The mountains used to be a very beautiful place loved by many. The foot of the mountains were full of minerals. At least, that was what it was originally to be said.

Before anything was contradicted, many people would go to dig for the minerals. The city of Kyoto was prospering because of the mountains. But everything changed when the princess was born. People would complain about the sounds of wings, screaming, and the way the animals acted strangely. The people of Kyoto stopped going to the mountains in fear of having their life taken away and with good reason, too.

"I heard the screaming again last night."

"So did I. I was going to look for one of my lost cattle in the forest. I looked everywhere and I was getting closer to the mountain. The screaming was terrible. I swear I have never been so scared in my life."

These conversations were getting familiar around Kyoto. And these incidents had only been going around for four months. One thing was for sure. People were starting to link the incident with the princess.

"Everything was normal and okay until the princess was born."

"You're right! Maybe she brought this beast here?"

"How can we know that is certain?"

All conversations pertaining the statement and the accusations were dropped. Yet everyone still questioned themselves about it.

Soon it became an everyday thing. People were not so much frightened about the mountains anymore but just slightly wary about them. No one brought them up anymore after a few more years had passed. The main product of profits changed from minerals to rice. There was no need or want to go to the mountains anymore.

Ever since the transition and change, the noises and unwanted disturbances died down. Once again, the town of Kyoto lived in peace and the prosperity grew to desirable heights.

A few more years passed, and the princess was now ten. She was full of energy, always going around in her palace, playing with the samurai guards and causing her caretaker a lot of trouble.

Nobody knew this, but the princess liked to sneak out of her family's compound and into the forest. She loved the wild things, the beauty of everything. She loved the freedom she had in the forest. She loved the way she could go and dance around the trees. The way she could sing and twirl until she got dizzy. She liked the fact that she could chase around the butterflies that tried their best to stay away from her. She liked the privacy the place gave her.

If only she knew that a pair of green eyes were looking at her all of the time. They watched her with curiosity as she roleplayed with the trees and the animals. They watched her as she talked to the birds that flew over her head. They watched her as she ran around; her geta's* would be long forgotten beside her favorite tree.

If only she knew that the person watching her longed to play with her.

* Geta's are Japanese shoes used in more ancient Japan. Look it up for more information.

(A/N): Well, hello there fanfiction readers. I hope you have enjoyed the starting chapter although it is short. The next chapter will be longer, I am sure. At least I will try to make it so. Anyway, leave me your feedback. It is very well appreciated.

Thank you!

-MC