The day ended on an interesting note for Kanae, she'd encountered Utena in her darkest hour. Utena's approach wasn't helpful but she knew that Kami-sama had sent her. And for what reason she didn't know, Anthy didn't enter into the space of the room. It was strange seeing her stand outside as if some invisible door held her back. The dark eye's seemed to pierce into Kanae's heart. When Utena left the rain had stopped, letting her leave the dorm room. Locking the door she went for a walk.
*******************
Juri looked up seeing that the rain had stopped, she sighed as she thought about the play. Death, such a hallow individual, such a sad creature. Trapped in a one sided love affair that would never bear fruit, Juri looked back down at the script. Reading that the individual known as Death, disguising himself as a doctor. To reveal a love affair to the woman he loves, he then offers her a last chance to join him. She couldn't help but think of how many times Shiori had betrayed her love, how it made her feel. Getting up she closed the script. Her thoughts were getting far too dark for her liking, exiting the building she walked to her usual hiding place.
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Kanae walked towards an unknown destination, she just wanted to be alone. To be in silence, away from Utena and that creepy girl who followed her everywhere. Kanae found herself in a spot of the campus that she hadn't been in a long time. By the fountain standing beside one of the lions she saw the auburn haired girl. She was on the other side leaning up against a tree looking down. Kanae saw the script in the girls hand, she opened it to the end. Kanae saw the younger woman let out a sigh. Her voice floated across the silence "Rest here in my arms, now is the time for you to be free." A soft laugh touched the girls lips.
*******************
"I don't wanna hurt anymore, stay in my arms if you dare,"
Juri lowered the script letting herself relax with the flowing water. She heard footsteps, she closed her eyes smirking. "Utena…" the young pink haired prince stopped "How did you know?" pushing herself off the tree Juri turned towards Utena. "I just did." Utena rubbed the back of her head. "I talked to Kanae…." Juri turned away spotting Kanae's teal dress disappearing behind the lion. "And?" Utena shrugged "She really didn't talk much." Juri folded her arms, still holding onto the script. Juri didn't say much as she listened to Utena, Juri's eyes never faltered from the lion.
Miki stood in the theater, he sat next to Wakaba writing down the names of the cast members. The list read:
1) Empress Elisabeth
2) Death
3) Rudolf
4) Luigi
5) Franz
Juri walked in as Utena finish reading a line for Rudolf, placing the script on the table she leaned into Miki's ear. She noted that he was rather not empresses, "I'll read with her.." stepping up to the stage, Juri picked (The Shadows Grow Longer)*. Juri grabbed Utena from behind, the younger girl froze uncertain of what was happening. Juri whispered into her ear, Miki couldn't feel his breath leave him as the graceful scene unfolded. Of course they both got into the play, Juri left the theater not wanting to see who else would be joining her.
A few days later, Juri found herself sitting with Utena, Kanae, Touga and Ruka*. "I can't believe you'd be Death." Said Touga in a matter of fact tone, Juri shook her head as she looked away. "I mean look at me! I'm the better choice!" he stood up striping off his shirt. Juri held up her hand "Oh god… the bright light… it burns."
******************
As I watch them interact I can't help but laugh slightly, as Juri holds up her hands proclaiming that Touga's chest is far too bright. They seemed so playful and yet when Juri turned towards her, her azure eyes were dark but filled with some laughter.
******************
During rehearsal the cast watched as the stage came to life, Miki inspected all the equipment. Utena couldn't help but laugh during one rehearsal day, Juri found herself getting dizzy almost being thrown off the set. By one of the rigs going out of control, Touga laughed as well. Kanae gasped in shock while, Miki apologized a million times over the situation.
The final nights before the first performance, Kanae found herself still having trouble with the final dance.
*******************
Kanae sat on the edge of the stage rubbing her ankle, having twisted it once more. Juri sat on the edge as well drinking some water, Utena dropped a towel into Juri's hands. "Here." Juri smiled thanking her as she whipped at her brow, Utena gracefully put the ice pack into Kanae's hand. "Does it still hurt?" she asked softly, Kanae shook her head "It's just swollen." Ice touched skin and she bit her lower lip. Sucking in some air, Juri shoved the towel into Kanae's direction. Her green leaf eyes saw a hint of a blush.
*******************
Losing it, that's the only thought that crossed my mind. I was losing it, I had felt something in my chest tighten and that feeling wasn't going to subside. It was slowly consuming me, from the inside out. But somewhere in the back of my mind I know I can't fight it.
Juri turns her head feeling slightly exposed towards the other girl next to her.
I can't help but feel something… growing inside me?
Juri feels her hand reach up towards her chest however she stops it, due to absolute fear. Fear that the locket would suddenly tighten suffocating her.
