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Part 24

"Don't worry. If she doesn't want to approve, us dragons along with others will fight for you. And you need to have lunch." said Sisu.

"I don't feel hungry." mumbled Raya

"You're worried. Also, did you talk to Namaari about how you'll tell her mom?"

"No...Actually...I haven't spoken to her since breakfast..."

"Why?"

"I've been training...Plus...I don't think she wants to talk to me."

"Hmm...Raya I'll return shortly..."

Sisu went to Namaari and said, "Namaari...wanna come here for a bit?"

Namaari nodded and followed Sisu. When she realized it was to Raya's room, she got a bit hesitant. Raya too got a bit nervous when she saw her and then Sisu said, "I'll leave you both to privacy..." and went out and closed the door.

"So...um...you wanna tell me something?" asked Namaari after an awkward 15 seconds of silence.

"N-no... I don't know why Sisu did that..." replied Raya without eye contact with Namaari.

"Well um... I do wanna apologize for offending you...I overheard when you told Sisu and I didn't know you took it so personally." Namaari then went beside her and lifted her chin.

Raya's eyes became saturated with tears and she said, "It's alright...I forgive you."

Namaari hugged her and said, "It's so late in the day and you need food."

"Nah I'm okay. Not hungry..."

"If you say so."

"Just exhausted" replied Raya with a yawn.

Namaari lifted her in bed and let her head rest on her chest.

"Get some sleep." replied Namaari as she embraced Raya.

Raya felt relaxed and fell asleep not long after.

After a few minutes, Namaari gently placed Raya's upper body on a pillow then quietly exited the room. She was surprised to see her mother when she went to the first floor. She went to her and Chief Virana said, "My morning mist. How are you doing?"

"I'm feeling great mother. How about you?"

"I'm great. So I heard there's a little competition and I'm quite confident in the outcome...I know you are friends but remember to fight with confidence and skill, not emotions"

"Hah Friends?" thought Namaari.

She then smiled at her mother and said, "Of course mother"

Virana went to some of her servants from Fang that came along with her. Chief Benja used the opportunity to ask Namaari where Raya was at.

"She's sleeping. She's quite exhausted from all the training."

"Ah that's good. So when is ideal for us to all sit and talk with your mother? After the events of later?"

"I think in the morning would be best. But it's definitely after the challenge" said Namaari.

"Alrighty. We're scheduled to begin in about 3 hours from now. Don't you wanna put in some practice?" asked Benja.

"I'm fine." replied Namaari with a smile.

As the rest of the evening progressed, nothing much took place. About an hour before the challenge was ready to begin, Raya woke. She was surprised to see the Fang supporters and she quickly slipped past them without being noticed. She saw Namaari talking with Sisu. She went over to them and Sisu said, "Look who's up and looking energized!"

"Hah yea" replied Raya as she blushed and pushed her hair behind her ear when she glanced at Namaari, having a slight eye contact with her.

"We're an hour from battle dep la" said Namaari.

"One hour? But..."

"I was planning to wake you shortly but I'm glad you're up. Do you feel great about the challenge now?" asked Namaari.

"Definitely." said Raya with confidence. "I'm gonna get out my best warrior outfit. I'll shine for Heart."

"Luckily I bought mine too. With my two knives. A true warrior never goes anywhere without them." said Namaari.

The arena was becoming saturated with spectators from both Fang and Heart. 

"I think that you should both go and get ready now. Everyone is settling in." said Sisu.

"Alrighty let's go" said Namaari. 

While they were on their way to Raya's room, They encountered Chief Virana and she said, "Hello dears. About to get ready?"

"Yes mother." replied Namaari

"I have your special Fang custom made outfit. Chief Benja designated a room for you to be ready in."

"Oh...okay..." Namaari hesitated a bit then slightly waved a "goodbye" to Raya as she departed to another room with her mother.

Raya and Sisu continued to her room. Raya got dressed in a fitted blue Tai Chi top and one of her usual brown pants. the top was lined with a red dragon print to the side. The red representing Heart and the dragon outline to represent the dragons, their superior beings. She brushed her hair and felt ready to prove Namaari wrong. She also carried her father's sword which for 6 years, became hers.

"Wow you look amazing Raya! Exclaimed Sisu.

"Thanks. I'm ready to prove Namaari wrong."

Raya blocked out emotions that Namaari is her girlfriend who she is about to challenge. She got on the mindset that the aim is to bring down the opponent using her skill and knowledge of fighting.

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The time has arrived for battle(almost)! Who will be the winner? And what will happen with Chief Virana after the young couple confess their feelings? A lot more is yet to come <3 Don't forget to vote!