Swords of Revolution

Disclaimer: you all know that already – go to the first few chapters

A/N: Okay, I know this little scene here is far-fetched, but I was bored out of my wits while writing this, plus I tend to over-dramatise from time to time. As for what's up with Amy… To tell the truth, Amy is not quite the Duellist, and not quite the Rose Bride. Really, I have no idea as to what she'll turn out to be.

Chapter six - The Encounter

Miki

The uncomfortable silence that followed Amy's announcement stretched until we got back to the East Hall. I managed to convey to Amy that she will be better off in the same hall as the rest of us, and the girl agreed, albeit slightly reluctant. Then I told her that this was an order, and she had no choice but to comply with that.

Sometimes, I wonder if this seemingly frail girl is the next Rose Bride. However, the Rose Signet of a Duellist - which had turned from black to midnight blue the moment she stepped into the hall - told me another story.

I really wonder what other tricks Akio had decided to spring on us.

"Say..." Daniel's voice was hesitant. "Was this the end of it?"

I laughed then.

"No way, Daniel." I pushed the giant doors to the East Hall open, allowing the girls through. "That was only the beginning."

"You mean, there are others like I was?" Amy asked shyly, as she slipped through the door after Telian.

"Probably." I locked the doors tightly, and turning found the rest of the Student Council looking at me curiously. "Last time there were Duels with the Black Roses, the Victor was fighting about five of them."

Ria was nervously drumming her fingers on the table, as she tried not to pace.

"So there's a possibility for a Duel for each one of us?" she asked nervously.

"Yes, it's possible," I agreed. "Therefore, we need to train for them." As the others greeted the announcement with scattered groans, I grinned. "We'll start tomorrow before school... Unless any of you would like to get killed?"

As I had expected, the groans turned to a storm of protest. I barely managed to stifle a burst of laughter.

Telian

Thanks to yesterday's conversation, the morning finds us in the gym along with the rest of the members of the fencing club. The seven of us are a little suspicious group gathered in one corner of the gym, but there are no protests. A few guys already tried to make a pass at Amy, who is the newest member of our group, but they left her alone after being confronted with six relatively sharp foils under their noses. We were left in peace after that.

I still can't shake off the uneasiness of the whole situation. I know I'm not the only one, so when the 'noble' chairman of Ohtori strides into the room like he's supposed to be there, I start shaking like a leaf. Daniel chooses that moment to deftly twist the foil out of my hand.

"What's the matter, Telian? You're more concentrated - usually."

I wave my hand towards Miki, who looks a bit pale, and towards the Chairman.

"Guess what, Daniel."

The boy nervously brushes a hand through his lavender hair and finishes it for me.

"The Lucifer?"

"Bingo," Ria whispers softly. "Guys, watch out for Miki and Amy - that guy is dangerous..."

We cluster to one side, and continue with our training. However, we all are more than a bit distracted.

"This won't work," I say finally. "Michael, pair up with Amy, Ria - keep an eye on them. Daniel - we'll keep watching Miki."

The others nod slightly and Amy and Michael covertly move towards the pair of men. I try to shake off the nerves.

"Don't we look suspicious," Daniel laughs softly, glancing around the gym.

"Can't be helped," I reply cautiously, and it's my turn to twist the weapon out of Daniel's grip. I salute him lightly. "Ready for rematch?"

He makes a show of wiping off his forehead.

"Naw, I'm beat. Let's rest a little."

The others soon join us on the bench, and we carefully sneak glances on Miki and Akio, who are still talking.

Miki

My Duellists are perched on the bench, but they are stealing glances at us. I know that should Akio make a wrong move, he'll have six foils at his throat, even through they try to look as harmless as possible.

And it seems to me that he knows it, too. That small knowledge helps me to relax.

Akio smiles, as he follows my gaze briefly.

"They really think they could help you, hmmm?"

I break away.

"What do you plan?"

"My, we're frank as usual."

Suddenly his sword is at my throat. I try not to make any sudden movements as I break his hold. I can hear Amy gasp and feel that the others are torn - either to stay with Amy or to rush to me. I will them to stay with her. Unlike her, I can hold my own against Akio.

"Michael Delion is next," Akio says with a smile. I measure him up and hear the sound of a few drawn swords. Glancing around, I barely stifle amusement. While the rest of the Student Council concentrated on Amy, gathering around her, the members of the Duelling Club had no qualms about surrounding us and bringing Akio to the point.

"I surrender." He rose his free hand in the air with an amused smile. "There are too many of the skilled swordsmen for me to take on."

"Lower your weapon and get out of here," Eric Wilson demands, and again I am quite conscious about a sword at my throat. Eric unconsciously brushes his wild brown hair away from his eyes and glares at Akio.

"I said, do it."

I smile mildly at the older man, who presses the point of his sword slightly deeper into my throat.

"So sorry, Akio. Can't restrain these guys. And I see that my friends over there are itching to do the same." I wince, seeing red drops of blood forming at the edge of the sword.

"How admirable." Akio releases me and I resist the urge to wipe the blood, instead standing stiffly erect. True, the older man is slightly taller than me - which gives him a slight advantage, but he doesn't have the enraged members of the Duelling Cub on his side.

I do.

"We'll meet again, Kaoru," he says finally, as he leaves the room. The others step aside, but tension is still there.

I nod.

"Sure," I whisper quietly. "Only that time will be last."

As soon as he leaves, they all surround me, and my friends burst through the crowd.

"He's a bloody coward," Michael spits. "What did he want this time, Miki?"

I raise my eyebrows.

"You know about the other time?"

"Of course we do," Ria bristles. "It's plain as rain that he won't come here unless it's very important."

"Student Council business," I say apologetically to the others, and most of them nod in agreement. "Get back to practice, and thanks."

They all flash me arious grins, as they move back to continue their interrupted practice. My group huddles up around me.

"You're bleeding." Gently, Amy wipes away the small rivulet of blood. I catch her hand and manage a small smile.

"That's nothing. Michael... You're up next."

Michael

Those few simple words dropped like stones, and I almost wince at Miki's sudden sharpness.

"Dammit, Miki. Can you hold an even temper?" I whine, and my friends all laugh. Even Amy, as shy as she is, lets a small, nervous giggle to escape.

"Sorry." The worst thing is that he doesn't look sorry at all. "You think you'll be able to hold your own?"

My turn to blister and I add a silent groan of protest in his direction. Captain - 1, team - 0.

"What're you taking me for?"

He laughs.

"I know you can hold it. Can you prove it?" With that, he raises his foil in a guard position and the others scatter.

I sigh before copying him.

Captain - 2, team - still 0...

Dammit.

"Guard!" Miki's sharp voice pulls me away from keeping score and daydreaming and I have to concentrate on his foil instead.

Oh, shit. If those Black Roses are half as good as he is - I'm done for.

A/N: chapter six... so sorry for unintended confusion if therre arre any confused. I'll try to untangle it as I write it. Any ideas where to go from here?