A hand plucks a choice mushroom from its roots; squatting legs straighten up; eyes glimpse the large abode in the distance.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhpya1kkXR
Chizue stares momentarily then returns to what she was doing.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmBU0GLHbd
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAoeGOT4Ju
Eyes look up in disgust; an outstretched right arm with a pointing index finger evenly moves from the left to right of the courtyard.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqj01qnujw
The little well fed man complains, "Where are my night guards?!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTqxhKBWG5
Looking condescendingly at the middle-aged man catching his breath, "Can you tell me, advisor Shin?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj35oUpzXX
Half stuttering and catching his breath advisor Shin responds, "Lord Yamada, this morning... they -"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCYdlNpeeD
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUkgwMzob5
Advisor Shin continues, "Well..."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hSmLnNf9m
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!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7wq8BmSNL
Advisor Shin instinctively, "Yes, right away, my Lord...".146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMGmHkk0Xh
Like a rodent fleeing for its life, Advisor Shin scurries off.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFO21R2eGl
Releasing a stern sigh, Lord Yamada sits down at his audience chamber.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6DQfWkcxD
Conceitedly, Lord Yamada raises his head and scans the chamber. Advisors and guards line up before him.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm49qmKFcK3
A couple of the men in the audience chamber ever so slightly lower their heads and duck their eyes.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTCMFdsyqe
Breaking the silence, Lord Yamada echoes, "Anyone have anything of worth to report!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbWnFx6BLx
Briefly, the chamber stays silent, then a shady man calls out, "My lord, you may want to consider cutting back on our 'procuring expenses' "146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OJSXsrTV8
Lord Yamada beams his eyes at the shady man- then retorts, "What drivel do you speak!" "Get the tax collectors to work harder!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjf5gZWsDJ
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNRCLnWQtS
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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqLzMGdFPu
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfPGYZ3wR7
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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfThvtDHhf
Raising eyebrows, Lord Yamada looks squarely at the old man, "So, Junichi why is your tattered mess before me?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYTkKRlyiz
"Well- umm..." Junichi responds.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIHG1UaJIJ
Impatience transforms Lord Yamada's expression, "Spit it out!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshy71v4zk3
Trembling, Junichi suddenly responds, "I can get you- the golden and red haired girls."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaP00xGosz
Lord Yamada rubs hands briskly in anticipation then demands, "Bring them to 'me' at once"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS9GZK8MX3
Junichi lowers his head and says, "You see..."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPKAysTeGt
Lord Yamada's clenches his fist, "Guards! Remove this dreg from my presence and give him his just 'reward' ".146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25SFbnBJ57
At once, the guard advances towards him. Upon realizing his predicament, Junichi pleads "Wait...wait-".146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTZItrYGab
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!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3nzWBMYvP
Reluctantly, Lord Yamada motions to the guard to drag Yunichi back. Once released, meekly, Yunichi drops something in to the guard's right hand.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wZNMmmQ9V
Robotically, the guard approaches Lord Yamada, then sets the item on Lord Yamada's right hand and speaks, "Here my lord."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHa6Og9WtCP
A small hand holds it up; eyes proceed to examine it; it glistens in the sunlight.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVQQaiYOaq
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jCMWGJCKm
Hiding his desire, Lord Yamada reverts to his usual expression then glances at Junichi; he pauses, then asks, "So, what's your plan?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprsFDgSs3k
Junichi fills with courage answering, "There is this girl called Chizue..."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsk7Zkvn3v
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMtqV87WTS
With hands cupped over her mouth, Chizue calls out to the girls, "Want to go to town?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JcXUWyVdz
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG6c83Hso2
"I'm ready!" announces Kirara.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pBe96zCnQ
"Me too..." replies Akiko.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXacg4iXjx
Chizue commands, "Let's go then."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKLI67Q8e4
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweZruxRmMq
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rtGQArzG5
Chizue suddenly shouts out, "Don't eat that!" as Kirara holds an odd looking berry in her hand then inconspicuously lets it fall.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2VqPWg9mc
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaeMNNZCGG
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSE75BLGRE
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYfnO5HE1S
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kDnSrUJyV
Creepily, Junichi creeps closer; eyes ogle; old eager hands reach out.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkjnih0HU9
Disturbing voice muffled by lips smacking, "Who might these cuties be?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3svm8LPwx
Swiftly, Chizue snatches each girls' wrist then immediately, commands, "Time to go!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvf3iylaUV
Kirara balks, "That's all?"
Akiko confused, "Huh.."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab9O6QOfJA
Akiko willfully follows.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FPc3XIuIX
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPPtZv5J8i
Kirara responds "Argh..."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOoeuvvzDn
Ecstatic Junichi leaves Lord Yamada's abode fondling a small pouch of jingling coins.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUBKxq6yLj
Chizue finishes sorting her bag of goods then casually announces to the girls, 'I'll be back soon."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A6J8Fdvvf
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvhRyFJ6jt
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVM7Y0pGdH
As Chizue walks by a pleasant voice greets her from behind, "Hello, Chizue-chan, it's good to see you".146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nlFI6LFns
Chizue stops then turns, "Good to see you too, Keiko-san."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbALECEB8iz
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?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOURlo4gLsy
Hesitantly, Chizue looks at her coin purse then back at Keiko, "Umm..."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w06j93rgh
Keiko interrupts slyly, "Or perhaps they'd be perfect gifts for the girls you were with the other day?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCplGCjI9a
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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaMsVT8YAW
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgccvhG78T
From the corner of her eye, Chizue notices the sun sinking toward the horizon. Naturally, she lengthens her stride.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ImqheElGx
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGhDiDVqS6
Frantically, Chizue weaves through the town. Her lungs heave and another pursuer materializes from the shadows.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP75OzsByOZ
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUftPPB420j
As the sky prepares to darken, the wind begins to cool, and the girls instinctively huddle together under a tree.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW7FVH89bO
Kirara's stomach grumbles, but she frowns and strokes her long hair. Eventually, she lets out a sigh, "Where's Chizue-sama?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEYczeA2CJ
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d6bxA9Tmx
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS1KaBhBOV
Eagerly, Kirara jogs through the woods,146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Cf1Tiwe6i
"I am going to surprise her. She'll be so happy to see me. "146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOycAmYRlp
Far off, Akiko begins to cry and calls out, "Kirara!," but Kirara as if deaf continues down the twisting path.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1nxFBCAzP
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaLSbQmBRj
Methodically, Chizue reaches the edge of town. Oddly, the guards stationed there have are nowhere to be found.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36odAVvIAi
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbiuHLEvDi
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMINVHEZSb
Under her breath, "I've got to hurry, the girls must be hungry.
146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerMngmUuW5
