Seeking the Truth | Rayaari Fanfic

2: Dull Moment

"You're daydreaming...again." Said Zou as he went next to her.

"Not daydreaming, just thinking."

"About what?"

"Hmm...Raya. We haven't really spoken much since...you know." said Namaari in a sad tone.

"So what's stopping you? Send an invitation for her to come visit or you can request to go to Heart to see her."

"I don't think she'll want to leave her homeland to come here so I'll write to her father to get permission to visit for a day."

"Wonderful. By the way, you know...your mother is really proud of you."

Namaari smiled at what Zou said. "I'm happy about that. But there's something happening that I need clarity on."

"And, what's that?" asked Zou.

"Why do we need all those recruits? Aren't we supposed to be living at peace with the other lands?"

"Here's the thing Namaari. Remember that your mother was the one that encouraged you to betray Raya when she trusted you. Now, she's paranoid. Just as how she betrayed Heart's kindness, she's afraid that will happen to Fang. She's scared someone will reciprocate what she did and she's preparing for that scenario even if it never happens." explained Zou.

"There's absolutely no reason for her to think that way. Heart of all lands would never attack anyone. Their land is so peaceful and loving that they barely have any guards. Because they don't believe in criminal actions."

"And that was their downfall, Namaari. Would you want for your mother to let down her guard and then someone attacks Fang, killing or hurting innocent people?"

Namaari sighed, "No..."

"Exactly. It may seem unnecessary or wrong, but it's just what has to be done. Now, get some rest, you're tired."

"I will when I'm ready. Thanks for stopping by, Zou."

"Of course. I'll see you 'round."

After saying goodbye to her cousin, Namaari stayed at her window for a little while longer, still deep in thought.

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The following day at around midday, Raya was in Chief Benja's office next to him and rested her head on his shoulder while they did some paperwork.

"Ugh Ba, this is so exhausting." she complained.

"I know dewdrop, this is the unfortunate part of life as royalty." replied the Chief.

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock. 

"Enter." 

A servant entered and bowed to the Chief and Princess.

"Hello your majesties, I have a letter for you, Chief Benja." said the servant.

"Thank you."

The servant handed the letter to him and then left.

"I'll take a look at that soon. But now, let's resume what we were doing, shall we?"

Raya sighed in response and the Chief chuckled and they resumed the paper work for about another 20 minutes before Raya went to take a break. The Chief remembered about the letter and decided to read it. After reading it, he was pleased that Namaari wanted to spend time with Raya. He was happy he decided to read it then and there when Raya wasn't present since Namaari wanted it to be a surprise visit. He immediately wrote a response, welcoming her and sending it off. 

The rest of the day was pretty boring for Raya but she spent the evening relaxing with Sisu outside the palace.

"So how are things going for you right now?" asked the dragon curiously. 

"Eh, Good?"

"You look a little flustered, Raya. Something is bothering you."

"Oh um- It's nothing. Just... readjusting to Princess life is not the easiest." replied Raya.

"True it would be hard. Catching up on a lot, huh..."

"No doubt at all."

"Well I have to return to my siblings, I also have dreadful dragon duties." 

"I understand Sisu, I guess I'll see you later then."

They shared a hug before Sisu departed. Raya remained outside, admiring the sunset but as nighttime fell, she also felt negative emotions rising inside her. Why?

The nightmares.

They were simply awful. Her Ba stayed with her the night before and she slept peacefully although she wasn't asleep for a very long time but at least she had no nightmares. While deep in thought, her Ba walked to her.

"Hey dewdrop." He greeted softly.

"Hey Ba, how are you?"

"I'm great. I know why you seem so concerned though, but remember, you're not alone. I'm here with you." replied the Chief, placing his arm around her shoulder.

Raya leaned in for the warmth and she felt safe and protected. She was very capable of protecting herself as she's a formidable warrior but being reunited with her father took a positive toll on her emotionally. No matter how independent she was, it was always good to have emotional support. 

"Let's have a walk before heading inside, hmm?"

Raya agreed and walked with him. Chief Benja knew that walking throughout parts of Heart and conversing with their people would help to distract Raya from the emotions that plagued her.

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"Hello fellow dragons, I called you all here because there is a major new development in Kumandra." said Pengu. 

All the dragons had assembled there for the emergency meeting. There were gasps and whispers before Pengu continued. "Myself and several others have felt something really strange. A shift in the atmosphere that feels really similar to when dark energy is present such as when the Druun first came. We have been secretly patrolling Kumandra to see if this energy gets stronger. After careful analysis, the energy radiates from the east and is more detectable in Tail than Fang so that is all we know right now."

"Do you think that there is some other force out there that wants to attack Kumandra? And do you think it has to do with our return?" asked one of the dragons.

Pengu nodded yes. "That's what I am thinking about right now as a possibility. But we do not know what this is. What I want you to do is to keep an eye out. We know that the source of this energy lies in the east so I need volunteers to go to Tail. Hideouts are already spotted in the mountains near the coast since they have lots of caves."

"Should I inform Raya or Chief Benja of this?" asked Sisu.

"No, Sisu. At least, not yet. I do not want humans to start panicking. When we gather more information and if we see an imminent threat, that's when I want dragons to be deployed to each land to help the Chiefs in defending their home and people. It's been only weeks since we're all back, better than ever. The Drunn kept us stoned for 500 years. We cannot and will not allow any more dark powers to overcome us. So I will be doing as much as needed to help connect the dots so that we find out all that's going on as soon as possible."

Dragons immediately begun volunteering themselves to stay in Tail and Pengu smiled at how concerned they all were and how much they all wanted to help.

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Something new is in store for Kumandra! Hope you enjoyed this chapter everyone! I finalized that I'll publish chapters twice a week/ a chapter every few days. Stay tuned for more!