Bright green light filled Kiyuki's eyes until she finally landed on hard ground with a thump.  As her eyes adjusted, she scanned the landscape.  Nothing looked at all familiar.  It was strange to see everything so spread out unlike the cramped, compacted lifestyle of Tokyo.  As she got up to dust herself off, something clattered to the ground--the pencil she was using to write the translation.
	*Well, so much for being prepared for the unknown.  Not like I can live off a pencil.*  Kiyuki tucked the pencil in her shirt pocket and walked in a general direction.  She stopped realizing she didn't have any idea where she was headed.  *Mountains out that way...don't wanna go there.  I guess if I were one of those legendary-survivor-types I should go seek some shelter.*
	Kiyuki began the trek away from the mountains concluding there could be anything lurking there from ferocious mountain animals to tribal natives or bandits.  *Bandits?!  Those could be anywhere.  Guess I'd better take my chances.  Good thing I've got long pants on...it is rather chilly here.  I only wish I were wearing shoes, but tatami slippers are better than nothing, I suppose.*
	Much to Kiyuki's surprise, it didn't take long for a town...or something that looked like a town...to pop into view.  Figuring there was no else to turn, Kiyuki made her way towards this town.  She was, however, completely oblivious to the sound of gypsy music in the distance.




	Looking out from the dancing throng, Natasha notices a group of Rom whose mood appears to be dampered, occasionally glancing furtively at him.  Breaking away from the music and merriment, Nat makes his way to this group, noticing Loli amongst them, he asks her "Katarina, what's wrong?"
	Eyes downcast, she replies, "There've been rumours... amongst the townspeople."  She thinks to herself, 'And I thought by ignoring that one woman, he'd stay longer...  Should know not to argue with fate.'
	"About what?"
	Answering for Katarina, another of the gypsies replies, "There's been talk of a girl dressed in foreign garb, amongst the townspeople."
	Choosing to ignore or deny the implications of that, Natasha tries to shrug it off, "But we're all dressed in what they would call foreign garb.  They could be thinking of Loli... she was out in the town earlier."
	"No, distinctly foreign... and not like us.  Even a few of the townspeople have whispered of 'Genbu no miko.'"
	Natasha pauses, shaking his head, "It can't be... There was that woman at the shrine.  She was a little foreign, and travelling by herself.  The townspeople have Genbu on their minds due to that little incident..."
	Sighing, he adds, "Anyway...  Even if she were here, she's supposed to find _me_.  And we're heading out of town tonight."
	Finally Katarina looks up at Natasha from where she sits, smiling weakly and shaking her head, "You know when it is time, you won't be able to choose not to.  Not that that'll keep you from fighting it, in what ways you think you can.  And you called me stubborn earlier..."
	Rising from where she sat, she turns to Natasha, remarking "Even if you are to go, I must insist upon a last dance."
	"Of course, but you shouldn't call it that.  Bad omen.  No matter what, I promise that we'll dance again, before I have to leave the troupe."


	Early in the evening, the townspeople begin to dwindle away, leaving the gypsy camp due to the curfew enacted upon the town.  As the last song of the night draws to a close, Katarina gives Natasha a meaningfull glance, "You're thinking about the rumoured miko, aren't you."
	Natasha nods, "Yes.  I just don't feel at ease...  With that little incident at the shrine."  He shrugs, "I suppose I'm identifying with her situation...  Dropped in a foreign country, resentment..."  Nat rubs along old scars, "I've taken a fair share of abuse in situations like that."  Looking around he adds, "Most of us here have."
	"I hate being a pawn in this cosmic game, and the miko's more of a pawn than I... not even from this world and thrown into this mess."  Looking at Katarina he concludes, "I've got to go see for myself...  if it is, well, I'll offer help to her in these foreign lands as a fellow taveller, and bring her back here.  Not a word about Genbu and that mess until its necesary."
	"Natasha..."
	"Don't worry Kat.  Remember what I promised, that wasn't the last dance before I leave the troupe."  Looking at the camp, as its being disassembled for the troupe to leave this evening, he adds, "I'll be back before you're ready to go.  Be happy, for once I'm not bowing and scraping and helping take down the tents like a good boy, like you always fuss at me for doing."
	Shaking her head, Katarina smiles weakly, "Not like I could change your mind, and you know I'll hunt you down if you don't return anyway."
	Natasha chuckles, as he turns towards the town, "I wouldn't expect any less from you..."




	Before hitting the town, a lively stage scene caught Kiyuki's eye.   Figuring she had all the time in the world, Kiyuki decided to explore the nearby camp.  People dressed in colorful garments danced and caroused.  Kiyuki moved toward the group of musicians-mainly string players with a woodwind here and there-on the small stage.  The violinist in particular exhibited many signs of being a virtuoso.  His bow techniques were quite unorthodox.  Curious as to what they were playing, Kiyuki stood right up against the stage and lay her arms and head down to "listen."  The performance ended and the crowd gave a loud round of applause.  The piece had been played so well that the appreciation could be shown by the enthusiastic clapping and excited faces.
	"Tzigane." Kiyuki whispered as she clapped for the solo violinist.  The calm soloist suddenly shot a look at the stranger who stood at his feet.  His green eyes seemed to grab Kiyuki as he said,
	"How did you know...?"  Now, Kiyuki was really confused.  She noticed the crowd was starting to disperse as soon as the oboist called for a break.  When she looked up, the violinist resumed his air of professionalism and bowed.  Now was her chance to get away from those penetrating green eyes.  Never in her life had she seen that color eyes!  Not to mention, they the surreal effect they had on her!
	Kiyuki thought she was safe as soon as she had passed between a few shelters, but then the green-eyed violinist appeared in front of her.  It was as if those eyes could track her by radar, Kiyuki thought.  Seeing the futility of running away, she allowed the man to approach her.
	"How did you know?" he questioned her again.
	"Know...what?"
	"You called me Tzigane...how did you know it was my name?  I've never seen you in my life."
	"Your name?" Kiyuki made a face.  "No, the piece you played.  Was it not Ravel's `Tzigane'?"  Kiyuki noticed the green-eyed man was taken aback for a moment.
	"Oh...I see.  Yes, it was, but..."
	"You're name is Tzigane too?"
	"Well, you know that now, but I still don't know who you are."  
	'Yes, you do, Natasha, you think you've never seen her, but you know who she is.'
	"Um, Kiyuki."
	'From a foreign land...'
	"Nenaii Kiyuki."
	'Dressed in foreign garb...'
	"Nice to meet you, Mr. Tzigane."
	'None other than...'
	She bowed.
	'Miko-sama.'
	Natasha shakes his head, chuckling to himself, repeating to himself, "Mr. Tzigane...  I'm not mister, and even if I were, I'm not one for formalities.  My name's Natasha Tzi.."  Catching himself, and remembering to place surname first, he corrects himself, "Tzigane Natasha.  Just call me Nat."
	"Alright... Nat."
	Tomite grins, "Ah, so you're a little worried.  Scared.  I apologize, there's no need for alarm, at least in relation to me."  Glancing towards the town, he adds "However, your appearance, to be honest, it bears a great similarity to a religious figure, prophesied to come to this country.  And the local religion, well...  the local shrine has found itself a bad reputation lately, and your resemblance could prove awkward, if not dangerous."
	"If I don't miss the mark, you're not familiar with the area, and travelling alone...  Not the best situation, though it may be a bit bold, I'd reccomend letting me help you, travelling with the troupe, at least until you have your bearings...  I'm at your service," he finishes, with a great flourishing bow.
	'Gee, wasn't expecting that kind of chivalric gesture.  Then again, maybe I was being too polite myself.'
	"Arigatou, Nat.  So if I look like that religious figure, what am I supposed to do?  Stay in hiding until I can figure out how to get back home?  I don't want to cause a social uprising."
    "Hold on.  There's no need to get all worked up yet.  I said I'd help you out remember?"  Kiyuki felt like she was caught between a rock and a hard place.  Being in this new environment was kinda interesting, but dependence on someone else with social unrest in the background wasn't too appealing.  Kiyuki toyed with the idea that maybe Nat was just lying about the religous tension, but decided it wouldn't be wise to test that theory herself.
	"Is it that difficult to accept help that you need, Kiyuki?"
	"Ah, gomen." Kiyuki bowed quickly out of habit.
	"I'm not one of formalities so you don't need to bow in from of me.  Have you decided?"
	"I'm trusting you, Nat, just remember that.  I guess you're the guide, so what's next?"
	Natasha smiles, relieved, thinking to himself 'That's good.  I don't want to drag Genbu up, and being a foreigner she'd think I was crazy if I tried to convince her by telling her the 'truth' of the matter.'
	Turning and begining to walk back in the direction of the camp, Natasha remarks "Well, first of all, we will head off with the troupe.  Small town such as this can't support us for too long, and the curfew they've just instantiated will put a damper on things as well."
	Pointing to the mountains to the west, he adds "We just journeyed here from the country of Sailo, to the west.  And we're heading onwards towards the east..."
	Kiyuki asks, "And what's to the east."
	Nat grins, "I thought you'd ask that.  Central Hokkan.  Most of Hokkan isn't very settled.  In central Hokkan, there are a good number of actual cities.  Outside of that central region, aside from a few small towns like this along trade routes, most of the people are of a more tribal and nomadic nature.  Since gypsies such as myself need more of a real city to support us, we're heading towards the central region.  Years ago, I seem to recall, Ara would have been the closest such city, if you want a name for our destination."


	Having found their way back to the camp during Natasha's explanation of their destination, a certain red haired gypsy rushes forth to meet them, calling out in her native language, "There you are Natasha! You're back."
	Responding to Loli, Natasha chuckles "I told you, but you didn't believe me, did you..."
	Noticing Kiyuki's puzzled expression at their exchange, Natasha apologizes "Ah... Gomen.  I had forgotten you wouldn't understand the Romani tongue.  This is Csihari Kata..."
	Loli interrupts him, introducing heself, "Tschai Loli," and bowing her head in Kiyuki's direction.
	Nodding to Loli, Natasha appends, "She's an old friend of mine."  Meanwhile, Loli herself casts a glance at Kiyuki, the question 'Is she the one,' apparent in her eyes.  As Kiyuki turns her attention to the redhead, Natasha nods in affirmation to Loli's query.
	Catching a small bit of the unspoken dialogue, the Genbu no Miko turns towards Natasha thinking to ask him about it, when he remarks, with a glance about the camp, "They're almost finished taking the camp down...  We'll be heading out within an hour.  We'll grab a spot in one of the wagons, and you can ask me your fill of questions.  Not a good idea for you to know nothing of Hokkan."  Turning to find the aforementioned wagon, Tomite doesn't notice the glare Loli sends Kiyuki's direction.


	 Kiyuki had so many questions to ask Nat.  He seemed like a really likeable and understanding person.  Still she was reluctant to try his patience-how might one of this world react to incessant inquiry?  This couldn't be like Kiyuki's school, Nihon Gakkai, where everyone was infinitely patient with her.  Loli walked close to Natasha while Kiyuki tagged along behind with her thoughts.
	"What will we find in Ara?" Kiyuki finally got the courage to ask as she watched the ground in front of her.  She looked up to see the two gypsies continued to walk in front of her.  'Maybe I said something wrong.' she thought.  Kiyuki blushed to herself and continued to follow behind the 
two.  An eternal silence seemed to pass when Nat finally turned around and 
addressed the timid girl.
	"I asked...what do you think of that?"
	"What do I think of what?"
	"I was just explaining what we might do once we get to the nearest town.  Are you feeling all right?  Maybe the chill is getting to you.  Loli, maybe we should stop and rest before we go."  The red-haired gypsy expressed a look of discontent, but didn't complain.
	"No, no." Kiyuki began.  "I probably should have said something earlier, but I didn't.  I'm, well, deaf."
	"Deaf?" asked the confused Natasha.
	"Yeah, as in I can't hear?"
	"I know what it means, but...before...how?  I don't understand.  How is it that you could talk to me or hear what song I was playing at the camp?"
	"I've learned to read your lips.  Sometimes it doesn't help me...like that foreign tongue of yours.  It sounded like there were many clicks in it.  It is very difficult for me to pick things out when it's all based on sounds."
	"What about the song in the camp?" Loli interjected.
	"Oh...I could feel the rhythm patterns when I leaned against the stage.  I've also seen the piece you were playing, Nat.  There aren't too many pieces of music with those virtuostic bow movements."
	"Astonishing..." replied Natasha, rather aghast at the moment trying to run through all their interactions in his mind.
	"Oh, come on, Nat.  We don't have time to stop and dwell on this now.  We have to get to the next town.  Besides, we gypsies have had to deal with similar trials before."  With a toss of her red hair, she pulled Natasha along.
	"I'm sorry.  I should have mentioned that before.  I hope it doesn't make our journey too hard."  Kiyuki said as she hurried along.  The sun was slowly beginning to set in the mountains behind her as she jumped into the wagon heading towards Ara.


	The troupe had travelled hours away from Kikaku the previous night, and arose bright and early to continue on their journey.  In the cramped confines of a wagon, Natasha answers the Genbu no Miko's questions, taking care when her curiousity turns to the four countries religion.
	Bringing up the topic, Kiyuki remarks, "You had mentioned something about religion and unrest."
	Natasha pauses, biting his lower lip, before forming his reply, "Yes... well, the basics of the religion are that for each of the four countries there is an animal god, that protects the country.  In Hokkan, they worship Genbu, which is, well, it's a giant snake mating with a tortoise."
	Despite her attempts to supress it, Kiyuki can't help but let a giggle escape at the idea.  Nat smiles, "Don't worry, I think it's just as bizarre as you do, just try not to laugh too much if the topic comes up with a native.  Anyway, in Sailo there is Byakko the white tiger, in Kounan, Suzaku the phoenix, and in Kutou the deity is Seiryuu the dragon.  The religion claims that whenever the protected country is in need, the god's miko will appear.  A foreign girl who proves instrumental in calling forth the god, saving the country and so forth."
	Kiyuki nods, "Oh.  Yes, I see how I might be mistaken for a miko, but what is this unrest you mentioned."
	"Well, a little earlier that day I was in town, and by the shrine to Genbu...  The shrine's caretaker was approached and blamed for the disappearance of some local children that apparently had gone on recently.  There was a bit of an ugly mob, but they didn't get too out of hand.  Still, the resentment towards both the caretaker, and through him the entire four gods pantheon, was noticeable."  
	Shifting uncomfortably, Kiyuki begins to ask, "Natasha, I..."
	Understanding, Nat responds before she can finish, "You're too cramped and need to stretch.  We can get out and walk for awhile."


	The pair had been walking for almost an hour, when Kiyuki noticed something off to the side, off the road.  Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Natasha expecting Kiyuki to be wanting to return to the wagon again, turns, already responding "Of course, we can get back in the wagon..."
	Stepping off to the side of the road, Kiyuki shakes her head, "No, look over there."
	Looking in the aforementioned direction, Natasha blinks, "Smoke..."
	Kiyuki remarks, "Yes... someone's out there... Shouldn't we help him."
	Natasha replies, "But, for all we know they're doing well enough.  Whoever it is doesn't seem to need help..."
	Kiyuki just shakes her head at Nat's reluctance, and grabs his arm to drag him with, "Come on."
	Arriving at the makeshift camp site, Nat turns back in the direction of the road, noting the troupe moving onwards, "Well, it's easy enough to catch up with them."
	"Gomen, Natasha.  I didn't mean to be so insistent but... I just had this feeling."
	"Don't worry, it's nothing.  And you might be right," Nat adds, nodding in the direction of a horse, "Looks like whoever it is has few supplies, if any..."  Meanwhile, Nat thinks to himself, 'For some reason, her having this feeling is giving me a bad feeling about this...'
	Brushing a small layer of snow from the dome-like mound from which the smoke originated, the small yurt beneath was revealed.  Peering in the entrance the two see a white haired man asleep, garbed in the heavy clothes of his people.  Kita shivers, be it from the cold or a dream playing through his head.
	Kiyuki gingerly reaches in and shakes the man's shoulder.
	"Yoli," a single word escapes the man's lips, in a tortured sob, before he pulls himself up to a sitting position, breathing heavily, bearing the look of a man awakened from a terrible nightmare.
	A heavily accented voice greets Kita, "Hello, stranger.  I apologize for waking you.  We were travelling, and noticed your hut.  Kiyuki thought you might be in need of help, so...  But I'm forgetting introductions."
	With a bow of his head, Natasha introduces himself, "I am Tzigane Natasha.  Typically, just Nat will do."
	Taking her cue, Kiyuki bows as she introduces herself, "I'm Nenaii Kiyuki.  Gomen, for waking you, and intruding.  I just... felt you needed help.  It's hard to explain..."