Princess Mononoke : After the War (My Fanfiction-Final)

Lady Eboshi and her folks remained at the Tataraba village in Shishigami forest. She now plans to apologize to Shishigami and other forest gods and seeks a way to harmonize humans and forest gods.

“Taka, do you think Shishigami would forgive us for what we did and let us live near the forest?” asked Lady Eboshi, looking rather serious.

“Of course, ma’am. Past is past, as they say ma’am. I guess we should not dwell on the past, but we have to move forward now,” said Taka with a great determination on his face.

At that moment, all the memories began to emerge back into Lady Eboshi’s mind, leaving her in agony. “All those killings, Taka I truly regret what I did in the past. If I can go back and live again, I will never do the same thing again,” said Lady Eboshi, turning around a bit, so Taka could not see her tears.

“Taka, let’s hurry. We have to be quick and efficient in removing all these debris from the forest. Tell the workers to move faster!” yelled Lady Eboshi. Taka bowed and went off to deliver Lady Eboshi’s command.

“Megumi, have you any news of the messenger boy Ken? I thought he would be here by now,” inquired Eboshi, looking around, as if expecting to see Ken any minute now.
“He has not come back yet, Lady Eboshi.” answered Megumi. “ I am getting worried. Why is he taking so long? He is just delivering the present to Shishigame.”
“Don’t worry, he is probably on his way back, so…” she could not finish her sentence as somebody came rushing to her. He was literally shaking with horror on his face. Lady Eboshi and Megumi sensed at once that something was wrong. “What is going on?” demanded Eboshi.
“You must follow me at once ma’am. This is not very good. Not good at all! Ken is back now, but,” for a moment he fell into silence, but quickly continued. “He is not the only one who came. Moro and San are also here. Lady Eboshi, Ken has been attacked in the forest!” cried the guy.

Lady Eboshi ran outside without hesitation and could not stop wondering what could have attacked Ken. She thought to herself, ‘no, it can’t be happening. Shishigami is against killing, he does not allow any animal to kill a human!’ As she ran, she could see San and Moro standing at the gate of her town. “San! Moro! What happened to our man Ken? Oh my gosh, look at that blood! Is he dead?” she asked, terrified.

“You fool humans,” growled Moro with a look of disgust on her face. “Because Shishigami has forbidden us to kill you people, it doesn’t mean you can come into our world any time you want! Look at what happened to this guy as a consequence!”

“We were able to stop the Earth God from killing him just in time. Why was he in the forest?” San asked Lady Eboshi as she helped Megumi lifting Ken from Moro, who has apparently carried Ken on her back. Bloods on her pearl-white furs were as red as the burning Sun.

Lady Eboshi straightened her back and said, “Like you said, we wanted Shishigami to truly forgive us. We want to live in harmony with animals and gods of the forest. We want do rebuild what we once destroyed. We want to gain their trust. We do want to show them how deep our remorse is and how strongly we want to go back to the time when there was no war or enmity between us.” Suddenly, all became silent that everyone could almost hear each other’s rapid heartbeats.

Moro and San were a bit shocked by the statement. They thought humans are irresponsible and always ready to give up at the first hint of trouble. Deep in their mind started to grow a belief that there could be hope for humans at last.

Town workers and Lady Eboshi worked harder than ever before. Even children began to join the crew and started to rebuild the forest. Lately, Kodamas have begun to reveal themselves more often to humans with curiosity in a positive way. Today, Kodamas can be seen wandering around kids, helping them remove debris from the forest.

Meanwhile, back in the forest, the Earth God Kigigami was resting under a very big and ancient tree, one of very few trees which were not cut off by humans. It was strangely quiet and the only sound he could hear was of a Kodama rolling his head and the sound of himself weeping.

“Kodama, why did the others stop coming to me?” cried the Earth God. He has been feeling very lonely these days; there was no one else to be seen near him these days. He reminisced back his past, where all animals and Kodamas surrounded him, playing, talking and laughing with each other. He and Shishigami used to care for all those creatures so both were very fatherly figure to them in the forest. But the war has changed everything. Seeing the once peaceful forest destroyed by humans invoked his anger towards them. He used to be very happy.
“Do you still think it is because I started to hurt humans? They tried to kill us! We cannot trust them! They are all evil!” shouted the Earth God, who was shaking so badly that leaves on the tree fell to the ground. He thought that although others do not like what he is doing now, they will come back in time and thank him for removing humans from the forest. But deep in his mind, he began to wonder if he stops killing humans, all will go back to being normal and peaceful as before. In fact, he could himself see how the forest was returning to its state before the war. But still, Kigigami was not sure whether humans are genuine and trust-worthy enough to let them into the forest, at least not just yet.

“Lady Eboshi, we are almost near the completion of repairing the forest. Would Kigigami forgive us at last?” asked Megumi.

“Megumi, yes, I am sure that he will finally understand us and forgive us. We just need to believe he will. That is what we need the most right now. Faith, Megumi.” smiled Lady Eboshi at Megumi, who nevertheless looked very concerned.

In the meantime, Moro and San were talking about how to stop Kigigami from making any further mistakes by killing humans. “Mother, I now feel more generous about Lady Eboshi. When I first met her, I could not see any truthfulness within her, but now, it is all different. I can feel how hard she tries to mend what she broke before,” said San, careful not to offend her mother by defending Lady Eboshi. “San, yes. Humans are a lot stronger than I have imagined before. They never give up. I think we should discuss the matter with Shishigami.” agreed Moro.
San and Moro had just got to the road to Shishigami’s dwelling when they met the forest God. “Ah, Moro and San, I am glad I met you. Come with me immediately. Kigigami is about to make a huge mistake. He is on his way to the town to destroy the humans!” yelled Shishigami in a hurry and continued to run towards the town without waiting for them.

Back in the town, everyone was enjoying their well-earned break, not knowing what is about to happen to them.

“Ahh!!! Help me!” shrieked Megumi who froze like an ice when she saw Kigigami standing right before her eyes. It happened so quickly that no one could rescue her from Kigigami throwing her into the sky. “Ahh! HELP ME!” yelled Megumi, but no one could move as it happened so quickly, no one could really absorb what was really going on.

“Kigigami! You fool! You should stop instantly!” shouted Shishigami, appeared from no where, catching Megumi in the sky and landing her safely on the ground. Moro and San followed, breathless. Few conscious workers came running to Megumi and carried her into one of the houses.

“You say the humans are evil, but you are doing exactly what they used to do to us!” Moro yelled furiously at Kigigami, whose eyes were shaking.

“Look at what happened! Can you see anyone around you? What happened to your mind, Kigigami? What happened to you!” shouted Shishigami.

Kigigami came to realise that Kodamas were standing next to humans, hiding behind them so they can avoid his devil-like eyes. Right then, Lady Eboshi came into his sight. ‘That woman, if I kill that woman, it will all end. Everything will go back to normal!’ He thought to himself and started to run at her. ‘Why isn’t she moving? Why isn’t she running away? Why?’ thought Kigigami, as he ran.

“Kigigami, listen. On behalf of our people, I am truly sorry for what we did to the forest. But you should know that we will not give up on gaining your trust back. Even if you kill me now, my followers will not stop trying. Please give us one more chance, please!” said Lady Eboshi, looking right at the eyes of Kigigami, not blinking.

Just then, miraculous thing happened. All Kodamas started to make a shield between humans and the Kigigami. Their innocent big eyes met those of Kigigami. Following Kodamas’ move, San, Moro and Shishigami themselves joined the Kodamas, standing against Kigigami. “Don’t make any more stupid mistakes that you will regret Kigigami. You can stop now!” both Moro and Shishigami yelled at Kigigami. “Fight back the evil inside you! You can do it Kigigami! You can forgive them and give them one more chance! Let’s do that together!” begged Shishigami.

Kigigami was very confused. Something deep in his heart kept telling him to stop but the other side of it kept telling him to do it. ‘You yourself had thought that these people might be genuine before! They are trying their best, do not kill them. Otherwise you will be just the same as them before the war. Don’t make a mistake that you know you will regret.’ ‘Can’t you remember what they did to the forest? They killed your friends! Your home! They are not trust-worthy! They are all liars, liars!’ but the latter voice got weaker and weaker as Kigigami kept meeting the innocent eyes of all Kodamas staring back at him. ‘I cannot do this. I just cannot. I don’t want to be lonely for the rest of my life. I do not want others to think me as a killer or destroyer.’

It happened so quickly. Dark and disgusting smoke began to evaporate from the body of Kigigami. “No! No! You have to kill them! No! No! Ahh!...” smoke vanished in the air as it left his body and it all went silence. Thump. Kigigami fell down powerlessly.

All began to gather around Kigigami to see whether he was alright. “Kigigami! Are you all right? What happened just now? What was that black smoke?” asked San looking very surprised.

“Kigigami won the war within himself. He fought the evil inside him out. That was the evil what made Kigigami so cruel these days.” Moro replied back. “Oh, look. Kigigami is waking up now.”

“Oh no, what have I done?” murmured the weak voice of Kigigami. “Forgive me my friends. I was cosumed by the evil inside me. I’ve done wrong I cannot undo!”

“The Earth God, Kigigami. That is not your fault. It is all mine and ours. We started it. You were just a victim of our stupid mistakes. Please forgive us and let us have a peace with the forest with your generosity.” Lady Eboshi kneeled down before him and said.

“Human, do not worry. I was a fool who thought by killing back humans, I will bring the forest back to normal. And that wrong and evil mind of mine made me more miserable. It will not happen again as long as you keep to your promise.” With a more strength in his voice, Kigigami replied.

It was not a long time to get back to the way it was before the war. Lady Eboshi and workers worked harder and harder to fully regain the forest. Kigigami was not lonely anymore. “Kigigami, you look healthier and happier than ever before” smiled Moro. “Yes Moro. Look around me. Everyone is now here. All my friends are here. Why would I not be happy?” Kigigami roared with laughter, which joyfully echoed in the forest.

The Adventures of Tintin in New Zealand

The Adventures of Tintin in New Zealand

Assignment 1: Fanfiction. Telling the story of Tintin in the different mode of prose fiction and adding a scene and characters.


Act One
It was 1983 and Tintin and Snowy had just arrived in Wellington, New Zealand. They were invited there as guests of the Governor General, The Hon Sir David Beattie, whom Tintin had met in Brussels the year before. Tintin had been fascinated to hear all about New Zealand and the Maori culture, so after much consideration he had decided to take up the Governor General’s invitation and make the journey to New Zealand. He was initially reluctant to travel, as he was having a particularly busy time reporting in other countries. However, the Governor General had been very persuasive in encouraging him and had offered to assist him in any way he could.

Tintin had just collected his suitcase from the airport, and the quarantine officials had released Snowy and together they headed outside. Meanwhile, waiting outside was a group of thugs and their boss was telling them what to do.
“Now listen here you lot. His name’s Tintin – a smug little world reporter guy. Tries to clean up crims and causes havoc wherever he goes. He busted some of my mates overseas and they ended up in the slammer. So grab him and his mutt and shove then into the van as soon as you see them.”
“Right-o boss.”
“That’s them! Quick let’s go.”

As quick as lightening, Tintin and Snowy were whisked into the van and with the screech of tyres were racing through the car-park.
“Hey, what’s going on?” shouted Tintin.
“Shut up and stay down” was the reply.

Then suddenly, CRASH, their speeding van hit the side of a passing police car. Tintin and Snowy took the opportunity to leap out and run to the officers.

“Quick, get those guys! They tried to kidnap me” shouted Tintin.

A trail of thick grey smoke could be seen as the thugs managed to get the van engine restarted and fled the scene to the smell of burning rubber from the tyres. The police car followed with its sirens screaming.

Suddenly Tintin heard two loud bangs. Oh no! This is a nightmare, he thought and so he hit the ground and covered his face. After a few moments he got the courage to look up. The noise turned out to be a car backfiring in the neighbouring car-park. What a relief, he thought to himself.


Act Two
Tintin began dusting himself off, feeling very shaky on his feet. That’s strange thought Tintin, and where’s my passport? Just then a dark skinned man came by.
“Are you okay?” the man said.
“Yes, I’m thank you” replied Tintin. “Just a little shaken. A gang of thugs tried to kidnap me and throw me in their van, but they crashed and luckily I was able to escape but they’ve stolen my passport.”
“Not a very nice way to start your visit to Wellington. I’m Rangi anyway.”
“My name is Tintin, and this is Snowy.”
“Haere mai Tintin and Snowy” replied Rangi. “Do you need a ride anywhere?”
(Just after Tintin and Snowy had landed, they had gone to the airport office and collected a letter from the Governor General’s secretary, advising Tintin that he would be collected at 5 pm and driven to the Governor General’s residence.)

“Thankyou Rangi. I’m sorry to refuse your offer, but my ride will be here shortly.”
“Okay then Tintin. You take care now. Here’s my phone number. If you want to see a bit of the real New Zealand, maybe I can show you round someday? Give us a call sometime.”
“I’d like that very much Rangi.”
“Haere ra Tintin and Snowy.”
“Bye Rangi, and thank you for your help.”
“No problem, see you” and off Rangi strode.

I wonder what that was all about and what do they want with my passport, thought Tintin? I’d better find another policeman and notify them. Then suddenly Detective John Simpson from Wellington Central Police arrived.

“Hello, hello, hello. What have we here? You look a bit worse for wear young man. What’s the problem then?”
“I had just landed and was walking out the building and a pack of thugs attacked me and tried to kidnap me. Fortunately their van crashed into your officers’ car and I escaped. But they’ve taken off with my passport.”
“Oh. I see” said Detective Smith. “You’d better come along with me then. These good-for-nothing young troublemakers cause so many problems around here.”
“But sir”, said Tintin. “Not all young men are like that. I just met a wonderful Maori man, Rangi, who helped me.”
“Well they’re few and far between I can assure you. Come along now and we’ll get you sorted. We’d better get moving before they start forging your details.”

Later at the police station.

“And where will you be staying while you’re here Tintin?” the Detective asked.
“I’m staying with Sir David Beattie and his wife. His chauffeur is collecting me at 5 pm.”
“Oh. I see! How very nice for you! And I’m King Aslan!” he said, roaring like a lion at his own joke. “Are you having an old cop on then Tintin?” The Detective put his head right up close to Tintin and called to his second in charge. “Sarge, get in here now. We’ve got a bit of a nutcase on our hands!”
“No sir. Indeed I am not. Here is my letter from Sir David’s secretary” and he passed it to the Detective who spent a long while checking it out.
“My apologies, young man. You appear to be genuine. I hope you have an enjoyable holiday. You can go now. I will phone you if I have any developments.”
“Thank you and good day” said Tintin, and he and Snowy headed to the passenger drop-off point outside where waiting for him was a shiny black limousine and a burly driver who introduced himself as Russell. Russell stowed the cases in the boot and Tintin and Snowy got in the back seat and they drove to the residence.

Meanwhile, the next morning, the boss of the thugs had picked up The Dominion and read the second page. ‘Famous boy reporter visiting our shores as guest of the Governor General cheats kidnap attempt and escapes.’

“The little snot hopped it! Just wait till I get him” bellowed the boss.


Tintin and Snowy spent three days at the Governor General’s residence having a perfectly agreeable time.
“I’ve probably stayed long enough” muttered Tintin, and he picked up Rangi’s card and phoned him.
“Come on over now if you like Tintin”, Rangi said.
So Tintin said his goodbyes to the Governor General and his staff and he and Snowy jumped into the limousine and arrived at Rangi’s house.

“Great to see you again Tintin. You’re looking much better.”
“Thank you Rangi. It’s good to see you too.”
“Come and meet my family. This is my mother and father, my brother Hone, and, looking very sulky in the corner over there, is my sister Temepara. Excuse her” said Rangi, “she’s had a rough day. She’s really into learning the Maori language and they won’t teach it to her at school. Bit of a hangover from the colonial days I think Tintin.”
“It’s very nice to meet you all” said Tintin.
“Oh yeah, Tem, that reminds me” said Hone. “I was speaking to a bloke today and he said he’d heard there was a brand new kindergarten opening for Maori kids, called Te Kohanga Reo. The staff and kids speak only Maori there! Have you heard of it?”
“No” said Temepara, her eyes widening in excitement.
“And” added Hone, “he reckoned soon there were going to me more Kura Kaupapa like Ruatoki for primary kids and even wanangas, so the older teenagers can continue right through with their university studies in Te Reo Maori.”
“That’s brilliant. Can I go there Mum and Dad?”
“You find out about it and we’ll look into it” was her parents’ reply.
“Why do you want to have separate schools for Maori children?” asked Tintin.
“Well, it’s because since the 1940’s Maori families have slowly moved from their rural homes into the cities and now, as a result, less than 20% of Maori know enough of the language to be considered native speakers. Many don’t even know where their Maraes or meeting places of Maori tradition are, nor have any idea of our culture. So our people have taken steps to try to correct this, and that’s why we are now starting to have these places. We had our first Maori Language Week in 1975 to raise awareness, the same year as we had the Land Marches, to protest at the way our lands were taken by the Pakeha” said Hone.

Later that afternoon.

“What are some of your interests Tintin?” Asked Rangi.
“Oh, I like learning about different art and cultures” Tintin replied.
“Well, why don’t we start with a visit to the art gallery then? I can show you some of our great art works. There’s one artist whose work I’d particularly like to show you. His name is Ralph Hotere and his work is brilliant – quite avant garde I suppose you’d call it. He had a really successful exhibition a few years back in 1979 with his friend, the great Maori poet, Hone Tuwhare. The exhibition was based on Hone’s poem ‘Rain’ and Ralph’s work was called ‘Three Banners with Poem’. Hone was really involved in Maori cultural and political initiatives. Ever since that exhibition, Ralph’s work has been really popular.”
“That would be splendid” replied Tintin. “Let’s be off then.”
But just as they were preparing to leave, the phone rang.
“Is Tintin there?” the voice said.
“Yes, just a minute. Tintin – phone for you.”
“Hello, Tintin speaking.”
“If you want your passport back, you’d better go check your friend’s letterbox” then bang, the line was dead. Tintin told Rangi and they ran to the letterbox and in it was a torn piece of crumpled up paper with words that made no sense at all.
“Give me a few minutes Rangi. I’ll have to try and decipher this”…