Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction ❯ Just Like Clockwork ❯ Confront ( Chapter 2 )

I do not own Revolutionary Girl Utena, or any of the characters that are involved in it. Shoujo Kakumei Utena - la fillette revolutionnaire -" is a copyrighted work. (C) Be-PaPas, Chiho Saito / Shogakukan, Shokaku Iinkai, TV Tokyo. All references and poetry that I did not create belong to their respective owners. All original characters, poetry, and song lyrics that belong to me should not be used without express permission and notification. Thank you.

 

Author's Note: Hooo…having wisdom teeth pulled, Midterms, and reading VERY bad fanfics on the web may have sidetracked me a little, but I haven't forgotten my own in-progress projects!! >D Here's the next installment to the JLC collection, with my warm wishes and thanks.

 

 

 

Just Like Clockwork- Confront

 

 

Staring into those faintly glowing robin's egg eyes, Anthy was too shocked to speak for a moment. The Guardian was blushing ever so faintly in a look that was unmistakeably shame. A woman? This was the proud noble figure that had taken on a battalion of men single handedly, and crossed swords with one of the most feared generals in the kingdom? How remarkable…

 

Anthy finally stood back, allowing the Guardian to climb wearily to its feet, shoulders ever so slightly hunched.

 

”I-I didn't realize…but why would you…” She was lost. The female knight gave a half shrug as she turned to face the dusky princess fully. “I humbly ask your forgiveness.” Rose colored tendrils rolled over the breastplate as she bent to one knee in front of her new Charge. “I can only give my utmost apology for deceiving you, as I am certain you are most disappointed in my…gender…”

 

That was what was bothering her knight? The fact that Anthy might be upset? She suddenly chuckled, a rich rolling sound that startled the blue eyed girl. Hastening to calm herself and explain, Anthy crounched down to the armored woman's level and spoke.

 

“Oh no…that does not matter. I was merely surprised that you hid it. It is very impressive that a woman could perform the feats you have. No…” She held out the helm as a peace offering. “I should beg your forgiveness. I should not have acted so boldly.” They were both being so very careful with each other, that Anthy felt as if they were walking on glass.

 

The knight flushed slightly at the praise and took the draconic helm from her hands as she stood. She offered Anthy a hand. “Please, think nothing of it…I was merely concerned that…my not being male…would detract from my threat as your Guardian. That it would somehow lower your standing. I…intend to conceal it for a time when we meet with your brother, the king, as well.”

Anthy gave a smooth nod of acceptance. “Of course, you would know best.” The knight gave a small smile, and Anthy felt its warmth knot inside her belly. The Guardian then placed the helm on the table, and took a seat on the chair, across from where Anthy now found herself seated on the bed. The tension was gone now, as if a weight had been lifted from each of them. But curiosity made the emerald eyed witch cock her head slightly as she took in her knight's appearance. She was definitely human seeming…but the way she had run earlier…moving easily beside a galloping horse…catching swords in her hands as if they were nothing. She didn't feel otherworldly. Anthy let her inner senses coil out hesitantly to poke gently at the other's aura. No…she wasn't some sort of demon or spirit. She felt that alien side to her form…something that made her think of the steel in swords, and the iron in wagon bearings…But the teachings said…what was she?

 

The violet haired woman's mind ran back to the conversation from the night before:

 

“Like a…doll…or maybe some sort of construct. I've never seen metal move like you do.”

 

“I am…a result of bio engineering and cybernetics. Unlike most robots, I am what is called a cyborg, human and technology melded into one being with the human core and brain functions still left intact.”

 

So did that mean she was once human, like Anthy? Although perhaps Anthy herself wasn't the best of examples…not to the others that lived within the realm. Still, a human core…inside of a living suit of armor. The thought was chilling. That the ancient peoples were able to work such magiks…inconceivable! Anthy couldn't imagine creating something like that, even with the dark teachings she had studied in the library's dusty alcoves. She realized the knight was looking at her curiously, and she flushed at having been caught staring. Without that fearsome helmet to obscure her features, the woman across from her was so very…well, human. Did that mean she had a name? Anthy decided to ask.

 

“Ah…Lady Guardian…perhaps…”

 

“Yes?”

 

“I was curious if there was another name I might call you? I feel it does you no honor to simply call you `Guardian' or `Knight'. Have you a name with which you would prefer to be addressed?” The knight was surprised, and she hid it only barely. But Anthy caught the flicker of movement around the creases of her eyes. Was the question…offensive?

 

The knight gave a small self-mocking smirk. “Ah…my name. It has been sometime since I was called by my designation.”

 

“Designation?”

 

The knight gave a small rueful nod. “Yes…back before I entered the Guardian Program as a cadet, the people in my sector were numbered and labeled by our designation codes. They were usually based on what sector we lived in, what generation of offspring we were, and which facility we were sired at. Things were…very different from the way they are here now…” The Guardian sighed ever so slightly, gazing out the window. Her voice took on the echo of centuries, as she recalled what she could of her past. Anthy listened in rapt attention.

 

“I was born…in what was known as the U3X251 sector, a military community. 10th in my line of offspring for that quota. The Arima Facility was were my egg was fertilized. To prevent contamination, you see. I was also given the honor of having a last name, a rarity at that time. Only those who were sired from an officer of outstanding rank and prestige was allowed to carry that person's name as a last name. So my name is…Utena…Tenjou.”

 

Anthy hadn't been able to follow all of it…but from the cold bland way the Lady Tenjou described her situation…it sounded bleak. She didn't seem to have any real connection to the one who `sired' her. So did she not grow up with parents? Anthy looked on sadly as Utena continued staring out the window. She seemed so strong, so untouchable. Like polished marble in the sun. But underlying that rigid nobility…was someone who was like her once. The dark skinned woman opened her mouth to ask another question, but haltingly stopped as the knight stood and moved over to one of the unused cloths. Swiping it over her armor, and checking that her sword was loose in its sheath, the knight moved over to the door.

 

“The lad, Tsuwabuki, returns.”

 

And sure enough within a minute's time, they could hear his familiar haste upon the stairs. He knocked, and a breath later he came into the room, weighed down my an enormous box. “Ah my lady…I…I-I've got your commission!” He beamed with pride, trying to talk his way around a nest of pins he held tight in his mouth. Utena moved from the door to steady the box he nearly dropped, and plucked it from his tired arms to set it carefully on the bed next to Anthy. Head bent down as he went about brushing off his tailor's vest, Tsuwabuki looked up towards the Princess and gave a nod of approval towards the box.

 

“We took a lot of time choosing the proper color and texture to match well with your lovely dark skin and eyes…and I think you'll look absolutely ravishing! Please m'lady, shall we try it on for the final fitting?” He turned back to look at the knight who had aided him, only really noticing her for the first time. Was it his imagination or had he caught a glimpse of the knight's helmet on the table… He turned to look, but the helm was gone, and the fully armored knight was standing as it always was securely by the door. That's funny…I thought I had seen a glimpse of his face as I was coming in…I must have been mistaken…His curiosity burned slightly as to what the strong gentleman's features would look like. Surely a rigid jawline, high cheek bones…broad shoulders under the shoulder spikes…perhaps he could get an extra set of commissions if he were to—Shaking his head firmly to concentrate on the work at hand, Tsuwabuki blushed sheepishly. “Now then let's work to make you look perfect, noble lady!” Anthy blushed with pleasure at the young boy's sweet nature. “Please, call me Anthy.” She replied with a small chuckle as she lifted the lid of the box up. Her breath halted in her throat. It was…stunning…

 

Unseen by the boy who had all his attention on his model before him, Utena Tenjou swiped the rest of her long trailing hair back up underneath the back of her helm, so that she was completely conceal once more. Her enhanced blue eyes caught on the Princess' own as she stood straight again, by neither said anything. Anthy turned her attention to the little boy moving to look at her from all angles, while Utena turned her attention to the streets below their windows and the sounds of the customers down below.

 

Anthy, at Tsuawabuki's fidgeting request, lifted forth sweeping folds of wine red from the white protective cloth, and held it up to the light. Shimmering crushed velvet belled out slightly, leaving a small train. The arms had been sectioned off and were connected through intricate cording the same color as the dress. And peeking from underneath the cording, and up through the square embroidered collar, was a ruffled cream chemise. The gold edging and embroidered phoenix on the simple tooled leather belt that held it firmly to one's waist brought out the delicate designs on the full billowing sleeves. Over all, simply holding it against her to look across into the small mirror on the table, she was speechless. It was a work of art…surely this couldn't be for her.

 

A gentle hand brought the dress closer to her chin. “Please try it on my lady. I am certain you'll look divine.” She gazed into Tsuwabuki's eyes and for a moment felt on the verge of tears. With a firm hand, the knight pulled him aside so she could collect herself. “Yes, let us allow the lady some privacy while she changes into her things. Surely with all those measurements, not too many alterations are needed.”

 

The blonde haired boy allowed himself to be cheerfully steered out. “Oh now hey, Sir Knight! I just want to make sure everything is checked to the letter! I won't allow the other tailors in the guild hall to make sport of me!” She listened to his bright laughter bubble up the stairs as she carefully undid the many buttons and fastenings on the gown itself. It took some trial and error, the fashion for women these days seemed to always grow more and more complicated. But at last she was swathed in her new attire, and was slipping on the velveteen slippers that accompanied it. A cautious rap on her door alerted her to the waiting pair.

 

“Yes, please come in now…ah, gentlemen.”

 

She blushed self consciously as the two entered and suddenly stood stock still. Worriedly she looked down at herself. Had she forgotten a button or two? Was she exposed in some way? Those looks of shock she kept receiving, it made her feel strange.

 

“A-ah…wow…um…you look…” The boy stammered with a bright blush to his cheeks.

 

“…Magnificent…” came the solemn reply from within the armor behind him. Anthy gave a warm smile of thanks to the both of them. “ Thank you so much…this dress is…really too much for someone like me.” Tsuwabuki gave a hasty shake of his head as he practically bounced over, pins between his fingers, and a length of thread in his mouth. As he worked quickly and carefully, his eyes completely trained on the delicate workings, he answered the dusky beauty before him seriously.

“Nay my Lady Anthy, I must disagree. As a tailor, it is my duty to create beautiful things for people to wear. But truly, it isn't the clothes that make the person, it is the person wearing them, that brings such elegant art to the gowns themselves. It was my honor, to bedeck you in cloth that was befitting your graces. You shall be the envy of any ball you attend.” He smiled up at her, his youthful face seeming wise beyond it's few years.

 

“Will you be going up to the castle then, to meet with the court and our most high King?”

 

Anthy hesitated, looking over to the knight, who stepped forward to answer for her. “I will be presenting the Lady Anthy as a noble to be formally recognized. Her status as `Princess' will be established, as will my awakening as her Guardian. You have my thanks, Master Tsuwabuki. For you services.”

 

The boy cut the thread with a his teeth, and leaned back with an expert eye. “Hmm, yes….I do believe that will do it! Okay then, now shall we have a look at you sir Knight?” The boy's smile became sly as the knight took a slight step back.

 

“…Me?”

 

Clapping his hands together, practically bouncing on his heels in excitement, the boy tailor gave a firm nod. “Why indeed! Surely you will want to match the fair Lady as her Knight and companion! I have quite a few handsome doublets that will look magnificent, and match the Lady entirely! Or perhaps you would like a simple chiton, or -“

 

He was cut off by a hastily raised hand. “Erm, my thanks. However I intend to remain in full armor for our arrival at the castle.”

 

Crestfallen, the blonde boy scratched at his short feathery locks as he tried again. “Well surely you will at least where a matching cloak then? Your armor is indeed impressive, but I really think it could be improved to act as an impressive accessory to the noble lady's gown!”

 

Sounding slightly bewildered the knight gave a half-hearted attempt, “But really, all attention should be focused on her and—“

 

“Nonsense! The lady will tell you herself, a knight of your standing would look elegant and masculine with a fine satin-lined cloak! A red to match her dress, and with a slight black trim to accentuate the silver on your armor. Yes! A matching set, sure to turn the heads of all who gaze upon you!”

 

“A-ah, well…erm…”

 

“What say you, Princess Anthy?” Blue eyes twinkled as he remembered to address her by her title. “Surely you'll convince your knight to take his proper place at your side. All defenders of nobility should wear their patron noble's colors!”

 

Anthy gave small giggle, as she played along. “Well now…I certainly wouldn't be so bold as to tell the ancient defender of these lands what to do…even though it would give me great confidence and pride to gaze upon such an inspiring cloak.”

 

The knight's shoulders slumped in defeat. “Ah…very well, should my Lady desire it…”

 

“Splendid!! I have just the thing!! Come come, let's get you outfitted down at the hall. We'll see about some accessories for the Princess as well….maybe a nice choker of creamy lace…some ornaments for her hair…ah come come Sir Knight! Your steps seem far too weighted. Let us be quickly away, I wish to display the both of you before you leave!”

 

Being tugged along by the surprisingly strong young man, the knight grabbed ahold of the doorframe and looked over her shoulder. Lifting her metal slitted visor enough to show off her sky colored eyes, she spoke low “I will order us some sort of transport to get us to the castle. Please remain in your room until my return. Do not let anyone in except for myself and Tsuwabuki. I'm afraid we've caused something of a stir within the town…”

 

Before she could say anymore, Tsuwabuki firmly yanked the female knight out of the doorway, which Anthy shut gently behind them. A stir in the town? That did not bode well…

 

She turned a brass key in the lock and placed it on the table as she took a seat on the bed. In wonder, the emerald eyed woman gazed at her reflection in the mirror adjacent to her. It was as if…a stranger stared back at her. She didn't recognize the healthy glow to her skin, brought out by the richness of the fabric. Her cinnamon colored complexion seem fuller, more vibrant next to the velvet, and her cascading violet mane of hair made for a pleasing contrast. A far cry indeed from the filthy slave that had been roughing it in the woods not only a day before. It was as if, in the short time she had been rescued by her Guardian…she had been rescued in other ways as well…

 

Musing to herself, she rose to go and look out the window, and nearly darted back inside as a small cry rose up from the streets below. There were peddlers and merchants, with their faded colored stalls gazing up at her attentively. She could make out the sounds of hawkers crying up at her, to only please come down and see their wares! “A vision in the window”, some said. An exotic maiden from far away lands! No one recognized her as the drab wretch from before. And none knew her as the king's only sister… Her expression closed down again, and she leaned back into the window. The streets were certainly more busy than normal. And she didn't recall that many carts being set up outside the Errant Rose earlier…had news of her `arrival' already spread? The idea didn't sit well with her. And only led her to think of what her brother would say once she returned to the castle. Feeling suddenly ill, she moved to recline on the bed, and close her eyes.

 

A commotion from the streets below startled her from her reverie. Coming quickly to her feet, she flew to the open window sill and gasped at the sight below her. The knight known as Utena was currently locking swords with a squad of black armored knights, that she recognized from the mountain. Lord Saionji's men. Did that mean he was here as well?! Filled with a panic she had nearly forgotten, she took several hasty steps back from the window, and gave a mild screech as a crossbow bolt exploded into the wood frame. Hands over her ears, she crounched down behind the protective safety of the bed's frame, terrified. A loud cry roared from below, and she heard a crowd began to shout excitedly. The sounds of ringing steel clanged and reverberated off of the stone and thatch buildings in the far too narrow alleys of the district. Onlookers below watched from doorways and behind tents and stalls as several men were flung into a cart of produce, splintering it on impact. The white knight, single-handedly charged into the fray, as the men of Kyoichi, with their single green striped crests, tried to surround their adversary. Booting one under the chin, and tossing another one into a wall, the white knight was a blur of violence. The holy sword was loosed once more, and it was quickly slicked in red. Cries of torment started up, as men fell to their heavy wounds, but still the knight did not stop. A blur of steel, and vicious snarl sent another man to the dirt with a hilt to his head. His helm split and fell off. Hearing the sounds of movement behind her, the knight saw a pair of knights trying to drag one of their comrades to safety, and brought her rapier into a whistling arc for the killing blow—

 

“NO!!”

 

--and stopped, inches away from a pair of terror widened eyes. Visibly shaking, the two knights remained where they were, for fear of insighting the white demon to more violence. But a woman's voice from the window had the knight's full attention.

 

“Do not kill them if they yield!! The rules of chivalry must remain unbroken!! They are the king's men still!!” Several men, groaning in pain, began sitting up from their sprawled positions along the ground. One of them, a burly man with his arm hanging limply at his side, yanked his head from between the wagon spokes it had gotten stuck in, and fell to his knees. Clumsily, he pulled his sword from his sheath, and tossed it at his captor's feet.

 

“Y-yield! We yield…lay down yer arms!!” Around them, the rest began doing the same, coming to drop on both knees, heads bent in defeat. The crowd was deathly silent, captivated by the melodrama playing out before them. What would the fearsome white knight do next? Whispers began to break out. The Guardian herself, still hunched over in the same position had been ready to kill in, slowly creaked and clanked into a full standing position, towering over her fallen enemies. For a moment lost in time, the men gazed up into the glowing blue lights that surely came from hell itself. But all breathed a collective sigh of relief as the knight wiped off the gleaming sword, and sheathed it once more.

 

“As my Princess decrees…” Came the low growl from behind that faceplate. But then the knight grabbed the collar of the man who had first dropped arms and addressed him directly.

 

“Who are you?!”

 

“L-Lahrd Saionji's 17th bat—“

 

“I didn't ask for whom you served, I asked who are you! Give me your name.”

 

“Balus, m'lord. Captain Balus.”

 

“Well then Captain, you have lost. Thus your life and honor are forfeit, am I correct?”

 

“…Yes my lahrd. What…what would yeh have of me and me men?”

 

“First I want your wounded sent back to your barracks to be cared for. Those of you able to stand and wield a sword shall accompany the Princess and I to the castle as our temporary honor guard.”

 

“S-sir?!”

 

“Is there some sort of problem?”

 

“O-of course not m'lahrd. It shall be done without fail!” Balus barked a few orders, and soldiers began picking up their comrades to begin moving out to their military encampments, but a gesture from the White Knight halted them.

 

“Allow me to make one thing clear…any who dare attempt to attack my charge again, or show such cowardice as to plot an ambush…shall answer to me. And you will not like the encounter. Let there be no doubt in your mind.” The voice behind that purely gleaming helm sounded like the growl of the dread Cerberus itself. A tone that made all who heard it shiver in fear. Anthy herself, looking slightly disheveled from the window she had reclaimed, felt herself go pale. She had never heard such obvious violence in her Guardian's tone before…like a sleeping dragon awoken.

 

The men gave a crisp salute, clapping fists to their hearts, and hastened to obey the knight's instructions. The captain, pulled to his feet by the strength into those silver gauntlets, removed his plumed helm, and gave a bow.

 

“Forgive our transgressions, me most honorable lahrd. We will not fail in our duty to yeh.”

“No…I do not think you will.” Sounding slightly tired, the Knight gazed out at the crowd they had drawn, and soon people began rushing to go about their business again. Balus, selecting a team of ten fairly unharmed soldiers, went about the process of clearing off the streets and making way for the tall sweeping Knight. Utena, still concealed behind her impressive armor, turned to the slightly taller bearded captain. “Tell me captain, what means of transport have we to the castle.”

 

The captain looked at her curiously. “Transport? Well now…I don' suppose you'd want to be walking…so either cart or horse back would be yer option. Unless of course yeh have coin to be a payin' for the luxury of a carriage.”

 

“Then you have no…cars? Trains? No taxi's or anything of that sort?” But a look of pure bafflement gave the rose haired knight her answer.

 

“Erm, beggin' yer pardon…but I can't say I be certain what those things are…yeh must have traveled far then. But, why should yeh be needin' the likes of us to be escourtin' yeh to the castle?” He hastened to show his sincerity, “Ah, not that I be complain'n! I owe my life to yeh…not many knights follow with the old ways of chivalry, despite the flourish and pomp they spout off in front of the maidens. You given us a chance to…work off the debt we be owin' yeh…it makes an impression on the men. And `though I can't promise anythin' once the Lahrd Saionji reclaims us. He is our noble after all…but…we'd be honored to act as yer guard into the castle halls. Princess say yeh?”

 

Utena led them to the steps of the Errant Rose. “Yes, the Princess Anthy. Sister to the king.” The man's flinch did not go unnoticed as she smoothly continued, “ And I will be personally announcing her to the court, as well as her newly reclaimed rank among the nobility. So it only serves to better us both, if you regain honor as our escort, and she is shown the respect she deserves as my personal Charge. By serving us with open cooperation, we have shown those around us that we are honorable enough to move past…minor misunderstandings. Yes?”

 

The man balked, his ruddy beard bouncing as he stood lost for words. Giving up, with a sigh and a shake of his head, he ran fingers over his bald head. “I don' know what yeh are…but yer about to turn the whole kingdom on it's ear, yeh know that?”

 

The Guardian's low voice came out with a ring of amusement. “I know…but do not be concerned. It is what I intend.” She caught him gazing at the rose sigil on her breastplate thoughtfully, something akin to cunning flitting in his hooded eyes. With a small smirk he gave a firm nod of acceptance. “Yes…mayhap you do…”

 

 

 

 

 

Anthy was just about to go mad from the worry, when a firm rap came at her door. Without pausing to question who it was, she flung it open wide and was greeted by the shining form of her Guardian and the much smaller Tsuwabuki. Surprisingly, the boy didn't look any worse for the wear. Concerned about her knight, she asked“Ah! L-lord Tenjou, are you…?” She moved to touch the knight's arm gently, and was rewarded with a small pat on her hand. “I am fine my Lady. Please forgive me for my…poor conduct in the streets. I…lost my temper.” Anthy blinked in shock. She had…lost her temper? That wasn't her truly in a rage? Well…at least she could be comforted by the thought her protector was certainly capable. Then realizing there was something different about her knight, she took a step back to see.

 

A rick wine red cape, clasped at the neck and draping fluidly over one shoulder and arm swirled about the knight, falling to just above midcalf. There was a new red sheath on the swordswoman's hip,. Matching the cape and Anthy's dress. They were only small touches, but seemed to evoke a complete change in appearance. Glancing at the mirror, where both were framed, they really did look splendid. Their matching apparel left no room for doubt who it was that the Guardian had chosen to serve. Although, perhaps `serve' wasn't the right word…

 

“My lady, I have a carriage awaiting us below. Shall we leave for the castle as soon as Tsuwabuki is finished?” The boy in question was fastening a choker about her slender neck with soft deft hands, and had placed small gold things in her hair while she hadn't been paying attention. “It is growing to be late midday…I should like to have dinner indoors perhaps.” The visor was lifted, and Anthy smiled at the slight crinkle around those blue eyes. The other woman's confidence seemed to flow into herself, allowing her to recall the lessons she had taken as a child. Letting her remember how the women in court acted.

 

“Yes, sir Tenjou. Let us be off.” Her tone held the confident ring that only the aristocrat could manage. The Knight gave a nod of approval as she held out one arm, which Anthy took. Tsuwabuki gave a bow, and hurriedly went out before them, calling for the press of people below to make way. He himself disappeared into the reform gathering of people, motioning to his fellows in the Tailors Guild.

 

Together, Anthy and Utena descended the stairs and walked out the short path to where an elegant black coach awaited them. In lines of five on either side, their newly acquired Honor Guard snapped to attention as they passed. Bowing slightly to offer her steel gloved hand to the newly born Princess, the White Knight, as she was now being called, gave a small wave to a blond haired boy pointing to them excitedly from his place in the crowd. A group of thoughtful looking men and women murmured and nodded at whatever he said to them.

 

Utena stepped into the coach after the dark skinned woman, and Captain Balus moved to shut the door securely. A snap of the reins and the wooden contraption began rolling smoothly, led by a team of four horses. On either side and behind them, the soldiers kept pace as their captain rode on Anthy's borrowed horse from earlier. Drawing exclamations from all sides, and shouts from windows high above, the party made their way down the dingy streets of the Middle District towards the gleaming spires of their destination.

 

Anthy shivered as some of her confidence leaked away. What awaited them…would not be an easy thing to face. She looked blankly out the lace lined square windows as cobbled streets passed by. A firm hand on her own made her look up.

 

“It will be alright. I am by your side, Princess. I will let no harm come to you. Be it king or solider, pauper or prince. I am your Guardian in all things.” Anthy felt a ache in her heart at those simply spoken words, and bowed her head to hide the misting in her emerald eyes.

 

“Yes…thank you…but what must I do to get you to address me as `Anthy', Sir Utena?” She was rewarded by a low chuckling behind that expressionless helm, as the two of the sat back to enjoy the ride. The ride to what lay before them…

 

 

 

To Be Continued