By Harunomiya
Disclaimer:Revolutionary Girl Utena and its characters belong to Be-PaPas, Chiho Saito.
Shogakukan, Shokaku Iinkai and TV Tokyo.
Tenchi Muyo and its characters belong to Hitoshi Okuda, AIC and Pioneer.
Chapter 2: Training DayRyoko floated above her, she was amazed how Utena looked with her pink hair sprawled about, expression childlike and endearing. So peaceful and at repose. The cyan-haired woman was strangely wistful, and marveled by the fact that others slept thusly not haunted by memories that never left (despite any amount of sake) and invaded even in her sleep. But being around Tenchi helped her forget... if only for a time.
She touched her feet to the ground and kneeling, spoke softly, not wanting to startle her.
"Utena." She called. The girl stirred slightly on the futon, Ryoko spoke again, "Utena."
Eyelids still heavy with sleep, opened. Her blue eyes were unfocused as Ryoko peered down at her and watched the girl become aware. Blue eyes recognized her and smiled sleepily.
"Hmmm?" Utena propped herself up on her arms.
"Time to start your training," Ryoko said biting back a smile at the endearing sight of a mussed Utena sitting on the bed. She rubbed her eyes, with the back of her hand.
"Thanks for the wake up call Ryoko," Utena yawned, stretching, trying to shrug off the last effects of sleep.
"No problem kid. Tenchi gave me these for you." Ryoko handed Utena a bundle of clothes. Utena stared down at the items as Ryoko fazed out from sight, leaving Utena to dress. The youngster threw back the covers and got to her feet. A piece of paper fluttered to the floor. She bent down picked up the note and read.
You can wear these for sword practice. Here's to hoping they fit.
-Tenchi
She smiled at Tenchi's thoughtfulness and began to change. She caught her reflection in a body length mirror.
A light blue gi was fastened in place by a sash. There was a two-inch dark blue strip that ran across on the left side her shoulder blade at an angle. Underneath the gi Utena wore a long sleeved black shirt (for which she was infinity glad) that clung comfortably to her body. The pants were soft, of the dark hue of the sash and strip at the shoulder.
Utena then tied her thick hair back, not wanting it to get in the way during practice. Satisfied with her appearance, she went in search of Tenchi. She was unaware that Ryoko watched her go from the rooftop. Tenchi had approached her earlier that morning. He actually walked towards her, not away. For a moment Ryoko had hoped... hoped for what, she didn't know. Instead, he handed over the bundle he carried to her, asking that she give them to Utena.
Ryoko sighed.
"Morning Tenchi!" Utena called out, after reaching the top of the shrine steps spotting the young man, who turned around.
"Good morning Utena," he said in turn, and tossed her a bokken. "Grandpa is running a bit late so we'll begin without him." Tenchi said. "Let's start with meditation. After that, lets see what you got."
Utena dropped down to sit cross-legged with the bokken set before her on the floor. She closed her eyes, beginning to meditate. Tenchi sat beside her and did the same. Tenchi meditated on how to help his new friend. Utena just tried to empty her mind of questions, to temper her excitement. They sat silently for half an hour.
After meditation, they both stood, stretching before beginning, bokken in hand.
They began with working on footwork on the haphazardly placed wooden pegs that protruded from the ground. A string dangled overhead that was tied to a tree branch. Suspended at the end of the string was another peg. Tenchi demonstrated its purpose. He made his way with ease ever losing balance. He swung the peg and moved back and forth as his bokken struck the peg, sending it spiraling to another direction. Back and forth Tenchi leapt, keeping the peg before him, his footing was sure.
Utena watched amazed, Tenchi never missed a strike nor lost his balance. She watched until the older boy stopped and looked at her.
"Your turn," he said grinning at the look of dismay that crossed Utena's features.
I'm supposed to do that? Utena sweatdropped, I'm no freaking gazelle! Okay, Tenjou, time to woman up! She mentally encouraged herself. "Here I go." She carefully stepped onto the pegs, all her concentration on not losing her balance and falling off. She was certain that if all the pegs were aligned at the same level she'd do great. But she did want to be a better swordswoman. She used the bokken to act as a stabilizer as she crept her way to the center.
Don't fall off... don't... fall off, don't fall off... Utena kept repeating it like a mantra in her head. Don't. Fall. Off.
And of course...
She fell off.
"Oww!" Utena exclaimed, landing on the pegs with a thud.
Tenchi winced sympathetically. He remembered the many times he's fallen. It was so often that he was black and blue all over. I hoped Utena likes Dalmatians, Tenchi thought as he watched her get back up again and continue. He wanted to help but from the look of her face, he sensed that her pride would not allow it. Tenchi well understood.
It took a while but Utena was finally able to have a balance on the pegs that Tenchi then indicated that she should try her hand at the suspended peg before her. Utena cast it before her and swung, missing. She caught herself from falling off with the bokken. She kept at it trying to strike her target. Utena fought down her frustration. It was possible to accomplish this task; Tenchi was proof of that. Though, he made it look so easy.
She felt the sweat building at her brow, wishing for a moment to brush it away. She didn't want it stinging her eyes. Utena pushed away the distracting thoughts. The wind was picking up, the cool air prickling her skin. She was being bushed off balance. No! Utena was going to keep at it. The young woman placed more force behind her blows, fueled with her determination.
Finally, Utena struck her target with a resounding clack. The sound was so startling that Utena was surprised. I did it! She thought, catching her balance. She blinked.
"Uh, Utena," began Tenchi, but his warning came too late. The peg came back on the swing... and hit Utena in the forehead, knocking the girl off her feet and flat on her back.
"Utena?" Tenchi queried, as he moved towards the girl. All he heard was a groan of pain in response.
Utena shook her head to clear her vision of the bright lights that appeared before her. "Wow..." Utena muttered as she then rubbed at the lump that began to swell. Sloppy Tenjou, she rebuked herself.
"Are you okay?" Tenchi asked, kneeling besides the girl as he tried to stifle his laughter. "That's going to leave a mark."
"Yeah." Her face turned bright red, chagrined to be so caught off guard.
"I guess that's enough of that," Tenchi said as he stood.
"What's this?" Katsuhito's voice floated over to them.
"Utena has a bump on her forehead." The young man answered.
"Surely that won't stop her."
"No, sir." Utena confirmed as she scrambled to her feet.
"Good. A lump will be the just the beginning." The older man stated simply.
But to the pink-haired girl the words sounded ominous. Oh, gods, Utena sweatdropped.
Tenchi and Utena stood before the older man and awaited instructions. "Well, since you have done the preliminaries I would like to see what you can do on sure ground. You will spar with Tenchi."
Both youngsters bowed to their Sensei and then to each other, as they each took up a fighting stance.
They faced off, circling each other slowly, studying each other's slightest movements. Utena moved in first. She was stronger and faster than he thought, and her technique was solid. The shoulder pain slowed Tenchi's movements; his previous training session with his grandfather left him quite sore. He began to compensate by giving ground or shuffling sideways. Tenchi began to pick up on Utena's technique and timing. Just when he thought he had it, Utena changed it, picking up the pace with more speed and power. Tenchi found himself giving ground now, and wishing he was a left-handed. Well, why not? Grandfather made me practice with my left enough.
Deciding to try it, he quickly shuffled sideways, switching hands. Utena noticed this, and it threw off her timing a little bit. Tenchi wasn't as skilled fighting this way, but he got his speed back. Utena was kind of glad, because she needed practice fighting like this. Tenchi began to get his timing again, and before Utena could change pace on him, he struck. Tenchi went to block a full power downward slash from Utena by catching it squarely on his own blade, but shifted the last instant, allowing Utena's blade to slide down his, deflected. This caused Utena to overextend herself slightly, which Tenchi took full advantage of, bringing his own weapon down on Utena's left shoulder. Utena then backed off. Utena was breathing heavily, didn't take defeat well, but was consoled by the fact that she had held up against Tenchi better than she had expected to. Tenchi was disappointed in himself for not being up to his full potential for her.
Utena rubbed her own now sore shoulder.
"Again" was the crisp command from Masaki Sensei.
Utena increased the ferocity of her attack, hoping to take advantage of her size and strength. Tenchi fell back again, and decided to switch hands back and go for using more advanced technique this time. Tenchi was mainly concentrating on deflecting the other's blade rather than meeting it squarely. Utena expected Tenchi to try to feint again by pretending to meet it squarely, then deflecting last instant, or not deflecting it and trying something different. Tenchi did neither. Instead, Tenchi was watching the other girl's stance, watching for potential imbalance. He began to notice that whenever he shuffled sideways, Utena would loosen her stance as she turned to face him. Deciding to use this to his advantage, as Utena pressed her attack, Tenchi shuffled to the side again and as Utena turned with a downward strike Tenchi simultaneously blocked and shuffled forward, then brutally drove his hip into Utena. As she started to fall backwards Utena brought her sword and both arms quickly back over her head to balance herself as Tenchi dropped to one knee, delivering a slash across Utena's midsection.
After backing up and catching her breath Utena said, "Okay, okay. Where did I go wrong?"
Tenchi lowered his bokken, looked to his grandfather as his eyes sought permission.
"You may respond." Katsuhito wanted to see how much his grandson had learned throughout the years under his training.
Tenchi closed his eyes while contemplating the answer. "Well, first of all, I think you use too much power. I believe you could improve greatly by working on your economy of motion. Second, your stance while turning is a little weak."
"Really? Okay, how should I correct this?"
"Show her."
Tenchi was startled by the command. Wasn't Utena supposed to learn from grandfather? He was unaccustomed to teaching, but as his Grandfather once told him, "Sometimes you can learn more about a technique by teaching it than practicing it."
Together, they came up with a simple drill to work on the stance, and they ran through it a few times for the next half-hour.
"Okay, so why did you switch hands during our sparring Tenchi?" Utena asked quietly.
"Well, my shoulder is a little sore from previous practice sessions. Sorry for not being at my best for you." He actually sounded disappointed.
Utena smiled briefly and felt a little deflated at this news, realizing she had been beaten even when her opponent was handicapped. Imagine at full strength... Utena's thought trailed off, the implications overwhelming.
Masaki sensei's voice brought her back. "There are certain kata that you'll need to learn," Katsuhito said, "let me teach you one."
Katsuhito ran through one of the classic Jurai sword routines 'Spring Waterfall', which was a series of different powerful downward strikes followed by upward blocks. It was nothing fancy, but it served to work on producing power in strikes using technique instead of strength. Tenchi followed alongside Utena and the girl marveled at the beautiful form of the kata. They moved with supple grace, and yet power radiated off them with each pass. It took Utena about an hour to learn the movements.
Utena knew with a certainty that here were the ones who can teach her all she needed to know. Here were true examples of what a prince should embody and what she strive to be. There was no need for titles for that.
She wanted to be a prince. She admired Dios, not because he saved her life so long ago. Dios gave her something beautiful... he taught her that she had the courage and strength within to lead a noble life.
Eventually, Katsuhito called an end to the session. "That's enough for today." He stated before walking away, leaving the two youngsters to their own devices.
For this Utena was grateful as her muscles ached painfully. Once she was sure that Sensei was out of sight, she plopped onto the ground where she stood, not caring how unseemly she looked. A rush of air whooshed out of her lungs as her butt hit the earth. She bit back a groan of pain from escaping past her lips.
She glances over at Tenchi who was picking up the sparring equipment. He only seemed to be slightly tired, but not as beat up as she was. If this is any indication of things to come, I'll get use to it, Utena thought tiredly.
"I don't like you, Tenchi," Utena jokingly complained. "After all that you hardly even worked up a sweat. I definitely need a bath."
Tenchi laughed and paused what he was doing. "I've been at this for years." His voice lowered slightly, "Grandpa's never even broken into a sweat. No matter how hard I tried."
Tenchi's very good but his grandfather is even better... for now, Utena thought, It's only a matter of time. Again she knew this by the way of the inner voice that was reminiscent of Dios.
Well, a girl has to have a goal. Utena chuckled weakly wondering if she was completely whacked. That won't stop her anyway.
They all sat at the table enjoying another of Sasami's fine meals.
"Wow, look at that bruise," Mihoshi exclaimed, "Does it hurt?" the GP officer asked concerned. She looked on the verge of tears. The welt on Utena's forehead was already swelling to a nice shade of blue.
"Nah, thick scull," Utena answered with a grin as she rapped her forehead. Luckily, she didn't wince. "I already put some ice on it. The swelling should go down soon."
"I don't want you to get hurt Utena," Sasami said, her brow knotted in worry.
Utena's eyes soften perceptively as she reached out to the little princess. Sasami found her hand. "Don't worry Sasami, I'll be fine." She was quick to assure the other girl. She squeezed her hand gently. Sasami's frown vanished and smiled.
Thank goodness that the other bruises are hidden, Utena thought and resolved never to be careless again.
Ayeka spoke up. "Juraian training can be quite... demanding," she finished the thought. "But it is also the most rewarding to those that master it." She turned her violet gaze to Utena. "Our Mother, Sasami's and mine, Empress Misaki, trained brother Yosho."
Utena's eyes grew wide at this information. She glanced at the elder Man who merely sipped at his tea.
"Mommy's the Supreme commander of the Royal Bodyguard," Sasami said to a stunned Utena. "She's no one to mess with."
"Lady Misaki is definitely Lady Seto's daughter," Washu agreed.
She's also as weird as they come, Ryoko thought as she recalled Misaki's bone crushing bear hugs and insane thing for anything cute, adorable and cuddly.
"I would like to meet her," Utena said wistfully, blue eyes flashed with curiosity.
Ryoko mind flashed with an image of Misaki bear hugging to death the unsuspecting Utena. Ryoko sweatdropped. The girl was indeed cute and adorable in her charming naive way. Yep, Misaki would go gaga for Utena. From the funny looks she saw around the table, Ryoko knew that the similar thoughts were in sync with hers.
There was a moment's silence.
After a moment Katsuhito spoke.
"As a condition for continued training, is that you finish your education, the necessary steps have been taken to enroll you in Tenchi's high school, Onigashima High." Katsuhito stated. "You will begin this coming Monday."
Tomorrow! "Yes sir," Utena acknowledged. Tenchi shot her a smile, from across the table.
"Thank you, little Washu," Utena said to a pleased genius, knowing that Washu must have taken care of said details.
"No problem." Washu beamed and continued to speak. "I'll need to talk to you when you have the time."
"Okay." How am I going to class with this thing on my forehead? It's worst than a zit. Utena wondered. If I were lucky it would be less swollen by then. She sighed.
At the first opportunity Utena was able to find, sought out Washu who happened to be coming out from her lab. Her green eyes brightened at the sight of the girl.
"Ah, there you are!" she said. "I want to show you something." The little scientist produced a small object that appeared to be a compact. She held it out for Utena to take. "Here, open it."
Utena did as she was told and was amazed to be looking at a twelve-inch image of herself.
"Wow!" Utena breathed eyes wide and sparkling with curiosity.
"This my dear," Washu began her explanation, "can summon any style of dress that the person currently holding it might prefer, from the vast collection of clothing of any era. A preview, of what you might like to wear, while saving yourself the time and effort of changing constantly before deciding."
Utena listened to Washu's explanation while her eyes studied the object in her hand. She decides to voice her thoughts. "I always wanted to dress up as a pirate." Utena said, blue eyes dancing. At her request, the image of herself changed and suddenly appeared in full pirate regalia. Her image self looked quite dashing, Washu thought with humor. Washu thought it quite refreshing to see such open enthusiasm, and wonder so visible in her face. Not hidden behind a practiced mask of indifference. Utena was not shy of her expressive nature.
The girl suddenly turned a sheepish smile to Washu, who found it utterly endearing. "Sorry, I tend to get carried away." Utena said. "I tend to be foolish." She tilted her head to the side, her eyes took a reflective manner. "I bet this must be a trinket compared to the greater engineering feats you've accomplished. A brilliant mind is ever seeking another challenge once the previous is overcome."
Utena fingered the object in the palm of her hand. "But I'm fortunate to marvel at such things created."
Utena's depth and insights impressed Washu. It was true. Once a thing was accomplished she moved on to other things to test her vast intellect.
"I wanted you to show you the uniform worn at the school." Washu said and the image shifted, to Utena wearing a blouse and plaid skirt that showed her beauty.
"I rather wear the boy's uniform." Utena said after a moment in a soft but firm voice. The image shifted yet again to fulfill her request. The boy's uniform appeared and Utena looked quite dashing in it as it hugged her slender frame, not hiding her femininity. It didn't take from her one single bit. Utena was pleased.
"You'll definitely stand out in it," Washu began conversationally, watching the girl's face, hoping that she elaborate.
Utena shrugged, "It hasn't stopped me before." Washu did understand what she meant. When she looked over Utena's files whatever she was able to glean, (her Ohtori transcripts were erased, but thanks to her brilliance they were recovered.) Utena caused a stir with the teachers with her choice of dress. She couldn't fathom the reason why Utena opted to flout regulations. Well not exactly flout, but circumvent them in her favor, Washu thought with amusement. Ah, a girl after her own heart.
The scientist respected her grit for following her own path, regardless of the obstacles.
"I will not be bound by the norms of society." Utena said. "I will be myself." She lifted her hand and the rose signet ring glistened, for Washu to see. The smaller woman seen it before but not up close. "This is a reminder of a promise... to live a strong and noble life."
Washu watched her face take passion at every word uttered. Things that went unspoken and a fierce desire burned in her eyes. She wondered what was the driving force that shaped her life. Yet, she knew as well that some things couldn't be spoken aloud, or too painful to speak of. Still, she gleaned that this was a bit of Utena's heart was tied with that of the ring.
How interesting.
Washu nodded as if everything made sense. "I'll have them ready for you." Washu said as she closed the holographic compact, with a soft click.
She turned to go and paused. "You'll need this." Washu tossed something over her shoulder to Utena, who caught it easily. Without turning to face her, Washu spoke. "Put some of that stuff on before you go to sleep. The swelling will go down quickly."
"Uh, thanks." Utena said as she looked down at the white tube in her hands.
To be continued...
Author's Notes:
End of Chapter 2. The Masaki men are stronger than Utena. After all, she there to learn from their far superior swordsmanship skills. But empty hand isn't Tenchi's forte, so...
So what do you think? Comments and Criticisms are welcome. Please review. Thanks for reading!
---Harunomiya
