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

Two Days Remaining…

It had only been a few hours since Eggman's broadcast during Nicole's trial, and the city of New Mobotropolis had been struck with a deafening silence. The city's emergency signal was broadcast to all televisions; no one had seen the signal in years and knew whatever just happened was real. There were no people in the streets celebrating Nicole's guilty verdict, no one yelling into the skies that Nicole got what she deserved, no one declaring their suffering had been lifted because Nicole was finally paying for her injustice; papers blew in the wind down the deserted sidewalks.

The grey, dark, thick velvet clouds that had swallowed the last few days finally broke in the dusk of this day. The red afterglow of the setting sun illuminated the horizon of the sky; radiating pink hues and dark azures across the scattered evening clouds. Street lamps began to cut on as it was getting dark but nothing but the sound of the gust of air could be heard through the neighborhoods of New Mobotropolis. If you stood on a hill opposite of the city, you couldn't tell if it was the view of a peaceful suburb where distant city lights gave a beautiful view off in the distance.

All businesses had closed early to watch Nicole's trial, but now they stayed closed. The celebration for Nicole's defeat and the uplifting of the Thanksgiving Festival was now officially canceled. The plans to run into the streets and cry justice seemed pretty silly now. The streets were silent, mystery was in the air because of Eggman's abrupt return, and the citizens wanted to know what was going on but when there was an emergency in New Mobotropolis people went to their homes. To wait and listen for the Princess, anytime now she would broadcast a message to explain what was going on. Even though they had got cozy in their lives as a super power that protocol was hardwired into them after having to deal with Eggman so long.

At Castle Acorn, the Castle had gone into a temporary lockdown. All services the castle provided to the city were shut down until further notice; it was as if the city had become dead...

Right now, Maximillian Acorn, Alicia Acorn, the members of the Consul, and the Freedom Fighters were gathered in one of Sally's offices around a desk. Rotor sat in Sally's chair; he was still faint after Eggman's little surprise.

The consul still did not understand why Rotor was so shaken back in the courtroom. He had yet to explain what had freaked him out and why the Freedom Fighters looked so nervous as well. His skin was still pale white, and his eyes remained closed as he breathed in a slow pace trying to calm himself. Tails stood next to him, and he had been explaining the situation to everyone while Rotor was recovering. He also explained to them beforehand how Naugus and the other villains may have acquired said exploit. With the Freedom Fighters all coming to the conclusion, they used their old computers at the Knothole HQ while kidnapping Nicole. And they connected to their new networks undetected.

Obviously, Rotor knew a bit more because he'd seen more of Nicole's DVD's than anyone. But Tails held a serious expression as he explained to everyone there were always bugs in software. Even in the new sixty four bit security update they made with the New OS "Were not safe…" he said looking around at everyone; his tone expressed the weight of what he was saying "…the new security code we just implemented is complicated like most software, and we haven't got familiar enough with it to fix all its problems..."

Elias spoke with a confused and worried expression "But you said it wasn't the code of the New OS, that it was designed with our current technology."

Tails nodded "That's right; the city uses our code. Even Nicole didn't use her coding to run the city in the past, she objected to using it because she considered it too dangerous, she used our coding instead. We don't use the New OS coding either, though obviously for different reasons, but because it's too complex. We found out first hand after Nicole left, and we came across her coding. Nicole's coding is very complicated, and we can't understand it; it's no wonder only Nicole could use it. We understand our code, but it's still complicated, and that's not the only reason why we're in danger."

"But how does the city run if it doesn't have the coding that's intended for it?" Dylan asked him with a nervous expression.

Tails spoke with narrowed brows "In the past, Nicole created a compiler, and her chassis, the New OS can understand our code, and not the other way around. But we also design stronger code through the New OS's mathematical modeling, that's why our code is so strong. But it also makes our code just as complicated. Speaking of which, Nicole was the one who actually just fixed and implemented our latest security update…they might have found an even stronger exploit if Nicole hadn't implemented the new code…"

Then the whole room briefly glanced back at Nicole sitting in a chair in the farthest corner with Sonic standing right next to her. Her head was down, and she didn't care to look up; Sonic had his arms crossed with a frown on his face remaining silent. And they all shamefully and awkwardly turned their attention back to Tails...

Tails frowned as he spoke "We're still learning the new code, and we don't know everything about it yet. That is part of the reason why we're in trouble…"

Maximillian's brows had knotted into anger on his face "What have you been doing all this time since Nicole left? You've been creating new technology haven't you? Are you saying you can't just make something to stop them?" his wheelchair rocked as he made his statement; Alicia looked concerned keeping his chair steady in her hands.

But Tails looked slightly annoyed "Let me put it this way. There is a bug in our software and there's no time to fix it."

Rosemary nodded with a serious look "I'm starting to understand you now. With all our enemies poised to attack, fixing a bug on a system as big as ours can't simply be corrected in a day or two…" she said as she and everyone else began to realize the grim implications even more.

"Exactly." Tails said with a nod.

"Can they find other exploits?" Amy asked him with a curious look.

And Tails nodded again "Unfortunately, they could find other bugs in our systems with that exploit they found. We could patch the one exploit they found, but if they found anymore we'd still be vulnerable to attack, especially since it seems our enemies are banding together."

Everyone remained quiet at a loss for words as Tails continued "We've made a lot of advancements with the New OS in the last six years, but we still don't even come close to comparing to what Nicole used to do. I don't think you…" he said looking at the Consul, King, and Queen "…can understand how immeasurable and boundless Nicole was. We thought with the new security code in place we would have plenty of time to understand it…but that's only one part of this equation…." Tails paused and the Consul, King, and Queen looked confused by his statement.

But the Freedom Fighters kept their upset faces as Sally spoke "I think I know what you're about to say…" she said in a knowing tone.

But Hamlin blinked his eyes in confusion "Know what? Why is it we had time?"

Tails continued with his frown "Because New Mobotropolis is a super power right now. We're strong. We have technology…tools in our hands that give us advantages and power…" Tails said rubbing his chin "Nobody can, or has tried to oppose us yet. They can't beat us in a firefight that's for sure. No one has been able to hack us with the code we've made with the help of the New OS too. With the stuff we've been creating, we didn't think anyone would ever find an exploit, or would be even able to attack us in any way. But now if they attacked us….if they broke through…we wouldn't be able to fix it because we don't have time, and we don't have the proper understanding of the new vulnerabilities in the new security code…"

And once again the Consul, and the King and Queen held faces of worry. The Freedom Fighters held upset expressions because they knew what was going on. Because even as Tails went into specific detail about what was going on a lot still didn't make sense.

But not too long later Rotor finally seemed to be opening his eyes. He groggily sat up in his chair, and everyone's attention shifted to him; glad that he was awake so he could help fill in the gaps about what the heck was going on. Rotor pushed his spectacle's back up on his nose, and he dawned an upset expression. He then held his claw up so everyone could see. He pinched his claws together, which only served to confuse more.

Elias raised an eyebrow in confusion "What…"

But Rotor put his intense stare on Elias making him shut his mouth "This is how close we were…" Rotor lowered his hand and everyone looked slightly shameful again "We wouldn't even of known if Eggman hadn't been so arrogant to tell us his plans like he always does…if he hadn't said anything we might not have known till a few days later when it was too late…we didn't know because we were so focused on Nicole…we didn't pay attention either because of me too…" he clenched his eyes shut with his brows knotting in frustration.

The Consul looked even more shameful darting their eyes away from Rotor, but Maximillian was so confused he lashed out "What in god's name are you talking about?" Maximillian said irrationally with anger.

Sally and Elias glanced over looking pained at their father's outburst; Alicia kept her concerned expression; it was like he was losing grip of the kingdom all over again.

Sir Charles scratched his head in confusion "But I don't understand, if we're not using the New OS code in our systems, and we can understand our code, why can't you just make a stronger code with the New OS's mathematical modeling? I know you said you don't know the new code yet, but couldn't you just make our code stronger than the one we already have? Can't you make our code super strong so that it can't be hacked or something? You've made all this other powerful technology."

But Rotor shook his head holding his deep frown "Even if we refined our current code in the next few days it still wouldn't be enough. On the scale of attack our enemies are talking about…hundreds of thousands, or possibly even more…any type of coding we implement won't be enough because of the scale of the attack…"

"But you said you could make our code stronger with the New OS." Antoine said with a determined look.

And Rotor shook his head again speaking with frustration in his voice "It wouldn't matter even if Nicole's OOS's mathematical modeling is unrestricted now. Our code is as strong as any code in this time. The New OS doesn't make our code special, it doesn't mean we can't not be hacked; that's not what makes a particular language better than another's. Just because our code goes through the New OS does not make it any more special than anyone else's. Yes, our code is strong, but there's still a hole in it. Their computers can use the same languages as we do, all computers can be programmed with any language. So the languages can communicate with one another. So we can still be attacked, and even if our coding is made much tighter and stronger with the New OS, a large scale attack can cripple any system, and the scale were about to face is worldwide…"

But Elias's brows were still wrinkled in confusion "Time? What does the passage of time have to do with any of this?

"It relates to this." Sally glanced over at the Consul with a stern look, and they nodded silently.

Rotor was still pale white, but he kept his frown "…I don't want to divulge this information I'm about to speak…Nicole's information has never been known to anyone outside the Freedom Fighters…"

"I thank thet it's about time considaraing tha situation we're in…" Bunnie said in an upset tone.

Then Sonic spoke from the corner of the room "Since we're all about to possibly die, I want them to understand why messing with Nicole's stuff is dangerous."

Then everyone glanced at Sally as she spoke with her mouth slanted into a frown "Sonic is right, we need to stop this nonsense of taking Nicole's property, and it stops here…" Sally paused as she looked at the Consul and her parents with disapproval "…We should have stood up like Sonic and stopped you a long time ago…" she said shaking her head looking slightly shameful herself "…We all should have said something…"

And everyone in the room except Sonic and Nicole looked shameful of themselves and the greed they'd become so consumed by. But moments later all the Freedom Fighters nodded at one another giving each other silent approval.

Then everyone looked back at Rotor "…You cannot tell anyone of this…" Rotor said narrowing his eyes authoritatively to the Consul, the King, and Queen.

They all nodded with serious expressions as Rotor continued with his stern look "This is bigger than us. If Nicole had been captured today it would have been the end. The reason…it's because this information, this technology, Nicole…she's from…" Rotor paused knowing that what he was about to say was beyond the general suspension of disbelief "….the future." he said as calm as he could.

The Freedom Fighters knew this information, but the others had a hard time digesting what Rotor had just said; as all their serious faces wrinkled into confused expressions. But he continued to make his point "We have always known that Nicole was supposedly from the future. That's all Nicole would tell us in the past. But I have learned from watching Nicole's DVD's that technology is what destroyed…that future…." he paused leaning forward in his chair "…It's why Nicole is here with us now. I'm not sure if it's our direct future but that's not the point, all we knew was that Nicole said she was sent from the future to help us, and now we know she was sent from the future to stop that future from happening…."

It was quiet for a moment, but Penelope looked slightly annoyed "You're talking about time travel? Are you serious..." she said looking disbelievingly at him.

"Is this a joke Rotor?" Elias said as he frowned.

The Consul, Max, and Alicia looked underwhelmed but Sally dawned an upset face "He's telling the truth." she stated sharply getting their attention "Nicole told us this." she said trying to assure them.

The Consul, King, and Queen looked to the other Freedom Fighters, and they quietly nodded. Their faces held disbelief as their eyes widened and Rosemary whirled her head in Tails direction "Why haven't you informed us of this?"

"For all intents and purposes, it was Freedom Fighter business. We found Nicole so we decided to keep it among ourselves. You can see how dangerous it is." Tails said with a frown, and Rosemary nodded not questioning any further as they could clearly see the dangers now.

But Max looked slightly angered again narrowing his eyes as he spoke "You should have told us about that. When it involves time travel it should DEFINITELY be reported…." Max said almost growling "At that point it's a matter of national security."

Rotor didn't at all look phased by the king though, he kept his stern expression as he sat forward even more in his chair "You surely don't think this city was built with magic do you? Science!" Rotor exclaimed "What we've created is not in the league of what Nicole used to create when she was still around. She protected us from this information…this mess we're in now! Do you even understand how Nicole generated electricity for us? The very electricity that keeps this city running as we speak? She designed a semi frictionless material that only needs to be resurfaced ever so many years. Do you really think we could have created that? If this city isn't proof enough that Nicole is from the future I don't know what else to tell you."

Everyone's faces returned to worrying, and Dylan spoke in a fearful tone "But this technology has helped us defeat our foes, how can this be bad?"

And Rotor gave Dylan a wise look "For the very same reason why it's good for us. In the wrong hands it can be abused just as easy. Now do you all see why it's dangerous?"

"A few more details would be helpful." Elias spoke with a worried look.

And Nicole lifted her head, and the sound of her voice made everyone look to her; she had a saddened expression "If any powerful technology from my time fell into the wrong hands this time line would diverge into a similar fate of my time..."

Nicole paused and the Consul, King, and Queen still did not grasp the weight of the situation looking confusedly at her "It is the end of Mobius..." Nicole stated simply before lowering her head again.

And everyone finally let the realization of the danger sink in. The Consul King, and Queen's faces suddenly became fearful blinking their eyes with worried expressions. The Freedom Fighters, Sally, Bunnie, Antoine, Tails, and Rotor felt guilty that they had ignored Nicole so long, and they began to sweat "This…it can't possibly be true! You are saying it's the end of the world?" Alicia said looking to Rotor not believing him.

But Rotor nodded grimly with his eyes closed, and his brows furrowed in frustration on his forehead. And it became silent for a moment before Rotor spoke again; everyone held worry and frowns; Rotors eyes were still closed "I could sort of see it coming…" he started "…I ignored all the warning signs even though I could see technology going out of control…I ignored Nicole…" he said shamefully keeping his eyes closed.

Everyone looked towards the desk with looks of shame of their own as they were all guilty of it. Rotor continued with his head low and his eyes closed "We'd become so powerful with our current technology I didn't think anybody could stop us…arrogant…" he paused with a sigh escaping him "…Nicole was sent back to help stop Eggman and to halt the progression of technology in the future. The technology in the future grew out of control, and time travel technology seemed to be the prevailing technology that led to their technology going out of their control and their demise. Needless to say the people of the future were sending objects and information back to the past. Which in turn altered their timeline and Eggman took over…"

Hamlin tugged on his blue collar with a nervous expression as Rotor went on "I thought everything was fine since nothing had happened, and maybe this time line was different. I thought we had stopped Eggman because we had beat him back…I thought we had controlled the progression of technology because we had safeguards…I actually thought we had done it…I thought we had accomplished what Nicole was sent here to do…."

Rotor exhaled a deep breath keeping his head low "And now I see even clearer today… Nicole wasn't there to stop us… which is why our technology has grown out of control…we…I…thought we were impenetrable because we were drunk with power…and now I see we're going down the same path that destroyed the future because Nicole wasn't there to stop us…it's the exact same fate…"

Rotor spoke fidgeting in his chair as everyone looked at him with saddened expressions "Nicole was the only one standing in-between stopping technology going out of control and stopping Eggman. I thought we didn't need Nicole anymore…I was negligent and overconfident and I didn't see it coming….to think that we would always be able to hide the technology and never get caught was foolish...it was bound to happen..."

Rotor slowly shook his head "Look at how things have changed; we've shifted the tides of war in a matter of years. Our current technology has jumped lightyears. That shouldn't be possible; we've never done it before until we started using Nicole's technology. And now that Nicole wasn't stopping us technology has gone out of control. But I also wonder if Nicole didn't help us either, would Eggman still destroy us now too. From what I've seen on the DVDs, Nicole was sent back to help stop technology…well she was sent back to help stop Eggman...I don't know exactly why Nicole was sent back…" Rotor finished rubbing his temples still looking like a ghost.

And the Freedom Fighters all held troubled expressions, narrowing their eyes with frustration. They had known this information and ignored it. But now that it was placed in front of them they didn't know how to deal with it.

Tails tapped his foot and crossed his arms glancing around at everyone; he frowned "Can you imagine if Eggman was able to reverse engineer any of this stuff? He would become immensely powerful…he wouldn't stop until he destroyed us…"

"Imagine if anyone did." Rotor said leaning back in his chair as his expression became serious "They would be ruthless, out for revenge, power mad and looking to pull the trigger. If they can attack the city successfully everything would be exposed. They would take it all and point it right back at us…Mobius would descend into endless wars...it would be an endless struggle for power…and we'd be the first to go…" Rotor said as his tone descended.

"Well what else happened on the DVDs? Is there anything you saw that might help us?" Sally asked Rotor still frowning.

"There's gotta be something if Nicole left her DVDs behind for us." Amy said with a determined expression.

"I don't know for sure, I've skipped many DVDs because of my own time constraints and skimmed through a lot. It doesn't matter at this point anyway, if we don't stop them everything ends…" Rotor said as he grimaced a bit.

Everyone scoured their brains for possible solutions but soon realized they had hit a dead end like Rotor. If Nicole's DVDs didn't provide an answer then they were truly trapped in a corner. Maximillian closed his eyes sighing deeply as Alicia placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. And the Freedom Fighters and the Consul of acorns eyes downcast onto the floor as it became silent again…

They might have saw this threat coming if not for their indifference to Nicole; even if her past actions weren't so good. In pursuing Nicole's property to further their own power, they had quickened their current fate….

And Rosemary lifted her head with a saddened face looking over at Nicole shamefully in the corner with her head down. Then she looked back to ask Rotor another question "If there was a way to stop them, what would we have to do?"

"Nicole's coding is different than ours…if we could use the New OS coding there's a slim possibility we could have fought back…that and if Nicole was still around as her computer self…." Rotor said opening his eyes with his upset expression.

"Is there any way possible to decipher the New OS language?" Rosemary asked raising an eyebrow.

Rotor shook his head closing his eyes again "No, there's no way to decipher the New OS coding…it's too complex, and we certainly don't have time to…only Nicole could read and use her code in the past….." he paused but then Rotor's eyes shot open; his eyes widened into a shocked face "…Nicole!" he exclaimed.

And by the tone of his voice everyone looked at him knowing what he was saying. Knowing he was referring to Nicole now; Maximillian suddenly looked hopeful "Nicole can read it?"

"I totally forgot…" Rotor said with surprise "Maybe Nicole designing her body like she has wasn't a coincidence… "

Rotor turned and looked at the Freedom Fighters and they nodded silently at one another. And the Consul looked confused as to what Rotor was speaking about but Sally spoke with a serious expression "It's certainly a possibility, it's starting to sound like Nicole wasn't as naïve as a computer as we thought she was when she left…" Sally said in an examining tone.

Bunnie nodded slowly narrowing her eyes inquiringly "If she can read her code she ain't smart by accident, maybe Nicole did plan ahead more than we thought..."

Then Rotor stood from his seat and looked over at Nicole in the corner keeping his shocked look "Nicole? Have you made any progress with the New OS code?" Rotor asked with haste in his tone.

Everyone looked over at her and Sonic, and Nicole spoke with her head down; her tone was still deflated "I had made some progress…but my work was destroyed…"

"Were you able to read the code?" Sally asked with a determined face.

Nicole lifted her head with downcast eyes "I can read it…but I do not understand it all now...I would need more time…" she said as her head lowered again.

Everyone dawned thoughtful faces for a moment before Elias broke the silence with a curious look "So Nicole could make us a code with the New OS? But what exactly makes Nicole's code stronger? You said we could still be attacked with our code?"

Tails uncrossed his arms and his face lighted into a serious expression as everyone looked to him "Well that changes things. But the reason Nicole's language is stronger is because our code cant interact with Nicole's code. Nicole told us how she was able to do some of the things she used to do. If a particular CPU can do something no other CPU can do, then that feature isn't adopted into other languages. So there's simply no way to express the functionality into other languages. That being, our languages can't interact with Nicole's coding because her CPU has features our CPUs don't. So the programing from our CPUs don't have similar enough hardware to communicate with hers. Seeing that Nicole isn't from around here…it's no wonder her hardware is so different…"

And Tails finished as everyone nodded in understanding "Simply put her hardware has stuff ours don't. So our stuff can't communicate with her, but she can interact with our stuff. Which is one reason why her coding is stronger than ours. We can't hack her but she can hack us."

"So that's what makes it stronger?" Hamlin asked questioningly.

And Rotor shook his head folding his claws together on the desk with a serious face "That's not what makes coding language better than another's. What makes one language better than another; for a particular task; is a languages ability to be more concise or clear for that given program and most programming tasks. That's what really matters. Nicole was always constantly improving her code for the programming task she used in the past. She used to tell us almost every day that she improved some coding she was working on. And since she probably did it around the clock, her OS's coding was probably very long, complex, and stable. And she didn't tell us what she did with her OS's coding, so there's no telling how good it was."

Then Sally slammed a fist into her hand "So if Nicole can write a new code we might be able to get out of this alive."

"So a New OS code would block them from hacking us because they can't communicate with us. Nicole's language is better…" Antoine said with a serious tone.

"Preferably, we'll take any code we can get. Just a basic New OS security code would block them since they wouldn't be able to interact with us." Rotor said leaning forward in his chair again with a serious look.

"Alright, I want security set up around Nicole's block. She must not be disturbed while she is writing this new code." Maximillian spoke with a determined face.

Everyone nodded in agreement as Rotor spoke again; his skin was starting to return to a normal purple color "I'll see if I can find anything else on the DVD's…"

"What if she doesn't get the code done before they attack?" Dylan asked aloud nervously for anyone to answer.

"Then we're dead, we should come up with a backup plan if things go wrong..." Tails said with a frown.

"We need to get everyone prepared to leave if things don't go as planned." Elias said with determination on his face, and everyone nodded in agreement again.

"What else can we do?" Uncle Chuck said glancing around at everyone curiously.

"Unless you can program the New OS code there is nothing else we can do. Everything is in Nicole's hands now…" Rotor said in a grim tone and once more everyone in the room looked over to Nicole and Sonic.

Nicole had kept her head down and Sonic kept his upset face with his arms crossed. It seemed it was karma. It had come round full circle, and everything was all up to Nicole now…for they knew if she failed then it would certainly be the end of them all…

But Nicole had other reasons than to just save everyone to fight, with it of course being Sonic. He had been there for her to the end…and she was not going to let anyone harm him…

So the Freedom Fighters, the Consul, and the King, and Queen continued to discuss more plans for a while until everyone understood the basic plan layouts. Which rested a lot on Nicole's shoulders; she had to create a new security code. And once fully understood everyone dispersed from the room. Tomorrow they were going to get started discussing the plans in detail.

And everyone but Sally and the royal family had the luxury of heading straight to bed. Sally had to announce what was happening to the city. While everyone else headed home for the night to contemplate the realities of what was happening. And Nicole did not return home alone this night; Sonic accompanied her as they both felt alienated from their friend's actions. The damage done today was not like any other time and even Sonic did not know what to say anymore.

It was also understood that the code Nicole came up with might not even be that strong. But since her hardware could communicate with theirs and not the other way around, they would be immune from the exploit their enemies found and any other attacks that came their way. The basic New OS coding Nicole made might not be the strongest, but if they could get it to work they at least wouldn't be able to be hacked. They'd be saved…but the rifts that had come between them all had come at great cost…

About thirty minutes later Nicole and Sonic had made their way back to the North East side of town where their houses resided. But Sonic joined Nicole in her home feeling that she might want to talk about things...

Nicole had just opened the door to her house, stepping in and flipping on the lights. Sonic walked in behind her and closed the door behind himself. They were both quiet and Nicole turned facing away from him as Sonic stood by the door with a deep frown. Nicole crossed her arms, and she had an upset expression doing her best to hold herself together. She did feel bad about the situation at hand, about the end of Mobius, and how she'd been treated. But she also felt a new frustration build up within herself in the last few days. That being, Sonic being around her in a somewhat forced fashion yet again…

Every interaction with him was only because of the bad things that were happening. Then again her life was not a normal one, so the situations she come into weren't. She'd never had a chance to just be a normal Mobian…to express her feelings without so much drama around her…

So she turned to face him uncrossing her arms, her face upset. She didn't know what she could say that hadn't already been said. They could talk about the distrustfulness of their friends or about the world ending, but those subjects did not concern her at the moment strangely "Sonic? Do you think we'd still be such close friends if not for all the things currently happening?"

Sonic raised an eyebrow in confusion "What? Of course I would? What do you mean?"

Nicole's brows knotted looking more upset, "Now would you? Would you even be around me if this wasn't happening around us? If there was no danger? Would we even be as close of friends? You have only been so close to me because of the bad things that I have caused…" Nicole said as her voice quivered, and she began blinking her eyes.

Then Sonic's eyes widened as he realized her subtext "Nicole if this is about…" but he stopped short of what he was about to say looking nervously at her.

This only made Nicole more upset as she began blinking away her oncoming tears "You might care for me Sonic, but you would not be around me because…" Nicole's eyes watered and her words were inaudible as she pressed a hand to her eyes.

And Sonic frowned staying still in his spot "What did you say…" he asked unevenly.

Nicole removed her hands from her eyes revealing fresh tears and watery eyes; her face saddened "You don't like me like that…"

And Sonic felt his adrenaline rush suddenly feeling sheepish and his brows wrinkled in worry "It's not that simple Nicole…besides what's been happening…"

But Nicole choked out with tears still flowing down her saddened face "But do you like me! I want to know how you feel Sonic…" Nicole wiped tears from her eyes "I want an answer…" she said with less strength.

Then it became quiet as they looked into each other's eyes waiting for either to make a move, but each didn't know what to say. Expressions of disbelief came over both of their faces. Sonic held wide eyes and Nicole did to as she began to realize and become aware of what she was saying and asking…

Realizing yet again how naive she was…

And she saw her asking him if he liked her was sort of ridiculous; she wondered if anyone else thought her crush was the same. Considering the circumstances, of her past, of what she used to be, how he might see her now, and all the trouble she caused in everyone's life. She began to realize she had been expecting too much and after all that had happened her asking such a thing was very unreasonable…

And it made her feel shameful…

Tears continued flowing down her face, and her voice cracked looking even more worried "I'm sorry Sonic...I…I have asked for too much..." Nicole said as her watery eyes downcast onto the floor "…I am a freak of nature…a clone…a machine…a computer…my request was ludicrous…I am so sorry…please just forget I ever asked you such things…please leave…" Nicole turned away from him hugging herself and openly crying.

But then Sonic moved to her with a frown dawning on his face "Nicole..."

Nicole tried to get away from him as he grabbed her wrist, keeping her eyes away from him "…No...please let go Sonic..." she said as he turned her around and she beat on his chest trying to look away from him.

Sonic stayed quiet holding onto her arms as she struggled, she clenched her eyes shut with tears flowing from her eyes. She thrashed her arms about when he suddenly wrapped his arms around her. The warmth ever so slowly subdued Nicole and moments later she quit struggling and gave in wrapping her arms around his neck tightly. Releasing all the pent up feelings crying deeply because for her it felt so good to hold someone…

Sonic held a light frown as he looked down at her "I'll tell you the truth Nicole…" Sonic said patting her back.

Nicole's crying dampened a bit as Sonic spoke "I don't know how I feel…relationships are tough and I've kinda been avoiding them…"

Nicole choked a bit still buried into his chest as he continued "…I like you Nicole…we're cool just like everyone else…I just don't know how I feel right now…" Sonic said stroking her head.

"Even if I am a cloned freak…" she said still crying a bit with her arms around his neck.

"You're not a freak, you're still the same Nicole, and I won't ever treat you any different." Sonic said patting her back again.

Nicole's crying calmed down to sniffling as her grip loosened, but she kept her arms around his neck, accepting his answer as she rocked in his embrace "I will never be Mobian like everyone else…through this ordeal I have been alone…through the life I can remember I have been alone…" Nicole finally looked up at Sonic with a neutral expression; her eyes still wet "But you have never left me Sonic…your actions prove your words are true..." Nicole slightly lowered her head again resting on his chest.

They stood silently for a few minutes when Nicole's tears had stopped. Then Nicole lifted her head again keeping her neutral expression "Sonic? You currently have no women in your personal life?"

Sonic lifted a single eyebrow "No." he stated cautiously.

And then Nicole surprised Sonic as she moved her face close to his. Just inches away from one another; Sonic looked bashful at the sudden closeness but Nicole stared him in the eyes not breaking eye contact "…Eggman will not touch you….I would have no will to continue on if not for you…I would not have made it without you…"

Sonic's cheeks heated up in embarrassment as being in such close proximity to Nicole let him see that Nicole was very pretty…

And Nicole continued as her eyes became half lidded "…I will stop them for you…" Nicole said in a soft tone.

Sonic hesitated trying to pull away for a moment, but she moved her face closer and their lips pressed together. Her eyes closed, and she stood on her toes. Sonic's eyes widened in surprise and slight panic, but he gave in after a little while. She wasn't letting him get away with her arms wrapped around his neck anyway. Nicole felt faint and Sonic felt a little weird, but they didn't let go. They remained in that position for a few minutes wondering what would happen after they broke the kiss now that they finally crossed the divide…

On the south side of town Rotor walked down the empty streets just a block away from his house. He took the long way home reflecting on all that had come to past the last few days. The way they all had treated Nicole…

Dread dominated his thoughts as he walked down the desolate sidewalks thinking about how everything could be destroyed in a few days. He looked at the many homes with lights on; he was sure everyone was waiting for Sally to come on. It of course bothered him that he realized the advance of technology was his fault after it was too late…

But soon he reached his home, stopping on the sidewalk to look around him once more at the dead streets of New Mobotropolis. He sighed with a glum look turning and walking up the path to his house and entering. As he closed his door he turned on the lamp next to his couch and sat down on his couch. He buried his hands into his face and dipped his head; he felt nothing but shame in himself…

They were forced to use Nicole's technology when she left to protect themselves. They had finally beat back all their enemies who always wanted to destroy them, and they had lived a somewhat peaceful life for a little while anyway. Bolstering their allies with them, they changed the tides of war. He thought he had helped change the world for the better…when in actuality they had been putting their foot on their enemy's neck, and they were lashing back now…Eggman looked pretty angry…

Rotor wanted to watch more DVDs and try and see if he could find anything else, but he sort of didn't feel like it right now. Most probably didn't know that a lot of the blame was on him, and Nicole was taking the blunt of it. Rotor grumbled in shame feeling his stomach drop. Then he sighed lifting his head and leaning over to grab his remote. He flipped on his TV and changed it to the Royal News station. Rotor held a frown, and he couldn't shake the pain of shame he felt. He stared at his TV waiting for Sally feeling his gut churn in regret…

On the North side of town a lot of ruckus was being made inside Mina's trailer. Most of the trailers lights were off; empty as many of the crew had rejoined who they knew in the city after Eggman's abrupt return. The concert stage was pitch black and Ash was having a fine temper on the phone with operators from Castle Acorn. He paced back and forth in front of Mina who sat in a chair next to a wall not far from him. Mina's face held deep worry…she felt bad about Nicole freaking out earlier on her stage…she knew a lot of it might have to do with her…and she finally acknowledged to herself that what she had been doing these last few years, singing about Nicole…it was wrong...

She only said all that stuff about Nicole because it was making her popular and making money. And Mina crossed her arms watching Ash yell on the phone momentarily before she cast her eyes to the floor with her worried expression…

She was so intentionally cruel…to hurt someone with no remorse for her actions until things flipped on her….or them in this matter…

After seeing Nicole's trial, she was sure she wasn't the only one who thought Eggman's appearance might be a bad thing…and she saw what Nicole said…and how sad she looked…

She felt shame wash over her keeping her head low as Ash paced in front of her on the phone. What was even worse was she hadn't planned on stopping anytime soon. Her arrogance had reached new heights since she became famous. She had planned to keep making music about Nicole until it wasn't cool anymore…

Ash yelled into his phone again as she kept her head down. She couldn't even start to imagine what Nicole might have been going through while she was singing lies about her all these years. She wasn't even sure who that Nicole was…she thought Nicole was a computer program…she was in the past the times she encountered her and the Freedom Fighters…that was until six years ago, and she wasn't really sure anymore now…

She saw the hurt on her face after she lashed out at Cream…a computer couldn't do that…

And Mina lifted her head watching Ash growl into his phone. She had the uncontrollable urge to reconcile…but she wasn't really sure how after what she'd done…

She saw how Sonic had defended her...

Then she hung her head in shame again with a sigh escaping her…her music was such a big distraction to attack Nicole their enemies had slipped right past them…

Part of this was her fault…her fault that Mobius would be ending...

She ran her hands through her purple hair as Ash stopped pacing yelling into his phone again with an angered face "What do you mean our permits have been revoked! We can't perform here anymore! Why not!"

Ash only talked with the person on the line a little while longer before hanging up and grabbing his jacket and heading to the door "I'm going to go talk to someone at the castle right now. I'm not going to let them shut us down babe. I'll be back a little later." he said exiting and closing the door behind him.

Mina nodded with her head down as he left…all he cared about was getting the show back on…their relationship continued to stagnate the bigger she got…

She knew any level of trust between herself, and the Freedom Fighters was gone. And now she didn't have any friends left to turn to for support…but she got the fame she wanted…but she now thought…at what cost…

And she sighed alone in her big fancy trailer with her head down; she at least had an excuse to talk to the Freedom Fighters now to make amends…

At Castle Acorn in a press room, a single podium was still empty as reporters spoke among themselves waiting for the princess to arrive. Camera crews waited for the princess as well; the chatter in the room was full of tension though. After all the years since Nicole had left the citizens knew the government knew something they didn't. Nicole disappearing was the most popular question; she had always been around the city then when she wasn't everything fell apart.

Nicole did not walk around the city anymore; she did not pop up in random places pleasantly surprising citizens. The people knew she was gone, they just didn't know why. And a few minutes later, Sally, accompanied by secret royal guards dressed in black suits escorted her out of a back room. More men and women in blacks suits then filled the room from other doorways; making sure there would be no mishaps with the reveal of sensitive information. Sally took her place at the podium and the camera men, and the reporters looked and listened. Sally shuffled her papers at the podium before briefly checking her mic and clearing her throat to speak.

The camera lights hit Sally's face, and she held a stern expression "Good evening citizens of New Mobotropolis. As you already know the city is in lockdown and you may have already seen Eggman. I am here to let you know that, yes that was him. He has hacked our security network and for a lack of better words this is a bit complicated. But I am going to explain everything to you all tonight because this is a matter of national security."

(Around New Mobotropolis)

Sally shuffled her papers again while in the homes of many anxious and tensed citizens held faces of terror; hoping not to hear those words come from the Princesses mouth. Families huddled together around their television sets and waited to hear the bad news they knew was coming…

(In the Press Room)

Sally straightened her papers and continued speaking looking down at her papers "As you all know, we have created new technologies to help us rise above the tyranny off Eggman and many other threats. But as of today this same technology is in danger of falling into the hands of our enemies. An unexplained security breach has allowed Egggman and various others to formulate an attack in two days' time. We estimate on the third day they will attack; counting today. And by they, I mean any villain you can think of..." Sally said grimly.

On the west side of town, Bunnie and Antoine sat on their couch next to each other. Antoine gently gripped her hand as they watched Sally's press conference. Their faces held deep worry, as they already knew what was going on, and they were having it reaffirmed again. It only made them feel worse that the world could be ending, and they had selfishly been so involved in their own personal lives. Their friendships were kind of left in the garbage. They didn't want to die so soon with so many problems…they didn't want it to end like this…

They stared at their TV screen, and Bunnie squeezed Antoine's hand harder. They had realized tonight how good they had it in their little comfortable lives sealed in a bubble. All their problems…they created them…

And they knew since the countdown had been officially announced they felt like they'd become aware of what was really important again…

(In the Press Room)

Sally spoke looking into flashing cameras, and TV cameras pointed at her "Eggman has his hands on sensitive information, and it has spread. Anyone with ill will towards New Mobotropolis will probably participate. We have sources that state Eggman has begun selling the information, although we seriously doubt Eggman will have any trouble recruiting anyone…"

On the East side of town, Amy sat on her couch watching Sally but only feeling depression. She held a saddened expression because she felt like she had betrayed Sonic's trust for the first time. She wasn't with him on the right side and at the wrong time…

After seeing Nicole's bodies…she had made a snap decision…

She felt embarrassed by getting caught up in the hype. With what was happening they all had totally misjudged Nicole. It was ironic that she was the only one who could read the New OS code; it was literally her code essentially; a part of her computer self and part of her now. And now she was the only one that could save them from extinction. Amy felt knots in her stomach as her lips were curled downwards with a saddened face; she couldn't believe she had actually misjudged Sonic. She didn't think he would be upset with her, just a bit upset with how she jumped on the anti-Nicole bandwagon; Sonic and her discussed the subject regularly over the years….

Amy groaned feeling disappointed with herself as she slumped down on her couch as she watched Sally…she needed to talk to Nicole and Sonic tomorrow….

(In the Press Room)

Sally placed both her hands on the podium and spoke into her mic with her stern face "This information is tied to Nicole, but that's not entirely important to what's about to happen in the next few days. The information to create our technology was Nicole's. The security that is in place now is Nicole's. What is bad about this is since Nicole is not necessarily in place anymore we do not have the means to fend off this new threat. As I have said, this will not be just a few, but all of Mobius will be attacking us…"

Sally paused for a moment as more cameras flashed "I repeat, the entirety of Mobius will be attacking this city in a few days. What is bad about this is along with not being sure if we can stop them is them getting their hands on our information. With it they could use it to make their own weapons, and we would surely not be able to stop them. Eggman surely would not stop until we were dead. It will be the end of Mobius…" Sally said looking down and shuffling her papers again before she looked back up "I know this is abrupt, but this is true; we would be the first to go..."

On the West side of town Tails, Rosemary, and Amadeus sat in front of their television set listening to the princess. Amadeus held his wife close, and she had her eyes closed in his embrace. Tails held a look of confusion; he just didn't know what to think anymore. He thought he was going down a decent path in life. He thought he was smart enough to not get caught up in the hype about Nicole. But now it seemed he was partly to blame for this mess they were in like Rotor…

Tails frowned feeling dread as he watched Sally's broadcast with his parents. What he thought they knew about Nicole had been shattered tonight. Knowing that these could be their last days…he wasn't sure if they could make it at the rapid progression they been spiraling at…

(In the Press Room)

Sally cleared her throat as she spoke again looking towards the reporters "Tomorrow we'll be preparing evacuation procedures as we do have one shot of stopping them. I cannot disclose those details, but I do not think I need to explain Nicole to anyone. You have seen her and without going into too much detail, she might be able to help us. Nicole will be working on something in the coming days….we will be in a fight against the entire world in the coming days…" Sally said with a serious face.

On the Northeast side of town at Nicole's house…

Nicole had fallen asleep, leaning onto Sonic with one arm wrapped around him on her couch. Sonic had put his arm around her, holding her close while he watched Sally's announcement. He lowered the volume a while ago before Nicole passed out on him. Sonic briefly looked down at Nicole's sleeping form; wondering where things would go now that she had unexpectedly pounced on him.

He did always say he would talk it out if this type of situation ever arose. And that's what he was going to do tomorrow, though he knew Sally and Amy would not like news of Nicole engrossing on him in one way or another. Sonic held a stoic expression looking back at the TV…he was going to have to wait and see how things would pan out with Nicole tomorrow…

(In the Press Room)

Sally was wrapping up her speech, and she spoke in a strong tone "Until then we will prepare for evacuation of the city. Begin packing your things; you all must be ready so no one gets left behind if it comes to that. Be ready for the worse, if you don't you'll be expecting on a slim chance we get out of this mess. The odds are stacked against us so do not get your hopes up. We have only one option, and if it doesn't work we will be on the run again…it will be Mobius's newest Great War. On a final note, everything you've heard about Nicole is wrong. She holds our future in her hands, any prejudice you hold against her are misinformed…" she said with a sharp look, and cameras flashed rapidly again.

Sally then picked up her papers and looked around the room "This will end the emergency broadcast for today. Tomorrow be ready…we have a lot of work to do…" Sally said looking around seriously one more time before leaving the podium with the men and women and black surrounding her.

She left into the back room again, and the reporters face's held shock and fear; not believing the words coming out of Sally's mouth. The reporters were usually up in arms after Sally spoke, but they were uncommonly quiet this time. And all the people present in the room silently dispersed minutes later. The whole Castle shutdown and everyone returned to their homes to sleep off the anxiety of their ignorance for the day….

Meanwhile on the other side of Mobius the sun was just beginning to rise in the Dragon Kingdom…

As always, in this region the temperature was a bright, warm, and sunny. The Bride of Conquering Storm had just awakened with her usual look of irritation in her super-sized bed in her room; located just above the throne room. Feeling a good breeze come in from her balcony, she laid awake letting the world and its problems rush back into her mind for another day. The morning sun rushed into her open balcony doors.

Her mouth curved into a frown, and her eyes narrowed a bit as she took in a deep breath. She slept with the finest of sheets made out of a mix of silk and cotton, and to top it off her sheets were colored gold. However, even twenty pillows and a bed made out of the comfiest materials could not quell her frustration of the rumors she had been hearing the last few days; she looked grumpy as she stared up at her stone ceiling.

Her room had a balcony just like the throne room below; it was a little smaller but still carved from the stone of the mountain and had an amazing view. Her floor was made out of white marble, and she got up and out of bed hopping onto the cool morning floor. Her paws felt the cool morning floor, and she shivered a bit as she walked into a closet near her balcony. On her balcony, a chair and a small table awaited. She quickly changed out of her red night gown and into her usual attire; leaving her straw hat off for now before she walked out of the area where her bed resided into a middle area.

In this middle area, she kept her possessions. War maps darted to boards, many scrolls and papers scattered around the room, a few couches and tables where she discussed strategies with her generals, deadly weapons and a poison herb rack, the usual. The walls separating the room were carved into wide oval shapes. She pressed a buzzer on the wall and turned back in the direction of her bedroom. She'd just let her helpers know she was awake, and it was time to serve her breakfast.

Not long after she crossed the threshold onto the balcony her servant clan members rushed into her room and served her; five in all.

A female chef served her fresh fruits and tea, a courier who delivered a paper stolen from one of the many thriving cities of the Kingdom of Acorn. Two stylists who pampered her and cleaned her up, and last but not least Lightning Lynx; her personal body guard who stood and awaited her orders for the start of the day. Once they finished their task they promptly left leaving Lightning Lynx awaiting her orders.

With an angry, disapproving looked that made Lightning Lynx sweat she spoke in a frustrated tone "Take post outside my door; we will start our raids once I am finished."

He knelled still grinning almost goofily "Yes, Bride of Conquering Storm." he said getting up and dashing to start his orders for the day.

She almost smirked but was to upset by the current turn of events she had been hearing. She wondered would he ever lose his affection towards her, no matter how hard she was to him he never let her rage faze him. The power of love she guessed…which made her cringe at the thought of such sappy weak thoughts...

Conquering Storm's eyes then narrowed again turning her attention to the paper her courier delivered to her today, it was today's paper for once; many times they would be a few days behind even if they still had the most recent info.

She read through the front page and a few others while sipping on her tea and eating her breakfast. When the very thing that was bothering her was a story in the paper. She placed her tea down and grabbed the paper with both hands; the paper began to crinkle as she gripped it tighter. One eye twitched as she balled the paper and threw it into her room. She yelled in frustration and quickly drank the rest of her tea crossing her arms. Then she stood and placed her hands on the railing of her balcony looking out into the distance with an angry expression.

Naugus had lied to her, and the results were starting to spread. She had heard on the down low from her informants that Eggman was claiming he found an exploit in New Mobotropolis's security. And anyone could get a piece of the action as long as they were willing to pay. She had a deep scowl on her face; the paper from the Kingdom of Acorn had just announced what Eggman was doing to them. She had known about it since Eggman announced it, and her informants told her about it yesterday. When she contacted to pay and get in Eggman played dirty. Since they had sold that info about him in the past, Eggman was not to fond on the Rayju Clan getting in on the action. That coupled with the power struggle they had with Eggman over New Mobotropolis in the past.

He was pretty angry but said she could get in…only if she paid ten times more than what everyone else was to destroy New Mobotropolis….

The price was astronomical and of course she turned him down. But she wanted in! She was missing out on destroying their most hated enemies! They were currently the most powerful people on Mobius! If she missed it a couple of things would happen. First, she wouldn't get to kill anyone. Second, she wouldn't find out why their technology was good, and she wouldn't be able to steal it to make her own. She knew with the information stolen from New Mobotropolis, it would make anyone the strongest. The Rayju Clan could actually realize ruling the world! She never thought it would be possible but in that city they had the means to dominate even her, so whatever was there she had to get her hands on it...

Another reason was if she didn't a person like Eggman would destroy her clan and possibly everyone…so they had to get it to protect themselves too...

And she gritted her teeth narrowing her blood red eyes angrily staring out onto the beautiful mountain horizons on this bright warm sunny day. In fact, she knew that if she didn't or anyone who didn't have New Mobotropolis's technology, they would be destroyed, and she knew the Rayju Clan was on Eggman's radar, and probably many more nemesis's of her clan.

It was terrifying yet exciting. She grinded her teeth; she couldn't wait any longer because if she didn't do something soon her clan would be in danger. But that cheat Naugus had probably sold the information to Eggman, and she didn't know where he was at anymore…she wanted to gut him…

She had to find a way to get that exploit or they would be in trouble. One thing was off about it to her though, she had not seen any mention of Naugus with the things she heard about Eggman. It made her wonder if he really had some authentic plan, and she had bailed out too early…

No matter the case today, she was going to force the exploit out of someone for better or worse because she really didn't have a choice. She took a deep breath returning to her seat and finished her breakfast. Her face softened into a light frown as she thought of ways to accomplish her goal when a loud knock was heard on her chamber door. Knowing it to be Lightning Lynx she got up to answer; he never bothered her unless it was something serious.

Once she reached the door and opened it he bowed "We have uninvited guest at our entrance."

"Who is it?" she asked with an angry expression.

"Ixis Naugus…" Lightning Lynx said taking a quick peak up at her with a nervous grin.

Her eyes widened in surprise but quickly returned to anger on her face "I will meet you on the first floor, restrain the intruders and make sure they do not leave!" she practically yelled slamming the door in his face.

Lightning Lynx flinched but kept his grin as he dashed down to the first floor. And minutes later Conquering Storm joined him and a major chunk of her clan surrounding a shackled Naugus and Geoffrey. The clan members dispersed allowing her and Lightning Lynx to move in and greet their guest.

Conquering Storm walked towards them with her hands behind her back and sneered with displeasure. Naugus grinned, and Geoffrey held a neutral face.

"…Ixis Naugus. What are you doing here again?" Conquering Storm growled.

"I come bearing an offer you won't be able to refuse." Naugus smiled wickedly.

"You lie and dare show your face here! You do not lie to me…you knew of the exploit and now are using it to further your plans…." but Lightning Lynx fearfully tapped her on the shoulder interrupting her.

She whirled around pulling out a hidden kunai holding the sharp tip on his neck. Her eyes narrowed angrily at him, and his eyes were wide in fear. The clan members chuckled as he quickly whispered in her ear "He walked in from the front and surrendered…" Lightning Lynx said with a shaky voice.

Conquering Storm blinked her eyes still looking angry but lowered her kunai from Lightning Lynx's neck as she looked back at Naugus and Geoffrey "Why did you surrender? Are you not working with Eggman?"

Naugus guffawed "It would look that way with the things that have transpired wouldn't they? No, I would never work with that idiot."

Conquering Storm raised an eyebrow in curiosity "So it was not you? The birds must have sold the information to Eggman." she inquired.

"Unfortunately yes, I have been backstabbed. The exploit was to be a backup plan, but now it is spreading, and I have no support because of it." Naugus said with an arrogant grin.

"You have the exploit?" Conquering Storm asked as her brows narrowed in frustration.

"Yes I do, but I need support to take down New Mobotropolis and become the rightful king. So I give you use of the exploit, and you help me reclaim my place. We can discuss details tomorrow." Naugus grinned with a malicious chuckle.

Conquering Storm looked irritated "If you want my support you will give me full access to the exploit." she stated sharply.

"Yes, yes, just as long as you do not go back on your word." Naugus said as he looked slightly angered.

Then a devious smile came over Conquering Storm's face. What she needed was just delivered right to her, and she didn't have to pay a cent. Now she was in control of the world breaking exploit, and she could sell it to now like Eggman and gain her own support in taking down New Mobotropolis. It was almost too good to be true. Plus if they took the city down the Rayju Clan could take its secrets, and then they would be a superpower…and Naugus…well he would just have to be dealt with later….

Conquering Storm held a malevolent smile "Since you have something I want I will allow you to take temporary residence until we destroy New Mobotropolis. Agreed?"

"Agreed." Naugus said as his grin returned "Now if you don't mind…" he lifted his shackled hands.

Conquering Storm waved her hand and two clan members released Naugus and Geoffrey from their bondage. Geoffrey reached into one of his pouches and pulled out the exploit on a flash drive; he also had a backpack on.

He held it up to hand it to Conquering Storm, but she made no move. Lightning Lynx snatched it out of his hand and inspected it. When Lightning Lynx was satisfied it wasn't rigged he gave it to Conquering Storm.

She took the drive and looked suspiciously at Naugus and Geoffrey "You may all return to your duties…" she spoke to all the surrounding clan members as she continued to stare at Geoffrey and Naugus "Lightning, escort our guest to their rooms and report back to me. I need to gather the generals." she said glaring at all three of them before turning and walking away as her malevolent smile returned.

Lightning Lynx grinned and cocked his head behind himself "Come on; you two are lucky. She was going to hurt you."

"I seriously doubt that…" Geoffrey said in slight annoyance.

Naugus laughed "Now, now apprentice, no need to offend our host while we stay here."

Lightning Lynx led them into an area where new clan members resided. A long hallway with many small sized rooms "You can talk polite all you want, I'm watching you." he said smirking at them.

They walked for a minute or two until they finally reached a room with two beds and cameras on the walls; also two small windows which had a view of a training area outside. Naugus walked past Lightning Lynx and went and laid down on one of the three beds sighing "I could rest a bit." he said closing his eyes and laying his staff next to his bed.

Geoffrey eyed the cameras in the room "I suppose this is mandatory?"

"All visitors will be under constant surveillance. If you need anything press the button on the wall, and I'll see what I can do for you." Lightning Lynx said walking away.

Geoffrey opened his mouth but shut it with his light frown; he had many other things on his mind, and he just wanted to contemplate in silence "Very well, my master and I will require food sometime later."

Lightning Lynx nodded with a smirk before taking off down the hallway. Geoffrey closed the door and took off his backpack; it contained all their possessions from their cave. He placed it on the floor and was about to ask Naugus something, but he was already sound asleep. They had teleported all night to get here, and they were both exhausted.

But that wasn't what was really bothering Geoffrey. He went over and sat on a bed; it felt good to sit on something comfy after having to sleep on floors for months at a time. His face contorted into worry staring at the stone floor as he was concerned about where this plan was going. That and how much time he had sunk into it…

It had to have been years of his life to help Naugus become the right king of New Mobotropolis again…and after all these years their plans still failed…

They underestimated Nicole….and that defeat back in New Mobotropolis was a big blow to him…

Geoffrey closed his eyes with a frustrated look on his face as his head dipped. But now with all that powerful information about to be exposed things weren't just going to get ugly for the good guys. The villains were also going to be at each other's throats...

He had a bad feeling about where this was spiraling into...

More importantly he finally began to wonder where he was going in his life. What could he have been doing if he hadn't been helping Naugus 'Save the Kingdom'. He had wasted all this time and accomplished nothing. He lost touch with his wife Hershey…

And seeing Sally again made him sort of long for anything resembling a normal life…but he knew at least for him…a normal life would never again be within his reach…

He was getting tired of it all. He just wanted to find a small quiet place and settle down than continue what he was doing now. So he kept his eyes closed hearing the bashing of weapons from training Rayju clan members just out their windows as he pondered on about his own personal life for some time. Wondering if what he had been doing for the first time in a long time…was it wrong?

The countdown begins! Will Nicole be able to make a new code in time? What of the Freedom Fighters friendship? What will Mina do? What of Nicole and Sonic? Will the villains take over Mobius? Find out next time! Later.