A hand plucks a choice mushroom from its roots; squatting legs straighten up; eyes glimpse the large abode in the distance.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvCehZaqOC
Chizue stares momentarily then returns to what she was doing.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVMML7JPqz
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWbeFa27Km
Eyes look up in disgust; an outstretched right arm with a pointing index finger evenly moves from the left to right of the courtyard.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjgtPctKEC
The little well fed man complains, "Where are my night guards?!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkp7Tx8lX6
Looking condescendingly at the middle-aged man catching his breath, "Can you tell me, advisor Shin?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YUlTasZQ5
Half stuttering and catching his breath advisor Shin responds, "Lord Yamada, this morning... they -"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzGGpqVPJk
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP1iBaRzWj
Advisor Shin continues, "Well..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3R3JvmW6s
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!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2ZgxBLWYi
Advisor Shin instinctively, "Yes, right away, my Lord...".203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcoQ37Trl8
Like a rodent fleeing for its life, Advisor Shin scurries off.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqM1Efaqoj
Releasing a stern sigh, Lord Yamada sits down at his audience chamber.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbIBpAMwiV
Conceitedly, Lord Yamada raises his head and scans the chamber. Advisors and guards line up before him.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeMkKfyYG2
A couple of the men in the audience chamber ever so slightly lower their heads and duck their eyes.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuy2ZyzjtL
Breaking the silence, Lord Yamada echoes, "Anyone have anything of worth to report!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOScNAyLsW4
Briefly, the chamber stays silent, then a shady man calls out, "My lord, you may want to consider cutting back on our 'procuring expenses' "203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfLYpTDCvj
Lord Yamada beams his eyes at the shady man- then retorts, "What drivel do you speak!" "Get the tax collectors to work harder!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iibDMEo1f
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxS1yFpR2U
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."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hxYQtqjJw
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwEVO2TMQZ
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."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHT9vwKK2w
Raising eyebrows, Lord Yamada looks squarely at the old man, "So, Junichi why is your tattered mess before me?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dpiRAoFTd
"Well- umm..." Junichi responds.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm4SCJe1mB
Impatience transforms Lord Yamada's expression, "Spit it out!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcKOTpVwG1
Trembling, Junichi suddenly responds, "I can get you- the golden and red haired girls."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTcSTxktNN
Lord Yamada rubs hands briskly in anticipation then demands, "Bring them to 'me' at once"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmX5vfIUsE
Junichi lowers his head and says, "You see..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDQw1krwB6
Lord Yamada's clenches his fist, "Guards! Remove this dreg from my presence and give him his just 'reward' ".203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlA5S0LX8X
At once, the guard advances towards him. Upon realizing his predicament, Junichi pleads "Wait...wait-".203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB8wFUm6wv
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!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoJ1QftiSq
Reluctantly, Lord Yamada motions to the guard to drag Yunichi back. Once released, meekly, Yunichi drops something in to the guard's right hand.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQcRdkDpgV
Robotically, the guard approaches Lord Yamada, then sets the item on Lord Yamada's right hand and speaks, "Here my lord."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM0eweuhFO
A small hand holds it up; eyes proceed to examine it; it glistens in the sunlight.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9qMzZY2mA
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkm015HqYi
Hiding his desire, Lord Yamada reverts to his usual expression then glances at Junichi; he pauses, then asks, "So, what's your plan?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3VQzCfmIC
Junichi fills with courage answering, "There is this girl called Chizue..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuKrC2xkgv
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarluMhNURa
With hands cupped over her mouth, Chizue calls out to the girls, "Want to go to town?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJyZXNSy3H
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsbiE9RKRt
"I'm ready!" announces Kirara.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMFmkcWOe2
"Me too..." replies Akiko.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVEF8YhAM8
Chizue commands, "Let's go then."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvEReOfiOI
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ybkK3p1Wo
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjoHjl8h25
Chizue suddenly shouts out, "Don't eat that!" as Kirara holds an odd looking berry in her hand then inconspicuously lets it fall.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Si4QceSHP
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTOhHp2ilY
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHMt2kdnQM
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEwyenwukn
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAjkKOVpsa
Creepily, Junichi creeps closer; eyes ogle; old eager hands reach out.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q9sjWx9j6
Disturbing voice muffled by lips smacking, "Who might these cuties be?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrEGQI2XTK
Swiftly, Chizue snatches each girls' wrist then immediately, commands, "Time to go!"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7w7t9XnNDt
Kirara balks, "That's all?"
Akiko confused, "Huh.."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioO4TXZWoT
Akiko willfully follows.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJotCHEaxn
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstV4YA3kji
Kirara responds "Argh..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOdDcYa8te
Ecstatic Junichi leaves Lord Yamada's abode fondling a small pouch of jingling coins.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeqsGzoQ5l
Chizue finishes sorting her bag of goods then casually announces to the girls, 'I'll be back soon."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmhIkKRT8u
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8N84okl0l
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU2zCRlQ1P
As Chizue walks by a pleasant voice greets her from behind, "Hello, Chizue-chan, it's good to see you".203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnZBhRXigr
Chizue stops then turns, "Good to see you too, Keiko-san."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI8ZQ2fOcc
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?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaAgkxsSJW
Hesitantly, Chizue looks at her coin purse then back at Keiko, "Umm..."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0G2XpJhrM
Keiko interrupts slyly, "Or perhaps they'd be perfect gifts for the girls you were with the other day?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8n47F0uwA
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."203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8IfostwPo
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0wCsVpdO3
From the corner of her eye, Chizue notices the sun sinking toward the horizon. Naturally, she lengthens her stride.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDs5gNGqbd
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfG4ZaU8mk
Frantically, Chizue weaves through the town. Her lungs heave and another pursuer materializes from the shadows.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnDvHz2hGE
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvTVjagVvZ
As the sky prepares to darken, the wind begins to cool, and the girls instinctively huddle together under a tree.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9r2amhNYm
Kirara's stomach grumbles, but she frowns and strokes her long hair. Eventually, she lets out a sigh, "Where's Chizue-sama?"203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNV2aQOJs23
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6nA9F9X9N
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0kPXNRlmh
Eagerly, Kirara jogs through the woods,203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXdNHh6mwb
"I am going to surprise her. She'll be so happy to see me. "203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XIwOlGdnc
Far off, Akiko begins to cry and calls out, "Kirara!," but Kirara as if deaf continues down the twisting path.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIOqLMUOzs
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBSRxGrGp9
Methodically, Chizue reaches the edge of town. Oddly, the guards stationed there have are nowhere to be found.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZIthzZs7e
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQqq6vFL6Y
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.203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDHaeqloZN
Under her breath, "I've got to hurry, the girls must be hungry.
203Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXRctTsZnC
