The Lands of Ralosia & Ranuulo (Books 1-3)

Battle for Dialtown Chapter 7- Aftermath

~Chapter 7- Aftermath~

         Corri breathed a sigh of relief as Lunahreim flew off with Zantii. As unbelievable as it was, they actually survived. Nout picked the exhausted Jirro out of the rubble and carried him.

         "I'm sorry about your tusk, Nout." Jirro said weakly.

         Nout gave a tired smile, "It's alright, you would've done the same for me."

         After hobbling through the devastated city, they found the others. Temp was sauntering along. Aero walked alongside him, carrying Ruben on his back.

         They continued and found the Sky Deity Ool. The great Owl's wing was sprained, but he was alive and would recover - that was most important.

         Ool stood upright and wrapped its wings around him like a cape, "Is Zantii dead?"

         Corri shook her head as she looked up at him, "He's wounded, but Lunahreim took him along with Ranuulo's sword."

         Ool furrowed his feathery brow. This worried all of them.

         They very carefully headed towards the rest of the battle. But it was surprisingly quiet by the southern gates. A crowd began to enter the city. They readied themselves until they saw it was their allies, fellow people of the Lands of Ralosia.

         While their battle raged within Dialtown, a battle of thousands took place outside its southern gates. It was a tough struggle, but it soon became evident that Zantii's army was no match for the people of the Lands of Ralosia. Their sheer determination couldn't be matched. When word spread that Zantii had been defeated, General Coal called for a retreat. They scattered in every direction to flee the battle.

Exhausted bodies slumped back into the scarred city. Friends found each other after the battle, cheering that they had had made it through the struggle. Although, many lives were lost, the people of the Lands of Ralosia knew it was not in vain. The people of the land cheered, relishing in their triumph. Even the Sky Deity enjoyed the celebration among the mortals.

         Dusk came.

         A depot for potions was created within the city to treat those injured and wounded. Jirro and Nout partook in potions of green liquid, and their stamina was restored. The Fighting Academy student Hita found Jirro, taking a keen interest in his welfare. Corri helped Ruben find rocks it could use to rebuild its body.

         Aero searched through the crowds for his friends and family when he found Oopa. The tan girl who he had promised himself to was a little scratched up from the fight, but seemed alright.

         They locked eyes at the potion depot and ran at each other. She wrapped her arms around him immediately. They held each other tightly. It had been too long.

         "I'm glad you're okay..." Aero whispered into her ear.

         "I missed you..." Oopa said quietly. She released him and beat her fist against his chest, "You weren't supposed to be gone for that long, Aero!"

         Aero smiled nervously, "I'm sorry! There were people we had to help; I couldn't just leave them."

         Oopa rolled her eyes and smiled, "I'm just glad you made it back."

         People gathered around the mayor's abode in celebration of their victory. They enjoyed drinks and good times with one another around a bonfire while vibrantly colored stars twinkled above them.

         Corri found her dad alongside Vos and Diva, all of them in good health. The first question Diva asked Aero when she found him was, "Where is Valr?"

         Corri recalled that Valr had left with Aero and Jirro for the Lands of Ranuulo some time ago, "Yeah! Where is he?"

         "Still in the Lands of Ranuulo," Aero answered, "Even with Zantii gone, things are still pretty chaotic over there. He wanted to help."

         Vos nodded with approval, "After this, we'll go see him."

         The Sky deity Ool had a bittersweet expression on his face during the celebration. They may have won, but he lost his brethren, the Water and Earth Deity.

         During the festivities, Ool approached the commanders, "We'll have to go after the remnants of Zantii's army. Eliminate all of the Lands of Ranuulo."

         Corri nearly agreed until Diva spoke up.

         "Everyone in the Lands of Ranuulo isn't bad," Diva proclaimed, "I'm not even sure if everyone in the army that came here is bad. Many of them were probably forced into it by Zantii himself."

         Ool squinted. He was unconvinced.

         Corri asked, "Is that really true?"

         Diva nodded, "Yes, we never would've survived in that place if not for some good people we met there."

         Aero spoke up, "We made some good friends in the Lands of Ranuulo too."

         Corri nodded and looked up at Ool, "I don't think we should do anything about them in that case, unless they cause more trouble."

         Ool's disposition was changed entirely by Corri's opinion. She figured as the 'Heir to the Goddess', The Sky Deity felt compelled to listen to her.

         Ool said, "Very well. However, Lunahreim lives, as does Zantii. That can't be a good thing. We'll have to be prepared."

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         Lunahreim's crow flew through the night sky, the moon's light bouncing off its black wings. He felt a rustling at the back of the saddle - it was Zantii.

         Lunahreim used his abilities to keep the King alive. He still had need of him.

         Zantii wriggled for a moment, still in terrible pain, "Lunahreim... is that you?"

         "Aye."

         Zantii grabbed Lunahreim's back, "Turn back. We can still kill the Sky Deity. Surely, once I have the power of a god, I can restore myself," Zantii begged, each word laced with agony.

         "I lied."

         Zantii stammered, "What?"

         "I lied about being able to gain a God's power," Lunahreim answered callously.

         "W-Why?"

         "You never would've done what I needed otherwise," Lunareim answered, "Go to sleep, Zantii... your suffering will be over soon. You'll have fulfilled your purpose."