Well this chapter took me a lot longer to start. I had to finish watching the Evangelion series =). I still wanna watch the movies, but I'll do this first.

Ashitaka stopped Yakkul and looked back to see the ninja charging. He instantly drew his sword just in time to block the powerful overhead swing. The ninja was slightly taken back by Ashitaka's speed, but quickly took another swipe, which was blocked again. The ninja jumped back to think of another approach, which gave Ashitaka time to get off Yakkul and face him. The two warriors stood staring at each other, until the ninja gave in and charged again. Ashitaka somersaulted to the left while blocking a blow from the ninja and tried to do a leg sweep. Seeing this, the ninja jumped up over Ashitaka's leg and was coming down hard on his head. Again Ashitaka blocked it with such speed that the ninja couldn't help but admire. Their weapons were now locked together, both warriors pushing forward, trying to over power the other. Ashitaka slowly stood up, his eyes never leaving the ninja's, and started to push the ninja back. No! He can't be stronger than me! The ninja thought. I've been training for this battle for so long! The ninja was forced to take a step back to maintain balance, but was now being pushed downhill. Ashitaka had the advantage. With the force of Ashitaka becoming stronger every second, the ninja was almost walking back at a normal pace now. The ninja looked around and was about to jump off to the side when it suddenly tumbled backwards. Sitting up off the ground, the ninja noticed a fairly large rock was the cause of this but its attention was quickly replaced by end of Ashitaka's, which was now a couple centimeters from it's neck. Ashitaka caught a snag of the bottom of the ninja's hood with his sword and pulled it off, revealing a beautiful female face.

"What are you waiting for?!" she said fiercely. "Kill me already. I have been defeated."

Ashitaka was almost stunned, but didn't show it. He sheathed his sword, much to the ninja's surprise. "You spared my life, and now I'll spare yours," he turned around and started to walk back to Yakkul. The ninja sat staring in disbelief as Ashitaka boarded Yakkul and started to trot off. She stood up, sheathed her sword, and quickly caught up to Ashitaka.

"Are you not afraid that I might strike you in the back?" she asked, now walking alongside Ashitaka.

"I know you wont. It's all about honor," he said coolly without even looking down at her.

"Why did you spare my life? You do realize that we will battle again in the future,"

"I don't consider you a threat,"

The ninja stopped, and probably would have assaulted Ashitaka if she saw the smirk on his face.

"Its because I'm a woman, isn't it?!" she yelled. "That's why you spared my life, huh?! Had I been a man, you would have killed me on the spot! Well let me tell you this, Ashitaka, next time we meet, I will kill you!"

I've heard that one before… Ashitaka thought as he rode towards Iron Town. He glanced back to see if the ninja was still following him, but she was nowhere in sight.

*"So, Ashitaka, do you have anything you want to tell me?" Eboshi asked as Ashitaka rode into Iron Town.

"Uh, no. Why?"

"Oh? Not even anything about a person dressed in black?" Eboshi smirked. It was like a child trying to lie his way out of something.

"Ok, fine it was just some stupid ninja that wants to kill me,"

"What? Why?"

"I don't know, someone probably sent her,"

"Her?"

"Yeah," Ashitaka almost sounded sarcastic. "Is that enough, mother?"

"Yeah, yeah," Smartass! Oh well I can't blame him. I have been a bit possessive lately. But really, a female ninja… "but you have no idea who sent her?"

"Well, I doubt that it's the same tribe, but my ancestors used to battle with these female ninjas called the Watashi,"

"And?"

"And we defeated them. Forced them to move away,"

"So what does she want with you?"

"I have no idea. But how did you know about all this?"

"Well, we could all see you and her battling from here,"

Ashitaka looked out over the battlements and could clearly see where he and the ninja had fought. "She might be tracking down the last remaining Emishi. Which means that they probably got our village," Ashitaka looked sickly to the ground, and slowly took Yakkul back to the stable. Kaya…

*"Ashitaka!"

"Kaya?"

"Ashitaka!"

"Kaya!"

"Don't let them take me away, Ashitaka!"

"I wont!"

"Hurry! I do—uughh!"

"Kaya!"

"Hahaha! You couldn't save her could you? And now you cant save yourself! Ahahaha!"

Ashitaka woke suddenly and sat up.

"A bad dream…"

He slowly got up and walked to the window and could see over Iron Town's battlements into the forest. The sun was almost at high noon now. San will be waiting soon. He quickly got dressed and stepped out of his hut and headed towards the stables.

*Ashitaka arrived at the springs of the forest spirit and saw San already sitting there looking at her reflection. He quietly got of Yakkul and tried to sneak up on San. Before he was ten feet away from her she looked up and turned around to see Ashitaka on tiptoes. Warmness filled her.

"You can't sneak up on a wolf, foolish human," she smiled.

"Well, at least I can kiss one," Ashitaka smiled back. San resisted a little bit because kissing was still a foreign concept to her, but soon gave in remember the feeling she got from it. After a few moments, Ashitaka withdrew and looked cautiously up at the trees.

"San, have u ever seen a ninja roaming this forest?"

"Um…ninja?"

"Yeah. Dressed completely in black with a long sword,"

"Oh!" San remembered back her encounter with the ninja. "Yes! I ran into it a little while ago,"

San noticed Ashitaka clasping his sword.

"Why did you bring your sword, Ashitaka?" she wondered.

"Someone sent that ninja to kill me, San," Ashitaka sounded confident. "But don't worry, she isn't much of a threat. I've already fought her once. She lacks experience in battle."

"Ashitaka, if there's someone in this forest trying to kill you, my wolf brothers will hunt her down!"

"You don't need to worry about it San, I shouldn't have much trouble fighting her. Next time we fight will be her last."

San looked worried and unsure about Ashitaka's confidence.

"Hey, I've been thinking," He said, trying to change the subject. "Why don't we build a small shelter out here in the forest,"

"A shelter?"

"Yes, so we can live together here in the forest,"

Warmness returned to San. "Really? Just the two of us?"

"Well I don't think your brothers would like the thought of me living with them," He smiled.

"Ha! Your right," San giggled, but then went serious. "But what if the ninja attacks?"

"Oh don't worry, she fights honorably. She will only fight me if I'm directly facing her."

San looked down at the ground. Ashitaka lifted her chin and kissed her forehead.

"Don't worry San, everything will be okay,"

San smiled. "…Okay. I like the thought of living together."

"Alright! How bout we start the cabin tomorrow?"

"Okay…"

San watched as Ashitaka boarded Yakkul and ride off. She looked up at the trees and started to walk back to the wolf den. If that ninja comes near me, I'll tear her head off!

To Be Continued…

Yeah, I know, it took me long enough but really, I had two crappy science projects plus it was pretty hard thinking all this up. And for those of you who know Japanese Watashi means I/me. So don't be givin any lip about it in a review. I was sitting one day in Japanese class and it just popped in my head to use that word. But school is almost over so I'll have a lot more time to write soon.=)

--Jasandwich