Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction ❯ Tears Of Love ❯ Not What It Seems ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter Two: Not What It Seems

As I woke up, got ready, and headed into school today, I felt a much lighter air about myself. I guess seeing Shiori last night really helped relieve some of my stress. Time seemed to pass quickly by my classes and the day ended. After school, I walk down to the fencing arena where I train my students. As soon as I step in, I find myself in complete shock. Shiori is dressed in fencing uniform and is conversing with some of my students. I knew she liked to attend my fencing matches, but I never knew that she herself could fence. "Oh well, I better continue on like normal," I think to myself. I take a look around the room and then in a firm voice command the class to get in a line formation. I look at them, lined up perfectly straight, they are very good students indeed. Even though I think that, I show no sign of admiration. After a moment, I begin to speak, " Ok class, last time we had just finished up the basics. Today we are going to duel off, I want the more experienced duelers to duel against me and for the less experienced duelers to split into pairs and practice with each other. Now everyone get into your groups!" As my group of older students get into order, I walk over to the bench and slide my mask and chest gear on. I pick up my practice sword and return to the arena matt. I notice Shiori has decided to place herself at the head of the line of the students I am to duel. I try and hide my puzzlement as I ask, "Shiori, you just got here. I think you should go over there with the others and practice some. I'm sure they can fill you in on what you've missed." Shiori looks at me with a sternly, her face devoid of that giddy happiness that she showed last night, and says, " I wish to duel with you, Ms. Jury. " I look back at her and grin, "Alright then, who am I to decline an invitation like that? Assume your position." I take a deep breath, raise my sword, and stare into her eyes, "Begin."

She rushes me, faster than I expect, yet it is a clumsy attack. I raise my sword and knock hers aside, side stepping her thrust. I then turn to face her as she regains her balance and turns. I see this as my chance to counter attack but I am more curious to see if she will correct her clumsiness or attack the same way. Instead of thrusting this time, she steps to the side and slices down from my left. I parry her attack but just barely, her speed is greater than I have estimated. I break off from my parry and thrust my sword forward towards her chest. She dodges to the left and brings her sword up to parry. The metal of our swords hitting echoes loudly in the dojo. I can see out of the corner of my eye that everyone is now watching Shiori and I. Under normal circumstances, I would have had a regular student beat in under 10 seconds. But there is something different about Shiori. She thrusts again at me, almost catching me off guard, and I deflect her attack away. I see my chance as I spin myself counter-clockwise and jab forward with my sword. It hits Shiori dead center in the chest. The match is over. I back off with my sword and take off my helmet. I watch her take off hers as damp, violet hair falls down around her eyes. "Good match, Shiori. With enough practice, you may become quite the opponent." I smile at her, proud of my student, and she smiles back, "Thank you very much, Ms. Jury." My smile fades and I turn to my class, "Ok everyone, resume your positions and continue. Next in line, please step forward."

The next day passes nicely. Before meeting Miki for lunch, I stop by my locker to drop off some books. As I open my locker, I notice a piece of paper is taped up inside. The paper has a Rose Seal background and says only this: " Today… " I take out the letter and examine it closer. I guess this means I will duel for the Rose Bride today after classes, I think to myself. I walk to the lunch table where Miki is sitting and notice Shiori is now sitting there as well. He notices my face and asks, "Is something on your mind, Ms. Jury?" I drop the letter onto the table. "It would appear that you are schedule to duel today." Miki says, stating the obvious. Shiori's eyes widen a little and she stands up and comes and stands next to me. She looks up into my eyes and says, "You have to duel today, Jury? Be careful, I know you can win!" I look into her eyes and smile, "Thank you, I will win, I promise."