"I came to Iwakura Mission through Tsuda Sen. His skills as a diplomat and interpreter were well known, and he had traveled to America before," explained Takano. She turned to her son, giving him a sly smile. "And he had a rather clever assistant that spoke both English and Russian."

"I'm pretty sure I don't recall your name showing up in the records of the mission," commented Keiichi. He crossed his arms, still miffed at his mother. "And no one mentioned you in their memoirs."

"No, they wouldn't have. The times were different back then. I was only there as an assistant to Tsuda, and to tutor the children of those on the delegation. And there were many such tutors. Women in that time did not receive the same recognition. It is unfortunate. Many women helped make the mission a success but were sadly overlooked. As I said, times were different then. "

Takano looked thoughtful. "There is a group photo of the entire mission members that I'm in. Fourth row, sixth one from the right. First time I had my photo taken. My face is a bit blurred from my fidgeting. Cameras back then...well did not exactly work in a Kodak moment." She looked at the goddesses in the room with a slight smile. "You had to stand in place for several minutes. Quite a long time when you're trying to hold still and not fuss."

"Anyway, I had long watched ships come into the bay from across the world. I would go to the docks and watch them arrive, dreaming of what lay beyond. Now I was going to find out for myself."

"Hold up a minute," broke in Urd. The tan goddess was leaning against the living room wall, her arms crossed. She had her head cocked to the side, studying Takano closely. "The history lesson and your stories as a teenage thief have been fun and all, but I'd like to get back to the topic of this 'Agency' you're a part of. I want to know more about them. Like how long have they been watching us? Or why they think they need to step in to keep us under wraps from humans?"

Takano gazed for a long moment at the goddesses. Her dark eyes scanned each one, sizing them up. Evidently weighing the option to respond to Urd's question or continue with her past. "To answer your last question first. We do what we do because the public at large is not ready for much of the paranormal world. You are hardly the first beings of a supernatural nature we've dealt with. And some of them decidedly not friendly. As for how long we have been watching you, the Agency has known about gods and goddesses for some time. But for you three in particular," and Takano made a round circle with her finger pointing to each of the Norns, "The Agency only recently learned of your presence."

Urd did not look particularly satisfied with Takano's answer. "I suppose the last time you and Keima came here, you were investigating us? Trying to figure us out? Whether we were dangerous or not?"

"No," replied Takano with an amused shake of her head. "I was retired from the Agency for a number of years when we last visited. I had absolutely no idea you were here. But it didn't take me very long to realize you were not human. And given you were living with my son, I was naturally concerned." Takano smiled icily. "So, I guess you could say that I did study you while I was here."

"By playing Mahjong with us?" asked Skuld with a raised eyebrow.

"Of course," answered Takano. She regarded the goddesses carefully. "You can learn a lot from someone when you play a game. How they win, how they lose, their reactions. They reveal their true nature."

"Oh, and what did you learn?" inquired Urd, her voice clipped. Not liking what she was hearing.

Takano's face was calm, her expression seemingly at ease. But her eyes held something else. Something darker and more dangerous, which was not lost on the goddesses. "I learned enough to go back to my former colleagues with the Agency and demand to learn what was going on."

"And then they started watching us?" asked Urd.

"Oh, you had certainly been on the Agency's radar before me. They had been watching all of you for some time. And their policy has always been to not interfere if they can avoid it. But if there was a chance of discovery by the average citizen, then they'd step in."

"Because you don't think we can manage ourselves," snapped Urd. "That if we step out of line and you'll you would be there to fix things?"

"Urd..." Belldandy warned the tan goddess. She laid a hand on Urd's arm, hoping to calm her down. Urd's eyes flickered briefly to her sister, and Belldandy gave her a small shake of her head. The second goddess let out a breath and backed down, though it was clear she was not happy.

Takano watched the two sisters with mild interest. "We have a duty to protect people from supernatural dangers. And also protect the supernatural from discovery. We have to walk a fine line in doing our job. But yes, if you were ever judged to be a threat to the public, we would stop you."

"Oh really?" asked Urd, her face darkening. "Just how would you do that?"

"Urd," said Belldandy sharply. "Please."

The elder Norn took a deep breath, her expression cooling. "Belldandy, are you really alright with all of this? With some mortal organization monitoring us? 'Intervening' when they don't care for something we've done?"

Belldandy gave Urd a soft, caring look and then to Takano. The goddess appeared conflicted about what to say. "I don't like it," she finally admitted. "But I want to hear Takano out. About what she has been through and how she came to work for this Agency."

Takano nodded serenely to Belldandy, "Thank you. I think you'll understand once I explain everything." She turned to Urd. "But I'm curious. Are you irritated because we've been watching you? Or are you irritated because you didn't realize we were watching you?"

Urd's stormy expression returned anew, and she glared back at Takano. The other goddesses and humans in the room were quiet, not sure what to say. The eldest Norn scowled at Takano and finally admitted, "Both!"

Takano smile was the preverbal cat who ate the canary. "We've had a fair amount of time dealing with the supernatural. We've learned a thing or two. Being hidden is one of our skills."

Urd blew out a puff on annoyed air and sat down on the floor with a thump, crossing her arms. "Love to find out who started your little crazy club and give them a piece of my mind."

"You're sitting across from one of them," remarked Takano calmly, giving Urd a sideways glance. She was rewarded by the goddess' stunned expression. "Well, I wasn't the founder, but I was there from nearly the beginning," she added.

"Seriously?" asked Megumi, her brown eyes wide.

"Seriously," confirmed Takano. "Though the Agency has its roots from several different groups. The one I first worked with was based in England." She shook her head. "But I'm getting ahead of myself. First, we need to cover a few things that happened before that..."

###

"Sister, what are you wearing?" asked Yasuo as Takano entered the inn's small lobby.

Takano smiled, her face flushing slightly. She felt more than a little self-conscious in her new dress. It was a light blue dress with a high collar, long sleeves, and a wide skirt that reached just below her ankles. She had seen more than a few eyes on her as she walked here from the school. Some disapproving, but many curious. "It's the latest fashion from a place called New York City," she explained as she took a seat next to her brother.

They sat in one of the more modern buildings in Edo...Or as she was still getting used to saying - Tokyo. It was a small, Western styled inn that catered to the foreign visitors that were coming in greater numbers to Japan since the Meiji Restoration. The lobby had a number of chairs and couches set out for guests and visitors alike. It had been a long time since Takano last saw her brother. With the changes to Japan and the fall of the Shogunate, Yasuo had been cut off from coming down from his mountain village to see her. He had been unable to leave with the country in turmoil, the war that followed, and then the changes after.

Now, more than a year later, he had finally managed to come to Tokyo to see her. Takano looked her brother over. His boyish looks had given way to full adulthood. Now at thirty years old, his life of work in the mountains had given him a lean, hard look. His face was weathered and rough, but his eyes were the same kind brown they had always been. He wore his hair short, and his beard and mustache neatly trimmed. Takano noted that he had a few wrinkles starting to form at the corner of his eyes. Yasuo would not remain the handsome youth of their childhood for very much longer. He was starting to show the signs of a hard life in the mountains.

Takano felt a touch of regret over her brother's harder life. Despite the difficulties of growing up in Lady Ichijō employment, she had a life of comfort compared to Yasuo. And now that she was working for the new government, she had an affluent life in the city. As a tutor and assistant to the children of the diplomats and politicians to the upcoming Iwakura Mission, she had access to some of the most influential people in Japan. Takano had not used her position for personal gain, but it still provided her opportunities and a life Yasuo would not know living in the mountain village.

"You look good," complimented Yasuo. "You have done very well for yourself here, Takano."

"I suppose," admitted Takano. "The changes here have been rapid. Sometimes I hardly know what will happen next." She had to pause as a group of men walked into the inn. They were from some European country, with thick moustaches and heavy clothes. One of them gave Takano an appreciative look, and Yasuo frowned, glaring back. The man quickly looked away, finding something to talk about with his companions. Takano laughed, "And the people coming to visit are just as different. Different customs and cultures. Sometimes it's fun to talk with them. They have such unusual views on things."

Yasuo gave a snort, his frown still in place from the foreigner's appraisal of Takano. "They are certainly different. From what I've heard and seen, they are bringing many changes. And it worries me."

Takano shrugged, "It has to happen. The world is changing, Yasuo. And not just here in Japan. All over the world, technology is improving. Advancing. We need to catch up."

"Still..." grunted Yasuo. For a moment he looked like he was going to say more but then changed his mind. He looked at her closely. "You really have changed, sister. You've become quite the lady." There was a pause, and a smile grew on his face, one that reminded Takano of when Yasuo was younger. "You have a few suitors no doubt? Looking for your hand in marriage?"

Takano let out a bark of laughter. "No...no not at the moment. I have been focused on my own life." She waved a hand at herself. "I'm not exactly the best example of a young Japanese woman."

"You are getting older sister, you should not be so dismissive of the idea." A teasing smile grew on Yasuo's face. "I am sure there are a few men that would not mind an older, more matured bride. One that can cook and clean and..."

"Stop, I'm still young. Half the ministers I'm tutoring think I'm a student in school," interrupted Takano. She gave her brother a sour look. "And I'm not a good of a cook. And if you ever saw my home, you'd see it's not the cleanest place."

"Ah, I remember you were always a bit on the messy side," chuckled Yasuo.

Takano waved a hand, dismissing her brother. "I'll worry about finding a husband when I'm ready. But enough about me and your attempts to force me into marriage. How are you? How was the harvest this year? Are you and the village doing alright?"

"We're doing fine," replied her brother. "The harvest was good, and we were able to set a little aside in case of a poor one in the future. Our home is doing well, or as well as can be expected after all this chaos the country has gone through." He paused and gave her a thoughtful look, "You know you could come back, Takano. Everyone has forgotten about you and the sickness. In fact, we could use someone with your knowledge of the outside world. It as you say, the world is changing whether we like it or not. It would be helpful if we had someone that knew the new world."

Takano was silent long enough for Yasuo to shift uncomfortably under her frosty glare. "I have not forgotten the people who I had grown up with and cared about turned on me and tried to kill me. I have no interest in returning to that village."

Yasuo shook his head and rubbed his eyes, tiredly. "You are still so very stubborn, sister. That was many years ago. They made a mistake. We can move on." Her brother paused and added with a hopeful smile. "You could meet your niece and nephew. My son, Takeshi, and my daughter, Yumi. They've been wanting to meet their aunt."

Takano did feel a tug at her heart, but still...her anger and resentment won out. "I'm leaving soon, Yasuo. For a long time. About two years if the mission plans go as expected. Maybe...maybe when I return, we can talk about it." Her words came out grudgingly, but her brother still gave her a smile.

"That would be wonderful, sister. I will be excited to hear your stories from the other countries. As will your niece and nephew."

"And your wife? I would like to meet the woman that has managed to put up with you," teased Takano, feeling the mood needed lightening.

"Ah yes, my wife, Akari," said Yasuo, a small smile on his face. "She is a fine woman, hardworking, and very understanding. And a much better cook than you. She'll make sure to fatten you up." Takano rolled her eyes at her brother. But Yasuo continued, his smile turning into a grin, "I am sure you will love her. But as for your travels, how soon will you be leaving? Can I see you again before you leave?"

Takano shook her head, "In a few days. I'll be busy making the final arrangements with the delegation and the children." She reached over and hugged her brother. "But it will be an amazing journey. And I will have so many stories to share when I get back."

Yasuo sighed, looking disappointed. Takano concluded her brother had hoped to further entice her to return to her childhood home in the mountains. But how could she? After all she had seen and done in the city and now with the opportunity to travel the world, why would she want to return to a tiny village who had wanted her dead?

"Two years is a long time, Takano. I will miss you dearly," said Yasuo as he returned his sister's embrace.

"Don't worry brother," comforted Takano. "The two years will go by before you know it. And I will bring you back a surprise from every country I visit. So, be sure to take care of yourself and your family."

"Of course, sister," Yasuo assured her.

Takano rose, taking a final look at her brother. "Be well, brother. And say hello to your children and Akari. I hope to meet them one day. I'll miss you." She gave him a sad, but affectionate smile.

She turned and headed for the hotel's door. Pausing just outside, she took one final look at her brother. He smiled and waved to her, and she waved back. With that, she walked away.

...It would be more than ten years before she would see her brother again.

###

Takano had lost count of how many 'firsts' she had since leaving with the government delegation on the Iwakura Mission. From her first time on a steamship, her first time watching the land of her birth recede into the distance, to the first time she had seen whales in the ocean. The voyage across the Pacific was an eye opener for the young woman. A world of wonder and amazement that she had only read about in books. The crowds that greeted their arrival in San Fransico, so different from her home in Toyko, was an experience Takano would never forget.

Now, she had another 'first' to add to her growing list. The train, she had seen pictures of steam locomotives before, but riding one was something else entirely. The sound of the steam engine, the whistle that pierced the sky and echoed across the land, the rhythmic click-clack of the train's wheels on the steel track. Takano had been nervous at first. She had never gone so fast in her life, and she felt like the train would fly apart. But as the ride went on and the countryside of America rolled by, she became used to the speed and even enjoyed it.

Her duties as a translator and tutor had her working long hours. In the morning and afternoon with the diplomats, and the evening with the children. The schedule was tight and demanding, and Takano had little time to enjoy the passing sights of the country. Still, she found her work rewarding. She especially enjoyed her time with Ueda Teiko, daughter of Ueda Masaaki, a member of the Japanese delegation. At seven years old Ueda was already a studious and diligent pupil.

It was during one of her lessons with Ueda when Takano felt the near constant rhythm of the train on the tracks begin to slow.

"Why are we stopping?" asked Ueda to Takano. The young girl looked up from her book as she could also feel the train slowing.

Looking out the window of the train car, Takano could see the snow caped mountains of the American west and a large stretch of pine forest. A small town was coming into view, the train station platform only a few hundred yards ahead. "I don't know. Perhaps there is a problem with the train, or we are just making an unexpected stop."

Ueda frowned. "Father was not expecting to stop here. I hope nothing is wrong." The child's face scrunched up in concern.

Takano smiled and patted her arm, trying to comfort her. "It will be fine, I'm sure." Rising from her seat and steadied herself, Takano began to move forward. She was still getting used to walking on the train while it was moving. "I'm going to see what is happening. Keep reading until I get back, Ueda," she told her pupil.

She made her way to the next train car, passing a few other members of the Japanese delegation. Spotting Kido Takayoshi, the vice-ambassador of the delegation, speaking with one of the train's conductors, Takano slowed her approach and subtlety moved close enough to listen in on their conversation. "I'm afraid we'll not be able to go further, sir," explained the conductor in English. His face held a mix concern and annoyance. "The upcoming pass is completely snowed in."

"And when will the track be cleared?" questioned Kido, his English heavily accented but understandable. Like Takano, he was wearing a Western style clothing. A suit and jacket. He had a thin mustache and was wearing a top hat.

The conductor shook his head. "It is hard to say, normally the pass would be cleared by now, but this winter has been especially brutal. And the snowfall in the last month has been unusually heavy. The crews have been doing their best, but they are fighting a losing battle."

Kido considered for a moment, then spoke again, "Is there another way around the pass?"

"Unfortunately, no. All we can do is wait till the weather improves."

Kido sighed, resigned to the delay. "Very well. Where will we be heading if we must wait?"

"I will make inquiries at the stop in Ogden. It may be possible to redirect to Salt Lake City," explained the conductor.

Kido shook his head slowly. "This is not part of our plan. I do not know anything about this Salt Lake City. Nor am I aware of anyone that will meet us there. Please see what can be done about the situation. I will inform Ambassador Tomomi."

"Yes, sir, I'll do my best," the conductor assured Kido, before turning to head back down the train toward the locomotive. As Kido turned back, Takano maneuvered herself into a nearby empty seat and quickly pulled a book from her purse. The Japanese diplomat glanced at her, his eyes lingering for a second on the book, but he quickly moved on. Takano sighed, relieved she had avoided getting caught eavesdropping. Her old skills from her time with Lady Ichijō were still coming in handy.

"Hmm, Salt Lake City," mused Takano out loud to herself. She knew little of this city, but the diversion could be fun.

...It was not.

###

The Mormons turned out to be a mostly friendly and polite people, if not a bit odd. However, Takano found the city to be...boring. Salt Lake City was very much a new city, and it lacked much of the character and culture that came with older places. The surrounding countryside was beautiful and lovely to look at, but not much to do. The children of the diplomats and politicians were kept busy with their studies, but that left little time for Takano to do much else but wait. The weather, unfortunately, did not improve. The winter cold kept the snow from melting, and the trains remained stuck in place. The days slowly dragged on, and Takano found herself with little to do.

After two weeks of being sequestered in the hotel, Takano was ready to jump out a window. Or in this case, climb out her second story room's window and make her way down the side of the hotel. It had been a while since she had done anything like this, but the skills were still with her. Night had fallen and she was determined to do something to amuse herself. After carefully climbing down the side of the building, she made her way down the street. She saw most of the businesses were already closed. It seemed the Mormons like to keep to a strict schedule. With few options available to her, she began walking with no particular destination in mind. Eventually, she came upon a tavern that still had its lights on. A number of horses were tied to a wooden post in front, and the sounds of music and laughter came from inside the saloon.

Takano did not hesitate and walked right in. The tavern was a large, single-roomed building with a long wooden bar and a piano player in one corner. There was a large table in the center of the tavern where a group of men were playing some type of card game. Many eyes turned to her, and a few eyebrows went up at the sight of an Asian woman entering. The piano's music stopped as the pianist took sight of her.

A wave of nervousness hit Takano as the men watched her. But she refused to be intimidated. Takano had spent much of her teenage years living above Lady Ichijō's tavern and she had seen more than a few rowdy drunks. This, she thought to herself, should not be any different.

Ignoring the eyes on her and the various looks she was receiving, Takano strode up the bar and took a seat on the worn wooden stools. The piano began to play again, and conversation started to flow as the patrons realized she wasn't leaving anytime soon.

The bartender, an older man with a white mustache eyed her with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Not many coolies would come in here."

"Coolies? I'm, sorry, I don't know what that means," stated Takano casually. She had already gotten the impression foreigners were not so welcome here. And likely women foreigners even less. She decided it was best she remained calm and collected, yet at the same time not letting herself become belittled.

The man's face showed surprise at Takano's English. "Hmm, well you're a lot better at speaking than most of them." The bartender grunted, " "A coolie is what we call you folk that come from China," the bartender explained. "Though, you look a little different."

"I'm from Japan," replied Takano, her voice cool. She had already seen a number of Americans assume from her and others on the mission were from China. "I'm here as part of the government mission that recently arrived in your city."

"Ahh," the bartender nodded in understanding. "You're the ones from that train that got stuck. Heard you folks were staying in the hotel near the temple. That's a far way to walk in the cold and snow."

"It's not so bad," replied Takano with a shrug. In her village she had experienced colder weather. "I grew up in mountains like the ones around here."

The bartender eyed Takano closely, taking a measure of her. Finally, he said, "Well, what will you have, Miss...?"

"Takano," she said. She glanced over the bottles behind the bartender. She was not familiar with their labels, so she decided to take a chance. "What is a popular drink here?"

"Well," the bartender drawled, his eyes glancing about the room and then back to Takano, "most men here drink whiskey. But for a woman like yourself..." He reached below the bar and came back up with a glass bottle full of dark red liquid. "I have some cherry cordials. I keep it on hand for the ladies."

Takano looked over the bottle. It was half full, and she noticed a layer of dust on the bottle. "Hmm, it looks like it's been sitting there for a while," she commented, giving the bartender a sideways glance. She had never taken much to alcohol, it clouded the mind, and Lady Ichijō had taught Takano to keep her wits about her. But she had not come here to be mocked. "I will have a whiskey. From the bottle of your best," she told the bartender firmly. Takano reached into her small purse and pulled out her money.

For a moment, the bartender looked like he was going to object, but Takano held his gaze with a steely stare. He let out a breath and reached behind him to grab a bottle of whiskey. "Well, alright," the bartender finally said. He set a glass of brownish liquid in front of Takano. "But I don't do compensations if you don't care for it."

Takano took the offered glass and studied it for a moment. She sniffed it, and her eyes watered from the strength of the drink. Still, after coming all this way, she was not about to back down. Taking a breath, she tipped the glass back and drank it all down in one gulp. The alcohol burned as it went down her throat and hit her stomach. She coughed, her eyes watering. The taste of the drink was horrible, but Takano forced a smile on to her face.

"Mmm," she mumbled, trying not to gag from the whiskey. "It's very nice." She forced down another cough.

The bartender gaffed out a short laugh. "You are something else, missy." The man reached for her glass and refiled it. "I don't know what brought you here tonight. Our Mormon friends aren't much for the drink. We mostly serve those passing through town."

"I wanted a drink and a chance to get out of my room," Takano told the man. "Their missionaries have not been the best company. They can be rather...boring."

This earned her an even bigger laugh from the bartender. "Ain't that the truth," he agreed. "They do love to talk. They've been trying to get me to attend their church, but I'm not much for religion."

Takano took a smaller sip of her whiskey, feeling the burn go down her throat again. She would be careful with how much she drank. Already she could feel a warmth spreading through her. This whiskey could put some of the vilest of sakes Lady Ichijō had served to shame. "How long have you lived here?" she asked the bartender.

"Oh, came out here after the war. Needed to get away from it all. And this was far enough."

The conversation continued on, both for the bartender - Takano found out his name was Johnny and for herself. She soon found she had attracted a small audience. The men at the card table had given up on their game and were sitting nearby, listening to Takano's stories of her life in Japan. Most of the patrons were more than a little interested in hearing about Japan.

"So, tell me," began one of the men who had been listening to Takano's stories. "How did you learn to speak such good English?"

"From a wise old man named Kugyō Kenzo Kiyohara," replied Takano with a sad smile at the memory of her former teacher. "He had traveled much of the world when he was young. He is the one who taught me English and much of what I know."

"I've heard tales about wise men from the far east," said another man. "Mystic and sorcerers that can perform feats no man can do."

Takano snorted. "There are no sorcerers in Japan. Or at least, none that I have ever met. Only fools that try to take advantage of others. As for Kenzo...he had travel far and seen much. He had witnessed a few things that were hard to explain."

The first man who asked the question leaned forward, his eyes alight with excitement. "Like what? Did he see any ghosts? Any strange creatures or monsters?"

"Hmm," mused Takano. "He claimed to have seen a mermaid when traveling by sea. But I think it was just a woman bathing in the ocean at night." Takano shrugged and considered some of the stories her old teacher had told her. "He told me once he had an encounter with a night-hag who had tempted him with visions of wealth and power. He said she promised him a life of ease if he gave in to her desires. But my teacher was a stubborn man and refused. And when the night hag became angry, he had to use a good luck talisman to ward her off."

"A night-hag?" asked a man who had been listening closely to the stories. "What is that?"

"A demon that appears as a beautiful woman," explained Takano. "But once you look into her eyes, you can see her true form." Takano shook her head. "I do not believe in such things myself, but...Kenzo was not one to make up stories. If he said he saw some type of creature, then he did."

"I know of such things," said another man with a serious expression on his face. The man had been listening for most of the evening, saying very little. Takano turned to him, to get a better look at this person who claimed knowledge of the mystical. He was older, his longer dark hair graying at the sides. His face was weathered from years of being outdoors and unlike the other men around his skin was a deep bronze. His eyes were sharp and clear. "Where I come from, we know of the spirits that live in the land. Some are benevolent, some are not. But if you cross the wrong spirit or show disrespect, they can cause much harm."

"And where is it you come from?" questioned Takano. She studied the man, noting he was different from the others in the saloon. His clothes were different, looking like they were woven from a coarser material than what she was used to seeing. Colored with blues and reds instead of the normal dark grays and browns.

The man smiled ruefully back at Takano. "From here...before it was taken from my people." This led to several of the other men grumbling and one spitting in disgust on the ground. The man did not look particularly disturbed by their actions. He took a sip of his drink before continuing. "I come from a people of the southwest. We call ourselves the Navajo. Our lands are many and far-reaching. But the white man has come and taken our lands."

"Joe..." grumbled Johnny as he eyed several of his patrons. "We ain't gonna have a problem here?"

Joe, apparently an Indian, held up his hands. "No, I'm just telling a story. Nothing more."

Johnny looked over his patrons, before grunting and turning back to cleaning glasses.

Takano, however, was fascinated. "Indeed. I've heard stories from natives of these lands. But I've never had the chance to speak with one."

"That is because most do not want to talk with us," explained Joe. His smile did not reach his eyes as he made a less than subtle glance at the other customers. "Others prefer to tell us what to do and when to do it."

More grumbling came from the white patrons, and Takano decided it would better to move the conversation elsewhere. "Would you mind telling me more of your people?" She looked over the man carefully. "But maybe somewhere else?"

The old man nodded and sat down his drink. He rose from his chair and indicated to an empty table at the other side of the saloon, far from other customers. Takano followed the man across the room and took a seat. For a moment the two of them simply regarded each other. Then Takano asked, "Tell me, what is your name?"

"People around here call me Old Joe, but that is not my real name. My Navajo name is Atsa Yazhi," the old man explained. "I was once a warrior with the Navajo tribe, but now I am nothing more than an old man trying to keep my family safe." He paused and added, "And you are Takano, a young woman who is far from home."

"Indeed, I am," agreed Takano. "I am a teacher and translator for my government as they travel to different countries." She leaned forward, her curiosity getting the best of her. "But I've always been curious about many things. And now I have a chance to learn something new. Please, tell me more of your people."

Atsa let out a laugh at Takano's enthusiasm. "Hmm, very well. What would you like to know?"

"You spoke of spirits of the land? My people have similar stories...though I think they are just myths and legends. I am curious to compare them. See if they are the same or not."

The old man gave her a crooked smile. "You are so sure? Everything is just a story told around the fire? No truths to them?"

"You heard what my teacher said. He had seen things that others claimed to be impossible," countered Takano, her expression thoughtful. "He said there were many things in this world we did not understand. One should always keep an open mind and follow where the evidence points." She paused for a moment and added with a smile, "but not be taken in by charlatans."

"Hmm, sounds like your teacher was a wise man," said Atsa. "You are lucky to have learned from him."

"I was," replied Takano softly. "He was a great teacher and more than once saved me from myself."

"He is no longer with us?" asked the old man gently.

Takano shook her head sadly. "No, he died a few years ago."

Atsa reached over and patted Takano's arm comfortingly. "I'm sorry. Such loss is difficult for anyone." The old man sat back in his chair and considered for a moment. "Well, as you are a teacher, I suppose I will give you a lesson. But I ask that you listen carefully."

"I will," promised Takano. "And I will try not to be too skeptical."

"That would be wise," said Atsa with a soft chuckle. "There are many things in this world beyond the knowledge of most." He glanced back to the bar and the men who had returned to their card game. "The white man has their religions, and they claim to be superior in every way. And many of them do not care for my people. They have made our lives harder than it needs to be." Atsa took a drink from his whiskey. "But we know things they do not."

"Such as? What kind of things?" asked Takano.

"Do you believe in magic?" asked Atsa. "Do you think it could be real?"

Takano frowned in thought, before answering, "I...am not sure. Magic may simply be things we don't understand yet. I've seen a telegraph machine operate, messages between cities in a matter of seconds. But it is magic to someone who doesn't understand it."

"Hmm," murmured Atsa as he pondered Takano's words. "You have an interesting way of looking at things." He seemed to consider his next words carefully. "Among my people, we believe some people possess gifts. The ability to heal. To know things before they happen. To change things."

Takano's eyes narrowed. "Things? Like what?"

Atsa smiled ruefully back at the Japanese woman. "Their nature... Their form... In my tribe, there are those who can change from man to animal and back again."

Takano's eyes widened, "Truly? How is that possible?"

"Perhaps you would like to see," replied Atsa with a small smile.

"Certainly. Can this minor miracle be done here? Shall you become a horse? A cow?" questioned a clearly doubtful Takano.

"I thought you said you would try not to be too skeptical," replied Atsa.

Takano nodded, "That I did. But there are still limits on what I can believe without some proof." She paused, and a slight smile crossed her lips. "Very well, what is required for such a transformation?"

"A time and place. Not in this city. A ritual is needed. One where the spirits can be summoned to make the change," explained Atsa.

"Hmm, sounds like more than just a simple act of changing one thing to another," noted Takano. "If your people believe so much in the power of the spirits, then why do you not use them to fight back? Perhaps drive the white man from your lands?"

"Ahh, but that is a dangerous road to walk," said Atsa. "Too much power and you could lose yourself. There are those who went too long in the animal form. Delved too deep. Went too far..." An uncomfortable look grew on the old man's face. "They became Yee Naaldlooshii..."

###

Belldandy let out a startled gasp. Keiichi was quick to refocus on her from Takano as she retold her story. He placed his hand on hers. It was rare for him to see her bothered by a mere word. "Yee Naaldlooshii?" repeated Belldandy. "Skin Walker..."

Takano saw her reaction and nodded slowly. "Ah, you know what they are?"

"Yes," answered Belldandy in a hushed whisper. "Humans... who have corrupted their souls with dark magic." She gave Keiichi a troubled look, "It's rare for a human to be able to summon enough magic to transform. Much less become a Skin Walker." She looked back to Takano. "You have faced such things?"

Takano laughed ruefully. "Oh, Daughter-in-law, I have faced many beings not of this world." She sobered. "But the Skin Walkers would be my first. I thought my years in Edo had prepared me to take on any difficulty. My studies with Kenzo readying me for any encounter."

Pausing, Takano took in her audience and added, "I was very wrong..."

###

Takano followed Joe - Atsa Yazhi - and his family into the mountains north of Salt Lake City. Atsa's wife, Marisol, was a middle-aged woman with dark skin and black hair. It had been two days since their chance meeting in the tavern. Atsa had agreed to show Takano what he was willing to call his tribe's magic. Takano had found it odd that Atsa's wife and children had not seemed surprised by their husband and father's willingness to show this strange foreigner what he claimed were powers from the spirits. And it seemed to her that Marisol knew more than she was letting on.

They traveled into the mountains until nightfall, Atsa and Marisol leading the way and their children, who were only slightly younger than Takano, following behind. They would be meeting with others of Atsa's tribe as they climbed higher into the snow-capped mountains. Takano had spent much of her childhood in the mountains of Japan, but never in a region like this. The air was drier and colder than she was used to. She was grateful for her new heavy coat, boots, and thick pants. The snow crunched under her feet as she made her way along the rocky trail. The wind blew steadily around them, kicking up powdery snow from the ground. The clouds overhead did not look promising, and Takano could feel the coming snow on the wind.

"Not far now," announced Atsa as they rounded a bend and going a short distance further, she saw a small campfire in a sheltered alcove. A number of men and women stood waiting for them. Atsa's children rushed forward, excited to see their family again. Atsa's wife followed at a slower pace. Takano slowed and stopped, allowing Atsa and his family to reunite with their loved ones. She noticed a few of the people eyeing her suspiciously, and she was unsure if she should approach or wait for Atsa to come get her.

Atsa broke away from his family and waved for Takano to join him. "Come, Takano. You are our guest." He turned to the others and began to speak in his own language, gesturing to both himself and then to Takano. The others began to visibly relax.

"What did you say?" asked Takano curiously.

"That you are a friend and should be treated as such," explained Atsa.

"I am honored," replied Takano sincerely. She bowed to the gathered Navajo people. She was not sure if they would know what a bow meant, but she hoped they got the sentiment. She glanced back at Atsa as she rose. "So now what?"

"We eat! Then we will have the ceremony," Atsa told her with a smile. "Then you will see what I've told you."

"And what are you going to become?" questioned Takano with a smirk.

"You will see," replied the old man with a smirk of his own.

After a simple but delicious meal of beef stew, they all gathered in a circle around a fire. A soft chant came from the people. It was slow and soft at first, but soon it picked up speed. One of the younger men produced a set of hand drums and began to play a rhythmic beat. The chanting became faster, louder, more intense. Atsa stood and began to dance around the fire, his hands moving in complicated motions as he did so. Marisol threw something on the fire, a leafy plant which made a cloud of smoke rise from the flames. The smoke did not seem to bother Atsa and instead seemed to make him even more energized. His dancing sped up, and his words became more urgent.

Takano watched closely in the swirling smoke and the flickering light and shadow of the fire. As Atsa's dance reached a fever pitch, he threw back his head, and a scream came from him that made Takano's skin crawl. He leapt back and forth between the fire and the shadows beyond. In the shadowy swirls of the smoke, she caught sight of a shape, something with wings. From the shadow burst a huge bird, and eagle, its dark eyes glinting in the firelight. It rose into the sky, letting out a shrill cry that pierced the night. The others let out excited shouts, joining in the eagle's cry.

Watching the great eagle fly high on its wide wings, Takano frowned. What exactly had she seen? A transformation or a trick? She thought for a moment, her mind going back over the events of the last few minutes. There had been an eagle in the shadow behind Atsa...that must have been what she saw.

She stalked over to where Marisol stood with her children around the fire. Her husband had gone off somewhere. The children were watching the eagle with excitement and joy on their faces. Leaning close to Atsa's wife, Takano asked quietly, "Where is he really? Hiding among the trees?"

Marisol smiled in amusement at Takano. She looked upward to the eagle who was now little more than a darkened silhouette in the cloudy night sky. "He is up there. Right where he belongs. In the sky above."

"Hmm," mused Takano doubtfully. She glanced around, looking for any evidence that Atsa had slipped into the trees. She could not tell, there were so many tracks in the snow from Atsa's dance that his trail would have been impossible to find. "And this was done with the power of the spirits?" she asked Marisol.

"Yes. Only those with the power can do such a thing." She eyed Takano speculatively. "You do not believe? My Atsa would not have brought you here to witness such a thing if you were not special in some way. So, tell me, what makes you special, Takano?"

Takano was silent for several moments, thinking back over the oddities of her own life. She was uncertain if was a good idea to speak of some of her own secrets to these people she hardly knew, but they had open themselves to her, a complete stranger. At last she answered, "Death does not so easily touch me. I have healed from wounds which should have killed me several times."

"Interesting," replied Marisol thoughtfully. "And what do you seek?"

This was something Takano had spent some time considering over the years. "I wish to know why I am this way. I know there is more to this world than we know. More to understand. But I also know there are tricks and lies. I wish to know the difference."

Marisol studied Takano's face carefully for a moment before finally nodding. "I see why Atsa brought you. I think it is important that you are here. The spirits will want to see you." Her face broke out in a smile. "Come, Takano. We will wait for my husband to return to us."

It was nearly a half an hour later when Atsa reappeared at the edge of their campsite, looking tired and drained. Takano at no point saw the eagle land and was unable to determine if Atsa was the eagle or not. He was greeted warmly by his family and his tribe. They all appeared excited by the transformation and were eager to hear about Atsa's experience as a bird. They crowded around the old man as he told his tale. Takano hung back, not wanting to interrupt the reunion, but Atsa noticed her and beckoned to her to join them.

"You must have many questions, Takano," stated Atsa with a wry smile.

"I do, but they can wait till later." She did not want to accuse the man of trickery before his family and friends. "You look tired, Atsa. I would not want to impose on your time."

Atsa nodded and turned back to his family. Takano watched them talk amongst themselves. The children were full of questions about what it was like to be an eagle and what it felt like to fly. Atsa told a convincing story. If it was a lie, Takano thought to herself. She did not know, and that was the problem. She was not sure what she had seen. Was it magic, or was it a deception?

She let Atsa and the others be and took a short walk away from the fire. The night air was cold, and her breath steamed in the chilly breeze. She glanced up at the sky, noting a few stars were visible through the clouds. The moon was almost full and shone brightly over the snow-covered landscape. She did not intent to go far, but she found these mountains did remined her of home from long ago. The peace and quiet of the forest was calming, no sounds reached her ears.

"Takano..." came a whisper on the wind.

Takano turned around, uncertain if she had heard anything

"Takano..." came the voice again. Louder this time.

"Hello?" said Takano, looking around in confusion. She walked to where she thought she heard the voice. But there was nothing but trees, rocks, and snow.

"Takano..." said the voice once more. But this time it sounded like it came from right behind her.

Whirling, Takano came face to face with the hulking form of a wolf. She had known of wolves in Japan, but they were tiny compared to the creature before her. Massive paws, long legs, and a thick, gray coat of fur. It stared at her with eyes that were an unnatural shade of black. All black. An impossible empty black which seemed to suck in what little light there was in the forest. The wolf did not seem to move or breathe. It simply sat and watched her.

"Takano..." came a voice from the throat of the beast. It was rough and deep and sent a chill down her spine. The wolf's lips curled up in a snarl, and a low growl rumbled in its chest. Then the creature rose up on its hind legs, standing like a man. It towered over her, and the beast's front paws began stretching, cracking, and ripping as they shifted into something that resembled human hands. "Takano..." the creature spoke once again, its voice now more human, yet still so unnatural.

Takano's eyes were wide with shock. "W-W-What a-a-are y-y-ou?" she stammered. She took a step backward, trying to put some space between herself and the creature. But she found there was nowhere to go, she had backed up against the trunk of a tree. Her heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing.

The wolf-thing made a guttural groaning noise and Takano realized it was a laughter coming from the beast's twisted throat. "I...am...the...nightmare," it said. The creature's paw-like hands grabbed Takano's face, its claws digging into her cheeks. She screamed and tried to pull away, but the creature was too strong.

Leaning in, those massive jaws with rows of teeth opened up wide, ready to devour her. It's breath was rancid and foul, and Takano gagged at the stench. Absolute dread coursed through her, and Takano's vision swam. This was it. She was going to die here at the hands of this monster.

Suddenly, the creature pulled back. It did not let go of her, but those terrible black eyes stared into hers. "Your...blood...smells...wrong..."

Takano's breath came in short, quick gasps as she stared into the creature's eyes. "Please..." she begged, tears flowing down her face. "Let...me...go... I-I..."

A shout came from behind the monster and then another. Takano found the vice-like grip around her throat released as the monster turned to face the newcomers. She crumpled to the ground, falling against the trunk of the tree. Gasping and crying she watched as two people, Atsa and another man rush forward, burning torches in hand. The creature backed away, snarling and snapping. It was obvious to Takano the monster was afraid of the fire.

Atsa shouted something in his own language. His words, whatever their meaning seemed to cause the beast great pain for it let out a cry that shook the trees around them. With a final snarl, the beast backed away and ran off into the darkness.

"Takano!" shouted Atsa. He rushed to her side, kneeling next to her. "Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" he demanded. His hands moved over her body, checking her for injuries. He saw the blood on her face from where the claws had pierced her skin, and he cursed. Takano was shaking like a leaf in the wind, her entire body trembling. Tears ran down her cheeks and she could not stop crying.

"Come, we must tend to your wounds quickly." Atsa lifted Takano with surprising ease in his arms and began carrying her back to their camp.

They did not go far before Takano managed to get a hold of herself. "I can walk on my own. P-Put me down, please," she said, her voice quivering.

Atsa stopped and lowered her carefully to the ground. She stood shakily and Atsa wrapped a steadying arm around her waist. "W-What was that...thing?"

"Yee Naaldlooshii," said the other man.

Looking to Atsa, Takano repeated the odd word. "You said that word before. What does it mean?"

"It means someone who has gone too far with the dark magic. Become twisted and corrupted. There is no direct translation in the white man's tongue," answered Atsa. "Skin Walker would be best."

The light of the of the camp's fire came into view, and the three approached quickly. As soon as she was close enough, Takano sat down on a nearby log. The shock of her encounter with the Skin Walker was still running through her. Atsa spoke to his wife and Marisol hurried off to get supplies. As Atsa took a seat next to her, Takano was getting her wits back and asked, "The Skin Walker knew my name. How?"

"They can get inside you mind and steal what they want," explained Atsa. He glanced around and then back to Takano. "You are very fortunate we got to you in time. But he has marked you," said Atsa as he gestured at the claw marks on her face. "It will take more than a few simple remedies to cleanse you."

"I wonder, the Skin Walker said my blood smelled wrong. Do you know what that means?" she asked.

The older man shook his head. "No. I do not. That is a strange thing for a Yee Naaldlooshii to say."

Takano sighed and nodded. She leaned back and looked up at the night sky. She took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself. She needed to think, but her mind was spinning. She carefully touched the edges of the injury, they had already stopped bleeding, but the wound was still tender.

Atsa's wife returned and began cleaning the wounds. She hummed softly as she did so. It was a calming sound which helped soothe Takano's nerves.

"This will cleanse the evil from the injury," Marisol told her as she smeared a thick paste over the claw marks. "The rest will take some weeks to fully heal. Hopefully only a minor scar will remain."

"Or, perhaps, I will have nothing on my face by noon tomorrow," replied Takano with a small smile.

Atsa let out a chuckle, "That would be a sight to see."

"Hmm, the same as a man changing into a bird," replied Takano wryly. This earned her a great laugh from the old man.

"Indeed, indeed!" said Atsa happily. "Have you begun to believe Takano?"

###

Takano's sleep that night was difficult. As much as Atsa insisted she was safe with his people, she feared the nightmarish Skinwalker wolf would return to finish her off. Every little sound from the wind in the trees to the crackling of the fire would cause her to jerk awake. In her dreams, dark twisted forms chased her through the night, laughing and mocking her as they did so. The face of the Skinwalker haunted her every time she closed her eyes.

When dawn arrived, Takano was exhausted, and she had never been happier to see the sun in her entire life. As the first rays of sunlight touched her skin, she felt a sense of peace and calm wash over her. Her anxiety and fears began to melt away. But her exhaustion remained. She was ready to leave, to go back to her room at the hotel. Her mind was still spinning over everything she had seen and heard. The Skinwalker. The eagle. The magic. It was all too much for her to take in. She needed time to think. To process it all. Kenzo had taught her to keep an open mind, but he also warned her not to take everything at face value.

On the way down the mountain, they stopped for a quick meal of dried meat and water. Takano remained quiet, lost in thought. Marisol came over and examined her wounds, and the older woman let out a startled squeal as she peeled back the clay on Takano's face.

"Nearly gone, aren't they," said Takano with a knowing smile in regard to her nearly healed wounds.

"How...how is this possible?" questioned Marisol. She looked to her husband and then back to Takano.

Takano shrugged. "It has always been this way with me. I do not understand why." She paused and gave the couple a meaningful look. "The truth of my ability has caused me problems in my past. I am careful who I speak of it to."

"We understand," nodded Atsa. He shook his head slowly in slow wonderment. "I believe the spirits brought us together, Takano. I am glad we have met!"

###

"Atsa and his people would go on to be good friends over the years," commented Takano as she repositioned herself in the living room. She stopped for a moment, stretching. "Anyone got some water?"

"I'll get some," answered Belldandy as she got up and hurried over to the Kitchen.

"Did you encounter more Skin Walkers?" asked Megumi. Her eyes were wide, staring at her mother in something like awe. Keiichi realized for his sister, all the strange other worldly stuff was brand new to her. Meanwhile, living with Belldandy and her sisters, it was a non-stop rollercoaster of the paranormal. He was used to it.

"Oh, yes," replied Takano with a nod. She hesitated before adding. "In fact, I would eventually hunt down the one who attacked me that night."

"Well, what happened?" asked Megumi excitedly.

Takano paused longer this time. When she finally spoke, her answer was brisk. "I cut his head off."

"Oh," squeaked Megumi in surprise and let out a little shudder. Keiichi felt it to. This was a side of their mother they had never seen before.

"Here's your water," said Belldandy, returning from the kitchen. She took sight of both Morisato siblings' expressions and raised a quizzical eyebrow at Takano.

"What exactly did you do for this Agency?" asked Keiichi. "I'm guessing you were with them for a long time."

Takano waved her hand as she took a sip of water. "It's complicated," she said when she finished her drink. "And I wasn't with them the entire time. I was actually on my own quite a bit."

"You are a warrior," said Lind from the back of the room. The Valkyrie had been silent the entire time while Takano had retold her life so far. But now she spoke, staring at Takano intently. "The way you move. How you handled yourself with the Hell Bull."

Takano returned the Valkyrie's intense stare before answering. "Yes, I am. When I was with the Agency I had many roles over the years. But I would become their right hand. Their chosen blade. Their instrument used when other options failed."

"You mean..." began Keiichi.

"Their executioner." finished Takano.