Sanchapter

A Legend of the Past, a Savior From the Future


Author's note:
To all you readers who've read my story up to this point, and who've given me so much support, I'm afraid that I have some bad news (but not too bad). This will probably be the last chapter that I will be able to write and post for a while. The deal is, next week I'm starting summer collage courses, and well I'm not going to be able to have all the writing time that I've had with the past 11 chapters. But fear not dear readers, it will only be for seven weeks, so don't think for one moment that I'm abandoning my story. And because you've all been waiting for this chapter since I first started writing the saga, I'm leaving you all with a whopping 14 page special.

So, without further adieu, I present you with the twelfth installment of my very long fanfiction.

Disclaimer: I don't own Princess Mononoke, yadda, yadda, yadda.


Chapter 12

The cold winds of dawn brushed roughly against the girl's scowling face and whipped through her ebony hair. As she crouched silently with her back arched forward and her nimble hands planted firmly on the ground, she stared down the slope of the mountain. Through the skeleton forests of dead trees and the blankets of fog, she could just barely make out the elongated shape of a caravan as it slithered across the mountain face like loathsome viper. When the girl sniffed at the air she could smell the caravan's oxen, as well as the humans who led them along the winding path.

She detested those two smells. Oxen she could tolerate to a point, but the smell of a human.....that was something that would always sicken her whenever it touched her nose. A human's scent, a potent odor which permeated the air whenever one was near, was always a nauseating mixture of their sweat, smoke from their iron works, the strong smelling liquid they called saké' they were always drowning themselves in, and in some cases, even their own filth. Out of all the things the girl hated about humans, it was that single aspect that made skin crawl.

Thunder suddenly rumbled through the sky drowning out the oxen's pitiful cries of pain as their driver whipped them. The girl looked up at the rolling gray masses of clouds that loomed in the sky, and sniffed the air once more. It looks like the rains have finally come, she said.

All the better, replied a growling basso voice. When humans are forced to move about in the rain, their sense of logic becomes muddled which makes them falter. A small chuckle followed shortly. It seems that this will be easier than we first anticipated.

came another voice. Though not a deep and authoritive as the first, it still possessed an equally intimidating resonance in its tone. I was hoping that this would be an actual challenge for once. There was a short pause before the second voice add, What do you think, San?

San did not answer, for her attention was focused on the advancing caravan below. She narrowed her piercing dark eyes and dug her fingers into the dirt. I know you're there, she thought to herself. I can smell the aura that surrounds your soulless heart! The girl reached for the white sash wrapped around her waist and unsheathed her dagger. As she looked at the weapon's razor sharp edges, her scowl intensified. I'll let your dying eyes gaze upon it once I cut from your—



San glanced to her right and saw the large wolven face of her elder brother. What is it, Kiba? she asked, returning her attention to the caravan.

Kiba, the ninth son of Moro, looked down at the crouching girl and twitched his ears. Though he was not nearly as large as most of the older members of his species, the wolf possessed a powerful frame that was big enough to send most humans running for dear life. Like his younger brother, Tsume, Moro's tenth son, his coat was thick and silvery and soft to the touch. With a small growl, the large wolf gently nudged his furry muzzle against San's shoulder, one of the only ways he knew how to show her affection without hurting her. You've been staring at that spot on the hill for hours, he answered and laid flat on the ground beside her. You're beginning to worry us.

San's frown lessened and she ran her fingers through Kiba's thick fur. I'm just thinking, she said.



About why we're just sitting here, waiting, while our enemies are wide open for an attack, she answered.

Kiba frowned slightly. Because that's what Mother told us to do, he said. We're to wait for the exact moment She feels is the appropriate time to attack. Not before, not after. He looked towards the neighboring mountain where he could just make out the white shape of Moro which had not moved the slightest in last few hours.

But you said it yourself, San protested, jumping to her feet which caused her bone jewelry to rattle. As soon as it begins to rain the humans will be practically helpless. She looked at her wolven brother who just looked back at her. We should strike now while the stupid humans have their guard down.

Tsume retorted, moving closer to his two siblings. The muscles in his powerful legs and back stretched and flexed as he crouched beside San. But to disobey Mother would not only be disrespectful, it would also be dishonorable. And without honor, a wolf is no better than a human.

Tsume's last comment made San's skin ripple and her hair began to rise with irritation. She hated waiting almost as much as she hated humans. But to be compared to a human, that was enough to send her into raging tantrum. Unfortunately for San, one of her weakness was her incredibly short-temper. It was something she had acquired over the years, and though not nearly as vicious as it had been during her younger years, was still frightfully untamed. Why are we even debating this? she asked. We have a perfect opportunity to wipe out that entire caravan. So why not take advantage of that opportunity while we still can?

Kiba laughed, exposing his sharp fangs. You never change, do you, San? he said. You may be the Princess Mononoke, but you're still as impulsive and stubborn as a freshly born cub.

I am not!

The wolf retorted scoffingly, Then why are you so determined to diverge from our original strategy and disobey Mother's instructions?

With an irritated snort, San started down the hill. You two can do what you want, but I'm Going. before the girl could take the first three steps, she was roughly yanked back by Kiba who had snapped up a mouthful of her cloak of white fur. With a yelp she landed on her back which knocked the wind out of her. She then looked up and found herself staring into the wolf's red-tinted eyes.

When Mother moves, we move! He lowered his head so that he and his sister were literally nose-to-nose. Until then, we wait!

San had a look that could pierce the thickest boulder. After giving her wolven brother one last glare, she sat up and crossed her arms. she growled.

You won't have to wait long, Tsume chimed in looking towards the mountain where Moro had been keeping watch.

San and Kiba's sharp eyes looked to where their brother was looking and saw that Moro's obscure shape was now making its decent down the barren slope of the mountain. It would be only minutes before she reached the caravan.

Finally! San thought to herself with a grin of fulfillment and climbed onto Kiba's back. Let's go. she said, then reached behind her head and pulled a red mask over her face. It was the mask she always wore whenever she engaged the humans in battle. Its sole purpose was the same as her fur cloak, to hide as much of her human appearance as possible. When her enemies saw her, the last thing San wanted was to have them think that they were fighting one of their own. For she was not one of their own.

San, like her brothers and like her mother, was wolf.

Thrusting back his hind legs, Kiba launched himself from the ledge they had been resting on and rushed down the mountain with San clinging tightly to his back. Tsume followed not too far behind. As the three siblings quickly made their way towards the caravan the rumbling clouds released the rain which they had been storing within their vaporous bodies.



Come on you stupid pieces of crap! Nathan shouted at the pair of sticks he had been rubbing together for the past ten minutes in hopes of starting a fire. All I want is a stupid little spark! What the hell do I have to do, dance the friggen Irish Jig? Letting his temper get the best of him, the youth threw the stick aside and kicked the pile of twigs and leaves he had made, sending them scattering in all directions.

Mercutio on the other hand was relishing the whole moment. As the little fox lay curled in a tight ball on the ground, he watched and studied his human companion's every movement. From Nathan's relentless attempts to start a fire with the sticks to his every curse and blatant remarks he made in the heat of rage, Mercutio was able to find something incredibly entertaining. It didn't take too long for Nathan to catch on to this.

Oh you think this is funny, huh? Nathan asked bitterly. Well isn't that cute. I'm stuck in this piss-hole of a forest, I'm freezing my rump off because I can't make a fire worth a crap! He shot Mercutio a dirty look. and the only company I have is a wise-ass fox who thinks I'm the incarnation of a Monty Python episode.

Mercutio just continued to give Nathan the same amused expression.

Shaking his head, the young outlander sighed and gathered the twigs and leaves back into a pile. he said quietly. I didn't mean to go off on you like that. It's just that..... I don't know. Everything just seems so..... so messed up. He picked up the two sticks and proceeded to rub them together. You know, Mercutio, I really envy you.

To this the fox gave Nathan a questioning look.

No, I mean it, Nathan said, unaware that smoke was starting to rise from the sticks. You can live anywhere you want, don't have to worry about stupid parents you can't relate to, you don't have to go to high school where both the teachers and the other students hate your guts, and.... He paused for a moment before continuing. and you don't have to deal with getting rejected by girls simply because you don't measure up to their impossibly high standards. With a grin he looked back at the fox. Mercutio, you have got it made.

There was a slight crackle, and in a puff of gray smoke, the pile of twigs and leaves became alive with flickering flames.

Nathan stared with widened eyes. I did it, he said. I actually did it! Unable to control his joy, the youth jumped to his feet and began to dance around the small fire. To quote Tom Hanks, I.....have created fire!

Then, without a single whisper of warning, the sky flashed with lighting and it began to rain. As the rumbling thunder echoed over the land, Nathan's first, and only successfully started fire was smothered by the falling rain. It was only a matter of seconds before the last tiny flame disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

Despite what had just happened, and despite how long it had taken him to build that small, shrimp of a fire, and despite how cold and wet he was, Nathan did not loose his temper. De did not swear, cuss, or even scream. he just looked at the soggy remains of his now water-logged fire and sighed dejectedly. This is what I get for laughing at those poor bastards on Survivor, isn't it. he said and zipped up his leather jacket.



As Kiba and Tsume drew closer to the caravan of oxen and humans, San could could feel the sensation of pure adrenaline rushing through her body, washing over her like the streams of falling rain. Her dark eyes glinted like daggers behind her mask while her mouth twisted with anticipation. She tightened her grip on her dagger as she imagined it slicing through the flesh of her first victim.

The wolf-girl's zest for the approaching battle was abruptly cut short when she saw a group men dressed in straw cloaks forming a straight line alongside the path. In each man's hands was a long wooden pole with a thick bottle-shaped cylinder that was wrapped in bright-red paper. It was only when the first man removed the paper from his pole's cylinder revealing the dark-metal object hidden beneath that San realized the danger that was about to befall her and her two brothers. she shouted.

A deafening blast erupted from the bottle shaped cylinder's muzzle which sent a small iron ball screaming through the air. In a jagged flash of light the ball struck the ground just a few paces ahead of Kiba. Three more shots followed, each of them just missing the wolves and the girl by mere inches. When they ricocheted off the rocks and trees, they emitted chilling shrieks that tore through the air.

That way! San ordered Kiba and pointed her left arm to the side, gesturing for Tsume to follow. As they made the sharp turn, more of the iron projectiles were fired at them. Cowards! the wolf-girl thought to herself. They hide behind their guns like helpless cowards, because they know we'll kill them otherwise. When she looked over her shoulder, she saw that several of the oxen had broken away from their drivers and were now running down the mountain in a panicking frenzy. She smiled and sniggered when she thought about all the rice that would lost with those oxen. If they couldn't kill the humans directly they next best thing they could do was cripple their food supply. We're going in for another pass, she barked while tugging at a handful of Kiba's neck fur.

The large wolf replied with an affirmative growl and twisted around until he was once again charging the caravan. When they were just another few seconds away from the line of bellowing oxen, San whipped her arm through the air and sent her dagger spiraling into the thick hide of an already agitated ox. The black pelted animal gave of a shrill cry of pain and and began to twist and buck around the path, kicking a few drivers off the cliff and into the surging river hundreds of feet below. With another pain filled cry, the ox trampled over its own driver and barreled down the path.

San cursed.

You hit the ox, didn't you? Kiba asked as he continued to run between the skeletons of dead trees while dodging another barrage of the iron projectiles. Was it not your strategy to injure the ox and start an uproar?

San chuckled and brought her head close to the wolf's ear. Actually I was aiming for the ox driver himself. She looked down the line of oxen and humans until she saw the object of her most vicious hatred. The woman whom had brought all this pain and suffering to her forests and who had given the humans the weapons that spit iron like balls of lightning. The humans who lived under her command called her Lady Eboshi, and it was her blood alone that San craved more than anything else.

As the woman stood in a stiff posture of authority that amplified her every arrogant features, the riflemen she controlled with only mere words, huddled around her with their guns held at the ready.

The distance between them lessened and San could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she imagined herself upon the gun-woman, tearing at her face and limbs with her bare hands. I'm coming for you, Gun-Woman! she screamed in her mind as she and Kiba neared the ledge where the woman and her riflemen were awaiting them. She unsheathed the second dagger she had hidden away within her tattered garments and held it in an anxious hand. But before she could do anything more, the wolf whom she was riding suddenly altered course and circled around the face of the mountain in a wide curve until he was running in the opposite direction.

San screamed angrily at her elder brother. What do you think you're doing?

I know you wish to engage the gun-woman, San! Kiba retorted panting heavily. But this is Mother's battle now.

San raised her thin eyebrows. she then looked back and saw the hulking shape of Moro descending upon the caravan.

The enormous Wolf-God landed on the unsuspecting caravan like a giant boulder of ivory-white fur, throwing a few more men over the cliff. With her vicious claws and dagger sized teeth, she tore across the dirt path, slaughtering whatever human or oxen that was unfortunate enough to get in her way. Moro's eyes flared with frightening rage as made her way towards her goal, the gun-woman she and the other creatures of her forest had come to know as Lady Eboshi.

Completely unfazed by neither the deaths of her own men nor the advancing Wolf-God, Eboshi threw back her cloak and produced a small, elongated object that was wrapped in the same red paper as the riflemen's own iron spitting weapons. She then hoisted the strange object onto her shoulder and took aim. When the rampaging Moro came within range, the front of the paper covered object suddenly burst into a cloud of smoke and flames.

Before Moro could take evasive action, a burning hot ball of iron ripped through the side of her neck and buried itself deep within her chest. The giant Wolf-God held back what would have been the most terrible cry of agony ever heard while blood gushed from the open hole that had been left by the projectile's violent entry.

A man enveloped in a cloak of straw stepped in front of Eboshi and raised his own weapon, one of the wooden staves with the bottle shaped metal barrel at the end. When the hulking, white animal neared, the man fired his weapon which spewed a blazing pillar of flames.

The flames scorched against the Moro's body, causing her to falter. In a final, desperate attempt to escape the agonizing pain, she threw herself over the face of the cliff, disappearing under the veil of fog below.



When the danger had finally passed, the surviving ox-drivers as well as the riflemen hurriedly tried to salvage what was left of their badly damaged caravan. While order slowly began to set in, Eboshi stood at the edge of the cliff where the Wolf-God had fallen.

You did it milady! Gonza, the man who had launched the stream of flames from his rifle exclaimed with a bellowing laugh. You killed her!

Eboshi sniffed curtly and handed her rifle to her personal servant. You're forgetting that he's a God, Gonza, she said. It will take more than that to kill a monster like her. She looked over her still agitated caravan and shouted, We're moving out now!

Gonza stared at his commanding mistress with shocked eyes. But milady, he stammered, almost too afraid to continue his question. What about the men that went over the—

They're dead, the woman snapped. So let's concentrate our attention on getting the living home.

The bearded man opened his mouth to protest, but kept the words imprisoned within his throat. He then frowned and slung his rifle over his shoulder. Yes milady, he said, following his commanding mistress through the trail of mutilated carcasses that had been left by Moro's ambush.



San had watched in absolute horror as her wolven mother plummeted head-first over the cliff. she screamed with a mixture of terror and rage, feeling the tears begin to build up in her eyes. She then leapt on to Kiba's back and gripped his fur tightly. Quickly, we have to go to her, she might be dying!

The large wolf growled and darted down the mountain with all his strength. Though he and Tsume had been never ones to openly show hurt or fear, deep inside they were more terrified for their mother's life than they had ever been before.

Though Moro may have been a God, she was still a living creature. And sooner or later, all living creatures eventually die.



Nathan tromped through the damp forest, his red mask pulled over his eyes and his Mercutio-filled supply sack slung over his shoulder. He looked up and gazed at the sky through the thick canopy of leaves. He was relieved to see that the clouds were now pulling away from each other leaving openings for blue sky and warm sun to seep through. It's about time, he thought to himself and wiped the wetness from his face. His attention was suddenly ripped away from the sky by what sounded like a bellowing moo'.

What the hell? the youth said cocking an eyebrow when the cry came again. Following the strange but vaguely familiar sounds, he ran through the forest, splashing in soggy mud puddles and pushing himself through water-logged bushes. It didn't take to long for him to find the source of the cries.

A large, black ox was frantically pulling against its harness which had become snagged on the thick branches of a tree. The horned animal bellowed again and jerked its head from side to side.

Now that, Nathan said with a wide expression. is what I call a really big chunk of hamburger. He slowly approached the frantic animal, holding his open hand out in an attempt to show that he meant no harm. It's okay, he said softly taking a few more slow steps towards the ox. I'm not gonna hurt you.

The ox's large eyes filled with the boy's image causing it to draw back in fear. It then made a low pitched wail.

the youth said quietly and held his hand towards the frightened animal's wet snout. Just take it easy, now. The ox reluctantly turned to face him and sniffed at his hand. Nathan tried to hold back his laughter as he felt the the ox's damp nose brushing against his hand. There you go, he said with a smile and began to gently stroke the animal's head. See, I'm not so bad, now am I? The ox mooed' in response. Must've wandered off from the rest of its heard, or something.

Mercutio, who had been asleep for most of the time, jumped out from the warm safety of the supply sack and landed on the soggy ground. When he looked up at the towering ox, his ears twitched as did his nose. Keeping his grayish eyes fixed on the bulky mass of the ox's body, the fox circled around, sniffing at the air. He stopped when he reached the animal's right hindquarter and yipped loudly.

What was that Lassie? Nathan joked as he freed the ox's harness from the tree branch. Did Timmy fall in the well again? He moved around the ox, patting its wide belly and stopped where Mercutio was sitting. Come, Mercutio, don't tell me you've never seen......a... The young outlander's words escaped him when his saw the blood dribbling down the ox's leg. What the hell... His eyes followed the stream of red up the animal's leg until he was looking at the rump. is this?

Buried deep within the the black hide was a double-edged dagger. Nathan carefully examined the wound, and gently gripped the blade's handle. Biting his lower lip, the youth tightened his grip and pulled the dagger cleanly from the wound, receiving only a small yelp from the ox.

With a sickened look, Nathan examined the dagger he held in his hands. he murmured. Talk about you're weird-ass weapons. He dunked the blade in a puddle of water, washing away the blood, then continued to examine it. It was like no weapon he had ever seen. Not even that swords and knives show on the home-shopping network had sold anything like it. The blade was an oddity all on its own. Two, razor sharp edges joined at the tip which formed the dagger's semi-round triangular shape. On the flat of the blade there was a pair red slash marks. It was truly a strange, but marvelous piece of weaponry.

Doesn't look like something a samurai would use, he said to himself. Nor anyone else I can think of for that matter. A sudden chill passed over him, causing his skin to break out into tiny goose-bumps. His arms and chest began to burn and rippled. He clenched his teeth, fighting the urge to cry out. The pain only lasted for a few seconds, and soon washed away from his body like a fading dream. Nathan breathed a sigh of relief. When he stood and turned around he was struck by a scene that literally left him dumbstruck.

While the youth had been busy examining the dagger, Mercutio had found himself a comfortable spot on ox's back. The ox for the most part didn't seem to even notice the smaller animal's presence and just simply lumbered about, chewing on the leaves of a shrub.

Nathan, shook his head and laughed, he said. You are quite the lovable mooch, aren't you? The little fox shot him a sly grin and yipped. After he slipped his newly acquired dagger in to his supply sack, the young outlander took hold of the ox's harness and gave it a tug. Come Mr. Big Mack, he said, tugging harder. Let's get the hell out of here.

The ox jerked at the harness a few times before finally submitting to Nathan's command. With a slight moan of annoyance, the hulking black animal began to follow its new driver through the damp forest.



San growled with rage as she and her two brothers darted through the forest in search of their injured mother. She could feel the savage ferocity of her anger coursing through her veins so much that she could almost taste it. While she clung tightly to the galloping Kiba, the young wolf-girl made herself a promise. A solemn vow upon her honor as a member of the wolf clan. Before the that night's moon touched the highest peak of the sky, her blade would be stained with the gun-woman's blood. She held her dagger flat against her chest and closed her eyes.

Wise Shisha Gami..... she whispered in her mind. Noble spirit of nature...... Benevolent master of all the world's forests.... Grant me the strength I need so that I may slay the ones who threaten our home. Her scowl tightened as did her grip on the dagger. Grant me the strength that I will need to kill the woman who has taken the land that is rightfully yours and avenge my mother whom she as afflicted.

Pushing her mask back over her head, San uncovered her glaring eyes and exposed her clenched teeth. She promised herself that nothing was going to stop her from killing the Gun-Woman. Not her riflemen, not her guards, not even the hateful Gun-Woman herself. Nothing.



When Nathan and his two animal companions stepped out from the shade of the trees, they found themselves surrounded by a network of enormous, moss covered boulders and roaring waterfalls. The water was brown and foamy and smelled faintly of the forest's soil, and the cracks and gaps between the boulders were lined with gnarled roots and shrubs. The whole area had a very unearthly feeling of serenity in its atmosphere. And for the most part, it was all quite pleasant to be around.

While Nathan was enjoying the natural beauty of his new surroundings, Mercutio suddenly sprung to his feet on the ox's back and began barking wildly.

Nathan chided the noisy fox. What's with you all of a sudden? The fox just continued to bark with his nose pointing towards the rushing waters. When Nathan looked to where his companion was indicating he felt the blood drain from his face.

Floating along the muddy stream were the limp bodies of oxen and a few men. There were other bits and pieces of debris as well. Nathan's mouth hung wide open as he stared and watched the the powerful current of the waters carry away the lifeless forms. Though he had seen it many times since his accidental journey into this time period, the sight of death always seemed to leave the youth nearly frozen in horror. He clutched a handful of his T-shirt and breathed heavily. Get a grip Nathan.......Just don't think about it.....There was nothing you could've done.

When he turned around and began to walk back over to the ox, he found that Mercutio was nowhere to be seen. Where'd that furry little mooch hobble off too, now? he asked himself while he searched the area for his missing companion.

When he found Mercutio he saw that he was crouched beside the sprawled out form a man dressed in a bright, orange tunic who was half submerged in the water. The man's face was twisted in a gaping expression of anguish while his eyes remained shut.

Because he was so far away it was impossible for Nathan to tell whether the man was just unconscious or.... He pushed the second half of the tough out of his mind and rushed towards the motionless figure. Crouching on one knee, the youth gently slapped the man's face. he said. You okay, man? He slapped his face again, then placed his hand just an inch above the man's gaping mouth. A relieved smile spread across Nathan's face when he felt breath against his skin. Hey, he's alive! he exclaimed shooting Mercutio a wide grin. He's actually alive! He slung the man's limp arm over his shoulder and pulled him from the muddy water.

As soon as he laid the unconscious person down on the warm, flat rocks, the young outlander looked up and saw Mercutio standing over yet another still figure that was bobbing limply among the rapids. Like the one before, Nathan rushed to the injured man's aid. As he fished him out of the water, he was given a much clearer view of the man's appearance. Unlike the first man, who was fairly well built with a solid frame, this one was lanky and looked frail enough to snap like a twig. It was only then that the youth realized that the man had been thrashed around quite badly. His right arm was fractured just below the elbow, and his leg was broken and a few of his ribs were cracked.

I don't know what happened to you, Mister. Nathan said, slinging the dazed man's good arm over his shoulder. But you're damn lucky to be still breathing. He carefully dragged him over to where he had left the first injured and laid him against a rock.

Well, this certainly is an interesting twist, he said and combed his fingers through his dark hair. When he looked back at the rushing water he saw something he hadn't noticed earlier. It was a thin stream of red that flowed through the water like a separate river. Though it was faint, the youth had absolutely no troubled recognizing what it was. he said quietly. And it's coming from up there. He looked down at Mercutio who returned the look. Stay here, he told the small animal and began to climb the rocks and roots

When Nathan reached the top of the small slope he quietly crept along the rough surface of a fallen tree until he was at the roots. He pressed his back against the tree's thick trunk and repeatedly asked himself whether or not he really wanted to find out what was on the other side Might as well, he told himself. You've already gone this far. Taking a deep breath, the youth crouched low and peered through the spaces between the roots. What he found almost caused him to jump back.

On the other side of the wide stream, lying motionlessly on its side was what Nathan could only describe as the most enormous wolf had ever seen in his life. It must have been bigger than a the pickup-truck, if not bigger. It's head alone was probably longer than he was tall, which meant that it would have no trouble snapping him up in a single bite. Though the gargantuan beast's size was enough to terrify Nathan into the afterlife, he found that he was unable stop gazing at the brilliant white fur that covered its entire body. As he continued to look at the creature, he realized that it had two tails. Weird, Nathan said to himself. It's like something you'd find on Ripley's Believe It Or Not. It was then that Nathan realized that the blood he had seen flowing down the current had been draining from a large gash in the wolf's neck. When his eyes settled on the gaping wound he couldn't help be cringe.

Two more wolves suddenly appeared from out of the forest. Though these two newcomers were not nearly as big as the one lying on the ground, they were still very large. As Nathan continued to watch the scene unfold he spotted a small fur-clothed figure clinging to the back of one the silvery wolves, riding it as though she were riding a horse.

With one fluid movement, the figure leapt from the wolf's back and landed gracefully on the ground. As she stood up, Nathan saw that the figure was in fact a beautiful young girl, probably not much older than he was. She was dressed in a tattered white blouse that fell over an equally tattered blue dress. Excepted for the thin leather bands that were looped around each of her biceps, the girl's arms were completely uncovered.

From his very first glimpse of her, Nathan could see the strength, and agility that existed within the girl's slender yet powerfully built body. When his eyes rose to where the soft oval of her face rested above her thin neck, they were instantly lost with her loveliness. It was a face that looked as though it had been carved from the purest block of porcelain by the most skilled hands. Two thin eyebrows lined the skin above a pair of large eyes of the darkest brown, while a thin upturned nose poked out over a small full-lipped mouth. But the most fascinating features were the three triangular tattoos of red that marked her cheeks and forehead. Her dark, ebony hair, cut just below her neck line, was crowned with a single ornamental band with a white jewel in the center.

From the polished bone jewelry that dangled from her ears and round her neck to the fur cloak that was draped over her back, to the the three red marks on her face, the girl possessed a frightening yet incredibly serene aura about her.

As Nathan watched her quickly make her way towards the bigger wolf which was now propping itself up on its front paws, he decided then and there, that this mysterious girl was the true embodiment of feminine beauty. That was until she did the unthinkable.

To Nathan's complete and utter dismay, the girl pressed her face into the monstrous white wolf's gaping wound and began to suck out the infected blood. When her mouth could hold no more blood, she turned to the side and spat it out like water from a squirt gun.

Holy Friggen Crap! the dark haired youth exclaimed silently as he watched the girl continue to repeat the process of sucking out the blood and spitting it onto the ground over and over, until he felt the muscles in his stomach beginning to churn. I think I'm going to be sick!

Suddenly, as though he had been struck by a bolt of lightning that had been hurled from the heavens above, the terrifying realization seeped into Nathan's head. If the rumors he had heard during his travels were as accurate as their tellers had promised them to be, then that giant wolf who was wounded in the neck was in fact the feared Wolf-God, Moro. When he thought about it for a moment, it all seemed to make perfect sense. She's certainly large enough to fit the description, he thought to himself and let his eyes return their attention to the girl.

That was when the second realization struck him. As he stared at the girl while she cleaned the wound in Moro's neck, a single name coursed through his mind. A name that was shrouded in the dark shadows of mystery and the terrifying rumors of passing travelers. If that's the Wolf-God Moro.... than that girl is..... she's.....she's the.... He felt the tiny hairs on his neck begin to stand on end, and without even thinking about what he was doing whispered the name. A name which had followed him across the face of Japan as well as through the fabric of time. Princess Mononoke. It was only when he said the name that he realized his mistake.

Moro's elongated head looked in his direction. When her vicious eyes locked with his, she began to growl, causing her fur covered maw to wrinkle. As Nathan watched the giant God continue to growl at him, he suddenly remembered the wolf from his nightmare he had experience several nights before. This is definitely not good.

The girl suddenly looked over her shoulder and shot Nathan the most blood chilling glare. Her face was now covered in blood as were her hands and clothing. She stood and spat out her last mouthful of blood, still staring into Nathan's eyes.

Fuuuuck! with a forceful jerk, the young outlander darted out of both the girl and the God's line of vision. He leaned heavily against the curved side of the fallen tree and pressed his hands against his mouth, hoping it would muffle the sound of his breathing. Though he knew very well that he was wasting his time, he hoped and prayed that the four forest dwellers had not seen him. Those hopes and prayers were shattered when the girl called out to him.

I know you're there, human! she shouted causing Nathan to eep'. So you might as well just show yourself!

Forget it! the youth shouted back, without considering to whom he was talking to.

There was a brief pause before the girl continued. You either show yourself, human, or my brothers will drag you out like the spineless coward you are!

Nathan frowned and though quickly. Okay, then...... I either throw myself out into the open and risk being eaten by three VERY big wolves, one of which just happens to be a God..... or, I sit here and wait for those wolves to drag me out and eat anyway. He considered his options. I think I'll go with the first choice.

I'm waiting, human! The girl said the word human' as though she were spitting venom.

Alright, alright, you win! Nathan retorted. I'll show myself. Just keep Fido and Butch over there away from me!

Don't you dare give me orders, human! the girl snapped back ferociously. Be thankful if I let you walk away from here with all your limbs. Don't think for one minute that I won't hesitate to kill you where you stand!

You don't have to get pissy about it, Nathan muttered under his breath and proceeded to scramble over the fallen tree. When he finally reached the top he stood and pushed his mask up his up onto his forehead. He looked down at the girl, and found himself lost in her glaring visage. Her narrowed eyes were sharp enough to pierce through his own and channel deep into the core of his mind. It was then that Nathan realized that he was not looking into the face of a beautiful girl, but the face of the vicious Princess Mononoke.



San studied the strange looking human from head to toe. While her piercing eyes absorbed his every detail the young wolf-girl felt a small sense of wonder pass over her. Never in her life has she seen a human like this. From his oddly shaped shoes and his black leather armor, to the frightening red mask he wore over his forehead, the human bore absolutely no resemblance to any other human she ever had seen before. When she studied roundish contours of his fair skinned face she suddenly realized that he was not of this land. Which meant that he was not of the Iron Town Clan. But never-the-less, the boy was still a human, and San detested humans. What are you doing in this forest? she hissed. Tell me, now!

Ummm....well... I...uhhhh.... The human stammered for a moment before he was finally able to articulate his words. I was told that this forest was the home of the forest spirit.... uh...um.... what's his name again?, He rubbed his hand over his sweaty face and snapped his fingers nervously. It was obvious that his fear was clouding his memory. Shi... Shisha.... Shisha-a-a-a, you who I'm talking about. He's the guy who can perform miracles and...and cure the blind...and make wine out of water..... No, wait a minute, wrong guy.

Is this human some sort of lunatic? San asked herself looking at the young outlander with a raised eyebrow. Or is he just a complete idiot?

Shisha Gami! he shouted, finally able to remember the right name. I'm here in search a Shisha Gami. Because he can perform miracles and.... the idiotic expression melted away from his face, leaving nothing but a sullen frown. and because I need his help.

You're here to kill him, aren't you. San replied, clenching her blood-stained fists into tight balls Just like all the other human's who have sought him out.

Kill him? the human said, staring at her with a widened look. No, no, you've got it all wrong! I just—

I don't believe you, San snapped sharply. Humans like you have been trying to take the life of Shisha Gami for years. Either for the power they believe they'll gain, or for some other selfish reason. If you think that you can convince me that your intentions are different, you're wrong Her eyes narrowed even more. Because I'm not stupid, human!

I never said you were!

Then don't think you can slither your way out of this by lying to me!

I'm not fucking lying to you! the human shot back. My goddamn life depends on finding this guy! You've got to believe me!

Before San could open her mouth to respond, Kiba stepped beside her and growled for her to be silent, using his natural, wolf language. What is it? she asked mimicking her elder brother's language perfectly.

Can't you smell it San? Kiba asked looking towards the strangely dressed human.

The wolf-girl looked at her brother quizzically then sniffed in the human's direction. When the boy's scent touched her nose, her eyes widened slightly. He smells.....of wolf! she said.

Tsume joined in after had had taken in the human's scent. It's not of wolf..... but it is remarkably similar.

San shared a quick glance with here two brothers as well as her silent mother.How is that possible? she asked.

The two wolves could not answer the question. This was beyond their experience.

It's doesn't matter, Moro said firmly. Humans know of many different methods to fool our sense of smell. This one is probably using one of those methods.

Hey look, the human called out. If I'm not welcome here, well, I'm sorry. And if it makes any difference to you, I'll leave right now.

San looked back at Moro,

The giant Wolf-God narrowed her large eyes and scowled deeply. Kill him. she said calmly. It will be one less human to worry about in the future.

Hearing this, Kiba and Tsume began to slowly make there way towards the Human, exposing their razor sharp fangs.

Hey come on! the human said, obviously understanding what the two silvery wolves' intentions were. Can't we talk about this?

The growling beasts paid no attention to his plea and continued to advance towards the fallen tree where their prey was standing. However, as soon as they had made it to the middle of the shallow river, they suddenly stopped moving. For sitting at the young human's feet was a small red fox who wore a peaceful grin on his long, fury face.



It was perhaps the most terrifying minute Nathan had had ever experienced. Mercutio just stared at the approaching wolves who stared back with looks of disbelief. None of the four animals made a sound. Nathan was at a total loss of words as he watched the silent exchange between the small fox and the large wolves It was almost as though they were engaged in some sort of debate which only they could understand. The scene was very unsettling.

After another minute of the silent exchange, Moro rose to her feet and began walking towards the forest. The two smaller wolves followed just a few paces behind her, one of which was dragging an entire ox carcass in its mouth. When the three carnivorous beast were gone, only the girl was left. For a while both could only stare at each other.

Looks as though your friends had a change of heart, said Nathan smiling slightly, relived to even be alive.

The girl scowled. Don't get the wrong idea, human, she retorted with a biting tone.

Ummm, my name's Nathan,

I don't care! she spat. This wasn't an act of mercy, so don't for a second think that you and I are on friendly terms, because we're not!

Nathan gave the wolf-girl a lop-sided grin. I guess this means that I won't have a date for the prom, now.

Just stay out of my forest, human! the girl shouted as she began to walk towards the spot along the trees where the three wolves had disappeared. Because if our paths ever cross again, I'll rip the tubes from your neck!

Nathan watched the girl run towards the trees when he suddenly remembered something. Hey wait a minute! he called out.

The wolf girl stopped and looked back at him. she said, still scowling.

This dagger wouldn't happen to be yours, would it? Nathan produced the strange weapon he had been carrying around in his supply sack and held it high in the air. I'd be happy to give it back, if you want it.

For a moment, all the girl could do was stare at the young outlander with a confused looked. Finally, breaking the uncomfortable silence between them, she spoke. Do what you want with it, human, she replied, no less hostile in tone than she had been just moments before. It makes no difference to me. You can piss on it for all I care. Just as she was about to turn her back and leave, there was a sharp clang of metal hitting and scraping against the rocks. When she looked down she saw the dagger lying flat against the ground, just inches from her feet. She jerked her head upwards to meet Nathan's gentle smile.

Thank you very much, but I have a little more respect than that, said Nathan. He then crossed his arms and chuckled. Besides, I already have my own dagger.

The wolf-girl bent down and retrieved the weapon from the ground and slipped it under her sash, not once taking her eyes off the young outlander. When she stood she sniffed curtly at the air and darted off into the forest.

As Nathan watched her leave he couldn't help but grin broadly. Not only had he the privilege to encounter what may very well had been the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, but he was still alive to appreciate it. See you around...... he whispered, the girl's every fine feature fresh in his memory. Princess of the wolves,