Chapter 5: HEART

They all made it back to the boat in record time. Since Sisu's cover was already completely blown, she remained in her dragon form, diving into the water and pushing the boat easily to put as much distance as possible between them and the Fang warriors.

Catching her breath, Namaari glanced around to see that everyone had made it on board safe and seemed to be trying to process all that had just happened. She was having a hard time putting it all together herself.

From being captured by Tong, to somehow escaping, to having him join their crew, to Ty showing up, their time in Spine was a blur. The thought of Atitaya brought Namaari back to that moment and their brief conversation. Ty was always level-headed and rational, but she was not cold-hearted. Namaari had been so sure she was getting through to Ty but because of Wahn's actions she'd never know.

Glancing over at the princess of Heart, Namaari could see that she had flopped down near the rear of the boat, her elbows resting on her thighs. Her dark hair, slightly lightened by her years spent out in the sun, blowing across her face. The copper of her skin still glistened with sweat from their rush to get back on the boat. The features of her face were smooth, from the soft curve of her jawline to her high cheekbones. Namaari's fingers itched to trace those lines and weave through her hair.

It was pointless denying it anymore, especially to herself. Sisu was right. Namaari was in love with Raya. She may have been in love with her since the day they met. She couldn't help the small part of her that dared to hope that one day Raya could maybe feel the same way but for now they had to focus on the task at hand.

As the boat began to slow, Namaari was still staring at the Heart princess when she saw Raya get hit with something in the back of the head.

"Did you just hit me with a shrimp tail?" she asked, whipping her head around to look back at Noi and the ongis in disbelief. All of the others were staring back at her with angry grimaces on their faces as well, except TukTuk who just looked confused about why shrimp was going to waste.

Boun was the first one to confront her, "When were you gonna tell us she was Sisu?"

"Well, technically, you always knew she was Sisu," Raya replied with a smug look on her lips, but Noi just hit her with another shrimp, unsatisfied with her answer apparently. "Seriously?"

Suddenly realizing something, the young Tail boy turned to Namaari with a look of hurt. "Did you know too?"

There was no point in lying, especially not if she was trying to earn these people's trust. "She's the last dragon. We were trying to protect her," Namaari explained simply.

It was her turn to have a shrimp tail aimed at her but, unlike Raya, she was ready for it and caught it in mid-air with a smirk to the little Noi. She looked grumpier at the turn of events, but Namaari just shrugged and tossed it up to Chaiya who was probably starving hiding up on the roof from them. Now that was out of the way, Namaari chose to lean against one of the supports, folding her arms across her chest.

Her answer seemed to satisfy the others. They could imagine the danger Sisu would be in if she were to go across the lands in her dragon form.

Namaari's slid her gaze over to Raya briefly, and maybe she was mistaken but Namaari thought she caught her staring at her arms before looking away quickly. A smile tugged at the corners of Namaari's lips at the idea of the Heart princess looking at her. Maybe it wasn't as impossible for Raya to have feelings for her as she originally thought. But she wasn't going to get her hopes up.

Namaari was glad when Tong had decided on a different tactic, instead turning his attention to Sisu herself, who had by this point climbed back on the boat and settled herself behind Raya, listening to the exchange.

"Why are you here, divine water dragon?" he asked, wonder in his gruff voice. His amazement reminded Namaari of the first time she had met Sisu. It was hard not to be completely in awe of a dragon considering they were the stuff of legends these days.

"Isn't that obvious, big guy?" Sisu replied with a big grin on her face, pulling Raya into her side with her tail. "My girls, Raya and Namaari and I are gonna fix the world. Bring everyone back."

With those words the mood on the boat changed almost instantaneously.

"You're gonna bring everyone back?" Boun unfolded his arms and his face, previously scrunched up in anger, softened into one of hope. "I wanna help."

"I'm sorry, I can't let you do that," Raya sighed. "It's too dangerous."

To Raya's credit, Namaari knew she was just trying to protect them. Most of the people on this boat were children, how could she let them risk their lives? But these were children, like Raya, orphaned by the Druun and who were forced to grow up too quickly and learn how to, not only to provide for themselves, but exist in a world where seemingly no one could be trusted.

"You're not the only one who lost family to the Druun," Boun countered, a pained look on his face. Namaari was certain he was thinking of whatever family he had back in Tail who were currently stone and wondered how long he'd been without them.

"Please," he pleaded, lowering himself to his knees and bringing his hands to together before lifting them in the circle above his head, eyes lowered respectfully. "Let me help you."

Noi and the ongis followed suit shortly after, hopping down from their place on the table and mimicking Boun's gesture.

Then to their surprise, their newest addition, Tong, stood, his hands holding out the Spine dragon gem. "I, too, wish to join this fellowship of Druun butt-kickery!"

Relief flooded Namaari at the sight of the glowing blue stone. She had been fearful that it was still back in Spine somewhere and they would have to risk going back to find it. Tong reverently placed the gem in Sisu's paws and Namaari watched as her hair stood on end and the sky opened up with a burst of rain.

The dragon smiled up at the sky wistfully, "My big brother, Pengu's magic," she told them as Raya lifted a hand to feel the rain drops.

After so many hot, dry days it was a gift to feel the cool drops on their skin. Namaari closed her eyes and allowed herself to enjoy the sensation of the water soaking her through.

Her eyes were drawn back to Sisu as she seemed to hold out her paw and form a sort of iridescent platform which she wasted no time in stepping up onto, new ones forming as she climbed higher and higher. They all watched as the legendary dragon galloped through the air on these magic platforms, twirling and jumping, seemingly effortlessly. It was incredible.

Namaari glanced over at Raya and watched in awe as the rain drizzled down on the woman's upturned face, a content smile on her lips. The drops clung to her eyelashes and glittered in the mid-morning sun. She looked so peaceful. It was as if for just a moment she seemed to forget the seriousness of their task and just enjoy watching Sisu dance across the sky and splash in the water. If this is what uniting the lands and bringing all of the people and dragons back was going to be like then Namaari would fight to her last breath for Kumandra.

When they had left Spine it was still early in the morning, but Fang was quite a bit further away from the other lands, aside from Heart, which had been mostly deserted after that day six years ago, the majority of its residents turned to stone.

As they floated along the Kumandra River, ever closer to her homeland, Namaari's dread grew. She wished she could enjoy the beauty of her surroundings, but it felt as though her stomach had turned to lead. Her mind raced with all of the possible scenarios that could occur when they reached Fang. She was certain it would not be safe for the others so, whatever happened, Namaari would have to be the one to do it.

The others had started to discuss strategy, huddled around Raya's map of Kumandra which had seen better days. Namaari listened for a while as they tried to come up with the best plan to steal Fang's piece of the dragon gem.

Despite everyone's evolving attitudes towards the other lands and becoming increasingly open minded to each other, there was still an underlying prejudice towards the people of Fang. Namaari stayed silent as they made snide remarks as if it was just a shared truth, as if she, the princess of Fang, wasn't right there.

Raya intervened several times. Particularly when Tong mentioned the blades of Fang were especially designed for stabbing backs she shut that down. The Spine warrior had the decency to look repentant. But Namaari decided to step away anyway.

Having developed a habit of leaning against the railing of the boat, Namaari took up the familiar position. She hadn't been alone long when she heard light footsteps behind her.

"Hey."

Namaari glanced over her shoulder at the sound of Raya's voice. The Heart princess was approaching her, a warm smile on her lips. When she was within arm's reach, Raya leant back against the wooden railing of the boat so she could see Namaari's face. She folded her arms across her chest and watched Namaari intently.

"Jade for your thoughts, dep la?"

Namaari's heart pounded wildly in her chest at the woman's use of the affectionate nickname. They had come a long way from yesterday when Raya had been calling her 'binturi.'

If she had been in Fang or anyone else had asked her the same thing, she would have put on her stoic façade and brushed it off. But Raya was different. Namaari would gladly share her entire world with Raya if given the chance. For now, she looked down at her own hands where they were clasped in front of her, rough from years of sword training, considering her next words.

"I'm thinking about the path behind us," Namaari said, trying to be as honest as she could. "So much has happened. And yet there's still so much left to do."

Out of the corner of her eye Namaari could see Raya nodding in agreement.

"It's been quite a journey," Raya said before turning her gaze to her once more. "How are you feeling about going back to Fang?"

That was the question, wasn't it? How did she feel about going back to Fang? Her chest was filled with so many emotions that it was hard for her to know. She was apprehensive. She was scared. She was also hopeful.

Her mother had the last dragon gem piece and somehow they would have to get it from her. Namaari had been playing the scenarios in her head and she just didn't know what the right path was. So, she told the truth.

"I don't know but I don't want to fight my people. My friends. My family. But I have a feeling it will come to that." Namaari breathed, the ache in her chest growing at the thought.

She chanced a glance over at Raya and saw nothing but empathy in her honey colored eyes. The Heart princess reached over and covered her hand with her own. "Hey. We've come this far. We'll figure it out."

Namaari knew she was right, one way or another they would get the gem piece. But what would be the aftermath?

"Soooo," Raya drew out the 'o' trying to appear nonchalant and failing miserably, "that woman back in Spine… she one of those friends or something?"

Namaari remembered earlier when Raya had said she was jealous. She'd be flattered if the situation wasn't so complicated with Ty and everything wasn't so tenuous with Raya.

"General Atitaya?" Namaari clarified as if she didn't already know who Raya was referring to, "She is- was- a friend."

She could feel Raya watching her closely.

"After all this… who knows," Namaari sighed heavily. There was no doubt in her mind she was doing the right thing but that didn't make it any easier. "At one point we considered pursuing a romantic relationship but that ended before it began," The words flowed out of Namaari's mouth before she really thought about it.

Beside her Raya seemed to shift a little as she said, "oh? Why didn't it work out?"

Namaari considered her next words. This was her chance.

"My heart belongs to another," she replied softly, her eyes locking onto Raya's so the woman had no doubt of whom she was referring.

The princess' eyes widened in surprise.

"Namaari…," Raya began but she never got to finish.

"Hey! Let's stop here. I want to show you guys something," Sisu's gravelly voice cut in and squashed the moment.

Releasing a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, Namaari turned her attention to her surroundings.

Her chest clenched at the familiar land ahead of them.

Heart.

In order to hide from the Fang soldiers potentially passing them, Boun navigated the boat into an alcove that Raya pointed out.

As they neared the princess's former home, Namaari watched her face carefully. Her eyes had a faraway look to them as if lost in thought. She could only imagine the painful memories probably racing through Raya's mind right now.

She wanted to comfort the woman but right now Sisu was chatting away next to her, seemingly unaware of Raya's silence.

They climbed onto a dilapidated dock and up onto the grassy shore while Boun tied the boat to the sturdiest thing he could find, a tree near the banks. Even now, as an adult, Namaari marveled at the lush greenery of the Heartlands. None of the other lands came close to its beauty, much like Heart's princess herself.

These were the thoughts that had overtaken most of her waking hours at this point. She was relieved to have been able to share some of what she was feeling with Raya, even if they weren't able to continue their conversation, again. Namaari ached to know what Raya thought but once again she would have to wait to find out.

If she wasn't mistaken, every now and then Namaari thought she could feel Raya's eyes on her when she wasn't looking, but whenever she turned to the Heart princess her eyes were anywhere and everywhere else.

They walked in relative silence. Noi being carried by Tong who had seemed to develop a soft spot for the little con baby. The ongis rode on their new best friend, TukTuk while Boun walked alongside Sisu, trying and failing to hide his looks of wonder at the dragon. Namaari smiled as she watched Chaiya stalk alongside Raya, nudging the woman's hand every once in a while with her enormous, furry head. She couldn't remember the serlot being this affectionate with anyone other than herself.

Namaari followed behind the others, partly to watch for danger, but mostly because she still didn't feel like she entirely belonged with these people. Whether real or imagined, Namaari felt like her being from Fang made her separate.

It wasn't long before they came upon a bridge. The bridge.

Memories of laying eyes on Raya for the first time flooded her mind, filling her with a mixture of emotions. She didn't have the time to pick them apart because Raya's voice called out to the group.

"You guys go ahead. I'll catch up."

So caught up in her own feelings, Namaari had not been paying the fullest attention to her surroundings. She looked over at Raya only to see her eyes fixated on a point ahead of them on the bridge.

Following her gaze, Namaari's heart stopped when she saw what the Heart princess was looking at: the stone figure of her father.

She had been pulled away by her mother and the Fang warriors that day and never knew what happened in the aftermath. To see his figure made it all the more real.

The others seemed unsure of what to do, many of them probably inferring that the person Raya was looking at was family of some kind. All of them could empathize with feeling of watching the Druun turn your family to stone. Guilt coursed through Namaari because of course, she was the exception. She had never lost anyone to the Druun. And her people were to blame.

Sisu stepped up beside Raya and for once seemed to be at a loss for words, her usual pep talks not seeming to be appropriate in this situation. The dragon glanced back to Namaari who nodded slightly and somehow without either of them speaking Sisu got the message: I will stay with her.

Without a word, the others continued on across the bridge, Chaiya the last to leave with one last nudge and purr. Raya looked down at the serlot and gave her an affectionate smile and scratch behind the ear before she followed the rest of the group.

The princess must have been aware that Namaari had remained behind because she began to speak.

"We made it this far. But the Druun was coming fast." Raya stood facing her father's stone figure, her head bowed, shoulders slumped. For a moment, Namaari just stood back, giving the other woman as much space as she needed but letting her know she was there if she needed her. "My Ba threw me into the river with the gem and his sword… he sacrificed himself to save me. This is the first time I've come back."

Namaari watched as Raya's shoulders began to shake. She couldn't see the Heart princess' face from this angle, but she could see her right hand come up to her face, seemingly trying to wipe away tears.

Her heart felt like it was being ripped out of her chest seeing Raya in pain. She didn't wait any longer. Namaari strode forward, closing the distance between them quickly, but once she was within reach of the other woman, she wasn't sure what to do.

"Namaari," Raya's watery voice surprised her, but she remained silent, allowing her to continue, "What if it doesn't work? What if we fail? What if-?"

At this, Namaari laid a hand on her shoulder, gently turning Raya to face her. The look on the other woman's face made her heart ache, tears making tracks down her cheeks even as she reached up to wipe them away again.

Without giving it another thought, Namaari slipped her arms around the other woman's waist, her hands sliding up her back, and pulling her close. Raya responded immediately, her arms lifting up around Namaari's' shoulders and burying her face in the crook of her neck.

The motion pulled at the wound on her arm, but Namaari hardly noticed, the feeling of Raya's warm tears on her skin her primary focus.

Namaari would do anything to keep Raya safe and prevent her from ever feeling pain like this again, she swore to herself as she tightened her hold ever so slightly.

Raya tears slowed but she made no move to leave so Namaari just held her as long as the Heart princess needed. She would stay there for an eternity if Raya would allow her to, her face buried in her dark hair.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed, the sun beating down on them above, but eventually Raya's arms seemed to loosen, her hands sliding slowly down Namaari's arms, careful of her bandage. She lifted her face from Namaari's neck, but did not yet meet her gaze, instead staring at a point below the hollow of her throat. While her left hand remained resting on Namaari's bicep, her other hand came up to the gold ring around her neck, her fingers grazing it.

Following Raya's lead, Namaari loosened her grip and her hands slid to Raya's waist, just above her belt. The thin material of her top did nothing to prevent the heat from her skin seeming to burn Namaari's hands. Namaari didn't dare breath, trying to memorize everything about this moment and the feel of Raya in her arms, despite the circumstances.

Those amber eyes lifted to hers and Namaari could see while the tears were gone, the red, swollen skin remained, and the dried tracks left tell-tale marks down the smooth skin of her cheeks.

The overwhelming desire to kiss Raya swept over Namaari. They were so close. But somehow her brain was still functioning enough to remind her that this was not the time nor the place.

Namaari was reminded of their conversation earlier. Even after basically confessing that her heart belonged to Raya she hadn't been scared away. Raya was still here and there was something in her eyes that gave Namaari hope.

Then, Raya stepped back a little, blinking rapidly as if a spell had been broken, but her hand slid down to Namaari's, interlacing their fingers. She was beginning to get used to the feeling of her stomach doing flips every time the Heart princess touched her but she never tired of it nor did she suspect she would.

"Come on, dep la."

It was a request, of course, but Namaari wouldn't have denied her regardless. Raya led her by the hand over the rest of the bridge and up to the path after the others.

Raya held her hand the entire journey. The path led them up the arch-shaped stone where the Heart palace and former temple of the dragon gem was located. The Heart princess seemed to know exactly where Sisu had taken the others, leading her straight to the place where it all happened six years ago.

The temple was much easier to navigate now after being abandoned for so long, the traps long sprung and no longer a threat. Namaari still marveled at the beauty of the place, especially with nature having claimed the stone structure.

The others were all standing in various parts of the dank room, the sun pouring through the open ceiling. When they noticed Raya's return they each seemed to offer a look of warmth. They'd obviously been waiting for her anxiously.

They were still holding hands as Sisu spoke. Raya made no move to relinquish her hold and Namaari certainly had no desire to do so either.

"Sisu, why did you bring us here?" Raya asked softly. Namaari was certain the memories were flooding through Raya at being in this place.

"This is where it happened," Sisu replied.

"I know," Raya said solemnly and glancing over at Namaari, "we were there."

"No. This is where is happened 500 years ago," she countered. "I want you all to meet my brothers and sisters," Sisu announced, pride in her voice as she walked up to some of the hanging vines and pulled them back revealing an immense stone dragon. "The real mighty ones… I miss them."

The group was in awe, all turning to bow in their own way. Raya voiced Namaari's thoughts exactly, "I never knew they were here."

"See that classy-looking one over there?" Sisu nodded across the room, "That's Amba. I get my glow from her." She proceeded to do the same with the others. "And that's Pranee. She's a shapeshifter. Jagan. Fog." Until she got to the slightly larger dragon directly in front of her.

"And Pengu," Sisu said in reverence, "he's our big brother. He brings the rain."

"We were the last dragons. All the other dragons had been turned to stone. We were drowning in a sea of Druun. But my oldest brother, Pengu, refused to accept defeat. This is where we'd make our last stand… United. So, one by one, they combined all their magic, creating the Dragon Gem."

Namaari listened to Sisu intently, only ever having read the ancient scrolls in Fang's archives. To hear the story from the legendary Sisudatu herself was surreal.

"I don't know why they chose me. It could have been any of us. All I know is I trusted them… and they trusted me," she continued. "And so, when they put their faith in me, it empowered me beyond anything I could imagine."

The room was somber, considering Sisu's story and thinking of the path still ahead of them.

"Look around. You are the people of Tail, Talon, Spine, Heart, and Fang." She looked at each of them in turn, speaking passionately. "You are all Kumandra. If we can trust each other and work together we can save the world."

They all made their way back down from the temple, hopeful. As they crossed the bridge to the mainland, Raya paused briefly to give one last bow to the stone figure of her father and offer him a lotus flower in his upturned hands. Namaari paused with her and as Raya finished, she offered her a small smile. The Heart princess slipped her hand back into hers, only releasing it once they were back on the boat.

Raya turned to the young Tail boy and said, "All right, Captain Boun. To Fang."