So far so good...

Chapter Three: The Forest Assassin and Prince Ashitaka Meet San's POV

She watched as the kodama led Prince Ashitaka to the heart of the forest.

If the kodama trust this human, then why does Moro wish him dead?

San wondered. She shook her head.

All humans are evil! They must be driven away!

I will attack him when the full moon rises tonight.

With that thought, San prepared for battle.

Ashitaka's POV

I had already delivered the men to Iron Town and now I go to the forest to find the forest spirit. The kodama are nice and friendly but they will not tell me or lead me to the forest spirit. It seems I have to find the forest spirit myself.

Ashitaka sighed. He still wore his mask and straw cape, and he made a small makeshift camp. He didn't build a fire but ate cold food. He did not wish the kodama to be frightened by his fire. Then he noticed something almost too late. There was no kodama in sight and the forest was deathly quiet. He ducked and missed a sharp knife attack. He started dodging a barricade of attacks.

Who is this! And why does this person fight me?

He quickly pulled out his sword and only blocked every attack aimed at him.

"Stop! What do you want?" He shouted and blocked. Then sword and knife met. He struggled and suddenly his cursed arm bulged.

NO! I can't let the curse destroy this person!

The person's eyes widened behind the mask and he backed away from Ashitaka in alarm, holding the knife up to guard against any danger. Ashitaka dropped his sword and fell to his knees. He held the cursed arm with his other arm.

Pain... Stupid curse! Must... not... let... the... curse...

Ashitaka screamed as the curse fought to devour him. Then everything turned black.