Internal Musings It was dark and cold....the kind of cold that didn't burn...it didn't freeze...it just....was...It numbed the skin and muscles so you couldn't feel them anymore. Just lead weights that you didn't even bother to try and deal with. A seductive darkness that was comforting and all encompassing. It clung and was one with the numbness, sweeping away light and reason. It was both primal and civilized...a presence in the mind that has been there since the dawn of time and the beginning of one's birth. Or so it tells you... The Prince was so terribly deep and alone in that darkness...or so she wished... But she seemed to have frequent visitors as of late...and perhaps that was a good thing, it kept her from sleeping too deeply in the caverns of her own mind. Kept her from being swallowed by a sword when her guard was dropped. A Prince must be vigilant... And just what makes you think you can interrupt my games?! That girl has been troublesome...I should take her and make her one of mine. The Prince stirred and answered with sharp glint of anger and outrage at such a notion. The girl was one she had taken under her wing...one she had saved from death's needle and the razor blade. She had offered a friendship and a place of comfort to the gothic girl...had been a shoulder to cry on, had held her hair away from her face as she vomited up pills and nasty concoctions, and had stroked her shoulder in comfort and secret when the withdrawals had gotten too bad. Had licked away tears of pain and betrayal and had offered her sanctuary through music. This girl belonged to the Prince and would not be a holder for one of the swords. The fragmented Prince stubbornly refuses...and promised a fierce tormenting battle should the issue be brought up again. Fine...she will remain free for now...but the Rose Bitch and her disgusting lap dogs will die without interference from you. The Prince calmly reminds the scrapping hissing blades of the deal that had been struck between them. I know the rules, False Prince...I have not forgotten the bargain struck between you and we...but you misunderstand me. They will die...but not by my hand. Confusion now...suspicious uncertainty. The Prince silently questions. Ah ha ha ha ha...we made no agreements to spare the duelists...just the Rose Bride. You had not the foresight to spare them completely. And there are simply SO many delicious ways events can be engineered to warrant the Rose Witch an accidental death...a push into traffic...a slip from a roof top...a mugger on the street...her death will be assured...just as soon as we steal away the power of eternity coursing in her veins. It's very tiring trying to kill someone who simply will not die... A flash of searing anger and a bout of threats. The swords rasped in laughter. We lied to you, stupid thing...we created lies and fed you on them until you grew bloated and fat and complacent...then we took you. And we will continue to rape this shell of a mind until we are satisfied. We WILL restore our brethren, and then we will sweep the globe. None can stand in our way! A smirk and a casual response. The swords bristled. The duelists are no match for such as we! A questioning lilt and a cocked head. The Prince smiles warmly and gives a firm nod of belief and compassion. We underestimate nothing! Those fools will fall, and the streets of these urban jungles will run red with their blood! Your Rose Knights will fail you, no matter how much conviction you place in them. The Prince says nothing, but there is amusement and a love shining in the darkness. The swords give an acid hiss and decide to drive in their dagger. And what makes you think they will forgive you your sins, Fallen Prince? The Rose Bride will surely hate you now...the duelists will not forgive your betrayal. And why should they!? You struck an evil deal...gave up your soul for selfish solitude...and you re-opened Pandora's box of evils to unleash upon this world! All of this is your doing...we merely act in our own natures. We are Hatred incarnate in it's many forms...but you...what excuse have YOU!? The Prince withdraws, silent and sorrowfully. She shrinks into the darkness, with chains of guilt and shame tightly wound about her. She recededs away from the laughter and dark glee, wondering if her existence would ever end... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Back in the world named Reality, a woman with shining emerald eyes sat woefully on a chair, a steaming cup of tea in front of her. About her three men sat uncomfortably, as they were tended to by a young woman with brown hair brushing her shoulders. She had a medical kit and was applying bandages and salve to bruises and cuts. She was uncharacteristically silent as she worked, biting her lip in concentration. Wakaba's skills as a nurse at the local hospital were suddenly in demand, and as if a switch had been thrown, the woman had switched over into clinical seriousness. She finished patching up Touga and sat down at the table with a sigh. The room was silent as a grandfather clock tock-tock-tocked. Then the silence was broken as yet another woman walked back into the room. She brushed plum hair away from her forehead as she approached the group. "She seems to be sleeping now...that wound on her side is nearly healed completely. I...thank you for healing her Anthy..." Her eyes darted away to the floor, her expression carefully blank. Anthy sighed and put her face in her hands. "No please...don't thank me...I....I'm so sorry for getting Arisugawa-san mixed up in this. It was my fault she got so seriously hurt. I can't apologize enough to you Shiori-san." The other woman scowled to herself, but then sighed in acceptance. She had a steaming cup clenched in her two small hands with a tired expression on her face. "Juri...Juri is one who would not have stood by when someone needed help..." a smile tugged her lips and warmed her eyes. A gold ring glinted softly from her ring finger. Miki gave a sad smile and placed his hand over one of hers. "Yes...I think you're right. It'll be okay." Touga frowned and decided to break the ice that had formed between them. They needed a plan of action if they were going to somehow rescue their Prince. "So let's go over the facts everyone, shall we? This Ten thing is what's left of those swords from the final duel...and they plan to...multiply again? The band members have all been turned it looks like." Miki chimed in, "So that's at least four of the ten swords accounted for. And it looks like tomorrow's concert is when it plans to awaken the rest." But Anthy held up a hand. "No...in order to raise the lesser swords, it would need to get the other nine out of the way and out of Utena's body. They will be placed in hosts and will activate completely, if I'm not mistaken." Saionji scratched his goatee in thought. "So...they're not active yet?" Anthy shook her head in negative. "Hmmm...then we may have a chance. Security for such a thing would be pretty tight. It will be hard to get close to her." He glanced at Touga sideways. "But I imagine some of us would have the means to pull it off...or at least get us closer than we normally would be able to." Touga merely smiled a secret smile, the only reaction necessary for the group to know he had his resources to get them there. Saionji gave a firm nod to himself and continued on his train of thought, "We'll bring our swords...she mentioned games, and the only games I recall ever being important were the duels. Maybe if we can corner that thing and beat it in a duel, we can distract it enough for Anthy to do...something." The green haired man sighed and sat back gruffly in his chair. He wasn't stupid...but fore-planning and clever plans were never his forte. He was the man to get things done...the muscle in the old council. He had grown up a lot since those chaotic days, but some things never changed. Miki gave a quiet cough, "Ah, the girl...the one who plays the piano in the band. Utena seems to be oddly protective of her. I think she isn't letting Ten turn her...but I'm not sure how long that will last. If all nine other swords need to be in new bodies for the ceremony to happen, Ten may overpower what's left of her. She seemed...scared..." His blue eyes lowered sadly. "When we played together, I could feel the passion and sadness from her music. She cares about Utena a lot, she talked about her often while we had lunch. She could maybe help us...I think she finally understands Ten isn't who it says it is. Poor Violet..." Anthy gave a grim nod. "The girl will be in danger. If she's still free when we get there, we'll need to get her away. And I don't like involving the crowd of people who are going to be at the concert...but I have a bad feeling Ten is going to use them as a shield. We need to get down there and stop her, no matter what it takes. I'll do everything in my power! I swear it!" her hands clenched into tight fists, as the green-eyed woman's face became a fierce mask of determination. The occupants at the table all moved to place comforting hands on her, even Shiori. Anthy smiled sadly as wiped an angry tear from her eye, unable to speak. It was funny...years ago at that nightmare of a school, these were the people fighting over her, hitting her, trying to kill her, using her. All of them at one time or another had despised her...even Miki. But now, as adults and very different people, they were comforting her. Anthy...someone they had all forgotten...someone who was virtually a stranger to them now. They had open their doors and hearts, and pledged to help her free the one she loved. She put her face in her hands, as she whispered a heart-felt 'thank you'. "W-we'll get her back Anthy. I promise...we'll free Utena from t-that monster, and everyone will be together a-again." A voice croaked from the doorway. Heads swiveled to look at a tired form leaning against the door frame. Orange curls in disarray, and bandages covering her nearly nude torso, Juri stood shakily in only her slacks and bra. The panther gave a fierce smile of encouragement as Anthy gave a nod of agreement. "Thanks for healing me...I already feel like I could take on Kyouichi or Kiryuu bare-handed." The tall woman gave a cheeky smirk and made to enter the room, only wincing slightly. Her steps were careful, but at least she wasn't limping or stumbling about like a fool. Kiryuu gave a sly smile. "Well now, I don't mind you using your bare hands against me, but should such talk be occurring in front of your...wife?" He flipped his red hair seductively over his shoulder. Juri gave a surprised bark of laughter as she bent to share Shiori's seat. "Still an egotistical pig...comforting to know some things haven't changed." Miki looked down at the digital wristwatch he had, and Anthy found herself fondly recalling his obsession with a stopwatch back in the days of the council. "Everyone, it's getting late. I'm sure we all have our preparations to make for tomorrow night. Where shall we meet?" Touga leaned his head down as he thought. "Let's meet back at the front of one of my clubs, the Silk Blindfold. I wouldn't suggest you go in however...it's not to most of your tastes." He received a few suspicious frowns at that, and had to chuckle. "I'm choosing the location based on it's proximity to the concert hall Crysanthium Ecstasy will be appearing at. It's also where I'll be meeting with the person whose going to gain us entry to the little soirée. The gentleman is a frequent customer there..." Miki gave a hesitant nod. "Alright. I believe I know of the club you're talking about." He turned red as Touga raised a questioning eyebrow. "Ah...Kozue...sometimes pops in there. She took me by once as a prank..." He turned an even brighter shade as Touga's smirk deepened. "And how is Kozue-chan? I haven't seen either of you in quite some time. Has her private business done well?" Miki looked embarrassed as he gave a nod. "Y-yes. She's doing very well, and she really seems to enjoy it." The group broke up a little while later, Anthy leaving with Touga as Saionji and Wakaba hailed a taxi. The two seemed...in discomfort. No doubt Wakaba's newly resurfaced memories were going to need to be discussed between the two of them. School life back then wasn't entirely pleasant, Miki noted with a small sad frown. He wished them the best of luck. He lingered a bit and helped Shiori clean up as Juri rested on the couch after protesting greatly. The blue haired man chatted quietly and cheerfully with the plum haired woman, enjoying her company. When he had first met her, he hadn't thought very much of her. She had been petty, weak, and lacked confidence. Or so it had seemed. But over the years, he had watched in amazement as she had proven herself to be caring and capable, stubborn enough to stand up to Arisugawa when necessary. And it was obvious that despite their rocky start, the maroon eyed girl had grown to be a patient woman who truly deeply loved the older fencer. Miki was glad to have been proven wrong for once. But after some time, he bid them goodnight as well, knowing the two most likely wanted their privacy. So walking down the dark cold streets, The slim man bundled tighter into his pale trench coat. He grabbed a cab back toward the spacious home both he and his sister currently lived. They had separated for some time...both twins feeling perhaps it was time to move on and let go of their insecurities. But a series of bad transactions and apartments had led them back to each other again. It was really more of a time share situation...one sibling staying at the house at certain times while the other worked or traveled. But it was pretty late now...so perhaps he'd see his sister tonight. He missed talking with her...it had been a week since they'd had time to have a good conversation. Only glimpses as one sailed out the door, or another tiredly stumbled into the bath. Turning the key in the lock, he was surprised to find it open on it's own. Unlocked? What on earth...had Kozue gotten careless? No...that wasn't right...she was very cautious about getting broken into. Something wasn't right. Relying on his instincts, the fencer silently slid into the home, and crouched quietly. His eyes adjusted to the pitch blackness quickly, and moving easily on all fours, he hid behind the couch, edging his head cautiously around the living room wall. His sister was always referring to herself as a wild animal...and truly she was wild. But unbeknownst to those who knew him, Miki could be wild as well...he just hid it better. Like a shadow, he slipped through the halls, passing rooms that were empty and undisturbed. At last, he found himself in front of Kozue's door. He rarely went there...it was her room. Her place to unwind and relax...where she brought her lovers to sometimes, though less frequently as of late. There...a slight vibration on the other side of the wood. Someone was in there...someone who did not move like his sister. If it was a lover, he would apologize to her...but he had to be certain everything was okay! Without waiting, he slipped an arm up to the wall and lifted his foil from where it rested, and flung open the door. He stopped as if he'd been turned to ice. His brain froze like his heart. A body...on the floor...covered in blood...wearing painfully cutting ropes and bindings and nothing else. Hair...short...her color...her body...her bright red nail polish...bruises...welts...not moving... Miki slowly lifted his head and would have gasped if he'd been able to utter a sound. Another figure was reclining on her bed, as if it owned the room. That sinister smile...those silver eyes. And that damnable pink hair!! With a guttural cry, Miki dropped to his knees in front of his sister's body, unable to bring himself to touch it. His sister...his twin...his other half!! With an uncharacteristic roar, Miki shot to his feet and ran towards the woman who still hadn't moved, her nude form like a work of art upon the navy blue sheets. "I'LL KILL YOU FOR THIS!!" His blade whistled through the air, aiming right for her heart. Faster than thought...eyes blind...couldn't see...only the agony...the hate...pink hair lifting...a smirk widening...adrenaline singing in his veins...and then... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Moments later, Ten left the residence of the Kaoru's, a deep satisfied smile planted on her lips. Idly, she licked drops of blood from her fingers, savoring that familiar metallic taste. Amused she looked at the slip of a girl cowering in the limo waiting for her. Gently she ruffled Violet's hair, the gothic girl jerking back and away as if burned. She laid her face in her hands and sobbed silently. Ten looked straight ahead, uncaring about a single human's need to release such pathetic emotions. What concern was it of hers? After all tonight was a night to celebrate...her swords were being drawn one by one...tomorrow night they would stand by her as her generals...a war led to conquer the world. Who needed a Revolution? And now one of the thorns that protected the Rose she so desired had been...removed. She chuckled, a thick throaty velvet sound that made the young girl hunched on the floor of the limo shivering in fear, even as her lips parted in utter lust. That maddening chuckle of pure evil...only a devil could have such a laugh! Ohhh...and how she wanted that devil to place those searing lips across hers again... And as if reading her mind, she felt smooth fingers slip underneath her black long sleeved blouse and tighten about her. She made a sound somewhere between a whimper and a moan as those fingers trailed lower...searching and so painstakingly slow. "Now little one...let us see just how delicious a trip to our next destination can be..." Violet didn't even bother resisting anymore as a her senses exploded through the exploration and violation of hands...lips...teeth...and tongue...
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