Disclaimer: I do not own Princess Mononoke :)
Crystal Ashes
Blushing Petals
Chapter 5: Fever Dreams—Part Two, Ashitaka
Moro's eyes glistened—amber stones shining vividly within San's mind. And though San now lingered in the darkness that let her move between the worlds, her mother's eyes still glowed lovingly in her vision and the feeling of her mother's soft, winter-silk fur still danced across her fingers.
In the blinding darkness she squeezed her eyes shut... She only wanted to reach one final place.
Chewing her lip her heart thudded, like thunder in her small body, sending ripples of fear through her. Pushing the cold sweat from her eye lids she whispered one final word.
"Ashitaka." As soon as it had left her mouth she felt the darkness drop from her feet and the noise of bats screeching filled her ears. Each voice shrilled until together their voices were a single siren, ringing endlessly through her thoughts… The chime hummed in her head—Dying.
The small room was dark and damp, and cool against her skin where the warm breath of the heavens had caressed her. San's vision still spun with remnants of colors, as though she had been staring into the sun. Rubbing the splinters bright rainbows from her eyes her gaze at last settled on him…
He laid, his eyes squeezed shut as he fought the seething pains, and his body trembling from the overbearing heat of his sickness. Gasping San ran to his side, throwing her arms around his wasting body. And to her surprise her arms touched him—she could feel him. His hot, sweating flesh, and rapidly beating heart rested beneath her, each solid, and real, invading her senses. Tears gushed from her eyes as she watched him, her fingers wrapping around his soft hand…
His illness brings him into the spirit realm… Right now he dangles between life and death… The chime was mourning now as it spoke within her mind. He can see you, San. You are clearer to him than anything now…
Tears still rolled down her cheeks as she watched him. His eyes rolled beneath their lids, searching the landscape of the nightmare he was lost in. Whimpering his eyebrows knitted together and his now withering form stiffened as he coughed. Almost at once his vivid brown eyes flashed open, instantly locking onto hers.
His dark eyes were dull and glazed with sickness, but as he watched her she could see reality returning to him, making his eyes and face flush with emotion. San blinked, her gaze still resting on him, her own eyes filled with sorrow and desperation…
"What did they do to you…?" She asked, her voice trembling as she stood and backed away. Ashitaka watched her, his lips now in a gentle smile.
"Love you so much San…" He whispered, his voice strained. Coughing he rolled onto his side, his once luminous eyes soft as he watched her. San shivered, hugging herself.
"Those humans are disgusting!" She cried, her body shaking with rage. Ashitaka then pushed himself up, and stood. "Lay back down!" She ordered, her voice lacking the strength she'd intended. And she could only watch, her heart aching, as he drew closer until at last his arms wrapped around her…
He clung to her as he slowly lost his strength. Propping him up, she felt the tears rushing down her face faster than before, blurring her vision and filling her nose with the smell of hot salt. Holding him she moved them both back to his bed, and laid him down once again.
Then, as soon as she had him tucked in and comfortable, she curled up against him, placing her head against his chest, her body heaving with silent sobs.
San clutched his hand, holding it to her lips, her eyes flickering up to see his eyes half open, filled with tears that mirrored her own…
"I see you sometimes…" Ashitaka whispered, his fingers tracing circles and words and promises on her hand as she held it to her cheek. Shivering he pulled her closer. "You are afraid and sad when I see you…" His dry lips parted and his eyes squeezed shut, as though he were trying to block the visions. "I wish I could fix it… " He whispered, his lips against her ear… The smooth rumble of his voice still lingered, though his voice now grew weak...
Hugging him she pulled back and looked into his eyes.
"I'm going to help you…" She whispered, her eyes searing with determination and anger and compassion. Smiling he moved her hair from her face with frail hand.
His hand against her face was icy… But his body was sweating as though he were too hot… Sighing she chewed her lip…
How can I save him…? I know nothing of human illnesses or their cures… Her mind churned and a sickening feeling settled over her chest… Placing her hand above her heart she watched him.
I can do nothing.
"You don't love me… do you?" He asked, body stiff, waiting for her to reply.
"Stupid boy…" She whispered through tears and forced laughter as she tugged his arm tighter around her. "I love you so much, Ashitaka. I love you." And when the words left her mouth she couldn't stop whispering them…
Bliss now lingered in his dark, glittering eyes, and it made her want to cry harder—she knew her time with him was dwindling…
Cherish these moments, young one. The chime hummed, a vicious reminder that soon she would no longer be cuddled against this boy that she worried so strongly for—a cold dagger plunged into the warm world she'd found beside Ashitaka…
Together they laid, San sighing the words against his chest, until both fell into soft dreams… Their chests rising and falling in calm breaths… their worries lost as they eased away from the realities of their world.
A/N: Thank you so much for reading and for the reviews:) Short chapter, just Ashitaka and San :) tell me what you think!
Blushing Petals