Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction ❯ The Shadow Council Saga ❯ A Dome of Many-Colored Glass ( Chapter 3 )
[ 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: 3.5K | Visits: 345 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 08.29.2001 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 345 | 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 Three: "A Dome of Many-Colored Glass"
(third of three parts)
In the darkness, rain pelted the glass as she stared into the twin storms: the downpour outside and the unrest shown in the reflection of her face. Watching in the window, she knew the rain would ease and tomorrow would be a fine day. The forecast for her heart- uncertain.
A chime broke her meditation as the phone rang. Giving her mirror image one last look, turned away from the window, brushed a swath of her honey curls back over one shoulder and pressed the receiver to her ear.
"Hello. . .ah, yes, er, sorry, I'm just a bit surprised to hear from you. What can I do for you? . . . I don't think so . . . How can you do anything? . . . Oh, that's right- you are." She shifted in her chair, her body leaning forward.
"Really? That's most interesting . . . Meet? Where are you? . . . Of course, I should have guessed. I'll be there in ten minutes. Good-bye."
She turned to take one more look out the window and into her soul. The storm might just be passing, she thought to herself. She rose to get dressed. "I'd better take an umbrella."
*** *** *** ***
Three silhouetted figures rode in the ascending elevator car as the earnest 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. . ."
The others joined in ". . . for the Revolution of the World!"
Wakaba, Takatsuki Shiori, and Kaoru Kozue sat on three armless molded plastic chairs. As they talked, bowling balls were rolling by them and the sound of pins being knocked over filled the Student Council veranda.
"Well, I see the President couldn't make today's meeting- again," observed Kozue.
"You know the President's a very busy person," replied Wakaba.
Kozue pressed ahead. "Yes Wakaba, I know, but the new letter from Ends of the World. It's, well, exceptional."
"Unparalleled," put in Wakaba.
"Unprecedented," said Shiori indifferently.
More bowling balls rolled by and in the distance someone yelled "Strike!"
Wakaba smiled. "It is exceptional, I'll grant you that. As I understand, this is completely unique in the annals of Duelist history. However it IS our best chance at defeating Utena."
"Still, all four members of the Student Council should be here to discuss it, including the President," asserted Kozue, "don't you think so Shiori?"
Shiori looked up blankly. "What? Oh. Sorry, but I have to excuse myself today." With that, she rose and proceeded through the door.
"Is she still pouting about losing her duel with Utena?" asked Wakaba as she bent down and lifted a bowling ball.
"No," responded Kozue, "it's not that."
Standing straight and making her approach, the Vice-President released the ball. Kozue got up and stood behind Wakaba. Both girls seemed to try to guide the ball with "body English", and the sound of pins dropping echoed across the porch. Wakaba grimaced.
"Seven-ten split," said Kozue as she placed her hand around Wakaba's shoulder, then her mouth close to Wakaba's ear and whispered, "Nas-ty."
Wakaba bit her lower lip and giggled nervously.
*** *** *** ***
"All I'm saying is that if you'd just learn the stuff yourself, you wouldn't have to go to the trouble of cheating, that's all. You probably put more work into finding out the answers that you would if you just learned how to work the problems," Utena said as the pair walked up the steps to the Ohtori library.
"Oh, look whose giving me academic advice, Miss Ohtori Honor Student herself," countered Nanami. "I don't cheat, well, at least not all THAT often. And when I do, I really don't have to put much work into finding out the answers."
The pair reached the top of the steps and paused. "That's because you have Mitsuru or your little goon squad do it for you. Really Nanami," Utena said, but was cut off by a distant call. "Speak of the devil."
"Wait up! Wait right there! I have something for you," called Mitsuru as he ran up the steps.
Utena turned to Nanami, "Probably test answers," Utena teased. Nanami stomped her foot and muttered something under her breath. Mitsuru made it to the top of the steps, collected himself, then her out a long-stemmed white rose with a note attached to it.
"I was asked to deliver this to you," he said still a bit breathless from his pursuit.
Nanami reached for the rose. "Thank you Mitsuru. Who is it from?", she asked smiling.
"Not you, Nanami-sama. It's for Tenjou-sempai," he replied, wary of the blonde's reaction.
"Humph," Nanami grunted, folded her arms and looked the away feigning disinterest.
"Thank you Mitsuru," said Utena as she took the flower. Reading the note, her face turned somber.
"Well," cooed Nanami, "Who is it from? It's not from Tanaka or one of those creepy guys is it? Well? Well?"
Utena handed the note to Nanami and she read aloud: TO THE ONE WHO IS ENGAGED- THE DUELING ARENA, THIS EVENING.
"Who asked you to deliver this Mitsuru?" Utena inquired.
"One of the Student Council members. I don't remember her name. It was, it was the girl with the big forehead," Mitsuru recollected.
Utena smiled. "Well, Nanami's not on the Student Council anymore, and you know her name, so I take it you mean Wakaba," she joked.
Nanami's face turned red. "Very funny. Very funny. You're not only an academic whiz, you're also a comedian," she fumed, turning to Mitsuru who was laughing. "And what do you find so humorous."
"Nothing Nanami-sama!" responded Mitsuru putting on his most serious face, "Nothing at all."
Nanami picked up her book bag and turned. "I can't stand around here all day being insulted, I have some STUDYING to do. Come Tsuwabuki!" she said as she stamped away.
Mitsuru looked at Utena and silently mouthed the words "good luck", then followed behind his boss.
Utena leaned back against the handrail and stared at the rose.
*** *** *** ***
SHADOW PLAY
C-ko walks across the stage.
C-ko (shouting): "Gogai! Gogai! Gogai!"
B-ko is seated at a table in a restaurant looking at a menu. The waiter, A-ko, enters.
A-ko: Welcome to our restaurant. And what would you like to order today?
B-ko: I don't know. (points with finger) What's that man over there having?
A-ko: Wafu steak, our house speciality!
B-ko: Fine, I'll have that. No, on second thought, what's that woman having?
A-ko: Spinach and bacon salad with shiso dressing.
B-ko: Sounds tasty. I'll take that. No, no, wait a minute. What did the person at that next table order?
A-ko: Deep fried octopus and asparagus with sesame vinegar sauce.
B-ko: Excellent, an order of that if you please. No, wait! Oh! There are so many choices. How will I know if I've chosen correctly?
A-ko: Why don't you just order what you're hungry for?
B-ko: I can do that?
A-ko: Certainly.
B-ko: But I'm not really very hungry at all. (Raises hand.) Check please!
A-ko: (in sarcastic tone) I hope you're a big tipper.
END SHADOW PLAY
*** *** *** ***
In the Dueling arena, Anthy had prepared her champion and the Sword of Dios was at the ready within Utena's hand. Under the Floating Castle, the Arena contained television sets of various sizes and styles. Several sat on the floor; others rested on tables or in cabinets. Drifting above the edges of the Arena were four giant video screens. All of the displays held the same image- a blue background with flashing gold words: PRESS START TO BEGIN GAME.
On the other side of the Arena, not one but three figures made their entrance. Kaoru Kozue in her white tunic with light blue pants and a dark blue rose pinned to her chest; Takatsuki Shiori in her maroon pants and white top sporting a maroon rose; and Shinohara Wakaba outfitted in her brown pants with a white tunic decorated by a brown rose.
Utena glanced at Himemiya, who remained expressionless. "Well," said Utena to the trio, "I suppose I ought to feel honored that you feel you have to gang up on me like this."
"I'm sorry Utena," said Wakaba meekly, "One at a time you ARE too good for us. This is the only way we can possibly win, so, three-on-one it is."
"No- it isn't," spoke a female voice from behind Utena. Everyone save Anthy looked in that direction. They saw Arisugawa Juri dressed in her regulation school uniform, but wearing a tawny-colored rose on her chest and carrying a sword. Kozue gasped when she looked behind Juri and saw her brother Miki in his standard male student uniform and blue rose on his chest. He also carried a sword.
"Sempai! Miki!" called Utena. The two came to a stop on Tenjou's left, then Utena heard a male voice coming from her right, near Anthy.
"Understand Tenjou that we're not doing this for you," said Saionji brandishing his sword, "it's just that we don't like the idea of anyone else getting what we, or at least what one of us is so justly entitled to." Saionji wore a green rose on the Student Council uniform he had refused to discard.
Utena looked to Juri and then Miki, who gave her a small wink. Turning back, she said, "I understand Kyouichi-san, but my thanks anyway."
Everybody stood still for a moment. This was clearly not in the plans of the three Student Council girls, and their frozen fear was broken only when yet another voice came out of the darkness.
"Starting the party without me? How rude," called Kiryuu Touga as he walked to Utena's side. Wearing his regulation student uniform pinned with a red rose, he too carried a blade.
Juri, Miki, and Saionji looked at each other, and Saionji remarked, "About time you showed up."
"I wouldn't have missed this for anything," Touga said as he placed his arm around Utena's waist. Slowly, Utena raised the Sword of Dios until its tip rested on Touga's cheek.
"A scar would probably not be good for your womanizing, so if you know what's good for you, you'll take your hands off of me- right now," she said looking straight ahead.
The redhead complied. "Still won't let me be your Prince, eh?" he said grinning as he walked over to his best friend.
"Well," blustered Saionji at the opposition, "you're outnumbered and woefully overmatched, so you might as well give up and go."
"Overmatched yes," Kozue snapped back, "but NOT outnumbered. Actually, it's four on four."
No one spoke or moved for a moment, then Utena asked the trio, "You mean the President is here? Your President?"
None of the girls had a chance to reply. Miki spoke up, "Yes, he's here." The young man's eyes were fixed in the direction of where Saionji and Touga stood. "Why don't you explain yourself, Mister President?"
A flustered expression sprang to Saionji's face. Touga looked at Utena, Juri, and Miki, then smiled and turned to Saionji.
"Go on Miki," Utena demanded.
"It's simple," Miki continued in a firm voice, "Juri-san arranged for herself, Saionji, and I to enter the Arena without our Rose Signet rings. I'm not sure how she did that, but the point is that Touga was NOT with us. So Mister President, how DID you get in?"
All eyes turned to Touga as he drew something out of his pocket. "Why, with this naturally," he said as he held up his Rose Seal and slipped it over his ring finger. "No one ever said that ALL of the Student Council members had been replaced."
Saionji spoke under his breath, "I've known you a long time, and this is a new low- even for you."
"Oh, Touga," Utena said disappointedly.
"Sorry my dear," Touga responded, "however, we have business to attend to. As the senior Student Council representative present, I challenge you, Tenjou Utena, to a duel for the Rose Bride. As the Engaged One, you have no option but to accept."
Utena raised her sword and grasped it with two hands, but as Touga made ready, Saionji shouted, "NOOOOO!" and stepped in between them. Raising his sword, he lashed out at Touga, and all hell broke loose.
Immediately, everyone paired off with an opponent. Kozue and Miki faced each other and Juri found herself opposite Shiori. To her left, Juri could see Miki wavering- it would be hard for him to fight his sister; almost as hard as it would be for her to strike at Shiori. Arisugawa, seeing the situation for what it was, grabbed Miki and pulled him in front of Shiori while she switched places with him.
As the students clashed, the television screens in the Arena displayed the event, but not as a live camera presentation. Instead, the participants were represented in a type of computer graphics art form, as though they were characters in a video game.
By default, Utena wound up confronting Wakaba. The two had faced off once before, but that was when Wakaba was under the "Black Rose" spell. She was nowhere near as competent, or confident, this time around.
"Why did you do this Wakaba?" Utena shouted at her friend as she pushed the attack. "Why did you join the Student Council if you knew it would come to this?"
"Oh Utena," whimpered Wakaba as she defended herself as best she could from the Sword of Dios. "I look at you and Juri and Nanami and you all seem so cool. I thought if I could be on the Student Council, I could BE somebody."
Utena smiled as she held her sword steady. "You ARE somebody Wakaba! You're as good of a somebody as this school or any other has to offer. No one, not me or anyone else at Ohtori is any better than you are, and I love you very much- and always will."
Wakaba smiled as tears crept down her cheeks. "Oh Utena, I don't want to be Vice-President anymore. Please cut this dumb flower off of me and let me go back to just being my old self!"
Utena's sword stuck gently and the two girls hugged each other as Juri and Shiori flew by.
Somehow during the fight, Kozue and Shiori had manage to switch partners again. Miki and Kozue were facing each other and it seemed to Utena that Kozue was almost letting Miki attack at her. Then she recognized what was truly happening: Kozue was taunting him.
The girl smiled at her twin, sword lowered to her side. "You would never strike down your own sister, would you Miki?" Kozue asked him.
Miki looked at her lovingly. "No, never," he said in a tender voice, "but that flower you're wearing isn't my sister."
Before Kozue's eyes could widen fully, Miki's sword swung upward and blue pedals floated across the Arena.
Meanwhile, Shiori was lashing out violently at Juri, screaming a non-stop tirade at her, most of which Utena couldn't make out. It was obvious in so far as the sword fight was concerned that Arisugawa was toying with her. It was also clear to Utena that Juri was paying yet another emotional price for this confrontation. Finally, the fencing captain had reached the limit of her tolerance, even toward the one she loved.
"ENOUGH!" roared Juri, taking Shiori by surprise. "Shiori," said Arisugawa readying her sword, "My sources tell me that you took some fencing instruction at your last school," Juri said as she advanced on her antagonist. "You have promise. When you decide you want to get better, JOIN OUR TEAM!!!"
Maroon flower pedals scattered.
Saionji and Touga were fighting furiously and with all other conflicts resolved, they now became the focus of everyone's attention. Saionji was like a man possessed, swinging and hacking, but Touga managed to turn back every sortie. Suddenly, Saionji thrust at Touga, who spun to avoid the charge. Saionji fell to the floor- hard. His sword went flying out of his reach. Touga stood over him, poised for the coup de grace.
Wakaba screamed Saionji's name. Utena had no love for Saionji, but on this day, she had even less love for Touga. And what would a his victory mean for her? And for Himemiya? No, Touga must not win this particular duel.
"Saionji!" Utena shouted. She quickly knelt and slid her sword across the floor into Kyouichi's grasp. He grabbed it and raised the blade just in time to block Touga's attack. Rolling to his left, he rose and the battle continued until the two swordsmen charged each other in a decisive moment.
Red rose pedals flew on the breeze and there were sounds of bells in the distance. The television screens in the Arena all flashed the same message: GAME OVER. During the next few seconds, one by one each of the monitors dimmed to an empty, darkened screen.
Touga looked shocked, but only momentarily before righting himself. He stood, ran his hands through his hair, and straightened his uniform. "Well Saionji, he said in what could have passed for good humor, "you finally managed to defeat me."
Saionji, still trying to catch his breath, managed to speak. "Yes, I did. And it feels glorious. A feeling I shall carry with me for- eternity," he said and laughed.
Touga started to leave with Shiori and Kozue, then stopped and turned back around toward the others. "My guess is that the three of you will be reinstated to the Student Council after this, that is if you still wish to belong. Oh, and by the way Saionji, while you're remembering your victory here today, consider this- you beat me with Tenjou's sword. It's not just any sword, you know- it's the Sword of Dios. It really does beg the question: did YOU beat me, or did the SWORD?"
The President turned and walked away, calling out behind him "See you three at the next Council meeting."
Saionji yelled at Kiryuu as he departed. "I defeated you Touga! Kyouichi Saionji- not the sword! The victory was MINE and you know it! IT WAS ME!" He turned back to the others and spoke in a low voice. "It was me."
"If you're reinstated," asked Utena, now flanked by Wakaba on one side of her and Anthy on the other, "will you all go back to the Student Council?"
"Of course," shouted Saionji.
"Yes," answered Juri, followed by a nod of Miki's head.
"But why?" asked Utena. "Why would you do that after all that's happened?"
Juri, Miki, and Saionji walked to the center of the Arena, directly underneath the spinning Castle, which hung majestically overhead. The three looked upward, staring silently at it.
Utena closed her eyes for a moment, fighting back an emotion she couldn't identify. Disgust or Pity? Fear or Envy?
"Let's leave this place," she finally said to Himemiya and Wakaba. Hand in hand with each, she and her two best friends left the Arena. Remaining behind were the three former and future Student Council members who stood transfixed, gazing skyward. The Castle seemed to respond to them, to glow brighter and more brilliantly than ever. Surely this was the place where Something Eternal, the Power of Miracles, and Shining Things all dwelled.
*** *** *** ***
In the final moments of dusk, the sun reflected in Himemiya Anthy's eyeglasses as she looked out the window of the Ohtori observatory. Akio sat on the couch behind her finishing a glass of wine and talking aloud, not so much to his sister, but more to himself.
"Well, perhaps the original Student Council aren't as weak as I believed. I'll take Touga's recommendation to reinstate them," Akio said while pouring himself one more, "Good boy, that Touga. He has potential. I like him,".
"Yes, big brother," acknowledged Anthy as she watched the nearest star set and waited for the appearance of others she knew so well.
Akio sat the bottle down hard in frustration. "But how? How did they get into the Dueling Arena without their rose signet rings? It just isn't possible. They had to have help. They had to," he asserted.
Himemiya stood passively watching the sun linger a few minutes more. She barely flinched as Akio slammed his hand down on the coffee table.
"Dios! He must have helped them some way. He agreed not to help Tenjou, so this is how he interferes with me. Damn him!" cursed the Chairman, "He's probably laughing about it all right now. Damn him! I will win this game Anthy, I will!"
"Yes, big brother," said Anthy, her glasses glinting with the day's last light.
ZETTAI UNMEI MOKUSHIROKU. . .
FIN
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 Three: "A Dome of Many-Colored Glass"
(third of three parts)
In the darkness, rain pelted the glass as she stared into the twin storms: the downpour outside and the unrest shown in the reflection of her face. Watching in the window, she knew the rain would ease and tomorrow would be a fine day. The forecast for her heart- uncertain.
A chime broke her meditation as the phone rang. Giving her mirror image one last look, turned away from the window, brushed a swath of her honey curls back over one shoulder and pressed the receiver to her ear.
"Hello. . .ah, yes, er, sorry, I'm just a bit surprised to hear from you. What can I do for you? . . . I don't think so . . . How can you do anything? . . . Oh, that's right- you are." She shifted in her chair, her body leaning forward.
"Really? That's most interesting . . . Meet? Where are you? . . . Of course, I should have guessed. I'll be there in ten minutes. Good-bye."
She turned to take one more look out the window and into her soul. The storm might just be passing, she thought to herself. She rose to get dressed. "I'd better take an umbrella."
*** *** *** ***
Three silhouetted figures rode in the ascending elevator car as the earnest 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. . ."
The others joined in ". . . for the Revolution of the World!"
Wakaba, Takatsuki Shiori, and Kaoru Kozue sat on three armless molded plastic chairs. As they talked, bowling balls were rolling by them and the sound of pins being knocked over filled the Student Council veranda.
"Well, I see the President couldn't make today's meeting- again," observed Kozue.
"You know the President's a very busy person," replied Wakaba.
Kozue pressed ahead. "Yes Wakaba, I know, but the new letter from Ends of the World. It's, well, exceptional."
"Unparalleled," put in Wakaba.
"Unprecedented," said Shiori indifferently.
More bowling balls rolled by and in the distance someone yelled "Strike!"
Wakaba smiled. "It is exceptional, I'll grant you that. As I understand, this is completely unique in the annals of Duelist history. However it IS our best chance at defeating Utena."
"Still, all four members of the Student Council should be here to discuss it, including the President," asserted Kozue, "don't you think so Shiori?"
Shiori looked up blankly. "What? Oh. Sorry, but I have to excuse myself today." With that, she rose and proceeded through the door.
"Is she still pouting about losing her duel with Utena?" asked Wakaba as she bent down and lifted a bowling ball.
"No," responded Kozue, "it's not that."
Standing straight and making her approach, the Vice-President released the ball. Kozue got up and stood behind Wakaba. Both girls seemed to try to guide the ball with "body English", and the sound of pins dropping echoed across the porch. Wakaba grimaced.
"Seven-ten split," said Kozue as she placed her hand around Wakaba's shoulder, then her mouth close to Wakaba's ear and whispered, "Nas-ty."
Wakaba bit her lower lip and giggled nervously.
*** *** *** ***
"All I'm saying is that if you'd just learn the stuff yourself, you wouldn't have to go to the trouble of cheating, that's all. You probably put more work into finding out the answers that you would if you just learned how to work the problems," Utena said as the pair walked up the steps to the Ohtori library.
"Oh, look whose giving me academic advice, Miss Ohtori Honor Student herself," countered Nanami. "I don't cheat, well, at least not all THAT often. And when I do, I really don't have to put much work into finding out the answers."
The pair reached the top of the steps and paused. "That's because you have Mitsuru or your little goon squad do it for you. Really Nanami," Utena said, but was cut off by a distant call. "Speak of the devil."
"Wait up! Wait right there! I have something for you," called Mitsuru as he ran up the steps.
Utena turned to Nanami, "Probably test answers," Utena teased. Nanami stomped her foot and muttered something under her breath. Mitsuru made it to the top of the steps, collected himself, then her out a long-stemmed white rose with a note attached to it.
"I was asked to deliver this to you," he said still a bit breathless from his pursuit.
Nanami reached for the rose. "Thank you Mitsuru. Who is it from?", she asked smiling.
"Not you, Nanami-sama. It's for Tenjou-sempai," he replied, wary of the blonde's reaction.
"Humph," Nanami grunted, folded her arms and looked the away feigning disinterest.
"Thank you Mitsuru," said Utena as she took the flower. Reading the note, her face turned somber.
"Well," cooed Nanami, "Who is it from? It's not from Tanaka or one of those creepy guys is it? Well? Well?"
Utena handed the note to Nanami and she read aloud: TO THE ONE WHO IS ENGAGED- THE DUELING ARENA, THIS EVENING.
"Who asked you to deliver this Mitsuru?" Utena inquired.
"One of the Student Council members. I don't remember her name. It was, it was the girl with the big forehead," Mitsuru recollected.
Utena smiled. "Well, Nanami's not on the Student Council anymore, and you know her name, so I take it you mean Wakaba," she joked.
Nanami's face turned red. "Very funny. Very funny. You're not only an academic whiz, you're also a comedian," she fumed, turning to Mitsuru who was laughing. "And what do you find so humorous."
"Nothing Nanami-sama!" responded Mitsuru putting on his most serious face, "Nothing at all."
Nanami picked up her book bag and turned. "I can't stand around here all day being insulted, I have some STUDYING to do. Come Tsuwabuki!" she said as she stamped away.
Mitsuru looked at Utena and silently mouthed the words "good luck", then followed behind his boss.
Utena leaned back against the handrail and stared at the rose.
*** *** *** ***
SHADOW PLAY
C-ko walks across the stage.
C-ko (shouting): "Gogai! Gogai! Gogai!"
B-ko is seated at a table in a restaurant looking at a menu. The waiter, A-ko, enters.
A-ko: Welcome to our restaurant. And what would you like to order today?
B-ko: I don't know. (points with finger) What's that man over there having?
A-ko: Wafu steak, our house speciality!
B-ko: Fine, I'll have that. No, on second thought, what's that woman having?
A-ko: Spinach and bacon salad with shiso dressing.
B-ko: Sounds tasty. I'll take that. No, no, wait a minute. What did the person at that next table order?
A-ko: Deep fried octopus and asparagus with sesame vinegar sauce.
B-ko: Excellent, an order of that if you please. No, wait! Oh! There are so many choices. How will I know if I've chosen correctly?
A-ko: Why don't you just order what you're hungry for?
B-ko: I can do that?
A-ko: Certainly.
B-ko: But I'm not really very hungry at all. (Raises hand.) Check please!
A-ko: (in sarcastic tone) I hope you're a big tipper.
END SHADOW PLAY
*** *** *** ***
In the Dueling arena, Anthy had prepared her champion and the Sword of Dios was at the ready within Utena's hand. Under the Floating Castle, the Arena contained television sets of various sizes and styles. Several sat on the floor; others rested on tables or in cabinets. Drifting above the edges of the Arena were four giant video screens. All of the displays held the same image- a blue background with flashing gold words: PRESS START TO BEGIN GAME.
On the other side of the Arena, not one but three figures made their entrance. Kaoru Kozue in her white tunic with light blue pants and a dark blue rose pinned to her chest; Takatsuki Shiori in her maroon pants and white top sporting a maroon rose; and Shinohara Wakaba outfitted in her brown pants with a white tunic decorated by a brown rose.
Utena glanced at Himemiya, who remained expressionless. "Well," said Utena to the trio, "I suppose I ought to feel honored that you feel you have to gang up on me like this."
"I'm sorry Utena," said Wakaba meekly, "One at a time you ARE too good for us. This is the only way we can possibly win, so, three-on-one it is."
"No- it isn't," spoke a female voice from behind Utena. Everyone save Anthy looked in that direction. They saw Arisugawa Juri dressed in her regulation school uniform, but wearing a tawny-colored rose on her chest and carrying a sword. Kozue gasped when she looked behind Juri and saw her brother Miki in his standard male student uniform and blue rose on his chest. He also carried a sword.
"Sempai! Miki!" called Utena. The two came to a stop on Tenjou's left, then Utena heard a male voice coming from her right, near Anthy.
"Understand Tenjou that we're not doing this for you," said Saionji brandishing his sword, "it's just that we don't like the idea of anyone else getting what we, or at least what one of us is so justly entitled to." Saionji wore a green rose on the Student Council uniform he had refused to discard.
Utena looked to Juri and then Miki, who gave her a small wink. Turning back, she said, "I understand Kyouichi-san, but my thanks anyway."
Everybody stood still for a moment. This was clearly not in the plans of the three Student Council girls, and their frozen fear was broken only when yet another voice came out of the darkness.
"Starting the party without me? How rude," called Kiryuu Touga as he walked to Utena's side. Wearing his regulation student uniform pinned with a red rose, he too carried a blade.
Juri, Miki, and Saionji looked at each other, and Saionji remarked, "About time you showed up."
"I wouldn't have missed this for anything," Touga said as he placed his arm around Utena's waist. Slowly, Utena raised the Sword of Dios until its tip rested on Touga's cheek.
"A scar would probably not be good for your womanizing, so if you know what's good for you, you'll take your hands off of me- right now," she said looking straight ahead.
The redhead complied. "Still won't let me be your Prince, eh?" he said grinning as he walked over to his best friend.
"Well," blustered Saionji at the opposition, "you're outnumbered and woefully overmatched, so you might as well give up and go."
"Overmatched yes," Kozue snapped back, "but NOT outnumbered. Actually, it's four on four."
No one spoke or moved for a moment, then Utena asked the trio, "You mean the President is here? Your President?"
None of the girls had a chance to reply. Miki spoke up, "Yes, he's here." The young man's eyes were fixed in the direction of where Saionji and Touga stood. "Why don't you explain yourself, Mister President?"
A flustered expression sprang to Saionji's face. Touga looked at Utena, Juri, and Miki, then smiled and turned to Saionji.
"Go on Miki," Utena demanded.
"It's simple," Miki continued in a firm voice, "Juri-san arranged for herself, Saionji, and I to enter the Arena without our Rose Signet rings. I'm not sure how she did that, but the point is that Touga was NOT with us. So Mister President, how DID you get in?"
All eyes turned to Touga as he drew something out of his pocket. "Why, with this naturally," he said as he held up his Rose Seal and slipped it over his ring finger. "No one ever said that ALL of the Student Council members had been replaced."
Saionji spoke under his breath, "I've known you a long time, and this is a new low- even for you."
"Oh, Touga," Utena said disappointedly.
"Sorry my dear," Touga responded, "however, we have business to attend to. As the senior Student Council representative present, I challenge you, Tenjou Utena, to a duel for the Rose Bride. As the Engaged One, you have no option but to accept."
Utena raised her sword and grasped it with two hands, but as Touga made ready, Saionji shouted, "NOOOOO!" and stepped in between them. Raising his sword, he lashed out at Touga, and all hell broke loose.
Immediately, everyone paired off with an opponent. Kozue and Miki faced each other and Juri found herself opposite Shiori. To her left, Juri could see Miki wavering- it would be hard for him to fight his sister; almost as hard as it would be for her to strike at Shiori. Arisugawa, seeing the situation for what it was, grabbed Miki and pulled him in front of Shiori while she switched places with him.
As the students clashed, the television screens in the Arena displayed the event, but not as a live camera presentation. Instead, the participants were represented in a type of computer graphics art form, as though they were characters in a video game.
By default, Utena wound up confronting Wakaba. The two had faced off once before, but that was when Wakaba was under the "Black Rose" spell. She was nowhere near as competent, or confident, this time around.
"Why did you do this Wakaba?" Utena shouted at her friend as she pushed the attack. "Why did you join the Student Council if you knew it would come to this?"
"Oh Utena," whimpered Wakaba as she defended herself as best she could from the Sword of Dios. "I look at you and Juri and Nanami and you all seem so cool. I thought if I could be on the Student Council, I could BE somebody."
Utena smiled as she held her sword steady. "You ARE somebody Wakaba! You're as good of a somebody as this school or any other has to offer. No one, not me or anyone else at Ohtori is any better than you are, and I love you very much- and always will."
Wakaba smiled as tears crept down her cheeks. "Oh Utena, I don't want to be Vice-President anymore. Please cut this dumb flower off of me and let me go back to just being my old self!"
Utena's sword stuck gently and the two girls hugged each other as Juri and Shiori flew by.
Somehow during the fight, Kozue and Shiori had manage to switch partners again. Miki and Kozue were facing each other and it seemed to Utena that Kozue was almost letting Miki attack at her. Then she recognized what was truly happening: Kozue was taunting him.
The girl smiled at her twin, sword lowered to her side. "You would never strike down your own sister, would you Miki?" Kozue asked him.
Miki looked at her lovingly. "No, never," he said in a tender voice, "but that flower you're wearing isn't my sister."
Before Kozue's eyes could widen fully, Miki's sword swung upward and blue pedals floated across the Arena.
Meanwhile, Shiori was lashing out violently at Juri, screaming a non-stop tirade at her, most of which Utena couldn't make out. It was obvious in so far as the sword fight was concerned that Arisugawa was toying with her. It was also clear to Utena that Juri was paying yet another emotional price for this confrontation. Finally, the fencing captain had reached the limit of her tolerance, even toward the one she loved.
"ENOUGH!" roared Juri, taking Shiori by surprise. "Shiori," said Arisugawa readying her sword, "My sources tell me that you took some fencing instruction at your last school," Juri said as she advanced on her antagonist. "You have promise. When you decide you want to get better, JOIN OUR TEAM!!!"
Maroon flower pedals scattered.
Saionji and Touga were fighting furiously and with all other conflicts resolved, they now became the focus of everyone's attention. Saionji was like a man possessed, swinging and hacking, but Touga managed to turn back every sortie. Suddenly, Saionji thrust at Touga, who spun to avoid the charge. Saionji fell to the floor- hard. His sword went flying out of his reach. Touga stood over him, poised for the coup de grace.
Wakaba screamed Saionji's name. Utena had no love for Saionji, but on this day, she had even less love for Touga. And what would a his victory mean for her? And for Himemiya? No, Touga must not win this particular duel.
"Saionji!" Utena shouted. She quickly knelt and slid her sword across the floor into Kyouichi's grasp. He grabbed it and raised the blade just in time to block Touga's attack. Rolling to his left, he rose and the battle continued until the two swordsmen charged each other in a decisive moment.
Red rose pedals flew on the breeze and there were sounds of bells in the distance. The television screens in the Arena all flashed the same message: GAME OVER. During the next few seconds, one by one each of the monitors dimmed to an empty, darkened screen.
Touga looked shocked, but only momentarily before righting himself. He stood, ran his hands through his hair, and straightened his uniform. "Well Saionji, he said in what could have passed for good humor, "you finally managed to defeat me."
Saionji, still trying to catch his breath, managed to speak. "Yes, I did. And it feels glorious. A feeling I shall carry with me for- eternity," he said and laughed.
Touga started to leave with Shiori and Kozue, then stopped and turned back around toward the others. "My guess is that the three of you will be reinstated to the Student Council after this, that is if you still wish to belong. Oh, and by the way Saionji, while you're remembering your victory here today, consider this- you beat me with Tenjou's sword. It's not just any sword, you know- it's the Sword of Dios. It really does beg the question: did YOU beat me, or did the SWORD?"
The President turned and walked away, calling out behind him "See you three at the next Council meeting."
Saionji yelled at Kiryuu as he departed. "I defeated you Touga! Kyouichi Saionji- not the sword! The victory was MINE and you know it! IT WAS ME!" He turned back to the others and spoke in a low voice. "It was me."
"If you're reinstated," asked Utena, now flanked by Wakaba on one side of her and Anthy on the other, "will you all go back to the Student Council?"
"Of course," shouted Saionji.
"Yes," answered Juri, followed by a nod of Miki's head.
"But why?" asked Utena. "Why would you do that after all that's happened?"
Juri, Miki, and Saionji walked to the center of the Arena, directly underneath the spinning Castle, which hung majestically overhead. The three looked upward, staring silently at it.
Utena closed her eyes for a moment, fighting back an emotion she couldn't identify. Disgust or Pity? Fear or Envy?
"Let's leave this place," she finally said to Himemiya and Wakaba. Hand in hand with each, she and her two best friends left the Arena. Remaining behind were the three former and future Student Council members who stood transfixed, gazing skyward. The Castle seemed to respond to them, to glow brighter and more brilliantly than ever. Surely this was the place where Something Eternal, the Power of Miracles, and Shining Things all dwelled.
*** *** *** ***
In the final moments of dusk, the sun reflected in Himemiya Anthy's eyeglasses as she looked out the window of the Ohtori observatory. Akio sat on the couch behind her finishing a glass of wine and talking aloud, not so much to his sister, but more to himself.
"Well, perhaps the original Student Council aren't as weak as I believed. I'll take Touga's recommendation to reinstate them," Akio said while pouring himself one more, "Good boy, that Touga. He has potential. I like him,".
"Yes, big brother," acknowledged Anthy as she watched the nearest star set and waited for the appearance of others she knew so well.
Akio sat the bottle down hard in frustration. "But how? How did they get into the Dueling Arena without their rose signet rings? It just isn't possible. They had to have help. They had to," he asserted.
Himemiya stood passively watching the sun linger a few minutes more. She barely flinched as Akio slammed his hand down on the coffee table.
"Dios! He must have helped them some way. He agreed not to help Tenjou, so this is how he interferes with me. Damn him!" cursed the Chairman, "He's probably laughing about it all right now. Damn him! I will win this game Anthy, I will!"
"Yes, big brother," said Anthy, her glasses glinting with the day's last light.
ZETTAI UNMEI MOKUSHIROKU. . .
FIN