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.

14. Endeavor Part 2

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

Note: This chapter was split into two parts because it was so long.

Back on the East side of town at Nicole's house...

Nicole's door swung open and she quickly closed the door behind herself. Her brows were wrinkled with a worried expression on her face and downcast eyes as she pressed her back against the door and slid to the floor. As she hit the floor, she dipped her head and placed her hands on her face. She hadn't cried yet…even now she repressed the tears...

Instead, she wallowed in the sadness. It was the only way she knew how to deal with it, so she faced it. Then her hand ran through her black hair as her head dipped more. On her way back someone had noticed her and even followed her for a while…

It only made Mina's words pierce more as she was certain that person who followed her was thinking the same. That she was a freak…

And that sentiment wasn't exactly wrong either….though they didn't know that…that she was cloned and many other strange facts about her…

She learned from Rotor in one of their talks that in her past, she tried to be normal as a computer…

But now she could see the irony as it seemed even in her computer form she was naive. And her naivety to create herself had led to her being in the exact same situation of not being normal again now…that and she was a little naïve now too…more parallels from her computer self….

And as she kept her head low she felt a loss of appetite. She had tried to ignore, pretend, and live normally the last six years of her life…

She was trying so hard to act like nothing happened...

She knew many things had transpired since six years ago, but since she could not remember and could do nothing about it, she tried to...

Well now that she thought about it she didn't know where she was going anymore again...she never really had since she woke up with no memory six years ago...All her life that she could remember she'd struggled to grapple with the reality of the situation of her past. She still had not come to fully accept her past…she didn't know if she ever could believe she used to be a computer program…

And with all that was going on right now it only compounded her current depression…

She felt herself spacing out as she sat on her floor, with the sound of the clock ticking in her quiet house, and the dripping from her sink in the kitchen. She kept her head buried in her knees blinking away the welling in her eyes again…

She wanted to get away from all the drama. But the grass was never greener on the other side…you only trade one type of suffering for another no matter what you did in life…Sonic had told her this bit of wisdom over the years…

And she could see that in her own life experiences. Just when she thought she had things figured out, she wanted something, nothing, and then blank…she didn't know…

As she tried to grow over the years so she could come back to New Mobotropolis. Try and figure things out. Only to find out even more so in the last few days what she thought she wanted was such a waste of time. Maybe not Sonic…but she tried to make her life better, and it had gotten worse…

But it didn't stop her from daydreaming about Sonic…the one constant in her life…and she didn't know how stable that was…this was all happening so fast…

So she sat on her floor for a while wallowing in her depression. She'd been knocked down, and she didn't want to get back up….

But with her trial today…making her feel queasy again as she thought about it…she had to get back up even if she didn't want to…if nothing else…she knew Sonic would be there to help her…she knew his trust…she knew…

After regaining her composure, she lifted her head with an upset expression; her brows knotted, her lips curled down, and her eyes slightly wet. She got off the floor and went back over to her couch and sat down. She flipped on her TV again for company knowing they're still might be bad news about her. Then she turned her laptop back on and opened the New OS manual back to where she was at. Briefly wiping her eyes as she read. She tried to absorb herself back into learning the code, but her mind was just somewhere else despite trying to focus. In the back of her mind, she just wasn't interested in what she was currently trying to do. She tried to ignore the bad feeling in her stomach, but she knew her concern was not the New OS Manual right now…

Fact of this was as she'd come to another roadblock in understanding the coding. She decided she'd try some Scripting since she was having trouble with her Object-capability model. But as she tried to write a basic security program she failed, and kept failing because she was distracted; tying close to twenty different variations, altering the terms, but to no avail. This time though her frustration made her angry as her mouth pinched and her eyes narrowed into an upset expression. As it all drew closer she felt frustration at how powerless she was, and she couldn't control her rage…

That's when her TV caught her attention again…

(The television screen)

An advertisement about her trial came on, saying the trial's broadcast would be for everyone to see. Mina's concert was also broadcasting live after her trial. She flipped the station exasperated; now they were even broadcasting her trial? She was sure the Consul of Acorn had something to do with that…

This next station had a group of people preaching about her, saying her being the city would lead to the Thanksgiving Festivals ruin. She was getting more upset by the minute; it seemed nothing was going to leave her be today. However, before she could turn off the TV, her phone rang...

(Nicole's Living Room)

She held her upset expression on her face as she whirled her head in the direction of her phone; ripping her eyes away from her television. She swiftly got up and answered it keeping her voice in check "Hello?" she stated in a normal tone.

"Nicole, its Sally. We're meeting at Mina's stage, and I need you to head over there again. They say they need help with their setup again. Be there in ten minutes ok. I gotta keep moving." Sally said in a stern tone.

"Yes…" Nicole stated under her breath as her head dipped again.

"We'll see you there." Sally said as the line went dead; she thought she could hear the guy's voices as well.

Nicole slowly, with a shaky hand placed her phone back on the receiver. Her brows had knotted even more into an angry expression as she looked down at the blinking red button on her phone base. She had to return to that…that...degenerate…and help her after what she said…what she continued to do….

And she actually felt her arms shaking a bit in rage as she was tired of what had been happening. How everyone had been treating her. It almost felt like no one was helping with her trial. Or stopping Mina, or the people's treatment of her. It felt like everything was against her at the moment…it was hard to see through chaos when you were in the middle of it…

And she sighed standing in her spot. Who was she kidding…she felt terrible about what was happening…she could not deny how she was feeling anymore…it was seeping out of her now…

And she didn't know what she was going to do…she didn't know how much more she could take… her past…the present…her future…the collective hate…her path to now…her trial…her life was falling apart…the pit of her stomach was in shambles….

She turned around to her couch and reached for the remote, but as her finger was about to press the off button, what was on the TV got her attention…

(The television screen)

"Now after you let this cook for thirty minutes it'll look like this…" the woman showed a dish….

(Nicole's Living Room)

Nicole's eyes slowly widened with a slack jaw and a shocked expression as she stared at her TV; the look of anger and upset completely wiped from her face. It was food made in the image of her face…looking angry with fangs….

She remained motionless for a moment staring at the television; feeling detached for a moment before she snapped back. Her face then became furious, her nostrils flared and her brow knotted again at the absolute ignorance displayed towards her. And the first thing her eyes caught sight of was her laptop. She was frustrated that she couldn't figure out the coding for the New OS and without thinking she grabbed it….

She yelled at the top of her lungs, and she threw the laptop at the nearest wall. It smashed into the wall breaking into pieces; a few sparks but nothing that would start a fire. She breathed heavily shaking with rage; her arms and hands were tense and shook. Nicole stared at the broken laptop with alert eyes as the power drained from it and the screen went black. Not caring that she'd destroyed all her work. It didn't matter anyway…she was going to have to tell them why she left because they were trying to lock her away anyway….

She guessed Tails, and Rotor had the city under control with creating new tech despite that it was hard to keep up with since she left….she didn't care anymore…

She didn't turn her TV off as she left her house, she slammed her door, and she didn't look back…

A short time later…

It was getting around four p.m, and Nicole made her way back to the business district. With a frown on her face, she didn't bother to give anyone any attention as they stared strangely at her. The concert area was getting busy now. People were starting to gather on the grass around the front side of the stage, and Mina's crew was more active around the backside. And Nicole moved through a sea of stage crew employees to get back up on the stage. They were setting up for Mina's concert in a couple of hours as she saw on her television. Once on stage, she spotted Ash not too far away on his cell phone again. He caught sight of her too; he must of have been looking for her. With a serious expression he pointed to the console she had worked on when she was here earlier.

She nodded at him as he walked from where he was on his phone. She knew no one around her in the environment even slightly cared or noticed how upset she looked. And she made her way to the computer console to see another list of instructions sitting on top of the computer. She read it at least happy that it was just a computer problem this time.

But as she worked in the busy and increasingly noisy environment, Mina came onstage. She made eye contact with her as she walked by and Nicole darted her eyes at her not looking away from the computer console. Mina smirked at her with a smug expression, and Nicole's frown deepened creating more furrows on her forehead as she narrowed her eyes. Mina walked off to another area on the stage, and she huffed looking back at the computer.

She only had to keep herself together, and keep her cool long enough for the guys to show up so they could throw her in jail for the rest of her life….

But not long after Mina walked away the sound of something heavy falling distracted Nicole. She blinked her eyes curiously, still keeping her frown and turning in the direction of the loud noise. Cream was on her knees not far away sweating profusely. From the looks of it, she'd been working hard for no compensation other than pleasing Mina. And Nicole silently shook her head in disapproval looking back at the computer console. But Cream noticed her and came up beside her looking curiously at her. Nicole didn't make any attempt to try and hide her displeasure of the day on her face.

And Cream smiled brightly "Nicole? It's you!"

Nicole's frown only softened a little to speak to her; she continued to type and look at the computer "Hello Cream. Forgive me but I do not remember you so well…"

"That's ok, I'm just so happy to help Mina. She's my idol!" Cream exclaimed twisting her hands together.

"That's nice…" Nicole said trying to inch away from the conversation.

"Her music is so beautiful. It's true isn't it?" Cream asked her with a big smile.

Nicole's fingers stopped typing at that question, and she looked at Cream keeping her frown. She didn't know how to respond to it, and she remained silent "…"

"If you're the AI that used to be here, then you did leave right?" Cream said picking up her heavy box again trying to balance it.

"Not exactly…" Nicole said looking at her as her frown deepened.

"Why did you leave? Since you're here I can ask in person cause getting the truth makes Mina's music even better. Because you did leave, I haven't seen you for a long time. It's good to because I know the Freedom Fighters, and they would tell me the truth." Cream said with a smug grin holding her box.

And Nicole's eyes narrowed skeptically looking at the girl….she had certainly grown into a flippant teenager that's for sure…

But at that moment Nicole felt her self slipping away again, and she lost herself in the stress as of late. Children, especially teenagers were the most disrespectful people on Mobius. They had no concern for privacy or respect. No matter what the parent taught the child, they did mean spirited actions anyway. And Nicole wanted to stop herself as she knew her anger was making her think irrationally. But was her anger not justified? She certainly thought it was.

And she suddenly glared at Cream, making her blink her eyes in confusion "Do you think I am so naïve that I don't know this horrible music sung is about me!" her voice slightly raised a pitch.

Cream's eyes widened, and her mouth shut shrinking a bit as Nicole continued. Nicole turned away from the computer console, her eyebrows squinted, tightening as anger came over her face "You must not know, or you do not care. This music directed at me is dehumanizing!" she yelled this time.

Cream dropped her box with a horrified expression making a loud noise and Nicole's yelling garnered attention from around the area "You're not even getting paid are you? They suckered you to work for free just because you like them! You and each person who pays for this, feeds media that contributes to nothing!" Nicole said balling her fist at her sides as tears began to form in Cream's eyes.

At this point everyone nearby had witnessed Nicole lashing out at the little girl. And unfortunately the Freedom Fighters had just arrived and heard and saw the commotion off stage. Sonic, Rotor, Sally, Bunnie, Antoine, Amy, and Tails rushed on stage with frowns and slight worry on their faces. Vector came on stage because he'd been following the Freedom Fighters, and he got the whole Nicole tirade on tape. He'd been broadcasting too so everyone in that moment had seen it.

The Freedom Fighters looked slightly worried as they stepped past all the stage crews near Nicole. After hearing Rotor's account on their way here…something about Nicole's genetics and mental stability on the DVDs…seeing Nicole freak out like this just minutes later certainly made them skeptical…

"Whoa, whoa Nicole calm down!" Sally said with a stern expression stepping even closer to her.

Cream then ran to Bunnie and gripped her tightly, and Mina and Ash had joined everyone from the back area of the stage. Mina's air of confidence had disappeared, and confusion filled her face seeing how upset Nicole looked right now. And felt a sudden pang of guilt all of a sudden…

"We have to detain you now Nicole…" Rotor suddenly interjected with a pained expression.

Nicole raised an eyebrow with a look of exasperation; turning to look at Rotor looking as if he had lost his mind "What?" she said with a strain in her tone.

But Sally continued looking sternly at Nicole "Nicole that was totally uncalled-for."

Nicole kept her frustrated expression as she began to notice everyone was looking at her. And she huffed feeling ashamed at the chastising she was getting. She didn't like that she was suddenly being treated like a child…

Sonic held a light frown as he stepped forward "I don't know what happened Nicole, but I get it..." he glanced over at Sally as Nicole nodded appreciatively at him "…Lets just get going…" he said looking at Sally.

Sally frowned, but she did comment "Incidents like this aren't good right now…" she said in a disapproving tone.

But Sonic locked eyes with her "We're all under a lot of stress right now…it's understandable…" he said in a confident tone.

Sally sighed, but she nodded looking at the guys "We're going to be late…" she said walking away from Nicole.

Mina, Ash, and all the stage crew employees quietly watched as the Freedom Fighters, and Cream walked off stage. Nicole tried to avoid eye contact as she kept a close pace near Sonic. And Vector followed looking surprised and silent even for him. Everyone was speechless and confused not knowing exactly what happened. But Mina finally felt conflicted as she watched them walk away from the stage. She held a worried expression as she gripped the large red curtains on the stage. Seeing Nicole express such anger because of her…to see Nicole express such emotion shattered all the misconceptions she'd been singing about her all these years that she didn't feel…and she now felt she was in the wrong now despite trying to justify her stance all these years….

Meanwhile back at the old Knothole HQ….

Geoffrey, Storm, and Jet were rushing back to the HQ. Geoffrey ran in first with Jet and Storm on his hills. They startled Nagus and Wave and seeing Geoffrey's serious tone they listened as he spoke "We need to move…" he panted as he spoke.

Nagus stood from his seat with wide eyes baring his teeth "You have seen this?" he questioned.

Geoffrey nodded still catching his breath with a determined expression "…Yes, I trailed her while Jet and Storm were doing other things in the city…she's in lock down before her trial..."

Nagus gripped his staff tighter "Geoffrey get ready to be in position! You must be ready after I capture the girl!" Nagus whirled his heads looking at Jet, Wave, and Storm "Rogues the time is now, are you ready?" he said in a strong tone.

Wave grinned cracking her knuckles "I'll call the Zeppelin now."

Storm punched a fist into his hand "Jet and I will make sure everyone is distracted."

Jet grinned "Let's do this!"

"Let us." Nagus said grinning arrogantly and nodding at everyone.

Geoffrey nodded at his master and Nagus, Jet, Geoffrey, and storm immediately headed back out the door. Wave went back over to the computer console and began calling their Zeppelin. When she was done she got up from her seat and grabbed her extreme board near the front door catching up with everyone. They only had one shot…

Back in New Mobotropolis…

At Castle Acorns Courthouse, in the chamber of the Consul of Acorn, they had just finished another hearing with Elias slamming his gavel. Sally and Rotor sought an emergency appearance with them to discuss the specifics of Nicole's trial. Sally and Rotor approached the Consul of Acorn passing by a big tough looking fellow with tattoos all over his body.

He was handcuffed by his hands and feet struggling to break away from the five guards who restrained him out of the room. Rotor and Sally waited staring up at the console with frowns while the Consul gathered their papers.

Once the whole Consul finished Elias spoke clearing his throat "I was going to ask you why you called an emergency meeting, but I guess you saw our changes to the scheduled proceedings." he said folding his hands in front of him with a serious look.

Sally crossed her arms "Why is this being broadcast?" she said looking at her brother disapprovingly.

Hamlin giggled gleefully with an arrogant expression "Why not? It's the biggest profile case we've had in a long time."

And though the rest of the Consul did not hold the same level of glee that Hamlin had, holding steady stern expressions. They remained silent and did not answer Sally's question. But it was clear they were doing it to drum up more negative sentiments towards Nicole so they could get a conviction on her.

Sally sighed, and Rotor adjusted his spectacles looking upset "Why has the scheduled time of Nicole's trial changed?"

Penelope slightly leaned forward in her chair with a frown "Because the Consul believes we have gathered sufficient evidence from our archives against Nicole in the last twenty four hours We've decided to push her trial up. It will begin in thirty minutes."

And Sally's and Rotor's eyes widened in shock, and Sally spoke with disbelief "But I haven't gotten my defense ready…" she exclaimed.

Dylan shrunk under Rotor and Sally narrowing their eyes at him "We're denying Nicole's defense…she will proceed straight into her trial…."

Sally's eyes were still wide "How can you do that? On what grounds!" she stated looking at her brother.

Elias looked guilty again pretending to look down at his papers, but Hamlin spoke for him with a sly grin "Nicole the AI waived all her rights when she left the city six years ago. And since she is gone but technically still here she has no rights. This Nicole we are dealing with now technically, just by her very existence does not have the same rights. From all we know this living Nicole appeared around the same time AI Nicole disappeared. So from the very moment she showed up her rights were waived by being an accomplice to the AI Nicole. Her very appearance alone and all the time she has existed she has been involved in a criminal case." Hamlin squealed with a wicked grin.

And Sally and Rotor still held wide eyes, they looked at one another then back to the Consul at a loss of words. They had them there…they couldn't stop their ridiculous actions this time…

Elias sighed finally looking back down at Sally and Rotor with a frown "Now if you will excuse us, we have to prepare for Nicole's trial." he said handing some papers to Sir Charles who sat to his right.

Rotor and Sally did dawn upset faces as they reluctantly turned and left the chamber. Feeling a bit more frustration at the gleeful look on Hamlin's face as they left. They were really gunning hard to convict Nicole and there didn't seem to be much they could do to stop them…

Sally and Rotor spoke to each other as they exited the room making their way down the corridor of the courthouse. They walked past many guards standing at the doors of noisy court rooms with closed doors. And as they neared the end of the hallway that led back into the castle, they noticed the guys arguing with one another. They had all been in disagreement about what exactly they should do to help Nicole…

They stopped walking, and Sally looked at Rotor with a stern look "I'm going to talk to Nicole."

Rotor nodded with an equally serious expression "I'll let everyone know what the Consul has done..."

So Sally headed to her left into a nearby corridor as Rotor walked down the hall. The holding cells were a sterol area with white walls, gray tiles, and even grayer doors. The two guards standing at the entrance moved out of the way as she approached. And she walked past them down the short hallway to a four cell area. Guards were stationed at every room with an occupant, and only one guard stood by a door; Nicole's door. There were only two ways out, the entrance and another door at the end of the small area leading to a staircase. They were also rooms with two way glasses and were soundproof.

The guard at Nicole's door saluted Sally as she opened the door and closed it behind her….

As Sally entered the room Nicole looked up from the chair she sat on with a blue face; the handcuffs now on her restricted her movement as she stood.

And Sally crossed her arms looking a bit fidgety. Her lips curled down into a frown, and her brows narrowed into frustration as she tried to think of how to explain to Nicole what was going on "…Nicole…the Consul have denied your right to a defense…"

Nicole blinked her eyes, but her expression remained saddened almost as if she was resigned to her current position "I see…I suppose it would have only kept me out of jail for a shorter period of time anyway…" she said with downcast eyes.

"They have you on a technicality, and I can't defend you anymore…I've done everything I can…" Sally said in an upset tone.

Nicole kept her eyes on the floor and nodded silently as Sally spoke again "It won't be good for anyone if the Royal family and the Consul get their hands on your stuff. So the only thing we can do is have a defense for you when you stand in front of them. What are you going to tell them if they ask you why you left the city? The reason why you left would be the only thing the Consul can really get you on. If we don't stop them they're going to take control of you Nicole."

Nicole lifted her head and looked Sally straight in the eyes with her saddened expression "I will tell them I left because I wanted Sonic….I have nothing left to lose anyways…" she said in an honest tone.

Sally dawned a surprised face and she uncrossed her arms "You can't do that! It would give the Consul and my family too much oversight. The consequences of that would be far reaching; it could affect a lot of people. Not to mention it would implicate Sonic and even the Freedom Fighters."

And Nicole dawned a light frown "Even you as Princess cannot seem to stop laws, ideas that someone made up despite all I have previously done for the city…"

And Sally began looking stern again "But you did cause that disaster six years ago Nicole…maybe not all of the guys…but I do hold a bit of accountability on you for leaving..."

Nicole kept strong eye contact "They will convict me no matter what I say correct?"

"On the technicality they have you on…yes unfortunately…" Sally said scratching her head frowning now.

"Then it does not matter what I say…" Nicole narrowed her eyes "You were there when I did it?" she questioned.

Sally nodded with her stern expression "Yes Nicole, I was there."

"So then you know why I left…I left because I was in love with Sonic…that was my computer self's motive as far as you have all told me…" Nicole stated with conviction.

Sally twirled a hand in the air "But Nicole it'll be even harder to reduce your sentence…"

But Nicole cut her off turning sideways away from her with her frown "Either way I go to jail, the people hate me, and even most of my friends despise me. It does not matter what will happen to me as even you have stated in a subtle fashion; everything has been preordained to take my possessions away from me; take my life away from me. I will tell the Consul I left for Sonic, I have made up my mind…" she said crossing her arms.

Sally was starting to look irritated as her brows furrowed "Look Nicole, while that might be true you did set all these events into motion. Yes all of this was inevitable but we did fight for you, and we are going to continue to fight for you."

"Then you can continue to while I rot in jail, what does it matter anyway. I never had a chance. I am sure there will be many legal battles over me while I am away again." Nicole's tone sounded despondent as she spoke again with a sigh "…I left for Sonic…" she repeated.

Whatever self-control Sally had, had left her the moment Nicole said that. She felt this conversation start to drift into personal territory yet again between them, and she dawned an upset face "Ok, drop all the trial stuff for a second. We've talked about this already Nicole, this goes farther back than you creating your body." she placed her hands on her hips.

Nicole turned her head to glance at her with her lips curled down into a frown "Yes I know…" she stated.

"So your computer self wasn't exactly acting on your own feelings…they were my feelings for Sonic at the time…while you were in my body…" Sally spoke still sounding uneven no matter how many times she spoke about it.

Nicole blinked her eyes thinking for a moment, but her frown stayed on her face "…Sally…my feelings are as valid as your own, and my feelings for Sonic…even now…are just as valid even though that might be true..."

But Sally shook her head "You can rationalize all you want…they were my feelings for Sonic…"

Nicole's frown deepened looking slightly confused now "What are you trying to suggest Sally?"

Sally rolled her eyes "That you telling the Consul that you left for Sonic isn't completely true. That and it would be bad if you incriminate yourself by telling them that you left at all."

Nicole huffed through her nostrils "So what you are saying is, it is your fault I left…" Sally looked annoyed by her sarcasm as she continued "It sounds like more than that..." Nicole said with her frown and upset tone.

"Maybe…" Sally said with her upset expression knowing both of them knew there was some level of conflict for Sonic between them. And Sally pointed a finger at her "We're done talking about this for the moment. Whoever's feelings you wanna say they were, you're not going to tell the Consul you left for Sonic. We can possibly still save you." Sally shot a glare at her.

And Nicole narrowed her eyes even more as they could feel the tension over Sonic and each other's motives. It was apparent they both had certain feelings for him at the moment and the past circumstances only complicated things.

Sally turned to leave the room "I'll be back in a minute…" she said as her face softened into a frown.

Nicole remained silent as she lost her frown and her eyes downcast onto the floor again. Her saddened expression returned as she sat back down on her chair and the door to the room shut. It seemed Sally had an interest in Sonic again…

It certainly made her feel a bit more down that Sally was seeking Sonic's attention now of all times. When Sonic was her closest friend, she didn't want to lose his attention while she was so alone right now. She had heard her friendship with Sally was much stronger in the past; Bunnie had told her best friends in fact. Now the strain on all her relationships seemed to be beyond repair and problematic.

And with collective actions of others against her and bigger than her, she knew she was powerless to stop so many. All the good she had done was ignored and the sum of her life to others were the mistakes she'd made. So since it seemed no matter what she said or did would change the extreme circumstances she was in, she felt the truth would be the most sufficient response. The more she resist the more it persist. So she was going to take the path of least resistance, and she would tell them why she left…the Consul didn't care what she said…they were going to do what they wanted anyway…

Lies had speed…truth had endurance…

Sally left the holding area still looking quite irritated as she made her way back down the hall of the courthouse. She could see the guys were still unsuccessfully debating one another as she neared closer. Bunnie held a worried expression as Antoine argued with Sonic about Nicole. Tails rubbed his temples, and Amy and Rotor tried to interject as they went back and forth. Once down the hall she moved past the guards guarding the entrance to the courthouse and tried to interject on their conversation.

But back in the holding cells a shadow arose from the floor...

Forming into the shape of Ixis Nagus! The single guard standing by Nicole's door instantly noticed the strange phenomenon. And when he saw it was Nagus he went to attack him as he yelled for help from other nearby guards. But Nagus pointed his staff at the single guard with a malevolent smile, and the guard froze with a shocked expression.

Nagus held his staff steady and opened the closest door to him. Then he controlled the guard's body and made him move into an empty holding room and locked him in; Nagus then surrendered control of the guard.

The guard he locked into the room banged on the door, but his cries couldn't be heard. Nagus quickly looked through the windows finding Nicole sitting a few doors down. His dastardly smile widened seeing his prize sitting on a chair with her head down, only separated by glass. He quickly went and opened the door, but before he could go inside the two guards from the entrance of the holding area ran into the area rushing at him. Nagus growled stepping away from the rooms cracked door to deal with the guards.

And Nicole lifted her head with a curious face lifting a single eyebrow seeing her door opened. She slowly stood wondering why no one had come in. But as she opened the door, she saw the guards fighting with each other. And a person she did not recognize with their back turned to her looked to be orchestrating it.

And her eyes widened slightly as her brows wrinkled in worry. She felt her adrenaline rush knowing what she was looking at was not a common event. And she knew whoever the person was, was dangerous.

Nicole didn't waste another second as she left her room and ran towards the door at the opposite side of the area. Her cuffed hands only restricted her movement slightly, and she could still run. Nagus glanced behind himself gritting his teeth with an angered expression hearing a noise behind him.

When he saw his target getting away he quickly shoved the fighting guards into a nearby room and locked them in too. Using his magic so strenuously was already tiring him out while he was still so weak.

And Nicole had almost reached the door when Nagus dashed after her pointing his staff in her direction with a growl. Nicole then felt her body freeze. She couldn't move! She couldn't speak either! She began to panic as her body began to move without her consent back into the evil looking man's direction. She turned on her hills and took a few steps in his direction not able to control herself.

And Nagus's malicious smile returned "That's right…hehehe…come on…" Nagus said in a wicked tone.

But something about Nicole made him fearful. His power to raise people's emotions could easily control the average person. The Freedom Fighters even had trouble when he did it. But this girl…she was resisting him….and Nagus was straining to get her to move...she was different….

Nicole didn't know what was happening, as she had never encountered such a strange occurrence. She didn't understand how a force could take over her body as she gritted her teeth struggling to move. She didn't know if she was doing a good job of getting away but she felt herself regaining a little control as she successfully took a step back away from him.

And Nagus snarled because someone could show up any minute "Darn you! Move!" he said baring his teeth and an angry expression.

Then Nicole felt her control slipping again as she took three steps closer, then another, and she was starting to get close to him. Nicole's brows became high on her face, and her eyes became wide as her expression became fearful for a moment. It was obvious to her by now that this might have been one of the villainous individuals the guys had been talking about. And she didn't know what he'd do to her if he got his hands on her.

Nicole grunted clenching her eyes shut as Nagus focused more energy on her but she did not budge. Nagus jabbed his staff at her pushing all his limited magical might to get her to move. She took another step closer to him. And Nicole opened her eyes looking angrily at the man. Nagus gritted his teeth looking angrily back at her, and the guards continued to bang on the holding cell doors. She didn't want her life to end like this…not without even having a chance to get closer to Sonic…at least that…

Then Nicole narrowed her eyes staring as she took a step back. But Nagus poured it on gripping his staff even tighter as his face became furious "Argh!" he exclaimed in an angry tone.

And Nicole took four steps towards him, getting closer to him just out of arms reach. But Nicole did not budge another step. And Nagus's eyes widened in surprise at Nicole's angry expression as ever so slowly her lips parted with gritted teeth…her brows were narrowed in anger as she slowly opened her mouth to speak….

With all her might, clenching her eyes closed again she yelled at the top of her lungs "SONIC!"

Back at the entrance to the courthouse the Freedom Fighters were still arguing with each other about Nicole's trial. After Rotor told them what the Consul had done they'd all become more upset. Vector had also shown up looking for a scoop making them all a bit more agitated. But as Tails countered a point just made by Bunnie, they all heard a faint familiar sounding voice. Sonic's ear twitched, and they all looked at one another with serious expressions. If they weren't mistaken they had all heard the faint call of Sonic's name….

"Did you guys hear that?" Sonic asked them all with a frown.

"Was that Nicole?" Sally said blinking her eyes in confusion looking around at everyone.

And without another word the Freedom Fighters ran back into the courthouse corridor and to the holding area. The guards at the entrance moved out of their way but stopped Vector.

"Come on guys! I'll slip you a dollar if you let me through." Vector winked at the female guards holding him back.

The guards looked offended that Vector had offered such a low amount, and they pushed him away from the entrance; making a large thud onto the ground with all his equipment.

Sonic and Tails were the first into the holding cells area and they were the first to see of all people Ixis Nagus just grabbing a hold of Nicole.

Sonic and Tails dawned upset expressions "Nagus! Let her go!" Tails yelled pointing an accusing finger at him.

Nagus jumped in surprise turning around as Nicole struggled to get out of his grip. But then he grinned wickedly laughing at Tails demand. Sonic and Tails went right for him using their speed to dash at him.

Nagus pointed his staff at them dawning an angry face again as he tried to keep his grip on Nicole thrashing around. He missed Sonic and Tails because they were fast enough to move out of the way. Unfortunately, the rest of the gang walked right into it as they stepped into the area. Their bodies froze and Antoine, Sally, and Amy couldn't control themselves but to move to Sonic and attack him. Rotor and Bunnie remained stationary not able to move an inch.

Nagus bellowed holding onto Nicole seeing Antoine, Sally, and Amy go straight for Sonic "All of you hold ill will towards the hedgehog! Hahaha!"

"Guys, you've got to be kidding me." Sonic said looking befuddled as his eyes widened in surprise taking a step back away from them.

Amy grunted with a strained expression "Sorry Sonic…I like you so much I just want to strangle you for not marrying me…" Amy joked as she walked towards him with her arms extended; Antoine's past jealousy of Sonic and Sally's long history with Sonic spurred them to move.

"Yo Tails..." Sonic said in a worried tone backing away from Antoine, Sally, and Amy.

Tails nodded at him and glared at Nagus "I'm on it!"

Tails dashed at Nagus but could not attack him because he began using Nicole as a shield. And Nagus used the opening and pointed his staff at Tails, making him go for Sonic as well; he'd even had some past differences with Sonic.

Sonic couldn't attack the guys as they grabbed him, but he did struggle against them. But Antoine, Sally, Amy, and Tails pinned him to the ground as Nagus finally saw his opening. And he opened his shadow portal to teleport out of the room. Sonic reached to Nicole with an upset face expecting Nagus to laugh maniacally as he got away.

But Sonic stared him in the eyes as he faded into the floor with Nicole screaming for help. His eyes, if he wasn't mistaken, were full of pain…he could see it…

In slow motion Sonic watched him grit his teeth in pain as they faded into the floor. Nicole looked terrified as Sonic watched her go away with him….something was amiss….

As Nagus was gone Antoine, Amy, Sally, and Tails were finally able to control themselves again and looked embarrassed pulling off Sonic. And Sonic spoke in a sarcastic tone with a frown on his face as he dusted himself off "Thanks for the hugs guys…."

But Sonic couldn't help but smirk sympathetically at them all which in return they did the same. Then a guard ran into the area with a shocked expression speaking aloud "Princess, there are reports the Babylon Rogues are in the city!"

Then seriousness enveloped them all again, Nagus had just kidnapped Nicole. They didn't even know Nagus was still alive and his surprise kidnapping was the first type of direct attack they'd had in years. Something fishy was going on right under their noses they needed to figure out right away.

Amy and Rotor went and opened the doors for the trapped guards as Sally threw out some orders with a stern face "Sonic, Tails, Bunnie. Go after him, the rogues have to be involved too."

"Righ Sally." Bunnie said pulling her hat down on her head.

"Rotor and I created some new technology recently that will help us." Tails said as he waved for Sonic and Bunnie to follow him.

Sonic and Bunnie followed Tails out of the holding area and Rotor, Amy, Antoine, and Sally headed back into the courthouse corridor. The guards with them went to inform other security officials that they had a security breach.

"We've got to tell the Consul before we move out." Sally said glancing back at the others as they ran down the courthouse corridor to the Consul of Acorns chamber.

When they reached the doors of the chamber the guards standing at the doors told them a hearing was in progress. But with the wave of Sally's hand and the serious look on her face the guards obeyed her with apprehension to open the door. Her authority as princess held much clout. They ran straight in the room startling the Consul of Acorn, even running past the person on trial.

"What's the meaning of this intrusion?" Elias said standing from his seat with a frown.

Sally looked at them seriously "They kidnapped Nicole!" she exclaimed to all of the Consul.

All of the consul stood from their seats with wide eyes and shocked expressions "Nonsense! Complete nonsense! Have you orchestrated this?" Hamlin said as his face became enraged.

"Sally, what's going on?" Elias asked her with confusion.

"We don't have time to discuss this. We've had a security breach!" Sally said with urgency and her mouth curled down into a frown.

"This can't be true….who's responsible for this?" Rosemary asked still looking surprised.

"Our old pal Ixis Nagus has returned..." Antoine sneered in an upset tone.

The Consul looked even more surprised and looked at the other consul members with disbelief. And Hamlin's wide eyes showed even he believed them "Well why are you standing here? Go get her! I demand that she stand her trial!" Hamlin squealed.

Sally, Antoine, Amy, and Rotor nodded at them with serious expressions. Running past the person on trial who looked confused and watching them as they ran out of the room. The Consul of Acorn looked worriedly at each other speaking fervently. They hadn't had a breach in defenses in years…it was a foreboding sign…

Just on the outskirts of New Mobotropolis's force field, in the distance, the Babylon Rogues Zeppelin flew away from the city with Sonic running at fast speeds following it. But by the forest near the outskirts of New Mobotropolis's force field, three shadows came out of the ground; Nagus, Geoffrey, and Nicole. Nagus and Geoffrey were tired and Nicole was shivering experiencing teleportation effects for the first time. Not long after Storm and Wave showed up on their extreme boards and flew over to help them up. Storm carried Nagus and Nicole on his extreme board, and Wave carried Geoffrey on hers as they retreated to the Knothole HQ. Once there Wave burst the door open with a big grin and Storm carried Nicole in and tied her up to a chair with tape.

Teleporting exhausted Nagus and Geoffrey, and Nagus growled at Storm with an upset expression seeing what he used to tie Nicole up with "Is there nothing else in this miserable shack?" he puffed out.

Storm shrugged glaring and looking irritated by Nagus "I would've loved to use chains, but this was all I found." he said tossing the tape on the floor.

Meanwhile, Nicole's head was dipped, and her eyes were closed still shivering from teleporting. Then Geoffrey dragged his feet over closer to Storm looking exhausted "Where did you guys exit at?" Geoffrey asked Storm.

Storm grinned "South entrance. Once you teleported us all inside we got the attention of the cops and caused a little mayhem. Some of the Freedom Fighters got sight of us, and we led them around too. Wave and I got away from the rabbit and Tails, but Jet couldn't lose Sonic. So instead of Wave going back for the Zeppelin Jet has." Storm chuckled looking pleased.

Wave had went back over to the computer console and contacted their Zeppelin. And in a minute or so of time the black screen full of static cleared up and Jet showed up on screen with a serious expression "Jet?" she questioned.

"Ho..l…u…hol…up…..ahh there we go." the signal cleared, and Jet looked curious "Did they get her?"

Storm then picked up Nicole's chair and put her in front on the monitor "What do you think?" Wave grinned.

"She looks young…" Jet said distracted by the console in front of him "I've got Sonic on my tail guys. I can't keep this up forever." Jet said frowning a bit now.

"Yes, we must move Nicole as soon as possible." Nagus said from across the room in an upset tone.

Wave looked back the screen "Keep us posted." she said with a frown, and Jet nodded and the screen went black.

That's when Nicole began to regain her composure, and she lifted her head looking around the room. But as she did she dawned a frown as all eyes in the room landed on her. Wave smirked and Storm standing next to her chuckled "Hey, tell me what it was like to be a machine."

Nicole glared at the big silver bird, and Wave laughed at her. She started having sudden strange headache's moments ago as she looked around this place. This place was making memories resurface in her head….some of the strange memories she'd had over the years…this place seemed so familiar…and the room with the closed door opposite of this room interested her….

Geoffrey took a seat on the couch still trying to recover, and Nagus walked over to Nicole with a malicious smile "Before we leave I need to make a call."

Wave got up from her seat at the computer console and Storm was about to move Nicole "No, leave her right there. I need her." he grinned.

Storm dropped her, and the chair rattled as Nagus grabbed the paper with the list of signals off a nearby table. He called Conquering Storm back and after connecting for a minute or two it connected showing a Raiju clan member.

They didn't even say anything when they saw Nagus and they went off screen and a little while later Conquering Storm appeared on screen again. And her eyes were narrowed as she looked angry that he was calling her again "I thought I told you not to call me again…" she said in a cold tone.

Nagus only grinned as he stepped out of the way to reveal Nicole. Nicole looked stubbornly at the screen and Conquering Storm's eyes lit up with enthusiasm "Show me." as she inched closer to the screen.

Nagus grinned arrogantly walking behind Nicole and grabbed a hold of her hair yanking it back. Nicole grunted in pain clenching her eyes shut and Conquering Storm growled with an upset expression "I want to see her, now!" she demanded inching even closer towards the screen.

But her demand surprised Nagus as he looked confused "Right now? I couldn't possibly…" his brows wrinkled together.

"If you want to include my clan into your plans you will find a way for me to see this…living Nicole as quick as possible..." Conquering Storm said angrily.

Wave and Storm grumbled not wanting anyone else to get a piece of their cut "This deal keeps getting worse and worse…" Wave whispered to Storm.

Nagus ignored their snide comment gritting his teeth with an angry expression when Conquering Storm spoke again inching away from the screen "Well?" she spoke in an upset tone.

Nagus huffed through his nostrils deciding to try and appease the cruel lynx. She had interest in Nicole, and if he could get her on his side, then fighting New Mobotropolis would be significantly easier to takedown.

Geoffrey had just rose from his seat on the couch and walked over to them all. And Nagus looked at him then to Conquering Storm. He cleared his throat and pointed to him "Geoffrey, I need you to bring The Bride of Conquering Storm here right now."

The rogues snickered when they saw the look of disbelief on Geoffrey's face, his eyes widened in shock "What…I..I..cant…I can't go that far and back…"

Nagus slammed his staff gritting his teeth in anger "We are running out of time! This will be the last time today apprentice."

Geoffrey was reluctant, but he conceded to his master sighing. Then a few moments later he closed his eyes concentrating and faded into shadows on the floor. Then Nagus, Storm, and Wave looked at the screen; Nicole directed her attention to the room across the way while they weren't looking. Conquering Storm looked down taking a step back as Geoffrey came up breathing heavily. Her guards came rushing but she stopped them "I will return shortly." she spoke to her guards.

Then she whistled and seconds later Lightning Lynx ran on screen. Geoffrey grabbed both of their writs, and they descended into the floor. Nagus, Storm, and Wave turned back around and looked at the floor near Nicole; Nicole looked along with them with an upset expression. The shadow portal opened and Lightning Lynx, Conquering Storm, and Geoffrey rose from the floor. Geoffrey had all but passed out thudding onto the floor from exhaustion. And Conquering Storm and Lightning Lynx were on their knees experiencing the after effects of teleporting.

Conquering Storm's eyes were narrowed with an angry expression, and Lightning Lynx held a look of surprise. Nagus, Wave, and Storm waited for them to gather themselves. And even Nicole remembered this woman from before she left the city. She remembered she, and Eggman wanted to kidnap her before as well…

And Nicole's face became a bit worrisome again as her brows wrinkled together, though she kept her upset expression. She darted her eyes at everyone though they were not looking at her at the moment luckily. They could not take her way from here…otherwise she'd be dead….

Meanwhile Sonic had been chasing the Babylon Rogue's Zeppelin a great distance from the city. New Mobotropolis was almost out of sight and Sonic started slowing down in the open and barren grounds. He had grabbed a back pack to carry one of Tail's and Rotor's latest inventions; a special walkie talkie with an encoded signal. The signal was so strong it could reach halfway around Mobius.

Sonic had talked to Tails and Bunnie as he left the city, and they said they had lost track of their targets. Saying that he had the only lead, but Sonic felt he had no lead either. He screeched to a stop watching the Zeppelin fly away. He held a frown on his face, and he crossed his arms with a skeptical feeling in his gut. He had to keep eyes on the Zeppelin because Tails said they had got a track on it. They were starting to mobilize their forces to go after it. But Sonic went back in his mind remembering when Nagus had teleported…and the look of pain in his eyes…

He told Tails and Bunnie that he thought Nagus might be weak before he left the city as well. Telling them about the pain he saw when he teleported. And they agreed with him considering the time span of Nagus being gone. But when the Babylon Rogues showed up they gave chase. And with them now owning the Chaos Emeralds, Nagus had to use the emeralds in the past to garner great power….and now that he didn't have one….

He didn't know when Nagus resurfaced but because of all the time that had passed he surely couldn't as have been as strong as he used too…especially without the Chaos Emeralds…

Sonic then glanced behind himself towards the forest next to New Mobotropolis and narrowed his eyes. He turned around facing towards the direction of the forest as he pulled his walkie talkie out of his back pack "Bunnie? Tails? Come in."

Tails was first to respond "Sonic? Did you find her?"

"I got nothing guys." Bunnie spoke in a frustrated tone.

"Head to the Knothole guys, I think we are trying to get baited." Sonic stated simply looking down at his walkie talkie.

Tails and Bunnie were about to ask him why but the sureness in his voice convinced them not to question it "I'm on my way sugah hog." Bunnie responded.

"See you there." Tails responded.

Sonic put the walkie talkie in his backpack taking a quick glance at the disappearing Zeppelin. Nicole wasn't in there….and he took off at full speed running towards the forest of the Knothole hoping that Nicole was ok…

Back at the Knothole HQ…

Conquering Storm and Lightning Lynx rose to their feet as they regained their composure. Conquering Storm held a frown shaking her head briefly closing her eyes. She didn't even care about any person in the room as she reopened her blood red eyes, and they landed straight on Nicole. And a crooked smile grew on Conquering Storm's face and stepped over Geoffrey's fallen form; Lightning Lynx kept close to her looking suspiciously at Wave and Storm.

Once in front of Nicole, she placed her hands behind her back. Conquering Storm looked over her for a moment as Nicole shot a glare at her remaining silent. Then Conquering Storm grabbed Nicole's cheeks, slightly turning her face to the side.

Conquering Storm released her and turned to Nagus with her usual unpleasant demeanor "Her flesh is real…"

But Nagus looked impatient and annoyed "Now that you see that she is real can we discuss business?"

Conquering Storm halted Nagus with her hand turning her attention back to Nicole, while Nicole did her best to look tough "You look just like her….speak…." Conquering Storm demanded and her brows knotted into a frown.

Nicole remained silent with her mouth curled down into a frown with a grumpy look but Conquering Storm didn't look undeterred "Are you Nicole? The same AI Nicole of New Mobotropolis?" she questioned authoritatively.

"I am Nicole, that is all you will ever know." Nicole said in an upset tone trying to sound tough.

Conquering Storm kept strong eye contact with Nicole as she spoke again "Tell me, how did New Mobotropolis become a super power? How did they create their new technology?"

"I don't know…." Nicole lied with her grumpy look.

"I do not expect captives to answer the first questions; they never do. But in time I will force it out of you. I want to know what has happened in this city." Conquering Storm said with a displeased face.

And Nicole remained silent with her mouth curled down and a grumpy look on her face, though Conquering Storm then smirked arrogantly "You know you've caused me a lot of trouble over the year's girl. Do you remember?"

Nicole remained silent and Conquering Storm kept her arrogant face looking slightly amused by Nicole's grumpy expression. But then her frown returned, and she looked to Nagus "If you want my support you will give her to me."

Nagus's eyes widened with an angered expression; he didn't like all her demands "You can have her when I'm done with her."

"What do you have planned?" Conquering Storm asked raising an eyebrow.

"We should discuss it without her present." Nagus said pointing at Nicole.

"Of course." Conquering Storm said glancing back at Nicole with a smirk.

Storm walked over and picked up Nicole's chair, but before he could carry her away Conquering Storm spoke to Nicole "You have caused me great disgrace attacking my clan and getting away with it successfully in the past." Conquering Storm narrowed her eyes with a cold stare "I'm going to kill you." she stated coldly.

But Nicole narrowed her eyes in determination "You will try..."

The girl's sass didn't amuse Conquering Storm and Wave interjected crossing her arms with an irritated face "Well that seems pointless after all the trouble we went through…"

Conquering Storm turned to look at Wave and Storm and pretentiously turned her nose up at them "Honestly Nagus, you're working with common urchins."

And Wave's beak heated up, tinted red in rage and Storm looked unamused as well with a frown on his face. But Nagus cut in still looking annoyed "Storm, place her in that empty room over there. We're almost out of time. Let us discuss details so we can leave." he said with urgency in his voice.

Nicole watched Conquering Storm, Lightning Lynx, Wave, and even Geoffrey finally getting up off the floor gather around Nagus. She couldn't hear what they were saying as Storm carried her away from the main room. Storm kicked open the door to the empty room and placed Nicole in the middle of the empty room. No windows, no vents, no exits….

"Now don't you go and try escaping." Storm bellowed as he left the room and closed the door. It was pitch black except the crack of light from the bottom of the door.

No exits…that's what she thought at least up until a few minutes ago…

She couldn't believe she flawlessly moved into this room. Nicole sighed mentally with relief inside her head. Some of her jumbled memories began to resurface when she started seeing familiar looking objects in this place. Vague memories of her and the guys flashed in her mind…and memories of this room in particular…and her ticket out…

She guessed her panic of the situation triggered the resurgence. But she didn't care either way cause she was just glad she had. When she was with them she didn't know how she was going to get to this room…she didn't think she was….she didn't think she was going to escape at all…

She only had to get out of her chair. She was lucky that they had only tied her to the chair with tape. So first she began freeing her arms since her hands were still cuffed. She pushed herself forward, and the tape began to loosen. But it started to make noise, and her heartbeat started up again. Once they finished talking they were going to take her away, and if they heard her she'd be in trouble…

She slowed herself and pushed forward with the adhesive of the tape crinkling until finally her upper body was free. Then she slowly leaned forward grabbing the tape on her left ankle and slowly pulled it off. But she heard someone approaching the door and she froze panicking with wide eyes in the dark. But whoever it was passed by the door, and Nicole hurried pulling the tape of her left ankle then off her right.

As she pulled the tape off her right ankle it made a large rip. She thought everything had went quiet, but she heard Nagus's voice a second later, and she knew they hadn't heard her still. She was free! Then ever so quietly she got up and tip toed to the wall on her right. As if it was second nature, she bent down and her hand instinctively traced over the old dusty wooden wall…

She felt around until she felt an oval knot on the wood. She pressed it and heard a click. She bent down and pressed her hands against the square like panel and pulled it up. She looked slightly surprised in the dark but wasted no time crawling into the wall and closing it behind her.

The inside was like a metallic vent with smooth metal, only there were tiny led lights above her to light the way. Adrenaline pumped through her body as she crawled forward on her hands and knees. But she only crawled a little distance when the secret exit became vertical, and she started to slide.

She slid down then it went in a curved motion, up and down and moments later she could see the outside. She flew out face forward into a large pile of leaves. Nicole opened her eyes and picked herself up out of the leaves; the leaves attached to the tape still attached to her upper body of her purple robes. Nicole looked around herself with her brows wrinkled and a worried expression as she tried to figure out where to go. The skies were white and gray and clouds filled her eyes; it'd remained cool out too.

The building she just came out of through the secret vent seemed to be on a higher elevation. She looked up to see it was a bit higher on the hill, and she was lower. However, looking around for a moment she felt relief when she spotted the familiar looking force field dome of New Mobotropolis in the distance just beyond this forest area. It was sort of hard to make out through the thick shrubbery of the forest but she knew she wasn't sticking around here any longer.

She immediately began running into the forest towards the city. She had run past a few trees when she heard an earsplitting scream. Horrified she ran as fast as she could, her fear helped her motivation to keep running. Getting deeper into the forest, she heard the door to the building she just came from slam open and feet scurry across the ground. Nicole felt her eyes start to water as she ran wondering if the guys had figured out where she was at….

And she ran for a few minutes traversing through a good portion of the forest. She saw the open fields were New Mobotropolis set and knew she was getting closer. But she was out of breath at the point, and her side cramped; her handcuffs restricting her movement didn't help either.

She heard screams and yells behind her in the forest as she ran the whole time; she could still faintly hear them. And she panted heavily, not sure how much longer she could keep running; she'd already slowed down half way through the forest as she'd gotten tired. But she gritted her teeth stepping through brush, nearing the threshold of the forest breathing tiredly looking into open fields of grass.

She looked behind herself as she ran, but she heard fast approaching footsteps nearby. And since she was still entrenched by forest and panicking, she didn't know what direction the footsteps were coming from. And before she could turn and see what it was someone had suddenly grabbed her. And she didn't see who it was and immediately panicked knocking both of them onto the ground. She tried pushing the person who had pinned her to the ground off, that was until she saw it was Sonic. She also stopped struggling because she was tired and knew she had barely even pushed him off herself.

And she blinked her eyes with an awestruck look, and any danger that was to befall her washed away. Sonic looked surprised and relieved with a grin as Nicole stared up at him. Then he got up helping her stand as well.

"Nicole are you ok?" Sonic grabbed her shoulders losing his grin and dawning a frown.

She seemed slightly dismayed by Sonic's presence still feeling embarrassed by what had happened at Mina's stage. She darted her eyes to the ground breathing heavily "….I am competent enough to look after myself…"

Sonic's frown lightened knowing this obviously hadn't been a good day for her. But she had impressed him with her ingenuity to escape. Then he grabbed her wrist, and she walked with her head down letting him lead her out of the forest. They stepped out into the open fields of grass and Sonic reached into his backpack and pulled out his walkie talkie "Tails?" he said dawning a serious face again.

There was a bit of static "….Sonic?" Tails questioned.

"Lock on to me, I've got Nicole." Sonic said looking around the forest area where Nicole had come from; Nicole had lifted her head still breathing heavily.

"That's great! I'm not far away. Where are you Bunnie?" Tails asked her.

"Righ behind you." she chuckled.

"Ahhh! Oh…heh…were should we meet Sonic?" he asked.

"Let's…" but Sonic cut his sentence short as he saw a figure coming towards Nicole and him. He instinctively moved Nicole behind himself, and she obeyed with wide eyes hiding behind him.

His walkie talkie went off "Sonic? Sonic? Are you okay?" Tails asked him with urgency.

"I've got company Tails…" Sonic lifted his walkie talkie as his frown deepened.

"Bunnie, Sonic's got trouble." the walkie talkie buzzed "Hang on Sonic, were almost there…" Tails said in a serious tone.

Sonic put the walkie talkie back in his backpack watching the figure burst out of the shrubbery. Nagus's eyes landed straight on Sonic and Nicole. He growled baring his sharp teeth with a furious expression.

His prize to reclaiming his throne was mere meters away from him. He had lost it when he found out she escaped, he didn't know how she got away, but she had. But he knew he couldn't stop Sonic even though he was alone. Sonic was still dangerously good; along with him being weakened at the moment. His magic was weakened even further teleporting into the city to get Nicole...his plan….it had failed…

He had a backup plan, but he had hoped to use it with Nicole. Now it remained his only choice. But after just moments of a stare down Bunnie and Tails suddenly came into view; landing from the sky running over next to Sonic glaring at Nagus.

Sonic alone was a problem…he couldn't stop three of them…

Since they had Nicole now even the combined forces of the Babylon Rogues and Conquering Storm didn't matter…he had to retreat…

Everything was going so well and he almost bit his tongue he was so mad "Sonic!" he said angrily pointing his staff at them "In the coming days I will bring New Mobotropolis to its knees. Every villain from around the world will join me in attacking you! I will expose your technology and bring you down! The rightful King will begin his reign again!" he slammed his staff into the dirt and faded into the ground.

The Freedom Fighters stood silently with each other listening to the wind blow through the autumn colored trees. And Tails, Bunnie, Nicole, and Sonic all looked at one another knowing they needed a meeting. They all nodded at one another as they began to head back to New Mobotropolis. Bunnie and Tails took off flying, and Tails contacted the others to let them know what was happening. Sonic picked Nicole up and kept pace with them; Nicole held onto him as best she could with her cuffed hands. And Sonic briefly glanced down at her as he ran seeing she closed her eyes remaining silent. This little incident was a little too close for his comfort, and now they had to go back and deal with the Consul…

Back at the knothole HQ Nagus had just come out of the ground to the horribly displeased face of Conquering Storm, she shook her head and sighed. The look on her face showed there were no words needed to express what she wanted to say "We are done. Do not contact me again." she said dully "I have done it twice now."

And Nagus didn't need to ask how she was traveling when Lightning Lynx came out of the HQ, and she got on his back. She whispered into his ear before he dashed off, and Lightning Lynx blasted off kicking dirt into Nagus's face. Nagus could hear her faint giggle as they sped away.

And Nagus snarled making his way into the HQ. He looked around the main room but no one was there. He then heard talking in another room and swiftly made his way to the backroom. He walked in to see the Rogues and Geoffrey; they had their extreme boards ready in their hands. Nagus stood at the doorway, and Geoffrey backed away from them. Their Zeppelin was just visible beyond the trees.

They were all upset but despite that Jet held a cocky grin "Thanks for wasting our time old man. We have to get out of here, New Mobotropolis detected our Zeppelin, and I'm sure they're going to be looking for us for a while. We need to get far away from here. And don't you ever call us again." Jet said laughing wildly hopping onto his board.

Wave indignantly swished her head at Nagus and Geoffrey taking off after Jet. Storm chuckled "Losers." he said taking off after his friends. They flew erratically back to their Zeppelin and Geoffrey for the first time Nagus had ever seen, looked defeated…

Nagus gripped the wall tightly with his brows knotted in anger looking at Geoffrey "Did you get the exploit?"

"I already have backup copies; I didn't tell the Rogues about it so I don't think they know. We need to head back to our base." Geoffrey said as his gaze drifted to the floor with an expressionless face.

He had little hope left in his eyes even with this exploit secured. It was their last alternative now…

Nagus walked over to Geoffrey as his anger softened into a frown. He could see Geoffrey still looked tired and was in no shape to teleport; he was still tired himself but knew he was going to have to do it. Nagus grabbed his arm "Let us rest apprentice. Tomorrow we will start our next plans to lay the final blow to New Mobotropolis."

Geoffrey nodded with his head low, and they faded into the shadows in the floor; leaving the dark gray colors that swirled into the room from the back door. The cool wind blew leaves in leaving behind a mixture of depression, hopelessness, and hate…

About thirty minutes later…

The Freedom Fighters and a large military infantry came with them to the forest of the Knothole HQ. Sonic had stayed with Nicole because it was safer in the city for the time being while their security went on high alert. They had already busted into the empty HQ to find nothing but the power restored. So the Freedom Fighters had the infantry spread out around the HQ while they inspected their old base of operations. And they also put their phazers on stun as to catch whoever had infiltrated them and not kill them.

And other than checking out what Nagus had been doing in their old HQ, Rotor had a particular interest in the kitchen area. Everyone else had scouted the house to see they had used their old computer consoles and turned the power back on. Other than that there was no major damage, just a few useless materials missing. Everyone but Tails had gathered in the kitchen after concluding they were definitely up to something with them kidnapping Nicole and all. But they hadn't pieced together what Nagus had been planning yet. Rotor had told them what he saw on the DVDs as they walked through the forest.

And they all looked curious by Rotors accounts as he searched the dusty wooden wall. And Rotor spoke pressing his hands all over the kitchen wall where he saw in the video looking for a switch "I couldn't see in the room, but it was at the Knothole I'm sure."

But after a minute or two of searching Tails called them from the other room saying he might have found something on their computers. But Rotor ignored him continuing to feel around leaving him in the kitchen alone for a little while longer. Until his finger slipped across a smooth piece of wood which felt like plastic. He pressed on it but it was a little stuck, so he used his thumb claw applying more pressure, and then he heard the motors move and the secret panel door flew open to his left.

Rotor felt nervous excitement in his stomach as he smiled. He turned to call the guys as he walked into the room "Hey! I found it…it..i..." his eyes widened in horror and his mouth open looking speechless in the glowing green room.

As he took a step back he stumbled out of the room as a scream escaped him, falling into a table behind him knocking it onto the floor with him. Bunnie, Tails, Amy, Antoine, and Sally rushed back into the kitchen hearing Rotor's cry with determined faces. They saw the new room from the doorway and saw Rotor on the floor shivering in terror to their left.

They all stood still for a moment before Sally narrowed her eyes looking slightly nervous and slowly approaching the room. She stopped just out of sight of the room and quickly peeked her head inside. She flipped her head out of the room with her hand over her mouth and her eyes wide in shock "Oh god…" she pressed her back against the wall next to the room scooting away from it.

Bunnie, Antoine, and Amy then approached the room looking apprehensive. Bunnie and Antoine reacted similarly, stepping away from the room. Bunnie flung her arms around Antoine, squeezing him tight and Amy retreated to the doorway with wide eyes remaining silent and a shocked look on her face turning away from the kitchen.

Tails was most reluctant being the last one to look, and he gulped looking over at Rotor still on the floor still looking horrified into the room. So Tails walked into the room with his eyes closed. He slowly cracked open his eyes seeing a computer console straight in front of him, noticing how the room was glowing green colors. But in the corner of his eye, a face stared at him…and Tails's whole body shook suddenly feeling unnerved as his eyes widened in fear…his mouth slowly opened…

Containers filled with green liquid on each side of him, six in total…filled with….bodies…bodies of Nicole…..deformed bodies of Nicole!

Tails couldn't break his eyes away from the head that looked like Nicole. Its eyes were fully open and staring at him. A head only…down to her neck it didn't grow right…..

To his left was half a leg! Tails slowly backed out of the room. But to his right another container filled with a full body had body parts that were smaller and bigger in certain areas of the body. Tails felt light headed and before he knew it he was stumbling on the ground, trying to back out of the room into the kitchen. And Rotor suddenly regained himself and crawled on his knees and fumbled on the wall to close the door. It slammed shut…

The Freedom Fighters stayed were they were trying to grasp what they had just saw. Not looking at one another, feeling the surrealness wash over them. They stayed quiet for a while before heading back to the city after their infantry returned. Nicole's trial was soon…..

A few hours had passed back in New Mobotropolis and it was getting around late evening…

The skies were still cloudy, and the sun was still visible in the sky but in a few hours it would be dark out. And many people in the city were getting ready for the city's night festivities. Much of the chaos of earlier had been calmed down as security forces patrolled the city, and the sights of their plasma weapons calmed many citizens making them feel safe from the threats of outside forces. Even though no one had attacked them or dared to attack them in years, and they had been the ones actively attacking the villains that used to attacked them now that they were stronger.

At the Courthouse in Castle Acorn, Nicole's trial was ready to get underway. There were camera crews all around the chamber of the Consul just like in the past; and the Consul even gave Vector a media pass after they saw his show and liked it. Also photographers from the press took pictures for the next news cycle; the court corridors were flashing with cameras.

Other than the press the Freedom Fighters, King Max, Queen Alicia, and the Consul of Acorn were present. The King and Queen stood off to one side of the room and the Freedom Fighters on the other. Once they had returned from the Knothole HQ, they told Nicole and Sonic they hadn't found much of anything. They needed to do an investigation so their forces were already in the process of locking down a large area of the forest of the Knothole.

The one thing that did look peculiar to Tails and Rotor was what they might have done on their computers. The computer logs were already downloaded to the New OS so they could analyze it. But for the time being they decided to focus on Nicole's trial again, deciding they'd check on their investigation later. They weren't at all deterred about Nagus showing up because they were so powerful right now; they were already tracking the Babylon Rogues Zeppelin. And they once again ignored any warning signs about technology going out of control, in favor of focusing on Nicole's current situation.

But while they talked before they came to the courthouse, Nicole and Sonic asked them why'd they look so shaken up. But they all made excuses saying nothing was wrong; though it made Sonic and Nicole a bit skeptical even though they dropped it. They also talked about what Rotor had seen on the DVDs, leaving out what they saw at the Knothole HQ, and what Nagus had said to Tails, Sonic, Bunnie and Nicole. They were sure it was tied to the reasons he showed up and his plans, and they were surely going to talk about all that when they were investigating, but they ignored all of it for the time being again….

And they also talked to Nicole about her defense before her trial started. Sally specifically asked her not to tell the Consul why she left. She was sure it was going to be something they asked, but if they didn't know that it would be a charge they couldn't get her on. And unfortunately that was the only thing she could defend her self from…everything else they were going to convict her for…she was considered an accomplice to the disaster six years ago because of anecdotal evidence…

But even now as they stood with cameras all around them, Nicole looked apathetic to her own plight…holding a light frown as they spoke to her…

They couldn't help her during the trial…everything she said would be on her and from the looks of it from the Freedom Fighters, she was going to say whatever she wanted to say…

Noise heard outside the entrance double doors of reporter's and such were kept at bay by the royal guards. The Consul of Acorn had already taken their seats and were preparing their papers. But the Freedom Fighters and the cameras in the room caught sight of many castle employees rolling out huge stacks of orange folders on utility carts. They stacked the papers near the side of the judge's bench, and the pile was huge.

It was an obvious guess that the folders were all of Nicole's past offenses and offenses the last six years. The Consul had really gone back into their archives for this trial.

The trial was being broadcast to the whole city like the Consul had said, and once it was over Mina was broadcasting a live show of her music. And after sometime of tense silence the room became quiet as the Consul of Acorn stood from their seats.

Elias held a frown "This is the second hearing of the city of New Mobotropolis vs. Nicole. With recent crucial evidence against the defendant we have suspended her defense. The evidence is concrete, and the penalty is standard for first-degree reckless endangerment of innocents and of self." Elias slammed his gavel "The trial will now begin." Elias said sitting as the rest of the Consul.

Hamlin was first to speak, he smiled crookedly "Nicole, AI of New Mobotropolis, please step forward."

Nicole glanced at the guys, and they all held frowns as all of the cameras in the room pointed towards her. They all gave her reassuring looks and she turned and stood in the middle of the room in front of the Consul.

She looked up at them with her cuffed hands and upset expression on her face. And the Consul all held frowns of their own; although Hamlin held an arrogant smile, and he spoke first "Before we start I have a few words for you Nicole."

And Nicole looked uninterested not caring what they were going to say as Hamlin cleared his throat and the cameras in the room focused on him "You're a menace to our society, I have been working hard day and night to carry out the peoples will that you stand for your crimes. The people have a right to know!" the photographer's cameras flash filled in the hallway, and the cameras in the room continued focusing on Hamlin as he smiled proudly into them.

But Elias looked irritably at Hamlin "Hamlin, you do not use personal attacks!" he said in a stern tone slightly raising his voice.

But Hamlin only smirked, as everyone knew it was unprofessional saying such jargon. Then Penelope interjected frowning "Hamlin will read your present offenses then the Consul will make the final decision and give you a sentence." she looked down at Nicole who ignored eye contact with her.

Hamlin then put on his reading spectacles and read from the large stack of papers in front of him with a nefarious grin "Nicole, AI of New Mobotropolis. When you left the city six years ago you left everyone in great danger As the technology you controlled was beyond us and you were the only individual who could control it properly. As a result we barely manage to control the technology you left behind. For your crimes we are seeking acquisition of your property; that being your portable chassis, your DVDs, and the New OS and everything created from it information and technology included.…"

And the Consul looked down at Nicole waiting for some kind of reaction out of her. But Nicole stared uncaringly up at the Consul with a deep frown staying silent. So they continued keeping their own frowns seeing they'd got no reaction out of her.

Hamlin continued looking slightly annoyed narrowing his brows "…After you left the city, and we were attacked, even with Eggman and the Rayju clan defeated. Rumors most likely spread by our enemies about you and the city being weak which it was at the time. And because of this, we were under even more attacks as our best went to work creating new technology to protect us. There were many battles…" he paused flipping his papers "…to many to count. Especially if we're talking about the ones that have happened these last few years…." Hamlin said looking down at Nicole.

And Rosemary held a stern expression "We've become capable to fend off our foes, none the less countless attacks against the city at the time while we were weaker were devastating. All of our intelligence had figured it was just to defeat us while we were vulnerable, but we had people spying on them. We have discovered another reason for the attacks on the city were because they were seeking if the rumors about you Nicole were true."

And Nicole lips stayed curled down into a frown as she stared up at the Consul remaining silent. She knew they were going to do what they wanted anyways so it was no use in arguing, and the room filled with low whispers except for the Freedom fighters who were starting to look slightly nervous at the solid evidence the Consul had gathered.

And Hamlin's look of irritance returned as he spoke "They came looking for you Nicole, because you not being around anymore gave them cause to believe that we had become weak. If we hadn't created technology from what you left behind we surely would have fallen."

And though Nicole masked her feelings at the moment, keeping an uninterested frown on her face narrowing her eyes up at the Consul. She did feel bad for all the people that she might have hurt because of her past actions. Since she could not remember her past it hurt her to find out this way that she had caused so much suffering to innocent people in her name.

"The nanites." Hamlin said tritely as his brows knotted in anger.

And Penelope held a serious expression looking down at her papers as she spoke "Your nanites weren't and still aren't under control. I have some recent reports of nanites eating away at the support beam of a building, adjusting the city's force field without instruction, unstable homes built with nanites. Nanites frozen who halt progress of managing crucial machinery, nanites in places they shouldn't be and the list goes on…" she said looking down at Nicole pointedly.

Nicole said nothing still as Dylan looked nervously at Nicole "…I have a letter here from a concerned citizen from about five years ago. To keep it short the citizen asked what happened to you, asking about why you were gone. They missed you not only because of what you did for the city, but because they admired you." Dylan looked down at Nicole placing his paper down "Most likely one of your supporters at the time..."

Nicole narrowed her eyes even more as the Consul looked down at her. She knew they were getting ready to ask her the question, and Elias spoke this time; he still looked slightly apprehensive but keeping his frown "We could not tell the many concerned citizens what had happened because we did not know what happened ourselves. The most common concern among citizens this past week was the Thanksgiving festival. There's growing concern the festival will degrade because of your presence. Along with the other evidence already presented, and evidence waiting to be presented in this trial, we still don't know why you left…" Elias said with a frown.

And all the cameras pointed at Nicole and Elias as he spoke again "But now you have a chance to redeem yourself. The whole city is watching. Why did you leave Nicole?"

And Nicole remained silent as she knew, and she knew the guys knew that was the bait question. Hamlin leaned forward in his seat almost licking his lips, and the Consul held stern looking expressions.

And by this point Nicole's brows knotted into slight anger on her face. As the Consul looked to be trying to spin it to look like they were the good guys to the masses to top it all off. And she remained silent for a moment knowing that while all the years worth's of evidence against her was staggering, this trial was just beginning. They might even make her stand here for hours to present their case against her to take her property. She was sure it wasn't beneath them to do so after seeing all they'd done to rail against her so far.

All eyes were on her, from the Consul, the reporters, the King and Queen, the Freedom Fighters. The citizens sat in their homes comfortably eating dinner and watching the trial; some were on the edges of their seats as the cameras zoomed in on Nicole.

Nicole did glance back at the guys to see they looked just as upset and frustrated as her. Then she looked back up at the Consul. To not prolong this ludacris proceeding farther than the bounds of reason it was based on, she decided to say what she was currently feeling in her heart.

Despite the fact that so many were going against her at the moment; despite the greed that spurred so many peoples actions against her. As she struggled to grapple with the bleak reality of her current situation…still unable to accept her past…unable to effect change that she wanted…

And Nicole looked up at the Consul of Acorn, feeling like going against the grain, unbound, unguarded, no fear to control. She narrowed her eyes even more as she spoke with a deep frown "…I left because I fell in love with Sonic….I love Sonic…."

And Sally smacked her forehead, and the Freedom Fighters looked uneven knowing Nicole might do it anyways. But Hamlin's eyes bulged out, and the Consul of Acorn looked astounded as all their eyes widened in shock as the entire room became silent. The reporters, camera crews, and the King and Queen looked confused.

And after a few moments of shocked silence Rosemary spoke looking disbelievingly down at Nicole "Excuse me?"

Elias looked flabbergasted "…Nicole…is what you're saying true?"

"Yes." Nicole stated simply with her deep frown.

Hamlin's shock hadn't worn off yet as his eyes were still wide "You left the city because of Sonic?" he questioned again.

"Yes." Nicole stated again.

"You have no other reason's?" Sir Charles questioned with wide eyes.

"No." Nicole stated in a huff.

Hamlin jumped up from his seat smiling arrogantly "Sonic! You're an accessory to this crime! Looks like we're going to have another trial tomorrow! Guards arrest him!" Hamlin said wildly pointing over at Sonic.

But the guards at the door didn't move an inch when the Freedom Fighters turned to look at them with upset expressions. They idly went back to guarding the door and Hamlin passively waved his hand "We'll get you arrested soon enough Sonic." he snorted gleefully "We had much more evidence to present but since the defendant has admitted to her deeds I'm ready to give my verdict." Hamlin said happily.

Elias continued to look surprised as he spoke to the rest of the Consul "Have all members prepared their judgment?'

And quickly they all raised their hands, and Sir Charles spoke looking apologetic "The evidence is irrefutable…."

And the Consul members nodded silently in agreement, and with a weary face Elias slammed his gavel signaling for the Consul to rise. Nicole did shoot dirty looks at them because the odds were stacked against her from the start, and she knew they knew that.

And the Consul of Acorn descended with their judgment on her as Elias spoke "The Consul of Acorn finds the defendant, Nicole A.I of New Mobotropolis….guilty on all counts..."

The Freedom Fighters all held upset expressions and the Consul actually looked smugly proud as the cameras focused on them. The cameras in the hallway flashed as the Consul of Acorn stood from their seats. And at the homes of the citizens viewing the trial, they whooped and hollered in delight.

The truth about Nicole and Sonic possibly being incriminated too only made the story juicier. The citizens of New Mobotropolis had gotten comfortable in their safe lives and more than happy to dissect someone's life if given the chance because they were bored; to see someone's secrets made good ratings for all to blindly judge

Nicole hung her head low as Elias read her sentence with a frown "Nicole, you will receive life with no chance of parole. We are seizing the DVDs and you for informational purposes."

The cameras in the hall continued to flash as Elias was about to end the trial lifting his gavel "This trial is…"

But Sonic stepped into the center of the room interrupting Elias "Hold it." he said holding his hands up stepping near Nicole and in front of the consul.

And all the cameras focused on Sonic suddenly interrupting and the room suddenly became quiet "What is the meaning of this Sonic!" Penelope said as she dawned an upset expression.

Sonic grinned looking up at the consul; Nicole lifted her head glancing at him with a saddened expression "You've all gone too far. Nicole has done some regrettable things, but this is beyond harsh." Sonic reasoned.

Sonic's statement enraged Hamlin though "It's Obvious you would defend her Sonic, you must have had something to do with this. Did you not hear the trial? She admitted it!"

Sonic continued to grin though "Regardless, we wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for Nicole helping us in the first place. She built this city if you don't remember." he said calmly.

The Consul of Acorn looked at each other keeping their upset expressions, then back to Sonic still looking unconcerned. And Sonic could see they still rejected his statements even though they were reasonable. The Freedom Fighters were well aware they only cared about getting Nicole's property for power.

And Sonic frowned slightly up at the Consul "Well I don't care what 'rules'…" he stated clenching his fingers in air quotes "…you've made up. I can't stand by and let this happen. I know I'm not the only one who can see how backwards this is."

The Consul still looked unmoved by Sonic, and he glanced behind himself to the guys "This would be a good time to step in guys." but the Freedom Fighters looked awkwardly at him.

Sonic looked confused as Sally looked torn; her brows were wrinkled in frustration rubbing her arm "…Sonic…you're making a mistake. You haven't seen what Nicole's done…" she said casting her eyes onto the floor.

And Sonic's eyes narrowed in frustration "What are you talking about? She is our friend…." he said with determination.

"We need to let this happen Sonic…" Tails said looking torn as well "Things can get better in time..." he said still feeling shaken about what he'd seen at the Knothole HQ.

And Sonic started to look more confused by the guys "What's wrong with you all?

And Rotor took a step forward with his brows wrinkled in worry "…Sonic you gotta trust me when I say Nicole will be better off this way….don't do this, it's only gonna make her problems worse."

"This isn't like the past Sonic; we need to let the legal system work." Sally said with unease on her face.

And if Sonic wasn't mistaken he saw fear in her eyes. Fear from what he didn't know, but he could see it crippling all his friends. That and it now seemed that he was all alone now in defending Nicole "The past? So stay silent? Never point out what we can clearly see is wrong? Because a few people made up in their minds what's what and everyone is following?" Sonic turned away from the guys and looked back up at the Consul "I'm still the same person, and I'm going to say the truth or something even if my voice shakes. Terror and fear don't cripple or control me." he stated in a confident tone.

The Freedom Fighters looked slightly shameful as Sonic wasn't afraid to speak his mind. But Nicole then turned to Sonic with a weak smile at his defense of her while no one else did "It is ok Sonic, I have caused these events to happen, and I must pay for my mistakes. Even if the charges aren't true, and I have done equally positive things for the city. Please don't ruin your life too..."

And Sonic smirked slightly at her "Everything's already ruined." he said cracking his knuckles.

Nicole kept her weak smile as her head dipped again and the Consul looked like they'd had enough as Hamlin growled pointing at Sonic "Freedom Fighters you must do your duty, restrain Sonic. Guards arrest Sonic now!" Hamlin screamed.

Elias looked down at Sonic with a frown "You're only delaying our ruling Sonic."

"Yeah well at least I'm doing something different." he stated with his frown returning backing up next to Nicole ready to grab her.

She remained still not moving with her head down, her resolve broken, her motivation crippled; if Sonic was going to whisk her away she didn't care. With him anyways she knew she'd have some genuine compassion about her well-being.

The Freedom Fighters remained where they were looking torn, and all the guards in the room began to converge closed in on Sonic and Nicole. Guards also came rushing out the room from behind the Consuls bench.

Sonic and Nicole were surrounded and Sonic was ready to bust a move. Nicole had lost all hope and stood still with her cuffed hands as Sonic wrapped his arm around Nicole's waist when the video monitor behind them on the wall suddenly went static...

Everyone turned to look and when the video cleared up the evil smile of their most hated enemy showed up on screen. Dr. Eggman! Everyone had stopped what they were doing with shock on their faces; though Nicole still had her head down not even bothering to look at the screen. It was the second breach they'd had in years just today….

"Ho ho ho! Those stupid birds were right! I'm in Snively!" Eggman said delightfully with a malevolent smile.

"Their encryption is still too strong sir, we are losing connection." Snively's voice could be heard off-screen.

Eggman then growled "That's alright, I might as well tell you filthy animals what's going to happen since it's going to happen." Eggman said as his mouth spread into a malicious smile; he looked into the screen looking around the courtroom "What is going on here?" Eggman paused but then he saw Sonic and the ever rare Nicole next to him "Hello my dear blue friend! Long time no see! I hope you've been faring well because I'm coming over, I just had to tell you personally." he laughed.

"What are you up to Eggman?" Sonic shouted with a frown at the screen.

"Hehehe! I just got a tip from a little birdy that there was an exploit to use against New Mobotropolis's defense's They should have enough birdfeed for the next three winters, but anyway I just wanted to tell you Sonic…I finally have a means to destroy you! This exploit that I have just acquired can well…be exploited you see!" Eggman said with a big grin.

Everyone in the room suddenly felt uneasy about what Eggmann was about to say as he continued "Under a large scale attack even your security won't hold up. So I'm getting a party crew together. I'm sure they'll want to come, because we've wanted to hang out at your place for a long time. And were coming by your place in a few days and were going to raid you Sonic. I almost had another breakdown because I couldn't figure out how to attack you. Now I will reveal your secrets to the world!" he stated laughing again.

And the shocked expressions of the Consul, the King and Queen, and the reporters began to show fear as they were unsure of what Eggman was talking about. But the Freedom Fighters knew, and they dawned upset expressions as they all ran over to Sonic and Nicole looking up at Eggman as he spoke.

Then Eggman's tone became ominously dark and his brows knotted into an angry expression, and his tone deepened "I'm going to make you suffer hedgehog. I originally planned to make you watch your friends suffer, but I didn't get much satisfaction out of the idea. But when I rip your guts out and sew you up then do it again, I want everyone to see it! I want to…"

But as Eggman went on his rant, Nicole realized the dangers just like the rest of the guys. Just like she'd been saying the whole time. If they could take out their security they would obviously destroy them all. But more importantly the present timeline would diverge into a similar fate of her original time if they got their hands on her technology….

It would be the downfall of Mobius….

But something else bothered Nicole. When Eggman started speaking of hurting Sonic, she slowly lifted her head and looked up at the TV screen, and her frown returned. But her eyes narrowed in determination as she felt a new momentum suddenly emerge within herself. As long as she could help it…no one was going to hurt Sonic…

And she stood fully now looking at the screen with everyone else as Eggman went on "You animals will pay for making the Eggman Empire wait!" the signal was starting to get blurry as the screen became full of static "Oh and Nicole my dear, I'm going to experiment on you." Eggman said as his smile returned "…In a few days Sonic…I'm going to expose you all, and the world will finally change back to what it used to be forever! Muhahahaha!" Eggman laughed as the signal went black.

The masses in their homes went silent; the courtroom did the same. Hamlin blinked his eyes in confusion, speaking and breaking the silence "That sounds bad…but we have the means to stop it? Right?" Hamlin looked down at the Freedom Fighters.

The whole of the Consul of Acorn looked down at them looking deafly afraid; so did the rest of the room. But the Freedom Fighters held deep frowns and looks of unease. Especially Rotor who had dashed their hopes of Hamlin's question because he had turned a ghostly white.

Tails shook his head nervously "Our security update wasn't enough…I wasn't expecting this…I thought we were safe…" Tails said rubbing his chin closing his eyes.

Everyone in the chamber remained silent as the Freedom Fighters looked at one another knowing the significance of what just happened. It wasn't good and Elias leaned forward on the judges benches as his brows wrinkled in worry, and he spoke in a timid tone "…Rotor? What exactly is the problem with what Egg…"

But Rotor interrupted Elias looking at all the Consul with wide eyes and a distant look in his eyes "You have no idea what this means…" Rotor spoke in an ominous tone "I thought we had time…"

And the Consul of Acorn looked confusedly down at them as Tails opened his eyes dawning an angry expression "If they breach our security they will take down the whole city for good!" he raised his voice.

Dylan looked nauseous "This will be the end of us!" he said blinking his eyes rapidly.

And without warning the chamber went into a panic as the reporters heard what was said. They all panicked running out of the chamber as Rosemary looked confused and worried "Can't you guys make something to counter this? We have the technology don't we?" she asked her son.

"We don't have enough time…" Tails said shaking his head "Nagus said the same as Eggman too, they're coming for us." Tails said as the anger began to drain from his face starting to look as worried as Rotor.

And it now seemed the possibilities of being attacked again became obvious now that the whole city's focus wasn't on Nicole anymore. Rotor still looked white as a ghost; looking faint he began to stumble. Antoine helped him stand as Hamlin now looked fearful trying to downplay the seriousness of the situation "We can battle this. We've fought tougher!"

But even though Rotor was faint he had enough strength to narrow his eyes up at the Consul "You guys don't get it! We're screwed!" Rotor yelled at the top of his lungs.

The Consul recoiled at his response widening their eyes; he had never spoke to them in that manner, and Rotor lost the anger on his face "…If they get their hands on the DVDs…even Nicole…Mobius's destruction will become fact!" Rotor felt ill as Antoine helped him stand and his eyes widened again realizing something else "…They almost had Nicole….oh god…" he said convulsing a little.

And Sally went over to help him stand as his head dipped and Elias was sweating now looking more nervous "…Rotor…we're confused here…why is the information dangerous?"

Rotor shook his dipped head not looking up at the Consul "…I will explain it in a little while…I need to rest…I...I have to lie down…" he said in a weary tone.

And the Freedom Fighters turned and walked out of the room. And Nicole had a look of disgust glancing back at the Consul as they left the room. And the look on her face made the Consul flinch in shame. And immediately Elias dropped all charges and came down from the bench following the Freedom Fighters.

Even most of the members of the Consul followed the Freedom Fighters but Hamlin stood on the judge's bench. He yelled with a distressed face "Nicole is guilty! She is guilty…" he said in a descending tone.

Penelope had turned to Hamlin before she left with knotted brows "Hamlin…shut up…." she said disgusted at him and even herself.

She turned walking away and leaving him in the room alone. He slumped into his chair with his distressed expression not knowing what to think anymore. While he had been spewing all his hate, their enemies had been working right under his snout. He placed his hands on his face as the realization that part of this was his fault made him sweat. And if what Rotor had just said was true…then very soon they would all face their untimely end because of blind ignorance…all of them….

The countdown begins! What will happen to the broken relationships of the Freedom Fighters? How will they stop their enemies from destroying the city? How will they stop them from destroying Mobius? What will happen with Nicole and Sonic? How will people's opinions of Nicole shift? Will the Thanksgiving Festival be saved? How can the people who've wronged Nicole speak to her again? Find out next time! Later.