Out of Sight

The Freedom Fighters had quickly formulated a plan and were now in the process of infiltrating Robotropolis. Sonic, Tails, Bunnie, and Rotor ducked behind a pile of garbage and prepared to start the mission.

"Let's go over the plan one more time" Rotor suggested "Tails will be our lookout while Sonic hijacks the incoming truck and releases the prisoners. Meanwhile Bunnie and I will commander a truck of our own to quickly whisk the freed captives to safety."

"No problemo. How about it Tails, you ready for this?"

"Ready and willing! I'm just wondering why not just take over the original transport truck? That seems a lot simpler."

"Because Swatbots will be under orders to make the delivery of the prisoners top priority and I may have to do some damage to make them stop. A second truck makes the odds of our success a lot higher."

"Okay I get it now."

"In that case let's go team!"

Bunnie and Rotor slipped into the city's many shadows and Tails flew to the top of the junk heap. "This is Sky Fox to Blue Streak. Can you hear me Blue Streak?"

"Loud and clear Sky Fox, although the code names really aren't necessary."

"But it's fun!"

"I love fun but let's keep in mind that this is serious business."

"It's a bit odd to hear that from you but I'll keep it in mind."

After a moment of silence Bunnie's voice was heard over the radios "Phase one accomplished ya'll. Just waitin' for you're signal."

"Roger that Cyber Gal. I'll leap into action as soon as Sky Fox sights the target."

"These darn code names are hard to git used to."

"It's his first mission, humor him."

"I'm going to go higher and see if that doesn't help me spot them." Tails rose into the air and peered through his binoculars. "Sky Fox to Blue Streak, target sighted!"

"Then it's juice and jam time."

True to his code name, Sonic's speed left only a blue blur distinguishable to the naked eye. Within a second's time, he had perched himself on the hood of the truck much to the surprise of the Swatbot drivers. Using his body as a buzz saw, he burst through the windshield and made short work of the evil drones. As he had predicted, he left the cab of the vehicle in serious disrepair but Rotor and Bunnie were already approaching.

Up above Tails watched with ecstasy as the plan ran as smooth as silk. The youth couldn't contain himself and performed a few aerial acrobatics.

Unbeknownst to him, he had attracted the attention of a spy droid. In a control room Snively announced "Dr. Robotnick, the Freedom Fighters are getting away with our captives."

"Curse those meddling little rodents! But we seem to have a consolation prize within sight." The footage zoomed in on celebrating Tails and the evil doctor commanded "Take care of him."

Back at the damaged truck Sonic radioed Tails "Mission accomplished Sky Fox. Cyber Gal and Techno King are out of here with some very happy friends."

"Coolness! Let's get…Ahhh! Mayday, Sonic I'm in trouble!"

"What's the sitch?" Sonic asked as he desperately scanned the sky.

"Buzzbombers on my tails. I can't shake them."

"I see you and I'm on my way. Lead them as close to the ground as you can."

"I'll try!"

Back in the control room Snively announced that the Buzzbombers had a lock on the target.

"Excellent! Let's test their newest upgrade!"

"Yes sir, Dr. Robotnick."

The terrified Tails was flying at top speed but the mechanical bees were keeping pace annoyingly well. Laser beams fired from their stingers but they seemed to be different from the normal Buzzbomber weapons. Tails dodged one laser after another as Sonic came into view below.

The hedgehog watched in horror as a stinger took perfect aim and would most likely hit. Not taking time to think, Sonic ran up a mountain of scrap and tumbled head over heels through the air. The Buzzbomber fired but Sonic acted as a living shield and screamed as the beam hit him square in the face.

Tails was too horrified to make a sound as Sonic slammed into him and they plummeted to the ground. He felt a surge of joy as he spotted the open manhole below them and, grabbing the semi conscious Sonic, maneuvered them into it. He carried Sonic a little ways down the tunnel before finally landing and pulling a lantern from his backpack.

"We're safe for the moment. Sonic are you alright!"

Keeping his eyes closed his friend replied "I have a mondo headache but other than that I seem fine."

"I'm so glad!" Tails felt tears forming as he continued "This is all my fault! I got cocky and exposed myself."

"I'm just glad you're alright. Ah my head feels a little better already" he opened his eyes and blinked several times with a strange expression. "Why don't you give us some light?"

"Sonic you're scaring me; the lantern is at full strength."

Sonic's face changed from confusion to a mask of horror. "Are you sure Tails? Are you absolutely sure?"

"Y-y-es. Sonic…you're n-not...?"

"I can't see" he whispered in response. Then much louder "Oh my gosh Tails, I can't see anything! I'm blind!"

Tears were now falling in earnest as Tails absorbed the full weight of those words.