Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction ❯ Tears Of Love ❯ The Duel and Aftermath ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter Three: The Duel and Aftermath

The dueling arena, I remember it so well. I remember my last duel with the now infamous Utena Tenjou. Her ideals, her belief in miracles, I wished to disprove them all to her. She had beaten me that day, but not today. As I watch her approach from the steps, I wonder what it might be like for that to be me. Hopefully, I will know soon enough, I think to myself. I watch as Utena takes Anthy's hand and using Anthy's magic, makes the sword of Dios appear. Utena, sword now in hand, approaches the dueling area. She stands straight, her sword extended, pointing at me. "Do you still wish to do this, Jury?" she says in her usual stern voice. "I have no choice but to do this, Utena. And I will win this day." I reply, equally stern, my sword in my usual right hand, bent at the elbow. From far off, I hear the bells sound, meaning the duel has begun.

Utena charges at me with her usual aggressive thrust, it would appear she has not changed too much since our last encounter. I pretend to parry but instead merely sidestep and let her pass. "We've played this game before, haven't we, Prince?" I mock at her, I don't usually pride myself on being cocky, but I am feeling much more energetic today. I am not sure why. Utena regains her composure, apparently unaffected by my taunt and steps forward, thrusting her sword towards my rose. I sidestep to my right, avoiding her weak thrust and swipe at the rose on her chest. I feel a power suddenly emanating from her as she quickly moves her sword into block position and knocks my sword away. Startled by her sudden increase in swiftness, I jump back, barely regaining my balance. Before I have a chance to firmly plant my feet on the ground, I can see her rushing at me at a speed not normal for her. This must be the power of Dios, I think to myself. I am ready for her this time and instead of backing up, I duck to avoid her thrust. "I must win!" I yell, thoughts solely on Shiori, as I cleave my sword upward, feeling it impact with her rose and then drive through it. The bells immediately sound as bluish-gray rose petals blow away with the wind. I back up from Utena as she falls to her knees on the dueling floor. I look down on her, a sudden feeling of pride entering me, and I stretch my hand out to her, "Good duel, you have improved much since before." She takes my hand, stands, eyes full of tears, and says, "Just promise me you won't do anything to hurt Anthy, please Jury…" I look at her, feeling a bit compassionate, and reply, "She is my Bride now and I will do what I wish. But I do promise that no harm will come to her." Utena looks at me and sniffles, "Thank you." I merely nod then leave her and walk towards my new Bride. "Come on Anthy, let's go." She looks up at me and smiles, "Yes, Ms. Jury."

That night I lay awake in my bed, pondering the events of the day. It's over, I beat Utena, I have finally disproved the power of miracles. But am I truly happy? I wonder to myself. I turn to my side and gaze at Anthy Himemiya sleeping next to me. I was a little surprised when she just slipped into bed next to me as I am very used to sleeping alone. "Oh well, I guess this is custom for the Rose Bride," I think as I close my eyes and slowly drift off to sleep.