Way of the Rose
By Jorge Quinones
Ye Olde Disclaimers: Shoujo Kakumei Utena (Revolutionary Girl Utena) and all the characters pertaining to the manga/show were written by the wonderful Chiho Saito and brought to animated life by the folks at B-Papas and the skillful directions of Kunihiko Ikuhara. The story elements written within this fanfic are my ideas and belong to me. This was written for fun, not profit. I'm just borrowing the characters for a while. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I'm enjoying writing it. We fanfic writers thrive on feedback, and all comments/questions/flames/etc. are welcome. Thank you, and enjoy!
Chapter 1
A lone figure traversed the open plains of the scorched earth, picking their way through the ruins of a centuries-old settlement, their booted feet sinking slightly in the sand. Gutted remnants of moisture-collectors and crumbling foundations dotted the otherwise barren landscape. From their protective mask and tattered leather duster, to a hood pulled over their head, the lone being was protected, head to toe, against the searing winds of the dunes. Their only other possessions were a saddlebag, and a sword strapped across their back. The sword's handle of exquisitely carved ivory played a beautiful counterpoint to the wrought steel guard, both of which glinted in the rays of the waning sun.
At the summit of the highest dune, the traveler paused and surveyed the scene with a pair of binoculars. The crosshairs came to rest upon an oasis. Ruins, both great and small, dotted the solitary patch of fertile earth. A heavy sigh passed through the mask.
"The Oasis of Ohtori," whispered a decidedly female voice, "and just in time for a late dinner."
A scurrying at the corner of her vision caught the traveler's attention.
"But first… lunch."
A luminous full moon was halfway to its apex by the time the woman reached the ominous gate that marked the entrance to the oasis. Two tall towers that probably housed the wall guards flanked the double-door gate, each half heavily fortified with steel cross-sections and spikes.
"Halt! Who goes there?" challenged a gruff voice. The "ching" of a round being chambered echoed in the darkness.
"I am Utena Tenjou," answered the tall cloaked woman, her voice calm.
"What business have you here?"
"I have journeyed many months. I seek shelter and, if possible, food."
"To what end is your journey?" answered the challenging voice.
"What I search for and why are my business and my business alone."
The Captain of the Guard paused to consider his options. Lone travelers seeking admission to Ohtori this late at night were rare, but not all that unusual. He weighed his options a moment further. "Very well. Approach the gate with both hands in the air."
The woman raised her hands above her head and stepped towards the gate. The massive doors whispered open as three heavily armed men advanced on Utena. She was admitted only after she had been patted down and her saddlebags searched. Once in, she lowered her hood and pulled off her protective mask.
The guards stared in awe as a flowing mane of pink hair cascaded down the woman's back, coming to rest just past her shoulder blades. Concealed among the pink tresses was a beautiful face with eyes of intense blue. The light of the full moon gave the stranger an almost otherworldly glow and beauty.
Utena shifted the saddlebags to her other shoulder and proceeded, unhindered, down the dimly lit path. A pair of curious blue eyes followed her from the shadows.