Seeking the Truth | Rayaari Fanfic

10: New One

That evening, Raya spotted two figures who appeared to be Zou and...someone with him. Raya first thought it was a female and got upset. Was Zou not happy with talking to her? Wait, she and Zou aren't dating, there's no reason for her to feel jealous and she was interested in someone else anyway. But then she saw that this person was actually a male with an undercut. He was more muscular and a bit taller than Zou. She approached and Zou saw the aggressive look she had before it morphed to a more confused expression. 

"Um...hello?" she greeted.

"Hey Raya, I'm happy you joined us. This is Vashi."

"Pleasure to meet you Princess Raya." said Vashi while bowing and smiling at her.

"Likewise Vashi. But please, the bowing is not necessary. So, you're from Fang?"

"Yes I am."

"You remind me a lot of Namaari..." Said Raya.

Vashi nervously chuckled and said, "Is that good or bad?"

"Good. She's an amazing friend and leader of her people too."

"Well that's great princess."

Raya and Vashi also quickly got acquainted with each other and Namaari joined not too longer afterwards but secretly hated how both males were so interested in Raya. Casting that aside, they had a pretty great rest of evening and Raya said, "Vashi, we can accommodate you here in Heart."

"Oh uh- That's a very nice gesture Princess, but I respectfully reject it. I have to return to my family." replied Vashi.

Raya saw how his expression changed to a more uncomfortable one and she said, "Oh...I understand."

"Yeah. But talking to you has been amazing. All of you. Thank you for welcoming me."

"Of course, Vashi." replied Raya.

Vashi departed from Heart and Namaari said, "I don't know if it's just me but he looks like a wild, male version of Raya."

"Hey!" expressed Raya.

"No, Namaari's right. Which means, he's really hot too." said Zou, nudging and smirking at her.

"Ugh please don't begin with that! I am not attracted to him, okay? Is being welcoming now considered attractive?"

"Depends on how you interact with them." said Zou.

"Please... no more teasing! And I need a warm shower just about now."

"We all do, dep la." said Namaari.

They went inside the palace but Zou stopped at the entrance. Raya sensed this and said, "Zou, come with us."

"No, Raya. I think I just wanna catch up with Vashi and we head to Fang."

"You know, my Ba would really wants to talk to you." 

"I know but..."

"Just give it a shot. I'm sure he has an explanation ready for you." said Raya.

Chief Benja was approaching Zou from behind and when Raya saw this, she smiled and walked away, leaving him confused for a moment before he felt a hand on his shoulder.

He suppressed the anger that rose in him and said as neutrally as possible, "Hello Chief Benja."

"Hello Zou. Care to walk through the palace garden?"

"Sure..." replied Zou.

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Raya was deciding on what to wear to bed when Namaari interrupted her. "You know, you're beautiful in anything you choose."

Raya blushed. "Thanks Maari, I'm mainly looking for something comfortable."

Raya finally decided on a blue cropped satin top with matching PJ pants.

"Namaari, the shower I usually take is veryyy lovely and warm."

"Oh? Are you implying that you want to share it with me?" asked Namaari.

Raya blushed, "I want you to get the experience. You can go ahead first."

"I don't accept. You're the Princess here. You go first."

"Hmm...Fine."

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"Zou, I have no considerable excuse for what I did to you but I'm even mad at myself for saying those hurtful words to you and for being inhumane. I'm so deeply sorry about it...And all I said is withdrawn. You're welcomed here in Heart at any time you desire. And once Raya is fine with it, you can see her as much as you want." explained the Chief sincerely.

Zou smiled and said, "I forgive you Chief, And I accept your apology."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." Zou then slowly looked away and said, "So about the attack, we are partnering, right?"

"Yes, Fang and Heart will fight alongside each other. But I know all will turn out well."

"Let's all keep our fingers crossed."

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Namaari used the shower Raya suggested and she did indeed feel even more refreshed than normal. Raya was exhausted and by the time Namaari was finished, she was already in bed. Namaari went over to her and took her hand in hers before giving it a gentle kiss. "Sweet dreams Princess."

She worried that Raya would have another nightmare but kept positive. Zou also showered and decided that he'd be sleeping with Raya. After all, they had a connection. He went next to her and she unconsciously threw her arms round his neck and she leaned in to kiss his lips. Zou dodged her subconscious attempt and said softly, "Raya, I don't think you should be doing that."

In her sleep, she mumbled, "Love you too, N' maari."

Zou gasped and said in his mind, "Welllll! Isn't this interesting!"

He chose not to wake her and he fell asleep after several minutes. That night, Raya had another dream...or rather, a vision. She was walking alone when she encountered a masked figure. She remember what Namaari encouraged her to do. Instead of backing away, she said, "Who are you?"

"Calm down. Raya, you'll wake and think that this was just a dream but it's not. Meet me at the bridge! I need to let you know something important. Once you wake, no matter what time it is, I'll be waiting for you." explained the figure.

"Just explain to me now!" demanded Raya.

"I can't, your majesty! Just...once you wake, meet me at the bridge."

The latter of what the figure said echoed and everything became blurry around Raya. She had no more dreams and woke at around 4am when the first rays of the sunlight shone across the sky. When she saw that Zou was with her, she smiled and said, "You're so amazing, Zou."

She carefully got up and got on a blue coat and took her sword with her as precaution. She greeted the guards that she passed and they didn't mind her when they saw that she was heading there. She went to the mainland and after looking around, she saw no one and concluded that she was dumb for listening to a dream. Before she released a loud sigh, she heard, "I'm here, princess."

"Who- who are you?" 

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