A Legend of the Past, a Savior From the Future
(Special Note)
Seeing as how this fic will finally be coming to an end in a few months, I've decided that you the readers should be treated to an extra little bonus for all the support you've given me over the past year.
Therefore, when the final chapter is posted, I will email all of those who request one, a special piece of fanart that is based on this fanfiction. I am planning to release three different pieces of fan art in total. The first one has already been completed. (It's a nice little shot of Nathan and San, very cute)
As for the last two, their contents will be left to you the readers to decide. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the last two pieces of fanart, you can either post them on the review board with your reviews, or email me. (no hentai stuff now!)
After that's over and done with, I will choose the most asked for subjects and hold a special poll when I post a later chapter of my fanfiction. When the poll has ended, the two most popular subjects will then be the ones I turn into the pictures that I will be sending to you.
So send me those ideas and suggestions, readers. This is my gift to you.
My email address is tariah@aol.com
Disclaimer: I don't own Princess Mononoke, yadda, yadda, yadda. How many times do I have to say this? Does anyone out there honestly care!?
Chapter 21
The moment San regained conciseness, she was overwhelmed by the intense pain that pounded against her skull. The wolfgirl groaned before finally pushing herself off the ground and onto her feet. As she slowly rose to a standing position, her blurry eyes soon began to focus, allowing her to see clearly once again. When the last of the blurriness subsided, San suddenly found herself short of breath.
Everywhere she looked, she could see the destruction that had been brought upon by the mysterious cataclysm. Trees that had once stood like ancient towers now lay toppled over one another, while others stood teetering at odd angles, ready to join their fallen brethren. Solid earth was now broken and cracked in uneven hills that had been uplifted by the cataclysm's devastating force. The sounds of terrified birds and animals plagued the air like a horrible chorus.
Never before had San seen such horrible destruction. The only thing that could even come close to something such as this was when the human's of the gun-woman's Iron-town had burned away the forest that had covered the mountains near the lake. The young wolfgirl staggered forward, feeling the burning in her muscles crying out to her with her every movement. What.... she thought to herself as she supported herself against a tree that was still standing. What force could have possibably caused this sort of destruction?
San felt a shudder creep over her flesh as she continued to make her way towards what she could only guess was the heart of the destruction. With every step she took, the young wolfgirl noticed that the damage to the forest gradually began worsen to the point where she found herself being forced to climb over one enormous slope after another. After climbing over the fourth one, she stopped and collapsed to her knees, panting and sweating with exhaustion. When she looked up and saw that there was a break in the forest only a few hundred more steps ahead, she felt another shudder pass over her. For San knew from perfect memory of these woods that there should have been forest well beyond that break. Something was not right here. Something was not right at all.
A gentle clattering suddenly broke San's attention away from her troubled thoughts. Upon instantly recognizing the sound, the wolfgirl looked down and saw one of the tiny kodama jumping up and down just a few inches in front of her. It's round face was filled with a look of alarm and terror as it continued to jump about.
I know, little one, San said tenderly, smiling at the little spirit. So much forest has been destroyed. It's horrible. The creature began to run towards the break in the forest, waving its tiny arms in the air as if gesturing for San to follow it. What is it? Is there something over there you want to show me?
The kodama's head spun around and clattered in response, before it bounded off towards the center of all the destruction. A very curious Princess Mononoke was soon following close behind. When they finally reached the edge of where the forest suddenly ended, San could only stare at the sight that lay before her.
Spanning nearly a hundred feet in diameter, where lush forest had once stood, was a gaping crater that lay deep in the earth, smoking and steaming like a festering wound. The intense force of the cataclysm had literally carved a chunk out of the land, leaving nothing but exposed rock and dirt.
As San continued to behold the horrible sight, a sickened feeling began to sweep over her. Did the humans do this? she asked herself, unable to stop her body from shaking. Do they now possess a power greater than even their guns? Were those disgusting tools of human craft not enough to appease their hunger for destruction? Sickness soon turned to anger. Damn them! Damn them all!
The kodama clattered it's head, jumping frantically as it had done so before.
What is it now? San asked, glancing at the tiny spirit. You want me to follow you still?
The kodama clattered again and started down the rocky slope that curved inward toward's the crater's center.
Hey wait! San called out to the descending creature as she took off after it. She dug her feet into the slope in an attempt to maintain her balance as she proceeded to slide down towards whatever it was that the kodama wanted to show her. She soon noticed the sounds of even more Kodama beginning to grow louder the more she progressed onward. When the surface of the crater started to flatten out, the wolfgirl quickened her speed, drawing nearer to the crater's heart.
Before long she found what looked like several dozen kodama huddled around some unseen object, jumping about and clattering their heads in a frenzied uproar. San stopped in her tracks and eyed the strange sight curiously. Never before had she seen the kodama act this way. The tiny spirits were for the most part very docile by nature, and getting just one riled up was a challenge in itself. But to get a whole group worked up was something the young wolfgirl had never thought she would ever see.
When the frazzled kodama finally caught site of San, they stopped clattering their heads and slowly moved away from the object of their attention. At that moment, San felt the blood drain from her face, for lying on the ground was Nathan's inanimate form.
The dark-haired youth laid sprawled out on his back, a pool of blood slowly flowing from the hole left by the iron bullet that had been shot through his mid-section. The oval of his outlandish face was pale, and badly bruised. His eyes were shut, and his mouth was half open.
He wasn't moving.
San whispered, her body beginning to shake. When she regained control of her muscles, the wolfgirl rushed towards the motionless human lying in the dirt and fell to her knees at his side. She touched her hand to the youth's mouth, checking to see whether or not he was still breathing.
A faint smile of relief crossed her face when she felt the light touch of warm breath brush against her palm. He's still alive! She then brought her hand to Nathan's shoulder and shook it gently. she whispered, come on, Nathan, wake up.
The young outlander's eyes twitched before slowly opening one at a time. A painful cough soon followed, causing his weakened body to jerk violently. His head felt heavy, as though it had been filled to the brim with molten lead. As he opened his eyes a little more, a burning glare filled his pupils, causing his eyelids to shut tightly like two pairs of iron gates. He could feel the demon marks throbbing all over his body, spreading further over his sweltering flesh.
When the young wolfgirl saw the agony that plagued her companion's body, she felt her insides twist over themselves. Don't try to move, she said soothingly, placing her hand on Nathan's head. You'll only worsen the pain. She move to a spot behind the young human and gently placed his head in the crook of her crossed legs.
The feeling of San's hands on his face felt like a rush of healing water washing over his burning skin. When Nathan opened his eyes once more, his hazy vision became filled with San's face.
the Princess Mononoke whispered. say something. Anything at all.
Through clenched teeth, Nathan was only able to murmur a single three word, sentence.
...........My stomach hurts.
San smiled despite herself and wrapped her arms around the dark-haired youth's neck, hugging him. I know, she said. and I'm sorry that I couldn't stop this from happening.
Not.....it's not your.....fault, San, Nathan replied quietly, trying to return the smile. They.....they probably would've waxed you too..... had you stuck around. He let his head fall to one side allowing him to see damage he himself had caused. I really..... made a mess..... this time, didn't I?
San's eyes widened. You mean..... She was almost too afraid to go on you mean that you did this? She looked up from the exhausted human and glanced at the crater that surrounded them. How can that be?
The marks, Nathan answered, his voice frail. Whenever something...... pisses me off to a certain point......they go completely nuts. He stopped for a moment to regain his breath. It's like......like something else is controlling me......controlling my movements..... acting on its own free will. he suddenly gasped as an agonizing twinge shot through him. When he felt San's tender hand once again resting on his head, the pain seemed to subside, and he continued to speak again. When the power takes over.......horrible things happen......people end up getting hurt.....or worse. He closed his eyes and frowned. And there's nothing I can do about it...... except watch helplessly as this monster inside of me uses my body like a fucking weapon.
San said gently, leaning forward and pressing her forehead to Nathan's. it's alright. You're not the one to blame for what this monster has done.
Surprised by San's sudden show of compassion, Nathan tilted his head so that his eyes met hers. What makes you so certain? he asked. You've barely known me for a day.
San smiled. I thinks that's all the time I needed, she answered. And besides, you're way too soft-hearted to be a killer.
Not that it really makes any difference, A gruff voice snarled. When San jerked her head upward to meet the face of the voice's master, she found herself staring down the barrel of a rifle.
Gonza stood just a few meter's away from San and Nathan, his freshly loaded rifle resting on his shoulder and ready to fire. His black clothing was now torn and soaked with blood, as was his muscular face and beard. His jaw tightened as he took another step towards the two young humans. Because by the time the sun reaches its highest peak in the sky, both of you will be dead!
San leapt to her feet and crouched over Nathan's immobile body protectively. Take one step closer human, she growled, her eyes blazing with rage. and I'll tear you to pieces!
I wouldn't count on it wolf-whore, the guard-captain sneered. My rifle is aimed right at that disgusting face of yours, ready to put a bullet between your eyes.
Try it, human! San taunted the guard-captain. I'll take any challenge you throw at me!
Even when the odds are clearly against you? Gonza chuckled.
Odds mean nothing to me, human! the wolfgirl hissed, her eyes narrowing. I won't let you kill him, even if it means that I have to die stopping you!
Gonza laughed. My Lady Eboshi was right about you, wolf-whore, he said. You're either very courageous or very suicidal. He steadied his grip on the rifle, keeping the muzzle aimed at San's head. Let's see which one of the two you truly are!
San arched her back, ready to pounce on the bearded man. However the pounce never came. Instead a fiendish smile stretched across her lips.
And just what are you smiling at, wolf-whore? Gonza said harshly.
I'm smiling, human, San retorted. because you're now exactly where I want you to be.
Gonza raised an eyebrow. What are you..... the man suddenly froze in mid-sentence when he heard the sounds of deep growling behind him. When he slowly looked over his shoulder his eyes grew wide with horror. For standing behind him were the two cubs of the Wolf-God Moro. The white fur of their coats stood on end as their greenish eyes glared at the trembling human before them.
You only have one shot in that gun, human, San smirked, rising to her feet. And even if you could manage to kill me, you'd never have enough time to reload and kill my brothers before they devour you where you stand.
Damn you, Gonza muttered, dropping the rifle to the ground. He then returned his attention to the wolf-girl who was now approaching him. Are you going to kill me now? he asked, trying to maintain some level of his dignity as a warrior. Perhaps use my remains in some heathen ritual to appease you beastly-Gods?
San sniffed curtly at the man. she said simply. I want you to take this message to your beloved gun-woman. She stepped closer. Tell her that the next time we meet, her blood will stain my dagger!
Gonza smirked. Not before you blood stains my Lady's. With that, the guard-captain picked up his rifle and ran towards the lip of the crater, scrambling over the slope and disappearing over the edge.
We shall see, human, San said silently. She then turned towards her two wolven brothers who were now making their way towards her. A bright smile soon filled her young face. she cried happily. She ran to her two brothers and gave each one the tightest hug she could give, clinging to them as though they would disappear the moment she let go. What are you both doing here?
A strange pillar of light suddenly burst from the forest. Kiba said calmly. We had no idea what it was or what had caused it, nor did mother.
When it all finally ended, we were both sent out to survey the damage, Tsume added. We never once imagined that this would be what we found. He then turned to San and Smiled wolfishly. Nor did we expect to find you here at the very heart of it all.
Kiba nuzzled her shoulder with his large snout. We've been worried about you. San.
San smiled even more. I know, Kiba, she before stepping away from him. How is mother?
The giant wolf frowned, his feral eyes glinting. I am afraid that our mother is not happy with you at the moment, San, he said. Though her anger with you has lessened, she is going to have much to say to you when we return to the cave. He eyed his human sister carefully. Why did you not return to the cave, San? What have you been doing all this time?
San looked away from Kiba. she bit her lip. When I left the human's Iron-Town, I sort of ran into some trouble on the way back to the cave. She couldn't help but laugh quietly at the way she was bending the truth. and I had him tagging along.
Kiba asked, twitching his ears. Who is this
San answered quickly, the young human we encountered yesterday along the river. We've been traveling together since...... It was then that the young wolfgirl remembered the critical condition that her fallen companion was in. she ran to the young outlander, once again falling to his side.
Nathan was now more pale and sickly than before, his face nearly as white as salt. His breathing had become weak and fatigued and the ugly marks were perhaps his only prominent feature. His head swooned in the dirt, twisting and turning while his fingers twitched weakly. When he felt San's hand come rest on his his sweating face, he sighed painfully, trying to open his heavy eyelids. he whispered, every single letter feeling like a burning ember as it passed through his throat. After much struggle, his eyes slowly began to open.
But the moment they did, San could only stare as the newest horror the curse had scarred him with were revealed. Nathan's eyes, once the deepest color of rich brown now possessed an unearthly color of orange and red, with two narrow slits of inky black that split each one down the center. They were no longer the gentle eyes of the human he had once been, but rather the cold, soulless eyes of a poisonous viper.
San cursed silently and shook her head. She looked down at the Nathan, ignoring the frightening eyes that looked back at her. It's alright, Nathan, she said as tenderly as she could. You're safe now. Nothing is going to happen to you.
So cold, was all the youth could say. Why do I feel so cold, San? tears were now starting to flow from his eyes. And my stomach...... my stomach still hurts He coughed, causing a few drops of blood to fly out of his mouth. Please San...... make it stop.
San shook her head. I can't, she replied, trying to hold back her own tears. She knew that the youth had no chance of living, not with a wound such as his.
San, Please, Nathan pleaded again, reaching his hand for hers and grasping it as tightly as his fingers would allow him. I don't.......I don't want to die! Another spasm of pain shot through his body, causing him to cry out.
San placed her hand over his mouth to quiet him. You're not going to die, Nathan. She tried to smile. I won't let you.
was all Nathan could say in response.
San took a deep breath. Because you didn't let me die. And because..... because you said that life is too precious to just throw away. She clutched his head and looked deep into his eyes, no longer caring about how unearthly or frightening they had become. Don't throw yours away, Nathan! Not after all you've done to get this— she stopped when she felt Nathan's hand touch her cheek and caress it softly.
Nathan looked at the girl crouched over him and smiled. Not the same empty smile he had given her before, but a true smile, a smile that held heart and soul.The Princess Mononoke..... he whispered slowly. So frightening....... and yet...... so incredibly beautiful. He laughed quietly causing his whole body to shake. I wonder......if there had been someone like you back home.....do you think I would've fallen in love with her too?
San felt her cheeks redden, as Nathan's words hammered through her head. Why? she asked herself, watching the young outlander slowly start to drift out of conciseness. What have I done to deserve your love? How could you honestly love something like me? It was then that she felt the first tear flow from her eye. The tiny drop of water rolled down her tattooed cheek and fell onto Nathan's face, evaporating from the feverish heat that radiated from his flesh. I don't deserve such things, I never have.
Kiba and Tsume shared a confused look as they watched their younger sister tending to the dying human on the ground. Though Kiba had always been considered the wiser of the two, it was Tsume that spoke up first. he said stepping behind the young wolfgirl. Just leave him.
San answered, not taking her eyes of Nathan for a second. She then unhooked the cloak of white fur that was draped over her shoulders and wrapped it around Nathan's shivering form.
There's nothing you can do for him, San. This human is beyond all help. Tsume continued, looking down at the disgustingly placid young human that seemed to hold dominance over San's attention. If anything you should kill him now and spare him the agony.
San whipped around and glared at her brother. she screamed, causing the wolf to step back. If it weren't for this human I would be dead now! I owe him more than just a quick death! She raised Nathan from off the ground and held him tightly, taking in the strange smell of his matted her as she rested his head against her chest. I won't abandon him now, Tsume, I won't!
He's a human, San, Kiba joined in. Why should you care what fate befalls him? I'm surprised you haven't already slain him yourself.
Why?' San asked, feeling more tears rolling down her cheeks. I don't know why, Kiba. All I know is that if he dies......I'll never be able to forgive myself. She reached her arms under Nathan's body and picked him up. She then looked to her wolven brothers. she said. Help me carry him. We need to take him to Shisha Gami before—
Take him to Shishi Gami? Kiba asked horrified? You're asking us to take this....this human to the dwelling of the Forest Spirit? Have you gone mad, San?
The Dwelling of Shishi Gami is forbidden to all who are not Gods, you know that San! Tsume agreed with his elder brother. How can you ask us to break the most sacred law of this forest?
Because it's the only way to help him! San shot back, the fire of her anger rising in her veins.
Mother would never allow it, San! Kiba added.
I don't care, Kiba!
Tsume snorted indifferently. I will not carry that loathsome creature! he growled.
Nor shall I! Kiba agreed.
At that moment, a new voice joined in the argument. Yes you shall, sons of Moro! it said.
San turned towards the spot where the voice had originated. Her eyes suddenly widened when she saw the smallish form of Mercutio slowly making his towards them. The little fox stopped and gave the two white wolves a stern look. The power of Shisha Gami may be the only thing that can save this young human's life. Who are you to deny him that?
And who are you to criticize us, Kitsune? Kiba snarled at the newcomer.
As long as this human is under my care, I shall criticize you all I want! Kitsune retorted, not letting the wolf's exceedingly larger size intimidate him.
How dare you! Tsume growled, exposing his dagger-like fangs. How dare you show such disrespect to the Wolf-Clan of Moro! He took a step towards the fox. I should kill you where you stand!
Are you wolves so easily consumed by your rage that you would forget who you are talking to? Kitsune shot back, his voice deepening with a frightening resonance. I may not be as powerful, or as high in status as your mother, but I am still God! To this San looked at the fox, her eyes full of bewilderment. And as a God, you will show me the respect that I am entitled to!
Tsume had heard all he could tolerate. he thundered, arching his back and preparing to pounce on the tiny Fox-God. One more slandering word out of you, you traitorous fox, and I'll bite your head off!
Oh will you, now? Kitsune replied, his look of anger slowly shifting to a clever smile. I thought that humans were the only creatures on this planet that killed their own kind. His yellowish eyes narrowed. Are you going to prove here and now that you are no better than humans?
Upon hearing this Tsume slowly backed down.
I didn't think so, Kitsune added. He then trotted over to where San was standing and looked up at the dying Nathan being cradled securely in her arms. We haven't much time, he said calmly before turning back to Kiba and Tsume. If this boy dies, all hope for our future will be lost. I did not follow him this for long only to see him die at the hands of his own kind.
I don't want him to die either.San interjected. What the humans have done to this forest isn't his fault. I couldn't see it before, but now I do! She stepped closer to Kiba and Tsume. she pleaded once more. Help him.
Kiba frowned, then looked to his brother, then to the Fox-God Kitsune........and then to his human sister. he finally said, moving over to where San was standing. Place the human on my back, San.
San smiled and carefully laid Nathan's body along her Woven brother's furry back. When she was certain that he was not going to fall off she moved around to Kiba's head and wrapped her arms around his large neck, hugging him lovingly. Thank you, she said before Joining Nathan atop her bother's back.
Kiba just growled under his breath and quickly made his way up the crater's slope, with Tsume and Kitsune following not too far behind.
By the time they reached the pond of the Forest Spirit, Shisha Gami, nightfall and already blanketed the skies, covering the forest in a vale of darkness. As Kiba approached the sacred waters that surrounded the small island that served as a dwelling the Forest Spirit, San kept a watchful eye on Nathan's motionless form.
Many hours had passed since he had been shot, and with every passing moment, the young outlander grew weaker and weaker. Every breath that passed through his lungs, every beat of his heart, all of it seemed to drain away his life a little bit at a time. Now it seemed as though mere minutes would determine whether he lived or died.
When they reached the edge of the pool, San slid off her brother's back, taking Nathan with her. She then laid the youth's still form on the moss-covered ground and looked to Kitsune for his next instructions.
How is he? the Fox-God asked, stepping closer to San.
The young wolfgirl placed her ear against Nathan's chest and listened for a heartbeat. His heart's just barely beating, she answered. But he's still alive.
Then we still have time, Kitsune replied and trotted over to where a tiny tree-sapling was poking from out of the ground. He eyed it carefully before nodding with approval. I think this one will do.
San raised an eyebrow. Will do for what? she asked.
In order to make this work, we need to offer Shisha Gami another life in exchange for him to save Nathan's. The life that flows through this sapling just might be enough to do this.
So what you're saying, San began, peering at the tiny plant. is that in order to save one life, another must be sacrificed?
Precisely, now let us move quickly while some life still remains in our fallen companion.
Not needing to be told twice, San quickly rummaged through Nathan's supply sack until she found his dagger. She then ran over to where the sapling stood and sliced it from its roots. As she held it tightly in her grasp she looked down at Kitsune. Alright, what am I to do now?
Take Nathan to the Forest Spirit's island and lay him against the shore. Kitsune answered. Once you've done that, place the sapling in the ground just above his head.
And then? San asked.
And then we wait.
San frowned and glanced at the sapling in her hand. Is the life of this tiny sapling really worth as much as a human's? San quickly discarded the thought and picked Nathan up from off the ground. Still clutching the sapling in her hand, the young wolfgirl carefully carried her unconscious companion into the lukewarm water that lay between them and the Forest Spirit's island.
Nathan's body seemed to float like a piece of driftwood as San pulled him through the water, he arms and legs dangling lifelessly behind him. When they Finally reach the island, San gently laid him on the soft grass that covered the island's surface. She quickly checked the youth's heartbeat again before placing the sapling she had cut above Nathan's head, just as Kitsune had instructed. As the wolfgirl was about to make her way back to opposite shore, she stopped and looked back at Nathan, a faint smile on her lips. May Shisha Gami smile upon you, my friend, she said as she leaned forward and brushed a few strands of dark hair out of the youth's expressionless face.
She then slid down into the water and swam back to where Kitsune and her two brothers were waiting for her. As she slowly stepped onto the shore she instantly noticed the hundreds, upon hundreds of tiny kodama that had gathered around the pond to watch the curious scene.
And now we should depart, Kitsune stated bluntly, glancing quickly at the wolfgirl and her two brothers.
San gave the Fox-God a questioning look. But what about Nathan?
The traveler of time's fate is now in the hands of the Forest Spirit, Kitsune replied. His sharp eyes then focused on Nathan's still form as the tiny waves of Shisha Gami's pond splashed against him. What happens now shall be between them, and them alone. He then looked at San and smiled. Have confidence, Princess Mononoke.
I do, she lied. The worried expression on her face betrayed her words.
We're wasting time, here, Kiba grunted before starting for the forest. Need I remind you, San, that Mother still wishes to speak with you?
No, Kiba, you don't have to remind me. She quickly glanced at Kitsune, then returned her attention to her brother. But they're some things I wish to do before I return to the cave.
Very well, San the elder wolf retorted bitterly. Just don't be too long. Mother is already furious with you as it is.
I know.
After a quick exchange with Kitsune, the two wolves darted into the shadows of the forest neither one making a single sound as they departed.
When they were finally alone San looked down at Kitsune who in turn looked back up at her and smiled. I suppose I have a lot of explaining to do, don't I? he asked innocently.
Yes you do, San smiled back.
The Fox-God snickered. Very well, Princess Mononoke. he said. But I think for the present, we should take our leave of this place.
With that said, the God and the wolfgirl quickly made haste, leaving both the the pond and the dying Nathan behind. Neither seemed to notice the gradually increasing winds as they withdrew deeper into the forest.
Now that everything is in order, where shall I begin? Kitsune asked as he sat perched on a rock.
You can start by telling me what your connection with Nathan is?
The Fox-God grinned. What makes you think there is even a connection to begin with?
Only the fact that up until recently, you've been sticking so close to him that one would think that you two were actually one. She crossed her arms. And need I mention that show of unnaturally aggressive concern for Nathan's when my brothers refused to help him?
Kitsune chuckled. I suppose I did give myself away there. He continued to laugh.
San said impatiently. Are you going to tell me or not?
I was entrusted with the task of guiding Nathan to this place, Kitsune finally answered. That's all I can say for the moment. Until then, you will just have to be patient. He hopped off the rock and gestured towards the mountains that stood high above the forest. For now, let us rest. I am sure that these past few ordeals you've experience have taken their toll on your strength.
And I'm sure my Mother will only become more angry with me if I keep her waiting any longer, San replied, silently dreading the horrendous headache she was bound to have once the Wolf-God finished scolding her for her disobedience.
But the Fox-God could easily see her stress. Do not worry, Princess Mononoke, he said cheerfully. For I am fairly certain that your mother will be too busy arguing with me to even notice your return.
To this San smiled as well. I hope you're right, Mercutio. She shot the small God a slight smirk. Or should I start calling you Lord Kitsune from now on?
Kitsune laughed. Whichever you prefer, Princess Mononoke, he replied, before they both began to slowly make their way towards Moro's cave.