A hand plucks a choice mushroom from its roots; squatting legs straighten up; eyes glimpse the large abode in the distance.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0AoxJUBGM
Chizue stares momentarily then returns to what she was doing.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd6Ejli1aD
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGACtRTCO6J
Eyes look up in disgust; an outstretched right arm with a pointing index finger evenly moves from the left to right of the courtyard.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSRrJSEE7j
The little well fed man complains, "Where are my night guards?!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsaiEJsxxP
Looking condescendingly at the middle-aged man catching his breath, "Can you tell me, advisor Shin?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVMG8CWTGs
Half stuttering and catching his breath advisor Shin responds, "Lord Yamada, this morning... they -"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgUwokO3NZ
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdSqBY33HI
Advisor Shin continues, "Well..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHuLp4mWL4
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!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblUoLXQ7Z3
Advisor Shin instinctively, "Yes, right away, my Lord...".192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7pWxdu54n
Like a rodent fleeing for its life, Advisor Shin scurries off.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjOsjfYoFQ
Releasing a stern sigh, Lord Yamada sits down at his audience chamber.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaaxc8d2K2
Conceitedly, Lord Yamada raises his head and scans the chamber. Advisors and guards line up before him.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eGCnzDSsD
A couple of the men in the audience chamber ever so slightly lower their heads and duck their eyes.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ev4vK3wou
Breaking the silence, Lord Yamada echoes, "Anyone have anything of worth to report!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAbFe08ED9
Briefly, the chamber stays silent, then a shady man calls out, "My lord, you may want to consider cutting back on our 'procuring expenses' "192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR2KorpSmW
Lord Yamada beams his eyes at the shady man- then retorts, "What drivel do you speak!" "Get the tax collectors to work harder!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvo4O9mi3U
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMBDCrlWE0
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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBMEULp4cy
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1zQk1Yb9d
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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z8XjYeMCw
Raising eyebrows, Lord Yamada looks squarely at the old man, "So, Junichi why is your tattered mess before me?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNul6y7NV3
"Well- umm..." Junichi responds.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Fd5GaUUmY
Impatience transforms Lord Yamada's expression, "Spit it out!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq72wl1bTW
Trembling, Junichi suddenly responds, "I can get you- the golden and red haired girls."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFNm8kWRHy
Lord Yamada rubs hands briskly in anticipation then demands, "Bring them to 'me' at once"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LQxADaa8E
Junichi lowers his head and says, "You see..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSzegoq0c5
Lord Yamada's clenches his fist, "Guards! Remove this dreg from my presence and give him his just 'reward' ".192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh59wVYXMRj
At once, the guard advances towards him. Upon realizing his predicament, Junichi pleads "Wait...wait-".192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjnqtrnQnk
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!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HuTfLmz71
Reluctantly, Lord Yamada motions to the guard to drag Yunichi back. Once released, meekly, Yunichi drops something in to the guard's right hand.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDxccdsywd
Robotically, the guard approaches Lord Yamada, then sets the item on Lord Yamada's right hand and speaks, "Here my lord."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7CeqNL88k
A small hand holds it up; eyes proceed to examine it; it glistens in the sunlight.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQtfpDmHmG
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe5TZkzpOY
Hiding his desire, Lord Yamada reverts to his usual expression then glances at Junichi; he pauses, then asks, "So, what's your plan?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfF3YDEYmJr
Junichi fills with courage answering, "There is this girl called Chizue..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiqTW4BUSO
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVJZeWzVU2
With hands cupped over her mouth, Chizue calls out to the girls, "Want to go to town?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAYpE8Eewx
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaDBCJ9nsp
"I'm ready!" announces Kirara.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAummqmpZE
"Me too..." replies Akiko.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3rpRSbjy7
Chizue commands, "Let's go then."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHQsgdDIZU
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5l0Ttv3GF
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VZ3rEj0Xc
Chizue suddenly shouts out, "Don't eat that!" as Kirara holds an odd looking berry in her hand then inconspicuously lets it fall.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN6kp7IZKo
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsHwLamOmm
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTIMHlts1A
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtf1cmw0yh2
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT03gTMvQ2X
Creepily, Junichi creeps closer; eyes ogle; old eager hands reach out.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSXZbswTlz
Disturbing voice muffled by lips smacking, "Who might these cuties be?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcFeKA2kwB
Swiftly, Chizue snatches each girls' wrist then immediately, commands, "Time to go!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA6WxZT4tM
Kirara balks, "That's all?"
Akiko confused, "Huh.."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ0hdqLoD2
Akiko willfully follows.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbL7tnMmSA
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZAPQSCYQr
Kirara responds "Argh..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOD8B0Q7ti
Ecstatic Junichi leaves Lord Yamada's abode fondling a small pouch of jingling coins.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo4YMlkSx7
Chizue finishes sorting her bag of goods then casually announces to the girls, 'I'll be back soon."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrKlqlqUkO
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wi6fL9hz5
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMJgZRXgjS
As Chizue walks by a pleasant voice greets her from behind, "Hello, Chizue-chan, it's good to see you".192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWflvjAEoa3
Chizue stops then turns, "Good to see you too, Keiko-san."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVbgt9t9E7
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?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQ8renrgt7
Hesitantly, Chizue looks at her coin purse then back at Keiko, "Umm..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfDhqQUpjx
Keiko interrupts slyly, "Or perhaps they'd be perfect gifts for the girls you were with the other day?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVg0XBdJ1q
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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx74oKpzkw4
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ43ZvyTUUx
From the corner of her eye, Chizue notices the sun sinking toward the horizon. Naturally, she lengthens her stride.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uh509WzKW
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qrIYWUE1l
Frantically, Chizue weaves through the town. Her lungs heave and another pursuer materializes from the shadows.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHh4YZkM2t
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjnDY3TSWK
As the sky prepares to darken, the wind begins to cool, and the girls instinctively huddle together under a tree.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKw78Pg0O9
Kirara's stomach grumbles, but she frowns and strokes her long hair. Eventually, she lets out a sigh, "Where's Chizue-sama?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK3vMOqvjx
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78CasvBf5j
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz5kZCmC3N
Eagerly, Kirara jogs through the woods,192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GnyHE1wH0
"I am going to surprise her. She'll be so happy to see me. "192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOfiyJ3VP3
Far off, Akiko begins to cry and calls out, "Kirara!," but Kirara as if deaf continues down the twisting path.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5M35BHTOd
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SwqLCWS3t
Methodically, Chizue reaches the edge of town. Oddly, the guards stationed there have are nowhere to be found.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdsk3FBVDK
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwaAlpL73l
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fY7dmg6mu
Under her breath, "I've got to hurry, the girls must be hungry.
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXrzNaPugG
