Disclaimer: The characters from Fushigi Yuugi are the creations and property of Yuu Watase and related enterprises. The characters from Inu-Yasha are the creations and property of Rumiko Takahashi and related enterprises. I do not own them and do not make any profit from this fiction except for my own enjoyment in spending time with them.

On the other hand, the original characters Mom and Dad are my original creations (actually, I’m their original creation) and they belong to me, as does the original plotline and other assorted family members. As to the reviewers and fanfic authors in this fic - they belong to themselves! But I get to "borrow" them for the duration of this fic - hee, hee, hee.

Warning: Lotsa sap, some off-key singing, aaaaaannnd - this is very, VERY important - some shounen-ai. I'll spell it out for ya - that means boy-boy love, get it? And if you hate shounen-ai - how the heck didja end up bein' a Fushigi Yuugi fan, anyway?! Unless, of course, you're an Inu-Yasha fan just dropping by…

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Chapter 6.     At the Intersection of Fantasy and Reality

 

Part A.     Family Matters

 

Roku-chan stands in the stage left wings, occasionally rubbing fretfully at her collarbone while watching the dramatic denouement of Chapter 7. Her brief moment of exhilaration left as suddenly as it arrived, and now she is feeling antsy, the presence of Shin in her esophagus a constant irritation.

The audience watches quietly as Mitsukake forces Tasuki to face his feelings about Tamahome. The red-haired seishi finally breaks down.

 

Tasuki: (sobbing) He ditched me… and I do know why! It was because he didn’t care! He saw I was in trouble and it didn’t matter to him! I didn’t matter to him! (wails) I don’t matter to him! I thought of him as a brother, but I never mattered to him at all!

 

Mitsukake pulls Tasuki into an embrace and lets him cry against his chest.

Roku-chan peeks out into the audience and is pleased to see that most of the crowd is riveted to the scene, some wiping away sympathetic tears. Except for Nakago, of course. He is slumped in his seat with a look of utter boredom fixed on his features. As if he senses her watching him, he yawns widely without bothering to cover his mouth, then scratches at his temple with his middle finger extended. Roku-chan fights the impulse to go onstage and flip him the bird in response, but decides that it would probably interfere with the dramatic impact of the scene.

 

Roku: (under her breath) But I know damn well who’s behind Tomo’s little stunt, you asshole. So enjoy yourself while you can - ‘cause I’m gonna getcha if it’s the last thing I do!

 

She looks up to see Chichiri’s Girl, Aikido-chan, Sorceress, Chichiri, Nuriko and Hotohori staring at her in concern.

 

Roku: (scowling) Do ya mind not starin’ at me en masse? I feel like I’m s’posed to lay an egg or somethin' to keep y’all entertained. Dontcha have somethin’ you’re s’posed ta do?

Nuriko: We’re just worried about you, Roku-chan. We don’t want anything bad to happen to you...

Chichiri’s Girl: Watch it, though. She’s picked up Tasuki’s accent - that means that she’s about to pitch a bitch-fit any moment now.

Roku: Fuck you, wench!

Chichiri’s Girl: (smug) See? What did I tell you?!

 

Roku-chan restrains the impulse to pound her little sister. With an effort, she brings her temper back under control and attempts to speak in a modulated, even tone.

 

Roku: Look, guys, I deeply appreciate your concern. Maybe my short temper is the result of Shin - but I suspect it may have something to do with having everybody staring at me! (tries again, softer this time) You know, I think that Shin is just gonna sit here doing nothing, so why worry about it? I’m really more concerned about the play - and it would make me feel a lot better if you all would get ready for your upcoming scenes, okay?

Chichiri: She’s right, no da. Let’s all just get back to what we’re supposed to be doing - you’ll call us if you feel funny or anythhing, right, Roku-chan?

Roku: (saluting smartly) You have my word of honor!

 

The cast and crew scatter to their various tasks. Chichiri’s Girl slips out to the auditorium to inform the Vampire Princess of the new developments with their sister. Roku-chan looks out to see that Chapter 7 is approaching its close, thankfully without incident.

 

Mitsukake: It’s best if you take your rage out on inanimate objects. Throw things, scream, trash a room… hell, you’ve got the best possible cathartic instrument in the world, and it belongs just to you!

Tasuki: (confused) What are you talking about, Mitsukake?

Mitsukake: The tessen! (voice rising in excitement) Just think about the fire! The sound, the light, the explosions! What a great way to get stuff out of your system! Just line up some flammable targets in a safe area, point your tessen and... (dramatically brandishing an imaginary fan) Rekkaaaa Shin’ENNNNNNN! BOOM!!

 

Tasuki jumps, startled, then opens his mouth to reply - but someone beats him to the punch.

 

Mom: You itsa say it wrong!

 

Roku-chan looks out in horror to see Mom standing up in the first row again.

 

Roku: Crap! What’s the problem now?!

 

Mitsukake stands confused, while Tasuki looks around in panic for the Slipper, forgetting his lines in his anxiety to avoid another attack. In the momentary silence, Mom speaks up again.

 

Mom: (clapping her hands for emphasis) Did you hear me?! You itsa say it wrong!

 

Mitsukake finally focuses on the tiny Japanese woman in the first row. He points his finger at his chest and mouths silently, "Me?!"

 

Mom: (using her firm, patient voice) Yes, you! You itsa s’posed to say (takes a deep breath) RLEKKA Shin’en! (frowns at Mitsukake’s blank expression) Come on!! (claps again) Try again!

Tasuki: (in an undertone to Mitsukake) Better do what she wants, Mits - trust me, you don’t wanna get her pissed at ya!

 

Mitsukake raises his eyebrows but decides to comply.

 

Mitsukake: (drawing a deep breath) REKKA Shin’EEEEEEENN!

Mom: No, no, no! Itsa LREKKA Shin’en!

Mitsukake: LEKKA Shin’en!

Mom: No, RLEKKA!

Mitsukake: REKKA!

Mom: LREKKA!

Mitsukake: LEKKA!

Mom: RLEKKA!

Mitsukake: (frustrated) Look, why don’t we ask the expert?! Tasuki, come here!

Tasuki: (bitching under his breath) Well, thanks one whole hell of a lot for draggin’ me inta this one, Mits! I fuckin’ owe ya one - and don’t think I’ll forget it! (tentatively approaches upstage)

Mitsukake: Okay, Tasuki - let’s settle this now. How do you pronounce the tessen spell?

 

Tasuki glances nervously at the "crazy lady" in the first row, then clears his throat.

 

Tasuki: Errrrr... (very quietly) Rrrleka shin’en...

Mitsukake: What? I couldn’t hear you...

Tasuki: (slightly louder) Rrrrlekka shin’en...

Mom: (clapping her hands again) Do it now! Louder!

Tasuki: (casting caution to the wind) Rrrrrrrrrrrlekkaaaaaa Shin’EEEEEEEEEN!!

Mom: (crossing her arms) No. You itsa say it wrong.

 

Tasuki stares at her in shock. In the wings, Roku-chan holds her hands up to her temples.

 

Tasuki: (outraged) I said it wrong?! I can’t say it wrong! It’s MY fuckin’ spell!

Mom: (calmly, in her "superior" tone) You itsa say it wrong.

Tasuki: (frustrated) What the fuck are you talkin’about?! If I said it wrong, it wouldn’t fuckin’ WORK!

Mom: (scowling) You itsa watch you mouth! I tol’ you before - I not put up with you bad mouh!!

 

Roku-chan sees another Slipper attack in the making and has no intention of having her lead actor suffer another blow to the head. Adding to her already short temper is the knowledge that they are once again falling behind schedule. All this and the possibility of her own early demise make her lose her temper at last.

 

Roku: That’s IT! (marches out onto the stage, placing herself in front of Tasuki) Mom, that’s enough! You will sit down and BE QUIET, and let my actors finish this scene!

Dad: (firm) Roku-chan, you can’t speak to your mother like that!

Roku: (thoroughly pissed, anger practically sparking off her) Oh, yeah?! Well, you listen up, too! I’ve had enough of being treated like a child tonight! This is MY play, I am OVER seven times three, and you will BOTH sit down, SHUT UP and stop interfering with my job! Do I make myself CLEAR?!

 

The audience stares in shock at the unexpected sight of the Director standing up to her parents.

 

Chichiri’s Girl: (in an undertone to the Vampire Princess) See, what did I tell ya? Bitch-fit!

Mom: (calm) Okay. (sits down, pulling at Dad) Come on, Dah-dy - you makin’ her mad.

 

Dad blinks in confusion, then reseats himself next to his wife. Roku-chan stares in surprise for a moment, almost feeling a sense of anti-climax at her mother’s quick accession.

 

Tasuki: (shocked) That’s Roku-chan’s mom?! (rubbing his head) I shoulda known!

Mitsukake: Frightening, isn’t it? Genetics is a VERY powerful force!

 

Roku-chan snaps out of her trance and marches over to her actors, determined to get back on track.

 

Roku: (to Mitsukake) You - Rekka Shin’en! (to Tasuki) And you - Still waters really do run deep! (to both) Now go!

 

She stomps offstage and stands in the wings once again. The crew creeps quietly around her, recognizing that she is in a "take-no-prisoners" mood.

 

Roku: (sighing) Family… ya gotta love 'em.

 

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Part B.     The Magic Touch

 

As Roku-chan watches the last few lines of chapter 7, the stage rotating smoothly to Tasuki's bedroom set with Miaka sleeping in his bed, she feels her shoulder firmly gripped. She is turned around to face her older sister, her younger sister hovering in the background.

 

Vampire Princess: CG told me what happened to you. (concerned) How are you feeling?

Roku: Ah, fine… it's no big deal probably. Don't get your knickers in a twist, or nothin.'

Vampire Princess: Open your mouth and let me see…

Roku: (protesting) See what? You're not gonna be able to see anything - it's way down here (points beneath her collarbone).

Vampire Princess: Quit acting like a baby and let me take a look. (calls to her youngest sister) Beem, give me a hand here…

Roku: (exasperated) Fine, fine! Go ahead and take a look - you won't see nothin' and then maybe you'll believe me. (opens her mouth obediently)

 

The Vampire Princess catches her jaw in a firm hold and peers inside her mouth.

 

Vampire Princess: No, you're not opening wide enough. Here, CG, pinch her nose shut.

 

Chichiri's Girl leaps forward to help in the operation. Roku's mouth drops open further as she gasps for air, the Vampire Princess still holding her in an iron grip.

 

Vampire Princess: Nope, not yet. Better get a light. (takes out her keys and switches on the penlight keychain)

 

Roku-chan is now bent over backwards and starts to flail.

 

Vampire Princess: Hold still! Here, let me look again.

 

She shoves her fingers into her sister's mouth, trying to press down on her tongue to get the light further down her throat. Roku-chan begins struggling in earnest now, choking and beginning to turn purple in the face. Her younger sister is holding her nose shut, while her older sister is blocking her mouth with her hand.

Chapter 7 is now over and the cast re-enters the backstage area, casting curious glances at the odd tableau. Chichiri and Nuriko walk up, concerned at Roku-chan's strangled chokes but unwilling to interfere in "family matters." Roku-chan makes a final desperate twist of her body and wrenches herself out of her sisters' loving grasp, sucking air desperately into her lungs.

 

Roku: (gasping) You idiots! Are you tryin' to kill me or something?

Chichiri's Girl: (to her eldest sister) Toldja she was gettin' bitchy…

Roku: (thoroughly pissed off) Well, pardon the fuck outta me for being dependent on oxygen! What the fuck did you think I was gonna breathe out of - my ears?!

Vampire Princess: (staring at her fingers in disgust) Well, you didn't have to spit all over me. The human mouth is one of the most germ-infested places on earth! (shudders) I have to wash my hands! Now! CG, get me to the nearest washroom!

Chichiri's Girl: (rolling her eyes) Well, isn't that an unusual request, coming from you.

Vampire Princess: (urgently) Just shut up and take me there now! I can practically feel the bogo-magogo growing on my hand as we speak!

Chichiri's Girl: (giving in) All right, all right, Miss Obsessive-Compulsive. Let's go wash your hands twenty-one times, then turn the light switches on and off a few times while we're at it, too. (She drags her eldest sister through the greenroom)

Vampire Princess: (in the distance) Fuck you! You're pretty compulsive yourself, you know…

 

Roku-chan watches them leave, sighing in relief. The cast looks at her curiously.

 

Tasuki: Well, that was another interestin' interaction between the Weird Sisters. Mind tellin' us what the fuck that was all about?

Roku: (wearily) Chichiri, fill in the blanks, would you?

 

Chichiri takes Mitsukake, Miaka and Tasuki aside and explains what happened to Roku-chan at the beginning of Chapter 7. He places a gentle but strong hand on Tasuki’s arm as he tells him, expecting the red-haired seishi’s explosive response. Tasuki doesn’t disappoint.

 

Tasuki: (roaring) That FUCKER! That no-good, skulking, two-bit excuse for a cackling psycho fucker! I’ll KILL ‘im! I’ll fuckin’ FRY him to a crisp, then STOMP his sorry ass until he’s just a pile of ASHES! Where the fuck IS HEEEEEE?!

 

Chichiri restrains him firmly, knowing that the last thing Roku-chan needs is for her lead actor to take off on a wild manhunt. Miaka holds her hands up to her mouth in horror, her eyes quickly filling with tears. Meanwhile, Mitsukake reacts quietly, merely sending a concerned, questioning glance at Roku-chan. She responds with a pantomime showing that she feels fine, hoping to be spared another oral exam. However, the noise has woken Tamahome from his brief nap, and he wanders out of his dressing room, blinking sleepily.

 

Tamahome: (yawning) What’s all the fuss? Flame-Boy break a fingernail or somethin’?

Tasuki: (finding a good outlet for his rage) Fuck you, asshole!

 

Roku-chan jumps between them and drags Tasuki off to the side. Chichiri explains the situation to Tamahome, who flushes in anger but burns with a quieter rage than Tasuki.

 

Tamahome: If I find him first, there isn’t going be enough left of him for Tasuki to burn!

Chichiri: Look, far be it from me to defend Tomo, but I truly believe that it was an accident - at least the part about Roku swallowing Shin. And if you and Tasuki beat Tomo to a pulp, you will be eliminating the one person who knows the most about how Shin works. So I agree that it’s important to find Tomo, but we have to make sure we bring him here intact if he’s to be of any use to us! (glares at Tasuki, who is standing beside Roku-chan with his fists clenched)

Miaka: (softly) Chichiri’s right - you two have to think about what’s best for Roku instead of your own desires for vengeance.

Tamahome walks up to her and puts his arm around her. Distraught, Miaka leans her head against him, forgetting that Tasuki is standing right there. Tasuki turns pale, and Roku can tell that he’s about to blow a gasket from all the violent emotions of the past two minutes. She drags him off behind his screen, leaving the others to discuss strategy.

Roku-chan looks at Tasuki carefully and sees that he is very white around the mouth, his eyes both furious and stricken, betraying his fear for his friend. She sinks into a kneeling position, pulling him down to face her. Reaching up to him, she grasps his face between her fingers and locks gazes with him.

 

Roku: (whispering) Close your eyes.

 

Tasuki obeys, closing his eyes but still shuddering with strong emotion, his breaths coming rapid and deep. Roku-chan gets to her feet and steps behind him, digging her fingers into the muscles at the base of his neck. She can feel them practically jumping with tension under her grip and continues with the Shiatsu massage, trying to calm him.

 

Roku: (soothingly, over and over in a rhythmic sing-song) Shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh...

 

Eventually, she feels his muscles loosen and his shuddering fade into stillness. He relaxes back onto his heels so that he is sitting seiza. Roku-chan moves her hands up to his head and begins to run her fingers through his soft, thick hair in a soothing scalp massage, pausing every so often to trace circles around his temples.

 

Roku: Here, sit cross-legged before you lose all feeling in your legs.

 

Once again, he obeys her, pulling his legs out of seiza and stretching them out briefly before folding them into a loose cross-legged position. Roku-chan kneels closely behind him and places her hands about two inches on either side of his spine. She digs her thumbs into the muscles near his spine, applying Shiatsu acupressure to each region until she can feel the muscles unknot. She advances lower until she reaches the base of his spine, then slowly works her way back up, glad that he is wearing his stage "pajamas," the loose material of the white shirt and trousers allowing him room to relax. Finally, she is satisfied that she has dissipated most of the raging tension in his body. She leans forward to murmur in his ear.

 

Roku: Better?

 

Tasuki nods once. Roku-chan pretends not to notice as he brings up his arm and swipes his sleeve across his face. Instead, she pushes her fingers into the spot where his neck joins his skull, forcing his head to droop forward. She moves her fingers in a circular motion, pressing deeply to release the last of his tension. Tasuki lets out a long sigh of pleasure, then finally trusts his voice to be steady enough to speak.

 

Tasuki: (softly) What would I ever do without you?

Roku: (in a firm, confident voice) Good thing you’ll never have to find out.

Tasuki: You sure about that?

Roku: Ab-so-tively, Pos-i-lutely! I’m not that easy ta kill, ya know!

 

Finally he laughs, and she flings her arms around him, resting her chin on his shoulder.

 

Roku: Are we ready to rejoin the others? They’re gonna start wondering what we’re doing back here...

Tasuki: Let ‘em wonder. Let her know what it feels like, to be jealous.

Roku: (snorts in derision) Like I’m any competition. Not unless you have a Mrs. Robinson complex... (pulls him to his feet)

Tasuki: Maybe I do. (saunters out from behind the screen, hands in his pockets, singing) God bless you please, Mrs. Robinson - Heaven holds a place for those who pray… Hey, hey, hey…

 

Roku-chan scampers out behind him, catching up to him and punching him in the arm.

 

Roku: (hissing at him and giggling at the same time) Smartass!

 

However, the hoped-for audience for his act is no longer standing there, having run off to her dressing room to change into her old school uniform for Chapter 8. Everyone else has also returned to their assigned duties; only Chichiri waits for Roku-chan, since he is technically free until Chapter 11. Roku-chan gives Tasuki a little shove in the direction of his own dressing room.

 

Roku: Come on now - time to put on the pretty new outfit for the crowd. Don't forget to brush your teeth and wash behind your ears, and put a clean hanky in your pocket!

 

Tasuki sticks his tongue out at her and runs off smirking. Chichiri walks up and places a hand on Roku-chan's shoulder.

 

Chichiri:  Amazing. No one can de-fuse him the way you can.

Roku: (her eyes soft) What can I say? - he's my baby. (grins up at the magician) And so are you, now.

Chichiri: (rolling his eyes) Not another one, no da! I don't think I can take another fangirl chasing me around backstage!

Roku: (smirking) Too late!! (starts singing) Be my, be my baby, Be my little bay-yay-beee. My one and only bay-yay-beeee, (getting into it) wha oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh…

Chichiri: (wincing) There's this radical musical invention from a few centuries ago - it's called "key." Give it a whirl and try to stay in it, why don't you?

Roku: (getting giddier) Oh, wait, I've got a better one! (places her left hand on his right shoulder and catches his other hand in hers, and begins swaying in a "sock-hop" type slow dance)
 

Eye that hypnotizes

And all it takes is just one glance

Just one look at him

Puts me in a lover's trance!

 

Chichiri  laughs and begins dancing along with her.

 

Chichiri: What's going to happen if your sister catches us like this?

Roku: (grinning) Bitch fight extraordinaire, that's what! But hey - if she wants to dance with you, let 'er write her own fanfic! We're finishing up here anyway - Time to swing, baby, swing! (starts singing again as they change to an East-Coast swing step)
 

Now listen

No rabbits in his hand

No pigeons up his sleeve

But you better believe

When I prove he can do so much

My baby must be a magician 'cause he's sure got the magic touch

Yeah, my baby must be a magician 'cause he's sure got the magic touch!

 

Chichiri spins her and dips her deeply. They break apart laughing, leaning against each other.

 

Roku: (flinging her arms out) Yeah, baby, whoo! (catches sight of her watch) Whoops! Time to get back to work!

Chichiri: (growing serious) Yes, I meant to talk to you about that. I'm going to see if I can track down Tomo, since you won't be needing me right away. I may ask Tamahome to accompany me, since he's not busy, either. (peeks out at the stage) Good. Sorceress has started Chapter 8 for you, so you're not too far behind schedule…

Roku: (smiling fondly at him) You always know what worries each of us, don't you? You're such a mother hen under that kesa, you know that?

Chichiri: Takes one to know one, no da! Anyway, I'd better run. (leaves the backstage area, striding towards Tamahome’s dressing room.)

 

Roku-chan hums happily as she approaches the wings. A sarcastic voice suddenly reverberates in her head from the radio headset.

 

Kryssa: Yeah, keep me and Kaze-chan locked away in the tech booth while you get to flirt with the bishies. Not to mention swinging with my magician!

Roku: (smug and unapologetic) Those are the perks of being the Author, Director, aaaaaaaannnd Choreographer! Not to mention Music Director!

Kryssa: (pointedly) By the way, what exactly were you doing with Tasuki just before? All I heard was you telling him to close his eyes, then some soft moans and sighs - before he started singing, that is…

Roku: (laughing) You're just gonna hafta die wonderin', little girl!

Kaze-chan: Speaking of dying, when are you going to let us out of the booth, anyway?! Tama-neko's sitting here with his legs crossed!

Roku: Oh, is that where he is? Well, tell him to hold it just for a few more minutes - the first intermission is right after the apology scene, so that we can set up for Chapter 9 - the flying chapter, remember?

Kaze-chan: Gotcha! See ya then. Oops - lighting change coming up soon!

Roku: Catch you guys at intermission, then! Ja ne!

 

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Part C.     A Quiet Moment of Honesty

 

Roku-chan peeks out from the wings to see the ending of the serious first part of Chapter 8. Sorceress has done an excellent job in setting up and dressing the set of Hotohori's Imperial study. A black lacquered table and chair with elegant curving lines stand about midstage, centered on a rich oriental carpet. Spotlights of gold and orange shine strongly from overhead and through the floor-length window at stage right, simulating late morning sunlight. At stage left, richly carved wooden doors depict the entrance into the study. In contrast, the upstage area remains dim and shadowed, concealing a catwalk that is situated approximately 8 feet above floor level.

Hotohori stands at center stage, clad in his heavily brocaded Imperial robes but with his hair hanging down, the rich chestnut cascade caught in a loose ponytail halfway down his back. He is lit in a strong golden beam of "sunlight", his dark golden eyes misty with memory. Roku-chan catches her breath at the perfection of his features and form - although Tasuki is her favorite, she can't deny that Hotohori is simply the most beautiful man she has ever seen.

He is finishing his introspective monologue, his velvety voice weaving a hypnotic spell over the audience.

 

Hotohori: (softly) Even as I stand here, thinking of the lost happiness that I took for granted, missing the family that I never realized stood beside me all this time, I wonder… (confused) I wonder why I miss him more than anything else. (lets out his breath in a long wistful sigh) …Nuriko…

 

On his cue, Nuriko steps out onto the shadowed catwalk and walks slowly to the center, his soft slippers enabling him to move noiselessly across the elevated structure. He is clad in a rich gold tunic, metallic threads shining and catching the light. His hair is tied in a loose ponytail similar to Hotohori's, but Sorceress has sprinkled it with glitter, making it sparkle with a myriad tiny lights. Kaze-chan brings up soft, filtered spotlights in white and purple, the lights unfocused and misty on his form. Nuriko turns and smiles out at the audience, his violet eyes shining. His delicate features, combined with the shimmering light on his hair and clothes, give him the aura of a mystical vision or dream.

Hotohori still faces downstage, his back to Nuriko, although his eyes widen as he "perceives" Nuriko in his memory.

 

Hotohori: (longingly)  Nuriko… why do you haunt me so? Why does the thought of you fill me with rapture…and pain? How is it that you bring me both tranquillity and torment? (becoming frustrated) Why can I neither accept your love - nor be content with your friendship?!

 

He strides downstage, bringing his fists up in agitation. On the catwalk, the smile leaves Nuriko's face and is replaced with sadness, as he closes his eyes in grief. Kaze-chan brings down the overhead lights, plunging the study into shadow, then lights Hotohori in a blazing red spotlight.

 

Hotohori: (passionately) Why do your tears burn into my heart?! Why does my rejection of your love crush my soul?! (flinging his arms down and open, suddenly shouting) Why can't you leave me in PEACE??!

 

The spotlights on the catwalk suddenly go out, Nuriko vanishing into the darkness. He silently exits the catwalk, the shadows rendering him invisible. Kaze-chan brings down the red light on Hotohori and brings up the overhead spots, once more bringing the study into the golden light of day.

Hotohori brings up his arms and wraps them around himself, obviously trembling, then closes his eyes.

 

Hotohori: (whispering)  Nuriko…

 

Suddenly, he lets his arms drop and draws himself up. He smoothes his robes carefully, regaining control of himself. Grasping his hair, he pulls it up, swiftly pinning it into the Imperial topknot, then strides to his desk, picking up the crown and placing it carefully on his head. He turns and faces the audience once again.

 

Hotohori: I am the Emperor. I cannot allow myself human weaknesses! (firmly) Only I have the knowledge and the inner strength to rule Konan - no other can do what must be done!

 

Roku-chan turns from the wings to see Tasuki and Miaka enter the backstage area in costume, ready to get onto the hidden set depicting Tasuki's bedroom on the back of the revolving stage. Miaka is in her classic school uniform of brown jacket and miniskirt, while Tasuki is clad in his new outfit of dark green tunic and breeches, tan belts for the tessen holster slung across his chest and low across his hips, ending in a strap around his right thigh. His fawn boots match the belts perfectly. Under normal circumstances, new clothes would have Tasuki strutting, but he is subdued, glancing through his script, having lost his playfulness around Miaka since her recent interaction with Tamahome. Miaka is slightly confused by his distance but goes along with it, standing beside him silently after receiving only monosyllabic replies to her friendly remarks.

Roku-chan sighs, knowing that the ups-and-downs of their relationship are none of her business but also foreseeing that the next scene between them will be more wooden than a log cabin if they don't loosen up. She strolls over to them.

 

Roku: (cheerfully) Lookin' fiiiiiiiine, baby mine! Baby's got a new pair of shoes, uh-huh. Whaddaya think, Miaka?

Miaka: (shyly) Never finer.

 

Tasuki blushes at her compliment but raises the script to hide his face, ostentatiously ignoring the two women.

 

Roku: (undaunted) I dunno - I think he's likin' this. I think he's blushing. I see red ears under that red hair! Take my advice, Miaka - you can always tell what a man's thinkin' by his ears.

Miaka: (playing along) Really? I didn't think that was the body part to watch.

Roku: Whoo, you baaaaad, girl! But you right! I always like a rear view myself! Come on!

 

She grabs Miaka's arm, and they try to walk around behind Tasuki - but he rotates to keep them in front of him, holding his script in front of his face. Finally, Roku signals Miaka, and they dash around him in opposite directions, making him spin and drop his script. Tasuki crosses his arms and scowls at them, trying to appear angry.

 

Tasuki: Ya know, this qualifies as sexual harassment!

Roku: (cajoling) Come on now - I think I see a smile there. Oh yeah, definitely! There's a fang peeking out there - come onnnnn, baby… Yeah, two fangs! We win!

Tasuki: (laughing) You two are completely outta line! I'm pressin' charges against ya!

Miaka: (purring) You can press whatever you want against me, sweetheart!

 

Tasuki flushes scarlet while Roku whoops in glee.

 

Roku: Score one for the Priestess! Mikos One, Bandits None! Where's that snappy come-back, Fang-Boy?

Tasuki: (still scarlet) No fair, two against one! How am I s'posed ta win?

Miaka: (triumphant) Remember - you can always surrender! And surrender is not necessarily defeat!

Roku: The girl just gets better and better. I tell ya, Gen-chan - she's a wild one! (glances out at the stage, then grabs their arms, dragging them towards the set) Hurry up - you guys are on now!

 

Tasuki and Miaka leap onto the stage as it begins rotating, smothering their laughter. Roku-chan grins from the wings, knowing that the scene - and their relationship - is back on track. She suddenly feels a prresence beside her and looks up to see Nuriko standing at her side.

 

Nuriko: You really do know how to make magic between two people. (smiling wistfully) Do you think that you can turn your talents to me and Hotohori-sama?

 

Roku-chan reaches up and brushes some glitter from his face, smiling into his sad violet eyes.

 

Roku:  (softly) I think that you have all the magic you need right here, Nuri-chan.

Nuriko:   I don't know… it seems that I'm always chasing him, but he doesn't seem to care either way. He tolerates me, but… (bursts out) Just once, I'd like to have him chase me. Just once, I'd like him to show me in real life what he just acted out onstage!

Roku: (looks up behind Nuriko and smiles) Maybe he's scared - scared that if he were to do that, you might run away. Maybe he just needs you to tell him honestly and simply how you feel about him, instead of your exaggerated infatuation act. Maybe all either of you need is just a quiet moment of honesty with each other…

Nuriko: (looking down and scuffing at the floor) I don't think it's that simple, Roku.

Roku: You never know - maybe it is… (brusquely) Well, I gotta go! Later!

 

Nuriko looks up, hurt that Roku-chan would just walk out on him in the middle of a personal discussion...but then senses a presence behind him. He whirls around to see Hotohori standing behind him - and realizes that he has been standing there for some time.

 

Nuriko: (blushing) How much did you hear?

Hotohori: (softly) Enough.

Nuriko: (embarrassed) I… I…I didn't mean for you to hear all that!

Hotohori: (gently) Nuriko, there's something that you need to know…

Nuriko: (interrupting him, agitated) That's all right - you don't need to say it! I understand… (takes a deep breath) It's just that…this scene gets me every time. I think I get carried away, listening to those words coming from your mouth. I think I get lost in the magic… (trails off sadly) But I know the truth, Hotohori-sama. This is Roku-chan's reality, not ours. I know that you're just acting…

Hotohori: (suddenly fierce) Who's acting?!

 

He steps forward and grasps Nuriko's shoulders, pulling the smaller seishi close. He tilts his head forward, staring passionately into the wide violet eyes - then closes the gap between them, seizing Nuriko's lips in a fierce and possessive kiss. Nuriko's huge eyes grow even wider for a moment - before fluttering closed, his long lashes brushing his cheeks. Hotohori pulls him closer, melding their bodies together as he reaches to twist his left hand through Nuriko's soft, flowing hair. He opens his eyes halfway to see Nuriko blushing under his kiss, his lashes fluttering like butterflies on his flushed cheeks. That's all it takes for him to lose control. He sweeps his right arm under Nuriko's legs and lifts him up, carrying him swiftly towards Tasuki's screen.

 

Hotohori: (growling) Let me show you just what is fantasy and what is reality… and where the two intersect!

 

Nuriko is speechless, swept away with passion - but he manages to nod once. They disappear behind the screen.

Roku-chan comes sauntering out from the wings, grinning broadly.

 

Roku: Yeah, that screen has come in verrrrry handy tonight! If only screens could talk!

 

Sorceress finally comes into view after lining up the furniture for the dining room scene. She brushes her red hair out of her eyes.

 

Sorceress: (grinning) So, are you up to your usual hentai tricks?

Roku: (smirking back at her) Nah - I can't take much credit for this one. They had so much tension simmering between them that it barely took a breath of hot air to set them off!

Sorceress: Which you were very happy to provide, of course.

Roku: Of course! Always happy to be of service! (glances out at the Tasuki-Miaka scene as it finishes, the curtain coming down) Well, I'd better help you set up the next scene - I can't saddle you with ALL the work around here all the time! However, the faster we go, the less time those two will have together… Oh, I forgot!

 

She snags Tasuki and Miaka as they enter the backstage area.

 

Roku: No going behind that screen, you two!

Tasuki: (confused) We weren't gonna, anyway. But why not?

Roku: (smirking) It's not your turn. You're gonna hafta wait!

Tasuki: (raising his eyebrows) Oh, ho ho. So who's got dibs on it now?

Roku: You're just gonna hafta wait and see…

Miaka: (whispering to Roku) Oh, I hope it is who I think it is!

Roku: Depends on who you're rooting for, girlfriend.

Miaka: Why, my best girlfriend and boyfriend rolled into one, of course!

Roku: See? Dreams really do come true.

 

Miaka pumps her fist once in victory, then jumps around happily but quietly, unable to contain her excitement. Tasuki grins fondly at her antics.

At that moment, the missing two-thirds of the Weird Sisters Trio makes their reappearance backstage. They are trailed by Chiriko, minus his videocamera, which is stashed safely away in his dressing room. Roku-chan raises her eyebrows at her sisters.

 

Roku: (sarcastically) Welcome back to the intrepid explorers. Guess the closest bathroom was in Wisconsin, huh?

Chichiri’s Girl: (exasperated) Didja really expect us back in a normal time period? And break the Princess’ perfect record of a minimum of one hour per bathroom break?

Vampire Princess: Fuck you, wench. We weren’t gone even half that long!

 

Chichiri’s Girl just rolls her eyes.

 

Roku: Well, as long as you’re here, I can really use another set of hands to help with the Imperial dining room set. Whaddaya say?

Vampire Princess: (grumbling) What a surprise. If I spend more than five minutes with either of you, I always end up hauling heavy equipment. (sighs) So lead on, little sisters - your mule is here!

 

Between Roku-chan, her two sisters, and Sorceress, they have the entire Imperial dining room set up onstage in the next two minutes. Roku-chan goes backstage to summon her actors, tapping on the screen.

 

Roku: Sorry to interrupt the love-fest, but we need you onstage, Hotohori. Thirty seconds!

 

Shortly thereafter, Hotohori steps out from behind the screen, twisting his hair up into its Imperial topknot again. His clothes and face are serene and flawless, as usual, and he responds to Tasuki's catcalls and Miaka's cheers with a pleasant unruffled smile. Roku-chan frowns in confusion.

 

Roku: (to herself) Gosh, doesn't look like much went on back there. Don't tell me that they just held hands and talked!!

 

She shoos Tasuki, Miaka, Hotohori and Chiriko onstage. Mitsukake arrives late, looking for Tama-neko.

 

Roku: Dang! I forgot that this is his big acting scene! He's up in the lighting booth with Kaze-chan, Mits.

Mitsukake: Not to worry.

 

Mitsukake pokes his head out from the curtains into the auditorium and gives a short, sharp whistle towards the tech booth. Suddenly, a small white streak tipped with brown shoots down the aisle and leaps at him, landing on his shoulder. The audience cheers for the between-scenes animal trick. Mitsukake bows briefly in acknowledgement, then returns to his place in the set. Roku-chan calls in to Kryssa to raise the curtain.

As the second part of Chapter 8 begins, Roku looks towards Tasuki's dressing screen - and sees Nuriko come staggering out. His gold brocade jacket is hanging half off his shoulders, his shirt is fastened wrong, his hair is in wild disarray, and he has a dreamy, loopy smile on his face. Roku-chan walks up to him and gently steers him towards his dressing room.

 

Roku:  (pleased) Whoo, thank Suzaku! After seeing Hotohori in his usual state of perfection, I was afraid that you two wasted your "screen time" doing something stupid like talking!

Nuriko:  (still starry eyed) Ehehehe. Ehehehehehe. Ehehehehehehehehehehe.

Roku: (rolling her eyes) Yeah, you're Mouse-chan's baby, that's for sure. I guess that's about all the coherence that I can expect outta you for the next few minutes - but you'd better pull your stuff together by Chapter 9!

 

They reach Nuriko's dressing room, and Roku-chan follows him inside. She pulls off his coat, unfastens his shirt, and pulls the ties out of his hair. Shoving a towel in his arms, she pushes him into his bathroom.

 

Roku: (loudly, trying to break through his trance) Now, Nuriko, you need to shower and get that glitter out of your hair! Then you need to get into your "Flight" costume, got it? Repeat after me - Shower, then Costume…

Nuriko:  Ehehehehehehehehe.

Roku:  (getting firmer) No, no more eheheheh's. Shower, then costume, got it?! (strides into the bathroom and starts the shower running)

Nuriko: (eyes focusing slightly) Shower, then costume?

Roku:  Yes! Now get in there.

 

She peeks after him a moment to make sure that he's heading in the right direction - then shouts in dismay.

 

Roku: (scolding) No, you're supposed to take off your shoes and pants BEFORE you get in! (sighs) Well, hopefully he'll figure it out in the next few minutes. If I help him out any more, Mouse-chan, Ryuen, and Kaze-chan will all have my liver for lunch!

 

She exits Nuriko's dressing room quickly and heads back to the stage.

 

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Part D.      Inu-Yasha Squared

 

Roku-chan arrives at the backstage area. Her sisters are waiting for her in the wings, watching as Hotohori's disastrous speech gets underway. Roku-chan suddenly gets a funny feeling in her esophagus, almost like a vibration. She rubs at it absently, trying to keep her mind on the timing of the onstage wordplay.

Meanwhile, out in the audience, Tamahome drops into the empty seat next to Nakago and puts his feet up on the seat in front of him. The blond shogun barely flickers an eyelash.

 

Tamahome:  Gee, look at this. An empty seat, right up front. Odd, wouldn't you say? I thought that we sold out all the orchestra seats. You wouldn't happen to know where the occupant of this seat has disappeared to, would you?

Nakago: (coolly) I haven't a clue. I've been too absorbed in this…excellent drama here. I'm positively mesmerized.

Tamahome: Oh, is that how it is? So you wouldn't have any idea of what Tomo's been up to, then.

Nakago: (smirking) You must forgive me. I'm not as close to my fellow warriors as all of the minions of Suzaku appear to be. It's practically endearing, the way you all sit on one another's laps.

Tamahome: (bristling) I wouldn't expect you to understand anything about fraternal bonds, considering the psycho sickies you hang with! Oh, that's right - you fit right in with that crowd, don't you?

Nakago: (evilly) Fraternal bonds, is it? Is that what you call it when you so generously share the Priestess and her…affections…with your brother warriors?

Tamahome: (pissed off) I don't know what the hell you're talking about!!

Nakago: (satisfied) No, you don't, do you?

Tamahome: (glaring) Care to explain that remark?!

Nakago: (looking towards the stage again, smiling) Actually, I'd rather let you discover my meaning for yourself. Now, if you'll pardon me, I'd like to watch the play.

Tamahome: (seething) Fine!! And you can take your hand off my thigh, while you're at it! (lifts the offending appendage off his leg and shoves it at Soi) Here - I believe this belongs to you!

 

Soi just fixes him with the glare of death. Tamahome gets up and begins heading towards the back of the auditorium.

Back in the wings, Roku-chan grows more uncomfortable. She remembers her promise to Chichiri - but he's nowhere in sight. Most of the cast is onstage, and as far as she knows, Nuriko is still in the shower in a trance. Suddenly, she feels hiccups rising in her throat.

 

Roku: (to herself, relieved) Oh, is that all it is? Hic…hic…

 

Onstage, the misunderstandings increase as Hotohori stands at the end of the dining room table, struggling desperately with his mixed-up notes. Roku-chan is pleased to hear laughter coming from the crowd.

 

Hotohori: (in his smooth, regal tones) We admire you in having the courage to penetrate deeply into the interior with your companion, becoming indoctrinated into foreign ways in an attempt to establish ties with a previously unknown culture, for the purpose of broadening our horizons. We look forward to you sharing with us the benefits of your… (begins to realize his mistakes)...experience...

 

Tasuki is bowed over his plate, gripping the table in rage. Miaka and Chiriko are darting anxious glances around the room, while Mitsukake has his head in his hands. The crowd laughs uproariously at the actors' exaggerated dismay, their hilarity increased by their relief in being released from the angst of the preceding chapters. Roku-chan grins in the wings.

 

Chichiri's Girl: (shaking her head at her older sister) You have an evil, sick sense of humor. Betcha Nakkie-poo's eating this up! (peeks out towards the audience and sees the self-satisfied smirk on the shogun's face) Yeah, he's enjoying himself all right!

 

At the back of the auditorium, Tamahome pauses before leaving. His face breaks into a smile as he finally rids himself of the seething frustration he always feels after an encounter with Nakago.

 

Tamahome: (to himself) Yeah, there's nothing like a bit of Tasuki-humiliation to lift my spirits! Go to it, heika!

 

In the wings, Roku-chan laughs at her sister's remarks.

 

Roku: Yeah, hic… it's a funny thing - when I was writing this scene, I didn't realize…hic… that I was channeling Inu-Yasha when I wrote Tasuki's reactions… hic. You know I think that those two are peas-in-a-pod… hic… and I guess I was remembering the way Inu-Yasha, hic, bows his head when Shippo's mouthing off…then suddenly explodes! Hic!

Vampire Princess: (frowning) What's with the hiccups?

 

Onstage, the disastrous speech continues.

 

Hotohori: We would like you to know that the Imperial prayers were with you as you negotiated the ins-and-outs of this previously unexplored passage...

Roku: (smirking happily) Hic… hic…

 

Tasuki is still bent over the table…but suddenly, his hair begins to grow, falling down his back in a thick cascade, turning white as it lengthens. Pointed dog ears unfurl on top of his head, and his clothes change from green to red, billowing out into a complicated red kimono. He glares at Hotohori, his eyes lightening from amber to gold, his black, winged eyebrows forming a fierce contrast against his white bangs. Meanwhile, Hotohori is undergoing his own transformation, shrinking down to only two feet tall, his long chestnut hair transforming into thick red hair caught up in a ponytail tied with a blue bow. His dark gold eyes become round and blue, and his Imperial robes disappear, to be replaced with a coarse furry vest over a blue-and-white shirt and a tiny hakama. He now sports a fluffy red tail and his feet have transformed into fox feet. He hops up and down in alarm, unable to see over the table edge. Miaka, Mitsukake, and Chiriko sit stunned in their seats, unable to do anything but gape.

Roku-chan stands horrified in the wings, watching the transformation of Tasuki and Hotohori into Inu-Yasha and Shippou.

 

Tasuki: (enraged) Ship-poooooou! I'm gonna pound you one hundred times!

 

He leaps up onto the table and lunges at the miniature Hotohori. Hotohori squeals in alarm and takes off running across the dining room, startling Tama-neko, who hisses at him.

 

Hotohori: (wailing) Ka-go-meeeeeee!

 

Tamahome stares in shock at the onstage tableau - then begins laughing wildly.

 

Tamahome: (joyfully) Man, I've got to get down there and get a piece of this action! Tasuki's turned into a dog! Bwahahahahahaha!

 

Up in the balcony, Kagome leaps to her feet, automatically responding to Shippou's cry for help, forgetting that the real Shippou is sitting in the seat next to her, sucking on a lollipop. Inu-Yasha jumps up in fury, balancing on the balcony rail.

 

Inu-Yasha: (snarling) What is this shit?! That's not me - that guy's a FAKE! (eyes narrowing)  Feh! They must be using Shikon shards!

 

Whirling around, he grabs Shippou by his tail, making the tiny kitsune-youkai drop his candy.

 

Inu-Yasha: Let's go, Shippou! Time to kick some demon ass!

Shippou: (wailing) But I'm afraid of demons! Ka-go-meeeeeee!

Inu-Yasha: You are a demon, bakayarou!

Kagome: Mat-te, Inu-Yasha! I don't sense any Shikon shards around here…

 

But Inu-Yasha doesn't listen to her. He leaps down from the balcony into the aisle below, narrowly escaping getting struck by a frying pan wielded by a teenage girl in camouflage clothes.

 

Crazy Lady: Dammit! Missed him again! Diiiiiiiiiiiie, Inu-Yashaaaaaaaaa!

 

Inu-Yasha pays no attention to his pursuer, rushing forward towards the stage. Roku-chan sees disaster approaching at demon speed and begins yelling into her radio headset.

 

Roku: Kryssa! Drop the curtain - now, NOW!

 

Kryssa comes through as usual, the curtain billowing down and blocking Inu-Yasha's approach to the stage. He begins snarling and ripping at the thick material with his claws.

Roku-chan rushes onto the stage, grabbing Tasuki by one dog ear as he runs past her pursuing the screaming Hotohori. He yowls in pain at having his sensitive ears pulled and raises one clawed hand. Roku-chan digs in her heels and closes her eyes, praying that Tasuki remembers that neither he nor Inu-Yasha ever attack unarmed females. Luck is on her side - Tasuki stops short of clawing her, trembling in confusion.

 

Roku: (desperately) Tasuki! Tasuki, it's me, Roku! Hic! Try to remember who you really are!

 

Tasuki turns clouded golden eyes on her - then slowly straightens to his full height. He relaxes his claws and finally assumes his typical bandit slouch. Roku-chan sighs in relief, then hiccups again.

 

Tasuki: (staring at his claws and red kimono) Would somebody mind telling me what the fuck is going on here?!

Roku: I think this has something -hic- to do with Shin! No, I'm sure of it! Hic… But listen,we've got to get you outta here! Inu-Yasha's just, hic, on the other side of the curtain - and he's out for blood! Hic!

Tasuki: (snorting in contempt) Ya think I'm afraid of that little half-demon?!

Roku: Look, Tasuki, the last thing I want to happen is for you two, hic, to face off against each other! God only knows -hic- how that would turn out! So, please, just go back to your dressing room and lie low until I can figure out how to - hic- fix this mess!

Tasuki: What's with the hiccups?

Roku: That's part of the problem, hic, I'll bet. Either the hiccups stimulated Shin - hic - or when Shin accesses my subconscious, it gives me hiccups! Hic!

Tasuki: (scowling suspiciously) So what are ya tryin' ta say here?! Are ya tryin' ta tell me that your subconscious sees me as a DOG?!

Roku: No, no, nooooooo… well, maybe as a dog-demon, hic. You see, I kinda got interested in Inu-Yasha 'cause I'm so crazy about you! Hic! You both have fangs and use bad language, hic, and have a lotta attitude all around. (smiles at his angry face ingratiatingly) And you're both sooooooo good-lookin'! Hic!

Tasuki: (somewhat mollified) All right, I won't hold it against ya - as long as you get me OUTTA this!

Roku: (saluting) Scout's -hic- honor!

 

Roku peeks out of the curtain nervously - but Fate is on her side. Crazy Lady has caught up to Inu-Yasha and is swinging her frying pan at him, making him leap around in self-defense. He strikes at the frying pan with his claws but is careful not to hit her directly, being too chivalrous to injure a girl - although he would snarl and vigorously deny it if asked. Finally, he tires of the pointless exercise and leaps away, once more snatching up Shippou who was trying to quietly sneak back to the balcony.

 

Inu-Yasha: Feh! Come on, Shippou - we'll find them another way! Bastards! (runs at demon speed to the back of the auditorium.)

 

Shippou wails again but to no avail. The audience practically breaks their necks, swinging around to watch the action. Crazy Lady waves her frying pan in defiance.

 

Crazy Lady: Don't think you can escape me, Inu-Yashaaaaaaaa! I shall hunt you down - and then you shall feeeeeel my wrath!

Ryuen: (to Purple Mouse) It's funny - I don't remember this part in "White Stones."

Purple Mouse: (shrugging) Must be Roku testing out some new action scenes.

 

Roku-chan calls up to the tech booth.

 

Roku: Guys, we're gonna put the first intermission in a little early. Hic. I have a slight problem going on here, and we can't keep going, hic, until I solve it.

Kryssa: (sarcastically) Really? Would it have anything to do with you turning members of the cast into various types of youkai?

Roku: (mildly) Possibly…hic. Possibly…

Kaze-chan: Yaaaaaaaay! Now I can spend some time with my big bro!

Roku: Who's that?

Kaze-chan: Mitsukake, of course! Not to mention Tama-neko. Oh! And the bathroom, I think!

Roku: All right, ladies! I plan to see you in person, hic, but if I miss you, we'll keep in touch by radio headsets, hic. So keep yours on, hic, okay?

Kryssa: No, hic, problem, hic!

Roku: (grinning) Smartass wench!

Kryssa and Kaze-chan: Hic!!

 

Roku-chan watches in relief as the house lights come up, and the crowd begins to wander out to the concessions counter and bathrooms. She sighs to herself - and hiccups again.

 

Roku: (muttering to herself) May seem a weird place to take a break - hic - but at least it buys me a little time to sort out this situation. Problems thus far - Shin is starting to strut his or her stuff, Hotohori and Tasuki are currently fox- and dog-demons, I have an irate hanyou tracking them down for a battle, hic!, Chichiri is still hunting down Tomo, who remains maddeningly elusive, hic, Nuriko is probably still in the shower, shoes and all, unaware that his newly declared lover is - hic- somewhat reduced in scale, the play is falling disastrously behind schedule, hic! And I'm still not sure if I'll live to see the end of the play… hic!

 

She stretches, pulling on her long brown hair at the same time.

 

Roku: (sarcastically) Yeah, fifteen minutes should be enough time to solve all these problems. Ochanoko saisai, (sighs) na no da…

 

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Music Credits:

"Mrs. Robinson" - lyrics by Paul Simon, recorded by Simon and Garfunkel, 1968

"Be My Baby" - lyrics by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector, recorded by the Ronettes, 1963

"My Baby Must Be a Magician" - recorded by The Marvelettes, 1968

 

Author's Note: (8-29-02) Yeah, kind of a weird cliffhanger ending for this chapter - not like me, really, but here's the thing: I've got so much written for this chapter that it is rapidly expanding to almost 16,000 words! Now, as sadistic as I am, that's still just a little too overboard, even for me! So I decided to cut it off, then post up the second half (also known as Chapter 7) early next week, thus doing a one-two punch on Casting Stones. Since I'm planning a one-two punch on "Bridge" the next time around, I guess this is only fair.

And yes, this is a bit of a musical chapter!! And very Mary-Sue - well, the whole damn fic is, really! But you've put up with me so far, so hopefully you'll tolerate this self-indulgent chapter, too! Oh, speaking of credits, Nuriko's terminal "ehehehehehe's" are, of course, the signature giggle of Purple Mouse's Ryuuen in "Another Story" and its sequels.But, as Kaze-chan points out, they are also characteristic of Kagome in the Inu-Yasha manga, whenever she loses the Shikon shards and has to face Dog-boy's wrath.

Thanks for reading! And have a happy Labor Day!

Ja ne! (hic!)

Roku-chan