{Once upon a time, there was a school. No, that's not right. Once
there was a girl–}
[What do you think you're doing?]
{Trying to recount the events of your story so far.}
[I think I'm perfectly capable of doing that myself.]
{All right. But I bet you no one will understand a word you say.}
[Perhaps not everyone is as stupid–]
{Don't you dare finish that sentence. Just recap.}
[Once upon a time, there was a fallen prince who strove to fill the
world with darkness, and made it his goal to regain the power he once
possessed. However, when one stands on the edge of the world for so
long, they can only see the abyss. No matter how strong the light that
shines in their eyes, they are blinded by the darkness that consumes
them, and cannot see the threat that lies ahead. And thus the world
moves towards Revolution, not knowing whether Light or Darkness will
prevail.]
{And for those who didn't understand a word of that, a mysterious girl
appeared for apparently no rational reason, and demonstrated behavior
that made little sense.}
[It makes perfect sense if you know the story. Masks can slip the
tiniest bit, but the face will remain hidden from those who think they
know what they will see. Games must be played according to the rules,
but those rules can be bent by those who know them well enough. And
fairy tales always have heroes, and the heroes always win. The trick
is figuring out who the real hero is.]
{Sure. And those who listen to the shadows long enough can hear them
speak.}
[See, you're starting to learn.]
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shatter
A Shoujo Kakumei Utena Fanfiction
By Lady Brick
www.mindeclipse.com
Part 2 - The Story Tangles
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Are you feeling better?"
The pale-haired girl looked up at Touga and smiled wanly. He held out
a cold can of soda, which she took with only the slightest hesitation.
"Yes, thank you. You really didn't have to go to all this trouble.
"Nonsense." He took a seat beside her in the grass, heedless of his
spotless white uniform. "What sort of prince would leave a beautiful
girl alone in such a state?"
Kyoko's smile faded slightly at the question. She turned her gaze to
the glistening white campus buildings, nearly blinding in the afternoon
sunlight.
Touga watched her thoughtfully, intrigued by her odd reaction. "What's
the matter, Mawahisa, uncomfortable with flattery?"
She looked at him sharply, her eyes narrowed. He couldn't quite make
out their color in the brightness. "How did you–"
He gave a small laugh. "I'm the Student Council President. Of course
I'd know of the arrival of a new student. Though I had no idea you'd
be so–"
"You can stop. I've already been warned about you."
"Oh really? And what have you been told?" he asked, somewhat bemused.
"Campus playboy. Leaves a trail of broken hearts where ever he goes.
I'm sure you've heard it all before."
Touga tucked back a few strands of hair, not bothered by her harsh
description in the least. "I'll have to track down your informant and
discover what led them to so gravely misinterpret me. Probably one of
Tenjou Utena's legion of admirers."
Kyoko looked down at her lap. "Who's that?"
"A very charming girl in the junior high school who has taken an
unwarrantedly strong disliking to me." His smile briefly flickered,
almost imperceptibly.
"You sound as though you really like her."
He lay back, looking up at the sky. "Even someone not given to emotion
can care deeply for the right person." He glanced at Kyoko. She had
turned to watching at him, and coloring slightly, she looked away.
"Oi, Mr. President, you're in our spot."
Touga shifted his gaze at the familiar voice, but didn't move
otherwise. A slightly annoyed-looking Tenjou Utena, followed by the
ever-present Himemiya Anthy, was approaching the shade of the tree they
sat under. Anthy carried a large bento box.
"Ah, Tenjou-kun. What a lovely surprise."
Utena frowned down at him. "Don't give me that. You know we eat lunch
here everyday. What are you trying to pull?"
Touga's smile shifted into more of a cocky smirk while she spoke.
"Really, Tenjou-kun, not everything has to do with you. I was merely
assisting Mawahisa, who was momentarily ill. You should be a little
polite... you'll give our new student a bad impression of Ohtori."
Utena muttered something unintelligible. She then turned to Kyoko.
"So you're new? I just transferred here this year myself."
Kyoko gave a curt nod, but said nothing.
"Utena-sama," Anthy broke in, "we have plenty of food. It wouldn't be
polite to ask Kiriyuu-sempai and Mawahisa-sempai to leave if Mawahisa-
sempai is feeling ill."
Utena grumbled, but apparently couldn't come up with a reasonable
argument. Reluctantly, she flopped down on the grass, next to Kyoko,
avoiding Touga's gaze.
Touga noticed Kyoko stiffen ever so slightly, and edge imperceptibly
away from the younger girl. He quirked an eyebrow thoughtfully.
"Something wrong, Mr. President?"
"Not at all Tenjou-kun. Not since you-"
"Can it."
Touga laughed. "As I said," he told the sky conversationally,
"charming."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Utena did her best to ignore Touga, but had trouble speaking with the
other two girls. Kyoko seemed unwilling to converse, answering any
question directed at her with a brief, stilted answer. And Anthy...
well, she was Anthy, as usual.
"How's your food?" she asked. A muffled "chu" was her answer. Anthy
had thoughtfully tucked ChuChu in his own small bento box, thus sparing
their own lunch from his voracious appetite. She gave the engorged
animal a tentative pat, somewhat nervous that he would burst.
"That is quite an interesting ring you are wearing, Mawahisa-sempai,"
Anthy said suddenly. "May I take a closer look?"
Kyoko looked startled, then uncomfortable, but relented her hand to the
younger girl for inspection. Utena looked over, afraid she would see
yet another rose seal. Fortunately, her fears proved unfounded. The
ring was gold with some sort of raised relief design, worn on her
middle finger. On second glance, Utena realized the motif actually was
a rose, only modeled to look like a real flower with open petals,
nothing like the stylized outline of the seals.
"That's very lovely," Touga murmured, taking her hand in his own for a
closer look. Utena noticed the older girl flushed slightly.
"It was given to me by an old friend," Kyoko said. "I met her at one
of the schools I attended... she gave this to me to remember her by
when she found out I was coming to Ohtori.
"It suits you very well. Delicate and elegant."
Looking even more uncomfortable at Touga's attention, Kyoko withdrew
her hand back to the safety of her lap. Utena was glad he had stopped
spouting that crap in her direction, at least momentarily.
Anthy broke in unexpectedly. "Mawahisa-sempai, did you ever
considering wearing your hair down?"
Kyoko stared back at her, almost challengingly. "Have you?"
Anthy merely smiled benignly and went back to picking delicately
through her yakisoba.
"So, um, has Nanami settled back in yet?" Utena asked, now
uncomfortable enough to try to change the subject. Later, she would
have to ask her roommate why she was acting so oddly. Even for her.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kyoko walked silently through the hall of the dorm, ignored by the
other students. She approached her door, then paused, her eye caught
on a figure down the hall.
The girl wore a stylish dress instead of the standard uniform, laughing
gently and brushing back her seafoam hair. She sat amongst a small
group of friends who gazed at her with unabated adoration.
Kyoko's eyes softened. She looked so happy. But... She bit her lip
and then hurried into her room, closing the door hard behind her and
the tall shadows that awaited her.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The silk sheets were slightly cold against his bare back. His eyes
focused on the ceiling, but as always, he was acutely aware of his
companion.
"Mawahisa Kyoko. I hear you met her today." Ohtori Akio's deep voice
rang out unnaturally loud in the large space.
"Yes. A very interesting girl."
"Rather lovely." The statement was left dangling, obvious bait.
"Yes. Though not as much as some." If Ohtori thought he would give
up this easily, he still didn't know him very well at all.
Akio gave a deep-throated laugh. "Speaking of 'some', I would like you
to pick up a gift for me if you could..."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"She knows."
"Does that surprise you? After what you did for her, you think she
would fail to recognize you in whatever form you took?"
"I guess not. But it worries me."
"Why?"
"She could tell him."
"I doubt it. He still has a hold over her, true. But it isn't as
strong as he thinks it is. She won't volunteer the information. Maybe
if he asked her directly... but again, I doubt he will."
"I have to get her away from him. As soon as possible."
"Don't worry. You'll have your opportunity soon enough. And I'll
watch over her in the meantime."
"Thank you."
A small laugh. "No, thank you. You know this means more to me than it
ever could to you."
"I know. But still... thank you."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Akio strode swiftly through a small copse of trees towards the gleaming
white stables. As he drew closer, he noticed the stable door had been
left open. He raised an eyebrow. Although the stable was open to all
students, few chose to.
He passed through the shadowed doorway and caught sight of Kyoko,
standing at the stall of a beautiful black gelding, looking as thought
she were unsure what the animal was used for.
"Kyoko-san, do you need any assistance?" His lip twitched as the girl
jumped noticeably.
"Ah, Mr. Chairman," she answered, her voice wavering. "I was just
looking for a hostler."
"Please, call me Akio. Is there anything I can do to help?"
She didn't meet his eyes. "Well, it's rather embarrassing. I have
been riding for a while, but never by myself. I'm not sure how I, I
mean, how you are supposed to, you know-"
Akio gave a small laugh. "Would you like me to help you saddle your
horse?"
"I've never actually done it myself," she said apologetically. "Would
you mind?"
Akio smiled. "Of course not. I'm here to assist the students in any
way necessary." Internally, he frowned. He had been in a bit of a
hurry. But no matter how much he had changed from what he had once
been, he was still quite good at being chivalrous.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I really don't think this is necessary, Ohto-... Akio-san," Kyoko
murmured, sure that her face was beet-red. She was quite uncomfortably
aware of the warm, broad chest, just barely grazing her back.
"Nonsense." Akio's breath was hot on the back of her neck. She
shifted uncomfortably. "It wouldn't be right of me to let someone in
your condition ride unsupervised, especially after yesterday."
Kyoko *felt* the flush that time. "Kiryuu-san-"
"My sister told me of your little lunch group. She seemed quite taken
with you." His voice remained neutral, but there seemed a slight shift
in tone.
"She seemed very nice," Kyoko ventured. "Quiet, perhaps."
"Yes, she is," Akio agreed, "which is why I take interest in those that
she takes interest. It is a fairly unusual occurrence, and those few
tend to be rather remarkable people."
They had entered the trees now. Kyoko flinched as a branch barely
missed scraping her cheek. "I am not a remarkable person, really," she
said, her voice drifting slightly higher. She stiffen suddenly a long
finger suddenly traced a path along her cheekbone.
"Everyone here is remarkable, in some manner or another." He spoke as
if instructing a small child. "Those who are chosen to come to this
Academy stand out from the general public in some special way. This is
a rather exclusive school, after all."
Kyoko nodded, feeling as though her neck would snap with the movement,
tight as it was. His hand still brushed her skin.
"Those who are chosen to attend and choose to attend... well, everyone
makes that choice for a different reason." He leaned forward, his face
a breath away from hers. "I was wondering what made you decide to come
to Ohtori."
Kyoko swallowed, frozen. "I... well, I... I heard-"
Someone suddenly screamed nearby, the sound echoing through the trees.
Akio muttered something intelligible, kicking the horse into a swift
canter. Kyoko clamped her fingers into the horse's mane.
They burst into a small clearing. A large chestnut nervously pawed the
ground by a fallen tree. Kiryuu Touga leaned frantically over a figure
sprawled awkwardly on the ground.
Akio was striding angrily towards the two before Kyoko even realized he
had dismounted. She clambered out of the saddle, hurrying to follow.
"What happened?" Akio demanded, pushing past Touga to get a better view
of Utena. Her eyes were open but she seemed dazed, her breath coming
in starts. She moved feebly, as if trying to push herself into a
sitting position but uncertain of what to do. Kyoko stood off to the
side silently, unable to do anything to help.
"We were riding, she fell... it was an accident." Touga's perpetual
calm was in pieces, but he kept his voice fairly steady nonetheless.
He didn't look at the Chairmen, his eyes locked on Utena.
In contrast, Akio was enraged. "How *dare* you-" He caught himself,
took a breath, allowed his face to return to its usual collected
smoothness. Turning to Utena, his eyes were measured. "Are you all
right, my dear?"
"He... didn't mean..." Utena's hand fluttered up to rest on his arm.
She smiled weakly. "I'm okay... really..."
Akio gently gathered her into his arms, cradling her as if she weighed
nothing. Glancing back at Touga, his eyes glittered dangerously. "We
will discuss this later." Mounting the black horse, he rode off at an
even pace, careful not to jar his passenger.
Kyoko, watched him ride off, awkwardly aware that her presence had been
completely forgotten. Touga watched him as well, a soft sadness
settling over his features.
Pushing back a lock of hair that had strayed from her bun, Kyoko
stepped towards Touga. "Are you okay?" she ventured.
Touga turned, startled. Clearly, he hadn't even realized she was
there. He gave a wry smile, completely devoid of humor. "I'm fine,
*I* didn't fall off of the horse." He sighed and shook his head. "I
didn't mean for this to happen."
Somewhat surprised at his frankness, Kyoko kneeled down, joining him.
"She didn't look like she was seriously hurt or anything. I'm sure
she'll be fine."
"Of course she will," he muttered under his breath. He studied his
companion with sharp eyes. "What were you doing riding with the
Chairman?"
So he had seen. Kyoko flushed slightly. "Ohtori-san insisted."
Touga's eyebrow quirked. "Most girls in your position would be
thrilled." When Kyoko only shrugged, embarrassed, his look grew more
thoughtful. "You don't like him then?"
She fiddled with a blade of grass. "He makes me uncomfortable," she
admitted.
Touga gave small laugh. "If only others had your clear vision."
"You don't like him then?"
"I know him too well. I know that he only sees people as pawns in his
little game. Even those who truly love him, or at least the image he
projects." Touga sighed. "It used to be that I enjoyed such games
myself. But these days, the cost just seems too high. And quite
frankly, I'm tired of being toyed with."
Kyoko briefly met his eyes. "Why are you telling me this? You don't
even really know me."
"Perhaps because I've been waiting to say that to the person for whom
it truly mattered, and I lost my chance."
"You really care about her then?"
"I don't want to see her hurt by him. Or worse."
Kyoko looked back at the ground. "Can I do anything to help?"
"Not this late in the game. He has planned everything too well. He
knows that I'll-" A sudden thought struck Touga. He looked back at
Kyoko. "Have you ever fenced or practiced kendo?"
Her eyes widened at the question, almost to the point of panic. "I did
a little fencing a few years ago," she admitted hesitantly. "I never
had any formal training, and I wasn't very good. I can't duel anyone."
Touga's eyes narrowed. "How did you know what I was going to ask?"
Kyoko clamped her mouth shut suddenly, as if she realized she had let
something slip that she shouldn't have. Her eyes, seemingly colorless
in the shade of the trees, were guarded.
Seeing that he wasn't going to get any further answers at the moment,
Touga stood and brushed off his pristine slacks. "Come on," he
ordered. "I think we need to talk a little further. You may just be
the one who can help me throw a wrench in his plans."
Reluctantly, Kyoko stood, wondering what she had just gotten herself
into.
Neither of them saw a small jewelry box, lying forgotten in the dirt,
or the shapeless shadow that hovered over it for a moment, before
drifting away.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Are you sure that you are alright, Utena-sama?"
Utena gave what she hoped was a comforting smile to her friend. "I'll
be fine, Himemiya," she said soothingly, hoping it was convincing. In
truth, everything ached with a dull but constant pain. She was sure
her entire body was one big bruise. "I'm lucky I didn't break
anything, really. I'm fine, really." The last comment was directed at
Chuchu, who was solemnly examining a finger with one tiny paw.
"Onii-sama will be glad to hear that. He was quite worried."
Utena grinned. "I've never seen him so angry. I didn't even know he
could get angry." Her smile softened slightly, and she looked at the
ceiling. "It would seem that if someone could become so upset over
such a little thing, that they must really care about that person,
right?" The words felt awkward in her mouth.
Anthy stood. "It would seem so," she agreed. "Pardon me, Utena-
sama... I should go tell Onii-sama that you are doing better."
However, as Anthy left the sleeping area, she instead headed to the
kitchen, slipping off her glasses. A shadow, barely visible in the
darkness, lounged on the wall.
"So there is to be a duel tomorrow? Utena-sama won't be happy. I know
she is in pain from the accident." A brief flash of sorrow brushed her
features. She paused for a few moments. Then a smile lit her
features. "Well, that should be interesting. Do you really think
she'll be able to go through with it?" Another pause. "Yes, I think
that would help. Still, Onii-sama won't be expecting that." Her smile
faded. "Onii-sama... I have to go."
She left the kitchen, still holding her glasses. She calmly paced
towards the projector, towards the silhouette that waited for her on
the couch.
A hint of her smile returned. He really had no idea of the danger his
careful plans faced. This *would* be interesting.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
{That shadow that she spoke to, that wasn't you, was it?}
[I am the playwright, not the player. And this little drama is one
that I am glad I am not a part of. There is pain both visible and
hidden, and that which is hidden has endured more suffering than one
soul has a right to bear. And yet, because of love it has been
endured, and through love that pain will end and freedom will be
gained. And that is the secret of how one becomes a prince.]
{Really?}
[Yes.]
{Oh. Okay. Am I the shadow she was talking to then?}
[...]
{Just checking.}
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Author's Notes:
Hopefully, readers are intrigued rather than confused at this point of
the story. It is a rather twisted and secretive story, but things will
be unveiled eventually. Of course, until then, things will only grow
more twisted and secretive ^_^
I do have to say that the little riding incident in episode 35 always
made me think "what if?" What if Utena had found out the truth about
Akio at that point in time? How would the series have been different?
That speculation was actually the birth of the idea for this fanfic,
though really none of those ideas made it into the actual story.
Those who are familiar with the Utena manga may see a bit of that
version of Touga in this story... I always liked that Touga more for
his honesty with himself about his feelings for Utena. I think that is
what the anime version of Touga became at the end of the series, though
too late to truly redeem himself in Utena's eyes, or even to be
believable.
As for Akio, I really can see him losing his temper if a snag appeared
in his plans, coupled with seeing Utena, whom he possibly could have
loved if circumstances were different, injured. Of course, I also
suspect that the other players in his game are deeply underestimating
him at the moment ^_~
Three parts left. Please feel free to send me any comments... I love
reading them ^_^
Lady Brick
lady_brick@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: I did not create Utena and do not own any of the
characters. Though I doubt anyone thought I did.
there was a girl–}
[What do you think you're doing?]
{Trying to recount the events of your story so far.}
[I think I'm perfectly capable of doing that myself.]
{All right. But I bet you no one will understand a word you say.}
[Perhaps not everyone is as stupid–]
{Don't you dare finish that sentence. Just recap.}
[Once upon a time, there was a fallen prince who strove to fill the
world with darkness, and made it his goal to regain the power he once
possessed. However, when one stands on the edge of the world for so
long, they can only see the abyss. No matter how strong the light that
shines in their eyes, they are blinded by the darkness that consumes
them, and cannot see the threat that lies ahead. And thus the world
moves towards Revolution, not knowing whether Light or Darkness will
prevail.]
{And for those who didn't understand a word of that, a mysterious girl
appeared for apparently no rational reason, and demonstrated behavior
that made little sense.}
[It makes perfect sense if you know the story. Masks can slip the
tiniest bit, but the face will remain hidden from those who think they
know what they will see. Games must be played according to the rules,
but those rules can be bent by those who know them well enough. And
fairy tales always have heroes, and the heroes always win. The trick
is figuring out who the real hero is.]
{Sure. And those who listen to the shadows long enough can hear them
speak.}
[See, you're starting to learn.]
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Shatter
A Shoujo Kakumei Utena Fanfiction
By Lady Brick
www.mindeclipse.com
Part 2 - The Story Tangles
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Are you feeling better?"
The pale-haired girl looked up at Touga and smiled wanly. He held out
a cold can of soda, which she took with only the slightest hesitation.
"Yes, thank you. You really didn't have to go to all this trouble.
"Nonsense." He took a seat beside her in the grass, heedless of his
spotless white uniform. "What sort of prince would leave a beautiful
girl alone in such a state?"
Kyoko's smile faded slightly at the question. She turned her gaze to
the glistening white campus buildings, nearly blinding in the afternoon
sunlight.
Touga watched her thoughtfully, intrigued by her odd reaction. "What's
the matter, Mawahisa, uncomfortable with flattery?"
She looked at him sharply, her eyes narrowed. He couldn't quite make
out their color in the brightness. "How did you–"
He gave a small laugh. "I'm the Student Council President. Of course
I'd know of the arrival of a new student. Though I had no idea you'd
be so–"
"You can stop. I've already been warned about you."
"Oh really? And what have you been told?" he asked, somewhat bemused.
"Campus playboy. Leaves a trail of broken hearts where ever he goes.
I'm sure you've heard it all before."
Touga tucked back a few strands of hair, not bothered by her harsh
description in the least. "I'll have to track down your informant and
discover what led them to so gravely misinterpret me. Probably one of
Tenjou Utena's legion of admirers."
Kyoko looked down at her lap. "Who's that?"
"A very charming girl in the junior high school who has taken an
unwarrantedly strong disliking to me." His smile briefly flickered,
almost imperceptibly.
"You sound as though you really like her."
He lay back, looking up at the sky. "Even someone not given to emotion
can care deeply for the right person." He glanced at Kyoko. She had
turned to watching at him, and coloring slightly, she looked away.
"Oi, Mr. President, you're in our spot."
Touga shifted his gaze at the familiar voice, but didn't move
otherwise. A slightly annoyed-looking Tenjou Utena, followed by the
ever-present Himemiya Anthy, was approaching the shade of the tree they
sat under. Anthy carried a large bento box.
"Ah, Tenjou-kun. What a lovely surprise."
Utena frowned down at him. "Don't give me that. You know we eat lunch
here everyday. What are you trying to pull?"
Touga's smile shifted into more of a cocky smirk while she spoke.
"Really, Tenjou-kun, not everything has to do with you. I was merely
assisting Mawahisa, who was momentarily ill. You should be a little
polite... you'll give our new student a bad impression of Ohtori."
Utena muttered something unintelligible. She then turned to Kyoko.
"So you're new? I just transferred here this year myself."
Kyoko gave a curt nod, but said nothing.
"Utena-sama," Anthy broke in, "we have plenty of food. It wouldn't be
polite to ask Kiriyuu-sempai and Mawahisa-sempai to leave if Mawahisa-
sempai is feeling ill."
Utena grumbled, but apparently couldn't come up with a reasonable
argument. Reluctantly, she flopped down on the grass, next to Kyoko,
avoiding Touga's gaze.
Touga noticed Kyoko stiffen ever so slightly, and edge imperceptibly
away from the younger girl. He quirked an eyebrow thoughtfully.
"Something wrong, Mr. President?"
"Not at all Tenjou-kun. Not since you-"
"Can it."
Touga laughed. "As I said," he told the sky conversationally,
"charming."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Utena did her best to ignore Touga, but had trouble speaking with the
other two girls. Kyoko seemed unwilling to converse, answering any
question directed at her with a brief, stilted answer. And Anthy...
well, she was Anthy, as usual.
"How's your food?" she asked. A muffled "chu" was her answer. Anthy
had thoughtfully tucked ChuChu in his own small bento box, thus sparing
their own lunch from his voracious appetite. She gave the engorged
animal a tentative pat, somewhat nervous that he would burst.
"That is quite an interesting ring you are wearing, Mawahisa-sempai,"
Anthy said suddenly. "May I take a closer look?"
Kyoko looked startled, then uncomfortable, but relented her hand to the
younger girl for inspection. Utena looked over, afraid she would see
yet another rose seal. Fortunately, her fears proved unfounded. The
ring was gold with some sort of raised relief design, worn on her
middle finger. On second glance, Utena realized the motif actually was
a rose, only modeled to look like a real flower with open petals,
nothing like the stylized outline of the seals.
"That's very lovely," Touga murmured, taking her hand in his own for a
closer look. Utena noticed the older girl flushed slightly.
"It was given to me by an old friend," Kyoko said. "I met her at one
of the schools I attended... she gave this to me to remember her by
when she found out I was coming to Ohtori.
"It suits you very well. Delicate and elegant."
Looking even more uncomfortable at Touga's attention, Kyoko withdrew
her hand back to the safety of her lap. Utena was glad he had stopped
spouting that crap in her direction, at least momentarily.
Anthy broke in unexpectedly. "Mawahisa-sempai, did you ever
considering wearing your hair down?"
Kyoko stared back at her, almost challengingly. "Have you?"
Anthy merely smiled benignly and went back to picking delicately
through her yakisoba.
"So, um, has Nanami settled back in yet?" Utena asked, now
uncomfortable enough to try to change the subject. Later, she would
have to ask her roommate why she was acting so oddly. Even for her.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kyoko walked silently through the hall of the dorm, ignored by the
other students. She approached her door, then paused, her eye caught
on a figure down the hall.
The girl wore a stylish dress instead of the standard uniform, laughing
gently and brushing back her seafoam hair. She sat amongst a small
group of friends who gazed at her with unabated adoration.
Kyoko's eyes softened. She looked so happy. But... She bit her lip
and then hurried into her room, closing the door hard behind her and
the tall shadows that awaited her.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The silk sheets were slightly cold against his bare back. His eyes
focused on the ceiling, but as always, he was acutely aware of his
companion.
"Mawahisa Kyoko. I hear you met her today." Ohtori Akio's deep voice
rang out unnaturally loud in the large space.
"Yes. A very interesting girl."
"Rather lovely." The statement was left dangling, obvious bait.
"Yes. Though not as much as some." If Ohtori thought he would give
up this easily, he still didn't know him very well at all.
Akio gave a deep-throated laugh. "Speaking of 'some', I would like you
to pick up a gift for me if you could..."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"She knows."
"Does that surprise you? After what you did for her, you think she
would fail to recognize you in whatever form you took?"
"I guess not. But it worries me."
"Why?"
"She could tell him."
"I doubt it. He still has a hold over her, true. But it isn't as
strong as he thinks it is. She won't volunteer the information. Maybe
if he asked her directly... but again, I doubt he will."
"I have to get her away from him. As soon as possible."
"Don't worry. You'll have your opportunity soon enough. And I'll
watch over her in the meantime."
"Thank you."
A small laugh. "No, thank you. You know this means more to me than it
ever could to you."
"I know. But still... thank you."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Akio strode swiftly through a small copse of trees towards the gleaming
white stables. As he drew closer, he noticed the stable door had been
left open. He raised an eyebrow. Although the stable was open to all
students, few chose to.
He passed through the shadowed doorway and caught sight of Kyoko,
standing at the stall of a beautiful black gelding, looking as thought
she were unsure what the animal was used for.
"Kyoko-san, do you need any assistance?" His lip twitched as the girl
jumped noticeably.
"Ah, Mr. Chairman," she answered, her voice wavering. "I was just
looking for a hostler."
"Please, call me Akio. Is there anything I can do to help?"
She didn't meet his eyes. "Well, it's rather embarrassing. I have
been riding for a while, but never by myself. I'm not sure how I, I
mean, how you are supposed to, you know-"
Akio gave a small laugh. "Would you like me to help you saddle your
horse?"
"I've never actually done it myself," she said apologetically. "Would
you mind?"
Akio smiled. "Of course not. I'm here to assist the students in any
way necessary." Internally, he frowned. He had been in a bit of a
hurry. But no matter how much he had changed from what he had once
been, he was still quite good at being chivalrous.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I really don't think this is necessary, Ohto-... Akio-san," Kyoko
murmured, sure that her face was beet-red. She was quite uncomfortably
aware of the warm, broad chest, just barely grazing her back.
"Nonsense." Akio's breath was hot on the back of her neck. She
shifted uncomfortably. "It wouldn't be right of me to let someone in
your condition ride unsupervised, especially after yesterday."
Kyoko *felt* the flush that time. "Kiryuu-san-"
"My sister told me of your little lunch group. She seemed quite taken
with you." His voice remained neutral, but there seemed a slight shift
in tone.
"She seemed very nice," Kyoko ventured. "Quiet, perhaps."
"Yes, she is," Akio agreed, "which is why I take interest in those that
she takes interest. It is a fairly unusual occurrence, and those few
tend to be rather remarkable people."
They had entered the trees now. Kyoko flinched as a branch barely
missed scraping her cheek. "I am not a remarkable person, really," she
said, her voice drifting slightly higher. She stiffen suddenly a long
finger suddenly traced a path along her cheekbone.
"Everyone here is remarkable, in some manner or another." He spoke as
if instructing a small child. "Those who are chosen to come to this
Academy stand out from the general public in some special way. This is
a rather exclusive school, after all."
Kyoko nodded, feeling as though her neck would snap with the movement,
tight as it was. His hand still brushed her skin.
"Those who are chosen to attend and choose to attend... well, everyone
makes that choice for a different reason." He leaned forward, his face
a breath away from hers. "I was wondering what made you decide to come
to Ohtori."
Kyoko swallowed, frozen. "I... well, I... I heard-"
Someone suddenly screamed nearby, the sound echoing through the trees.
Akio muttered something intelligible, kicking the horse into a swift
canter. Kyoko clamped her fingers into the horse's mane.
They burst into a small clearing. A large chestnut nervously pawed the
ground by a fallen tree. Kiryuu Touga leaned frantically over a figure
sprawled awkwardly on the ground.
Akio was striding angrily towards the two before Kyoko even realized he
had dismounted. She clambered out of the saddle, hurrying to follow.
"What happened?" Akio demanded, pushing past Touga to get a better view
of Utena. Her eyes were open but she seemed dazed, her breath coming
in starts. She moved feebly, as if trying to push herself into a
sitting position but uncertain of what to do. Kyoko stood off to the
side silently, unable to do anything to help.
"We were riding, she fell... it was an accident." Touga's perpetual
calm was in pieces, but he kept his voice fairly steady nonetheless.
He didn't look at the Chairmen, his eyes locked on Utena.
In contrast, Akio was enraged. "How *dare* you-" He caught himself,
took a breath, allowed his face to return to its usual collected
smoothness. Turning to Utena, his eyes were measured. "Are you all
right, my dear?"
"He... didn't mean..." Utena's hand fluttered up to rest on his arm.
She smiled weakly. "I'm okay... really..."
Akio gently gathered her into his arms, cradling her as if she weighed
nothing. Glancing back at Touga, his eyes glittered dangerously. "We
will discuss this later." Mounting the black horse, he rode off at an
even pace, careful not to jar his passenger.
Kyoko, watched him ride off, awkwardly aware that her presence had been
completely forgotten. Touga watched him as well, a soft sadness
settling over his features.
Pushing back a lock of hair that had strayed from her bun, Kyoko
stepped towards Touga. "Are you okay?" she ventured.
Touga turned, startled. Clearly, he hadn't even realized she was
there. He gave a wry smile, completely devoid of humor. "I'm fine,
*I* didn't fall off of the horse." He sighed and shook his head. "I
didn't mean for this to happen."
Somewhat surprised at his frankness, Kyoko kneeled down, joining him.
"She didn't look like she was seriously hurt or anything. I'm sure
she'll be fine."
"Of course she will," he muttered under his breath. He studied his
companion with sharp eyes. "What were you doing riding with the
Chairman?"
So he had seen. Kyoko flushed slightly. "Ohtori-san insisted."
Touga's eyebrow quirked. "Most girls in your position would be
thrilled." When Kyoko only shrugged, embarrassed, his look grew more
thoughtful. "You don't like him then?"
She fiddled with a blade of grass. "He makes me uncomfortable," she
admitted.
Touga gave small laugh. "If only others had your clear vision."
"You don't like him then?"
"I know him too well. I know that he only sees people as pawns in his
little game. Even those who truly love him, or at least the image he
projects." Touga sighed. "It used to be that I enjoyed such games
myself. But these days, the cost just seems too high. And quite
frankly, I'm tired of being toyed with."
Kyoko briefly met his eyes. "Why are you telling me this? You don't
even really know me."
"Perhaps because I've been waiting to say that to the person for whom
it truly mattered, and I lost my chance."
"You really care about her then?"
"I don't want to see her hurt by him. Or worse."
Kyoko looked back at the ground. "Can I do anything to help?"
"Not this late in the game. He has planned everything too well. He
knows that I'll-" A sudden thought struck Touga. He looked back at
Kyoko. "Have you ever fenced or practiced kendo?"
Her eyes widened at the question, almost to the point of panic. "I did
a little fencing a few years ago," she admitted hesitantly. "I never
had any formal training, and I wasn't very good. I can't duel anyone."
Touga's eyes narrowed. "How did you know what I was going to ask?"
Kyoko clamped her mouth shut suddenly, as if she realized she had let
something slip that she shouldn't have. Her eyes, seemingly colorless
in the shade of the trees, were guarded.
Seeing that he wasn't going to get any further answers at the moment,
Touga stood and brushed off his pristine slacks. "Come on," he
ordered. "I think we need to talk a little further. You may just be
the one who can help me throw a wrench in his plans."
Reluctantly, Kyoko stood, wondering what she had just gotten herself
into.
Neither of them saw a small jewelry box, lying forgotten in the dirt,
or the shapeless shadow that hovered over it for a moment, before
drifting away.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Are you sure that you are alright, Utena-sama?"
Utena gave what she hoped was a comforting smile to her friend. "I'll
be fine, Himemiya," she said soothingly, hoping it was convincing. In
truth, everything ached with a dull but constant pain. She was sure
her entire body was one big bruise. "I'm lucky I didn't break
anything, really. I'm fine, really." The last comment was directed at
Chuchu, who was solemnly examining a finger with one tiny paw.
"Onii-sama will be glad to hear that. He was quite worried."
Utena grinned. "I've never seen him so angry. I didn't even know he
could get angry." Her smile softened slightly, and she looked at the
ceiling. "It would seem that if someone could become so upset over
such a little thing, that they must really care about that person,
right?" The words felt awkward in her mouth.
Anthy stood. "It would seem so," she agreed. "Pardon me, Utena-
sama... I should go tell Onii-sama that you are doing better."
However, as Anthy left the sleeping area, she instead headed to the
kitchen, slipping off her glasses. A shadow, barely visible in the
darkness, lounged on the wall.
"So there is to be a duel tomorrow? Utena-sama won't be happy. I know
she is in pain from the accident." A brief flash of sorrow brushed her
features. She paused for a few moments. Then a smile lit her
features. "Well, that should be interesting. Do you really think
she'll be able to go through with it?" Another pause. "Yes, I think
that would help. Still, Onii-sama won't be expecting that." Her smile
faded. "Onii-sama... I have to go."
She left the kitchen, still holding her glasses. She calmly paced
towards the projector, towards the silhouette that waited for her on
the couch.
A hint of her smile returned. He really had no idea of the danger his
careful plans faced. This *would* be interesting.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
{That shadow that she spoke to, that wasn't you, was it?}
[I am the playwright, not the player. And this little drama is one
that I am glad I am not a part of. There is pain both visible and
hidden, and that which is hidden has endured more suffering than one
soul has a right to bear. And yet, because of love it has been
endured, and through love that pain will end and freedom will be
gained. And that is the secret of how one becomes a prince.]
{Really?}
[Yes.]
{Oh. Okay. Am I the shadow she was talking to then?}
[...]
{Just checking.}
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Author's Notes:
Hopefully, readers are intrigued rather than confused at this point of
the story. It is a rather twisted and secretive story, but things will
be unveiled eventually. Of course, until then, things will only grow
more twisted and secretive ^_^
I do have to say that the little riding incident in episode 35 always
made me think "what if?" What if Utena had found out the truth about
Akio at that point in time? How would the series have been different?
That speculation was actually the birth of the idea for this fanfic,
though really none of those ideas made it into the actual story.
Those who are familiar with the Utena manga may see a bit of that
version of Touga in this story... I always liked that Touga more for
his honesty with himself about his feelings for Utena. I think that is
what the anime version of Touga became at the end of the series, though
too late to truly redeem himself in Utena's eyes, or even to be
believable.
As for Akio, I really can see him losing his temper if a snag appeared
in his plans, coupled with seeing Utena, whom he possibly could have
loved if circumstances were different, injured. Of course, I also
suspect that the other players in his game are deeply underestimating
him at the moment ^_~
Three parts left. Please feel free to send me any comments... I love
reading them ^_^
Lady Brick
lady_brick@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: I did not create Utena and do not own any of the
characters. Though I doubt anyone thought I did.