Lost in Concerto "It's been over an hour and he still isn't here." Saionji was pacing anxiously in front of the rough brick wall of the club. Gathered about him, leaning against the wall and a parked car, Anthy, Juri, Wakaba and Shiori waited for Touga to reappear. One duelist's presence was noticeably absent. "I don't like it. Miki has always been one for punctuality." Refusing to look at him, Wakaba was staring down the street. From what Anthy had been able to gather, the two had undergone a spat the night before. And from their body language and pointed ignoring of each other, things were still tense. Shiori was quietly leaning her head against Juri's shoulder staring off into space as the man kept pacing. Finally Juri could stand it no more. "Stop already, you're making me dizzy. I'm sure Miki is just held up or something." But truthfully she didn't feel so certain. Since the time of their youth, the blue haired young man had never lost his habit of regulating his life to time itself. Always arriving precisely on time, measuring out the minutes, flicking a glance now and then to a timepiece. It was as if he always needed to be reassured that time still moved for him, that the world never stopped rotating. Although now with their memories returned to them, perhaps his weird fetish made a little more sense. Time never moved within that hellish school. It had always been a paradox of uncertainty... But it had been an hour since Touga had went inside to confirm a certain deal with his mysterious customer, and Miki was late. Was it a cause for concern? Could something have happened? Juri tightened her fingers around Shiori's shoulder, gaining strength and calm reassurance just from having her nearby. Saionji in the mean time scowled, looking a great deal like his younger self. "Hmph...it's been an hour already. What is Touga doing in there? And just how does he intend to get us inside..." "Why not ask me yourself, Kyouichi-san?" Brushing his long red mane back casually over one shoulder, the ex-student council President exited the club behind them. He looked serious, as if he had just left a nasty bout of negotiation, but when his eyes alighted upon them, the look was gone like a distant dream. His face was now its usual seductive calm. Saionji huffed and crossed his arms. "So? How did it go? Is your friend going to be able to get us in there? The concert will be starting soon..." His violet eyes lowered as he spoke. There was a heavy tension in the air. Touga clapped his shoulder warmly and gave him a confident smile. "It...was difficult. But I was able to get us passage into the back stage area of the concert stadium. However my...client wishes to let us know that dealing with security and any obstacle after that will have to be dealt with on our own. Apparently there's another band playing, and their security can be overzealous." Juri cocked her head to the side. "Another band?" Touga nodded. "Yes...the Steel Razors. A metal band from America, and quite popular here in Japan. They will be playing with Crysanthium Ecstasy as a collaboration for their Black Cord tour." Saionji rolled his eyes. The things kids listened to these days... Touga looked about the group, casting for something. "Say...where is Miki? He's not here yet?" Juri and Shiori shook their heads while Wakaba bit her lip and edged closer to the rest of the group. Touga frowned seriously. "That's odd...and he knows that we are to head to the concert hall today. Could he have gone on ahead?" Juri hesitated before speaking, "No...Miki was never one to act rashly." Touga gave a nod, tossing his hair over his shoulders. "That's what I think as well. This does not bode well...could Ten be moving against us individually? If so, none of us are safe alone...he and his sister could have been kidnapped or worse. We've all seen what that thing is capable of." His voice sent a shot of ice water through their collective veins. Juri was immediately pushing off of the car to head there straight away, Shiori tugging on her arm. "W-wait! You're not just going to head over there, are you? What about-" Juri flashed the other woman an icy glare, "Of course I am! I'm not going to stand by while Kaoru and his sister could be-" "Juri she's right." Juri whirled onto Saionji. "Now see here, you stubborn idiot-" "Juri." "What?" Touga stared into her aquamarine eyes quietly. "This could be part of a ploy to deter us...even separate us. A trap...I want to go to Miki as well. So I will head over there while you all go on ahead." The group all began to argue vehemently. But Touga raised his hand. "I will meet you there. It will not take me long to get the house. And in the mean time you can be scoping out the situation and planning our attack." He smiled at them, a hand in one of his jacket pockets. Anthy walked over to him. "I do not like you going alone. Not when you will be in danger." Touga smiled down at her tenderly. "Ah, but are you not needed there? It is you who must face off against Ten. It is you who are in the most danger..." She sighed, her lashes fluttering shut. In that moment, she looked to him to be ages old. Tired and weary from a millennia of traveling. "Yes...you are right. But I still do not like it." "I will go with him!" Saionji strode forward, his arms still crossed. Touga gave him a small smile and a shake of his head. "No old friend, you will be needed there also. I will go alone. Don't worry, I'll be okay." He stopped suddenly as a small finger jabbed into his chest. He looked down to see Wakaba with her hands on her hips, doing her best to stare him down. "Listen you! There's no way you're gonna go alone! I'm gonna go with you, and that's final!" She crossed her arms, mirroring Saionji's scowl nearly perfectly. Touga blinked in surprise. "Ah, well, but I don't think-" "Not 'but's Mister! With your snazzy suit and prissy looks, you'll probably break a nail or something. Geez, don't you know it takes a woman to get things done? You boys are practically helpless!" She gave a grin and a small wave to the others, careful not to look at a green haired individual. "Now come on, I wanna get a ride in that nice limo!" She looped an arm around his and began to bodily drag him down the sidewalk. Touga looked back helplessly to her fiancée who shrugged with a small sad smile. The brown haired girl glanced back at Saionji only once before looking away. There were small sounds of protest as the pair disappeared around the corner. Juri was chuckling despite herself. Anthy smiled warmly in amusement. Then her features schooled themselves to the business at hand. "Let's go everyone. There's not much time." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx The crowds were already in a frenzy, cheering and screaming out in adoration as they waited for the concert's start. It was a sea of waving arms and signs, some depicting one band or another. Many had donned black shirts, spraying their hair into risqué hairstyles, smearing on vibrant make-up. Their voices were like a roar, and Ten listened to it with a dreamy smile. Soon...so many bodies...so many seedlings about to sprout forth. Truly glorious! Its restless thoughts were interrupted as a trio of musicians headed up the corridor. The pink haired singer backed away from the edge of the massive black curtains, to greet the newcomers. It was a navy blue haired woman, accompanied by two taller men. "I'm telling you that bracelet looks ridiculous, and I refuse to go on stage with you while you're wearing it." "Awwww, but Kiri! Come oooooon! The girls will love it!" The blond haired man flaunted a large bracelet that looked like a pink fuzzy doughnut. Very at odds with the blue and silver vinyl he wore. The woman rolled her eyes in disgust as they reached Ten. She bowed. "Sorry we didn't get a chance to meet before. I look forward to working with you." Ten's lips curled into a smile as she bowed in return. "Yes...it shall be quite rewarding to work with such a popular band as yours." The girl shrugged as her black haired band mate leaned down across her shoulder. "Oooo! You're cute! And you've got a great throat...vocally I mean." He winked. Kiri shrugged him off and snatched up his arm. "Well we have curtain call in five minutes. We'll leave you to your preparations. Come on you dummies." She dragged the two away along the closed curtain. They disappeared down a set of stairs that led to the mechanical stage elevator. Alone once more, Ten sent out its thoughts to its siblings. Silently, the figures of the reborn swords appeared alongside her. Their eyes were as cold and blank as steel. Ten smiled. "Well my fellows...are all the preparations complete then?" The being that had once been known as Jared gave a humorless grin. "Yessss..." he rasped. It was a sound of rust scraping along stone. " The girrrl isss nearrrrly rrrready. Shall I fetch herrrr?" Ten nodded, and he left. Sword Eric sat down alongside Sword Mason's shoes. Mason was swaying upon his feet to music only he could hear. Quickly the Sword in Jared returned, dragging Violet by the arm. She was dressed in an elaborate gothic gown, similar in design to the one the Rose Bride used to wear. There were tear streaks running through her black eye make-up. "W-why are you doing this?! Please stop! I-I don't want to do this anymore, let m-me go Ten!" The girl sobbed as she tugged futilely at her arm. Ten smiled, "Ohhh, my poor girl...surely you must....hate me now, no?" The girl sobbed harder in response. Ten frowned slightly. She moved forward towards the smaller girl, every step a boneless glide. It was like she was moving on water, instead of six-inch boots. She ran her pale hand through the space over Violet's head. She frowned a little more. "Hmmm...still stubbornly in love, eh? That's something of a problem, you see. I need you to hate me." Violet's chin was roughly jerked up so that she met those silver eyes. Utena's angelic expression morphed into a cruel parody, as she leaned in closer to her face. Violet could feel hot breath on her lips. Jerking her head out of that hand, she twisted away from her and the man's arms that still held her. The barest hint of lips tickled her ear. "And you will hate me, Violet...oh yes...I will make you hate me..." Violet cried out in agony as teeth savagely bit into her ear. Ten reared back, chin dripping with blood. Violet screamed as she held her ear cupped in her hand. Jared shoved her to the floor, looking at her with disgust. There was a near perfect half moon of teeth marks. Eric rose to her feet and hurried over to Ten. Ten stood backlit by the lights of the scaffolding around them, with her fellow sword licking her chin in smooth languorous strokes. Her expression never changed, even when Eric finished and wound her arms about the slim body of her leader. An overhead sign began blink urgently, alerting them it was time to go on stage. "Let's go. I have children to bear..." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Anthy gave a start as an explosion of noise greeted them when they stepped into the main lobby of the stadium. A security guard had greeted them as they had approached the back entrance, and had led them through a maze of corridors. He had quickly left them though, pointing them in the direction of the backstage area. Music was roaring down the hall, reverberating off the walls. It was a physical sensation, it was so loud. Her eyes narrowed in fear. "We need to hurry! They've already started!" The company needed no further encouragement. In a rush of sprinting heels and moving limbs, the men and women of Ohtori's graduates navigated the narrow doorways and stretching marble floors of the concert hall. The stopped up short as a pair of muscled men headed their way. "You there! Who are you?!" Saionji took the lead and smashed a fist into the nearest man's face. He clotheslined the other man with a solid whack of his forearm. Hustling along once more, they slowed as a voice took over the microphone. "For all of our wonderful fans out there...this song is for you!" A thunderous bout of whistles and screams abated only when guitar cords sang along the air. Anthy reached the edge of the curtained stage first. What she saw made her hesitate. Utena was cradling a mic stand to her body like a lover. Her costume's fur cape draped about her body like a conforming glove. With her spiked pink hair and her gleaming piercings, Utena was a magnet for the eye. Dangerous...sleek...desirable. But her silver eyes slid over to the right, snatching up Anthy's own. The creature's seductive grin widened. She now had her true audience at last. Rearing back her head, baring the long line of her throat, her lips parted. An unearthly croon crawled from the expanse of flesh and muscle. "As I'm swinging here within the sheltered gloom I hear your voice It's the sound of the creaking seat-" Her head lowered as her words became harshly whispered to her captive devotees. "Of the frost on the chains Of the fog on my lips Childrens' echoes laughing at the back of my heels..." Her eyes were closed, body rocking in time to Jared's guitar. It was silent except for the two of them. The crowd was spellbound. Juri reached Anthy's side, her face taking on a cold scowl. "How are we going to..." Ten seemed to sense the presence of the rest of them gathering, as she slowly stalked backwards to come by Violet's side. The girl was hunched over her keyboard, shivering from her nearness. Utena's eyes flicked over to them again as she smirked as she placed a proprietary hand on the younger girl's shoulder. Juri let out a low growl. She was taunting them! Using Violet as a hostage! It was unforgivable...she may just have to kick Tenjou's ass on principle. Anthy placed a hand on her arm to calm her, as Shiori slipped her hand into the fencer's own. The orange curled woman relaxed slightly, leaning into her partner's side. On stage, Ten was still working the crowd of teenagers and adults below, stalking along the stage with the microphone in her gloved hand. "The shriek of the steel..." her voice had lowered octaves until it had become a guttural growl. "...Matches the shriek of my soul..." Bodies below her began gyrating and moving as one. Feet stomping, heads thrown back, it was a sea of energy! "The grit of the sand..." The crowd held its breath. "..is the grit in my heart!" hissing the last word, a platform lifted from the stage revealing the Steel Razors in all of their glory. The girl and the blonde were like demons on their guitars, and both band's drummers exploded in a frenzy of beats. The crowd had lost it. Anthy felt the hair on her neck stand on end at the electric primal emotion being pounded out by the group of young adults. It took her breath away, and for a haunting moment she too felt like tossing her head back and joining in. The feeling was so strong she had to grip the wall. Why not? A voice whispered. Why not lift up your arms in praise, worshiping the gods of death and renewal? This was a celebration that was as old as the first men in their caves. Pounding on the rock walls with bare fists, to sing of the black joy in their inner hearts! This was godly and mighty, and the whole world needed to join in as one! Anthy shook her head and focused her inner sight. Yes...there...she could see it in her mind's eye. There was a storm of silver blades boiling with the singer's voice. Each word she spoke sent another small dagger singing through the air to prick the unprotected hearts of her followers. Anthy's eyes flew open. She jerked on Juri's arm hard. The panther had been swaying to the music, her eyes going distant. "Juri! Saionji! Do not listen to this! That thing speaks lies! Her music is the key!" Saionji blinked slowly, trying to bring his attention back to her. Why were her lips moving so slowly? All he could hear was that lovely black angel's voice...it spoke of the violence in his blood...of the joys of swordsmanship...of the dying warriors of old, noble in their bloody quests...this was right...this was holy!...this was- A ringing slap brought him instantly back to himself. Anthy was rubbing the back of her hand. Saionji glowered at her for a minute, and then realized he had been stroking his unsheathed sword possesively. Shaking his head to clear it, he frowned. "What the hell is going on?" Anthy's eyes flashed dangerously. "We have to stop her! Now! She can't be allowed to sing!" Saionji looked back to the stage, gripping his katana tighter. He scratched his goatee in thought. "Shouldn't we wait...for Touga? And doesn't she have the girl--?" "There's no time! She's nearly completed the ritual! She's using the adoration of the crowd to fuel the spell! She nearly has all ten swords in homes!" Juri squeezed Shiori's hand and pushed her back slightly. "Wait here for us! Come on Kyouichi!" The green haired man nodded and the two of them ran out on stage. The crowd cheered as they appeared with their drawn weapons, Juri with her foil and Saionji with his katana. Anthy appeared with a deck of cards and a rose in her hand. She began chanting under her breath as Saionji lifted his sword against the nearest black haired band member... And was thrown back by a blue haired figure crashing into him. Saionji stared up stupidly as Miki Kaoru, clad in a black dueling uniform, stood over him sneering in disgust. Juri stopped short. Ten was paying them no attention, focusing on her wailing song. "M-miki! W-what are you...?" Saionji coughed, trying to get the wind back in his lungs. His words strangled away when a needle sharp tip of a foil poked under his chin. "You are not allowed to interfere, Duelist. Leave now before your blood paints the stage." His voice was absolutely calm and certain of itself, with more than a hint of arrogance. Very unlike the young Kaoru. Juri hesitated only a second before whiping her blade around towards him. The Sword inside neatly parried the move, and jabbed viciously at her torso. Her blouse split in a tiny cut over her heart. Saionji leaped up to swing a fist, but was yanked by the hair backward. More of the band had given up their instruments to join in the fray. The crowd roared in approval. ******* "My god...what have they done to you..." Touga knelt before the body of Kozue and had to twist his face away. Wakaba was still standing in horror of the doorway. It was awful...those ropes and all that blood... Touga hesitated only a moment before drawing his sword and carefully snapping the cruel bindings. Kozue's body slumped to the floor bonelessly. Tucking his long red hair into his suit collar, to keep it out of the way, Touga knelt with a frown. She seemed to have been dead for hours... "Get out of the way!" Touga was pushed back by Wakaba, who had seemed to have overcome her revulsion and shock. She moved swiftly and skillfully, checking the body's vital signs. She looked up, all trace of the normal playfulness gone. Her face was deadly serious. He mused that this must be Nurse Wakaba showing her face. "She has a pulse, and she's breathing on her own. I need hot water, clean towels, and the first aide kit. Check the fridge for any sports drinks. She's dehydrated. We need to get her off of the floor." Touga blinked dumbly for a moment, but a swat from her hand had him on his feet and moving quickly. He scooped the girl's body carefully in his arms and deposited her gently on the clean side of the bed. Wakaba went to work as he fetched the things she needed. Within moments, they has her cleaned up reasonably well, and had looked to her wounds. There were several ugly cuts from straining against the ropes for hours. Kozue seemed paler and more delicate than Kiryuu could ever remember seeing her. Like a broken china doll. Her body was a mess of bruises. What in god's name had Ten done to her? He feared finding out, but had an awful idea... Wakaba set to cleaning out any infections, and stitching a couple of deeper gashes where she found them. Touga was hustled out of the room as she worked. He put his hands in his pockets, bemused. Where was Miki though...was he somewhere else in the house? Perhaps he'd best investigate. He hated surprises. Unfortunately as he rounded the corner to the kitchen, that's exactly what he got. Waiting for him, perched up on the dining room table. With her knees up provocatively, a blond haired woman smiled at him. Touga's blood ran cold as he stared into those dead eyes. "...Nanami..." Nanami Kiryuu smiled at him, wearing the tattered remains of her designer suit. There was a cut on her cheek and a sword in her hand. "Hello Touga-chan..." The voice that came from that purring throat was not her own. Touga raised his sword in front of him, backing out the doorway as she slipped down to the floor... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Anthy raised her arms in the air, summoning a ring of green swirling light about her body. The band members of Steel Razors were still doggedly trying to keep on playing atop their raised dais, but all of them were wide eyed with confusion and fear as a mass fight broke out on the stage below them. Ten was still singing, but now there was a shimmering in the air around her. Jak looked to Kiri, shaking his blond hair out of his face. "W-what the hell is going on down there?!" He whispered urgently. Kiri looked a bit pale as she bit her lower lip and kept on viciously picking her guitar. "Don't know. But we better keep playing." Ten crooned throatily into her mic, during the guitar interlude, then paused to block the air in front of her face as streams of energy plowed at her. Glaring at the witch, she made a throwing motion, and Anthy cried out in pain. Blood erupted from a wound to her shoulder, but she kept on making signs with her hands. She had to cast the right spell! Juri had just delivered a fluid kick to the face of a mohawked man, sending him down hard, but now was pinned in the arms of a barrel-armed skinhead. She growled in anger, and tried to break free. He squeezed his arms, and the fencer gave a loud wheeze. The bastard was strong! She needed to...needed to... A cry right next to her ear, and the arms fell away. Shiori stood there, holding her saber. It was now stained red. Juri took the shaking girl in her arms, holding her tightly. But they quickly separated and stood at each other's backs. Shiori handed Juri back her sword, making the panther smile. "Hmmm...remind me to bring yours next time, love." Shiori grinned back at her bravely. Saionji was battling a monkey-like girl who had leapt onto his back. She had her thighs squeezing around his neck, and a dagger in his ear. Try as he might, he couldn't bring his katana around to get at her. An evil whisper made him stiffen. "Mmmm...scream for me baby..." And then he did. A shrieking pain in his ear made him thrash enough to knock her off. He was still shrieking, but the world had gone silent on one side of him. He pressed his palm into the side of his head, trying to stop the redness pouring from out of his ear canal. The crowd cheered in macabre joy. Ten kicked the fallen swordsman out of her way and motioned to Miki. He stopped his attack on Juri and quickly trotted over to his mistress. His smile was dreamy with pride. "Command me, Three. What do you require?" Ten, now only Three, stood from a crouch and wailed religiously into her microphone making the hair on everyone's arms stand up with goosebumps. Her ghostly voice faded and she put the mic down to speak to him. "I need your help in preparing another one of our siblings." "Of course." He replied, looking over to the Steel Razors. "It shall be done." He monkey-climbed up the scaffolding, his pale hands slapping up near Alex's boot. He heaved himself over gracefully and gave the three of them a disgusted look. His voice affected one of authority. "Ten says you're missing chords. You're blowing this performance." Jak tossed his blond hair angrily. "What was that?! The hell you say! Ya'll are the ones down there goin' off the deep end!!" Miki shook his head and leaned out of the way as Jak pounding with more energy on his bass. Miki peered at them silently a moment, half hidden in the shadow of the side of the dais. "There...you did it again. What's happening down below was decided by the producers as a publicity stunt. Pelican Records didn't think your band could handle it. So Crysanthium Ecstasy was chosen." Jak growled looking at him. "Your band asked US to come and play with you! You guys are just a bunch of one-hit wonders! Who do you guys think you ARE?!" "Jak! Enough! Calm down! Now you really ARE missing notes!" "Naw Kiri, this is bullshit! What the hell man?! This is the thanks we get?!" "Jak....please..." Steel Razors concentrated on playing for a few more minutes. The concert was out of control. They were feeling swept up in events that were beyond them. What was going on with Pelican Records lately, not informing them of stage performances? Kiri decided she'd have a stern talk with the guy in charge when this was all over. Jak was calming down...and then Miki spoke one last time. "...Ten says to try a bit less pelvic thrusting on the next interlude. It'd be better to go with a forward dip..." Jak exploded. "Ten can shove her orders up her ass!! I don't even KNOW that bitch, but NOBODY tells Jak-Boy how to perform in his concerts!!" Kiri was desperate now, "Jak! Not the time! Calm down!!" "He turned to her, with eyes aflame, "Fuck no! Now you too?! Stop bossing me around Kiri, I ain't yer damn son!!" He gave a roar, and then a strangled gasp. Wordlessly his bass dropped from his fingers. Before Kiri could react, another hand slapped up on the scaffolding, and Ten's shock of pink spikes came into view. Those perfect cupid bow lips were in a smooth coy smile. "Hello Jak-boy...gives us a kiss..." She yanked on Jak's tie, bringing him down in a deep bow. In a creak of vinyl, he was yanked hard to meet Ten's face, as her hand snaked around his neck. She kissed him then, deeply. For a second, Kiri was simply slack jawed. Then her eyes narrowed at the knot of terror that was tangling in her gut. Something was... Jak convulsed against those soft lips, and he reared back for air. His lips parted as he looked up blindly. A rattling breath wheezed into his lungs. And then...he began to laugh. High and grating, the Sword within Jak rang out in youthful pleasure as he stretched his arms wide. This body was now his! Finally! Ten motioned for him to pick up his bass. "One last concerto before our rebirth, my brother. Let us play for these foolish mortals the sounds of the World's End. Jak grinned toothily and picked up his bass. He turned to Kiri with that smirk, his eyes glinting bright quicksilver. She flinched in shock. His voice came low and threatening. "You heard her...play on mortal..." xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Touga ducked another lunge, snapping his wrists to meet the charge. Damn it...his sister had never been this skilled. These Swords were an entirely new caliber...his foot... He ducked in a clumsy dodge, and nearly slipped in his boot. There were bloody footprints tracked all over the Kaoru's carpeted hallways, from the stab wound he'd suffered straight through his right foot. His jacket was severely sliced in places, and his shoulder was aching. This was bad...he couldn't let her get through to Wakaba and Kozue! "WAKABA!!" He yelled, trying to parry another precise strike from the thing in his Nanami's body. Their swords met in a flash of sparks. "WAKABA!! YOU MUST GET OUT OF HERE!! GET KOZUE AND RUN!!" His high-pitched voice rang down the walls, greeted only by silence. Had they heard him? Had they escaped out the back? His moment of distraction cost him. With a grunt, a pointy high-heeled toed caught him below the sternum. He crashed into the wall behind him as if he'd been kicked by an elephant. What power! How on earth were they supposed to beat these things? This was madness... He lifted his sword again as the blond chuckled and stalked toward him slowly. There was a loud resounding 'CLANG'. Then her eyes rolled up into the back of her head as she dropped bonelessly to the floor. Kozue stood trembling where Nanami had once stood, holding a badly dented metal vase. "Huh...well...I always hated this thing anyway." She tried to smirk, but had to stop because of the swelling of her lip. Touga hitched his breath, and then slowly slid down the wall. Safe...they were safe... For now anyway. Touga gave Kozue a warm smile. "Well my dear, it's good to see you back among the land of the living." She did grin this time, though it clearly pained her. "Hey, I saved your pretty hide, didn't I? Still feel pretty dead though..." She winced as she touched a line of stitches up her arm. Her eyes flared in anger. "That damn bitch did this to me...I can't believe I was duped. Touga, what the hell is going on?" Her blue eyes locked firmly onto his, smoldering in rage. Touga picked himself off of the floor and came to take her by the shoulders. He draped his tattered jacket about her slim body, and carefully embraced her. "I am glad you are safe...your brother will be delighted I think. And yes I will tell you everything, but we need to get into the car. We are meeting the others." She looked up at him in confusion and suspicion. "Others? What others, Kiryuu?" He smiled down at her, looking very tired. "Everyone...from the days of Ohtori." Her eyes widened a bit then narrowed as she gave a quick nod. "Let's go then. I want to hear everything." Always direct his Kozue, Touga thought with a mental sigh. They located Wakaba wielding a golf club. There was a brief discussion before they decided to tie Nanami up using several pairs of Kozue's own handcuffs, and the garden hose. They couldn't find any metal chains. Within minutes the three were as comfortable as they could manage in the back of Touga's limo, speeding towards the concert hall. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx "You don't give up, do you witch?!" Hissed Eric, as a flare of green light sliced the back of her hand. "We are going to make all of you pay for eternity! Your screams will echo forever!!" Anthy glowered at the girl, before using a large slap of power to send her careening away. Once again she tried to get a lock on Utena, but it was as if there was a veil about her. With every release of a sword, their power grew. She was in trouble...she needed to stop her voice! The ocean of bodies swayed in time with the still pounding music of the stage, singing along as Ten led them in a chorus. Anthy hiked up her skirts, and clopped across the stage. She needed to be closer...there! She had her in sight. The dark skinned sorceress moved her hands like winding serpents working her power into thick ropes. Ten looked up and snarled as a metaphysical collar constricted around it's throat. Ten, now actually just Two, roared in anger. Her dulcet voice cut across the stage like knives, bleeding those standing nearby. Shiori winced from where she was cradling Saionji's shivering body to hers. A line of blood ran down her cheek. "You think to shackle me!? You are too late!" Two reached behind her and flung Violet's keyboard out of the way. It cracked in half on the cement lip of the stage. Violet cried out in terror as Two yanked her by her chin. Her long pale fingers bruising the sides of her cheeks. "Well girl, gaze about you! I do this all for you." Violet sobbed and was thrown to the floor. "Now then...perhaps an offering? Something to make you feel like a Queen! Hmmm...how about someone you admire?" Miki stepped forward and got down on both knees before the lead Sword. He smiled back at Violet and then closed his eyes. "Hmmm...he is a pretty thing, isn't he Violet?" Two cooed in pleasure. She held her hand out at her side. The air shimmered and seemed to condense. Suddenly a shining saber of tempered glass was resting in her palm neatly. She brought the blade slowly up, watching the gothic girl's eyes follow it. "Let's make him prettier, shall we?" She lunged down in a vicious arc, driving the blade in home. Miki gasped, his body contorting backward painfully. The tip of the sword speared out from behind him, to drip scarlet on his pants leg. Violet shrieked, her eyes spilling over with hot tears. "NOOOO!! HOW COULD YOU?! I HATE YOU I HATE YOU!! WHY DID YOU DO THAT TO HIM?!" Two grinned in triumph, pulling the sword back out. Miki smiled as the wound re-closed. In two full bounds, the Sword was standing over the fallen girl, and pulling her into her own arms. "Perfect, my dear! And now, sealed with a kiss!" Two pressed her lips hotly on the wet salty lips of the surprised girl, delivering her seed. Violet jerked in her arms, but she held onto the girl tightly. When she felt that coil of power expand and fill it's new host, she released the girl to take a step back. Everything stopped. Juri and Shiori paused in horror. Anthy was shrieking something intelligible, but her spell was slapped away like a child's plaything. Violet wore a cold smile. "It is done..." Ten, now only One, crowed in triumph. "Then come my siblings!! From all corners of the earth, rise up and be reborn! Lend me your strength siblings! It is time we take this world!" The crowd was boiling over...the time was finally ripe... FLASH! Jak leaned back and threw his arms wide to release his power. FLASH! In a dusty office, surrounded by the cooling bodies of executives, Jared's father threw his hands up in offering. FLASH! FLASH! Eric and Mason shared a calm look as they each raised a hand. FLASH! Miki wiped off the cooling blood from his healed chest and grinned at the One. FLASH! FLASH! Jared and Utena shared a teasing kiss in front of their adoring fans, as their power mingled and expelled through their parting lips. FLASH! In a silent campus, in disrepair and without its students, a hunched figure below a large projector looked up as he felt his siblings call upon him. Akio Ohtori, once the most powerful man in the world, now a faded shadow in memory, raised a hand and expelled what was left of his being as the Sword in him bid him do. Fl- But a problem has occurred. Something is not right. No...the One muses in alarm. Something has happened to one of her brethren. Where is the Sword of Hatred Born of Love?! Why does she not answer the Call?! But Sword Nanami cannot answer, nor can she add her final component. For she is not only bound physically, but a worse thing has happened. Touga, before leaving, jokingly had thrown a red rose down upon her unconscious chest. There it still lay. And the Sword could not cross the thorns. Touga had not known, but he had effectively sealed her in a way that simple metal bands could never do. For there is power in symbolism... And the spell is damaged. It is twisting. It is flaring like an angry dragon that cannot spread its wings. But still it tries. It pours into the audience, cracking open the seeds of hate in their hearts. But it is not enough! Nearly a thousand new swords are born, but it is not enough! Not enough! It cannot fly out past the spells and web of mysticism that the Witch has carefully splayed all around the stadium. It doesn't have enough power, and the spell weakens. A moment of triumph is turned to a moment of unbridled anger. The One shrieks her hatred and lunges at where the duelists lay. But they are gone. The Witch is leading them out the exit in retreat. Anger! Rage! Disbelief! The spell, so carefully cultivated and nurtured splinters apart and is gone. It cannot be re-raised. It could only have happened once. And the Million Swords do not resurrect. They are numbered now...they are only a Thousand, and the One roars her undying oaths. The sea of pulsating humans is now still. Not a hair twitches or moves. They are statues, unreal and alien with their silver eyes and unbreathing lungs. Their eyes are on the One. "Do not let them escape! Find them and rip them apart!!" The sea moves as one, pouring out of the pit, spilling into the walkways and exits. They must slice and carve! They must find the Knights and their Witch! They must kill! But the Witch has been given a small miracle. "Anthy, w-what? Damn it, get in quickly!!" Touga orders as the shambling group nearly falls dead at his feet. He props open the limo door and helps take Saionji by the arms. Wakaba gives a small scream and pulls him the rest of the way into the limo. Anthy and Juri climb in next, as Shiori shuts the door behind them. Touga slaps the window, and the driver squeals tires as they peel away. The mob of Swords chases after them on the horizon. But gradually they fade away as the limo roars away into the night. Touga is holding Anthy to his body, trying to warm her skin. My god...it feels as if her skin is made of ice! Anthy sits, staring unblinkingly before her in shock. Juri is holding Shiori, who is sobbing into her shoulder quietly. The window rolls down as the driver looks back at the occupants. "Hey Touga...where the hell am I going? I need some kind of directions here." Kozue smiles back at them, her faces still a mess of bruises. Anthy jerked back into reality, out of her string of black thoughts. "Kozue...my god...did she do this to you?" Kozue's face darkened in answer. Anthy put her face in her hands. "I'm so sorry Kaoru-san...Here...let me heal you..." Kozue cocked an eyebrow as her trademark seductive smirk etched across her features. "Why certainly..." She drawled, "I always did like it in a limo." Anthy blinked a moment, and then chuckled quietly. She shook her head as she placed hands over Saionji's bleeding head. The poor man was mumbling incoherently, his brow slick in sweat. His rolling eyes saw nothing, but the clouded haze broke away as Anthy poured her strength and love down into the palms of her hands. She cupped his ear, and he sighed in relief. A warm buzzing sensation eased his fatigue, re-knitting tissue, resting deep into his muscles. He fell into a quiet slumber, in the arms of his beloved, who still cried into his hair. Anthy leaned back into her seat, to catch her breath. She had expended a great deal of energy at the concert hall...it felt like she used up every ounce of power in her bones. And yet there were still so many to heal...to help...to ease...was this what Dios had once felt like? The weight of those needing him crashing onto his shoulders painfully? Being aware of their suffering, even through the blanket of weariness that threatened to engulf the senses. Anthy's head tipped low, and she blinked rapidly. She blinked again and gave her head a shake. She was so tired...but she couldn't sleep yet...so much to plan, and now the Swords were loose, and they were being hunted... She looked up to see Touga hugging her warmly. Juri and Shiori had each placed a hand on her knee to steady her, smiling tiredly. Anthy smiled back in mild wonder. Their love...it was too much for someone like her. She didn't deserve it. But she still treasured their friendship deep in her heart. "Anthy, you need to rest. We'll be alright for a few hours, and you look nearly dead." The orange curled woman remarked reasonably from her seat. Kozue was still intently looking at the road ahead, navigating the traffic lights. "Yes...I suppose so...forgive me..." Juri smiled at her softly. Her words were quiet, "We already have." The double meaning helped to lift some of the weight Anthy felt. Green eyes closed, as her head leaned back on the seat. Kozue looked back once more, taking in the scene with interest. It had been so long since all of them where gathered back together...but...where was her brother? There was still a great deal they hadn't yet learned, such as what exactly had happened at the Crysanthium concert. But seeing the weariness in that dusky face stilled her impatience. She would ask the others perhaps...after they had all rested a bit. Anthy's soft melodic voice startled her a bit, as it came from behind those closed eyes. "East...drive east...we are heading to place of power. And perhaps, we will be able to gain some assistance for our upcoming battle with the Swords of Hatred." Kozue blinked. East? That was a bit vague... "Just where East exactly? What place of power are you talking about exactly?" Anthy's eyes opened and captured hers in the dark. The wild animal, who still ruled those about her with seductive words and coy prowling, felt her heart flutter involuntarily. Her attention was completely captured for a moment, forgetting the road ahead or the wheel in-between her hands. Those emerald orbs held hers for a moment before speaking. "A place you should remember well, Kozue-san....we are going to Nemuro Memorial Hall..."
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