A Legend of the Past, a Savior From the Future
Hello again. Yes, I know what you're all saying. It's about friggen time! right? Yeah, I know, I've been a bit on the slow side getting these past few chapters written and uploaded, and once again, I apologize. And to those of you who are asking the question, what took you so long? let me put it to you you this way. 2-D animation (the kind that's done with pen and pencils) is a real bitch!
Also, another reason why I've been absent from the fanfiction scene, is because I wanted to take a break and work on some of my original stuff. The stuff that you'll hopefully be be able to find on the shelves of your local bookstore sometime in the near future, know what I mean?
Anywho, to make up for my absence, I give you a nice long chapter to keep you busy until I can post the next one.
Until then
Happy Holidays!
Disclaimer: I don't own Princess Mononoke, yadda, yadda, yadda.
Chapter 26
A gentle gust of wind brushed against Nathan's face, pulling him from the stillness of his wandering thoughts. He could feel his cheeks and lips rippling as the faint coldness of the wind continued to sweep across his skin. His eyes, sharp and alert like those of a falcon's, stared through the gaps in the forest canopy and up at the inky black sky that loomed miles above. Tiny pinpricks of diamond-white stars flickered serenly in the heavens, caressing him with their celestial brilliance. He drew in a tired breath and yawned, blinking a few times.
Everything's so quiet, he thought to himself, listening to the inert silence that shrouded the forest. Cold........like the eye of a hurricane......... empty.......... Abandoned. A frown touched his face, pinching it tightly. It's like there's nothing here......nothing...... not even a single, goddamn cicada!
A tiny moan suddenly touched his ears.
Blinking a final time, the dark-haired youth's eyes drew away from the starry-night sky, and settled upon the sleeping Princess Mononoke. He gazed at the perfection of her beauty, relishing every second he looked at her. He could feel the warmth of her soft skin against his as they both laid nestled in eachother's embrace, enveloped only in a single cloak of white fur.
His fingers gently stroked the smooth curves of her back and shoulders, while her head lay snuggled under the arc of his neck. Her every breath resonated with the sounds serene affection, like the content purring of a tiger.
Nathan could only smile as he brushed aside a few short strands of San's rich, raven hair unveiling her beautiful, porcelain face to the pale starlight. The same porcelain face that he had helplessly fallen in love with all those day ago.
Unable to help himself, the young outlander, tilted his head forward and pressed his lips to San's forehead and gently kissed on the inverted triangle of her centermost tattoo.
San gave another moan and squirmed against Nathan before gradually awakening. She yawned for a moment and brought her hand to her face, rubbing the sleep from her large, almond eyes. When she looked down and saw her lover's smiling face greeting her, she smiled sweetly, and wrapped her arms around his neck. You're still awake? she whispered, hugging him.
he replied, running his hands along the velvety surface of her naked skin. I gave up trying to sleep, hours ago.
San's smile remained as she nuzzled her face against his shoulder. You should still try to rest, you know, she said assertively. Of course.......If you really don't feel like sleeping...... An uncharacteristic grin spread across her lips as she sat up and held her head directly over his.
Are you trying to seduce me, Princess? Nathan grinned coyly.
A wolf doesn't need seduce, love, San replied before pressing her lips to Nathan's. Especially when the object of their desire is already theirs for the taking.
The young outlander cocked an eyebrow. You make it sound like I'm a chunk of meat. It was then that he suddenly realized his ironic choice of words and blushed, I mean..... what I mean is..... aw hell, I don't know what I mean. He brought his hand to his neck and once again began to rub at the oval-shaped welt that had been left by San. A small memento of their passionate hours of intimacy.
Is your neck still bothering you? San asked.
Not as much as it was an hour ago, Nathan replied, cringing at the tiny smears of blood on his hand as he drew it away from his neck. Still, you didn't have to bite me, you know.
It wasn't my intention to hurt you, love.
You sure could've fooled me.
The young wolfgirl reached out and raked her nimble fingers through Nathan's hair. When wolves choose their mates, they'll give each other a quick bite to neck as a way of binding their union. She grinned at him affectionately. It's supposed to be an expression of love.
Couldn't you have just screamed my name in the heat of passion? He whined.
San suddenly giggled.
Nathan asked. What's so funny?
The wolfgirl sat up, allowing the fur cloak slip off her shoulders and fall behind her letting the cool air of the forest seep into every luscious inch of her unadorned skin. As she loomed over Nathan she looked down at him and gazed deeply into his eyes. I love you, Nathan. She then took his hands in her own and pressed them to her cheeks. I mean that.
For a brief moment, Nathan's throat suddenly clenched up, causing his voice to falter. I love you too, San. He gently pulled her down to him and buried his face in the soft flesh of her shoulder. Kinda funny isn't it?
What is?
The fact that less than a week ago you practically hated my guts. And now....... well...... This! He gestured to both of them, a lopsided look a amusement on his face. I think it's just funny how things work out.
The young wolfgirl flattened her hands along Nathan's chest a rested her chin on top of them, still grinning. You'd prefer that things remained as they had been when we first met?
I'd have to be a complete idiot to even consider it, San. He broke eye contact with her and glanced off to the side. A stupid, hopeless, idiot.
San immediately saw the sorrow seeping into her lover's expression. What's wrong? she asked.
The young outlander replied, before taking one more look up at the stars. The pastel colors of early dawn were gradually creeping into the dark sky. It's just......the sun will be coming up soon.
San looked up and quickly glanced at the gradually changing sky. Are you worried? she asked.
Nathan hesitated for a moment before nodding. I'm just........ I can't stop thinking about all the shit that's gonna happen tomorrow. What's gonna happen to you...... to me....... to us! he rubbed the back of his head an sighed. It's starting to drive me crazy, San.
Nathan, I'm worried too. She wrapped her arms around his waist once more and held him tightly. But we can't let those worries consume us...... not now..... She leaned forward and kissed him deeply, crushing her lips lustfully against his. When she drew away she gave him a reassuring smile. What's left of this night belongs to us.
Unable to help himself, Nathan grinned wickedly and ran his hands along the young wolfgirl's back and waist. Did I mention how much I love you, princess?
San returned the grin, tilting her head to one side. You have, she purred alluringly. But I love you more.
Oh yeah? Nathan challenged. And just how do you figure that?
San moved up and held her head directly over his, letting the tips of her dangling hair were brush against Nathan's face. Because I said so. She kissed him again, tenderly at first, then with passion and without restraint.
And for a second time in the dim light of the coming day, both Princess and Outlander became lost in a state of pure sensual union of mind and body, soul and heart. The rest of the world seemed to dissolve from their minds. There was no forest, nor was there an Iron-Town. There were no Gods, Demons, nor humans. There was no Moro, and there was no Eboshi.
Only they existed....Joined by their love and desire......Nothing else mattered.
But as vigorous as their passions were, sleep eventually overpowered them, pulling them both into its soothing grasp. As the last of their body's energy faded, the two young lovers finally surrendered to the lull of sleep, both curling up in each other's arms.
Their sleep went undisturbed, even by the mirthful clattering of the groups of curious kodama who had been observing their various goings on from the branches of a nearby tree. Each had a wide grin stretched across their practically featureless faces.
Where the hell is he? Jigo muttered under his breath as he sat in the murky shadows of the unlit stable. His bulging, red nose wrinkled with his frown, while his teeth gnawed at the ivory stem of an opium pipe. He took another long draft, filling his lungs with the sharp-tasting smoke. ....can't be expected to sit here on my ass like this all night. He exhaled, releasing a snake of grayish smoke. ....probably got himself lost.
As the ugly, lump of a priest took in another puff of opium, the door to the stable silently slid open, allowing a shadowed figure in black clothing to quietly slip in.
You're late, Jigo said bluntly, giving the newcomer a sharp glare. I've been waiting here for hours, you stupid piece of dog-shit.
I'm here, aren't I? the figure replied coldly, closing the door behind him. As he approached Jigo, his hand went to his face, pulling down the black mask that concealed it. Spare me the complaints and be thankful that I was even able to meet you here.
Were you seen?
The spy frowned. No. But considering how many guards the Eboshi-whore has patrolling the Iron-works, we both should consider ourselves fortunate that I wasn't. He sat down across from Jigo and locked eyes with him. So, what do you have for me to take back to my master, this time?
A lot, Jigo replied, setting the opium-pipe aside. But first I want complete satisfaction that your greedy bastard of a master plans to follow through with his end of the bargain when this is all over.
I have yore complete satisfaction' right here, priest, the spy hissed, producing a folded up piece of rice paper. Five thousand gold-pieces along with one quarter of the yearly profits generated by Iron-Town. All guaranteed the moment my master declares victory over these lands. he handed the paper to Jigo. It's all been taken care of.
Jigo ran his tongue over his dry lips as his eyes moved over the paper's finely written kanji, taking in every detail and imprinting it all in the back of his memory. Eboshi's planning to move her forces against the boars around noon, he said flatly, folding the paper up again and slipping it into his dirty, white tunic. She's taking everyone except the women and lepers.
So she's just going to leave this place unguarded, then?
Unguarded, not in the least, Jigo replied.She's leaving them with enough rifles, and gun-powder to ward off a small army. Don't take their abilities for granted, my friend. With those rifles in their hands, these broken down whores and living-corpses are just as deadly as any samurai.
We'll see, the spy chuckled. What else?
Eboshi's planning to entice the bores, lure them out into the open.
There's a valley about four miles north of here, Jigo answered. That's where the battle's going to take place....... Where I suggested it should take place. A deceitful smirk spread across his wide, pudgy face.
Four miles doesn't put that much space between us.
It'll be enough.
I certainly hope so, priest, the spy said scornfully. My master doesn't want any surprises during the assault. And having the Eboshi whore's forces ambushing his own would most definitely fall under that category.
Trust me, my friend. Jigo returned, his twisted grin growing ever more insidious. Once my men take Eboshi and her demented flock of manure-hauling devotees over those hills, your master's samurai can launch the assault, right on the spot. Iron-Town will be completely cut off at that point, leaving it ripe for the taking, He wrinkled his nose and gave the spy a taunting sneer. That is, of course, if your master's armies can somehow manage to seize it from a few dozen broken down whores and invalids. To this old priest laughed, slapping his hairy knee.
The spy on the other hand was not the least bit amused. I think my master's armies can manage, he hissed. Is there anything else I should know?
Jigo shook his head. Not that I can think of, no.
You're sure?
I'm sure.
Then I'll take my leave. My master is not a very patient man. He slipped the featureless, black mask over his face once again and turned towards the stable doors.
Oh there is just one more thing, Jigo called out before the spy could reach the doors.
The darkly-dressed man stood frozen in place, his every muscle and nerve turning stiff and rigid like a slab of marble. I'm listening, he said calmly.
Your men haven't come across anything....... out of the ordinary have they?
What do you mean out of the ordinary'?
Though I can't be entirely certain, I have good reason to believe that a young man may have been wandering around these parts for the past few days. An outlander with colorless skin and roundish eyes.
What of it?
Let's just say he should either be avoided or killed on sight.
So he's dangerous?
Jigo frowned. Exceedingly dangerous.
I find that difficult to believe, priest, the spy scoffed, looking over his shoulder at Jigo.
Believe what you want, my friend. I'm just telling you what I know. he brought his pipe to his mouth again and sucked in another lung-full of opium. Your master pays me to gather information. What he decides to do with that information is his own business.
I'll be sure to tell him that when I make my report. With blinding speed and cat-like grace, the spy silently slipped out of the stable, leaving Jigo sitting alone in the shadows once
again.
As he continued to smoke in utter silence, Jigo's brow furrowed, causing his wart to swell slightly. Why did that little bastard have to make it this far?, he thought to himself. Can't be helped, though. Things are just too far along to take any unnecessary chances. He reached into the folds of his tunic and produced a small ceramic flask. So I guess I'm just going to have to take this matter into my own hands.
Dawn soon turned to morning, allowing the now abandoned forest to be filled with warm sunlight one last time. As San slowly began to drift out of her slumber, her eyes pinched shut in a feeble attempt to block the shafy of light that was focused on her face. With a satisfied groan, the young wolfgirl pushed herself into a sitting position and stretched out the muscles in her neck, and arms. She then brushed a few locks of tousled hair out of her face and rubbed her eyes until the blur was gone from them.
You're finally awake, came an all too familiar voice.
San looked over her shoulder and saw Tsume lying a few feet away from her. A slightly amused smile was spread across his face. she said quietly, trying to adjust her eyes to the light. What are you doing here?
Waiting for you to return to the world of the conscious, the large wolf replied.
Just how long have you been waiting?
Too long, said Tsume. Did your night of passion with the human leave you with so little strength, San? He then shot his sister a sly grin.
You mind your own damn business! San fumed, her cheeks flushing red with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. What Nathan and I do together is........ It was then that the young wolfgirl took notice of her lover's absence. She turned her head from side to side, her eyes searching for the young outlander.
He's not here, San.
San returned her attention to her brother and peered at him with a questioning look. What do you mean he's not here?
I mean, he's not here, Tsume repeated irritably. He's gone.
You mean....... he just left?....... Just like that?
In so many words, The large wolf answered nonchalantly. He left a little more than an hour ago.
And you were there the whole time?
And Kiba, as well. He was the one whom Mother had given the task of leading the human out of the forest.
Why didn't either of you wake me?
The Large wolf was silent for a moment. Because the human told us not to.
San could feel her heart sinking into her stomach as her brother's words pierced her like red-hot daggers. She swallowed the growing lump in her throat. He didn't even say goodbye.......why would he just leave like that?
Tsume frowned slightly. I don't know San, he said, trying his best to lessen his sister's grief. perhaps he thought it would be best if you weren't awake to see him off.
The Princess Mononoke took a deep breath sighed, clearing her thoughts. And what of Lord Kitsune?
Gone as well, Tsume answered bluntly, twitching his pointed ears. Most likely he's on his way to rejoin the human.
San's eyes narrowed. His name is Nathan! she hissed, glaring at her brother.
My apologies, Tsume snorted.
As San slipped back into her clothes, she suddenly noticed the black, leather jacket that had been neatly draped over a nearby rock.
A gift from Nathan. said Tsume, adding a just barely noticeable amount of acidity to Nathan's name. He said you would probably be able to put to better use than he could at this point....... Whatever that means.
San's eyes scanned the leathery garment as she picked it up and held it in front of her. Nathan's prized leather jacket, she said to herself. Her hand brushed across the small hole that had been left by the bullet that had nearly claimed Nathan's life. The one thing that gives him a sense of security......... She then buried her nose in the jackest's soft lining and breathed in the strong scent that saturated it. A faint smile crept across her lips. It still smells as horrible as I remember it.
Tsume called out to the young wolfgirl. Are you alright?
I'm Fine, Tsume. And with that, she threw Nathan's leather Jacket over her shoulders, and slipped her arms through each sleeve. Though it was somewhat heavy, the jacket fit her perfectly. San asked spreading her arms and turning all the way around.
Tsume cocked a furry eyebrow. Well what?
What do you think?
What do I think of what?
The young wolfgirl gave an aggravated growl. The jacket, Tsume! What do you think of the damned jacket?
We don't have time for this, San, Tsume replied.
Well, make time, then.
The wolf frowned again. You really want to know what I think? San nodded I think it looks terrible on you. This of course earned him another wicked glare Remember, you did ask me what I
San Just shook her head. Forget I even asked, Tsume, she said, muttering something under her breath as she picked up her dagger and slipped it under the sash wrapped around her slender waist.
Mother is waiting for us at the northern ridge, Tsume added. The humans have already begun to make preparations for the approaching battle.
Nothing's happened yet, has it? San asked.
Not to my knowledge. But I feel that it would be best if we regroup with Mother and Kiba as quickly as possible. I don't wish to be separated from them when the fighting does finally start.
San responded, climbing onto the large wolf's back. She looked over her shoulder, taking one last glance at the spot where she had experienced true love for the very fist time in her life....... something that she may very well never experience again. She shook the thought from her head and leaned forward, scratching a spot behind Tsume's neck Let's go, she said.
And with a powerful thrust of his hind legs, the wolf sprang forward and raced through the forest, leaving the small clearing behind like a distant memory.
And soon........all was silent again.
Nathan shielded his sensitive eyes from the sun's glare as he stepped out from the shade of the trees. The ugly blotches along his uncovered arms and forehead stood out like blood-stains on ivory. When the horribly, twisted lenses of his demonic eyes adjusted to the change of light, the dark-haired youth removed his hand from his sweat-soaked face and took in a calming breath.
If you follow this river, the wolf, who's name he had come to know as Kiba, spoke suddenly. it'll take you directly to the lake at the center of the main valley. This will be as far as I take you, human.
Nathan turned around and gave the silvery-furred wolf a quick nod. That's just fine by me, Fido, he replied, returning his gaze to the so-called river' that stretched out before him. In his mind, what he was looking at seemed more like a broken road that had been carelessly thrown together, using an assortment of enormous boulders and the fallen skeletons of trees with a few tiny rivulets of flowing water that passed between it all.
Kiba gave a small irritated growl. My name is Kiba, human! Not Fido!
And my name is Nathan, not human, the young outlander shot back. What's your point?
Kiba shook his head. Just forget I even said anything.
I will. Thank's for the suggestion. Nathan slung his supply sack over his shoulder and began to make his way down the first set of boulders.
Why don't you stay and fight?
The dark-haired youth suddenly froze.
Why don't you stay and fight along side her?
He slowly looked over his shoulder and glared coldly at the large wolf. Because it's not my fight, he said. And even if it was, it wouldn't make a difference if I were there or not.
You sound so certain. Kiba said. Is that what you truly believe?
You know something, Fido, I'm getting just a little tired of this cryptic, bullshit, lingo, you and the rest of your goddamn kind seem to enjoy using. If there's something you wanna tell me, stop dancing around the bush and just say it, already!
The one that you've bound yourself to in both body and soul is just hours away from going into what may very well be the last battle she will ever fight. Kiba spat, returning Nathan's glare. And all you plan to do is run off and die alone in the shadows of utter seclusion.......run off like a coward and let your own mate die in battle without you by her side.
Nathan could already feel the blood beginning to boil in his veins. Like I've already told you, he said, clenching his fists until he could feel his knuckles popping. It wouldn't make a difference if I was there or not. So what's the point in trying to help something that can't be helped, no matter what you do?
At least you will have gone into the afterlife knowing that you had tried.
Hey listen, coach! The dark-haired youth shouted. Save your lectures and preachings of honor for someone who honestly gives a shit!
Are you telling me, that San dying means absolutely nothing to you?
The worlds struck Nathan like an onslaught of poison-tipped darts. Each one aimed for his eyes and heart. He turned around, facing away from the wolf. San knows what she's doing, he said, grinding his teeth. She knows the risks. There's nothing I can do for her now.
If that's your choice. Kiba turned and began to walk back into the forest.
Hey, fuck you! It wasn't supposed to be like this! It's not my fault things turned out like they have!
There was no response.
Are you listening to me, Fido?
I am, Kiba replied coldly. But I have nothing more to say to you. He continued to make his way towards the forest.
Then can I at least ask you to do this one last favor for me?
The wolf stopped in his tracks and twisted his pointed ears until they were fixed on Nathan. You may ask, he said. but depending upon what you ask of me, I may also refuse.
Nathan took a deep breath, held it for a moment, and let it out slowly with a long sigh. Take care of San for me, alright? I know she likes to act tough an' shit, but......... she'll need your help out there........ She'll need all the help she can get.
There was a moment of silence before Kiba answered. Though you did not have to, I will do this favor that you ask of me......... Is there anything else?
the dark-haired youth hesitated. Tell her....... tell her that I love her.
The wolf gave one final nod. Indeed I will.
Those were the last words he spoke before disappearing into the shadows of the trees.
And once again, Nathan was alone.
Well...... I guess I'm back to square-one' again. He ran his fingers through his tousled hair and rubbed the back of his neck. No point in hanging around here any longer. He turned back to the river' and proceeded to make his way over the boulders and fallen trees. With a little luck, I should reach the lake in an hour or two......... and from there......... I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
He suddenly and looked up at the sky, taking notice of the ominous, dark clouds that were gathering. Nathan......... you're such an asshole.
With San securely clinging to the fur of his neck, Tsume sprinted through the forest maze like a bullet fired from one of the human's guns. Plants and shrubs seemed like greenish blurs as they shot passed them.
To anyone else who had never experienced it, such incredible speed would have driven them to tears and throat-rending screams.
But to San, it was as natural as breathing, or scratching her nose. There was no rush, no thrill, not even the slight twinge of vertigo creeping into her stomach. She felt absolutely nothing but the speed and power of her brother's stride.
As she clung to her brother's silvery fur, she stared off into the forest that seemed to rush towards her. Her eyes were cold and her expression was unwavering.
Finally, after they had ascended the steep northern ridge, San spotted the snowy, white shape of her mother. She then leapt off of Tsume's back and approached her.
But the Wolf-God made no attempt to acknowledge her. Her attention was locked on something in the distance.
San bit her lip and took in a deep breath. Hiding from her will do me no good, she thought to herself. If she knows about Nathan and me , then there's nothing I can do. I can't change what's already been done.
Come here, San, Moro said suddenly, causing her human daughter's heart to skip.
San took in one more deep breath and slowly approached her mother. When she was standing at her side, she could see her reflection in the orb of the Wolf-God's large eye. she began.
Look down there.
Though startled by the Wolf-God's severe demeanor, San followed her mother's gaze until she was looking down into the clearing that lay far below them. What she saw was a sight that chilled her blood.
Humans...... everywhere...... more than she had ever seen in her life!
They were all scurrying about like ants, digging long trenches, moving various pieces of supplies and equipment, setting up barricades, and leading their bellowing oxen from one side of the clearing to the other. A gargantuan pilar of grey rock stood at the heart of the clearing, looming over everything like a great king. Atop it's peak, San could see even more groups humans, surveying the work being carried out below.
Tell me what you see, San, The Wolf-God whispered.
San answered. It looks like they're setting up some sort of rampart.
They're preparing for Okoto's assault.
With a few trenches and barriers of chopped wood? San scoffed. Do those stupid humans honestly expect to defend themselves?
Moro answered, grimacing at the stinging pain that throbbed deep in her flesh. Because they have no need to.
What do you mean?
Look again, San, the Wolf-God ordered. Tell me what you see.
San gave her mother a questioning look before returning her attention to the clearing once more. she said. There's smoke rising from fires scattered about the clearing. It was then that San began to noticed the foul reek that was slowly saturating the air. She brought her hand to her face, covering her mouth and nose. The smell....... It makes me sick just breathing it!
Moro returned. They're burning the excrement of their own filthy oxen.
I don't understand.
They're trying to kill our sense of smell. They think that it will make us vulnerable to an attack.
San scowled. It's that damned woman again........ she knows we're out here........ she's taunting us.
To this Moro chuckled. Such an obvious trap, she said. And yet so very clever in it's simplicity.
She's trying to lure us out into the open........ It would seem that the humans are planning something that we are not expecting.
But what about Lord Okoto? San asked. We have to stop him while there's still time! We can't just stand by and watch the humans slaughter them all!
Okoto's too old and too stubborn, Moro said grimly. He won't listen me. None of them will. Even though he knows it's a futile move on his part, he intends to attack from the front. The boars are a proud race, San. And even if they know they'll be playing right into a trap, the last one left alive will still be charging blindly forward until he either reaches his objective....... or until he himself is killed.
San cursed under breath. As she looked down at the clearing one last time, her eyes were suddenly drawn to where the open grass fields met the edge of the forest, where several groups of humans were hastily chopping down one great tree after another. They're cutting down the trees, she said.
To make the boars angry, the Wolf-God muttered. Which in turn will make them stupid. It will only be a matter of time before they come charging forth She suddenly felt her human daughter pressed tightly against her neck.
San said quietly, burying her face in her mother's soft fur. ........I have to go. Okoto's blind........... I must be his eyes. Please mother............ If I can't convince him to turn back, at least let me try to help him.
Moro closed her eyes and let herself sink into a state of total stillness. No, San, she finally answered, keeping her eyes closed.
The Princess Mononoke drew away from her mother and stared at her with eyes widened in shock.
San, listen very carefully to what I am about to tell you.
I'm listening, Mother.
Moro scowled deeply. I want you to leave these forests. I want you leave right now......... and never look back.
N....no! Mother, please! she begged, clutching handfuls of the Wolf-God's fur. If I did something to dishonor you, I'm sorry! Her legs failed her and she slowly fell to her knees. I'll do whatever you want....... anything you ask me...... but please, Mother....... don't make me leave! Her words soon became lost in the uncontrollable sobs that rang forth from her. I don't...... I don't want to be abandoned again......... don't want to be abandoned again!
Moro whispered gently, using her enormous maw to gather her human daughter to her, embracing her like a human mother would. I am not punishing you, my daughter.
Then why? Why are you making me leave?
Because........ the time has come to set you free.
The young wolfgirl looked up at her mother, streams of tears pouring from her reddening eyes.
I do not regret taking you into my clan and raising you as one of my own, San, Moro continued. What I do regret however, is the way that I chose to raise you.
I don't..... I don't understand.
I raised you out of spite for the humans, San. And as a result you've grown to hate your own kind. You hate your own kind, San! And because of that, you hate yourself.
San nodded. Yes..... I do hate myself.
And that........ is what I regret above all else, San, Moro replied. No one....... not even a human-child should be taught to hate themselves.
You took me in when my own, human, parents abandoned me, San said, regaining control over her emotions. And for that I am grateful.
I know you are, San. But now....... the time has come to seek your own path....... To find your own place in the world........ and live your life the way you wish to live.
Mother I...... Her breath was labored and seemed to burn like fire in her aching chest. I can't do this alone. She began to cry again.
Moro whispered in her daughter's ear. Do you have feelings for that young human?
San nodded.
Do you love this young human?
San closed her eyes tightly, letting a few more tears role down her cheeks. A part of her wanted to simply scream out No! I hate him!' But in the depths of her heart, the young wolfgirl knew that she would be lying to not only her mother, but to herself as well. she finally said. I do love him.
Then go to him, San. I know his chances for survival are very low at this point but....... there may still a chance left for him....... however small and unlikely it may seem.
San could not speak. As she let her mother's words sink into her heart, she ran her fingers along the smooth surface of Nathan's leather jacket........ the jacket that he had let for her.
Help him San. Don't let the demon festering within him drive away what's left of his humanity. He is more fragile than he lets on.
I know, San rose to her feet and gave her mother one last hug. Goodbye, Mother. And with those final words, San departed, leaving her small family behind. Not once did she dare look back.
As she watched her daughter disappear into the forest, Moro smiled faintly. Well Kitsune my old friend......... I gave her an alternative.
Tsume spoke up. Are you sure that she will be alright?
San can take care of herself, Tsume. The Wolf-God frowned. It's the human that I'm worried about.
Should I go with her?
No. If there is even the faintest possibility that we can protect the Forest-Spirit, I intend to use everything within my power to see it done.
What do wish me to do?
Wait here for you brother. When he arrives, take him and find Okoto. If you can not convince him to halt his forces, then do what you can to assist them.
We will do what we can, Tsume replied. But what about you?
Moro rose to her feet. I will stay by Shisha Gami's side. As I said before, if there is even the the faintest possibility that we can protect the Forest-Spirit, I intend to use everything within my power to see it done.