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My heartfelt thanks to those who read and reviewed…! *shy grin* I'm not really good at giving compliments…

This chapter is written to give an idea of the 'punishment'. So, i made it shorter, just enough to create an atmosphere. The rest, I'll leave to your imagination.... so, enjoy! =)

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Chapter 4: Enchanted Forest

In their last two weeks stay at the palace, King Akagi, as a peace offering to Lord Hana has asked Witches and Learned alike for any information about the Forest Tierra. Some of the witches have insinuated the grave danger to whosoever set foot there. The Learned, on the other hand, speaks of exotic plants and animals, but they haven't really reached the heart of the forest, which they have felt to have strong magic. These information didn't helped the 'exiled group' much.

They have been travelling 3 days straight, and now felt the growing exhaustion in their bones. They couldn't afford to loiter around for fear that villagers may see them and kill them, so they make a stop only when necessary. Lord Hana was taking their lead, when suddenly he stops…

'You felt that?" asked Hanamichi a little warily. He didn't really believe in magic spells and such, but…

"The atmosphere here is surely different now… I guess we are already at the Forest Tierra. Be very careful now, minna," answered Yohei, who immediately draws his sword. The rest of the guntam also reached for their weapons.

For some hours, they have warily scanned their path for any signs of danger. With every little noise they heard, it is always met with suspicion. Night falls immediately…

"We'll take turns to watch. Takamiya will stand guard tonight."

They finally made a daily pattern. When they woke up, two will gather more wood and fill their water bags. Two will hunt for food, and the other one will prepare or clean up the camp. Since, they could not stay in the same camp longer than 3 nights, water is becoming their major requirement for a camping site. And where there is a waterhole, all sorts of beasts and creatures are sure to be near.

They were again looking for a comfortable campsite when they heard a beautiful singing. The beautiful sound made their spirits lift high as if floating. Immediately lured to the majestic sound they didn't notice the ravine before them. Noma, who was walking ahead of them fell into it. Snakes were everywhere inside and Noma was badly bitten. Fortunately, they were able to draw him up immediately. With their supply of herbs and medicine, Noma was revived, but the danger of complications is not over. They need to stay there at least for the night.

Then, they saw the bird with the majestic singing. It has the graceful neck of a swan, feathers of bright colors, changing variedly with the touch of light. The tail extends far and is like a burning fire. The bird, it seemed, haven't seen them yet. After the song, the bird let fall of its droppings on some rabbit, which obviously was drawn by the beautiful sound. Right before their eyes, the rabbit turned into stone.

"The Bird of Adarna!" Yohei exclaimed almost reverently. Then he smiled towards the group, "Noma will be alright by the morrow. The song of the Bird of Adarna has taken care of that!"

And true enough, by the morning Noma woke up as if nothing had happened. They stayed for another night hoping to get another glance of the enchanted bird, but they were greatly disappointed. And so, they continued their journey deeper into the forest….

At last, they finally found a suitable place for campsite. The plain surrounded by trees, wide enough for them. A spring quite small not to attract large beast is situated on the farther north of their post. Soon, they were settled in and drifted off to sleep. The watchman for the night was Ookusa.

Compounded with the previous night's excitement, the forest's nocturnal sounds act like a symphony that before long lulled Ookusa to sleep.

And then, suddenly, pandemonium erupts! Branches and vines are charging from every direction... The group instantly wide awake, fought hard the attacking branches. Takamiya had his leg caught and was hanging upside down... Hanamichi, who had two swords drawn just swung around cutting branches that meet the blades.... They're fighting with all their strength, yet the assault of branches didn't weaken. Not long before, their wounds and gushes made their defense frail and the striking branches raised more damage ... The last thing the young lord saw was an ethereal being with flowing hair, and a large dog, and then he was swallowed into the abyss of darkness.....

tbc

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okidoki... i suspect a little definition of terms is necessary

Witches = people who know the craft: spells, potions, magic, etc

Learned = people who are in sync with nature and can see through enchantments;

Bird of Adarna = can't help but insert a bit of Philippine touch here. The Ibong Adarna (Bird of Adarna) is a folklore bird that can heal any kind of illnesses with it's majestic singing, but can turn objects into stone by it's droppings alone.

There, just a short one as promised… R&R please, arigatou! Ja… ^_~