Responses to some reviews:

Cre8ivelybankrupt87: Yes, there was a slight, intentional time jump in the previous chapter, just to give everyone a taste of what is to come, hehehehe. So technically we are now in the past since I showed that futuristic clip of them inside the FTI building.

Lol yes, Arnold is not dumb and he needs to be very strategic with Rodrigo, more with him than Helga.

I finally got around to listening to Arun's interview with Craig Bartlett and I'm disappointed that any news on a possible season 6 is still not confirmed. We'll just have to wait for the Rugrat's reboot to be a success, which got pushed to next year, much to my frustration, grrrr!

But yes, I do hope Craig brings Lorenzo back, but also show his family and even some other Latinos in the series. They have to be diverse in order to compete. With the Loud House and Casagrandes series, they show ethnic minorities, even if they are only extras and I right now love the Casagrandes, lol.

That is the reason why I started another story season 6 series, with Rodrigo showing up at PS 118 as a new student in order to make him more canon to the Hey Arnold series and to encourage the notion of having Latinos in the series. I'm coming up with stories that show how Rodrigo fits in with Arnold and his group of friends, the cultural exchanges between them (I have an idea where Rodrigo has no idea what American football is and there is a slight confusion of what the term 'football'.), as well as a story about Cinco de Mayo or El Dia de los Muertos, even though they are Mexican celebrations. Plus, just like in this story series, I'll also be showing Rodrigo's highly totalitarian morality, which will make him butt heads with Arnold and with other characters.


Later the same evening...

It was now getting dark. The sun was setting, allowing some light to shine through before darkness would consume the entire countryside. Yet even with that amount of light, driving through the countryside, almost devoid of human contact, let alone human civilization, on their way to meet a mysterious person who could either help them, or spring a trap, made everyone have an unsettling feeling coursing through their mind and bodies. The countryside was indeed just that. Far on the horizon, one could see barns, some houses, but the rest was completely consumed by nature and farm fields. Trees, tall bushes and hedges covered the landscape, especially on the side of the roads; perfect places to set an ambush if one wanted to. On a normal circumstance, most passer-bys would find the countryside relaxing, even joyous. Yet on that day, with the darkness slowly consuming the countryside, the combination of light and darkness produced an abundance of shadows, creating this eerily feeling that where the trio were going was somewhere into the unknown, where something malicious and dark was awaiting them.

The Packard sputtered and struggled to move its way through the old road. It was close to 9pm and the driver tried its best to get there on time. Although the road was paved, due to it no longer being in use it was slowly deteriorating, allowing cracks to widen, while in other places, bulges were created, making the road somewhat bumpy to drive in. Yet, the old girl still had some juice left in her and continued move forward.

"I'm assuming it's too late to back out now?" Gerald asked as the vehicle bumped along the road.

"Hm, not really." Rodrigo said. "We can just drop you off here and you can make your way back home." He said with a smirk.

"Funny Rodrigo." Gerald said with a frown.

"We're almost there, Gerald" Arnold said him. "I can see the movie screen from here. We'll just quickly meet him, find out how he can help us and then leave right away. Just straight ahead, grandpa."

"Alright, hold your keesters boys." Phil said. "Dagnam it!" He cried out as the Packard hit a big bump. "These bumps are hurting the Old Gal." He complained.

"Just keep it nice and slow, grandpa." Arnold said to him. "We're almost there."

Phil steered the car carefully as it approached the abandoned movie theatre.

"Hm, I don't like this shortman." his grandfather said with a worrying tone. "This place looks scary and is perfect to set up a trap. How do we know this guy is actually going to help us."

"We don't, grandpa." Arnold said to him. "But we don't have any other choice. We have to see what he has to offer. Besides, that's why you're here; you stay in the car while Rodrigo, Gerald and myself head out and talk to this person. If anything goes wrong, you can just quickly pick us up and we can drive away."

"Hm, I guess." Phil said, still not fully convinced.

Soon they drove inside the movie theatre, but did not drive directly towards the movie screen. Just as they entered the abandoned property, Phil stopped the car.

"Okay, good luck boys." He said.

The boys unbuckled their seat belts and were just about to go outside when Phil spoke again.

"Oh! I almost forgot, shortman! Here! I brought this for protection." He said as he handed Arnold something.

"A stapler?" Arnold confusingly asked when he saw what his grandfather gave him.

"Yup. It's the same old stapler that you used to bust yourself out of Lasombra's prison. It helped you once, so I figured it might help you this time around, in case if anything goes wrong." He said.

"How did you even manage to find it in Lasombra's hideout after—you what? Never mind. I'll just go along with it." Gerald said.

"Um, thanks." Arnold said, still not sure how a stapler was suppose to help him, but Phil did have a point; it did help him last time.

Rodrigo said nothing and just looked at everyone with a seriously weirded look on his face.

"Well, you'd better hurry up boys! It's almost 9." Phil said.

"Do you have your cellphone grandpa? In case if we need to call you?" Arnold asked.

"Yup, got it right here." Phil said. "I'll be ready and waiting for you. Now I just need to go and find a good hiding spot."

The boys then got out and began to make their way towards the movie screen. Phil had good reasons to be worried and feel a bit unnerved by the place. Even though the place had only been abandoned for a short time, the whole area looked as if it has been desolate for many years. Without the proper upkeep, nature was already reclaiming it. Grass had already began to grow throughout, springing up from any cracks it could find. The buildings that once housed stores that sold snacks and food were already rusting and falling apart. Garbage was littered all over, with graffiti sprayed on the building and even on the movie screen. There was broken glass and bottles everywhere with many indications that people had been there. The place was so dilapidated that it would have made a perfect place to hold a Halloween haunted house spectacle.

Arnold, Gerald and Rodrigo quietly and quickly made their way to the movie screen, where they were supposed to be rendezvousing with this mysterious person. As the trio continued to walk, they were constantly surveillancing their area, looking to see of any movements or any suspicion popping up, all awhile carefully making sure they didn't step on anything. They were not far from the movie screen, but given how carefully and tense they were, what were only seconds seemed like minutes.

Rodrigo then suddenly stepped onto some broken glass. It didn't make a big noise, but it caused him to stop dead on his tracks. He looked down and glanced a large broken glass with a long, sharp tip on its end. He then looked around and saw some old cloths. He picked up the broken glass and cloth, wrapped the cloth around the glass.

"What are you doing?" Gerald whispered to him when he saw him stop and picking up the glass.

"Just in case." Rodrigo said to him as he then hid the glass behind his arm. Then, he began to walk again.

Eventually, the trio made it to the movie screen. Like the rest of the place, grass was growing around it and the metal bars that was holding the screen up were starting to rust. The trio looked around to see if anyone else was there.

"Do you see anything?" Rodrigo whispered.

"No." Arnold whispered back. He then took a few steps forward.

"Hello?!" Arnold called out a bit louder. "Is anyone there?"

The trio waited for someone to respond, but all they were met was a deafening silence.

"Hello?!" Arnold called out again. "We're here. Show yourself."

But again, no response. Arnold looked at the time and saw that it was just one minute after 9pm.

*clang*clang*

A loud clanging sound was suddenly heard from behind.

"What's that?" A startled Gerald whispered.

The trio looked behind them to see who was there.

*Meow* *meow*

A stray cat emerged from the piles of garbage cans that were nearby. The trio all let out a sigh of relief, but then turned back around.

"Aw man." Gerald said rather loudly and annoyingly. "This was probably just a hoax to get us out here and waste-"

"You're here!" A distorted voice suddenly exclaimed right in front of them, startling all three teens.

The trio tried to look to see who this person was, but given how dark it was now and also that the person was covering himself, they couldn't make out his/her face.

"Yes, we are." Arnold said. "So, what is it that you wanted to show us?"

"All three of you," The distorted voice said to them. "Take a few steps forward."

The trio looked at each other confusingly, but eventually heeded his words and began to walk towards him.

"Stop." The person said, prompting all three teens to stop.

"To your right, there is an empty paint can." The person said. "Inside it, there is a brown bag. Grab it."

Arnold looked down on his right and just as the person said, there was an empty can, with a brown bag inside it. Quite nervously, Arnold knelt down to grab it. Once he did so, he got back up, opened the bag and put his hand inside it. Once he grabbed that content, he took it out.

"A USB?" Arnold asked.

"Why do we need a USB for?" Gerald asked.

"This is no ordinary USB." The person said with his still distorted voice. "If you look at its end, there is a red light flashing. This device is constantly uploading information and status of Future Tech Industries."

"What information?" Rodrigo asked.

"The building's security system." The person responded. "Once you plug it into a computer, like a digital blue print, you will be able to see the entire building in 3D, along with all of its alarm system, the whereabouts of its security personnel, the building's security status, which triggering system is currently working and which are offline."

"Really?" Arnold asked when he glanced at the USB.

"Yes." The mysterious person responded. "With this information, you should have little problem getting inside the building and seeking out what you are looking for."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hang on a second." Gerald said. "What makes you think that we're in any way or form planning on sneaking into that building?"

"I don't." The person responded. "But, given your failure at City Hall to garnish enough support and to exert pressure on the Mayor to back down, and the fact that thus far, nothing else has happened, I'd say this is now you're only option. You did it last time. I'm sure you would have no problem doing it again."

"How did you manage to get this?" Rodrigo asked.

"How I got it is of no importance." The person with the distorted voice said. "All you need to know is that you now have this, so I suggest you use it."

The three teens again tried to get a better view of who this person is, but it was obvious that the person was wearing some sort of long coat that went all the up to his/her face, partially covering it. He/She was also wearing a big fedora hat, which very nearly covered his/her face.

"Good luck to you, Arnold." The person said and then began to turn around.

"Wait a minute! Who are you and how do you know who I am?" Arnold asked.

"My identity is of irrelevance." The person said. "You are a well-known person in this city, given what you did seven years ago. You fight for those who cannot, you stand up for those that are unable to. You have a good heart, Arnold. That is why I want to help you. You and your friends now have something powerful that will give you an advantage – Hey!"

Suddenly, a bright light flared up from behind the teens and right in front of the person, temporarily blinding him. Arnold, Gerald and Rodrigo instinctively turned around to see who just lightened their area.

"There we go." Phil said as he started climbing out of the car. "Finally, a nice, hidden spot to park—oh hey Arnold!" He shouted and waved at them. However, he then quickly realized that someone was also there with them. Upon closer inspection, he realized who this mysterious person was.

"Holy McNelly, I know you!" Phil shouted. "Aren't you that former CEO from Future Tech that got kicked out?"

The three teens then around back around.

"Hey, it's true!" Rodrigo shouted when he recognized him. "You're Michael Epstein!"

Arnold and Gerald said nothing as they stared at a somewhat tall, post middle-aged man, with a mostly white, but receding set of hair and dark brown eyes. Epstein initially said nothing and looked at them with shocked, worried, but now increasingly irritated look on his face. Phil had so suddenly pulled the vehicle over to their side so fast that it completely started him, accidentally knocking his fedora hat off and revealing his face.

"Ugh, damn it!" He angrily exclaimed with his now normal voice. "You were not supposed to have seen me. Do you realize how much in deep water I could be if people found out I had given you that USB?!"

"I take it you were not supposed to have this?" Gerald assumed.

"Of course not!" Epstein angrily shouted. "I stole this information."

"Listen," he continued, now with a serious but also worried tone, "you absolutely cannot tell anyone about this! Apart from that the fact that if Von Scheck find out, he can neutralize it, he will also come after me with so much legality that I will be buried alive with so much debt for exposing such sensitive information."

"We're really sorry, Mr. Epstein." Arnold then said. "We didn't mean to expose you like this. It was an accident. I promise we won't tell anyone about this."

Rodrigo and Gerald agreed by nodding.

"Well, the least you could do is drive me out of here." Epstein groaned. "I don't have a vehicle."

"How did you even get here then?" Rodrigo asked.

"I had someone I could trust drive me here." Epstein explained. "I asked him to go home after he dropped me off. I was supposed to call him after our meeting."

"Sure thing, Mr. Epstein." Arnold said and politely gestured him to hop into their vehicle.

While still grumbling, Michael Epstein then made his way towards the Packard and got in. Arnold, Rodrigo and Gerald also got on and they began to drive back into the city.

"So, does this USB really does what you say it does?" Gerald asked.

"Yes." Epstein responded. "It gives you a constant up to date on the situation and condition of the entire building's security apparatus. You have full view of where each security personnel is and where each alarm system is, allowing you to bypass it without triggering it."

"Mr. Epstein, how did you mange to get this?" Arnold asked him.

Michel Epstein just sighed and was initially hesitant to say anything. But, given how his identity was already exposed, it's not like not telling them would have made a difference.

"I know a lot of people think that I was naïve or just plain stupid to have hired Von Scheck, even as a consultant." He began. "But the truth was, the company needed someone like him back. There was no other option left for us. We were actually considering on declaring bankruptcy when Von Scheck arrived and offered his services. It was a serious risk, but given the circumstances and seeing an opportunity to revive the company, I hired him."

"But you must have known he would have tried to double cross you." Arnold said to him.

"Oh, I did." Epstein responded. "I knew that deep down he had plans on re-taking the position of CEO. That was obvious to me. I was never planning on allowing him to stay at FTI for long. Once he had exceeded his usefulness, I was planning on thanking him and then letting him go. What I underestimated was just how much influence he still had in the company, but especially time. He was able to turn that company around and oust me in less than a month! I've never seen that much speed of one person achieving the highest position of power so fast! I thought I had more time."

"Anyways, during the time when he was a consultant, I began to plan out a contingency plan, just in case if something like this were to happen. After you and your friends' little 'raid' into the building some seven years ago, the company began to upgrade its security system, naturally. As CEO, I supervised that upgrade and knew its intricacies. A few days after I hired Von Scheck, I had the computer/security engineers secretly install a system in which the entire security apparatus can be monitored using that USB. I figured it would one day come in handy."

"Whoa." Was all Gerald to could say, amazed.

"I know, right?" Epstein said with a chuckle. "But that was only my plan B. My main weapon was to install the same monitoring system throughout the entire building's computer and telephones. It would have allowed me or anyone who had access to it immeasurable powers, not to mention would have conducted full blown corporate espionage."

"What would have been the point of that?" Rodrigo asked.

"I knew Von Scheck still had supporters and I wanted to see just how much influence he still had at FTI. To know that, I would have to have gained access to all security cameras, telephone calls, emails sent to anyone else, etc. Where ever he went and whoever he spoke to, I needed to know. I know this was a very immoral act, and I hated the idea on spying on my own employees, but I felt it was justified in order to never allow that man to become CEO again. I would have happily resigned as CEO if I would have given the position to someone else other than him. Plus, if Von Scheck was engaging in any illegal business acts, through this monitoring system, I would have found out and I would have used that as an excuse to fire him. Unfortunately, installing that monitoring system was taking far longer than expected. My computer technicians estimated it would have taken a few months to have it installed throughout the entire building. At the time, I thought I would have had sufficient time to see it completed, so I didn't rush it. Well, unfortunately I was very wrong. Once I received the notice that I was to resign as CEO and give it to Von Scheck, I immediately called my technicians and instructed them to cancel that operation. Needless to say, I only managed to complete plan B."

Arnold said nothing and just out a disappointed sigh, frustrated that Von Scheck somehow managed to slip right through Epstein's fingers. Arnold angrily lamented on the what ifs, on how much headaches and stress could they have avoided had Von Scheck been stopped before he even became CEO. Even Eugene and Nadine could have avoided getting hurt.

"I'm really sorry things didn't work for you." Was all Arnold could say to him with a frown.

"As am I." Epstein responded quite dishearteningly. "But, there is still hope you, Arnold. With this USB, I'm sure you can use it to stop him."

"Mr. Epstein, I'm not really sure if we can even use this." Arnold said. "If we were sneak into the same building a third time, we risk getting into trouble with the police. They've made it very clear to us to never do something like that again. Plus, who's to say that Von Scheck is not expecting us. There's just a lot at stake if we do this."

"I understand, Arnold." Epstein said. "And I'm really sorry for putting you and your friends in this position. I really wish I could have stopped him last month. I'm not saying you need to do this, but I'm hoping you can think about it, or at least use this information to come up with another plan."

"Thank you Mr. Epstein, for all you're help." Arnold said, still not completely sure about it.

"Just one more question." Arnold then suddenly said to him. "How did you know Helga was my girlfriend?"

That got everyone else' attention, especially Rodrigo's.

"You and your friends have been in the news a few times." Epstein began to explain. "The first time I heard about you, Gerald and Helga was about when you stopped Von Scheck the first time. The second time was when your class was tricked into that bogus San Lorenzo contest. After you and your friends were rescued and brought home, your story was all over the news. When I was reading the newspaper one morning, I came across your story, with a photo of you and the rest of your class coming out of the airplane that brought you home. In that photo, I saw you holding hands with who I was sure was Helga. So I put two and two together and thought you two were going out."

"Oh. I see." Said Arnold.

"By the way, I apologize for that rude remark I made about her." Epstein said. "I never meant to insult her, but I had no other way to convince you to that I wasn't her."

"Oh, it's okay sir." Arnold said.

Rodrigo said nothing back and just continued to listen in.

"I hope you both are still going strong." Epstein then said with a smile. "You guys make a nice couple."

"Oh, well thanks, but the thing is," Arnold then began to nervously say to him. "we're not really...together anymore. We broke up about three years ago."

"Oh." Epstein said, surprised. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's okay." Arnold said. "It was hard for the both of us, but we managed to move on and remain friends." He quickly continued.

"Well that's good hear." Epstein said.

Arnold gave him a weak smile at him, but just hoped Epstein wouldn't pry any more on this awkward topic about Helga, especially since Rodrigo was in the same vehicle. Luckily for everyone, Epstein did not and merely instructed Phil to drop him off on the first main street they come across.

Upon arriving at that very street, Epstein thanked everyone for the ride, wished Arnold and his friends the best of luck before they then drove back to the boarding house, anxious to see just how useful this little device really was.

Back at the boarding house...

No sooner had they arrived when they immediately went back into Arnold's room to find out what usefulness this USB really was. It was already a bit after 10pm into the night by the time they got back. Before Arnold and the trio departed to meet up with Epstein, everyone else decided to head home for the day, agreeing to meet up again the next day, all except Helga, Phoebe and Curly. Arnold had asked them to stay and wait for them to come back so they can see what the mysterious person was going to give them.

Once the trio arrived back, they gave the USB to Curly and Phoebe to analyze it. Curly plugged it into his computer and opened it. No sooner had he done that when everyone instantly saw what that little device contained.

"Wwwhoooaaaa!" Curly exclaimed in utter shock.

"Oh my!" Phoebe exclaimed.

Everyone else said nothing but were as equally amazed at what they were seeing.

It was a state of the art program. A window instantly popped up, revealing a digital blue print of the whole building. Only, instead of it being static, it was live! Curly was able to zoom in and out, enabling him to get a closer look at specific parts of the building, or if he wanted to get a bird's eye view of it. Everyone was able to see the movements of all security personnel within the building, including where they were in the building. As well, they were able to see the entire building's security alarm system. All motion detection sensors and security cameras and their locations were being shown, as well as which doors had security access codes and which were simple doors that anyone could use.

But just as importantly, the gang was able to see which security level the building's security was currently at. Each security personnel and devices and systems was indicated as a red dot, which on the side of the computer screen was a table of content, signifying to everyone that the building was currently on high alert.

"There are so many security guards." Rodrigo commented, astounded. "Each floor is filled with them!"

"And so many security cameras and motion detection sensors." Gerald comments. "They are everywhere! Look! They have cameras in the bathroom. So much for privacy."

"Even outside of the building, there are guards patrolling the perimeter." Arnold remarked, equally astounded

"I can't believe it." Rodrigo commented with a shocked look on his face. "You were right, Arnold. There was no way I would have been able to make my way inside without getting caught." Rodrigo remarked, finally realizing with dismay how fruitless the whole enterprise would have been.

Arnold said nothing and just glanced at the screen, utterly surprised that not only was he right, but even if he were to consider it, any hopes of trying to sneak into the building was now utterly dashed.

Despite how divided everyone was about this whole issue, seeing the building being impenetrable was demoralizing. It meant that their options were now even more limited.

"I take it then that the option to sneak into the building is now out the window?" Curly assumed as he stood up from the floor.

"Yeah." Was all Rodrigo said and just sat down on the floor, completely disheartened.

"It's okay, Rodrigo." Arnold said. "We'll figure something else out."

Rodrigo wasn't so optimistic and actually wanted to protest against Arnold's optimism, but he restrained himself from saying anything. He didn't want to sound defeatist.

"Well this was helpful." Helga sarcastically remarked.

"What do we do now?" Gerald asked.

"I guess we go with holding that protest regardless." Arnold said. "We don't have any other option."

No one really said nothing. The silence revealed everyone's feeling about that plan; it was very risky, with limited chances of success. Even Rodrigo wasn't particularly optimistic about it. Yet, with this now being the only option left, the group began to just swallow the cold, hard reality that in order to make their voices heard, they must hold that protest, even if hasn't been approved by the City.

"Hold on." Phoebe then said when she heard a beeping sound from the computer and quickly moved to the front of the computer. "Something is up."

"You do know that's my computer, right?" Curly remarked.

"I know, just hold on please." Phoebe said as she began to type away.

"What is it, Pheebs?" Helga asked.

"The building." Phoebe said. "It's no longer on high alert. Look, all the dots changed colours. They went from red to green, which means that the building's security is now back to normal."

"Really?" Rodrigo said with some hope in his voice.

"Yes. Positive." Phoebe said.

"Apart from the change in colour, how do you know it went back to normal?" Rodrigo asked. "Any specifics?"

"Well before, the whole building lit up like a Christmas tree." Phoebe explained. "Virtually every part of the building, every room, very bathroom had a security guard, cameras or motion sensors. Even the ventilation system had motion sensors on them. Nothing was left untouched. But now, a sizable portion of those same cameras and sensors have gone off line. Only those in the hallways, important offices and part of the staircase have remained operational. Even most of the security guards seem to have disappeared. I can only see a few of them now."

"Why did Von Scheck lower down the building's security?" Gerald asked.

"I'm not sure, but maybe I can find out." Phoebe said as she began typed away.

Everyone else remained silent and just watched Phoebe as she typed away. Curiously, she looked into the building's security history and scanned its report. She carefully went through each day and each week, trying to see if there were any changes or differences in the building's security alert level.

"Hm, interesting." Phoebe remarked. "It seems that the building has been on high alert for almost a month. There had been no changes until now."

"When did it start?" Arnold asked.

"Just a day before we had that meeting at our school." Phoebe responded.

"That's weird." Rodrigo said. "I can understand why Von Scheck would want to put the building on high alert, but why would he lower his guard down only a few days before the scheduled demolition?"

"Hm, well based on what I'm seeing, it may have something to do with fatigue." Phoebe said.

"How do you figure?" Gerald asked.

"Each security guard has their own unique employment ID number." Phoebe explained. "I can see when and for how long each security guard worked during this month. I only just looked at a few of them, but it seems that those I've analyzed have been working almost double shift nonstop. I'm pretty sure that after working for that many hours, many of them have grown fatigued and tired. And moreover, I have not seen anything that would indicate the building was broken into. Therefore, my guess would be that given the excess amount of time and resource on putting the building on high alert, Von Scheck may have overwhelmed his security personnel and was compelled to bring it back to normal levels." Phoebe said. "That or he just grew confident that we would not sneak in again."

"Or, it could be a trap." Gerald insinuated.

"That too." Phoebe agreed.

"I'm not so sure." Rodrigo said while in deep thought. "I don't think this is a trap. I think it's what Phoebe said; his security got overwhelmed and he grew confident."

"How do you figure?" Helga asked.

"Think about it." Rodrigo said. "If you were trying to exact vengeance on someone who foiled your plans, what would be one of the first things you would want to do to ensure that doesn't happen again?"

"I would spy on them." Arnold suggested.

"Exactly." Rodrigo said. "And since that was what he was surely doing, how do you think he would have reacted when he saw us essentially fight each other instead of him?"

"Well, I figured he would have initially be confused and not really believe what he was seeing." Gerald said. "That would have prompted him to continue having the building on high alert throughout the whole month. But, once he realized that's exactly what we were doing, he would have grown confident that we no longer posed a threat to him."

"Exactly!" Rodrigo exclaimed. "With his confusion, if not his paranoia, he overexerted the limits of his security system. So, with the confidence that we had neutralized each other, coupled with the need to bring the security level back to normal levels, he figured he could lower the building's high alert status without the fear of being infiltrated."

"But, how do you know that for sure?" Arnold asked.

"I don't. It's only a theory." Rodrigo said. "But, given what Phoebe discovered, it makes sense. I really don't think Von Scheck would have brought the building's security level down to normal just to trap us with only a few days left before he was scheduled to tear the neighbourhood down. Assuming he was spying on us, he would have known our fiasco at City Hall and would have speculated we would be coming at him eventually. Why take such a risk, unless he no longer thought it was a risk?"

"So you're telling us that while we were fighting among ourselves, Von Scheck was quite possibly spying on us this whole time, knowing full well what were doing and planning?" Gerald asked.

"Pretty much." Rodrigo said. "That's why we rendezvoused at Rhonda's house. With her big house and security system, it would have deterred any of his spies from finding out what we were planning."

"Arnold, were you aware of this as well?" Gerald asked.

"Well, I had a big bunch that Von Scheck could be spying on us," Arnold said, "but it's not like we were able to keep our plans a secret. Our plan was entirely based on doing the opposite. It was obvious that we were trying to rally everyone to protest at City Hall. Von Scheck didn't need to send his spies for him to know that. And besides, that's also why I went straight to see the Mayor and personally give her my first permit to hold the protest at City Hall."

"Hm, good point." Gerald said.

"Are you thinking of sneaking into that building again?" Arnold asked Rodrigo, getting back on topic.

"If the building's security level is now permanently back to normal, then yes I am." Rodrigo said.

"Arnold," Rodrigo continued as he turned to face him, "I know you are looking out for our friends, but given what we know now, this is a golden opportunity to sneak into that building and find any incriminating evidence that ties Von Scheck engaging in illegal business activities. Before you were right, there was virtually no chance anyone could have gotten past that security system. But, we now have a distinct advantage. Von Scheck has no idea what we know. The chances of us sneaking into the building and come out without being detected are that much higher."

Arnold said nothing and merely looked back towards the computer screen, glancing at the digital 3D version of the FTI building.

"There really isn't any other option." Rodrigo continued. "You're right about one thing; if we do this we will go to prison. That's not in doubt. But, it's better if only we go to prison than organizing an illegal protest and involving our families and all of the residents in it. If we do this and succeed, we can at least rest assured that our families and our homes are safe."

Again, Arnold said nothing and just continued to look at the computer screen.

"I'm afraid Rodrigo is right." Gerald then suddenly said with a sigh, prompting everyone, including Arnold, to look at him.

"I don't see any way around this." Gerald continued. "We've ran out of time. We can no longer go through any 'proper' channels to continue fighting. We have to get our hands dirty."

Arnold looked a bit dismayed that his best friend, after all this time, was now siding with Rodrigo. But instead of protesting, he merely went back to looking at the computer screen, frowning at it.

"Phoebe?" Rodrigo then addressed her. "Any other options? Anything at all?"

Phoebe just got up from the floor, took off her glasses to clean them and just shook her head.

"I'm afraid not." She said. "Gerald's right. If we had more time, we could perhaps find other ways to expose Von Scheck as a corrupt businessman. But, his influence and resources are just too extensive and powerful for us to really try and fight him through legal means. And our infighting only made the situation worse for us. I'm afraid I have to agree with you, Rodrigo. This is now our only option."

Arnold still said nothing, other than giving out a small sigh and just continued to stare at the computer screen. He continuously went through in his mind analyzing the pros and cons of this plan. He tried to come up with different scenarios, but each time came up with the same conclusion; his friends' well-being or the neighbourhood. It had now come down to this. Whether it was by choice, or through external forces, or through his own intentions or mistakes, how he got there was no longer relevant. It had now come to Arnold to make a decision; risk the safety and well-being of his friends or save the neighbourhood. Arnold now had to recognize that as previously when he was forced to choose between his parents and Helga, he now had to choose who to save, or who to sacrifice. He could not save both of them. As much as he tried to avoid on having to make such a difficult choice again, slowly, very reluctantly, he realized that it was no longer possible.

"I'm assuming your okay with this, Curly?" Rodrigo asked him.

"Oh ya. This is what I was born to do, hehehehe." Curly said as he cracked his knuckles.

"Helga?" Rodrigo asked her.

"So you decided to finally go with my plan?" She said to him.

"Yeah, looks like it." Rodrigo said. "Before you get to it, yes, you were right."

"Pfft, typical men." Helga said as she rolled her eyes.

"Okay." Arnold finally said something. "We'll go with your plan. Or rather, Helga's plan."

Everyone remained silent and just started at Arnold, stunned in almost disbelief that the football head had finally agreed to go along with it.

"But," Arnold continued as he turned to face Rodrigo and with a serious facial expression, "on one condition."

"Which is?" Rodrigo asked.

"We don't force any of our friends to get involved in this." Arnold said. "Tomorrow when we meet up with everyone, we ask them if this is something that they would like to participate in. Anyone who does not want to, can leave without being criticized or ridiculed. Got it?"

"Took the words right out of my mouth." Rodrigo said with a smile. "Deal." He said as he extended his hand.

Arnold, still with his serious facial expression, shook it.

Everyone else finally breathed out a sigh of relief, feeling a bit more confident now that both of them finally agreed on a plan.

"So, what time do we need to meet up tomorrow?" Gerald asked.

"Noon?" Arnold suggested.

"Sounds good to me." Gerald said.

Everyone else also agreed.

"Except, perhaps if I can make two changes?" Rodrigo asked.

"What?" Arnold asked.

Later that same evening...

After settling everything they would need for tomorrow's meeting, Gerald, Phoebe, Rodrigo, Helga and Curly proceeded to go home for the night. After biding everyone good night, everyone headed for home. Curly took the bus back to his home, which was on the other side of town. Gerald went with Phoebe to walk her home before going home himself. Rodrigo did the same and opted to walk Helga home.

The two couples initially walked together on the street. However soon, they departed and went their separate ways. Rodrigo and Helga continued to walk together, albeit in silence. After spending virtually the entire day on getting the whole group back together, both teens were exhausted and were actually looking forward to getting a good night's sleep. Helga and Rodrigo both continued to walk on the street, feeling very much relieved that the serious tension and grudges that once affected everyone seemed to have finally dissipated. Well, almost all of it. Despite Rodrigo having apologized to Helga for his behaviour, things were still a little tense between them and for good reason.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Helga asked.

"Yes, I'm sure." Rodrigo said. "With that USB that Epstein gave us, we have an advantage over Von Scheck and Arnold finally agreed with this plan. There's no going back now."

"I meant about us." She clarified.

"Oh." Said Rodrigo. "Yes, I'm sure about that too." He said softly to her with a sigh.

"It's not too late to back out, you know." She said with a smirk.

"Maybe not," Rodrigo agreed, "but we've already talked about this. Well, I talked to you about this, and I felt I needed to say what I said to you. I could no longer hide from it."

"Alright, suit yourself." She said to him casually, trying to sound relaxed.

"You're not...mad?" He sheepishly asked him.

"Oh, I'm mad alright." She said to him with an unnerving chuckle. "But I'm right now fuming over your 'impeccable' timing for you to tell me all of this." She said to him sarcastically while frowning at him.

"I know and I'm sorry for the really awkward timing." He said. "But, I felt that you needed to know and I wanted to give you some time..."

"Awkward?" Helga angrily exclaimed, interrupting him. "This isn't awkward. Awkward is when you accidentally trip and fall, grabbing my butt in the process. This isn't anything like that. In fact it's much worse! Crimeny Rodrigo, you seriously picked a lousy time to tell me all of this, right when we're about to engage in the most serious trail of our lives! Why couldn't you have waited until all of this was over before you told me that..."

"Helga!" Rodrigo then shouted, interrupting her. "Please don't make this anymore harder than it already is, okay? This wasn't an easy thing for me either. Actually, I consider this to be a serious risk because I know this was going to scare you..."

"You damn right I'm scared!" Helga angrily yelled back at him. "I've always been scared! That's why I act the way I act! You should know that by now! It's all just...a lot to take in and like I said, your timing couldn't have more worse."

"Helga," Rodrigo said to her, calmly this time. Despite Helga's anger, he was not going to engage himself in another shouting match with her. She had every reason to be angry. He stopped walking, turned around to face her and quite gently put his hands on her upper arms in order to calm her down.

"As I told you before," He said to her, "it's okay to be scared. I'm scared. Everyone is scared. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either crazy or lying. I really wish I could tell you how things are going to turn out, I really do. But, I don't even know myself. But I promise you that whatever happens, everything is going to be okay. You know that. Eventually things WILL turn out to be okay."

"How do you know?" She asked him, but with her voice somewhat trembling. "What you told me...I didn't expect it. I wasn't prepared for it at all. After what you told me, I cannot imagine how you would expect me to just get up every morning and pretend everything to be normal when it is not, not when I now have this...this thing over my shoulder to worry about it. I honestly don't know what to do with it!"

"I know that what I told you may seem to be more... well, baggage over your shoulders." Rodrigo said. "But given what we went through this summer, even the whole year, I couldn't go on and not tell what I feel about our relationship and where I feel...it needs to go. It would not have been fair to you. I'm not saying that you shouldn't be angry with me. You have every right to be. I'm just saying that you of all people should be able to understand."

"It's just...a lot to take in at the moment." She said with a worried, if not fearful look on her face. "I'm not just worried about Arnold. I'm worried about how this will impact us."

"I know." He said. "With us, just take it one step at a time and well see where it goes."

Helga said nothing else and merely looked at Rodrigo with teary eyes that clearly showed her distress and worry about this whole situation. Rodrigo merely rubbed her upper arms a bit to comfort her before letting go. However, just as he was going so, Helga than suddenly leaned forward and hugged him. Rodrigo said nothing and just hugged her back tightly.

Although never admitting it, the unknown and uncertainty of life had always frightened Helga. Now, she was on the crossroads where things were certainly chaotic, unintelligible and dark and she was expected to travel through it with no guarantees that she will even make it to the other side. It's unnerving for any other person, but for Helga, it was outright, unmitigated fear. Now more then ever, she needed some reassurance and encouragement for her to make that crossing; a kind of physical gesture that would transfer her all the strength, courage and endurance she would need for the journey. That's what the hug was for. It was a reassurance, a way to for her to feel safe, however temporary.

As they continued to stand in the pitch dark street of their fair city, neither said anything to each other. Nothing really needed to be said. The hug was all that was needed to be communicated to the other person. Both felt themselves reinforced by the other's strongest qualities and that alone reassured them that this path may...hopefully work out.