I don't own Princess Mononoke or any of the characters. I only own this story and the characters not in the movie.
An eight year old Ashitaka saddled his red elk Yakul. The Emishi prince grabbed Yakul's rains and led the red elk out of the stables.
Today was an important day in the young prince's life. Today was the day Ashitaka went on his first hunt. Ashitaka climbed onto Yakul's back and rode to his father and the other men going out hunting.
The Emishi king smiled as his son came into view. Ashitaka stopped at his father's side.
"Sorry I am late father. I had a hard time finding my bow and Yakul wouldn't cooperate with the saddle." panted Ashitaka.
"That is alright Ashitaka. We are just about ready to leave. Come now ride up front with me. It is only proper for the future king to be seen leading a hunting party." exclaimed the king.
The hunters mounted their red elk and rode to the forest. Ashitaka rode up front at his father's side.
In a matter of moments the Emishi men reached the hunters. The king got everyone's attention.
"We will all separate into small teams and hunt. We will meet back here just before sundown. Now split up and good hunting to all of you." declared the king.
The hunters separated into teams of two and three and disappeared into the forest. Ashitaka and his father looked for prey together in the forest.
The king got off his red elk and looked at the ground. Ashitaka followed after his father and looked at the ground as well.
"What do you see Ashitaka?" asked the king.
Ashitaka looked at the ground in front of him. The ground was covered in numerous sets of tracks.
"I see tracks father." answered Ashitaka.
"Yes they are tracks Ashitaka. And by the looks of it a herd of deer passed by here, not to long go. Come we can follow the tracks and catch up to them in not time." ensured the king.
Father and son remounted their steeds and rode in the direction of the herd of deer. In a matter of minutes Ashitaka and his father found the deer herd.
"Now listen closely Ashitaka. Follow my lead and fire your arrows when I tell you to." whispered the king.
Ashitaka and his father drew their red bows and began to fire arrows. The two Emishi ran after the deer herd until one of the deer fell dead.
The king of the Emishi tied the deer caucus to the back of his red elk and rode back to the village his son following behind him. The two royal men were soon joined by the rest of the hunters.
Back at the village the women took the prey and began to skin and dry the meat. Ashitaka looked over the village and smiled. He knew his people would survive and would one day take back the land that was rightfully theirs.
Comment if you like the story.