Non-art book

Mountain Road (Writing Project)

For a hundred years, a large bamboo forest stood near present - day Kyoto, Japan. It served as a home for many creatures - from the large xiang xiang pandas to the weasels of the ground. But there was one creature that came, and following it was destruction that destroyed this beautiful place.

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Sakura breathed in the humid air of the bamboo forest, a light breeze carrying many scents from afar. The blue sky above was blue and cloudless, besides the wall of cumulonimbus clouds looming above the mountains in the distance.

Rain is coming, Sakura thought, been a bit since we've had a good rain, besides a small bit of drizzle - the forest will be happy with a storm.

"Sakura!"

The white wolf looked up and smiled up at the small red panda on the branch in the small tree beside her. "Hello, Maiku. How are you?"

"I'm fine," Maiku stated, "But Nightjar's been hogging all the berries!"

At the sound of his name, Nightjar, a small cat-like animal peeked out from a bush not too far away. "Maiku!" he complained, "You know they're my favorite!"

"Alright, no more bickering over the good berries this season!" Sakura chuckled.

"Alright," Maiku and Nightjar said in unison.

Suddenly, a black ball of fur fell right in front of Sakura.

"Hudai!" Sakura said, nudging the little fox with her paw, "I told you not to climb trees without my supervision!"

"But Sakuraaaaa," Hudai whined, getting up off of the ground, "You were right below me, so I assumed that counted!"

"Well, I didn't see you, so it doesn't," Sakura explained.

"Hmph," grunted Hudai, lowering her ears grumpily.

As Sakura continued through the forest with Hudai, she heard rustling in the distance. At first, Sakura thought it might be something hostile creeping up to them, and instinctively motioned for Hudai to get behind her, but then realized that, if this was supposed to be an ambush, then those involved are doing a terrible job of being stealthy. So, Sakura loosened up a little bit.

Suddenly, a big bundle of blonde fur launched in Sakura's direction.

Of course, it didn't do much good if the animal was trying to attack, for Sakura shrugged it off and pinned it quite easily.

"Who are you?" Sakura growled at the animal. It looked a bit like a wolf, except for its curly tail and smaller build. Also, of course, wolves are not usually blonde and white.

The small almost - wolf, despite his size, had a ferocious spirit, swiping at Sakura's just - out - of - reach belly while baring his teeth. "Who wants to know?" he snarled.

Sakura growled again, and he whimpered, forcing his curly tail between his hind legs.

"Okay! Not the talkative type!" he whimpered, "Don't eat me!"

Sakura cocked her head, staring at him in confusion. "Eat you? I'm a vegetarian, thank you very much!"

"Okay then!" he cringed, attempting to pull away from the white wolf's grasp.

"Now answer my question," Sakura snapped, "Who are you?"
"My name is Inu!" the almost - wolf said, "I'm scouting ahead for my master!"

Sakura flicked her ear, "Master?"

Inu immediately covered his snout with his paw. Sakura nudged them away and looked him in the eye. "Who is your "master?"

"Umm," Inu trembled, "Can you get off me first?"