A hand plucks a choice mushroom from its roots; squatting legs straighten up; eyes glimpse the large abode in the distance.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HyKqNhUy5
Chizue stares momentarily then returns to what she was doing.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshDoKiGOdy
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFVlpecqG9
Eyes look up in disgust; an outstretched right arm with a pointing index finger evenly moves from the left to right of the courtyard.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNSnzsbxSz
The little well fed man complains, "Where are my night guards?!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjnFZaqU4s
Looking condescendingly at the middle-aged man catching his breath, "Can you tell me, advisor Shin?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdNevT9Za9
Half stuttering and catching his breath advisor Shin responds, "Lord Yamada, this morning... they -"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslZU5ya0y9
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZN4I3kdmv
Advisor Shin continues, "Well..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBDjern1YM
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!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8uRkk6huI
Advisor Shin instinctively, "Yes, right away, my Lord...".130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw7aAB16sf
Like a rodent fleeing for its life, Advisor Shin scurries off.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jM2tj71AS
Releasing a stern sigh, Lord Yamada sits down at his audience chamber.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBvi98vegd
Conceitedly, Lord Yamada raises his head and scans the chamber. Advisors and guards line up before him.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6XxCqYt5G
A couple of the men in the audience chamber ever so slightly lower their heads and duck their eyes.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIPFBPw8HL
Breaking the silence, Lord Yamada echoes, "Anyone have anything of worth to report!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWgwC09gAS
Briefly, the chamber stays silent, then a shady man calls out, "My lord, you may want to consider cutting back on our 'procuring expenses' "130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIap59OsngH
Lord Yamada beams his eyes at the shady man- then retorts, "What drivel do you speak!" "Get the tax collectors to work harder!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLCZIypKJE
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxVIkugvIA
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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqZYAx0alD
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SHXtpJ0hT
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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsdLaLnZeE
Raising eyebrows, Lord Yamada looks squarely at the old man, "So, Junichi why is your tattered mess before me?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnmnzcvCHo
"Well- umm..." Junichi responds.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfyeQ6aveg
Impatience transforms Lord Yamada's expression, "Spit it out!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5lkr83jdm
Trembling, Junichi suddenly responds, "I can get you- the golden and red haired girls."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpcMMV4rrl
Lord Yamada rubs hands briskly in anticipation then demands, "Bring them to 'me' at once"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMhowfK6Ji
Junichi lowers his head and says, "You see..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxktQLNLVS
Lord Yamada's clenches his fist, "Guards! Remove this dreg from my presence and give him his just 'reward' ".130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7DGXV2A20
At once, the guard advances towards him. Upon realizing his predicament, Junichi pleads "Wait...wait-".130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMyr0KP5mO
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!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBOpOhZKHz
Reluctantly, Lord Yamada motions to the guard to drag Yunichi back. Once released, meekly, Yunichi drops something in to the guard's right hand.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2PHbmflmU
Robotically, the guard approaches Lord Yamada, then sets the item on Lord Yamada's right hand and speaks, "Here my lord."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxJT11QCms
A small hand holds it up; eyes proceed to examine it; it glistens in the sunlight.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5GKnAFeeW
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA9WlBXrRn
Hiding his desire, Lord Yamada reverts to his usual expression then glances at Junichi; he pauses, then asks, "So, what's your plan?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FpiH4662s
Junichi fills with courage answering, "There is this girl called Chizue..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzy45dMomk
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMalT4urYV
With hands cupped over her mouth, Chizue calls out to the girls, "Want to go to town?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkh2iw8ZYa
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaAyWSUCVo
"I'm ready!" announces Kirara.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovmadHsuE5
"Me too..." replies Akiko.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUlhUeOCGo
Chizue commands, "Let's go then."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmXP6oyvho
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8icoxLpyh
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr2UQROjml
Chizue suddenly shouts out, "Don't eat that!" as Kirara holds an odd looking berry in her hand then inconspicuously lets it fall.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfmbieFFke
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EW2sA9DFN
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Tg4saV5fF
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHxAvD5obU
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvG1Q1YWMZ
Creepily, Junichi creeps closer; eyes ogle; old eager hands reach out.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80mLyR7J9j
Disturbing voice muffled by lips smacking, "Who might these cuties be?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ422dcj4S28
Swiftly, Chizue snatches each girls' wrist then immediately, commands, "Time to go!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4lEIPhCAn
Kirara balks, "That's all?"
Akiko confused, "Huh.."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2Db83Nypm
Akiko willfully follows.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwcSwgT8ys
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5g9bsHKZ1
Kirara responds "Argh..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPWDA24Xzx
Ecstatic Junichi leaves Lord Yamada's abode fondling a small pouch of jingling coins.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUNGEqAy7f
Chizue finishes sorting her bag of goods then casually announces to the girls, 'I'll be back soon."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEXEDLKktw
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4ynnLpURh
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx2DBolW5Q
As Chizue walks by a pleasant voice greets her from behind, "Hello, Chizue-chan, it's good to see you".130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacA66tJHPB
Chizue stops then turns, "Good to see you too, Keiko-san."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTMXKF97rV
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?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjaRzxlH3T
Hesitantly, Chizue looks at her coin purse then back at Keiko, "Umm..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV15Kfz0M6
Keiko interrupts slyly, "Or perhaps they'd be perfect gifts for the girls you were with the other day?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGruJpZthi
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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6KjHSJMZ3
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6Fedm3eoj
From the corner of her eye, Chizue notices the sun sinking toward the horizon. Naturally, she lengthens her stride.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Lhyc6QgeN
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qwwxpj20G
Frantically, Chizue weaves through the town. Her lungs heave and another pursuer materializes from the shadows.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nTwdpxW0i
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFz6Kb27qd
As the sky prepares to darken, the wind begins to cool, and the girls instinctively huddle together under a tree.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeOPNdnveS
Kirara's stomach grumbles, but she frowns and strokes her long hair. Eventually, she lets out a sigh, "Where's Chizue-sama?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGCleGxJ2Q
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2TUOIcWkL
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd4Cppt3ZZ
Eagerly, Kirara jogs through the woods,130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdky10mi711
"I am going to surprise her. She'll be so happy to see me. "130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BICymro81
Far off, Akiko begins to cry and calls out, "Kirara!," but Kirara as if deaf continues down the twisting path.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZHBR7AFe4
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdrA598Pjn
Methodically, Chizue reaches the edge of town. Oddly, the guards stationed there have are nowhere to be found.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUXG6YxLcQ
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZuuCLYme5
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ7E15QJNm
Under her breath, "I've got to hurry, the girls must be hungry.
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtlrU7l9i3
