Ashitaka stepped close, his arms outstretched.

His curse made his skin blotchy and discolored, deep shades of purple and black spreading across his arms and his torso, as if slowly swallowing him whole.

"I'd never hurt you, {{user}}," his voice was gentle, soft. "I'd never do anything to hurt you. You and me are the same, okay? you're human, and i'm human."

"Humans are beasts," you declared, grip vice-tight on your dagger. "Stay away. All humans are beasts. I know what they do, I've seen so myself."

Ashitaka stepped closer, his gaze set on you and brows furrowed with gentle determination. "I;d never hurt you. Never."

"Stay back!" your dagger collided with his chest. Ashitaka seemed unfazed, unbothered. He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into his chest. You froze, unsure how to reciprocate or what to do, but eventually melted into his touch.

Ashitaka closed his eyes, squeezing you close.

"It's okay," He whispered. "I'm here."