Tuesday, January 18, 2005

one more of the sword and the rose 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 III log by Cat Who for FF.net
Editor's notes: Third Act is probably the single most fun we'eve ever had with these characters. What has gone before: The Council and the Malcontents are in the home of the Himemiya clan, although they believe they are simply in a luxury resort. They are preparing for a formal dinner, but Himemiya Sophe has ordered that the punch be . . . spiked. With an aphrodesiac. *hic* ^_~
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. I hope you all have as much fun reading it as we had writing it. Enjoy!

Act III: An Evening of Magic
Less than twenty minutes later, Utean gulped as she stood in the entrance to the ballroom. Her sassy black dress showed enough of her coltish legs and trim figure to be breathtaking. The hair and makeup gave her an almost otherworldly appearence; Utena could barely believe that kind of magic could be wrought with merely some makeup and a hair brush. She felt...different...somehow. Like a princess for once instead of a prince. It was uncomfortable, but not agonizingly so. It was kinda...nice. Somehow, Utena knew that the rules she lived by at Ohtori were suspended here. She knew that when she walked through those doors, something magical would happen. "Is he here tonight?" she whispered quietly. "Is my prince out there now, dancing with some girl? Will he recoginze me? Will I know him?"
"Why don't you find out?" whispered a voice in her ear. Utena gasped and jumped, only to find the strange young man from earlier, holding out an arm. "You seem to be without an escort, mi'lady. Will the arm of a simple commoner suffice for a princess such as yourself?" She blushed as his intent gaze and glanced about the foyer. No one could see them as she raised her eyes to his.
"Only on one condition," she grinned softly.
He leaned close. "Oh really? And what might that be?"
"That you tell me your name."
He pretended to consider a moment. "Oh, alright. I suppose. But I'm upping the anti. You have to do me the honor of the first and last dance of the evening as well."
She nodded. "Agreed."
So saying, they strode into the ballroom, with Utena on his arm. "My name is Mamoru," he whispered as they waited for the assembled parties to notice them. She glanced at him again, this time noting the duellist like uniform he was wearing. It reminded her of...someone...she'd met long ago. Her thoughts whirled wildly. -Is he my prince?-
Their names were called, and the assembled party glanced up, some gasping, some smiling, some merely watching. Sophe was of the last persuasion. The main reason she'd taken Mamoru into her service years before was his uncanny resemblance to her son, Dios. The other was his latent psychic ability to take a spiritual form for awhile and allow a ghost to 'use' his body to communicate. It was draining for both parties, but well worth it at times. Now was apparently one of them. With a glance, she noted Dios and Anthy had stopped their waltz as well. -He's secured the first and last dance, son,- she whispered in her mind, knowing her son would hear. -Don't make his efforts on your behalf pointless. Go to her.-
She watched as Akio and Touga both rose from their positions across the room and started towards her. With a wave of her hand, attractive maids from across the room stood and intercepted the boys. This moment was for the two of them, not interferences. Even Anthy, across the room, knew that. Her daughter was smiling softly, a incadescent tear slowly making it's way down her cheek. -Please, just give them this moment. Please.-
****
Having just gotten out of the shower Miki quickly dried his hair and stepped out of bathroom.. After eyeing the dark blue suit for a few moments, he put it on. Frowning at his reflection in the mirror, he smoothed his hair down and straightened his suit.. He always tried to look immalculate, especially for something like this.. Glancing at the clock his cerulean eyes went wide.. He had stalled for too long, he would have to hurry if he didn't wish to be late.. Grabbing his stopwatch and slipping in his pants pocket he hurried to the ballroom doors, slowing down only when he reached them.
****
Shiori flounced out of her room, dressed in an elegant, satiny mauve colored dress which clung to just the right places. Half-way between indencent and elegant. She thought she looked quite lovely indeed. If she was being forced to be somewhere against her own will, she might as well make the best of it.
*Ara! Juri's locket...* the thought came to her mind, *Oh well, I'll have to look at it later.*
Shiori walked aimlessly around until she saw that blue-haired twin brother of that girl with the "reputation."
"Kaoru-san!" she called to Miki from down the hall and walked quickly to his side, "Don't you know that you can't enter such a formal affair without an escort?" she asked sweetly, her persona in front of other people was always sweet. Before he could protest or agree, she slipped her arm through his and was making movements towards the door.
~Someone was calling him?~ Miki turned around, but before he could answer, her arm was through his pulling him towards the doors.. Miki stared at her in surprise, his mouth opening to protest.. and then they were through the doors.. Quickly shutting his mouth, he was distracted by the elegant room.
****
Pretty maids caught Touga by his arm and sat himdown beside Nanami once more. Nanami watched her brother, as Touga tried to go over to reach Utena before Akio could. Frowning and deep in thought, the red-haired god stood up once more and waitied...staring around, he only -then noticed the two ghostly violet haired dancers. Amazed at their gracefulness and beauty of their dance, Touga sat still for a moment and didn't protest with the persistent maids. Nanami, being happy with Touga sitting still, took hold of his arm once more and together, the two watched the other two silbings dance away.
****
Wakaba seeing the sunset completely stood and straightened out her dress. Yawning a bit, she stared into the mirror and checked once more. The spagehtti strap dress had a cowl neckline, with a nice, decent back v-cut shape... It flowed on the floor as she walked, making her seem as if she floated in a cloud to move around. Smiling, she nodded at herself as she heard someone knock on her door.
Moving quickly, she answered it, and there stood a a maid of the castle. "Ma'am. Dinner will be served soon... It is best you moved quickly to the grand hall." With that, she pointed the direction of the grand hall and quickly exited from Wakaba's sight. Tilting her head, the lonely girl slowly made her way to the ball. She wasn't in any hurry to get there, besides, she wouldn't probably only end up sitting alone, ever since Utena was too caught up with other things, like that Anthy Himemiya girl. A frown now on her cute face, the tiny girl made no haste in going to the Grand Hall...
****
Dios nodded to his mother, keeping his eyes on Mamoru and Utena. Slowly he makes his way across the room, attracting the attention only of the few who could acctually see him, untill he was directly behind the servent. Hesitating ever so slightly, Dios rested his near-transparent hands on Mamoru's shoulders, then pushed his way completely inside the boy. There is a moment's hesitation and Utena looks on, confused, wondering why her escort had stopped so suddenly. A shadowy figure that only Anthy can see then steps out of Mamoru's body, but this time it is Mamoru himself. The Dios-possessed body opens his bright teal eyes and smiles at Utena.
"Pardon my hesitation. Shall we dance?" And without another word, he sweept her onto the dance floor and for the first time in years, centuries even, he is content. Though his real body is still trapped up in the castle of illusion, a temporary one is good enough for the moment. Being home, his mother and sister nearby, and dancing with the Chosen one, is perhaps the happiest memory he has had since his "imprisonment."
****
Akio watched it all from a dark corner. For once, he was not trying to attract attention to himself. He had even made sure the room was empty before the majority of the guests had arrived. He could not risk having someone suddenly realize the likeness between himself and the boy Dios. But watching Utena being swept across the floor by this near likeness wasn't any better. And he -knew- who it really was inside that body. He was one of the few who could see what was really going on, just as he could see Anthy watching the pair with tears in her eyes. He had considered going to Utena for a dance, and had even made a move to, but the quickly-dispatched servents stopped him, causing him to turn towards the radiantly beautiful Sophe. For an instant, the mother and son exchanged glances, the former holding a calm, detached air and the latter showing a barely controled fury in his teal eyes. But he took a step back, further into the shadows, and brushed the servents away. He wouldn't be interfering.......just yet.
****
Juri looked in the mirror, straightened her dress, and fixed a stray hair that had decided to find its way out of the style she'd put it in. Her hair was lifted off her neck for once, in a lovely up style. Wispy curls brushed her shoulders and framed her face.
The dress was green satin, with small straps, and a lovely neckline. She didn't often wear dresses that would show her neckline and shoulders, but it looked gorgeous on her. The dress followed her curves nicely, not tightly, but softly, down to her feet. The dress brushed the floor as she walked, and the silver slippers peeked from beneath the dress, whenever she lifted it to walk.
She slipped the pearl necklace around her neck (so strange to be wearing something besides the locket, she thought).
She frowned at her reflection in the mirror. Something wasn't quite right. Hmmm....
There was a knock at the door, and a maid of the castle peered in.
"Dinner will be served shortly. I believe most of the guests have already made their way down."
Juri laughed. "Fashionably late, am I? I'll be right down."
She looked back into the mirror, and with a flick of her wrist, she pulled a pin from her hair.
Her long, fiery tresses fell past her shoulders, and down her back. She smiled at the mirror. Normally she would never do this...everything, including her hair must be perfect when she dressed up, but something about this place made her feel like being free of her mask.
She turned and walked out the door, never once noticing that something very precious was missing.
****
The green-haired swordfighter wasn't happy at all. He didn't even think that maybe he deserved what he got. He was just upset that Tenjou-san had embarrased him AGAIN. Fortunatly, there wasn't anyone to see his shame except for the occational servant. Not that it made the whole ordeal any better. He was -still- upset.
He had managed to get back to his room though, a towel wrapped tightly around his hips, then he had showered and changed. He found the suit laid out on the bed and wondered at the amazing service in this place. Everything was perfectly in place exactly when you needed. Saionji pushed these thoughts to the side though as he pulled on the black tuxedo pants and the white shirt. He didn't remember having buying this suit, but it fit him perfectly, strange enough as that was. He fastened the dark green cumberbund around his waist and slipped on the black tuxedo jacket. It fit in all the right places, showing off just how well-toned he was from all the time practicing in the kendo room.
Just as he is finishing, Saionji glances at the clock and swears softly under his breath.
"I'm going to be late, thanks to Tenjou-san. Wait untill I get my hands on her...." And he rushed out of the room, not really looking where he was going, and unfortunately ran right into Wakaba, who probably wasn't even aware Saionji was there in the first place. The green-haired Vice-President gasped, slightly winded, then helped Wakaba to her feet, not quite noticing who it was at first.
"Ahhh, gomen nasai! I didn't even see you there. I...." He stopped, blinking, then did a double take. "Shinohara-san? What are you doing here?"
****
"What a lovely room.." Miki murmured under his breath. Frowning slightly at Shiori, he looked about the room.. He noticed Touga-sempai and his sister. And Utena-san was there too.
Shiori smiled sweetly at Miki, *He seems uncomfortable, how funny.*
"Ara! How rude of me, Kaoru-san, I suppose maybe we aren't very well acquainted. I mean, you know me, and I know you...but I don't think we were ever formally introduced. My name is Takatsuki Shiori, a dear friend of Arisugawa Juri-san." Shiori gushed, releasing Miki from her hold. She smiled crookedly at Miki and cocked her head to the side, *such a darling boy. Complete opposite of his sister...*
****
"Shall we dance, onii-sama?" Nanami said, her heart shaped face peering up at her older brother with a smile that would melt the hearts of most males over the age of 10. Her large purple eyes blinked lazily, the lashes sweeping down to rest on her cheek for a moment longer than necessary, showing off their fullness and length.
She was glad the maids had interceded Touga's attempts to meet Utena. The last thing she wanted was him fawning over the bubble-gum haired tomboy. But even Nanami, much as she loathed to, had to admit that Utena looked smashing in the gown she was wearing, and with makeup and artfully done hair. She was not quite as pretty as Nanami (at least according to Nanami), but the skill of the maideservent had transformed her rough beauty into a more classic, refined look. Nanami damped down a curl of jealousy.
"Oh, onii-sama, I do love this song," she cried, standing up and tugging on his sleeve. "Lets dance." Nanami had never heard the song before in her life, but the music was very beautiful, and sounded quite dancable.
Touga's eyes were still transfixed on what seemed to be like an illusion....He sat there, not hearing a thing Nanami had said. After hearing her last words, Touga shook his head a bit and looked to his younger sister with curious and lost eyes... "what did yo say, my dear?" He asked.. seeming to be quite lost...
Not even waiting for an answer, Touga's eyes turned back to Utena...though she had aways been pretty, tonight she looked even more beautiful and he could not help but want to hold her in his arms and dance the night away with her.
****
Wakaba, quite startled by the fall, quickly got up with the help of the young man. Her dark brown eyes looked up to see who had pushed her over...and at the sight of the very familiar purple eyes, she let out a tiny gasp and hung her head.... "No need to be sorri, Saionji-sempai..." she said meekly..."was not your fault...i should've been walking faster....." Wakaba didn't look bad that night.... Not at all...the white roses and the white dress looked very nice together, and the dress didn't make her look like any sort of slut.... the dress did cling to her natural curves, yet they weren't too revealing.
Then it popped into her mind as well...."What do you mean, what am I doing here? What are you doing here?" she asked, very confused about his question.
****
Anthy was so happy. This was the way it should have been. Utena-sama should be with Dios. They looked right together, two noble hearts swirling their way across the ballroom. Laughing, yet misty-eyed, she turned to give a look of thanks to her mother. Maybe these moments would give Utena-sama the strength...she shook her head. No thinking about such matters now. There were other, more pressing problems. One of which was sitting in a chair nearby. Akio looked beyond angry, he sat with the appearance of a wrathful God about to strike down infidels. He would interfere if something wasn't done.
Sweeping her gaze about the room, Anthy found Cassandra sitting in a corner by herself, content to watch the dancers. Gliding over, Anthy tapped her on the shoulder and pointed to the malcontent. Cassandra let out a cackle, and sauntered seductively over to Akio. She had some special...tricks that no one else did. As she walked, her hand gestured breifly.
Approaching Akio, she began to speak in a throaty growl. It was a bit strange to be seducing her nephew, but desparate times called for desparate measures. "Hello, I was just noticing you sitting alone. Would you care to dance? My name is Ophelia." Extending her hand, she smiled knowingly. Normally, a glamour wouldn't work on someone with Akio's power. However, today he was tired and weak, and did not expect
that sort of attack. In this condition, someone with Akio's hormones couldn't resist.
"Why, thank you lady. I was beginning to feel lonely." Part of Akio's mind wondered at his sudden change of attitude,but he simply attributed it to the fact that his desires had not been satiated for several days. There was time for Utena later.
Anthy sighed as Akio accepted Cassandra's arm. Knowing her brother, he would be occupied for quiet a while. That left her nothing to do but watch the dancing. Returning her gaze to Utena and Dios, she was surprised to find a boy staring at her. It was the one whose body Dios was inhabiting. Slowly he walked toward her, a blush rising to his cheeks.
"Princess" He bowed to her,"It is an honor to finally meet you. My name is Mamoru. While the others are occupied, I would be honored if you would allow me a dance."
Anthy blinked. He wanted to dance with her? Why was he looking at her so strangely? The brilliance of his eyes made her nervous, a feeling she had not had in a long time.
"My lady?" He exclaimed, extending his hand to her. He wanted an answer. What did she want to do? Anthy raised her hand to her head. She wasn't used to making decisions like this. But...he looked so much like Dios, and there was something...Without thinking, she answered "Yes."
He smiled, and gently pulled her to him, placing one of his hands lightly on her lower back. She backed away a moment in surprise, expecting him to ask for more, yet realized that it felt nice. It was different to be with someone that didn't force. Trying to indicate that she was pleased, Anthy settled into him, resting her head on his shoulder.
Mamoru was beaming. He was dancing with the Princess, even if she was a ghost. For years he had heard stories from the Queen about her. She had raised him as if he were her own son, and he recalled many nights that he begged her to tell another story about her beautiful daughter. He had always wished to meet her, and here she was, in his arms. Mamoru was almost afraid to do anything, terrified he would be shot down for his audacity to touch someone so far above him. Yet tonight was a night of many impossibilities, and no one who could see the two said a word as he held his Princess close.
****
Miki took a step back, eager to put a little distance between them. He glanced at her uncertainly, the slight frown still apparent on his face. Though he nodded politely enough as she spoke.
"Nice to meet you, Takatsuki-san. I think I may have seen you with Juri-sempai."
****
Saionji was a bit distracted as he took a second, closer look at the girl in front of him. All those weeks he had lived with her he had never noticed.....but her question jerked him out of that particular train of thought and he shrugged.
"I am here because I was told to come here." He looked towards the ballroom and heard the music, and swore softly under his breath. "But it looks like we're late. We should talk about this later. And as long as we're both here, I suppose we should go in together."
He held his arm out to Wakaba, flashing her one of his rare smiles. Very rare, but this -was- and odd night and he found himself doing things that he normally wouldn't.
****
Back in the ballroom, Akio swept his dance partner across the floor. "Ophelia" was indeed a charming woman, but there was something strangly familiar about her. He tried to place her in his mind and the closest he could come to was that she strongly resembled Anthy, if his sister had been but a few years older.
-But that's understood. Many of the tribal woman have that look.- And still, there was something more to her, something he just couldn't put his finger on. It never occured to him though that this could be the same old crone who constantly annoyed him with her rudeness.
Even as he was occupied with those thoughts, he still kept his eyes trained on the pair dancing on the other side of the room. Cassandra's manipulations kept them well away from Utena and Dios, but that did not stop him from looking. Cassandra made no outward show of her feelings, but on the inside she was frowning. Apparently the prince would need a less-subtle distraction.
"Perhaps, Akio was it? Perhaps you would honor me with the last dance of the evening. It would be an honor." She smiled seductivly at him, pushing any misgivings about seducing her nephew to the side. Heaven knows -he- had done much worse.
Akio looked back down at his dancing partner, distracted for a moment but just long enough to agree without realizing exactly what he had done. "What? oh, of course, my lady. I would be pleased to dance with you again." He was definately distracted.....but it served Cassandra's purpose well.
****
"Onii-sama!" Nanami said, stamping her foot daintily. "I want to dance! You don't want your sister to be the only wall flower here, do you?" She didn't add that even Himemiya was dancing, albeit with a commoner. Nanami disliked using the guilt tactic on her precious brother, but he wasn't even paying attention to her!
****
Wakaba nodded at his answer and replied, "I came 'cause I needed to get away... but it's rather odd that I'd meet you here. "
And just as she was about to walk away, she saw that he held out his arm and heard his words about dinner. Silent, her eyes lit up as she gladly took his arm, and together, the two strode into the Grand Hall where a couple of people seemed to be dancing... and there, she spotted Utena, who, in the first of her life, saw her nicely dressed up.... -Wait...why was Utena here...and Touga?! the whole student council was here . . . even Nanami, who was stuck to her brother . . . Maybe it was a mistake for her to come to this place, thinking that she'd actually have time to think and relax. Wakaba was very confused, but then Wakaba smiled and looked up at the tall, green-haired . . . Saionji. She had always had a crush on him, and to be seen with him in public was like a dream come true, and they didn't look that bad togethe, either, she decided.
****
Caught up in the intensity of the moment, Utena could only describe the breathless emotion gripping her body as giddiness. The song ebbed and flowed around them, and she felt as if her feet never once touched the ground. The world around her spun and twirled; the only solid thing in her universe was the firm grip of Mamoru's strong arm around her waist. They spoke no words, none were needed, and for one aching second, Utena felt completely at peace. She knew, somehow, that she'd found her prince at last.
As the cadence of the song dimmed and slowed, the young man drew her close to his body. Laying her cheek on his shoulder, Utena smiled as she inhaled the heady bouquet of roses and lilacs that clung to his skin. It was as if they'd been made for one another, she fit perfectly in his arms. They were barely moving now, her arms lightly draped around his waist, she could feel the steady, if somewhat rapid, thump of his heart through his shirt.
She knew she had to be blushing now, her skin felt tingly and tight across her cheekbones, but she didn't care. -Oh please let this moment last forever,- she thought to the gods above. -Please don't make me wake up from this dream.-
Obviously the Gods had other plans.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," announced a loud voice, "Your dinner is served."
****
Touga lazily stood up, with his quite upset younger sister attached to his arm. Looking around, his eyes fell on Utena, who had nearly stopped dancing . . . afterall, dinner was being served at the moment.
He looked down at his sister a smiled, "I'm sorry Nanami . . . I was thinking of something . . . ." Touga had been doing that a lot lately, and he knew that others saw that also..but he couldn't help it, not with what he knew and what was going on.
He didn't want things happening . . . to . . . well, he'd just leave it at that . . . it was something -she- -choose- to become and do.
His long red hair fell forward as he leaned over to kiss his younger sister on the forehead. "Let's eat. Dinner is being served." And with that, the red-haired brother of Nanami slowly and gracefully started to exit, Nanami's hand on his arm.
****
"Dios" stepped away from Utena as the call for dinner was announced. Was it Utena's immagination, or did the boy seem paler than when he first started? But he still managed to take her hand and he kissed it softly, bowing as he did so.
"If you'll excuse me, I'll let you go in to dinner. There . . . is something I must do. But I shall return for the promised last dance. Wait for me."
And before Utena could say a word against his going, he backed into the crowd and quickly blended in with the others. . He slipped out of the room, beckoning to the spirit form of Mamoru. When he was sure no one could see them, he leaned up against the wall, grimacing. Mamoru slipped his transparent form into his body again and Dios slipped out immediatly afterward. The both of them looked exhausted, but Dios waved a hand to indicate he was fine.
"I . . . will return later, if you don't mind . . . for the last dance. Thank you." His voice was more like a whisper on the wind, but the servant boy could hear him clearly. Mamoru nodded and Dios faded untill it was impossible to see him, unless you knew what you are looking for, then he went to a place where he could rest for later. It was very draining for the both, but he was determined to dance with his princess at least once more tonight.
Akio took notice of the boy leaving and with a grace he hadn't shown since all this began, he manuvered away from Cassandra and made his way across the dance floor to the recently-abandoned Utena. Those who knew who he was parted in front of him and even those who didn't (as few as there were) could feel a sort of untouchableness about him and quickly moved as well. He reached the pink-haired Victor and took her hand, bowing slightly.
"Utena-san, I see your partner has left. If you won't mind, I'd be pleased to escort you to dinner. I believe they have us seated next to each other as well."
****
And just as Saionji and Wakaba walked into the room, the servent announced dinner. The green-haired Vice-President sighed with relief. At least they weren't -too- terribly late. Still leading Wakaba by the arm, he hurried her across the ballroom towards the dining room. If one didn't know better, they might think the two a couple. And they did look quite good together. Saionji in his black tux complimented Wakaba's white dress very nicely.
When the two reached the dining tables, the servents move up to them and seated the two, perhaps not coincidentally, right next to each other. Saionji didn't seem to much care, though he -did - take notice tha he wasn't quite as far away from Touga as he would have wished.
****
"Okay, onii-sama. But you must promise me at least one dance."
Nanami knew that Touga was very pensive right now, but she did not mind terribly, her imagination preffering to believe he was thinking of her.
The drama queen and the red haired god entered the dining room. Nanami was more than a little disappointed that she wasn't seated next to Touga.
****
Juri stood at the top of the balcony entrance, taking a moment to catch her breath, and to observe everyone for a moment. A few people were heading towards the dining room; apparantly dinner was about to be served. She noticed, however that a few scattered couples were still dancing, and a few still stood talking. -What a lovely room- she thought, as she rested her hand lightly on the railing. Her hair spilled over her shoulder as she looked down on the guests. Their voices mingled and carried up to her . . . bits and pieces of conversation. She could hear the lovely music being played . . . a nice melody for dancing to. She actually looked forward to the dinner in a way. But she felt a little bit of apprehension. She hoped that for once, things would be normal . . . for at least a little while.She gently lifted her dress and walked down the stairs.
****
Taking Akio's proferred arm, Utena nodded as they made their way to the table. Without Mamoru's arms around her she felt uneasy now, and she couldn't quite place the reason as to why. But the Dean had apparently noticed her abandonment quickly enough, and was obviously doing his level best to make her feel comfortable. Akio was charming as usual, and very gentlemanly as he held out her chair for Utena as she sat.
In the corner of her eye, Utena caught a fleeting glimpse of a woman who resembled Anthy. Well, she appeared a few years older, but for the most part it was a perfect match. She appeared to be talking to someone Utena couldn't quite see, but one thing was for certain, the subject of the conversation included her. How Utena knew that, she couldn't quite be sure, but she knew they were discussing her dance all the same.
"Is something bothering you, my dear?"
Utena turned at the sound of Akio's voice and smiled wanly. "No, Akio-san. Nothing is wrong."
He kept the polite smile tight on his face, but he knew what had to be the problem. It was her dance with Dios. Memories had to be floating to the surface of her thoughts, brought on by the touch of her Prince. It was all the doing of his Mother! For all his arrogance, Akio knew his mother and father were two people he didn't dare cross. Especially not on their turf.
Sophe smiled grimly across the room as she waited to be announced. She could feel his tension, and in a perverse way, she enjoyed it. As her name was called, she stepped forward, reveling in all the eyes on her. This was her place, among her people. Her children were home again, despite their strange circumstances, and her husband was far away. Her son's Council stood at attention to the lady of the house, and for the first time, Sophe looked at them as people rather than Her Son's Council.
Touga- very similar to her son, but stronger in his own way.
Saionji- stubborn and prideful, but full of an aching longing for something he couldn't name.
Juri- cold and rigid as a glacier, all to mask the bloody mess of emotion within.
Miki- in desperate need of guidance, in constant search of order for the chaotic rift that was his life .
Nanami- overly dramatic to hide the painful fear she would be abandoned once more as she and her brother were as small children.
They were mere children, despite it all. And the one most hurt was the one they couldn't see. Sophe felt an aching pride bloom in her chest at her Son's choices. He had done well, for even if his little games didn't succeed, with enough time and patience, the struggles of his Council would bring him around. They, not the Victor, will be his ultimate salvation, she thought..
****
Hearing the call for dinner to begin, Miki began walking over toward the table, hopefully before Takatsuki-san could "volunteer" to be his escort again.. He watched in silence as Akio led Utena. It seemed strange to not see Anthy-san walking with her, smiling the way she always did.. But he was abruptly distracted from his thoughts as Sophe was announced and he turned to look as well.. A beautiful woman.. Her coloring reminded him of Anthy and Akio.
****
Touga smugly smiled as he was placed beside Utena. His blue eyes turned up to see who also sat beside her, and not to his surprise, he saw the Lavander Haired One sitting on the other side. His smile quickly faded. As he sat down as saw Nanami's lips protrude into a pout for not being placed next to her beloved brother.
His eyes roamed over everyone as he waited for the dinner to be served and then he noticed Saionji sitting maybe a bit closer than he would've liked, and beside him, Utena's best friend, Wakaba. She looked lovely as well. His blue eyes could not help but stare at Utena at the very end of his wandering journey. She looked incredibly beautiful, and though he would've liked to reach out and run his fingers through her beautiful, pink hair, he knew that Akio would not have anything of it..
****
Wakaba, with a silent smile on her lips, carefully sat next to Saionji. She looked up and saw that she sat across from Utena, and on either side of them, Akio and Touga.. . . Her hair sat in soft waves around her shoulders and half of it was pulled up with two white roses in place.
Servents passed around punch . . . and Wakaba eagerly took the punch into her hand and took a slow, small sip. The punch..tasted . . . a bit . . . odd . . . holding the cup away from her, she replaced it in front of her as she tilted her head and stared at it a bit. Not wanting to seem rude, she regained her composure and sat up straight and looked up at Saionji. Why did I feel all warm inside . . . it can't be Saionji . . . it's not that kinda -warm- feeling, Wakaba thought, shaking her head lightly. She waited for the dinner to be served.
****
Nanami took a sip of the punch that was being passed around. Thats funny, she thought to herself, it has a very sharp, very strong aftertaste. But its good.
She took another sip. And another, then impatiantly drained the glass.
****
Juri took a seat next to Shiori -cringe- and Miki. Nanami was on the other side of Miki, and she looked very unhappy. Juri flipped the few obnoxious locks of curls back off her shoulder, and looked around.
She tried her best not to look at Shiori, except in passing, and to only say a word or two to her when it was necessary. Inside, however, she was screaming...
-Why can't I be strong?-
She sat straight, and figeted with the necklace at her throat. A million thoughts were bothering her, but nobody could see them . . . all they saw was Juri . . . cold, and calm as usual, and looking rather elegant this evening.
****
Tsuwabuki sighed and layed out all his clothing on one bed, and looked around. So late already. "Am I going to have a room mate?" He wondered aloud as he saw another bed. "Imagine if it were Nanami-sama." he said, and nearly had a nosebleed at the thought. Then he heard a knock on the door.
Who could it be? he thought and opened the door. In came a little girl, probably no older than he was. "Dinner has already been served, sir. I advise you to get dressed for the dance." She had lavender hair and dark skin, and for some reason she reminded him of Himemiya Anthy.
"Dance?" Tsuwabuki asked, dazed by the girl. He hadn't expected someone to just barge into his room.
"Yes, sir. You must hurry." She said as she looked onto his clothes.
"Is this all you have?" She questioned him.
"Well. . . is it formal?"
"I should think so."
"Yeah . ...that's all I have." The girl frowned at his clothing, then suddenly brightened.
"Oh, here's one that's appropriate!" She said, picking a black tux out.
"Eh?" Tsuwabuki asked, confused. He didn't remember packing anything like that . . .
"It's perfect!" she stated. For some reason he couldn't focus on her clearly. She made his eyes swim.
"Well, I'll be going." She smiled and opened the door.
"I would appreciate that." He smiled back, trying to be polite, and closed the door.
I better change, he thought and put on the tux with a gold cumberbund. Well, I already missed dinner, I guess I could sneak around a little . . .
He wandered around the plac, enjoying its beauty. "Wow, this is cooler than Ohtori." He paused to see a few straggling dancers still on the floor, all with the same lavender or purple hair, dusky skin, and blue or green eyes. Tsuwabuki meandered around some more, walking aimlessly until the girl servant appeared again.
"Oh, sir! What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at the dinner?"
"Dinner?" He asked again suprised. He had forgotten all about it. "Oh great . . . Can you tell me where it is?"
"Oh...I'll take you there, it's faster."
She suddenly grabbed Tsuwabuki's sleeve and dragged him, running, to the grand door. "Hey, easy on the sleeves!" Tsuwabuki told her. He was sure that Nanami would be there, and he wanted to look the very best for her.
"You're a bit late for dinner, but that's all right. They're in there, " she panted, and pointed at the dining room door.
"Well, thank you anyways," he said, still unable to focus on her clearly.
"You're welcome."
Then they both entered the door. "You're coming too?" he asked.
"Well, of course! I'm one of the servants. I work at this place!" She smiled brightly, her eyes blazing bluer for a moment.
"Sorry, I didn't know."
Then Tsuwabuki and the servant girl seperated. He was desperately looking for Nanami. He was positive he would be able to miss her. He was sure that she would be the prettiest girl around.
Tsuwabuki sighed, and hoped that he would be seated by Nanami,or at least get noticed by her, or something . . . Another servent appeared, and escorted him to the empty seat next to . . . Nanami-sama!
****
The table was full of people Utena had never expected. Wakaba was there, as was Saionji and Twsabuki. Touga sat on one side of her, Akio on the other. Juri was a little bit down on the other side of the table with her friend Shiori and Miki. All together, the dinner conversation was decidedly cold for the circumstances. Picking at the food on her plate, Utena took a small bite. It was fish (she thought) but it was marinaded in some garlicy butter sauce, and garnished with rice and some green vegetable she'd never seen before. Still, it was tasty, and complimented the yeasty bread very well. At her side, Akio was attempting to make witty conversation with Touga's sister, who was across the table between Miki and Tsuwabuki, but Nanami was looking decidely peaked. The blonde took another deep gulp of her drink, and her cheeks flushed a little more pink.
Curious as to the taste of the drink, Utena took a long slow sip. It was strange, though Utena had sipped liquer before, this was different. It was sweeter, with an odd aftertaste that made her whole body feel tingly and warm.
She glanced under her lids at the Dean and took another small bite of her fish. When they began their search for Anthy's cure in the morning she knew he'd be at the front, doing his damndest to find his beloved sister a cure. Only Akio could know what Utena was truly going through without Anthy, her best friend, at her side. He *was* her brother after all.
Utena smiled softly to herself and leaned over to speak with Touga. He was saying something devastatingly charming she was sure, and Utena felt her smile widen. It was odd how warm and cozy she felt all of a sudden. Everyone at the table was drinking the punch, even Tswabuki was testing the drink, and Utena giggled a bit as small smiles began playing on tight lips. Even Juri-sempai seemed to be loosening up with the drink; she was leaning back in her chair and tenderly stroking her friend Shiori's shoulder.
Laughing to herself at Touga's words (they seemed to be coming at Utena in slow motion) she took another long drink. Strange, her cup should be empty now, but it was still filled to the brim with the sweet drink. The fish was gone, a salad now sat in front of her; small conversations were going on all around the table. Slowly Utena turned to find herself nose to nose with Touga. "Hi," she whispered huskily.
****
Well, almost everyone was drinking the punch. Akio had taken one sip of the concoction placed before him and immediatly realized what was in it. As he lifted his head to glance across the table, angry teal eyes matched the cool, collected ones of his mother. He should have known she'd have a trick or three up her sleeve, and this stunt was worthy of something he would do. With an off-handed, defiant air, he raised his cup in a silent toast to his mother, then very purposefully placed it down again, as far from his person as humanly possible, and turned to speak to the disgruntled Nanami, who was kitty corner across from him. Apparently it would be a dry meal for him, but he would not be done in by his own mother.
Of course, he didn't inform anyone else at the table of the obvious ploy. In fact, he took a rather preverse pleasure in watching the rest of the Ohtori students make complete and utter fools out of themselves. Even his engaged, Kanae, was giggling and talking with those next to her with an abandon she never showed while at the school. Then again, Utena's conduct was another matter. He seethed inwardly but gently managed to get the cup from Utena's hand, at the same time tryign to pull her attention away from Touga and back towards himself.
Down the table, Saionji was leaning perhaps a tad closer to Wakaba than he normally would. With his chin resting in one hand and his other hand still holding the spiked drink, he leans towards the younger girl, thinking how in all that white, she almost looks like an angel. As for Touga, well, Saionji wasn't going to think about that if he didn't half to and in light of his charming dinner companion, his former complain with the red-haired President seemed unimportant at the moment.
"Acctually, Wakaba-san, I'm rather glad you -are- here, no matter how it happened," he said, his voice nearly purring with the effects of the drink.
****
Inside, Juri was yelling at herself to stop acting like an idiot. But she couldn't seem to get herself to respond to that. No matter how she tried to tell herself to stop, she just kept talking, and smiling like a goof. At one point, she noticed that she had her arm on Shiori's shoulder . . . but Shiori didn't seem to care too much . . . she had some of the punch in her hand as well.
Shiori leaned over to talk to someone else, one of those strange lavender haired people who kept showing up, and Juri looked to Miki. She and Miki were fairly good friends, even if they didn't talk much. They held a silent sort of bond. Juri draped an arm around him and smiled, making him blush.
She whispered, "Hey, sweetie, how ya doin?"
****
Shiori yawned and took another sip of her punch, it was making her feel kind of sleepy. Not sleepy sleepy, just sort of relaxed sleepy. She set the cup down and looked lazily around the table, and turned to whoever was on her right to ask them if they knew if there was something in the punch. She didn't care, she found it kind of funny. It was just then she realized that Juri had her arm on her shoulder a minute ago, but was now talking to Miki.
She put her elbows on the table and propped her head up and looked at those of the male persuasion.
****
Touga mused and smiled at the dolled up Utena as he took another drink after another . . . telling her charming remarks about how she looked 'oh-so-pretty' that night. His lips turned into a lazy, relaxed smile as his blue, intense eyes steadily watched hers. And as Utena started to talk back, the pink-haired victor was suddenly pulled away from his face. His eyes moved over to the man sitting on the other side of her. The rijichou. His face tilted to one side, the red god snickered and smiled at Akio as his he reached for Utena's hand and kissed it lightly. His smile widened as he thought he took another long sip from the drink. Let the dean take that. His eyes watched for Akio's reaction.
****
Wakaba sat, her eyes locked onto the green haired god...her lips drew a soft smile as she took another drink from the odd tasting punch...
"Are you really glad that I'm here?" she asked, quite dazed. Her hands reached around and placed it on his shoulder and she rested her head against his arm... "I'm glad you're here too . . . " she said. She felt so odd. . . . but why?
****
Saionji wasn't all-together unfamiliar with alcohol and somewhere in the back of his mind, he just -knew- that the punch had been spiked and that same part registered confusion at the reason why. But for some reason, he just couldn't make himself care. He seemed to be completely taken by the charming, brown-haired vision at his elbow. Strange how he had never noticed how radiant she was before this. The remainder of his meal forgotten, he grinned down at her, running a finger down her nose.
"Did I tell you that you look just like an angel in all that white?"
****
The warm fuzzy feeling was beyond a new experience for her. She felt a surge of tenderness for everyone at the table, including Nanami, ironically of course. Almost as if sensing the chaos that was to insue, the orchestra chose this moment to begin playing again. Dessert would be served in half an hour, so they had to do something with the time between servings.
Inwardly blushing at her audacity, Utena turned to her two dinner companions and smiled as seductively as she knew how. Then flipping her hair back over her shoulders, she leaned slightly forward, just far enough to give them a good hint at her cleavage. She knew she had assets, now was the time to use them.
Deep inside, she was cringing at her actions, but outwardly Utena didn't give a damn. She loved her Prince with everything within her soul, but he was no longer in her arms, and a piece of her thought she'd probably imagined him anyway. This immediacy, the fuzziness of right now, was all she wanted at the moment. She just wanted to be cherished for once, protected in some one's arms, instead of the ever-suffering hero on a quest. Utena wanted desperately to be loved.
Just this once, she wanted to be desired for herself, not the facade she offered the world. So Utena let go of all her worries and doubts and fears. She released all her sorrows and angst and fright into the atmosphere with, had it been audible, one peircing inner scream. Her lips never moved, her eyes never wavered; an instant later, after she'd gained a semblance of inner control, licking her lips she turned once more to the two men at her sides.
"So, which one of you wants to dance?"
Touga smiled at her and grabbed her hand. He had only picked at his dinner. He was too into Utena, and she knew it. And now she wanted to dance. Touga quickly grabbed her around his waist and smiled at her even more widely. It was more of a grin, really.
"I want to dance . . . how about it?" At that, Touga and her ran off to the dance floor The red haired god spun her on her feet, and of course, he knew how to dance -- after all, why shouldn't he? Together, both more than a bit buzzed, the pair whisked across the floor, both full of giggles.
****
Akio gave Sophe another glance that spoke daggers and slowly rose to his feet. Ohtori Akio never hurried -anywhere- and he would not hurry to the pink-haired Victor's side, no matter HOW much of him inside wanted to. The part of him that was Dios wanted to run over to her, to wisk her out of Touga's arms, to dance with her once again but Akio shoved that part of him down even further and walked from the room with the grace and carriage of the prince he was.
Being that he wasn't in the least bit intoxicated, he had a slight advantage over the two dancing. Before Touga's alcohole-clouded mind could comprehend what the violet-haired Dean was doing, Akio had slipped between the two, muttering a soft "Do you mind if I steal your companion? Good, I didn't think so" and swinging her over to another part of the dance floor. A small smirk graced his lips as he held Utena close to him, all the while keeping one eye on the red-haired President. In the battle of seduction, it was inevitable who would win. After all, Akio had centuries of practice over that mere boy.
****
Wakaba giggled as she felt Saionji's finger upon her cute button nose. Blinking, the little girl in white stared up at the man who had once lived with her. Her thin finger went to Saionji's nose and she pressed it, still full of bubbly giggles.
"Do I really?" Wakaba beamed as his words... "Thank you!...Actually, you look very handsome yourself," she managed to say. Taking another drink, Wakaba smiled and stood up, trying to straighten her dress, she wobbled and fell into Saionji's lap. Still giggling, she blushed and quickly stood back up, resting one hand on the back of the chair to keep herself up.
****
The little servent girl smirked at the mayhem that the dinner had collapsed into, and smirked quietly to herself. The Himemiya sure knew how to throw a party, that was certain. It hadn't been this silly in ages. She signalled to the cooks that dessert was probably not going to happen for most of them. Heck, the Fallen one had already taken his Victor off to dance with her.
She downed a drink (unspiked) and watched the young people make utter fools of themselves.
****
Touga lazily stared at Akio as he whisked the pink haired prince away from his arms, his hand resting on his hip. He walked back into the dining room, shaking his head as in to wonder what just happened. Then his eyes fell upon Kanae... she was looking very pretty. Tit for tat? But then he saw Wakaba stand up. Ahhhh. Maybe she wants to dance, he thought, and without thinking anymore, he walked over, grabbed her hand and started to lead her to the grand dance floor. Smiling at her, he tried to take her away, but Wakaba slipped her hand away and swatted him weakly across his face and made her way back to Saionji. She put her arms around his neck. She wanted to show the stupid red-haired president that she was Saionji's date, not his.
Shrugging and dismissing the thought, he walked over to Juri. "Care to dance?"
****
Saionji frowned and wrapped his arms possesivly around Wakaba. He always lost to Touga, well, he wasn't about to lose THIS. In a rather drunken haze, he stood up and wrapped an arm around Wakaba's waist, leading her out to the dance floor.
"I'd be honored if you'd give me this dance, my pretty angel."
Wakaba's smile widened and she nodded idiotically as Saionji walked her off to the dance floor. Her head rested against him. She looked back at Touga with a giggle and stuck herself more firmly to Saionji's side...
Stopping on the dance floor, Wakaba stood and smiled at him.."The pleasure of the dance is mine...." she cooed. and with that, a new song started and she gave him a little curtsy.
****
Miki glanced from side to side, from Nanami to Shiori to Juri-sempai. Everything seemed . . . different tonight.. He felt happier, more relaxed than he had in a while. A soft warmth spreading through him, and he started to smile, even attempting to join in the conversation. He frowned thoughtfully at his glass, troubled by a faint, nagging thought. He wasn't really used to drinking, but still.. Had he had that much? He quickly forgot all that however, as something strange happened.
Juri put her arm around good old Miki again. It took him a minute to realize what had happened and he blushed, starting to stammer as he glanced over at her. Cerulean eyes widened with surpris "Um...Juri-sempai...I..."
Suddenly, a voice from behind Juri asked her if she'd care to dance. She looked behind her and flicked her loose curls from her eyes.
A flash of red blurred her vision, and she shook her head to clear it. Touga was standing there, a confidently goofy grin on his face.
"Touga..."
She looked back at Miki, who obviously wasn't so smashed as to be too shy and conservative to dance. And she looked at Shiori . . . and knows that she'd never be bold enough to ask her to dance. She looked back at Touga, and decided that she needs to have a little fun for once. And she had to admit that Touga looked very nice in that tux . . . very nice indeed.
She stood and pushed the chair back to the table behind her. "Why not?"
****
Nanami watched Touga take away Juri. She wanted to smash Juri in the face for accepting her brother's invitation, but for some reason she was feeling too pleasant to spoil her sudden good mood.
She reached for another glass, and after swallowing it, noticed Miki sitting next to her. She had never paid attention to his eyes before...they were such a warm, nice shade of blue.
Ignoring Tsuwabuki, who was passed out on his plate, poor minion, she leaned over and lightly touched Miki's arm.
"Did I ever tell you that you're handsome?" she slurred slightly. "Much better looking than Kozue. I...I'd have a hard time believing you're even related at all."
****
And then Touga had been standing there, smiling down at Juri. Miki watched, half dazed, half curious as they moved out onto the dance floor, as he took another drink from his glass. He had just set his glass down, his hand not entirely steady, when he felt a hand on his arm. Glancing over, Miki found himself looking into large lavender eyes, framed with blond hair. Nanami-san? His eyes widened at her words, a dark flush spreading over his cheeks. He blinked, trying to focus his mind out of its haze. Nanami did look pretty tonight. Smiling shyly at her, he managed to stammer a surprised and slightly nervous reply.
"Um . . . no, you didn't.. Well.. We're not much alike . . . Kozue and I.. You . . . look nice tonight, Nanami-san."
****
Shiori watched through sleepy eyes as Juri got up to dance with Touga. A twinge of something passed through her body, jealousy? Why would I be jealous? Shiori scoffed to herself. She pulled her legs up to her chest and eyed the flirting couples, Some people can't handle their liquor, she thought with disdain, although she wasn't exactly the most clear-headed person at the party either.
Shiori glanced at Miki and considered asking him to dance, but he was talking to Nanami. Just a child, she scoffed, I'm getting so bored . . .
****
Saionji swung his dance partner around the floor. The song playing was upbeat and jazzy [Editor's note: think Akio Car music] and in his current uninhibited state, the green-haired former Vice President was really starting to get into the mood. If he was a little more . . . enthusiastic than usual, who could blame him? Even while the voice in the back of his head told him to stop acting like an idiot, the rest of him said to enjoy himself for once. Perhaps he really didn't mind though. It was a nice change, having an excuse to let go, to have fun for once and to be able to forget the past. For a moment, it was almost as if he had found that feeling he'd been looking for all those years. In the morning he would regret this but for now it was more than fine.
When the song started to approach it's close, Saionji swung Wakaba out, then pulled her back in, dipping her low to the ground. As he leaned over her, his long, emerald-green locks brushed over the white fabric of Wakaba's dress. He grinned at her, a bit drunkenly but with an actual, almost-happy smile for once, holding the pose for what felt like . . . eternity.
"Did I ever tell you what an amazing dance partner you are?"
****
Being held in such a firm embrace was an exhilerating experience for Utena. She laid her head on Akio-san's shoulder and trembled slightly. It was odd, she recalled this same feeling earlier when she'd been held in Mamoru's arms . . . but it was different somehow. That had been pure love; the tender gentle embrace of first love. This was something similar, but at the same time, altogether different.
It was just as sweet, but it was wild and exhilerating too; it was the difference between the previous waltz and the thrumming beat to which they were dancing to now. One was prim and proper and gentle; the steps were laid out, the tempo set. But this was wild and exciting and rich with life; no set pattern, just two bodies twisting to the beat.
And Utena loved them both.
It occured to her as she danced; the two were inescapibly a piece of her soul; the wild side yearning to break free of the prim and proper prince.
So she broke free.
Gazing up at Akio, Utena glanced around the ballroom and smiled softly. Somewhere deep within, she knew what she was about to do was very, very wrong. It went against her nature, it went against who she was inherently. But she didn't care.
Utena kissed Ohtori Akio.
And he never saw it coming.
He was very surprised in fact.
There was no tenderness in that kiss, it was pure driven passion. She knew Kanae was wandering around somewhere, she knew they were in the middle of the dance floor in front of Touga and God and all, but she just didn't care.
It was exhilerating. It was freeing. It was unexpected.
And somewhere deep within the Castle of Anthy and Dios' birth, a pale white rose began to wilt. The protection spell set on Utena's Rose Seal was broken; even Cassandra couldn't heal this wound. Keske's influence was felt fully at last.
****
Outside the gates, a small caravan of people arrived. Servants rushed to Sophe's side with the news that her husband had returned with the Council Members that had defected. His buisness at Ohtori was finished, the evil eyes that had ripped apart a garden now bore a name; and a strong one it was too. While she was in his grasp Keske had planted a seed of poison within the Victor; she now would fade along with the Duellists, and the Black Rose Duellists would take their place as Akio's Council, despite the fact they were not of his choosing, rather his father's. Akio wouldn't even be allowed to remember any of the circumstances regarding his chosen Council. These past weeks would wipe everyone's memory, and as they faded, their memories would die as well.
Eventually, the Council would not even remember their own names. But that was weeks away, really. Until then, let them play their games and dance carelessly. Their time would come.
Keske didn't care for the Council's collective weaknesses, the Black Rose Children were stronger and would win at any cost. He was counting on that. He would rule Sophe's Council, his son, and his son's Council as well.
And Victor and her Rose Bride be damned.
****
Touga smiled down at Juri as she whisked themselves across the dance floor, together, the dancing couple and their hair made themselves seem like a live, dancing fire. Touga really knew how to move, but then again, why shouldn't he? While dancing, he noticed how lovely Juri really looked... He never took a close look at her, knowing she was untouchable by him, and she was so much prettier than he had imagined. Maybe their cool respect always stood in the way. Shrugging the feelings off, the school president and the treasurer danced away at the floor.
****
Meanwhile, Saionji leaned Wakaba back in his arms, k, and all, in that moment when she saw his green locks fall opon her body, her brown eyes intensely locked with him, she held on, wishing that the moment would not end. Smilng up at him, Wakaba kept her arms around his neck, her short, wavy brown hair hanging away from her shoulders as they stood in that position.. Many eyes watched, and she didn't want to say a word, letting the spur of the moment over take her..... back in her mind, she was screaming in horror, but she only pushed it away. It was her night, and she was gonna have fun.
****
Juri smiled, and closed her eyes to listen to the music. She liked the way it sounded . . . nice and upbeat. Fun. She liked the way her hair swung when she moved. She should let her hair down more often.
Touga swept her around too fast, and made her a little dizzy. She managed to keep her balance, and kept dancing, but she burst into the giggles, and the confused look on Touga's face just made her laugh harder. She laughed, and after laughing so hard, she almost wanted to burst into tears for some reason.
She stopped laughing, and simply smiled . . . not a very genuine smile . . . it looked sad to say the truth.
****
The kiss was unexpected, yes, but that's not to say Akio didn't enjoy it. After he got over his initial surprise -who knew Utena-san could be like this?- he decided to take advantage of the moment. In full view of anyone who cared to look, the violet-haired Dean bent his dance partner low and kissed her back with a passion none of those present had ever been privlidged to see (or feel). A single thought slipped through his mind and he had to resist the urge to smirk. -This is what Sophe gets when she meddles with *my* Victor. She deserves to see this--
Elsewhere in the castle, a violet-haired boy, no more than a ghost of his real self, jerked his head up, teal eyes wide with fear. He knew his father was home and that frightened him, though the man could hardly do anything physical to him. It wasn't himself he worried for though, it was the Victor. In his mind's eye, he saw the scene in the ballroom through his counterpart's eyes and he groaned silently. It wasn't really Akio's fault . . . and then again, it was. It always would be. The ghost's lips moved in a silent cry . . . a cry that would never come from him, but . . .
. . . .in the ballroom Akio suddenly froze, confusing Utena. The violet-haired man let go of her so suddenly she almost fell, then took a few steps back. There was something different about his face, something only the castle residents could remember, something that made the outfit he wore, the one so much like Dios', seem more fitting than usual. The orchestra stopped.
"My God....what have you done?" For the briefest moment, Innocent and Fallen spoke as one, acted with the same movements and then . . . seperate again. Akio's eyes flashed with anger and he shouted to the ceiling, to who only he, and a few others, knew.
"I did nothing! Do not blame me for this!"
He turned to look at Sophe and he knew and for perhaps the first time since this whole ordeal had started, he feared. He felt the fear rip at what was left of his heart-gone-cold. He couldn't explain how he knew, but he did. He knew what was going to happen and rage burned through him. He never had a problem with "adjusting" the memories of everyone else, but that someone would do the same to HIM was inexcusable. And still . . . he could do nothing. Nothing at all. Not by himself, not against his father.
With all eyes on him now and near complete silence in the chamber, he looked around with a mixture of helplessness, rage and fear in his eyes. Ohtori, once Himemiya, Akio, for perhaps the first time in his side of their life, was completely out of control. Without another word, he turned and -ran- from the room, so fast that he was only a blur of lights and darks. he would NOT meet up with his father, not right now, not when he was tempted to do something they would all regret.
****
Of course, the moment had to end. It always did. And it ended rather abruptly with the scene the Dean had just caused. After what felt like the longest moment in the universe, Saionji carefully lifted Wakaba up again and held her close. Even in his drunken haze, he knew that something was wrong. Very wrong. Still, not thinking quite clearly, he said the first thing that came to his mind.
"I didn't know the Dean could yell."

****
Wakaba's dark eyes closed in wonder and amazement . . . that, and she felt sick, a bit to her stomach. . . . all that twirling, within that moment, had seemed fine and dandy, but now that she stopped, the young date of the green haired god didn't feel so good . . . standing in Saionji's arms, she hoped the drunken feeling of haze and sickness would disappear, one way or another...Her eyes widened at the odd turbulence of sounds, with her hand over her forehead, Wakaba watched Utena and her -friend-? wide-eyed . . .
****
Dios was in the ballroom in a flash. There Mamoru stood, still beside Cassandra and Sophe . . . and ghostly Anthy.
Utena stared, flabbergasted as the man in her arms rushed from the room. Her fingers flew to her lips and she bit back tears. -Did I do something wrong?-
As if hearing her thoughts, she felt a hand on her shoulder and then arms drew her to her feet. "You did nothing Utena. It is not your fault."
Utena turned to look into Mamoru's lovely -teal- eyes. He was as he'd been when they were dancing, mysterious and strong. He was her prince again, and he'd come to protect his princess in these trying moments.
Though she fought the pain overwhelming her, Utena couldn't hold back any longer. One by one, tears slipped down her face. He drew her close and she buried her face in his neck. Without a word, he scooped her limp form into his arms and strode from the room. She was hysterical, and would need to be seen by Cassandra before she would sleep that evening. But the least he could do was take her to her room, and let the effects of Sophe's potion wear off. His father would be in his rooms at the moment, and wouldn't bother them for the time being. But Sophe would take care of the other Duellists and prepare the food for the coming day. When Dawn broke the sky, they were to set for the hills...and search for the cure in the old ruins. He just hoped they'd be lucky.
For once.
****
Those few still inside the dining room had nibbled half heartedly at the dessert, not really caring about it. "That's . . . good." Nanami sidled out of her seat, and slipped onto the one that Shiori had abandoned, althought she wasn't sure why she did so.
Through a drunken haze, Nanami suddenly saw that Miki was far more handsome than she would have previously given him credit for. He had a quiet strength that emanated from the heart, and a sadness in his eyes that spoke of a deep loss. A part of Nanami that had forgotten Touga's name wanted very much to be the person to make that hurt go away, if only for a little while.
The drama queen took one of his hands in hers, and peered up at his face like a curious owl. "Are you lonely? Because I am. I'm always afraid of being lonely. I never want to be lonely again." She squeezed his hand. "Promise me you'll never let someone afraid of being lonely be alone."
****
Miki put his hand to his forehand, wishing that slightly dizzy feeling would go away.. As he looked he saw.. Nanami-san? Who was now sitting beside...him on the other side? Then she was talking again, staring at him. The large purple eyes were sad . . . maybe even afraid, something he had never seen in her before. Miki blinked at her dazedly, eyes widening as her words registered.. Lonely? She was lonely too . . .
"Yes.. I'm lonely.."
Cerulean opened wider, glanced at their entwined hands.. and blushing slightly, he gave her hand a tentive squeeze.. Wanting to comfort her, to make her not look so sad..~
"I.... promise.. I promise, Nanami-san.."
Miki gave her a sad, shy smile.. He didn't want to be alone anymore, and right now, for little while, maybe he didn't have to be.
Their faces were only inches apart, and Nanami had an impulse to do something, something that the sober Nanami would have screamed about, something that that Nanami would be embarassed to let anyone know. But this Nanami, the one of here and now, the drunk one, forgot for a moment that she was the Drama Queen of Ohtori and let the vunerable little girl in her heart come out.
She closed her eyes, and remembered not to purse her lips in expectation, but as Miki leaned in to kiss her she heard a loud yell come from the direction of the ball room.
"Noni?" she slurred, and opened her eyes, turning her head toward the ballroom, so that Miki missed and hit her cheek.
****
Touga, being curious towards Juri's behavior, leaned in close.. "What's wrong?" he asked, sincerely concerned. After all, it was the first time she had actually deciede to loosen up and have fun since he'd known her, but within that moment, she withdrew and become sullen once more; that was the ways of Juri, to be to herself . . . and the student council president had always wondered why she had kept to herself, but he never decided to question it. While waiting for his answer, Touga's eyes looked over Juri's shoulder and caught a glimpse of the pink-haired victor. Oh how he really wanted to hold her into a sweet embrace and be her prince, but her heart and soul belonged to another. His eyes returned to Juri, and then he heard the agonized cry. Looking up, there he saw the pink hair in a blurry cloud of haze, and then it was gone again.
****
Miki stared at her wide-eyed, frozen in shock. Then before he could think about it, before he knew what he was doing, his lips hesitantly . . .brushed her cheek as she turned her head. He was blushing deeply anyway, his cerulean eyes wide with embarassment and . . . surprise at himself. Swallowing hard he stared down at his plate. He hadn't just. . . Had he really . . . with Nanami? And then someone was yelling loudly, they both turned to the dance floor in time to see the dean stalk off, leaving Utena-san standing in the middle of the floor.
****
Juri looked at Touga, and as a tear tried to form at the corner of her eye, she shook her head angrily. -I WILL be strong-
"Nothing. I'm fine." She took a step back from Touga, as he looked away . . . at Utena. "Naive" and "cruelly innocent" came to mind, and Juri retreated further inside herself. Utena was too much like Shiori.
Juri instinctively reached down to hold the locket, but then realized that she left it on the nightstand . . . didn't she? Yeah. She sighed, and was about to make a quick, apology to Touga for being rude, when she heard a voice rise in volume . . . it echoed through the ballroom, and resounded in every ear.
****
Tsuwabuki, barely conscious, lifted his head took another tiny sip at his drink. "Delicious," he thought and drank some more. He glanced to his side and saw Nanami-san ask Miki-sempai talking, his golden haired goddess all but clinging to the student council secretary. At first he was shocked, but the next second, he really couldn't care less. He knew he should be a little, if not very, angry or shocked, but to his surprise, he didn't feel anything at all. He was much too attached to his drink. His delicious drink. He looked around and realized that the dining room was empty, and so he watched all of the others dance through the open doors.
Miki then kissed Nanami's cheek as the Dean's piercing cry echoed through the ballroom.
"What's his problem?" He asked, almost to no one in particular.
All Tsuwabuki, as tipsy as he was, could think was that Touga wouldn't be happy. The thought made him wonder where the President was and he searched for him lazily. When he caught a glimpse of Touga and Juri, he never would have thought they'd be dancing together.
Realizing that his cup was empty, the little servant girl walked to him. "Why aren't you dancing sir? Everyone else is."
"I dun care . . . can't dance with Nanami.. . . more please . . ." he said, his tongue thick in he mouth. He could barely give his cup to her.
"Yes, sir." She sighed and smirked to herself mysterioulsy, and drew back "Are you feeling alright? You seem strange.."
"I'm alright, " he said, taking another sip at his drink contentedly, his head still lolling on his plate. "Thanks . . ."
The servent girl smiled again, and escorted the drunk boy out of the room. Poor kid. He didn't have the hormonse for the aphrodesiac to take, and so it had just gotten him funky. Whereas the others . . . Sophe had mixed the potion real good this time.
****

Saionji held Wakaba steady, the buzz having left him with a sudden rush. He suddenly realized what he just said and put a hand to his forhead. The -Dean- just yelled....just panicked. And though he didn't quite understand why, he knew that that scared him. Something very bad was going to happen and he just KNEW he was going to have to much of a hangover to do anything about it. And then something else told him NOT to leave Wakaba....or else that feeling deep down was going to get ALOT worse.
Something flashed in his mind's eye . . .Wakaba. What was is about Wakaba? It was fuzzy, more like the memory of a dream, not a real memory. Something . . .
- "But, don't worry, I plan to buy you something expensive instead, and I want to mail it to you if I can, so is this address okay?"
"Never mind. I've got something better now."
"That's..."-
His sword . . . she had pulled his sword out of . . . but that's impossible. -It must be the alcohol. I'm delusional.- But deep down, he knew that if he let Wakaba out of his sight for a minute, she was going to do something much worse. Well, not HER but whatever it was that was making him feel like this. Oh hell, he didn't understand what was wrong with him. But for once . . . just this once . . . he was going to do what his gut feeling told him to.
"Lets get out of here. You probablly want to lie down." Without looking at anyone else, he lead Wakaba out of the room and towards the living quarters. Tomorrow. Tomorrow he would worry about the consequenses.
****
Nanami didn't let go of Miki's hand, but instead stood up and tugged him toward the ballroom. "Something is wrong," she whispered. "Something is very wrong. I'm . . . I'm scared." Nanami suddenly felt queasy. She turned and somehow found herself in Miki's arms, but her face was toward the ballroom. "I'm scared, Miki."
Miki watched as if from a distance, as Nanami tugged him into the ballroom. Somewhere, in a more sober part of his mind he knew there was a reason he shouldn't be doing this. That he would regret it tomorrow, being this open, this close. Miki had sometimes wondered about his first kiss, but he had he imagined . . not Nanami. She was talking again. Distracted from his tenative reverie, he leaned close to hear the softly spoken words . . . And he shivered . . . something was very wrong.
"Its all right, Nanami.. It'll be all right, " he whispered back, blinking as his arms were suddenly around her. Miki frowned, patting her shoulder awkwardly, wanting to comfort her, but not sure how.
****
Touga's blue eyes never left the sight of the Victor, and the odd violet haired one that carried her off, but seeing an orange blur in the corner of his eye, he turned his head to see Juri slipping away. His questioning eyes never said anything, because he knew that he could not get anything out of her. All he could do was watch her walk away.
Glancing around the room, everything seemed to turn at a slow pace... he saw the youngest boy, drinking from the cup, the same punch...that everyone had been drinking, and then a violet haired servent girl lead him away . . . then he saw Miki, the blue haired councilmember, put his arms around his imoto-chan . . . and at last, he saw Saionji leave the ballroom with Wakaba.
What was going on? Touga thought thought to himself. Things weren't right, and he knew it. Walking back to his chair in the dining room, the student council president sat down, crossing his legs and putting his hand to his forehead.
****

Being led out of the room by the one guy she desperatly loved so much....
And so I dance with you in my dreams . . .
Wakaba felt so silly, yet so special . . . not being able to walk straight, she had a hard time getting to a suitable resting place.... also, not wanting to lean on Saionji too much, she pushed him away slighty . . . was this a dream . . . .? Her, dream did come true . . . maybe this was a dream..and when she opens her eyes, she'd find herself within that tiny dorm room where she always had lived, only to be alone . . . just another face in a crowd.
She didn't know what to think or what to say... all she wanted to do was rest... her body was giving in to the potion.
As if in a haze, or a dream, Wakaba felt a pair of strong arms lift her up. Through heavy eyelids, she could see Saionji's well-defined chin as he looked straight ahead, carrying her down the hallway.
Was this a dream? she wondered again.
Even if it was, she was too tired to care. Leaning into his strong chest, she sighed a little. If this was a dream, she hoped it would last forever.
****
Saionji had felt Wakaba sway and scooped her up, despite the exhaustion and lingering effects of the drug he too felt. For a moment he paused though. Where was Wakaba's room? He had no idea....had never even asked. It had never occured to him to -care-. With a soft sigh that blew the bangs out of his eyes momentarily, he looked down the hallway, then started walking again, with a purpose. Maybe it was the drug still making him think weird, maybe it was something else, but he figured it wouldn't do him any hard to have her in -his- room for the night.
Despite the lightness of his burden, it seems to take him much to long to reach his room. Kicking the door open in an almost desperate gesture, he managed to stager over to the bed and lay Wakaba down. Conscious only of his own now-pounding head and exhausted body, he pulls off the tuxedo coat and cumberbun, dropping them casually on the floor, and collapsed onto the bed as well......right next to Wakaba. There he stayed for the remainder of the night, not even aware of the girl next to him...not aware of anything.
****
Nanami suddenly felt very tired. She turned to Miki. "Miki-san, I don't know whats happening, but I don't want to be alone." She gripped his tuxedo as if she'd never let go. Her head bobbed unsteadily, and she leaned in on his shoulder. She was not much shorter than him, she noticed dreamily. His arms were warm. Just a small nap wouldn't hurt...she opened her eyes resolutely. No she couldn't just fall asleep here. Onii-sama might worry. Onii-sa..ma...wasn't here. He was with Juri. A bubble of jealousy broke the spell a bit, and Nanami felt a bit more awake. She deliberatelty snuggled deeper into Miki's arms. If onii-sama was going to desert her, she'd desert him as well.
But Miki's embrace was nice...and Nanami didn't want it to end just now.
****
Shiori watched as Touga returned to his chair, a worried look on his face. She had been dancing with one of those purple haired men that seemed to be showing up in droves as the evening progressed, but she had gotten tired and sat back down on one of the chairs in the dining room again, drinking more of the punch. She settled her eyes upon his brooding figure and swung one of her legs over the arm of the dining room chair.
"Touga-sempai..." she said clearly, her head was rather foggy, but she had stopped drinking the wine. She'd rather be in control at all times, if at all possible--besides, she felt so tired. "Touga-sempai, you look positively dismal."
****
Juri stood against the wall for a moment, trying to clear her thoughts. She watched Shiori talk to Touga, and wished to be near her. She watched all the commotion that Akio had caused, and she watch people leave...to go to bed. Perhaps they'd had enough of all this, just as she had.
For a moment she simply couldn't move. She wanted to do nothing but watch, and enjoy the numbness that had swept over her now. Everything that she watched seemed like a dream. And feelings and emotions didn't matter in dreams, did they?
The duels, the rose bride, the castle...none of it mattered right now. Miracles...they didn't matter. The locket...nothing. She watched one of the crystals on the chandelier twinkle in the light.
She stood, with her shoulder against the wall, emotionless for a few sweet moments. For a little while at least, she could lose herself.
****
Utena couldn't stop the tears from flowing. She knew that princes shouldn't cry, she knew she had to be strong for everyone, especially Anthy, but at the same time she couldn't stop. The door to her room swung open and the strong arms that carried her slowly deposited her on the bed. Voices occasionally broke through her racking sobs:
"At last you're here. Where is... Did Anthy see her col... And he rushed off, I don't know where..."
"...needs to be taken care... I'll make sure that she... Come back in ten... Calm do..."
Trying to block out her actions and the fear that coursed through her veins, Utena curled into a tight ball, and her entire body shook with the force of her tears. Almost as in a dream, she felt warm, soft fingers draw her clothing off, and a soft chanting filled the chamber. Through it all, Utena's mind cataloged the motions around her, the whisper of the wind and the soft song hummed by the woman tending her. Her cries lessened, though not by much, and she began to think again, rather than just feel. As her rational mind asserted itself once more, the aching ball of emotion in her stomach loosened, and she began to try and sort out her surroundings.
-Softness on her skin. Flannel?-
-The woman was wiping her face with a warm washcloth. It smelled of lilies and roses. Maybe a little lavendar too.-
-The song sounded familiar...like a lullaby you would sing to a small child.-
-Her tears were being wiped away by a different hand now, a masculine one. Long, slender fingers that matched worried teal eyes gazing into her own. It was her prince.-
Dios nodded to Cassandra as she left the room. "Thank you," he whispered. "She's calming down."
Cassandra nodded once. "I sung the runes to her. She will sleep well, but will have nightmares."
He glanced at the girl now laying quietly on the bed. She was still crying, but they were silent slow tears that dripped down her cheeks one by one. "I wish I could stay."
Raising an eyebrow, Cassandra laughed. "Why not? It's not like Mamoru needs his form this evening, he's comforting Anthy. And sleeping isn't like dancing, you know. You don't move much, so it won't take any energy to hold yourself in his form."
Dios blushed, but nodded. "She will need me."
Cassandra nodded. "Sleep tight."
Utena's emotions felt like so much lint in a dryer; tumbled and tossed away. So when arms surrounded her faintly trembling form, a part of her thought she was dreaming. But when one shaking hand slowly drew its fingers through her hair and urged her head around, she knew she was still awake. Without a word, still crying softly, Utena turned and snuggled into the Prince. He would take care of her until she was able to defend herself again, she knew it. But for now, she could sleep. Slowly, her breathing evened out and Utena drifted off; safe in Dios' arms.
****
Wakaba felt herself being let down onto something nice... plushy, but wherever she was, she was glad that she was finally lying down. Her tiny, thin body ached and she turned to her side to face the wall as the body curled up into a fetal position to fall asleep...the room was dark...... and she felt..so nice and warm inside...
****
Touga's intense blue eyes peered up as his hand fell to rest on the table. Shiori's words only made his head hurt more. He rested his eyes on her lips . . . still in this drunken blur, Touga pulled her up by her arms and kissed her on the lips. Sometimes any female would do. But he didn't know what he was doing . . . only his body did, playboy instinct, it had to be . . . dropping her, after realizing what he was doing, the student council president blinked for a while. Wiping his lips with the back of his hand, he stared off into no where for a moment, unseeing, and then ran out of the dinner hall. Stopping outside the large french doors, Touga rested against the wall for a moment, trying to get his head to think clearly. He didnt know what he wanted . . . all he wished was to be home. Shaking his head, he walked to his room and collapsed on his bed, his head pounding in an early promise of the hangover to come.
****
The servent girl realized she didn't remember where Tsuwabuki's room was, so she looked at his pockets and fished out a paper from it. Inside had a number: 303. Oh yes, and she had put him there, too, hadn't she? The effects of the potion were even hitting her mind, as the various council members lost control of their thoughts. The Himemiya were all psychic, even the servants.
She rushed to the room and put him in his bed. He sure didn't need to know what his little idol was doing with the blue haired one.
When she had closed the door, she walked towards the hallway and to returned to the ball room. She had a question for Mistress Sophe that needed to be answered.
****
Shiori blinked as Touga walked off in a drunken haze. Had he just kissed her? It happened so fast that she was left speechless. I kissed the Student Council President? she mused. Wait till I tell my friends at Ohtori.
Shiori yawned and headed towards her room. Maybe it hadn't been such a boring night after all.
****
"Its all right . . . I won't leave you by yourself. I promised," Miki murmured, feeling rather sleepy.. He glanced down at the golden head resting on his shoulder, the pale hands gripping his tuxedo.. He blushed a little as she snuggled against him. Hesitating a moment, he slowly wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close.. Maybe it was the wine, but he thought she needed to be held.. Still, his dizziness was getting worse. The room starting to sway before his eyes.. but he had promised not to leave her alone.. Miki frowned slightly, his brow furrowing in thought. It was getting harder to think straight, to spea . . .
"Nanami-san? I think . . . I think I should go to bed. Do you want . . . me to walk you to your room?"
Nanami nodded. "But I don't think I can make it, Miki-san." Nanami was feeling very weak, a minor side effect of the potion. Nevertheless, she leaned on him as they half walked, half stumbled through the ballroom to the upstairs hallways. The stairs proved a great challenge, and by the time they reached the top, Nanami was nearly crawling. She collapsed at the top, in front of a closet marked "Supplies."
"I.." she began, breathing heavily from their efforts, "I cannot go any farther. I'm going to die if I do." Perhaps she was being overdramatic, but then again, the potion didn't change the personality so much as making people, ah, more romantic than usual. "Miki-san I shall die if I have to go any farther!"
Miki blinked slowly, frowing at the door.. They couldn't just sleep in the hallway.. And he was getting dizzy too.. The room was spinning so much.. Maybe if they rested for just a moment. . .
"Well . . . Nanami-san.. We could rest for a minute . . . but . . .We can't just sleep in the hallway . . .can we?"
He leaned weakly against the wall, feeling rather faint himself.. He glanced dazedly at a door, watching as it turned into two . . . Maybe they could wait in there?
"There is a door behind you . . ."
He looked around but no other doors were nearby.
****
Juri watched as most everyone left the ballroom. She slowly moved from the wall which she had been leaning on, and found the stairs. Slowly, keeping her balance by using the rail, she made her way up the stairs, and then down the hallway to her room.
She didn't want to bother with changing into something more appropriate to sleep in, but she didn't want to sleep in her satin dress, so she changed into a nightgown and sat down on the bed, thinking. Things were so confusing though, and she couldn't keep her thoughts from getting mixed up beyond recognition, so she curled into a tiny ball, and fell asleep quickly.
Her dreams were filled with disturbing images: falling rose petals . . . a drop of blood slid from the tip of a rose's thorn...her locket falls open to reveal...nothing...the castle above the arena . . . Dios . . . miracles...
THERE ARE NO MIRACLES! her sleeping mind cried defiantly.
****
Nanami was so tired. She didn't care about anything except finding a warm place to curl up and sleep. She blindly reached and turned the handle for the door behind her. It opened outward, though, and she had to wriggle out of the way. Inside were shelves and shelves of clean linens.
"I think this should be okay," she mumbled, and scooted inside, not caring that she was draggin the expensive dress on carpeting. She pulled a white blanket off the shelf and spread it on the floor, to keep her dress from becoming even more ruined than it was.
She looked up at Miki, who seemed to be hesitating. "Coming Miki-san?" she said, looking plaintively at him.
Miki frowned, pushing his hair back from his face somewhat irritatedly.. The small sober, undrugged part told him he should leave. The room began to spin in lazy circles and he knew he wouldn't make it, even if he had wanted to. Gripping the door frame for support he smiled weakly at Nanami and stepped in..
"I'm coming, Nanami-san.."
He smiled sleepily, laying down near here, tugging a blanket down for himself.. and his eyelids fluttering as they began to shut.
Nanami instinctively curled up against him, and the two slumbered there, for once looking their respective ages rather than the adults they always tried to pass themselves off as. Nanami's perpetual sneer was gone, replaced by a strangely innocent half smile.
And no one even knew they were there.
****
"It's begun again, hasn't it?" the servant girl asked Mistress Sophe, who was outside the Victor's room.
"Yes," Sophe said, with a heavy hearted sigh. "And nobody except my son can stop it."
We're doomed, the servent girl thought as she walked away, her eyes looking their actual age though her body remained that of a child.
****
Act Four coming soon: The Ruins of History


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