Saving Light

Epilogue: My Saving Light

~ o ~

Three Months Later- Hanamura, Japan

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes in an attempt to keep my cool as I approached the door. This was something I think I've needed to do...a fear I've needed to face head on instead of hoping things will turn out okay. I raised my fist and knocked on the door before retracting my helmet.

"It'll be alright Genji,"

An encouraging voice filled my ears as I smiled to myself.

"I do not know if this will work out Angela, but you've convinced me that I must try," I replied.
"Be honest...just like you were with me,"

I took another deep breath as I heard footsteps.

"Wish me luck," I said.
"You won't need it...I believe in you,"

The call cut off several seconds before the door opened.

"...Genji,"

I nodded before holding out a hand.

"It's good to see you again...brother," I said.

Hanzo seemed reluctant to even be standing at the door but much to my amazement, he stood aside.

"Come in," he said.

I couldn't believe what was happening; not four months ago, he refused to even acknowledge that I was still myself. Perhaps my visit to the temple and the time we fought had convinced him that I was no longer a man...that I was only a living weapon and no longer his younger brother. Now...perhaps he looked past it all. He could see that I was still quite human beneath the suit. I felt a feeling of joy wash over me...and instead of coming inside, I immediately bowed respectfully, getting onto my knees.

"I'm sorry I disappointed you brother...it is something that haunts me even to this day and I know-," I cried.
"Stop Genji,"

Much to my surprise, he placed a hand on my shoulder and offered me a smile.

"I did a lot of thinking on what you said to me that night...and I was convinced that I didn't deserve the chance you offered me at redeeming myself," he explained.

He took a deep breath and I knew that he was still struggling with his words; Hanzo Shimada was not a man who readily admitted to when he was wrong.

"You forgave me despite what I did to you back then...and I want you to know that I'm sorry for treating you like an outcast," he continued.

He then helped me to my feet before giving me a proud smile.

"You've made me proud Genji, you fight for what you believe in and for that, I cannot fault you... and though we do not share the same vision of the world," he began.

He placed a hand once more on my shoulder.

"You are not a disgrace...not anymore," he said.

My eyes widened as his looked to the ground, clearly feeling guilty.

"It took me a long time to accept that no matter what...family is what matters most and you are my brother, the only family I have left...so shall we wipe the slate clean?" he asked.

I shook his hand and nodded in agreement.

"So be it," I replied.

I then entered the house...finally able to spend time with my older brother after all these years. I had Angela to thank for that...because she's the one who encouraged me to make this trip to Hanamura.