ACT III

Chapter 8

"Okay, here's the plan." Sally motioned Sonic and Lupe together into a huddle, with Nicole lazily yawning as she slowly walked towards them. "Sonic, you and the Wolf-Pack will stay here and guard the cave entrance. Robotnik will find us out eventually if he keeps peppering the mountains with crystal."

"D'oh man...! Sal, do I have tah wait...!?" She held up one finger to the protesting hedgehog and continued.

"You got first dibs on knocking him around. I thought you wouldn't mind that detail. Right?" The blue blur turned to the she-wolf and she grinned, bearing her teeth.

"You ready to do battle with your nemesis, again? We'll be behind you all the way!" She gave a enthused fist bump to the surprised hedgehog.

"Oh! We are having a meeting now? I wasn't invited!" The lynx puffed her cheeks as her chest resumed its steady glow. She stretched and smiled weakly, giving the group a groggy wave.

"Good timing. Nicole, you and me are going to that dead-end that you located earlier. We'll nab the necessary data to get you into Robotnik's Pod and get back to Sonic and the rest ASAP. Got that?"

"Absolutely. Consider me ready." The AI gave a tiny salute and grinned with anticipation.

"Not so fast, our little seer!" Lupe held out a bracelet with feathers strung along it. "A little gift, to show our solidarity with you. You deserve that much!" Condensation welled up around Nicole's eyes. "Just get back to us safe and we'll cover you while the magic happens!" The she-wolf said with a wink.

"Wow, already getting sappy and we haven't even won yet! I'm likin' the confidence." Sonic said, as he zipped back and forth. "I'm getting antsy so make it quick, ladies!"

The four held out their fists in a concentric circle, shouting, "Let's do it to it...!"

Lupe chuckled to herself. "I always wanted to say that."

Nicole and Sally didn't take long to reach their destination, as the numerous tunnels offered multiple hidden paths. Turned out, Lupe's evacuation plan unearthed many ways to slip in and out of Robotnik's view. The lynx took great care to map out what she could and seemed to finally be enjoying herself, which calmed the chipmunk's nerves as well!

"You know...I didn't think Robotnik of all people could bring out the best in you, Nicole! That stunt you pulled last night had me worried, but you were in control the entire time!" She sighed and looked at the AI wistfully, as if she was watching another Tails grow up before her.

"Now's not the time to get nostalgic, Sally. We're here." The artificial lynx replied, pointing at a massive chunk of hull sticking out of the mountainside. "Running preliminary scans. Give me just a minute."

Sally felt a sudden rush of wind tussle her auburn hair and a chill ran over her. No. If he's here, then... Hushing her companion, the chipmunk crept off toward where the path opened up, pulling out a pair of red specs. Scanning the area, she saw the massive pod creeping down the lane slowly. "Oh my gosh... No time, I have to do something."

Searching her satchel, she found her handy flare pistol. That'll get his attention. I just hope it blinds him long enough to give me a head-start!

"Well this day could be a lot worse. I finally was able to get some additional testing on the pod. Plus, I sent that blasted hedgehog flying...!" Robotnik chuckled to himself as he guided the pod with a modified joystick. "The previous motion controls were too flimsy. Sometimes direct input is the key to victory! When I see those Freedom Fighters again, I'll... GAH!" A sudden flash of light, followed by a loud pop had blinded him. He flung his headset away to protect his eyes!

"Who dares..." White dots blurred his vision as he put the interface back on and watched as a tufted tail rounded the corner. A very familiar one. "Princess Sally. What are you doing out here alone...?"

Nicole's RAM was at capacity trying to take it all in. She got more than she bargained for, as the fallen piece just so happened to contain a fraction of the CPU which was reserved for primary directives and communications! Communications, hm...? That's my way in. She heard a voice in her ear scream, breaking the lynx out of her concentration! "Sally...!"

Having finished her task, she stared at the satchel at her side as an idea began to form. A particularly fun one. "Don't worry, I'm coming to get you!"

"Oh...oh!" Sally was glad that she had continued to perfect her acrobatics over the years as she ducked and leaped between jutting rocks.

"Well well, Sally..." A cruel voice echoed throughout the Great Unknown. "I always wanted you as a trophy. While I won't be able to roboticize you this time, this is a fine close second...!" Several beams shot out, each barely missing their mark.

I'm glad you picked now of all times to start toying with me, Robotnik! Another projectile shattered the rock next to her as she dived out of the way!

Nicole! Hurry up and get here already! Suddenly, as if she was granted a wish, the lynx appeared racing along on a...metal board!?

"Grab on, Sally!" Instinctively, the chipmunk grabbed the tail end of Nicole's top and found a spot on the back of the board. "Oh! Careful with the threads!"

She observed the ground below her as it crackled with static! "This is crazy...!"

Nicole laughed heartily at Sally's reaction. "Oh I wish Sonic were here to see this!"

Robotnik yelled at the duo, interrupting their revelry! "Oh...you won't live to see another day!"

The lynx continued to use the terrain to glide across the mountainside as several beams shot out to intercept! "Hold on, Sally!"

Hold on!? I'm gripping you as tight as... The chipmunk began to feel herself float off the board as they arced upside down. Using a natural bridge in the mountains, they vaulted over to other side of the canyon!

She willed herself back onto the board as they hit the ground and she stared back to see the pod performing a tight loop to avoid the sudden overhang!

"Dah...! You can't hide forever...!", the dictator cried out in anger, having lost his quarry for the moment.

"Oh my gosh! Can we never do that again? Please!?" Sally was beside herself, gripping the lynx's shoulders for balance.

"Sorry! I'll warn you next time!", Nicole replied with a giggle.

"NEXT TIME!?"

Chapter 9

"Looks like they stirred up the nest." Lupe studied the landscape with her own pair of binoculars at the top of a lookout plateau. She spotted the pod first and then... "Are they riding a hoverboard!?"

"Give me that!" Sonic snatched it from her hands and peered into the lenses. "Oh man! We are totally doing that when we get back to Knothole!"

"Sonic, you saw the pod, yes? Our favorite dictator will be upon us shortly!" He looked again and saw the pod taking a path separate from Nicole and Sally. It directly headed toward the base's entrance.

"You have them ready?" The hedgehog stated, pointing to a conspicuous sack on the ground.

"The rest are bringing their own set of "Rotor's Special". Of the "Anti-Doomsday" variety..." The she-wolf toothily grinned as the remainder of the Wolf-Pack crested the hill with numerous little grenades poking out of their packs.

"Alright! I'm first up! Get into position!" Sonic ordered as he sped down the canyon-side to greet his nemesis once more. "Yo! Chrome-dome! Why didja have to keep me waiting, huh?

"Ooh... I'm not in the mood for this, you miserable hedgehog...!" More crystal lasers greeted the blue blur as he sped off.

"Catch me if you can, Buttnik!"

Nicole and Sally crested the hill and the lynx did a stylish spin to signal their arrival! Landing to safety, the chipmunk immediately dismounted and tried to maintain her balance. "Never...again."

"Are you doing alright, Nicole? I trust you have enough energy for what's coming next? We're staking a lot on your victory here!" Lupe grimaced as she said this. Their computer was completely drained of power when the artificial one had finished recharging!

"More than alright. I did intentionally go into an overcharge for just such a purpose! I hope you don't mind." She replied sheepishly.

"Ugh... just don't overdo it, Nicole. How's the position of Robotnik's ship?" The chipmunk motioned below as Sonic continued to kite the mad doctor around the floor of the Great Unknown.

"Position's good. We'll handle the first volley!" Lupe motioned to the rest of the Wolf-Pack as they pulled a massive sling into view!

Okay, the pack's ready. Let's get this show rolling! Jucin'! Sonic stopped suddenly at a seemingly dead end. "Oh no...! I'm stuck."

"Got you now! It ends here, Sonic...!" Turrets trained on the hedgehog who turned around with a cheeky grin. "What the...? What could you possibly have planned this time?"

"Oh nothing! I'm just glad my acting's getting better, Robuttnik! Yo Wolf-Pack! Give him the goods!" Numerous grenades impacted the craft, shattering pieces of the pod! Even the crystal that managed to grow back shattered before the massive torrent!

"Okay Nicole, hopefully we gave you a good enough opening." Suddenly, he saw a small metal object fly out and stick to the hull of the ship!

Nicole felt the world outside fall away from her as the remote link found its mark. Everything is going as planned thus far. Hopefully this little field test works out! She flew across an endless green grid, watching as a massive series of buildings shot up around her! Darkness soon flooded through as land continued to shape and form an imposing metal colossus.

"We're in enemy territory now..."

Chapter 10

A eerie mist passed through numerous dull blue streets and back alleys. A full moon hung in the air as the sounds of footsteps and unidentifiable sounds echoed throughout! The lynx scanned around and immediately recognized the architecture in all its foreboding glory. This is...Robotropolis!

Pulling up a virtual keyboard, Nicole poked around what she could only presume was Robotnik's personal server, looking for a way to access the main controls. All signs pointed toward the egg-shaped citadel in the center. "Well, this is an obvious trap. I'm no novice, Robotnik. You'll have to try harder than that!"

"...And I wouldn't expect anything less. Welcome..." What is he doing here? Isn't he controlling the craft right now!? "By the way, I switched to auto-pilot to keep the hedgehog and his friends busy while we discussed matters in private. First off, let's give you a small test!"

Swat-bots swarmed the area, giving Nicole little time to react! She immediately threw up a wall, bending the geometry to her whims. It managed to impale a few of the robotic guards and a patrol unit crashed into the side! "Excellent. You already gained enough access to manipulate the world around you, however slight it may be."

"So you already spotted me out." She curtly replied, as she sped through the air toward her destination. A couple of hover units surrounded her side by side. "It's no use, Robotnik. I'm taking you down from the inside!"

"Such confidence! How much of it is the little computer that could, and how much of it is..." As the voice echoed through the false metropolis, Nicole looked up to see the moon turn to reveal the dictator's grinning face. "Your killer instinct!"

"Here's a curve ball doctor." The AI replied as she caused a bit of the ground to erupt, forming a makeshift ramp. She guided her fall onto a nearby rooftop, sliding into a dead sprint, and proceeded to vault over numerous more.

"So graceful, but you forget this is my realm!" Lasers shot from his eyeballs as the impact shook the false world! Suddenly, the virtual lynx came to an abrupt stop! "Wrong move...!"

Another beam shot out as she formed a reflective shield using the bits of shattered glass around her! It bounced the beam back at the moon, destroying it! Silence fell over the metal landscape... "Speak for yourself."

Sally adjusted her companion's position as she pushed her into the mouth of the tunnel leading further down into the Wolf-Pack caves. "Keep it together, Nicole!" The frozen frame of the lynx remained still, with eyes glowing a dull purple. Her life-force pulsed quicker, remaining ever constant.

I can tell you're getting some push-back. We need a better distraction for Robotnik!

Lupe rushed up to her position and exclaimed, "Looks like Sonic has got him in a stable position. However, the two are constantly moving down there and haven't stopped for a second! We can't even get a proper aim on the pod!"

"He's trying to tire Sonic out. Clever." The chipmunk poked her head out and saw the hedgehog continuing to run circles around the ship. "I need to get his attention. I got a plan!"

Short, labored breaths erupted from Nicole as she reached the base of the citadel. It was much easier to manage my energy flow when I was a handheld. Oh well, you live and learn. I guess... Peering up at the facility, she crossed her arms and stared at the roof with a new determination. "We'll see what surprises you have in store for me. I'm ready for anything."

Reaching the control room was a cakewalk, as the guards seemed to have receded into the depths of the server for the time being. "I see you wasted your energy on that magnificent display from earlier, Robotnik."

The center console rotated around to face the virtual lynx as the massive man greeted her, twirling his massive orange facial hair. "Nonsense, my dear automaton. I just partitioned the workload between this and the efforts of squashing your friends once and for all."

Nicole peered over his grotesque form, gazing at her target. "Oh pay no attention to that." Her gaze met his and a deep pain began to form in her head!

"What...are you doing to me!?" It felt like something was ripping her apart from the top down.

"Re-asserting my control, of course. The remnants of that program are still floating around in there. I just needed to be close enough to access it!" He came down from his throne and walked over to the AI's virtual form, petting her head. "I think it's time you came back into the fold."

You really don't want me here, doctor.

"What is that!?" The doctor screamed, backing away from the now rising form.

Chapter 11

Sonic, now exhausted from playing tag with the ship for -far- too long, witnessed the craft come to full stop! He motioned upward to the Wolf-Pack before placing his hands on his knees to catch his breath. "Good one...Nicole."

Lupe signaled to the hedgehog and then shouted, "Let's finish this!" A group howl began to sound out as another volley was loaded.

Sally, however, backed away as the purple glow of the eyes turned to red. "Oh no, what's going on now!? Nicole...!"

"Agh...!" Robotnik found himself hip deep in his own mainframe, as dark tendrils curved around his arms, flinging him in the air for another round.

"Enjoying the ride, 'master'? " Nicole once again floated in the air and juggled the obese figure in the air with a devious grin, red irises flashing. "This is just a party trick. Nothing more."

"Put...me...down...!" The dictator could barely get the words out between yelps and screams.

"As you wish." She said, as he hurtled to the ground suddenly with a black mass slowly covering his form. "Now...stay."

As she calmly walked over to the mainframe, the lynx heard the ragged breathing of the giant as he pleaded to her. "Stop... You can't... I worked too hard to..."

Angrily, she shot him a severe glare as the mass pushed down even harder. "I'm not your pet! Luckily, I have someone within to keep me from ending it all here!" I have to keep up the act. At least, until I get what I want. Besides, this is a little cathartic for me as well...

Nicole knew that channeling her anger was risky, and she had a tendency to get carried away. The power she exuded was taxing as well, and the AI knew she had severely limited herself by acting out. I just need a brief window.

Blue screens turned to green as more access was given to her. "Go ahead... If you're going to do the deed you might as well finish me now!" She whipped around to see him manipulating his own keyboard. "Either I die and you truly become my progeny, or you continue to live that fake life you cherish so deeply. Like the weakling you are!" He had his finger on the button and she saw the word "Firewall" written above it. "Your choice, infiltrator. Or is it just...'traitor'?"

A moment passed in slow motion as a finger began to rise, shaking, towards the prone doctor. It would be quick, but at what cost?

He sighed disappointingly. "Too slow." The button was pressed as all the screens turned to red. The mass immediately came off of his body and began slamming at the mainframe desperately! "Goodbye, 'Nicole'. My offer's off the table." With that, he dissipated before the horrified lynx's eyes.

"I have to get out of here!"

"Uh, what's going on." The hedgehog looked to see turrets pointed at him once more. Almost instantaneously, they shifted upwards towards a new target! "...Whoa! Lupe look out!"

A stray beam fired upward. The she-wolf watched terrified as it came towards her; too quick for her to react. A body flew between her and the blast. She watched, frozen in place, as the newly crystallized form of Diego lay at her feet!

"You gone too far this time." Sonic gritted his teeth as he resumed his assault on the pod in anger.

"Sonic...!" He heard Sally's voice over the noise, breaking him out of his moment of rage. Turning towards her, he saw the chipmunk waving him over towards a large overhang in the near distance.

"On my way, Sal!" He started to zip over to her position when he heard a loud, pained howling from above. Staring upward, he saw Lupe land on the craft with teeth fully bared as she began to claw at the pod!

"Lupe!" She turned and snarled at him, pointing to Sally.

Okay, I get the hint!

Nicole flew out of the massive window of the citadel as the form of the server began to fall in on itself, with the massive egg structure being the first to go. No, I won't be more than just a distraction! I..can't!

Frantically sweeping through data with her keyboard, she began running code through the server. The geometry stabilized for a second as she searched for an exit point. "Come on. Come on...! OH!" A stray beam fell across her side, knocking her out of the air!

Grunting, she pulled herself to her feet as a curious green glow filled her field of vision. I'm...in?

The ship lurched forward toward Sonic, as Sally watched the she-wolf tear through more crystal, some of which began to stick to her claws. "Lupe! Stop! The void crystal he's using is volatile!"

"Concentrate on your mission, Sally! I have my own...!" Satisfied with her work, she motioned to the remaining wolves above! With a back flip off of the pod, a massive volley struck the craft's newly made weak-point, exposing numerous wires and cables!

It continued to lurch forwards as a familiar voice erupted from the machine. "Guys, I'm in!" The image of Nicole appeared, floating above the pod. She had seen better days, as numerous scuffs adorned her fur and her clothes were in tatters.

Sonic's eyes widened as he saw her battered form. "Uh, you okay Nicole?" The image phased out of existence briefly as the ship crept up to the overhang.

"Do...it...to...it..." That was the last words he heard before he came up on Sally's position.

"You saw it too, Sonic? Nicole, she's..." The chipmunk had begun to tear up again.

"Yeah. After this, she's taking a break from missions for a while. Speaking of which..." Sonic said pointing up the nearby tunnel, "Let's split!"

As he rocketed up the pathway leading up, he felt numerous explosions rock the earth! "Hold on, Sal!" With the last of his strength, he bolted through the quickly collapsing through-way, flying out as it completely caved in!

"That was close, Sonic... Oh my gosh. Look at that!" Sally shouted, pointing at the doomed pod as the overhang completely fell on top if it, causing it to explode!

"Good riddance, Robuttnik..." He turned to see the chipmunk had broke away from him, running over to Nicole's prone body, which had been dragged over to the slingshot by the Wolf-Pack. "Oh man, Nicole...!"

Chapter 12

The green waves surrounding Nicole guided her through the endless darkness. The last thing she saw before, was Sonic rushing towards her lifelong friend. She had set the pod to auto-pilot, hoping the timing was right.

All logic stated that she enough time to escape, but she found herself still swimming through the void.

Stopping in place, she closed her eyes and focused as the blackness crept around her form. Reaching a hand upward toward the sky, she felt something tug at it, pulling her upwards!

"Gah...!" The lynx shot upward suddenly to the surprise of the crowd that now surrounded her! Sally hugged her tightly than ever before and she returned the embrace. Sonic brushed some stray tears from his face and smiled. The wolves present howled towards the air, raising their fists in victory. "Oh! We...did it. All of us."

"You have to stop doing that! That's three times now you got me crying, Nicole...!" The chipmunk sniffed and rubbed her eyes, swollen with tears.

The lynx noticed someone was missing. "Where's...Lupe?"

Sonic motioned silently behind him at the she-wolf kneeling over the frozen form of Diego, his face frozen in terror. Lupe's claws shone luminously in the sun, with the crystalline material stopping at the base of her first knuckles on both sides. She was weeping...

"We need to give her some time. Just be glad it's all over for now." Sally helped Nicole to her feet as she slowly walked toward the leader of the Wolf-Pack.

No. I think this needs to be said immediately... Placing a hand on the hurt she-wolf's shoulder, she met Lupe's pained gaze with her own relaxed one. "You were very brave today. Thank you for trusting me to get the job done, Lupe. I know what it cost you..."

"Now there are nine of our number, lynx. I am strong, but this...?" She pointed at Diego, the horrified stare boring into both of them.

Nicole suddenly embraced the surprised wolf, as condensation misted around her eyes once more! "I believe it's time I took responsibility! We'll find a way to cure his condition. I did a casual scan. It's not..."

A clawed hand, adorned with crystal came to the AI's lips. "No more. You do understand. Perhaps your vision will guide you to a cure. Seer."

The two helped each other up, with Lupe's hands still on Nicole's shoulders. "There was more to the ancient Lynx of the Mountains than mere fortune telling."

She held a hand outward towards the expanse of the Great Unknown, as the sun began to set. "They always supported us no matter what, up until they were all roboticized. You carry their torch. Never forget that!"

"I won't, Lupe." She whispered, as her friends ran to her side.

"This is nuts, Lups!" Sonic remarked as the Wolf-Pack pitched several tents at the outskirts of Knothole. "The party atmosphere is kinda ruined now after all that went down." The Freedom Fighters stood by solemnly as the she-wolf looked towards the moon in the sky.

"Nonsense. For one, this makes the perfect base camp to search for a cure for this crystal condition." Her gaze fell onto her fingers as she flexed them with some difficulty.

"Besides, when we lost most of our tribe, it was Diego who suggested we had to honor them with a festival. To forget the pain and move on." She smiled at looked to the giant orb in the sky once more and howled solemnly.

Tails ran up to Sonic, who was staring at the display without moving. "Things are gonna be tough from now on, huh?"

"Big guy... We're dealing with Robotnik again, we're gonna need all the help we can get." He looked down to see the young fox pointing forward, enraptured by what he saw. "What? …Whoa. Is that...?"

It was Nicole who eased the tension this time, as she flowed into a sudden dance, shifting her weight as she glided over the ground. Bits of metal rotated in the air with ten in number. They moved through the sky gracefully as she passed between all members of the Wolf-Pack, smiling gently as she went.

As she finished her routine, she brought the pieces into the view of the moon, surrounding it as they fell to the ground. An applause began slowly, then erupted into impassioned cheers and howls!

Sally ran over to the artificial lynx and held her hand, meeting her gaze. "Nicole, that was beautiful... Why did you...?"

"To show that we're with them until the end. Till the stars fall from the sky... Also..." She paused until the all of the Freedom Fighters crowded around her. "...I have a plan."

As she spoke, a rotating image of a curious crystal with mechanical parts patterning the side appeared in her palm, illuminating her face in its glow. "I think it's time we reunited with Lazaar!"

END OF THE FINAL ACT

Author's Notes:

To those that made it to the end, please leave me a PM or review, to let me know how I'm doing or what kind of stories you wanna see from me!

Ah, I get to add to the great canon of "Lupe Suffers" stories... For more, read the Archie Comics. (I'm sorry!)

Let me know how I'm doing with Nicole and if you wanna see more of her! Lupe too, since I tried to treat her character with dignity as well as her crew.