The Dragon Children

Epilogue | Why is it so Hard to Say Goodbye?

Epilogue - Why is it so Hard to Say Goodbye?

One year later.

Viola walked down the steps of the newly built Grand Cathedral. Although it had only been one year, with Viola's newly discovered god powers, she was able to rebuild everything that got ruined by the Devils, Kraghon, and Lilihman, back in one piece. Aravia was built back. The tree where Rem and Naphtali had their first connection had grown to be the tallest tree in the world. They dubbed it, "The Tree of Hope." The people who had died in the war had a large wall built for them, with all of their names carved into it. All of the soldiers had been viewed as heroes. The ruins of Kraghon were the only thing not restored. The people had wanted to leave it for future generations to take it as a sign that war only destroys. The Grand Cathedral was built as a resting place for all Holy Stone spirits. The Holy Stones were no longer viewed as evil. They were viewed as saviours. They burnt the old records of Ahriman and wrote new ones about Naphtali and his friends. Statues were built all across the world of the four Holy Stones who had saved the world. Naphtali would stand in front, with Rem standing by his side. Behind them were Akuji and Ruthven. This exact statue was replicated hundreds of times.

Viola was dressed in a white gown. She looked majestic to all of the humans. She stood on a platform, overviewing bunches of people. It had been exactly a year since the war ended. People from all around the world had travelled for weeks to get here. Viola had promised a speech for the first anniversary. The people cheered as Viola came into sight. She smiled and made a small movement with her hand, telling them all to quieten down. "Humanity.." She took a deep breath in. "Today we mark the special occasion of the ending of a war. I am joined today by my good companions." Four Holy Stones took a step forward. "I am sure you all know of them. But in case you do not, I would like you to meet Thorna, Brynhild, Krola, and.." She pointed to a Holy Stone who stood right next to her. "Krilia. This girl.. she is named after my dear mother. The one who saved us all first." She had created more Holy Stones to protect the earth. She took a deep breath in. "Not only does it mark one year without a war. But it also marks a year with all of us living in harmony. All of us loving each other, no matter who we are. And truly, that is what matters in this world. You are all of one kind. Humanity is one. None of you is different. You are all human, and.." She had a tear in her eye. "And that is what I find so beautiful about you all." She smiled. "I would personally love to thank all of you for accepting us so easily. I know it must have been hard to change." She took strides along the edge of the platform, with her arms behind her back. "You were taught that we were evil. That we attempted to destroy this planet. I understand that isn't entirely wrong. Ahriman and his six Holy Stones did try to. But.." She took a powerful stance. "But Krilia proved them wrong. After Ahriman's reign, no Holy Stone was born evil again. I know you view us as your heroes now but.." She, and all the other Stones bowed down. "BUT I WOULD PERSONALLY LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!" She shouted. They stood back up. "Thank you all.. and here's to another billion years of living in peace." Everybody cheered as they all warped away.

All of the Holy Stones warped back into their homes. Except for Viola. She warped to a top of a hill, far, far away from civilisation. No one would find this place unless they searched for years. She brought flowers with her. She walked to a tree which lay on top of the hill, with flowers surrounding it. There was a stone in front of it.

HERE LAY NAPHTALI.

1279 - 1294.

A HERO. A SAVIOUR. A HOLY STONE. A SON.

THE PEOPLE OF KAGNIA THANK NAPHTALI FOR HIS PRESENCE ALONE.

Viola kneeled next to the tomb and placed another flower next to it. "One year without war.. also means one year since I lost you." She laid her head on it. "It's been hard. I miss my son. But I know you're happier in the afterlife." She chuckled to herself. "It's strange to think that this is how you felt. You thought I died for 11 years. Then when we met once again, you thought I died again." She put on a soft smile. "I don't think you notice it, but everything that I am doing now, I'm doing it for you. I am acting strong for you. I know you would want the people to have a strong figure they can look up to. So they know that everything is okay. At least.. that's how people see you." She looked at the tomb, as she let go of it. "I miss you, son. I didn't even get to hear you say "I love you." It's okay. I know you would have liked to have said it. It isn't your fault. I remember you saying you didn't want to go." This memory brought back pain. "It is okay to be scared. You were young.. only.." She had a big gulp to hold back the tears. "Only 15. You were a kid, and yet you fought for everyone around you. You had a big heart. I couldn't be more proud. Really. I am as proud as possible." She kissed the tomb as she stood up. She brushed the tears out of her eyes. "I love you, son. You're amazing. Your mom is proud of you." She took a slow turn as she walked away from the tombstone. She walked to the bottom of the hill. She looked back up at the tree again. She thought she'd seen Naphtali with his friends, looking happy. She knew she was imagining it, and yet it still brought her light. She walked away, back through the fields to her cabin.

Afterlife? ..

Naphtali woke up in a grassy field. It may have been one year in the real world, but in the afterlife, a day had passed. He stood up and rubbed his head. He walked toward a bright light he saw. It looked like a door in the middle of the field. He pushed the door open with all of his strength. On the other side, he saw a group of people having a picnic. He took a small step toward them as he realised he recognised them. He started sprinting as they all looked to their side to see him. They got up and stretched out their arms for a hug. Naphtali jumped right into their arms. "Ruth! Aku! Euryale! Lilith! Rem!" They all teared up as they hugged. Naphtali looked to his right to see more people coming their way. "Eden.. Cecilia! Faolan!" They ran toward him and jumped in on the hug too. "We missed you.. so much, Nap." Rem smiled. "We have a house now. We all live together. We're a happy family, just like you wanted, Naph." Ruthven chuckled as she wiped a tear out of her eye. Akuji spoke with a shaky voice. "Yea! But our family.. it wasn't complete without you!" They all tightened their hug. Naphtali pulled away. "Hey.." He wiped the tear out of his eye. "C'mon. Show me around, guys." They all smiled as they dragged him away.

This was the ending he wanted. This was his family. Naphtali laughed as he sprinted through the fields with his friends.

THE END.