Hanajma was working on a robot of Yozuki, wearing only a blue bra and panties. She was tweaking her circuitry, as Heather walked in. "What the hell are you doing?"

Hanajima said, "Maintenance."

Heather responded, "Isn't Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora already a victim?"

"Yes. But I'm planning something on her for our imminent 100th Tale of the Bizarre."

"But we're almost at 90. Why are you doing it now?"

"Time. and preparation."

She finished, as Yozuki posed in a erotic pose. Heather responded, "Why is she a bikini model?"

Hanajima stated, "She's tall and busty… but I would never treat her wrong. Besides, remember Emily Maynard, when she made Team RWBY Robots?"

Heather huffed, "Yeah… and they broke down, after the failed performance. Ruby and Yang slapped a C&D on us for RWBY Robot fics, since… Guys at Rooster Teeth were jealous. Still…" She held up her smartphone and said, "Why are you desperate for the 100th Tale?"

Hanajima replied, "Because I want this to be… … …Special."

Yozuki turned to Hanajima and said, "Hi, Darling… I love you. Kiss me. Do me." Hanajima stepped back, "Uh… I'm not Kazuki Araya, thank you."

"Don't lie to me, your black hair and hot bod… you are masquerading as a woman. Funny and cute pervert. Darling!" The robot attacked Hanajima, as Hanajima ran off, "Uhhh, Heather?"

Heather replied, "Not now. Watching music videos on Social Media. Did you know that they once aired videos on YouTube, Facebook, and X, before they changed the algorithm?"

Hanajima pranced off, faking fright, "Now I wish I was an android, too… How sad." Yozuki chased after her, "Darlinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng!"

Heather sighed, rolling her eyes. She then said, "In the meantime, watch this."

The video plays on a smartphone, as a girl in dark blue hair and pink bangs appeared on the screen.

"HIYA, DARLINGS!" She cheered, waving to the audience. She was wearing a white blouse and a denim skirt, "Welcome back! Thanks for tuning in, all summer long! It's me, Yozuki Noctiflora, a.k.a. Yozuki Nox, with the afternoon showcase!" she smiled, as she wiggled, "Now, we know that summer's about fun, sun, and bikinis, but this is different. By now you've heard of the hottest movies going on… other than some rejects. Personally, I loved 2023's finest selections, from Avatar 2 and M3GAN to Spiderverse and The Super Mario Movie, all hits and misses galore!"

She showed a girl with pink hair, posing in a movie poster, "But this summer is the release of the upcoming film from Seki Productions – "Through the Petals of Death", the action-packed ninja movie starring newcomer Oka Kazamatsuri. And they spared no expense into creating such fighting scenes… hopefully, no robots in this one, like that unexpecting Five Nights at Freddy's movie, which is shockingly a box office hit. But hey, that doesn't mean tha–." she paused, "What's that? We got a clip? Sure. Here's a sneak peek."

The movie shows a clip, as a woman in pink hair, wearing a pink and purple ninja outfit and a straw hat, was slashing down against black leather ninjas.. She used her katana and slashed down on the ninjas. She removed her hat, and waved her katana out. She slashed down, and the female ninja suddenly tripped and fell, spraining her ankle. The ninja gasped, "EH? Oh, I'm so sorry!"

The director yelled, "CUT!" The scene went bright, as the ninjas retreated. They were just actors. Oka said, as she was worried, "Gomen ne. I didn't mean to frighten you."

"It's alright… but my ankle hurts…" the actress sobbed.

She was helped up, as the director said, "Just a minor setback. We got a perfect fight scene, but… We'll have to move the camera angle, right at the part where you finish them off with your sword."

"Hai." Oka bowed. "I won't screw up, this time."

"Alright, just sharpen your skills. We'll continue in the morning" He said, "That's a wrap! Take five, everyone!"

The crew departed, as Oka was all alone. She held her sword and said, "I wonder… have I gone rusty?"

Oka left the studio, as Heather watched her leave. She said to the audience, "This is Oka Kazamatsuri, ninja actress. Destiny calls her, as she is hired to perform for her adoring fans. You may think that this is simple, well, it's not. Miss Kazamatsuri is about to enter a different role… one she may never escape from."

Tales of the Bizarre #83:
SAKURA

At her home, she stepped through the front door, and a small pink and white lion barked at her, cheerfully. "Oh, Komainu." She petted her dog, and she said, "Did you miss me, girl?"

"Woof, woof!" Komainu said, as she snuggled by her chest. Oka smiled, "Okay, you must be hungry, after my long trip… I was only gone for the whole afternoon."

"Your dog is a menace." A blonde haired woman said, "She kept barking at me, whenever I was cleaning your house."

"I'm sorry, Ran-dono." Oka said, "Komainu doesn't like most guests. She's not used to you."

"Yeah, well… I did you a favor, since we're friends and all." Ran smiled. She asked, "How'd the movie go?"

"Awful… one of the extras sprained her ankle, and my sword skills were improving… only…"

"Only what?"

"Every time I shoot a movie, something always happens. One thing leads to another, and next thing you know, I'm doomed to fail."

"It's alright. This is your big screen debut. This isn't some Kung Fu Ninja Theater."

"You're just jealous because I was the choice to be the main lead, and not you."

"Hollywood works in mysterious ways."

Oka said, "Whatever. I'm just happy that I have to redo that scene again. The film won't be ready, until August. And I only have weeks to prepare. Otherwise, I'm doomed to reshoot the whole thing again."

Ran replied, "Does it hurt?" She nodded, as Ran said, "Good. This isn't ninja village, anymore."

"I know… but I don't like to pretend."

"It's alright. I'm sure you can steadily do your stunts. After all, you do your own stunts."

"Not all of them." Oka pouted, "There was this one time I tried to jump down a waterfall, during one of the escape scenes, but I was scared. So, they hired a stand-in, and she did alright."

Oka & Ran talked, as Oka was feeling upset.

XXXXX

That evening, Oka knocked on the door, and she was called in, "Come in."

"Director Seki?" Oka asked a woman in orange hair, wearing a floral shirt, "You wanted to see me?"

Kaede Seki said, "Yes… We wanted to talk about the movie that you're in. We had a talk, and agreed that you cannot perform your own stunts."

"Eh?"

"I'm sorry. But you are simply for a greater talent, but this afternoon, you ended up injuring one of our stuntmen."

"But it was an accident."

"I know. That's why I hired a stand-in for you. She will only be the tough scenes. We don't want to destroy your precious face."

"Yeah? You do?"

"Sure." She called on the intercom, "Makie, send her in."

A woman entered the office, as she was dressed as Oka, down to her pink and purple details. Except she has long black hair. Kaede said, "Meet Kamina. She's from Studio SAKURA."

Oka and Kamina locked eyes, as Oka paused, "Hai… Konichiwa, Kamina-dono."

Kamina extended her hand, "Charmed." She then said, "Ehhh, who is this little reject?"

Kaede said, "This is Oka Kazamatsuri, the lead for Through the Petals of Death. And she's overworked."

Oka barked, "I'm not overworked! Kamina-dono is only here to assist me, right?"

"SHAME!" Kamina barked, "I do not wish to be called Dono. Kamina Yuri, Perfect Actress. I bet I am better than you, as a movie star. But I hope one day to be a star, like you."

Oka gasped, "Eh?! But that's how I started… I met a young actress who became a sex symbol…"

Kaede replied, "And that's how you started out. However, Miss Kazamatsuri, Miss Yuri will be your stand-in, as she will do the stunts you cannot pull."

Oka nodded, "Then I look forward to working with her."

They shook hands, as Kamina grinned, "Likewise…"

Kamina left, as Oka asked, "Ma'am… What is this Studio SAKURA?"

"Independent talent agency. Coincidentally, it's from your village."

"EHH? Etto… But I… I don't… I do not… remember…" Oka was stunned, as she suddenly felt confused.

"Oh, it's a new company that creates new–, I mean, introduces new actresses. Incidentally, where were you from?"

"Daikoku Village… once under the care of the late Goki Araya, and then Kazuki Araya, my master… But after we graduated, he and I decided to start living new lives."

"Ah, yes… He's from the Yozuki Nox Live Podcast, as co-host."

"Wow… That's so cool."

"Isn't it?" Kaede winked, "Anyways, you start bright and early, tomorrow. You haven't seen nothing yet."

Oka walked off, as Kamina was greeted by two men in white. Oka was curious, but she chose to walk away. "Meh. Must be loyal fanatics. I'll ask her, tomorrow."

The next day, Oka arrived at the studio, and she waved hello. She suddenly saw another Oka, and she asked, "Excuse me… This is a closed set."

She turned around and smiled, "Well?"

Oka yelped, as she stepped back. The other Oka said, "How do I look? So sultry and bouncy… Right?"

"K-K-Kamina-dono?"

"Would you not call me Dono? God, you're such a loyal puppet!"

"Gomen… I'm not used to talking with other people… but to myself? I'm… I can't be… There's only ONE Oka."

"Of course. I'm the second Oka, you're the real one. But that's the beauty of it. We get to shoot a movie together… so don't you worry those D-Cups, as they jiggle like jelly. The audience need sex appeal."

Kamina walked off, as Oka blushed, "Those are sensitive boobs! And… and they're DDs!" Oka pouted, covering herself, "She's so mean… She dresses as me, but…"

The director said, "Ah, sweetie, you're here. We get to redo the big scene, the showdown against the ninja swarm, and hopefully we get it in another angle. The stuntwoman that you injured, she's set to go."

"Hai. I won't mess up, this time."

"Good. Places! Stand-in, stand by."

Oka prepared her fighting scene, and she performed the battle, with grace and speed. She stepped back, and she held her katana, pointing at the tall ninja. They went into a stance, and…

"CUT!" The scene stopped, as he called, "Stand-in? You're up."

Kamina was practicing, and she held up a prop katana. Oka was walking to her, "Here you are."

She gave her the prop and Kamina said, "Can't take it against that brute. Sissy."

Kamina called, "Okay, I know my lines by heart." She prepared, as the director ordered, "Now, in this scene, you fight the ninja… … …and lose." Kamina agreed, and Oka gasped, "Eh?"

"ACTION!"

Kamina fought as hard as she could, but the tall ninja was able to defeat her. And then she was kidnapped by the ninjas. Oka thought, "That wasn't in the script. Did they rewrite the scene?"

The scene ended, as the director said, "CUT! Beautiful. Miss Yuri, you were excellent."

Kamina moaned, "Yeah… Well, maybe you should ease up on the ruffians, next time."

"We'll try to remember that." He called, "Okay, next scene. Oka, you're up."

XXXXX

Oka prepared her next scene, she was fighting her way out of the bad guys' hideout, after she was kidnapped. She slashed forward, and made her escape. She stopped, as she was confronted by a huge bear-like beast. Oka fought hard, but managed to land one final blow. But…

"CUT!"

Oka stepped away, as the beast was an animatronic monster. She panted and said, "Oh, god…" The director said, "Stand-in!"

Kamina prepared herself and said, "Right. So… What do I do?"

"You do nothing." He said, "You are smashed down to the floor, crashing down into the next floor below you, and land safely. Oka will do the rest of this scene."

"Swell…" Kamina huffed, "I'm an actress, not a stuntman."

She prepared, as the director cried, "ACTION!"

SMASH!
She was smashed through, except her head was sticking out, with swirls for eyes.

"CUT! Wrong… Try again!"

She redid the scene, only she was stuck tight on the floorboards. The director said, "Maybe it's her boobs. Okay… Oka, can you make the jump?"

"Hai."

"Alright, peel Kamina off, and Oka… on my cue, jump."

Oka went to the hole in the floor, and Kamina was being dragged away. The director cried, "ACTION!"

Oka jumped down on the director's cue, except…
SMOOSH! BOING!
Oka's huge breasts were caught in the hole, too. She gasped, "Oh, dear… Uh, help me?"

"CUT CUT CUT!" he yelled, "WHO'S THE WISEGUY THAT DIDN'T MAKE THE TRAP DOOR WIDER?"

The crew were rabbling, as Oka was stuck, "Uhhhh… Mr. Director? Hello? I'm… still stuck…" Her breasts pushed up, and she sobbed, "I'm… Oh no… Nooooooooooooo–!"

SHOOP! THUD!
She landed on the mat below, after she slipped down. Oka groaned, "Ungh…"

The director sighed, "We'll have to improvise on the scene. Next scene."

XXXXX

Oka confronted the evil leader, and she cried, shouting in fake English, "I will never forgive you. You hurt my family. I will kill you."

"Ahhhh, yes, you young wench. You think you can stop me?" The boss, wearing blue, said, "If you survive, you kill me… but lose, and spilling brains with blood. Verrrrrrrrrry beautiful."

Oka and the boss fought each other to a stalemate. She dropped to her knees and sobbed, feeling tired. The boss grabbed her sword, and prepared for the final kill.

"CUT!" The boss stopped, as Oka was wincing. She gasped, "Eh?"

Kamina walked in, and she said, "Apparently, you have no awareness."

She took her place, and the director called, "ACTION!"

Kamina blocked the attack, and she stabbed the boss with a kunai. He gagged and fell dead, as Kamina took her sword and sliced the boss's head off. She lifted the severed head high, which was a fake prop, and she let out an emotionless glare. The scene ends.

"CUT!" The actor cried, "AUGH! What the hell are you doing with the blood?"

Kamina huffed, "Oh, stop crying! The scene's over!"

The actor yelled, "Did you have to use too much blood?"

The director said, "Sorry… We wanted to make this realistic, like how they did AEW."

Oka asked, "Are we done?"

"Not yet… There's still the grand finale… before the epilogue."

Oka nodded, as Kamina was tired, "Man… You're something else, kid."

"Arigato. It's just that I usually have a sort of calamity."

"It's alright. But I quit better jobs than this. Nice working with you."

Oka was about to ask her, but the director said, "Not so fast! Miss Yuri, would you like to stay for the finale? We do admire your work, and your pain resistance."

"Flattered, but no thanks." She removed her wig, and remarked, "After what I experienced, I don't think I'm ready to continue."

"Actually, you can. You signed a contract." He said to her.

Kamina paused, as she remembered, "I see. How long do I have, before my contract is up?"

"Until the movie ends. If a sequel is in the works, would you like to be a part of the story?"

Kamina replied, "Yes, I'd love to."

Oka was stunned. She whispered, "It's like she just said yes to the director. I was going to ask her what Studio SAKURA was like… but…" Kamina walked away, as Oka asked, "Sir? May I ask… are you and Kamina-dono… You know?"

He said, "No… We're just doing business. After all, Studio SAKURA knows how to hire the best. Take a breather, and we'll begin shooting in one hour." He called, "Okay, that's a wrap. We meet back in an hour or so. Strike the set, and set up the next scene."

Oka was all alone in the studio, as it was empty. She was curious to know who Kamina was… and why she suddenly said yes to the offer.

Oka walked down the studio lot and said, "Kamina-dono was about to quit. She said that she'd quit better jobs than this. But the director said that she has a contract, and she agreed to join in. Strange… When I started my career, I said the same thing… only it was hard. But when I was told I had a contract, I figured… Well, ninjas are given contracts for certain jobs. Could she be following ninja code? Or was she being blackmailed?"

She went to Kamina's dressing room, and knocked on the door. She called, as she was removing her Oka attire, "Enter!"

Oka stepped in, "Hai. Kamina–, uh… Miss Yuri…"

"Oh, it's you. What do you want?"

"I wanted to ask you a question… and that's about the Studio you're from. Studio SAKURA?"

"Ah, yes… The independent scene? Well, I've been a part of the movie scene, since 2021. Sadly, I only ended up in bit roles. Stunt work is beneath me, beautiful I'm told to do my job, so be it."

"I understand. Miss Yuri, I can do all my stunts. You can pretend to be me, and I'll be you. I'll take the blows."

"Clever little girl. Sorry, but I'm too inexperienced in the art of swordfighting. I was excellent, but… Age done me in."

"I'm sorry… But I am amazed that you looked exactly like me. What's your secret?"

Kamina huffed, as she shoved Oka out, "Sorry, but I don't trade secrets to wannabe stars. The more you ask, the sooner you will know. But if you have to ask, namely me, you'll never know. Now, get out."

She slammed the door on her, and Oka huffed, "How rude!" She sighed, "But I got my answer… sort of…"

She walked down the halls, as two men in white were touching up her makeup. One of them unzipped her blouse, and she shut her eyes.

XXXXX

"Miss Kamina Yuri has been excellent, since filming." Kaede said, "Despite her protests of injuries, she's agreed to stay on, as your double."

Oka smiled, "That's excellent! Does this mean she can act with me?"

Kaede stated, "No… What I mean is…"

XXXXX

Ran was with Oka, at home, as Oka was furious, "That bitch is taking your role?"

Oka barked, as Komainu sobbed near her ankle, "In short, they made me the stand-in, and she's the star! Kaede-dono said it like this. "Oka, what I mean is… She'll handle the talking parts and the best scenes, while you can just be yourself, and do the fight scenes." That's bullshit! I'm the star! NOT HER!"

Ran asked, "What did you say to her?"

Oka sighed, "I told her that's fine… But deep down, I couldn't say NO. Plus, Kaede-dono said that I'm still the star. It's just that my talking scenes need improvement. Couldn't they just dubbed the lines into my normal body? I'm still human!"

Ran said, "It's not the Kung Fu Era, anymore. Nobody cares about Samurai Movies like that, anymore. People want good dubbing… Maybe it's for the best. You have been working long and hard over this movie."

"Hai… But I just can't say it…"

Forlorn, Oka got up and went to feed Komainu. Ran decided to leave, as she told Oka to cheer up. Oka fed her dog her dog food, and she said, "Here you are, girl…" She petted Komainu, and she whispered, "You still appreciate me, do you, girl?"

Komainu barked, "Arf!"

She hugged her, as Oka was sad. She knew she was going to be a star, except… how could she be a movie star, if her stand-in is doing all the work?

XXXXX

That evening, she decided to search the web for a Studio SAKURA. But so far, no luck.

"Studio SAKURA." Oka whispered, "Maybe… I know it's new. But I'd like to learn more."

She then typed in "SAKURA", then "Independent", then "Stunts". She found the site. Only it was a site full of Japanese text. She found Studio SAKURA, except it was nothing. It was a dead end.

"I can read Japanese… but it's all gibberish." She said, translating the text, "Is Kamina… a phony?"

XXXXX

The next morning, Oka arrived with the script, and she said, "Excuse me, is Kamina present?"

One of the guards in brown said, "She's in that room, over here."

She walked in, as he cried, "Wait, Miss! You can't go in there!"

Oka stated, "It's important. I have lots to ask about the shooting today. It won't take long."

She stepped into the room, as she called, "Excuse me! M-Miss Kamina… OH!" She saw Kamina sitting down, topless, and with her hair down over her breasts. Oka tried to speak, but a man in white held her long hair. He took it off, revealing it to be a wig. Suddenly, the back of her head opened, showing a computerized brain. Oka was horrified, gasping a bit, and dropped her script. She whimpered, "Ka–, Kamina?"

Kamina spoke robotically, "I am Kamina. Perfect actress. I love to work with you. We are going to get along just fine. I was made for movies."

Oka stammered, as she went pale white, "She's a robot?" She paused, and suddenly fainted, collapsing to the floor.

Everything went black, after that.

… … …

She woke up in her room, as Ran was there. Oka moaned, "Mmmmmgh… Ran-dono?"

Ran said, "It's alright. I had to come over, after you fainted."

Oka gasped, "Kamina! Where's–?"

"She's alright. She was waiting on the set, but… You had a nasty spill."

"Ran-dono… You won't believe me… Studio SAKURA and Kamina… Don't get me wrong, but–."

Ran stated, as she calmed her down, "It's alright. You were hyperventilating. Kamina's not a robot. You kept saying that, while you were spazzing out. That's what the guard told me."

Oka was spazzing, as she was shaken, "Ka… Kamina… Robot… wig… actress… robot… robot… Kamina… do… noooooooooo… nrrrrrrrrrr…" and she passed out. She went unconscious, as the studio guards called for help.

Oka felt her head and said, "Maybe… Maybe I am crazy… Ran-dono… I'm sorry…"

"It's alright. Miss Seki said that the shoot for today is cancelled. I'm certain that this will be addressed by tomorrow." She helped her up and said, "Come on. I'll take you home."

Ran helped Oka up and took her home.

XXXXX

That night, Kamina was sitting in her chair, with no hair or clothes on. Her back of her head closed up, and suddenly, her facial features started to morph.

"I am Oka Kazamatsuri… I am the real Oka. Beginning facial array." Her face suddenly morphed, and her breasts expanded a bit. She was to resemble Oka, from her face and her boobs, to her natural skin color and personality. "Facial array complete…" She sat up and walked forward, whirring in motion.

"I am Oka." She responded, as she walked to the wigs bin.

However, upon Oka's breakdown, the media told of what transpired.

"Studio SAKURA – star maker or dream breaker?" A woman in red hair was at a news desk, "Seki Productions' upcoming film is put on hold, following up-and-coming actress, Oka Kazamatsuri's shocking breakdown, after what she saw about Kamina Yuri, future actress for Seki Productions. However, due to her traumatic moment, Miss Kazamatsuri will be taking a break, following the shooting of Through the Petals of Death. A sequel has been planned, and will star Kazamatsuri's former stand-in, Kamina Yuri. Miss Kaede Seki could not be reached for comment."

Ran turned off the TV, as Oka was crying. Ran growled, "That did it. Your career is over. One meltdown, and… I mean, you meltdown when you get pissed and blow up at the crew, but to be shocked and traumatized over Kamina Yuri's secret? Something you're not telling me?"

"If I did, you wouldn't believe me…"

"Oka! How many times do I have to tell you? Kamina Yuri's not a robot!"

"Who cares? Nobody believes me. Even if this gets leaked to the paparazzi, no one can."

"I know… Did you find out about Studio SAKURA?"

"No… All it was was a troll website… Maybe a virus… or a scam…"

"Well, maybe it's because Studio SAKURA is a phony company! A scam! Or… maybe they didn't have a wi-fi connection, and could not make a website, on time."

"But I DID see it! Studio SAKURA! Just… What is it?" Oka was concerned, as she tried to figure it out. Ran walked off, as she asked, "So… what now?"

"Miss Seki said I got to shoot the finale. But after that, I need help. But I want answers about Studio SAKURA, before things get out of hand. She also said that…"

XXXXX

Kaede stated to Oka, "After shooting, you can pack up and leave."

Oka cried, "WHAT? After I shoot the movie…"

"Yeah. I can't hire an ongoing contract to someone who suddenly cracks. You leave, after the shooting, and then you pack your things and leave."

Oka was mortified. She was fired from the movie set.

XXXXX

Oka was sobbing in her dressing room, as she was calling Ran. "You're fired? WHY?"

Oka blubbered, "It's because they say I'm crazy… and I lost it… and I thought Kamina was… Ohhhhhhhh…" She wailed, as she held the phone in her hand.

"Oka, don't cry! Are you alright? Oka? OKA? Hey, listen, I'm coming over… Hang on, we'll talk this with your boss. Er, ex-boss."

Kamina suddenly appeared, dressed as Oka, as she held the phone. Ran concluded, "It's alright. I'm here. Just take it easy, and we'll talk."

"Sorry… but I cannot come to the phone right now…"

"HUH? OK–!"
BEEP!
She hung up, as Oka turned to the robot actress, Kamina. Oka gasped, "You…"

Kamina smirked, "Well? How do I look? I'm perfect as your replacement."

Oka sobbed, "Why? You're a robot? And this Studio SAKURA…"

"Studio SAKURA is the company I was built from. You see, it stands for Superintelligent Artificial Kunoichi University of Robot Actors. In short… SAKURA." She winked, as she posed.

Oka blushed heavily, "I… I dont understand… Studio SAKURA was… a robotics department?"

"Remember M3GAN and Five Nights at Freddys? Well, we decided to improve our robotics division, by adding advanced and perfect movie stars. However, they discriminate against us, ever since they decided to use voice actors for fanmade movies. But they learned from those people in horror movies."

"But the latter wasn't like that–."

"Your point?" Kamina said, "But I heard that you got axed. You start filming, after we shoot. And then, all you can become is forgotten trash." She smirked, "Whereas I… Kamina Yuri… will pretend to be you… Because they loved the character, but they needed someone with more talent, and a lifelike body for sexiness."

"That's plagiarism!" Oka cried, "You won't get away with this! You can't steal my identity!"

"No." Kamina said, "That's why… I want to get rid of you… before they find out. We can say "Kamina suddenly collapsed, and quit the studio… and Oka wants to do all the scenes". And it'll be me, and not you."

"You bitch…" Oka seethed, "I had so many questions for you… about Studio SAKURA… but this… This is insane! But if you're a robot, you're not bound to the laws. You wouldn't kill me, would you?"

"Who put that bee in your bonnet?"

"A friend."

"Oh, can't I?" She held up her sword and said, "But it'll look like you died… and–."

"Hold on… If you kill me, and pretend to be me, and Kamina-dono quits… It makes no sense. Because all they'll find is my corpse… and you pretending to be me, but the body of yours is nowhere to be found…"

"Eh? Well… I can think up a story. Besides… I'm two people in one… Goodbye, Oka…"

Oka cried, "CUT!" Kamina froze in place, and she dashed out of the dressing room. Kamina moved, as she growled, "Yooooooooou…"

She ran out of the studio, running down the lot, as Kamina went after her. Everyone was shocked, as Oka cried, "SHE'S AFTER ME!"

She threw clothes and boxes at her, and Kamina was emotionless and glaring. She slowly marched towards her, but Oka draped a tarp over her, blinding her. Oka made a dash for it, and Kamina removed the tarp.

Oka arrived at the studio, as the director said, "Ah, Miss Kazamatsuri. You have arrived for the finale. Where's Miss Yuri?"

Oka tried to speak, but she was scared. She calmed down and said, "Never mind… Can we start without Miss Yuri? She's running late."

"Oh, nonsense." He said, "We'll stop at the part, and when Miss Kamina arrives, you're to take her place."

Oka nervously said, "That's what I'm afraid of."

Kamina was frantically searching for her, as Oka was shooting the final scene. She was fighting the evil shogun warrior, atop of a roof, in the rain. They began to fight, using their swords. Oka was losing, as she was struggling near the roof. She kicked off, and she growled, clashing blades with the evil leader.

Kamina was in the lot, looking around, as she suddenly started to flash red from her eyes. She spoke in a baritone, "Time for final cut." She marched robotically, and attempted to locate Oka. The studio guards were following her, as she was heading straight for the lot.

"Is that… Oka?"
"Wait… I thought she was fired."

The guards thought she was Oka, but in reality, she was Kamina.

Oka was about to finish the scene, as she prepared one final blow. She called out, "Now… I will give you the swift end you rightfully deserve…" She raised her sword high, and then…

"CUT!" Oka stopped. She panted, and she dropped to one knee. He cried, "THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL! You did all this, by yourself! And it was superb! As for your stand-in, we'll pick up where we left off, once she arrives."

Oka cried, "Oh, good! Call me, when she's done!" She dashed off, but then the studio doors opened. Oka dropped onto her butt, and she was cringing. Kamina had returned. The director said, "Ahhh, Miss Kamina. You're just in time. The final scene is prepared for you."

Kamina held her sword and hissed in a demonic baritone, "Now, young ninja… you die…"

Oka slinked back, as she cried, "Uhhh… Help me…"

The director cried, "MISS KAMINA! On the set!" She attacked Oka, and he cried out, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Oka was crawling away, as she cried, "KAMINA IS A ROBOT!"

They gasped, as the director shouted, "She's a machine?! Wow! Even perfect! She's the new leading lady!"

Kamina roared, "SHUT UP!" She could not listen. Two guards rushed in and grabbed her by the arms. Kamina hissed, "Don't get in my way of stardom, you monsters!"

She attacked security, as she went berserk. He cried, "SECURITY! STOP HER! STOP HER!" She fought off the security guards, easily, using her sword skills. Oka cried, "EVERYONE OFF THE SET! SHE'S GONE CRAZY!"

They ran out of the set, as Kamina took out the guards. And then she called out, "So… Oka Kazamatsuri… This is how your star fades. I am Oka Kazamatsuri."

"You're a fake! You're not me!" She protested, "I'm Oka!"

"No… I'm Oka!"

"You're Kamina-dono!"

"STOP CALLING ME THAAAAAAAAT!" She lunged at her, and slammed her down hard. Oka was injured, as Kamina roared, "GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"Ka… Kamin… naaaaaaa…" Oka passed out, as Kamina dropped the sword. She hissed, "Look at you… Playing dead. But I know the scene by heart… And…" She gripped her neck, and throttled her, "ACTION!"

She was choking Oka to death, and Oka was lifeless and tired out to retaliate. Kamina pinned her down, and then started to spark a bit, "I'm Oka Kazamatsuri! I am Oka Kazamatsuri! I AM OKA KAZAMATSURI! I AM OKA! I AM OKA! I AM! I AM!" She loosened her grip, and suddenly started to beep and malfunction, "Warning… Data malfunction… Error… I am Kamina Matsuri… Oka Man… Yuri…" She stepped back a bit, and Oka was lifeless. The robot was spazzing out, as she was overheating, "Warning… Warning… Warning… I am Oka Kazamatsuri… I am Oka… I am… Okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…" She beeped, and suddenly…

KABOOM!
Kamina exploded into bits and pieces, leaving only her lower half and her head, as it fell to the ground. The set was on fire, after that, as Oka was caught in the flames. Everyone was outside, as Oka was trapped inside the studio. Oka suddenly woke up, as she saw the set, caught ablaze. Oka whispered, "I'm trapped… There's no way out…"

Ran cried out, as she arrived, "OKAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Oka looked around, and she found the exit. Her clothes were tattered, and her skin was melting. She dashed out of the studio, and she escaped, just as the flames grew bigger. Ran went to her and wailed, "OKA! My god…"

She was being restrained, "Step away from her!" Two men in white approached Oka, as Ran asked, "What's wrong?"

Oka moaned, "Ran… Ran-dono… That robot… was trying… … … to kill me…" She suddenly passed out, and Ran cried, "OKA!" The two men took her away. Ran was worried, as a policeman asked, "Miss? Do you know what happened?"

"No… What just happened?"

The police told Ran everything, as Oka was being helped back to the dressing room, as the set was caught in flames. Kamina was stuck inside the burning studio, melting away into melted skin and metal and burning hair. Kamina Yuri, the android that was created by Studio SAKURA, was destroyed. Oka, however, barely survived this horrible tragedy.

The news played after that.

"In what was a shocker, Seki Productions have delayed the upcoming Through the Petals of Death, as a freak accident was caused by pyrotechnics that started a huge fire. Most of the filming was lost, as it was burned away from the fire. Once the studio is rebuilt, filming will resume… eventually.
Miss Oka Kazamatsuri, a victim of the fire, could not be reached for comment… and in related news, her stand-in and future star lead, Kamina Yuri, died in the fire, after injuring her leg."

Oka turned off the TV, and Ran said, "Well, that's show business."

"Still, I'm happy that I'm alright… But Kamina-dono…"

"I'll never doubt you again, Oka. I can't believe Seki Productions hired a robot… and they covered it up, saying she was real. But still… her body wasn't found. I wonder why."

"Yeah…"

Ran smiled, "To be honest, you're better than she ever was. Even you couldn't be that robotic."

"I know… The best finale to my debut film… and it's gone. All gone. I could never remake that scene again."

"Well, yes you can. You know how the scene went, right?"

"Yeah… But with the rain, it's fuzzy… But hey, at least I don't rust."

They shared a laugh, as Oka was watching TV, and Ran went to the bedroom. Komainu cuddled Oka, and she held her, "Oh, good girl, Komainu… You wanna watch TV with Oka? Huh? Do you?" She hugged her dog, as they watched TV.

Ran was in the hallways, as she called on her phone. She asked, "Hello? Studio SAKURA? This is Ran Kuzuryu. You saw the news, right? Good job on the cover-up. Miss Kazamatsuri cannot know. Sorry. I mean… Oka-33."

Oka was being taken away into her dressing room, as one man in white asked, "What happened to Kamina?"

"She's gone… She went berserk…" Oka moaned.

She removed her ninja outfit, and suddenly closed her eyes. She was naked, with her breasts exposed. The second man said, "She looked very beat up… We better get to work."

They lied Oka down, and proceeded to fix her up. They removed her faceplate and her breasts, and began to repair her melted skin, which showed chrome plating. She was a robot, too. Except…

"Man, Studio SAKURA doesn't pay much to have these robot dolls act on the big screen." The first man in white said, "Oka-33 will be up-and-running, in a flash."

"Yeah, but didn't the studio fire her?"

"I don't know… But if Studio SAKURA is exposed, she will be junked away…"

Oka responded, "What are you doing? Why are you talking?"

The first man said, "It's alright… We'll let you sleep first." He deactivated her, and Oka slurred down, "Haaaaaa…"

The two men went back to work, rebuilding Oka into a perfect robot actress, as the set was caught in flames.

"She's so lifelike… and it's like, she knows what it feels like to be human." She was ordered, "Eh? Deactivate her? Right away?" She then said, as she smiled, "No… Give it a couple months. If the movie's successful, I think we have a chance to make a star out of Oka-33. I mean… Oka Kazamatsuri."

Oka smiled, as she was relaxing with Komainu. She hopped off her lap, and Oka suddenly felt tired. She powered down and was in a seated position. Ran turned off the television, and opened Oka's head, downloading all her memories and files into a small USB Drive. After she finished, she laid her down on the couch. "Sweet dreams, Oka…" Then she kissed her on the forehead, and then left her house.

Oka was sleeping silently and still, as she was in her dreams, remembering the role she was in.

(Heather): Dreams can come true… for Oka Kazamatsuri, a gynoid actress pretending to be human. Her big debut role, unfortunately, is put on hold, but she has given perhaps her greatest award-winning performance… … … from a "Tale of the Bizarre"…

The television suddenly turned on, as Kamina's shadow appeared. She beeped, through a torrent of static, "I am… I am… Oka… Kazamatsuri…" The television turned off, after that.

Hanajima was in tattered rags, as she was covered in soot. She walked to the stage and said, "I apologize… But the Yozuki Robot will remain in scraps. We'll do what we can to salvage her, before our special 100th Tale of the Bizarre, which is set possibly for 2025. That's next year." She brushed herself off, "Anyways… I'll leave robot building for the techies. Plus, Kamina Kazamatsuri-Yuri was a beautiful fembot. Perhaps she may be featured in a Fate fic with Robots. But that's too cliched."

Heather arrived, as she was with a Ran Kuzuryu Robot, "Oh, Hana… Look what I found in the old warehouse. A Ran-716 Unit. Let's use her."

Hanajima responded, "No robots, please. But I am open for Ran Kuzuryu in a Tale of the Bizarre."

"What happened to you?"

Hanajima paused, as she remembered what Yozuki did to her.

Yozuki caressed and rubbed her body all over Hanajima, before she clamped her breasts. Yozuki got into a fit of rage, and attacked her severely, ripping her clothes off. But Hanajima, after her clothes were ruined, used her psychic waves to destroy the Yozuki Robot.

Hanajima bowed, "Nothing."

"Where's the robot?"

"Junked. However, we can use her as a tour guide, after we reprogram her. But leave it to a pro. I know a guy that can reassemble one's programming."

"Who? Krieger?"

Hanajima paused, "How did you–?"
Heather halted her, "My advice… DON'T! Not after Archer ended. Never got back to him."

This tale ends, as our hostesses prepare for the next tale.

Good night… Wherever you are…