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.“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!”
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.
“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.
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