Chapter 4

Memory is Key

"No time to time to talk," Sapphire muttered as she passed by Garnet and Niko, mumbling other things to herself. Allison must have known about the Hesitance's uprising, so no wonder her and Platinum were having the same ideas.

And how did she not realize that 'memory is the key' before? It was so obvious! She shook her head and she picked up her pace to hurry to the data stations.

Garnet shook his head and sighed as Sapphire dashed off again. "And there she goes." He decided to do a little more training, so he left Niko to his own devices and walked back into the training room.

Niko followed her and saw her at one of the data stations. He walked up carefully.

"Sapphire?" Niko asked. "What's that? And what exactly did Allison mean?"

Niko knew Sapphire just figured it all out, but he was still in the cold. He was in this situation as much as she was. Plus, he knew, once this was all over, he would probably kept from seeing Sapphire again.

Sapphire rested her hands on either sides of one of the keyboards, her head down. She let out a sigh as she used one hand to tear both her own and Platinum's dog tags off her neck. She laid them down next to Allison's and took in a deep breath.

"Niko... the Insurgents, and this whole thing, has always been my fight. I've been here when this thing started, and I'm going to be there when this thing possibly all comes crashing down." She tilted her head slightly, but she did not look at Niko. "I need to figure this out on my own. I have been caught in this web since day one, and I deserve answers more than anyone does. I wish I could explain, but I need to do this alone."

"I have some of Allison's power too, you know?" Niko responded. "So this is my fight just as much as it is yours. Plus, I want to know why I even have some of her powers. I love you Sapphire, in case you forgot, and my love for you tells me we are both in this for the long haul and I'm not going to leave you when we both want answers. Platinum and Allison have answers we both seek and I'm not leaving your side until I get mine and help you get yours."

Niko, knowing Sapphire couldn't have forgotten how much he loved her and how much she loved him, knew she was probably going to refuse his help. He loved her and since this was his fight too, he needed answers as badly as she did.

Sapphire, knowing Niko was right, sighed heavily and shook her head in astonishment.

"Yeah, I know I'm a stubborn fox." Niko said reading his girlfriend's expressions. "But that is why you love me, right?"

Sapphire smiled weakly from behind her visor, looking at Niko and standing up straight. "This isn't your war," she said simply, shaking her head slowly. "It's the Insurgent's war. Niko, I could tell you why you have some of Allison's powers. I just thought you always knew how."

She turned her gaze back over to the data station and the pile of dog tags. "This agency is enough mine as it is the Director's. And he's never told me the truth. I need answers more than anyone does at this point. Besides, there's nothing on those dog tags to help your cause." She closed her eyes, "There's no way to put this gently. But, thank you for helping me, Niko. I'd still be fighting for the wrong causes if it weren't from you." She gently wrapped her arms around Niko and brought him in for a hug.

"So...are we breaking up until this is all over?" Niko asked hoping a 'No' would come as reply. Sapphire nodded and Niko looked down sadly.

"Oh." Niko said sadly. "Then tell me why I have some of Allison's powers so I can leave you to this war."

Poor Niko! Wonder why this had to be? And why exactly does Niko have Allison's powers? Until next chappie! Take it easy!