One Glance Behind
Chapter 1- At the gate
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Disclaimer: Utena does not belong to me and probably never will. I do not pretend to own it or the characters in it. I am just a penniless fan who like writing fanfic of my fav characters. So pls don't sue me and I got no money anyway.
Author's note: This take place sometime after the anime series. Saionji has since finished school and became a famous artist. Hey, don't give me that look! With his temper, I thought he was quite suited since most ppl say artists are cranky people!
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The man drew quite abit of attention from the students as he stood before the stone wall framing one side of the school's entrance. He looked to be in his late twenties, his wavy green hair was held in place by a low ponytail. His attire consisted of camel colour pants and a black silk shirt underneath a cream colour jacket. A pair of sunglasses hid his eyes from view but failed to hide a handsome visage. More than a few students who passed the man speculate about his identity, a new teacher? Another guest speaker invited by the school? Some on the female students hoped the former. The subject of the conversation however, seemed unaffected by the buzz he was causing and continued his study of the wall on which the school's name was engraved proudly in the stone.
Saionji stared at the words engrave on the wall. Taking a moment to recollect himself, he read the words.
"Ohtori Academy," it was so soft to be barely a whisper, for he somewhat fear invoking some curse by speaking the name. It was illogical he knew, but then again, this was Ohtori.
The green haired man reached into his jacket pocket and slowly drew out an ivory envelope. Written in elegant script on the front was his name 'Saionji Kyouichi', not much difference from the dozens of letters received everyday addressed to the famous artist. A casual flip to the back however, revealed a wax seal carrying the unique rose insignia of Ohtori Academy. Breathing deeply to steady himself, Saionji held back a sigh and stepped through the gateway.
The remarkable thing about entering Ohtori was like entering an entirely different world. The white gracefully done buildings give the impression of an utopia. However, the former Kendo captain barely took time to examine his surroundings as he strolled briskly through the campus. He had business here today. In Saionji's opinion, the sooner it was done and over with, the sooner he would escape this place of strange and terrible memories. He tried not to look around for fear he might see something or someone that might drew him back to that time, he barely got away before, falling into Aiko's trap again might prove fatal. Unfortunately, even now, he drew stared and glances of admiration, much like he did back as a student here, assaulting him with a sense of déjà vu. The stairs leading to the main building soon came in sight. As he was about to ascend, a sudden commotion sounded behind him. Against his better judgement, he glanced backwards. Instantly, Saionji's eyes widen behind the sunglasses, although the rest of his features barely twitched.
Approaching was a girl who, Kyouichi could have once sworn was Shinohara Wakaba except she was wearing a suit that was eerily similar to what that Victor, Tenjou Utena had worn all those many years ago.
Behind his mask of indifference, Saionji shook his head in denial. 'I am being such an idiot! That was 4 years ago, this girl couldn't be the same one I knew back then.'
Then, he spotted the other girl, cringing to Wakada's arm. This time, he could not help giving a small soundless gasp, in place of Anthy was that girl who always used to hang around Juri, what was her name? Shiori something. From the way the crowd was greeting them, it would appear that Utena's old friend has taken her place as Victor, and the puppet expression of Shiori marked her as the new Rose Bride.
It suddenly seem too much for Saionji and he hurriedly turned aside, the scene having left a foul distaste in the back of his mouth.
A voice sounded, dripping sickeningly sweet warmth as it drawled out.
"Does our school custom embarrass you, now?"
Saionji was shocked speechless. Slowly, he raised his head, defensively maintaining his mask of indifference as he caught sight of the familiar redhead standing at the top of the stairs. Saionji managed to keep his tone neutral as he said in greeting.
"Kiryuu Touga"