His choice instantly made his heart lighter.
Nanji nodded and smiled
"Very well. May you and the one you have chosen have a long and prosperous life. Your companion will be waiting for you when you awake. Farewell, Houjun" He made some obscure motions with his hand and chanted a spell.
Within a single moment, Chichiri's vision became blurred. Nanji's red light faded and he felt himself sucked into the dizzying whirlpool, transporting him back to life, light and a completely new day.
A month later, to celebrate this important event and pay their respect, they journeyed to the grave where the last of their old trio rested in peace. Despite the fact they had, superficially at least, come to terms with decisions made, despite the fact that they now once more basked in each other's company, there was still much sadness clouding their happiness.
Sadness that would probably never let them be, Chichiri mused, like a ghost of the past hovering near. He smiled half-heartedly recalling a promise that once had been made "No matter what, Houjun, I'd rather be a ghost drifting by your side than a lonely spirit without you"
The pain in his heart, once awoken by his choices, he knew would never disappear now. It had been hard enough to mute its sorrowful song after the tragic events of so many years ago, events that had torn him apart from his friends, that had led him to doubt the value of love and friendship. Now at least it was bearable and he had someone to share it with. No matter what befell them henceforth; their bond had been strengthened and as long as they remained close they could move the mountains. All thanks to Miaka.
"I will be forever in her debt", his companion mused softly, pointing to the countryside around "This is far surpasses my expectations. It is so exhilarating to be…alive once more. I have never really known.."
Chichiri smiled his genuine smile. The mask was not needed any longer. As long as they were together, as long as his heart felt somewhat unburdened, he no longer minded what people said. Even with the scar. This had been a lesson of acceptance.
"No one ever really appreciates it, no da. Not until he himself experiences the loss." He commented thoughtfully.
Sure, there were moments now and then when he replayed recent events in his mind, considering the alternative he could have chosen. What it would be like if the other was here now instead of this one?
Life was full of such doubts yet what was the point of crying over them when had future to consider. Especially when this future miraculously walked beside you. Besides, he mused, in the end he felt he had a debt to pay. A debt that included self0recriminations and regrets if acting too abruptly, mindlessly. Ultimately, all things considered, he reached the conclusion that was his fault. Had he not judged them so quickly, none of the tragedies would have taken place. Or perhaps not.
"I cannot wonder enough how come you chose me instead of…..it is beyond my understanding. After all what happened I would have thought…"
Thing was, the presence of his friend soothed his troubled soul. And it was enough for Chichiri to be sure that he had been right.
"You speak too much, be quiet", the mage laughingly admonished his fellow traveler. " Be quiet and look there", he pointed towards the horizon.
Afar, upon the rolling green hills they saw three kids, two boys and a girl, playing joyfully under the gentle scrutiny of the eye of heaven. They were chasing each other at one time or cheerfully trying to catch the elusive butterflies at another. Then suddenly as the only girl among them fell and cried, both boys jumped to help her up.
It was home.
"It's like with those butterflies, Hikou. You can never have everything your heart desires. And yet with you here I feel complete, because Kouran will remain forever in my heart and her love will always be my guiding light."
And , he added to himself, she would have probably liked to see us together. It would have made her light up again, I am certain of it
Hikou smiled fondly. Indeed. But then again, Hikou reflected, a heart as gentle and loving as Houjun's, with a little friendly help might yet make another miracle come true.
"Speaking of" he spoke "let us now go visit her grave. She would be really pleased to see us there, together I believe. It is as if we were reunited once more"
Chichiri nodded but nonetheless dawdled a while longer, lost in the scene playing before their eyes and Hikou guessed his mind must have wandered back to their own past. Three innocent children, torn apart by circumstances and errors of the youth. Three pure souls broken and forlorn by the folly of their own actions.
In the end it was only after the children completely disappeared from their view that they moved on. The past had been accepted with all its beauty and pain.
From thenceforth, Hikou swore, carefully eyeing the thoughtful face of his friend, he would allow nothing to get in the way of their brotherhood, nor would he allow Chichiri to feel wronged or slighted ever again.
He noticed with pleasure that Chichiri's smile finally widened.
For did he not have reasons to rejoice? The two most important people had been returned to him either in body or in spirit. The days of bitterness and doubt were over once and for all. His heart was reaching home.
I am done for now, though there is another version that I have of this ending. I will work with it to make it into another story but I am still tempted to write another ending to this one. I'm not entirely happy with it stylistically so one day I might revise it. Did you like it or was it disappointing? I hope not.
I shamefully borrowed a line from "Crouching tiger, hidden dragon (About this drifting spirit)-I loved the film and that line is my absolute all time favourite . I hope I will be forgiven.