Key: ""= general information

""= japanese

Many people stared in shock as their country's representative stepped over the markers that barred entry into the forbidden forest. His pet, a little shiba mix padded beside him without a single concern in the world. Though both knew of the rumors of the area, they still entered into the 'cursed' woods. At the very first thick tree, Japan tied a bright red thread around a sturdy branch. Before he left, he triple knotted the thread and wandered in, leaving a trail for him to follow out.

'Of all the places to be, this was not what I had in mind.' Japan mumbled in his mind. 'The terrain here is not kind to one my age.'

Pochi bounded along a few paces in front of his owner as he struggled over roots and steep slopes. About half the day went past and already the forest showed signs that night was drawing close.

'Even if a legend has a hint of truth to it, is this even the right place?' Japan huffed as he rested beside the mountainside. He had successfully managed to make his way through the forest and straight through to the center where the mountain began. Pochi was sitting in a patch of grass ordered to stay by his master. Sensing his master's weariness, he proceeded to step into the rocky ground. Japan gasped as quickly barked an order to him. "No, Pochi-san! Do not step onto the rocks; you will hurt your pads!" The shiba whined and sat back down in the grass. The nation eased himself up from his spot and picked up Pochi, holding him gently. "You have walked all day with me. Your paws must be sore, let me carry you." He yipped and snuggled into his owner's arms. Japan chuckled and pressed on into the night. Suddenly a howl broke the silence of the dark, startling the nation. He looked around in slight panic.

'That was a wolf. But…there haven't been wolves in Nihon for hundreds of years! Actually…when was the last time wolves were seen in Nihon?' Japan reached into his pack and lit a paper lantern. "No one should ever leave home without this." He adjusted his load and continued into the night. After some time, he came to a clearing of rice ponds. At the far end, a small house stood close to the mountainside. The rocky terrain had been cleared and the rice was tall and ready for harvest. "Someone still lives out here? Maybe an introduction is in order. But then again…" Japan gripped his katana. 'This is a kistune I am after. It is better to be safe than sorry.' He gently placed Pochi down on the dirt path and proceeded to approach the house. Upon reaching the middle of the field, the splash come from behind him, startling the country. When he looked back, the rice beside him rustled and he froze as a silver gleam touched his neck. The clouds uncovered the moon and he found himself blinded, the katana poised perfectly to shine the moonlight in his eyes. His attacker was silent as the nation slowly sheathed his partially drawn katana. Pochi instantly dashed to his owner's aid, yipping and barking at his attacker. Surprisingly, his attacker seemed to be more interested in his dog, than his hostage. After Pochi stopped barking, his attacker eased his tense stance and sheathed his katana. To Japan's surprise, a woman's voice spoke to him. "Gomenasai. I did not mean to attack you so suddenly. I thought you were a thief come to steal my metal work." When his eyes readjusted to the dark, he saw a young girl in a deep bow before him. "Tatte kudasai. There is no need to apologize." The girl straightened up and gave a small smile. "Regardless, this a fault that I have made. Please, come to my house. I must repay you with tea. It is near midnight, it would not do for you to wander at this time." The girl ran off towards the house and opened the door, leaving the country in a shocked, confused state. His attacker had the perfect chance to kill him if she dared, but did not when Pochi started to bark at her. 'What a strange world we live in.' When he left the fields, light was streaming from the doorway and the clatter of ceramics could be heard. Japan entered the garden and marveled at the beauty that it held. Green stiff bamboo swayed in the wind, a small cherry tree was in the corner next to the wall that separated the garden and the fields. The grass was so soft and the stones that made up the path were very smooth. The inside of the house had a very relaxing demeanor to it. The architecture was very traditional Japanese; all the furniture seemed to be handmade. It was by not means a quaint house either. It was all rather elegant. 'This is more like a resort than a house.' The girl rushed by with a tea set in hand. "Ah! M-matte! I am almost done!" Japan was stunned again, when he saw her face clearly. 'In this world, only countries have clearly distinctive faces. The faces of their citizens and cities are more faded. However the more a country got to know their citizens the clearer their features become." 'She…she has a face?! What is a country doing all the way out here?' The thud of footsteps grew louder as the girl turned the corner. She bowed deeply and let him enter. Japan slipped off his shoes and bowed. He followed her into a side room where the gardens were visible through a sliding door. In the middle of the tatami floor was a kotatsu with three cushions surrounding it. On the table was a plate of mochi and two teacups filled with steaming tea. A candle was lit and placed in the middle of the table. The girl waited for Japan to sit down and sat on the opposite side. Pochi sat on the cushion next to his owner and yipped. "O meshiagari kudasai." The nation bowed and muttered "Itadakimasu" and took a bite of mochi. When he finished the first mochi, the girl bowed her head low. In the candlelight he could make out her features much clearer. Her long midnight blue bangs hung down covering her face in shadows. She wore a dark blue hakama and black skirt that fell to her ankles. "Yurushitekudasai! Watashi wa anata ni saisho ni hanasu kikai o ataete iru hitsuyo ga arimasu!"

"You have no need to aporogize (apologize)! I did trespass on your rand (land). You had a right to attack as such. However…I am curious as to ry (why)you stopped your assaurt (assault)." At this, the girl's expression brightened and glanced over at Pochi. "Your friend here told me that you mean no harm. You were exploring for a mystical kitsune, right?" Japan nearly choked on his tea and set the cup down gently. "D-do you mean to say that you can undersutand (understand) Pochi-san?"

The girl nodded with an unwavering smile. "It's strange I know, but if you rive (live) with a pack of woruves (wolves) you eventuarari (eventually) figure it out." The nation literally didn't know how to respond. An apparent nation in the middle of a sea of forests that nearly killed him could understand dogs because she lives with a pack of wolves. What on earth did he just get assigned to do?! Deciding to test the waters Japan mumbled before taking another sip of his tea. "How do you know Pochi-san wasn't rying (lying)?" She chuckled in amusement. "Fact of the day: Canines are horrible liars. They try, but you can easily tell. Now for your kitsune, I'm sorry to say but I think the rumors may have been me. The last time I saw an outsider, I was covered head to toe with some puppies. That…may have been the reason for it." Japan sighed in defeat. 'Another wild goose chase. I should have known.' The nation bowed and stood up after finishing his tea. "Arigato gozaimasu. I do not wish to impose on you anymore than I aready (already) have. I should get back before my boss starts to worry." The girl nearly dropped her cup as she scrambled to her feet. "Eh?! Y-you aren't actually thinking of traversing the forest at night are you?!"

"Well…."

"You can stay the night. I don't mind at all. Let me just prepare a room for you. There's a hot spring outback or I can get the bath running if you want."

"I…suppose I can if its really aright (alright) with you." The girl nodded and dashed off into another room, leaving the man to stare in amused stun. He was going to sit down again, but he cringed as his back ached. 'I think I'll see to that hot spring…'

After wandering the gardens a bit more, he found the hot spring his host spoke of. It was rather big , the edges of the pool surrounded with smoothed stones. A stone path lead to a towel rack that stood next to the pool. The source of the water coming from a boulder that served as a natural backboard as well. Two more boulders made the wall curve around the spring with enough room for one to walk around. Bamboo formed a natural wall around the property and trailed around the boulders and disappeared around a corner. A wooden bucket the perfect size for Pochi was placed right next to the towel rack. 'She must have placed it there. How thoughtful.' After removing his clothes and placing Pochi in the bucket, both owner and pet were relaxing in the hot spring. Japan saw the girl run past in the hall near the spring, which was later shut for privacy's sake. He could have sworn he saw a slight blush on her face. The nation chuckled. 'At least she was polite.' About an hour passed and the nation pulled out. To his surprise, he was met with a full grown wolf with a dark red yukata perfectly balanced on its nose. It didn't seem angry, in fact it looked like it really wanted to be petted. Cautiously, Japan dressed himself in the yukata and scratched the wolf behind the ears. The dog looked pleased and then bounded away, its job fulfilled. After retrieving Pochi from his makeshift boat, the two entered the hall and found their room fully prepared right in front of them. A futon was laid against the sliding door with a small cushion for Pochi right next to the pillows. On the short table in the middle of the room lay his katana with a small note under the sheath. "You treat your blade well. I wiped it clean for you." Japan smiled and set Pochi down on the tatami floor. Exhausted from everything that had occurred that day, the nation and his companion fell asleep in no time.

Japanese~

Yurushitekudasai! Watashi wa anata ni saisho ni hanasu kikai o ataete iru hitsuyo ga arimasu- Pleease forgive me! I should have given you the chance to speak first.

Gomenasai- I'm sorry

Tatte kudasai- Please stand

O meshiagari kudasai- Please enjoy

Arigatou gozaimasu- Thank you

Itadakimasu- Let's eat/ I'm going to eat