It's great that you enjoyed the story so much, and that both Hakkai and Gojyo work so well for you - thank you very much for your lovely feedback!

I often wonder about the differences between both youkai and humans and youkai of different kinds - canon doesn't give us all that much to work with. I've read some lovely stories about Hakkai's youkai instincts and capabilities - though not nearly enough! By most fans, Gojyo seems to be seen as more or less entirely human, though. That can't really be true - can it? He *lives* as a human, yes, but... the bottom line is: He's not.

The kappa question is fascinating in itself, I think. Is the traditional kappa mythology totally irrelevant for the Saiyuki universe, or does some of it still apply? How does Gojyo deal with the kappa part of his heritage - what does it mean for him? He can't know much about it himself, given his childhood, and as a half-breed, many things will be different for him, anyway...

Right - enough rambling. Will shut up now.:-)