Chapter Text
The film opens with a panning overview of a mountain range. The narrator explains that in ancient times the land was covered in forest which was home to spirits and gods.
“Another narration? Who’s saying this?” Sho asks aloud.
“I got someone in my village to do it. Just keep watching.” Says Nausicaa.
The narrator explains that back then, man and beast lived in harmony, but eventually humans destroyed most of the great forests.
San huffs in disgust.
Haku averts his eyes from the screen. Chihiro and her family notice this.
Nausicaa was interested in this. She would want nothing more for the humans of her time to reconnect with nature. It seems she’s now learning what lead humanity to destroy itself.
The narrator continues by saying that the forests that remained were guarded by gigantic beasts who were aligned with the Great Forest Spirit.
“Great Forest Spirit?” Nausicaa asks.
“Spirits, really?” Sheeta asks.
Even Pazu who believed in Laputa was questioning the existence of real divine spirits.
Everyone except Eboshi and the spirits in the theatre wonder about this Great Forest Spirit.
“Wait, do you mean Shishigami, the ancient deer-god? I’ve heard of him. He was a big deal centuries ago.” Haku says.
“Yeah, that’s him.” Says San.
“Wait, how do you know of him?” Ashitaka asks.
“I’m actually a spirit myself.” Haku explains.
“You are?” Chihiro asks.
“Yeah, I’m a river spirit.”
“River spirits are dragons.” Ponyo blurts out.
“I just take human form. It’s easier to get around on land.” Haku says.
Tombo snorts.
“Yeah right, man.”
Haku looks at Chihiro.
“Promise you won’t freak out?”
Chihiro nods.
Haku stands on his seat and he jumps up. He transforms into a serpentine dragon covered in white fur. He has a blue mane and small arms and legs as well as long “whiskers” on his snout. Everyone watches in amazement as he tries through the air without any wings.
Kiki and Kotiri are shocked to actually seeing a real spirit dragon. San was briefly surprised and Ashitaka remained stoic. Ponyo laughs. Pazu, Sheeta, Nausicaa, Souske, Sho and Arrietty watch in amazement. Aiko and Yuko jump out of their seats in fear and, surprisingly, Chihiro is the least shocked. She stares at his form finding it very familiar. She knows she’s seen it before but she’s not sure. Her eyes widen as she remembers the time when she was little she nearly drowned in a river. If Haku is a river spirit then maybe she saw him then?
Haku looks at Tombo who jumps back.
“Point taken!”
Haku returns to his human form and looks at Chihiro’s parents, still shocked.
“I hope I didn’t startle you too much and we can continue to watch this movie in peace.” Haku then turns to Chihiro, who is still staring at him.
“You said you were a river spirit, right?” Chihiro asks. “What river was that?”
“Honestly I can’t-“
San interrupts them.
“Hold on, you said that the Great Forest Spirit WAS a big deal! What happens in the future?” San asks worried.
“I think it’s best we watch the showing.”
Haku says, he sits back down and Chihiro grabs his hand. Haku looks at her and blushes slightly.
“It’s ok. We’re here to learn the future. You will find out soon enough and maybe we can stop it.” Ashitaka tells San.
“What do you care? You’re a human?” San asks.
“My tribe has always tried to show reverence to the spirits and to balance with nature.” Ashitaka says. “And I do not believe in violence and destruction if it can be avoided.”
Sans eyes widen at this. She would never think to hear a human say something like that.
“Of course, boy. Sometimes to benefit yourself and others you need to make exceptions and seize what you want.” Lady Eboshi tells him.
Sheeta narrows her eyes at this woman.
“Are you talking about survival or greed?” Ashitaka asks.
“They are one and the same.” Lady Eboshi says.
“No they aren’t.” Says Lisa.
“For those were the days of gods and demons.”
A creature covered in black worms walks through the forest. As it steps down with a hoof the black worms cover the ground and the area is scraped and dead.
Ashitaka winces at the scene and looks down at his wrapped arm.
Kiki, Kokiri, Jiji, Haku, Ponyo, and San become disturbed, recognizing the worms.
Lady Eboshi winces slightly. And everyone else is confused and disturbed
“What was that?” Tombo asks.
“Those were demon worms.” Kiki explains.
“I’m sorry, what worms?” Aiko asks.
“When a spirit becomes consumed with negative emotions, specifically hate and fear, they will become a Tatari-Gami.” Haku explains. “They will form demon-worms that literally eat at them as they degenerate into Tatari-Gami. A cursed-god or demon.”
“And you don’t want those things to touch you, or else they will infect you too and slowly kill you. If you don’t become a demon yourself first.” Says Kokiri. “Poor spirit, it looks like their suffering must be very bad.”
“It looked like it had a boar-like hoof. The boar-tribe defends my forest along with the wolves.” Says San before sending a glare to Eboshi. “Anything you wanna confess?”
Ashitaka also looks at Eboshi. She just shrugs.
“Who knows? Maybe the big pig just stubbed its toe?”
San glares at her and Ashitaka looks at the woman suspiciously.
Ashitaka rides on Yakul. They ride along a small wall and Ashitaka gets off to walk on the top.
“Hey. It’s this guy.” Arrietty says, pointing at Ashitaka.
“My name is Ashitaka of the Emishi.” He says. “This is from before I…left my village.”
“I thought this was supposed to be our futures?” Tombo asks.
“I guess we’re getting some backstory first.” Kiki suggests.
Ashitaka looks down. It’s going to show how he got cursed. San looks at him concerned since the movie showed a demon before showing him.
Ashitaka hears something and calls for his Elk, Yakul, to come to him. He rides towards a group of girls and they tell him that something strange is going on in the forest, that all the birds and other animals are gone.
“You seem pretty popular with them.” Sho points out.
“I’m their prince.” Ashitaka says.
Everyone that isn’t San turns to him surprised.
“You’re a prince?” Sheeta asks.
“You’re in a room with a spirit and two princesses and yet you’re surprised by me?”
“Ok fair enough.”
“Uh, two?” Kiki asks.
“Yeah, the Valley Wind princess and the wolf princess.”
San blushes slightly.
“Those of you from the future.” Ashitaka asks the rest of the audience. “Long before I was born the emperor drove my people to the far east. My village is the last of our people and we are already on the verge of extinction. Have my people at all managed to persist into your time periods in any way?”
Everyone familiar with Japanese history (everyone minus Arrietty, Pazu, Sheeta, Nausicaa, Chihiro and Ponyo) become nervous.
“Say no more.” Ashitaka says lowering his head.
San looks at him sympathetically. She never would have thought humans would turn against each other like that but she supposed their greed and desire for power knew no bounds. His people are now on the verge of extinction just like the spirits of the forest. San puts a hand on his shoulder.
“Maybe you can find a way to save your people.” She suggests.
Ashitaka smiles at her, greatful for the comfort. But he turns away.
“Thank you, but I doubt it.”
‘Even if I wasn’t banished, I have to figure out how to save myself first.’ He thinks.
Ashitaka tells the girls to run back to the village. He rides to the watch tower and talks to the watchman, Ji-San. Ji-San says that whatever’s in the forest isn’t human. Ashitaka adds that the wise-woman is calling everyone back to the village. Ashitaka draws an arrow as the trees shake.
Everyone watches in suspense. The spirits of those involved know that if a Tatari-Gaminis headed towards the village it won’t be pretty.
Everyone gasps (Chihiro screams) as the demon/Tatari-Gami exits the forest, coming into view.
The demon worms tear apart a rock wall as the Tatari-Gami reveals itself. It is completely covered in worms and has glowing red eyes. Some of these worms extend out of it to create six legs for it to crawl as its body drags on the ground. It is both horrifying and disgusting.
“Oh god!” Shouts Sho.
“That thing is horrifying.” Says Yuki.
“Poor thing. It must be in so much pain.” Says San.
The demon worms briefly move off of its body to show the boar god that is inside. The boar god roars in anger before the works fall back on him.
“San, is that one of those boar gods that you said protect your home?” Sheeta asks.
“Not just any boat god, it’s Nago. Their leader!” San shouts before turning to Eboshi. “What did you do!?”
Everyone turns to the woman in question. Ashitaka pulls out an iron ball from his shirt and hands it to Eboshi.
“This was found in the boar. Look familiar?” He asks.
The woman sighs
“Ok fine. You see I am the leader of a town that is right next to the forest, and I’ve since been seeking to…expand to take more of the iron that’s in the ground. Of course the boars and the other spirits don’t like that so we kinda…drive them off a little.” Eboshi says with a nervous smile.
Everyone frowns at her.
“The boar gods and I had a fight recently and let’s just say it resulted in a lot of fire. And hand canon’s shots. Some poison iron balls. During the fight, Nago may have gotten injured.”
Everyone narrows her eyes at her.
“So, Nago attacked my village because of you.” Ashitaka says, glaring at her.
“I am truly sorry Ashitaka. Really, I am. It should have been me-.”
“For once I agree. Nago should have attacked you.” San says with a glare.
“But in all fairness, I wasnt the one who told him to attack a random dwindling village.” Eboshi says arrogantly. “But hey, you said that your village is still around for now, right?”
Ashitaka let’s put a sigh.
“Yes. I killed Nago before he could hurt anyone in my village.” He turns to San. “I’m sorry, San. I begged him to turn away but he continued his path. I had no choice.”
San nods sadly.
“See? No harm done.” Eboshi says.
“No harm!? A god died!” Haku shouts.
“You stink!” Shouts Ponyo.
“Hold on, how can a god die?” Aiko asks. “Aren’t they supposed to be all powerful and immortal?”
“Im confused with the conept of gods and spirits in general.” Says Nausicaa. “The only gods I know of are the god warriors, who arent anything like what were seeing.”
“It depends on the type of god.” Haku explains. “Gods are flesh and blood like you humans but their power level and ability to resist injury depends mostly on the scope of what they are associated with. For example, Granmamare, the goddess of the ocean is very powerful and would be difficult to harm even in her human form.”
Ponyo smiles at the mention of her mother.
“Difficult, but not impossible. And I’m a river spirit. I have a limited level of telepathy, I can use magic and change into my dragon form but I assure you, if you pull a gun on me I can die. If we’re dealing with a single member of an animal spirit clan they may not even possess that much.”
“It takes more than one bullet to kill a god, usually, but they can be killed with the right shot.” Says Eboshi. “But none of the forest gods I’ve encountered have shown more than just being big and strong.”
“The Great Forest Spirit holds power of life and death.” Adds San. “I’ve seen him cause flowers to bloom then die with a single step. He can heal nearly any injury. But I fear for what could happen if humans get to him.” She says, again, glaring at Eboshi.
Nago continues his path of destruction and Ashitaka yells for Yakul to run but the elk is frozen in shock. Ashitaka shoots an arrow by Yakul head and it startled the Elk enough to drive it away just as Nago rams into the watch tower. Ashitaka and Ji fall as Nago heads towards the village.
San smiles, touched that Ashitaka cared enough about Yakul to be worried for him.
Ashitaka rides on Yakul chasing after Nago as Ji warns him not to touch the demon. He rides ahead of Nago and pleads with him:
“Calm your fury, o mighty lord! Whatever you may be, god or demon, please leave us in peace!”
But Nago keeps moving forward.
San and Haku sigh.
“It’s no good.” Haku says. “For a spirit to be THAT affected by demon worms they must be so full of hate they are completely unreasonable.”
“I’m glad you put him out of his misery.” San tells Ashitaka, begrudgingly.
Nago continues running, coming across the three girls again. Ashitaka begs Nago to stop and leave his village alone, but to no avail. Having no choice left, Ashitaka shoots one of his arrows into Nago’s eyes. The Tatari-Gami slows, but continues running. Ashitaka draws another arrow but the demon worms latch onto his arm.
Everybody gasps.
“No.” Kokiri says.
Nausicaa covers her mouth.
San turns to Ashitaka. She felt respect for him before. She admired his bravery after what she just saw. Now she was just worried.
Haku closed his eyes and Lisa hoped that maybe the worms hadn’t latched into his arms long enough or the damage could be easily treated.
Ashitaka pushes through the pain and fires another arrow. Nago stops in his tracks, the works disappear and the boar god falls to the ground. But the worms are still on his arm.
More people, including warriors with swords and torches, appear.
“He killed it!”
A girl with short brown hair runs to Ashitaka, crying his name as he clutches his forearm in pain. Ashitaka warns the girl, Kaya, not to touch his wound.
Everyone turns to Ashitaka shocked and concerned. The prince sighs and stands up so everyone can see him. He undoes the bandages on his forearm, showing everyone his black and purple wounds.
Sheeta, Pazu, Chihiro and Tombo look like they are going to puke. Nausicaa, San, Haku, Ponyo, Kiki, Jiji and Kokiri are horrified. Everyone else is just concerned.
“This all happened yesterday to me.” Ashitaka says. “The wise woman of my village said that the infection will spread through my body, cause me great pain and then kill me. That’s why I left my village. I knew that Nago came from west so I figured that if I went in that direction I would find the source. And hopefully a cure.”
“Oh, Ashitaka were so sorry.” Arrietty says.
“You have my respect, prince Ashitaka.” Nausicaa says. “You are a great warrior. I am sorry that you had to pay the price for it.”
Lady Eboshi gets an idea.
“You know Ashitaka, the Forest Spirit could save you. But there’s a difference between can and will. He doesn’t even heal his own spirits most of the time, you think he will fix a wounded human? All you need is some of his blood. If we work together-“
“You’ve done enough.” Ashitaka says.
Eboshi frowns at him.
Sheeta glares a bit at Eboshi.
The wise woman, Hii-Sama, approaches the dying boar god and bows to him. She respectfully tells Nago that they will hold a funeral pyre for him. She asks him to pass on in peace and bare them no hatred.
“What seriously?” Aiko asks shocked. “That thing nearly destroys your village and you and this old lady wants to hold a funeral for him? What the hell!?”
“My village has always held the spirits in high esteem.” Explains Ashitaka. “She understood that the boar was in pain and she hoped Nago would find peace.”
San looks at him in awe.
Nago spitefully calls humans disgusting creatures and says that they will suffer as he has suffered before he dies. His flesh melts leaving only a skeleton.
“So much for rest in peace.” Sho mutters.
Arrietty nods.
“Ashitaka, when we get home I’ll take you to the Great Forest Spirit.” San says. “If there’s anyone that can save you, it’s him.”
“Aw, look at you caring for a human.” Eboshi teases. “I thought you hated us.”
San is taken aback, blushes then gets defensive.
“I do!” She turns back to Ashitaka and softens. “But if he’s genuine about what he said then I’m willing to at least introduce him.”
Ashitaka smiles at her.
“Ashitaka hold on.” Kokiri says, rummaging through her bag. “I specialize in potions. Medicinal options. In my time demon worm infection can be treated in the early stages. Damn, I don’t know if I have all the ingredients though. I promise, you will return to your own time cured.”
“Thank you, my friend.” Ashitaka says.
He turns to lady Eboshi and he frowns.
“Of course then I’ll have to deal with you.”
“Look, I’m sorry about your infection but-“
“It is also wrong of you to attack Sans forest.” Ashitaka says.
“I’m just promoting human progress.” Eboshi defends. “You, other humans. Vouche for me.”
“Do you NEED to keep stripping the forest of resources or is it just for money?” Lisa asks.
Eboshi waves her off.
Ashitaka and the village elders are inside one of the huts. The wise woman, Hii-Sama uses stones infront of her to foresee events. She says that Nago came from the west and was driven mad by poison, turning him into a demon. She asks Ashitaka if he wants to know his future and Ashitaka says he is. She tells him that the curse will spread throughout his bones and flesh and kill him painfully.
Everyone in the audience winces sh the reminder of the prince’s fate.
The elders ask if there’s any way to stop it, arguing that they cannot just watch him die considering he got cursed protecting the village. Though Hii-Sama says that his fate cannot be changed she suggests that he travel west to find the cause of Nagos pain and possibly a cure. Ashitaka cuts his hair.
Everyone glares at Eboshi again when Hii-Sama shows Ashitaka the iron ball that poisoned his flesh and broke his bones.
Eboshi rolled her eyes when Hii-Sama said that evil work was going on in the west.
The elders lament that they are the last of the Emishil, who were driven into hiding in the east years ago when the emperor destroyed their tribe and their blood has grown thinner with each generation.
San feels a similarity between the Emishi and the spirits. They certainly seemed respectful enough of them.
Another elder laments that now their last prince is going to have to cut his hair and never return. He says the gods are laughing at them.
Everyone is stunned at the elders words and their heads holt around to face Ashitaka.
“I’m sorry, what is this about you not returning?” Kiki asks.
“Do they think you’re going to die?” Asks Sho.
“It makes it sound like you’re being banished.” Says Tombo.
“I was. That’s why I cut my hair.” Ashitaka says.
“What?” San asks confused and alittle outraged.
“Yeah what? If you find a cure then you still can’t go back? Why?” Lisa asks furious.
“Is it because you killed a god?” Asks Chihiro.
“Because you’re cursed? Is that a Emishi taboo thing?” Asks Aiko.
“Just as the elders said, our people fled and hid from the Yamato five hundred years ago rather than be subjected to imperial rule. Over the years we have grown weaker and smaller. If we were discovered we would surely loose if they come for war.. Therefore, any that leave are forbidden from ever returning least they be followed. So yes, for having to leave to find a cure for curse, I was banished.”
Everyone was agape.
“What!?” Chihiro shouts outraged. “You save their lives and they kick you out!? That’s not fair!”
“I agree. Your their prince and that is your home. They cant do this. And its bad for them too.” Pazu says.
“Life isn’t always fair, little girl.” Ashitaka says. “Honestly, I don’t know who I am now or what I will do if I get cured but I will try to survive.”
Ashitaka strokes Yakuls neck.
San feels sympathy for Ashitaka. Sure, she could understand the elders reasons and it was clear that (atleast most of them) weren’t happy about it. But she could imagine the pain she would feel in her chest if her mother told her she couldn’t return to the forest.
“Wait, what about your parents?” San asks.
“I hardly remember them.” Ashitaka admits. “My mother died of an illness when I was young. My father in a hunting accident before I was born.”
“If it makes you feel better, I’m an orphan too.” Sheeta says. “My parents died when I was young then I was raised by my grandmother. She passed away some time ago and I’ve been on my own ever since.”
Everyone stares at the girl, horrified.
“What do you mean on your own?” Aiko asks.
“Surely someone must be looking after you now.” Adds Yuki.
“No. Its just me at out old farm house now.” Sheeta says.
Everyone pities the girl.
“Im an orphan too. But I have people looking after me.” Pazu says. “Maybe you can live with us when we go back. You might have to work though.”
Sheeta smiles at him.
“I’m not an orphan but I dont have the best relationship with my parents.” Sho says. “You see I was born with a very weak heart. I couldnt exert myself too much and I needed constant medical help. My parents were always working to cover the cost. Im better now, I got a surgery done last year that fixed it but things between us are still pretty distant.”
Arrietty looks at Sho sadly. She couldnt imagine having such a distant relationship with her parents. But she ten turns her attention to Ashitaka and San.
Chihiro suddenly felt greatful that she had hers. She wasnt sure what she would do if she liost them.
She and Ashitaka smile at each other. Tombo turns to Kiki, staring at her. He always admired her beauty and her attitude as well as her ability to fly. Feeling bold he stretches and tries to put an arm around her while she’s distracted. But Jiji claws at him and he pulls his arm away.
Sho looks at Arrietty. who is also staring at San and Ashitaka. He admitted to himself that he had a massive crush on her. He might even call it love. How could he not? Arrietty was the one who taught him how to live and gave him hope. He wasn’t sure if he would have gotten through his operation if it wasn’t for her. Plus, after having spent his entire life weak and sick, it was good to have a friend. His first friend. He regretted accidentally exposing them and scaring her mother. Maybe if he hadn’t done that they could have stayed and remained friends. He looked at Tombo and admired the kids courage but it wasn’t like he could do that with Arrietty. First of all there’s the size difference. He was pretty sure Arrietty would want to be with another borrower, plus she’s two years older than him. He was sure that girls don’t normally like younger guys. But he couldn’t thank Nausicaa enough for introducing them again, especially before the apocalypse. Sho was determined to make every minute with Arrietty count.
“Our laws forbid us from watching you go, Ashitaka. Whatever comes to pass now, you are dead to us forever. Farewell.”
“Ok, that’s just cold.” Haku says.
“It’s not like you’re being banished because you did something wrong. Can’t they make an exception this one time?” Sheeta asks.
“Especially for their prince.” Says Lisa.
“Rules are rules.” Ashitaka says, ruefully.
“At least they wished you good luck.” Sho says.
“She didn’t say good luck, she said farewell.” Arrietty says.
“Same thing.” Sho says.
“It is not the same thing.” Pazu says.
“You know your tribe is doomed anyways. You could go back and tell them to screw it.” Eboshi says.
“No. They banished me and I will respect their wishes. Ashitaka says. “I want my people to live for as long as possible.” He narrows his eyes at her. “So if you have any plans in mind, Lady Eboshi, then you can consider me an enemy.”
“I’ll help.” Says San.
That night, Ashitaka packs his things on Yakul as he prepares to leave. Kaya runs up to him. Ashitaka scolds her saying that it is forbidden for her to see him but she says she doesn’t care. She gives him her crystal dagger. She begs him to always keep it with him so he wont forget her. Ashitaka promises he never will.
“Aw, that’s sweet.” Says Lisa. “I’m sorry you had to say goodbye to your family.”
“Oh, Kaya wasn’t actually my sister.” Ashitaka says.
“She wasn’t?” Souske asks.
“No, she called me big brother as an affectionate nickname.”
“Was she your girlfriend?” Ponyo asks.
“She was my bride-elect.” Ashitaka says.
Everyone is stunned by this. Except for San.
“What does that mean?” She asks.
“It means she was his fiancé.” Says Eboshi.
San is still confused.
“She was his future wife. They were going to get married.” Says Yuko.
San is still confused.
“His mate.” Haku says.
Sans face contorts and she feels a twinge of jealousy. She has no idea why she feels this way and she sets those feelings aside.
“You’re mate, huh?” San asks Ashitaka.
“It was set up by my father with a friend of his.” Ashitaka says. “The deal was that their children would marry, to preserve the bloodlines.”
Arrietty looks up at Sho. She wonders if she should tell him. Maybe after the movie is done.
“You two seemed close.” San says. “Do you love her?”
“We grew up together. Of course I love her. She was like a little sister to me.” Ashitaka says.
San feels a slight bit of relief. Though she’s not sure why.
“Oh, good.” San catches herself. “I mean, if you didn’t like her like that then getting out of that arrangement must be a relief.”
“I hope this showing tells me what becomes of Kaya after I left.” Ashitaka says.
The screen freezes then words appear at the bottom: “Kaya marries someone else a few years later. She loves him. They are happy. But she misses you until she dies.”
“Thank you. I’m glad she finds someone else.” Ashitaka says.
Ashitaka takes out the crystal dagger in his hand and looks at it.
“In Emishi culture brides give their husbands daggers on the day of their weddings. I felt guilty taking this.” Ashitaka says.
“It looks like a fine weapon.” San says. “She was looking out for you. You should respect that.”
Kaya watches Ashitaka ride off on Yakul.
Ashitaka and Yakul embark on their journey.
“This is around the time I was taken.” Ashitaka tells the audience. “So everything going forward is what would have been my future.”
Everyone’s eyes widen when it shows Ashitaka and Yakul walking across a stream. The former in his underwear.
The parents cover the children’s eyes. San stares at the screen blushing red. Arrietty blushes too, Sho notices this and huffs. Eboshi sends Ashitaka a smirk. The prince looks downward.
Sheeta also blushes slightly and turns away.
“This is quite embarrassing.” Ashitaka admits.
“Why are you half naked?” Asks Sho.
“I must have been bathing.” Ashitaka admits.
“There aren’t exactly bathtubs in the forest, kid.” Eboshi says.
“Well, if it can’t be helped…” Arrietty says, still blushing.
Ashitaka and Yakul head towards rising smoke in the distance. They arrive at the sight to find a group of samauri attacking villagers. Ashitaka realizes they have stumbled upon a war.
San grunts in disgust and thinks: ‘Humans can’t seem to stop killing. If not forests then themselves.’
The samauri spot Ashitaka and fire their arrows at him, thinking he’s a soldier. As he and Yakul flee they see a samauri about to kill a cowering woman with his sword. Ashitaka readies his bow and arrow. As he pulls his arrow back, his cursed arm morphs and throbs (to the audiences disgust, Chihiro nearly vomits). When Ashitaka releases his arrow, it flies with such force that both the samurai’s arms are cut off. To the man’s horror.
Everyone who isn’t Kokiri and Haku gasp.
“What the heck was that!?” Asks Lisa.
“Woah.” Says Nausicaa.
“I have no idea. I hadn’t gotten to that part yet.” Ashitaka says, looking at his arm.
“It must have been the curse.” San says.
“Demon worm curses have been known to grant super human strength. Especially in times of anger or when surrounded by negative emotions.” Kokiri explains. “But using it also makes the infection worse.”
“You just sliced a man’s arm off! By flying a bow and arrow!” Sho shouts amazed. “That was both awesome and gross.”
“I’m going with gross.” Says Chihiro.
“It was awesome!” shouts Tombo.
“I kinda feel sorry for that guy since he has to live the rest of his life without arms. But he was about to kill an unarmed woman so…” Says Lisa.
Ashitaka considers taking a different route this time around. But he wonders what wound then become of the woman.
Ashitaka fires another arrow as he flees. That one slices a man’s head clean off.
“Impressive.” Eboshi says.
She wonders, if there really is a cure for the infection, could these demon worm infections be used to enhance her army? Like if they her men were exposed to a few worms, and given the cure just a day or so later then they could easily fight off lord Asano.
Ashitaka and Yakul retreat into the forest and he washes wound in clean water. He comments that the wound has gotten darker.
“Clean water helps relieve the symptoms.” Haku explains. “But it’s not a cure.”
Eventually, Ashitaka makes his way to a market. He attempts to buy a bag of rice and gives the vendor a small piece of gold as payment. The vendor doesn’t know what it is and yells at Ashitaka for giving her that instead of money.
“Do you not have coins on you?” Haku asks.
“I’m not aware of currency outside my village. I just thought the piece of gold would cover it.” Ashitaka says.
“Kid, gold MORE than covers it.” Aiko says.
“Were you trading or something?” San asks.
“Gold is a very rare material, that makes it valuable.” Eboshi tells San. “Thought it would have been more convenient if Ashitaka gave her coins. The point of money is that you give it to another person in exchange for something else. I’m at sort of like trading.”
“Is that why you keep attacking the forest?” San asks. “For things to trade for these coins?”
“Heck yes! Your forest is filled with iron! Do you know how many things it can be crafted into. One of those things are my arm canons, which I also sell-trade.”
San narrows her eyes at her.
“So you’re killing innocent animals and spirits out of greed?” She says critically.
“It’s how the world works.” Eboshi says un-guilty.
San growls. But she calms down when Ashitaka grabs her hand.
A short fat man nearby steps in for Ashitaka and explains that it is gold and it is easily worth three bags of rice. He, Ashitaka and Yakul walk away together and the monk, introducing himself as Jigo, tries to strike conversation with Ashitaka but he remains silent.
“Not much of a talker, are you?” San asks/teases.
“I have said, I can’t reveal too much about who I am or where I’m from.” Ashitaka says.
“Then you better be careful of Eboshi.”
“I will take your word for it.”
“I bet you could easily crush her with that arm if yours.” San says. “She led to you getting cursed in the first place. What goes around comes around.”
“We shall see.” Says Ashitaka.
As they walk they come across a group of men who want to steal the rest of Ashitaka’s gold and Jigo suggests they run the other way.
People laugh. Ashitaka is glad to have found someone akin to a friend on his journey.
Ashitaka, Jigo and Yakul find a place to stop and rest. As Jigo prepares the rice Ashitaka has lied by saying that he was following the Tatarigami that cursed him until he lost its tracks and stumbled across the samauri attack. Jigo reveals that the place they are in was once a village, but now it is deserted thanks to floods, landslides, etc. He recounts that the human world is filled by those who have died and that the whole world is cursed.
San couldn’t agree more.
This made some of the other humans feeling shameful.
Ashitaka voices his regret of killing those samurai. Jigo reassured him that everyone dies eventually but if it wasn’t for Ashitaka then he himself would have died instead.
“Sometimes, you do what you have to do to survive. Ashitaka.” San reassured him.
“Yeah, that guy was going to kill that woman. You saved her.” Aiko says.
Ashitaka thinks about this. He wonders if this time around he can just aim his arrow for the samauri’s weapons or if he can manage the curse before he leaves then he could fight them off without greatly injuring anyone.
Jigo reveals that the emperor has promised a great reward to someone who can help him live forever.
Many of the humans find the idea of living forever a dream. Sho, strangely, feels more content with the life he has now.
San and the spirits roll their eyes. No one lives forever, not even spirits. Everything that has had a beginning has an end. Sooner or later. Humans are greedy and foolish for thinking they can have more.
Jigo deduces that Ashitaka is an Emishi due to his bowl, him riding an elk and his stone arrowheads but he promises not to tell anyone else.
Ashitaka smiles gratefully. Maybe he wouldn’t mind saving that village if it helped Jigo out.
Ashitaka shows Jigo the iron ball. Jigo claims to have never seen it before but suggests that Ashitaka continue heading west until he finds the forest where spirits and giant beasts live.
“I don’t believe he’s being entirely honest with you.” San tells Ashitaka. “If he knows about the forest, he must know about Iron-Town.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Ashitaka says.
The next morning, Ashitaka gets up early and rides away on Yakul. Jigo, barely awake in his sack, says that he will see him there, referring to Ashitaka as his friend.