Sonic the Hedgehog

Duty

A warning about just how brutal Ice Cap's weather would be would've done the Jackal great wonders as he's carried through the air by Metal Sonic. However, at this point, he's just lucky to be alive. Humiliated and belittled for sure, but it's better than being dead. The sun's endless light shines across the entirety of the barren tundra, with few notable landmarks aside from the massive mountain behind the two henchmen that Team Dark began climbing. When leading the Jackal Squad, Zero and his team always took jobs in a variety of places. Grand Metropolis, Sunset Heights, and even the city of Soleanna. There were only three places that were off-limits. Station Square, eventually Scrapbrain, and Ice Cap. This area is commonly known as a giant blank spot on Mobius's map and for good reason.

Strange place for a chaos emerald. He thinks.

"Hey, machine," Zero says, looking up at the metal hedgehog's face. "Do you think we'll find anyone all the way out here?"

"If I do, they'll be eliminated," Metal Sonic simply answers.

Such a response should've been expected. Zero rolls his eyes and looks down at the ground below him which is currently speeding by in a blur. For the first time since this mission began, the confused mercenary notices just how fast they're going.

"Don't you think we're getting too far away from Team Dark?" Zero asks. "In case you forgot, our job is to protect them from those who'd be after the emeralds."

"I haven't forgotten my objective, mercenary," the metal henchman responds. "In fact, that is why we've flown about three-hundred miles from our designated area."

Zero gasps just hearing that number.

But... it's only been about three minutes!

"You see... you're a liability, Jackal," Metal Sonic continues. "Sorry for using the L word, but it's true. You're incompetent, rash, useless in combat, and- I just don't like you. The Doctor built me for the sole purpose of disposing of his obstacles and seeing his plans through. And you are most certainly an obstacle."

"BUT HE GAVE ME ANOTHER CHANCE!" Zero screams. "YOU'RE GOING AGAINST HIS ORDERS!"

"Ah... I knew you'd default to that argument you pathetic, fatuous organic. My master gave you another chance because his brilliant mind hasn't had the time to consider just how futile keeping you around is. So I'm doing him, and everyone else a favor. Don't worry, no one will miss you."

"YOU CA-!"

Zero is cut off when Metal Sonic abruptly descends to the ground in a matter of seconds. Before he can even realize what's happening, the Jackal is let go of and he lands face-first in the snow. He coughs some up as the robot hedgehog looks down on him from the air.

"I considered disposing of you myself, but you're not worthy of a death at my hand. So I'll leave you to Ice Cap's weather. Don't worry, town is just one-thousand, four-hundred, and fifty-two miles North. You can make it if you believe in yourself, champ."

"WAIT!" Zero begs, holding up a pleading hand. "PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HERE!"

"Ugh, you're so pathetic."

Before Zero can say anything else, in a blink, Metal Sonic disappears into a small light way off in the distance- that being his thrusters. Zero launches a fist into the snow below him, a tear leaving his right eye.

...