The big day is near, and the village prepares for the arrival of the great Dragon. His appearance marks the end of the long winter and the awakening of nature and its spirits.

Every year, during the time when the cherry blossoms open their delicate petals, it is possible for Hanarion to manifest a material body in the earthly realm. His spirit was born in the magical moment when the very first cherry blossoms ever opened their buds. At this honored, magical tree, he appears year after year.

But a shadow of uncertainty spreads through the village below the hill, where the cherry tree stands like a watchtower.

For the past few days, strange, dark-colored mushrooms have appeared on the bark of the ancient tree. None of the villagers are able to remove them, and each day, more grow.

As one morning the rays of the gentle spring sun awaken the first blossoms of the great tree to new life, the Cherry Blossom Dragon appears in a whirl of delicate pink petals.

But Hanarion appears weakened in his earthly form. The villagers gaze with concern at their revered guardian, as one of them steps forward from the crowd and addresses the venerable dragon.