Between Men and Wolves

By Arlia'Devi

Disclaimer: I do not own The Princess Mononoke in any respect; all rights go to Hayao Miyazaki and associates. I make no money from this.

Between Men and Wolves

By Arlia'Devi

10. Village

"I'm nervous, Ashitaka," San hummed as she pulled on her clothes. She wore a simple cream tunic-dress that finished a little above her knees. It was a rather cold day, with the roads muddy and wet, so she had the fur of her ancestors pulled over her shoulders. Ashitaka also wore many layers and Yakul had been happy to remain in the warm, dry pen for the miserable day.

Today, they were going to see Eboshi.

"Don't be nervous, San," Ashitaka smiled gently. "There is nothing to be nervous about."

"You could lose everything because of me," she replied shaking her head. "Your home, Yakul's home."

"We would find another home," Ashitaka smiled gently. "Come now, put on your shoes. We should head to Eboshi's while she's still in."

San nodded and did as she was told while Ashitaka finished cleaning up breakfast. Once the pot was scrubbed out and left to dry, Ashitaka pulled on a grass-green tunic and fastened the ties to his fabric shoes before scratching his head and looking to San.

"Ready? We'll let Yakul out first," he murmured, stepping out of the hut as San followed.

San unclasped Yakul's pen and the elk wandered out, getting a little stratch on the nose and nuzzle from the wolf woman.

Ashitaka warned, "Don't stray too far, Yakul." And the elk grunted in acknowledgement before leisurely making his way out to the fields on a warm morning.

It's such a beautiful day, hummed Ashitaka as they walked into town. The sun was above the horizion now, around mid-morning but there was no breeze. A few clouds floated across the sky. Perhaps later, if everything went well, they could go swimming – maybe in the sacred lake. That would be nice.

"What if things don't go well?" San replied nervously as they walked into town. She possessed no mask, everyone would know it was her. All morning her gut had been churning and moaning like she'd eaten something foul. Breakfast tasted bland even though Ashitaka was a fine cook and she hadn't been able to sleep last night. "What if we can never return to the village."

"We'll take Yakul and I'm sure you know of a fine cavern we can live in for a while," he smiled earnestly and San believed him for a moment – maybe, just maybe, it would be alright. "You gave up living like a wolf to be with me, to learn all these new things. I think I can give up living like a human to be with you. We'd have a happy life, I think. Yakul would enjoy all the free space."

San nodded. "I'll teach you my ways," she replied. "So will my brothers."

"Come now," Ashitaka said, straightening up. "We're coming into the village. Just act calmly and walk – follow my lead."

San nodded and tried to stand straight and tall. She could see as they rounded a few larger huts all the people in the village centre. There were some buying rice, some talking. Some children were playing on the street and a group of mother's with their pups tied on their backs talking to one another. Then there were a few warriors, some had swords and San suddenly realised she'd left the dagger back at Ashitaka's hut – per his instruction.

"What if they attack me?" she asked gently, her eyes not moving from where the three samurai casually chatted and ate rice cakes.

"Stay calm," Ashitaka replied, looking forward. He wondered if there was another route they could go – to bypass the centre of the village and go the back way to Eboshi's without getting recognised. Of course, there was not.

They entered the main street calmly, San staying in step with Ashitaka as they walked. For a moment, they were not recognised and San thought that perhaps they would not recognise her, until the group of mothers with their pups turned to say hello to Ashitaka and saw San.

"It's the wolf girl!" A mother shrieked, stumbling backwards. Her baby began to wail loudly and the commotion got everybody's attention.

"Keep walking," Ashitaka said gently, gripping San's wrist and urging her to step forward. The women still looked on the girl with horror.

"The wolf girl?!" a samurai called, looking toward Ashitaka. "Halt! Ashitaka!"

Ashitaka continued to move as the samurai ran up and blocked his way. San noticed his hand resting on the hilt of his sword and began to growl very lowly.

"Out of my way, Ezo," Ashitaka said sternly. "She poses no threat. We're going to see Eboshi."

"Eboshi!" Ezo cried, eying San dangerously. "You think a savage like her can live in this village? Her wolves are probably surrounding us – ready to attack!"

"Shut your mouth! My brothers wouldn't feed on flesh as rancid as yours!" San screamed.

"Insolent girl!" Ezo drew his sword and Ashitaka quickly grasped San's hand tightly and dogged Ezo's swing. He was a bad samurai with a quick temper and was no match for Ashitaka's speed.

A few people had gone into hiding along with the three mothers. Children were crying inside huts as Ashitaka quickly ran down the main streets, ignoring the outcries of the villagers as San lagged behind him.

They stopped in front of two large guards, who eyed them suspiciously.

"Ashitaka-sama," the guard said but did not make the effort to move. "What is your purpose?"

"I want to speak with lady Eboshi," Ashitaka said and the guards moved past, silently watching as Ashitaka and his female companion walked through the doors of the grand hall and into the large foyer.

The foyer was large and empty, and San wrenched her hand out of Ashitaka's to cover her face.

"San," Ashitaka frowned.

"I knew it would be like this," she growled, her face masked by her hands. "I knew it, Ashitaka! I should never have come here!"

The man frowned and attempted to pry her fingers away from her face but she wouldn't budge. "You knew it would be like this – so did I. At least for the moment. But it won't be like that forever. You have friends."

"I hated their faces," she dropped her hands and turned to look at the ground. "When they saw me their faces went all twisted and contorted, between anger and fear. The others held their pups and screamed, like I was going to hurt them."

Ashitaka caught San's chin and turned her head toward him. Her eyes were puffy and there were stains running down her cheeks. She'd been crying.

"Don't let them get to you like that," he hushed gently, gathering San up into his arms. He was surprised when she allowed him to – he thought she would struggle, or try to break free, but she remained motionless with her head resting on his collarbone and her hands at her sides. "It's going to take a while, but they'll accept you. Toki likes you, and you have me…" he smiled gently and kissed her forehead.

San nodded and sighed, rubbing the tear streaks from her cheeks. Ashitaka dropped his hands. "Let me go in and see Eboshi for a moment. I'll call you to come in."

San nodded and took a seat on the raised platform as Ashitaka climbed the two steps, leaving their shoes by the door.

"I'll be back in a moment," he replied and disappeared into the large hut.

Thanks to the people who reviewed the last chapter! They were...

Kilo 'E' Prowers, Ringleader, eff-eff-fanatic, Wolf-Maiden Mitsuki, Dddddd, , WildWulfchild, Pyrosan, ItsRagtime, Cherry Shimono, Sokka2Me and G-Matt.

Thanks and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Please take the time to leave a quick review!

Next time: Ashitaka goes to see Eboshi, but will things go smoothly?

~ Arlia'Devi