Confront
Staring into those faintly glowing robin's egg eyes, Anthy was too
shocked to speak for a moment. The Guardian was blushing ever so faintly
in a look that was unmistakenably shame. A woman? This was the proud
noble figure that had taken on a battalion of men single handedly, and
crossed swords with one of the most feared generals in the kingdom?
How remarkable...
Anthy finally stood back, allowing the Guardian to climb wearily to its
feet, shoulders ever so slightly hunched.
"I-I didn't realize...but why would you..." She was lost. The female
knight gave a half shrug as she turned to face the dusky princess fully.
"I humbly ask your forgiveness." Rose colored tendrils rolled over the
breastplate as she bent to one knee in front of her new Charge. "I can
only give my utmost apology for deceiving you, as I am certain you are
most disappointed in my...gender..."
That was what was bothering her knight? The fact that Anthy might be
upset? She suddenly chuckled, a rich rolling sound that startled the
blue eyed girl. Hastening to calm herself and explain, Anthy crounched
down to the armored woman's level and spoke.
"Oh no...that does not matter. I was merely surprised that you hid it.
It is very impressive that a woman could perform the feats you have.
No..." She held out the helm as a peace offering. "I should beg your
forgiveness. I should not have acted so boldly." They were both being so
very careful with each other, that Anthy felt as if they were walking on
glass.
The knight flushed slightly at the praise and took the draconic helm
from her hands as she stood. She offered Anthy a hand. "Please, think
nothing of it...I was merely concerned that...my not being male...would
detract from my threat as your Guardian. That it would somehow lower
your standing. I...intend to conceal it for a time when we meet with
your brother, the king, as well."
Anthy gave a smooth nod of acceptance. "Of course, you would know best."
The knight gave a small smile, and Anthy felt its warmth knot inside her
belly. The Guardian then placed the helm on the table, and took a seat
on the chair, across from where Anthy now found herself seated on the
bed. The tension was gone now, as if a weight had been lifted from each
of them. But curiosity made the emerald eyed witch cock her head
slightly as she took in her knight's appearance. She was definitely
human seeming...but the way she had run earlier...moving easily beside a
galloping horse...catching swords in her hands as if they were nothing.
She didn't feel otherworldly. Anthy let her inner senses coil out
hesitantly to poke gently at the other's aura. No...she wasn't some sort
of demon or spirit. She felt that alien side to her form...something
that made her think of the steel in swords, and the iron in wagon
bearings...But the teachings said...what was she?
The violet haired woman's mind ran back to the conversation from the
night before:
("Like a...doll...or maybe some sort of construct. I've never seen metal
move like you do."
"I am...a result of bio engineering and cybernetics. Unlike most robots,
I am what is called a cyborg, human and technology melded into one being
with the human core and brain functions still left intact." )
So did that mean she was once human, like Anthy? Although perhaps Anthy
herself wasn't the best of examples...not to the others that lived
within the realm. Still, a human core...inside of a living suit of
armor. The thought was chilling. That the ancient peoples were able to
work such magiks...inconceivable! Anthy couldn't imagine creating
something like that, even with the dark teachings she had studied in the
library's dusty alcoves. She realized the knight was looking at her
curiously, and she flushed at having been caught staring. Without that
fearsome helmet to obscure her features, the woman across from her was
so very...well, human. Did that mean she had a name? Anthy decided to
ask.
"Ah...Lady Guardian...perhaps..."
"Yes?"
"I was curious if there was another name I might call you? I feel it
does you no honor to simply call you 'Guardian' or 'Knight'. Have you a
name with which you would prefer to be addressed?" The knight was
surprised, and she hid it only barely. But Anthy caught the flicker of
movement around the creases of her eyes. Was the question...offensive?
The knight gave a small self-mocking smirk. "Ah...my name. It has been
sometime since I was called by my designation."
"Designation?"
The knight gave a small rueful nod. "Yes...back before I entered the
Guardian Program as a cadet, the people in my sector were numbered and
labeled by our designation codes. They were usually based on what sector
we lived in, what generation of offspring we were, and which facility we
were sired at. Things were...very different from the way they are here
now..." The Guardian sighed ever so slightly, gazing out the window. Her
voice took on the echo of centuries, as she recalled what she could of
her past. Anthy listened in rapt attention.
"I was born...in what was known as the U3X251 sector, a military
community. 10th in my line of offspring for that quota. The Arima
Facility was were my egg was fertilized. To prevent contamination, you
see. I was also given the honor of having a last name, a rarity at that
time. Only those who were sired from an officer of outstanding rank and
prestige was allowed to carry that person's name as a last name. So my
name is...Utena...Tenjou."
Anthy hadn't been able to follow all of it...but from the cold bland way
the Lady Tenjou described her situation...it sounded bleak. She didn't
seem to have any real connection to the one who 'sired' her. So did she
not grow up with parents? Anthy looked on sadly as Utena continued
staring out the window. She seemed so strong, so untouchable. Like
polished marble in the sun. But underlying that rigid nobility...was
someone who was like her once. The dark skinned woman opened her mouth
to ask another question, but haltingly stopped as the knight stood and
moved over to one of the unused cloths. Swiping it over her armor, and
checking that her sword was loose in its sheath, the knight moved over
to the door.
"The lad, Tsuwabuki, returns."
And sure enough within a minute's time, they could hear his familiar
haste upon the stairs. He knocked, and a breath later he came into the
room, weighed down my an enormous box. "Ah my lady...I...I-I've got your
commission!" He beamed with pride, trying to talk his way around a nest
of pins he held tight in his mouth. Utena moved from the door to steady
the box he nearly dropped, and plucked it from his tired arms to set it
carefully on the bed next to Anthy. Head bent down as he went about
brushing off his tailor's vest, Tsuwabuki looked up towards the Princess
and gave a nod of approval towards the box.
"We took a lot of time choosing the proper color and texture to match
well with your lovely dark skin and eyes...and I think you'll look
absolutely ravishing! Please m'lady, shall we try it on for the final
fitting?" He turned back to look at the knight who had aided him, only
really noticing her for the first time. Was it his imagination or had he
caught a glimpse of the knight's helmet on the table... He turned to
look, but the helm was gone, and the fully armored knight was standing
as it always was securely by the door.
That's funny..., He thought to himself. I thought I had seen a glimpse
of his face as I was coming in...I must have been mistaken...
His curiosity burned slightly as to what the strong gentleman's features
would look like. Surely a rigid jawline, high cheek bones...broad
shoulders under the shoulder spikes...perhaps he could get an extra set
of commissions if he were to-Shaking his head firmly to concentrate on
the work at hand, Tsuwabuki blushed sheepishly. "Now then let's work to
make you look perfect, noble lady!" Anthy blushed with pleasure at the
young boy's sweet nature. "Please, call me Anthy." She replied with a
small chuckle as she lifted the lid of the box up. Her breath halted in
her throat. It was...stunning...
Unseen by the boy who had all his attention on his model before him,
Utena Tenjou swiped the rest of her long trailing hair back up
underneath the back of her helm, so that she was completely conceal once
more. Her enhanced blue eyes caught on the Princess' own as she stood
straight again, by neither said anything. Anthy turned her attention to
the little boy moving to look at her from all angles, while Utena turned
her attention to the streets below their windows and the sounds of the
customers down below.
Anthy, at Tsuawabuki's fidgeting request, lifted forth sweeping folds of
wine red from the white protective cloth, and held it up to the light.
Shimmering crushed velvet belled out slightly, leaving a small train.
The arms had been sectioned off and were connected through intricate
cording the same color as the dress. And peeking from underneath the
cording, and up through the square embroidered collar, was a ruffled
cream chemise. The gold edging and embroidered phoenix on the simple
tooled leather belt that held it firmly to one's waist brought out the
delicate designs on the full billowing sleeves. Over all, simply holding
it against her to look across into the small mirror on the table, she
was speechless. It was a work of art...surely this couldn't be for her.
A gentle hand brought the dress closer to her chin. "Please try it on my
lady. I am certain you'll look divine." She gazed into Tsuwabuki's eyes
and for a moment felt on the verge of tears. With a firm hand, the
knight pulled him aside so she could collect herself. "Yes, let us allow
the lady some privacy while she changes into her things. Surely with all
those measurements, not too many alterations are needed."
The blonde haired boy allowed himself to be cheerfully steered out. "Oh
now hey, Sir Knight! I just want to make sure everything is checked to
the letter! I won't allow the other tailors in the guild hall to make
sport of me!" She listened to his bright laughter bubble up the stairs
as she carefully undid the many buttons and fastenings on the gown
itself. It took some trial and error, the fashion for women these days
seemed to always grow more and more complicated. But at last she was
swathed in her new attire, and was slipping on the velveteen slippers
that accompanied it. A cautious rap on her door alerted her to the
waiting pair.
"Yes, please come in now...ah, gentlemen."
She blushed self consciously as the two entered and suddenly stood stock
still. Worriedly she looked down at herself. Had she forgotten a button
or two? Was she exposed in some way? Those looks of shock she kept
receiving, it made her feel strange.
"A-ah...wow...um...you look..." The boy stammered with a bright blush to
his cheeks.
"...Magnificent..." came the solemn reply from within the armor behind
him. Anthy gave a warm smile of thanks to the both of them. " Thank you
so much...this dress is...really too much for someone like me."
Tsuwabuki gave a hasty shake of his head as he practically bounced over,
pins between his fingers, and a length of thread in his mouth. As he
worked quickly and carefully, his eyes completely trained on the
delicate workings, he answered the dusky beauty before him seriously.
"Nay my Lady Anthy, I must disagree. As a tailor, it is my duty to
create beautiful things for people to wear. But truly, it isn't the
clothes that make the person, it is the person wearing them, that brings
such elegant art to the gowns themselves. It was my honor, to bedeck you
in cloth that was befitting your graces. You shall be the envy of any
ball you attend!" He smiled up at her, his youthful face seeming wise
beyond it's few years.
"Will you be going up to the castle then, to meet with the court and our
most high King?"
Anthy hesitated, looking over to the knight, who stepped forward to
answer for her. "I will be presenting the Lady Anthy as a noble to be
formally recognized. Her status as 'Princess' will be established, as
will my awakening as her Guardian. You have my thanks, Master Tsuwabuki.
For you services."
The boy cut the thread with a his teeth, and leaned back with an expert
eye. "Hmm, yes....I do believe that will do it! Okay then, now shall we
have a look at YOU sir Knight?" The boy's smile became sly as the knight
took a slight step back.
"...Me?"
Clapping his hands together, practically bouncing on his heels in
excitement, the boy tailor gave a firm nod. "Why indeed! Surely you will
want to match the fair Lady as her Knight and companion! I have quite a
few handsome doublets that will look magnificent, and match the Lady
entirely! Or perhaps you would like a simple chiton, or -"
He was cut off by a hastily raised hand. "Erm, my thanks. However I
intend to remain in full armor for our arrival at the castle."
Crestfallen, the blonde boy scratched at his short feathery locks as he
tried again. "Well surely you will at least where a matching cloak then?
Your armor is indeed impressive, but I really think it could be improved
to act as an lovely accessory to the noble lady's gown!"
Sounding slightly bewildered the knight gave a half-hearted attempt,
"But really, all attention should be focused on her and-"
"Nonsense! The lady will tell you herself, a knight of your standing
would look elegant and masculine with a fine satin-lined cloak! A red to
match her dress, and with a slight black trim to accentuate the silver
on your armor. Yes! A matching set, sure to turn the heads of all who
gaze upon you!"
"A-ah, well...erm..."
"What say you, Princess Anthy?" Blue eyes twinkled as he remembered to
address her by her title. "Surely you'll convince your knight to take
his proper place at your side. All defenders of nobility should wear
their patron noble's colors!"
Anthy gave small giggle, as she played along. "Well now...I certainly
wouldn't be so bold as to tell the ancient defender of these lands what
to do...even though it would give me great confidence and pride to gaze
upon such an inspiring cloak."
The knight's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Ah...very well, should my
Lady desire it..."
"Splendid! I have just the thing! Come come, let's get you outfitted
down at the hall. We'll see about some accessories for the Princess as
well....maybe a nice choker of creamy lace...some ornaments for her
hair...ah come come Sir Knight! Your steps seem far too weighted. Let us
be quickly away, I wish to display the both of you before you leave!"
Being tugged along by the surprisingly strong young man, the knight
grabbed ahold of the doorframe and looked over her shoulder. Lifting her
metal slitted visor enough to show off her sky colored eyes, she spoke
low "I will order us some sort of transport to get us to the castle.
Please remain in your room until my return. Do not let anyone in except
for myself and Tsuwabuki. I'm afraid we've caused something of a stir
within the town..."
Before she could say anymore, Tsuwabuki firmly yanked the female knight
out of the doorway, which Anthy shut gently behind them. A stir in the
town? That did not bode well...
She turned a brass key in the lock and placed it on the table as she
took a seat on the bed. In wonder, the emerald eyed woman gazed at her
reflection in the mirror adjacent to her. It was as if...a stranger
stared back at her. She didn't recognize the healthy glow to her skin,
brought out by the richness of the fabric. Her cinnamon colored
complexion seem fuller, more vibrant next to the velvet, and her
cascading violet mane of hair made for a pleasing contrast. A far cry
indeed from the filthy slave that had been roughing it in the woods not
only a day before. It was as if, in the short time she had been rescued
by her Guardian...she had been rescued in other ways as well...
Musing to herself, she rose to go and look out the window, and nearly
darted back inside as a small cry rose up from the streets below. There
were peddlers and merchants, with their faded colored stalls gazing up
at her attentively. She could make out the sounds of hawkers crying up
at her, to only please come down and see their wares! "A vision in the
window", some said. An exotic maiden from far away lands! No one
recognized her as the drab wretch from before. And none knew her as the
king's only sister... Her expression closed down again, and she leaned
back into the window. The streets were certainly more busy than normal.
And she didn't recall that many carts being set up outside the Errant
Rose earlier...had news of her 'arrival' already spread? The idea didn't
sit well with her. And only led her to think of what her brother would
say once she returned to the castle. Feeling suddenly ill, she moved to
recline on the bed, and close her eyes.
A commotion from the streets below startled her from her reverie. Coming
quickly to her feet, she flew to the open window sill and gasped at the
sight below her. The knight known as Utena was currently locking swords
with a squad of black armored knights, that she recognized from the
mountain. Lord Saionji's men. Did that mean he was here as well! Filled
with a panic she had nearly forgotten, she took several hasty steps back
from the window, and gave a mild screech as a crossbow bolt exploded
into the wood frame. Hands over her ears, she crounched down behind the
protective safety of the bed's frame, terrified. A loud cry roared from
below, and she heard a crowd began to shout excitedly. The sounds of
ringing steel clanged and reverberated off of the stone and thatch
buildings in the far too narrow alleys of the district. Onlookers below
watched from doorways and behind tents and stalls as several men were
flung into a cart of produce, splintering it on impact. The white
knight, single-handedly charged into the fray, as the men of Kyoichi,
with their single green striped crests, tried to surround their
adversary. Booting one under the chin, and tossing another one into a
wall, the white knight was a blur of violence. The holy sword was loosed
once more, and it was quickly slicked in red. Cries of torment started
up, as men fell to their heavy wounds, but still the knight did not
stop. A blur of steel, and vicious snarl sent another man to the dirt
with a hilt to his head. His helm split and fell off. Hearing the sounds
of movement behind her, the knight saw a pair of knights trying to drag
one of their comrades to safety, and brought her rapier into a whistling
arc for the killing blow-
"NO!"
--and stopped, inches away from a pair of terror widened eyes. Visibly
shaking, the two knights remained where they were, for fear of
insighting the white demon to more violence. But a woman's voice from
the window had the knight's full attention.
"Do not kill them if they yield! The rules of chivalry must remain
unbroken! They are the king's men still!" Several men, groaning in pain,
began sitting up from their sprawled positions along the ground. One of
them, a burly man with his arm hanging limply at his side, yanked his
head from between the wagon spokes it had gotten stuck in, and fell to
his knees. Clumsily, he pulled his sword from his sheath, and tossed it
at his captor's feet.
"Y-yield! We yield...lay down yer arms!" Around them, the rest began
doing the same, coming to drop on both knees, heads bent in defeat. The
crowd was deathly silent, captivated by the melodrama playing out before
them. What would the fearsome white knight do next? Whispers began to
break out. The Guardian herself, still hunched over in the same position
had been ready to kill in, slowly creaked and clanked into a full
standing position, towering over her fallen enemies. For a moment lost
in time, the men gazed up into the glowing blue lights that surely came
from hell itself. But all breathed a collective sigh of relief as the
knight wiped off the gleaming sword, and sheathed it once more.
"As my Princess decrees..." Came the low growl from behind that
faceplate. But then the knight grabbed the collar of the man who had
first dropped arms and addressed him directly.
"Who are you!"
"L-Lahrd Saionji's 17th bat-"
"I didn't ask for whom you served, I asked who are you! Give me your
name."
"Balus, m'lord. Captain Balus."
"Well then Captain, you have lost. Thus your life and honor are forfeit,
am I correct?"
"...Yes my lahrd. What...what would yeh have of me and me men?"
"First I want your wounded sent back to your barracks to be cared for.
Those of you able to stand and wield a sword shall accompany the
Princess and I to the castle as our temporary honor guard."
"S-sir!"
"Is there some sort of problem?"
"O-of course not m'lahrd. It shall be done without fail!" Balus barked a
few orders, and soldiers began picking up their comrades to begin moving
out to their military encampments, but a gesture from the White Knight
halted them.
"Allow me to make one thing clear...any who dare attempt to attack my
charge again, or show such cowardice as to plot an ambush...shall answer
to me. And you will not like the encounter. Let there be no doubt in
your mind." The voice behind that purely gleaming helm sounded like the
growl of the dread Cerberus itself. A tone that made all who heard it
shiver in fear. Anthy herself, looking slightly disheveled from the
window she had reclaimed, felt herself go pale. She had never heard such
obvious violence in her Guardian's tone before...like a sleeping dragon
awoken.
The men gave a crisp salute, clapping fists to their hearts, and
hastened to obey the knight's instructions. The captain, pulled to his
feet by the strength into those silver gauntlets, removed his plumed
helm, and gave a bow.
"Forgive our transgressions, me most honorable lahrd. We will not fail
in our duty to yeh."
"No...I do not think you will." Sounding slightly tired, the Knight
gazed out at the crowd they had drawn, and soon people began rushing to
go about their business again. Balus, selecting a team of ten fairly
unharmed soldiers, went about the process of clearing off the streets
and making way for the tall sweeping Knight. Utena, still concealed
behind her impressive armor, turned to the slightly taller bearded
captain. "Tell me captain, what means of transport have we to the
castle."
The captain looked at her curiously. "Transport? Well now...I don'
suppose you'd want to be walking...so either cart or horse back would be
yer option. Unless of course yeh have coin to be a payin' for the luxury
of a carriage."
"Then you have no...cars? Trains? No taxi's or anything of that sort?"
But a look of pure bafflement gave the rose haired knight her answer.
"Erm, beggin' yer pardon...but I can't say I be certain what those
things are...yeh must have traveled far then. But, why should yeh be
needin' the likes of us to be escourtin' yeh to the castle?" He hastened
to show his sincerity, "Ah, not that I be complain'n! I owe my life to
yeh...not many knights follow with the old ways of chivalry, despite the
flourish and pomp they spout off in front of the maidens. You given us a
chance to...work off the debt we be owin' yeh...it makes an impression
on the men. And 'though I can't promise anythin' once the Lahrd Saionji
reclaims us. He is our noble after all...but...we'd be honored to act as
yer guard into the castle halls. Princess say yeh?"
Utena led them to the steps of the Errant Rose. "Yes, the Princess
Anthy. Sister to the king." The man's flinch did not go unnoticed as she
smoothly continued, " And I will be personally announcing her to the
court, as well as her newly reclaimed rank among the nobility. So it
only serves to better us both, if you regain honor as our escort, and
she is shown the respect she deserves as my personal Charge. By serving
us with open cooperation, we have shown those around us that we are
honorable enough to move past...minor misunderstandings. Yes?"
The man balked, his ruddy beard bouncing as he stood lost for words.
Giving up, with a sigh and a shake of his head, he ran fingers over his
bald head. "I don' know what yeh are...but yer about to turn the whole
kingdom on it's ear, yeh know that?"
The Guardian's low voice came out with a ring of amusement. "I
know...but do not be concerned. It is what I intend." She caught him
gazing at the rose sigil on her breastplate thoughtfully, something akin
to cunning flitting in his hooded eyes. With a small smirk he gave a
firm nod of acceptance. "Yes...mayhap you do..."
Anthy was just about to go mad from the worry, when a firm rap came at
her door. Without pausing to question who it was, she flung it open wide
and was greeted by the shining form of her Guardian and the much smaller
Tsuwabuki. Surprisingly, the boy didn't look any worse for the wear.
Concerned about her knight, she asked"Ah! L-lord Tenjou, are you...?"
She moved to touch the knight's arm gently, and was rewarded with a
small pat on her hand. "I am fine my Lady. Please forgive me for
my...poor conduct in the streets. I...lost my temper." Anthy blinked in
shock. She had...lost her temper? That wasn't her truly in a rage?
Well...at least she could be comforted by the thought her protector was
certainly capable. Then realizing there was something different about
her knight, she took a step back to see.
A rick wine red cape, clasped at the neck and draping fluidly over one
shoulder and arm swirled about the knight, falling to just above
midcalf. There was a new red sheath on the swordswoman's hip,. Matching
the cape and Anthy's dress. They were only small touches, but seemed to
evoke a complete change in appearance. Glancing at the mirror, where
both were framed, they really did look splendid. Their matching apparel
left no room for doubt who it was that the Guardian had chosen to serve.
Although, perhaps 'serve' wasn't the right word...
"My lady, I have a carriage awaiting us below. Shall we leave for the
castle as soon as Tsuwabuki is finished?" The boy in question was
fastening a choker about her slender neck with soft deft hands, and had
placed small gold things in her hair while she hadn't been paying
attention. "It is growing to be late midday...I should like to have
dinner indoors perhaps." The visor was lifted, and Anthy smiled at the
slight crinkle around those blue eyes. The other woman's confidence
seemed to flow into herself, allowing her to recall the lessons she had
taken as a child. Letting her remember how the women in court acted.
"Yes, SIR Tenjou. Let us be off." Her tone held the confident ring that
only the aristocrat could manage. The Knight gave a nod of approval as
she held out one arm, which Anthy took. Tsuwabuki gave a bow, and
hurriedly went out before them, calling for the press of people below to
make way. He himself disappeared into the reform gathering of people,
motioning to his fellows in the Tailors Guild.
Together, Anthy and Utena descended the stairs and walked out the short
path to where an elegant black coach awaited them. In lines of five on
either side, their newly acquired Honor Guard snapped to attention as
they passed. Bowing slightly to offer her steel gloved hand to the newly
born Princess, the White Knight, as she was now being called, gave a
small wave to a blond haired boy pointing to them excitedly from his
place in the crowd. A group of thoughtful looking men and women murmured
and nodded at whatever he said to them.
Utena stepped into the coach after the dark skinned woman, and Captain
Balus moved to shut the door securely. A snap of the reins and the
wooden contraption began rolling smoothly, led by a team of four horses.
On either side and behind them, the soldiers kept pace as their captain
rode on Anthy's borrowed horse from earlier. Drawing exclamations from
all sides, and shouts from windows high above, the party made their way
down the dingy streets of the Middle District towards the gleaming
spires of their destination.
Anthy shivered as some of her confidence leaked away. What awaited
them...would not be an easy thing to face. She looked blankly out the
lace lined square windows as cobbled streets passed by. A firm hand on
her own made her look up.
"It will be alright. I am by your side, Princess. I will let no harm
come to you. Be it king or solider, pauper or prince. I am your Guardian
in all things." Anthy felt a ache in her heart at those simply spoken
words, and bowed her head to hide the misting in her emerald eyes.
"Yes...thank you...but what must I do to get you to address me as
'Anthy', Sir Utena?" She was rewarded by a low chuckling behind that
expressionless helm, as the two of the sat back to enjoy the ride. The
ride to what lay before them...
To Be Continued
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