Owned by: Hayao Miyazaki and Buena Vista Media
Tranquil Tyrant
"Can you hear me, Princess of Beasts?"
Even as her voice called out ever-so calmly, and she portrayed a very picturesque, tranquil indifference, Lady Eboshi's nerves were frayed to a point of disrepair, torturing her endlessly.
A great ruler cannot show her fearfulness when she is meant to inspire her people, she reprimanded herself, imagining Toki and the girls at the mill, the wounded men that helped her develop weaponry, even the ox-cart drivers; they all depended on her, sought her guidance, and above all, looked to her for approval.
Lady Eboshi was revered and adored by abandoned warriors and rescued brothel women alike, and she knew it. She had taken it upon herself to teach them all how to survive while living near a forest swarming with animal gods that preyed upon the defenseless and weak. The woman trained her eager followers to handle firearms and spears, at which the women were undoubtedly more skilled. Only the ones who showed the greatest measure of strength were allowed to learn the art of the sword.
This pathetic whelp, Princess of Wolves, now threatened everything she had strived to build, the power she was so close to obtaining. The barbaric girl and her flea-bitten mutts are condemned, she reassured herself, yet she could feel her repressed terror begin to mount as the wolf-lady jumped from the rooftops and lunged at her.
Metal clashed and she could feel her eyes growing wild; the thrill of battle was only one of the many customs and habits she'd abandoned when taking the role of "Eboshi-sama: Leader of Iron Town".
My knives and guns are scarcely used anymore, she realized hysterically within her mind, yet she still depicted utmost calm. I am at a serious disadvantage.
The gasps of her townsfolk rang loudly in her ears as the young stranger she'd spoken not long ago appeared in front of her, knife clutched in his cursed hand. A purple, whiplike glow formed around his hand, and as he spoke to the crowd about vengeance and hatred, her mind formulated a plan. If I can provoke him to attack me . . .
"I've heard enough about this cursed arm of yours; if it bothers you so much, why don't you let me get rid of it for you!" She lunged at him halfheartedly, and he easily blocked her attack.
Thank you, she whispered within the deep reaches of her complex mind as she felt the blunt handle of a sword jab her in the stomach. Thank you, Ashitaka. Her mind fell blank as the blow induced a welcomed, slumber-like unconsciousness.
Lady Eboshi would just have to rid herself of the wolven princess another day.