Painted Flowers

Chapter 39 - Painted Flowers

As the rain of spiritual paint ceased, the sun finally began to peek through the clouds, its soft yellow beams shining proudly down upon the earth. It was as if the entire world itself had let out a breath of relief. Zain limped across the refreshed field as fast as he could manage, admiring the beauty of the newfound color. It was quite obvious now that Layali and Kioni had succeeded, and he wished that he had been at their side when it had happened, wondering desperately if either of them had been harmed in the process.

Well done, Zain, he cursed himself mentally. Try to save the world and you nearly get yourself killed.

From the beginning, this had been Layali's destiny. Even if he hadn't been able to make it all the way to Muambe, she had, and that's what was important.

He flinched suddenly as pain shot up his side, having to sit and rest for a moment at the riverbank. He had a double take by his reflection in the water. His right ear had been torn and was crusted with blood, and he knew that such a deep rip would be permanent. Blood trickled down his muzzle, and he was covered all over in scratches and scrapes. He was embarrassed by the sight of himself, and had to look away. Thanks so much, Gods of Color.

Zain knew he should head for the Waterfall Camp where he had left the Ash royals, assuming that Layali and Kioni would find their way back there when they were able. Before too long he could hear the spray of water over the hillside, and he scented the air, suddenly nervous by how his mother and packmates were faring. The Dreamwalkers had all vanished, so the meadow was deceptively peaceful, with little butterflies fluttering about and birdsong slowly returning. It was as if nothing had happened there at all, and if Zain wasn't covered in bruises, he would have assumed it all to have been some horrible dream.

The voice of Kichea calling his name filled his heart with light. She spotted him just as he was making his way across the shallow end of the water, even splashing into it to meet him halfway and tackling him with a hug. He cringed at his soreness, but burst into tears of joy, mirroring the queen as her tail wagged rapidly, sending droplets all over.

"We were so worried about you!" Kichea sniffled. She guided him out of the water and set him on the mud, which was oddly soothing against his skin. "But you saved us."

Feoria had rushed forward at the alert of his return, tearing across the riverbank with a massive grin and joining the group hug. After a moment she pulled him back to look at him. "You're a hero. You and Layali."

Zain blinked, smiling broadly but overwhelmed by the warm welcome. He wiped away a tear with the top of his muddy paw. "Don't know if she...made it okay..."

"Look at the land!" Kichea exclaimed. "It's all back to normal! She must have won!" She began showering him with licks, cleaning his wounds and the tears from his muzzle. His thumping tail seemed to have a mind of its own. He felt safe at last, and relished in it as he rested his battered body.

It took Zain a moment to realize that more dogs were approaching. The Meadow dogs had all gathered at the riverbank, murmuring amongst themselves and looking worriedly at the land beyond the river where their princess had disappeared with the brushes. Almost immediately after their arrival, though, another group of dogs emerged from the eastern side, sending the Meadow dogs backing away, lowering their heads warily. Kwasi was there, leading a good majority of the Pack of Falling Ash. Too late to aid in the battle, but welcome nonetheless.

From the opposite bank, Amare sprang forward and splashed towards their brother, headbutting him affectionately and overseeing the Ash dogs as they crossed the river. Duna alongside his mate, Tau, were introduced to the Ash king. Kwasi gave them both a respectful nod, earning one in return. The mambos from both sides began talking eagerly among each other about the events that had occurred. Rival packs began mingling excitedly, blending into one as if they were old friends recounting shared hardships.