A/N: Yay for rewrites?

Disclaimer: I do not own Utena

Dark, slender fingers traced the corners of black petal; fondling the cool, soft flesh. Trailing downward until they were met by the sharp pain of punctured skin- thorns. Smirking, I took his finger into my hand to observe the hot, crimson substance seeping from the wound. Slowly bringing it to my lips, I lapped away at the stick substance. Lifting my eyes to his, he graced me with a simple smile.

"The black rose is both beautiful and deadly."

Chapter One: "The Rose Which Grew Absent Of Light Or Soil"

I was sitting idly at my desk staring at a stack of untouched files, evidence of all my failures. None of my black roses had managed to fully bloom. Resting down my glasses, I began to rub my throbbing temples in a soothing motion. End Of The World would surely do away with the project if it didn't begin producing results soon. Although renowned for being a genius, my mind could not grasp just how Utena Tenjou managed to defeat my roses time and time again.

Maybe it was her innocence or determination. Perhaps the answers lied with in my own insecurities. Then agian, it could have been the fact that she reminded me so much of her, Tokiko.

My amber eyes drifted over to the rose frame containing a picture of three smiling faces infront of thriving garden. We almost looked like a family back then: Mamiya, Tokiko and myself. In those days many use to call me the human computer. Perhaps, I was cold and distant like a machine. I suppose I'm not much different now, other than the fact that I have a purpose-Mamiya. Dear Mamiya, who was like fraile flower, he gave me purpose and something to strive for. Years of study only paled in comparison to the life he showed me. You were everything Mamiya, my purpose and my humanity. It had gone unnoticed, but my fingers had managed to tangle themselves within in my soft pink tresses as my thoughts progressed. I promised him that I would find something eternal and eternity he would have.

Glancing around my office, I expected one of the ghost of the 100 boys sacrificed to pass down the hall at any minute. It wouldn't be an usual sight, this building was haunted with many memories. Precious memories, that I had vowed to protect. My office appeared no different then it did in the days before the fire, but the air about it was oddly foreign. Then again, I some how couldn't remember it all too clearly.

Moments late, Mamiya strolled in tediously bearing a single black rose. I couldn't help but smile, taking note to how cautiously he carried it as to before- mindful of its protruding thorns. His dark lashes fluttered open, unsheathing two sparkling emerald orbs. Were his eyes always this green? His features always this dark? I began to panic as my memory failed me. Sweat clotting my brow as the bitter taste of bile rose of the back of my throat. I brought my fist down forcefully onto the oak desk, pain surging up my arm to take notice from my churning stomach.

"No! My precious memories, I must make them eternal!" my own raspy voice sounding unfamiliar even to myself.

Mamiya's eyes grew a bit wide in awe as the corners of his lips curled up into an indifferent smile. "I'm suprised to see you lose your posture, Soji."

"Oh love," I breathed wrapping my arms around the boys slim waist- pressing his form agianst mine. I leaned from chair to bury my face in his chest, allowing his hand free of the rose to stroke my hair. Intaking his scent, I relished in the familiarity of his touch and smell. Would I eventually lose memory of them as well?

Mamiya brought the ebony colored rose to his lips, "Will you fight her yourself, Soji?"

Will I fight her? Mamiya's words snaked right to my core and shaked me from any comfort I had previously clutched. I could do nothing but review the thought unable to supply an outcome. In the midst of my thoughts I appeared to have forgotten just how quickly time passes. I only wished I could make the hour glass stop.

The soft rustle of sheets is what finally awoke me from my thoughts. I placed a palm over my bare, sweaty chest to feel if my heart was still beating. Feeling it pulse beneath my touch, I took relief in the fact that I was indeed still alive. If I lost my valuable memories, would I be able to sustain my presence in this world? I peered over from the pile of crumpled and discarded clothes to Mamiya who was sleeping soundly next to me. His words continued to whisper in my ears long after their departure from his lips.

"Defeat Utena Tenjou and you will have finally beaten my sister."

Tokiko...