At Freedom U, Nicole was in the classroom preparing for her first day of being Rex's tutor. She never tutored anyone before but she felt confident that with her knowledge, she can succeed. She absorbed information from every textbook to keep herself up to date on the facts and figures, numbers and statistics.

Nicole: Okay, everything is in place! I have everything I need to help Rex improve his grades and graduate. Now if only I can find a way to curb his attitude. From what I've observed, Rex has quite the reputation.

Nicole hears a knock on the door, so she hurries to answer it only to find Robert S. Goon and Rex.

S. Goon: Well Rex, it looks like you're just in time!

Rex: Yeah, Yeah...

S. Goon: Nicole, thanks again for doing this!

Nicole: It's my pleasure! I want to see to it that no student gets left behind.

S. Goon: That's what I like to hear. Now Rex, I want you to be on your best behavior and listen to Nicole.

Rex: Whatever...

As soon as Robert left the room, Nicole pulls up a desk for Rex to sit at.

Nicole: Good afternoon Rex, It's time to to help you improve. let's begin on some algebra.

Rex: Look, Lady! I don't need this tutoring, I have my own way of doing math! I mean who uses algebra in real life!?

Nicole: You would think that now, but you'll see that it's much more useful than you think. Let's start with something simple, allow me to direct your attention to this.

Nicole projects an image with a simple math equation "2x+4=12"

Nicole: Now then if we subtract from both sides, what do we get?

Rex: That doesn't make any sense!? How do you subtract both sides, and why are there letters!?

Nicole: well think of it as a puzzle, we know some parts of the problem, but we need to figure out the missing pieces. So we use letters like X, Y, and Z to fill in those missing pieces. And when we solve for these letters, we're actually finding out what numbers they stand for. Are you with me so far?

Rex: This is ridiculous! There's no way I can remember all that.

Nicole: Then allow me to write down what I just said, then you copy that on to your notebook. Taking notes is very essential if you want to remember what you learn.

Rex: I don't see what good it will do...

Nicole: Rex, I know you're having a hard time right now but trust me, you'll be able to accomplish a lot if you work really hard on your school work. Now please copy what I wrote down.

Rex: Fine...*Rex takes out his notebook and writes down everything Nicole wrote on the whiteboard* I still don't see what good it will do.

Nicole: It will do a world of good, now let's try solving this problem. We'll take it step by step. now if you were to subtract 4 from both sides what do you get?

Rex: Six?

Nicole: You're close but no!

Rex: Nine?

Nicole: Now you're just guessing, I really want you to think hard on this!

Rex: Ugh...eight?

Nicole: That's right! Now we're getting somewhere! now what if we divide both sides by 4

Rex: Would it be 4?

Nicole: Correct! so that would mean X is 4, Are you with me so far?

Rex: Yeah...

Nicole: I understand that you don't like being here, but I really want to help you. I know you have great potential, and you have the power to unlock it.

Rex: Look! What does all of this have to do with being a Freedom Fighter? All you guys do is fight Robots and stuff.

Nicole: There is much more to being a Freedom Fighter than fighting the enemy. There's also planning involved, and subjects like mathematics can be very useful when it comes to developing a strategy. Numbers are a very important factor.

Rex: Hmph! I still say it's a waste of time! You can't expect me to get so much work done in one day!

Nicole: Just take it one day at a time. we're not getting everything done at once, so there's no rush. in due time, not only will you be able to improve your grades, but maybe you can improve that attitude of yours towards the other students.

Rex: Big Deal...

Nicole: *Thinking* Something tells me that Rex isn't going to be easy to handle. I need to figure out a way to get through to him.

Meanwhile back at the Apartment, Sally was organizing a lesson plan for her next lecture when she hears the video chat tone ringing. She rushes over to answer it, then the screen lights up showing Sonic, Amy, and Tails.

Sonic: Hey, Sal! How's the school life going for you?

Sally: Sonic! Things are going good, in fact Nicole has started doing a tutoring session for one of the students.

Amy: Well that's great, I hope she does a good job.

Sally: Thanks Amy, I know she will.

Tails: Well that's not the only reason we're calling. You see earlier today Sonic, Amy and I came across these two guys over by the Wolf Pack area. We fought them off but Lupe found something that she said you could identify.

Tails takes out a crystal similar to the one Sally found over by the warehouse.

Sally: I recognize that! We found something like that the other day. These two guys you mentioned, were they by any chance the Scorpo Brothers?

Tails: Yeah!

Sonic: You fought them too?

Sally: Yeah, those guys are ruthless, they attack anyone without showing any honor. They kidnapped some of the students and we went to rescue them. They tried to attack one of the students but Fiona rushed in and saved her.

Sonic: Hold on! Did you say Fiona saved someone?

Sally: That's right! You should've seen it! Misty was hugging her out of gratitude and Fiona was practically in tears. I know it's hard to believe.

Amy: Was she expecting anything in return?

Sally: Well No...surprisingly! And this might come as a shock to you guys, but it turns out Scourge was the one who broke things off with Fiona.

Sonic: What!?

Tails: No Way!

Amy: It seemed that those two were happy together...in their own twisted way that is...

Sally: It's true, apparently from what Fiona has told me, Scourge felt that she was holding him back, so he broke up with her, got her kicked out of the Destructix, and took her warp rings so she can't follow him back to Moebius.

Amy: This is pretty shocking alright!

Sally: I know...she was really heartbroken, but I think there might be more to the story than just that.

Sonic: I know what you mean, Sal! Scourge isn't the type to be completely honest, I hope we can be able to find some answers.

Sally: Me too, Sonic!

Tails: Is Fiona going to be okay?

Sally: I'm sure she will be just fine, Tails. This sort of thing takes time.

Tails: That's true! Despite everything that happened, I can only hope for the best.

Amy: We all Do...But I'm glad she was able to help you save those kids, so maybe there's a silver lining in this after all.

Sonic: Yeah that is a good sign, but it's going to take a lot more than a rescue for Fiona to improve.

Sally: True but as long as we help her keep at it, than I know she can succeed! She's going to need all the support she can get.

Tails: Right!

Sonic: And we'll be there every step of the way.

Sally: Thanks guys! I'm sure she'll appreciate that!

Tails: No problem, Sally! So, anyway you said you found this crystal?

Sally: We did, I had Professor Von Schlemmer take a look at it.

Sonic: Von Schlemmer! Tails and I haven't seen him in a long time, how's he doing?

Sally: Well he's doing really well. He works as a Tech teacher at the school.

Tails: That's great! Has he been able to find out anything about the crystal?

Sally: Well all I know is that it contains some source of power, but we don't know much yet. but hopefully we'll get some answers soon.

Sonic: And if you do, be sure to let us know.

Amy: If this crystal falls into the wrong hands, it could spell disaster.

Sally: don't worry, we'll see to it that it won't happen.

And with that the chat screen turned off and Sally went back to working on her lesson plan.

Sally: *Thinking* I wonder where those crystals are coming from? It must be very powerful if the Scorpos are running around with them...

Back at Freedom U a half later as Nicole was continuing with her tutoring session, she projects an image of the planet Mobius.

Nicole: Okay Rex, let's begin by explaining about the great war.

Rex: Oh Come on, everyone knows about that! Robotnik takes over and turns Mobotropolis into a Robot dump, only for Sonic and the Freedom Fighters to come in and save the planet.

Nicole: That's a very good summary but there is much more to it than that. It was a battle between Freedom against Tyranny! It all began with a conflict between the Mobians, and the Overlanders. *Nicole projects an image showing a mobian on one side and an Overlander on the other side* Overlanders believed that they should control the world with technology while Mobians wanted to keep it nice and beautiful thus posing them as a threat to the overlanders. Many Kings in the Acorn family have contributed to the warNow then can you tell me which king ruled at the time?

Rex: Uhh...Max?

Nicole: Correct!

Rex: *Thinking* I wasn't even trying to answer that question!

Nicole: King Maximillian Acorn ruled at the time! He led his forces on to attack the Overlanders but they proved to be tough opponents.

Rex: Heh! I could take them on if I was older, then I can show them who's boss!

Nicole: Now Rex! This war is a very significant part of Mobius history, if I were you I'd pay close attention. Now then despite everything that was happening there was one Overlander who would help turn the tide of the war, however that would soon lead to King Max's downfall. *Nicole projects an image of Dr. Julian Kintobor* Recognize him?

Rex: Wait isn't that Robotnik?

Nicole: Yes but before that he was known as Dr. Julian Kintobor. He served as a strategist for the King, promising him to help win the war. But in reality, he was trying to seize power. He betrayed the king and Took over Mobotropolis and turned into Robotropolis. He caused a lot of pain and suffering for many years with Roboticizing living beings, and using them for his own goals, This caused the formation of the Freedom Fighters, destined to Fight Robotnik and his forces. Years Later Robotnik was finally defeated after one of his own inventions the Ultimate annihilator was used against him, causing him to be erased from existence.

Rex: So one of his machines just blew up on him? That's crazy!

Nicole: Well I guess you can say that! despite this victory, a Robotnik from a parallel universe who is known as Robo-Robotnik would take over, obtain a new body then took on the name Dr. Eggman! However he wasn't at the level of Dominance as Robotnik so he never took over Mobotropolis.

Rex: Is there a point to this whole story?

Nicole: The point is, things got tough but Sonic, Sally and the rest of the freedom fighters would pull through in the end. *Nicole hears an alarm ring* I believe that will be it for the day. I will see you same time tomorrow!

Rex: Yeah, whatever...The sooner I get this over with the better.

Nicole: *Thinking* Rex doesn't seem to be real motivated...but that will soon change...I hope!

Meanwhile at Larry's house, he was setting up a video chat while Erma was giving Emily a bowl of grapes as a snack.

Emily: So what's this all about, Aunty Erma?

Erma: If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise.

Larry: Okay everything is in place, now to input the number Erma gave me...and Done! it's all set up.

Erma: Wait right here a minute, Emily. I will call you when we're ready!

Erma rushed into the living room, the screen turned on to show Guntiver Wolf the leader of the Arctic Freedom Fighters.

Guntiver: Hello? Is there anything you need?

Larry: Can you hear me?

Guntiver: I can hear very well from my end.

Larry: Good! I'm Larry, a Gym teacher at Freedom University in Floterna City and Erma is here with me, and she tells me that you're the leader of the Arctic Freedom Fighter group.

Guntiver: That's right!

Erma: Hello Guntiver, Larry here is letting me stay at his place. sorry if we're interrupting anything!

Guntiver: It's no problem at all! Things are peaceful back home so there really isn't much going on at the moment.

Erma: That's good to know! Well anyway I'm calling because there's someone I want you to meet. Emily, you can come in now!

Emily rushed into the room to see Guntiver on the screen.

Erma: Emily, this is Guntiver! He's the leader of the Arctic Freedom Fighters that I'm a part of. Guntiver this is my niece Emily.

Guntiver: Well it's very nice to meet you Emily.

Emily: Thank you! So you're really a Freedom Fighter?

Guntiver: You bet I am! So Erma tells me you want to follow in your Aunt's footsteps?

Emily: I do! She inspires me to try my very best, and it always motivates me.

Guntiver: That's what I like to hear, how would you like meet some of the other members?

Emily: I would love to!

Guntiver left the screen for a minute then came back with the other members behind him, Sealia the Seal, Flip the Penguin and Augustus the Polar Bear.

Guntiver: Everyone this is Emily, Erma's Niece!

Sealia: Aww she is so adorable! Hi Emily I hope you're working hard!

Emily: I am, thank you!

Flip: Hey kiddo! Keep up the great work!

Augustus: I know you'll reach to great heights!

Emily: Thank you all! I promise, I will do my very best! For you guys, Aunty Erma, My Mom, Miss Acorn, Mr. Lizard, Fiona and all my other friends.

Sealia: You have such a kind heart, Emily! I know you'll do your friends and family proud.

Flip: Erma recently told us how Fiona is in that Rehab center so I know this sort of support will help her as well.

Augustus: You're always welcome to talk to us if you need any advice!

Emily: I will, thank you! This was a very nice surprise, thank you Aunty Erma!

Erma: You're welcome, Emily. I just know you're going to do great things!

Guntiver: You have such a great niece Erma!

Erma: Thank you! I'm very proud of her!

Guntiver: I gotta get going, I need to do a bit of routine patrol to make sure things don't go crazy.

Larry: Well it was nice meeting you all!

Sealia: The pleasure is all ours! And thank you for letting Erma stay with you.

Augustus: She's a great member and friend!

Larry: No problem, I was more than happy to help.

Flip: Catch you guys on the flipside!

Erma: See you guys later!

And with that the chat screen cuts to black.

Erma: So tell me Emily, how did you like that?

Emily: That was so cool! I'm glad I got to meet the rest of your teammates.

Erma: I hope this also gives you an idea on how you can make your own Freedom Fighter group someday.

Emily: It does! *Hugs Erma* I love you!

Erma: *Hugs Back* I love you too Emily! Now you better get home, I don't want your mother to worry about you.

Emily: You're right! See you later! And thank you Mr. Lizard, I'll see you tomorrow!

Larry: You're welcome, Emily! Keep up the good work!

Emily rushed out of the house to head home

Larry: Emily is such a great kid, I know she'll make a great Freedom Fighter.

Erma: Thank you, I'm glad this video chat gave her the motivation she needs to move forward.

Back at the apartment Sally was finishing up her work when Nicole appeared

Sally: Nicole! How was your first day of tutoring?

Nicole: Well things are off to a bumpy start. I must admit, Rex is a tough kid...But I hope I can be able to get through to him

Sally: I know you will, you got this!

Nicole: Thank you Sally! It's going to be difficult, but it will be worth it in the end.

While Sally and Fiona were talking Fiona was in her room doing some exercises with Nova Joining in. Fiona was doing some stretches while Nova was jogging in place and jump.

Fiona: You're really good at this, Nova! I read that Chao needs plenty of exercise if they want to train for the Chao race. When I was a kid I use to go to one of those events where they held Chao racing. Seeing those Chao racing against one another was so much fun. The best part was we got to play with them when they were done.

Nova jumps around with energy at the thought of being able to participate in an event.

Fiona: You show great enthusiasm, with the right amount of training, you'll be a champion racer in no time.

Nova flies into Fiona's arms, showing it's appreciation for Fiona's Support when it notices something was sparkling in Fiona's Right ear. Nova climbed up to see what it is.

Fiona: Nova! What are you doing? don't do that!

Nova kept reaching in and then he pulled something out of the ear.

Fiona: Nova! You know better then to climb into someone's ear that like that! *Fiona notices that Nova was holding something* Wait a minute, what do you have there? *Nova Shows Fiona a crystal* This looks like that crystal we found the other day when we were fighting those Scorpo guys. I better take this to Sally!

Fiona and Nova rushed out of her bedroom and headed over to Sally and Nicole.

Sally: Fiona? What's wrong?

Fiona: This may sound weird but Nova found this inside my ear...*Fiona shows the crystal to Sally*

Sally: You found another one?

Fiona: Yeah! Wait...what do you mean by that?

Sally: Sonic called me earlier and told me that He, Tails and Amy came across the Scorpos and at the same time, Lupe managed to find one of these too, but what would this one be doing inside your ear?

Fiona: How should I know? I just found it just now, thanks to Nova!

Nicole: This is very perplexing!

Sally: I'm starting to think that there may be more to these crystals then we realize. Only question is, where did they come from and what exactly does this crystal do. Whatever it is, we need to learn more about them so we can figure out a way to destroy them. There's no telling what these crystals are capable of!

TO BE CONTINUED