Author's Note: This is my first shot at Sonic fiction in a while, so I apologize if I'm a little rusty. I just got Sonic Rush Adventure a few weeks ago and felt like writing a story. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1: Lost by the Sea

"Oh it's gonna be ripper Tails! Tomorrow you and me are gonna have a race out at sea. My best wave racer vs. yours." Marine calls out loudly as she ascends the stairs that circle upwards to the top of the tower we've been calling home since we got here.

"Yeah, Yeah! I don't know how much of a race it's going to be with you getting a face full of water the whole time since I'll be way out in front." I taunt as I yell back.

"Sounds like the dingo stole your brain there mate!"

I can't think of anything funny or sarcastic to get her back with.

"G'night Marine!"

"G'night mate!"

My eyes blink a few times as I stare at the smoothly crafted, tan wooden ceiling above my head.

I'm not taking my race with Marine as a serious competition, but I do really want to have some fun. Truth be told, I felt kind of bad when Blaze insisted that Marine couldn't come along when we were trying to find the pirates' hideout. I know we were in a dangerous situation, but Marine knows more about this world than Sonic and I do.

I'm just getting myself worked up over nothing. Everything turned out fine. I think ruefully as I sit up and push the black sheets and quilt to the side.

"I wonder if Marine knows how to cook?" I say before laughing hyena-like as I step into the kitchen.

"Thuuump!"

My head jerks around as I hear a thud come from the floor above.

What the heck was that? I think as my head remains halfway turned to the side and my ears poised.

"Tails! Help! Please!" I hear Marine shout as it sounds like she's crawling around on the floor.

I sprint out the door and quickly twist my tails together before flying up and landing on the balcony outside Marine's window.

The glass door is open as the light blue curtains on the inside are moving slightly in the steady ocean breeze.

I rush through and see Marine on her hands and knees hesitantly crawling around the room. Her hands timidly tap the floor just inches in front of her as she tries to feel her way forward.

"Marine, I'm here! What's wrong?" I drop to the ground as I place my hand on her shoulder gently before reaching down and grabbing her hand.

Her light blue eyes are misty and bright but they don't make contact with mine.

"I can't see Tails!" She sobs softly while trying not to try. "I can't see anything."

I feel her body trembling as I try to wrap my arm around her reassuringly.

"What do you mean? When did this happen?" I ask her while trying to keep my voice under control.

"I don't know! I just woke up and everything was completely dark. I thought I just woke up in the middle of the night, but then I heard a bunch of seagulls so I knew it must be morning."

I feel her hand wrap lightly around my ribs as I gently coax her toward the stairs.

"I tried to turn on the lamp by my bed and I heard it click, but I couldn't see anything. There was no light. Then I tried to get up, but I bumped into my desk and fell.

"It'll be okay Marine. Take it easy. Let's go downstairs and I'll take a look at ya."

After I gingerly walked Marine down the stairs, I seat her in a chair by the table in the kitchen.

"Alright Marine, I'm going to move this flashlight around to see if your pupils respond to it."

I slowly move the tiny flashlight in slow circles, clockwise and reverse, but nothing.

Her pupils don't dilate. They don't get bigger or smaller. They don't change at all. They aren't responding to any light stimulation.

"Are you doing it Tails? I don't see the light. What color is it?" She asks gently as she rests her hands over the lap of her white colored Capri pants.

I didn't know what to say. I didn't know how to tell her what color the light was. She would know what yellow or white or bright or dark is, but what would it mean to her anymore if she can't see it for herself?

How could I tell Marine that I don't know if she'll ever be able to see again?