Yuugi Nocahan had been walking for twenty days on end

Moving slowly along, and her lower lip trembling, San revisited the place where she and Ashitaka had been sitting only thirty minutes ago. He had already arrived, and he bore a small package with all of his personal belongings. He also brought Yakuul.

"San," he said, trying to get her attention.

She glanced at him and noticed that his eyes were red. He had been crying…she didn't blame him. She also felt like crying, but there was something unsettling about the fact that the Prince had cried. Maybe it was because she had never seen him do it before; maybe because he knew that she didn't like people crying, and yet he cried anyway (which, oddly, raised her respect for him). In all probability, however, it was because he had made a tough decision- something that hurt him deeply.

"San, we need to visit the town one more time," he finished.

A hurt look crossed San's face as she realized what he intended to do. "No," she begged. "Please, no!"

Ashitaka looked at the ground, unable to look at her. "Would I hurt my closest friend in the process as well, then?" he asked in a muffled tone.

Knowing in her heart that he would never do anything to hurt his friend, San moved out of his way, allowing him to limp past her, holding his closest friend's face next to his. She would wait for him here.

As Ashitaka approached the town, it was strangely quiet. Many of the people looked at him pitifully, but otherwise gave no reply to him. Despite himself, he almost chuckled. San must've given them a good talking to!

Gonza, upon seeing the young man standing in the entryway, approached him slowly.

"Lady Eboshi asks your forgiveness in being unable to show herself," he said in a low tone. "She is taking this situation very hard."

"I understand," Ashitaka said. "Then you already know?"

Gonza nodded. "The wolf girl told us everything."

"Then you must also know that I will not be able to bring Yakuul along," Ashitaka said in a sad voice.

Again, Gonza nodded. "I had figured as much. That's why I brought along some extra help." He motioned to two men standing nearby.

Ashitaka buried his face into his friend's muzzle. "I'm so, so sorry, Yakuul. Please forgive me," he whimpered.

After a moment, he released his grip from Yakuul and handed the reigns to Gonza. "You'll take care of him for me, won't you?" Ashitaka asked.

"He will be very well taken care of," Gonza promised. "You have my word on it."

Ashitaka stared at a confused Yakuul a moment longer. "Good-bye, my friend," he said, and turned his back to go.

Immediately, Yakuul began pacing, pulling against the reigns in a desperate attempt to follow his master.

When the three men tied the reigns so that following was impossible, Yakuul let out a desperate bellow, calling out to his master to come and fetch him- not to leave him behind.

Tears streaming down his face, and as the large gate shut in a desperate attempt to keep Yakuul from tearing his restraints, Ashitaka held his head up, and pretended not to hear his noble steed's bleating as he limped back to where San was waiting for him.

When he saw her pitifully staring at him with those deep, blue eyes, he could no longer restrain himself. He flung pretense aside and wrapped his arms around her, openly sobbing into her shoulder. Hadn't he just been doing this? she thought. But she didn't care. He didn't care. The tears came freely, and all that mattered was that he still had something left of value in the world- his friendship with San.

San, all the while, returned Ashitaka's embrace, patting his back in a motherly manner, saying, "It's all right. I'm here for you," bearing the grief stricken warrior's cries of anguish long after the sun went down behind the uncaring mountains.

Yuugi sat next to a grief stricken Eboshi, patting her hand comfortingly.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" Yuugi asked her.

Eboshi shook her head. "T-thank you, but no," she answered.

"Can I make you some tea?" he persisted. "It'll make you feel better."

Eboshi hesitated. "Yes, that would be nice, thank you," she said, flashing a halfhearted smile in Yuugi's direction.

So he stood and walked to her kitchen. Since he had permission, he didn't think she'd mind if he went digging around through her many chests, however, it didn't take him long to find the tea and a few cups. In a few minutes, the entire house was filled with the strong aroma of the herbal blend.

Pouring himself and her a small glass, he returned to his original position next to her, and looked at her as she sipped her tea.

"I may be wrong, and you'll forgive me for prying," Yuugi asked. "But I sense that you are sad for several reasons, aside from the fact that the Prince is leaving you."

Eboshi glanced at him, but he continued, "You have the aura of loss around you, but you seem bent- almost troubled, as if something is hanging over your head because of this. Am I right?"

Eboshi took another sip of her tea before answering. "It was my sincerest hope to be able to save Iron Town," she stated simply. "But now that Ashitaka is leaving, I'm afraid I've run out of options."

"What's wrong with Iron Town?" Yuugi asked, furrowing his eyebrow.

Eboshi smiled. "Iron, my dear friend, iron. Without it, this town is nothing. The townspeople do not know it, but financially speaking, we are hanging on by the edge of our teeth. Almost everything we produce, we have to make for ourselves, leaving nothing to trade with on the outside."

Yuugi absorbed this new piece of information slowly, occasionally sipping his tea. "And how," he asked, "would Ashitaka have been able to solve this?"

Eboshi frowned. "The last surviving Prince of the Imishi," she said.

Yuugi started. "Ashitaka is a prince of the Imishi?!" he breathed. "Why, that alone could-"

"Exactly," Eboshi finished for him. "I was going to ask him if it was all right, of course, but I was hoping to be able to spread the word that 'the last surviving prince' had once lived here. Naturally I would not say that he is actually living here, as he would be overwhelmed by public attention- yet that rumor would attract attention from the outside, if only in marginal numbers. Yet that is only the first step." She took a breath and then continued, "Once enough public attention is attained, it's bound to reach the ears of the emperor."

Yuugi shook his head. "I don't understand," he said. "From what you're saying, the Emperor would hear of it, but that will only cause you grief. Because of the succession of his ancestor who drove out the Imishi people, he might feel obliged to find this prince and destroy him to further eradicate the lost race."

Eboshi smiled evilly. "But that's where we lower the bait. Understand that he will not send troops immediately. Rather, he will send a few spies over to investigate, to determine whether or not the rumor is true. All we have to do is put on a big show for them, so that when they return to their Master, they can inform him that the rumor is false (although they will be unaware that it is true), yet talk of how this 'town has amazing potential." She paused to smile at Yuugi's broadening grin. "I know that it was a long shot, but it was the only option I had left. And now even that is gone," she said, slouching down in her chair- something that even she didn't approve of. "What am I going to do?" she asked him.

"It is an interesting predicament," Yuugi said, stroking his chin. He had an idea, but could he take a gamble on her behalf? And would she accept it? Well, there was no harm in trying, and besides- if he could impress the Lady Eboshi… "Do you know," he said, "of my position in the Imperial Court?" he asked. Eboshi shook her head. "I am, by no means, a nobleman, but as far as the merchant class goes, I'm on the top, and my influence is very strong."

Eboshi leaned up, apparently intent on listening to what he had to say.

"I was thinking," he said, smiling, "that if I could convince some of my…underlings to start a trade route through here, then your town could become a thriving economy once more."

Eboshi's eyes widened in surprise. "You would do that for me? For Iron Town?" she corrected herself.

Yuugi laughed. "Of course I would," he replied. "My men can tell you that I can't stand to see a woman in despair."

But Eboshi was so stunned she couldn't easily accept it. Surely something would go wrong? "What about the forest? We've worked so hard to build it up again- I won't let it turn into a metropolis."

"Who says it has to?" Yuugi countered. "You can keep your town the way it is. After all, you're in charge of it. If you keep it this size, it'll force the trade route to maintain a level- mainly, the level at which your town can optimally handle. Besides, no one will want to mess with the forest. How can I say this?" he said, trying to put it into words she could understand. "You won't be the finishing line," he said. "You'll be the halfway point. People will come here to re-supply, much like myself, before they continue. I think you'll find it to be a very profitable business."

Eboshi leaped out of her chair. "Yuugi! I can't believe it! I don't know what to say! Thank you! Thank you!" she bowed over and over again. She was so enthralled with the idea, that she still felt it was too good to be true. If this worked, then she may be able to save iron town after all.

Yuugi smiled at her. It seems as if she'd taken a liking to his idea. That was good. Not only would he gain a new trade route- he had also won the good graces of the Lady Eboshi.

"I'll get to work on it right away!" he said enthusiastically. "I'll send a messenger ahead to inform my base at Akita of my plan. If I'm not mistaken, it's shorter to go through here than it is to go around the mountains, so I'm sure they will have no qualms accepting the idea. We should have a new trade route running through here in no time!"
Eboshi, despite herself, snickered.

"What's so funny?" Yuugi asked, hesitantly.

"You're not going?" she asked evilly.

Yuugi stared at her. She'd figured out what he was partially trying to accomplish, and now he was cornered! "I, uh-…I mean, I had…" he stammered. "I had wanted to stay here," he said. "Yes, I wanted to stay here. It's almost winter, and I won't be able to bring my caravan out until the spring."

"I see," Eboshi said, laughing. "Very well, then. If you say it is so, then it is so. Thank you very much, Yuugi. Know that I am in your debt. As a late monk can vouch, I keep my promises. Anything that you ask will be done," she said, bowing. "With certain limitations, of course," she added, albeit humbly. "There are some things I will not do."

"Have no fear, Eboshi," Yuugi said solemnly. "I will not hold you to anything against your will. I will only ask that you allow me and my caravan to stay until spring."

Eboshi nodded. "It shall be as you say. And you are welcome to stay here as long as you wish."

Yuugi bowed. "Our business is concluded? I will take my leave of you, then. Good-night, Lady Eboshi."

"Goodnight, Yuugi," came the reply.

As he left, Eboshi breathed a sigh of relief. Iron Town was saved! Despite her sadness for Ashitaka, she couldn't help but be happy at the moment.

Good-bye, Ashitaka, she thought. I doubt if we shall ever meet again. I will miss you, for I loved you as a son. Although you are gone, I will be with you, and you will be with me until the end of the earth. And who can say? Get well for us, Ashitaka. Perhaps we will meet again one day. Good-byes aren't forever. Good-byes aren't forever.

A few minutes after the sun had set, Ashitaka releases San from his embrace.
"I'm ready," he said in a shaky voice. "Let's go."

"We can't," she answered. "It is night. It is not good to be traveling at night."

Ashitaka exhaled sharply. He had hoped to get away from the town tonight. He didn't know how much time he had left.

San must've sense his distress, for she said, "If you'd like, we can at least journey to my den. I must inform my brother's of the events that have occurred, and must tell them of my decision. You can sleep there for the night."

Ashitaka nodded. "Thank you, San. It'll be nice to sleep in your den again. I remember the last time I did it. It was so peaceful, and I felt like I could sleep for ages."

San smiled, warmly. "Perhaps it will help your leg to heal faster, then. C'mon. If we're going, we'd better go now."

For the third time, San put Ashitaka's arm around her shoulder for support, and started off through the woods. Although Ashitaka's injury slowed them down, they managed to arrive at her den in a fairly short amount of time. Her brother's were sleeping when they arrived, but woke up when they heard them approaching.

"Good evening, San," the older one piped up. "Nice of you to join us. Will you be staying here for the night?" he asked, addressing Ashitaka.

"Yes," Ashitaka answered. "San has been gracious enough to allow me to stay here for the night."

"Very well, then. Go inside and rest, boy. I must speak with San for a moment."

Ashitaka obeyed, and he hobbled inside the cave, collapsing onto the matted leaves, falling asleep almost instantly. It had been a rough day.

"You know what I'm going to ask, San," the older brother said as San drew near.

"Yes," San answered.

"Well?"

"It takes time to explain, brother. Let me simply say that it is fatal, and that it is possible to spread. Ashitaka has opted to go live a life of solitude in the mountains."

The wolf nodded his head. "A very brave young lad," he said. "A decision like that is not easy. Especially for humans."

"That is not all, brother," San interjected. "I will be accompanying him to the edge of the forest. I will return after I've reached the border with Ashitaka, but until then, I need you to be the guardian of the forest."

The large wolf growled lowly. "The border is far. Are you prepared for such a journey?" he asked.

"I believe I have been training my entire life to make this journey, brother," San answered.

"I see…far be it from me to go against your wishes. Still, as long as you return, I see no harm in it. If you so choose to accompany him, then do."

"Thank you," San said, wrapping her arms around her brother's large, strong neck.

Tenderly, he licked her face with his large tongue, and San welcomed the familiar feeling, hugging his neck tighter. It seemed to bring her back to her childhood when Moro was still nursing her into an adult. Life had been easier back then.

"San," he said. "Let me say something before you leave. I trust you, and I trust Ashitaka, and I know for a fact that you have loved with respect, rather than lust. However, do not let fear and sadness cloud your better judgment. It would be better for both of you if you abstained from those things."

"I know," San answered. "Ashitaka and I would never do something like that. I have been taught well. I will return just as I left, and nothing more shall come of it. But do not talk of such things, now," she said somberly. "Besides, the opportunity will never come up. As I have said, I will be returning after I have seen him to the border."

The younger wolf, which had been listening to the conversation up to this point, piped in, "In that interest, you must be cautious, then. As far as I can remember, you have never traveled to the border before. It is different, and there are many new things there that are unfamiliar to you. Keep your mind focused, and do not lose your way."

"I know," San answered. "I do not intend on getting lost. Besides," she said, trying to lighten the mood, "that wouldn't look good for my image."

Humoring her, the two wolves chuckled deeply. "Very well, then," the older brother said. "Your brother and I must go hunting, and we will not return until mid-day tomorrow. If you have left by then, then I wish you the best of luck on your journey. Oh, and it appears as if Ashitaka is asleep," he added dryly, catching the sounds of Ashitaka's soft snoring, "so please tell him that I am sorry for him. He will be remembered. Tell him that he would've made a good wolf. He was always strong. Tell him not to lose faith, and that even in the midst of despair, a light can be attained."

With that, the two brothers sprang away into the darkness, already on the scent of some unfortunate pray.

"Good-bye, brothers," San said dismally. She wouldn't see them again until she returned, and she had no idea when that would be.

Wanting to get out of the chilly night air, she entered the cave to find Ashitaka sprawled out over the grass mat.

San sighed, muttering, "Oh, Ashitaka…" as she gently shoved him to one side of the makeshift bed, being careful not to wake him. He mumbled something in his sleep, but otherwise did nothing.

San laid down on her back, staring up at the roof of the cave. Something was poking into her back, and she reached down to look at what it was. It was the small red pouch that held Ashitaka's gift. Reluctant to open it, she shoved it back to where it was. She needed to open it when the time was right. She had a feeling that she'd know when that time was, and she prayed that it came soon, but she also prayed that it happened while Ashitaka was still alive. She wanted him to be with her, and awake, when she opened it.

"Yakuul," Ashitaka whispered in his sleep. The silence in the cave had been so great that San nearly jumped at the sudden noise. Did he miss his friend that much already?

Frowning, San reached over and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. He must be devastated over his loss. To be talking about it in his sleep was not a good thing. Taking a chance about waking him, she moved her own hand to his, and wrapped gently around it. She gave it a tender squeeze in an attempt to calm the disheartened warrior, and they both lay like that for a long time until San finally fell asleep.