Painted Flowers

Chapter 23 - A Special Sight

When Layali opened her eyes, she found herself in a vast, gorgeous meadow. Green grass, blue sky, multicolored butterflies and insects buzzing past. The very edge of the horizon faded away into a white mist, as if it were the edge of the earth. It was so serene, but it felt artificial, like it was never a place she would reach outside of her dreams.

Where exactly am I? She walked for a bit, her paws phasing through the grass. She felt as light as a feather, as if she could run on and on and never get tired. Her bruises had disappeared, and her stomach felt fully fed. Her scarred shoulder and ripped ear and scorched pads held no soreness. She felt truly at peace, but her wariness kept her alert.

As she walked towards the white blanket in the distance, the landscape slowly began to change. Countless little flowers were flowing in the breeze in every direction. Pretty, purple African violets, the very same ones woven into the crown she once wore. She realized at once that this dream world was created for her, and her alone.

A figure against the fog suddenly caught her attention. It was a dog. They moved gracefully, as if they were floating in midair. This dog seemed so familiar, yet Layali knew she had never met them before. Pure white...

The Light dog!? From our legends?

Light's eyes were what stood out the most. They were a friendly green color, nearly the same bright, unnatural shade as the grass. They smiled gently, so much so that it comforted Layali. She felt her unease melt away at the mere presence of this dog.

"Welcome, young one." Light's voice was powerful yet warm, dreamlike with a slight echo to it. "A beautiful world you find yourself in, isn't it?"

"You painted it, didn't you?" Layali's racing thoughts seemed to be voiced on their own accord. "You and your counterpart?"

"Indeed." Light beckoned with their tail for Layali to follow. As they strolled, Layali continued observing in awe at the brightly colored landscape as it started fading away into a lush jungle. The humidity soothed her, and she took a moment to inhale deeply. It felt so real.

"Do you know your purpose, my sister?" Light asked suddenly.

"My...purpose?"

Light nodded, continuing on their path. "Everyone has a purpose. My sibling Dark and I were created to bring color to Africa. I'd say we succeeded, wouldn't you?"

"Yes, but...this isn't Africa, is it? This is a dream world. It's not real."

Light gave a chuckle. "Of course it's Africa. Our home. It's just how my sibling and I view it. Vast, beautiful, and full of opportunities."

Layali smiled, never having thought about dreamscapes in that way. She had previously thought them to be whatever her mind conjured up for the night, which was usually not very pleasant, thanks to her Dreamwalker. Perhaps this was not the dream world at all, but the spirit world. Light must have invited her here personally. But why?

"I am an artist. And you...you're a mamoyo, proud of your position."

Layali frowned. "A banished mamoyo."

"You will find your way home. I believe it. You and I, we're family. And every painted dog is capable of miracles."

Layali beamed at this. A god stood before her, complimenting her, treating her as if she were important. They were so...kind. It was refreshing. Layali felt relaxed and happier than she had in a very long time. She almost never wanted to wake up.

Light continued trotting through the trees in their ghostlike fashion, leaping over ferns and little red mushrooms. Layali had no trouble keeping up in her incorporeal body.