Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In the land of Heart, silence is no unfamiliar companion. The day the Druun returned, has resulted in all of Heart’s residents turning into statues.

Save for one.

And Raya knows the silence in Heart by now. But this time, seven years after that tragic day, it’s the silence of a quiet night.

She adjusts from her perch before returning to her vigil. Brown eyes scan the nipa huts with gentle lights, where families sleep soundly. A group of drunken citizens stumbles back home, slurring merry tunes. Groaning gamblers emerge from the underground cock fights, trying yet failing to stealthily return to their houses. Even the few young couples have called it a day, bidding each other good night with a chaste kiss.

All this, Raya observes, shows what she has been yearning for since she has washed ashore and attempted to return to her land only to find statues.

Life. The land of Heart is brimming once more with living people and Raya could not be happier.

But the downside, the only one she feels the need to acknowledge yet still ignores, is that she’s the only one who has aged.

The only one who has not changed.

Rustling from a bush startles Raya back into focus. She grabs her arnis. With the Keris having been returned to Chief Benja despite the extensive argument between father and daughter – which resulted in it staying in the Dragon Gem Chamber as a compromise – Raya is not without a weapon still.

She ducks deeper into the foliage, taking care to hold onto the sturdier branches before eyeing her intruder. Then she holds back a groan.

“I know you’re up there, hija. Don’t make me hurt my back getting you.” The voice all but nags with sharp hazel eyes narrowing as an accompanying remark.

Feeling petty, despite the warning coming from the elderly woman down the Narra tree, Raya leaps out and makes a perfect landing behind her elder.

When the other turns, she merely receives an unimpressed look. “You should be in bed.”

“I can be up past my bedtime now, Priestess Querida.” Raya offers this with a charming smile but in the face of one of the Chamberlains of Heart, the tactic is less effective.

She’s also at a disadvantage considering this is the same woman who had been her nanny for as long as she could remember. Thus, immune to all her tricks.

Raya’s grin falters before finally falling into a despondent frown when the elder points in the direction of her room. She tries to negotiate, ever the stubborn princess. “Ten minutes?”

“Just what could be that interesting for you to break curfew, princess?” grumbles the old woman. Priestess Querida also adds before Raya could open her mouth. “And last I checked, you’re not one of those drunks or gamblers so don’t even try with that sass you inherited from your mother.”

At the mention of her parent, Raya smiles while the two begin to walk back home. “She’s that much trouble to you before?” She remembers scant memories of a woman with a vicious smile paired with a penchant for humor and language thought inappropriate for the ears of young children.

“Brief meetings with her felt like a blessing,” grouses the Priestess. “I don’t know how Tail produced such a crude tongue considering they’re far from Kumandra’s mouth.”

Raya chuckles. “Maybe it’s the distance that helps.” Her brows furrow now, remembering one tidbit about her mother. The souring tidbit amidst good memories. “Distance seems all she knows, come to think of it.”

Priestess Querida stops, and Raya does as she looks down on the hunched form of the elder. “Your mother leaving your father is her loss. The fault, however, will never be yours. Understood?”

She remembers this conversation. Toi, it feels like a lifetime ago. Five-year-olds can still understand when a parent is no longer there. Raya remembers, somewhat vividly, blaming herself.

Was I too pushy? Was it because I fell off the tree again? Was it because I forgot to say thank you after eating? Those have been the few of the many questions she has asked her ba who could not answer most of them at the time. That’s where Priestess Querida has come in.

Now, years later, Raya understands it’s more to do with freedom. Her ma couldn’t handle the pampered lifestyle of Heart and for some way or another – after having spent six years on her own without the lessons and expectations – she could understand. Not fully, but it’s a start.

Raya nods then, returning to the present, before helping her nanny move up the stairs with an offering of her bicep. “Ba and I have appreciated what you have done for us.” They reach her bedroom, and this time Raya sighs but more fondly. “Though treating me like I’m still twelve is not earning you more points.”

“You’re a child last I saw you, call me in denial of seeing my charge all grown-up.”

“You have to accept it sooner or later,” Raya smirks at the jab at her bicep. “What? Ba took a while, but he managed.” A ‘while’ though is an understatement.

The past year has involved more crying, recovery, rebuilding, and adjusting between the chief and his daughter. Just the last three months before the new year, Chief Benja still makes it a point to slice her mangoes into squares for her until he embarrassingly realizes it and stops before repeating it the next day.

There is a lot to discuss truly but Raya is optimistic that they have made good progress. When it gets too much though, Raya surprisingly finds the one who can help with that is Namaari of all binturis.

Unorthodox help, specifically, considering it involves playing an extreme game of ‘Serlot & Tarfly’ in which Raya uses her skills of hiding and evading capture while Namaari gives chase. She supposes it’s due to having that as a routine for so long in the six years alone is what makes it an effective distraction against unpleasant emotions.

Though Sisu still takes a moment to comment how ‘totally unhealthy’ ignoring problems will be in the long run but hey, no one says Raya is the epitome of health.

Priestess Querida, on the other hand, merely sighs before turning in for bed. After, of course, warning Raya of staying up too long and something, something.

The Princess of Heart barely suppresses a sarcastic response, nodding innocently before closing her door.

Maybe I could sneak out after an hour. She thinks, settling in her bed before staring up at the ceiling. Childhood drawings and attempts for splash art litter the wood but all Raya does is smile at a time before the druun. She closes her eyes, reminding herself that the times after are ones she could also admit to treasuring.

Serlots, flying, and a mother’s laugh fill her dreams.

Chapter Text

Morning bathes the land of Heart of a new day. Farmers greet passing neighbors while pushing a wagon of their latest produce. Traders from other lands unload their own carts and begin the process of presenting their wares to catch onlookers. Even the elderly people are starting their morning walks around the village.

Inside the Chief’s home, even the morning energy of the sun reaches the servants and guards around the palace as they prepare to fulfill their tasks for the day. The same could not be said for one resident sitting inside the study room.

Raya leans her cheek against her hand as she tries not to fall asleep.

The word ‘tries’ is quickly replaced with ‘fails.’

“Princess!” Priestess Querida’s voice booms, enough to startle said princess out of her chair. The elder sighs then, at the sprawled form of Benja’s daughter, before pinching the bridge of her nose. “This is why I did not want you to stay up so late.”

“Ugh…” Raya groans before blinking blurrily at her, “why didn’t you say that then?”

“I did,” deadpans the Priestess before she shakes her head. “You are not doing a good job of convincing me you’ve grown, just so you know.” She then gestures to the books and Raya’s latest attempt. “Your own handwriting needs improvement.” She points to another set of books. “Also, reading.”

“They’ve been the least of my priorities between evading druuns and binturis.”

“Language,” drawls her nanny yet both know it will yield no effect. She should expect more of Raya’s literacy development than her swear word filter. “That is why this new year is a good opportunity to return to the basics. No one has ever died by reviewing the fundamentals.”

“That you know of,” mumbles the princess before she straightens up with a full smile at the scathing look. “Still, isn’t this too much? I mean, can’t I at least have a longer break in between?”

“You’ve already used all three, hija.”

Raya deflates. “Oh…well, what about tomorrow?” At another thought, her smile returns despite how the words inwardly soured her. “Can’t this birthday girl get her day without lessons today?”

“You’d rather you study while being served all your favorite food?”

Again, the princess sighs. “No.” Her hand fidgets with the charcoal.

Priestess Querida tsks. “This isn’t meant to punish you, Princess. Soon you’ll thank your father and me.”

“I’m thanking my Ba now for interrupting,” Raya rises from her chair to embrace the newly arrived Benja who gladly returns the gesture alongside a forehead kiss. She leans closer to his ear. “Please, save me.”

“I heard that!”

Chief Benja chuckles, ruffling his daughter’s hair. “Do avoid giving Querida a hard time, dewdrop. But then again, I might not be helping my case since the Chamberlains of Heart need their Priestess in a surprise meeting today.” At the elder’s suspicious look, the chief full-on laughs. “Raya didn’t put me up to this. It is urgent and related to the Dragon Gem Festival.”

Raya perks up at the last part, pulling away and moving aside to allow for the elderly woman to exit the room. She could faintly hear her grumbling of ‘Do finish your tasks’ causing Raya to slump in exasperation before focusing on her father’s words. “Dragon Gem Festival? You mean, they finally approved?”

“Hopefully,” sighs Chief Benja. “They’re not the type to easily accept new ideas, much less ones coming from Fang.”

“Namaari’s suggestion has merit,” Raya supplies and misses the knowing smile of her ba as she continues, “what better way to show trust in Kumandra than passing the Dragon Gem to each land?”

“And Talon should be the first in this new year?”

Raya nods. “Well like it or not it’s a fact that out of all the lands Pre-Druun, Talon is more open to visitors who aren’t Talon so long as their wares and jades are worthwhile.” She sits backward on the chair, resting her arms on the backrest. “Besides, Sisu’s already on board with the idea too and there’s not much anyone could do to defy a dragon.”

A pause before Raya sheepishly adds, “and she also wanted to check out more of what Talon has for trade and actually buy something for her family.”

“I should be worried about the possibility of a dragon being easily bribed,” Chief Benja begins with a smile before he places a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “But I do trust you, and consequently Namaari too I guess.” He straightens up, nodding to Raya. “You’re doing good, Dewdrop. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Then he gestures airily to the windows. “Now I know I’m running late for my own meeting but just to let you know, Namaari’s just finished hers with the Chamberlain of Finances.” He then walks off, smiling secretively as Raya visibly perks up at the news.

I should let Querida know she shouldn’t expect Raya to finish her tasks today. Mental note, order more of Boun’s shrimp congee to bribe the priestess with.

“She’s still here, Princess.”

“Ignore her, just keep walking.” Namaari could spot Raya in the corner of her eye before staring straight ahead once more. It’s not helping that her friend of a general returns to teasing.

“She wants you to give chase, em gái.”

“It is inappropriate to do so in their lands.”

“Last I checked, it’s also ‘inappropriate’ to ignore royalty.”

“Now is not the time.” Her voice says, firm and unyielding, yet the thing beating inside her ribcage seems to have other ideas when she catches sight of the annoying dep la again. “How did she learn I’m here to begin with?”

“She’s a princess?” General Atitaya raises a brow. “This is her home territory, isn’t it?”

“Heart’s chief and princess are more of the land’s face than anything. Also, as we now know, guardians of the dragon gem.” Namaari watches for Raya’s shadow as she explains. “Actual matters and affairs are headed by the Chamberlains of Heart. Kind of like Fang’s Council of Elders, only with actual power and not simply advisors that can be easily ignored.”

Her fellow warrior chuckles at her words. “Is it safe to guess, with that last part, that Umberto has given you a tough time again?”

“Insisting I find a mate during a meeting about Fang’s reconstruction efforts is inconsequential to the goal.”

“Maybe his goal is just to rile you up,” a pause before she adds, “your prey is still tracking you, little predator.”

Namaari chances a glance and again, she wishes her heart wouldn’t be so…erratic when she made eye contact before said prey playfully retreats again.

“If she’s trying to see what I got her for her birthday…” the princess of fang trails with a sigh, before stealthily pushing the hidden gift to the awaiting general’s hand. “Keep it in Luna’s saddlebag.”

“Of course, Princess. Happy hunting.”

Five hours. Raya has been waiting for five hours.

Atop one of Heart’s Narra trees, Raya sighs before flopping languidly against the bough and ignoring the wood digging against her sampot. She had dug up her adventure clothes once she learned the princess of Fang was here. She expects a chase or well, anything that isn’t along the lines of boring yet here she is.

She really doesn’t want to think what tomorrow will bring. What tomorrow will remind her. Just shove those memories down, Raya. She scolds herself, before shaking her head. “Leave it to Maari to spoil my fun.”

“It’s Namaari, dep la.”

Raya almost falls off her perch. She looks down to find the fang princess leaning casually against the bark, making a show of playing with her nails. “You’re right,” comments the heart princess, “Cutesy nicknames don’t suit you, binturi.” She then uses her legs to hang down like bat as she crosses the distance between them.

Raya smiles, though in Namaari’s perspective it’s upside down with the Heart princess’ hair falling in waves while she hung on a sturdy branch.

Eh, close enough. Shrugs Raya. “What took you so long anyway?” She pokes the other’s nose before raising her hands in surrender at the near bite.

“Are we really going to do this?” sighs the fang warrior, not answering the question. “I’m already drained from the meeting with Ong Rafiq.”

Raya winces in sympathy. “Ah. Usually, those take long because he thinks the other party’s trying to swindle a deal.”

Namaari raises a brow. “Would he believe me otherwise?”

Again, Raya winces. “I’ll put in a good word for you, but hey! I also heard they’re talking about approving the Dragon Gem Festival now. So that’s something.”

“I guess it helps I have their princess on my side,” Namaari smiles gently. “Thank you.”

The Heartlander grins, throwing a thumbs up before blinking, and adjusts so it’s upright in the other woman’s perspective. “No problem. If it’s for kumandra anyway, it’s worth the effort.”

Now it’s Namaari’s turn to poke her on the nose. “Effort? That’s rich coming from you, dep la.”

“Hey, I do other stuff too.” She scrunches at the action, before playfully batting her eyelids at the other. “I’m not just a pretty face, you know?” Then she laughs, expecting Namaari to join in only to find silence.

Well, silence and staring.

Raya raises a brow, grinning unsurely. “Hey, you alright?”

That seems to snap her out of whatever that is. Well, Raya supposes, not whatever. Maybe some kind of bug? Because for the past seven years, Namaari tends to just do nothing but stare at her sometimes in-between moments.

Maybe she’s mapping out how to catch me faster? At that reminder of their little game, Raya’s concern melts away to replace excitement. She leans closer unconsciously. “I know just the cure then –

“No!” squeaks Namaari, causing Raya to furrow her brows. The fang princess coughs into her hand, repeating with a gentler and calmer tone.

“Why? You always enjoy our little game of Serlot & TarFly.” Raya leans further to squint at the other warrior, but Namaari simply frowns, looking away.

Raya tilts a head. Her breath wasn’t that bad, was it?

She pulls up and before the fang princess could blink, she’s on top of her back now. Raya giggles, patting the hairless spot of Namaari’s undercut. “Well, if you don’t want a chase this time, how about giving me a ride?”

“Get off!”

The heart princess laughs again, before pinching the other’s cheeks despite the other’s attempt to throw her off. “Make me, Binturi.”

That seems to do the trick. “You’re going to regret that, Dep la!”

“Again, why are we even discussing a suggestion from Fang?” a severe-looking elder begins, fingers steepled in disgruntlement accompanies the rise of a brow. “More pressingly, why are we even considering giving the Dragon Gem to Talon of all lands?”

Chief Benja does not bat an eye. “It is one of the many steps to ensure Kumandra, Chamberlain Yaron. That, and I trust my daughter.”

“Your daughter is still a child, Chief Benja,” begins another member. Chamberlain Zeena squints, as she struggles to lift the teacup to her lips. The face of Heart patiently waits for her to continue once she finishes the action. “I will not entrust something powerful to another tribe on the word of a twelve-year-old.”

He carefully reminds them of his daughter’s actual age. “Seventeen. But more importantly, she will be turning eighteen tomorrow.” Benja then levels them all with a firm stare. “On a related note, I will appreciate it if you stop treating her like a child.”

“But she’s a child –

“The chief has a point, Chamberlain Zeena, or at least…” the fourth member trails off. He runs a finger through his beard, before eyeing the priestess. “How fares the princess with her studies?”

Benja’s hands clench into fists behind his back yet he turns as well to Priestess Querida.

For the nanny’s part, she purses her lips. “Objectively speaking, Chamberlain Rafiq, she struggles.” A pause and then she adds, “It does not help her interest lies entirely elsewhere.”

“She has done nothing to govern our people,” adds the Chamberlain of Finances, “choosing instead to wander the lands with her beast creature from Tail.”

“My daughter has lost her childhood,” counters Benja, all manner of easygoing smiles and ease is replaced with a protective glower as he tenses, “she deserves to pursue what makes her happy.”

“And in that protection Chief Benja, you are shielding her from her duties to heart.”

“She saved us all!”

Chamberlain Yaron stands from his chair, matching his height. “Do not shout at your elders!” He glares admonishingly. “You may be the Chief of Heart, but it does not exempt you from your manners. I fear this is what you teach your daughter.”

“You all made it impossible for me to teach Raya anything,” Chief Benja reminds them, getting control of his voice. The anger though is still present. Anger rising from long years of repression. “The day she was born, you all but dictated how she should be raised and her education. Even excluding the fact that the lands have changed.”

“You do not know that for certain,” argued Chamberlain Zeena, “what could a chief who was barely out of his boyhood know of the other lands?”

“You didn’t let him try to understand for one thing,” counters Priestess Querida before Benja could say anything rash in response, “and in that lack of opportunity, he had to turn to a Tail bandit for answers.”

Chamberlain Rafiq grumbles at the reminder while Chief Benja grimaces. “This is not helping his case.”

“A mistake, I know,” adds the chief, “but I learned from it.” He then shakes his head, as if to rid the memories, “still, we are getting off-topic. The point is, all I ask from all of you is to treat Raya like the princess she is and trust that this Dragon Gem Festival will succeed in solidifying our dream of Kumandra.”

Silence is the response to his statement, but he waits as all the elders continue to mumble and mutter amongst themselves before finally coming to a consensus.

Priestess Querida stands first. “First of all, it is your dream, Chief Benja.” Then she massages a temple, sighing, “But your words ring some measure of truth. We will consider them, but until then,” she leans forward, hands planting against the long table as she pierces the youngest member in the room with a pointed look, “the Dragon Gem Festival is approved.”

Chief Benja sighs in relief. “Thank you.”

“As for the other matter,” continues Chamberlain Rafiq as he stands, “your daughter’s efforts and sacrifices are acknowledged and commended, Chief Benja. We could admit we have failed to demonstrate this accurately with our words and behavior.”

“But still,” Chamberlain Yaron rises from his chair once more, leveling a stern look at the man in the middle of the room, “we cannot be blamed entirely for the lack of evidence.”

Chamberlain Zeena is the last to stand, struggling with her cane but manages to lift herself up. “Therefore, Princess Raya must show great effort to prove to us that she can be trusted like the adult you claim she is. Who knows, maybe in her eighteenth year we will be surprised.”

That is the least he can expect from them, and that should be enough. Chief Benja nods, offering the sign of respect with his hands above his head. “Thank you. I just know she will rise to the occasion again.”

“Namaari, window! Window! Window!”

CRASH

All eyes stare at the slumped form of two teenagers surrounded by broken wood and capiz. More shockingly, to some of the elderly, the cause for concern is their physical state.

Rumpled clothing. Reddish faces. Bruises. But what was not helping their case, unbeknownst to Raya, is the princess’s laughter while the fang warrior could only offer the sign of supplication amidst her mortification and quiet whispers of ‘Raya, stop laughing.’ This only cause the other to laugh harder, eyes still shut as she wheezes with mirth.

Chamberlain Zeena faints from shock while the rest of the Chamberlains could look on in disappointment before turning to find Chief Benja’s sheepish and pained smile.

Chapter Text

On the deck of The Sandwich, three people stand at the ready. The three, unfortunately, have no choice in the matter as they try their best not to jostle the apples atop their heads.

“Try not to kill them, Your Highness,” advises one older man. His graying head of hair is shielded from the sun by a parasol, with the free hand venturing up to adjust his spectacles. “Theft is oft punished but not at the cost of one’s life…typically.”

Opposite him, another man releases a booming laugh. His tricorn hat nearly tips to the side as he downs another drink before roaring, “Kill them, I say! Traitors, the lot of em!” A belch interrupts his tirade, and then he continues, “Show them the consequences of stealing from royalty!”

“Gentlemen, please.” A woman of tall stature begins, finishing tying the blindfold around her head before addressing them. Despite having no vision, she nods in the direction of the first man. “Lord Knud, at ease. Rest assured, I plan to kill no one today.” Then she nods to the belching man next. “And Admiral Kolinkar, do ease up on the drinking. The consequences of stealing seem less dire than the consequences of overindulgence.”

She spins on her heel until her back once more faces the quivering thieves behind her. Her palm opens and closes around the arrow given to her by an attendant, then she unslings her bow.

“Now, I’d rather the both of you assist me than gripe like the respective angel and devil on my shoulders. How tall is Miss Clara?” A whimper sounds from behind her, supposedly this Miss Clara.

The advisor clears his throat and supplies the answer. “Five feet, Princess Inga.”

Princess Inga releases the arrow.

Thuck!

Another arrow is placed on her palm. “For Mister Adam?” A whispered prayer is barely heard through the thief’s gag.

The admiral belches before replying. “Five and a half, lass!”

Princess Inga releases the arrow.

Thuck!

The last arrow is given, but she pauses. “This one is Mister Oliver, correct? The cook’s assistant? I remember because he’s seven feet tall, or I estimate as such.”

Lord Knud huffs. “Also, the one who has convinced the two to join his attempt at larceny.”

An effort of denial is silenced by the gag. “I see.”

Admiral chuckles raucously. “A jester, you are!” He slaps his hand over his knee before shouting, “Just kill him already!”

Princess Inga releases the last arrow.

Thuck!

It is silent on the deck before the princess removes her blindfold. When she turns, she addresses the thieves who are stunned into silence. The attendants begin to release them. “Board one of the rowboats and get out of my sight,” she adds with a glare to the remark.

They all hurry to obey, and Princess Inga sighs before taking the drink offered by the admiral. “Are we at least closer to our destination?”

“Struggling with your sea legs, lass?” teases the pudgier man. “Chin up. You’ll love the surprise awaiting you there.” He drinks before finishing, “At least, if Nimrod knows what’s good for him.”

“Do avoid threatening the locals, Kolinkar,” drawls the lankier of the two, “I fear you’ll justify her ill manners.” Princess Inga sticks out a tongue in retaliation. “My point exactly.”

Lord Knud then stands, pointing down at the map atop the table between them. A note, written with a shaky hand and poor penmanship, is embedded with a dagger.

One word stands out, however, making it more valuable to the fourteenth daughter of the king.

“mAgiC.”

Chapter Text

Namaari’s mother has tasked her as Fang’s ambassador throughout the lands. And every time, Namaari is warned to never ever let her guard down.

And it has proven to be helpful advice. From dodging arrows, poisoned drinks, and attempts to trap her and Fang into a life-crushing debt, Namaari believes she has already seen what some people who refused the peace or those who remained distrustful could do during the healing of Kumandra.

Months passed and even almost a year nearing the anniversary that Namaari believes the hostilities lessened. There was only one arrow that time too.

But it was that arrow that has given Namaari startling clarity of another topic.

She remembered it clearly.  The rest of Raya’s companions were present for a formal yet fun lunch. A ‘funch’ that Sisudatu oh so coined and planned for the diplomats, representatives, and tourists gathering at Heart for trade and recreation.

Sisudatu also planned the seating arrangements and to Namaari’s surprise, she wasn’t situated next to Boun like she was usually at the rare times she would join them. No, that day, she had to sit next to Raya.

And well, Raya just finished training. She didn’t even change into the formal outfit expected of her. Namaari saw the visible horror on the Heart Elders’ faces when Raya, sweaty and matted hair, simply sat down on the banig, helped herself to the food and just started eating messily. Even ignoring all the reactions happening around her.

Namaari couldn’t ignore the way her own heart skipped a beat when Raya paused mid-chew and turned her head to meet Namaari’s own surprised expression. And then Raya smiled. Juice had spilled from her lip, a little on her nose, and she garbled something quickly with food still in her mouth.

Namaari shouldn’t have lowered her guard then, but she did. The arrow had the perfect target and let loose, aiming for Namaari’s shoulder blade.

It was Raya who shielded her using the fruit pan. The rest of the funch had been a blur, but after the chaos settled, Raya proudly gave her case that the reason she was late was because she spotted the assassin and wanted to draw her out, even if Raya’s elders weren’t amused.

Namaari approached once the assassin was sent to be interrogated. “How did you know?” she had asked that day.

Raya shrugged, rubbing her head sheepishly. “Honestly I just reacted when I saw the arrow fly in, don’t tell my ba or the chamberlains.” And she ended that casual statement with a grin.

And Namaari was done for. She understood this feeling. She had experienced it maybe thrice or five times but this, regarding Raya, it was stronger.

She chalked it up to adrenaline but no, the feeling remained the same.

“Hey, Kumandra to Maari? Someone in there?” Raya’s voice draws Namaari back to the present.

She feels the poking against her head, and she glares at her who continues to smile teasingly. “It’s Namaari and I was just…thinking.”

“’Thinking?’” Raya echoes. “Well, don’t hurt yourself too much there.” She laughs while dodging the muck tossed at her.

Under the late afternoon sun, two humans and a dragon are on the roof of the Heart Palace. The former pair are serving their punishment after the incident with the broken window.

Namaari rolled her eyes at the other while fighting down the urge to stare at Raya, focusing on the task of cleaning muck off the roof.

“Anyway, this is boring. Wanna bail?”

“’Bail’?” It was Namaari’s turn to echo the other’s words. “Raya, we can’t just do that. You’ve seen the looks on their faces –

“And it was hilarious,” Raya lazily smiles, then it deflates slightly at Namaari’s look. “Hey. Come on. They know it was an accident. Sides, they gave the tamest punishment here. They can’t really stay mad at us.”

A sigh escapes Namaari. Of course. She should have remembered how…indulgent the adults of Heart are. “At you, you mean.” The fang princess corrects before adding, “But still, you shouldn’t take advantage of their forgiving nature. If this happened in Fang we’ll be kneeling in salt for an hour.”

“Salt?” Raya raises a brow. The scraper handle she is balancing in her palm falls and clutters on the roof before she picks it up and repeats the action. “That’s a thing?”

“It teaches discipline.” But Namaari’s is unfortunately waning seeing how relaxed the other was, not serving her half of their joined sentence. “It leaves an impression, a consequence. That way trouble-making binturis like you don’t do it again.” She barely manages to hold back her biting tone.

Raya sticks her tongue out at Namaari, disregarding the warrior’s efforts to be civil. “That sounds harsh.”

Namaari shrugs. “That’s Fang, but I’m sure Heart’s dearest princess never experienced one.” Now the jealousy seeps into her words before she could process it.

Raya furrows her brows. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.”

Raya glares. “If you have something to say you can just spit it out.”

“I said it was nothing.” Namaari is glaring too, only the intensity fizzles when she realizes she and Raya’s faces are closer now. Raya continues to glare at her.

Come on, Namaari. Calm down.

“So, let me just sum this all up really quick,” Sisu finally interrupts with a grin where she has been reclining in the air, “you two, because of your usual play-tussle, ended up cleaning muck off the roof for two weeks,” she recoils at said muck, pointing a claw at the disgruntled fang princess. “I can understand Raya being the troublemaker –

“Hey!”

- but you, Namaari? Miss perfect?”

“Please do not remind me, Sisudatu,” groans Namaari. “I will be already in so much trouble when I get home.”

“Pretty unfair to send Atitaya off first come to think of it, but hey, guess who’s sleeping over?” Raya elbows the other but gets no response.

Sisu flies down in time as Raya keeps getting a rise out of Namaari. “Really. I swear it’s just love and hate between you both.”

Namaari immediately turns away with a blush while Raya tilts a head. “What?”

The dragon eyes the subtle head shaking from the fang princess and smiles sadly before perking up, “Never mind! Anyways, at least with this sentence you escaped working on that boring work, huh Raya?”

 A groan answers her. “Nope. After that stunt, I expect it will be doubled.”

“Tripled,” corrects Namaari before glaring, “still, it wouldn’t have happened if you just did it like you’re supposed to.”

“We can’t all be good girls like you, Princess Undercut.” Namaari huff before deciding enough is enough. Raya continues to shovel the muck but a hand on her wrist stops her. “Hey, you want my share too, overachiever?”

“Raya, is something wrong?” Namaari asks. To the side, she briefly heard Sisu’s faint “Oh no” until she ducks out. The fang princess continues, “Is that why you’ve been acting out?”

For this question, a violent action responds to it. Raya roughly pulls her hand back. “Wow, pretty pushing it, binturi. You don’t want to chase but you want to talk about feelings?” She shakes her head, mouthing ‘acting out?’ under her breath.

Namaari should take that as a first warning to stop the conversation. But she is too worried upon seeing Raya crossing her arms. An attempt to embrace herself, self-soothing and insecure. Far from the confident binturi she has come to lo -

Namaar’s heart beats in time to her shift in cadence. “It just seems to me you need to talk about something, dep la,” Namaari uses her gentlest tone, one she sometimes uses around orphans of Fang that she knows for sure can calm them down. “I’m here to help if you need –

“I don’t need your pity,” growls Raya.

Pity? Where on Kumadra did she get that? I’m trying to comfort her!

Namaari fights to reel in her temper. She fails. It’s like going on a trial by fire every time she’s around Raya. And Namaari burns with anger. And a flame of another sort. People of Fang had different and varied views on what attraction could be and it is just the Princess of Fang’s luck she enjoys the kind that Raya lit in her. Frustration. Edging on deep exasperation. Exhaustion.

But for Raya, fatigue is lost in this sea of longing.

I’m so gonna drown. Scratch that, I am already drowning. A wry chuckle unwittingly escapes Namaari at that thought, though she should have checked on the other’s own level of amusement right now. Usually, she can read the room. Another blind spot to the many Raya induced now. “It’s not pity, idiot. It’s –

“Oh, so now I’m an idiot!” Raya stands and Namaari, with every instinct of a warrior trained into her, matches the height automatically. Let not the enemy gain advantage, her instructors have taught her.

Unfortunately, this is not the appropriate approach for someone with similar upbringing. Raya takes a fighting stance, and Namaari instinctively braces herself.

But Sisudatu quickly puts a clawed hand up. “Okay, enough!” Her shout snaps Namaari back into focus, instantly dropping her guard. Another mistake on her part because Raya twists out of Sisu’s way to tackle her.

And off the roof of Heart’s Palace. Joy.

“I did not think this through!” Raya screams into Namaari’s ear as they descend.

Namaari groans but pulls Raya close. “No, you didn’t!” Namaari turns, maneuvering her body instinctively to take the brunt of the impact and placing Raya on top of her. Her hands grip her waist, ignoring the flare and warmth in her chest at the action.

Her heart nearly stops when Raya hugs her tighter, burying her face in the crook of her neck. Namaari’s breath catches just in time a blur of blue does.

The last thing Namaari sees is the fear in Raya’s eyes and idly thinks that’s not a good look on her.

Then her vision goes dark.

Chapter Text

Chief Benja pinches the bridge of his nose yet still hears the ringing and yelling of the elders. Learning that a royal princess has been hurt in your land is not really what he needs to hear. Even more so upon learning that it is due to the land’s princess that has Fang’s heir and greatest warrior in need of bed rest.

But that’s Raya, I suppose. That’s his daughter. He tries so hard to understand her since their reunion, but things have drastically changed, no matter how he wishes it doesn’t.

His daughter could now cut her mangoes into squares all by herself. She no longer crashes into his sleeping quarters during stormy nights, outgrowing her fear of booming thunder and harsh streaks of light. She isn’t so short as before too, where during great floods the water is about her shoulders. She climbs trees faster than the mawumag and lands as agile as a cat.

She doesn’t need him to take the knife and make crisscrossing cuts around the pisngi of mangoes before pushing the bottom of the fruit to form a flower.

She doesn’t need him to take her in his arms during stormy nights, covering his blanket over themselves while distracting her with funny and scary stories.

She doesn’t need him putting her on top of his shoulders as the flood threatened to take them away when they were evacuating his people from their flooded homes.

She doesn’t need him to lift her up the Narra trees when the Elders were being too much and then later catch her as she bravely jumps towards his arms once she was done shrugging off their criticisms.

Raya doesn’t need him anymore, but he would be damned if he still doesn’t try to be there for her. Some things will never change, this he knows in his heart.

Raya still loves to take bites starting from the center of the mango flower.

Raya still feels tense around quick flashes of light as thunder surprises her with a roar.

Raya still insists she joins the other adults during flood evacuation protocols.

And Raya still climbs trees to help herself feel better.

Chief Benja wipes his eyes, before slowly sitting down under the tree Raya was on. They sit there in silence. Not speaking. Simply hearing the crickets and the frogs and the swishing and swaying of leaves and trees.

“…I didn’t mean to do that to Namaari.” Raya breaks through the quiet.

Benja makes a noncommittal hum, eyes still closed and hands resting atop his thighs. There is a thud, feet landing on the grassy muddy ground. Then his daughter sits next to him, leaning her head against his shoulder.

One of his hands reaches up but then brings it down.

He is surprised when a callused hand takes it to put it atop her head. Like he used to do.

Benja sighs, heart squeezing in pain. His eyes open. His heart tightens more at the sight of her tears.

He uses his other hand to gently wipe it away. “I’m here to listen, when you’re ready.”

“Ba…”

Benja readies himself.

“…do you think, I’m not acting like a real princess?”

Benja breaths deeply, gently massaging his daughter’s hair. “You bloom in your own time,” he repeats what he has been saying to the council for years. “Like your mother.”

He notices her body tenses at the last word. Ah. He supposes that’s a clue, even if he is still unclear how that’s related to the incident. Sisu has also been inconsolable, regretting she hasn’t acted on time.

Benja luckily has experience consoling people even if a dragon has been a first. Either way, what matters is that Namaari’s fine.

“Please don’t compare me to her.”

He blinks and startles at the vitriol in Raya’s voice. “What?”

“Ma. She’s not – I’m not her,” Raya huffs and pulls away. She stands, pacing and running a hand through her dark tresses. Her other hands shake. When she does that, Benja could only see what Raya couldn’t. Or what she is denying.

“Raya –

“Yet they think I am. And that I can’t do what I’m expected to do. I can’t, I can’t, I can’t!” Suddenly Raya punches the bark, emphasizing each repeat of the phrase. “And I’m confused, Ba! Because then they go around saying ‘You’re too young to be wearing that’ or ‘Wait for a guard to accompany you, hija’ or just, gah!” Raya huffs and puffs. “It’s like they don’t know whether to treat me like an adult or a child and I’m just lost as them and it’s frustrating.”

Benja’s heart breaks. He doesn’t know Raya has been feeling this way about the Chamberlains. She always laughs every word off. Then again, he should have remembered sooner she’s the type to bottle things up.

And like her mother, everything just… explodes when she’s had enough.

The best way he has learned is to let her sort it out. So Benja sits quietly and listens with a heavy heart.

“And the worse part, Namaari acted like them. I thought she would be different. You know how hard it is for me to make let alone keep friends and I’m sure Princess Undercut’s popular everywhere.” Raya weakly furrows her brows. “I don’t know how to do that. I don’t want to lose her.”

Raya’s hand falls to the side.

“Guess I messed that up too.”

He watches the rising and falling of her shoulders. He endures every painful word Raya speaks. But he can never tolerate hearing his daughter cry.

Benja takes Raya’s hands into his, squeezing once. Twice. Then he uses his thumb to circle atop her palm. A focus point. “Dewdrop, I can’t … I can’t speak for anyone but from what I’ve seen? From what I’ve observed? I can confidently say Namaari’s not going anywhere.” That girl’s tough. It honestly has surprised Heart’s healers to learn that the Fang Princess just has a bump in the head.

As the chief idly wonders what Virana has been feeding her daughter – Raya takes priority once he hears her sniffles.

“But-

“She followed you throughout Druun-invested lands.”

A watery chuckle escapes Raya, followed by a snort. Raya wipes her eyes away with the back of her palm. Benja resists telling her not to do that but luckily catches himself on time.

“That loser wanted her scroll so bad.”

Benja does his best not to respond to that. Patience, Benja. “Maybe,” is what he settles on then, “but it could be possible she was looking out for you too. Anyway,” He tries to change the subject, not even remotely prepared for that kind of conversation right now. One step at a time or his own heart will give out at this point. He is a protective father, sue him.

But that’s the problem, isn’t it? Another voice comments on his mind. Raya doesn’t need you to protect her. Just guide her and hope that is enough. The chief fights to silence it but its truth rings loud and clear.

“Anyway,” Benja says, “the point I’m trying to make Dewdrop, is that Namaari is a good sort, and I doubt she would be scared off by this.” He then rests a hand on her shoulder, “And Raya, you are exactly who you need to be. Block everything else. Block what everyone’s saying. Trust yourself. If you have to evolve, do it at your own pace and because you want to.”

Raya bites her lip, toying with the loose thread of her pants. “I… don’t want to be like mom.”

And this part hurts his entire being. Benja stares skyward, finding the strength to keep his composure. “Your mother –

He can’t say her name. Not yet. He’s not ready.

Raya seems to be too because she holds up her hands immediately. “But we can skip that talk! I mean it’s been a long day, and I’m good now.” She’s not a good liar too.

Benja knows he’s freezing up at the very mention of his former wife. He’s unable to control his expression. Couldn’t keep the hurt flashing through his eyes and pain curling his lip. He is a creature of the heart, and the downside is that every emotion is visible. Including heartbreak.

“Raya –

“It’s fine! Again, we don’t have to talk about her. I mean, why should we, right? She left since I was five.”

Benja sighs.

She was. Because she was happy that her daughter was a great distraction, giving her the opening to steal the gem.

Raya scratches her neck, looking anywhere but him. Benja can’t stop the influx of thoughts. Thoughts that he can’t form into words and leave his mouth as his mind races to that night. Where everything has changed for the worse. Luckily the Chamberlains were on guardian duty as the majority had their attention on Heart’s cherished child.

The silence causes Raya to ramble. “The royal life wasn’t fit for her, I guess. Heh, we got that in common at least.” Benja wants to say so much.

She also climbs trees whenever she feels upset or overwhelmed. She loves running bare foot throughout the forests and tracking mud indoors.

That there’s more to his wife than the scant memories Raya has. Even more so. Because no matter what, Benja still cannot say the full truth.

I’m sorry, Raya. I’m sorry I can’t tell you that your mother just used your birthday as the opportunity she had been waiting for. The opportunity to get the dragon gem when its security had been decreased. I’m sorry all you had to remember her by is Tuk-Tuk. I’m sorry I didn’t see the signs of her betrayal sooner.

But Benja takes a deep breath to reassess. To understand that maybe the truth is no longer something he can shield Raya from. “Your mother’s…decisions were her own, Raya. And consequences.” He places a hand on her shoulder. Trying to get through to her. That whatever his wife did do, that’s in the past. He still loves her.

But he is…saying the wrong thing. Because his daughter flinches once he finishes his statement. Her eyes harden into a glare. “Choosing to leave is worse.”

“Raya –

“I should go. Apologize to the binturi I mean. Great talk, ba. Really. Thanks.”

“Raya!” But she flees, ignoring his call. Benja stands there, legs frozen on the spot and unable to go after her. He fails again.

He couldn’t be the father Raya needs. Just the chief, but never the father. Just like he is no longer fit to be called a husband when he gave the order of his wife’s execution all those years ago. As punishment for her crimes.

Chapter Text

“You are one bloodthirsty baby,” Pranee murmurs with bewilderment while watching Noi take all the winnings from their game of Sungka. The dragon has shifted into her human disguise after reveling in the offerings from the people of Talon early that morning. Her older brother Pengu warns her to avoid mingling so much with the humans. Sisu has already been appointed as the human liaison and is responsible for all human affairs.

One dragon has been enough to change the course of human history and Pengu wants to keep it that way.

Pranee shakes her head but proceeds to congratulate Noi who giggles cutely before showing her winnings to her mother. It seems she is done with fishing for the day. “Whoa, that’s a good haul,” Pranee whistles with a smile, watching Noi’s mother work. It is always fascinating how humans deal with mundane tasks without magic. The Ongis pops in from behind Mayumi, helping set down the baskets for their family fish stall.

“We have been fortunate this morning. Another dragon has graced us today, Myrel!” Mayumi exclaims, before striding to press a kiss on her daughter’s head.

Pranee blinks before remembering herself. Right, she is Myrel, the human wanderer from the outlands. Once a loyal customer of fish but now known babysitter. ‘Myrel’ clears her throat. “Right, cool. Wow, I should have seen Sisu. Sisudatu I mean. Bummer.”

“Oh, the dragon was not Sisudatu,” Mayumi murmurs, carrying Noi while readying the stall for opening. “I think it was one of her siblings, but I do not remember the names.”

It shouldn’t hurt but it does. So much history of theirs has been wiped out thanks to the Druun and its followers. Luckily one of them still has her name intact. Pranee shouldn’t be jealous, but she is. Why is Sisu, who has no specialty, the one chosen by Pengu to hold all their magic? Why is Sisu’s name the only one allowed to be remembered?

She has trusted her siblings to save them, (yes, even Pengu’s ancient wisdom) do not get her wrong, but she wonders why her of all dragons every second. Pengu usually is forthcoming with his explanations as is her right as his second, but now he is almost secluding himself within Fang’s archives.

Idly, Pranee wonders if the vision he has for this era is not fully over.

“Ah, Nimrod you just arrived in time,” Myrel’s voice brings Pranee back to the present once again. She turns to see the typically nervous human hunching over the stall selections. “First in line for the freshest batch.”

Nimrod, a scrawny looking kumandran, smiles nervously before retrieving his odd eyewear from his pockets. Pranee always finds it interesting how he is the only one who wears that thing and only brings it out when no one is around.

“Yes, thank you Mayumi. May I have my usual?”

As Mayumi nods before she sets to work, Pranee once more observes while Noi jumps into her lap to start playing with her dark black hair. The dragon-in-hiding is lucky some fraction of her power’s specialty remains, but she wishes she could choose a new hair color this time around. Just another thing she cannot help envying Sisu on.

Pranee glances up to see Nimrod looking about, tapping his finger on the counter while also bringing out another curious item. It is small, easily fitting inside his pocket, and seems to be made from metal. Silver, if Pranee guesses since it is almost abundant under Talon.

She should know, because in the old days she made a game of it to lure some humans who are looking for a few deposits. Never all at once of course, just tiny ones.

“Cool thing,” Pranee couldn’t stop herself from speaking before smiling at the human who jumps at her words.

Pranee watches in amusement as he scrambles to hide the thing again.

“Ahem. Yes. Very cool. Thank you, Mayumi.” He says the last part to Noi’s mother who finishes wrapping the fish in paper. He deposits his jade but suddenly running from an onslaught of people hits his shoulder, making him drop his purse. The Ongis make quick work on pouncing on the fallen item while Pranee narrows her eyes again.

For a dock worker, he awfully has too much jade this morning since there’s not really a lot of trade going on yet. Distance from other lands makes Talon’s markets busier at night than in the mornings. So why are there more people heading to the docks now?

“Oh my, very rude,” Mayumi murmurs, thanking the Ongis before returning the purse to Nimrod who recovers himself. Pranee kisses Noi’s forehead to hide her smirk and distract the baby from laughing as Mayumi also pilfers a helping of jade from the oblivious customer.

In Talon, one will only get in trouble if they are caught. This is why Pranee loves this land.

Nimrod truly is not at his best this morning to not comment on it. Pranee wonders if it has anything to do with the excitement from a crowd that is slowly gathering and growing louder.

“I must go see this. Good day, Mayumi. Myrel.” Nimrod runs, clutching his Salakot in a bid to push past people.

Pranee really needs to see this. Her curious piqued, she settles Noi gently back into her mother’s arms and bids farewell. She also takes the jade Mayumi has just stolen as her babysitting dues, exchanging knowing and amused smiles from Noi’s family.

Now, she prepares to investigate what all the fuss about is but as she turns a corner, the last thing she sees is a mirror. Then nothing.

Chapter Text

The morning of Raya’s birthday, Sisu couldn’t find the birthday girl herself. After hanging out with Namaari the whole day yesterday, the dragon has flown everywhere searching high and low for the princess of Heart.

She pops her head in kitchens, startles passing farmers, and even breaks into the Chamberlains’ meeting room. No one has seen her but the priestess blinks and gives a possible location.

Sisu makes a mental note to give her a gift because she has been the only one helpful and not making the sign of supplication at her. Even cooler, she does not look nervous at all talking to her, which is always a bonus. Sisu likes humans and she’ll like them better if they treat her just like them.

The dragon takes to the skies as Pengu summons the rain. She waves to every human she meets, only hesitating when she sees the awe in their eyes. Like she’s the one who did it.

It’s not fair she gets all the credit for something her big brother has done but he says that’s the lingering curse of the Druun. And the downsides of being gone for so long that memories and stories have changed and gotten lost.

Sisu figures that he’s working with Chief Verana to piece together what remains of their names in history but for now the people could only believe there’s a single dragon named Sisu who’s great at, well, dragon-ing.

Sisu does her best to prop up her siblings too but all they get is blank and unsure smiles. The dragons in turn have chosen to hide away as well, only coming up to briefly mingle. Guess one of Sisu’s powers is love for socializing. Heh.

The dragon shakes her head before finding the location she needs. After a couple of twists and turns and dodging a trap someone may have forgotten to deactivate, Sisu lands with her arms raised in the arm.

There’s no applause, just the sound of Raya grunting and stomping as she trains. Shaking her head, Sisu smiles and waves. “Hey, Raya ole buddy ole pal. Whatcha doin?”

And of course she’s ignored. Her best friend gets like this sometimes. Rather to focus on whatever she’s doing than feel the feelings. Which is weird. Like Sisu doesn’t get why Raya doesn’t want to cry if she wants to cry. It’s alright not to be okay, as her siblings always preach.

Shaking her head again, Sisu toes along the edges of the training circle. “So…healers said Namaari’s gonna be fine,” Sisu opens the conversation again, not surprised to see Raya still going at it with the training contraptions. But she’s happily stunned when her best friend speaks up.

“That’s great,” Raya says, a touch out of breath. The bamboo poles she’s using closes and opens, trying to snap at Raya’s feet. Come to think of it, it looks familiar. Something that prickles at her memory.

Sisu watches the thing with a frown before shaking her head. “Yep. All good. Luckily the healers are used to seeing either of you there so no questions were asked.”

“Good.” Raya leaps and hops again, showing her agility.

“Yeah, so when are you apologizing?” Sisu leans against the contraption, staring down Raya with a look.

“Working on it now,” Raya taps a finger against her sweaty temple before finishing her training with a backflip. She looks at her friends, expecting applause but all she gets is another look. Raya groans. “I’ll tell her when I visit.”

“Which will be tonight or tomorrow or how about, now?”

Raya sighs, shaking her head and gesturing to the contraption. “Soon. Now, let’s talk about your sudden hatred for this thing.” She knocks on the wood with an amused smirk.

Sisu huffs, knowing Raya wants to change the subject now but obliges as she flies around. “Just don’t like seeing things I used to know being used for anything related to fighting.”

Sisu and her siblings are horrified that some of the art forms that she has grown to love have been changed to just weapons. So much knowledge has been lost or misused.

She points a talon at Raya. “Why don’t we throw this out now? We’re Kumandra again, there’s no need to prepare for a fight.”

“Gotta keep in shape,” Raya shrugs,” sides, this helps me think. It’s actually fun when you’re not thinking about possibly fighting binturis. Almost like –

“Dancing,” Sisu finishes with a nostalgic smile.

“Dancing?”

Sisu smiles, nodding excitedly. Maybe Raya’s not big on the whole ‘boring history lessons’ Sisu rambles about but she still tries to share what she could remember. “Yeah, humans of my time used this for dancing.”

“Dancing?” Raya echoes again, gesturing to the sturdy bamboo poles that has once snapped her ankles when she made a mistake. “They could hurt their feet with this,” Raya smiles wryly.

“Pshaw. Only if those holding these bamboo sticks aren’t in sync with the dancers. Come on, look,” Sisu shifts into her human form, giddily going over to the other end. She tries to dislodge them from the training contraption, straining and grunting. “Uh, Raya buddy, little help?”

Raya shakes her head fondly but indulges her friend.

It takes a few hours but with teamwork, they finally set the bamboo sticks down. Raya stands, dusting her hands while watching Sisu squatting and inspecting the items. “What now?”

“Hang on. Galli and Rallus used to love this dance,” Sisu smiles unconsciously, and Raya can’t help matching it. It’s written in Sisu’s face and it’s personally satisfying to see if Raya being honest. Her dragon friend is old but she’s not like the old people she hangs out with in Heart.

There’s wisdom in Sisu’s eyes as she tries to summon memories of her friends from the past, but instead of a bitter longing for what has passed, it’s like Sisu highlights the happier moments and decides that’s more important.  

“I think it’s because Philip and Pensis showed them this after watching a bird dodge some traps.”

Sisu taps one of the twelve-foot poles. “There’s a rhythm to this. Come on, what was it again?”

Raya watches and waits, tapping mindlessly.

“Good try, but it’s a 3/4 beat.” Raya and Sisu jump before whirling to face the entrance. Namaari emerges from the shadows, smirk losing some of its impact with another wince with every step forward. “Fang used to hold these kinds of dances, in between trainings.”

Raya stands first, striding towards her fellow warrior. As she stops, tilting her head up a bit at the other princess, the words she is about to say clutters and jumbles in her head. So long hours of overthinking.

She manages to salvage only a few. “I’m sorry, binturi.”

Even without looking at the dragon, Raya knows Sisu cringes. “Maybe not add an insult at the end of your apology.”

Self-conscious, Raya hugs herself. She expects Namaari would agree but the new arrival merely inclines her head with a small soft smile. “It’s fine. And apology received.”

Raya, on the other hand, wouldn’t leave it alone just like that. “That’s it? I’m forgiven? Namaari, I hurt you!”

“Well, I did betray you, so,” Namaari’s attempt at levity falls short again with another wince while sitting crossed leg.

Raya shakes her head. “Dep la, come on, at least –

“How about you help me help Sisudatu relive this dance, and we’ll call it even,” Namaari then grasps the ends, not waiting for Raya’s response while testing her hold onto the bamboo poles.

Raya bites her lip before shrugging. “Fine.” She still frowns, brows scrunching in contemplation as she takes her place on the other side. She glances to Namaari, finding the Fang princess staring at her again. “I said fine, right? Now come on and teach me already.”

Namaari snaps out of whatever that was. Raya seriously needs to ask what’s with the staring, but Sisu pipes in with a question, “So Namaari, how does Fang know this oldie dance?”

“Before we are… assassins, some of us remain to be scholars,” Namaari begins to tap against to an invisible beat. Raya continues to hold on, not following yet while watching the movements and nodding her head slightly at the tap and click and clack. “Some also as archivists.” She continues to smack the bamboo poles down but in a pattern that Raya could barely follow. “From the texts that we manage to salvage, the ancients used to call this “Tinikling”, named after a bird, so Sisudatu’s memory is not entirely incorrect.”

“Knew it!” Sisu pumps her fist into the air, causing the two to laugh.

“Some legends also said how this was used to punish our people, notably in a time when Druuns had followers. Sometimes from beyond our lands.” Namaari frowns, “Their followers would punish those of us who can’t fight but they trained themselves to dodge –

“Aha!” Raya interrupts, pointing at Sisu. “See, they still used it for training!”

 - yes,” Namaari rolls her eyes but glances at Raya with a soft smile. Raya unconsciously matches it before the other warrior suddenly looks away. Raya frowns but Namaari continues, “just follow after me, kay?”

Raya hesitates before giving a nod.

“Ow.”

“Sorry, Sisu,” Raya groans.

“Owie.”

“I’m not getting it.”

“It’s alright – ow!

“Sorry, again. Ugh.”

“No harm no foul, Raya! I’m a tough girl. Ow.”

“I keep messing up,” Raya huffs, trying to match Namaari per beat and tap and smack.

But nothing.

“You can do it!” Sisu winces after her praise before shooting a look at Namaari who is focusing intently on the bamboo poles. “Hey, Namaari, why don’t you give Raya some tips over there?” And maybe look at her at least once, for my sake.

Namaari snaps to attention. As her gaze finally lands on Raya, she clears her throat. “You’re doing great.”

Oh my self, she’s hopeless! Sisu winces and glares at the other warrior but luckily Raya speaks first. “You like watching me mess up, huh?”

Namaari pulls her shoulders back. “No!” She clears her throat and blushes when her voice notably cracks at the word. “No, I mean. Raya, I don’t want you to mess up but…I also don’t want to say the wrong thing again.”

“You didn’t –

“Oh, so throwing me off the roof is just your form of affection?” Namaari rolls her eyes. Her blush wouldn’t fade. “I know I may have touched a nerve, Raya. It’s alright and I’m sorry if I did.”

“…look,” Raya lets go of the bamboos, ignoring Sisu who grasps and mumbles apologies to her injured feet, before she pierces Namaari with an intense look. “I just have things I don’t like talking about, but it doesn’t mean I can just…do that.” Raya frowns, brows furrowing. “There are consequences to my actions. But I’m choosing to own up to them.”

In a blink, Raya suddenly bows to Namaari.

“Punish me.”

Raya hears Namaari’s breath hitch at the words. Raya knows about Fang’s discipline methods. They subscribe to an ‘eye for an eye’ policy. The land of Heart is different. They focus on second chances. Believing there’s good in everyone.

Raya doesn’t. Or else she should have forgiven her mother long ago. Yet as each hour creeps on closer to her birthday, her mind comes back to that night. And all the pain, anger, and sadness that comes along with it. There are no more distractions from the Druun and the pressures of uniting Kumandra. It leaves Raya more time to think and to feel.

Two things she really hates doing.

Like now. The silence and lack of response makes her mind race to other thoughts. Thoughts that she quickly banishes as Raya looks up to yell at the binturi for making her wait.

Yet when she does, she takes Namaari in. Who stares. Raya freezes but doesn’t look away. She glares.

It causes those eyes to dilate further.

Raya’s heart skips but she ignores it to focus on her annoyance. “Hey! Kumandra to Namaari?” She snaps her fingers in front of the dep la’s face. The Fang princess startles yet keeps looking at her oddly. Then to Raya’s surprise there’s a gentle hand that grabs hers.

“I don’t want to punish you. I’m sorry.”

Raya frowns. “What? You don’t think I can take it?”

Yet Namaari just shakes her head but speaks quickly before Raya could growl out a retort. Her eyes find Raya’s. The heart princess idly thinks Namaari has actually pretty eyes for a binturi.

But her words quickly melt the thought away. “I don’t want to hurt you again.”

Raya blinks yet Namaari doesn’t let go of their joined hands. Her brows furrow in confusion. Because she’s wondering why she doesn’t pull away. Though it’s nice. The pressure around her hand is grounding. Anchoring.

But Raya’s not gonna let this dep la distract her. “It’s not like that. Sides. I hurt you now.”

There’s a chuckle and finally Namaari’s acting normal again because she smirks. “Trust me. The kind of hurt you’ve done pales in comparison to what I’m feeling right now.”

“…what?” Raya’s majorly confused. She’s not making any sense, yet Namaari just shrugs with tinted red cheeks.

Raya just shakes her head and pulls away, raising her hands up. “Fine. But I still want to make up for it.” She crosses her arms. “What do you want?”

“…I want you to be honest.”

Now that binturi’s playing games. Raya’s about to stand and leave but the look on Namaari’s face is just so genuinely real.

“Anything that’s bothering you, I want you to know you can always talk to me about it,” she hurries to add, “if you want to that is. From my experience, talking helps.” She stares at Raya, even leaning forward. Raya doesn’t back away.

“But I know now that’s not something that comes easy to you, so I’ll wait until it does.” She smiles, soft yet earnest. “And I’m here willing to wait. You’re not going to get rid of me that easily.”

Raya wants to say how condescending that sounds. That there’s no “something that comes easy or hard” for Raya because she’s not a screw up! She also doesn’t need help.

And yet…

Raya can’t help feeling startled from the intensity in Namaari’s gaze. It feels like she’s drowning but Raya still wants to fight for air. To kick and push through the tides threatening to pull her under. Raya’s choice is hers and hers alone.

So right now, Raya huffs and flicks Namaari on the forehead. She ignores the yelp as her hand toys with the loose thread again before looking into the other girl’s eyes. “Yeah. I believe you. You always seem to be everywhere all those years ago.” Raya chuckles and teases with a grin. “Should have figured that I can’t get away from you, even now.”

Namaari furrows her brow immediately, rubbing the spot where Raya has hit. “I can stop, you know. Chasing you that is. I will, just say the word.”

“Nah,” Raya’s answer is quick, even before her mind catches up to the word. Odd, but she means it too. “Sides, you’re the only one who can keep up with me.” And it is a comforting thought. Has been for the six years. That wherever Raya goes, Namaari’s not far behind.

Raya blinks before she grins. A sudden idea comes to her that could probably fix their dancing issue. “Let me lead this time.”

“…huh?”

Raya scoffs. “The dancing thing? We’re offbeat right? That’s because you’re leading.” Raya gestures to the poles. “Or at least dancing to another person’s tune. I’d say we do ours. Like we’ve always done.”

Namaari tilts her head. Then she smiles with a nod. “Okay. I’ll follow.”

Her smile’s pretty too. Raya idly thinks before shaking her head. She gestures to the dragon in the room. “Alright, Sisu, this time – oh, you alright?” Raya raises a brow once seeing Sisu failing to hide her smile. Sisu fails and just ends up squishing her cheeks together while glancing at the two humans.

“I –

Sisu glances at Raya’s shoulder

– I think I’m feeling confident we’re gonna nail this dance now. Just, try not to snap my feet off please.”

Raya tilts her head, but Namaari quickly moves into position. With a shrug, Raya claims her spot and, unable to resist, smirks up at the binturi. “Think you can keep up?”

“Heh. Always, dep la.”