Listen, And The Stars Shall Speak

A Few Shattered Hearts

As Dusk and the others raced to the Scorpion Den, Dawn and Drought walked the halls of the Sting's headquarters.

"You fit it quite well here," Drought commented. "The other members have really taken a shine to you."

"That's good." Dawn insisted. "But when will I complete the final task? I'm not considered a full member without it."

"Soon, Dawn. The last task is a bit trickier, so it takes longer to prepare for."

"But I haven't prepared for anything!"

"Exactly. No one knows the third task until they are just about to do it. But as far as anyone knows, you are already a full member." Drought nodded at the mark on the inside of Dawn's wrist. It was a mark everyone in the headquarters carried. A small scorpion symbol that was branded on each of them. Dawn had always wondered where her father had gotten that. Now she knew the answer.  She shook off the thought of Coal.

One day he'll understand. she told herself. He'll accept it. She pondered the reactions of everyone else she knew, and none of them seemed good. Then again, she couldn't really expect her friends and family to be happy about her joining a gang that had hurt most of them at one time or another.

"What will happen after I complete the last task?" She asked. Drought smiled wickedly.

"That's when the fun begins," he explained. "I've got big plans for you, Dawn. Big plans."

"Like what?" Drought snorted.

"Once you're a full member, I'll tell you  everything. That's one of the perks, after all. You get to learn all the secrets." Dawn glanced at him slyly.

"And what secrets could you possibly have?"

"You'd be surprised what we keep hidden and why." Dawn opened her mouth to press the matter, but then another Sandwing came running down the hallway.

"It's happened!" The guard declared, panting slightly. "He's here, Drought. He brought others, but they're just dragonets." The guard glanced at Dawn. "They're looking for her."

"Perfect." Drought replied ominously. "Where are they?"

"In the East Wing, fighting past the other guards. Some of the dragonets are surprisingly well trained. Rumor has it that your father's killer is among them." If that last piece of need meant anything to Drought, Dawn couldn't tell.

"I see." Drought replied bluntly, turning to Dawn. "It's time for your third task."

"Wait, what exactly is going on?" Dawn demanded. "Who's here?"

Drought grinned evilly.

"Why, your father and friends of course," he scoffed. "They're here to rescue you."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Coal, Haze, Dusk, Boysen, Orange, Shore, Cypress, and Anaconda struggled against the Sandwing guards, trying to get pass so they could search for Dawn.

But as they fought, who should appear beside the Sting's young leader?

"Dawn!" Coal cried out. His daughter's  eyes were wide as she watched on.

"Enough." Drought's voice announced. Instantly, the Sandwing guards stopped fighting them and stepped aside, clearing a path from the group to Dawn and Drought.

"Oh thank the MOONS you're okay." Dusk gasped, bolting over and hugging his sister. Dawn hugged him back fiercely, knowing this would probably be the last time he'd ever like her.

"What are you doing here?" Dawn questioned, eyeing the group.

"We came to save you," Haze explained. "Duh."

"Save her?" Drought let out a laugh. "Dawn, why don't you tell them why you're here."

Coal eyed them both warily, his eyes fixed upon Dawn. She knew he already suspected, but the confirmation would shatter her father's heart.

"I wasn't kidnapped." She said quietly.

"You what?" Shore responded, not understanding. Haze look stunned, and Dusk took a step back, looking at his sister differently then he had before.

Dawn took a deep breath. Her next words would destroy everything.  Her family would be torn apart, and they'd see her as a traitor from now on. Her friends would never speak to her again. This whole time, she'd been stuck in the middle between the Sting and her life.

Now she was choosing a side.

"I joined the Sting." She announced. "I am loyal to them now."