Part 1:

     As Saori looked at the looming gates of Rtarien City she suddenly felt as though this place was somehow special, that something wonderful and something terrible would happen here, and she shuddered. A shudder that felt like it went right down to her very soul. As the large wooden gates slowly opened up in front of her she could see the crowd gathered in the market. It was a beautiful sight, even in this rain. People were scattered everywhere and the commotion and bustle reminded her of the Wuta capital, Markatos. People were scurrying about, going on with their daily tasks. The smell of roses, sweet grass and thyme were in the humid air, and on the ground, to Saori's surprise, there were Rose petals scattered about, everywhere. Now she knew why the town smelled so sweet and alluring, even in the rain.

     She could tell the town had just celebrated something, from the banners drooping down off of the weathered houses, and the small pieces of colored paper scattered about the streets. What was it called again? Oh yes, she remembered, confetti. She wondered what had happened here that was so wonderful; that was worth such a celebration. Perhaps a king has just been here, or maybe her dear old friend and teacher Master Yuwi was here. Wherever he goes everyone celebrates. He is well known in these parts, and always welcomed by all.

     As Saori walked further into the town she was even more enchanted by the sights of the children playing by the water fountain in the middle of town. They were all ninja apprentices and were very skilled for such a young age. The oldest must not have been any more then twelve or thirteen years of age, and already he was throwing poison darts like a master at his wooden and hay target. This made Saori realize that these children were not learning these skills so masterfully out of desire, but out of sheer need. That thought brought her back to the feud between the Lifallo nation and the Natoob nation. The children were learning these skills to use in battle, and soon. She wanted to weep at the thought. Just then Saori felt a strong hand grasp her shoulder lightly, and she swung around in shock to see her teacher Master Yuwi standing proudly behind her. He looked at her in dismay, for she knew he knew what she had been thinking.

     "It is sad isn't it my dear; for them to have to be this way. Do not fret my child, they are strong; and their leaders, even stronger." He said sympathetically.

     Saori almost wept as the words seeped from her lips, "Master, what can we do for them?"

     Master Yuwi replied calmly, "For now all we can do is help to protect them, but a day will come Saori, when war will strike here, whether we, or they, are ready or not."

     Saori took one last look at the children near the fountain and then followed Master Yuwi into an old building. As he opened the door it creaked with a long moan and Saori couldn't help but feel the air of depression slowly creeping into her soul. This town, although beautiful, was so burdened by despair that every house, every path, even every droplet of water loomed with anguish. The feeling overwhelmed her and she ran from the town, trying to hold back her tears.

     Just as she left the gates of Rtarien and had made it to the woods surrounding the city she crashed into someone and tumbled to the ground, and landed in a large puddle of mud. As she was about to apologize for her clumsiness she looked up and staring down at her in amazement was a young wizard, much younger than she, but tall and proud. He was handsome with short dark hair, big dark eyes and a wizard's black cloak draping his frame. He was not from this nation, she could tell, but she was not sure where exactly he might have come from.

     "'I am so sorry sir. I should have been watching where I was going."  Saori apologized.

     "No needs to apologize miss. Perhaps it was my fault for not anticipating being attacked by a beautiful young lady such as you." Chuckled the young wizard. "May I help you up?"

     "Please, that would be very kind of you, thank you." Saori thanked, as the young wizard pulled her gently from the mud. "My name is Saori, and thank you for your help."

     "My name is Kaji. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Saori." The young wizard replied.

      Saori looked at the young wizard with a thankful smile and then took a large white handkerchief from her bag and started to wipe off her gown. She didn't notice the young wizard smiling foolishly at her as he watched her, and she certainly did not know that he could not help but think how it was his lucky day to run into such a beautiful witch in a foreign country. As Saori wiped down her gown the young wizard offered to accompany her back into town and so they went. He never did ask her what she was running from that day.