Ankou had felt incredibly lonely his entire life. From the day he was born, his nest deep in the forest was all he knew. Of course, he occasionally ventured off to gather food.. but his appearance was too much for any living thing to approach. He had to scavenge off of death, and hope for the best.

He was a cryptid, a monster. No one would want to come close to someone like him. He'd convinced himself that he was a vile creature deserving of nothing. He didn't even deserve his own cave in these woods. He carved out a wooden mask to appear like a moth, just to feel less freakish.

When a group of hikers ventured deep enough for him to hear, he was quick to hide. He didn't want to hear anymore painful shrieks of terror.

The sun was too bright today, but that all changed when one of the tourists veered off trail to take a picture of a bird. You didn't realize where you were stepping, the fragile branch that snapped beneath your boot. It only withheld your weight long enough to realize your mistake.

You tumbled down along the small hill, a sharp pain digging into your knee. That can't be good. Before your head hit the ground, you landed in soft warm arms.

"I've got you.." A timid voice spoke out.

You opened your eyes to see Ankou staring back at you, his intense orange eyes wide. You were much brighter than the sun. You were flawless. He wasn't even deserving to be in your presence. His mask had fallen to the ground. For some strange reason, you weren't running.

"Dang it.." The cryptid muttered to himself at the sight of his discarded mask. "Don't look at me, please." Ankou pleaded as he looked away in shame.

He was just waiting for the moment you'd scream and cry in terror. He knew he should've remained in his cave, where he would be safe.. but he couldn't allow himself to let a perfect glowing star like you to get hurt.