"Only a little more to go. This victory shall bring us back together." Tenjou Utena, in her tanktop and shorts, made meticulous preparation for the next day’s duel. From her experience with her opponent, the young challenger carefully plotted any kind of vital strategy that could give her an up in her fight. The first thought would be her vulnerability, namely her fragile body. Horrible images of a sword blade slicing into her stomach, bringing streams of pain to her, flashed in her mind. "Get it together! That’s in the past!" Her pastel locks whipped back and forth as she rapidly shook her head, hoping to just shake the image out of her mind. "Knowing him, my body will be used as my main weakness. I have to avoid any contact." Utena’s finger traced slowly over the white scar on her stomach, a place which she knew was a vulnerable point. Thoughtfully, she padded over to the table where she had placed several items she felt were needed. Carefully, she began to wrap a thick bandage around her waist, covering the tender flesh that made up the newly healed scar, then lightly slamming her flattened hand upon it to merely test it’s minor protection. A few more hits and she continued with the bandaging, removing the tanktop to wrap it around her upper body, criss-crossing the bandage between her breasts and over her shoulders, leaving enough slack to leave herself flexible. More flexibility tests followed and the young prince put her tanktop back on and flopped upon the bed, leaving the rest of the bandages to wrap around her forearms before the duel. "Only a short time now. Sempai’s ‘rehabilitation’ really improved my skill." Closing her eyes, she released a long-held sigh. "Himemiya and I cannot lose." This was it. The prince was confident, stronger, wiser, and hungry. "Ah...was that...my stomach?" Utena sat up, listening to the rumble in her stomach and suddenly realizing how much she had neglected to eat. "Well, can’t be totally healed on an empty stomach." The small pantry in the dorm that held most of the food had probably been touched a time or two since Utena moved in, so there’s got to be some food in there. Kneeling by the cabinet, she opened a cupboard, only to see two small eyes peering back at her. "Huh? Don’t tell me I’ve got rodents in here." A high pitched noise was heard before the owner of the tiny eyes darted forward, sending Utena sprawling back from being startled. "Wha...what the...!? Ch...Chu-chu?? How did you get here?" "Chu? Chu!" The only words the small creature spoke, but Utena could strangely understand it’s emotions. "You must have accidentally gotten packed with my stuff. At least it’s good to know you didn’t starve." In the near month that Utena had occupied the room, Chu-chu had cleared out the bottom cupboard of it’s food supply. Confused, maybe embarrassed, Chu-chu held out the rest of the cracker he’d been eating to Utena. "It’s all right, Chu-chu. You eat it." She smiled warmly, thankful to finally have some company in her lonely prison. Picking him up, she hugged him gently to her cheek. "I’m surprised to see you, though." "Chuuuu!" The creature sounded cheerfully. After setting him down, Utena looked around in the other cupboards, finding several foods that had to be made instantly. Weakly, she made an attempt. "Doesn’t look too bad, does it?" "Chu! Chu, chu chu, chu!" "At least someone looks appreciative!" Then again, any idiot could make instant curry and rice, even Utena. When she made sure it was edible, she cleaned up and made way for bed. After wetting her hair down, she walked back in the room with a towel draped over her shoulders and saw Chu-chu sleeping peacefully on a crumpled napkin, a bubble growing and shrinking in his nose. "......chu.......chu......chu......chu......." "Chu-chu, you always pick the most awkward places to sleep." Picking him up, she walked to the bed, setting him on the edge of her pillow. "I’m surprised Himemiya hasn’t noticed you missing yet." Utena pulled up her pajama bottoms and then lied down, not bothering to button her top, then sighing long and deeply. "Tomorrow’s a big day. My fate’s riding on it." She restlessly rolled onto her side, onto the other side, then on her back, before she sighed again. "Oji-sama, please be with me. Please help me make the right decision. Should I not, I can only request that you take good care of Himemiya, for a failure will prove that I cannot." As Utena’s eyes closed to sleep, the silhouette of Himemiya Anthy quickly shot up in the darkness of the no-tell Planetarium, her long hair draped behind her with her back arched almost painfully, crying aloud... "Utena-sama!!" ...the cry echoing throughout Ohtori Gakuen. A feeling of remorseful anxiousness greeted Tenjou Utena that morning. A sunbeam waking her from her dreamless sleep forced the girl out of her warm, soft bed. Utena stretched and then ran her hair through her tangled mess of pink hair before going in the bathroom to shower. "...can’t lose. I can’t lose. I can’t lose. I...can’t lose." The young duelist’s body ran on auto pilot as she slowly and shakily prepared to go to school. Where did the night go? Why can’t it last longer? After showering, she dried, dressed, and left for a long and stressful day, still running on auto pilot. "Utena-sama! Good morning!" Wakaba caught up with the ‘mindless’ Utena, only to be greeted by a blank expression. "...ah...Utena-sama? Aren’t you well?" "Eh? Oh, yeah, of course. I’m just thinking is all." "Abouuuut?" "Nothing really. Don’t worry about it. I’m all right." Utena hated to lie to Wakaba, but it was true, her duel really shouldn’t concern her best friend...should it? "If you say so. Just know that I’m here. It really feels like we’ve grown distant since that boy hurt you." "...Wakaba...is that really how you feel?" The emotionless blue eyes of Utena widened quickly at that comment. "...I dunno. It’s like, you’ve been so sad and busy that I just...feel like I haven’t been a really good friend, or maybe you just don’t want to hang out with me anymore?" "Th...that’s not true at all! If anything, it’s my fault. I’m really sorry for distancing myself. I...I didn’t know what I was doing." Utena’s arm went behind her neck, a shamed crimson spreading on her cheeks. "I guess Himemiya and I aren’t the only ones who have been hurt by this whole ordeal." "...no, you’re not." "Wakaba...I’m really sorry. I never meant to hurt you like this. I know I should have tried to make more time for you, but I didn’t even realize this was hurting you so much." Utena placed her hand on Wakaba’s shoulder, letting out a breath. "Are you okay, Wakaba-chan?" "I’m okay. I sound so childish. I just don’t want you to be sad anymore." "It’s gonna be all right, Wakaba. I’m gonna...do something today that will possibly make everything better." "What’s that?" "I’m...I’m..." Utena stuttered, a breath being held nervously. "What is it, Utena?" "I’m going to..." The pink-trussed Utena fought to force the words out. She turned her head and closed her eyes. As her eyes parted, a weight shoved her forward. "Utena, watch out!" "What the hell...!?" Tenjou Utena turned quickly, looking for an assailant, but was greeted with the piercing sting of a backhanded slap, before being hoisted off her feet and slammed into some lockers. "Where the hell are you hiding her!? Where is she, you thieving little bitch!?" Utena’s blue eyes looked up, dazed. "Wha...what the hell are you talking about!?" "The Bride! Where the hell are you hiding her!?" Both stared hard to one another, teeth gritting, neither moving. "Hey! Let go of her!" Wakaba shouted before swinging her school bag, hard, into the back of his head, then he dropped Utena. "Wakaba-chan, don’t! This is my fight!" "...b...but..." Wakaba stuttered, her bag hanging in her grip. Shintaro stood up, a hand covering the bump on his head from the force of many school books being thrown into it. "Getting your little girlfriend to fight you battles? She gonna duel for you today, too!?" Wakaba gasped at that. Is...that was Utena was going to tell her? "...Utena-sama...? Y...you’re dueling today...!?" Utena looked away, casting her eyes to the floor. "I...I’m going to duel to get Himemiya back. It’s the only way." Wakaba ran to Utena’s side, taking her by the shoulders fiercely. "No! You can’t! I won’t let you! I don’t want you to get hurt again! I can’t stand to see you that way, Utena-sama. Please..." Wakaba pleaded to the prince. How could she bear to see Utena hurt again? Shintaro, though, was growing impatient. He approached the two, shoving Wakaba into the lockers and grabbing Utena once more. "Enough stalling, Tenjou-kun! Where’s the bride?" "I haven’t touched her. It would appear your usual carelessness has cost you her possession, huh?" With that, Utena slapped the boy’s hands away from her and went to Wakaba’s side, helping her up. "Hey, you all right?" "...I’m fine." From behind the group of people, a voice was heard. "Shintaro, Tenjou, what’s going on here?" Both, Utena and Shintaro turned to see Akio standing there, Anthy standing in front of him. "Hi...himemiya..." Utena quickly ran to the Hanayome, taking her hands into her own. "Are...you all right, Himemiya?" Anthy hesitated, a flash of guilt and shame flashing in her eyes before she forced a smile and nodded. "Of course, Tenjou-san. I’m fine." She spoke flatly, not using her usual honorific in front of her brother. Shintaro, visibly angered, rose and stood next to Utena, though the concerned prince paid him no attention. "Himemiya, where did you go last night? You could have been hurt out there all alone." Anthy felt a small pang of guilt. She could have been hurt? Oh, how precious little the young Oji knew. "I was...with Onii-sama last night, Tenjou-san." Again, Anthy replied flatly and emotionlessly. At that time, Shintaro spoke up. "Why did you run away from me, Anthy?" "I...I’m sorry...Shintaro-sama." Apologies, apologies. Shintaro was sick to death of hearing them, but he knew he couldn’t lash out at her, not while Akio was present. He merely turned away, mentally cursing Akio for being there, and began walking away. "Yeah, whatever. Just make sure you show up for the duel today. I’d better not have to come after you for that, too." Then, he stalked off, a smile spreading on his features. "So, she failed to demonstrate the secrets of Tenjou-kun. I guess that just means I’ll get what I want, my way." As he turned a corner, Utena released a long held sigh and her shoulders slumped. "...Utena...are you okay?" Wakaba’s voice broke the silence as she approached Utena, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Ye...yeah, Wakaba. I’m all right. It was sort of foolish, but thanks for helping me." Utena hugged Wakaba, a kiss finding it’s way to the smaller girl’s forehead. "I don’t want you getting into trouble, so get to class and I’ll be there as soon as I speak with the Rijichou, okay?" "Okay, Utena! I’ll see you then!" Blushing, Wakaba turned and bounded for class, knowing Utena was right...she didn’t need another tardy on her record. The prince’s smile faded turned around and looked to Akio. "Akio-san, I still have my duel with him today and I haven’t changed my mind...if that’s what you’re here for." "No, no. That’s not what I’m here for. I am merely wandering my campus with my sister. Is that so wrong?" Akio stated casually. Utena said nothing, glancing to the Hanayome before speaking. "Himemiya, if it’s all right...would you...be willing to come with me for awhile. Just some...quality time before the...duel?" "Yes. If you’ll excuse me, Onii-sama." Without hesitation, the Bride took the scarred prince’s hand and walked casually down the corridor. Akio looked at them leave, a smile forming on his features...almost frighteningly. "With Anthy at her side...Utena won’t be able to resist my offer. Anthy better not blow it. She’d better let the persuasion plan go into effect without delay. Utena’s body and power will be mine." From down the hall, Utena never looked back, never heard the sadistic chuckle Akio let out. Gripping Anthy’s hand tighter, the two disappeared behind a corner. Upon leaving the hallways of Ohtori, and skipping school in the process, Utena and Anthy made way throughout the campus, neither speaking a word, neither taking a noticeable breath. By now, it will have been such a long, long time since the two were alone together without one being bed-ridden, and Utena felt horribly responsible. "Hey, Himemiya, why so silent?" The Bride hesitated before answering, a brief clenching of her fist. "Ah, I’m just a bit tired is all. I’m sorry. Why are you so silent?" Utena merely turned her head to look away. Anthy could feel the tension in her love’s actions, knowing she was a bit uncomfortable. How could she blame her? Having been away for so long must have been a tragic and lonely experience for Utena. "I can’t lie to you, Himemiya. I’m not...really...proud of what I’m doing. In fact, I’m scared, so very scared. I’ve done all I can to prepare myself for his wrath, but I’m afraid that it might not be enough. He seems...hell bent on killing me, now." Utena looked down, her hand coming up briefly to touch the battle scar over her eye. "This is merely a scratch as compared to what he could do." The prince shuddered at the thoughts of her being violently skewered by a steel blade, bathed in her blood, and then slowly dying. "Utena-sama...don’t be afraid. I can sense your fear and it’s going to consume you if you submit to it." "I...I know. I’m sorry. I’m being terribly childish." "...no...Utena...it’s all right to be afraid, but don’t be in a way that you weaken yourself. Standing in the shadow of Dios is quite a feat to live up to and you must be incredibly strong to have made it this far. I’m proud of you, Utena. Be stronger, I know you can be." The Bride took Utena’s hand in her own, squeezing it gently before kissing the Prince’s cheek. "...thank you...Himemiya...I will be strong." A few hours until the end of the Ohtori school day and the beginning of another duel. Utena and Anthy were nowhere to be found and Arisugawa Juri was growing impatient. "Where is she? We’ve got to prepare!" She thought to herself. Looking around the entire campus was time consuming, but the fencing captain struggled through it. One location after another was searched until Juri’s eyes snapped open and she realized she’d forgotten... "The Observation Tower! It’s still Himemiya-san’s dormitory." When she had finally gotten there after a long, long walk, she stopped momentarily to see if anyone was around. No one. Enter the tower, a casual look on her face as she waited for the elevator to go up. The annoying music playing over the small speaker made Juri’s nose scrunch up in distaste until the car finally stopped. Two door-ways. Which one? Naturally, the not-so-decorated one. Juri’s hand raised to knock, but stopped when she heard talking. The unmistakable voice of Utena, no doubt. "I knew they were here." Juri thought. She stood for several minutes before she blushed and realized what they were talking about. She listened anyway... "...but what if I don’t win the duel? I know we’ve been over this, but it still doesn’t make any sense to me. You say I should win and fight your brother, but you also say perhaps I shouldn’t." "I’m sorry, Utena. I can’t decide for you. I don’t know what to do." "Then...what do you want? From me?" "...from you...?" "Yes! What do want from me? How do you picture us?" "I...see...us...together...and..." "...and...?" Utena took Anthy’s hands in her own. The bride looked away, still stuttering to answer the question. "...and I don’t." "Wh...what? I don’t understand what you mean?" "I want to live my life with you, Utena, but I don’t want the world to suffer just because I was being selfish. You have to duel with my brother. You have to." "...but if you...just want to be with me, then I’ll forfeit the duel, give myself to Akio, and then we can be together." "I can’t let you do that. You can’t lose Dios no Chikara. We’d all be doomed to suffering if it was taken from you." "Himemiya...I...I don’t want it! I’m tired of this! I’ve wanted to become a prince and I have! I’m your prince...what do I have to keep proving! I don’t want to revolutionize the world! I don’t want to be the damn Kettou no Shioushia! I don’t want any of it! I’d give it all up just to be with you...I...I don’t wanna duel. I...I can’t. Just...let me forfeit it." Utena broke down right in front of Anthy, her small frame trembling. The Bride turned from Utena, a slightly pained expression on her face. Juri was still behind the door, a shocked expression of her own. Was Utena serious!? Juri thought to herself, "No...not after all I’ve done for her." She opened the door swiftly, startling the two occupants. Anthy looked up quickly. "...sempai...? How...did you know we were here?" "That doesn’t matter. Utena...I heard you. What are you saying!?" Arisugawa Juri took a place in front of the crying duelist and crossed her arms over her chest. "After all you’ve been through, you’re just going to give up??" "I...I don’t want to...but I can’t take it anymore. I’m...scared." Utena never once raised her head to look at Juri, for she knew how ashamed of herself she was, but couldn’t come to accept it. "Fear is for the weak. I know you’re stronger than that and there is no way in hell I’m letting you quit." Juri lifted Utena’s head, clasping her chin in her hand. "Do you understand me??" Utena remained silent after that. Anthy just looked blankly to them. "Himemiya-san...haven’t you done anything for her?" "I...I’ve tried. I don’t want her to lose the power." Anthy’s voice was flat as usual, but there was a very mild touch of concern and Juri knew it. "...you hear that, Utena? Himemiya Anthy, the woman you love, doesn’t want you give up, either. Do you want to disappoint her?" "...n...no, but I don’t want to risk losing her, either." "How could you possibly lose after receiving all my training? C’mon, Utena." A small smile appeared on Utena’s face, as well as Anthy’s. "I know you’re strong and you’ve proved it to me by surviving all these clashes with death. One duel isn’t going to end you. So, not for the sake of revolution, will you duel to the ends of the earth if it meant keeping Anthy with you forever rather than forfeiting the duel with Keingo and granting the Dios no Chikara to Akio so that he can do with the world as he pleases? If he does get it, there’s no telling what he’d do." "I...I understand what you’re saying and I’m beginning to realize how important this is. I still don’t like it, but I’ll duel if it means staying with Himemiya for the rest of my life." Utena could still sense some doubt in herself, but she’d just have to live with it. "Good...now c’mon. The reason I originally came was to get you so we could get you ready. The duel isn’t too far away, now." "I know. Let’s get started. Himemiya, when you’re up there and he’s doing what he does, keep a sharp eye out for his tricks. I’ll have sempai watch from afar as well." "I will, Utena-sama. I wish you luck." "Thank you, Himemiya. I’ll see you there." "Likewise, Utena-sama." Utena nodded, kissed Anthy briefly, and headed out the door with Juri. ------------------------------------------------------------ Author’s notes: This is what I've gotten up to. I'm working on the next part, it's just having some difficulty getting created. I want it perfect...it's been awhile, but it's in the making! So, bear with me. Sahnkyuu!!
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