I finally got to watch Princess Mononoke last Friday.
(Pause for reverent reflection)
It was beyond wonderful. I've never seen a movie like it. And I only
got to see it ONCE instead of the fifteen times I wanted to. (Durn
theater really messed up with its playing dates).
Anyway, I had an idea for a continuation-type fanfic. Unfortunately, I
don't feel qualified to turn it into a worthy story yet. Also, I'm in
the midst of writing a loooonng story, which I will not post until it is
finished.
Therefore, I am sending my idea out amongst all you wonderful,
experienced authors, in the hopes that one or more of you will like it
and turn it into a real story.
Here goes.
After the death of the forest master, San has returned to the forest,
while Ashitaka remains with the survivors of Industry Town to help them
rebuild, although he visits San often. However, as time passes,
someone, maybe they themselves, maybe someone else, notices that when
either Ashitaka or San or both are near the ill or injured, they either
heal more quickly or die more peacefully. This works for plant, animal,
and human alike.
Also, when necessary, both can call forth enormous strength, as Ashitaka
did when cursed. Their abilities are strongest when they are together,
and they are growing in strength as the forest regrows.
I think a lot can be built around this idea. Here are some possible
plots or subplots to be used in whatever combination.
The samurai still want the iron, so attacks are always a danger.
The remaining ape-like tree-planters are still feeling bloodthirsty and
want to do Nasty things to humans for revenge.
The leper-artisans create an ingenius prosthetic arm for Eboshi as a
gift, which gives her the idea to branch out from gun production to
mechanical marvels for the very rich and influential. This gives some
protection from the Samurai.
San hates humans for what they have done to the forest, but after
awhile, Ashitaka introduces her to the very young children from the
town, and asks her to teach them to love and respect the forest as she
does.
Born and trained as a prince, Ashitaka knows the basics of most village
skills, as well as the art of negotiation and leadership. He uses all
of it to help create an ecologically friendly Industry Town.
As all of this is going on, Ashitaka and San build a deep and lasting
relationship, ignoring tradition and letting love be their guide. There
are problems: Ashitaka is very sought after by the ladies of the town,
and San's wolf brothers are very jealous. Things work out because they
trust and love each other.
Years later, a certain small village has grown even smaller; it is
dying. A young princess gathers her people, and together they decide
that they must find a new way of life in order to survive. Stories have
trickled down from the north of a place of wonders, where human
technology and forest magic have somehow melded into a wondrous new
whole. The village decides to migrate there; most want to go because
it sounds like a great place to live. The princess wants to go because
that's the direction her older brother went, and she has the strongest
feeling that she'll be seeing him again, soon...
Well, that's my idea. If any of it sparks anyone's imagination, GREAT!!
Feel free to go wherever you like with it. I'll be happy to answer any
questions, preread, or cheer and clap from the sidelines.
Paula Gray.