DarkWinter3

You stumbled upon the Vault of Knowledge, cape ripped and mangled from the attacks of the krills that had suddenly appeared near the gate to the temple of Wasteland.

You had not expected those beasts to appear again after meeting their kind at the start of the Golden Wasteland. Traumatized by your harrowing encounter, you are comforted by the soft and quiet atmosphere which the Vault brings to you.

There are rows and rows of unlit lanterns on the shelves of Vault that reached to the ceiling, forgotten by time and its passing. You believed that these objects used to collect the lights of spirits who used to live in Sky. They recorded every moment of their life in detail, their knowledge and their wisdom. Yet without the proper care from a living being, these lanterns could only sit on the shelves, waiting for someone to summon them again.

Finding safe haven within such a vast and empty place, you decided to explore. You also made a mental note to retrieve your lost wing lights at the other realms once you have found the Vault Elder’s tomb.

After absorbing a few more wing lights to strengthen your flight power, you suddenly found a book lying on the second floor of Vault.

It was sneakily hiding behind a ladder and you would have missed it had your light emitted from your body not found it. Years of neglect had left the brown leather-bound book covered in a thick layer of dust which you blew it off to read the cover clearly.

With gold cursive lettering embossed on the bold cover, it reads as “The Lone Traveler’s Diary and other Short Stories”.

Curious to find out more, you found a cozy spot within the room before slowly peeling the cover off from the pages to read.

The Lone Traveler’s Diary and other Short Stories

It has no home, no friends and no family.


Luckily, it found its home under a towering Sakura tree.


When it needs shade, the fox hide among the evergreen leaves.


When it needs sleep, the fox cuddles among the sturdy branches.


When it needs food, it chases after the mice living near it.


Under the tree's protection and care, the fox


In return, the fox cares for the tree by trimming its branches


While holding onto the hope that one day it will.


Under the watchful eyes of the little fox,


"Thank you, little one. Would you like a cup of tea while admiring my blossoms?"


Short Story 2: The Fox and the Sakura Tree