Ni-hao! This is "For Love, Perhaps."
Feral has a Duel in a day. And, despite being hurt, he must fight or forfeit and lose
Callie! To compound things, Alisa questions whether he really knows the Rose Bride...and
reveals her true feelings. Can Feral beat the odds?
Author's notes: This is the last true chapter of this series (excluding the epilogue type
chapter that proceeds this one). Then I start working on the Death Rose Saga.
Since the Utena anime starts getting gradually darker, expect it from this series as well.
So, starting from this chapter, look for a scene that might hedge the ratings borders.
Future chapters may require a bump in the rating, but I won't know until I actually write it.
To my 'secret' agents:
Renee: Per last e-mail, you are right. ;) But, I have to admit, a scene in the Planetarium?
Dude...Never thought of it, but I might have write that!
Alegna: You have another person who figured out the secret! How would you like a
scene in the Planetarium? ;)
As always, send any comments or questions to AkaneKitty@aol.com. Or, drop me a line
in my review section at Fanfiction.net. Enjoy!
Ja!
AkaneKitty
***************
Epsilon:
For Love, Perhaps
***************
"Mom! I made this for you at school today!"
"...That's nice, dear. Now, I want you to put out our finest crystal. I want to show up our
neighbors..."
"...Mom?"
"Alisa, dear, don't be a bother. Now, I want you to change into that nice party dress I
bought you and help your sister dress as well. Appearance is everything!"
"But..."
***************************************************************
"Hey, did you hear about Commander Feral?"
"Leader of the Enforcers? Yeah!"
"He's been out for a week...something to do with an on the job injury."
"Will he be returning soon?"
"I don't know. But, L.C. Hunter is doing a good job."
"I wonder what that on the job injury was?"
"Yeah...I don't think Enforcers get hazard pay."
***************************************************************
"If it cannot break its shell, the chick will die without being born."
"We are the chick."
"The world is our egg."
"If we don't break the World's shell, we will die without truly being born."
"Smash the World's Shell!"
"For the revolution of the world!"
***************************************************************
"Gentlekats of the Executive Council...The final Duel is nigh."
Alisa Mifurr sits on the Council table as Jake and Chance sit. Chance crosses his arms.
"If Feral doesn't fight, he forfeits the Duel." Chance says.
Jake clicks his pen.
"But, he hasn't healed from his wounds." Jake starts writing in his notebook. "Isn't that
unfair?"
"World's End isn't exactly just, Major." Alisa says simply. "When it demands a Duel, it
shall be so."
"He wouldn't be injured it the Lieutenant hadn't attacked after the bell." Chance speaks
up.
"True. And, I will handle it accordingly." Alisa stands up. "But, the Duel stands. A day
from now, the final Duel will determine once and for all who shall possess the Rose Bride."
Jake clicks his pen.
****************************************************************
After the meeting...
"I still can't believe a Duel's being called." Jake balances his briefcase over his shoulder
as he and Chance walk to the hangar. "It's not like he has someone to take his place."
"True." Chance says. "Even though I don't care for him, he should have a chance to
defend the Rose Bride. But..."
"But?"
"Doesn't it seem awfully convenient for the Commander to be fighting an incapacitated
Feral? I mean, it feels like it was only a small part of a larger plan."
Jake clicks his pen.
"You feel that way, too?" Jake asks.
"I don't like being led around by the nose...but, it's the only way for either of us to gain
what we want." Chance swings his briefcase.
"And, what do you want?"
"...I want to power to disprove wishes...because my wish didn't come true."
Jake digests this. "Chance...forgive me if I'm being too blunt...is that because you're still
stuck on the same she-kat?"
Chance smiles at that. "Jake...you're too innocent."
Jake clicks his pen.
"Huh?" Jake stops in his tracks. "What do you mean?"
"However...I don't want you turning out like me. Thinking of what could have been."
Chance keeps walking. "See you at the hangar."
Jake watches him go. "What was that all about..."
"Jake!"
Jake turns toward the voice. "Rene?"
"I found a piece of music that we can use at the regional competition." Rene walks up to
him. "I think it's complicated enough."
"That's great! We should start practicing soon."
Rene nods. "By the way, Major..."
"Hmm?"
"I need an escort to the upcoming Officer's Ball." Rene says, winking at him. "Would
you oblige?"
"I'd be happy to." Jake says.
*************************************************************
A doorbell echoes throughout Feral's dorm. Feral himself, half aware due to the
painkillers he was taking, walks gingerly to the door. Callie was out running errands for him.
His arm was still killing him...and showed no signs of getting any better. Kei's knife had
made a deep cut, and required stitches. The she-kat had gotten in-house suspension.
Twisting the doorknob with his good arm, Feral opens the door...revealing the figure of
Alisa Mifurr.
"Hello, Ulysses." Alisa smiles at him. "May I come in?"
Feral says nothing, but steps back. Alisa walks in.
"Nice place...Never knew this dorm could look like this..." Alisa muses.
"I suppose." Feral shrugs. "What brings you by?"
"I came to inform you that a Duel is scheduled a day from now. *I* am your opponent."
"What?!" Feral involuntarily takes a step back. "I can't fight in this condition! I'm hurt!"
"The Rules of the Rose Seal state that you either Duel, or forfeit and lose the Rose
Bride." Alisa looks at him. "But, considering your current state, I'd suggest you forfeit."
"You're kidding."
"No. You forfeit the Duel, heal yourself, and challenge me again."
"I can't do that." Feral shakes his head. "I can't do that to Callie."
Alisa smiles. "Such a honorable Knight."
"Huh?"
Alisa walks up to him. "That what I....like about you. You're willing to defend a she-kat
you hardly know."
"I know Callie just fine." Feral snaps.
"The Rose Bride is only a reflection of yourself...a rose that changes its color to please its
owner. You will never truly know who the Rose Bride is."
Feral says nothing. Alisa takes the opportunity to get even closer. "You realize that now,
don't you? So why don't you forfeit...and become my Knight? The Rose Bride wouldn't
appreciate you like I would."
"...I'm sorry.." Feral says after awhile. "But, if I have to Duel, I must Duel."
Alisa smiles again. "I'd figured you say that. So, I'll make it easier for you."
"Huh?"
"When you retrieve the Sword of Dios from the Rose Bride, say these words:" Alisa says.
"'Bride of the Roses, abandon thy body to protect thine sword.' This will allow you to defeat
me."
Feral looks at her. "Why are you telling me this?"
Alisa slips her arms around Feral's neck and kisses him.
"It's because...I love you."
********************************************************************
Later...
Alisa enters her room in the President's House, thoroughly pleased with herself.
Everything was going according to plan.
"I can taste it..." Alisa says aloud, smiling to herself. "The Power of Dios *will* be
mine...and Feral will be a nice bonus."
"...What a bad President you are..."
"Huh?" Alisa whirls around to face the voice. "Oh, you. Fine timing."
"The Duel is nigh...will the Champion fight?"
"He will...it goes against his honor if he doesn't."
"And, your plan of telling him how to defeat you...did you tell him of its effect on the
Rose Bride?"
Alisa smiles. "No. That's the plan. Once Ulysses sees its effect on his darling Calico,
he'll stop. And, since he's so injured, defeating him will be kitten's play."
"Why do you want the Knight?"
"Because, I love him."
"Even though his heart belongs to his Queen?"
"...I will be his new Queen."
"...Very well. But remember: You can't have your cake and eat it, too."
"What's that supposed to...mean." Alisa whirls around, but is only greeted with a
partially open door. She sighs. "It's no matter. I will win the Rose Bride."
***********************************************************
We were just social props to you, mother. You didn't care for us...we just were
something to crow about.
And, to think I became Commander to make you proud of me! All it accomplished was
minute. You still didn't care.
All I ever wanted was for you to love us. But, I guess that was too big of task.
You don't have to worry anymore. I've found the Knight of my past. And, he'll love me
unconditionally...
Something you couldn't do.
***********************************************************
Later still...
Feral sits at the little table, pen in one paw and paper in front of him, darkened with
notes. P-chan is with him as well, eating a piece of dry toast. Feral takes another pain pill.
"Hey, P-chan..." Feral says, putting down his pen.
"Buu?" P-chan continues to eat the piece of toast.
"Do you know Callie well?"
"Buubuu." P-chan nods.
Feral sighs. "I know her, too...at least I think I know her..."
"Buu."
Feral just stares at the piece of paper. On it was what he thought he knew about Callie.
"Let's see: She loves roses, loves P-chan..."
"Buu!" P-chan interjects.
"She hates thunder and lightening, loves to cook..." Feral trails off. "But, what else does
she like and dislike?"
P-chan just looks at Feral, who sighs again. "I just don't know..."
"I'm home!"
Feral looks up to Callie entering the room, carrying a first aid kit. "Welcome back."
"It's time to change your bandages, Uly-sama." Callie says, placing the kit on the table
and siting besides him.
Feral nods, feeling his meds take affect, and Callie proceeds to unbutton his shirt. The
sudden closeness of her to him made him a little nervous.
"Umm..."
"Hmm?" Callie helps Feral out of his shirt.
"Callie..."
"Yes?"
Feral looks at her. "Just...who are you?"
Callie takes the old bandage off and places a new one on. "Who...am I?"
"Yes."
"I am...the Rose Bride."
"What about just Callie?"
P-chan disappears. Callie smiles and leans in a little toward Feral. "I am also your
fiancee."
Feral blinks, and Callie runs a paw along Feral's face.
"I must do the will of the Champion..."
"...Huh?"
"Just what is the will in your heart, Uly-sama?" Callie gets even closer.
"My will?"
"What do you desire...of me?"
"I desire..."
"Yes?"
"I desire...to be your Knight..." Feral says weakly.
Callie's eyes widen. "My Knight?"
"I want to know the *real* you, Calico. Not the facade that is the Rose Bride." Feral
stares into her eyes. "I want to free you, and I'll be your Knight to do so."
Callie just looks at him. "What of your will?"
"My will shouldn't supercede your own." Feral claps Callie's paws. "If anything, it
should allow you to tell me what you want."
"What I want?"
"Yes. What do you want of me?"
"I..."
"I don't want you to lose!"
*****************************************************************
Later that night...
Feral is fast asleep in his bed, his pain medications finally taking affect. Callie stands
besides bed, holding an extra blanket. She looks at him.
"*A desire to be my Knight...*" Callie thinks. "*Could he be...?*"
Callie places the extra blanket onto Feral...and then climbs into bed with him.
******************************************************************
The next morning...
Feral is awakened to the dull, throbbing pain in his arm...and the feeling of being
cramped. He turns over, careful to avoid his arm...
"What the...Callie?" Feral looks to see Callie in his bed, huddled close to him. P-chan
had also squeezed in as well.
"Hey, now...The bed's too small for all three of us." Feral smiles, moving a lock of hair
from Callie's face. "But, I guess she's doing the will of the Champion..."
"Hmm..."
"She doesn't want to me lose...and I don't want to lose, either."
"I want to free her...And, in order to find my Queen, I must be a Knight to others..."
"I will become Callie's Knight."
***********************************************************************
The day continues normally. Feral grows nervous with each passing hour, knowing how
close he was to the Duel.
Finally...
"Are you all right, Uly-sama?" Callie asks, helping Feral into his Dueling jacket.
"I'm no worse than I have been." Feral grimaces, trying not to move his arm too much.
Callie moves to help fasten the jacket. "Good luck."
"Thanks."
Callie grows silent. "I...I don't want you to lose..."
"I won't."
"But, your arm..."
Feral lifts Callie's face with his paw. "I won't lose...Don't worry."
"Uly-sama..."
"I will become your Knight."
**************************************************************
Later...at the Dueling Arena...
Alisa Mifurr stands in the challenger's spot, wearing a violet rose pinned to her chest and
wielding a slim sword. Callie was in her usual position, at Feral's side.
"Are you sure you don't want to forfeit, Ulysses?" Alisa asks him, smiling. "You can
always challenge me again."
"No, thanks." Feral shakes his head. "I have to fight for Callie...and myself."
"I see...so you're fighting for your 'self'." Alisa smirks a bit. "Have it your way."
"O Rose of the noble castle..." Callie closes her eyes. A sphere of light appears in front of
her chest.
"Spirit of Dios that slumbers within..." Callie continues to chant, the sphere of light
growing bigger.
"Harken unto thy Master, and reveal to us now..."
Callie falls backwards, where Feral catches her. Within the sphere of light an elaborate
hilt of a sword appears. Feral grabs it and begins to extract the sword.
"...the power to Revolutionize the world!"
The clock towers bells begin to ring, and Feral shifts the sword to his left paw.
"Let's get this over with quickly." Alisa goes into a fighting stance. "Say the words I told
you earlier."
Her tone didn't sit well with Feral, but he points the sword at Callie. "Bride of the Roses,
abandon thy body to protect thine sword."
"Yes, Uly-sama." Callie bows, and walks toward Feral. She kneels in front of the sword.
"...Callie...?"
Callie takes the sword in her paws and kisses it. Immediately it starts to glow. Callie
stands back up again.
Feral couldn't believe it. He raises the sword to get a better look.
"Well? Isn't it beautiful?" Alisa smiles. "That is the true power of the Rose Bride of
Dios!"
"Wow..." Feral says.
"So let's Duel, Ulysses! Defend thine Bride!"
Feral starts to assume a fight position, but takes a final look at Callie. She was swaying.
"Callie!" Feral runs over to her and catches her.
"Oh, didn't I ever tell you of it's draining effect on the Rose Bride?" Alisa laughs.
"I knew you do something like this!" Feral growls.
"So you did." Alisa smiles. "Now, what are you going to do about it?"
Feral looks at Callie. "Release it."
Callie's eyes widen. "But...you'll..."
"Just do it!"
Callie closes her eyes, and the light disappears from the sword.
Alisa takes this opportunity to charge. Feral releases Callie and spins out of the way, but
not before Alisa's sword has slashed his jacket.
"*He can't defeat Mifurr-san in that condition.*" Callie thinks to herself. "*I wonder if it
will end quickly.*"
Alisa continues to attack Feral, with him barely getting out of the way. The she-kat was
quick...not strong in form like Furlong, but faster than Clawson and Kei. She laughs.
"Do you really understand that sword's power?" Alisa continues to laugh, slashing at
Feral. "That is the true power hidden within the Rose Bride! You fancied yourself her Knight
and didn't even know about it?"
Feral does his best to parry Alisa's attacks, but his uniform continues to get slashed. He
falls down, and quickly raises his sword to parry Alisa's blow.
"You don't even understand her." Alisa says, applying pressure to counter Feral's blade.
"It doesn't matter!" Feral says through gritted teeth, doing the best he could to thwart
Alisa's sword with his one good arm.
"*He could die! Why does he fight on?*" Callie thinks, watching Alisa gain leverage.
"*Uly-sama, isn't this strange?*"
"Maybe I don't know about Callie!" Feral clenches his teeth together. "But, I'm fighting
for her...and for me!"
"...Pathetic." Alisa says, applying more pressure. Feral turns his head away.
"*...It's...It's over, Uly-sama.*" Callie thinks, looking at Feral. But, he starts to look
strange...like...a kitten...
"*I've seen this before! I know what it is!*" Callie blinks. "*This is... This is...I know
I've have!*"
A light begins to radiate from Feral's sword, and Feral himself begins to feel stronger.
"*It's like what happened that time!*" Callie's eyes widen, tears rolling down her
cheeks.
Meanwhile, Alisa couldn't believe what she was seeing. "What? Impossible!"
Feral knocks Alisa's sword away from him, throwing her off balance. Feral manages to
get to his feet. He charges at her. And, before she has time to react...
Violet rose pedals fill the air, and the clock tower's bells begin to ring. Alisa drops to her
knees in shock. Callie couldn't believe it herself.
"I *am* her Knight." Feral says aloud, turning to Callie.
"Uly-sama..." Callie looks at him.
"Callie...It's okay now." Feral smiles at her, extending his paw. "So, shall we go home?"
Callie blinks, but smiles as well.
"Yes, Uly-sama."
To be continued...
Feral has a Duel in a day. And, despite being hurt, he must fight or forfeit and lose
Callie! To compound things, Alisa questions whether he really knows the Rose Bride...and
reveals her true feelings. Can Feral beat the odds?
Author's notes: This is the last true chapter of this series (excluding the epilogue type
chapter that proceeds this one). Then I start working on the Death Rose Saga.
Since the Utena anime starts getting gradually darker, expect it from this series as well.
So, starting from this chapter, look for a scene that might hedge the ratings borders.
Future chapters may require a bump in the rating, but I won't know until I actually write it.
To my 'secret' agents:
Renee: Per last e-mail, you are right. ;) But, I have to admit, a scene in the Planetarium?
Dude...Never thought of it, but I might have write that!
Alegna: You have another person who figured out the secret! How would you like a
scene in the Planetarium? ;)
As always, send any comments or questions to AkaneKitty@aol.com. Or, drop me a line
in my review section at Fanfiction.net. Enjoy!
Ja!
AkaneKitty
***************
Epsilon:
For Love, Perhaps
***************
"Mom! I made this for you at school today!"
"...That's nice, dear. Now, I want you to put out our finest crystal. I want to show up our
neighbors..."
"...Mom?"
"Alisa, dear, don't be a bother. Now, I want you to change into that nice party dress I
bought you and help your sister dress as well. Appearance is everything!"
"But..."
***************************************************************
"Hey, did you hear about Commander Feral?"
"Leader of the Enforcers? Yeah!"
"He's been out for a week...something to do with an on the job injury."
"Will he be returning soon?"
"I don't know. But, L.C. Hunter is doing a good job."
"I wonder what that on the job injury was?"
"Yeah...I don't think Enforcers get hazard pay."
***************************************************************
"If it cannot break its shell, the chick will die without being born."
"We are the chick."
"The world is our egg."
"If we don't break the World's shell, we will die without truly being born."
"Smash the World's Shell!"
"For the revolution of the world!"
***************************************************************
"Gentlekats of the Executive Council...The final Duel is nigh."
Alisa Mifurr sits on the Council table as Jake and Chance sit. Chance crosses his arms.
"If Feral doesn't fight, he forfeits the Duel." Chance says.
Jake clicks his pen.
"But, he hasn't healed from his wounds." Jake starts writing in his notebook. "Isn't that
unfair?"
"World's End isn't exactly just, Major." Alisa says simply. "When it demands a Duel, it
shall be so."
"He wouldn't be injured it the Lieutenant hadn't attacked after the bell." Chance speaks
up.
"True. And, I will handle it accordingly." Alisa stands up. "But, the Duel stands. A day
from now, the final Duel will determine once and for all who shall possess the Rose Bride."
Jake clicks his pen.
****************************************************************
After the meeting...
"I still can't believe a Duel's being called." Jake balances his briefcase over his shoulder
as he and Chance walk to the hangar. "It's not like he has someone to take his place."
"True." Chance says. "Even though I don't care for him, he should have a chance to
defend the Rose Bride. But..."
"But?"
"Doesn't it seem awfully convenient for the Commander to be fighting an incapacitated
Feral? I mean, it feels like it was only a small part of a larger plan."
Jake clicks his pen.
"You feel that way, too?" Jake asks.
"I don't like being led around by the nose...but, it's the only way for either of us to gain
what we want." Chance swings his briefcase.
"And, what do you want?"
"...I want to power to disprove wishes...because my wish didn't come true."
Jake digests this. "Chance...forgive me if I'm being too blunt...is that because you're still
stuck on the same she-kat?"
Chance smiles at that. "Jake...you're too innocent."
Jake clicks his pen.
"Huh?" Jake stops in his tracks. "What do you mean?"
"However...I don't want you turning out like me. Thinking of what could have been."
Chance keeps walking. "See you at the hangar."
Jake watches him go. "What was that all about..."
"Jake!"
Jake turns toward the voice. "Rene?"
"I found a piece of music that we can use at the regional competition." Rene walks up to
him. "I think it's complicated enough."
"That's great! We should start practicing soon."
Rene nods. "By the way, Major..."
"Hmm?"
"I need an escort to the upcoming Officer's Ball." Rene says, winking at him. "Would
you oblige?"
"I'd be happy to." Jake says.
*************************************************************
A doorbell echoes throughout Feral's dorm. Feral himself, half aware due to the
painkillers he was taking, walks gingerly to the door. Callie was out running errands for him.
His arm was still killing him...and showed no signs of getting any better. Kei's knife had
made a deep cut, and required stitches. The she-kat had gotten in-house suspension.
Twisting the doorknob with his good arm, Feral opens the door...revealing the figure of
Alisa Mifurr.
"Hello, Ulysses." Alisa smiles at him. "May I come in?"
Feral says nothing, but steps back. Alisa walks in.
"Nice place...Never knew this dorm could look like this..." Alisa muses.
"I suppose." Feral shrugs. "What brings you by?"
"I came to inform you that a Duel is scheduled a day from now. *I* am your opponent."
"What?!" Feral involuntarily takes a step back. "I can't fight in this condition! I'm hurt!"
"The Rules of the Rose Seal state that you either Duel, or forfeit and lose the Rose
Bride." Alisa looks at him. "But, considering your current state, I'd suggest you forfeit."
"You're kidding."
"No. You forfeit the Duel, heal yourself, and challenge me again."
"I can't do that." Feral shakes his head. "I can't do that to Callie."
Alisa smiles. "Such a honorable Knight."
"Huh?"
Alisa walks up to him. "That what I....like about you. You're willing to defend a she-kat
you hardly know."
"I know Callie just fine." Feral snaps.
"The Rose Bride is only a reflection of yourself...a rose that changes its color to please its
owner. You will never truly know who the Rose Bride is."
Feral says nothing. Alisa takes the opportunity to get even closer. "You realize that now,
don't you? So why don't you forfeit...and become my Knight? The Rose Bride wouldn't
appreciate you like I would."
"...I'm sorry.." Feral says after awhile. "But, if I have to Duel, I must Duel."
Alisa smiles again. "I'd figured you say that. So, I'll make it easier for you."
"Huh?"
"When you retrieve the Sword of Dios from the Rose Bride, say these words:" Alisa says.
"'Bride of the Roses, abandon thy body to protect thine sword.' This will allow you to defeat
me."
Feral looks at her. "Why are you telling me this?"
Alisa slips her arms around Feral's neck and kisses him.
"It's because...I love you."
********************************************************************
Later...
Alisa enters her room in the President's House, thoroughly pleased with herself.
Everything was going according to plan.
"I can taste it..." Alisa says aloud, smiling to herself. "The Power of Dios *will* be
mine...and Feral will be a nice bonus."
"...What a bad President you are..."
"Huh?" Alisa whirls around to face the voice. "Oh, you. Fine timing."
"The Duel is nigh...will the Champion fight?"
"He will...it goes against his honor if he doesn't."
"And, your plan of telling him how to defeat you...did you tell him of its effect on the
Rose Bride?"
Alisa smiles. "No. That's the plan. Once Ulysses sees its effect on his darling Calico,
he'll stop. And, since he's so injured, defeating him will be kitten's play."
"Why do you want the Knight?"
"Because, I love him."
"Even though his heart belongs to his Queen?"
"...I will be his new Queen."
"...Very well. But remember: You can't have your cake and eat it, too."
"What's that supposed to...mean." Alisa whirls around, but is only greeted with a
partially open door. She sighs. "It's no matter. I will win the Rose Bride."
***********************************************************
We were just social props to you, mother. You didn't care for us...we just were
something to crow about.
And, to think I became Commander to make you proud of me! All it accomplished was
minute. You still didn't care.
All I ever wanted was for you to love us. But, I guess that was too big of task.
You don't have to worry anymore. I've found the Knight of my past. And, he'll love me
unconditionally...
Something you couldn't do.
***********************************************************
Later still...
Feral sits at the little table, pen in one paw and paper in front of him, darkened with
notes. P-chan is with him as well, eating a piece of dry toast. Feral takes another pain pill.
"Hey, P-chan..." Feral says, putting down his pen.
"Buu?" P-chan continues to eat the piece of toast.
"Do you know Callie well?"
"Buubuu." P-chan nods.
Feral sighs. "I know her, too...at least I think I know her..."
"Buu."
Feral just stares at the piece of paper. On it was what he thought he knew about Callie.
"Let's see: She loves roses, loves P-chan..."
"Buu!" P-chan interjects.
"She hates thunder and lightening, loves to cook..." Feral trails off. "But, what else does
she like and dislike?"
P-chan just looks at Feral, who sighs again. "I just don't know..."
"I'm home!"
Feral looks up to Callie entering the room, carrying a first aid kit. "Welcome back."
"It's time to change your bandages, Uly-sama." Callie says, placing the kit on the table
and siting besides him.
Feral nods, feeling his meds take affect, and Callie proceeds to unbutton his shirt. The
sudden closeness of her to him made him a little nervous.
"Umm..."
"Hmm?" Callie helps Feral out of his shirt.
"Callie..."
"Yes?"
Feral looks at her. "Just...who are you?"
Callie takes the old bandage off and places a new one on. "Who...am I?"
"Yes."
"I am...the Rose Bride."
"What about just Callie?"
P-chan disappears. Callie smiles and leans in a little toward Feral. "I am also your
fiancee."
Feral blinks, and Callie runs a paw along Feral's face.
"I must do the will of the Champion..."
"...Huh?"
"Just what is the will in your heart, Uly-sama?" Callie gets even closer.
"My will?"
"What do you desire...of me?"
"I desire..."
"Yes?"
"I desire...to be your Knight..." Feral says weakly.
Callie's eyes widen. "My Knight?"
"I want to know the *real* you, Calico. Not the facade that is the Rose Bride." Feral
stares into her eyes. "I want to free you, and I'll be your Knight to do so."
Callie just looks at him. "What of your will?"
"My will shouldn't supercede your own." Feral claps Callie's paws. "If anything, it
should allow you to tell me what you want."
"What I want?"
"Yes. What do you want of me?"
"I..."
"I don't want you to lose!"
*****************************************************************
Later that night...
Feral is fast asleep in his bed, his pain medications finally taking affect. Callie stands
besides bed, holding an extra blanket. She looks at him.
"*A desire to be my Knight...*" Callie thinks. "*Could he be...?*"
Callie places the extra blanket onto Feral...and then climbs into bed with him.
******************************************************************
The next morning...
Feral is awakened to the dull, throbbing pain in his arm...and the feeling of being
cramped. He turns over, careful to avoid his arm...
"What the...Callie?" Feral looks to see Callie in his bed, huddled close to him. P-chan
had also squeezed in as well.
"Hey, now...The bed's too small for all three of us." Feral smiles, moving a lock of hair
from Callie's face. "But, I guess she's doing the will of the Champion..."
"Hmm..."
"She doesn't want to me lose...and I don't want to lose, either."
"I want to free her...And, in order to find my Queen, I must be a Knight to others..."
"I will become Callie's Knight."
***********************************************************************
The day continues normally. Feral grows nervous with each passing hour, knowing how
close he was to the Duel.
Finally...
"Are you all right, Uly-sama?" Callie asks, helping Feral into his Dueling jacket.
"I'm no worse than I have been." Feral grimaces, trying not to move his arm too much.
Callie moves to help fasten the jacket. "Good luck."
"Thanks."
Callie grows silent. "I...I don't want you to lose..."
"I won't."
"But, your arm..."
Feral lifts Callie's face with his paw. "I won't lose...Don't worry."
"Uly-sama..."
"I will become your Knight."
**************************************************************
Later...at the Dueling Arena...
Alisa Mifurr stands in the challenger's spot, wearing a violet rose pinned to her chest and
wielding a slim sword. Callie was in her usual position, at Feral's side.
"Are you sure you don't want to forfeit, Ulysses?" Alisa asks him, smiling. "You can
always challenge me again."
"No, thanks." Feral shakes his head. "I have to fight for Callie...and myself."
"I see...so you're fighting for your 'self'." Alisa smirks a bit. "Have it your way."
"O Rose of the noble castle..." Callie closes her eyes. A sphere of light appears in front of
her chest.
"Spirit of Dios that slumbers within..." Callie continues to chant, the sphere of light
growing bigger.
"Harken unto thy Master, and reveal to us now..."
Callie falls backwards, where Feral catches her. Within the sphere of light an elaborate
hilt of a sword appears. Feral grabs it and begins to extract the sword.
"...the power to Revolutionize the world!"
The clock towers bells begin to ring, and Feral shifts the sword to his left paw.
"Let's get this over with quickly." Alisa goes into a fighting stance. "Say the words I told
you earlier."
Her tone didn't sit well with Feral, but he points the sword at Callie. "Bride of the Roses,
abandon thy body to protect thine sword."
"Yes, Uly-sama." Callie bows, and walks toward Feral. She kneels in front of the sword.
"...Callie...?"
Callie takes the sword in her paws and kisses it. Immediately it starts to glow. Callie
stands back up again.
Feral couldn't believe it. He raises the sword to get a better look.
"Well? Isn't it beautiful?" Alisa smiles. "That is the true power of the Rose Bride of
Dios!"
"Wow..." Feral says.
"So let's Duel, Ulysses! Defend thine Bride!"
Feral starts to assume a fight position, but takes a final look at Callie. She was swaying.
"Callie!" Feral runs over to her and catches her.
"Oh, didn't I ever tell you of it's draining effect on the Rose Bride?" Alisa laughs.
"I knew you do something like this!" Feral growls.
"So you did." Alisa smiles. "Now, what are you going to do about it?"
Feral looks at Callie. "Release it."
Callie's eyes widen. "But...you'll..."
"Just do it!"
Callie closes her eyes, and the light disappears from the sword.
Alisa takes this opportunity to charge. Feral releases Callie and spins out of the way, but
not before Alisa's sword has slashed his jacket.
"*He can't defeat Mifurr-san in that condition.*" Callie thinks to herself. "*I wonder if it
will end quickly.*"
Alisa continues to attack Feral, with him barely getting out of the way. The she-kat was
quick...not strong in form like Furlong, but faster than Clawson and Kei. She laughs.
"Do you really understand that sword's power?" Alisa continues to laugh, slashing at
Feral. "That is the true power hidden within the Rose Bride! You fancied yourself her Knight
and didn't even know about it?"
Feral does his best to parry Alisa's attacks, but his uniform continues to get slashed. He
falls down, and quickly raises his sword to parry Alisa's blow.
"You don't even understand her." Alisa says, applying pressure to counter Feral's blade.
"It doesn't matter!" Feral says through gritted teeth, doing the best he could to thwart
Alisa's sword with his one good arm.
"*He could die! Why does he fight on?*" Callie thinks, watching Alisa gain leverage.
"*Uly-sama, isn't this strange?*"
"Maybe I don't know about Callie!" Feral clenches his teeth together. "But, I'm fighting
for her...and for me!"
"...Pathetic." Alisa says, applying more pressure. Feral turns his head away.
"*...It's...It's over, Uly-sama.*" Callie thinks, looking at Feral. But, he starts to look
strange...like...a kitten...
"*I've seen this before! I know what it is!*" Callie blinks. "*This is... This is...I know
I've have!*"
A light begins to radiate from Feral's sword, and Feral himself begins to feel stronger.
"*It's like what happened that time!*" Callie's eyes widen, tears rolling down her
cheeks.
Meanwhile, Alisa couldn't believe what she was seeing. "What? Impossible!"
Feral knocks Alisa's sword away from him, throwing her off balance. Feral manages to
get to his feet. He charges at her. And, before she has time to react...
Violet rose pedals fill the air, and the clock tower's bells begin to ring. Alisa drops to her
knees in shock. Callie couldn't believe it herself.
"I *am* her Knight." Feral says aloud, turning to Callie.
"Uly-sama..." Callie looks at him.
"Callie...It's okay now." Feral smiles at her, extending his paw. "So, shall we go home?"
Callie blinks, but smiles as well.
"Yes, Uly-sama."
To be continued...