Scratching the Box

by TheMaxx

Being able to think, but not being able to feel is a madding feeling. After temporarily switching bodies with Sally, Nicole cannot not stop thinking of the experience. Even years after that fateful day, she can not forget, she thinks but she cannot feel. Unable to control herself or her thoughts any-longer, she acts on ulterior motives.

11. New Pain

Disclaimer - I do not own sonic or any other characters. They are property of SEGA and anything sonic the hedgehog affiliated with it.

I wanted to make a shot out to my beta reader, just wanted to thank him for all the help, advice and contributions to this story.

The night was abruptly put to an end with the new revelations placed in front of Nicole. Nicole stared blankly at her television feeling queasy and feeling as if she wanted to lie down. Amy and Sonic's eyebrows drew together with worry as they looked at Nicole to their right on her couch.

Amy then spoke in the suddenly quiet room "…Mina has the worst timing…" she said with a slight frown.

Nicole dawned a curious face finally breaking her gaze away from the television looking intently at Sonic and Amy "Timing? What are you talking about?" Nicole paused looking at Amy but quickly looked at Sonic who looked guilty "Sonic?" she asked him tentatively as she looked uneasily at him.

Amy shifted uncomfortably on the couch and Sonic sighed "A lot has happened because of what you did six years ago…" his eyes narrowed into a serious expression.

"Since some interest got wind of news that you were coming back…things have been ramping up so to speak…"Amy stated with an upset face.

Sonic rubbed the back of his head looking at the floor and avoiding Nicole's confused eyes "We know you don't remember it all Nicole, but we never got to discuss what you did…and we've been waiting for you to come back…" he paused looking back at her seriously "…Because of the circumstances at the time we couldn't hold you accountable for your actions…"

Nicole dawned a hard stare blinking her eyes at what she was hearing. Her stomach dropped as she turned away from them, closed her laptop, shut the New OS manual, and turned off the television. Resolution shown on her face as she turned and looked back at the two "…Tell me everything that has happened while I was away…I can now see this cannot wait any longer…" she said in a determined voice.

Sonic and Amy looked at one another with frowns then back to Nicole "I don't know about that. We were going to talk about it with everyone tomorrow…" Amy said with an upset face.

But Nicole shook her head knowing full well how she handled the things he learned just today on her own…which was not very well…

But as she knew, and Amy and Sonic knew, the Freedom Fighters were the only ones who knew about her. She was still a Freedom Fighter despite being separated from them. And they were the only ones who truly knew her personally, knew her past, and where there with her six years ago when she did…it…

So it was safe to discuss this with them despite her not being able to stomach her past very well. That and she needed to begin to understand these things now as they were ever fast approaching despite wanting it to go away. Six years ago she was naive as a child mentally…she now understood why they didn't do anything to her for whatever she did….

So she might as well be prepared for her past actions to affect her "…I will admit it has been hard for me to understand what has happened…but if I will face my inevitable past I might as well do it before I am completely unprepared…" Nicole's lips pinched together in a frown.

Sonic and Amy paused again before they spoke, Nicole's cold hard stare reminded them so much of when she was a computer it sent shivers down their spines. Not only because of the latter but because this living breathing Nicole was so similar to her past self; mannerisms and all.

Sonic spoke first "…I know this may seem like it's happening really fast for you but…these past six years have been long and hard for us…it's been long and hard rebuilding everything without you these last six years…" Sonic said with a serious face "…It wasn't that long ago for us…"

Nicole took in a deep breathe through her nostrils but remained quiet with a strong face. Amy crossed her arms "…It's so hard to look at you and not see her…I mean you…I guess…."

Nicole sat stiffly on her spot on the couch, and she folded her hands together on her lap with her lips curled down into a frown "Where do we start?" she questioned.

"That's a tough one…" Amy stated frowning as well.

"We'll talk more about who you were and your past with the guys tomorrow, Rotor has more of the info about all that stuff…" Sonic paused.

But Amy put a comforting hand onto his shoulder, and Nicole nodded silently with a determined face. Sonic sighed as Amy squeezed his shoulder again before releasing it. Amy gave him and Nicole a reassuring look and Sonic's uneasiness bubbled up as he started "…I know this is all a bit abrupt for you because it is…a lot is being unloaded onto you after you just arrived, and you haven't even had a chance to blink, and all this heavy stuff is falling on you…." Sonic slowly shook his head and looked down at the couch breaking his eyes away from Nicole again "…I guess we should start back to six years ago first…" he paused again.

Before he could speak again Nicole spoke through a cracked voice "…I have learned something's myself today…I know of my…body…how I was created…and some of my past…so do not pull your punches…"

Amy blinked her eyes in surprise "You know…" Amy paused "…Rotor?" she questioned.

"Yes." Nicole stated with a hard stare though inside, she felt her stomach churn at her supposed actions that had caused much harm.

Amy frowned as Sonic finally lifted his eyes and looked back at Nicole frowning as well "…I was there...in the room with you….I…" Sonic's mouth slowly closed seeing Nicole trying to keep her composure; she looked him in the eyes with a hard frown on her face remaining silent though he could sense her unrest…

But he continued "…Before you got your body you left those DVDs behind…"

Nicole nodded "…My memories I was told…" she stated unevenly still frowning.

"Right..." Sonic stated "…you were the A.I of New Mobotropolis and…" he stopped short again as Nicole closed her eyes and her brows furrowed in frustration "…Maybe we should stop for now…" Sonic said with an upset face.

But Nicole shook her head "No! Continue!" she stated sharply "…I must know…" she said keeping her eyes closed and squeezing her purple robes tightly in her hands on her lap.

Amy and Sonic felt uncomfortable but Nicole's tone indicated she did not want to stop no matter how much it seemed to unnerve her. But Amy spoke this time; her face upset "…You were the computer program who ran the city Nicole…"

Nicole opened her eyes, and she blinked her eyes almost as if she were fighting off tears though she tried to hold a tough face "…And how did this cause problems exactly? How did my actions cause so many problems?" her voice quivered a bit.

And Sonic and Amy could obviously see how hard it was for Nicole to digest what they were saying. Saying essentially that she used to be a machine...a computer program…the gravity of what they were saying was indeed hard to believe…

Worry filled Sonics face as his brow wrinkled "…When you left everything stopped working…we had a disaster because you left…"

Nicole kept a hard frown on her face "…What was the reason for my departure?"

Sonic quickly changed the subject though frowning again "Uh that's Rotors department…he should know more about that…"

Nicole slightly raised an eyebrow in suspicion at Sonic's snappy tone, but Amy spoke to continue this hard conversation; Amy kept her frown "…It was one of the biggest disasters in New Mobotropolis history…"

Nicole briefly darted her eyes away from them "…I have learned much in my time away…some about this city…so that was me…" she obviously referred to the disaster that happened in the city six years ago.

Nicole kept her eyes way from them as Sonic continued "…Eggman attacked us while we were vulnerable…lots of stuff got destroyed…possessions…and a lot of people got hurt and worse…" he stated with a frown.

Nicole took another deep breath as she looked back at her friends, and something's started to make some sense of what was going on. She felt a slight dizziness from the surreal accounts of her past from her friends; her face upset "What was my purpose?" she asked with shaky breath.

Sonic breathed out a sigh seeing Nicole struggle to handle it, but he continued "Without going too far back…you created this city…" he paused and Nicole nodded "…to help us…"

Nicole kept her frown but looked slightly curious "…I cannot begin to fathom everything you have said…how did I work? How does a computer program…do what I did? One of them, essentially become a living being…I don't understand, and it does not make sense. I will leave these questions for later though…" she said briefly looking down and rubbing her chin.

Amy then looked sympathetic "That's how this relates to Mina…it's kind of complicated…"

Nicole raised an eyebrow in curiosity though still looking upset "How is that?" she questioned.

"Because what happened six years ago is why…well heck everyone is a bit upset with you…" Amy said sympathetically.

Nicole then blinked her eyes in understanding "…I see…so this is why everyone has been giving me dirty looks…" but she looked slightly confused "But what does that have to do with Mina?"

Sonic dawned a serious expression "Well Mina jumped on the bandwagon about you, theirs some red tape about what officially happened to you. And the rumors piled onto all the other stuff didn't make peoples opinion about you any better."

"We got other problems from what happened six years ago too unfortunately…" Amy stated as her frown returned.

"I was afraid there was more…" Nicole stated as she frowned again.

Sonic nodded seriously "Yea, others have gotten involved with the business that is you."

And Nicole made a guess "This wouldn't have anything to do with the advancement of technology since I have left does it?" she asked curiously.

"That's another factor that we can't completely into yet, but yes." Amy stated.

"I have not got a chance to ask yet, but what is going with that in particular? I mean to say, what has happened with technology? Why exactly has this become an issue; although I'm guessing it has something to do with me." Nicole said with an upset face.

"You were saying that you talked about it earlier?" Sonic asked her curiously.

Nicole nodded sounding hesitant again "I gather this is another issue within itself with Rotor and Tails using the New OS as they have."

"You don't know the half of it. " Amy chuckled weakly.

"Tomorrow we'll get to all that." Sonic stated to Nicole with a frown.

Nicole looked both Amy and Sonic seriously in the eyes "…Are you upset with me as well?" she asked them both.

Sonic had told her the previous day how he felt but he reiterated "…A bit…" he frowned.

"Ditto." Amy stated with a frown.

And Nicole nodded in understanding for the most part, as she thought she'd had enough for today. But it didn't stop as Sonic spoke again "…That's pretty much the gist, but we should also tell you about how people feel about you now…" he said with a serious face.

Nicole nodded keeping her upset face, but her patience had worn thin learning about all that had happened. And Sonic and Amy told Nicole of her current relationship with the citizens of New Mobotropolis. With the trio all deciding they save there bigger conversations for tomorrow. As it was inevitable they would be discussing it anyway as Rotor had more information. The citizens of New Mobotropolis were and angry at her because of the disaster, and the damage caused by said disaster six years ago. Also the damage that continued on afterward from the disaster six years ago. Needless to say as Nicole knew, the nanites that she used in the past to build the city, what the whole city was made of were not functioning right anymore. She'd seen it herself today…

But that wasn't it, the people of New Mobotropolis were also mad at Nicole because of who she was. What she represented. As Sonic and Amy delved a little into why she was a public figure. The reason being she was everywhere, she was the city, and by effect everyone knew her obviously. But many people loved her…

They looked up to her, and she was a pillar of New Mobotropolis. So when she disappeared and caused so much damage it was a given that they were upset at her. Many citizens expressed their hurt and anger about her actions over the years, and it was well known around the city that everyone disliked her now. There was even more unrest about her when officials would not tell the citizens of what happened to her. They refuse to till this day, and more negative opinions formed about her. As she used to be everywhere around the city all the time in the past. And for her to suddenly disappear only lead to rumors and more distrust of officials and herself along with other effects of her leaving.

The city was very advanced, the technology and everything in it. And she used to take care of it all. Needless to say when she left it was pushed on them to maintain it need not be said they could not even come close to maintaining the advanced intricate technologies as she had. So more people had to work to maintain the city than they ever had. The main problem with it was it was more work than any normal job. The people had to maintain the city round the clock with no breaks because if they didn't it was a possibility that everything would stop working…

So without her help everything became much harder. They would be vulnerable to attacks from Eggman and various other villains if not for the recent spur of technologies. But that was another topic for another time as well…

So Sonic and Amy talked to Nicole for hours on end about the horrible things that went wrong while she was away. They conversed past midnight, engaged into the ripple effects her actions had on others….

Meanwhile around the same time elsewhere in Mobius…

Midnight; Kingdom of Leonus…

This Mobian Kingdom had always been mostly safe from the wrath of the Great War. The reason being was because it resided in a place that was of little to no interest to Eggman. There were no major resources or anything of value so the Kingdom of Leonus fortunately had the pleasure of hardly crossing paths with Eggman. The kingdom had the same layout of New Mobotropolis just that it was not encased in a dome and not far from the Castle of Leonus, at an open area inside the city surrounded by buildings and other structures. It was nighttime, late into the evening and a concert was ending, and a ragging crowd fueled by energetic music had just ended.

The star of the show; covered in multicolored light's bid farewell to her fans before exiting the stage "Thank you all so much! I would not be here if it was not for you! Goodnight!" Mina screamed into her microphone.

She bowed and left with the crowd chanting her name, and her band followed her offstage. Mina wiped her forehead with an ecstatic expression about having another great set. Hastily she made her way around back with her tired band members close behind her.

Behind the stage were the band's trailers and Mina's trailer sat closest to the stage and was the biggest. The lights from Mina's trailer were also the only ones on until just minutes ago as the stage crews began packing the equipment into other trailers…

Inside Mina's trailer, Ash sat at a desk counting money and looking over the schedule he had laid out for Mina. He then switched off the direct feed on a small television on his desk of the stage seeing their latest concert was over; he had some more notes for Mina about her performance. Then a big grin came onto his face; he knew Mina was going to be successful, but the amount of money in his hands proved him otherwise. He loved being Mina's manager. Every show since she convinced the band to sing about Nicole had sold out; word of mouth had really done the advertising.

People who weren't even from New Mobotropolis loved the music about Nicole just because it was a rumor about what happened at New Mobotropolis. The city officials of New Mobotopolis had refused to spill any details about what had transpired there, and the rumor had only made Mina's music stronger. All most people knew was that Nicole had did something bad, and they considered her bad because of it. Mina did tell him and the band before they left six years ago that she had meet Nicole, and she was real…

Now Ash didn't and still didn't know what to think of that because as far as he knew Nicole was a computer program and to hear something crazy like a computer becoming real was too much for his suspension of disbelief.

When he asked Mina about it she said she was told the same as everyone else; they wouldn't tell her anything more about this real Nicole she calmed to have met, not even her old friends the Freedom Fighters. He took it as being suppressed by the system because Nicole had obviously done something bad, and the populace was being spoon fed lies…

Mina decided to start singing about Nicole after the incident six years ago because she felt the political leaders were lying to them all. So that's when she convinced the band to start singing about the horrors Nicole created a few years after they left New Mobotopolis six years ago. He or anyone else didn't really know what really happened, but they knew they were being lied to so they didn't care if singing about Nicole was right or wrong.

Ash finished counting a stack of money and put a thick rubber band around it. With a grin he reached forward and grabbed another pile of money and began sorting it. Many people were apathetic and accepted whatever they were told. It was cool to hate. He didn't care because they were making money, but he had a feeling Mina had a shred of regret, and she didn't fully mean what she said or sung about; in his eyes sometimes the girl was too nice. Over the years they had got overwhelming support from people who lived in New Mobotropolis listening to the things they had rumored in Mina's music about Nicole and how they disliked her for leaving.

Nicole leaving though…it was a statement that confused him till this day...

Ash's brow furrowed in slight frustration…they had met Nicole a few times in the past…she was a computer…a talking computer no less…

But he grinned again shaking his head done with pondering with the blurry past as the cash in front of was of his only concern. He sorted a bit more cash before he put the money in a box next to him on his desk. He then snatched up the bands schedule on a clipboard on his desk and looked over it for their last show but it wasn't on list; it had been a long year of touring and their last stop was where they were going to be taking a break. Now that places around Mobius were rebuilding because of the sudden pace around the world they were experiencing they got a lot more places to visit. Ash flipped through the papers in front him feeling a small bit of frustration at not finding what he was looking for. Just then one of the crew managers knocked on the door.

"Come in." Ash said offhandedly looking at his clipboard.

A male lion wearing a white t-shirt and pants stepped into the trailer leaving the door cracked; he held a clipboard under his arm, and his fur was yellow "Yo Ash, the concert was a big hit. We've packed up; we should be ready to leave by morning."

Ash put his clipboard down with irritation on his face "Hey, where is our last stop? I think I misplaced my schedule again."

The lion lifted the clipboard under his arm then flipped through it "Ahhh...lets see...here we are. Our last stop is Mina's hometown." he said looking Ash with a neutral expression.

Ash's eyes slightly widened in surprise, he had totally forgot "Hmph, well at least we have some of our biggest fans there."

"I would think so. This is going to be out biggest concert to date as the number of inhabitants of New Mobotropolis has risen sharply after whatever happened there. Don't forget about the New Mobotropolis Thanksgiving festival." the lion stated putting his clipboard back under his arm.

Ash completely turned around in his seat "Yeah yeah, I heard that people visit the city during the festival too. We'll be pulling in big dough." the lion nodded in agreement behind him, and Ash turned back around with a stern look "Alright, so the roadies packed up everything already right?"

"Yep." the male lion stated.

"Did they complain about our agreement?" Ash asked narrowing his eyebrows.

"Quite the contrary, they were more than happy to work for Mina for free." the male lion chuckled.

"Good, fire the roadies. We'll find plenty more suckers in New Mobotropolis for sure." Ash said with a mischievous smile.

"Sure thing." the male lion chuckled leaving, but he left the door open.

Ash saw this as he readied to turn back around in his chair "Hey! Why didn't you..." but Mina stepped in looking confusedly at him, and he lost the irritation on his face.

Ash blinked and called out to the manager "My bad!" Ash heard his acknowledgment in the form of a grunt.

Mina smiled brightly "I haven't been home in a long time, I can't wait to see everyone."

Ash was mostly impassive for her enthusiasm though "We're going to sell out big there I know. But Mina when you singing Corporate Cloning you need to add some growl, you were a little off on pitch on that song. When you're singing 'This year's model dims' it needs to be heavier. We'll talk about it on the way there." he said with a slight frown.

Mina's smile faltered slightly as she closed the door and walked over to hug him "I'm tired so I'm going to call it a night." she released him.

Ash didn't to seem to notice though as he turned back to the desk and grabbed and pen and began writing on some paper "Ok cool, I have a lot of work anyway so you rest up..." he said already engrossed.

Mina made her way into their bedroom not far away from the entrance door of the trailer with a frown fully forming on her face now that she wasn't facing Ash. She didn't bother flipping the lights on or even changing out of her clothes. Instead she just fell face forward onto her bed "Ughhhh…" she groaned taking in a deep breath.

Singing was exhausting, and they'd been on a long tour this year. Things with her and Ash had been pretty much the same over the years. A bit strained but workable but sometimes business got in the way of their relationship. She took in another deep breath thinking about finally going back home to New Mobotropolis. She had got word that the Freedom Fighters were not happy with what she'd been doing; that being singing about Nicole in a negative way over the years.

And her friendship with all of her friends in the past had lessened into that of associates. Because as she became successful she'd become apathetic about what was happening with others. She felt powerful with her success of her music career. Even if she knew deep down what she was doing was immoral in some ways…

She knew it was sort of wrong singing about Nicole and all, but her career had skyrocketed. So she figured she would deal with it all once she got there because was tired at the moment. And with those last thoughts her eyes shut and minutes later she was sleep; they would be in New Mobotropolis in a day or two. And she was looking forward to advancing her career even more in her biggest venue yet.

Meanwhile on the other side of Mobius the sun was just rising in the Dragon Kingdom. Cool dew on the grass and untouched nature as far as they eye could see. How could one not take pleasure at the sight of boulders hurling through the air and violently tearing the ground. This morning the four clans were at it again in their eternal battle for resources. The world had changed so much in the last six years; evil had taken a seat on the sideline. Whereas before they just stole everything they needed from whoever, now the forces of good had continually pinned them into a corner taking control of things they used to.

The Yagyu bat ninjas stormed across the great valley's open fields into battle. The Shinobi chameleon ninjas charged into the fray from another direction. The Gossamer Spider Ninjas charged from the south, though they all headed out into one direction in the open fields of red trenched grass splattered with the blood of war.

The Rayju Clans home, their battalion stood near the base of the mountain; their base. Fending off the invading clans who sought to attack their base and steal from them. It was no coincidence that the Rayju Clan had been subject to all form of attack. They had all the resources now; they had more resources than all the Dragon Kingdom combined. The good guys were too powerful to steal from anymore. No clans were sure how they acquired such wealth in times past, all they knew was they had it, and they were the only ones left to steal from in such harsh times.

On the balcony of the throne room Conquering Storm looked over the battle below with a twisted smile. She looked more mature in the face with a small bit of sagging; the stress of running her clan showed physically. Though she still kept up her appearance still looking as striking as she did in the past. She looked closely as one her battalion men brought a Gossamer ninja to his knees and finished him. A soft giggle escaped her lips; she had finally realized her dream to be stronger than all. She placed her hands on the balcony rail, her eyes half lidded she blankly stared at the battle below with glee.

She was drunk with power; she dipped her head back feeling the warmth of the morning sun. She couldn't stop the violence, she loved it. Now that she was the most powerful no one was immune when she lashed out random hate, it was her discipline, it was her way of life. Conquering Storm's face then became stern again as her brows furrowed angrily. They also had more resources because the Rayju clan stole from the other clans; yes they had more than they needed, but they still took more.

It would not have been possible if not for Lighting Lynx. The information they had acquired six years ago about Eggman and sold from the chaos on the attack of New Mobotropolis had allowed them to grow stronger than ever. The particular information was damaging info about weaknesses in Eggman's defenses around his many bases around Mobius. She sold it to many wealthy and interested buyers…even some of the worst villains around Mobius…

So here they were now…

She had lightened up on Lighting Lynx as years went on. His blind obedience to her had charmed a small part of her. Even going as far too physically abuse him while he was still working off his debt, and he didn't resist but ask for more only if it pleased her.

Lighting had worked off only six years of debt before she released him, the seventh year, this year, he was free, and he had another position in the clan. He was now her personal bodyguard. She turned her head peering behind herself; he was out of sight but always close by. Conquering Storm returned her attention to the ensuing battle below. How he came to be so close to her was a strange tale…

During his janitorial service she made him do more than he was expected to do. One particular day she had saw him periodically through the day, and she was amused to see the orders his supervisor had given him had tired him out. So she personally ordered him to do extra things for her, running errands for her, waiting food on her, etc. She had found so much more enjoyment out of torturing him this way instead than being dead that she almost regretted the decision because she would be missing out on the suffering she caused him for his failure.

However, one day a few years ago she was pushing him to the max, he had lots of dead bodies had to clean up, and it was getting late. He could not go to sleep unless his work was done. It was getting late, and she ordered him to do something. He had keeled to her but his body slumped in exhaustion, and his face was disheartened as he slowly rose to finish her task. Almost ambling away not even looking at her like he usually did with an amorous smile that irritated her.

As she watched him walk away, for the first time since she decided to walk her path in life, she felt genuine pity. The pity was driven from her own governing mistakes she had been making at the time. She was in between apathy of what actually happened to her clan members, but she did care because it made them as a whole, weaker. Those bodies that Lighting Lynx was cleaning that night were her fault and making mistakes made her look at herself for the first time in a long time…

She pitied him because what he wanted to see good had made him blind; blind indeed to not see what kind of monster she was. So that same night she couldn't sleep because of earlier events, so she took a stroll to get her mind off things when she saw Lighting Lynx finish his work and pass out on the floor of the throne room. She approached his fallen form on the floor to see him fast asleep. The moonlight danced through the cloudy night skies off of his body. Something in her changed that night; finally seeing things beyond herself for a change. That she would be nothing without her clan…

The next day she excused him when the guards found him, letting him sleep on the floor until he awoke and let him continue his work. Lighting Lynx looked very wary of her sometime after, and he would have been right before. So she became more benevolent, seeing to it her clan members were given much more opportunity to grow, training them better, pampering them, and even seeing they had the best of what she could offer and because of it they became stronger and more loyal along with the push of wealth of the stolen resources and the information they sold for great profit years ago. They fought better and stole better to the accumulated wealth they had now; they had grown together.

Now knowing that her clan was the most important thing to her. But Lighting Lynx's picturesque view of her had never faltered; the fools infatuation with her was unbelievable. She had the mindset of a killer, and yet he did not see that in her. It was something she never uttered but he had stupidly charmed her, his obedience to her is what she liked. So on the sixth year she freed him of servitude and made him her personal bodyguard as his loyalty was unlike no other. It could not be bought; and of course he was more than happy to take the position as more people had attempted to assassinate her lately; it was also a good business decision.

Conquering Storm smirked slightly coming out of past recollections. Lighting Lynx would give his life for her. She knew couldn't get better protection anywhere else. Also, Lighting was quick...he served her drinks faster than anyone…it was a plus getting speedy service…

But unbeknownst to her on the far side of the balcony a shadowy portal opened on the floor, and a shadowy figure rose from it. Conquering Storm's feeling someone was watching her turned to see if it was just her mind playing tricks on her; she was wrong. The figure had took a step away from the portal on the ground towards her. Conquering Storm remained still sneering at the figure.

She didn't have to move because before the figure could take another step Lighting Lynx dashed out onto the balcony and wrestled the figure onto the ground who did not seem to protest. Lighting Lynx held an upset face as he held the intruder down.

Conquering Storm slowly made her way over with her arms behind her back. Just then more of her guards came rushing onto the balcony and surrounded the intruder; pikes in hand pointed at the intruder. Moments later the shadows faded from the shadowy figure to reveal Geoffrey St. John staring up with anger on his face. The guards tightened their grips on their weapons, and Lighting Lynx pushed his face further down.

Conquering Storm moved in closer and raised her eyebrows in modest surprise "Mr. St. John? What treachery do you bring to my home?" displeasure was now on her face.

Geoffrey growled up at Lighting Lynx; he was pushed into a very uncomfortable position "I will not speak from such an undignified position!"

Conquering Storm spoke in a threatening tone "Oh but you will. Has Constant Vigil sent you?"

Geoffrey squirmed in Lightning's grip "I have come because I need help."

Conquering Storm held a harsh stare at the skunk, she snapped her finger and Lighting Lynx released him; backing up and keeping a defensive position between Geoffrey and Conquering Storm. Geoffrey rubbed his shoulder and briefly keeled to her. The guards around them kept their pikes firm "I assume you have something to offer?" Conquering Storm asked him impassively.

Geoffrey slowly reached into one of his knapsacks on his belt and pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it to her. Lighting snatched the paper out of his hand and inspected it. He sniffed it then knelled to Conquering Storm handing her the paper. Geoffrey chuckled slightly at Lighting Lynx's behavior but the guards pushed their pikes closer, nearing his neck and wiped the smile right off of his face. Lighting on the other hand didn't care what people thought of him anymore now that he had gotten so close to Storm; he smiled with a cocky grin at Geoffrey not at all fazed by him.

Conquering Storm's eyes widened as she read over the paper with slight shock "Where did you get this?" she said lowering the paper with an upset face.

Geoffrey didn't speak as he worried about the weapons pointed at his neck. Conquering Storm ordered her guards to stand down with the wave of her hand. With some free space Geoffrey explained while giving her guards an annoyed side eye "I intercepted this information from Arctic Freedom Fighters."

"This information must be recent, I was not aware that there was a stash of hidden resources here in The Dragon Kingdom. No less located right under the Gossamer Clans land. Why do you give me such valuable information? Could you not use this for yourself?" she asked with an upset face.

"I could but it's not something I need at the moment." he said with a frown.

Conquering Storm raised a single eyebrow with a skeptical face "How am I to know if this information is disingenuous? I don't not feel like tracking you down." she said with irritation.

"I have promises to keep." Geoffrey spoke with a straight face looking at her with a serious expression.

"Hmmm…." Conquering Storm looked at him suspiciously, but she did have a level of mutual business respect with Geoffrey. As she'd done many dealings with Geoffrey and his Master in the past, and they had never lied to her once "What is it that you require?" she stated cautiously.

"I need your sanity herbs." Geoffrey said with a frown.

Conquering Storm then smirked knowing why he needed what he needed; she heard through the grapevine what had happened "You seek to restore your master..." she paused with a sly look "Very well, your treachery will have no place here though. I grant you one ounce of the recipe, it should be enough to restore your master to a fairly functional state. My guards will escort you out once you have received your payment." she said turning around and walking back over the railing of the balcony.

Geoffrey nodded still frowning and slowly walked to the exit of the balcony with the guards surrounding him but before he walked away Conquering Storm spoke again "Oh and next time St. John, use the front door or you will be dead." she said coldly.

Geoffrey remained quiet as they walked away. Conquering Storm rubbed her chin thoughtfully as Lighting Lynx began returning to his post. Then she smiled "Lighting!" she screamed.

Lighting turned back around and dashed to her already on the ground kneeling. She turned back around and looked down upon him "We have work to do. Take this paper to the General and tell her we need to mobilize soon. Also bring the geologist and some guards to me, he has failed and must be punished. Away." Conquering Storm said flicking her hand at him.

"Yes, Bride of Conquering Storm." he said smiling brightly taking the paper and dashing away.

But she forgot something and called him back, he turned right back around and returned to his knees in front her; she smirked "I forgot one thing...I am thirsty. Before you start these tasks bring me something to drink." she waved her hand.

"Yes." he said still smiling, and he was off again.

Conquering Storm then returned her attention to the battle below and was so engrossed in it she didn't notice that Lighting Lynx had returned with her drink announcing his return. A glass filled with a pinkish liquid with a blue fruit hanging off the side of the glass; a special curly straw too. She turned around caught off guard blinking in surprise; he saw her and lowered his head even farther looking fearful.

Conquering Storm took the drink and Lighting remained still; she did not tell him to move and wondered if he had did something wrong. But he soon felt her hand pat his head. He shakily looked up with a worried expression fearing her uncharacteristic behavior was going to lead to something bad but when he looked up he saw a weak smile on her face. He was shocked to say the least, and she had patted him on the head...it was the greatest day of his life….

"Now, go finish your task." she said turning back around.

He nodded slowly still looking surprised and got up. He waited until he was sure he was out of her line of sight on the balcony when he put the most unbelievable face; dashing down the stairs to complete his assignments. Her expression became vacant again as she sipped her drink on this warm day. It looked like things were still heating up down below…

Because he was around her a lot more he sometimes got to see her in rarer moments. She was sure he was aware of that too as he would sometimes see her with her guard down like no one else had ever seen. She wasn't too sure what to think of Lighting Lynx, he was a blind fool that she could control and that's all she cared about. As long as she got everything her way, her perfect world was his.

Back at New Mobotropolis it was morning at Nicole's house. It was partially cloudy today with the sun peeking through the clouds occasionally though it was still mostly grey out this autumn. For another day Nicole awoke early and lay in bed, with a blank expression and half lidded eyes remaining unmoved as she stared up at her white ceiling. It was quiet in her room, and her thoughts were scattered with what she might have to face today. She was restless and stress was causing her not to sleep well again. The stress of her life since she woke up with no memory six years ago never seemed to go away…

She didn't know where her life was going…

Sometimes she would think she had things figured out…only to get confused before her mind went blank then she didn't know again…

And what she thought knew she realized she never really knew…

So she never really knew what she was doing…

She wondered how many people in their lives never really had things figured out…

…She didn't want to talk about her past with everyone today…she wished she was…just…somewhere…

Sonic and Amy left around one a.m, and she went straight to bed afterward. They discussed a manner of things, but mostly stuck in the realm of her actions just six years ago and their consequences. Because that was just the tip of the iceberg about her…there was still much more going with her she had yet to learn concerning her past she learned from Sonic and Amy…

Her breath was slow as she stared at her ceiling with her blank expression. She felt a weight on her chest as she thought about the new revelation of Mina…

Minas act yet again showed her how naïve still was despite trying to grow. She had no idea that, that had been going on, and from Amy's account it had been going on for a few years now. While she was in Central City and younger in the mind…she pictured a much different direction in her life…

She never would have guessed somebody would do something so despicable…but as shed grown, she wasn't too surprised anymore about people's common cruelly…

She was surprised about how bold Mina was to make such horrible music. She didn't remember exactly who Mina was but it was obvious she knew who she was and she already did not like Mina. It need not be said with what she'd already learned that Mina's music had and was going to continue to exacerbate all the negativity that was already floating around about her. All this horrible music being sung about her would make people would recognize her even faster now that she just returned...

With her just returning the music that was already floating around was going to make things harder she knew. And the Thanks Giving Festival and Mina coming and just all these big events happening just as he returned…

This couldn't be good…

Then she finally rolled over on her side to see what time it was; her digital clock on her nightstand showed that if she didn't get out of bed soon she'd be late. So she ambled out of bed and got herself ready for the day. She was now officially a Freedom Fighter again…though it didn't seem to mean much with how things had been going for her…

But she had to be at Castle Acorn this morning because she was told something big was happening today. So Nicole fixed herself up better than she usually would partly because she would be seeing Sonic a lot more now that she was back. She hoped to interact with him in a less serious environment next time she encountered him. She then made her way down stairs and out of her house. She thought she'd get something to eat at the castle though she wasn't sure of how good an idea that was considering that she had a better understanding of how people in the city viewed her now…

But she had to be at the castle early so she stepped out onto the sidewalks and went off to Castle Acorn. It was sort of cool out though her robes were pretty warm. Her face came thoughtful as she walked down the sidewalks past people's homes. She noticed that some homes were missing doors and windows…

Castle Acorn was visible from her home so she hoped her short walk would be uneventful. She honestly considered going down the street from her house to have Sonic go with her because she was a bit fearful of the how the citizens would react. But she wasn't sure if he was home and did not want to bother him. She wanted to show her independence to the others as well. She could take care of herself…

Her face became stoic looking around herself as she walked through the streets of the city. Seeing how much had changed from what she could remember. One thing that was much more noticeable about New Mobotropolis was that there were much more buildings and structures. Not just homes but there were actually taller buildings. She looked up at them as she walked, the streets were busier as she got closer to the castle moving from the residential areas to business areas. People were already starting to stare at her strangely though did not bother her yet. Though this did make a frown come over her face as she observed the city.

She noticed that there seemed to be much more people around too. These peace times she heard everyone talk about her last two days back indicated the population must have had grown significantly. And people continued to stare at her as she walk through the streets…it began to make her feel uncomfortable as it was clear they must have had some level of recognition of her…

As she neared closer to the castle she turned a corner passing by a tall building with a large green neon sign. She stared up at it with a curious face as she rounded the corner. But she stopped right at the corner and her eyes widened in surprise at the scene in front of her…

On the left side of the street a fairly tall building was just halfway fallen apart…

The ground near some of the buildings on the left side of the street were all broken up as well, along with a fallen street lamp in the middle of the street. Some people walked past her as she slowly moved from her spot dawning an upset face and began walking. She looked up at the strangely crumbled building and the debris of the building on the ground….

The inside of the building was visible and open and so were the people inside…

The nanties…her…

And from what she was told this type of damage occurred regularly…

The people up in the building looked down at the people below, but Nicole broke her eyes away from it as she walked down the street. She didn't want any more people to recognize her if she could help it…

She felt a chill come over her as this cemented her past even further…

And as she walked down the streets to Castle Acorn people continued to look at her. With confused eyes, with surprise, and some even fearful. As she walked past the large glass of business windows she could see out the corner of her eye them staring at her as she walked past..

By the time she reached the castle grounds and walked down the long yellow bricked pathway to the castle, her neck had become completely stiff looking straight ahead and avoiding all eye contact at the uneasy and uncomfortable feelings of every person around her staring at her. Because she now knew the reasons why they might be looking at her in such a way. It seemed unfortunate that people might have recognized her faster than she had previously thought too…

Castle Acorn was still in the middle of the city and tall as ever, being one of the few structures in the city being made out of real materials. The castle was still made out of real grey stone and seemed to have been maintained well throughout the years. You had to walk down a somewhat wide and long pathway to the entrance of the castle. The outer area of the castle was surrounded by accurately cut shrubbery and large open areas of green freshly cut grass.

There were royal guard's patrolling the areas around the castle and standing at the large castle doors which Nicole had just stepped in front of. One of the large doors was hanging from its hinges, and the nanties looked to be trying to repair it as the door swung ever so slightly. The guards looked her with serious expression but remained silent. Nicole held an upset expression on her face, and the guards simply opened the single door that was not broken.

Nicole said nothing as well as she walked straight past them, not even glancing at them as she walked into the castle. For her to be immediately allowed without question to walk into such a high security area….

It was more obvious to her by now by what Amy and Sonic told her of her past last night…everyone knew her…

The guards closed the single door as she entered, and she stopped just on the red carpet that extended down the long entrance corridor. Nicole's brow was furrowed into a frown as she looked around the interior of the castle. The castle hadn't changed much in so far as how busy it was. The main corridor was very loud with many castle employees moving around and doing things with handcuffed people being herded around, and people dressed in proper attire handling paperwork. It still strongly resembled a police percent and or courthouse. And that was because the House of Acorn did handle many legal matters in the city.

Nicole began to walk down the corridor observing the curved marble ceilings and walls. Lights hanging from golden chains. The fancy carved wood paneling on the walls and the shiny and squeaky clean floors. Her foot paws felt cool even on the red carpet she walked on. As she walked further down the main corridor she had already begun to rethink going to grab some food alone. Seeing other people's reactions to her being so negative already made her a bit paranoid. She felt her muscles tense up as she walked alone now…

Waiting for someone to treat her negatively…

She was starting to think it was even a bad idea to leave her house anymore…

If what the others said was true then people of New Mobotropolis had to be angry at her…

Though it hadn't happened today yet; people directly treating her bad. Doubt entered her mind about walking around Castle Acorn alone. Where people were even more likely to recognize her because from what she had learned many castle employees knew her more because she used to spend a lot of time in the castle running the city…

Nicole held a frown as she stopped near the center area of the corridor. A circle like hub area leading to many different directions in the castle and most people did not pay her any attention as they were busy working. It was very crowded as many people walked in many different directions; entering and exiting the many doorways around this area with much chatter everywhere. But as she looked around looking for where she should go castle guards, people, and castle employees, as they walked past her, gave her many funny looks ranging from surprise to grumpy to confusion.

And she felt distress as another shiver came over her deciding she should just meet with the others…thinking maybe she should have just ate at home…

She didn't want to look as if she was overreacting at how people were treating her, but it was starting to grate on her nerves. She didn't know how much longer she could just sit still and take it. And inside she did feel her frustration was rising quicker than she liked.

Nicole's lips stayed curled downward into a frown, and her brow stayed narrowed as she looked around and noticed someone familiar. Over by a wall not far from her right was a row of three elevator doors and Bunnie was standing at one waiting with a few people. Her back was turned, and Nicole blinked her eyes moving from her spot to catch her. Immediately losing her upset face she was glad to see a familiar face…

She quickly walked over to where she was moving past the many crowds of people and caught her just as the doors opened "Bunnie?" Nicole said aloud as she approached her from behind; she held a curious face.

Bunnie turned around hearing her name called with an equally curious face. When she saw it was Nicole she smiled "Hey Nicole!" she said happily "How ya been?"

Bunnie missed her elevator as the door closed, but she didn't seem to mind as Nicole spoke smiling "Not so great to be honest, I was told everyone was coming to the castle today."

People walked past them as Bunnie nodded though she looked slightly sympathetic now "Yea…its somethangs that's been in tha waits for a while nah…"

But then Nicole clutched at her stomach with her hand and looking sheepish with a smile, and Bunnie smirked as she spoke "I should have eaten before I left…"

Bunnie giggled lightly at her "Aint ya cute, come on." she cocked her head to her left at a nearby hallway near an office like area "Lets grab something an get on upstairs."

Nicole was slightly reluctant for a moment, but now that she wasn't alone and had someone with her she wasn't so aversed to getting food in the castle "Yes." Nicole stated with a nod and a smile.

And Bunnie chuckled again telling Nicole of how much she reminded her of her computer self again as they walked down the nearby hallway. Nicole felt much safer with a friend around but the people who walked past them down the hallway made their stares ever more present. So much so that even Bunnie noticed and frowned. As they walked down the hallway they could hear more chatter and smell the aroma of food.

A female sheep, castle employee, walked past them exiting the break area with wide eyes; looking back with a shocked expression as he walked away.

But soon Nicole and Bunnie walked into one of the many break areas in the castle. It resembled a lunch room, and people were sitting at tables eating and talking with one another. No one paid them any attention though much to their relief. To their right were many tables with food strewn over them, and they walked over to them, filled with fruit and tasty looking sweet breads.

Bunnie and Nicole's smiles returned as they began speaking with one another again. But not long after grabbing something and walking back to the nearby hall the chatter in the room seemed to all but die. And the room grew completely silent…

It was jarring as Nicole and Bunnie stopped where they were right at the threshold of the hallway with confused faces and glanced behind themselves. Suddenly, many people in the room were looking at Nicole…

A male dog with brown fur and casual business clothing in particular seemed to be drawing the attention towards her. He was now standing from his seat and looking directly at her with an ireful face "You..." he said with his brows furrowed in anger "Why don't you just..." but a nearby person stood from their seat and slapped a hand over his mouth.

Nicole's eyes narrowed in frustration saying nothing as the person kept their hand on the dogs mouth and walked him away. The dog struggled as they walked away and an awkward cough filled the suddenly silent room. An audible whisper as also heard "It's her..." a female's voice said.

It remained quiet as the entirety of the break area slowly turned their attention to Nicole. With most of the faces holding puzzled expressions; Bunnie dawned an upset face next to her. Nicole's face also became upset, and her brow stayed narrow as she blinked her eyes briefly at everyone staring at her…

Nicole swallowed a lump in her throat as she temporarily was frozen with dread and embarrassment. She had suddenly lost her appetite as she was suddenly the focus of such scrutiny…

Nicole quickly turned her head away from everyone and moved into the hallway away from their stares with Bunnie right on her hills. But Bunnie and she only got out of line of sight of everyone and there was barely audible chatter heard for a moment…

And Bunnie tried to stop Nicole as she walked away "Nah hold on sweety..." she said with a sympathetic face and tone.

But suddenly a loud burst of laughter erupted from the break area. It was loud and immediately apparent about what it was directed to and Bunnie and Nicole stopped in their tracks. Nicole bent her ears back, and her eyes widened in shock. Bunnies eyes widened in surprise as well as Nicole glanced back at her with a look of disbelief on her face. Nicole and she locked eyes as it was obvious that they were laughing at her...

What for they weren't sure…but they both had a gut feeling…

And Nicole felt a tingling sensation shoot up the back of her neck as she quickly turned and walked faster down the hall just wanting to get to the elevators…

And Bunnie pursued her with a worried expression holding her cybernetic arm up "Nicole…" she said worriedly following her.

Nicole ignored Bunnies call as she walked down the hall walking past more people. Her ears still bent back, her eyebrows knotted into anger, and her nostrils flared avoiding all eye contact looking at the floor. She felt distress and shame of being made fun of; one of her fist balled at her side. But when she exited the hallway and readied to walk over the elevators to her left she heard a nearby room playing music…

She immediately turned away from elevators and stared in the direction of an nearby open office door. Just as Bunnie caught up to her and stood near her to hear two men and a woman in the room singing along with the lyrics...

"Nicole's infection has been removed!"

"The soul of the peoples machine has improved!" the music went along with catchy pop music and digital bass.

And Nicole began to wonder why she had never heard Mina's music while she lived in Central City. From Sonic's and Amy accounts last night Mina had only started singing about her in the last few years. So it seemed her influence wasn't so strong as to spread to Central City she guessed…

But she could see it was growing….

And soon the anger dissolved from her face, and worry took over; her eyebrows pinched together creating furrowed lines on her forehead staring in the direction of the office. Bunnie held a sympathetic face as she placed her cybernetic hand on her shoulder. Nicole glanced back at Bunnie looking defeated with her worried face. But seeing the empathy coming from Bunnie she unballed her fist and Bunnie removed her hand a motioned her to follow her into the elevator.

Nicole closed her eyes with frustration written on her face, and her head lowered as Bunnie wrapped her organic arm around her neck and walked her over to the elevators with a slight frown. Nobody seemed to pay attention to them this time which Bunnie was grateful for as they waited for the next elevator. But Bunnie was at least glad things could finally get started today as they all had been waiting for a long time…it was time to talk about things…

Elsewhere…

Noon…the rocky plains of the Mobius Mountains…

Geoffrey St. John walked on the cliffs of the Mobius Rocky mountains. It was another cool gray day, the sun was blocked from Geoffrey and this high up the air was thin and cold. With a grimace he inched slowly up the mountain sighing in relief that he had finally reached his destination. A giant rock covered a well-concealed cave; Geoffrey quickened his pace and moved past the rock feeling the warm air from inside the cave. He gripped the brown sack in his hand tightly; moving deeper into the cave where candlelight was visible. Moving forward he moved a plank of wood that hand been placed over a mid-sized hole, lifting it and putting it back into place. He first placed the sack on a nearby table and then walked to the farthest end of the cave.

The area wasn't big; you could see the other end without moving. Three tables around the room were stacked with books and vials with strange liquids and one with candlelight. Geoffrey stopped at the back of the room checking on the comatose form his master; Ixis Naugus. Nagus sat straight up on a pile of straw, but his eyes were closed and drool dripped from his mouth; his staff laid on the floor next to him.

Geoffrey held a weary face wondering if he would ever be able to wake on his own; he thought of all the time passed. Nagus was never the same after being placed in Eggmans Grape Pods years ago. After everyone was freed from the pods, Mammoth Mogul considered Nagus dead weight and left him behind as he was done with him serving under him.

Nagus had lost his sanity after being exposed to the Grape Pods effects and fell into a coma. But Geoffrey had never given up on him. Geoffrey believed with all his being that Ixis Nagus was the only one who could truly save the kingdom of New Mobotropolis. Nagus had told him that King Maximilian Acorn had sworn the crown to him while in the Zone of Silence. Nagus had also predicted that Robotnik would take over the kingdom, and he did for a time. But after he was defeated Eggman took his place, and in some ways was worse. He never took the kingdom though. Geoffrey stared over his masters crippled form….

It had been years, many many years since the Egg Grapes and times had changed…

He could no longer just waltz up into a city and infiltrate it. The good guys all around Mobius had become the securitrons. In others words, the good guys had took over the world…

Their technology was far beyond anything he had ever seen, and he was not able to counter it. The one bit of information that he had gathered over all these years was all of this technology had started to originate from New Mobotropolis; all of it could be traced back to that city. Ixis's Nagus's kingdom. His kingdom had become powerful without him, and Geoffrey's beliefs had waned at those thoughts over the years…

His whole cause was to save the Kingdom of Acorn, but it didn't need saving anymore. Geoffrey had figured that something strange had gone down in the city because before whatever had happened, they weren't as powerful before as they were now. Geoffrey thought it was safe to say that the Kingdom was under constant threat back in the day, that they needed saving from Eggman but that was a silly statement now….

Geoffrey went back over to the table where he left his sack and retrieved the vial from it then returning to his master's side and kneeling next to him. Geoffrey had heard the rumors about that computer program that protected the city. If he remembered correctly her name was...Nicole…

It had been awhile since he'd been there because he couldn't be seen in any of the city's anymore. He was considered a traitor for joining with Nagus and he would be thrown in jail forever if he ever showed his face. But from his point of view the kingdom still needed saving as the rightful king had not reclaimed his place. He was not in it for the glory but to be a savior to all who saw him after he completed his mission to help Nagus become rightful king. He had nothing left anyway...

Geoffrey popped open the vial of green liquid and opened Nagus's mouth; allowing the green liquid to go down his throat. Then Geoffrey stood watching Nagus; he didn't make a move. It had probably been close to ten years that his master had been asleep so he did not expect him to wake instantly. It had been excruciating taking care of him…feeding him and the such while at the same time trying to find a way to cure him…

So Geoffrey walked over to his straw pile on the other side of the cave and laid down completely exhausted. His hideout was nowhere near the Dragon Kingdom so teleporting there really took it out of him.

But Geoffrey did not know how long he had slept before he heard the sound of something breaking and woke up. He jumped up drowsy and looked to where his master was. His eyes were still closed, but his body moved. Geoffrey ran over to him, and he waited and watched. Nagus's movement came back as his arms and legs swayed; but his eyes were shut like he was having a nightmare. Then his body stopped, Geoffrey raised an eyebrow but was shocked when his eyes shot open. Nagus's eyes darted everywhere until they landed on Geoffrey, and he tried to stand but couldn't. Nagus's eyes were filled with rage as he crawled towards Geoffrey speaking gibberish.

Geoffrey remained calm "Master can you understand me?" he said with a dry expression.

Nagus heard the words and stopped crawling and speaking gibberish. Nagus blinked a few times and looked curiously at Geoffrey.

"Master, you will have to rest a while. The herbs haven't had time to restore your...sanity…" Geoffrey said slowly turning back around as his weary face returned and went back to his straw pile and going back to sleep.

Nagus watched Geoffrey go back to his straw pile to sleep, and his anger had faded. He realized he couldn't formulate words in his mind. So he pulled himself off the floor and leaned his back on the wall next to himself. Feeling dizzy with an angry expression on his face he tried to speak but his mouth would not move the way he wanted. So he restrained himself in the quiet of the cave for some time…

And sometime later...

Geoffrey awoke again when he felt something poke his back. He rolled over to see Nagus towering over him. Geoffrey held a slightly annoyed look because his sleep was interrupted again. But he rose and knelled to his master "Welcome back, my master."

Nagus's face was enraged; he slammed his staff on the ground "You used sanity herbs to restore me! Why didn't you just get a Chaos Emerald!" Nagus screamed at the top of his lungs.

Geoffrey was unfazed by his reaction knowing his master had no idea what was happening anymore; he looked up at him "Master, do you know how long you have been sleep?" he said with a dull look.

Nagus shook his head still angry "Couldn't have been long..." he growled.

Geoffrey cut him off "It has been almost ten years..." he stated.

Nagus stopped abruptly for a moment, raising an eyebrow in confusion as his mouth hung open. But unleashed again after thinking for a second "Well it's your fault then! What took you so long! It took you ten years!" Nagus yelled in an angry tone, and his teeth gritted.

Geoffrey stood keeping his vacant expression "I thought the same some years ago, but the world has changed vastly …"

Nagus listened to how he spoke and thought he was speaking nonsense. He glared at Geoffrey baring his teeth "What you're saying doesn't make any sense! Even if you messed up for almost ten years how could the world have changed in a way to slow you for ten years?"

"I still don't believe it myself…" Geoffrey stated in a non-chalant tone.

Nagus paused again and titled his head to the side. His expression still held anger, but he was slack jawed as he stared at him. He couldn't grasp what he was saying; he couldn't possibly mean literally the entirety of Mobius. That was pure insanity…

"In that time span I was as out..." Nagus rubbed his chin but his anger returned again with a furious face "What has changed that has got you wetting your pants!" he yelled again glaring at Geoffrey.

Geoffrey stared at him with a blank expression unfazed by his anger and calmly spoke "Technology has jumped light years ahead…New Mobotropolis is now a superpower…" Geoffrey said looking blanking at his master.

Nagus's anger shifted into confusion and fear. His eyebrows lifted, and his eyes widened as fear filled his face gritting his teeth. Was Geoffrey talking nonsense? What was going on with technology? Light-years? How could technology become so advanced in only a matter of ten years? His Kingdom was not under the threat of Eggman anymore either judging from what he was saying too. The crown was still owed to him, but it made his argument much weaker now that the Kingdom might not be danger anymore…

Nagus grabbed one of Geoffrey's shoulders and shook him with worried face "But...but...why haven't you collected a Chaos Emerald? I need its power..." his voice descended.

Geoffrey politely shrugged him off finally showing some emotion and frowning "I can't, the Emeralds are locked up now. The Emeralds aren't just lying around on the ground anymore master. The Emeralds are guarded and protected. About six years ago Sonic set forth a plan to gather them, and they did; he got much support from all around Mobius. With the final agreement that once all the Emeralds were collected, they would be better out of the hands of...guys like us..." Geoffrey said with a bit of disgust "They don't use the Emeralds power, they just watch over them now."

Nagus still looked confused so Geoffrey continued "It was around that time when I started to notice New Mobotropolis growing in power. Every year their weapons got more precise and deadly. The Chaos Emeralds are scattered around Mobius in different rebuilt cities guarded by not just software but hardware that is beyond me. All my training has become worthless..." Geoffrey said huffing and turning his eyes at the stone floor with a frown.

Nagus eyes remained wide, and his voice quivered "…What happened before this happened…could you not obtain a Chaos Emerald before they came to power?" Nagus stuttered in disbelief still looking shaken.

Geoffrey scoffed with an upset face "I tired until I couldn't anymore. After you fell ill I went searching immediately. My searches lead me to Downunda, and I was close to getting the Purple Chaos Emerald, but I got into it with the Babylon Rogues. I had almost escaped them with the Emerald when Nack, Bean, and Bark pulled a fast one on me. After that loss I kept searching with no luck until I noticed that New Mobotropolis had started to engage Eggman and bring him down. Any trace of the Chaos Emeralds were gone as New Mobotropplis became a super power…"

Nagus ground his teeth with fully wide eyes…his worst fear had come to life…

Science had made magic inferior and useless…

To hold an iron fist with magic was no longer possible because science and knowledge made people smarter; he felt he had underestimated the people now. He was also weaker now that there was no way to get a Chaos Emerald. Then his face became somber…he was going to have to fully reassess things now that people had moved past him….

But something still wasn't right "Geoffrey? What could have made my Kingdom so powerful without me?" he asked with his brows furrowing in anger yet again.

Geoffrey waved his hand for Nagus to follow him to a nearby table. They walked over to one of the tables filled with papers and books. And Geoffrey grabbed a book off the top stack of books and flipped it open pulling pictures of Nicole from the book "Do you remember the A.I. of New Mobotropolis? N.I.O.C.L.E?" Geoffrey asked with a curious expression.

Nagus growled through his teeth "Yes…if I had been in power she would have been the first one to go. She is a threat to magic users, she makes us obsolete. So is she the one behind the recent spur of technology?"

"I thought that was the most obvious answer but I have come across strange rumors as of late." Geoffrey said putting the pictures down.

"She has been the master mind behind what technology that is already there, is she not? She built that dome around my kingdom correct?" Nagus asked picking up a picture of Nicole and glaring at it.

"Yes, that is true but the thing is I've heard she is not there anymore. I mean to say she is not the city's A.I. anymore." Geoffrey said pulling and unfolding a map from the book.

Nagus was intrigued by this "She's not? But how..." he asked in an inquiring tone.

Geoffrey dawned a frustrated look narrowing his eyebrows "That's what I've been trying to figure out. Despite there being no Nicole their technology grows stronger. Something is going on in New Mobotropolis." Geoffrey said spreading the map out on the table.

Nagus then yawned and his eyes lazily drooped "This is an interesting turn of events laid before me; I think finding out what is going on in my Kingdom will let us see how to approach retaking it. We will deal will this, but not right now. Now I need to rest…" he yawned stretching his arms this time "...I require no sleep but I remain tired…." Nagus said turning to his straw pile on the other side of the room and cutting the conversation.

Geoffrey noticed that he still seemed out of it; he had been sleep in a coma for ten years. Geoffrey nodded silently with a serious expression as he watched his master lay down on his side facing away from him. Geoffrey also noticed that the candlelight was getting dim so he grabbed one of his last few candle sticks next to his straw pile and lit the new candle from the old one; placing it next to the old one. Geoffrey then yawned himself and quickly made his way back to his straw pile still tired from his trip to the Dragon Kingdom. With his master back he was one step closer to saving the Kingdom of Acorn, but three steps back because of whatever was happening in New Mobotropolis….

Back at New Mobotropolis Nicole and Bunnie sat in chairs outside one of the many of Sally's personal offices. The other Freedom Fighters were in the castle and would all show up soon. Bunnie and Nicole began to…talk…about things….

They sat next to each other staring at the floor with people passing by them as they conversed. Though this particular hallway they were in was pretty quiet. Bunnie saw the pain in Nicole's eyes as they rode the elevator up. Nicole and she in a sense were very similar in terms of life experiences they shared. Both being machine in one way other another. Her being half robotic she understood what it felt like to be outcast and feel left out because of that circumstance. So seeing Nicole being treated like she had pulled on her heart strings because she knew what it was like to be treated differently because she wasn't normal….

Nicole had also told Bunnie that she'd been learning of her past the last two days. That she learned from Rotor, Tails, Sonic, and Amy about what she did six years ago. And she knew about all the damage she caused…and she understood why everyone was upset at her…

And it made it a little easier for Bunnie to not have to explain from scratch what transpired in the break area. She could delve straight into conversation with Nicole because it now seemed it was more open, and she was more open now to discuss her past. And since the others were starting to talk about it she could too. So Bunnie began telling Nicole about some of her past and not long before what she did six years ago people had a different opinion of her…

Nicole stared at the teal colored floor with a blank expression "…It is strange to hear that people liked me the past…have you been treated different because of your limbs?" she asked Bunnie.

Bunnie stared at the floor with a weak smile "Ahum no stranga to wild eyes…" she paused for a moment "…Tha are still lots of people who are partially roboticized…but since tha aint no more roboticization goin on, I'm one of tha few out tha who still have it…an people still stare at me sometimes…"

Nicole nodded silently and they both looked at the floor as Bunnie continued "…An it still don't feel right…I still feel uncomfortable when people stare at mah arm…mah legs…" Bunnie sighed "…Even afta all these years I don't think I've ever gotten used to being treated different because of my cybernetics…lookin at me because I aint normal…"

And Nicole felt a bit of relief about Bunnie being able to relate to being looked at strangely because of the mechanical aspects of themselves. As it was a rare circumstance they were both under. Nicole was surprised that there even was someone to relate to. They were both partially machines in a way…

"…I don't not remember a time when people were kind…" Nicole slowly shook her head continuing to stare at the floor with her vacant expression "…I still can't remember anything…although as I am coming to find out there was nothing to remember is why I can't…" she said in a sad tone.

Bunnie finally glanced over at her with a sad smile, and Nicole did not look at her. As it was true that the reason she had amnesia was because she created her body…so it seemed she had learned some truth herself already…

She had no memories while at the same time still retaining a past…

It was a strange circumstance that she had no memories of her past yet she still had a past…

Her body didn't exist for her past so in a way she wasn't present for her past…yet she had one…a long complicated past…

But she was the same Nicole from the things Rotor and tails had explained in technical details of what she did six years ago…

And she still carried the burdens of her past…even though in another way the body she created was sort of separate from her past…holding different experiences and unaware but still tied to her past…

"Everaone knows you…" Bunnie said glancing over at her, and Nicole kept looking at the floor "…You're mostly known in New Mobotropolis…but many of our allies used tah know you well…and even some of our enemies…"

Nicole remained quiet and stared at the floor, and Bunnie could see her downcast face and lost her smile. Bunnie turned away from her looking saddened as well; she felt empathetic for what she was going through despite being upset at what she'd done and how she negatively affected everyone; she looked down at the floor herself again "There're some other thangs about your past ya should be aware of too…" Bunnie paused glancing over at Nicole only to see she still looked at the floor so Bunnie looked back the floor herself and continued.

"What you did six years ago wasn't the only thing people might upset with you about…somethangs were going on in the past before what ya did six years ago tha might have made people even more upset with you today. An tha has a lot tah do with what's goin on tahday with what we gotta talk about with everaone…well partly anyway…" Bunnie's brow tightened with frustration now visible on her face.

Nicole let out a heavy sigh, and her shoulders slumped looking at the floor "…Why am I not surprised…" she as her eyebrows narrowed and frustration filled her face.

Bunnie lifted her head and looked straight ahead nowhere in particular as she started "I guess it really all started soon afta you created New Mobotropolis and we moved into tha city. Everythang was new, and the people were just getting accustomed to life in New Mobotropolis after have being on the run from Eggman our whole life..."

"Is Eggman as dangerous as I have heard?" Nicole asked Bunnie in a slightly curious tone staring at the floor.

Bunnie shook her head looking straight ahead "Naht anymore…" she said distractedly "He's still around…but thas anotha convasatin…" she said placing her hands on her lap and continued "There were problems with the nanties afta ya first created the city…"

Niccole's lips pressed together in a grimace "I hope that is not a coincidence that, that occurrence is similar to what is happening now…"

Bunnie chuckled weakly, and a pensive expression came over her face "…I thought tha was strange too…" but Bunnie continued looking straight ahead at the wall in front of her "Tha malfunctions started off small at first, people just dismissed them as random events. You apolagized cause you were still getting the hang of using the nanites and all. An at first it was just lil thangs most people didn't notice much. Autamatic doors tha wouldn't open, the occasional power outage, basic thangs."

Bunnie ran a hand through her hair "But we started getting reports coming in of people getting stuck inside walls or walking down corridors that somehow doubled back on themselves. Jus some plain weird sci-fi stuff and people started getting scared an upset with you…" Bunnie said in a descending tone.

And Nicole finally lifted her head frowning and staring at the wall in front of them. The nanties were malfunctioning in the past and now. But people were also upset with her then and now…the parallels were striking of her computer self and her now living self…

"I see what you mean now…" Nicole stated with unease.

And Bunnie dawned a thoughtful face as she continued "While ya were very apolagetic, people still felt as though you weren't doing enough to stop tha malfunctions or that you simply didn't care. I guess around that time is when people actually started to become very skeptical of you and the nantites. Some families even moved out of the city, while some brought in building materials from outside to build their houses outa raw materials rather than live in a nanite house. Which many people where happy to have the option of converting and people worried less about nanties."

Nicole's frown softened a little as she listen to Bunnie recount her past "That doesn't sound as bad as my current situation."

And Bunnie smirked looking away from the wall at her, and Nicole looked curiously at her "Cause it wasn't sugah…"

Nicole looked intrigued, and Bunnie look back at the wall smirking "There were some accusations that Sally was covering for ya. And some legal threats torwards the city from citizens which kinda got out of hand cause a lot of it was nonsense. A moderate-size group of people started up calling for your removal from the city. They believed that whatever the problems they might face with Eggman, that at least they'd be in control."

Nicole raised an eyebrow in confusion "But the city would not work without me correct? Like now?"

"Like I was saying, those people were boneheads…" Bunnie smirked looking over at Nicole.

And Nicole giggled lightly smiling a bit as Bunnie continued though this time she continued to look at Nicole "They naively believed they'd be better off without your protection which was delusional. But for all tha hoopla about you, it was really just a vocal minority in the city. And mostly or just about all the rest of city supported you and were on your side. All the problem's people complained about were exaggerations, even though there were some hiccups you kept everthang under control…"

Nicole held slight smile as she was now curious about something else "…What was I like? Just how were my traits? Did I express any emotion..." she asked timidly as she looked at Bunnie.

Bunnie shook her head still smirking "You didn't express emotion because you know…but I would still say you were…neutrally cheerful..." she said trying to find the right words.

But Nicole looked on in confusion yet again "Wait a moment…how does a computer program have a personality?"

"Theres some otha stuff about you that Rotor knows about mostly with what ya were before…but we'll probably get tah all that…" Bunnie smiled.

Nicole looked back at the floor though this time with a slightly curious face "I am unnerved by all this…but I still find it somewhat intriguing with the more I learn…"

But soon Bunnies lost her smirk, and she frowned a little again "…Sometimes you would speak of how society rejected you and that you never fit in no matter what you did…" Bunnie looked back at the floor as well, and Nicole's face became neutral as she listened "…an no matter what ya did to help everaone some people still looked at you as a thing…somethang that caused them problems…." Bunnie began fiddling with her thumbs "…you would sometimes try an explain ya thoughts about matters but you presented it to us as complicated math problems...went over mah head for sure.."

Nicole glanced at Bunnie with confusion yet again "But I was a machine…from what you have described…was I not just a thing?"

Nicole continued to look at her when she spoke moments later "…No…." she stated.

Nicole blinked her eyes a few times looking back at the floor realizing what she was saying. She'd been trying to keep up, but if what she was saying was true…she was more than just a computer program…more than just a machine…it made everything all the stranger…

Bunnie spoke with an upset face "In more recent times, not counting the citywide malfunctions. Even though we kept you being gone a secret at first, an having a foot our enemies neck…" Bunnie looked over at Nicole, and Nicole looked from the floor at her "… rumors still got out tha city about ya and yer disappearance…and it wasn't underneath our enemies to still come lookin even though were stronga than them nah…."

And Nicole's eyebrows narrowed into a frown "I don't suppose Rotor and Tails creating such technology and using so openly might have helped conjure up such rumors…" she questioned.

Bunnie nodded "I have no doubt it did. When we became stronga all of Mobius noticed for sure…it's definitely an unintended consequence for them using that…I mean your technology..." Bunnie sighed "...Our enemies sometimes come here because they heard of the super technology here…probably seen it and our allies….and they also heard that you might not be around anymore…" Bunnie spoke with irritation "With…"

But Nicole cut her off "Mina…" she stated with displeasure.

Bunnie brows stayed wrinkled with frustration but she nodded "Yea…she aint helpin…" and she calmly placed her hands on her lap again "But we'll be talking about all tha soon…"

Nicole's lips became slanted in a slight frown, and her eye brows became neutral with defeat on her face looking away from Bunnie towards the teal colored floor again "…I've wanted to fit in…to be Mobian…but I'm starting to think what I seek may not be what it appears to be…" she said closing her eyes and placing her arms on her lap to slump her shoulders.

Bunnie couldn't control herself as her face contorted into a weak smile looking at her "Ya know you used to say stuff like tha?"

Nicole did not respond, and Bunnie kept her weak smile as the power flickered in the hallway they sat. And a minute later an announcement came over the castle P.A. system notifying the entirety of the city that the city force fields had gone down again, and they would be back online momentarily…

Nicole mustered a smile with her head down "Thank you for talking with me..." she said with gratitude filling her voice.

Bunnie smiled and patted her on the back with her cybernetic arm "If ya evea need tah talk about somethang don't be a stranger."

And they stayed in the hallway for a while unmoving in their seats. With Nicole's head down and eyes closed and Bunnie holding a weak smile as they waited for the others. Some people passed by them every now, and some stared and some didn't…

Though Bunnie knew every second since Nicole had come back, her continued exposure was going to rile up old opinions about her…

So about ten minutes later the rest of the guys showed up and Nicole lifted her head and opened her eyes. Sonic, Sally, Tails, Antoine, Amy, Rotor all wore frowns on their face…

Nicole did too seeing everyone and their silence…

Sally was the first to break her eyes away from Nicole and Bunnies smile lessened into a frown too. Sally then walked over to her office door and opened it, and everyone entered the office right behind Sally. With Bunnie and Nicole being the last to enter after have getting up out of their seats…

Bunnie closed the door and Sally made a beeline around to the back of her desk and sat. The rest of the guys stood while Nicole noticed the conveniently single and empty chair right in front of Sally's desk. She didn't question that it was for her as she sat down and observed the room. Though she had a frown on her face her eyes were still curious. The floor was a green carpet but it was hard and stiff. She glanced around the furnished wooden room walls and taking note of the three book shelves in the room.

There was one shelf behind Sally, who was looking through her desk drawers at the moment, and two on the right side wall. One bookshelf was full books to the brim, and the other two held neatly stacked paper files. A metallic green lamp with a multicolored glass lampshade and a small plant sat on each corner of Sally's desk. Nicole took a moment to glance around the rest of the room, and the guys were speaking lowly to each other behind her chair. There was also a tall single window with white window shades that were half open exposing and letting the gray colors of the day peek into the room.

Nicole fully turned back around facing the front of Sally's desk with a full blown frown again as she began to notice the green and red hard covered books on Sally's shelf behind her might be law books…

She felt her throat clench, and a small intake of air escape her mouth in a light gasp…

Losing her frown and her eyes widening slightly in shock…this couldn't be happening what she thought might be happening…

She been hearing what the Consul of Acorn had been doing while she was in Central City…trying to take her DVDs and the like…

She guessed she was about to finally find out what had been going on with that…

Just then Sally closed a drawer on her desk and looked up clearing her throat coughing in her hand "Ahem!" she said with an intent stare.

She got everyone's attention as they all looked towards her desk. Nicole slid down in her chair a bit with a deep frown and her ears bending back looking directly at Sally. Sally held a stern expression with her brow wrinkled together, and she folded her hangs together in front of herself on her desk "How are you Nicole?"

Nicole remained sunken in her chair almost feeling as if that was a joke with how she'd been treated since she came back "…Fabulous…" she responded sarcastically.

Sally looked unfazed though lifting an eyebrow to her witty response. But the other Freedom Fighters were just as curious as to why they were all gathered her today too "So what is going on Sally?" Tails asked a curious face.

Sally kept her serious face as she spoke looking around at everyone "Let me get straight to the point…." she then looked directly at Nicole "…We're going to be discussing…you…Nicole… we have to after what has happened in the last few days. I've done everything in my power to shield you but I can't anymore…my hands have been tied by the Consul..."

Sonic uncrossed his arms narrowing his eyes "Whoa hold up, what do they want with Nicole now?"

The rest of the Freedom Fighters immediately began to look just as upset as Sonic as Sally spoke again "Well lots of things...first off they want to restart Nicole's previous trial…"

Amy, Antoine, Tails, Sonic, and Bunnies eyes widened in shock and their mouths slacked. Nicole kept her upset expression as well but she raised a single eyebrow in confusion as she sat up in her chair silent. A trial?

Then Antoine moved from his spot near Bunnie and marched over to Sally's desk "They still have no evidence! On what grounds can they start that back up?" he said with aggravation.

"This is ridiculous!" Rotor said with an upset face pushing his spectacles back up on his face.

"Nah hold on a sec, I didn't hear about any of this non sense." Bunnie said with a deep frown.

Sonic walked over next to Sally's desk nest to Nicole's chair "Why haven't we heard about this?" he looked at Sally upset looking for an answer from her.

And Sally unfolded her hands "I'll explain. First…" she looked at Nicole again straight in front of her "I know you are aware of something's now so…we've been in a legal battle over your property for years with the House of Acorn and The Royal family. Your property being your portable chassis; your old body, your DVDs and the New OS and everything created from it information and technology included."

Sally cocked her head over at Rotor, and Nicole glanced over at him as Sally continued "Rotor is responsible for making you the official owner of the DVDs, the New OS, the information, and your former body."

Rotor nodded at Nicole with a serious face as she turned back to Sally with a sinking feeling in her stomach. Nicole's lips stayed curled down into a frown remaining silent as Sally continued "We've all been doing various things to protect you over the years…but the Consul is claiming they've found a technicality, and they just started this case against Nicole just the other day…I've just found out myself…"

The Freedom Fighters looked irritated, and Rotor scoffed "They must have started this when they heard she was returning…it's no wonder why we're just finding out about this…"

Amy then walked over to the left side of Nicole's chair in front of Sally's desk "What does Nicole's previous trial have to do with Nicole's stuff now?" she said with an upset face.

Sally leaned forward in her chair placing her elbows on her desk "It has to do with the technicality. It's because Nicole was a computer and alive at the same time when she caused the disaster six years ago….her computer self is gone, but her living body was there. And because she was there she claims responsibility for what happened and they are using it as reason to restart her previous trial…."

Tails stepped closer to Sally's desk and spoke with a serious expression as everyone looked at him "…I guess because Nicole actually caused some damage they have a legal reason to attack…"

And Sonic frowned "That's underhanded…"

Sally puffed out a sigh "They also couldn't lock you up before Nicole because you know…what could they lock up…they couldn't physically lock you up even though you had proved yourself innocent…." Sally said with a hard frown.

"But they don't kno she's the same Nicole righ?" Bunnie asked Rotor looking over at him.

And he gave a more detailed account of what happened with Nicole "When Nicole was in the process of transferring herself to her body, she told us she was in synch and connected to the life-force around the biotic compounds of her motherboard…so this…" he saw Nicole looking at him with a hard stare "…You are…yourself…the same Nicole…Tails and I are sure…" he uttered with unease at Nicole but looked back to Bunnie "Plus she also looks just like Nicole which is another topic…there's no need to guess if she's the same one…"

And quickly Bunnie nodded in agreement stepping closer to get a good look at Nicole again. Nicole darted her eyes a Bunnie briefly as she stared at her. Rotor was right about that…the purple robes she wore just like her holographic self certainly didn't help her case either…

But Sally shook her head "Even if Nicole showed that she was not responsible for any of the things she was tired for in her past, her simply being here now is merit enough for a trial because of this technicality. That's what the trial is about. When Nicole left she caused a lot of damage and the powers that be are using it to their advantage…" Sally said in an upset tone.

Antoine growled as he had many bad experiences with the Consul of Acorn. Sonic crossed his arms with disapproval on his face as it was starting to become obvious what the Consul of Acorn was trying to do; Sally continued "My family and the Consul are seeking to acquire Nicole's property…" Sally sighed as her face softened "…Nicole…you're being accused of reckless endangerment of New Mobotropolis..."

It was quiet for a moment after Sally spoke, and the Freedom Fighters held anger on their faces. In her chair, Nicole looked irritated as her brows furrowed together "What of the Royal family?" Nicole asked Sally with agitation.

Sally finally looked uncomfortable with a light frown on her face "They have agreed with the Consul..."

"Are you kidding!" Amy yelled balling her fist "After all we've done to stop them!"

Rotor rubbed his temples, and Nicole spoke narrowing her eyebrows. Her face had stayed upset even till now, and her ears stayed bent back "They are using the damage I caused six ago as justification to strip me of my possessions and throw me in jail…."

Sally nodded as her upset face returned "…That's correct but it's not only about throwing you in jail to take your things…" she paused and the rest of the guys looked at Sally with disbelief, and Sally took in a deep breath "...They also want you Nicole…."

Nicole's eyes widened as she began to understand her more "…They want to control me...this is crazy…." Nicole said closing her eyes and shaking her head. Sally stayed quiet as did everyone else as they looked around with confusion as Nicole spoke again "They seek power..." Nicole said in an upset tone.

Sally kept her stern face "…It seems that is true…they've been looking to get their hands on your property for a long time Nicole. If they gained oversight over your information and technology then they would really control everything in the Republic of Acorn…"

"They would be like gods of Mobius if they could get their hands on Nicole's technology." Sonic said with an air of distaste.

Tails placed a hand on top of Nicole's chair frowning "Well they are the government and they control all aspects of the Republic. Except Nicole's property..."

Antoine nodded in agreement "It is the only thing they don't control, and they can see it is very powerful…"

"The Consul and other offices don't like that there are two separate branches of power…" Tails said in understanding.

"That being Tails and I." Rotor said as everyone looked over at him "They have to answer to us and we answer to Nicole when it comes to the New OS and all of Nicole's stuff. Were almost like a subsidiarity branch of power with the New OS. They can't tell us what to do. But now they would have to answer to you Nicole…" he said looking at Nicole, and she stared at him with her hard stare.

But he continued "…Tails and I answer to you…we have always done what you asked…we used the New OS when you weren't around to protect ourselves…but now that you are back, and you are able to make decisions…you are the owner…you're in control…"

Nicole turned away from Rotor and looked at Sally "…At least for the moment as they are trying to take that away from me…" she said with an upset face slumping back down in her chair.

"Yes it seems they have started this trial just for those purposes…" Sally said removing her elbows from her desk and sitting straight up in her chair.

Nicole's ears sat back up normal again, keeping her upset expression she glanced to her right at Rotor "I've been meaning to ask…Tails...Rotor…you've been using the New OS without my consent as I was unable make those decisions…I would prefer it if you did not make use of creating anymore technology until I have figured out things with myself…"

At this though Tails and Rotor looked slightly irritated, and Tails responded "…Yea…we'll halt all our current projects…" irritation was present in his voice.

Nicole turned to her left in her chair to see Tails irritation and she frowned as he darted his eyes away from her. She turned back around in her seat as she could feel some…even from her friends…the indifference to her because of her past actions causing so much damage…

"…I can only guess the Consul had a shred of respect even though perusing because you created this city and all…" Sally said sarcastically.

Tails spoke losing his irritation and looking upset again "They know some of what happened six years ago obviously because Nicole was gone from the city, but she's still here. But now that they've seen some of the powerful stuff the New OS can do since New Mobotropolis has come into power. I hate to say it but they've become more unethical with power we've come in to."

"It's been constant political games for Nicole's stuff that's for sure." Sonic said with an upset face.

"You don't think Consul knows about Nicole's unique past do ya?" Bunnie questioned everyone.

And they all thought about it for a moment when Nicole broke the silence "Regardless, this trial is obviously bad anyway and would expose me in more way than one. But I am a bit more concerned about the use of my technology…this technology from the future…" she looked over at Rotor "…I was sent back to stop something similar from happening on my DVDs...the technology you and Tails have created is growing at immense speeds…"

And everyone suddenly looked intrigued at Rotor as he nodded "True. But it was like I was saying before Nicole, when you left we were kind of forced to use it to protect ourselves. Your creator sent you back because of time travel tampering of that time. Eggman rose to power in the past of that future somehow. And you were sent back to stop Eggman and also to stop technology from going out of control. Because that's what caused Eggman to become powerful in that future I suppose."

"Yes, so you do not agree?" Nicole questioned.

And he shook his head "No not completely, I haven't watched all the DVDs yet."

Then Tails spoke "There are safeguards on everything we've built, all the plasma weaponry, the vehicles, our drones. All of it pretty much...if it falls into the wrong hands we made sure there are no traces of it afterwards…"

Nicole raised an eyebrow in surprise though keeping her upset face "Plasma…" she said unevenly as it sounded extremely dangerous "…they explode?' she questioned Tails.

Tails nodded "Sort of. Everything we created is tied to a central database and the users are fitted with an electronic verification device so they are the only one who can use what they are given. So if anything is tampered with or the chips in the things we created detect it's not with the intended user you know…everything doesn't blow up…some of the things we've designed disintegrate…"

Then Rotor spoke again "Also we were busy after you left Nicole…really busy…" he said sounding upset and Nicole could hear it in his tone, and she did at least understand now why everyone was upset. She could see from the looks on everyone's faces around her they were still a bit upset with her.

And Rotor continued "We were busy protecting ourselves because we were vulnerable after you left. We also put safeguards on the technology and three we do know some about the future. And we know you were sent back to help stop Eggman and to halt the progression of technology."

Nicole blinked in confusion as to where he was going as Tails spoke again "I know you don't remember Nicole but in recent years we've all but stopped Eggman…"

And Rotor spoke "We've also been controlling the progression of technology because we have safeguards. So you can see we've kinda done both of those things…we've stopped Eggman and are in control of technology…well maybe not so much if the Consul gets their way…" he said frowning.

And though she kept her eyes narrow with an upset face…she still felt deep down that something still wasn't right…

Even if what Rotor said did sort of comport with the events on her DVDs "You still haven't seen all my memories yet though correct?"

Rotor nodded "I do agree that we should reserve judgment until we've seen all the DVDs first…"

Nicole nodded as a deep sigh released from her as she turned back around in her chair to face Sally. She thought her assumptions about what Rotor had told her what he saw on her DVDs was a correct assumption. It almost seemed to be clear that using her technology as they had could be bad just like her future time…

It was still all hard to grasp as she just began to learn about her past's future…

"Nicole is right about the Consul though, if they were looking to find out about Nicole they are already on fast track to it. Either way them trying to take her information is bad." Amy said placing her hands on her hips.

Sally still looked intrigued though "So…was Nicole's creator a male or female?" she asked Rotor curiously.

And Rotors face softened slightly "…Uhhh…both…" he uttered.

Bunnie smirked "I'd liked tah kno more about that future business. Sounds darn interasting."

"I don't know guys, I'm with Nicole on this one. From everything you've said about the DVDs Rotor it does sound kinda similar to what we're doing know." Sonic said with a light frown.

"But we needed to. It was necessary." Antoine said to Sonic lifting an eyebrow.

"We'll get into all those details later, I'm sure it has some importance of what hasn't been seen yet." Sally said with her serious face returning.

"We should all watch them at some point soon…but for the most part Nicole I gather that is a reason why she was sent back…" Rotor stated to everyone.

Nicole had been mostly quiet as she listened to them go back and forth about her past, but she was still confused about other things "So you have been creating technology…if I have not heard you wrong…New Mobotropolis is stronger than ever…how powerful is the technology you create? What is this city now?"

Sally answered her promptly "I'm sure it's another subject for discussion and relates as to how we've become some strong in the last six years. But to answer your second question…New Mobotropolis is now sort of a Superpower..."

Nicole blinked her eyes then her eyes narrowed with an upset expression…surely she wasn't the only one that thought that didn't sound right…like something was wrong with what Sally just said…she certainly had a bad feeling in her stomach…

And then Antoine spoke with a neutral expression "Because of our new power New Mobotropolis has a great influence around Mobius…on a global scale I could say…"

And Nicole looked exasperated "…In only six years?" she said in a questioning tone.

And everyone at least this time could somewhat agree that it was strange as they looked slightly uncomfortable as she was right "Well our progress was a little slower in the past…" Amy admitted rubbing the back of her head.

Then Tails spoke answering her first question "The technology we've created is about…" he paused counting on his fingers "…Maybe about a couple hundred years…maybe..."

He looked up to see Rotor give him a wise look "We were using conventional weapons six years ago, we're using pulse, lasers, and other things now."

Tails sighed "…Alright maybe six hundred or eight hundred years ahead of past technology we used to make…I don't really know anymore…I've lost count as we continue to make new stuff…"

Nicole also didn't like the sound of that "And our allies?" she looked around for an answer.

And Antoine answered her again "Since we've all worked together to defeat Eggman we've rebuilt a lot of Mobius from what Eggman used to destroy. With the help of our allies and zis technology we police the world to a much safer place." he said with a smile.

But Nicole's mouth stayed slanted with a look of frustration on her face. Because she couldn't tell if Antoine could see the irony of his statement because some of the actions of New Mobotropolis weren't so good "I have not asked…but what exactly has happened to Eggman?" she asked aloud.

And Bunnie cut in "He's still around but all our enemies are undawhelmed nah…" Bunnie said as her expression became neutral.

Nicole nodded as she remembered when she was telling her in their conversation, and she glanced back at Bunnie in her seat "You were saying there were rumors that are drawing them to the city…"

And Antoine spoke "Yes…I believe is because of the impressive weaponry we've put on display around the globe…"

"Definitely an unintended consequence..." Tails muttered.

"Yes…I know you had to protect yourselves…" Nicole said turning back around in her seat "…Bunnie has informed me that they might have heard of some of the rumors surrounding the city…"

"Including you…" Sally finished for her "Most of our enemies are not too much of a threat as we've taken control of all the territories around Mobius. They're all still around…though the trouble in lies if they heard the rumors about you…I'm sure it wouldn't be beneath them just to look for you just because…"

"Mina has been an issue…" Sonic said with a frown.

"She still is." Rotor stated.

"We'll talk to her when she gets here…" Sally said offhandedly turning to her right to look at a digital clock sitting next to a printer on a small wooden cabinet then looked back at everyone "I'm starting to see it would be disastrous if the Consul won this case. Because they don't know everything that happened six years ago, they don't know about your past Nicole, and they don't anything about this…new you…"

"Are the Freedom Fighters the only ones who know of me?" Nicole asked her curiously.

"Yes, the only ones who know everything about you. When the city was being rebuilt we kept you a secret within the Freedom Fighters like everything else related to you. The Consul didn't have any authority to get near you because of us. I'm sure they've always wanted to get more info on you." Rotor responded to her right.

"Makes me wonder if they are also using this trial to try and find out about this…living Nicole too…at least that's the way they describe you…." Sonic said in an upset tone glancing at Nicole, and she nodded at him.

"Speaking of thangs moving fast, Nicole you've become seasoned since we last saw you…" Bunnie said with a curious expression.

Sally nodded in agreement "From what the scientist have told me, you maturing so fast in six years is not a coincidence either."

"…Yes…Rotor and the other scientist have told me about my body…" Nicole said with an upset face.

Rotor spoke getting everyone's attention as he was the authority on Nicole's developments "Among other things going on, we've done much neural scanning over the years scanning Nicole for any problems after she left. We mostly did it because of her amnesia because Nicole has recalled many strange memories to us…that she even had memories is something we're still trying to figure out. But we also discovered during the scanning that Nicole's synapse's connect at a faster rate than normal individuals…and in discovering one reason for Nicole astounding learning ability and other amazing details about her body we also stumbled upon other things about her body..."

And though they all mostly held varying degrees of upset faces the Freedom Fighters suddenly looked intrigued again; just like when they briefly discussed the future. And Nicole noticed their reactions but wasn't sure of what her relationship to her friends was anymore. She couldn't tell if they liked her as they continued to help and protect her and at the same time dislike her for her actions. Though she a least knew her relationships had been strained a bit…

Antoine blinked his eyes with a curious expression "So zis is the reason she is so skilled…'

"You haven't aged bad at all." Sally complimented her.

Nicole took in a deep breath but responded in a considerate tone "Thank you…"

Rotor continued pacing his claws behind his back "In the recent studies since Nicole has come back we've discovered even more. The data we've collected doesn't make sense because its unlike anything we've ever seen. The scientist were dispersed when Nicole, and I talked about the theory I have because its Nicole business. But on Nicole's DVDs, Nicole's creators mention that the people in the future are genetically evolved…so you can see were I'm going with this…"

And the Freedom Fighters looked completely curious now "How did she model her body after people from the future?" Amy said with wide eyes.

And Rotor shrugged "I don't know everything."

And Sally scooted her chair closer to her desk 'But wait…how far into the future are we talking?"

And Nicole answered her "…I believe it was about several thousand years or more…" she said as her head dipped again.

"Man that's insane…" Sonic said with disbelief.

"I haven't even watched them all; I had to skip through a lot of them before. Maybe this time around we'll get to see it all." Rotor said with a neutral expression.

Nicole lifted her head again as her upset face returned, but she had a curious tone in her voice as she spoke turning to look at Rotor on her right "Why did I create my body in such an intricate way? What was the purpose…" she paused looking at the floor for a moment as her question trailed off.

Then Nicole looked back up at him with frustration on her face again "Why did I create my body?" she said with intent eyes.

But as she asked this question Rotor's eyebrows lifted, and his eyes widened. Nicole raised an eyebrow in confusion at his silence, and she looked around at the others for an answer, and they avoided eye contact with her as well. Nicole's lips pursed into a frown as this was the second time she was getting this reaction. Sonic would not answer the same question last night…

And it was clear and obvious that they all did know and were not telling her…she was exhausted by this conversation though so she decided she wouldn't push it for now…

She was sure she could find out later…

Sally then turned to her right again to look at her digital clock again, and her face became stern again. She looked around at everyone silently getting their attention again "I should mention when Nicole's trial starts…"

And everyone's serious expressions returned and Sonic asked "So when are we doing this?"

Sally's frown deepened "…Unfortunately Hamlin has demanded that Nicole stand trial for endangerment and the things she was accused of before today…her trial actually starts in a few minutes..." she said with unease.

"Say what!" everyone collectively yelled and Nicole sunk even further in her chair.

All their faces became enraged; the Consul had really overstepped their bounds this time. Nicole held a pout on her face…this was in no way how she had planned things to be…

She wanted to come back home and maybe woo Sonic….or make some friends or something...

Not spend all her time getting convicted of things she couldn't even remember…

So without much else waffling around they all left Sally's office and made their way to the east wing of the castle…the Court Rooms….

In a few minute's time, they all walked down a long hallway with many closed doors and security guards standing outside some as if the rooms were not to be disturbed. The hallway was mostly quiet other than the muffled voices of court cases going on in some rooms. The hallways were laid with traditional red carpet and finely craved wooden frames on doors, interior wood, wall floor frames much like other areas of the castle. The chamber of the Consul of Acorn resided in was at the very end of the hall. Nicole held a slightly worried face as they walked down to the double doors at the end of the hall with two guards stationed at them.

She noticed the guys seemed upset at the proceedings as well, but nobody looked to be defending her. But as their conversation revealed they had done all they could over the years to help her. And they actually had been fighting really hard for her…

But it didn't make her feel any better as she felt alone as the Consul looked to be preceding to try and cause even more problems in her already complicated life…

But she caught a glance from Sonic who gave her a reassuring look to which she felt a little bit of relief…as it seemed he was her only pillar of support as of late…he had not changed despite the apathy that had grown around everyone else…

And her fondness of him grew even more…

When they reached the chamber at the end of the hall the guards opened the two doors, and the Freedom Fighters moved past them. The doors shut behind them, and this room was much different than other places in the castle Nicole noticed. The walls and high ceilings were rigged and square white bright lights above. The entirety of the room was a sterile looking white and the tiles of the floor where dark blue. There were pillar like designs craved into the white walls that circled the room. Giving it the style and sense of old style interior designs of the past like most of the stylistic design of the rest of the castle. The biggest difference was that most of the chamber was bare unlike most common court rooms.

The judge's bench, doors behind the bench, and a big television screen that hung from the wall near the bench were the only furnishings in the room straight ahead of the Freedom Fighters. There were seats in this medium-sized room like most standard court rooms. The first thing the Freedom Fighters noticed was the Royal Family was siting off to one side of the room watching them all enter.

Maximillian Acorn sat in his wheelchair with a glare, his wife; Sally's mother Alicia Acorn stood next to him with a worried expression. The current king, Sally's brother; Elias Acorn stood next to his mother with an equally worried expression. Because it was apparent to everyone by the uneven looks on the Max's, Alicia, and Elias's faces that they knew by now Nicole had to know that this trial was partly of their doing.

The Freedom Fighters looked to the judge's bench of the Consul, but they were vacant. But not too long after waiting a few minutes in awkward silence. With the Freedom Fighters baring upset expression and Max, Alicia, and Elias avoiding eye contact the members of the Consul could be heard from the room behind the judge's bench.

"Mina has already arrived? I have tickets to her concert, do you want to go?" the voice was too incoherent to say who said it but the members walked out of the back room taking their seats moments later.

Elias waited till they were all seated and his expression became serious, and he walked over to the judge's bench to take his place in the middle seat. So Elias, Sir Charles Hedgehog; Sonic's uncle, Dylan; porcupine and former member of substitute Freedom Fighters. Hamlin; pig and another former member of substitute Freedom Fighters. Penelope Platypus; a platypus another former member of substitute Freedom Fighters, and Rosemary Prower; Tail's mother took their seats on the bench. They all kept straight faces, and Nicole took notice to the glare Rotor shot at Hamlin; she was told that Rotor used to be a former member of the Consul.

Once they were all seated Elias cleared his throat and spoke up with all the Consul looking down at the Freedom Fighters "Nicole, please step forward." he stated in a concise tone.

The rest of the Freedom Fighters took a step back, and Nicole did as she was told. Her face held the deep frown she had most of the day as she stepped in front of them. The Consul of Acorn looked upon Nicole with many different faces.

Dylan for one looked very afraid of Nicole, Rosemary raised an eyebrow. The rest were mostly stern faces and crooked looks as it was the first time they had encountered this living Nicole. When the city was being rebuilt the Consul didn't have any authority to get near Nicole because of the guys keeping her safe. And even though their faces didn't show it they were intrigued at how similar looking this living Nicole was.

Now that she was back right in front of them, it seemed apparent if one thing was for sure…if they had to force what they wanted out of her then so be it….

Hamlin put on an aggressive grin, and the Freedom Fighters looked on with anger. From the looks of it, things were about to get worse. And Nicole's lips stayed curled down into a frown as looked up at the Consul. Though she had some support from her friends, there was nobody else was on her side…

She was all alone from actions in her past, and with the odds stacked against her she could surely fall….

The fact that her friends were not fully standing with her made her already feel she was already starting to fall apart…

The heat is back on! The Consul of Acorn has pulled as fast one on everybody! What will happen in Nicole's trial? What will Mina be doing now that's she's back in town? Lighting Lynx and the Dragon Kingdom are top dog, what involvement will they play in the bigger picture? How will the citizens continue to treat Nicole? What are Nagus and Geoffrey up to? Will Nicole ever woo Sonic? Find out next time! Later.