102. Capture

638 Words

Satsuki sat in a shadowy corner, studying the room. Her eyes found and followed everything and everyone, and she hoped she could commit it all to memory, to make an imprint as vivid and real as the film footage they were shooting for the drama. She had felt it for a while now, but every day the sensation grew just a little bit clearer and starker. Every day, they were that much closer to the end.

To Satsuki, this drama was fantastic. It was the first one she had ever been a part of, and the experience had been magical. She did not want it to end. It had changed her. She had become a better actress, she had learned so much from her co-workers. She had come out of her shell and gained many new friends – both among her fellow actors and the supporting staff. For example, she had really hit it off with her and Noriko-chan's archery instructor.

She saw one of the make-up artists touch up on the lines and wrinkles on Kyouda-san's face, aging her so she could become 'Kaede'. Morikawa-san was sitting down head bowed in conversation with his son. Mamiko-chan was pouting in her seat, unhappily picking at 'Rin's' checker kimono. Satsuki knew that the little diva had been disappointed to find out she had to wear something so plain. Satsuki supposed she had seen too many periodical dramas depicting high born ladies and princesses all dolled up and had thus harboured false expectations about Inuyasha.

Himeko and Kouji were in a far-off corner of the big studio, deep in an animate discussion that involved much gesturing, exclamations and giggles. Satsuki was slightly curious what they were talking about… but then again, knowing the two of them, it was probably not something she'd be interest in.

Taiki and Izumi were just behind the cameras. Though they were standing close together, they did not speak to one another. Both of them were engrossed watching Mitsuo and Noriko act a scene from 'Kikyo's' and 'Inuyasha's' earlier days.

Mitsuo and Noriko were sitting side by side on the set. They did not speak, but brought their characters' emotions to life in their expressions and body language. Satsuki, too, was impressed by how much they could express without resorting to words. Everyone in this room was so talented, and Satsuki could but hope that one day she would be on their level.

Director Takahashi's familiar form was the last to catch Satsuki's attention. She was especially grateful to Takahashi, without her she wouldn't be here, a part of the wonderful drama they had brought to life. The director was watching over the scene Mitsuo and Noriko were acting out like a hawk, and then yelled cut, gave the shot her okay, and ushered them to do the next scene. Lights and cameras were checked and prepared, and then it was action again.

And endless cycle that had become so familiar to her.

"What are you doing, hiding away here on your own?"

Satsuki startled and whipped around, to see Ken's dark eyes glinting.

"What are you doing here?" she blurted out.

"I'm scheduled for today, as I told you."

"Yes, for the afternoon. It's only 11 am."

"Well I thought I'd come early since I don't need to be at the movie set today."

"Oh, okay." Satsuki's eyes strayed back to the studio and all the people therein.

"It'll be over soon," she whispered after a while.

Ken nodded.

"So it will. But there will always be the next time, the next job. Every work you act in is a separate journey. You're still only at the beginning, Satsuki-san. The future holds endless possibilities for you."

His compliment warmed her, but Satsuki had her doubts.

"I wonder," she sighed, so softly he almost didn't hear her.