The morning bells chimed, signaling to students new and old that it was
time to flock towards the inviting and ornately structured iron gates of
Ohtori Academy. Nested within what looked like a flood of faceless boys
and girls all wearing variations of teal and white were five girls, newly
transferred to the prestigious school from the Juuban area.
Tsukino Usagi marched excitedly, swinging her leather schoolbag back and
forth, occasionally hitting the back of Hino Rei's skirt and garnering dark
looks from the fire maiden.
"Usagi-chan!" Rei growled after the fifth time she felt her skirt move
upwards.
"Gomen gomen!" Usagi apologized cheerfully, waving her hand to calm her
friend. "Maybe if your rear end wasn't so big."
"Nani?!"
Mizuno Ami stepped quietly between the two girls to deter their ensuing
battle. She had been looking forward to this day for quite sometime.
Ohtori was a prestigious academy and she looked forward to being
challenged.
"Eh, careful Ami-chan," Makoto warned, "You wouldn't want to get in the
line of fire now." The tall brunette grinned sheepishly at the glares given
her by Usagi and Rei, "Hey." she held her hand up defensively, "I'm just
saying..." Her voice trailed off and she dropped the subject all together.
The less said the better off she was. At any rate however it looked as if
the battle had been deterred.for the moment.
"Utena-sama!!"
The five girls turned their head at the strange, shrill cry that was
subsequently followed by other, similar cries while the crowd of students
was beginning to split as a girl in black boys uniform with brilliant pink
hair walked confidently amongst them, smiling and waving.
"Ohayo," she said cheerfully, smiling and waving, "Ohayo."
"Sugoi," Minako said watching the spectacle, her blue eyes sparkling madly.
"There's proper respect for idols here!"
"Eh?" Makoto glanced down at the hyper blonde.
"Well.look! They obviously think that she is the best thing since sliced
butter!" She departed from her own group and began waving at the other
students who looked at her blankly. It seemed that once 'Utena-sama' had
passed them by they cared little for anyone who might try to follow.
Despite her friends antics Rei frowned slightly, pausing to take a good
look around and Ami glanced at her carefully. "What is it?"
Rei shook her head, "I don't know. Just," she looked as though she were
searching for something, dark violet catching her eye for a moment then
gone from view. "Maybe it was nothing."
"It's never just nothing," Ami said, her voice tinged with caution.
"Yeah.but I think that I'd like it to be nothing." She sighed. She wasn't
ready to fight again, though she would if she had to. It was her
responsibility after all. Her duty as a Sailor Senshi and warrior of
Mars.she.grew infuriated.
"Usagi-chan!" Rei erupted once more, her fist tightening as the blondes bag
hit her in the back side again. "Get back here Usagi-chan!"
"It's going to be one of those days isn't it?" Makoto sighed, standing next to Ami who was attempting not to look too horribly embarrassed. "Hai," Ami sighed. Though it seemed more like it was to be one of those semesters.
*** Tenjou Utena, popular in the middle school, adored and idolized by female students, and begrudgingly admired by the male students, walked through the hallways of Ohtori academy, her head held high, ready to begin a new semester. Hopefully this semester would be less riddled with the confusion of her first. She glanced at Himemiya Anthy who was walking silently next to her, her posture quite the opposite of Utena's, her head tilted downwards so that the ground and her feet were her only view, and her hands were held demurely in front of her. Utena waved to several of the students as they called her name though she was embarrassed by the attention that was shown to her. She wasn't a hero by any means and she didn't really understand why so many of the girls looked up to her. "It's so embarrassing," she laughed to Anthy as she waved. Anthy said nothing, her eyes still fixated on the pavement. Utena glanced at her, her face taking a more serious expression. "What's wrong? You're more quiet than usual," she asked gently. "Are you still bothered that people are going to be living in the dorm with us this year?" "No, Utena-sama," Anthy said softly, her tone light though her eyes were dull as always. "It is what you have wanted for a long time isn't it? You won't be so lonely there any longer." "Well, still," Utena put her hand behind her head, "That doesn't mean that I don't care about what you want. Akio-san did ask us to move in with him. We can still." Anthy shook her head, "It would be just as lonely Utena-sama." Utena nodded. That was certainly true after all. But they would be with Akio which would be a bonus most certainly. The pale girls cheeks flushed briefly before she checked herself. No, she wouldn't have minded staying with him at all. "I suppose," she said finally, though her voice carried hidden tendrils of disappointment that did not go unnoticed by the Rose Bride at her side.
***
Chiba Mamoru folded the last of his sweaters and neatly tucked it away in the dresser drawer, sighing both contentedly and wearily. It had been some work but he had finally finished unpacking all of his things in his new apartment. He had promised that if Usagi passed the high school exams given by the boarding school he would transfer to the university there to finish up his studies. She had, much to his mix of pride and chagrin, passed them by three points thanks to the help of an all night cram session the night before as well as long days of studying with Ami and the other girls. He smiled to himself. At least he would be able to be with her and keep an eye on her. He didn't like the idea of not being near her. He was constantly haunted by what ifs and maybes. What if there was another enemy? What if her brooch stopped working again? What if she were hurt? What if she were lonely? What if she missed him? He couldn't stand those thoughts and fears and so he wanted always to be near her. He sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress shifting gently under his weight. A small black cat padded her way into the bedroom of the modest apartment and leapt gracefully onto the bed. "It looks like you've settled in well," she said approvingly. Certainly Luna thought that Mamoru was neater than her mistress. "What about you and Artemis?" He asked, strangely comfortable in speaking to the little animal. "Have you settled in yet?" "Well," she tilted her head in a dignified manner, "It's not home but it will do." She chuckled after a moment and Mamoru joined her. "It's wonderful truly," she said, "Artemis and I are grateful to you for allowing us to stay." "Well why wouldn't I?" Mamoru asked, "Besides, I'd rather share quarters with you then be subjected to Minako-chan and Usa-ko's vengeance." Luna chuckled, "I understand completely." She jumped down from the bed and padded around the room as if looking for something. "What's the matter?" Mamoru asked, leaning forward curiously. "Nothing. Just," she looked around, her ears twitching, "It's nothing," she smiled. "I think I'll go check on Artemis." With that the black cat padded silently out of the room, leaving a confused Mamoru behind. Something didn't feel right at all.
*** The small handful of elite students ascended skyward in the iron elevator. The student council elite. The duelists. While there were five only four abandoned the now halted iron chariot onto the balcony which overlooked the school. They sat gracefully in white painted chairs, each holding in their hands a letter sealed with red wax which was imprinted with the same rose pattern as on the silver rings that they wore on their left hands. Kaoru Miki gingerly opened the minutes book and took out a freshly sharpened pencil before taking his stopwatch in one hand, pressing the smooth black key which seemed to make both time and the meeting start. Kiryuu Touga placed his letter in the center of the table and the others followed suit, the sun glinting on the four rings. "It seems that we have a new addition to the dueling arena this year," Touga began, his blue eyes addressing each person at the table, Kiryuu Nanami, Kaoru Miki, and Arisugawa Juri. "A gondola has appeared." the Council president paused as a fifth figure swaggered arrogantly towards the rest of the group, "Your late Saionji." He said in a civil yet biting tone, "Try better next time to be more punctual. As I was." "And why?" Saionji asked. "It's doubtful that any of us are going to defeat that girl anytime soon." He would not even say her name, the girl who had disgraced him so, her and the damn bride of roses. "Our letters this time do not even say who will duel next only that we will no longer have to walk up the stairs. What is the point of a meeting?" "You are very ungrateful, Saionji, for one who has been allowed back into the council let alone the school by its good graces." Arisugawa Juri cut her green eyes towards Saionji, "If I were you I would not act so high and mighty." "Pah," Saionji spat, "Good graces of the school indeed. Yes I am ever so grateful to be welcome back into a game that caused my expulsion in the first place." Touga said nothing, having been the recipient of the painful blow which had expelled the green haired duelist. He knew better then to add kindling to his friends anger unless it was needed. "That is enough, both of you," he said gaining the attention and scornful glances of both. "We are not here to bicker. Ends of the World will tell us when it is the right time to duel.just as they always have. It is no different now as it was when we began." "I wonder though," Miki said, as he wrote, embarrassed that he had to mark such words from both council members. "It's strange that the east dorm has been opened this year to the rest of the student body. Is there a specific reason for this? I only ask because it might endanger the code of the Rose Seal, Tenjou-san " there was a faint sense of tension in each duelist as he spoke the champions name, "and, and the bride." "It never caused problems for us," Saionji said, still standing, his arms folded across his chest. Touga nodded in agreement, "This is true. If it was no problem for Saionji then it would be no problem for the current victor. Arisugawa-san is also in a dorm so it should not cause any difficulty for her either if she should one day possess the Rose Bride." Miki nodded, blue eyes glancing over the black numbers of his watch, his thumb hovering over the button, "I was only curious. It just seemed strange.all of a sudden." "Like the gondola," Nanami said as if thinking allowed. They all remained still for a moment, lost in thought. It seemed as if even the simplest things in life could no longer be trusted.
*** "Hotaru-chan!" The pink haired girl weaved her way through the ocean of students taller than she and waved to her friend, "Hotaru-chan!" The older girl paused and smiled, "Chibi-Usa-chan!" she waved and met her friend half way. "Aren't you going to be late? The elementary school is on the other side isn't it?" Hotaru shifted her case from one hand to the other. "I know, yeah it is," Chibi-Usa said, somewhat chagrined, "But I wanted to just wish you luck on your first day." Hotaru smiled at the younger girl, touched by the sentiment, "Thank you. I hope you have a good day as well. It's a shame you have to be so separated from the rest of us." Chibi-Usa kicked at the ground, "I know. Everyone gets to be together except me." "But is isn't as if we can't all visit. Usagi-san and the others are in the East dorm right? And Haruka-san and Michiru-san are in the South dorm," Hotaru spoke as if she had memorized the placement of each Senshi. "I'm in the west dorm and you're in the north and if anything, I would say that Mamoru-san is siphoned off from us." The pink haired girl pondered this for a moment, "What about Pu?" Hotaru faltered, thinking. "I.I don't really remember. Maybe she has an apartment as well?" "Maybe. Ano," Chibi-usa shifted, "Don't you think it's a little strange?" "What?" "All of us being in one place. It seems like, when we're all in one place we have to fight." Hotaru shrugged, "I don't think it's that strange. It shouldn't mean that there will be danger." "True," Chibi-Usa said, her voice more chipper, "Usually danger arrives when Usagi-chan or one of the others gets interested in something new for now reason at all." Both girls giggled as the bell rang and they went their separate ways across the campus.
*** "I cannot believe that you still do this," a soft female voice said from the shadows. Ohtori Akio slowly turned his head, his green eyes meeting the cold garnet eyes of Sailor Pluto before he turned his back to her again, uncaring, and unwilling to hear her criticism. "If I had known that this is what you were going to do with the time given you I would." "You would what.Pluto? Have told Serenity to refuse us this wondrous gift which she has bestowed upon us?" Pluto pressed her lips together then sighed, "That's not what I mean." Akio chuckled, "It's different this time around," he admitted to himself and to the senshi as he perused one of many star charts that was splayed across his desk. "Very different." "I do not like to think what you will be doing to that Tenjou girl. Do you even know what that might do to Anthy-chan? She likes this girl.why can't you just leave her be?" "Ridiculous," Akio said, pausing and looking up at the tall woman as she hovered over his desk, "Anthy cares nothing for any of these duelists. They are a necessary nuisance and she knows better." "Knows better than to get attached?" "Unlike you. Or have things changed now.Setsuna-san?" Pluto opened her mouth as if to protest but finally dropped her guise, her fuku dissolving into a modest skirt and blouse. "I didn't think that you knew." "Why shouldn't I? I know I lot of things." "Perhaps that is why you are so blind." A smile played on Akio's lips, "Still playing the role of the high and mighty," he chuckled and shook his head, "As if you are better than I.your no different from me, or anyone else for that matter. Everyone has their demons, even you Pluto." She nodded slowly, "Yes.and you are one of them."
*** "Tenoh Haruka-san!" the shrill voice of the guidance counselor shouted across the hall way. Michiru looked over her shoulder at the woman and then at Haruka, her aqua eyebrows quirked upward, "Our first day. What did you do this time?" Haruka shrugged, "She's been following us for sometime haven't you noticed? "Well yes but." "Tenoh Haruka-san!" Haruka sighed and turned, "Hai?" The older woman shuffled up to the girls and stuck her bony finger in Haruka's face. "What are you doing in that Uniform?" "Wearing it. They told me I had to wear a standard uniform." "That's not what I mean." "I wore a boys uniform when I went to." "That makes no difference, I have had it with you students thinking that you can wear whichever uniforms you please. There's going to be a stop to it this semester." "What's wrong with wearing a boys uniform if you're a boy?" "Nothing, you certainly don't see any boys traipsing around in girls uniforms do you?" Michiru pressed her lips together to keep from laughing while Haruka shifted and responded coolly, "Well.if I'm a boy then I should wear this uniform." "But your." "How do you know?" "Your transcript clearly states," "Paper works been wrong before and unless you want to frisk me I think you should double check things before you start accusing people of being the wrong sex. Ja." She waved at the sputtering teacher and Michiru finally burst out laughing as they safely turned the corner. "I can't believe you said that to her." "Hey," Haruka said tossing her case over her shoulder, "No one calls me a girl and gets away with it," she winked at Michiru and they went undisturbed to class.
"It's going to be one of those days isn't it?" Makoto sighed, standing next to Ami who was attempting not to look too horribly embarrassed. "Hai," Ami sighed. Though it seemed more like it was to be one of those semesters.
*** Tenjou Utena, popular in the middle school, adored and idolized by female students, and begrudgingly admired by the male students, walked through the hallways of Ohtori academy, her head held high, ready to begin a new semester. Hopefully this semester would be less riddled with the confusion of her first. She glanced at Himemiya Anthy who was walking silently next to her, her posture quite the opposite of Utena's, her head tilted downwards so that the ground and her feet were her only view, and her hands were held demurely in front of her. Utena waved to several of the students as they called her name though she was embarrassed by the attention that was shown to her. She wasn't a hero by any means and she didn't really understand why so many of the girls looked up to her. "It's so embarrassing," she laughed to Anthy as she waved. Anthy said nothing, her eyes still fixated on the pavement. Utena glanced at her, her face taking a more serious expression. "What's wrong? You're more quiet than usual," she asked gently. "Are you still bothered that people are going to be living in the dorm with us this year?" "No, Utena-sama," Anthy said softly, her tone light though her eyes were dull as always. "It is what you have wanted for a long time isn't it? You won't be so lonely there any longer." "Well, still," Utena put her hand behind her head, "That doesn't mean that I don't care about what you want. Akio-san did ask us to move in with him. We can still." Anthy shook her head, "It would be just as lonely Utena-sama." Utena nodded. That was certainly true after all. But they would be with Akio which would be a bonus most certainly. The pale girls cheeks flushed briefly before she checked herself. No, she wouldn't have minded staying with him at all. "I suppose," she said finally, though her voice carried hidden tendrils of disappointment that did not go unnoticed by the Rose Bride at her side.
***
Chiba Mamoru folded the last of his sweaters and neatly tucked it away in the dresser drawer, sighing both contentedly and wearily. It had been some work but he had finally finished unpacking all of his things in his new apartment. He had promised that if Usagi passed the high school exams given by the boarding school he would transfer to the university there to finish up his studies. She had, much to his mix of pride and chagrin, passed them by three points thanks to the help of an all night cram session the night before as well as long days of studying with Ami and the other girls. He smiled to himself. At least he would be able to be with her and keep an eye on her. He didn't like the idea of not being near her. He was constantly haunted by what ifs and maybes. What if there was another enemy? What if her brooch stopped working again? What if she were hurt? What if she were lonely? What if she missed him? He couldn't stand those thoughts and fears and so he wanted always to be near her. He sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress shifting gently under his weight. A small black cat padded her way into the bedroom of the modest apartment and leapt gracefully onto the bed. "It looks like you've settled in well," she said approvingly. Certainly Luna thought that Mamoru was neater than her mistress. "What about you and Artemis?" He asked, strangely comfortable in speaking to the little animal. "Have you settled in yet?" "Well," she tilted her head in a dignified manner, "It's not home but it will do." She chuckled after a moment and Mamoru joined her. "It's wonderful truly," she said, "Artemis and I are grateful to you for allowing us to stay." "Well why wouldn't I?" Mamoru asked, "Besides, I'd rather share quarters with you then be subjected to Minako-chan and Usa-ko's vengeance." Luna chuckled, "I understand completely." She jumped down from the bed and padded around the room as if looking for something. "What's the matter?" Mamoru asked, leaning forward curiously. "Nothing. Just," she looked around, her ears twitching, "It's nothing," she smiled. "I think I'll go check on Artemis." With that the black cat padded silently out of the room, leaving a confused Mamoru behind. Something didn't feel right at all.
*** The small handful of elite students ascended skyward in the iron elevator. The student council elite. The duelists. While there were five only four abandoned the now halted iron chariot onto the balcony which overlooked the school. They sat gracefully in white painted chairs, each holding in their hands a letter sealed with red wax which was imprinted with the same rose pattern as on the silver rings that they wore on their left hands. Kaoru Miki gingerly opened the minutes book and took out a freshly sharpened pencil before taking his stopwatch in one hand, pressing the smooth black key which seemed to make both time and the meeting start. Kiryuu Touga placed his letter in the center of the table and the others followed suit, the sun glinting on the four rings. "It seems that we have a new addition to the dueling arena this year," Touga began, his blue eyes addressing each person at the table, Kiryuu Nanami, Kaoru Miki, and Arisugawa Juri. "A gondola has appeared." the Council president paused as a fifth figure swaggered arrogantly towards the rest of the group, "Your late Saionji." He said in a civil yet biting tone, "Try better next time to be more punctual. As I was." "And why?" Saionji asked. "It's doubtful that any of us are going to defeat that girl anytime soon." He would not even say her name, the girl who had disgraced him so, her and the damn bride of roses. "Our letters this time do not even say who will duel next only that we will no longer have to walk up the stairs. What is the point of a meeting?" "You are very ungrateful, Saionji, for one who has been allowed back into the council let alone the school by its good graces." Arisugawa Juri cut her green eyes towards Saionji, "If I were you I would not act so high and mighty." "Pah," Saionji spat, "Good graces of the school indeed. Yes I am ever so grateful to be welcome back into a game that caused my expulsion in the first place." Touga said nothing, having been the recipient of the painful blow which had expelled the green haired duelist. He knew better then to add kindling to his friends anger unless it was needed. "That is enough, both of you," he said gaining the attention and scornful glances of both. "We are not here to bicker. Ends of the World will tell us when it is the right time to duel.just as they always have. It is no different now as it was when we began." "I wonder though," Miki said, as he wrote, embarrassed that he had to mark such words from both council members. "It's strange that the east dorm has been opened this year to the rest of the student body. Is there a specific reason for this? I only ask because it might endanger the code of the Rose Seal, Tenjou-san " there was a faint sense of tension in each duelist as he spoke the champions name, "and, and the bride." "It never caused problems for us," Saionji said, still standing, his arms folded across his chest. Touga nodded in agreement, "This is true. If it was no problem for Saionji then it would be no problem for the current victor. Arisugawa-san is also in a dorm so it should not cause any difficulty for her either if she should one day possess the Rose Bride." Miki nodded, blue eyes glancing over the black numbers of his watch, his thumb hovering over the button, "I was only curious. It just seemed strange.all of a sudden." "Like the gondola," Nanami said as if thinking allowed. They all remained still for a moment, lost in thought. It seemed as if even the simplest things in life could no longer be trusted.
*** "Hotaru-chan!" The pink haired girl weaved her way through the ocean of students taller than she and waved to her friend, "Hotaru-chan!" The older girl paused and smiled, "Chibi-Usa-chan!" she waved and met her friend half way. "Aren't you going to be late? The elementary school is on the other side isn't it?" Hotaru shifted her case from one hand to the other. "I know, yeah it is," Chibi-Usa said, somewhat chagrined, "But I wanted to just wish you luck on your first day." Hotaru smiled at the younger girl, touched by the sentiment, "Thank you. I hope you have a good day as well. It's a shame you have to be so separated from the rest of us." Chibi-Usa kicked at the ground, "I know. Everyone gets to be together except me." "But is isn't as if we can't all visit. Usagi-san and the others are in the East dorm right? And Haruka-san and Michiru-san are in the South dorm," Hotaru spoke as if she had memorized the placement of each Senshi. "I'm in the west dorm and you're in the north and if anything, I would say that Mamoru-san is siphoned off from us." The pink haired girl pondered this for a moment, "What about Pu?" Hotaru faltered, thinking. "I.I don't really remember. Maybe she has an apartment as well?" "Maybe. Ano," Chibi-usa shifted, "Don't you think it's a little strange?" "What?" "All of us being in one place. It seems like, when we're all in one place we have to fight." Hotaru shrugged, "I don't think it's that strange. It shouldn't mean that there will be danger." "True," Chibi-Usa said, her voice more chipper, "Usually danger arrives when Usagi-chan or one of the others gets interested in something new for now reason at all." Both girls giggled as the bell rang and they went their separate ways across the campus.
*** "I cannot believe that you still do this," a soft female voice said from the shadows. Ohtori Akio slowly turned his head, his green eyes meeting the cold garnet eyes of Sailor Pluto before he turned his back to her again, uncaring, and unwilling to hear her criticism. "If I had known that this is what you were going to do with the time given you I would." "You would what.Pluto? Have told Serenity to refuse us this wondrous gift which she has bestowed upon us?" Pluto pressed her lips together then sighed, "That's not what I mean." Akio chuckled, "It's different this time around," he admitted to himself and to the senshi as he perused one of many star charts that was splayed across his desk. "Very different." "I do not like to think what you will be doing to that Tenjou girl. Do you even know what that might do to Anthy-chan? She likes this girl.why can't you just leave her be?" "Ridiculous," Akio said, pausing and looking up at the tall woman as she hovered over his desk, "Anthy cares nothing for any of these duelists. They are a necessary nuisance and she knows better." "Knows better than to get attached?" "Unlike you. Or have things changed now.Setsuna-san?" Pluto opened her mouth as if to protest but finally dropped her guise, her fuku dissolving into a modest skirt and blouse. "I didn't think that you knew." "Why shouldn't I? I know I lot of things." "Perhaps that is why you are so blind." A smile played on Akio's lips, "Still playing the role of the high and mighty," he chuckled and shook his head, "As if you are better than I.your no different from me, or anyone else for that matter. Everyone has their demons, even you Pluto." She nodded slowly, "Yes.and you are one of them."
*** "Tenoh Haruka-san!" the shrill voice of the guidance counselor shouted across the hall way. Michiru looked over her shoulder at the woman and then at Haruka, her aqua eyebrows quirked upward, "Our first day. What did you do this time?" Haruka shrugged, "She's been following us for sometime haven't you noticed? "Well yes but." "Tenoh Haruka-san!" Haruka sighed and turned, "Hai?" The older woman shuffled up to the girls and stuck her bony finger in Haruka's face. "What are you doing in that Uniform?" "Wearing it. They told me I had to wear a standard uniform." "That's not what I mean." "I wore a boys uniform when I went to." "That makes no difference, I have had it with you students thinking that you can wear whichever uniforms you please. There's going to be a stop to it this semester." "What's wrong with wearing a boys uniform if you're a boy?" "Nothing, you certainly don't see any boys traipsing around in girls uniforms do you?" Michiru pressed her lips together to keep from laughing while Haruka shifted and responded coolly, "Well.if I'm a boy then I should wear this uniform." "But your." "How do you know?" "Your transcript clearly states," "Paper works been wrong before and unless you want to frisk me I think you should double check things before you start accusing people of being the wrong sex. Ja." She waved at the sputtering teacher and Michiru finally burst out laughing as they safely turned the corner. "I can't believe you said that to her." "Hey," Haruka said tossing her case over her shoulder, "No one calls me a girl and gets away with it," she winked at Michiru and they went undisturbed to class.