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ACT II

Chapter 5

A single rock flew through the air and parted the hologram for a brief moment. Scowling, the large dictator scanned the area for the culprit, finding the accursed rodent firing yet another projectile at him. "Hedgehog... I'd say it's nice to see you again, but we both know better!"

"Go back to where you came from, Robuttnik! I hope ya didn't forget that you got limited time here!" Sonic rubbed his nose with a knowing smirk, and pointed at the pod.

"Foolish little rodent. I'm not here in person, of course. This is a remote vessel!" He cackled as he watched the blue blur's expression go from a smile to a disappointed frown.

Sally was next to step forward, pointing accusingly at the man who haunted them all those years. "Give it up, Robotnik! We stopped you and squashed your legacy as well. It's only a matter of time before-"

"Before you take back your precious city...? No. It's only a matter of time before I correct my mistake!" Robotnik rubbed his portly chin and looked at the lynx moored to the spot near the cave entrance. "I assume you were not talking about Snively when you mentioned my legacy. I could care less about that little turncoat! However, you...!"

He pointed an equally massive robotic finger at the lynx, and a quick transparent beam washed over her. "...You interest me."

The doctor continued to ignore the numerous impacts that the impatient hedgehog was now inflicting on his hull. "No good, Sal. This thing is as hard as diamonds!"

"Crystal, you ignorant mammal. Now, I see you have two designations... Nicole...Sally's precious computer, and something else!" His face broke into a menacing grin. "Oh! Ooh...very interesting indeed. The fake Sally too? We meet again, my progeny. My...infiltrator!"

The Wolf-Pack and Lupe tensed up at this. They had remained silent to maintain their element of surprise, but the leader of the group could no longer contain herself. "What? You didn't tell me that she was...!"

A single beam erupted from the pod suddenly, hitting the ground close to her! The surface turned to pure crystal... "Back in the cave!" Turning to the Freedom Fighters, she cried, "We'll regroup when we've come up with a plan!"

Nicole, attempting to distract him, faced down the horrible man and gestured to herself with a determined look. "I am more than both of my past selves were—something new. Something -not- under your control!"

She pointed her finger at the ship, and fired a concentrated beam! Much like the lightning before it spread over the entire ship, and dissipated just as harmlessly.

"Ah...! An improvement to that old laser unit I installed! Couldn't let some memories go after all?" A small flinch came from the AI. "My scans show you are outfitted with a brand new power source as well!"

The lynx drew her hand up to her heart, as it pulsed slightly in a green color. "Sustainable, but still limited. What a shame. Had you stayed by my side, you would have been given quite the overhaul!"

"You can stuff your overhaul, Buttnik! Nicole has always been a Freedom Fighter and will continue to be, no matter what you say!" Sonic came up on the AI's left side and gave a reassuring shoulder pat.

"Robotnik, you lost her when you stopped looking for your precious infiltrator all those years ago! She and Nicole have a much better home now. With us!" Sally walked up to her friends right side and grasped her hand tightly.

"Pathetic. Well, can't say I didn't try... Failures will always be failures after all, and you know what I do to those who fail me!" With that, more beams fired out, as Sonic grabbed the two girls with one arm each and sped down the canyon. The pod remained close behind in pursuit!

"Thanks Sonic...Sally. I knew you guys had my back the entire time!" Sonic turned to Nicole with a confident smile as she vaulted onto his back! She was surprisingly light! "Now let me help you."

Another scan shot out from her finger, highlighting a nearby cave in purple light. "There!" Speeding into the opening, the three stopped to take a well earned break.

–

"I know I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, Nic but...!" Sally tapped Sonic's shoulder and drew a finger to her lips. Whispering now, he crossed his arms and pouted. "Was just trying to give a compliment..."

"Got a plan, Sally?" The lynx looked to the chipmunk for some sort of guidance at this point. While she was slowly getting better at it, quick thinking was not Nicole's strong suit. "Sorry for wasting my energy on that blast, by the way."

"Don't worry about it, Nicole." Sally tensed up and shook her fists, trying to get a hold on her emotions. "Oh...it just had to be him, Sonic. I can't believe it..." She buried her head into her lap and grabbed at her hair.

Both the hedgehog and lynx moved up to comfort her in an impromptu hug. "Thanks. I needed that." Pausing for a moment to collect herself, she turned to the AI at this point. "Nicole. Tell me you picked up something else in your scans."

"Hold on." She closed her eyes as a hologram extended out from her fingertip. A blueprint of the Doomsday Pod popped up, now with added crystalline armor. A red mark appeared toward the north end of the saucer shaped vehicle. "I noticed just a little too late that Sonic's repeated strikes were creating small striations in the protective casing."

"In normal speak, Nicole." Sonic replied, tapping impatiently on the rock wall.

"She's talking about grooves. You left a mark on his precious pod." Sally was now in full pondering mode and after a brief moment, snapped her fingers with a grin forming on her face! "That's it. We just need to keep hitting it until it opens up. We were on the right track!"

Sonic patted the AI on the back, causing her to almost lose her balance. "Okay, I get it now. Thanks Nicole!" The lynx gave the hedgehog a warm smile and a thumbs up.

"You're welcome, Sonic. Also, I believe you were going to tell me that I'm 'way past cool' too. Right...?" She stifled her giggle with her free hand.

"You got it, you awesome android. Now, you both sit tight and lemme handle this!" He felt an arm grab his as he prepared to jet out of there.

"Sonic. I think now's the time." Sally said as she gave him a glowing ring flowing with golden energy.

"Let's do it to it...!"

Chapter 6

"Can't hide forever, you miserable little Mobians!" The large man piloting the craft took a ragged, exasperated breath as his anger began to overtake him. "Come out, come out wherever you are..." Robotnik scattered the hillside with multiple blasts, painting it in crystal dots. Suddenly out of his peripheral vision, he saw him. "Miserable little hedgehog! Come out to play!?"

Sonic deftly dodged the incoming projectile with a well timed mid-air cartwheel! "Oh...come -on-, Robuttnik! Your aim's gotten a lot worse! Oh wait...it already blew chunks!" Another blast met the rock wall as the blue blur sped up the canyon wall!

"Stand still hedgehog...!" The dictator continued to fire beams before a sharp impact struck his pod! "D'oh...! Why...you...! Agh!" The numerous hits gave him a massive headache and blurred his vision.

He briefly removed the helmet interface from his eyes, as his improvised control station deep with the void came into view once more. The crystals reflected directly into his eyes, temporarily blinding him and adding to his frustration.

Looking at the makeshift computer next to him, he saw a flashing red circle on the Doomsday Pod's status screen, near the front of the craft. "Clever, hedgehog... I believe it's time I stopped toying with you, for the moment."

–

With the last strike, Sonic admired his handiwork as a small crack began to form. While it consumed energy just fine, it didn't stand up to physical punishment the same way! "Time to crack this egg open! …Whoa!" He narrowly dodged another incoming beam from the portly one as he appeared again as giant floating head near the cockpit of the ship.

"I think it's time you pulled your power ring out, hedgehog. Or do you have three of them this time!?" Robotnik stated, noting how the blue rodent got out of being roboticized; the closest he had ever gotten to a complete victory over the Freedom Fighters.

"I only need one this time to take you out, fatso." Sonic said as he pulled the speed booster from his backpack. Holding it high above his head, he was bathed in energy. "This one's supercharged, Robuttnik! Hope you can take the heat!"

A wide flurry of beams pockmarked the ground as the hedgehog danced between each blast, occasionally finding an opening to widen the crack on Robotnik's new toy. "Stand...still!"

"I'll do you one better Robuttnik. Hope you're ready for this!" Launching into a golden spin-dash, Sonic used the natural terrain to launch himself sky high! "Ready or not, here I come!"

The two clashed as the pod sped forward to meet with him mid-air, with Sonic continuing to punish the fractured spot. However, as he prepared for another strike he noticed the void crystal beginning to spread across his quills!

Deranged laughter erupted from the pod. Apparently, Robotnik had noticed as well. "Got you now! Your rebellion ends here...!"

"Not so fast, large and not-in-charge!" Sonic moved into a desperate spin, launching the hardened material off him and multiple crystal spikes impacted the hull, causing the hologram to temporarily phase out! Whew! That was a close one... Ain't gonna tell ol' baldo that he almost got me that time!

A low chuckle reverberated throughout the canyon as the hedgehog watched the pod itself phase out of existence! "Oh...come on...!"

"Let's test your reactions, rodent. Get a load of this...!" An array of beams assaulted Sonic, causing him to backpedal over a nearby mountain! His breath became shallow as the rings power began to wane...

–

"Come on, we have to go help Sonic!" Nicole pleaded as Sally shook her head in disapproval.

"Nicole, we can't risk getting crystallized. If that happens, we might as well kiss Sonic's chances goodbye..." The lynx poked her head outside briefly, watching the battle unfold, completely ignoring her companion.

Left alone to her thoughts, a plan of action started to form in the chipmunk's mind. "However..."

"Was waiting to hear you say that, Sally. What have you got planned?" Nicole was all ears at this point!

Tapping on the rock wall for emphasis, the chipmunk continued as her hand returned to her chin, "Well, I couldn't help but notice your scans have increased tremendously in range. How about a long range interface?"

The AI buckled at this, not sure what to think. "That is even more risky than helping Sonic fight Robotnik directly! It would leave me wide open for attack."

All of a sudden, as if summoned by the impromptu meeting, the blue hedgehog appeared in the opening, nearly out of breath. "Things...are getting complicated, Sal. He's able to hide his ship!"

Lynx and chipmunk stared at each other in terror. The auburn-one spoke up first. "We have to get him to lay off of us for a little longer, Sonic! How's the fight coming along?"

"I got the saucer to crack, but my juice has run out. The power ring kind, at least! It ain't gonna mean much if we can't get through the pod's armor though." He pinched his nose as he tried to weigh his options.

Sally snapped her fingers once more as a realization hit her! "Nicole. We need to find the remains of the test pod. A fragment at least!"

The lynx nodded and closed her eyes, and scanned her memory banks. Numerous images flooded past of their first outing in the Great Unknown, until she found what she was looking for! "The dead end where you and the Wolf-Pack fired on the pod with that makeshift laser cannon! A big chunk fell away! That's our target!"

As soon as she said that, a tremendous impact shook the area near their cave, and numerous rocks fell from the ceiling, threatening to trap the group in a cave-in! "Bailing warp 7, hold on guys!" Sonic shouted as he propped them both on his shoulders, speeding towards the relative safety of the cave entrance!

"STOP HIDING, YOU FILTHY RODENT...!" Robotnik was clearly losing his patience.

"It's now or never. Okay, you two..." The hedgehog suddenly felt lighter than before. "Uh, where's Nicole!?" Sonic stared in horror as he realized the lynx was now missing and peered up at Sally, who had her hands cupped to her mouth. "Oh man, she didn't...!"

–

"Look down, Robotnik. You can't hide from my sensors." His floating head appeared once more as the pod phased back into existence. The massive gaze fell upon Nicole who stared him down unflinchingly.

"So, accepted your fate at last? Or have you come to bargain...?" He stared at the lynx with a widening grin, his eyes narrowing menacingly.

"Neither, chrome dome!" The man's grin quickly turned into a frown. "In fact, I dare you to strike me down where I stand!" She held her arms out confidently and waited for his response.

"As you wish. Consider this a gift from me to you, infiltrator." A concentrated beam shot out as a static infused shield shot up, blocking the blast! The crystal material quickly spread across it as Nicole sidestepped the blast.

"Oh, but I have one more party trick before the presents arrive!" Manipulating the metal within, she turned the mass of junk into a crystal spear, hurling it at the ship. It struck the cracked spot directly, piercing the pod! Surprisingly, the entirety of the gem armor also fell away!

"What...!? You... How dare you...!" She waggled her finger at the apoplectic doctor and tutted, as Sonic sped over to her side.

He stared at the damage in wonder. "Whoa. Okay, maybe you didn't need my help after all!"

This startled her for a brief moment. Shaking her head, she pointed at the point of impact. "Finish him, Sonic!" Nodding silently, he found a nearby incline and launched toward the craft, only to be met with something hitting him out of the air, launching him far away!

Nicole stared in surprise as she saw the pod rotate at high speed, static sparks flying off the hull and being flung in different directions! Shielding herself with the remains of the borrowed metal, she cried out for the fallen hero! "Sonic...! Are you okay!?"

The ship sped off over the horizon as Robotnik got his last word in. "I also have some new tricks as well! This isn't over...!" As the ship disappeared once more, the lynx dropped to her knees as her light flickered on her chest.

Chapter 7

"Ooh... What hit me..." Blackness gave way to a cold feeling on his forehead. His eyes focused on Sally applying a compress, gasping sharply as he came to. "Hey Sal.", the hedgehog said weakly, getting a hug from the relieved chipmunk.

"Oh...Sonic! When I saw you hurtle past the cave, I thought...!" That's right. Buttnik pulled a fast one on me. Didn't see that coming! He gripped her tightly, letting the tears come from her.

"It's okay. I'm okay, but...what about Nicole?" The auburn-haired one sniffed and rose, pointing towards the opening where they found the Wolf-Pack's "stash", seeing the lynx sitting over by their computer with eyes closed.

Feeling a burst of energy surge through him, he leaped out of the guest bed and sprinted over to the limp body of the AI, only see a faint glow from her chest. "Oh man! Nicole! Yo, wake up girl..." Sally rushed over and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "What's going on with her, Sal?"

"She's in her "sleep" mode, Sonic. When were finding new clothes for her, she mentioned that her core would need time to recharge if she used too much power." The chipmunk directed his gaze to a cable linking Nicole to the machine. "Usually, it recovers with solar energy, but lacking that, there are other options just in case of an emergency."

Sonic wiped his moist brow in relief and patted the unconscious lynx on the shoulder. "Don't worry Nicole. We'll figure out a way outta this mess. Like we always do..."

"That will have to wait until the sun rises, hedgehog. Luckily, Robotnik has chosen not to pursue us further at this time." He turned to see Lupe peering around the corner of the room, cautiously eyeing the fallen lynx. "For the record, it took great convincing from your leader to even allow this in the first place."

The blue blur was immediately in her face and snarled, "You back off of Nicole! She saved all of you. Without her, you would all be...!"

Sally once again rushed into part the two warriors. "That's enough! Would you two both cut that out!?" Sonic backed off, wiping his nose disdainfully and the she-wolf followed his gaze as he found a corner to stand against. "Lupe, once this situation is resolved, there will be time for you and the Wolf-Pack to see that Nicole is far from a threat. Maybe you might even enjoy her company..."

"Give it up, Sal. Clearly, they want more from their "fortune teller" than what she's able to give!" He huffed dramatically, and began to tap his feet against the wall of the base.

Lupe closed her eyes and grimaced as she ran a paw against the scar on her face. "I apologize. To all of you... A life is still a life after all. She's brave and I respect that, but you have to understand we have been fighting against bots this entire time. To side with one..." She peered over at Nicole once more, as the lynx's fingers twitched and the computer flickered from the loss of power.

"I think a meeting would be a good way to move forward. Right now." The chipmunk remained firm with her winning smile.

Surprisingly, Sonic drew up alongside Sally, gesturing to the lynx. "Yeah! Remind them that we're all in this together, including her!" He continued to glare at the she-wolf and she chuckled in turn.

"It might not be that simple, but it's worth a shot Sonic." Lupe shook his hand, as he relaxed his expression.

"Took you long enough!"

–

Everyone present, sans Nicole, gathered around the central fire-pit, with Lupe at the head of the group. The hall rumbled with murmuring and discussions filling its interior.

Motioning for silence, the she-wolf addressed her audience, "I know it's very late for all of you, but this is a matter of great importance!" She paused as the noise completely died down. "Now, you know the routes leading out of the cave. We have numerous ways to leave the Great Unknown without detection..."

"Whoa whoa!" Everybody turned to face Sonic, who rudely interrupted the proceedings. "I didn't know we were turning tail and runnin'! We had a plan to put him on the ropes!"

"Silence, hedgehog! When the leader speaks, don't interrupt!" A yellow wolf replied with irritation.

The brown wolf was next to stand, surprising the rest of the Wolf-Pack! "Forgive me, Lupe. He's right. While the power she wields is fearsome, I saw the light in her eyes. She's no seer, but she has the heart of one! Maybe that's what we need right now!"

"Diego. You speak out of turn, but if what you say is true..." The hedgehog barely spotted the hint of a sly smile forming on her lips. "...we have to stand and fight! It's the Wolf-Pack way!"

"You gotta be kidding." Sonic watched as one by one, each member of the pack stood up and began to howl, with Lupe being the last to join in.

Sally sidled up to him and gestured outward towards the wolves. "And that's how diplomacy works. Great concept...right?"

He clutched his head, feeling the call of the bed once more. "Diplomacy makes my head hurt, Sal."

The she-wolf walked over to the both of them and placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "Then you can sleep it off for now. We act in the morning! Just remember we have a Plan B in case things fall through!"

"You won't need it, Lups. We're dusting this "ghost" once and for all! For freedom!" He raised a fist in the air as the words echoed back at him from the crowd and they mirrored his gesture.

"This time, Robuttnik... It ends here."

END OF ACT II

ACT III

Chapter 8

"Okay, here's the plan." Sally motioned Sonic and Lupe together into a huddle, with Nicole lazily yawning as she slowly walked towards them. "Sonic, you and the Wolf-Pack will stay here and guard the cave entrance. Robotnik will find us out eventually if he keeps peppering the mountains with crystal."

"D'oh man...! Sal, do I have tah wait...!?" She held up one finger to the protesting hedgehog and continued.

"You got first dibs on knocking him around. I thought you wouldn't mind that detail. Right?" The blue blur turned to the she-wolf and she grinned, bearing her teeth.

"You ready to do battle with your nemesis, again? We'll be behind you all the way!" She gave a enthused fist bump to the surprised hedgehog.

"Oh! We are having a meeting now? I wasn't invited!" The lynx puffed her cheeks as her chest resumed its steady glow. She stretched and smiled weakly, giving the group a groggy wave.

"Good timing. Nicole, you and me are going to that dead-end that you located earlier. We'll nab the necessary data to get you into Robotnik's Pod and get back to Sonic and the rest ASAP. Got that?"

"Absolutely. Consider me ready." The AI gave a tiny salute and grinned with anticipation.

"Not so fast, our little seer!" Lupe held out a bracelet with feathers strung along it. "A little gift, to show our solidarity with you. You deserve that much!" Condensation welled up around Nicole's eyes. "Just get back to us safe and we'll cover you while the magic happens!" The she-wolf said with a wink.

"Wow, already getting sappy and we haven't even won yet! I'm likin' the confidence." Sonic said, as he zipped back and forth. "I'm getting antsy so make it quick, ladies!"

The four held out their fists in a concentric circle, shouting, "Let's do it to it...!"

Lupe chuckled to herself. "I always wanted to say that."

–

Nicole and Sally didn't take long to reach their destination, as the numerous tunnels offered multiple hidden paths. Turned out, Lupe's evacuation plan unearthed many ways to slip in and out of Robotnik's view. The lynx took great care to map out what she could and seemed to finally be enjoying herself, which calmed the chipmunk's nerves as well!

"You know...I didn't think Robotnik of all people could bring out the best in you, Nicole! That stunt you pulled last night had me worried, but you were in control the entire time!" She sighed and looked at the AI wistfully, as if she was watching another Tails grow up before her.

"Now's not the time to get nostalgic, Sally. We're here." The artificial lynx replied, pointing at a massive chunk of hull sticking out of the mountainside. "Running preliminary scans. Give me just a minute."

Sally felt a sudden rush of wind tussle her auburn hair and a chill ran over her. No. If he's here, then... Hushing her companion, the chipmunk crept off toward where the path opened up, pulling out a pair of red specs. Scanning the area, she saw the massive pod creeping down the lane slowly. "Oh my gosh... No time, I have to do something."

Searching her satchel, she found her handy flare pistol. That'll get his attention. I just hope it blinds him long enough to give me a head-start!

–

"Well this day could be a lot worse. I finally was able to get some additional testing on the pod. Plus, I sent that blasted hedgehog flying...!" Robotnik chuckled to himself as he guided the pod with a modified joystick. "The previous motion controls were too flimsy. Sometimes direct input is the key to victory! When I see those Freedom Fighters again, I'll... GAH!" A sudden flash of light, followed by a loud pop had blinded him. He flung his headset away to protect his eyes!

"Who dares..." White dots blurred his vision as he put the interface back on and watched as a tufted tail rounded the corner. A very familiar one. "Princess Sally. What are you doing out here alone...?"

–

Nicole's RAM was at capacity trying to take it all in. She got more than she bargained for, as the fallen piece just so happened to contain a fraction of the CPU which was reserved for primary directives and communications! Communications, hm...? That's my way in. She heard a voice in her ear scream, breaking the lynx out of her concentration! "Sally...!"

Having finished her task, she stared at the satchel at her side as an idea began to form. A particularly fun one. "Don't worry, I'm coming to get you!"

–

"Oh...oh!" Sally was glad that she had continued to perfect her acrobatics over the years as she ducked and leaped between jutting rocks to avoid the incoming fire.

"Well well, Sally..." A cruel voice echoed throughout the Great Unknown. "I always wanted you as a trophy. While I won't be able to roboticize you this time, this is a fine close second...!" Several beams shot out, each barely missing their mark.

I'm glad you picked now of all times to start toying with me, Robotnik! Another projectile shattered the rock next to her as she dived out of the way!

Nicole! Hurry up and get here already! Suddenly, as if she was granted a wish, the lynx appeared racing along on a...metal board!?

"Grab on, Sally!" Instinctively, the chipmunk grabbed the tail end of Nicole's top and found a spot on the back of the board. "Oh! Careful with the threads!"

She observed the ground below her as it crackled with static! "This is crazy...!"

Nicole laughed heartily at Sally's reaction. "Oh I wish Sonic were here to see this!"

Robotnik yelled at the duo, interrupting their revelry! "Oh...you won't live to see another day!"

The lynx continued to use the terrain to glide across the mountainside as several beams shot out to intercept! "Hold on, Sally!"

Hold on!? I'm gripping you as tight as... The chipmunk began to feel herself float off the board as they arced upside down. Using a natural bridge in the mountains, they vaulted over to other side of the canyon!

She willed herself back onto the board as they hit the ground and she stared back to see the pod performing a tight loop to avoid the sudden overhang!

"Dah...! You can't hide forever...!", the dictator cried out in anger, having lost his quarry for the moment.

"Oh my gosh! Can we never do that again? Please!?" Sally was beside herself, gripping the lynx's shoulders for balance.

"Sorry! I'll warn you next time!", Nicole replied with a giggle.

"NEXT TIME!?"

Chapter 9

"Looks like they stirred up the nest." Lupe studied the landscape with her own pair of binoculars at the top of a lookout plateau. She spotted the pod first and then... "Are they riding a hoverboard!?"

"Give me that!" Sonic snatched it from her hands and peered into the lenses. "Oh man! We are totally doing that when we get back to Knothole!"

"Sonic, you saw the pod, yes? Our favorite dictator will be upon us shortly!" He looked again and saw the pod taking a path separate from Nicole and Sally. It directly headed toward the base's entrance.

"You have them ready?" The hedgehog stated, pointing to a conspicuous sack on the ground.

"The rest are bringing their own set of "Rotor's Special". Of the "Anti-Doomsday" variety..." The she-wolf toothily grinned as the remainder of the Wolf-Pack crested the hill with numerous little grenades poking out of their packs.

"Alright! I'm first up! Get into position!" Sonic ordered as he sped down the canyon-side to greet his nemesis once more. "Yo! Chrome-dome! Why didja have to keep me waiting, huh?

"Ooh... I'm not in the mood for this, you miserable hedgehog...!" More crystal lasers greeted the blue blur as he sped off.

"Catch me if you can, Buttnik!"

–

Nicole and Sally crested the hill and the lynx did a stylish spin to signal their arrival! Landing to safety, the chipmunk immediately dismounted and tried to maintain her balance. "Never...again."

"Are you doing alright, Nicole? I trust you have enough energy for what's coming next? We're staking a lot on your victory here!" Lupe grimaced as she said this. Their computer was completely drained of power when the artificial one had finished recharging!

"More than alright. I did intentionally go into an overcharge for just such a purpose! I hope you don't mind." She replied sheepishly.

"Ugh... just don't overdo it, Nicole. How's the position of Robotnik's ship?" The chipmunk motioned below as Sonic continued to kite the mad doctor around the floor of the Great Unknown.

"Position's good. We'll handle the first volley!" Lupe motioned to the rest of the Wolf-Pack as they pulled a massive sling into view!

–

Okay, the pack's ready. Let's get this show rolling! Jucin'! Sonic stopped suddenly at a seemingly dead end. "Oh no...! I'm stuck."

"Got you now! It ends here, Sonic...!" Turrets trained on the hedgehog who turned around with a cheeky grin. "What the...? What could you possibly have planned this time?"

"Oh nothing! I'm just glad my acting's getting better, Robuttnik! Yo Wolf-Pack! Give him the goods!" Numerous grenades impacted the craft, shattering pieces of the pod! Even the crystal that managed to grow back shattered before the massive torrent!

"Okay Nicole, hopefully we gave you a good enough opening." Suddenly, he saw a small metal object fly out and stick to the hull of the ship!

–

Nicole felt the world outside fall away from her as the remote link found its mark. Everything is going as planned thus far. Hopefully this little field test works out! She flew across an endless green grid, watching as a massive series of buildings shot up around her! Darkness soon flooded through as land continued to shape and form an imposing metal colossus.

"We're in enemy territory now..."

Chapter 10

A eerie mist passed through numerous dull blue streets and back alleys. A full moon hung in the air as the sounds of footsteps and unidentifiable sounds echoed throughout! The lynx scanned around and immediately recognized the architecture in all its foreboding glory. This is...Robotropolis!

Pulling up a virtual keyboard, Nicole poked around what she could only presume was Robotnik's personal server, looking for a way to access the main controls. All signs pointed toward the egg-shaped citadel in the center. "Well, this is an obvious trap. I'm no novice, Robotnik. You'll have to try harder than that!"

"...And I wouldn't expect anything less. Welcome..." What is he doing here? Isn't he controlling the craft right now!? "By the way, I switched to auto-pilot to keep the hedgehog and his friends busy while we discussed matters in private. First off, let's give you a small test!"

Swat-bots swarmed the area, giving Nicole little time to react! She immediately threw up a wall, bending the geometry to her whims. It managed to impale a few of the robotic guards and a patrol unit crashed into the side! "Excellent. You already gained enough access to manipulate the world around you, however slight it may be."

"So you already spotted me out." She curtly replied, as she sped through the air toward her destination. A couple of hover units surrounded her side by side. "It's no use, Robotnik. I'm taking you down from the inside!"

"Such confidence! How much of it is the little computer that could, and how much of it is..." As the voice echoed through the false metropolis, Nicole looked up to see the moon turn to reveal the dictator's grinning face. "Your killer instinct!"

"Here's a curve ball doctor." The AI replied as she caused a bit of the ground to erupt, forming a makeshift ramp. She guided her fall onto a nearby rooftop, sliding into a dead sprint, and proceeded to vault over numerous more.

"So graceful, but you forget this is my realm!" Lasers shot from his eyeballs as the impact shook the false world! Suddenly, the virtual lynx came to an abrupt stop! "Wrong move...!"

Another beam shot out as she formed a reflective shield using the bits of shattered glass around her! It bounced the beam back at the moon, destroying it! Silence fell over the metal landscape... "Speak for yourself."

–

Sally adjusted her companion's position as she pushed her into the mouth of the tunnel leading further down into the Wolf-Pack caves. "Keep it together, Nicole!" The frozen frame of the lynx remained still, with eyes glowing a dull purple. Her life-force pulsed quicker, remaining ever constant.

I can tell you're getting some push-back. We need a better distraction for Robotnik!

Lupe rushed up to her position and exclaimed, "Looks like Sonic has got him in a stable position. However, the two are constantly moving down there and haven't stopped for a second! We can't even get a proper aim on the pod!"

"He's trying to tire Sonic out. Clever." The chipmunk poked her head out and saw the hedgehog continuing to run circles around the ship. "I need to get his attention. I got a plan!"

–

Short, labored breaths erupted from Nicole as she reached the base of the citadel. It was much easier to manage my energy flow when I was a handheld. Oh well, you live and learn. I guess... Peering up at the facility, she crossed her arms and stared at the roof with a new determination. "We'll see what surprises you have in store for me. I'm ready for anything."

Reaching the control room was a cakewalk, as the guards seemed to have receded into the depths of the server for the time being. "I see you wasted your energy on that magnificent display from earlier, Robotnik."

The center console rotated around to face the virtual lynx as the massive man greeted her, twirling his massive orange facial hair. "Nonsense, my dear automaton. I just partitioned the workload between this and the efforts of squashing your friends once and for all."

Nicole peered over his grotesque form, gazing at her target. "Oh pay no attention to that." Her gaze met his and a deep pain began to form in her head!

"What...are you doing to me!?" It felt like something was ripping her apart from the top down.

"Re-asserting my control, of course. The remnants of that program are still floating around in there. I just needed to be close enough to access it!" He came down from his throne and walked over to the AI's virtual form, petting her head. "I think it's time you came back into the fold."

You really don't want me here, doctor.

"What is that!?" The doctor screamed, backing away from the now rising form.

Chapter 11

Sonic, now exhausted from playing tag with the ship for -far- too long, witnessed the craft come to full stop! He motioned upward to the Wolf-Pack before placing his hands on his knees to catch his breath. "Good one...Nicole."

Lupe signaled to the hedgehog and then shouted, "Let's finish this!" A group howl began to sound out as another volley was loaded.

Sally, however, backed away as the purple glow of the eyes turned to red. "Oh no, what's going on now!? Nicole...!"

–

"Agh...!" Robotnik found himself hip deep in his own mainframe, as dark tendrils curved around his arms, flinging him in the air for another round.

"Enjoying the ride, 'master'? " Nicole once again floated in the air and juggled the obese figure in the air with a devious grin, red irises flashing. "This is just a party trick. Nothing more."

"Put...me...down...!" The dictator could barely get the words out between yelps and screams.

"As you wish." She said, as he hurtled to the ground suddenly with a black mass slowly covering his form. "Now...stay."

As she calmly walked over to the mainframe, the lynx heard the ragged breathing of the giant as he pleaded to her. "Stop... You can't... I worked too hard to..."

Angrily, she shot him a severe glare as the mass pushed down even harder. "I'm not your pet! Luckily, I have someone within to keep me from ending it all here!" I have to keep up the act. At least, until I get what I want. Besides, this is a little cathartic for me as well...

Nicole knew that channeling her anger was risky, and she had a tendency to get carried away. The power she exuded was taxing as well, and the AI knew she had severely limited herself by acting out. I just need a brief window.

Blue screens turned to green as more access was given to her. "Go ahead... If you're going to do the deed you might as well finish me now!" She whipped around to see him manipulating his own keyboard. "Either I die and you truly become my progeny, or you continue to live that fake life you cherish so deeply. Like the weakling you are!" He had his finger on the button and she saw the word "Firewall" written above it. "Your choice, infiltrator. Or is it just...'traitor'?"

A moment passed in slow motion as a finger began to rise, shaking, towards the prone doctor. It would be quick, but at what cost?

He sighed disappointingly. "Too slow." The button was pressed as all the screens turned to red. The mass immediately came off of his body and began slamming at the mainframe desperately! "Goodbye, 'Nicole'. My offer's off the table." With that, he dissipated before the horrified lynx's eyes.

"I have to get out of here!"

–

"Uh, what's going on?" The hedgehog looked to see turrets pointed at him once more. Almost instantaneously, they shifted upwards towards a new target! "...Whoa! Lupe look out!"

A stray beam fired upward. The she-wolf watched terrified as it came towards her; too quick for her to react. A body flew between her and the blast. She watched, frozen in place, as the newly crystallized form of Diego lay at her feet!

"You gone too far this time." Sonic gritted his teeth as he resumed his assault on the pod in anger.

"Sonic...!" He heard Sally's voice over the noise, breaking him out of his moment of rage. Turning towards her, he saw the chipmunk waving him over towards a large overhang in the near distance.

"On my way, Sal!" He started to zip over to her position when he heard a loud, pained howling from above. Staring upward, he saw Lupe land on the craft with teeth fully bared as she began to claw at the pod!

"Lupe!" She turned and snarled at him, pointing to Sally.

Okay, I get the hint!

–

Nicole flew out of the massive window of the citadel as the form of the server began to fall in on itself, with the massive egg structure being the first to go. No, I won't be more than just a distraction! I...can't!

Frantically sweeping through data with her keyboard, she began running code through the server. The geometry stabilized for a second as she searched for an exit point. "Come on. Come on...! OH!" A stray beam fell across her side, knocking her out of the air!

Grunting, she pulled herself to her feet as a curious green glow filled her field of vision. I'm...in?

–

The ship lurched forward toward Sonic, as Sally watched the she-wolf tear through more crystal, some of which began to stick to her claws. "Lupe! Stop! The void crystal he's using is volatile!"

"Concentrate on your mission, Sally! I have my own...!" Satisfied with her work, she motioned to the remaining wolves above! With a back flip off of the pod, a massive volley struck the craft's newly made weak-point, exposing numerous wires and cables!

It continued to lurch forwards as a familiar voice erupted from the machine. "Guys, I'm in!" The image of Nicole appeared, floating above the pod. She had seen better days, as numerous scuffs adorned her fur and her clothes were in tatters.

Sonic's eyes widened as he saw her battered form. "Uh, you okay Nicole?" The image phased out of existence briefly as the ship crept up to the overhang.

"Do...it...to...it..." That was the last words he heard before he came up on Sally's position.

"You saw it too, Sonic? Nicole, she's..." The chipmunk had begun to tear up again.

"Yeah. After this, she's taking a break from missions for a while. Speaking of which..." Sonic said pointing up the nearby tunnel, "Let's split!"

As he rocketed up the pathway leading up, he felt numerous explosions rock the earth! "Hold on, Sal!" With the last of his strength, he bolted through the quickly collapsing through-way, flying out as it completely caved in!

"That was close, Sonic... Oh my gosh. Look at that!" Sally shouted, pointing at the doomed pod as the overhang completely fell on top if it, causing it to explode!

"Good riddance, Robuttnik..." He turned to see the chipmunk had broke away from him, running over to Nicole's prone body, which had been dragged over to the slingshot by the Wolf-Pack. "Oh man, Nicole...!"

Chapter 12

The green waves surrounding Nicole guided her through the endless darkness. The last thing she saw before, was Sonic rushing towards her lifelong friend. She had set the pod to auto-pilot, hoping the timing was right.

All logic stated that she enough time to escape, but she found herself still swimming through the void.

Stopping in place, she closed her eyes and focused as the blackness crept around her form. Reaching a hand upward toward the sky, she felt something tug at it, pulling her upwards!

–

"Gah...!" The lynx shot upward suddenly to the surprise of the crowd that now surrounded her! Sally hugged her tightly than ever before and she returned the embrace. Sonic brushed some stray tears from his face and smiled. The wolves present howled towards the air, raising their fists in victory. "Oh! We...did it. All of us."

"You have to stop doing that! That's three times now you got me crying, Nicole...!" The chipmunk sniffed and rubbed her eyes, swollen with tears.

The lynx noticed someone was missing. "Where's...Lupe?"

Sonic motioned silently behind him at the she-wolf kneeling over the frozen form of Diego, his face frozen in terror. Lupe's claws shone luminously in the sun, with the crystalline material stopping at the base of her first knuckles on both sides. She was weeping...

"We need to give her some time. Just be glad it's all over for now." Sally helped Nicole to her feet as she slowly walked toward the leader of the Wolf-Pack.

No. I think this needs to be said immediately... Placing a hand on the hurt she-wolf's shoulder, she met Lupe's pained gaze with her own relaxed one. "You were very brave today. Thank you for trusting me to get the job done, Lupe. I know what it cost you..."

"Now there are nine of our number, lynx. I am strong, but this...?" She pointed at Diego, the horrified stare boring into both of them.

Nicole suddenly embraced the surprised wolf, as condensation misted around her eyes once more! "I believe it's time I took responsibility! We'll find a way to cure his condition. I did a casual scan. It's not..."

A clawed hand, adorned with crystal came to the AI's lips. "No more. You do understand. Perhaps your vision will guide you to a cure. Seer."

The two helped each other up, with Lupe's hands still on Nicole's shoulders. "There was more to the ancient Lynx of the Mountains than mere fortune telling."

She held a hand outward towards the expanse of the Great Unknown, as the sun began to set. "They always supported us no matter what, up until they were all roboticized. You carry their torch. Never forget that!"

"I won't, Lupe." She whispered, as her friends ran to her side.

–

"This is nuts, Lups!" Sonic remarked as the Wolf-Pack pitched several tents at the outskirts of Knothole. "The party atmosphere is kinda ruined now after all that went down." The Freedom Fighters stood by solemnly as the she-wolf looked towards the moon in the sky.

"Nonsense. For one, this makes the perfect base camp to search for a cure for this crystal condition." Her gaze fell onto her fingers as she flexed them with some difficulty.

"Besides, when we lost most of our tribe, it was Diego who suggested we had to honor them with a festival. To forget the pain and move on." She smiled at looked to the giant orb in the sky once more and howled solemnly.

Tails ran up to Sonic, who was staring at the display without moving. "Things are gonna be tough from now on, huh?"

"Big guy... We're dealing with Robotnik again, we're gonna need all the help we can get." He looked down to see the young fox pointing forward, enraptured by what he saw. "What? …Whoa. Is that...?"

It was Nicole who eased the tension this time, as she flowed into a sudden dance, shifting her weight as she glided over the ground. Bits of metal rotated in the air with ten in number. They moved through the sky gracefully as she passed between all members of the Wolf-Pack, smiling gently as she went.

As she finished her routine, she brought the pieces into the view of the moon, surrounding it as they fell to the ground. An applause began slowly, then erupted into impassioned cheers and howls!

Sally ran over to the artificial lynx and held her hand, meeting her gaze. "Nicole, that was beautiful... Why did you...?"

"To show that we're with them until the end. Till the stars fall from the sky... Also..." She paused until the all of the Freedom Fighters crowded around her. "...I have a plan."

As she spoke, a rotating image of a curious crystal with mechanical parts patterning the side appeared in her palm, illuminating her face in its glow. "I think it's time we reunited with Lazaar!"

END OF THE FINAL ACT