This took me forever to finish, but here it is at last!
So following the finale, I decided I needed to give closure to as many characters as I could, since I don't feel like we got that in the episode and it left a lot to be desired. So this is my interpretation of what could have happened after the last scene, for different characters in different timelines.
I hope you enjoy! :) And I also hope this is a fitting tribute to one of the best shows I've ever watched. These characters will always be close to my heart.
Jack
Jack wasn't sure how long he remained under the tree for, feeling the wind brush past him and letting the reality of his surroundings finally sink in. But when he finally climbed on his horse and left the clearing, he could certainly say he felt different. It was like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, just from seeing how peaceful his world had become. For so long he had wished to be rid of the haunting images in his mind, and the immortal presence of evil lingering on his back for what felt like a lifetime.
Of course, it literally had been a lifetime. It had just passed by so abnormally that he felt he had to catch up on all the years he'd missed out on.
The peacefulness of his own time without the thought of Aku was rewarding, without any doubt. But the emptiness deep inside him after losing Ashi seemed almost impossible to be rid of. He needed something else desperately, to help him ignore it. He just couldn't place what it was. For now, the solitude and quietness of the palace would have to suffice for some evening comfort.
Upon getting there, he was almost immediately greeted by familiar faces. His mother, bringing her gentle hands to his cheeks, and braving the warmest smile she could muster despite the sadness in her eyes. His father met him with open arms, placing his strong hands on his shoulders and giving him a proud gaze that Jack had craved since his youngest days. Behind that was empathy, and while there was nothing he could say to heal the wound, Jack appreciated their efforts.
If he'd had his own way, Jack would have retired to his room for the evening, but his family would not leave his side, clearly with the need to comfort their only son. Even the general occupants of the palace were more abundant than he remembered, often approaching him to provide comforting words and soothing strokes on the arm. While he was grateful, Jack responded rather glumly to people's efforts. It would take a lot more than words to fill the emptiness he had been left with. He felt a hard guilt from being so distant towards the people who were clearly living in relief following the death of the creature who had pillaged the lands not so long ago. He felt his unhappiness shouldn't intrude on their own in any way, and yet it inevitably was. It appeared, despite his awkwardness on the matter, and his insistence that he was feeling fine, no-one would let up, and he was with company wherever he went. Some would have found it stifling, but after being alone for decades, Jack found it gratifying, to say the least.
"She will be looking over you, my son."
Jack looked up in confusion at his mother later that evening. They were leaning on the highest balcony, watching the sun creep low and set the horizon alight with a cherry-red aura, like the blossoms that danced with the trees.
"Your beautiful bride. She will never be truly lost to you. I believe she was sent somewhere she can watch over all of us. That way, she will always be in our hearts, especially yours."
Jack smiled despondently, taking her hand. "That is a very nice thought."
"You will find someone to love just as much. This is what she would want for you. One day, my son, you will find true happiness."
Jack thought for a long time about his mother's words, taking in their kindness and sincerity. He wanted to believe her, and a part of him certainly did, but his lack of faith in meeting anyone he could care about as much as Ashi was overpowering. Regardless, he held her advice in high regard, for many years following that day. Life slowly became easier for Jack, as he grew used to his own company as well as his family's. It helped to know Ashi may have been looking down on him from far away, still smiling and wishing him well. Somehow, that made everything bearable, and he could look back on his memories with fondness instead of sorrow.
And as for the future, it all seemed uncertain for the time being, but, for once in his long life, Jack found himself ... optimistic.
"Excuse me?"
Jack was brought out of his thoughts by a gentle voice above his head. Leaning under the shadow of his tree, a slim woman with long black hair and a yellow dress smiled at him.
"Sorry, I don't mean to disturb you," she quickly apologized.
"No, do not worry. You've done nothing of the sort," Jack replied courteously, removing his straw-hat so he could look at her properly.
"I wondered if you could tell me the quickest way to the city. I've been away for a while and it's all so different."
Jack smiled knowingly. "I can understand that more than anyone."
He stood up to scan the skyline, the sun rays falling on his figure as he left the tree's shadow. "If you take a short walk up that hill, you will see the city from there. It is a straight road after that."
The woman bowed her head gratefully. "Thank you for your help."
"No need for thanks," Jack replied, bowing in return. When he raised it again, he looked her up and down for the first time. She had a slender frame under her golden dress. Her eyes were amber, but dark enough to resemble brown. A yellow headband pushed much of hair out of her face. And once he realised he'd been rude to stare, he saw that she was looking at him with a furrowed brow, as if she were trying to work something out.
"Sorry, it's just…" she began.
And when she spoke again, Jack was suddenly reminded of a time when he ran in the meadows as a child, chasing crickets.
"Don't I know you from somewhere?"
