Avatar Dakota

Chapter 11

The next morning, Blaze woke up before Dakota for once. She was still curled into Chichou, sound asleep. He kind of felt bad for waking her up. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, only for Chichou to jolt awake and snap at Blaze's hand. He quickly pulled it back, then whacked the Lemurfox on the nose. Chichou whined and tucked his head under the pillow.

"Don't do that again." Blaze scolded. Dakota lifted her head sleepily.

"Hm? Oh, good morning Blaze. Good morning Chichou." She said, laying her head back down. Blaze shook her again.

"Hey, don't go back to sleep. We gotta go soon." He said like a parent to a child. She grumbled, hugging a pillow close to her. Blaze rolled his eyes and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her up out of the bed and on to her feet. She growled as she stood.

"Are you feeling alright? You're never this tired." He asked, some concern in his voice. She nodded as she walked to the bathroom.

"Just didn't sleep well last night I guess." She said as she slid the door closed. She looked at herself in the mirror. Bloodshot eyes, hair a disaster, displeased expression, she didn't look herself. She didn't feel herself either. Her spirit felt dragged down, a feeling that made her angry without fail. The night before was filled with nightmares about the Avatar before her. Jakuna committed many crimes against humanity, and watching them as if she were doing them really harmed Dakota's mental well-being. She turned on the sink and held her head underneath the water, enjoying the cool stream running down her head. She washed her face and grabbed a towel, running the soft fabric over her fur. She uncovered her face and looked in the mirror. She saw Jakuna staring back at her, a dark look in his eyes and a grim smile. Dakota yelped and jumped back, slamming into the wall behind her. She rubbed her eyes as Blaze knocked.

"Are you okay?" He questioned, ready to knock the door down if need be. She panted lightly before responding.

"Y-Yeah, I'm okay." She said before opening the door. Blaze tilted his head.

"You look like you've seen a ghost."

"You could say that." Dakota walked past him and gathered her things in her over the shoulder bag. Blaze walked back into the room. He carefully watched Dakota as he put his things away as well. He knew something was wrong, but couldn't place what, and asking wouldn't do anything. He decided to leave it for now, and the duo walked out of the room.

At the hotel entrance, Blaze's Raider friends were waiting, sitting atop ostrich horses, who were picking at the asphalt beneath their feet. Jian walked up to the two.

"Hey guys! Woah, Dakota, you don't look too hot." He said in his cheery voice. Dakota only looked at him as she put the saddle on Chichou. She hopped up on him, helping Blaze up afterwards.

"We'll lead the way to Chin Village, then you two can continue from there." Mei-Yin said with a small smile. Dakota nodded as she walked in front of them, Fan and Jian at Chichou's sides.

"How was your sleep last night?" Fan asked, looking at Blaze. The hyena shrugged.

"It was alright. I'm gonna miss sleeping on that nice of a bed, but other than that it was fine. Don't know if Dakota can say the same, though." He said, placing a hand on Dakota's back. He felt her muscles tense beneath her shirt.

"Aww, did you have a rough night?" Fan asked with some sympathy. Dakota nodded gently.

"Nightmares all night. It just happens sometimes. I'm sure I'll get a better night's sleep tonight." She said with a small grin. Fan smiled back at her.

"That's right, I'm sure you'll be better in the morning."

"Yeah! If not, you can always have some tea! I can make some!" Jian said. Dakota smiled at him.