Let The War Begin "Brrr...it's getting cold out here! How long are we gonna have to stand on this stupid rooftop anyway?" Wakaba rubbed her arms to emphasize her point as Saionji sighed. They were standing out on the roof balcony of one of the school buildings, which was located centrally in front of the main school gates. It was their job to keep an eye out for the arrival of the fake Utena or any of those damn pesky Swords. But Wakaba seemed to find the whole affair a chore. Rubbing his eyes tiredly, he responded coolly. "It's not getting cold. You're just nervous." He muttered rolling his eyes, before reaching out an arm towards her. Wakaba stuck out her tongue, but dutifully came over to snuggle against him. Together, they looked out over the shadowed courtyards and silent buildings. Nothing moved except a scattering of dead leaves now and then, stirred on the breath of a breeze. His violet eyes scanned back and forth mechanically, as he stroked the top of her head. He could feel her smaller warmth pressing into his chest, rising and falling with each breath. Peaceful...so..so peaceful... He looked down at the engagement ring glinting on her finger as he gave her forehead a kiss. "Hey...listen...when all of this...when it's over...do you want to go ahead and, you know...get married? I mean...we don't have to but..." Saionji trailed off with a small cough into his hand, feeling embarrassed. He had changed a lot from his younger days, but he was still awkward when it came to these sorts of things. Wakaba turned in his arms enough to look at him. The happiness of her smile was dizzying, making Saionji feel light headed. How had he ever gotten so lucky? "Yes! Oh yes, Sai-chan...I'd like that so much! " She swatted his stomach with the back of her hand giving him an admonishing look. "I've been waiting to get hitched to you since high school." Saionji gave a low chuckle at that, hugging her close again. "Well maybe we--" He was cut off by Wakaba, stiffening up in fright in his arms. Panicked, Saionji looked at the gates in time to see half a dozen sets of headlights coming up the hill and stopping jerkily in front of the now open school gates. Climbing from the cars came the dark figures of men and women, oily smooth. As graceful as snakes or eels. It made his skin crawl. Giving a low hiss, Saionji gave a push to Wakaba. "Damn, they're here already! We need to let the other's know. Hurry back and tell them, I'll distract them here and keep an eye on things!" "B-But---" "Go! Get Touga and the others. This is where we need to make our final stand. The others are still being healed by Anthy, we need to buy more time!" Saionji gave her a firm push towards the stairs, and the two ran down them, separating at the bottom. Leaning in quickly, Wakaba grabbed both sides of his face and drew him in for a quick desperate kiss. When their lips parted, she took off running, her short brown hair bouncing behind her as she called over her shoulder. "You better not get hurt out there, or you're in so much trouble when you get home!! Saionji gave a ghost of a smile and took off running down the path to the courtyard. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx The One was standing there, draped in a cloak made of black feathers. Her booted foot was tapping impatiently as she scanned the area around them, looking for something to take her frustration out on. They had lost one of their kind. Like a candle being blown out by a child at a birthday party, The One and the other eight swords had felt the existence of one of their own being snuffed out. True, the Sword of Self Hatred had been a pitiful and weak creature...but it had been that weakness that had been it's greatest strength. And now, one of their brethren was lost to them, diminishing their numbers. This... Was not... Allowed. Eyes blazing like coals in the night, the sword inhabiting the Prince's body turned to its generals flanking behind her as they stepped out of limos and cars. They each looked to her expectantly, silently awaiting her orders. With hair that now cascaded down her back, curling in with the tendrils of her coat, the pink haired woman gave the school grounds a disdainful look. "Well now...here again. Isn't this nostalgic. Let's go and greet our hosts for this little soirée, shall we?" She smirked as she felt a pair of arms twine themselves about her body. Nanami leaned her head in to rub along her cheek, letting her hands slide low. "Mmmm...can I personally kill her? Oh please?" Nanami gazed into Utena's eyes, the silver of her own smoldering. Utena moved to caress her cheek before clenching her hand tight around her jaw enough to make the sword whimper in pain. With a cold expression, she tossed the girl onto the ground in front of them hard enough to crack the cobblestones. "Fool. You will do as you are told, or you risk ending up like him. She's off limits to you." The One turned on her heel and stalked away, her leather pants barely creaking for the way they were practically painted onto her skin. Jared and his father stepped forward to greet her. The mohawked young body now possessed by something far more rigid. Utena held up a hand to halt them, her eyes narrowing as she scoured the darkness with inhuman eyes. In her mind, she could see two glowing beacons in the darkness...the warmth that came from power and purity...such tasty treats. She watched them split apart, one slipping farther into the shadows while the other headed straight for them. Oh goody... Smirking again, Utena snapped her fingers and unhurriedly pointed at the fleeing form of Wakaba heading for the tower. "Gentlemen? Do me a favor won't you? Take Nanami-chan and go have a good time." Jared's father gave a regal nod of his head while Jared smiled sweetly. Picking up Nanami by the shoulders and leading her away, they were gone in a blur of movement. When Saionji had come within sight, Utena stepped back as her comrades stepped forward to meet him, closing their ranks to fill in the gap of her passing. Blowing the green man a kiss, she stalked away on swaying hips. "Kill him messily. I hate the color green." Eric tossed her head back and gave a deep-throated laugh as a curving blade materialized in her open hand. She stepped forward to meet him first, licking her lips. Utena chuckled as she walked away. She motioned for Jak, who was still sitting on top of the hood of a car, to follow her. "In the meantime, I think I'll go hunting..." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx "Juri-san, please hold still. I really do need to make sure that your shoulder is healed." Anthy sighed as Juri twitched her arm away for the third time. She was busy looking over to where Akio was speaking quietly on the arm of the couch, where Shiori was sharpening her sword. Shiori smiled at something he said and he nodded in response to a question of hers. Juri looked back in annoyance at Anthy when her arm was tugged somewhat impatiently. "What? Look, my shoulder is fine. I hardly think-" Her words ended in a painful hiss as the dark skinned woman pushed experimentally on a place just below her shoulder blade. Juri managed to not move again when Anthy huffed and began prodding the area. "Yes yes, it's certainly fine. But perhaps for my peace of mind, you'll let me take a look anyway." Juri frowned at the tone Anthy spoke with but couldn't help looking back to where Shiori was still speaking to that bastard Akio... "Juri..." Juri looked up as her name was spoken without an honorific. Anthy was looking at her with a grave expression. "Juri, I know you dislike my brother. I know, I really do. No one is asking that you two suddenly become best friends and chat like girlfriends." Juri's frown twitched at that horribly ridiculous image. Imagining Akio wearing pigtails and a skirt brought the corner of her mouth up just a hair. But her feelings for that man were enough to return her to her irritation. "But...this situation is not the same as it was all those years ago. We've all changed. So...I don't think you need to worry about Shiori-san's safety. My brother will not be hurting anyone again." That last bit was said with quiet steel in her voice, making Juri look at her evenly. "I can't get past my feelings for him. I hate what that manipulative bastard did to us. What he made us do." "I had quite the hand in that as well." "Yes but--"Juri sighed as Anthy laid a glowing hand on her shoulder. The magazine owner could feel the tissue unknit and the muscles smooth beneath her attentive movements. "It's not the same. You've been looking for Utena, and you've changed completely-" "And you think my brother did not?" "I will admit he is different, and perhaps he really will try to atone for what he has done. I also think he hasn't changed like you have." "No." Anthy sighed quietly. "He has changed even more..." With this somewhat cryptic statement, Anthy stood and smoothed down her pants legs. Then she turned and headed over to where Shiori and Akio were lounging quietly, motioning for Shiori to follow her over to where the table was. The short haired girl did so, smiling, and let Anthy finish up her job of healing the various cuts and scrapes on her legs and arms. Akio stood there a moment, quietly watching them. Then he strode over to where Juri still sat on the floor, checking her foil. After a time, he spoke. "Quite a charming woman you've pledged yourself to, Arisugawa-san. Be certain to treasure her." Juri looked up at him with an arched eyebrow. "I do. Every single day." Akio looked wistful. "That is good. The love of another person is a powerful shield. It can even save you from yourself." They fell back into an uncomfortable silence, both watching the two women at the table. Then Juri broke the silence with a casual question. " What happened to your fiancée, Kanae-san?" Akio smiled slightly then. "Wife now. She's staying with her mother for a while, we had an...argument." "Oh?" "Hmmm...Kanae-san has become quite strong minded since we first met. Our opinions clashed over something petty, and now we're...trying to work through it." Now Juri was intrigued. Akio was looking away casually, his posture perfectly relaxed. But her keen observation caught a slight crinkle in his forehead. A flinch around his eyes. She smiled slowly as she cocked her head to the side. "Now, forgive me for the rudeness of a personal question...but I've known you to be quite the charmer in the past, easily smoothing over any situation. What could Kanae-san possibly have you by the balls on?" Akio frowned at the vulgarity of the phrasing but refused to acknowledge it. He crossed his arms instead and regarded her warily. "That is indeed quite a personal question. And I'm not so certain our relationship extends far enough to warrant an answer." Juri just continued to grin wider, waiting patiently. Akio sighed. "You are relentless my dear, and resemble Kozue-chan at the moment." "So you won't answer?" "...I will...on the agreement that the conversation will go no farther than the two of us. It is something embarrassing in nature." Juri smiled smugly in victory, but inclined her head in agreement. Akio sighed and massaged his face with a hand as he answered. "My wife is wanting children." Juri blinked, not quite sure she had heard correctly. "She feels we are both getting on in our years, and wants a child of our own. By I have never been one to...enjoy raising small people." Juri was silent for a moment. Then she gave a slight cough to try and hold in her laughter. "A-Ah...ah-ha...I see...yes well, I can see how that may result in a conflict." Akio looked irritated by her mirth but shrugged. "It's come up before, but now it's more of an issue. I don't consider myself a father figure." "I don't consider you one either." Juri replied dryly. "For different reasons I'm sure. But...it is something we will work through for good or ill. I am simply thankful she is away for the moment. I do not want her near this. I..." He trailed off looking down at his still filthy hands. "...Lack the means to protect her." Juri frowned, sensing an underlying issue. "But from what I've seen, you are still quite capable with a sword. And you're wits haven't deteriorated over the years." "I'm not that old, Arisugawa-san." Akio replied just as dryly. "So what's the real problem?" She wasn't really sure why she was all that concerned in the first place. As soon as this was all over, she planned to take Shiori and head back to the city, never coming near the man again. Maybe she was just dealing with boredom... Akio looked into the space before him, eyes staring into something she could not see. He didn't answer for several breaths, clearly working through something in his memory. Then he looked at her with a gaze that seemed to pierce through her very core. It made her stiffen, her brow knitting as he simply stood there looking at her. When he spoke, it was in a voice so soft, she felt herself leaning forward to catch his words. "Let me ask you a question, Juri." He had switched to an informal use of her name, like his sister had done earlier. But instead of becoming irritated at it, the orange-curled woman found herself feeling apprehensive. It was like she was a child, looking into the face a being that had seen everything and knew everything about her... Stop it Juri. He's just a washed up old man. "What?" she asked, just as softly. Akio's eyes never left her, but his hands made graceful gestures in the air before them as he spoke. "Imagine yourself at the prime of your life, full of unlimited power...beauty...prestige. Everyone loves you, wants to be loved by you, and you have the responsibility to care for and protect them all." Nearly against her will, Juri found herself recalling the highlights of her life. Being named on the Student Council in school, winning the trophies for fencing, gaining her job as a sought-after model, and living with her old friend and Shiori back as children. "You are a leader, you are confident, and everything goes as you foresee and plan. You are strong enough to face any dragon, and your days are filled with joy and hope and light." In her mind, Juri could still see Shiori's delicate hand offering her that rose that was so close in shade to her hair... "...And then something happens that strips all of that from you in an instant." ...And that hand crumpled around the petals... Akio looked tired and weary as he sat down next to her. He rested his arms on his knees and frowned. "That's what happened to me, like it or not. First because of my sister in a bid for kindness. Then by Utena-chan in a bid for retribution. I'm not saying I didn't deserve it...but my sister was always the one who held power. Not me." His green eyes seemed bottomless as he stared into her own. For a moment, Juri could almost see herself. "I was just a boy with a sword, playing at a game bigger than me. Now I'm an old man with years gone I'll never get back. That's the real problem." Then the look was gone and he was shrugging elegantly, laughing it all off as a joke. "What good is a sword in your hand, when the world doesn't need Princes?" Juri wanted to ask more, but bit her tongue. Shiori gave a small wave and Juri smiled and waved back. Akio nodded to Shiori as well, not taking his eyes off of her as he spoke low enough for only Juri to hear. "That's your sword. Use it well." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Wakaba was running as fast as she could for the elevator to the tower. Why couldn't they have cool little radios or walkie-talkies or something? Or maybe communicators like a super hero. If they were all really Duelists, shouldn't they have gotten matching uniforms and cool little wrist communicators? And why was she thinking about the Super Ninja Rangers show at a time like this?! She huffed as her katana bounced against her thigh as she ran. Ugh. Thank goodness she had worn low heels. She got to the button, and began pushing it frantically. Oh geez...this was just ridiculous. She hadn't been able to find Touga or Kozue at the East gate. Had they moved? Why couldn't people just stay put? The button lit up, but the elevator was taking it's time coming down. "Oh come on already!" Wakaba impatiently tapped her foot. Right now her Sai-chan was trying to- She was suddenly tackled from the side. With a gasp of pain, she hit the cement walkway and skidded into the grass. There was someone sitting on top of her! Wincing, the side of her face stinging like crazy and feeling sticky, she looked wide eyed at a curved knife pressed into her nose. There was a man with a mohawk riding her stomach with a ghoulish smile on his face. "Hullo luv, let's play." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx "Damn it Touga, I know you have a pack of cigarettes on you somewhere." "You smoked my last one. Shouldn't you be quitting?" "Shouldn't you be worrying about your own health? Given the circumstances, I think a cancer stick is the least of my worries." Touga sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Do you have a hair clip or a hair tie? This is getting in the way." He gestured to the crimson waterfall that spilled along his back and shoulders, framing his masculine face. Kozue smirked in response. "Why don't you just hurry up and hack it off? The hippy look was so last season." Touga smirked and gave his long hair a feminine toss. "But then what would the ladies hold on to?" Kozue grinned and shrugged. "Your ears I guess. I wonder what you would look like with a complete buzz cut. Probably like a chemo therapy patient." Touga shook a finger at her statement but smiled when she handed him an elastic hair band from the pocket of her skirt. They had been in position at the east school gates, looking for any sign of trouble. But something had been bothering Touga lately, and he had wanted to speak to Kozue a bit more privately. Silly really, that he needed to move at all, since it had only been the two of them at the gate in the first place. But he liked the ambiance that the school fountains provided. And it put them closer to Saionji and Wakaba's place in case of trouble. With his hair now in a long ponytail, Kozue had to admit he looked very much like his closest friend. Thankfully Touga had not gone the route of facial hair. She had always thought the goatee had made Saionji look like a stupid pirate. Touga looked at her with a warm smile, his charm as strong as it was back in the day. Though even she had to admit she liked his more mature bearing now. Touga was yummy any day of the week. Sitting next to him, her back comfortably resting on him, Kozue sighed and fiddled with the sleeve of her borrowed jacket. "What did you wanna talk about? And even don't try and play off that there was nothing bothering you." She gave a sly smile. For his part Touga didn't even try to deny the fact, just inclined his head. "Yes. I want to talk to you about Nanami." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Saionji was standing his ground, but inside he was shaking. Utena wasn't with them. And if he was counting right, other swords weren't here. But he could have sworn he'd seen her from the roof! But still....five of them all on his own. Now he wished he hadn't been so rash. With a stony face, Saionji drew his sword and fell into a calm state of mind, his thoughts letting go and floating freely to extend to every one of his five senses. The kendo master brought his sword up and in front of him, as the woman with the shoulder length hair and glasses stalked his way like a cat. She licked along the blade of a long knife that had materialized in her hand. It glinted in the moonlight, it's wicked angles giving it a european appearance, his mind dully noted. The girl gave a mocking bow while Saionji remained unmoving, the other swords fanning out behind her to form a semi-circle about them. A breeze kicked up, making his suit jacket flap at his hips. "Hey baby...you want a good time? I'll give you a run for your money." She cooed as she stalked toward him. "I can't stand guys like you, you know...I bet you think you're hot shit, don't ya?" As she came forward in a flash, Saionji caught the blow on his sword and struggled. She had beaten him easily last time, with just her bare hands. But now things were different. He was different. The spirits of 100 duelists had seen to that. Grinding their blades against each other, Saionji took a step forward and brought his blade around, knocking her back. She hissed at him like a cat, and one of the men stepped forward swinging a large piece of metal attached to a handle. Grimacing, Saionji smoothly stepped to the side and deflected the powerful blow, making Mason stumble a bit. But instead of attacking him while his back was turned, the girl named Eric screeched and lunged out at her fellow sword. "Stop butting in! You're always like that! Back off, I'm going to cut his pretty little face myself!" "You don't have rank over me, sister. I do as I please. And I'm looking for blood." He cast the girl aside from where she was striking him with her fists and made a sharp cut at Saionji's head. The two of them clashed, striking up sparks in the twilight. The girl bit down on the tip of her thumb as she looked on, her fist white-knuckled around the knife hilt. She shook with emotion. "It's not fair...it's just not fair...I could have been number two." She snarled around the digit. Mason and Saionji ignored her, the tanned American using his sword more like a club than anything, as he struck down hard again and again. He used brute strength, something Saionji was once known well for. But out of the two of them, it was Saionji surprisingly who kept his cool. His hair flew behind him as they whirled, attacked, and counter attacked. The shaved skinhead's face wore a wolfish glee, as he finally managed to knick the kendoist in the shoulder. "Yeah baby, yeah! Bleed for me!!" Saionji glared back, rearing for another strike. Until Miki came up behind him and kicked him hard in the back of the head. Saionji's eyes rolled up in their sockets as he stumbled before he doubled over, holding his head with one hand as he twisted to look behind him. Miki Kaoru, shoulders back superiorly, held a foil in his hand that dripped with something dark enough to look black in the darkness. It took Saionji a minute to realize his back was bleeding. He had been cut from behind. "So sorry, Saionji Kyouichi. But you see this is our battle to win. And I'm afraid your existence can no longer be tolerated, in the face of the truly deserving." Giving an elegant courtly bow, Miki struck in a motion that was too quick to follow with the eyes... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Kozue frowned and looked at Touga. The seriousness behind his pleasant face couldn't be shrugged off. Still, she tried to play dumb. "I don't know what you mean." She replied, giving a small lift of her shoulders. Touga chuckled and put an arm around her hugging her close.- "Yes you do. Who was it that said something about 'not playing'? Please Kozue...I know about your job." Kozue shot him a dangerous look, feeling affronted. "What's wrong with being a hostess for lingerie parties? It's very popular these days with the right crowd. You'd be surprised how much fun girls can have trying on underwear, and watching others wear them. I always have fun." "So I see. But my sister has been attending these sort of parties more and more lately, and I was beginning to wonder why. Then I came to a revelation that perhaps it wasn't simply the parties themselves that interested her...but a particular hostess instead." Kozue looked back at him, her lower jaw jutting out defiantly. "So. What you're asking is: Am I sleeping with your sister?" Touga smiled, like one would to a child being silly. "That was never in question. I know you are, Kozue-chan." Kozue's expression fell, and for a moment she felt a brief flutter of...something. Apprehension perhaps, or maybe guilt. Nervousness? Surely not. "...Then what are you asking me, Touga?" His smile melted away, leaving his face bleak and empty. There was a pity there in those blue eyes, that the younger woman didn't like at all. "Did you break my sister's heart?" But before she could even consider an answer, a cry ripped through the night air startling them both. Swearing violently, Kozue clamored to her feet and took off in the direction. Running beside her on longer legs, Touga muttered low. "That was Saionji's voice. Looks like we missed our entrance cue." Kozue, baring her teeth, withdrew her foil and forced her feet to move faster. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Anthy and Shiori were engaged in polite small talk, when they heard the elevator begin to rumble downward. Surprised, the talk instantly dropped as they hastily got to their feet and hurried over to it. Someone had pushed the button below...and the only reason they would have done that was... Akio and Juri hurried to their side, both looking grim though each carried it off smoothly. Shiori leaned her face against the iron gates, cocking her ear as she tried to pick up a sound... She almost thought she had heard... Anthy's head snapped up, as her face drained of color. Grabbing her brother by the shoulder she pointed down at the floor beneath them. "Wakaba has been attacked! I felt a flash of pain through the link I forged between us at the Memorial Hall! She is being hurt even now, we have to get down there immediately!" Shiori gasped and leaned back away from the gates. Looking afraid, she fretted and twisted her hands together. "What can we do? We're not going to get there in time!" "Oh yes we will." Anthy's eyes flashed a bright green, that swallowed up her pupils and spread past the whites of her eyes. Her hair rose up like a nest of live snakes, whipping about in an invisible wind. Akio's eyes widened, not having seen this particular show before. When had his sister gained so much power? It was as if... His eyes narrowed in understanding. Well well... "Give me your hands, and please trust me!" She ordered pulling out a deck of playing cards. Tossing them up into the air, they took on a life of their own and began circling and spinning in place, moving to form a sphere about the four of them. Juri and Shiori moved at the same time, each clasping a brown hand. Akio stepped between them, placing each of his own atop theirs, so that their paler ones were completely encased. Akio nodded to his sister and closed his eyes. Juri and Shiori took his lead and tilted their heads back as they closed theirs. A roaring wind began to surround them, tugging at their hair and clothes. "Don't hold your breath. And try not to scream." The floor beneath their feet rippled like water, and with a loud sucking noise, the sphere of cards and it's passengers plunged down through the tower. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx "Outta the way, shit head!" Kozue yelled as she punched a girl in glasses in the face. Damn, but that was something she always wanted to do at least once... The girl herself gave a small grunt, but didn't seem to notice that her nose was broken. Blood flowed freely down her face. "Owh? Veesiters?" She hacked out a ball of congealed blood as she straightened from her knocked-back position. She grinned, the sight less than pretty, Kozue found. The navy haired woman gave a disgusted sneer. "Ewww...don't give me bedroom eyes looking like that. You aren't even in my league, sweetheart." Kozue blew a kiss, making the other girl fume angrily. "Yer twype id awl awike! Led's see how preddy you ahre when I strip you down to da bowne!" Kozue easily parried her strike, her foil swishing through the air. Maybe it was the little bit of juice from the Mikage ghost, but Kozue found she could see every single movement of her opponent's. While she didn't notice the rose sigil glowing on her cheek, Touga did. But he didn't bother commenting on it. Instead he helped lift Saionji up by the shoulders, getting him on his feet. "Are you okay, Sai-chan?" Touga teased as he blocked a strike from Miki, before shifting out of the way of a charging Mason. Saionji regained his senses and put himself at Touga's back. "Don't call me 'Sai-chan'...only my soon-to-be-wife can." Saionji dead panned, switching places with Touga as his sword whirled elegantly through the air. Miki's arm blossomed in red as he reared back to safety. "Oh? Oh but Sai-chan...I played the part of 'wife' now and then, when we-" "Focus on fighting, okay!?!" Saionji was blushing hotly as Touga laughed. The two of them mirrored one another's movements perfectly, taking out Mason with a pair of swift cuts. "Listen." Saionji spoke urgently. His blush was beginning to fade. "There are far too many of them for us to just try and stab one at a time. We need to weaken them first, to buy us some time. I haven't got it all, but those two are easy to pick out." he gestured to Mason and Eric. "The girl has to do with...with jealousy or something I think. She even attacks her own sometimes. The big one over there is just plain bloodlust. Hating anyone getting in his way and hating having to stop the fight. I've seen it enough times to recognize it." Touga nodded in agreement, watching the near lustful look on his face as Mason licked along his own hand. He was beginning to foam at the mouth, his breaths ragged and harsh. "How do we intend to use that against them? We'll need some sort of symbolism." "I've been a little busy here to be thinking about that. Aren't plans and schemes generally your department, Touga?" Touga smiled in amusement. "You nearly make it sound like a bad thing. Hold on." Touga stepped back, looking about for something he could use. He hunted in his pockets, finding nothing immediate. What? What could he use for symbolism? He wracked his brains trying to think. He'd start with the girl. Jealousy...the opposite of jealousy would be something like geniality...liberality.... perhaps even generosity? So what represents generosity? Maybe trust or pride...We can't use flowers, because all we have here are roses...perhaps a drawing? Maybe numbers...or...or animals... Hitting on an idea, he called out to Saionji. "Quickly! Do you have anything on you with...with a wolf or something?" Saionji looked at him as if he had lost his mind. But Kozue, from where she was tackling her twin onto the ground, gave a strangled yell. "I-I have a credit card!! I-In my skirt!!" Rushing over to her side, and kicking Miki in the side for good measure (for which he was certain he'd be reprimanded for by his sister later) Touga plunged his hands into the pockets of Kozue's skirt without permission. He finally found a slender wallet, and quickly he fumbled through it. The plastic rectangles were tossed haphazardly over his shoulder until he finally found what he was looking for. Taking the card, he strode in three aggressive steps and slapped it onto Eric's chest. Her face spasmed and with a cry she went rigid. "Keep the other two busy!!" He called, Taking her by the waist and drawing the girl tight against him. Using his ankle, he hooked her leg and knocked her off-balance against him. The credit card stayed firmly on her sternum. It crackled with static, flecks of something floating off of it. The sword screamed in pain, as Touga drew his head down to speak into her ear. "Sword...you represent hate that comes from...jealousy..." the sword bristled and shivered inside its human sheath. "I offer a symbol that stands for loyalty and pride; of love and faithfulness. The wolf mates for life, and sees those around it with the eyes of a pack mate. None are truly beneath it, and like the wolf, you too are beautiful in your own way...I do not know who has hurt you, but I offer my admiration for your strength, and my respect for your ability." The card buzzed with electricity that threatened to make it rise completely off the girl's skin as she twisted and reared against him. Seeing his opportunity, Touga brought his sword around, and timed her spastic contortions. When she reared to the left again, mouth hanging open in silent rage, he stabbed her through the heart with his katana. She shivered against him, the sword blade glowing white hot, then fell quiet. From her gaping throat, poured out the spirit that had inhabited her. It boiled out into the air above them like a silver mist. When it had completely exited, the girl gave a sigh and her eyes fluttered shut. Touga gently set the dead weight of her sleeping body down to the ground, careful not to let her glasses fall. Then he turned his attention to the spirit, the sounds of battle behind him forgotten. It was a woman, who was twisting the hem of a faded dress. She was barefoot and shorthaired, and clearly miserable. "It wasn't fair...why did she have to live with him? The Prince was too good for her...a witch like her could never be pretty...it must have been an illusion. Even though that's obvious, he only ever smiled for her..." The phantom dissipated, leaving no trace of her existence behind. Miki had broken loose from Kozue's hold and was now trying to double-team Saionji. Mason seemed intent on trying to tear off the other man's head with his bare hands, and Kozue had leapt onto his back to try and pull him off. Seeing Touga finally free, she gave a desperate jerk of her head. "A little help here?" Miki cried out in righteous fury, as another of his siblings was lost. The odds were beginning to shift unfavorably. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx One minute Jared had been contentedly stabbing the brown haired duelist in the thigh. The next minute he found himself picked up completely off of the ground and hurled into a bush. The bitch-witch had brought unwelcome guests to his private party. And one of them was the body that used to house one of his own. "Oy! No one throws me so casually, Akio my boy! You ought to know that." Jared picked himself up and lifted up his saber. He disliked interruptions, but this one didn't look like it planned to go away anytime soon. "Come on then, let's see what you've got old man." Anthy had Wakaba cradled in her arms, casting a protective spell around them both, while Juri and Shiori took positions at Akio's side. Seeing himself out-numbered, the sword smiled and shook its head sadly. "My my...what games these mortals play. How's it feel to play for that side again?" He wiggled his eyebrows at Akio who gave a gentle shrug. Not getting a rise, Jared scuffed his shoe and gestured to the darkness behind him. "Well fine then. Enough talk." Nanami and Jared's father, side by side, came running out of the blackness. Jared joined them and as a unit they attacked, each taking a duelist. Juri found herself paired with the grinning mohawked man, Shiori deflected a crashing blow from a bastard sword that Jared's father wielded, and Akio smiled as he exchanged parries with Nanami. But instead of fighting fairly, the three of them wove in and out of their partners. Nanami leaned over and helped Jared to score a cut on Juri's forearm, Jared's father covering for her and forcing Akio to redouble his defense. They expertly assisted one another, working together to drive back their human enemies. The duelists, however, had no such coordination, and were forced back step-by-step. In frustration, Anthy tried to will her spells to work faster, wishing Wakaba would hurry up and wake to help the others. There was a cry of irritation, which broke her concentration and made her look up. "Damn you, hold still!" Juri swore as she tried to aim for the heart. But Jared laughed and twisted away, not afraid to use his shoulder and side as a shield. His right side was already a mass of torn fabric and fresh blood. "Sorry luv, I do what it takes to win." But he suddenly stumbled wide-eyed as he looked down at his chest. Juri smirked, her distraction having been successful. "Yes, but you forgot to watch your back." A sword point protruded from his tee-shirt, stuck directly in his heart. Akio stood poised behind him, still holding the sword hilt and shoved it in deeper with a cruel twist. "Disappear, old friend." Jared shivered, his eyes rolling up in their sockets as the wound glowed hotly. As the spirit escaped from his lips, he crumpled into a heap on the ground. The spirit taking the form of an old man that shook his head of silver hair. But even as he looked down at them, the night wind blew his lower half into nothingness. "I always pitied how much was put onto your shoulders, young one. It wasn't fair of them to ask so much, or for your sister to lock you away. But then, you never tried to STOP it either..." Akio sighed and picked up his sword to resume the fight. Wakaba looked like she was finally coming around. Besides...he wasn't that youthful little boy anymore... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx "Damn you both!! Damn you DAMN you!!" Miki shrieked as he ran. Two more swords had fallen in a matter of minutes! Where was the One in all of this?! Had she left them to die?! To become nothingness and become scattered into the abyss? Where was the justice?! He ran and ran, feeling the three duelists hot on his heels. He had felt it happen, even from a distance. And with their close union, it had been like a wound in his own heart. They had already lost Hatred of Self. Then the sword of Hatred Born of Pity had perished, far from him and somewhere close to the tower. But the other...the swords of Hatred Formed From Battle and Jealousy...had been extinguished right before his very eyes! Where had they gotten this power? This ability to fight that they had not possessed before? They were like an entirely new group of beings...touched by a god or a power alien to him! This was not right. This was not how the plan was supposed to go. The Thousand Swords were still making their slow procession to the school, weighed down by their sheer numbers. And without the One guiding them, they were falling individually! They needed to rethink their approach. It was time to deviate from the plan... Heading for the white tower, moving at a speed far faster than a human's Miki reached the place where Nanami and Jared's father fought against four of the duelists. Sneering, he noticed Akio was fighting as well. That pathetic man needed to be dealt with. Materializing his foil once more, Miki ran up directly to the fight, and sliced at Juri's exposed back. She cried out, falling. Taking this chance to break up the group, Miki called to her. "Come come, Juri-senpai...why not show your old student how it's done, eh?" Angered, Juri got to her feet awkwardly and gave chase, Miki leading her away from the others. Understanding the other sword's intent, Nanami gave another swipe at Akio and back-fisted Wakaba who had been working to sneak up on her. Akio heard a cry, and turned distracted. His sister...was no longer sitting there. That moment was long enough for the sword in Jared's father to use his supernatural strength and snag a fistful of Akio's hair. The sword yanked him backwards, making the other man cry our in surprise. Then coldly, smashed the hilt of his sword into the man's face. Akio groaned and staggered drunkenly, falling to his knees. The business-suited man calmly plunged a fist into his windpipe and walked away as Akio spasmed and passed out. The man smiled and gave a bow to the fallen Chairman. Then he made his way to where Nanami was keeping the last two children busy.... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Touga and the others were hurrying on their way, hearing the fighting from a distance. But what they didn't expect was for Nanami to come and meet them first. She smirked at their arrival, one hand resting on her hip as she fluffed her hair. Her blond hair was in disarray, and the blood staining the front of her blouse was not hers. She blew a kiss to her brother, but gazed coldly at Kozue. "A bit late aren't you? I imagine those two are making short work of your friends." There were sounds of steel on steel coming from the pathway behind her, but with the moon hidden by clouds, they couldn't make out what was happening. "Why yes...I imagine there's not much left to pick through. A pity." She pursed her lips, grazing her fingertips over her heart. Touga felt an awful sort of anxiety building in him. It had gone far too quiet out there...what could be happening? But when he made a move to go around her, Nanami stepped in front of him. "Ah ah ah, Touga-chan. You have me to play with. Just like old times, no? Sister and brother, together again." Her words were mocking, as she gestured for him to come and meet her. But Kozue stepped forward instead. "Sorry. But you'll have to just settle for me." Nanami growled, her eyes blazing with a hate so deep it made Touga hesitate with caution. "I'm not looking for you." "Kozue-chan, can you handle her?" "Naturally." "Very well. We'll meet you up ahead." "Fine." Nanami stamped her foot, a long curving blade appearing in one hand with a smaller dagger in the other. "Don't just dismiss me!! I'll cut you to ribbons you suckling pig!" "Have fun, Nanami-chan!" Touga gave a cheerful wave, he and Saionji dodging her at the same moment, and running off behind her. Nanami swore and made to go after them, but a foil flicked out and grazed along her shoulder. "Not so fast. You and I have things to settle..." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Wakaba and Shiori were dangling in midair, each frantically trying to pry off the hands wrapped around their throats. Jared's father, a stoic and stone faced man, was slowly crushing their airways as he pushed them even harder into the side of the tower. "Ye have been judged, weak mortals. And ye have been found guilty." He intoned, his face never changing. He looked specifically at Shiori, his lip curling a bit. "It is against the very laws of nature for a gender to mate with its own. Such an act is perverse and twisted, to the point that only a cleansing will absolve you of your sin." Jared's father smiled benignly as the girls in his hands slowly stopped fighting, their heels no longer kicking against the wall. "I will cleanse you, my children." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Juri was badly wounded, her eye caked in blood and her limbs aching from hidden wounds. She couldn't see where she was, and Miki kept circling her. His wounds never seemed to hinder him, despite them being just as many as Juri's herself. He gave an arrogant smirk. "Do you hear that sound? That's the sound of your wife, slowly slipping into death...ahhh...what a nice sound, the last rattle of life giving out." Terror striking her heart, Juri turned to run back, but Miki snatched her arm from behind and yanked it to pin her. She ground her teeth and twisted away, lunging out with her sword again. But her aim was off with the loss of her sight. Miki twisted his head to the side and avoided it entirely. Laughing, he ducked away. His short blue hair appearing inky as it bounced with his movements. "Does it bother you to not always be in control? I bet it does. She's so far away from your influence, and now she's dying. That Shinohara girl too. Not that either one are worth any tears. If they died so easily, they clearly weren't meant to survive in the first place." Juri struck again and again, stumbling this way and that as her heels caught and snagged on roots and stones. She fell to her knees cutting her palms, but climbed back to her feet. "Shut up! Is talking all you're good at? I think I might just have to kill myself, to escape your incessant chatter!" she threw a punch, barely missing him. Miki Kaoru, the sword glinting in the silver of his eyes, shrugged and launched a kick to her ribs. She gave an oomf as the wind was knocked from her lungs, and felt her ribs give an awful crack. Flying back through the air, she hit her back hard, and felt the shock jar all the way through her. Miki walked to her, as she struggled to stand. But all she could think of was Shiori. Her heart ached at the idea that she might be dying somewhere, alone, with out her there to comfort her or protect her. "S....Shiori...I...I....S-Shiori!" Juri squeezed her eyes shut, wondering why everything was going so horribly wrong. But when she opened them, intent on facing her killer evenly, she was surprised to see Miki backing up in fear. The sword hissed, hands raised in front of him, as another form appeared between them. Glowing with a pure aura that seemed to encase his entire body, was a young man. He held no weapon, or seemed to show any hostility of any kind. Instead he radiated a kindness that was fortified with an easy charm and confidence. Tears in her eyes, Juri looked up in wonder and sorrow as the soul of Ruka Tsuchiya bent to help her stand. Juri found she was no longer hurting, the pain in her chest gone in a wash of gentle warmth. Smiling at her, Ruka cupped her cheek. "...Ruka...are you....real?" Eyes flooding with unshed tears, feeling a wash of emotions she hadn't felt in years, Juri blinked to keep them from falling as Ruka brushed her cheekbone with his thumb. He felt solid and real, just as he had when he had been alive. Smiling back at him, Juri wrapped her arms around her former fencing captain and mentor from back in her school days. Hair still falling perpetually into his eyes, blue eyes sparking with amusement and caring; the spirit of the former duelist parted his lips to speak. "Hello Juri...I've missed you."
Back to No Rock to Cling to Index - Back to Revolutionary Girl Utena Shoujo-Ai Fanfiction