Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction ❯ The Shadow Council Saga ❯ Ohtori Coup d'etat ( Chapter 1 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
By: Shinobu 
Anime/Manga: Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.29.2001 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.0K | Visits: 343 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.29.2001 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.0K | Visits: 343 | Status: Completed
Note: The characters in this story are the creation and property of Be-Papas, Chiho Saito and Ikuhara Kunihiko.
This story takes place roughly between episodes 24-25 of the anime, placing it between the "Black Rose Saga" and the "Ohtori Akio Saga" (also sometimes known as the "car arc"). Be forewarned that there may be spoilers ahead.
The Shadow Council Saga
by Shinobu
Part One: "Ohtori Coup d'etat"
(first of three parts)
Heads turned, but few dared acknowledge the formidable captain of the Ohtori fencing team as she walked through campus toward the day's first class. Arisugawa Juri was used to this- in fact, she had worked long and hard to cultivate it. It was respect from her fellow students. Admiration. Fear? Maybe a little. It felt good. After all, most of them were nice people, but it was just too early in the morning for something as taxing as conversation. Juri was definitely NOT a morning person. Who needed sunrise repartee? Truly, Juri was her own girl and needed no one else- the lie she told herself as she felt the locket brush against her skin under the Student Council uniform.
Turning the corner sharply, she just missed running head on into a trio of girls dressed in uniforms similar to Arisugawa's. The four stopped, eyeing each other with intensity. "What do you three think you're doing?" Juri said in a strong, clear voice. "You know that only members of the Student Council are allowed to wear these special uniforms. If you don't go back to your rooms and change at once, I'm afraid I'll have no choice but to take action with the administration."
"Actually," said Takatsuki Shiori stepping forward, "that's what we needed to talk to you about 'sempai'." The sarcastic tone in that last word stabbed at Juri. "In fact, it's you that's dressed inappropriately," Shiori continued as she thrust a letter toward her senior.
Juri took the envelope, trying not to let her rising anger get the better of her. "What's this?" she said in her best nonchalant voice, straining for composure on several fronts.
A thin smile came to Shiori's lips. "I'll let you read it yourself, but essentially, it says that your services on the Student Council are no longer needed."
"What?!!" Juri raised her voice and ripped into the letter. She stood reading for a few seconds, then Shiori spoke again. "Of course Arisugawa-san, I'll have to ask you for your rose signet ring," she said in an almost reticent tone.
"The. . . ring?" Juri stood silent a moment more, then took the ring off her hand and placed it gently into Takatsuki's outstretched hand.
"Thank you," Shiori said softly, then returned to her previous aura of smugness. "By the way, if I were you, I'd run home and change into something more appropriate. You know- the uniform with the skirt. Wouldn't want to get into trouble with the Student Council. Good morning."
The trio swiveled and marched off in unison, leaving Arisugawa staring at the piece of paper in her hand. "The. . . skirt?"
*** *** *** ***
"Hi-mem-i-ya!" The word resonated through the expansive Ohtori observatory. The echo had barely stopped as Utena stepped into the vast room.
"Hi-mem-i-ya!"
"She's already left."
Startled, Utena turned to see the temporary Chairman of the Board of Ohtori Academy sitting on the couch at the far end of the room.
"Akio-san! I didn't see you. Sorry for the shouting, but I was looking for Himemiya. You say she's already left? Wow, is she ambitious today, or what?" Utena said as she swallowed her last gulp of morning coffee. A grin came to her face as she saw the Chairman staring intently at the television screen, a video game control pad in his hands.
"Oh, you're playing. Miki brought over his game console last night. After we finished studying, he showed us one of his favorite games. Anthy really got into it, so he said we could keep it for a few days. I hope you don't mind. I promise we'll study first and only play if we have time," Utena said apologetically.
"Mind? No, no, on the contrary, I think it's a good diversion for you two. I mean, you both work so hard. You deserve a little fun," Akio said as he concentrated on the game at hand.
"Well, Anthy works hard, I'm not so sure about me. By the way, did she say where she was off to this early?"
"Oh, yes- that. She said to tell you that she had to go to the greenhouse and that she would catch up with you at lunch." Sounds and musical chimes came from the television set as the screen announced the player had gained a victory.
"Hey, you're pretty good," Utena commented as she grabbed her book bag and headed for the door.
"Yes," said Akio. "I've always liked playing games."
Utena bid farewell, leaving Akio to start another game. As he was running through the "game setup," a small young figure materialized to stand next to him.
"Yes- games. You HAVE always been good at them, but not so good lately," softly spoke the white-clad boy.
"Very true," replied Akio as he maneuvered the game controller. Now appearing on the screen were sketched, game-like renderings of faces; the faces of students at Ohtori Academy. One by one, Akio was highlighting them with the control pad. "Perhaps it's not the game that's bad however. Perhaps I simply need to change the players." He scrolled the screen until he arrived at a blue-haired girl and pressed the "enter" button.
*** *** *** ***
The elevator rose toward the Student Council chambers. Three silhouetted figures rode in the car as the solemn voice of Shinohara Wakaba spoke. "If it cannot break out of it's shell, the chick will die without ever being born. We are the chick; the world is our egg. If we don't crack the world's shell, we will die without truly being born. Smash the world's shell. . ."
As the others joined in ". . . for the Revolution of the World!"
Walking onto the Student Council veranda, the trio was led by Wakaba in her new uniform of a white tunic and brown pants. Following were Takatsuki Shiori in her white and maroon and Kaoru Kozue, who wore her equally pristine white tunic with powder blue pants. There was a long conference table in the center of the balcony. Wakaba sat at one end with Shiori at the other. There were ten chairs on both sides of the table in between them. Kozue took one near the center.
"Well Madame Vice-President," Shiori said, "seems to me we have a member missing."
"Yes," acknowledged Wakaba. "The President is unable to attend this meeting, which is why I'm in charge. Now that we've served the termination notices on our predecessors, we can move to the next order of business. Have you read your letters from Ends of the World?"
Kozue nodded in the affirmative. Shiori's face seemed to grimace a bit.
"Yes, I have," Shiori said. "What or who is this "Ends of the World" anyway? I'm not sure I understand completely."
"I'm not sure I do either, but the Student Council exists by the will of Ends of the World." She raised her hand to display her Rose Seal. "It- or they- selected us to be the new Student Council, so we owe our positions to them."
Kozue spoke, looking at neither Shiori nor Wakaba, but straight ahead. "And as Duelists, our next task is to defeat Tenjou Utena in a Duel,"
"That's right," said Wakaba. "Utena is my friend, but apparently inside the Dueling Arena that won't matter. In the letter, Ends of the World made it very clear that it would really be in her own best interest to lose the next Duel. And in our best interest, of course. We MUST get the Rose Bride away from her."
"Why?" asked Shiori. Wakaba hesitated for a moment.
"Because it's the object of the game," spoke Kozue as she raised her right hand and clicked a stopwatch she held. The other two girls look intently at her. "Sorry, she said sheepishly. "I've always wanted to do that."
"Well maybe we could get some more information from the President. Look, why isn't the President here anyway?" Shiori asked glaring at Wakaba.
"The President is otherwise engaged," Wakaba shot back in an indignant tone.
"Interesting choice of words," remarked Kozue.
*** *** *** ***
Kiryuu Nanami was walking across the Ohtori campus, or more accurately, storming across the Ohtori campus- so fast that her trusted gopher, Tsuwabuki Mitsuru, had difficulty keeping up with her.
"You're Algebra quiz is at two o'clock- I've taped the answers inside your left shoe," he was saying as he consulted his notebook, trying to keep pace. ". . . and you have an appointment at three-thirty for a manicure. Yuuko will deliver- hey, are you getting any of this, Nanami-sama?"
The blonde bullet suddenly stopped, whirled and grabbed Mitsuru by the shoulders. "Listen Tsuwabuki- we have an emergency on our hands. Cancel everything for today and check in with me later this afternoon, I may need you."
As Nanami departed, Mitsuru was left mumbling to himself. "How am I suppose to cancel an algebra quiz? And, wait-," he looked up. "Where are you going?" he yelled to her.
"To what may be our best chance," she responded not looking around, then muttered under her breath "much as I hate to admit it."
Tsuwabuki was left with his notebook in a muddle. "Check in this afternoon, I may need you," he mimicked Nanami to himself. Pausing in his disarray, he glanced up to watch her as she vanished behind a building. "Hey- she said she might need me. Nanami-sama might need me," his voice trailed off as his mind wondered into one of his better boyhood fantasies.
*** *** *** ***
Utena and Himemiya Anthy were waiting on the second floor walkway overlooking Anthy's greenhouse. "It's not like Wakaba to be late- especially when food's involved," said Utena as she finished off the last of a juice box. "I'm really getting hungry, and this juice just isn't a substitute for food." Utena twirled and approached a nearby trash receptacle pantomiming a basketball player "dribbling" the empty juice box down the court. As she got near, she flipped the box into the trash bin. "She shoots and scores!" the pink-haired beauty said as Anthy smiled and clapped her hands in appreciation.
"Tenjou Utena!"
"Hello Nanami," Utena said without looking around immediately. She could recognize the Shrill One when she heard her. As she did turn, she was surprised to see Nanami dressed in her standard school attire, not donning the now famous gold Student Council uniform. "What's up?"
"Good afternoon Miss Nanami," greeted Anthy as the blonde approached. Nanami ignored Himemiya except for what might have been a brief snarl of recognition.
"What's up?" Nanami came to a stop. "What's up? The Student Council of Ohtori Academy is in its biggest crisis ever, and that's all you have to say? How typical."
Utena smiled. "I thought I was the Student Council's biggest crisis ever. If there's a bigger one, then maybe you guys will give me a rest. Why aren't you wearing your uniform?" Tenjou noticed something else. "Where's your Rose Seal ring? What's happened? Was the Student Council abolished or something?" Utena asked hopefully.
Nanami appeared to be counting silently to herself for a moment, then began to explain. "No. The Council still exists. Only the members got, as you say, 'abolished'". They delivered our letters of termination this morning and took back our rings."
Utena was stunned. She didn't want to be a Duelist, and she still didn't understand the whole "Rose Bride" thing, but she had learned to respect the members of the council- at least some of them. "What does Touga say about this?", she asked.
"Big Brother's not talking. He's just sitting in his room, brooding I think."
"Well," smiled Utena, "he seems to do a lot of that."
Fire lit in Nanami's eyes at the slur on her sibling. "He didn't used to brood at all until YOU showed up. This is all your fault!"
"My fault! How could it be my fault?"
"I don't know, but I'm sure it is. Tenjou, you've got to DO something!"
Utena sensed that it was no longer anger in Nanami's eyes and voice. Fear had taken over. Fear for herself and fear for her brother.
"And YOU!" Nanami wheeled on Anthy. "You're responsible too. Rose Bride- humph! You're the acting Chairman's sister- can't you get him to do something about this?"
Anthy, still wearing her trademark smile, was just about to say something when Utena asked "What about Miki? What about the others?"
Nanami leaned back on the rail and crossed her arms. "Them too. Miki's wondering around campus today in his very tight fitting sixth grade uniform. Saionji says that they can't do this and that he'll be damned if he takes his Council uniform off, but I think he's staying inside his room."
Anthy tried to join the conversation. "And Miss Juri?"
The blonde stared at her, then slumped, almost as if anger were more trouble than it was worth at this point. "I tried to talk to Arisugawa a little while ago as she was walking across campus. Between the curses and the punch she threw at me- which I managed to dodge, thank God- I managed to learn that she was sacked too." At that moment, something caught Nanami's eye, and she picked up her school bag and began to decamp in hurried fashion.
"Wait, Nanami! Where are you going?, Utena asked. "Look, if everyone's off the Student Council, who replaced them?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Little Kiryuu said as she beat a hasty retreat.
Utena looked at Anthy, then faced the courtyard and leaned on the railing. "Wow, that was odd. I wonder why she left so suddenly. And just who IS on the new Student Council?"
"Miss Utena, you WILL find out very soon," Anthy was saying as the weight hit Utena's back.
"U-tee-na!" screamed Wakaba in her loudest and happiest voice.
Tenjou finally unloaded her and turned to see her friend- wearing a Student Council uniform and standing next to another Council uniform filled by Miki's twin sister, Kozue. The amazement on Utena's face was written in capital letters.
"Haven't you heard? It's all over campus! Isn't it great!," Wakaba beamed, but her smile slowly faded. "Utena, aren't you happy for me?"
"Wakaba. . ." Utena began, "it's not that. Wakaba, you know what that uniform means; what that ring means. You're a Duelist now. Wakaba, you and I, we'll. . ."
Kozue stepped forward. "Madame Vice-President. Your friend is concerned that she'll have to face you in a Duel for," the blue-haired girl looked at Anthy and smiled, "'the Rose Bride'. Let me put both of your minds to rest. There will be no such Duel."
"How do YOU know," snapped Utena.
The blue haired girl stepped closer to Anthy, placing her hand on Himemiya's shoulder. "Because I will take her from you. I want the Rose Bride for myself." Kozue gently brushed her hand across Anthy's cheek. Wakaba's eyes grew wide and Utena's face turned red with anger.
"Take-your-hands-off-her," Utena said through clinched teeth. Kozue tilted her head in acknowledgement and complied. "Why would you even want to fight for Anthy? I think you've made it clear on several occasions that you don't even like Himemiya, so why would you want her friendship?"
"I don't," answered Kozue. "I couldn't care less about her friendship. On the other hand, I do care a great deal about my brother's friendship with her." Kozue's eyes bore into Anthy. "If I have her, my brother can't."
"And what if Miki doesn't want that?" Utena protested.
"He won't have a choice- and neither will she." Kozue turned to the Engaged One. "Tenjou Utena- I challenge you. The Duel Arena this evening." With that, Kaoru turned and walked away.
Wakaba turned to her friend. "Utena, I. . . "
The three of them stood silent. Anthy smiled and said "Shall we have lunch now?"
*** *** *** ***
SHADOW PLAY
C-ko walks across the stage.
C-ko (shouting): "Gogai! Gogai! Gogai!"
A-ko is sitting in front of a television set. (The TV has an old style portable antenna, the so-called 'rabbit-ears', on top of it.) A chord runs from the television to a box on A-ko's lap. B-ko stands behind A-ko in prime "kibitzing" position.
A-ko: I'm in the middle of a great game called "Monkey Capture." Before I continue, I'll save the game, so if I mess up later, I can come back to this point instead of starting all over again.
B-ko: Isn't that what's called cheating?
A-ko: (raising a pointed finger for emphasis) That's what's called strategy!
A-ko moves the controls and gyrates her body playing the game.
A-ko: Yes, yes! yes!!! NO!
B-ko: Oops! You lose.
A-ko: No matter. Restore saved game!
A-ko shifts the control box and stamps her feet playing the game.
A-ko: Yes, yes! yes!!! NO!
B-ko: Oops! You lose again.
A-ko: No matter. Restore saved game!
A-ko goes through the game playing motions one more time.
A-ko: Yes, yes! yes!!! NO!
B-ko: Oops! You lose another time.
A-ko: This is a dumb game. No one could beat it.
B-ko: If you always make the same moves, won't you always get the same result?
A-ko: You think that could be part of the problem?
END SHADOW PLAY
*** *** *** ***
Utena ascended the spiral staircase to the Dueling Arena. She hated the Duels, but also had to admit they were exhilarating in a peculiar kind of way. If she had to do them, she intended to do her best. She had to, for Himemiya's sake.
The Arena itself was as she had never seen it before. The floating Castle was still there, drifting over the area of competition, a prize just out of reach. There were new "decorative touches" however. All around the platform were television sets of various styles and sizes. Some sat on TV tables, some in elaborate cabinets, some on the bare floor. Drifting above the edges of the Arena were four giant television screens. It was as if the Dueling Arena had become a modern sports stadium. All the screens, big and small, were tuned to the same picture- a blue background with gold words pulsing, almost flashing: PRESS START TO BEGIN GAME.
Himemiya stepped forward in her red gown and prepared Utena for the Duel. At the other end of the platform, Kaoru Kozue passed under an archway wearing a dark blue rose on her chest; a blue nearly the color of her hair.
"Enjoy your preparations Tenjou Utena. It will be the last time you ever perform this particular ritual," Kozue asserted.
Anthy turned and began. "O roses of the noble castle. . . O Power of Dios that slumbers within me; Harken unto thy master and reveal to us. . ." Utena drew the Sword from Anthy's breast and finished the incantation.
"the power to revolutionize the world!" Bells rang in the distance.
The two combatants confronted each other, weapons in hand. Kozue made the first move and charged Utena. The Engaged One sidestepped it easily, but as she turned to face her opponent, Kozue was right behind her. She must have stopped instantly, thought Utena, and before she completed her turn Kozue's body slammed into her, knocking her to the floor.
As the Duel proceeded, the television monitors in the Arena displayed the event, but not as a live camera presentation. Utena, Kozue, and even Himemiya were being portrayed in a sort of computer graphics art form, as though they were characters in a video game. Lifelike, but not. Collections of electrons dancing for the amusement of the game player.
On a balcony some distance away, two figures watched the competition. Akio smiled as Utena fell to the ground. "She'll still win you know," said the young boy next to him.
"Only if you help her," Akio replied, reaching for his drink. "She's only gotten this far because of your assistance."
"That's not true, and that's precisely why I've agreed to your demands not to help her through this particular trial. She's victorious in the Duels because of her nobility, her honesty, her. . . goodness. As long as she retains those qualities, she'll never really need my help."
"We'll see," Akio said as he took a sip of his drink and refocused on the action.
Kozue pointed her sword at Tenjou's chest. "You may have the Sword of Dios, but tonight you don't have Dios himself. It's me against you and ONLY you, and you-have -LOST!" Miki's twin sister slashed her sword toward the white rose, but Utena blocked her with her blade at the last possible second. Rolling to her right, Utena bounced up, only to have a charging Kozue knock her down even harder than the first time.
"Utena-sama!" Anthy screamed, rushing to her friend's side. "Utena-sama!"
"Sorry about that," Utena responded. "Clumsy of me. I'm not sure, I guess I'm just not focusing. Don't worry, I'll get it together."
"Utena-sama,' Himemiya said as she held the fallen champion in her arms. "remember the first time you ever dueled for me, against Saionji? Remember, you only had a wooden practice sword and you still won. Focus your strength, your determination. Focus my faith in you."
As Utena looked into Himemiya's face, Kozue approached and spoke. "You have no help in this duel Utena, only the help of the Rose Bride, which is to say no help at all. Comfort her one last time Himemiya Anthy, then later tonight, maybe I'll let you comfort me." The last sentence ended on a giggle, and Utena rose off the ground.
Kozue instantly realized she had perhaps become overconfident. Before she could assume a defensive stance, it was already too late. Utena had passed by her, blue flower pedals blew in the night breeze, and bells pealed in the distance.
At that moment, the television monitors in the Dueling Arena all flashed the same message: GAME OVER. Over next the few seconds, one by one, all of them turned to screens filled only with static.
*** *** *** ***
On the Student Council balcony, three girls sat at a round table. Surrounding the table were many bookshelves piled high with books, the shelves arranged in rows, the spaces between them forming aisles. There were faint sounds of people whispering, walking, studying- but no other people were in sight. Above the doorway hung a sign: Ohtori Student Council Library.
Shinohara Wakaba spoke to her fellow Council members. "I call this meeting of the Student Council to order."
From somewhere behind one of the bookshelves came a female voice. "Shhhsh. Please keep your voice down. This is a library," the voice said in the loud-whispering manner librarians use so well.
Taken somewhat aback, Wakaba continued softly. "I call this meeting of the Student Council to order. We've received new letters from Ends of the World. Utena MUST be defeated. Unfortunately, Kozue has failed."
Kozue arched her back. "Well, our precious Ends of the World told us she would be more vulnerable without the help of this Dios thing too. Are you sure she didn't get help from someone?"
"Shhhsh. Quiet please!" came the voice from behind the stacks.
"Kozue did her best," Shiori whispered. "Look Wakaba, this whole thing is so lame. Kozue and I don't even know who the President IS yet. Do you?"
Wakaba didn't reply, but rather bit her lip and shook her head in the affirmative.
"Well, I refuse to continue until I get some answers," Shiori said in her loudest undertone voice.
"And answers you shall have," spoke the President coming through the doorway. "Sorry I'm late."
Shiori and Kozue looked up, and Shiori said "Oh, it's you."
"Shhhsh."
TO BE CONTINUED. . .
This story takes place roughly between episodes 24-25 of the anime, placing it between the "Black Rose Saga" and the "Ohtori Akio Saga" (also sometimes known as the "car arc"). Be forewarned that there may be spoilers ahead.
The Shadow Council Saga
by Shinobu
Part One: "Ohtori Coup d'etat"
(first of three parts)
Heads turned, but few dared acknowledge the formidable captain of the Ohtori fencing team as she walked through campus toward the day's first class. Arisugawa Juri was used to this- in fact, she had worked long and hard to cultivate it. It was respect from her fellow students. Admiration. Fear? Maybe a little. It felt good. After all, most of them were nice people, but it was just too early in the morning for something as taxing as conversation. Juri was definitely NOT a morning person. Who needed sunrise repartee? Truly, Juri was her own girl and needed no one else- the lie she told herself as she felt the locket brush against her skin under the Student Council uniform.
Turning the corner sharply, she just missed running head on into a trio of girls dressed in uniforms similar to Arisugawa's. The four stopped, eyeing each other with intensity. "What do you three think you're doing?" Juri said in a strong, clear voice. "You know that only members of the Student Council are allowed to wear these special uniforms. If you don't go back to your rooms and change at once, I'm afraid I'll have no choice but to take action with the administration."
"Actually," said Takatsuki Shiori stepping forward, "that's what we needed to talk to you about 'sempai'." The sarcastic tone in that last word stabbed at Juri. "In fact, it's you that's dressed inappropriately," Shiori continued as she thrust a letter toward her senior.
Juri took the envelope, trying not to let her rising anger get the better of her. "What's this?" she said in her best nonchalant voice, straining for composure on several fronts.
A thin smile came to Shiori's lips. "I'll let you read it yourself, but essentially, it says that your services on the Student Council are no longer needed."
"What?!!" Juri raised her voice and ripped into the letter. She stood reading for a few seconds, then Shiori spoke again. "Of course Arisugawa-san, I'll have to ask you for your rose signet ring," she said in an almost reticent tone.
"The. . . ring?" Juri stood silent a moment more, then took the ring off her hand and placed it gently into Takatsuki's outstretched hand.
"Thank you," Shiori said softly, then returned to her previous aura of smugness. "By the way, if I were you, I'd run home and change into something more appropriate. You know- the uniform with the skirt. Wouldn't want to get into trouble with the Student Council. Good morning."
The trio swiveled and marched off in unison, leaving Arisugawa staring at the piece of paper in her hand. "The. . . skirt?"
*** *** *** ***
"Hi-mem-i-ya!" The word resonated through the expansive Ohtori observatory. The echo had barely stopped as Utena stepped into the vast room.
"Hi-mem-i-ya!"
"She's already left."
Startled, Utena turned to see the temporary Chairman of the Board of Ohtori Academy sitting on the couch at the far end of the room.
"Akio-san! I didn't see you. Sorry for the shouting, but I was looking for Himemiya. You say she's already left? Wow, is she ambitious today, or what?" Utena said as she swallowed her last gulp of morning coffee. A grin came to her face as she saw the Chairman staring intently at the television screen, a video game control pad in his hands.
"Oh, you're playing. Miki brought over his game console last night. After we finished studying, he showed us one of his favorite games. Anthy really got into it, so he said we could keep it for a few days. I hope you don't mind. I promise we'll study first and only play if we have time," Utena said apologetically.
"Mind? No, no, on the contrary, I think it's a good diversion for you two. I mean, you both work so hard. You deserve a little fun," Akio said as he concentrated on the game at hand.
"Well, Anthy works hard, I'm not so sure about me. By the way, did she say where she was off to this early?"
"Oh, yes- that. She said to tell you that she had to go to the greenhouse and that she would catch up with you at lunch." Sounds and musical chimes came from the television set as the screen announced the player had gained a victory.
"Hey, you're pretty good," Utena commented as she grabbed her book bag and headed for the door.
"Yes," said Akio. "I've always liked playing games."
Utena bid farewell, leaving Akio to start another game. As he was running through the "game setup," a small young figure materialized to stand next to him.
"Yes- games. You HAVE always been good at them, but not so good lately," softly spoke the white-clad boy.
"Very true," replied Akio as he maneuvered the game controller. Now appearing on the screen were sketched, game-like renderings of faces; the faces of students at Ohtori Academy. One by one, Akio was highlighting them with the control pad. "Perhaps it's not the game that's bad however. Perhaps I simply need to change the players." He scrolled the screen until he arrived at a blue-haired girl and pressed the "enter" button.
*** *** *** ***
The elevator rose toward the Student Council chambers. Three silhouetted figures rode in the car as the solemn voice of Shinohara Wakaba spoke. "If it cannot break out of it's shell, the chick will die without ever being born. We are the chick; the world is our egg. If we don't crack the world's shell, we will die without truly being born. Smash the world's shell. . ."
As the others joined in ". . . for the Revolution of the World!"
Walking onto the Student Council veranda, the trio was led by Wakaba in her new uniform of a white tunic and brown pants. Following were Takatsuki Shiori in her white and maroon and Kaoru Kozue, who wore her equally pristine white tunic with powder blue pants. There was a long conference table in the center of the balcony. Wakaba sat at one end with Shiori at the other. There were ten chairs on both sides of the table in between them. Kozue took one near the center.
"Well Madame Vice-President," Shiori said, "seems to me we have a member missing."
"Yes," acknowledged Wakaba. "The President is unable to attend this meeting, which is why I'm in charge. Now that we've served the termination notices on our predecessors, we can move to the next order of business. Have you read your letters from Ends of the World?"
Kozue nodded in the affirmative. Shiori's face seemed to grimace a bit.
"Yes, I have," Shiori said. "What or who is this "Ends of the World" anyway? I'm not sure I understand completely."
"I'm not sure I do either, but the Student Council exists by the will of Ends of the World." She raised her hand to display her Rose Seal. "It- or they- selected us to be the new Student Council, so we owe our positions to them."
Kozue spoke, looking at neither Shiori nor Wakaba, but straight ahead. "And as Duelists, our next task is to defeat Tenjou Utena in a Duel,"
"That's right," said Wakaba. "Utena is my friend, but apparently inside the Dueling Arena that won't matter. In the letter, Ends of the World made it very clear that it would really be in her own best interest to lose the next Duel. And in our best interest, of course. We MUST get the Rose Bride away from her."
"Why?" asked Shiori. Wakaba hesitated for a moment.
"Because it's the object of the game," spoke Kozue as she raised her right hand and clicked a stopwatch she held. The other two girls look intently at her. "Sorry, she said sheepishly. "I've always wanted to do that."
"Well maybe we could get some more information from the President. Look, why isn't the President here anyway?" Shiori asked glaring at Wakaba.
"The President is otherwise engaged," Wakaba shot back in an indignant tone.
"Interesting choice of words," remarked Kozue.
*** *** *** ***
Kiryuu Nanami was walking across the Ohtori campus, or more accurately, storming across the Ohtori campus- so fast that her trusted gopher, Tsuwabuki Mitsuru, had difficulty keeping up with her.
"You're Algebra quiz is at two o'clock- I've taped the answers inside your left shoe," he was saying as he consulted his notebook, trying to keep pace. ". . . and you have an appointment at three-thirty for a manicure. Yuuko will deliver- hey, are you getting any of this, Nanami-sama?"
The blonde bullet suddenly stopped, whirled and grabbed Mitsuru by the shoulders. "Listen Tsuwabuki- we have an emergency on our hands. Cancel everything for today and check in with me later this afternoon, I may need you."
As Nanami departed, Mitsuru was left mumbling to himself. "How am I suppose to cancel an algebra quiz? And, wait-," he looked up. "Where are you going?" he yelled to her.
"To what may be our best chance," she responded not looking around, then muttered under her breath "much as I hate to admit it."
Tsuwabuki was left with his notebook in a muddle. "Check in this afternoon, I may need you," he mimicked Nanami to himself. Pausing in his disarray, he glanced up to watch her as she vanished behind a building. "Hey- she said she might need me. Nanami-sama might need me," his voice trailed off as his mind wondered into one of his better boyhood fantasies.
*** *** *** ***
Utena and Himemiya Anthy were waiting on the second floor walkway overlooking Anthy's greenhouse. "It's not like Wakaba to be late- especially when food's involved," said Utena as she finished off the last of a juice box. "I'm really getting hungry, and this juice just isn't a substitute for food." Utena twirled and approached a nearby trash receptacle pantomiming a basketball player "dribbling" the empty juice box down the court. As she got near, she flipped the box into the trash bin. "She shoots and scores!" the pink-haired beauty said as Anthy smiled and clapped her hands in appreciation.
"Tenjou Utena!"
"Hello Nanami," Utena said without looking around immediately. She could recognize the Shrill One when she heard her. As she did turn, she was surprised to see Nanami dressed in her standard school attire, not donning the now famous gold Student Council uniform. "What's up?"
"Good afternoon Miss Nanami," greeted Anthy as the blonde approached. Nanami ignored Himemiya except for what might have been a brief snarl of recognition.
"What's up?" Nanami came to a stop. "What's up? The Student Council of Ohtori Academy is in its biggest crisis ever, and that's all you have to say? How typical."
Utena smiled. "I thought I was the Student Council's biggest crisis ever. If there's a bigger one, then maybe you guys will give me a rest. Why aren't you wearing your uniform?" Tenjou noticed something else. "Where's your Rose Seal ring? What's happened? Was the Student Council abolished or something?" Utena asked hopefully.
Nanami appeared to be counting silently to herself for a moment, then began to explain. "No. The Council still exists. Only the members got, as you say, 'abolished'". They delivered our letters of termination this morning and took back our rings."
Utena was stunned. She didn't want to be a Duelist, and she still didn't understand the whole "Rose Bride" thing, but she had learned to respect the members of the council- at least some of them. "What does Touga say about this?", she asked.
"Big Brother's not talking. He's just sitting in his room, brooding I think."
"Well," smiled Utena, "he seems to do a lot of that."
Fire lit in Nanami's eyes at the slur on her sibling. "He didn't used to brood at all until YOU showed up. This is all your fault!"
"My fault! How could it be my fault?"
"I don't know, but I'm sure it is. Tenjou, you've got to DO something!"
Utena sensed that it was no longer anger in Nanami's eyes and voice. Fear had taken over. Fear for herself and fear for her brother.
"And YOU!" Nanami wheeled on Anthy. "You're responsible too. Rose Bride- humph! You're the acting Chairman's sister- can't you get him to do something about this?"
Anthy, still wearing her trademark smile, was just about to say something when Utena asked "What about Miki? What about the others?"
Nanami leaned back on the rail and crossed her arms. "Them too. Miki's wondering around campus today in his very tight fitting sixth grade uniform. Saionji says that they can't do this and that he'll be damned if he takes his Council uniform off, but I think he's staying inside his room."
Anthy tried to join the conversation. "And Miss Juri?"
The blonde stared at her, then slumped, almost as if anger were more trouble than it was worth at this point. "I tried to talk to Arisugawa a little while ago as she was walking across campus. Between the curses and the punch she threw at me- which I managed to dodge, thank God- I managed to learn that she was sacked too." At that moment, something caught Nanami's eye, and she picked up her school bag and began to decamp in hurried fashion.
"Wait, Nanami! Where are you going?, Utena asked. "Look, if everyone's off the Student Council, who replaced them?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Little Kiryuu said as she beat a hasty retreat.
Utena looked at Anthy, then faced the courtyard and leaned on the railing. "Wow, that was odd. I wonder why she left so suddenly. And just who IS on the new Student Council?"
"Miss Utena, you WILL find out very soon," Anthy was saying as the weight hit Utena's back.
"U-tee-na!" screamed Wakaba in her loudest and happiest voice.
Tenjou finally unloaded her and turned to see her friend- wearing a Student Council uniform and standing next to another Council uniform filled by Miki's twin sister, Kozue. The amazement on Utena's face was written in capital letters.
"Haven't you heard? It's all over campus! Isn't it great!," Wakaba beamed, but her smile slowly faded. "Utena, aren't you happy for me?"
"Wakaba. . ." Utena began, "it's not that. Wakaba, you know what that uniform means; what that ring means. You're a Duelist now. Wakaba, you and I, we'll. . ."
Kozue stepped forward. "Madame Vice-President. Your friend is concerned that she'll have to face you in a Duel for," the blue-haired girl looked at Anthy and smiled, "'the Rose Bride'. Let me put both of your minds to rest. There will be no such Duel."
"How do YOU know," snapped Utena.
The blue haired girl stepped closer to Anthy, placing her hand on Himemiya's shoulder. "Because I will take her from you. I want the Rose Bride for myself." Kozue gently brushed her hand across Anthy's cheek. Wakaba's eyes grew wide and Utena's face turned red with anger.
"Take-your-hands-off-her," Utena said through clinched teeth. Kozue tilted her head in acknowledgement and complied. "Why would you even want to fight for Anthy? I think you've made it clear on several occasions that you don't even like Himemiya, so why would you want her friendship?"
"I don't," answered Kozue. "I couldn't care less about her friendship. On the other hand, I do care a great deal about my brother's friendship with her." Kozue's eyes bore into Anthy. "If I have her, my brother can't."
"And what if Miki doesn't want that?" Utena protested.
"He won't have a choice- and neither will she." Kozue turned to the Engaged One. "Tenjou Utena- I challenge you. The Duel Arena this evening." With that, Kaoru turned and walked away.
Wakaba turned to her friend. "Utena, I. . . "
The three of them stood silent. Anthy smiled and said "Shall we have lunch now?"
*** *** *** ***
SHADOW PLAY
C-ko walks across the stage.
C-ko (shouting): "Gogai! Gogai! Gogai!"
A-ko is sitting in front of a television set. (The TV has an old style portable antenna, the so-called 'rabbit-ears', on top of it.) A chord runs from the television to a box on A-ko's lap. B-ko stands behind A-ko in prime "kibitzing" position.
A-ko: I'm in the middle of a great game called "Monkey Capture." Before I continue, I'll save the game, so if I mess up later, I can come back to this point instead of starting all over again.
B-ko: Isn't that what's called cheating?
A-ko: (raising a pointed finger for emphasis) That's what's called strategy!
A-ko moves the controls and gyrates her body playing the game.
A-ko: Yes, yes! yes!!! NO!
B-ko: Oops! You lose.
A-ko: No matter. Restore saved game!
A-ko shifts the control box and stamps her feet playing the game.
A-ko: Yes, yes! yes!!! NO!
B-ko: Oops! You lose again.
A-ko: No matter. Restore saved game!
A-ko goes through the game playing motions one more time.
A-ko: Yes, yes! yes!!! NO!
B-ko: Oops! You lose another time.
A-ko: This is a dumb game. No one could beat it.
B-ko: If you always make the same moves, won't you always get the same result?
A-ko: You think that could be part of the problem?
END SHADOW PLAY
*** *** *** ***
Utena ascended the spiral staircase to the Dueling Arena. She hated the Duels, but also had to admit they were exhilarating in a peculiar kind of way. If she had to do them, she intended to do her best. She had to, for Himemiya's sake.
The Arena itself was as she had never seen it before. The floating Castle was still there, drifting over the area of competition, a prize just out of reach. There were new "decorative touches" however. All around the platform were television sets of various styles and sizes. Some sat on TV tables, some in elaborate cabinets, some on the bare floor. Drifting above the edges of the Arena were four giant television screens. It was as if the Dueling Arena had become a modern sports stadium. All the screens, big and small, were tuned to the same picture- a blue background with gold words pulsing, almost flashing: PRESS START TO BEGIN GAME.
Himemiya stepped forward in her red gown and prepared Utena for the Duel. At the other end of the platform, Kaoru Kozue passed under an archway wearing a dark blue rose on her chest; a blue nearly the color of her hair.
"Enjoy your preparations Tenjou Utena. It will be the last time you ever perform this particular ritual," Kozue asserted.
Anthy turned and began. "O roses of the noble castle. . . O Power of Dios that slumbers within me; Harken unto thy master and reveal to us. . ." Utena drew the Sword from Anthy's breast and finished the incantation.
"the power to revolutionize the world!" Bells rang in the distance.
The two combatants confronted each other, weapons in hand. Kozue made the first move and charged Utena. The Engaged One sidestepped it easily, but as she turned to face her opponent, Kozue was right behind her. She must have stopped instantly, thought Utena, and before she completed her turn Kozue's body slammed into her, knocking her to the floor.
As the Duel proceeded, the television monitors in the Arena displayed the event, but not as a live camera presentation. Utena, Kozue, and even Himemiya were being portrayed in a sort of computer graphics art form, as though they were characters in a video game. Lifelike, but not. Collections of electrons dancing for the amusement of the game player.
On a balcony some distance away, two figures watched the competition. Akio smiled as Utena fell to the ground. "She'll still win you know," said the young boy next to him.
"Only if you help her," Akio replied, reaching for his drink. "She's only gotten this far because of your assistance."
"That's not true, and that's precisely why I've agreed to your demands not to help her through this particular trial. She's victorious in the Duels because of her nobility, her honesty, her. . . goodness. As long as she retains those qualities, she'll never really need my help."
"We'll see," Akio said as he took a sip of his drink and refocused on the action.
Kozue pointed her sword at Tenjou's chest. "You may have the Sword of Dios, but tonight you don't have Dios himself. It's me against you and ONLY you, and you-have -LOST!" Miki's twin sister slashed her sword toward the white rose, but Utena blocked her with her blade at the last possible second. Rolling to her right, Utena bounced up, only to have a charging Kozue knock her down even harder than the first time.
"Utena-sama!" Anthy screamed, rushing to her friend's side. "Utena-sama!"
"Sorry about that," Utena responded. "Clumsy of me. I'm not sure, I guess I'm just not focusing. Don't worry, I'll get it together."
"Utena-sama,' Himemiya said as she held the fallen champion in her arms. "remember the first time you ever dueled for me, against Saionji? Remember, you only had a wooden practice sword and you still won. Focus your strength, your determination. Focus my faith in you."
As Utena looked into Himemiya's face, Kozue approached and spoke. "You have no help in this duel Utena, only the help of the Rose Bride, which is to say no help at all. Comfort her one last time Himemiya Anthy, then later tonight, maybe I'll let you comfort me." The last sentence ended on a giggle, and Utena rose off the ground.
Kozue instantly realized she had perhaps become overconfident. Before she could assume a defensive stance, it was already too late. Utena had passed by her, blue flower pedals blew in the night breeze, and bells pealed in the distance.
At that moment, the television monitors in the Dueling Arena all flashed the same message: GAME OVER. Over next the few seconds, one by one, all of them turned to screens filled only with static.
*** *** *** ***
On the Student Council balcony, three girls sat at a round table. Surrounding the table were many bookshelves piled high with books, the shelves arranged in rows, the spaces between them forming aisles. There were faint sounds of people whispering, walking, studying- but no other people were in sight. Above the doorway hung a sign: Ohtori Student Council Library.
Shinohara Wakaba spoke to her fellow Council members. "I call this meeting of the Student Council to order."
From somewhere behind one of the bookshelves came a female voice. "Shhhsh. Please keep your voice down. This is a library," the voice said in the loud-whispering manner librarians use so well.
Taken somewhat aback, Wakaba continued softly. "I call this meeting of the Student Council to order. We've received new letters from Ends of the World. Utena MUST be defeated. Unfortunately, Kozue has failed."
Kozue arched her back. "Well, our precious Ends of the World told us she would be more vulnerable without the help of this Dios thing too. Are you sure she didn't get help from someone?"
"Shhhsh. Quiet please!" came the voice from behind the stacks.
"Kozue did her best," Shiori whispered. "Look Wakaba, this whole thing is so lame. Kozue and I don't even know who the President IS yet. Do you?"
Wakaba didn't reply, but rather bit her lip and shook her head in the affirmative.
"Well, I refuse to continue until I get some answers," Shiori said in her loudest undertone voice.
"And answers you shall have," spoke the President coming through the doorway. "Sorry I'm late."
Shiori and Kozue looked up, and Shiori said "Oh, it's you."
"Shhhsh."
TO BE CONTINUED. . .