After parting ways with the Doctor, Nicole headed to the right looking to see who she could talk to in order to gather information about what was going on in the town. There were so many wonders to see at the stalls. She stopped by the carpenter's stall and admired his handiwork. He had many wooden carvings of animals, tables, and people. She was going to approach the carpenter, but he was busy with a few customers. Nicole left hoping to find someone who was free to talk. Down the street, she saw a stall full of baked goods that a Chicory was selling. Nicole walked a few steps when she felt something nibbled on her shoulder. She turned around and went into an attack stance when she saw a horse's head bobbing up and down over a stall door. The horse gave a snort of delight and extended its head forward as if it wanted attention. Nicole smiled and laughed with delight as she stepped towards the black horse that had a white streak down its face. "Well, aren't you a beauty!" she said while rubbing its neck. The horse nickered and rubbed its face against her shoulder. "How about something to eat?" Nicole looked at the ground to find any grass to feed the horse. "Ah, here is some grass."

As the horse took the grass out of her hand, a blacksmith came out and shouted, "Hey you! Get away from the prized stallion! Nobody may touch or feed him! Step away or I am going to bring the guards to arrest you!"

"Okay," Nicole said putting her hands up while taking a step back. "I won't bother your horse again."

"You better not or next time you will be sorry!"

Nicole continued on her way to the baker's stall ignoring the stares from the townsfolk. The stares only lasted for a few seconds before everyone resumed their activities. She approached a Chicory at the bakery stall. The Chicory looked similar to Squeaks since it was four feet tall and furless. However, the Chicory was white with black eyes. "Hello, my name is Nicole. What is your name?"

"Jasmine and don't worry about Mr. Robertson the blacksmith. He is protective of the ruler's horse. If the blacksmith does not follow the ruler's orders, he will be sent to the jail of despair for life."

"That seems drastic."

"It's been like that since the ruler became in charge three years ago. Nothing has been the same since then. When the old ruler died, this man came and took his place on the throne instead of the rightful heir. Everyone obeyed his order without resistance."

"Maybe this is the man who is using mind control," Nicole thought to herself. "What is the name of this ruler and where can I find him?"

She saw fear in Jasmine's eyes and she said trembling, "His name is forbidden. No more questions. I shouldn't have said those things to you. Go away before I do something to you."

"What do you mean?" But as Nicole asked that question, Jasmine's eyes turned into a hazy look and she stepped menacingly towards her. Nicole turned around to flee, but slammed into the blacksmith. The carpenter and the blacksmith grasped her arms. "Someone, help me!" Nicole shouted with terror. She looked around for someone to help her, but all the other townspeople turned their heads away and continued with their business as if nothing was happening. She turned towards Jasmine who was still coming towards her while holding a needle in her right hand. "No, don't bring that thing near me!" Nicole struggled to get free, but to no avail as Jasmine plunged the needle into her arm.

"Sleep now, darling. Enjoy it while it lasts because your nightmare has just begun." As Nicole tried to stay conscious, she heard Jasmine ordered the carpenter and the blacksmith. "Bring Nicole to the ruler immediately. He is expecting her."

"This can't be happening," Nicole thought as she slipped into darkness.