Mike saw that Nikki was horrified by this, and ran over to look at a newspaper on the coffee table, cursing as she glanced at the top. "Wow..." thought Mike, "Nick got a new couch, or I guess a used one by its look, and I don't remember that chair... he's been busy since this morning." As Nikki paced around the room, muttering "Shit, shit, shit!", he went over to look at the newspaper that had alarmed her so much. The headline was about the presidential election campaign... Mike shook his head, musing over how the last one was only months behind, and already they were starting up.
But then he saw the date... it wasn't possible! Nick must have some sort of novelty newspaper, and had someone set up a joke on him, but where was Nick, and how was Nikki involved?
"Ok, " he said "just settle down for a second and tell me what's going on? Maybe I can help!"
She looked up at him sadly, but also with genuine fondness "I don't think so... but I'm glad you're OK" Then, she shook her head and added "look, just sit down for a minute and don't move. I need to think. I'm going to use the bathroom, then I'll tell you more, OK?"
Mike looked dubious, but decided to trust her. "Fine, but I'm a bit freaked out too, OK?" She nodded, and touched his hand before heading to the bathroom. Mike noticed that she knew exactly where it was.
Nikki, or rather Nick, got into the bathroom and closed the door, a bit out of breath. Was the Medallion really gone, stuck in the past? He stared into the mirror at the face he may be stuck with for several months, wondering what he should do. How would he explain this to Mike, or Megan? What about his life... can Nick Masters disappear for most of a year without causing problems? What should he do next? Maybe he could call the magic shop owner to see if there's anything he could do about the Amulet.
Just then, a shape appeared in the mirror behind him. Nick turned, seeing...
