Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Princess Mononoke

Here's what I made up: Fokkusugaaru (Fokks), Jisen (kinda), Kisa (kinda)

The red finally faded from Fokks' view. She glanced around and saw that the few samurai not already dead were being taken prisoner.

Ashitaka was standing, drooping, next to her. Both panted heavily from the wild battle.

The young woman saw Eboshi walking towards the pair, a furious look on her face.

Fokks stepped next to Ashitaka and dropped into a fighting stance, growling softly. Her dirks, still dripping with blood, were in an offensive position, ready to kill. She snarled softly as the woman approached.

Ashitaka put a hand on her shoulder, standing tall for Eboshi.

She stopped in front of them and pointed, furious, to Fokks, "Why was she freed? Where did she get her dirks from? I thought you were going to keep an eye on her, Ashitaka. Who knows what kind of damage she could have done, left on her own like that. She could have tipped the tide in Lord Asano's favor! Then we'd all be slaves to that man, with no free will--"

Ashitaka's fists were clenched, his voice raised, "Like Fokks? Eboshi, yes, I said I would keep an eye on her, and yes, she could have tipped the tide in Asano's favor. But just let me point one thing out: she didn't. She fought for our side, and killed a great many samurai. She was left to make her own choice, and she chose to help us. I myself fought back to back with her, and I can't think of anyone, barring San, that I would rather have watching my back! Without Fokks' help, we could have lost that battle, and those of us who survived would have become slaves to Asano. She proved to be an invaluable ally, and could stay that way if we choose to befriend her. If we treat her the way you have for the past few days, we may gain a very dangerous enemy. Just because Fokks was not raised exactly the same, or does not have the same beliefs, does not mean she cannot make rational decisions."

The young woman, who had stopped snarling to listen to Ashitaka's speech, straightened and nodded her agreement. She wiped her knives on a dead samurai's kimono and sheathed the dangerous blades.

Eboshi thought for a moment, "Hmmmm… I will think about it. Until I make my decision; Guards!"

Several men approached, one with rope. Fokks dropped back into a fighting stance, dirks reappearing in her hands. She slashed horizontally a couple of times as a warning.

The humans backed off a little, and the feral young woman bared her teeth. "I am fully capable of killing each and every one of you. Did none of you listen to Ashitaka? He actually cares for the rest of us, the ones who don't kill trees to build houses, who actually use nature without overdoing it. I am fully rational, able to think for myself. Those of us who you dub 'dumb animals' are actually more intelligent than you. We at least know that we must take care of the forest if we want it to take care of us." she growled, "We have names, we have memories, just like you. I am Fokkusugaaru, of the fox tribe. Unlike you, however, we also have instinct, and we know when to let it take hold."

A nearby woman burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

Fokks straightened once more and sheathed her dirks, "See? I can walk like you humans too. I probably was human once. But I have grown up alone in the forest. I know the harm you cause by mining for your precious ore, by cutting down and burning all the trees. You kill all the animals. 'Oh, there are plenty more.' you say. I have seen you throw so much of the meat over your wall. Not only is this a huge waste of life, but you pollute the water supply. All the life in this valley, trees, animals, and humans alike drink that water. It may taste fine to you, but the strong old trees that used to cover the mountain have withered. They cannot survive on the putrid water that now fills the basin around your town. You have killed Shishigami. Are you ready to kill yourselves?"

There was silence for a long, awkward moment after Fokks finished her speech.

Eboshi was the first to break it, "That was a pretty speech and all, but while you're in my town, you are under my jurisdiction. Guards!"

Ashitaka stepped in before anyone could react, "Eboshi, if you remember, Fokks did not enter Irontown by choice. Your men captured her and brought her in. She never wanted anything to do with this place, and I don't blame her! You are being completely unreasonable."

Tension thrummed in the air as Irontown's leader answered, "Look at her! She acts as if she's an animal! She was human at one point, that much is clear. But now she growls, she snarls, she fights like a beast. Who's to say she isn't one?"

Fokks stepped forward, "I am."

Eboshi snorted and started to respond when a woman, the same one who had started crying before, stepped forward as well. "I don't think she's an animal. At least, not the way we mean it."

Kohroku moved to stand beside his wife, "I agree with Toki. Fokkusugaaru deserves to make her own decisions."

A murmur swept through the crowd. Nothing like this had ever happened before.

"Fine." Eboshi finally agreed, "You can go."

Fokks snorted, "As if I needed her permission."

The human leader turned on her heel and stormed off towards her home. Gonza hurried after silently, deep in thought.

The former captive turned to Ashitaka, "If you have wounded, take me to them. I may be able to help." She was taken to a low, long house. Inside, there were five men lying on the cots.

Fokks went to each in turn and rapped out instructions to clean and treat their wounds. Afterwards, each man insisted he felt good enough to come and see the young woman's departure.

Most of the civilians of Irontown massed on the walls to watch her go. Before leaving, Fokks turned to Ashitaka, "I want to thank you for all you've done. Without your help, I might never have gotten out of Eboshi's grasp. You know where I am. If you ever need help, well…"

She spun on her heel and shot off into the woods. People caught a few glimpses of red among the green, and then she was gone.