The Forest Spirit : A short story

I recently went to an old growth forest near my home that had been there for as long as I could recall..

 

DSC_0394 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

But while I was wandering around, I thought I noticed something by an old tree....

 

DSC_0395 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

It was very small and I thought I could hear it talking....

 

DSC_0396 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

What was this creature? And what was it doing?

 

DSC_0397 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

I decided to sneak around the other side of the tree and see if I could get a better look at this tiny being.

 

DSC_0398 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

It looked like a tiny girl.... but with ears and a tail! And she WAS talking to the tree!

 

DSC_0399 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

I crept forward but then stepped on a branch...

 

 

M - "Oh my!"

 

DSC_0400 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

She startled me and I spun around and ran. I had no idea if I was safe or not.... how did I know if this little fox girl was good or evil?

 

DSC_0401 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

In my haste.... I tripped....

 

DSC_0402 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

And fell....

 

DSC_0403 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

My vision blurry, I made out that the creature was coming towards me..... what do I do? I have to get away....

 

DSC_0404 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"Son of Man, do not go! Why do you fear me? I mean you no harm!"

 

DSC_0405 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"I was as startled as you were.... I've not seen a human here in ages."

 

DSC_0406 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"Come, let us talk for a while."

 

DSC_0407 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

I could detect no evil aura so I decided to see what she had to say.

 

We went over to an opening and she sat down in the sunlight.... she almost seemed to glow in the light.

 

DSC_0408 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"Yes..... it has been ages indeed."

 

DSC_0409 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

How long have you been here? And just who are you?

 

"Me? I'm Mashiro, a forest spirit and protector of the wild."

 

DSC_0410 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

A protector?

 

"Yes, my family has protected this forest for many many years. We make sure no harm comes to it."

 

DSC_0411 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"And now I am ushering in Spring to the forest. This time of year is busy for us but we love it. Life is starting anew and beauty is everywhere."

 

DSC_0412 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"Everything is beginning to show it's true color.... from green to white to blue."

 

DSC_0413 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"It's a hard job but it's also very comforting."

 

DSC_0414 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

I'm very impressed with how much you do for this place. But you're so small, how do you get everything done?

 

"Easy, kitsune magic."

 

DSC_0415 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"Magic surrounds us, it flows thru us and it binds us all together."

 

DSC_0416 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

You said earlier that it's been a while since you saw a human. Where did you see another?

 

"There were humans here before...."

 

DSC_0417 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

You mean visiting? Like me?

 

"No.... back when I was but a pup, a small family of them lived out here in the forest. Come, I will show you."

 

DSC_0418 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"This was where they lived. They were very kind and my family and I spoke with them often."

 

DSC_0419 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"Sadly, a large fire swept thru the forest and took the house and drove the humans out."

 

DSC_0420 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"Fire is a natural occurance tho, or so my mother told me. It didn't make it any easier to lose friends. The humans never came back after that...."

 

DSC_0421 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"But life goes on and starts over."

 

DSC_0422 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"Even in destruction there is beauty."

 

DSC_0423 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"The humans may have moved away but they left behind things that remind me of them."

 

DSC_0424 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"The glass containers always make me smile. The colors are nice on them."

 

DSC_0425 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

So where are the rest of your kind? Are you the only one here?

 

"No, I'm not alone. We kitsune live in small packs. But during Spring, we split up to cover the entire forest so things get taken care of."

 

DSC_0426 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"We will get back together in a month or so. Until then, I have much work to do."

 

DSC_0427 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"But seeing you made me happy. I've not seen a human in so long, it was nice to converse with one again."

 

DSC_0429 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"Papa?"

 

Yes Mashiro?

 

"Are we done yet?"

 

We can be dear, what's wrong?

 

DSC_0430 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

"My tummy is rumbling... playing Forest Spirit is hard work! Can we go get some lunch now?"

 

Heh, that's fine little one. Let's go grab some grub!

 

"Yeah! I want pizza!"

 

DSC_0431 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

 

 

Billy

Ah Mashiro you are the cutest Forest Spirit there ever was or will be~!

 

Really nice job with these photos Billy! Each one really spoke to me as Mashiro told her story~ I especially love the shots of her talking to the tree before she notices your presence

Mashiro is the most perfect and cutest Forest Spirit. It makes me want to go live out in the woods. She just looks so much in her element in that kind of setting. When we used to live in The Woodlands, TX my brother and I would explore the wooded areas off the hike and bike trails. Those were such great times. Seeing Mashiro exploring the woods brings back those fun memories. There is just something about being in nature that is good for the soul. Actually, there have been studies on what kinds of scenery people feel most calmed by and the woods and scenes of greenery rank very high. Beautiful beaches are nice too.

 

I can't resist saying some silly things: She wanted to talk to a human because they always have the best candy and stuff, and if they don't they will buy it for you. Magic sounds like the force. And I bet there was moonshine in those big glass containers.

You got some lovely shots for this story! And Mashiro does quite the nice job at being mysterious. . .at least until she breaks the fourth wall at the end.

That actually....was kinda touching. I expected the pics to be nicely done as usual, but the whole setting and feel of it was really nice. a mood lifter. I got a bit of a laugh out of the "kitsune magic" bit and couldn't help but notice a bit of Yoda in the things she said. Excellent story!

Cute little (although, can you really call this short?) story, and rather fitting considering Mashiro being a spirit deity in her respective series.

 

... Now you must start to worry that she'll conjure up that humongous in series interdimensional baka-hammer of hers if she dun get the correct pizza she wants.

Nature is such a magical thing all on its own, You and Mashiro did a great job bringing that out. I too enjoyed the ending where Mashiro breaks the spell, and that other force of nature erupts...hunger! Wonderful emotion and feeling in these pics, I truly enjoyed this story.

Really beautiful pictures, I especially love how Mashiro's hair shines in the sun. You're very lucky to live near such a pretty place ^^

Great shots and story. I remember green stuff from my pre-Arizona days

Nice pictures, and an interesting twist on doing a story. I wouldn't mind seeing "alternate universe" stories of your girls, you seem to be good at coming up with these. It will also allow your girls to act outside of their usual selves!

Ah Mashiro you are the cutest Forest Spirit there ever was or will be~!

 

Awwww! That's so nice of you to say! I'm sure Mashiro will blush when I tell her.

 

Really nice job with these photos Billy! Each one really spoke to me as Mashiro told her story~ I especially love the shots of her talking to the tree before she notices your presence

 

 

Thank you very much! I'm glad you liked Mashiro and our story. It was really fun to do something a little different this time.

 

 

Mashiro is the most perfect and cutest Forest Spirit. It makes me want to go live out in the woods. She just looks so much in her element in that kind of setting. When we used to live in The Woodlands, TX my brother and I would explore the wooded areas off the hike and bike trails. Those were such great times. Seeing Mashiro exploring the woods brings back those fun memories. There is just something about being in nature that is good for the soul. Actually, there have been studies on what kinds of scenery people feel most calmed by and the woods and scenes of greenery rank very high. Beautiful beaches are nice too.

 

Thank you very much! I think she works well out in the woods for various reasons like kitsune are magical creatures who love nature and I used to love camping when I was younger. We both like being outdoors. I'm really glad my pics could bring back happy memories for you! That means a lot to me. As for nice scenery, I prefer mountains over the beach.

 

I can't resist saying some silly things: She wanted to talk to a human because they always have the best candy and stuff, and if they don't they will buy it for you. Magic sounds like the force. And I bet there was moonshine in those big glass containers.

 

Silly things are fun tho! And yes, she knows humans like me will spoil the heck out of her. Or maybe it's just me. Those jugs WERE for moonshine! There used to be several stills out in those woods, one was abandoned and left to rot while another was active while I was a kid. Then it up and disappeared and we never knew where it went. So these jugs were scattered all over the woods out there.

 

 

You got some lovely shots for this story! And Mashiro does quite the nice job at being mysterious. . .at least until she breaks the fourth wall at the end.

 

 

Thank you very much! Yeah, Mashiro did kinda go off the script there at the end but otherwise she did a great job for me of acting!

 

 

That actually....was kinda touching. I expected the pics to be nicely done as usual, but the whole setting and feel of it was really nice. a mood lifter. I got a bit of a laugh out of the "kitsune magic" bit and couldn't help but notice a bit of Yoda in the things she said. Excellent story!

 

 

Awww thank you! It seems by me doing something a bit different, it really made an impact with people. I'm really glad you enjoyed it! And yes, I think Yoda was onto something with his wisdom and insight.

 

 

Cute little (although, can you really call this short?) story, and rather fitting considering Mashiro being a spirit deity in her respective series.

 

Thank you! Hey, this was short for me! But yes, I've seen her anime and since most kitsune are in tune with nature and magical in origin, this seemed fitting.

 

... Now you must start to worry that she'll conjure up that humongous in series interdimensional baka-hammer of hers if she dun get the correct pizza she wants.

 

THIS does scare me a little. I do NOT want the ban hammer!

 

 

Nature is such a magical thing all on its own, You and Mashiro did a great job bringing that out. I too enjoyed the ending where Mashiro breaks the spell, and that other force of nature erupts...hunger! Wonderful emotion and feeling in these pics, I truly enjoyed this story.

 

 

Wow.... thanks so much! I'm truly amazed that doing this story like this made so many people feel a connection to Mashiro and the pics! I guess I'll have to go outside the box a bit more in the future.

 

And yes, hunger is a BIG force of nature!

 

 

Really beautiful pictures, I especially love how Mashiro's hair shines in the sun. You're very lucky to live near such a pretty place ^^

 

 

Thank you! I also loved the sun on her hair, those pics turned out pretty nice for me. I'd never really thought of the woods near my parents as much other than plain old woods but it seems I was way wrong about that.

 

 

Great shots and story. I remember green stuff from my pre-Arizona days

 

 

Thank you sir! Green is kind of the staple color here, even in winter. LOL

 

 

Nice pictures, and an interesting twist on doing a story. I wouldn't mind seeing "alternate universe" stories of your girls, you seem to be good at coming up with these. It will also allow your girls to act outside of their usual selves!

 

 

Thank you very much! It seems that everyone agrees with you about this type of story. Your idea of alternate universe girls sounds really interesting too. Like opposites of them or something? Manami as a quiet bookworm type who hates sweets and hides her body? Wow, THAT makes my brain hurt just thinking about it. LOL

 

 

 

Billy

Cute Mashiro! Her acting skills are very good, it made the story very enjoyable to read :3 She totally got me with it until she broke character at the end :p

 

What kind of pizza did she get for lunch after?

Baldylox & Mashiro,

 

Before anything I have to say thank you. I know this story wasn't supposed to be a big deal, just a bunch of photos of traipsing around in the woods for the fun of it. I really enjoyed each and every one very, very much. I know I'm sappy rather frequently, but in this case I'm actually choked up from the pictures. Last week I got a very rapid and blatant reminder of my allergy to sunlight. During fall and winter it is easy to forget because I can easily keep my skin covered up, but every spring for the last three years I'm forced to remember that I can't carelessly go outside.

 

Even when I was a kid I loved being outdoors, barefoot, and looking at all the different plants. It has been very hard for me to admit that I can't even garden anymore. The only time I get to be out in a tank top in the warmer months is when it is raining, and that doesn't happen here too often. It really made me happy to venture out in the forest with you two, seeing kinds of plants and trees that we just don't have in our area. Although it wasn't intentional, I really enjoyed 'spending some time in the sun' through your pictures. It means more than I know how to say.

 

DSC_0405 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

Out of all of them, this is my favorite pic. Mashiro, you look like you are giving away hugs! The close ups of the flowers are super wonderful too. I'm sure I'll read through this story many times.

 

Manami as a quiet bookworm type who hates sweets and hides her body? Wow, THAT makes my brain hurt just thinking about it. LOL

 

Billy

 

This just sounds like a DDdy version of Naiomi.

 

~Sister Kyoya

Thank you very much! It seems that everyone agrees with you about this type of story. Your idea of alternate universe girls sounds really interesting too. Like opposites of them or something? Manami as a quiet bookworm type who hates sweets and hides her body? Wow, THAT makes my brain hurt just thinking about it. LOL

 

Well, I know your girls get along in the most part. An alternate universe might allow for some crazy drama or rivalries. Maybe I'm just missing scripple's stories though . . .

 

I do like the fantasy world of Mashiro as well.

Lovely story ! I love that you went out of your usual path Your pictures were beautiful and Mashiro turned out to be a really good actress .I really enjoy that story . Well done my friend

Ack I am jealous. You have a Mashiro AND her Hakama! She is the prettiest forest spirit EVAH! Also I miss the South. I am originally from Georgia and we had gorgeous forests and scenery like that too. The end part was my favorite though...When she said she wanted Pizza! What a cutie.

Cute Mashiro! Her acting skills are very good, it made the story very enjoyable to read :3 She totally got me with it until she broke character at the end :p

 

What kind of pizza did she get for lunch after?

 

 

Thank you very much! She's a better actress than I thought she would be, I was very happy with her performance. I'm glad you enjoyed it. As for the pizza, she got what most kitsune love.... meat lovers pizza!

 

 

Baldylox & Mashiro, Before anything I have to say thank you. I know this story wasn't supposed to be a big deal, just a bunch of photos of traipsing around in the woods for the fun of it. I really enjoyed each and every one very, very much. I know I'm sappy rather frequently, but in this case I'm actually choked up from the pictures. Last week I got a very rapid and blatant reminder of my allergy to sunlight. During fall and winter it is easy to forget because I can easily keep my skin covered up, but every spring for the last three years I'm forced to remember that I can't carelessly go outside.

 

You're right, I really didn't think much of this story until I posted it and saw how people were affected by it. I didn't think it would get the type of comments it's gotten either. Not that that's a bad thing at all, I just wasn't ready for it. I'm very happy that you enjoyed it and that you also felt something from the photos. That means a lot to me and I'll try my best to do more things like this in the future! Thank you for letting me know that this story meant something to you.

 

Even when I was a kid I loved being outdoors, barefoot, and looking at all the different plants. It has been very hard for me to admit that I can't even garden anymore. The only time I get to be out in a tank top in the warmer months is when it is raining, and that doesn't happen here too often. It really made me happy to venture out in the forest with you two, seeing kinds of plants and trees that we just don't have in our area. Although it wasn't intentional, I really enjoyed 'spending some time in the sun' through your pictures. It means more than I know how to say.

 

I guess I've really taken advantage of the fact that I can go back to where I grew up easily and without much thought. I really didn't make much of it until recently when others have told me the places they grew up are no longer there or someone else is living there. By having my parents in the same spot for so long, it's just second nature to me.

 

We were kinda poor growing up so we had to make due with whatever we could as kids to have fun and play. So running thru the woods and being out in it was just something that happened every day. We rarely wore shoes outside and the closest paved road to us was over a mile away. So yeah, I was country when country wasn't cool. LOL

 

Thank you for all your kind comments about these pics. Something I took for granted really does seem to mean a lot to you and others so I should really pay more attention to that now.

 

DSC_0405 by balldylox, on Flickr

 

Out of all of them, this is my favorite pic. Mashiro, you look like you are giving away hugs! The close ups of the flowers are super wonderful too. I'm sure I'll read through this story many times.

 

Thanks! I love that shot too. And I'm glad you'll re-read this, I know I have too.

 

Manami as a quiet bookworm type who hates sweets and hides her body? Wow, THAT makes my brain hurt just thinking about it. LOL

 

This just sounds like a DDdy version of Naiomi.

 

Ha ha! Nice!

 

 

 

Well, I know your girls get along in the most part. An alternate universe might allow for some crazy drama or rivalries. Maybe I'm just missing scripple's stories though . . .

I do like the fantasy world of Mashiro as well.

 

 

Ahh, now I see. Scripple withdrawls have you jonesing for mayhem and mischief! I'm not sure ho wmuch of that I can muster up tho, my girls are way too close to each other as family to be like his girls. But familys DO have issues now and again so you never know, especially in Alternate Dimensions! And I'm happy you enjoyed Mashiro's little world, maybe we can revisit it again soon.

 

 

Lovely story ! I love that you went out of your usual path Your pictures were beautiful and Mashiro turned out to be a really good actress .I really enjoy that story . Well done my friend

 

 

Thank you very much! I guess I really did do something different here even tho I didn't really see it at first. But everyone says I did so I guess I did. And these pics of her were all due to your help with the hakama set! I couldn't have had my little forest spirit looking as cute as she does without you!

 

 

Ack I am jealous. You have a Mashiro AND her Hakama! She is the prettiest forest spirit EVAH! Also I miss the South. I am originally from Georgia and we had gorgeous forests and scenery like that too. The end part was my favorite though...When she said she wanted Pizza! What a cutie.

 

 

Hee hee, thanks! I do indeed have them both and I love them both too. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing her. That's cool that you're from GA. Where are you now? And yes, all things end when hunger is imminent. LOL

 

 

 

Billy

 

 

Hee hee, thanks! I do indeed have them both and I love them both too. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing her. That's cool that you're from GA. Where are you now? And yes, all things end when hunger is imminent. LOL

 

 

 

Billy

 

I live in Arizona now unfortunately and HATE it. I can't wait to move back to the South East when I apply to Veterinary school. I am thinking of living in Alabama then. But I used to go to Myrtle Beach all the time and have been up by you a few times too. The brown out here is super ugly! lol

may i ask where did you get the fox wig? please

may i ask where did you get the fox wig? please

 

 

The fox wig and tail come with Mashiro as her fullset. She's a character from an anime and she is a fox spirit so she came packaged with them all.

 

 

Billy

Aww soo cute great story also ^^

Wow that was such a sweet story and I love the photos

Mashiro is adorable.

Aww soo cute great story also ^^

 

 

Thank you very much!

 

 

Wow that was such a sweet story and I love the photos

Mashiro is adorable.

 

 

Thanks! I'm happy you liked the pics and story.

 

 

 

Billy