Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Yet another fantastic game log:
The Sword and the Rose
A Role Playing Game Log, fic style, brought to you by the crazy people at Rose of the Noble Castle
Visit us at http://www.delphi.com/revolutionutena/ !
Written by Rachelly, Katie, Cat Who, Saren, Jessie, Janelle, Ty-chan, Nick, Kevin, Janey, angelicangel, and many others who are no longer with the game (sniffle)
Act II log by Cat Who for FF.net
Editor's notes: Second act log actually by me ^_^ This gets stranger and stranger. As for what has gone before: The council found themselves drawn to the center of a maze on the Ohtori campus, where they met an old woman who called Anshii her "daughter." The Council and the Malcontents have now been shoved off the campus by her, and told to travel to the homeland of the Himemiya clan...or else they will die. Spoilers for most of the series, etc etc.
Also, you may notice variances in spelling, writing style, and in rare cases where I missed it, tense. Please keep in mind as you read this that about a dozen people wrote it all at once so it's going to seem diverse in places. I've tried to edit the tense to keep it all in past tense (shudder) but even I miss that occasionally. Enjoy!

Act II: The Ancient Clan Himemiya
Scene I: Starting out on a Journey
Saionji found himself in his dorm without ever really realizing how he got there in the first place. The events of the past few hours were a confusing, yet insistant, blur and the only thing he really knew was that he had to pack and go somewhere. But where? He paused for a moment in the process of grabing his suitcase and frowned, trying to think this out. But thinking just wasn't going to happen tonight. He sighed and packed up what he would need, then thought about the Seer's last words.
"A suit? I don't HAVE a damn suit....."
But to his surprise, when he looked in the closet there WAS one. For a moment, all the green-haired youth could do was stare, then he shruged and grabbed that as well. Like the night hadn't been strange enough, this was just another little -quirk- to deal with. As he lifted the now-full suitcase off the bed and walked for the door, he paused for a moment in front of the dresser. His good sword he kept on a special case on top of it. His hand lifted and lingered for a moment above it, then before he could think twice, he grabbed it up and strode out of his room. Who knew when you'd need the ability to protect yourself?
****
At the other end of campus, Akio escorted Utena back to the tower, always keeping an eye out for anything suspicious, though it didn't appear that he was looking anywhere but straight ahead. He was quiet for the whole trek, his face half-hidden in the shadows. He seemed deeply preocupied with the whole ordeal and Utena started to open her mouth, prepared to say something to him. Something stopped her, though. On the other side of Akio, just barely visible in the faint moonlight,was the same apparition she saw sitting at the end of her bed earlier. Even in the dark, there was a slight resemblance between the long-haired Rijichou and this sad ghostly figure. Before Utena could get her wits around to ask Akio about this, the pair were at the door to the tower. Akio looked at Utena for a moment, then rests his hand lightly on her cheek.
"Get packed. We leave as soon as possible."
And without another word, he walked ahead of her and disappeared into the darkness of the unlit building. Utena considered going after him for a moment, but decided against it and went to pack. There would be time for questions later.
****
Sulking in her room, Wakaba felt pretty bored... After having the one guy she loved in her room for a while... and now having him gone, made things seem to quiet. Shaking her onion shaped head, the girl who was Utena's best friend grabbed her duffle bag and started to stuff her clothes in it.
Wait...what was she doing?...she looked around the empty room... then slowly, her eyes ran over the spot where the green haired man laid himself to sleep. Sighing aloud, she returned to her packing and stuffed her clothes in the duffel bag. Time to get out of here.
Looking into the almost empty closet, she saw a beautiful, wonderous gown that she had never worn...wanting to feel pretty and such for some reason, she pulled it off the hanger and shoved it into the duffle bag as well. Maybe she'd find some nice event to go to, so that she could wear her elaborate gown. Who knew?
Zipping the darn bag closed, she took off her school uniform and pulled on some jean shorts and a plain T-shirt, and laid her uniform on her bed. It would be a long while before she would come back... at that, she grabbed her purse and duffle bag and left the dorm.
Walking to the station, she saw some unfamiliar name on the destination board. Chosing that as her new start, she purchased a ticket... No sooner did she purchase a ticket.....she was on her way to a new place...for a new life.
****
Upon leaving the odd cottage in the maze, the Flame haired god foound himself sitting on the bed of his parent's house. Looking around, he remembered what the old, haggard lady had said earlier. Shaking his head, he walked about his room and slipped out of his school clothes and put on something more comfortable for the drive there. Lazily looking about, he saw his "Wizard of Oz" t-shirt and pulled it on over his head.... then finding some jeans, he pulled them on. Much better.
Wondering vaguely what Nanami was doing, the seitoukaicho walked into his room, but couldn't find his sweet sister anywhere. Dazed, he walked back and grabbed a large suit case as well. Remembering the old lady's extensive list of what to bring, the student council president looked into his huge walk-in closet and pulled out his best suits, including a black council uniform. Find many comfortable clothes as well as nice, dressy outfits, Touga neatly packed everything away. Done with his packing, he sat on his neatly sheeted bed and laid back a bit, remembering how Utena's slender fingers were clutched around Akio's. Not wanting to remember that, he opened his eyes and sat up, waiting for Nanami to finish packing.
Looking around, he found the keys to his convertable car and grabbed them, along with his wallet. He didn't know why he needed it, but he felt safe with it on him... Shaking his head, he went to his car and waited for his younger sister to come out.
****
Juri had given a curious look to Shiori as she left the old woman's cottage. The woman's words bothered her. That Shiori would turn on her...
Who did that woman think she was, anyway? How the hell would she know anything about Shiori? Without much thought, Juri dismissed the woman's comments about Shiori as being the ridiculous rantings of an old woman.
Back in her dorm room, she gathered her things, not exactly realizing why she was going. Except that it might be a bit interesting. Who knew? The pain in her was hardly noticeable, and so perhaps the earlier pain had been forgotten.
She packed some nice dresses and clothes. In particular, she packed a beautiful satin green dress she had recently gotten...done by a famous designer, of course. It was a rather simple dress, form fitting, and elegant. It reached her ankles, and had a lovely little slit on one side. If anything, this little trek would give her the opportunity to wear the new dress.
But the woman's words still haunted her in the back of her mind...
****
Shiori returned to her room as Juri went off to pack. *This is so stupid.* she thought angrily as she threw random things into a bag. But she had to do whatever it is that woman wanted. The horror she saw in the mirror...that ugly, beastly, scarred, old-woman...it was haunting to her.
****
Anthy was startled as the Seer...Cassandra...stuck her into her hat like a feather. It was a strange feeling to be sitting on top of someones head, but strange things always happened at the Academy. "Well, I can get clothes there," The seer's voice spoke below her, "And you obviously don't need to pack anything, except maybe fertilizer and water."
Anthy failed to see the humor in the comment.
"We need to beat them to the castle. We'll have more control over the situation if we're there first. And I don't trust you brother alone one whit." Anthy understood Cassandra's worries, but was greatly confused. How were they going to get there?
Reading her thoughts, the Seer responded. "Oh, don't worry about how we'll get there. I have my ways. And I know the shortcuts they don't. Not even Akio." And with that, she walked out of her cottage for the first time in many years, the Rose Bride a jaunty decoration in her cap.
They walked behind the cottage, and onto a small pathway. Within minutes they came to a small, covered nook in the hedge maze. Laughing to herself, Cassandra removed the tarp from the alcove, revealing a shiny new Harley Davidson. "Surprised, are you? Well, just because I'm old doesn't mean I'm outdated."she said as she lifted her dress around her thighs to straddle the motorcycle."And don't worry about falling off, you won't. Just enjoy the ride."
Suddenly, they took off through the bush, the Seer laughing joyfully. If Anthy could've screamed, she would've.
****
Utena stared glumly at her empty room as Chuchu rushed beneath the bed and pulled out a tiny suitcase, which he hurridly began packing with bannanas, spare earrings, a tiny nurses costume, a miniscule kendo outfit (complete with green wig) and a perfectly pressed minature suit.
Sighing, she pulled out her duffel bag and followed his lead. A pair of jeans here, a tank top with red stripes there, her...(blush) tiny lacy black bikini. She knew she shouldn't have let Wakaba convince her to buy that thing. It looked more like lingerie than a bathing suit. The last thing she needed was Touga or any of the other boys to get the...wrong impression. Speaking of the Council president, where was that dress he bought her for that dance? It was the only 'nice' dress she had. Ruffling through her closet, Utena saw it at the back...next to something short and black. A frown wrinkling her forehead, she reached back...and pulled out a sparkly little black number. -Now how in the world did that get there?- she thought numbly. It would be tight, and she could tell by the way it was hanging that it would blatently display all of Utena's...assets to the world. The bodice twinkled at her with spagetti straps she just knew that would be constantly slipping down, and a flaring chigon skirt, once on Utena's legs, would probably end -way- above her knees. She blushed, but taking one look at the demure pink dress and the sexy black one, she hurridly shoved the black one in her bag. -No reason to feel guilty...it's just a dress.- she reasoned with herself. -And who cares who looks at you? It's not like the Dean or Touga...I mean the Student Council President would even look twice.-
Utena, though she knew she was attractive, didn't think on it much. Those few times she did, she knew her girl-next-door appeal fell very short of Juri's cool perfection, or Anthy's exotic beauty. Even Nanami, taking her attitude out of consideration of course, had a classy coolness to her that Utena admired. It was, refreshing, to think she might be the one noted for her feminine beauty for once instead of the blatant tomboy she showed to the world. Zipping up her duffel, she spared one last glance around the room, as if memorizing it for the days to come. Picking up Chuchu, she smiled softly. "Don't worry, Chuchu. We'll get her back. I promise."
There was a light tap at the door, and she opened it to find Akio standing there with Tsuwabuki and Kanae. All three of them were carrying bags. "Ready to go?"
Blinking at the unexpected new arrivals, Utena nodded. As they headed for the car, Akio whispered in her ear, "They just showed up at my door and asked if I'd mind taking them with us on this impromptu vacation. Apparently Kanea needs a rest from school matters, and the boy wants to follow Nanami. She and Touga don't have any more room in their car. This should be an interesting trip."
Blushing at the way his voice danced along her nerves Utena suppressed a sharp shudder at his hot breath along her neck. An interesting trip indeed.
****
Now back is his room ,Miki stood in its center and glanced around. His cerulean blue eyes narrowed slightly as they stopped to rest on the closet doors.. He needed to pack, and quickly, as the seer hadn't given them much time. Going over to the doors, he began impatiently looking through the clothes, showinv Kozeu's stuff out of the way, selecting his one suit, a few casual outfits, and an extra uniform. Draping the pile of clothes over his arm, he set them on the bed and tugged out his suitcase.. After packing everything neatly away, he glanced about the room one more time, pausing with a trace on wistfulness on his music. There wasn't anything else he needed; he would have no where to play his music where they were going. Still, he picked it up and slipped in before shutting the suitcase. He then grabbed then suitcase and hurried down the stairs and out the door.
He almost ran into a tall young man, with familiar emerald hair.
"Pardon me, Saionji-senpai, I didn't see you."
His blue eyes ran over Saionji thoughtfully, noting the suitcase..*Well, I still need a ride..*
****
Wondering where his little sister went, Touga turned off his ignition to his car and stepped out of his car. Girls take so long to pack... Touga thought. Shaking his head he headed for the school to check if Nanami was there... Walking down long halls, he stepped quickly, his long, red hair flowing behind him freely. At the corner, Touga over heard Miki's voice asking for a ride.... to... Saionji! (Who only had a motorcycle...)
Quickly turning the corner, he saw Miki's twin sister Kozue and smiled at her. "Touga sempai!" she cried as she hailed her arms around after dropping the suitcase beside her. His lips turned into a soft smile and looked at her.
"Can you give me a ride....?" she asked...
Touga looked over at Miki and Saionji and looked back at Kozue... "Sure," he shrugged as he turned to Miki..."Would you like a ride as well?"
"In any case, I need to find Nanami first." he said and walked off. "Find Nanami and meet me at the driveway of my house."
****
Nanami had fluttered around her room. "Formal....formal...oh formal...." she couldn't decide what she wanted to wear. White, for purity? No, onii-sama would laugh at that. Yellow, to make her eyes more purple? Or lavender, to make her hair more golden? She flipped past gown after gown after gown.
"Ohhhh...men have it SO easy. Just put on a tux and they're set to go."
Tux...black? She continued flipping through dresses for nearly an hour, tossing other garments out left and right. She found a black silk dress with a tight lacy bodice...no, too gothic. There was a taffeta one with golden stripes....no, she'd look like a bumble bee. Everytime her parents had a social function she found a new gown in her room, bought by a maid and designed to make her look like whatever her parents wanted that night. She felt sorry for herself for a moment. She and Touga were kept like china dolls, dusted off the shelf when their parents wanted to show them off and returned to school when they were done.
Finally she found one she wanted to wear. It was black lace over purple velvet, with a purple velvet bodice. It was tasteful and dramatic. She tossed her shoes and some underthings and a few pairs of jeans and shirts into a small, crisp suitcase, and carefully placed the gown into a travel bag. She then saw her jewelry box, open on her dresser. The new necklace would look beautiful with this dress....Nanami, one showy little thing, grabbed it and placed it reverantly with the gown.
She then heard a knock on her door.
****
Touga knocked at Nanami's door, wondering if she was finally packing. Opening it, he found her flinging in a last necessity. Smiling at his sister, Touga walked over and lifted the bag. "Let's go, little one." He said as he walked to the door. Being then gentlemen he was, he waited for his younger sister to step through the door before leaving after her. "By the way, Miki and Kozue may be riding with us..." he said.
****
Juri finished packing, and locked her dorm room behind her. She went to her car, and loaded her suitcase inside it.
She stepped into the passenger side of the sensible, green luxury car, and shut the door. She started the car, and flipped on some classical music. Then, she slowly made her way to an exit from the campus.
****
Saionji looked down at the blue-haired boy next to him and shruged. He wasn't sure he -wanted- anyone to go with him, but he supposed he didn't mind the genius so much as -others.- And speaking of others, Touga walked out and offered Miki a ride in his car. Saionji had nothing to say to that, but he threw the suitcase and sword in the sidecar of his motorcycle.
"Get a ride from Kiryuu-san. You'll probablly be more comfortable in a car anyway." Still not acctually looking at the red-haired seitokachou, he jumped on his bike and shoved the helmet on his head. Without another word, he reves up the engine and squeels out onto the road leading off-campus. All he wanted to do was get this whole damn thing over with.
****
Nothing much bemused Akio. Neither did the fact that Tsuwabuki had shown up at his door, stammering as he pleeded the rijichou for a ride to follow Nanami. Never mind how the boy knew, Akio could thank the Seer for that. But when Kanae approached him, saying she wished to come along as well, the violet-haired Dean had felt the first twinges of apprehension and confusion. Kanae? She served no purpose in this, or so he had thought.
Much to Utena's surprise, Akio escorted her into the back seat next to Tsuwabuki. Was it her imagination, or had the Dean suddenly turned cold towards her? No, not really. He was just more......reserved than he had been at the cottage. Her gaze flicked over to Kanae Ohtori, whom Akio was easing gently into the front seat, and a hot flash of jealousy clouded her vision. —Jealous? Why should I be jealous? They ARE engaged, after all.—
As Akio slipped behind the wheel of his cherry-red convertible, he spared the briefest glace at the pink-haired Victor behind him. It wasn't his imagination; she was staring at his engaged rather intently. He smirked every so slightly as the soft purr of the motor is heard and hi shifted into gear. Perhaps, when everything was back to 'normal', his job wouldn't be as hard as he first thought. Of course, he would have to be careful about pursuing this angle in the company of Kanae. It wouldn't do to have her getting at all suspicious.
No one noticed as they sped off the grounds of campus the faint, ghostly figure that was settled on the back of the car. The boy's short, violet hair didn't even ruffle in the wind from the swiftly moving car and he seemed to have no trouble keeping his seat, though he was not tied nor secured in any way. He watched the retreating acadamy with apprehension, wondering if any of them would be able to return.
****
"Juri!" Shiori cried, she was running towards Juri, two girls following her carrying her suitcase for her.
"You were going to leave without me!" she exclaimed, for the time being, her mind was more focused on not being an old hag than it was on whether or not Juri hated her.
"Takatsuki-san's suitcase, Arisugawa-sempai!" the two girls said and held up Shiori's suitcase as it were some offering to Juri.
"You two can leave now." Shiori said, "I'll tell you all about my boyfriends when I get back," she said and waved her hand to them.
****
Turning at the sound of Touga's voice, Miki glanced back from Touga to Saionji and back, catching a glimpse of Kozue over Touga's shoulder.. He opened his mouth to speak, but all that could be heard was the rumble of Saionji's motorcycle.. He blinked watching the dust swirl and turned to Touga.
"I would, Touga-senpai.. thank you.."
As Touga went off in search of Nanami, Miki picked up his suitcase and looked up at Kozue, frowning slightly.
"Lets go then.."
Without waiting to see if she was following, Miki started off towards Touga's driveway, not too far away.
****
Touga walked out after Nanami and tossed her suitcase into the trunk and saw Miki coming, with Kozue walking behing. Smiling at Kozue, he walked over to her and picks up her suitcase and placed it inside along with Miki's. Nanami, seeing Touga's eyes on Kozue, quickly jumped into the front seat. Touga, noticing her action, gave no notice and sat Miki and Kozue in the back seats.
Turning on the ignition, he flipped on classical music as well and drove off, toward the location of the place the old lady gave them.
****
When Shiori had called to Juri to stop, and wait for her, Juri had sighed, realizing that she wasn't going to be free from the torment, not even for the drive to the castle.
"Get in," she said cooly. Now that she wasn't in that damned maze, she was back to her cool and collected self. Which meant that she wasn't going to let Shiori see that she was hurting inside.
Shiori got in the car, and she had barely shut the door before Juri sped away. The road stretched out before them, and Juri gave the car a little more gas, then reached down to turn the music up. She leaned back, and hummed along with the tune.
Shiori stared at Juri for a moment, *She's being odd...but...isn't this what I wanted anyways?*
As they sped away, Shiori closed her eyes for a moment, she was feeling very uncomfortable with Juri, and she didn't like that at all.
****
Miki sank into the seat, shifting around til he found a comfortable position.. Savoring the music. After staring at the back of Touga's and Nanami's for a few moments, he took out his watch.. But as he popped open the cover a small gasp escaped him, his blue opening wide.. It was.. cracked down the middle.. He frowned, unable to understand while he was so upset.. except.. Numbers has always made sense, like music.. When he timed something it became orderly, easy to understand.. He stared at the crack, seeing once again the falling, bruised blue petals hitting the floor one by one.. It hadn't made sense then, he couldn't understand it by putting it into numbers, or even letters.. Just like this hadn't made sense, this whole thing about fading away.. He stared motionless, frowning at the watch, before slowly shutting it, and placing it back in his pocket.
****
Scene II: The Old Castle
Wakaba, upon reaching the place looked up at the huge castle and dragged her duffle bag up the steps. Ringing the doorbell, she waited for the door to open. Maybe the house master would let her stay there for the night..or nights to come.
****
Keiko stared dumbly at the massive front doors opening in front of her and swallowed quickly. She'd come all this way to get away from being Nanami's servant and to escape from Touga's endless eyes. But as to how she ended up here...she had no idea.
Gripping her satchel tighter, she stepped forward and bowed to the butler. "Ohayio. I have a reservation..." As the doors shut behind her, she glanced back once, then surrendered herself to this new world.
****
The trip had gone by quickly, but that was perhaps because sometime along the way she had passed out in fear. Cassandra didn't even use the roads...they passed over creeks and logs and bushes...and once, although she might have been dreaming, Anthy thought they had passed through a tree. Yet for all her fear, Anthy had a feeling Cassandra knew where she was going. She would keep her as safe as she could.
"Well, we're here child. Let me lift your head up to give you a good view. It's been a long time since you came home..." As Cassandra lifted her head, Anthy stared at the massive castle on a hill. It looked liked a fairytale castle...like once a prince had lived there... Cassandra lowered her head and began to walk up the cobblestone path to the castle. "I'll have someone get the Harley later. No time to dally. Someone else made it here a few minutes before us. I don't think she'll cause any harm at the moment, but you never know.
Anthy could tell the hill was steep, and, in a way, was glad that she didn't have to do the walking. Actually, when she wasn't thinking about the peril of her situation and the others, it was kind of fun. Like riding on her brother's shoulders when she was little. She had felt like she was flying... Soon she noticed that they had not gone up to the massive front door. Instead, Cassadra took a small path leading behind the castle.
"Right now I don't feel comfortable entering the front way. I'm not sure how soon the others will show up, and for the moment, you and I are still conspicuous.When they forget a bit more about you and I,then we can be out in the open. But for right now..." She entered a small wooden door almost hidden by shrubbery.
At her entrance, the kitchen help looked up. A few seemed like they would ask them to leave, until the head cook looked up. His eyes widened, and he bowed, angrily gesturing for the others to do so. Then he dismissed the other servants, and walked toward them both.
He frowned slightly when he reached them. "L-lady, you have returned! But why?" Cassandra sighed and pointed to the rose on her hat."Because the unspeakable has happened. I would assume that as an elder, you understand me." For a moment he gazed at Anthy, then gasped.
"I-I will...go get Sophia. It is to her you should speak. Yes...I'll go do that. And have the maids ready your rooms of course." He ran out of the room in a panic. Anthy was confused. How did that man know? What was this place? It was so familiar, yet she couldn't place it. She had a feeling Akio knew though. As if sensing her distress, Cassandra comfortingly stroked her petals. "It's alright...so fragile you are. So fragile you always were. But strong in your own way. Don't worry, I'm here with you." The moment was broken by her sigh as she heard people running around in panic outside. "So it begins..."
****

It almost seemed to the occupants of Akio's car that he drove slower and slower as they neared their destination.
—But that's crazy. Why would Akio be afraid of going to this castle?— Utena looked at
Dean's back, wondering if it was just her imagination that he looked, well, tense.
And tense he was. Though he couldn't say exactly why, returning to this castle was not something he relished. The last time he had been there, well.....he had been a different person. -Very- different. On a hunch, he glanced in his re-veiw mirror and saw the ghostly figure of Dios. Of course, -he- would come. He missed home more than Akio ever would. The violet-haired rijichou made a soft noise and turned his eyes back to the road. He was well ahead of almost everyone else, being that the Seer was right and he knew shortcuts that none of the others could even guess. It was surprising, really, all the terrain that the convertable could go over. Then again, it was a rather harrowing ride for the passengers. Kanae kept her eyes covered almost the whole time and Tsuwabuki clung to the edge of his seat as if his life depended on it. Maybe it did. Needless to say, all three of the occupants heaved a sigh of relief as Akio started to slow his mad driving, then slowed even more as a large castle appeared on the horizon.
By the time they reached the castle, Akio was driving normally, believe it or not. As much as he wanted to find out how to heal his council, he didn't really want to be here. Pulling up to a stop in front of the gorgeous fortress, Akio gazed upon it with a strange emotion registering in his aqua eyes. Before any of the other occupants of the car could say anything, he vaulted out and strode up the front door, trusting that they could take care of themselves for the moment. Not really noticed nor seen, the ghostly figure slid off the back of the car and followed the Dean nearly step for step. Akio payed no notice and pushed the heavy front doors open, stepping inside for the first time in....many many years. He spoke aloud, so that all those around could hear him very well.
"I will be called Akio. Should anyone venture to call me -any- previous name, they shall suffer greatly for it."
****
Heaving a sigh of relief mirroring Kanae's and Tswabuki's, Utena slowly slipped out of the car and felt her legs slowly cease their trembling. The tiny town they'd driven through had been quaint, the small lake by the side of the road lovely, and the countryside absolutely breathtaking, but the castle...the castle was exquisite. It seemed something out of a dream, a tall golden-silver building with towers that seemed to touch the sky and shining windows that reflected all the countryside in their depths. It was while she was staring up at one such window, one set in the highest curving tower, that Utena thought she saw it. A face, dark like Anthy's with impossibly long shining silvery-lavendar hair, peering out. Blinking, Utena raised a hand to wave, but a moment later, the face was gone. She looked around, to see if Tswabuki had perhaps noted it as well, but much to her surprise, both the Dean's fiance and the young boy were both gone along with their bags. Glancing back at the window, the face was still gone. Maybe she'd imagined it.
"Damn," she sighed.
"Nani?"
Turning at the voice, Utena supressed a blush and let an embarressed laugh slip. "Oh, Akio-san. I was just waving to a guest here or something, but she disappeared."
The Dean turned and gazed at the window Utena indicated. Narrowing his eyes, he forced a smile for her benefit. "Yes, well, that's not one of the guest towers, Utena-kun. That tower belongs to the family that owns this castle. The person you most likely encountered was Sophe. She is my mot---st special friend." Coughing to hide the almost deadly slip-up, Akio slipped his hand under Utena's elbow and grabbed her duffel with his other hand. "Why don't we go inside?"
Wanting to stay outside a moment longer, Utena allowed him to lead her a few steps, but then tried to turn around. "But what about the ca...r?" As she turned, it became painfully obvious that her worries about Akio's car would be unfounded. It had inexplicably disappeared. "Na-nani?"
"They have wonderful service around here," Akio glibly slipped in. "Butlers, maids, chauffers; you name it." He easily directed her through the front door, as she was apparently caught up in her own thoughts. "And," he whispered for her ears alone, "a pool, sauna, and hot tub."
Shivering at his words, Utena turned quickly, trying to work up enough anger to be offended, but instead found the Dean's pleasent smile in return. "They also have proffesional massuers and mud baths," he continued with the same generous air. "I must say, if we had to be sent anywhere to find a cure, this is one of the most cushy and convenient places possible." Utena blushed with his words. Why was she feeling so...tight and anxious around the Dean? Of course he hadn't meant anything by mentioning the spa, he was just trying to be polite! So why did her mind keep flashing pictures of Akio in the steamy water?
She gulped and forced herself to remain calm. "Well," she smiled, "even if we don't find the cure right away, that's no excuse not to have fun, right?" He bared his teeth, and somewhere deep inside Utena knew it was supposed to be a smile. "Right." Then as if a spell were broken, he laughed and let a real smile settle on his face. He handed Utena her duffel bag and bowed slightly. "Now if you'll excuse me, Tenjou-kun. I have to make sure Miki and Kanea have found their rooms." So saying, he walked confidently away.
She nodded at his words and watched as he strode out the door. Then it occured to her. "Akio-san!" she called desperately as she tried to race after him, her duffel bag slapping her legs as she ran, "What about -MY- room?" But he, much like his car, had suddely vanished.
Groaning, Utena dropped her duffel bag and sat down on it, realizing with a pang she was a stranger stranded in a strange country in a strange castle in an even stranger foyer. "Great," she moaned, "now what am I gonna do?" "Well," remarked a mildly pleasent voice, "you could just follow me to your room and
quit moaning about nothing." Glancing up, Utena gasped softly. In front of her stood a young man of perhaps nineteen or so. Though he was wearing only a simple pair of jeans and a white silk shirt, something about him made the clothing appear more formal. In her imagination, Utena could see him standing proud in a duellist uniform, though she quickly chased the thought out of her head. At Ohtori, if he were a duellist that usually meant a challenge for Anthy. And without the Sword of Dios, away from Ohtori, Utena knew she didn't
stand a chance in a real fight.
If the boy had any knowledge of the thoughts whirling through Utena's head, he politelyignored them, and instead offered a slender brown-skinned hand to help her rise.She gingerly slipped her hand in his own, marveling at the silky texture to his skin and its creamy flawlessness. He also smelled faintly of roses, like Anthy and Akio. "Thank you."
The boy nodded. "No thanks are needed. It's my job."
"Oh," Utena thought she began to understand. "You work here? Your family owns this place right?" He grinned, showing perfectly even white teeth. "In a manner of speaking. Actually the prin...I mean Akio's family owns this castle." "Akio?" Utena's brow furrowed with the news. "He didn't say anything about it in the car ride." The boy shook his head. "Akio and Anthy were never very outspoken about their heritage."
Utena grinned. "You know Anthy?!"
He smiled as he picked up her duffel bag. "Of course. She and I grew up together." He
blushed. "I even had the world's largest crush on her until she and Akio were sent
away."
They began to move, and Utena stared in wide eyed wonder at the castle as they walked. But that didn't stop her from continuing the conversation. "Sent away? Why?"
There was a pause, then: "Their parents wanted them to attend Ohtori rather than be taught the old ways here. Besides it was safer."
Utena's head snapped to look at the young man. "Safer?" He nodded. "Of course. No one at Ohtori knows how much Anthy's truly worth. No money grubbing husbands searching for her hand. Just whomever she truly loves."
In Utena's mind, despite the irony of the fact that it was she who was truly engaged to the Rose Bride, despite the circumstances, the reasoning made sense. "I see."
"Good. I'm glad you do. Here's you room and your bag." AS she took the bag from his ahnd, Utena stepped into the room she would stay in for the next few weeks. The room he led her to was large and airy. Utena knew she must look like a country bumpkin as her duffel bag and mouth both dropped at the same time. Four large floor to ceiling windows took up one whole wall, covered only in a pale white gauze which fluttered with the slight ocean breeze. The entire suite was decorated as such, with pale white and silver or gold trimmings. The four-postered bed was king-sized and was covered in lily embroidered pillows. Somewhere in the back of her mind Utena caught the boy's words as he left. "I hope you have a pleasent stay, Tenjou Utena-san. Perhpas I shall see you tonight." She muttered some farewell, and was about to explore the vast room some more when it occured to her: she had never introduced herself and neither had he.
"Hey," she called running to the door, expecting to see him at the end of the endless hallway. "Hey! I never got your..." As a tiny peice of her expected, he was nowhere to be seen. "...name." Shugging, Utena went back outside for some fresh air.
****
Looking at the huge, massive doors to the castle, Wakaba found herself wondering if she should even be there at all.... Leaving her suit case on the porch of the castle, she stumbled backwards, thinking that she should go around looking for anyone to help her find refuge in this place. Walking around, she heard the soft purr of a car's engine. Looking to see who it was, she saw the flying red hair of the student council president. Next to him was the bully, Nanami,behind her, the genius, Miki and his sister, Kozue.
Touga cooly pulled up to the front of the castle and parked the white car and help everyone take out their bags. Nanami hopped out and instantly was glued to Touga's arms as they walked up the caslte's steps. Kozue watched Nanami with resent as Miki just quickly followed.
"Why is the student council here, with Nanami and Kozue?" Wakaba thought. "This is strange...." Having no other choice, Wakaba meekly started to walk up to Touga when she heard saw Utena walk up....
"UTENA!!!!!! My TRUE LOVE!" she cried and bounced over to her, only to hug her around her neck, then quickly jump on her back. "I missed you!" She said, clinging around her.
Touga instantly turned around, only to see his pink-haired princess walking up, away from Akio's car. Not wanting show any signs of misplaced feelings, Touga ignored Utena and proceeded up the steps as usual and knocked on the door, only to be greeted by a man in a dark suit.
"You are one Kiryuu Touga?" said the man taking one look at his red hair. And with that, the butler led the group of people inside the magnificent castle.
****
Juri's car found it's way through the quaint little town, and then approached the castle. Despite Juri's efforts to be cool, her mouth dropped open a bit, as her eyes surveyed the enormous place.
She found a place to park the car, and then just sat there, looked at the castle, marveling at the hugeness of it.
Shiori frowned at her. Why were they just sitting here? What was the big deal anyway?
****
Though he had left before Touga and the others, he didn't acctually reach the castle untill much later. He had been taking his own time, riding the motorcycle over unfamiliar territory, intent on enjoying this rare jaunt off the Academy grounds. A part of him still didn't quite believe Cassandra when she had said they would fade away. Much like Juri, Saionji had trouble believing much of what they were told about the Castle of Illusion
and the duels and even the Dios no ken, even after he -had- seen it's miricles in action.
When he did finally reach the castle, he stopped the motorcycle a fair distance away, his mouth dropping open in shock. The magnificent building reminded him of the castle above the duelling arena, if only a bit. It seemed ancient, and then again, it seemed brand new as well.
"Could it be.....?" The green-haired vice president shook his head and gunned the engine again. He was tricked into believing he could get that certain "something eternal" once before. He would not be so gullible now. But still, as he drove up to the front door, he wondered ever so briefly if perhaps he -would- find what he had been searching for all those years.
****
Sophe pulled from the window as the girl in the courtyard waved her hand to wave. She was slightly amused that the child would be able to see her through her small cloaking spell, but then again, a part of her had expected it. That girl was definately a chosen one. At the thought, Sophe moved slowly to her vanity, pulled out a brush and began pulling it through her floorlength silvery strands. Though to most eyes she would appear perhaps thirty at best, her real age was in fact several centuries. And yet, her skin was creamy and wrinkle free, her reflection flawless, as was the reflection of all the council members, including Cassandra. But Cassandra liked to act her age, and had often went in the guise of a crotchety old crone to annoy the council with her ugliness. Sophe smothered a smile at that. Often, even in her youth, she wished she had the spunk Cassandra did. Instead, she settled for an icy cool exterior that belied the tumalt of emotions within.
Now was such a time. Cassandra had ripped in Sophe's quarters hours before, demanding all sorts of things that simply couldn't be dealt with at the moment. Sophe noted with some amusement that her daughter, in rose form, was seated primly on the brim of Cassie's hat. Though a part of her wanted to snatch the rose off the woman's
head, and make everything okay for her child, she knew she couldn't. It simply was no longer her place. So instead she pretended not to notice Anthy bouncing up and down like a yo-yo, and had sent Cassie on her way, with the hat, to have a bath and calm down. Nothing could be done at the moment, that was a fact. So why worry?
Having sent Cassandra off, Sophe then peered out the window waiting for the children to arrive. She would have been lying had she said her heart wasn't pounding at the thought of seeing both her children together again, here, in their ancestral home, but she knew it wasn't going to be the same. Too much had changed.
After Cassie had been taken care of Sophe had waited, and watched. A girl arrived before the irate woman, one of the malcontents, and had been led quickly to her room. That meant they were on their way. Soon, the unmistakable sound of her son's car purred down in the courtyard. She peered out, watching him with his "fiance" and the Victor. The other boy quickly disapeared along with her son's betrothed, leaving Utena alone. And their eyes had met. Now, Sophe sat at her mirror and counted the images as they flit past. The girl led to her room by Sophe's best servant, another car was coming up the bend. As if hearing the noise, the Victor's image wavered a moment, then the girl was out the door. Raising an eyebrow, Sophe moved once again to the window. Sure enough, some of her son's Council had arrived just after a taxi that neatly disposited one of the malcontents at her doorstep. The Victor appeared from the side of the building, and the malcontent leaped at her, wrapping her arms and legs about her very tightly and speaking so loudly Sophe could almost make out the words from where she was sitting.
With a thought Sophe instructed Setsu, her most impressive butler, to retrieve the group, especially her son's President. She noticed with some amusement that the President was taking extra special care to ignore the young Victor. There seemed to be a bit of a love lorn boy trapped in there. No sooner were they inside than another car drove up, this time it's passangers two young women whose personal angst could be felt for miles around by any psychic worth their salt. They too were gathered by her trusty servants and taken to their rooms. Which only left...yes, the Vice-President had arrived, pulling up on a shiny motorcycle.
"Excuse, me, Sophe-sama?"
She turned to smile warmly at the boy who'd led the Victor earlier. "Yes, Mamoru?" He blushed at her smeet smile, and indicated the window. "As you can see, they're all here and in their seperate rooms. What next?" She took one final glance out the window and marveled at the breathtaking countryside. "Do my son or daughter wish to speak with me as of yet?"
He shook his head. "It seemed as if the prince would...but then he just went for a swim. Perhaps after dinner?"
"Perhaps."
"So..."
Sophe sighed softly. "Cassandra's in the study, correct?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Good. I want dinner delivered to the table in two hours exactly. Fish, I think. Make sure every guest in the castle is there on time and in style. Make sure there's dancing during dinner, and tell some of the True Council to play guests as well so the castle actually appears to be a resort. Make sure they all dance and have as much fun as possible. Spike the punch in fact. I can't have them finding out this beautiful castle is merely a home, now can I?" "No ma'am."
"As for Cassandra, make sure and tell her to be at dinner tonight with Anthy. I want her to guide these youngsters about the hills tomorrow, hangovers or not, and help them find the cure to the distress my husband has wrought."
"Yes ma'am. Anything else?"
"Go to this Tenjou Utena after you've spoken with the Cook. Find out what's so victorious in this Victor. I want to know why my son and daughter have considered her so wonderful a canidate for Revolution that they're willing to repeat the mistake my husband and I made all those years ago. And learn more about the Council. If we're to bestow on them the power of the True Council and eternal youth, I want to know why he
thinks they're so worthy."
"And the malcontents?"
She smiled grimly. "They need to be at dinner and have as much fun as possible as well. But seat the prince's fiance across the room from him and the Victor between the President and my son. And put that Juri girl between the girl she came with and the Secretary of Akio's council. As a matter of fact, place the President's little sister next to the Secretary and her little henchman. As for the others, just throw some sort of seating
arrangement together. The malcontents should relax and have fun, but make sure that -he- doesn't get near them should he return. We promised to leave our children alone to live their lives in peace. If he controls the malcontents once more, then..."
"The doors of the Revolution would shatter."
"Yes," she whispered, "and if that should happen...Kami help us all."
Scene III: A Discovery
Shiori sighed as Juri gaped at the castle. Yes, it was beautiful, but Ohtori Academy could be seen as also equally as grandiose, to a person who had never seen it.
"Well...let's go inside or something. This is a hotel right? Maybe I can go for a swim..." Shiori commented, trying to make light conversation as she and Juri stepped out of the car. The sunlight hit something that was hanging around Juri's neck.
A locket?
*What ever happened to your locket anyways?*
*That old thing?*
*That old thing indeed...* Shiori thought as a smile crept upon her lips and curiosity began to fill her eyes. Juri looked over to her and Shiori turned quickly, pretending to be admiring the castle.
****
Once Juri and Shiori were led to their rooms, Juri unpacked her things. She hung up the beautiful green satin dress with care, and then looked around the lovely room with satisfaction. *Someone here has taste,* she thought.
She sat down for a moment, thinking of what to do, and daydreaming a bit. She got up to look out the window, and down below, she saw a wonderful, clear sparkling pool of water. She smiled, thinking how nice it would be to dive in.
She undressed, and put on a sensible green one-piece swimsuit, and let her hair loose. She looked down, remembering the locket, and with a sigh, she removed it and placed it on the bedside table.
****
Nanami broke free of her brother reluctantly when she was led to a room and he to another. Kozue followed.
She immediately hung up the dramatic gown, brushing specks of imaginary lint off it. Kozue did the same with a dress that Nanami thought was far too old for her. The slut of Ohtori returns, she though cruelly. Nanami might be a bit manipulative, even to herself, sometimes, but at least she had one true love.
She imagined Touga, resplendent in his formal wear. He'd flash her the special smile he saved only for her, then offer her a dance. Nanami sighed and leaned against the wall of the closet. She closed her eyes, and imagined the dance with her brother.
****
Shiori stared out her window. *This is boring.* she thought to herself, she really had no reason to be here. And afterall, all she knew was Juri. She supposed she could make friends with people...but...
Shiori left her room and knocked on Juri's door, but there was no answer. Trying the door, Shiori found it unlocked.
"Juri?" she asked as she peeked her head in, then stepped into the room and shut the door behind her. "Hello?"
****
Juri dove into the pool and swam a few laps. The water felt cool, and calming against her skin. She closed her eyes, and imagined that she was liquid, just like the water around her.
After her swim, she climbed out of the pool, and took her towel from the chair nearby. She layed the towel out on a lounging chair, and slipped on a pair of sunglasses. After such a nice swim, it was the perfect time to let the sun warm her.
****
Shiori looked around the room. Not a soul. She noticed that Juri's towels were gone, *Ah, she must have went swimming...* Shiori thought.
She walked idly to her nightstand and flipped idly through her planner. She then sat down on the bed and leaned back when something golden and shiny caught her eye. Could it be? Juri's locket? Shiori got up and bent over the necklace, sure enough, there it was. The mystery love hidden beneath that thin, gold covering. Quickly, she reached her hand out and snatched the locket away, hiding it securely in her pants pocket.
Shiori quickly made for Juri's door.
Shiori returned to her room and placed the locket on her dresser, now was not the time to care about its contents. She threw her closet doors open and looked at the clothing she had just hung and pulled a purple dress off a hanger.
"Hmm...I wonder what everyone else is wearing..."
Scene Four: Preparing for a Spectacle
Touga was gladly seperated from the girls and went into his own, solitary room. It wasn't anything like his room, but it -was- very elegant and nice. Tossing his bag on the nice, four poster bed, he unzipped the bag and sorted out his clothing. To the far wall, he saw a closet and grabbed his clothes and neatly hung them, so that they would not wrinkle. Also, he liked to appear presentable, and surely wrinkled clothes would not do him justice.
Dusting his hands off after sorting things out, Touga looked at the time. It was almost dinner time and he wondered if anything would go on for dinner... not sure of what would happen, the red haired god walked into the neatly kept bathroom. It was red and white. Walking over to the sink, he found a clear vase with a red rose bud. Smiling at it softly, the student council president decided that he would take a nice shower and clean up before dinner.
****
Wakaba bounded into a room, led to her by another butler. Shaking her head, she quickly threw the heavy duffle bag against the wall, near the closet and sat on her bed, sighing loudly. Boucing a bit on her bed, Wakaba looked around the empty room. "Will anyone be rooming with me?" she wondered aloud, glancing over at the empty bed next to hers. Shrugging, she leaned back on her bed as she closed her eyes.
****
Nanami knocked on Touga's door. She wasn't quite sure if she heard the shower running...she had a delicious thought of her brother in the shower, which she squelched down before it went anywhere.
"Good thing I'm his sister," she thought to herself smugly, "or else I'd really be wicked." She knocked again. "Onii-sama?"
****
Just finishing his shower, his towel was wrapped around his waist as he stepped into his room, only to hear the door knock. Raising a brow, he cooly walked over and opened the door. He knew who is was before opening the door. Who else would come to him right after coming to a resting place? Nanami, of course. Smiling, he looked at her and stepped back, letting her come in.
Touga walked back into the shower and grabbed a smaller towel to dry his red hair. Coming back out to Nanami, he watched her for a while. "So are you unpacked?" he asked her while drying his long, red hair.
"Yes, onii-sama." She smiled and watched him dry his hair. "I wondered if you knew how formal this dinner is to be, tonight. If its not the most formal one, I don't want to wear my good dress." Nanami had packed several lesser gowns besides her purple and black drama concoction.
Hanging the small towel over his left shoulder, Touga walked to his closet, his red flowing gracefully behind him... Flipping through his clothing, he also had no idea what to wear. Turning around to Nanami, he smiled and tilted his head slightly. "I'm not sure how we're supposed to dress..." Touga replied. "How about we both dress nicely together?"
Stepping away from the closet, he motioned for Nanami towards the open clothing rack. "How about you choose for me?" He said, smiling at her, "I'll finish up getting ready..." and with that, he left Nanami in his room as he left for the bathroom.
****
For once, Akio wished to be alone and though what the servent had told his mother was true about swimming, he prefered to do it in a more secluded spot of the castle. As always, the violet-haired Dean was much more informed than the students under his care. Where everyone believed this only to be a resort, he knew full well that this was a home. -HIS- home in fact. Well, what used to be his home untill his parents had decided to send him away "for his own good." For his own good indeed.
The water in the small, personal-sized pool churned as Akio's strong, dark arms cut through it in an even pulse. Lap after lap fell under his steady strokes, untill at last he stopped and pulled himself up on the edge of pool, long hair loose and dripping down his bare back. The Dean frowned a bit and wrung out the excess water from his hair, wondering when he should take the time to see Sohpe. Perhaps....after dinner, assuming all went well. Then again, nothing about this whole ordeal had gone "well." It hardly mattered anymore though. All Akio wished was to have this over and be back on his way to the Academy where -he- ruled all, not here....under his father.
****
On the other hand, there was someone who wasn't at all sure he wanted this over anymore. Saionji just stood in the doorway to the room he had been led to, not quite sure what to make of it. And he thought the academy had been nice. It was -nothing- compared to this place. Though the servents had brought his bags up, he absolutly refused to let anyone touch his blade other than himself and he held it tightly still, making a slow tour around the room. Whatever they had in planned for them here, at least they would be living in style. Even so, that thought didn't really confort the emerald-haired Vice-President.
He plopped down on the bed with a little grunt then fell backwards onto the soft mattress, the long, green locks spread out around his head. For the moment, all he wanted to do was rest and forget about the reason he was here. Later, perhaps, he would see if there was a room to practice in, but for now, just laying here was fine.
****
And unbeknownst to (almost) everyone, a corporeal figure half-floated, half-walked through the all-to-familiar corridors of the castle. With an almost child-like exuberance, the ghostly form of Dios wandered through the corridors, looking in on the Students, in particular Utena, but also heading for the old sections that he best remembered, even his old room from years and years ago. Perhaps it was coincidence, perhaps not, but he found himself in Sophe's room, watching as she gave orders to the various servents. For not the first time, he wished his substanance was not locked into that castle above the duelling arena. Nothing would make him happier at the moment than to run up to the beautiful woman he had called mother and give her a hug, or at least be able to touch her. For the moment though, he had to be content to "sit" on the bed and just watch her, hopping she would be able to fix everything for his friends and family.
****
The slow dusk wrapped it's arms around the castle and surrounding countryside. Utena sighed and lay her head on her arms as the lights slowly began to wink on in the small village below. "It's so beautiful, Chuchu," she whispered.
"Chu?"
Utena glanced down and saw the little monkey mouse dragging something black and lacy and at least four times his size towards her. Picking it up, Utena couldn't suppress a blush as the thin material wafted in the warm summer breeze. "I take it you want to go swimming, Chuchu?"
He looked at her bikini top with with the same expression he wore when Anthy tended the Rose Garden. Roughly, it translated to -Do what you want, but I know this will relax you.-
She smiled softly and took the bathing suit to the bathroom. Everyone was probably preparing for dinner and it was doubtful anyone would be there. She could get in a few laps and a shower before the appetizers were served, she was certain. Minutes later, she and Chuchu were on their way downstairs. She passed Juri on her way down, the girl also looked like she'd been taking a lap or two. They didn't speak a word; Utena just smiled and recieved in reply a slightly less cool look than usual. Even Juri seemed to be warming up to this place. As soon as they arrived at the most secluded of the pools, Utena tossed her towel and sandals on a nearby chair, took a running leap, and closed her eyes as she dove into the silky water with barely a splash. She did all this without taking a note of her surroundings first. The only problem with this plan of action is that when Utena opened her eyes underwater, much ot her surprise, she found herself only a foot away from a red trunked pair of legs. -Oh no!- she thought frantically, -I thought I was alone!- She couldn't make out that much about the owner of the legs through her waving hair in the water, but they were muscular which meant on of three things: Akio, Touga, or Saionji. Praying it was the latter rather than the two former, Utena forced herself to the surface.
Apparently Utena was in luck today. When she surfaced, long, emerald hair and smirking purple eyes greeted her. After becoming incredibly bored with lying around doing nothing, Saionji had decided to check out the pool and other such facilities. In truth though, he was just avoiding having to go to diner. He knew -he- would be here, the red-haired president he used to call his friend and he didn't relish the idea of seeing him at all.
"Well well well...if it isn't the Victor who couldn't even protect her Bride. If I were you, I'd be out searching for a way to get her back.....not swimming." He just had to get that little jab in. He had never been very happy about loosing Anthy to a middle school student...and a -girl- no less. But hey, she -had- beat Touga and he felt a grugding respect towards her for that, making his comment sound not nearly as mean has he maybe had intended. Rather, he just seemed.....tired, worn out even, and even a little jealous that she had not been stricken with the same thing everything else had. He looked away as he said this, staring off into the distance.
****
Sophe felt a soft shiver of air touch her skin. She knew who was standing behind her, with his heart in his eyes, but she couldn't quite bring herself to turn around and face her transparent son. Instead she brought her shoulders up and assumed the air of calm collectivity which had gained her the position of Council Head in her youth. Her husband, their father, had only remained a minor Councilor.
"You know," she began, keeping her head turned well away, "that few can see you, and fewer care to." She expected no answer and got what she expected. "But, if it's any consolation, I do believe that the Victor has the strength to withstand all that will be thrown at her in the future. You and your sister chose well. You should be pleased."
Again no answer.
She sighed, she should be surprised. But "Dios" had always been a unique child, just as "Anthy" "Mamiya" and "Akio" were. There had been times when she'd marveled at their strength, watching their transformations and laughing gleefully at the power her innocent children possesed. They used their gifts in such amusing ways, like the time Anthy transformed herself into a replica of her brother Dios and wandered around the castle for days startling the servants. She'd called the replica Mamiya, so no one would get them confused. And later on in life, she'd had to play that part again, this time without any of the innocent joy.
But things had changed. All of them changed and the illusions became reality, if only for a short period of time.
"I would like you to be at the ball tonight. Please come. I intend to send some of the malcontents like Akio's fiance home early of course, with a little spice in their drinks. But the others will revel all night long hopefully."
A soft voice, a whisper, gently brushed across the room. "As you wish...Mother."
And he was gone.
****
Miki unpacked slowly.. Laying his things neatly, and hanging up the few clothes he had brought, only vaguely noting the elegant surroundings. Taking special care to place his music on the dresser, along with his stopwatch.. He wasn't sure he was looking forward tonight.. His sister would probably be sure to flaunt herself and her.. "friends" in front of him.. Sometimes it felt like he didn't even know her anymore. A soft sigh of regret escaped Miki, as he sank restlessly unto the edge of the bed.. If only he could go back to that garden.. To his "shining thing", that happy place.. As for a large party and dancing.. Anthy wouldn't be there.. But he couldn't not go.. it would be rude.. well.. maybe he should get ready. Laying, out a change of clothes on his bed, Miki frowned and went into the bathroom.. Turning on the shower, he stepped in.
****Juri sat, combing out her hair after showering. She had enjoyedthe swim immensely, and as she had thought, it had relaxed her so much.
The satin green dress was laid out on the bed, along with a beautiful necklace she recently got from her favorite designer.
She was looking forward to wearing the dress, even if she wasn't so sure the night would be a pleasant one. Juri liked to get dressed up.
****
Nanami slowly sorted through the clothing her brother had packed, enjoying the feel of the fabrics and the faint whiff of aftershave she could catch clinging to them. Dress nicely...together. She found an elegant white tuxedo in his closet. She also found a very dark purple cumberbund, but purple was one of her colors, not his. Instead she chose a deep burgundy one, and a white bow tie. White leather shoes completed the outfit. And of course, white trouser socks. She laid the clothing across the nearly made bed. She left the underthings up to him.
She glanced around his room. It was similar to her and Kozue's, but a touch smaller and it only had one bed. But the same careful attention to details was evident everywhere. Nanami suddenly got goosebumps, as if a goose walked over her grave, or a ghost had passed by.
"Onii-sama," she called. "I'm going to go get ready myself. If you need anything else, just ask," she said.
****
The seer laughed as she entered her rooms, her eyes suddenly going a bit distant. "Well,my dear, it appears everyone has gotten the sudden urge for a shower. I guess I must take one two. Wouldn't want to look a mess for dinner." As she said this, she walked to the elegant bathroom, setting her hat, and Anthy, on the counter next to the bath. She bent over, and turned the water on. Standing up, she began to undress. Sparing a glance in Anthy's direction she said,"And yes, we have to go. I know Sophe too well, and she's scheming something for that dinner tonight. Something to keep her entertained, though she thinks it will help. I'm not so sure, so we both need to be there to keep things under control."
From the counter, Anthy was gazing at Cassandra, a bit shocked. For all she went through, she was very modest.
The seer turned toward Anthy, unzipping her dress as she did so. "Oh, don't be silly. It's nothing you haven't seen before." Stepping out of her last bit of clothing, she got into the tub, sighing as the water hit her chilled flesh. In a way, the seer was right. Anthy had seen it before...in the mirror. Cassandra's body was just like hers, except older. Right down to the plum-colored hair she kept wrapped in a bun.
As the seer soaked, Anthy thought about all she had just seen. After the cook, they had been rushed through the castle, and up the stairs to the top of a tower. They entered rooms elegant and lush, but obviously old. There was a woman there, brushing out her long hair. Although Cassandra had fumed and paced, Anthy couldn't help but watch the woman. She was so...familiar. Suddenly, a song popped into her head, "Greensleeves". It was sung by a voice like the woman's, as
she tucked two small children into bed,like a mother would. Mother...she was Mother. And Anthy looked at the woman and a large part loved her. And the...other hated her Mother for letting her become what she was now. Yet the woman wasn't the Mother Anthy had suddenly remembered. She was cold and distant, recognizing Anthy for what she was, but not sparing her a loving glance.
"Your Mother wasn't always like that dear. She used to be so warm and kind, always helping those in need."Cassandra said, interupting Anthy's thoughts. Bitterly, the seer continued."Then she saw what kindness did to her children. It changed her." Cassandra suddenly smashed her fists on the sides of the tub, splashing warm water on the floor. "She does nothing now! I swear a part of her died that day, along with...well, nevermind, just the rantings of a woman grown too old and too sad. But my sister was so incredibly beautiful once. Now she says 'It's not my place' Her children are not her place? Then whose place is it? She could've fixed everything, everything, if she just tried. But she just sits in her room, combing that damned hair of hers, waiting, like the rest of you, for a miracle. Anthy take my advice, we make our own miracles." She closed her eyes, and settled back into the bath. Anthy thought she saw tears streamingdown Cassandra's cheeks.
" I should have taken the throne. But I was headstrong, and refused to get married. What a world of trouble that simple act caused." Cassandra rose from the bath, and wrapped a thick towel around her. She left the room, grabbing Anthy in the process. Setting Anthy on the bed, she opened the closet, revealing an inordinate amount of breath-taking gowns. Choosing a sea-green sheath that sparkled as if it had silver threads interwoven into the fabric, she dropped her towel and began to dress. The sheath fit her slender figure perfectly, flaring out behind her into an elegant tail.
She turned and looked down at Anthy. "It's time we went to dinner. Hopefully you're rested because I can't take your rose down with me. Too suspicious." And dangerous, Cassandra finished in her head. "So get out of the rose. And think yourself into something nice. Unfortunately, some people here can see you." Anthy concentrated, and suddenly stood in a blood-red sheath mirroring Cassandra's. Cassandra laughed. "We look like twins! Nevermind, it's time to go." They glided out the door.
****
Coming out of the shower, dry and feeling fresh, Touga walked over to the drawer and picked out nice, clean undergarments... He liked to feel clean. Changing into them, he walked around only in his shorts and saw the clothing Nanami picked out. She was always so fancy, but he liked that about her. Seeing her choices, he carefully picked up the white outfit and slipped into it. leaving the bow tie out, he put on his white shoes and looked into the mirror. Nanami had good taste in clothes, he thought... Though, he thought the bow tie would make him look a bit -too- fancy. Flicking his red hair over his shoulder, Touga inspected himself in the mirror once more before he decided he looked good enough to be presentable. Walking over to the drawer, he picked up his rose signet ring and placed it onhis right, ring finger and walked out soundly.
Heading to his sister's room, the red hair god saw the violet haired maids swak at him with googly eyes and he ignored it, not wanted to be bother but such pettiness that night. "Nanami?" Touga called while knocking on his sister's door. Nanami had just stepped out of a quick shower herself, and rapidly put underthings on, then a long sheer slip. "Coming, onii-sama," she sang, and opened the door.
"Do you remember this dress?" she said gaily, picking it up and swinging it in front of her. "I always thought it made my hair more yellow."
The dramatic purple velvet and black lace did give her hair a more vibrabt hue, bringing out the hidden golden highlights in her ash blonde hair. It was tastefully modest as well, just off the shoulder and loor length.
"What do you think, onii-sama?" she said, waiting for his approval.
He smiled at her lovingly and took her hand. Twirling her around a bit, like a ballerina, her dress did a twirlie. The purple velvet shined at different angles, the black lace giving off a lovely contrast. He nodded his approval. "Nanami, dear, you'll look lovely, as always." His red hair set in soft, free length bounced slightly and his blue eyes looked off far into the hallway as Nanami slipped the dres on.
He wondered what they would do until dinner time... At that moment, the weird butler, who knew his name stepped up to them.
"Sir...please make your way to the grand hall until it is dinner time..which will be quite near.." He spoke and motioned to a direction.
Nanami's eyes narrowed and clung immediately to her brother's arm as he walked off toward the motioned direction. The siblings looked ravshingly handsome together.
The great hall was filled with thousands of candles, which combined with more modern illumination in the form of recessed panels made it bright as day while casting a pleasant, flattering glow over everything. Five great chandeliers hung from the ceiling as well, with real candles in gold holders to keep the wax from dropping. Touga and Nanami walked in, arm in arm, looking like the king and queen of a royal ball. There were a few
other guests inside.
"What a lovely hall!" Nanami could not help but exclaim, although she kept her possesive clutch on her brother's arm. "Onii-sama, isn't it wonderful?" The drama queen's jaded eyes shone with rare excitement.
****
No one had noticed that Akio hadn't packed a single thing to come on this trip. Why should he? He knew that the castle staff would provide for him whatever he needed. This was his -home- after all. So when he returned to his room and emerged from a quick shower, he found an outfit all laid out for him on the bed. He had expected that but he had -not- expected the outfit to look the way it did. It was almost like a duelling outfit, but not his outfit, oh no....it was so like Dios' that it acctually made the violet-haired Dean cringe. Laid across the deep purple silk sheets was a white tuxedo, though not in the style of Touga's. Like Dios, the top was trimmed in blue, though it had the long tails that hung nearly to his knees. It even had the turned-up cuffs and a deep blue gem at the neck. Fortunatly, there were not the large shoulder ornaments with the large tassels. Akio considered this darkly as he grabbed the note resting on the tuxedo, silently considering how he would have had to rip them off if they -had- been there.
Pushing his throughts away from the outfit, he takes a closer look at the note. It was done in neat, sculptured script. Very familiar script, in fact.
—Dear "Akio"
Perhaps you wished something different for the evening, but maybe for once you should act your part and wear an outfit that is more princly, hmmm? I'll be expecting to see you in this at dinner tonight. Do not be late.
Sincerily,
Sophe—
Akio scowled and closed his fist around the note. Whatever his mother was planning, it could not be good. This outfit, even without the cape, could bring back certain...unpleasant memories to the surface tonight. But he didn't dare defy her. Not yet at any rate.
****
Touga looked around the room, his eyes watching the passing people, looking for anyone familar. The two were beatifully illuminated by the candle lights, their contrasting outfit drawing many eyes to turn and watch the pair. Touga's head lifted into the air, showing his arrogant air, as he usually did. Nanami did the same and together, they walked into the center. All eyes stared with awe and envy, but then again, who wouldnt? They were very beautiful people and both the brother and sister knew this.
Finding nice, cushiony seats, the brother sat the golden hair little lady into a burdeny, velvet-set chair and then sat himself in the one beside her. Together sitting side by side, the two appeared as royalty of a kingdom, with their heads held high and the air about them, the others watched in awe. Girls swooned at the red haired god, and the guys eyes never left the sight of the golden haired princess. Her hand still possessively around the arm of her handsome brother, Nanami and Touga waited for their dinner meeting.
****
Upon opening her dark brown eyes, Wakaba found the sun starting to slowly go down. Whew, that was a nap. Feeling a bit hungry, she wondered if she had to dress up... Peeking outside her door, she found people dressed up in nice, dressy clothing. Thinkling that she needed to dress up as well, Wakaba finally decided to unzip her duffle bag, and out of it, she found a pale blue dress she had packed. It was beatiful and fit in with what the others were wearing. Smiling, he hugged the dress and the quickly slippied into it.
Walking into the bathroom, she found white roses and placed it in her hair to decorate her pony tail. Smiling at herself in the mirror, she remembered how Saionji had placed the tiny, golden leaf hair pin in her hair...reminsiicing on the days now past, Wakaba left the mirror frowning..wishing that those days wouldn't have ended so bitterly.
Sighing wistfully, Wakaba walked out of the bathroom and sat on her bed... watching the sun set soundlessly.
****
Anthy glided behind the strident seer as she marched down the hall. Everyone was staring at Cassandra, and more than a few bowed or curtsied deeply, although she snapped for them not to. A few souls even smiled and bowed to Anthy, as if she was really there. Orders had been given not to recognize the seer and her ghostly follower, but habits were hard to break.
The sights and sounds and smells were almost overwhelming to Anthy. She was home, finally home, in a place where she and her brother had truely been happy. Part of her almost recognized a face here and there. A deep sense of calm overcame her. Not the dumb, stifled calm she was forced into at Ohtori, where everyone wiped away her soul and personality, but a peaceful one. She was reclaiming some of what she lost so long ago, and that was precious. For a moment Cassandra turned and grinned,as if she understood. However, a sudden, horrible thought occured to her. Akio would not stand for her change in attitude. The only reason she was able to remember this much, and have this much control was because Akio was weak and confused. If he knew what she was discovering, she would lose it forever.
Anthy frowned, and stopped abruptly in her course. Utena-sama would stand up to Akio, but she couldn't do that. She was too weak, always had been. So she mustn't let anyone know of her change, of her secret happiness. She couldn't let them take it away from her. And if that meant she had to do what Akio said, if she couldn't warn Utena...then so be it. She didn't want to play her part in the Revolution, especially when it came to Utena, but now more than ever she had to. At least on the surface. She wasn't as noble as she used to be, she wasn't Utena-sama.
Disgusted with herself, Anthy was about to crumble when she felt a small tap on her shoulder. Looking up, she smiled widely as Dios stroked her cheek fondly, wiping the tears from her eyes. He understood what she was going to do, but he was not upset. Dios realized that certain things had to happen, and from either weakness or fate, Anthy had to carry her horrid tasks out. She was an unfortunate player in a game that only Dios really understood entirely. Patting her on the shoulder, he indicated that somehow, they'd find a way to make things alright in the end.
Dios grinned as she grasped his arm, and together they entered the grand hall. He bowed deeply to her, and began the steps to the ancient dance they learned as children. Those in the crowd who could see the Prince and Princess began to dance as well, yet there was a sadness in it. For they knew this interlude was all too short, and soon all the players would return to their real task. The Revolution was coming, and they all grieved for what had to be done.
****
Steam -had- to be rolling off her ears. Utena was certain of it. There was no way on earth so much anger could simply be contained within one human body. Standing up in the pool, she furiously drew herself up to her full height and glared at the green-haired monster in the crimson bathing suit. Granted, as she was several inches shorter than the Vice President, it wasn't that frightening a prospect to him, but she had to let him know exactly how wrong his statement was. But then something clicked in Utena's mind. Why put up with his mindless arrogance when something could be done about it? Hearing low footsteps making their clincal tap on the stairs above, Utena counted the steps from the squeaky step halfway down. As they neared the bottom, she grinned fiercly. "You know what, Saionji? You're right," she grinned. "But do you think you're going to do any better a job as you are?"
He glanced down just in time to see Utena surge against him, knocking him into the pool and off balance. As he fell back and water surged up his nose, he felt a distinct... well, tugging... at his waist. Then she was gone.
Utena exited the pool to find Mamoru standing at the edge, ready to help her up. "Hello," she smiled. "You're going to have to excuse me and Saionji-san. He was...feeling... a little angsty." So saying, she held up a pair of crimson swimming trunks between her thumb and forefinger. "I helped him with his problem." Mamoru struggled with his smile, and took the offending trunks from her hand. "I'll make sure his maid gets them clean by this evening, should he wish to go for a midnight swim."
She smiled winningly. "Thanks. So what are you here for?"
Ignoring the sputtering and splashing Saionji (Utena had forced him into the -very- deep end) Mamoru took her by the elbow and expertly directed her out the door and to the stairwell. "Dinner will be served in less than an hour. I thought you might wish to prepare."
"Thank you...I never did catch your name, you know."
He grinned. "I know. Have a pleasent evening, Miss Utena." So saying he turned the corner, and when Utena pursued, she found him once again gone into thin air. "What the hell?"
Then she heard Saionji: "TENJOU! @#$%^&*!"
"Oops!" she giggled, then was off like a rocket. She couldn't quite believe what she'd done, but Saionji-san deserved it in her opinion. He was one of the few duellists that really got on her nerves, and did it often. Reaching her room, she quickly shed her suit and with a quick flic of her wrist, was soon luxerating in a steamy, lilac-scented shower. As she soaped up her hair, she took the time to think on their predicament. Utena knew beyond a doubt that getting them all to work together without conflict would be a difficult task. But at least the castle was a nice enough place, and Akio-san wouldn't let them get too far off track.
As she rinsed off, she pondered Cassandra's words from the cottage. "My rose is grown somewhere else. I wonder where?" As expected, no answer was forthcoming from the rubber ducky in the corner. Stepping
out of the shower, she began towel drying her hair. She didn't even notice her guest, until she tripped over her. "Um, excuse me?" Utena blushed a vibrant red, as a pretty maid of fourteen or so peered under the mass
of tangled pink that hung in front of Utena's face. "Yes?"
"What are you doing here?"
The maid giggled. "You're going to be late, if you dawdle so much. Sit down, Akio-sama sent me to fix your hair and make sure you were comfortable."
-Akio-sama?- "But..."
The girl lay a strong hand on her shoulder. "Here's your dress. Put it on quickly and SIT."
****
Act Three coming soon: An Evening of Magic


Comments (0)