The Daughter Of Princess Mononoke

Harmony Festival

"I can't wait for the festival!" Exclaimed a very excited Lucas.

"Yeah me too," replied Simon. Daisy let out a small chuckle at her friends enthusiasm.

"Glad to hear your looking forward to it," Tsuki said as she walked into their hut. She still wore her cloak with the hood up. She also had a bundle in her arms. "I thought you might like a traditional Kimono to wear tonight," she said as she handed the bundle to Daisy.

"Thank you princess," Daisy said cheerfully.

"No problem, and please call me Tsuki. I'm not big on titles."

"Hey Zero your not the only royal who doesn't care about titles," Simon exclaimed. He just glared at his friend playfully. Not more than two seconds passed before the friends burst out into laughter, the cloaked girl joining in with her own laughter.

"Well I have to go, I'll see all of you tonight then," with that she left, and the three friends then went to separate rooms to get ready for the festival.

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The villagers where busy trying to finish preparations for the festival before night fall. Few torches where lit, and a bonfire was being build in the center the the square. Flowers where placed on the tables the lined the sides of the square. The sweet and savory smells of different foods filled the air.

As the small group of friends approached the square the sun was just setting. They saw Gonzo at one of the tables taking to a few others. He saw them and waved with a kind smile. They all returned the gesture, but saw Gonzo's face shift to a glare and staring that somthing behind them.

When they turn they see it wasn't something, no more like someone. Misk was their behind them looking around toward the woods. Zero sighed. Ashikata and Gonzo don't seem to like him very much. Nor does Tsuki. Speaking of which I wonder if I'll be able to talk to her about the other night? And if she is the same Tsuki that helped and warned me?

"Hello everyone and welcome to our royal guests!" Ashikata's voice rang out grabbing everyone's attention and snaping me from my thoughts. Everyone looks over at him to see him near the back entrance with Tsuki standing next to him.

She still had on a cloak with the hood up, but this one was red with a faint white embroidery on the edges. Underneath I could see a red komono, with a white sash. She was beautiful. And standing next to her father she wore a big smile, holding her head high.

"Tonight marks the 19th year of harmony with the forest and it's spirits," Ashikata said. "I am happy to say that we will have more guests arriving soon, for those of you who are new here I promise that I have not lost my mind." The villagers laughed, as well as the royal friends, but the guards stayed alert, and Misk just had a look of eritatuon.

"With that said let's welcome our quests, the princess Mononoke, and the great wolf spirts," with that said two gaint white wolves jumped up from below the cliff line behind the chief. A masked figure with white fur cape was riding on one of their backs.

Everyone around the fire bowed down before quickly standing but straight again. The friends were mesmerized by the fact the wolves were really there as well as the Princess Mononoke herself, but the question was where was the second warrior?

The Princess jumped done and the wolves each layer down on opposite sides of the chief and his daughter. The young girl instantly hug the Wolf Princess with a warm smile on her face.

"You really invited HER here?!?!" Everyone turned to see who the angry voice belong to, and to no ones surprise it was Commander Misk him self.

"I assure you that is they where a threat they would not be here, nor would this villager for that matter." Ashikata replied standing protectively in front of the two girls, the Princess Tsuki clinging to the Wolf Princess.

"And if i'm not mistaken your here to learn to live with them peacefully. So if you would hold your tongue we will continue with the festival, which will answer all questions." He was stern and protective, but deep down he didn't want there to be a fight.

"He's right," the prince said turning to the angered Commander." We are here to learn, and hopefully make ammendment to our past mistakes." Finishing with him Zero turned back to the chief and his daughter. "My apologies for him, I for one am willing to hear your story Princess, as well as the village's."

"Thank you," The small group was shocked to hear that it was Mononoke who replied. She stepped forward and took off her mask to reveal a women with short brown hair, and eyes, with red markings under her eyes.

"It has taken time, and I have forgiven the past mistakes this village has made, but I will never forget them." She emphasizes the word 'this' making it clear that the other villages where still at fault. "Though I'm happy to see others wish to learn about my forest, and home." She had a stern look that only seemed to soften for a moment.

"Thank you," Zero said bowing his head to her. When he looked up he could see Tsuki behind the woman with a soft smile on her face. Their eyes locked for a moment, that's when he realized her eyes were golden, bright gold.

"Now that's settled, let's eat," Ashikata said in a now more cheerful tone, with a smile.

A small nudge was felt on Zero's shoulder when he realized he was still starring at the young Princess he looked over to see Daisy was shaking his shoulder.

"What," he said snaping from his trance. She nodded her head to the left. Looking that way he know saw Gonzo heading over to them.

"That was a very brave thing you did. Not to mention the fact you caught the Princess Mononoke's attention. She usually only speaks to me, the chief and miss Tsuki." Gonzo said as he bowed his head slightly to show respect.

The prince was slightly taken back.

"Thank you, but I thought she'd talk to everyone here?"

A small chuckle escaped the older man.

"Come take a seat, the show is about to begin, and then any other questions you have will be answered afterwards." With that said he lead the group to a table to ear and enjoy the show and history of the village and forest.