Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction ❯ Love's Honor ❯ Chapter Fourteen ( Chapter 14 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Chapter Fourteen

Into the sunrise they traveled for the fourth time, though
that slowly rising orb was hidden beyond both the shadowy
canopy of the wild forest that surrounded them and the gray
clouds high above. Civilization was a thing far past; ever
since they had decided to bypass the actual fortress of
Grove and headed eastward to trim some time from their
journey, none of them had seen any sign of habitation, human
or otherwise. The woods were dense, the track they followed
the only passable way for their mounts, though an occasional
game trail crossed over their path.

They had spent the nights huddled together in bedrolls with
a small campfire used for warmth, cooking and protection,
and everyone taking turns at watch. Even had they loaded
themselves down with sumpters carrying tents, the woods
surrounding them were too overgrown to have made the use of
tents possible. Still, Lady Utena and her party had spent
over a year practically living on the road while the Kiryuu
were used to having to bed down in the wilds, so all were
acquainted with how to keep themselves relatively safe.

That there had been no trouble bothered Lord Touga. Either
their foe was still unaware of their attempt to recover the
sword or the Phoenix was too involved in reaching the Rose
Gate first to bother with any delaying tactics. Even so,
the Red Tyger felt as if things had gone too quietly, too
smoothly, on this journey. A faint sense of dread, one he
just couldn't shake, had come upon him after that first day
on the road. Time would tell if his instincts were correct.

A thick mist hung over the forest, the silvery-gray wisps
entwined around dew-speckled bushes, lush foliage and
evergreen boughs. Once again the Kiryuu prince tapped
Blizzard's flanks with black boot heels, setting a swift
pace despite the decreased visibility of the fog. Today
would see them reach the Rose Gate.

Tack jingled merrily; hooves thudded against the solid earth
while the party forged on ahead in a canter. They were all
quiet, eyes scanning over the countryside for any hints of
danger looming up from the swirling mist, their ears
straining to catch any sound not of their own making. High
above, water condensed against pine needles into a drop,
gravity pulling it from its perch to fall silently; down
below, Utena jumped slightly as the cool water splashed
against her cheek, then smiled wryly and wiped the drop from
her skin.

The trail was as she remembered, including the penchant it
had to be surrounded by fog at dawn and dusk. She sensed
that they were getting close, and she felt a nervous
excitement at once more standing before the impressive gates
of white marble.

Lowering her hand to once again hold both leather reins in
her steady grip, her attention was caught by sounds heard
over the noise their own party was making.

Voices.

At first uncertain of the source, Utena quickly had her
suspicions confirmed when the regal Kiryuu chieftain stopped
his mount. The prince held up a hand in a signal for the
rest to halt. Quick to respond, the highlanders did as
ordered. The pink-haired maiden swiftly echoed the gesture
for her own people as she tugged back on her reins with a
single hand.

Hardly daring to breathe, the party stood there for long
moments, the mist eddying around them while they did their
best to make out what was being said or from where it was
coming. Cobalt-blue eyes narrowing, Touga realized that the
voices were ahead, further down the dirt path. (Not overly
far,) he mentally estimated, debating what to do. It would
be best to assume that the strangers were traveling for the
same reason. At the moment, he and his party held the
element of surprise. If these others were searching for the
magic sword, then Touga would have to overtake them and
reach the Rose Gate first, and there could be a fight once
the two groups came into close proximity. His best chance
lay with rushing forward, overtaking them, and then racing
onwards before they could collect themselves enough to do
more then give chase. (So be it,) he thought, his course
decided.

Turning in the saddle, the gorgeous lord looked over those
behind him. All of them were staring back, waiting for an
indication on how to proceed. Gesturing for them to follow,
the Kiryuu prince twisted back and gave Blizzard the signal
to run. The well-bred courser jumped into action, the
stallion's lean body rippling beneath Touga as the animal
burst into a full gallop.

Startled at seeing the highlanders dashing down the woodland
path at full speed, Utena spurred her own mount into a swift
gallop although she wasn't certain what the scarlet-maned
noble had in mind. Trusting in his judgement -- and noting
that he had yet to pull his weapon -- the lowlander
noblewoman gave chase to the Kiryuu, her handmaiden and man
at arms close on her back. Grasping branches and looming
bushes seemed to grab at her while they raced through the
silver fog; a couple of times Utena flinched as a sudden
tree limb appeared very close to her, only to relax as she
raced on by without the branch even scraping across her.

The flight through the mist was frightening, but the maiden
only felt a true surge of apprehension when a group of
mounted people appeared ahead. Numbering about twice as
many as her own party, Utena noted that the unknown men were
suddenly revealed to be more highlanders, given their
similar appearance and clothing to others she had met. A
commonality quickly noticed was the identifying colors of
gold and red -- just as Touga's own men wore something of
white and red declaring that they were Kiryuu. Having not
yet met a clan with that particular combination of hues,
Utena had no clue who these people could be. As it was, she
needed to concentrate on the way ahead and what would happen
once the Kiryuu burst upon the strangers.

Aquamarine eyes flicked once more to the tall form leading
the charge. Realizing that Touga still kept his sword
sheathed, the pink-haired warrioress guessed that he meant
merely to dash through them, using momentum and surprise to
force them from their path. Steeling her own resolve, Utena
leaned forward as her mount galloped on, keeping herself low
over the animal's withers.

Touga also saw the identifying colors. Though startled at
the implications, it wasn't enough to make him rethink his
action or pause in his speed. (The Arisugawa?) Scanning
over them as they came swiftly into view, the confirmation
he was looking for came in the presence of a certain someone
there.

At the sound of the thundering hooves, the party of
strangers all halted, turning their gazes back down the
fog-draped trail. While the dozen young warriors stared at
the direction of the sound in silence, the regal figure at
the head of the group frowned darkly. "What on earth could
this be?" the angelic-appearing woman muttered, large
turquoise eyes reflecting her surprise and annoyance at the
interruption.

Next to her, mounted on a fine gray-colored palfrey, another
woman -- this one clad in a dress of the finest silk as
opposed to the other woman's somewhat mannish but quite
practical garb -- turned violet eyes to the one that had
spoken. "My lady, please. We must hurry. Others are
looking for the sword as well."

"Well, if these are some of those, then perhaps we should
make a stand right here," the first woman replied, a toss of
her head sending her meticulously-curled tangerine-hued hair
out of her face.

Catching the appearance of nine riders approaching at top
speed, the all-too-familiar form of the Red Tyger in the
lead, the second woman gasped in intense fright. "No time!"
she shouted, watching the distance between the two groups
rapidly disappear.

The first woman growled in irritation, realizing that her
companion was right. The way that fool Kiryuu was racing
forward, there would be little time at all to pull weapons
and deploy. Already the mad riders were nearly upon them.

Utena swallowed hard, her eyes glued to the form of what
could be described as an angel come to earth; the
sunset-maned woman's stunning countenance was divinely
impassive. Then a feminine shout from a familiar voice
caught Utena's attention. Gasping in shock, the young
warrioress scanned over the rest of the group, searching; a
feeling of betrayal mingled with relief swept over her as
her sea-blue gaze settled upon the well-known visage of
Shiori. The brunette servant -- dressed in clothing more
fitting to a noble -- sat astride a mount to the side of the
regal woman.

(Shiori,) thought the Kiryuu chieftain, his attention also
caught by the voice he'd recognized. Though again surprised
at the discovery of that one in the company of the Arisugawa
chieftain, he felt some relief at the realization that the
missing handmaiden had not been spying for Lord Akio. At
least the girl seemed to be in good health; that would make
Lady Utena happy. Bracing himself, Touga plunged into the
middle of the other group, shouting at Blizzard to keep up
the full gallop.

The Golden Panther's men scattered, just as Touga expected
they would; still astounded at the rapid appearance of a
band of riders crashing through them, the Arisugawa gave in
to instinct and dashed to either side. Of them all, only
the tall woman at the head of the group held her ground.
Only a little effort on the redheaded prince's part was
needed to urge his courser to the right, avoiding the
stern-looking noblewoman. Bursting unscathed through where
the Arisugawa had been, Touga continued to urge his mount
onward at a breakneck speed.

The other Kiryuu followed suit, thundering past where the
Arisugawa had scattered and riding to either one side or the
other of the woman that remained still on the earthen path.
As Utena passed through, she glanced to the side and noted
the scared look Shiori tossed her way. For a single moment,
their eyes locked gazes. Then the moment was gone, the
lowlander carried past where the brunette girl remained just
to the side of the trail.

The minute they were past, Shiori slapped her heels against
her palfrey's flanks and shouted as the gray mare clambered
back onto the track, "We can't let him get the sword, my
lady! Please! We must hurry!"

The woman addressed sighed in exasperation. There were times
she truly hated her feelings, and this was one of them.
However, one look at those stricken, fearful violet eyes and
the tangerine-haired angel could hardly refuse. This entire
situation was tearing Shiori up inside, hurting her
unmercifully. Well aware of the turmoil the situation could
cause within her own holdings, the regal woman nodded to her
longtime friend and wheeled her horse in the direction the
other highland chieftain had disappeared. "We're not beaten
yet, my friend," the Arisugawa warrioress vowed. "To the
Gate!" she shouted to the men who just now returned to the
trail. "We'll not let the Tyger have the prize!" Her order
ended on a shout as she spurred her mount into a gallop,
giving chase to the others seeking the mystic sword.

The race was on through the fog. Leaning low over his
mount's withers, his long hair streaming behind him, Touga
concentrated on his progress down the trail. Behind him, he
heard the thunder of hooves; his party was hard on his
heels. The dirt track wound through the trees, the dark
trunks looming up through the curtain of silvery mist. Were
there not the trail, it would be easy to become utterly
lost.

Following another bend, Touga gasped when his mount burst
into a clearing left untouched by the spectral mist. The
lush, emerald ring was bound by ancient oaks, whose gnarled
branches and sturdy trunks gave testament to their
durability. A massive gateway of gleaming, polished marble
stood opposite him across the clearing. The first thought
that struck him was the oddness of such a structure being
there in the middle of nowhere. The second one was a surety
that this was what he sought.

Wheeling his mount around, the highland chieftain watched as
the rest of his party galloped into the clearing. Noting
the awed expressions on his men's faces and their otherwise
dazed affect, he shouted, "Line up at the entrance! Keep
the Arisugawa from gaining the glade!"

"They can go around your men, through the brush," Utena
pointed out, urging her mare to come to a halt near her
scarlet-haired companion.

"I know that. I'm just looking to delay them enough to open
the gateway," he explained, turning Blizzard around again
and tapping the stallion's flanks. Though uncertain how he
knew, the knowledge was there that only he would actually be
able to ascend the stairs.

Utena opened her mouth, only to shut it without a sound as
the other noble rode away. Determined to give him
directions in how to use the Champion's brooch to unlock the
Rose Gate, she spurred her own mount into action again.

Heeding their lord's words, the knot of Kiryuu warriors drew
their weapons and gathered together, making a wall of men
and horses across the dirt trail leading into the grassy
clearing. Hearing their foe's rapid approach, they braced
themselves for the coming onslaught. Among them stood
Tatsuya, determined to help further his lady's goals the
best he could.

Still mounted on her palfrey, the two of them in the center
of the woodland glade, Wakaba turned her gaze from her lady
back to the men making ready to face the other highland
clan. Spying the familiar form of the Tenjou man at arms,
she felt a sense of uneasiness wash over her. They had
already lost Ryu; it would hurt to lose Tatsuya as well.

Still leading the charge, the sunset-maned woman rode as
fast as she dared under the foggy conditions, her nearly
hip-length hair rippling behind her like a silken banner.
This was foolish, part of her admonished, to rile the Red
Tyger at a time when her own land's internal situation was
so volatile and danger threatened from the far south. The
other part of her, spurred on by the frantic desperation she
had seen in Shiori's eyes, was fiercely determined to do
what it took to make the pretty brunette happy again.
Suddenly noting the wall of Kiryuu warriors blocking the
way, the angelic noblewoman veered to the side and came to a
halt, turning and shouting to the others, "Punch through
them! I want past those men!"

The warriors riding in her wake galloped on by. Turning her
turquoise gaze to watch their progress, the stern woman
mentally sighed when she became aware of another presence
halting there next to her. "If the Tyger gets the sword, my
lady, then we'll lose any chance of getting him back."

"I'm well aware of that, Lady Shiori," she responded.
(Don't worry. I swear I'll do my best to make you happy
again, though it breaks my heart to do so.) The shouts of
men and the clash of bodies could be heard, a grim
punctuation on her thought.

Hearing the chaos erupting behind him, Touga called out a
halt to Blizzard, then gracefully dismounted the moment the
gorgeous stallion stopped. Pulling the Champion's brooch
from where it sat pinned to the left shoulder of his
scarlet-trimmed white tunic, the tall chieftain loped over
to where the Rose Gate stood, cobalt gaze sweeping over it
for clues on the proper use of the piece of jewelry.

"Lord Touga!" Utena shouted, nearly leaping from her mount
before the palfrey had come to a complete halt. "Open the
brooch!"

Hearing her instruction, he frowned while looking from the
golden object to the pink-veined marble structure. Lifting
his head and looking at her while she ran toward him, he
asked, "What exactly do I do once I've done that?"

The rose-maned maiden dashed beyond him, reaching out to
grasp the smooth stone handle projecting from the right-hand
panel. Pointing to the depression at the top of the object,
Utena explained, "You set the brooch in here and that
unlocks the gate."

Eyes still on Tatsuya, Wakaba gasped as the fighting among
the two clans intensified in a matter of seconds. While the
Arisugawa concentrated on just pushing the Kiryuu out of the
way and clear a path, the other highlanders were attempting
to push the Arisugawa back into the fog-enshrouded forest.
However, the followers of the tangerine-haired woman had
momentum on their side. With a violent push enforced by a
number of sword blows, a way through the ranks was forced
open. Her heart in her throat, the normally-gregarious
handmaiden watched in fear as the two women in the other
party shoved through their men. "My lady!" Wakaba called
out in warning, twisting in the saddle to see what the pair
of nobles was doing.

It wouldn't be long now before the Arisugawa could actively
interfere. Slipping the pin from its catch, Touga pushed it
away from the glimmering gold in much the same manner he had
the night he had stabbed himself with the thin, sharp-tipped
rod. "Like this?" he asked, looking to the slender girl
next to him.

"Aye, that's correct," Utena confirmed, her words coming out
in a rush. "There's a hollow in the depression there in
which you must slide the pin. One the brooch is settled,
turn the handle to the left. The Rose Gate will then open
on its own."

The scarlet-maned chieftain did as directed, peering down
into the area long enough to align pin with hollow, then
dropping the brooch into its resting place. White light
erupted from the depression, sweeping over the large stone
gateway; the very marble took on a warmth and luster it had
lacked before. Fingers curled around the handle, Touga made
ready to twist the object to the left when the sound of
hooves came from close by.

"That's far enough, Tyger. Open that and I'll skewer you
where you stand."

A faint smirk curled across Touga's lips as he lowered his
hand and slowly turned around. He knew -- somehow -- that
only he could open the Rose Gate and that only he could
ascend the stairs beyond. Such was the outcome of letting
the brooch taste his blood in the manner that it had. It
would be far better to deal with the Panther now then to
tempt the other chieftain's wrath. Glancing up at where the
fierce-looking noblewoman sat astride her horse, a
deadly-looking sword in her hand and pointed straight at
him. "I wouldn't advise doing so," he cautioned. "No one
else can open that gate."

Blue-green eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Then I suggest you
doing what I say or no one will get that sword."

"Just who do you think you are?" Utena asked, astounded at
the woman's boldness. "What lies beyond the Rose Gate isn't
meant for you."

Those cold eyes turned their turquoise gaze to stare at the
Kiryuu prince's companion. The pretty little boy had his
nose into things that weren't his concern. "And just who
the hell are you to address me so *and* dictate for whom
that sword is meant?" Juri queried, her voice icy.

"Prince Juri, meet Lady Utena Tenjou, from the lowlands.
Lady Utena, this is Prince Juri, the Golden Panther,
chieftain of Clan Arisugawa," Touga interjected, smoothly
answering both questions.

"Prince?" Utena asked, astounded at the masculine title
applied to a woman.

"Lady?" questioned Juri at the very same moment, staring
back in equal astonishment. Now that it was pointed out,
the girl's femininity was apparent in her facial structure.

Smiling at the reactions of the two of them, the
scarlet-haired Kiryuu stifled a chuckle. His dark azure
gaze flicking over to stop on the still mounted Shiori, he
said, "As for her right to dictate, my lady prince, she has
been sent by the Fey who rule this place to find the wielder
of the sword. However, *someone* has some explaining to
do." Gesturing toward the brunette still astride her
palfrey at Juri's side, his voice took on a steely tone.
"Is this why you ran off, Shiori? To tell the Panther of
the sword?"

"You don't understand what's going on," the former
handmaiden replied, her voice harsh.

"Enough," the woman prince called out, cutting off her
companion's words. "Leave it to me."

"Who are you really?" the lowlander noble asked, staring at
the one she had taken in during the dead of winter.

"She is Lady Shiori, and one of my retainers. That's all
that needs concern you," Juri insisted.

"Your retainer there spent a number of months being Lady
Utena's maidservant," Touga pointed out. "I'm rather
curious as to why she did so."

"As am I," Utena added, crossing her arms over her chest.

Frowning, the Golden Panther looked the two of them over.
"She was attempting to help me discover the whereabouts of
Lord Ruka. In doing so, she learned that the one holding
him wants to exchange the sword known as Love's Honor for
him."

"You came to me hoping to learn where the sword was in order
to have someone steal it," the pink-haired maiden growled,
astonished at the effrontery.

Quick as lightning, the point of Juri's sword swung over to
menace the other woman. "Tell her to curb her tongue if she
wishes to retain it, Lord Touga."

Just as swiftly, Utena pulled her own weapon and slapped
aside the sunset-haired chieftain's blade, determination in
her sea-blue eyes. "I shall not. You have no idea what
you're messing with, Prince Juri. That sword was not meant
for *you*."

The Red Tyger swallowed hard, wondering if the two
warrioresses would come to blows. "Enough. Lady Utena,
Prince Juri, let's try to deal with this peacefully. This
sort of discord is what will only help Lord Akio."

"Please! Lord Akio's the one that wants the sword. If he
doesn't get it, then he'll murder the one I love," Shiori
called out All eyes turned to the short-haired brunette,
including the men on either side -- the warriors had stopped
fighting the moment the two chieftains had begun speaking --
and the girl felt her cheeks redden at being the focus of
everyone's attention. "You must believe me. He took Lord
Ruka captive during a scouting mission and he means to keep
my love in torment until he gains Love's Honor. A man came
bearing tokens of my love, giving me a message to attend a
meeting at a certain place and time, and it was there -- "

"Let me handle this, Shiori," Juri again insisted,
interrupting the other's tearful narrative. Giving the
lowlander a cold stare, the Arisugawa prince sheathed her
sword. "For the sake of my retainer, I'll deal with this
peacefully. To make a long story short, Lord Akio made it
certain that he would only release Lord Ruka for this sword
and he sent Lady Shiori on her way. She's done what she's
needed to do to see her love returned home safely. Once she
knew where this place was, she hastened to me, told me what
had happened, and appealed to me for help." Her gaze
settling on the other highland chieftain, her frown
remained. "You know what could happen should Lord Ruka be
murdered. I will have a third of my followers in chaos as
they sort out who would be prince next at a time when Lord
Akio is threatening to war on us all."

"All the better to aid me, Prince Juri," Touga countered.
"I'm fairly certain that the Phoenix has black magic at his
disposal. If he gains this sword, he may become
unstoppable. Lady Utena came to the highlands seeking one
worthy to wield Love's Honor, and I was about to attempt it
just now."

"Love's Honor belongs to the one chosen to be the Champion
of Love itself," Utena added, slipping her sword back in its
scabbard. "And that one becomes the defender of all those
who honor Love."

"That isn't going to help me," Juri snapped.

"My lady prince, listen to me. Allow me to open the gate
and attempt to gain the sword," the Kiryuu chieftain said.
"Should I be deemed worthy, I will do everything in my power
to help you recover Lord Ruka, including offering to meet
Lord Akio with the sword and negotiate an agreement."

The Golden Panther gave no reply. Instead, she gracefully
dismounted and pushed her way past the two standing there
before the faintly glowing edifice. She would accomplish
this on her own; she needed no one's assistance. Ignoring
the other chieftain's startled expression and the look of
horrified shock on the lowlander girl's face, Juri grabbed
hold of the stone handle. She knew, from having heard some
of the conversation between them earlier, in which direction
to turn the object. Giving it a twist, she was astounded to
find the handle immobile. It would not turn at all.
________________

High above, in the ever-present sea of flowers, all that
remained of Anshii lifted her head at the feeling of
something touching the Rose Gate. The wind picked up, a
coldly bitter one, racing through the bushes and carrying
with it rose leaves and blood-red petals. Nearby, before the
tender's emerald eyes, one of her prized blooms suddenly
took on a frozen, crystalline beauty before shattering into
a million pieces under the force of the howling wind.
Heartless doll that she was, even she could feel the icy
chill of this breeze to the center of her bones. Dropping
her watering can, she hugged herself, slender form
shivering. Whatever touched the Rose Gate, it was baneful
to all that made this place exist. Deep within, Anshii
hoped that the bitter wind would swiftly pass.
________________

With a look of disdain, Juri let go of the handle and took a
step back from the construct of white, pink-veined marble.
So the Tyger was right and not just anyone could open the
gateway, even with the key in the lock.

Utena stared at her, astounded. The overly confident prince
should have been thrown back by a blast of magic the moment
she touched the Rose Gate, yet nothing had happened. (What
sort of person is this?) the young warrioress wondered.

Touga remained silent, observing both the lady prince as
well as his own female companion. Noting that Utena looked
as if something she expected to happen had not, he wondered
what she had thought would occur while he waited for Prince
Juri's next move.

For a moment, the Arisugawa chieftain scowled at the
still-locked gateway, reluctant to accept that she could not
make it move. Mindful of Shiori's violet eyes upon her and
knowing how much returning Lord Ruka meant to the brunette
retainer, Juri then turned her scowl to the other
highlander, stepping back again so that he would have plenty
of room in which to achieve his task.

Realizing that she meant for him to carry on, Touga gave his
peer a slight nod before turning back to the massive doors.
Once more taking hold, he wondered why the other prince was
adamant about this. As overlord, she could certainly
dictate to the Tsuchiya some manner of leadership during
Lord Ruka's absence, yet she seemed to be doing all this for
the man himself. Mulling it over, he gave the stone handle
a twist.

This time the appendage moved smoothly. The Kiryuu
chieftain felt the door begin to rise. He let go and took a
step back, watching in wonder as the twin marble panels
within the freestanding frame transformed into something
spectacular. Under the grinding sound of stone on stone, he
could also hear the sound of running water, though a swift
look around revealed none to be seen. Around the glade,
everyone was watching, wide-eyed, as the stone rose upward,
the metal gates within sliding apart. With a final solid
sound, the movement stopped, the way beyond open.

Marble petals of a great stone rose reached upward toward
the evergreen boughs, sprouting from the top of the
structure. Under the sculpture, Juri could see the other
side of the oaken glade. Whatever the entry had guarded, to
the Arisugawa chieftain it seemed to be nothing at all.
"What goes here?" she demanded, cold gaze on her
contemporary.

Scarlet eyebrows rose in puzzlement, a gesture echoed by
Utena as well. Touga tilted his head slightly; the other
prince's reaction was an unexpected one. "What do you
mean?"

"There's only the other side of the clearing through there."

Their astonishment deepening, Utena and Touga glanced to one
another and then back to the stern chieftain. Could she not
see the stairs that were so obvious? The Red Tyger wondered
about that, having heard of Prince Juri being a skeptical
one.

"But certainly you see the rose-covered stairway?" the
pink-haired maiden asked, her voice with a puzzled tone.

"I see exactly what I said I do," Juri snapped. If they
were determined to make a fool of her, she would show them.
Squaring her shoulders, she stormed through the now-open
gateway --

-- and found herself unable to enter the area underneath
the marble frame. Feeling as if she had walked into an
invisible wall, Juri nearly fell as she stepped back, her
body jarred by the force of her momentum. Astonished, she
looked to the pair standing there to either side of the
gateway; the Arisugawa chieftain's expression changed to a
scowl as she recovered her composure.

Meeting the other woman's gaze, Utena nodded toward her
masculine companion. "Lord Touga, if you would continue, I
shall do my best to explain to my lady prince what is going
on," she softly suggested. The important thing at the
moment would be to see if the Kiryuu chieftain was truly the
one worthy to wield Love's Honor. Once that was established,
there would be time to see what could be done to help the
Arisugawa with their problem.

The tall redhead smiled at his companion before turning and
stepping through the Rose Gate. Unlike the other prince,
Touga easily passed between the white stone pillars,
stepping onto the first step of the rose-adorned staircase.
Glancing upward, he could see the stairs wound their way
upward through the thick pine forest, seemingly reaching
toward the sky. Up there awaited his fate. Steeling his
resolve, he continued onward.

"Just what is going on?" Juri demanded, seeing both the ease
of Touga's passing and then the Red Tyger's form disappear
into thin air.

"He's gone to be judged," Utena responded. "If he's found
worthy, then the sword called Love's Honor will be his by
right."

"But what about Lord Ruka?" Shiori called out, her
expression one of desperation.

The slender lowlander turned her aquamarine gaze to her
former handmaiden. "You heard him. Should he win the
sword, he will find a way to help you recover your missing
love. As the defender of Amor and those who follow it, such
a task is worthy of the office he would claim." Noting the
skeptical looks given to her from both ladies, Utena thought
over how best to explain to them about the Champion of Love
and the magic sword.
________________

The bitter winds left as swiftly as they came. Slowly
relaxing, Anshii glanced about, noting a number of the
brilliant roses stripped of some of their ruddy petals.
Then came the feel of someone beginning to climb the
stairway, the bushes around her swaying and whispering in a
breeze only they could sense. Turning to stare in
astonishment at the broken archway at the edge of the
garden, she blinked as sudden light flooded over the area as
if a cloud had departed from in front of the sun.

The Light of the World. It was here once again, casting off
the gloom and cold that had settled over the Rose Arbor.
Were she still in possession of a heart and soul, both would
be leaping in glee at the return.

But she was only a projection, the shell of what used to be.
Her eyes blank above her faint smile, Anshii awaited the
Light of the World's ascent to the roses.
________________

Why was she doing it? That was the question that weighed on
the would-be champion's mind while his lean form took the
stairs one by one. Prince Juri's concern seemed to run
deeper then her duties to clan. In fact, were he in the
same position, he would write off his retainer as a casualty
and force the subordinate clan to pick someone of their
royal blood to be their prince. To do otherwise would allow
Lord Akio to retain a weapon against both the retainer and
the ruling clans at a time the Phoenix should be stripped of
as many sources of power as possible. From what he knew of
the Golden Panther, she was a person of action and
intelligence, yet what she was doing now seemed contrary to
her usual self.

Why endanger two clans for the sake of one man? Her people
already loved her, seeing her as fair and just in a mostly
uncertain world. Though unaware of the Tsuchiyas' feelings
toward their overlord, Touga suspected they liked her and
were loyal; there had been no rumors of troubles between the
two clans before.

Chivalry then? Certainly, it was the ruler's place to
ransom a captured bondsman; the oath of fealty made it the
duty of the liege to protect the vassal. But the ransom in
this case was beyond what any lord would be expected to give
up. If Lady Shiori had accurately described the worth of
Love's Honor, then the Panther had to be aware that giving
one such as Lord Akio the sword would bode ill for all the
highlanders. Again, why risk both clans -- and more -- for
the sake of this one retainer chieftain?

Was it Lord Ruka himself? Did the Panther value him that
much? As he took another step up the flight of stairs,
Touga found himself shaking his head in denial. No, that
thought didn't have the ring of truth. Granted, Prince Juri
more then likely valued her retainer quite a bit -- she was
the sort to value all under her care, from what he knew of
her -- but to give up a magic sword into the Ebon Phoenix's
keeping? If anything, Juri would be the type to gain the
sword just so that she could assure herself that it couldn't
be used against her people.

However, it did have the feel of being done for personal
reasons. So if not for Lord Ruka, then whom? Cobalt blue
eyes narrowed slightly as Touga recalled snippets of the
confrontation down in the glen. Lady Shiori was Lord Ruka's
love, and thus had been her motivation to learn what she
could of Love's Honor by being near the one with the key to
the sword. And each time the brunette noble had attempted
to defend herself, the Panther was there, saying that she
would handle it in Lady Shiori's stead. Add to that the
fact that Lady Shiori seemed to be in little trouble for
disappearing from her prince's court for months . . .

Was it possible then that the personal reason was Lady
Shiori? If that was true, then what was the value of the
girl to the Panther? But even as that thought crossed his
mind as he neared the top of the stairs, he knew that he had
stumbled upon the truth. Shiori was the reason, and the why
of it --

" -- Is love," he murmured to himself, glancing up at the
lantern-adorned archway looming before him. Love was a
motivator beyond all logic at times, a powerful force
sometimes hard to deny. Even the most cool-headed could be
induced to commit seemingly foolish acts for the sake of a
loved one. Prince Juri loved Shiori in some manner; that
alone explained the risk the Panther was taking.

Love. Once again, the path of his destiny was overshadowed
by that powerful concept. Taking the last step, he paused
in astonishment at the sight that greeted him.

Roses. Thousands of the blooms, their fragrance scenting
every breath he took. A lake of blood red, they covered
what appeared to be a platform high in the sky. A seemingly
infinite backdrop of cloud-filled azure surrounded the lofty
garden. Yet even as he scanned over the scene with his dark
blue gaze, he got the sense of somehow having come home.
Puzzled by the feeling that he belonged here, Touga
carefully stepped forward through the shattered archway.

The figure that approached her left what remained of Anshii
feeling confused. This man, this redheaded stranger, was
the Light of the World? How could that be, when she had
seen what remained of her beloved earlier? Yet the sunshine
radiating benevolently down upon the whole of the garden
could not be a mistake, nor could the sense of this being
her beloved -- somehow -- be wrong.

The Fey was there, the same gorgeous image that he had seen
in his dreams and visions. Her long violet hair loose and
glimmering in the sunlight, she carried with her the sense
of being the archetype of all femininity. Suddenly nervous,
the image of her slender brown hand wielding a shining sword
in order to cleave a purple rose in two playing through his
mind, the Kiryuu prince made his way toward her.

Anshii remained silent as she waited for him; green eyes
stayed focused on the unfamiliar flesh that clothed the
oh-so-familiar soul. If this man was the one she had hoped
for, then who was it that had come wearing the image of her
beloved . . .? The rose tender lifted a hand while her eyes
widened, calling to her an object that would help prove
things one way or another. The weight of the object resting
against her palm, Anshii glanced down and saw the gold and
rubies sparkling there.

The Champion's brooch, the seal of her beloved's power.
Energy filled it, making the gems and metal faintly glow.
Recalling how dead it had become, how lusterless, after the
sundering had destroyed him, to see it alive now meant only
one thing. This man was the one she had sensed. *This* man
was the one she had been expecting, not the shadow clad in a
well-loved form.

Stopping before the woman clad in a royal gown, a tiara of
golden rays adorning the crown of her head, Touga gave the
regal figure a bow of respectful greeting. "Lady of the
roses, 'tis an honor to stand before you. I am Lord Touga,
prince of Clan Kiryuu, sent here by the noble lady who seeks
a new Champion of Love."

"Prince Touga of the Kiryuu," Anshii replied, putting a name
to the unfamiliar form. "I am Anshii, tender of this
garden."

"Well met, my lady," he responded, straightening. "I wish
to become the new Champion of Amor."

"Love is not for the faint of heart, for even as it gives
the greatest of inspiration, it leaves one open to the
greatest of despair."

"I would risk my heart and more," Touga answered, sincere.
He wanted this, for the sake of all those he could defend.
He desired to be the light that held back the darkness, of
being a source of hope in a chaotic world.

"Love is not an easy road, for the way is rocky and many
times the path uncertain," Anshii countered, continuing to
stare at the scarlet-haired man.

"I wish to be the trailblazer, to make a path others may
follow. Through the guidance of the Virtues of Amor, I have
what I need to create my own way where no trail exists."

"Love is overshadowed by a cold and bitter world. The chaos
and darkness overwhelmed he who was the Light of the World,
destroying him." Though as passive and emotionless as
before, the tone of the Fey woman's voice took on a note of
warning and infinite sorrow.

"I want to be that Light," the Red Tyger insisted, his
desire remaining strong.

For a long moment, Anshii merely stared at the mortal
standing before her. Even the flesh around him could not
dim the radiance she sensed within him, though he seemed as
ignorant as any other human. "If you truly desire this,
then cloak yourself in your belief in the Virtues. With
them as your armor, reach into the roses and pluck from them
the white one that grows in their midst." She gestured to
the left, a silvery light appearing in response to her
words. "But be wary, for the thorns surrounding the white
rose are poisoned with hatred. If hate has ever been your
master, then you would do better to not even try."

Glancing over at the indicated direction, Touga's cobalt
gaze was caught by a gleam of bright light, like a tiny star
in a sky of blood. He made his way between the thorny bushes
toward the source of the radiance, drawn by the argent
sparkle. Once there, he looked down in fascination. Near
the ground and guarded by the prickly canes of the larger
plants, a small rose bush bore a single delicate bud of
purest white. The shining flower blossomed fully even as he
watched, the snowy petals unfurling to expose the glowing
center. Gasping softly at the exquisite beauty of the rose,
the Kiryuu chieftain carefully lowered himself to a knee.

He would need to pick the flower by the Fey's command.
Heeding the tender's words, Touga took a moment to reflect
on the six virtues that were the traits held dear by those
who followed the tenants of Amor. He was certain the
Virtues were strong in his heart. He trusted himself to be
able to complete this task with the strength they would give
him. He reached through the bushes, feeling the points of
the thorns slide over his skin without breaking it. A
slight tug and the bloom came off easily into his hand.
Closing his fist around it, he pulled his limb from the
plants. He rose to his feet, then returned to the regal
woman's side, offering her the snow-white object.

Eyes the same color as the lush leaves surrounding them
stared down at the delicate item still glowing like a small
star. "You are . . ." Were he not the one, the light would
have died. "What remained of Anshii's emotions, both dread
and sadness, stirred deep within her. Stepping forward, the
dusky-skinned maiden pinned the Champion's brooch to the
cloth covering the young prince's left shoulder. "This is
yours by right, Champion of Love."

Touga held his breath as the Fey invested him with the ruby
and gold object, though he wondered momentarily how it had
come to be in the gorgeous woman's possession. The moment
Anshii stepped back he felt the weight of something settle
on his shoulders. A grave sense of responsibility -- the
burden of the Champion -- enveloped him like a mantle.
Squaring his shoulders, he welcomed the challenge, sensing
the light within able and willing to take on the weight of
the world.

"But as for the manifestation of your power, I fear you must
wrest it from the shadow that has claimed it," Anshii
continued, clasping her hands together in front of the full
skirt of her royal gown and focusing her eyes on the
rose-covered ground.

Dread washed over the scarlet-maned chieftain. "What do you
mean?"

"Where Light can be found, there will always be Shadow.
When the way was opened, one came bearing the look of the
fallen Champion and I did not recognize the Shadow within."

The new Champion stared at her, stunned. The Ebon Phoenix.
It had to be him. "You gave Love's Honor to Lord Akio?"

"I thought he was the one that had opened the way. I did
not know he was the Shadow of the Champion," the rose tender
explained.

Touga frowned, glancing back to the shattered archway that
opened on to the stairs. Somehow, he would have to find the
Phoenix and take from him the power of the Champion of Love.
________________

Prince Juri stared at the boyish lowlander, frustrated and
astonished both. "And you expect me to believe all this rot
you're telling me?" she asked, voice harsh. "A fallen Fey
Champion, a magic sword, and the power to change the world?
Do you take me for a fool?"

"Of course not, Your Highness," Utena replied, opting to
address the other noblewoman in a neutral manner befitting
her station. She understood how bizarre it would seem to
one unaware of all that had gone on. Glancing about, the
rose-haired warrioress noted that while Juri, Shiori and
herself remained near the still-open Rose Gate, Wakaba had
stayed in the center of the clearing while the two groups of
clansmen warily watched one another near the beginning of
the woodland trail, Tatsuya among them. "But consider that
Lord Akio believes in all this as well. Why else would he
use the capture of your vassal to manipulate someone into
fetching the sword?"

The sunset-haired woman nodded, realizing the truth in the
other's statement. It mattered little what the belief was,
only that faith in it was enough to motivate the Phoenix
into causing all this heartache to Juri's beloved Shiori.
"Well then, we'll just have to do something about that."

The riders burst out of the fog-enshrouded woods with no
warning. Utena blinked, taken by surprise, as a number of
dark-clad warriors galloped into the clearing from all
sides. Gasping, she watched as the strangers closed with
the Arisugawa and Kiryuu, the sound of steel ringing out as
weapons were drawn. Chaos erupted around them as the men
engaged. Horses neighed and men shouted while blades
clashed. Running for her mare, Utena swallowed hard. On
foot, she was at a major disadvantage.

Cursing under her breath at the sudden attack, Juri dashed
toward her charger. While she leapt gracefully up into the
saddle, she shouted, "Stay near me, Shiori!" Pulling her
blade, the Golden Panther was determined to protect her
beloved.

Fire exploded into existence next to Utena's palfrey; both
horse and maiden screamed in sudden fright. Pulling back
violently and falling to the ground, the lowlander noble
shielded her eyes from the abrupt heat. The thunder of the
buff-colored mare's hooves were lost in the sounds of
pitched battle filling the clearing.

Juri glanced about while whirling her mount around,
searching for the most immediate threat. The strangers were
clad in all black, with no identifying marks. Seemingly
more interested in keeping the clansmen busy then attacking
either Shiori or herself, the woman prince noted that even
the lowlander handmaiden remained unmolested.

Fright and determination both in her violet eyes, Shiori
pulled her own short blade and made ready. The ring on her
hand felt warm, like it had before when the ambush against
the Kiryuu and Saionji had taken place. How she wished she
had found it possible to remove it once she had made up her
mind to enlist the help of her childhood friend, the Golden
Panther.

"Lady Utena!" Wakaba shouted, watching her lady fall after
that frightening gout of flame had appeared from nowhere.
Spurring her palfrey into motion, the good-natured
handmaiden raced toward the fallen warrioress.

"I'm okay!" the woman in question shouted in reply, picking
herself up off the ground. Utena glanced about and pulled
her sword, her long hair flowing about her. The blast and
her fall had knocked her hat from her head. Glancing about,
she looked for any immediate danger, taking note that her
horse had fled.

From the fog wafting around the ancient trees, a figure on a
magnificent white horse rode out into the clearing. Clad in
white, pale lavender hair flowing about his shoulders, he
made for a princely sight. Utena gasped, recognizing the
Ebon Phoenix himself; his presence seemed to fill the
clearing. Somehow, he seemed more powerful, more princely,
then she remembered from her few glimpses of him in the
royal court of the southern kingdom.

All was going well, Akio decided, a smile on his handsome
face. His men were keeping the highlanders here well
occupied, leaving the true target wide open. That he had
used a bit of glamour to chase away his prey's mount was
well worth the prize at hand. The innocent maiden that had
held the Champion's brooch for so long was the perfect
catalyst for what he hoped to achieve.

But a chill was here in the glade, a bitter coldness
unexpected. The smile faltered as emerald eyes swept over
the scene. Settling upon the fierce-looking Arisugawa
chieftain, Akio frowned. There was something dangerous
about that one. Prudently deciding to linger only as long
as needed, the Ebon Phoenix spurred his stallion into a
canter.

(Lord Akio!) Juri softly growled, noting the appearance of
Shiori's tormentor. That he was here meant that he too had
come to claim the sword on his own. Should he do that, then
the chances to recover her missing vassal were greatly
diminished. "I command you to return Lord Ruka to me!" she
shouted at the other chieftain.

"I follow no command but my own," Akio retorted. He kept
his gaze focused on his quarry who was even now facing him
with sword in hand. (Come, little maiden . . .)

The Phoenix dared ignore her? Snarling, Juri urged her
mount into a full gallop, determined to exact some measure
of satisfaction from the other prince's hide. Her charger's
hooves thundered across the emerald grass as she closed the
distance between them.

The chilling frost came closer. Dread filling him, Akio
felt his strength drain away, sapped by the unbearable cold.
What was this, to take his energy so? A grim expression
settled on his face as he yanked his stallion's head by the
reins; he veered away from the vengeful angel and shouted
for his people to engage the Arisugawa chieftain.

Noting the distraction, Wakaba put heels to her palfrey,
urging the mare to greater speed. The brunette lady in
waiting gripped her saddle tightly with her knees and prayed
to whatever beneficial powers were looking down upon the
scene. A daring lean over and she scooped her lady up from
the ground. "Hold tight!" the brave servant yelled while
sliding back, doing her best to help the lowlander noble
perch upon the saddle before her.

Utena was very grateful for her handmaiden's assistance.
Reaching forward, she grabbed for the reins with her free
hand, her other still gripping her sharp weapon. She gained
control of the galloping mount and turned the mare to face
the one apparently responsible for the attack. She could
not let him climb the stairs to the Rose Arbor!

"I will not be denied, Phoenix!" A swift look showed Juri
that the sable-clad men were hastening to do their leader's
bidding despite the hindrance of the Arisugawa and Kiryuu
warriors. Not much longer and she would be cut off from
engaging the one responsible. Determination in her eyes,
Juri chased after the dusky-skinned lord.

He could feel the cold surrounding him, sucking away both
glamour and power. This one's very presence was more then
just a danger; somehow, the woman prince was potentially
lethal by her existence alone. Recognizing her
stubbornness, Akio steeled himself as best he could. One
swift but decisive melee and he would improve his chances to
escape the deadly frost. Wheeling his mount around, Akio
charged the sunset-maned chieftain.

Steel rang against steel as the two locked weapons. Juri
fought with uncanny accuracy and graceful speed; Akio
matched her in skill and dexterity. But the encounter was
lasting too long, the bitter cold too draining, for the
lavender haired prince's health. Each swing became harder
and each moment made his limbs feel as if they were encased
in lead. "Retreat from this place if you wish to ever see
your Lord Ruka again," Akio hissed.

"You will not dictate to me," Juri growled in reply, giving
her opponent a jab that he didn't quite parry. She felt her
blade vibrate with a momentary connection. The fight was
almost hers; she could taste victory. "I will make you
release my vassal."

He couldn't win this way. Already he could feel the chill
in his bones. Desperate, he spurred his mount into a
retreat, his frantic gaze settling upon the figure of Lady
Shiori. Perhaps he could use the brunette as leverage
against the Arisugawa ruler. From Lady Shiori's own
admission, Prince Juri was a close, lifelong friend. The
maiden had been useful before . . .

(He's going after Shiori,) Utena thought while watching the
Ohtori chieftain disengage Prince Juri. "Hold tight,
Wakaba," the slender warrioress ordered, echoing the very
words the lady in waiting had earlier uttered. Feeling the
other girl's arms wrap tightly around her waist, Utena
charged toward Lord Akio, determined to intercept him before
he could reach Lady Shiori's side.

"Damn you!" Juri shouted at her foe's retreating form. A
firm tug on the reins and she gave chase, tension flooding
through her when she recognized the other chieftain's new
target. (No! Not Shiori!) But before she could do more
then urge her mount faster, a number of the sable-clad men
swiftly approached, keeping her from reaching her beloved
friend's side. All at once she found herself in a desperate
fight with four to one odds.

Utena maneuvered the palfrey between Shiori and Akio,
slashing at the elegant prince in defense of the former
handmaiden. Determined to do something to keep the other
from harming Shiori or somehow ascending the stairs, the
lowlander went on the attack, looking to incapacitate the
Ebon Phoenix.

Good, the Panther's deadly presence was distant enough; Akio
could feel his strength and power returning. Countering his
prey's skilled attacks, the Ohtori chieftain faked a
continued weakness as he searched for some way to quickly
achieve his goal. He was not willing to risk everything on
a bet that his men could hold Prince Juri at bay for a long
while. (If I can keep them occupied long enough to regain
enough glamour . . .)

Muted light glinted off metal as the rose-haired warrioress
sought a weakness in her older foe's defenses. Wakaba held
on tightly and huddled against her mistress's sheltering
form. Each swing and thrust was almost easily turned aside
despite the Phoenix's apparent weakness. His encounter with
Prince Juri must have cost Lord Akio dearly in some way not
immediately apparent. Utena pressed her attack, seeking to
use her foe's weakness against him.

Juri snarled in frustration. The moment one of her opponents
was downed with a stabbing strike to the chest, another came
to replace him. Around them, Kiryuu and Arisugawa continued
to fall though the highlanders made a good accounting for
themselves in the number of black-clothed men lying about
the woodland glade. Redoubling her efforts, the Golden
Panther fought viciously despite the toll such activity was
beginning to take on her endurance. At least Shiori
remained safe for the moment; a quick glance assured Juri
that the other lady was away from the pockets of conflict.

His power had returned. Now was the time to strike.
Emerald eyes narrowing in concentration, Akio burst into a
flurry of activity, calling to mind his every skill with a
blade. The hammering blows were barely parried; each one
made their ears ring with the sound of the clashing swords.
Feeling his prey's defenses weakening, Akio slapped aside
the maiden's weapon. A torque of his wrist and the girl was
disarmed; the wrested sword fell to the ground below. The
Phoenix lunged forward, grabbing Utena by the tunic with his
free hand and pulled her to him with a strength that left
her utterly astounded.

"No!" Wakaba shouted the moment her mistress was torn from
her grasp. Glaring at the man that dared take away *her*
Utena, she yelled, "Let her *go*! Leave her alone!"

Akio ignored the furious handmaiden's protests. He called
for the retreat as he sheathed his sword, the maiden chosen
to search for the Champion of Love held in a tight grasp.
Having captured his prize, he was unwilling to risk being in
the debilitating presence of the Arisugawa chieftain any
longer. He rode swiftly toward the woods surrounding the
clearing while easily keeping the struggling woman in his
control. The moment he plunged into the fog, he wove
glamour around himself and those following him. To the
others, they would simply disappear into the silvery mist.

They were leaving! And she was no closer to recovering her
vassal then before. Parrying the blow of one of her
opponents given to cover his retreat, Juri answered with a
swift strike that caught the man in the side. The
sable-clad warrior fell to the ground with a scream of
agony. "After them!" the woman prince ordered before
inverting her sword and leaning over, making sure the man
she had downed would never rise again.

Kiryuu and Arisugawa warriors both did as the Golden Panther
ordered, plunging into the fog-enshrouded forest. Juri
dispassionately wiped the blood from her blade then searched
the clearing for Lady Shiori. Finding her friend intact and
apparently in no distress, the tangerine-haired highlander
rode over to the other lady's side. "Are you all right?"

"I believe so," Shiori answered with a smile.

"He's got Lady Utena!" protested Wakaba. Her brown gaze
focused on the Arisugawa chieftain, the ponytailed brunette
continued, "Just don't stand there! Go save her!"

"The moment my men find their trail, they'll signal," Juri
replied in a cool tone.

But the signal never came.
________________

He would have to find the Ebon Phoenix. Everything rested
on somehow claiming the Champion's power from the one who
had stolen it. His expression grim, Touga descended the
final steps in the rose-adorned marble staircase.

Carnage greeted him the moment he stepped forth from the
Rose Gate and re-entered the mortal realm. Bodies littered
the ground -- men and horses alike -- and blood stained the
emerald grass. Fear spiked through him as he stood there
and searched for his men, for the lady he had come to love.
While he abruptly ran forward, the Rose Gate ground into
movement. The great stone rose slowly lowered itself while
the metal grilles and marble panels slide closed against the
world. "Lady Utena!" he called out, not seeing any sign of
the beautiful maiden.

"She's gone," answered a voice Touga recognized as that of
the Arisugawa prince. "Where's the sword?"

"Gone," the Red Tyger responded, whirling to face his
contemporary. "Lord Akio made it here before us and
convinced the holder to surrender the sword. What the devil
happened here? Where's Lady Utena?"

"Lord Akio has her. While you were within, he attacked."

Touga stared at the other chieftain, stunned. "Where did he
take her?"

"I can't say. They vanished without a trace," Juri replied.
Glancing to where Wakaba and Shiori tended to some of the
wounded, she gestured to the knot of people. "We've both
lost men, and the wounded need treatment."

"I mean to recover Love's Honor and Lady Utena from him, no
matter what it takes," Touga vowed in a voice ringing with
conviction. "Will you assist me, Prince Juri?"

The Arisugawa chieftain gave the scarlet-maned prince a cold
smile. "I have a score to settle with Lord Akio myself.
Let us regroup at Grove and speak about what should be done
now."

Touga nodded, knowing that exactly that would be the most
prudent course at the moment.