Ello wonderful people reading my story! I have a feeling you will like this chapter, especially because Dawn views her life differently, and she knows what she's supposed to do now. Also, Dawn and Dusk become pretty good friends, and you've gotta love Time Lady/Companion relationships. I just hope Dusk doesn't die in the end...MU HA HA! Only I know the answer! :) Oh yeah, the POV (Point of View) may change from Dawn's to Dusk's from time to time. Anyway...Enjoy!

Chapter 3: The beginning of the beginning of adventures

"So, why exactly are we here, again?" Dusk asked. We were walking deeper into the forest of Vipera. "Well, as I said before, the Mazai are known for their snake like qualities, and how they are red. And you said that the crack looked like a red snake. I'm just wondering if maybe the Mazai have something to do with it," I explained while pushing a long branch out of my way. I didn't hold it for Dusk though, and it ended up hitting him in the face. "Thanks a ton, Dawn," He muttered. "No problem!" I giggled. It was nice to have someone to tease and talk to again.

We kept walking for a while, until we finally broke out of the forest into a large clearing. But the clearing wasn't, well, clear. Instead, there were several huts made of grass, mud, and rocks. Several Mazai children were playing catch in the middle of the "camp," and other Mazai women were weaving baskets. In the distance were more trees, and behind those I could see a huge, mysterious looking mountain.

When one of the women saw Dusk and I, she rushed to one of the huts, and about five seconds later, a Mazai man came out. He was tall and skinny, just like all the other Mazai, and was wearing some type of "armor" made of leather. It was only on his chest, but he also wore some type of shorts.

The man approached Dusk and I with such grace I thought he was dancing. "Hello," He greeted, bowing slightly. I followed the gesture, and glanced at Dusk to suggest he should do so, also. The man's voice was sort of like a hiss, and his English wasn't too clear, but I could understand. "Hello," I replied quietly. "I am-"Dawn, and your friend is Dusk. Yes, we have met before," The man interrupted. "W-We have?" I stuttered. "Yes," The man replied. "My past, your future." I nodded, and guessed I must visit him later in my life, but at a different time period. "Dawn and Dusk, a pair in time..." The man stated, a far off look in his eyes. Dusk and I snorted at the same time. "Pair? Pair?" Dusk laughed. "Yeah, we're just..." I trailed off. "Friends," Dusk finished. I flashed him a grateful smile, glad we were on the same page.

"And you are also friends of us. You are welcome to stay here as long as you wish. Though things are not as peaceful as they once were," The man sighed. "But that is a dreary topic. My name is Marlon. Please, if you need anything, let me know. My wife, Leia, will make you comfortable." I noticed that a Mazai woman had appeared, and she must be Leia. "Thanks," I replied, bowing. Marlon returned the gesture, and then left.

"Come on, then!" Leia exclaimed. She had long, black hair that was in a braid, and big, brown eyes. She was wearing a brown tank top of some sorts, but it had several holes in the bottom. Leia was also wearing a long black skirt, with flower designs embroidered in it. "Can't have you standing out here in the heat all day! I'll show you to where you will stay."

While Leia led us to a hut, Dusk whispered, "Shouldn't we ask about the red snake?" "Eventually," I replied quietly. "No harm in getting to know, and trust, them first. The snake may be a touchy topic." Dusk nodded, and then we entered the hut.

It was cool on the inside, and there were two sacks that must be sleeping bags on the floor, as if they had prepared for us. There was also a pot of some liquid over a fire in the center of the hut, with a large hole in the roof for the smoke to vent out of.

"Thank you, Leia," I said. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," She replied, and bowed before leaving.

As soon as she was gone, I plopped on the floor, and held my head in my hands. "What's wrong?" I felt Dusk crouched next to me, his voice sounded a little worried. "I'm tired," I yawned. "And this is confusing me a little. No, scratch that. It's confusing me a lot. Why would a crack, or snake, or whatever be red? And why is it swallowing things up, and spitting them out? And in different times and places, too? I've never heard of these cracks, or anything like them...this is so confusing. Mum never mentioned them in any of the diary entries, stories...But I guess I should be careful of what I wish for. I mean, I wanted an adventure, and I got it, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else, so why-"Dawn," Jason interrupted, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. I was breathing a little faster now, and my head hurt. "Calm down. You're only human. Well, no you aren't, but you know what I mean. You're half human. And how old are you?" "Thirteen," I mumbled. "Ha! I'm older! But anyways, you're only thirteen, what do you expect? Are you trying to save the world all by yourself? How do we know the cracks are even a threat?"

Dusk was right, and I knew it. The human part of me was being worn out by the Time Lady part, and I wasn't being careful. I'm sure that being out and about is very overwhelming to my human half, because I haven't been outside the TARDIS for eight years.

"How about you take a little rest? Then you'll have enough energy until night, and you can get on the right sleeping schedule," Dusk suggested. "Okay," I yawned. "Will you stay?" "Of course," Dusk replied. "Where would I go without you? You're the one who knows everything about these people, I know nothing." Sleep was starting to take control, so I snuggled myself into one of the sleeping bags. But before I drowned into darkness, I whispered, "I don't know everything. Just some."

I couldn't hear Dusk's reply though, because I was already fast asleep, and in a flurry of dreams.

• • •

"Mum! Mum!" My brain cried for River Song. I missed her, even though my memories with her were limited. She was the only person I ever knew, and I didn't want to be alone.

My dream switched over, and I was sitting in the TARDIS. It was on my sixth birthday, when I barely knew why Mum had left me there, and I felt like she hated me. Then Sweetie explained some of it.

Once again, my vision blurred, and I was now picturing the crack. I felt like it was laughing at me, which is very strange. Then, Dusk appeared in front of the crack. He was being swallowed, just like Dave and Carl. "No!" I wanted to cry, "Don't leave me alone again!" But my lips wouldn't move, and the image of Dusk, my new, and only, friend, was screaming, disappearing into the crack.

Now I was in a dark, cold place, on the floor, curled in a ball, looking helpless. When I saw Dusk next to me, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. He was okay.

His hand was on my shoulder, his lips were moving slowly. Was that what I looked like in the hut? So small, helpless, and little? "You're only thirteen," I remembered Dusk saying. "Are you trying to save the world?" But that's the problem. I do want to save the world, just like my father has so many times. But is that too much for me?

My vision blurred to the picture of my dad with young Amelia eating fish sticks and custard, and the moment I thought our eyes met. "Dad!" I wanted to cry, but I'm still stuck under the darkness. "Please, believe me, I'm your daughter." But why should he believe me? Sure, I have two hearts, you can feel them both beating, but why would I be his daughter?

Suddenly, a piercing shriek was sent through my brain. The voice belonged to...me?

I sat up abruptly. My breath was coming out in ragged breaths, and my cheeks were covered in sweat. "Dawn?" I heard Jason ask from beside me, in the other sleeping bag. "You okay?" I was very tempted to say, "No, I'm not okay, I just had a long line of bad dreams where you almost died, or something like that," but I restrained myself. Instead, I replied, "Y-Yes." My voice was dry and cracked, and all I wanted was something to drink. Dusk seemed to have read my thoughts, because he handed me a clay glass with water in it. "Leia dropped by about half an hour ago and brought it," He explained while I gulped the water. "Thanks," I gasped when I was done.
We sat in silence for a few moments, until Dusk suddenly blurted, "Are you sure you're okay?" "Yes, why?" I asked calmly. "Well, while you were sleeping, I heard you say, 'Mum, mum,' and 'no, don't leave me,' and 'Dad,' and then you shrieked...and, also, well, you're crying," Dusk's voice grew quiet as he talked. "So it was my voice," I whispered. Then, I put a hand to my cheek, and found the "sweat" was actually tears. "Oh, uh, sorry...I was just having some, uh, bad dreams. I'm okay though." No I'm not! My brain yelled. I need a hug! I'd like to see my mom, and make sure that you really are alive, and that this isn't the dream! "Uh, can you pinch me?" I asked. Dusk raised an eyebrow, but after a moment, pinched me anyways. It stung a little, but the pain was soon gone. "M'kay, just wanted to make sure."

I tried to work on getting my breathing steady again. "What time is it?" I asked Dusk. "Oh, probably around four. You were asleep for about an hour," Dusk replied. "Thanks," I whispered.

We just sat in silence, Dusk's hand on my shoulder again, my breathing growing more and more regular. But I was okay, because Dusk was here and alive, my two hearts were still beating, and mum was...probably getting arrested right now, but at least she isn't dying.

After about five minutes, the "door" (It's really a long cloth that hangs from the ceiling) opened, and Marlon stepped in. "I sensed you had awakened," He explained. "And we must talk." I nodded, gesturing for him to continue. He sat on the floor, across from Dusk and I. "You want to know of the Red Snake prophecy. It does not have much to do with my people. All I can tell you is that it is not a snake. It is a crack in time and space. It also has a twin. Your father is chasing its blue brother."

I gasped, and it all came to me. "The crack in Amy's bedroom?" "Yes," Marlon nodded. "That is its twin. But the blue crack does not swallow you and spit you out. It erases people altogether, from time and space. The blue crack is the crack in space, the red is a crack in time." We were silent for a few seconds, and I had so many questions, so I started with one of the simplest: "You know my father?" "No," Marlon shook his head. "I know of him. Only because you told me in my past. You said: 'My father is chasing the blue crack, the crack of space. I chase the crack of time, or, at least, it chases me.' I only speak of what I know."

A crack in time, I thought. Swallows you and spits you out in a different time and place. Just like Dave and Carl...They said a green thing passed by them, and then all the sudden they were...out? So one thing replaces another, and the process keeps going. The blue crack is a crack in space, and erases you from...well, space and time? So these two are twins, huh? Strange...

"Next question," I continued. "Is that everything I told you? Was there anything else?" "No, that was not all," Marlon replied. "But some things should not be said yet, however I promise I will tell you later. I can give you this, though." He pulled out a piece of paper from a "pocket" in his armor. "It's a letter from the future you."

I unfolded the paper, and threw Dusk a glance that said don't-read-this. On the paper were these words:

Dear past me,

Okay, so you might find this very strange...I remember the feeling when I read this sheet of paper. Anyways, here is what you need to know:

Don't worry about stuff, it all turns out pretty good eventually. There will be some bad times, though...I myself write you this letter in a time of searching and sadness. But I'm sure it will all turn out okay, because everything always does.

Don't tell Mum or Dad about yourself yet...they start to figure things out eventually. I like to use the word "Spoilers" when Dad asks me a question sometimes, like Mum. It's quite funny to watch his expression. Yes, you will see Dad in some of your adventures.

Also, stay on the planet Vipera for a while, and help them solve their problems. The bad things that happen there will eventually lead to good, I promise.

The journey is kind of hard when you're all by yourself, and you don't exactly have years of past knowledge like Dad did, isn't it? Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Also, tell Dusk I said hello.

From,

Future you

P.S. When you need a little reassurance on this adventure, fold this paper diagonally, then in half, and then in half again.

When I finished reading the letter, I folded it in half and put it in my pocket. Then I turned to Dusk and giggled, "Future me says hi." Dusk grinned, and then I turned back to Marlon, saying, "Thanks. That was pretty helpful. And I think we'll be staying for a while...by the way, are you having any, uh, troubles in your tribe right now?"

I could've sworn I saw surprise flicker in Marlon's eyes, but it was gone so quickly I can't be sure. "Yes," Marlon began. "We recently discovered a tribe of Tenepiscus on our lands, and it turns out they have settled in the lake on our territory." I gasped, knowing that the Tenepiscus are archenemies of the Mazai. Marlon continued, saying, "We tried asking them why they are here, trespassing on our lands, but we only came out with three out of five men and one poisoned boy." "I'm sorry," I murmured. "Yes, it is not good," Marlon replied. "I fear we may go to war if they refuse to talk." "We can help," I offered, the idea hitting me suddenly. Marlon was helping us, why shouldn't Dusk and I help him? "Dusk and I could swim down to their base, and act as neutral messengers. " Dusk threw me a glance and a small smile that screamed, "Sweet! Some excitement!" "I do not know if I can do that," Marlon sighed. "It would be putting you and your friend in danger." "But we're willing to do it, right Dusk?" I asked. Dusk nodded vigorously, his expression so funny I giggled.

"Well," Marlon hesitated. "All right. But you should wait until tomorrow. It's getting quite late, and we are about to have dinner. You are welcome to join, also." "Thank you," I replied, bowing slightly. Marlon returned the gesture, and left.

"Whew," I breathed. "That was strange, getting a letter from myself in the future." Dusk laughed, and I joined in. "Aren't you excited though? We're on an adventure, Dawn! We get to help people, and time travel. Who gets to do that in their lifetime?" "I do!" I giggled. "And I never thought of it like that...an adventure, not some stressful mission of saving the world...okay, I like that. Thanks, Dusk, that makes me feel better!" He nodded, and I grabbed his hand, pulling him outside. "Come on, let's go eat! I'm starved!" "Do you think they'll have hamburgers here? Hamburgers are good," Dusk said as we left the hut. I giggled, and replied, "I'm not sure Dusk. Do you think snake like creatures eat hamburgers for dinner?" "Aw, man..."

• • •

I woke up the next morning to the sound of a low, peaceful horn. Thankfully, I didn't have any bad dreams last night, or at least, I can't remember them.

Dusk was snoring next to me in his own sleeping bag, so I shoved him and pushed him, saying, "Dusk, wake up! Du-usk...there's pancakes waiting for you at breakfast." He immediately shot up from his sleeping bag. "Pancakes?" He exclaimed. "Really?" "Well, actually, I'm not sure," I replied. "Considering we had cooked rat yesterday, I'm going to guess no." "Aw," Dusk whined. "I love pancakes. Hardly ever get them, though." "Sorry," I replied, stifling a giggle. "Boy, for a fourteen year old, you sure are immature." "Hey, that's not true!" Dusk retorted. "I'm just not a morning person, that's all." "Oh, okay," I said sarcastically. "I'll make sure and get you up at lunch tomorrow, okay?" "Ugh, Dawn, I can't believe I agreed to come with you," Dusk yawned. "Hey!" I nudged him playfully. "You know you wanted to." "Okay, sure...Well, yeah, I did...Sorry." "That's what I thought," I snorted.

There really wasn't much to do to get ready for the day, since our changes of clothes were in the TARDIS, so Dusk and I just splashed our faces, arms, and legs with water from the basin in the corner of the hut.

Eventually, we made it out of the hut and to the breakfast "tables." Well, really, they were long, flat rocks, where people could sit cross-legged and eat food off of wooden plates with their fingers. Actually, it isn't too terrible.

When he saw what was for breakfast, Dusk brightened. Turns out, it actually was pancakes. Or at least flat bread-thingies that look like pancakes. But with the Mazai, you really can't tell sometimes.

Dusk and I looked for a place to sit, because most of the people were already sitting down and eating their breakfast. Finally, I caught Marlon's eye, and he gestured with his hand for us to sit across from him. I smiled, and pulled Dusk by his wrist to the table. He protested only a little, saying, "I can walk, you know!" I giggled, and replied, "Yeah, and I can, too, but that doesn't stop you from pulling me."

He smiled at my comment, and we reached the table. I sat down, nodded my head to Marlon, Leia, and another Mazai man who I didn't recognize. "Peaceful sunrise, Dawn and Dusk," Marlon greeted us. Dusk gave me a puzzled look, so I mouthed the words, "good morning." "Oh!" He exclaimed. "Yeah, good morning." Now Marlon was confused, so I explained, "In our language, that means peaceful sunrise." He nodded, and then said, "Leia, Salnom, and I were just discussing plans for your departure to the Tenepiscus's base today. We have decided it would be safe if we spent Salnom with you. He is my second in command, as you call it." I nodded, and Dusk opened his mouth to protest, but I caught him off. "That is very generous of you. Perhaps Dusk and I should enter the base alone, though? Then it wouldn't pose as much of a threat."

Oh yeah, I thought. I'm a thirteen-year-old Time Lady diplomat. I'm so awesome. I almost giggled at my thoughts, but caught it right in time. This offer, of course, gave Marlon the chance to spare Salnom of any danger without acting desperate to save his people. After all, Marlon did say he came out with two dead men and a poisoned boy.

"Yes, that might work...but he will be positioned by the lake, just in case anything goes wrong," Marlon agreed, and I could see the relief in his eyes. I gave him a small smile, and nodded. "Okay. Let's do it. When should we leave?" "Probably about an hour after sunrise eating," Marlon replied. I guess "sunrise eating" means breakfast. I agreed, and then went back to eating while Leia and Marlon did some small talk. Dusk was wolfing down his "pancakes," and I nudged him, whispering, "Slow down, pig." He whispered back, "Speed up, snail." I stifled a giggle, but threw him a small smile in return.

Dusk chuckled quietly, and then continued to eat. I did speed up, once I realized how hungry I was. The pancakes were delicious, even without any syrup. There was also some water to drink, which tasted fresh and cold. The feeling of it on my throat was very soothing.

Soon enough, both Dusk and I were finished, and I murmured to Marlon, "We're going to go back to my...ship, and change before going to the lake." He nodded, and then continued talking with Leia.

Dusk and I stood up, and we walked side by side. "So, we get to negotiate with aliens, huh?" He asked. I laughed, and then replied, "Uh, no. I get to negotiate with aliens. No offence, but I'm not exactly sure how well you would do with them." Dusk smiled, and then nodded. "Yeah, I think you're right. No offense taken."

We continued to walk back to the TARDIS. I'm surprised I recognized all the landmarks that I had made on the way here. Time Lady's brains are awesome; I just need to say that. Even if mine is technically half-human. But I got all the good characteristics...the regeneration cycle, the brain, the ability to fly a TARDIS...all that wonderful stuff.

"It would be helpful if you could explain some of this crack business," Dusk eventually hinted. "Oh, yeah!" I gasped. "I'm so sorry, I forgot about that. Okay, so, here goes nothing..." I explained it from the beginning: Talking about my father and the blue cracks, but not giving away too much information about my past. Then I explained about the red cracks and my suspicions. I was surprised at how much I had figured out, yet pleased at the same time.

Finally, we reached the TARDIS, and just as I finished my explanation, too. "Okay," Dusk sighed. "That was helpful. Thanks." "Anytime," I replied, opening the Sweetie's door.

"ELLO SWEETIE!" I boomed happily. No need to yell, Sweetie replied. "Heh, oh yeah, sorry!" "Who are you talking to?" Dusk asked, puzzled. "Sweetie, of course!" I exclaimed. He gave me a blank look, and so I flourished my arms, gesturing to the TARDIS. "Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you, the TARDIS is alive. I call her Sweetie. She's also telepathic, which means she can get into your head and read all those tiny little thoughts you like to keep locked up and then give them to me." My voice grew dark, and I poked Dusk's forehead a few times, getting closer and closer. His eyes grew wide, and I laughed. "Just kidding! But seriously, she is telepathic, although usually she'll respect people's privacy. Usually." I looked up and scowled at Sweetie.

Then, I pivoted and dashed up the console room's stairs. "Well, come on then, what are you waiting for? We have about half an hour to get showered, dressed, and head back to the tribe. Oh, wait! You haven't even seen the rest of the TARDIS yet! Don't worry, Sweetie will show you the guest room, and the boy's clothes room, m'kay?" Yup, I know what you're thinking: I'm very hyper right now. That's my first generation's personality then, I suppose...serious, kind, and gentle at some times, bubbly, hyper, and goofy at others. And that's just how I like it!

Dusk gave me a blank look, and then started to ask, "How will...Sweetie, show me-Oh...thanks, Sweetie." I giggled; she must've been telepathic with him. "Usually she won't do that with humans...but there are a few exceptions. Don't let it freak you out." Dusk nodded, and then began to walk to the door that leads to all the other rooms. "Oh yeah!" I exclaimed. "Put on a swimsuit, and then something on top, too. I'm not sure if the Tenepiscus wear swimsuits or not...but I'm going to guess no."

I heard Dusk laugh, and then he was gone. I went to a secret door that was connected to the console room, which led to my bedroom.

Inside, it was decorated with random things that were blue and green, my two favorite colors. Posted on the wall were random drawings I had made, most of mom, dad, and any other scene I felt like drawing in space that I saw from the TARDIS. Yes, I like to draw. It's one of my human hobbies. I also like to sing, read, and act. Riding horses has always sounded fun, too.

I flopped onto my bed, and randomly giggled, punching a fist into the air. I felt really happy to be on an "adventure," as Dusk put it, not just a stressful task of possibly saving the world.

Finally, I decided I should probably take a shower and then put on a swimsuit, and finally something light on top as a cover up. Throwing open the doors of my huge closet (and I mean huge), I began to browse the swimsuit section. Finally, I picked out a one-piece blue swimsuit with two green stripes on the sides. It fit me pretty well, if I do say so myself. I picked out a light blue t-shirt to go on top, and a pair of khaki shorts. "Nothing to fancy," I murmured to myself.

Then I raced to the bathroom and started the shower water. It was nice and warm, and I slowed my breathing down a little, trying to relax. I sighed, and finished taking my shower. Then, I proceeded to get dressed.

Finally, I skipped into the console room, where Dusk was already waiting, investigating the TARDIS's controls. "How do you even know what buttons to press?" He asked in awe when I walked in. "It's really not that difficult," I replied. "Besides, I've had eight years of practice and reading instructions. It's really a piece of cake. So, you ready?" Dusk nodded, and I looked him up and down. He was wearing red swim trunks, and a black t-shirt on top. "Good choice," I nodded, and then began walking towards the door. Dusk followed.

I giggled, "Dusk, are you ready for the beginning of the beginning of adventures?" He smiled, and then replied, "Yup," popping the p. "Well then," I opened the doors of TARDIS. "Let's go!"

• • •

Sorry, I know that chapter was kind of long, and there wasn't much excitement...but it was necessary. The next two chapters will be awesome! I hope. Ha ha ha. :) R&R, please!