Akari ran to the house next door and knocked at the door, which was answered by Koji. Akari grabbed Koji by the arm and dragged him outside so that no one could hear what she said. “We must go into the woods to see if Cherry Blossom and all the other fairies and woodland friends have not come to any harm in the storm last night.” “ I was thinking the same thing as you, and my Okaasan (mum) and Ojiichan (grandfather) said it was ok’ I told them that I wanted to see if it was a tree that had fallen down in the storm last night.” So off across the stream they set and went into the woods. They had not got far in when Fukurou (owl) flew near to them and landed on a tree branch, taking both of them by surprise.

“Is everyone alright after the storm Mrs Fukurou (owl) ?” asked Akari. “Yes no one has been hurt as all of the woodland folk went underground into burrows and sheltered there until the storm subsided. Please wait there whilst I tell Cherry Blossom you are here as she wants to talk to you” And with that the owl flew off deeper into the forest and Akari and Koji sat on a log and waited.

Akari and Koji felt relieved to hear the good news and they eagerly awaited Cherry Blossoms arrival. Cherry Blossom flew down to them in four or five minutes and looked a little worried. “Whatever is wrong Cherry Blossom, you look upset?” said Akari “Is there something that we can help you with?” added Koji. “Please come with me and I will take you to see what has happened.” Cherry Blossom replied.

The friends set off further into the woods, there seemed to have been a lot of damage from the wind and rain. They walked on and on much deeper in than Akari and Koji had ever been before, twisting and turning through the trees where there was no path, just denser woods. Not much light entered, there was no bird song and Akari and Koji were feeling a little nervous but they both said nothing. They trusted Cherry Blossom and Fukurou (owl) would not lead them into any danger.

Just as they passed a large oak tree, a clearing opened up. The sun shone brightly, the birds sang merrily, and the forest floor, though very wet was busy with all the forest life repairing there burrows, gathering food and chitter, chattering about what had happened the night before. As Akari looked around she realised she had found the reason for the bright flash and the big bang she had heard last night. A tree had been hit by the lightening and the wind had blown it over.