Papuru Star: Coalition Carnage

Chapter 19: Only the Good Die Young

PAST

The Dawn woke up screaming. Her bedding was damp from sweat, skin clammy, breathing coming in rasps. Her bedroom door opened briskly and her Syncs rush in, nightgowns of green and turquoise flowing around their slippered feet.

Fawn
Are you alright?

Pawn
We heard you cry out.

The bedroom was semi dark, illuminated by the soft light of Topaz City's night life from the modest window. Miles distance from the Papuru Inn's building of suites, the inner city was still abuzz with activity as midnight approached. Fawn had conjured a towel from thin air and proceeded to dap at her Base's forehead and face, pushing aside a strand of silver highlights among tangles of jet black hair. The Dawn shrugs her off with a brush of the hand.

The Dawn
There's a towel right there on the counter. Next time, just grab that instead.

Fawn
I'm sorry, I just reacted-

The Dawn
It's fine. I'm the one who should apologize. I woke you.

Pawn
What was the nightmare about?

The Dawn stares at her, then throws a brief glance at Fawn.

The Dawn
It was just a dream, nothing to worry about. Go back to bed, you two. We have a busy day tomorrow.

They are reluctant, but obey. The Dawn lay back down upon cold pillow sweat, shivering as she stared at the city lights play across the high ceiling. She needed sleep, so despite her hesitance, she closes her eyes.

***

The Dawn woke up screaming, blankets tangling her limbs, causing her to fall out of bed. She heard foot falls pounding on wet grass, then her tent door is pushed aside by the hand of a teenage boy; a split second later, a small female child pushed past him into the tent's living room. It was her two besties, Truth and Cat. They untangle a ten year old Dawn from her blankets, Cat pushing her friend's dark hair from her sweaty face.

Cat
What happened, Dawn?

Child Dawn
It...was nothing.

Teen Truth
Didn't sound like nothing.

Cat
You can tell me anything. You know that, right?

Child Dawn
I know, Cat. But really, its embarrassing.

Cat
Did you dream about being stuck in a tree? That's what always scares me.

Child Dawn
I dreamed... Truth won Supreme of the Year.

Cat
Oh, that is terrible.

Teen Truth
No, its not! In fact, I plan on taking the Plunge tomorrow.

Cat
No way! Can I be your second?

Teen Truth
You're too young.

Cat
You only four years older than me and you need at least two to go down there.

Teen Truth
Some of the guys are going with me.

Cat
Lucky them. I think I feel your pain now, Dawn. Good thing it was only a dream.

Child Dawn
Yeah...

Teen Truth
Come on, you two. The others got breakfast ready.

Cat hugs Child Dawn tightly, then sprung to her feet.

Cat
Hurry and get dressed. I'll save us a spot by the waterfall.

She runs and jumps onto Teen Truth's back as he was heading to the exit.