Shocked, Ashitaka pushed her away from him.

"What are you doing? Who are you?" he asked. She stared at him. "Ashitaka! You no who I am. It's me. San," he just blinked. She took his hand, and he felt a strange feeling flow through him. "I've missed you." Said the girl. For a moment they stood gazing into each others eyes.

Then the silence was broken

"DADDY? WHERE ARE YOU?" cam Takes' panicky cry. Ashitaka spun around and hugged her close. San stood still, as rage bubbled up inside her.

"Daddy?! You and another women." she trailed of, unable to finish her sentence. The wolf and another appeared beside her, growling hungrily. Ashitaka pushed Taka behind him and drew his sword his anger returning.

"If you even think about harming my daughter you'll be sorry." His voice was soft but dangerous. The wolves , which were about to leap forward, hesitated.

"Why have you stopped?" shouted the girl, "he betrayed me"

Don't underestimate the bond between parent and child San one of them growled animals- and humans- will sometimes do anything to protect their offspring.

"Ashitaka?" somebody called from between the trees.

"Mummy!" Taka ran to her mothers' side as Lady Eboshi stepped out between the trees, dragging Suki behind her. She dropped the reins, scooped up the frightened child and cradled her protectively against her.

"You." Murmured the girl. Then with a cry the sent shivers down Ashitakas' back she launched herself foreword, knife glinting.