Disclaimer: Yeah, I know we all know who knows what, but I gotta say it anyway. Tails, Sonic and the rest of the people living in Knothole are property of Archie Comics and Sega. Carmen is my property. So no kidnapping.

Grace Under Fire

" It is not the size of the dog in the fight, it is the size of the fight in the dog."

Ch. 1- Insomnia

The first thing the eye could see was fire, everywhere. It formed an unbreakable cage, dancing and laughing around the 5 figures trapped inside. Over the roar of the inferno, someone’s voice was barely audible.

" We’re in trouble…"

Tails awoke with a jump, fur soaked in cold sweat. His blanket had already been tossed to the floor, and his pillow joined in it a fit of frustration. For the past near week, he had been plagued by the same dream, the same nightmare of fire. Poor Tails had tried everything, from warm milk to even a night-light. He could have been reading scary stories for all the good it did. The strangest thing was, the nightmare seemed to change. Each night it became clearer, more detailed. It was almost too real.

Tails dragged himself out of bed, grabbed his blanket, and headed out the door. The loss of sleep was making him uncharacteristically irritable. This could be seen as he half slammed the door on his way out. He stormed down to the water, spread out his blanket and laid down. Dreaming of fire made his room seem like an oven itself.

I’ll be glad when this whole thing is over. Frankly, it’s creeping me out. He picked a blade of grass and nibbled on it. It’s scary because it’s so real. Not like a real nightmare, more like…a warning. And then that voice. The young fox sighed and closed his eyes. He could hear it all too clearly in his mind.

" ‘We’re in trouble.’ " He murmured to himself. " We who? Who’s in trouble?" He turned this question over in his mind. What worried him most is that almost sounded like someone he knew. But if it that was the case, then why couldn’t he recognize the voice? It was all too confusing.

Tails growled and rolled over on his back. He let out a great sigh and got up. Maybe I can figure all of this out in the morning…after I get some rest. If I get some rest. He picked up his blanket and started back for his room. On the way, he paused, watching Carmen sleep peacefully through the window of her room.

He briefly considered waking her and telling her about his nightmare, but quickly decided against it. Carmen was sweet, but could get downright vicious when someone woke her when she didn’t want to be. Nah, I’d better let her get her beauty sleep. Better than risking my neck waking that loaded pistol. He smiled as he watched roll over, a small grin on her face. Well, at least one of us is having sweet dreams.

Tails slowly felt his eyes closing, and blinked quickly. Now he felt like he could sleep for days on end. He slowly walked the last steps into his hut, shook the dust from his blanket, and flopped backwards onto his bed.

He was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

Ch. 2 Left Behind

" Why can’t we go? We always get left out of all the good missions!" The argument came from Carmen who was trying to cajole her and Tails’ way into going with the others on a raid. Everyone but the youngest two members of the village were going, even Antoine. Sonic, Rotor and Antoine were waiting for the ladies, who were waiting for a power ring, as they listened to Carmen’s pleas. Tails had already had his turn yesterday to no avail, and was watching his friend try her hand.

" You never know, you might need our help. Even though you’re all so good at kicking butt and all that, there’s safety in numbers and all…" She trailed off, waiting for an answer. Sally sighed, looking at the child’s pleading eyes.

" Not this time, I’m afraid Carmen." Her voice was regretful, yet firm. Carmen’s face fell and she pouted.

" Ah’m sorry, hun. But this one might be a little too dangerous for y’all." Bunnie spoke apologetically. Carmen grumbled to herself and left in a huff. Tails had been watching from the outside of his hut.

" No go huh? I told you it wouldn’t work." He said to her as she joined him. The young otter folded her arms and glared at him.

" It was worth a shot. I haven’t done anything decently exciting in weeks!" Tails rolled his eyes as she began a new lament. " All I’ve gotten lately is lookout watch. It’s boring!" She stopped, looking at Tails who was leaning calmly against the side of the hut with his eyes closed, sleepy from the night before. " Were you even listening to me?"

Tails opened his eyes, a lopsided grin crossing his face. " I’m sorry, did you say something Carmie?" She growled and stomped away from him, her aqua green eyes stormy with rage. Tails followed, knowing he had pushed her limits. " Come on Carmen, you know I was only joking," he said apologetically as he walked beside her.

She sighed deeply and turned to him." Yeah, I know. This just doesn’t seem to be my day that’s all. I-" She was cut off by Sally and Bunnie calling and waving goodbye from the edge of the village. They both waved back; Tails with an odd look on his face.

Carmen saw the tension in her friend’s eyes. She put her hand on his shoulder gently.

" What’s the matter?" she asked quietly. Tails shook his head, trying to throw off a strange sense of dread.

" I-I don’t know. I just have this…feeling…." He whispered half to himself. Carmen looked at him confusedly.

"What kind of feeling?" she said, a worried tone in her voice. She could feel him shaking slightly.

"That something is going to go very, very wrong."