"You stayed with the two murders, not your brother?" asked a shocked Megumi as she regarded Takano with a disbelieving stare.

"I did," Takano replied plainly.

"Why?" Megumi persisted. "Your brother was family."

Takano looked off into the room of the gathered goddesses and her children, but her eyes were unfocussed. Lost in her many years. "Megumi," she said after a moment. "I have done many things in my long life. Not all of them are good. Or smart. Or brave. Or kind." She turned her gaze back to her daughter. "I have had my failings. This is something you need to understand about me."

"Takano," Megumi began, but Takano held up a hand, silencing her.

"Let me continue dear," Takano insisted gently. "I stayed because Yasuo did not belong in Edo. But I did. Yasuo had done everything he could to protect me. And I loved him for it. But I realized that night, he could do little more for me. And that I could not be who he needed me to be."

"What does that mean?" Keiichi asked, confused.

"He saw me as just his little sister. Small Takano, who played in the river. Who loved to pick flowers and sing. Who he could take care of. He did not understand that I had changed. I was not the same girl. And I could not become that girl again." Takano smiled sadly.

"Yasuo still did not see I was different." Takano held up her hand before her audience. "Cut me, and the scar will be gone in a day. Break my bones and they'll knit back together in less than a week. I can count on one hand the number of times I've actually been sick. Been poisoned. Doesn't feel good, trust me, but I survive it. Even been exposed to nuclear radiation." She saw the surprised looks on her children's faces and from Belldandy, and she waved them off. "I'll get to that eventually."

"And that doesn't even touch your whole longevity bit," added Urd.

"No, it doesn't," agreed Takano. "And it took a while before I realized that was happening. I thought I just aged gracefully." Takano smirked. "But when you're fifty and still look like your eighteen, you begin to realize that's not normal."

"I get you couldn't go back to your village. And your brother didn't understand you anymore," conceded Megumi. "But was living in Edo with what I'm guessing was the criminal underground really the best option?"

Takano grinned. "It might not have been the best option. But for fourteen-year-old me, well, it was..."

Takano jumped from the boat, landing lightly on the pier. She glanced about quickly before pulling the scarf tighter around her head, making sure it covered her face. She hurried down the street, heading towards the market. It was early, and the market had not yet fully opened. She tucked the retrieved package under her arm, hugging it protectively against herself, as she navigated the narrow streets of Edo. At this hour, the crowds were still sparse. She wove in and out of the crowd with practiced ease, dodging merchants preparing their stalls and early patrons searching for bargains.

The ship Takano had taken the package from had come across the sea. There were few sailors on the foreign ship at this hour in the morning, and those that had a good deal of saki last night, courtesy of Lady Ichijō. Takano slipped aboard the vessel without anyone noticing and had recovered the package from inside the captain's quarters. As she had been instructed by Lady Ichijō. While Takano wondered at the odd brown paper wrapping the stolen parcel's contents, she knew better than to open it. The package's contents would remain a mystery.

Takano approached the back entrance to Lady Ichijō's meshiya. As she did, she froze right before the raised partition that separated the alley from the kitchen. She swiveled on her heals and then spotted the large man partially hidden in the shadows of the opposite building.

"I see you, Hiroki!" she sneered.

Hiroki stepped out into the alley, his arms folded across his chest. He smiled at her. "You've grown better, little thief," he remarked. "You would have missed me six months ago."

Takano scowled. It had been six months since her arrival in Edo. Six months with Lady Ichijō, running errands for her. Six months of delivering and receiving packages. Sometimes, like today, taking packages from people. Hiroki had taught her how. Making her true to his title of 'little thief'.

Hiroki grinned at her, knowing she did not like that title. "Come," he ordered. "You have done well." He moved past Takano and through the entrance. Takano followed, hurrying to catch up. They moved through the kitchen where the cooks were busy preparing the day's food. Up the stairs to the main floor. Lady Ichijō sat alone at a table, waiting. Takano bowed politely before approaching the older woman. Lady Ichijō smiled warmly, gesturing for Takano to sit.

"You have it?" she asked.

Takano nodded. "Hai, Lady Ichijō," she said, presenting the package.

Lady Ichijō accepted the package, placing it on the table. She ran her hand over the brown paper wrapping, feeling the contents inside. She then smiled at Takano. "Thank you, my dear Takano." She pulled a small pouch from her kimono, setting it down in front of Takano. "And thank you for your service."

Takano reached out, taking the small purse. Inside was her payment, a few coins. Takano knew it was not a lot. But in Takano's consideration it was more than fair. Lady Ichijō provided her with a small room at her inn, food, clothing, and when she completed jobs such as this, some spending money. Which Takano rarely used. And what Takano prized most of all was everything she was learning. Both Ichijō and Hiroki had taught Takano how to navigate the streets of Edo. Taught her how to blend in and disappear. How to steal. How to survive.

"Thank you, Lady Ichijō," Takano replied gratefully.

Takano started to rise, but Lady Ichijō motioned her to sit. Takano settled back down. Lady Ichijō regarded her closely, watching Takano curiously.

"How old are now you, Takano?" Lady Ichijō asked.

"I'll be fifteen in a month," Takano replied.

"Fifteen..." Lady Ichijō mused. "Nearly a woman now. You have been here six months." She paused, studying Takano's face. "You are not like the other girls I employ. You learn quickly. You are smart. Clever."

Takano bowed her head humbly. "Thank you, my Lady."

Lady Ichijō chuckled softly. She waved off Takano's gratitude. "But you are still naive. Still inexperienced." She eyed Takano closely and asked. "Do you miss your brother?" When Takano started to immediately shake her head, the older woman sternly interrupted. "Be honest Takano."

Takano hesitated and then sighed softly. "Yes. Sometimes." She glanced at Lady Ichijō uncertainly. She had never mentioned anything about her brother. Not since the day they met. And Lady Ichijō never spoke of him. But she felt she should explain herself. "He was my brother, and he did love me."

Lady Ichijō nodded and then leaned forward. "He is still your brother, and he still loves, that I am certain. But he would not be happy here, would he? And you are happy here, yes?"

"Hai," Takano agreed. "I miss him. But he would not want to be in Edo. Not in this place."

"No," replied Lady Ichijō. "No, he would not." She reached out and placed a hand gently on Takano's shoulder. Takano was startled at first. "I am willing to make an arrangement with you. Your family were farmers of sorts, yes?"

Takano nodded.

"And they came down from your little village to sell your harvest, yes?"

Takano nodded again. "Yes, father, Yasuo, and some of the others from the village would come to Edo to sell their crops once a year."

Lady Ichijō nodded. "Then I can make an arrangement or two to ensure your little village gets a good coin for their yield. And you can spend a bit of time with your brother."

Tears formed in Takano's eyes, and she quickly wiped them away with her sleeve. She bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Lady Ichijō!"

Lady Ichijō smiled and shook her head amused. "Keep working for me Takano. Do good. Do not disappoint me." She patted Takano's shoulder. "Now go," she said, dismissing Takano.

Takano stood and bowed again, before hurrying away to her room. She set the purse of coins down on the small shelf she used as a nightstand. She sat down on the mat, thinking about her brother and the possibility of seeing him.

It would be a short three months later Lady Ichijō would keep her promise, and Takano would be reunited with her brother. Yasuo had been shocked to see his sister. Takano knew she had changed from the young girl her brother had known. But Yasuo seemed happy and relieved she was safe and in good health. She was smart enough to not tell him what exactly her job entailed. Simply say she delivered packages for the Lady Ichijō's business. And Yasuo was wise enough to not ask too many questions.

As much as their reunion was happy one, her brother did bring ill tidings from home. Takano learned her father had fallen sick. "Ever since mother died, his heart has not been the same. He has not been the same," Yasuo informed her sadly. Takano would not see her father again and by next spring he would pass on. Takano had mourned his loss quietly to herself.

For the next two years Takano continued to work diligently for Lady Ichijō. Learning more from the older woman and her bodyguard Hiroki. She rose early each morning to practice martial arts with Hiroki. Then she would spend the remainder of the day running errands around Edo. Sometimes the errands were mundane. Delivering messages to various merchants and officials. Collecting payments and debts owed to Lady Ichijō. Some days Takano would venture to the docks and retrieve goods for the lady. Takano never questioned the contents of any package or the source. She knew better. And there were times the Lady trusted Takano with more delicate assignments. Such as spying on one of Lady Ichijō rivals or one of her allies. Takano would return and report all she discovered to Lady Ichijō.

It was during one of these special assignments when Takano would once again demonstrate her remarkable ability to heal. Her efforts to steal a set of letters written by the Daimyo Tokugawa Iemitsu from a corrupt official had not gone as planned. Takano had managed to sneak into the official's home and locate the letters without being detected. But an unexpected arrival of the official and his guards had caused her to flee the house in a panic. Three guards had given chase. Through Hiroki's teachings, Takano was skilled, but three guards against a sixteen-year-old woman was not a fair fight.

Takano had been cornered in an alleyway. One of the men held her down, pinning her to the ground. Takano had kicked and struggled, but it had done little good. The second man had then punched and kicked her. Once in the stomach. Then in the ribs. Another punch to her side. Takano remembered the sickening sound of her ribs breaking. A kick to her chest. Her arm. Takano cried out, pleading for mercy, trying to shield her head with her arms. But the men had been relentless, beating Takano until she lay still and quiet on the ground. Bruised and bloody, Takano struggled to remain conscious. Her breathing was shallow and painful. Her body screamed in agony.

"Should we finish her off?" the one asked.

"No, leave her. If she lives, she'll learn not to steal again."

The three men laughed cruelly before departing, leaving Takano broken. Takano gasped for breath as tears rolled down her face. Her thoughts had been on Lady Ichijō, and how she had failed her. How her body ached. Then to her family and her childhood in the mountains. The sun had risen high in the sky before anyone discovered her. A kind elderly woman had rushed to her side, shocked to find her still alive.

"You poor dear! What happened? Who did this?"

Through broken teeth and blood, Takano mumbled, "Accident... Fell..."

"Nonsense!" the old woman scolded. "Come, I will help you home." Gently she helped Takano to her feet, asking where she lived. Takano struggled to give the old woman instructions as she guided Takano back to Lady Ichijō's inn. The entire time Takano fought to keep her focus, to stay conscious.

At the entrance to Lady Ichijō's inn, the old woman called for someone to help. Hiroki came out and on seeing Takano, his eyes widened in shock. "Takano!" He rushed over, taking Takano from the woman. "Are you alright child?"

"I'm fine," Takano had lied. "I fell... Accident..." The world had blurred, and Takano's legs buckled as she fainted.

Takano awoke in her bed. Sun streamed through the window, warming her face. She took a deep breath, felt the ache in her sides, but not as bad as before. She pushed herself up on her arms and glanced at her body, finding her wounds had been cleaned and bandaged. Her left arm was wrapped in a splint. As Takano started moving about, the door to room opened, and Lady Ichijō swept in, followed by a man. He was dressed in a black kimono with grey hakama.

"Takano, you are awake." Lady Ichijō smiled. She gestured towards the man. "This is Doctor Nakamura. I brought him here to treat you. You should thank him.

Doctor Nakamura was an older man, with greying hair and kind eyes. He bowed politely to Takano. "Lady Ichijō, was kind enough to bring you to my attention. You were quite a mess when I first examined you."

Takano bowed her head. "Thank you, doctor."

Nakamura looked her over. "I must say, I'm surprised to see you awake. You were very severely injured when I examined you yesterday. You should not be moving about." He moved closer, gently prodding Takano's ribs. "Is there pain? Does it hurt when you breath?"

"Umm, yes..." lied Takano. She was still very sore, but not nearly as painful as before. And her breathing did not hurt.

"I will have to replace this wrapping," stated the doctor, removing the bandage on her ribs. He worked the bandage free and then stopped. "My word, there is almost no bruising here. Strange." He gently moved he hand across Takano's ribs, pressing in various places, questioning if any caused pain. Takano dutifully nodded and told him some were sorer than others. The doctor replaced the wrappings. "And this arm..." He examined her injured arm. "You should not be moving this. Keep it still."

Takano knew it was still broken, but it would not be for too much longer. She would have to fake her injuries. When Doctor Nakamura left, Lady Ichijō remained in remained in Takano small room, staring at the girl silently.

Takano, becoming worried at her employer's imposing gaze, ducked her head in apology. "I am so sorry Lady Ichijō. I failed to retrieve the letters."

Lady Ichijō waved her hand, dismissing Takano's failure. "I know you failed girl." She folded her arms and asked. "Now tell me everything. You were beaten. Nearly to death." Lady Ichijō moved forward, kneeling down and grasped Takano's uninjured hand. She spoke gently and earnestly. "Takano, I have looked after you. I have cared for you. You can trust me. Tell me what happened to you."

Tears filled Takano's eyes, and she struggled to speak, her throat tight. "I was caught trying to steal the letters. They..." she sniffled. "They beat me."

Lady Ichijō nodded. "You told no one who you were? Who you worked for?"

"No, ma'am. I did as you taught me. I said nothing," replied Takano.

"Good." Lady Ichijō patted Takano's hand. "You did well, Takano."

Lady Ichijō eyes drifted to the girl's injured arm, then to her midsection and, finally to her face. Takano felt a chill run down her spine. Ichijō was staring so intently at her. "You were near death girl, not two days ago. And now you are already looking better."

Takano gulped nervously. "I'm sorry, I do not understand, Lady Ichijō. I will try to recover quickly."

Ichijō's eyes narrowed at Takano. "When you came to me. You were running from something. Your village. They were afraid of you. I never pressed you details about your life. It was none of my business. But I wonder now."

Takano eyes filled with tears, and she began to shake. All her fears came rushing back, her own people trying to stone her.

"Do not cry girl!" commanded Lady Ichijō sharply. Takano bowed her head, trying desperately to stop her tears. She heard Lady Ichijō sigh in resignation, and she sat down beside Takano, placing an arm around her shoulders. "There, there, Takano, no need to fear me. I will not cast you out. Now why don't you tell me what makes you so afraid?"

With great hesitation, Takano told Lady Ichijō everything. From when she was little, nearly dying in the rockslide. The sickness which came to her village that affected everyone but herself. Of realizing that she healed faster than anyone else. The fear that she would be discovered and treated as if she were witch or a demon.

"You are no demon," scoffed Lady Ichijō. "Nor witch. Just a girl." She sighed again. "A remarkable girl." Takano felt Lady Ichijō's grip tighten around her shoulders.

"Thank you, Lady Ichijō."

Lady Ichijō smiled at Takano, wiped a few tears from her cheeks. "You may call me Megumi." She held up a finger. "Not in public, but when we are alone, I'll allow it."

"Okay, hold up!" Megumi interrupted Takano's story. "My name... you named me after a nineteenth century crime lord!?"

Takano looked hurt, "She was a very dear friend."

"I thought I was named after Ooba Nissha Megumi!" argued Megumi.

"That is true too," replied Takano. "You're named after both. Oba-san and Lady Ichijō. But mostly for Lady Ichijō."

Keima brought up a finger and stated, "Your Great Aunt was a very kind person, and a skilled healer, so it was important to me..."

"Who here was in labor with her," Takano interrupted her husband while pointing to their daughter, "for thirteen hours?"

Keima sighed and turned to Keiichi. "As a new husband, you need to learn when it is best to agree with your wife."

"Which is always," added Takano.

Keima sighed again.

"I take it back," giggled Skuld. "This is way better than anything on TV."

"Now Takano," said Lady Ichijō as they made their way down a narrow street of the market. This was part of the district where Takano rarely ever traveled. The shops were old, not necessarily in bad shape, but worn down by time. Only a few people walked the streets and those that did kept to themselves, keeping their heads down and their eyes forward. No children played or ran about. The atmosphere was somber. The air was stale.

"The man I am taking you to," continued Lady Ichijō as they crossed a stone pathway, "is very wise. Deeply knowledgeable. However, he is also cranky, ill-tempered, and rude. But if there is anyone who might know more about your condition, it will be him."

Takano nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Lady Ichijō. You did not have to do this." She had only been out of bed for a few days, and her injuries were healing rapidly. For the others in her Lady's employe, Takano kept up the act of being battered and hurt. Even for Hiroki. But Megumi knew the truth and she dropped any pretense when around her."

"It is no trouble, Takano. I simply wish to understand more about you." Takano felt a slight chill from those words and glanced up at her employer nervously. Megumi smiled at Takano reassuringly. "Do not worry. I will keep your secret."

"Thank you," Takano whispered.

Lady Ichijō led Takano to the end of a narrow alley to a small shop. It looked like all the others, but Takano could see the small wooden sign above the doorway, written in kanji. Lady Ichijō slid open the door and stepped inside. Takano followed, letting her eyes adjust to the dim light. She glanced around the tiny shop, it was filled with such a wide variety of things, many which Takano had no idea what they were. Books and scrolls. A big ball suspended in a metal vise. Vases and urns of assorted sizes. Crystals and gems of assorted colors. Small jars filled with unknown substances. Strange smells filled the air.

"Sensei?" called out Lady Ichijō. "Sensei are you here?"

"Back here, Ichijō," came the gruff voice of an older man. Lady Ichijō moved to the back and Takano hurried after her, not wanting to be left alone.

An elderly man sat in a corner of the shop, surrounded by books and scrolls. He wore a black kimono with a white undercoat. A long grey beard and a mustache adorned his wrinkled face. His hair was mostly gray, pulled back into a small top knot. He regarded both Lady Ichijō and Takano with dark beady eyes. "Who's the brat?" he asked bluntly, pointing at Takano.

"This is Takano, Sensei. And she is the reason why we are here." replied Lady Ichijō, giving the man a slight bow.

The man snorted, glaring at Takano. "She is the reason? What reason is that, Ichijō?"

For once Takano saw Ichijō look nervous, as if she was not sure what to say. She took a deep breath and spoke softly but firmly. "This girl heals in ways I do not understand. Faster than should be possible. I have observed it myself and I have questioned her at length. She knows she is different. She does not get ill. She had recovered from injuries that should have killed her."

The man arched an eyebrow in curiosity, his eyes narrowing. "So, you bring me some girl, and you tell me she is special." He snorted in disgust. "Bah, Ichijō, I taught you to be observant. To use your head. Not be fooled by some charlatan. You should not be taken in by such an obvious trickster."

Takano felt the man's words as an insult, but she remained quiet. She glanced at Lady Ichijō, who was glaring at the old man. "Kenzo, you are the one who told me that not all silly fairy tales are made up. That there are some truths to them. Little details to look for. Things you have seen with your own eyes. You taught me to be observant and I am. The girl is not a lie."

Takano glanced at the man, who was staring at Lady Ichijō. Finally, Kenzo sighed and nodded. "Fine, Ichijō, fine." He waved off her words. "I will take your word. But that does not mean you are right. There are many things in this world we do not know."

"Will you help us?" Lady Ichijō asked. "Help us to understand."

The old man chuckled. "I can only try. There is no guarantee I will know. The world is large, and mysteries abound. Come here girl." Takano moved closer. "Show me your arm. Is it broken?"

Takano held her left arm out for the old man to examine. "Yes, it was broken, just four days ago. But it is nearly healed. It does still hurt some to move it around, and I can't pick up anything with it yet. I keep it wrapped so not give it away that it's nearly healed.

Kenzo felt the arm, squeezing gently, and Takano winced from the pain. "It is still broken," he grumbled.

"Yes," replied Takano. She was hesitant to reveal too much about herself. Not sure if she should trust this old man.

"You said you watched her heal," he asked Lady Ichijō. "How did you know she was different?"

Ichijō nodded. "I saw her injuries. Deep cuts on her face, legs, broken ribs. Look at her now. Does she have any signs of injury on her face? Or elsewhere?"

The old man studied Takano closely, his gaze scrutinizing. Takano stood still, letting him examine her. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, he spoke. "There are some scars. But they are very faint. As if they were made years ago. " He gestured for Takano to sit. "Tell me child, about your life. How have you come to be in Edo?"

Takano glanced to her employer uncertain. Lady Ichijō gave her a reassuring nod, and Takano recounted the events of her life to Kenzo.

When Takano finished, Kenzo leaned back, rubbing his chin in thought. "There have always been tales of people with magical abilities Takano. Powers and capabilities." He looked at her shrewdly. "It is almost always lies and deception. But I have seen some things that cannot be easily explained."

Gazing at one of his books, he recounted, "In my travels, during the time I was fleeing the Czar. I heard a rumor of a man that could heal from any mark you made on his skin. Burn him. Pierce him. Flay him. It would always grow back. It was a strange rumor, but a persistent one. That can make you believe there is something to the story."

"Someone like me?" whispered Takano, amazed there might be anyone else like her.

"Perhaps, child, perhaps," Kenzo agreed. "But I know little more than rumors. And rumors are a dangerous thing to build upon. They lead to false expectations. To ruin."

His gaze returned to Lady Ichijō. "Ichijō, I can see what I can find in my books. See what I can find from researching the girl. But my time is valuable. Yes, very valuable."

Lady Ichijō sighed. "I can provide coin."

Kenzo snorted and sneered at the older woman. "Do I look like I am after money, little Megumi? You are still the same. There are things more important than wealth. I said my time is valuable."

Lady Ichijō eyes narrowed in anger, but she said nothing. "Then what do you want?" Takano asked. She knew of Lady Ichijō's pride. And that Kenzo had injured it.

"Ah, the girl speaks," mocked Kenzo. "What do you want to offer?"

Takano glanced at Ichijō and then back at Kenzo. She bowed her head and spoke softly. "Your time is valable so I will..." Takano searched for the right words, "...make sure you have more of it. I will cook for you," she glanced around the shop which was quite dusty and messy, "and clean for you, and anything else you need, so your time is not wasted."

Kenzo was ataken aback by Takano offer, and sputtered out, "I'm perfectly fine as I am. I have no need of a girl to help me. Besides...I...have an apprentice."

"Really? Where is your apprentice then?" questioned Lady Ichijō, a wickedly amused smile growing on her face as she doubted the old man's story. "You'll find Takano is a very quick learner. She listens well and does what she is told."

Kenzo stared at Takano and then back at Ichijō, before finally grumbling to himself and acquiescing, "Fine, the girl can work for me, but I warn you, girl, I am not an easy man to please." He looked her up and down. "Already getting old, have much to catch up on."

"She still works for me," Ichijō curtly informed the old man. "You may have her twice a week."

"Bah, what would even be the point then," sneered Kenzo. "At least five days a week."

"I could..." began Takano. Both Kenzo and Ichijō glared at her and Takano wisely stopped talking.

"Three days a week, and you will be grateful for it," snapped Lady Ichijō. Her patience with Kenzo was clearly wearing thin.

"Fine," agreed Kenzo. He turned to Takano. "But you'll start tomorrow. And I like my tea hot. And my noodles warm. And my..."

"Quiet," commanded Lady Ichijō. "The girl has heard enough."

And Takano would begin her work and tutorage under old Kenzo. Or as Takano would soon learn - Kugyō Kenzo Kiyohara, one of the last great scholars to the old Fujiwara clan. The Fujiwara were once a prominent and powerful noble family. But their influence and power had waned long ago, and they were just a shadow of what they once were. Kenzo was an inventor, chemist, and scientist. He had traveled much in his youth, having been to the mainland and across the sea.

"Yes, yes, I was one of the few who left and came back to our lands when doing so could mean death," he told Takano one night while she cleaned his shop. Kenzo was sitting in his usual corner, reading one of his books, as Takano swept the floor.

"Why did you leave?" Takano asked.

Kenzo had been silent, before answering sadly, "To forget. A great sadness."

Takano had not pressed Kenzo further on the matter. Kenzo was often short-tempered and angry. But he was not cruel, and he did treat Takano well. He would teach Takano to read and write. Not only in Japanese, but also English and Russian. He would teach her mathematics. Of sciences and the heavens. Of history. Of the mysteries he had seen with his own eyes. Kenzo would keep his promise and research into Takano's healing ability. In the end they would not find out much concerning her condition. But Takano did learn a great deal about the human body, medicine, and healing.

The old man was difficult, and he frequently scolded Takano when she made mistakes. But as time passed, his sharp edges softened, or as Takano liked to think - her own edges were just hardening. He would share more than just his knowledge with her. But his wisdom and secrets.

"Heed my words, young Takano," Kenzo he told her one day while she rebound one of his many books. "Many things can be taken from you. Treasures can be stolen, lands can be seized, homes can be burned. But Information? What you know? The secrets you keep? They cannot so easily be stolen unless you wish it."

"So, knowledge is the most important thing?" Takano asked as she pulled the binding of the book tight, using a bone knife to poke it into place. Kenzo grumbled a moment and then shook his head. "No, child, that is not what I'm trying to teach you. Knowledge is important. A part of the answer. But the wisdom to know how to use the knowledge. That is the key."

"How do you learn to use knowledge?" Takano asked.

"Ah! See. You are asking the right question, child," Kenzo answered with an impish smile. He held up a finger and wagged it. "And the answer is - experience." He leaned back in his seat. "I have learned much through experience, and that is how I have my wisdom." The old man was quiet for a while staring at nothing. Takano had learned this was when Kenzo was thinking of his past, mostly of great sadness...whatever that meant to him.

Finally, Kenzo spoke. "I can share my experiences with you Takano, my wisdom. All I might know. But it will never be as good as what you experience Takano. Only you can truly gain wisdom. I can only guide you." But that is what a teacher does, yes. They can only show the path. It is up to you to take it."

The old man sighed and leaned forward in his chair. His eyes suddenly gained an intensity as he focused on Takano. Assuming he was going to start ranting at her, Takano continued to work on the book. Instead, Kenzo's words were quiet, almost a whisper.

"Takano, stop. Come here." The old man gestured for her to approach. When Takano did, he took her hand, his grip was firm. He pulled her down onto her knees so that they were now at eye level.

"What do you want to do with your life? You are what now? Eighteen? Nineteen years?"

"Nineteen," answered Takano.

Kenzo looked down, shaking his head sadly. "You are no girl. I should stop calling you one." He looked up into her eyes again. "My question still stands, what shall Takano do? What shall she make of herself?"

"I don't understand. I am already doing something, for Lady Ichijō, for you," she replied.

"Bah, yes. But what is Takano without Lady Ichijō? Without me? Who is she then? Do you know?"

Takano shook her head. "No, I do not. I've always had someone else in my life to help guide me. To be there for me."

Kenzo nodded slowly. "Hmm. Mother, brother, Ichijō, me. Always someone telling you what to be." He poked her in the shoulder. "No thoughts of her own."

Takano recoiled, irritated. "That's not true. I have plenty of my own ideas. Plenty of my own thoughts."

"Then what are they? Tell me," Kenzo demanded.

Takano was silent a moment before speaking. "I want to...learn things. Find out...about me. See more..." she trailed off, uncertain how to explain her ideas to the old man.

Kenzo nodded in understanding. "You want to know more about yourself. That is fine and good. Who doesn't want that? But what about your life, Takano? What shall you be in five years? Or ten? Do you want to be married? A family? I saw you with that boy in the market last week."

Takano blushed furiously. "He's just a friend. A merchant from Kyoto. We're not..."

Kenzo held up his hand, silencing her. "It is no concern of mine who you spend time with. Or if you are...involved." He smiled mischievously and Takano's cheeks flushed even brighter red. "What I am trying to make see Takano is experiences shape your life. Those experiences guide your own wisdom. So, what experiences do you want, young Takano? What shall you be?"

"Oh, Kenzo," sighed Takano as she finished retelling the story of the old scholar. "What shall you be?" She repeated his question as she looked up at the ceiling of the living room of the temple house. "If I could only tell you what I became. You'd laugh at me. Ask how much wisdom I've gained from some one hundred and fifty years of experiences." She smiled at the memory. "But you did prepare me. You taught me well. Except for your Russian, you ended up teaching me the language all wrong."

Belldandy, who had been quietly listening the entire time, asked, "So, what happened to Kenzo?"

"That comes soon. For my life in Edo was going to change yet again. In fact, all of Japan was soon to change."