"Tuk Tuk huh? And he was as big as your hand when he was a baby!? Good lord." I say to Raya as I observe the massive furry rolly polly with curiosity and astonishment.

"I know, it's pretty insane. He's a big boy. I love him to no end. Isn't that right Tuk Tuk?" Raya asks, resulting in a smile and a purr from her bizarre companion.

The fella is huge. Easily as big as a car or close to. He's even in competition scale-wise with the dragons. At this point, what's more miraculous? Or even cute?

"And I couldn't really think of a better name for such a special boy." Cam says as he rubs Tuk Tuk's shell.

"Right? Couldn't agree more." Raya responds.

"How did you even get him up here?" Amba asks.

Raya thinks for a second.

"Hmm. Maybe he defied gravity? I honestly have no clue. I just came back from washing dishes with Cam and he was here in the courtyard looking very hungry. I thought I couldn't bring him up here because he was too big to even make it. So he stays comfortably by the village. Either way, I'm both surprised and proud."

I chuckle at Raya's guess.

"Considering my life the past two days, I wouldn't put anything past the idea." I say, making everyone laugh or chuckle in some way.

"He'll do almost anything for food. Kind of like a certain dragon I know. I do respect the effort." Amba says and glances at her sister with a teasing smile.

Sisu just rolls her eyes and smiles back.

"I guess that's why we're friends huh buddy?" Sisu says and pats Tuk Tuk's side.

"I can absolutely see a lot in common between you two." Raya says whilst on her way back inside the temple.

"Wait, where ya goin?" Sisu asks.

"Getting food for the big guy." Raya says before turning a corner.

"I'll uhh, go see if she needs help and all that." Cam says before jogging after her.

Tuk Tuk looks in slight concern, possibly wondering if she'd just left him with no food. But Sisu reassures.

"She'll be back. Don't worry." she says, making him a little less stressed.

"I wonder how much he eats. You reckon he can eat a dragon?" I hear Pura ask from behind Amba and I.

"Wait...haha...what Pura?" I ask with a chuckle as I imagine the behemoth isopod devouring a dragon whole. But still looking adorable as ever.

"Very outlandish. But..." Juule looks back toward the hungry Tuk Tuk, "Maybe a possibility. He is kinda hungry."

"Say" Aramis leans closer to Pura, "You should probably look out dude. You just put that idea into existence. He catches you at the right place at the right time...I don't know..."

Pura leans away with a look of slight worry and agitation.

"Hey! I was just playing around. Don't...act like that could really happen. C'mon." he says defensively.

"Well, Raya and Cam are taking a minute. You might have to be the hero. It'll look great on your record." Amba says and I hold back a burst of laughter.

"Geez, you guys are ridiculous. Just find him some other food if it comes down to it. I'm sure Sisu knows what he likes, right? Right Sisu?" he asks.

Sisu just shrugs her shoulders.

"Anything, I guess." she says.

"Huh. Guess you're still an option. And-oh look! He's coming this way." Amba announces and everyone clears out the way. Leaving Pura dead-center between him and Tuk Tuk who's running very quickly toward the group.

We now watch as the petrified Pura watches in shock as his newest fear runs directly toward him.

"W-w-wait! I was just talking! Just messing around! I know you wouldn't do such a thing!" Pura says, pleading for his life. But the Tuk won't stop running.

"Better do something Pura. He seems pretty determined." Juule says, resulting in a scowl from Pura.

"His belly won't feed itself. Think about how much praise you'll get." Amba says.

"What!?" Pura yells before jumping as high as he could to avoid the collision and propping himself on a platform in the sky. Watching below in terror and panic.

We all look toward Tuk Tuk who is simply...playing with a couple of butterflies. Probably not even thinking about hunger, or eating dragons. Just in his own little world.

"Butterflies. Really?" Pura asks in frustration and bewilderment.

Everyone bursts into laughter at the scene. Probably losing a friend in the process.

"I'm actually insane. Hilarious." Pura adds sarcastically.

"Tuk Tuk!" Raya calls, holding a huge bowl of what looks to be fruit and a majority of other edible things. Along with Cam holding a bowl of water next to her.

The big fella instantly turns around and his eyes go wide with sheer glee. He wastes no time in rolling right over to his saviors. Everyone except for Pura shares a laugh.

"You can come down now y'know, Pura. I think the coast is clear." Amba says jokingly.

Pura rolls his eyes.

"Yeah, alright. Thanks for letting me know." he scoffs, but a small smile comes shortly after, which falls into his own chuckle.

Pura jumps down and takes a quick breath.

"Close one. Still curious about that theory though." I say.

"Well of course, easier for you to say Jared. I'd actually like to drop the horrifying idea, and regret ever putting it out there. How about...Tuk Tuk's simply another friendly friend?" Pura says whilst looking at the grubbing rolly polly.

"I wouldn't mind that." I say and everyone nods their heads in agreement.

The rest of the day is quite pleasant and chill as could be. From afternoon, 'til now evening. I realized that a whole day doesn't require a ton of activities to be amazing or special, at least for me. Simply being in the consistent presence of these beautiful, majestic, colorful silly serpents was enough to make this day memorable. Laughing, joking, teaching, learning, and just spending quality time with them. Not only the dragons, but Raya and her father as well. They're also quite funny too. And wise as well. The energy of not only the temple itself, but the entirety of Heart is unlike any I've felt before. Even from way above the village that I hope to visit too. I'm never as social as I've been today. I haven't felt so free to be myself like this in a long time. And I'm so thankful. I can truly see why Cam would come here. It's...beyond words. Absolutely life changing.

"Hey. Mind if I join you?"

I turn my head from my thoughts to spot a familiar violet-pink dragon. That same feeling. The butterflies in my stomach show up again and I smile shyly. Looking at the way her fur effortlessly flows with the wind that's picked up since earlier. The way the nearly setting sun's light gleams against her body. Casting different evening shadows. Wow. Like something out of a movie, I swear.

I clear my throat and gulp before responding.

"N-no, not-not at all. Amba." I scramble and attempt to hide my grin.

"Cool, thank you." she say's and sits next to me before looking out into the vast landscape.

Her aura. It's so calm. So carefree. So relaxed. Normally when I talk with people, I feel expected to carry my side of conversation in some way. But, what I've been feeling with her is an entirely different vibe. Everything just feels so natural.

We sit in silence for a moment. Letting our thoughts flow and enjoying each others company. Watching as the sky changes hues with each passing minute.

"Hey Jared?"

I turn and look at her attentively.

"Yeah?" I ask.

"I've been wondering. What's your life like on your world? Cam's seems eventful and adventurous, with a hint of boredom at times. Interesting, but I want to know more about you."

I think for a second, not necessarily prepared for this question.

"Umm. It's decent I guess. I go to work part time, doing security for events at an arena designed for entertainment. I go to school, college, for a degree in...something. Don't know yet. And I live with my mom still. Helping out around the house and taking care of business. Not really ready to leave the nest yet. So...yeah. It's something." I chuckle.

She looks at me with even more interest and curiosity. Listening to every word with intent.

"Hm. Nothing wrong with that. That place of entertainment sounds kinda fun. How is your mom?" she asks.

"She's doing okay. Working on her mental health and stuff. Thank you for asking. If I came back and told her a dragon asked if she was doing well, she'd probably think there was something kinda wrong with me." I say, making the dragoness laugh a bit.

"She'd appreciate it nonetheless and would probably tell me to tell you thanks." I finish.

"Well that's good to know. Either way, I care. Even if we haven't met." she says.

I smile and nod my head in respect and thanks.

"How is your family?" I ask in return with my own interest and curiosity.

"They're fine. Everyone seems to be doing well. Constantly focused on their individual paths, but we don't take each other for granite. Especially not after what happened. Pengu's probably the most busy since he has a lot to manage as a traditional leader in our bloodline. I honestly feel bad for the guy sometimes because he barely has time to hangout, even though he's used to it. But we always offer to help if he seems even the slightest of stressed. Jagan pretty much does whatever he does, whether that's sleeping or making a book club. But he's always doing something. I do know that. And he's probably the most energetic next to Sisu. You'll see tomorrow."

I chuckle.

"Pranee practices Alchemy pretty passionately. And she's been getting increasingly better with every passing day. The more I see and talk to her though, I notice how she interacts with others. Sometimes she appears to be more of a psychologist in my eyes. But I think she combines those ways of her thinking with each other to create something deeper. I'm really proud of her."

"Wow. That's really cool." I say while raising my eyebrows.

"Indeed. You'll have to meet her too. She'll like you for sure. And you know Sisu. She's been traveling back and forth between Heart and the dragon settlement pretty consistently now. She's a silly goose. The silliest goose. And the most stubborn and whiney ironically, since that's supposed to be my role. Being the youngest and all."

"Yeah, I can definitely see that." I snicker.

"So yeah. That's the update on everything. Do you have any siblings?" she asks.

"2 sisters. I'm the middle child." I say.

Amba grimaces, making me laugh.

"But it's not terrible, or as bad as it could be though. My big sister left a while ago and is off the map somewhere. We don't really know where she is at this current point in time. But she's a strong and smart woman, so we know she's okay and doing her thing in life."

Amba has a look of surprise and worry.

"Off the map? She just...left? What happened?" she asks with concern.

"Well...her and my mom weren't really getting along well for some years. So as a teenager, my sister left and lived with a friend we called uncle Shawn until she grew up and could hold her own. She came and visited some years ago, and it was nice. My mom and her got along again. But she left and...I still miss her here and there." I explain.

"I'm so sorry to hear that. It's good to hear that she's strong like your mom though. I sure hope she's okay out there." Amba reassures, brightening my memories.

I nod.

"Thanks Amba. Whenever I see her again, whether it's on the internet or in a store, I'll have to bring her here."

She smiles.

"And my little sister. Equally as dangerous and destructive as my older sister. She can be quite mean when she wants to be. Man." I say, thinking about her tendency to be harsh, and shiver in fear, "But also passionate and selfless when she wants to be. And loving and appreciative."

"She sounds complicated." she says.

"Indeed she is. And now she's a pre-teen, so it's even worse. But even though we live at a distance from each other, we still try to keep intact. Even though it's been a rough time lately." I finish.

"Well I know she'll get through it. Being a girl is tough. But she also has you and the rest of your families' support." Amba says.

I feel a certain positive tingle inside.

"And not to mention you and everyone else here. I know she would absolutely lose her little mind if I brought her here. Even more than me." I say and she laughs.

"No doubt about it. This would be her new home." she adds.

"Instantly. She would never leave. Definitely on my list of people to bring here." I say and peer back into the sunset.

Amba does as well with a smile. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. I look back over and watch her slender chest ease inward and slowly back outward. I can't seem to look anywhere else but in her direction. Mesmerized. I try to look away, but my mind is occupied. The sunlight makes her look...incredible. I start to truly wonder; What would laying against her be like. What would sleeping against that magnificent fur be like? I've already hugged her. But it just wasn't enough. Maybe...I'm just weird.

As soon as she looks back in my direction, I dart my eyes back toward the evening sun. Acting completely unaware of my demeanor. I hear her snicker, but try to avoid any other suspicion by keeping my eyes forward. I mentally wipe my forehead.

"S-so uhh. I forgot to ask how your life is going Amba?" I ask while feeling the wind pick up further.

"It's...pretty simple. I just wake up. Check in with my siblings. Find Pura, Juule, and Aramis. And then we hangout for a while. But some days I just like to be alone with my own thoughts. And go up to that peak we were at in the sky. And feel free from it all. Truth honestly is. I don't really have an agenda. A productive agenda or anything like that. I kind of just wake up, not knowing what my path is everyday. I enjoy each day, but sometimes it's hard to. I see my siblings and everyone else doing all this stuff. I'm really proud of them, and I look up to them so much. Even Sisu. But sometimes...it just makes me feel so inferior. So stressed."

Amba tilts her head down slightly, looking downcast.

"Hey. Amba." she looks back at me with a now mild grin. "We're both young. The world is ahead of us. I've felt these exact same emotions every single day since I was a teenager in high school. I'm 21 now. What Cam always tells me is to take my time. Go at my own pace. And as long as you stay focused and believe in yourself, you'll reach whatever passion that comes to mind. Just be patient with yourself. Don't follow everyone else's path and try to be like them. Be like Amba. Not every day will feel like it does for you. They'll get better. And I know that whenever you decide on your passion, your brothers and sisters will be right alongside you like you all were with Sisu. You should also let them know your stresses too. They seem like they'd also give similar advice. Even better." I finish with a genuine smile.

Amba already seems lighter on her situation and looks back at me with enlightened eyes.

"Th-thank you. Jared. I'll let them know. I feel better now. Way better."

I feel a sense of pride and proudness within myself. Surprised at my own ability to give such advice. This place really is changing me.

The sky is now darker than before with different shades of purple, orange, yellow, and blue. The sun still peaking above the horizon. But the majority confirms night has approached. Also confirming that the temps would unexpectedly drop to what they now are. I'm pretty cold. But try to avoid giving Amba any hint. Wanting to look more resilient than I really am.

Some silent moments go by, and I begin to sniffle. And shortly after, shivering. But keeping it contained under my jacket which is barely keeping me warm. It really seems like it shouldn't be this cold in this climate. But clearly I wouldn't know otherwise. It's definitely surprising, but I am cold natured. All I know is that it won't stop me from enjoying this moment with the dragon next to me.

I notice Amba looking at me from the corner of my eye, but decide not to investigate. Then, from the corner of my other eye I see something else. Her long tail right beside me. Looking as if it's preparing for something. I just cut further suspicion and assume she's just moving her tail for comfort. I then feel a huge shiver incoming.

~shiver~

Unable to hide that one, I cringe and immediately after, Amba's tail effortlessly sweeps me against her. Directly against her body. So fast that I almost failed to register it. It wraps around my abdomen. Fins and all. I then feel Amba's arm wrap around my shoulder and pull me in tightly. Placing my head against her fur.

Attempting to process the wild change of position, I sit still in pure shock. And now overwhelming warmth and comfort that cannot be explained, especially if I tried now.

A small hum of satisfaction escapes me as I close my eyes, almost forgetting where I am. Her fur is the softest fluff I've ever felt and reminds me of why I should always come back here.

I instinctively turn and wrap my arms around her torso, hugging her even closer. That curious desire of comfort seems to re-enter my mind when before, I was too nervous to even touch her. But now, I feel as if she wants me to be this comfortable with her.

I hum and smile again as I feel her fur against my skin. As content as could be. I now feel both of her arms wrap around me and hug me closer. Now we're locked together. I never thought I would be doing something so wonderful as this at any moment in my life.

I simply let go of the worry around me. Any form of negativity or thought. And just feel. Feel safe, feel loved, feel content. This is therapy. Heaven.

"I knew you were cold. No doubt." she chuckles, "But never forget. I'll always keep you warm." she soothes and my heart flutters into the stratosphere.

"Thank you Amba." I say calmly, feeling my body relax.

"No, thank you Jared."

I hum in response. Feeling the happiest I've felt in a very long time.