hurt our Father too; I want to help you get revenge on him!"
"You're staying here with Nephthys and Ace," Zerinn said firmly. "Kaito, you're a skilled fighter, but I need you to stay behind and keep an eye on things here at the base. There's no telling how dangerous things are going to become, and I don't want you getting hurt!"
"I can still fight!" There's no way I'm staying at the base, and playing housekeeper while you confront a traitor!"
"Enough of this nonsense Kaito!" Zerinn snarled at Kaito realizing his mistake shrank back. "I'm not about to have my younger half-brother endangering himself on this mission. You're staying here!"
Kaito fell silent staring at Zerinn defiantly. "I hate you."
Before Zerinn could say anything, Kaito pushed past Zerinn darting to the small living quarters the squad members shared opening the door before slamming the sound echoing all over the bunker.
Nephthys took a step forward worry etched on her face. "Zerinn, should I check on Kaito to make sure he's okay?"
Zerinn sighed deflating the tension leaving his shoulders. "I think the best thing to do is to leave him alone for a while so he can calm down. Saber, Quartz, and Flint let's go; we're wasting time standing around here."
The group of four jackals left the bunker in silence. Zerinn glanced back at the shelter ignoring the guilt forming a tight knot in his stomach before pushing it down. "He'll be okay; I can't risk endangering him."
Not one of the four jackals noticed one of the windows opening nor did they see Kaito slipping out crouching low to the ground ducking into several bushes pressing himself flat to the ground. Saber quickly turned to notice one of the bushes rustlings his instincts told Saber someone was in the bushes watching their every movement.
"Saber, come on we're wasting time!"
After an hour's trek, the four jackals encountered Aster standing on the side of the corner flashing them a sinister smile upon making eye contact with the Jackal Squad.
"Hey, there Jackal Squad long time no see," Aster said grinning. "Surprised to see me?"
Zerinn stiffened along with Quartz and Saber. Quartz reached for the knives hanging along the sash a snarl contorted his facial features into a fierce expression. Saber unsheathed his tomahawk. Zerinn silently folded his ears back a fierce growl forming in his throat upon recognizing Aster, the same fennec fox who'd kidnapped Kaito six years ago.
"I remember you," Zerinn glowered. "You used to hang with that maned wolf and jackal who kidnapped my brother," Zerinn snarled, taking several steps forward, gripping his sword tightly, his knuckles turning white underneath the gloves. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't slice you in half."
"I've heard a little a rumor that you're looking for a wolf named Marcus," Aster said smirking. "I've heard he's become the new leader of the Wolf Squad. I also wanted to apologize for kidnapping your brother. So, can I count on the Ultimate Mercenary, or are you going to chicken out?"
Saber waved Zerinn towards him; the jackal glanced at Aster suspiciously. Saber turned his head to look at Zerinn, gauging his leader's reaction to the question. Zerinn pulled back his lips a fierce snarl contorted his face, clasping his sword's hilt tightly.
"So, it's your call Boss; you're going to accept the mission, right?" Saber asked. "Even though this monster kidnapped Kaito, which led to him almost getting killed by Dune?"
Zerinn grimaced at Aster, extending a hand towards him to shake. Zerinn hesitated, the gears of his brain shifting until he made his decision.
"We'll do it," Zerinn replied coldly. "But if there's even the slightest hint of any funny business from you, then I'll have my squad kill you first."
Aster nodded, holding out his hand for Zerinn to shake; the two hands clasped together in a silent promise. The Ultimate Mercenary didn't need to look back to hear the angry mutters coming from Saber and Quartz. Saber shook his head no with Quartz reaching out to touch Saber's shoulder to reassure his squadmate not to say anything rash silently.
Aster smirked leading the way towards a stationary jeep climbing into the driver's seat with Flint sitting next to him. Zerinn, Quartz, and Saber climbed into the back of the jeep. The three jackals remained silent, not willing to speak to the treacherous fennec fox.
Over the roar of the jeep's engine, no one noticed Kaito creeping low behind the vehicle taking a running leap climbing into the boot of the jeep wriggling underneath the cover a small smile gracing his face.
Kaito pressed himself to the floor of the jeep. Kaito's ears pricked picking up on the conversation between Flint and Aster coming from the front of the vehicle.
"Zerinn is our leader now, so you shouldn't pull any stunts with us," Flint warned Aster. "In case you weren't aware, two of your former friends are in Shamar's prison. It's unlikely they're ever going to see the light of day again."
"Heh, you're funny," Aster replied cockily. "They were never my friends. The only reason I befriended them it was because we had so much fun tormenting those who were weaker than us. Speaking of which how is the Eggman lover faring these days?"
"Any information I have about Gadget is none of your concern," Zerinn sneered. "If you're trying to lure us into a trap I'll kill you myself."
Aster smirked choosing to ignore the threat climbing into the passenger seat. Quartz claimed the driver's seat glaring daggers at Aster. Zerinn and Saber sat in the back of the vehicle. The sound of the engine ignited drowned out the conversation coming from the jeep in front of them. No one in the second jeep said anything. A tense silence spoke volumes of the crumbling family bonds formed by the Jackal Squad. Saber realized Zerinn's desire for revenge would be the signal for an impending storm in the future.
Author's note Whoa I can't believe this chapter turned out to be longer then I thought it would be, but I'm pleased with how it came out. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter as well.
The names of Gadget's and Mikhail's adoptive parents are Cairo and Aria. Cairo is the more laid back of the couple, and Aria is the more protective one in their marriage. Aria tends to be overprotective over her adoptive sons, even with Mikhail's injury she wanted to make sure Mikhail's sprained ankle wasn't fractured.
Gadget holds a stable moral code mostly thanks in part to his adoptive parents teaching both him and Mikhail right from wrong. Zerinn, on the other hand, has been conditioned by his father that the strong will always overpower those who are weaker then they are. It won't be the first time that there will be even more tension between Gadget and Zerinn forming cracks in their once strong friendship.
I intended to introduce Rusell who is from the Illusionary Resistance in this story. Before the events of the Illusionary Resistance Russell used to work as a baker under a strict employer who punished his employees if they ever lost any of the bakery's goods.
After all, this time Dune and Aster make their return. Dune still holds a grudge against Zerinn for becoming the new leader of the Jackal Squad
As per usual thoughts/constructive criticism and reviews are appreciated and welcomed. I will see you guys for the next chapter when it comes out next week.