Ohtori's halls and campus were buisy with news. Shadowed figures and nameless faces of highschool girls buzzed with gossip and excite.They all began to file out unto the campus field to see what the big news was about.

"Did you here? Did you here? Did you here the big news?"

"The noble prince has returned?"

"But she is not the same!"

"Oh, no she seems to be just another hopeless princess now..."

"But WAIT!"

"A new prince has arrived!"

"Hooray!"

The crowd grew bigger as Utena and her prince passed through the courtyard. Oohs and aahs rang continuously from the crowd. Her fans that seem to have forgotten her were adoring once more. She grew nervous at the sight of so many faces, some familiar and some not. Caught up in the scene around her Utena had forgotten to pay attention the where she was going and bumped into Anthy who had stopped abruptly. Looking over Anthy's shoulder she saw a familiar blue hair muscian.

"Nice to see you again, Ms. Tenjou. By the looks of your appareal it appears you are no longer a duelist."

Utena peered down at her jeans and red cotton tee shirt, "I can't believe you are still continuing those stupid games."

"We couldn't all be so easily dismissed," he retorted then turning to Anthy, "Ms. Himemiya I challenge you to duel, tomorrow after school in the arena."

"Must we?"pleaded Anthy.

"It is the contract you made when you slid that rose crest ring unto your finger."

"What are the terms?"

"If I win you must return Utena to the outside world and if you win you are one step closer to the end of the world and I am never to challenge you again."

"Alright, I will see you after school," she replied her usual cheerful expression now turned stern.

She really is serious about all this....your so different Anthy

"Can you win?" said Utena now stepping to Anthy's side instead of hiding behind her.

"I'm not sure," she smiled," I've already beaten Saionji and Lady Juri."

"Wow. I never knew you were so strong, Anthy."

"I couldn't have done it with out Sir Touga's help."

"You say his name like he's some great knight, or something," sighed Utena now gazing deeply at the soil.

"Maybe he is, in others's eyes."

"Touga's nothing special at all..."

As Utena entered their old dorm she was floodied with familiar sights, smells and memories. One thing that struck her quickly as out of place was the abscence of the bunk beds, in their place was a queen size bed with silk rose print sheets. Other then that everything was just as she rememebered and they were still the only ones in the building. Utena looked at Anthy with a warming smile wishing things could be as they were then.

"Why don't you get some rest, you look dreadfully tired."

"Good idea, Anthy," she agreed settling down unpon the soft bed.

"Why don't you lay with me for awhile."

"I certainly would like to, but I have my roses to tend to. I had no choice but to neglect them while I was out searching for you," she said with her usual cheer.

It seems somethings will never change...

"Alright, Anthy," Utena replied closing her eyes as the cushion of the bed formed around her and sleep settled itself heavily upon her.

Anthy cut off the lights and made her way toward the garden.

When she reached the glass dome filled with roses she found that they were not in the mangled condition she had expected. In fact they appeared just as the way she had left them. She stared at each petal in wonder; who had been keeping them for her.

"Miss Juri tended to them everyday after you left," approached Miki.

"That's not like her," sighed the former bride picking up the watering pale.

"I told her that there was no need that you wouldn't be returning, but she insisted. Yes, that stubborn woman, she said that she saw it in your eyes when you dueled her. She knew you would return and with Tenjou. Looks like she was correct."

"How is that my brother manipulates you all with such ease? Why must you continue these duels and what for? There is no bride and there is no sword."

"Don't you see Miss Himemiya? I don't mean to sound rude but the only self-fish revolution you and your prince obtained was one for yourselves. Did you even notice that castle in the sky at all when you dueled?"

"I'm afraid not."

"Dios is still locked in his tomb! The only coffin lid slid open was your own!"

Anthy's eyes widened in horror...Could this be true? Dios still sleeps...

"Utena Tenjou was granted the power to revolutionize what was in her heart, the only true desire she had was to release you from the shackles of the being the Rose Bride and so it was done. You two have yet to notice the chains still bound around our ankles; the rest of us are still bound to this world. Your sins were forgiven, princess, but at what cost? The death of a prince is still at hand but who is to shoulder the blame?" Miki's tone turned stern.

Anthy could see that he was deeply bitter from being left behind. She then understood that the council had no choice but to duel. Touga, Saionji, Juri and even Miki still had their own eternities to obtain. She and Utena had been released of their obligations as duelist but it remained impossible for the others to leave. Anthy's expression changed to reveal her remorse, but Miki was unsoftened by the gesture.

"How dare you feel sorry for me! It wasn't fair! Why is that people like her are always granted the miracles! I will defeat you both if I must."

Oh Miki....

Utena awoke to the gentle caress of Anthy's hand against her cheek. Daylight beamed past the pale pink drapes and unto her peach toned skin.

"Miss Utena, school will begin soon. Its best to be prompt," she greeted with an opstimistic smile.

"I know," she groaned tossing over to her left attempting to go back to sleep.

"Then I suggest you stir," Anthy giggled and strolled lightly over to the closet.

"Why don't you wear this!" Anthy said pulling out Utena's old boyish uniform.

Utena eyelids lowered and she pulled the blankets closer to her frame, "Anthy I can't."

"Why not?"

"That uniform is suited for someone more like a prince. I am no prince. You wear it."

"Oh, I couldn't besides I have my own," she said gesturing toward the almost identical green and crimson uniform.

"I will wear the typical school girl's uniform, it suits me better any how," said Utena finally sitting up right.

"You'll always be my prince," whispered Anthy as she exited the bedroom.

Your so brave and so strong my frail flower. I use to be afraid the cold and wind might break you, but you've learned to bend with wind. Those eyes like glass no longer just reflect my image, no there's life behind those pools. You've changed and truly blossomed. And I have reduced to a blushing bride...

A/N: Did you love it? Well I loved it. I'm seem to be overflowing with idea's for this story and can't wait to get them out!!!! So keep reviewing and let me know if I'm heading in the right direction, or staying in character(keep in mind Miki is bitter, Utena's afraid and Anthy's left to be the muscle) and where does are favorite bishies touga and akio come in...hmmm

Love yu guys!!! -Drew Chan

p.s. u guys who read my fics and review keep me posted on ur fics id like to read and converse!