A hand plucks a choice mushroom from its roots; squatting legs straighten up; eyes glimpse the large abode in the distance.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBXjaRes4Y
Chizue stares momentarily then returns to what she was doing.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOsYgJ7a1k
Doors slam open; a little man walks proudly past his stationed samurai guards. Arrogantly, he strides to the center of a spacious courtyard. An out of breath man comes running then stops off to the right just shy of the small man.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv33VR7Hfa
Eyes look up in disgust; an outstretched right arm with a pointing index finger evenly moves from the left to right of the courtyard.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK3dvDuhdT
The little well fed man complains, "Where are my night guards?!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMV4UGJ8mM
Looking condescendingly at the middle-aged man catching his breath, "Can you tell me, advisor Shin?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicLcGKvTS7
Half stuttering and catching his breath advisor Shin responds, "Lord Yamada, this morning... they -"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmYNI3E3Kx
Suddenly, interrupting with a violent motion Lord Yamada raises his extended right arm with open hand stopping just before Advisor Shin's trembling face. Simply, he already knew what Advisor Shin was going to say, since he had heard it many times before.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbn4GNhIb7
Advisor Shin continues, "Well..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUsmQmaQo6
Lord Yamada twists his head towards the right and slightly downwards then glares at Advisor Shin, "Don't just waste my time, find replacements now!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXwMr817YB
Advisor Shin instinctively, "Yes, right away, my Lord...".197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHdwlBYKw5
Like a rodent fleeing for its life, Advisor Shin scurries off.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzRtYBU2PP
Releasing a stern sigh, Lord Yamada sits down at his audience chamber.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C3n0VvToc
Conceitedly, Lord Yamada raises his head and scans the chamber. Advisors and guards line up before him.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14NKGUZc6n
A couple of the men in the audience chamber ever so slightly lower their heads and duck their eyes.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYokHKFHH7O
Breaking the silence, Lord Yamada echoes, "Anyone have anything of worth to report!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqIlAnRADE
Briefly, the chamber stays silent, then a shady man calls out, "My lord, you may want to consider cutting back on our 'procuring expenses' "197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfX1ma2caIe
Lord Yamada beams his eyes at the shady man- then retorts, "What drivel do you speak!" "Get the tax collectors to work harder!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOT17IH0Ze
The man just nods. As he quickly disappears from the chamber, another man walks up to where Lord Yamada commands. He whispers something into his ear.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMHqu2PGPv
Lord Yamada looks up with a devilish grin responding likewise to the advisor, "Have them brought to my bed chambers." then under his breath, "Can't have enough peaches."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5Llf8KJdo
With a wooden creak, the heavy doors to the audience chamber open. Proudly, a single guard drags a half-beat up old man before Lord Yamada.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUeiParl7X
Abruptly, the guard releases the old man in front of Lord Yamada. Baffled, the old man seems disoriented. Coldly, the guard informs Lord Yamada, "We caught him loitering out front."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf8OEzcIB0
Raising eyebrows, Lord Yamada looks squarely at the old man, "So, Junichi why is your tattered mess before me?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7GxAvQidI
"Well- umm..." Junichi responds.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q5djx8QqX
Impatience transforms Lord Yamada's expression, "Spit it out!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhAjbT5ekb
Trembling, Junichi suddenly responds, "I can get you- the golden and red haired girls."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0HYrsKMbU
Lord Yamada rubs hands briskly in anticipation then demands, "Bring them to 'me' at once"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWIHsNjXZa
Junichi lowers his head and says, "You see..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUEbkiroxr
Lord Yamada's clenches his fist, "Guards! Remove this dreg from my presence and give him his just 'reward' ".197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctoSSJd8pL
At once, the guard advances towards him. Upon realizing his predicament, Junichi pleads "Wait...wait-".197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzS2I6kJoYf
As the guard proceeds to haul him out from the chamber, Junichi swiftly maneuver's his head and appeals, "My lord, I proof! Just let me show you!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEQVDD32dQ
Reluctantly, Lord Yamada motions to the guard to drag Yunichi back. Once released, meekly, Yunichi drops something in to the guard's right hand.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUo9Vpiacb
Robotically, the guard approaches Lord Yamada, then sets the item on Lord Yamada's right hand and speaks, "Here my lord."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpEzqtg4PB
A small hand holds it up; eyes proceed to examine it; it glistens in the sunlight.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E32qgGlTs
Gradually, a joyfully malevolent smile possesses Lord Yamada as he has never seen the rumored golden-haired girl. As silence pervades the hall, Lord Yamada continues to admire it for yet another minute.
An advisor attempts to abort a sneeze, but fails.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QROhbtwSN
Hiding his desire, Lord Yamada reverts to his usual expression then glances at Junichi; he pauses, then asks, "So, what's your plan?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExI5k9wKWJ
Junichi fills with courage answering, "There is this girl called Chizue..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJVCRyiDYY
In the distance, Kirara happily climbs up a twisted tree. Closer by, Akiko sits and plays with some perfectly shaped rocks as some are cubes while others are spheres.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlHq1FyH31
With hands cupped over her mouth, Chizue calls out to the girls, "Want to go to town?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFd8xE01Mfw
Suddenly, Kirara flips off a tree and lands like a cat. Slowly, Akiko stands up and briefly dusts herself off. Shortly, both girls appear before Chizue with sparkling eyes.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdhXeFcd05
"I'm ready!" announces Kirara.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDlkc7xV6y
"Me too..." replies Akiko.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt16S6VRr37
Chizue commands, "Let's go then."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXck03rj7X
Happily, the three girls walk out to the edge of the clearing. They follow a lightly travelled path which slopes down weaving through a heavily wooded forest. Chizue leads the way. Obediently, Akiko walks behind Chizue carefully watching her step. Periodically, Kirara wanders off forcing Chizue to call out to her.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5p5xOLqpi
Chizue rolls her eyes, "Kirara what are you doing?" as Kirara hangs on a branch as it suddenly snaps and she falls flat on the ground.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZkchuZvrV
Chizue suddenly shouts out, "Don't eat that!" as Kirara holds an odd looking berry in her hand then inconspicuously lets it fall.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kv3oGsEhu
Chizue lets out a heavy sigh, "Are you trying to get lost?" as Kirara attempts to crawl into some bushes, but Chizue pulls her out by the neck of her clothes.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovTsA3FzJx
Finally, they reach the town of Yamada. Smiles overtook both girls' faces. Unlike its days of prosperity, the town now looks desolate with some dilapidated and abandoned homes.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7uQsfpLj4
Chizue trades some foraged goods for treats. She gives each girl a couple of them. Unsurprisingly, Kirara finishes hers in a couple bites while Akiko savors hers.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Qnn7TLh5m
From a distance, old man, Junichi fiddles with some coins. Unexpectedly, he turns his head spotting the golden-white and red haired girls who tower over the black-haired girl. Instinctively, Junichi begins to rub his hands together as he continues to creepily stare at the girls. Accidentally, Chizue's eyes meet with Junichi's then abruptly avert from his lecherous gaze.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWWscLJKmv
Creepily, Junichi creeps closer; eyes ogle; old eager hands reach out.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaeOXbKYPZ
Disturbing voice muffled by lips smacking, "Who might these cuties be?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkwD8RZOei
Swiftly, Chizue snatches each girls' wrist then immediately, commands, "Time to go!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp1EaM4AIM
Kirara balks, "That's all?"
Akiko confused, "Huh.."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRoF05Bk4M
Akiko willfully follows.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM7UvQGJ3e
Chizue pulls Kirara's arm to get her moving, but her feet take only a couple of steps then halts. With a desperate, angry power, Chizue yanks getting her finally to follow.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1mTjKu7OG
Kirara responds "Argh..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgMkstyRPJ
Ecstatic Junichi leaves Lord Yamada's abode fondling a small pouch of jingling coins.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrOXDDKdbu
Chizue finishes sorting her bag of goods then casually announces to the girls, 'I'll be back soon."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q4VDneh4l
With their previous experience, Akiko seems disinterested while Kirara seems oblivious focused on what she is doing. With a small branch, Akiko starts drawing on the dirt floor before her some figures as she has already drawn some clouds and a detailed house. Meters away, Kirara lays flat on her back looking up and pointing at the sky.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxSoDQ6Twt
As she enters the town, Chizue stops briefly at the gate; her hair begins to stand on end. However, everything looks as usual, so Chizue sells some foraged goods to one townsperson followed by another. Momentarily, eyes appear between the gaps of the buildings then disappear. Chizue glances, but nothing seems amiss.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7vUBmUIzz
As Chizue walks by a pleasant voice greets her from behind, "Hello, Chizue-chan, it's good to see you".197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzbrQJJIP0
Chizue stops then turns, "Good to see you too, Keiko-san."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVOm1LSt1R
With a sudden motion, Keiko removes a sheet to uncover some simple accessories, "I've got some new items. Might any of these interest you?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJDKlECYsb
Hesitantly, Chizue looks at her coin purse then back at Keiko, "Umm..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x7ARBXdYF
Keiko interrupts slyly, "Or perhaps they'd be perfect gifts for the girls you were with the other day?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKID2hLZRPO
Haltingly, Chizue steps forward. Keiko places a hand on the middle of her back and coaxes her closer while pointing with her other hand, "I think these would be great for the girls."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsDIDsahmL
A small young hand releases some coins; an older hand receives them; another small hand acquires some hair pins; the young hands place the hair pins within a worn bag; hands wave goodbye; youthful legs begin to walk.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNeQk0uBzV
From the corner of her eye, Chizue notices the sun sinking toward the horizon. Naturally, she lengthens her stride.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzS3jKKe6rA
Hands shoot from the shadows; narrowly, the figure avoids; hands dart towards again; swiftly, the figure twists and feet spring off a discarded box; a man trips over a box.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvA9LWkMYZ
Frantically, Chizue weaves through the town. Her lungs heave and another pursuer materializes from the shadows.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERaZ8Q43Pq
Legs dart through the stalls, a youthful hand waves; wind blows some dust up into the air; dust assaults eyes; a man crashes into a fruit stall; another man halts, furiously rubs his eyes; escaping, legs bound into an alley.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnWTyLH4KK
As the sky prepares to darken, the wind begins to cool, and the girls instinctively huddle together under a tree.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJoPmZPwy4
Kirara's stomach grumbles, but she frowns and strokes her long hair. Eventually, she lets out a sigh, "Where's Chizue-sama?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMi4kyeCfz
A hand opens with some berries; another hand instantly grabs them; a mouth quickly gobbles up the berries; asking for more food, a hand quickly opens and closes in rapid succession.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0JAU5uWK7
Realizing she has no more food in her possession, Akiko casually stands, turns, walks a little, then digs through their food stash.
Calmly, Akiko rotates back, "I've got some more-", but notices Kirara is gone.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcr3tGJmYo
Eagerly, Kirara jogs through the woods,197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbr2bRRk1B
"I am going to surprise her. She'll be so happy to see me. "197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7pRoCqD89
Far off, Akiko begins to cry and calls out, "Kirara!," but Kirara as if deaf continues down the twisting path.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8soWhorJkH
Darkness descends on the forest. Abruptly, Kirara stops, examines her surroundings, and finally notices she is lost. Restlessly, she wanders the unfamiliar surroundings longing for familiar faces. Denizens of the night break the calm. Slithering in from the edges of darkness, a mist emerges followed by the wind evolving into a howl. Spontaneously, a hand grabs her wrist forcing, Kirara to spring back.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyfmHc6HC9
Methodically, Chizue reaches the edge of town. Oddly, the guards stationed there have are nowhere to be found.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDNa7Ayx9P
Legs dash through the gate, briefly stumble on a rock; taking a wide stance, legs stabilize halting briefly; eyes spot the tree line; legs begin anew; despite feeling like lead, legs stubbornly refuse to quit.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqW4sttxey
As soon as Chizue reaches the fifth tree in, she falls down out of sight behind it. Over the course of a couple minutes, her breathing calms. Sweat drenches her from head to toe.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJsEJ5nRrY
Under her breath, "I've got to hurry, the girls must be hungry.
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqlNiRsf25
