As the people of Iron Town and the animals of the forest hosted a great celebration, a lone warrior slipped out through the darkness with his wood-elk.
"And where do you think you're going?" San stepped out in front of him with her brothers.
"I am not one for celebrations," Kariudo replied. Suddenly, San ran up to hug him. "Thank you. You saved my life."
"All in a day's work." He walked off with his wood-elk.
"So you just walk away without congratulations?" Ashitaka walked up beside San.
"It's what I always do," Kariudo replied. "Seeing a village saved from devastation…Seeing a bond re-established between nature and man…Those are the only rewards I need." He walked off once more.
"Oh, but that's not enough for us." Lady Eboshi appeared with a torch in her good hand.
Behind them, there was a soft flutter of sound. Then, it rose into thunderous applause, and many triumphant animal calls and wolf howls.
Kariudo turned, smiling, then left once more.
Ashitaka had thought for a moment before that he could see a spark between them. It was apparent, in the way he moved, acted and spoke around San. He would have gladly stepped down if they both were together.
But if he had truly loved her, then he would have stayed.
San was sad to see him go. It was just like seeing her mother, Moro die. She would do anything to keep him here longer.
Then, Kariudo slowly turned around to face her. "San…Your mother was a beautiful, wise and strong wolf. She is not dead, and always watches over you. Trust me, I know."
She didn't know what to say.