quicktoreward | [video; what's to come virus]

[The image of the dueling arena is shown again. It's crowded with many school desks, each one topped by a hair ornament shaped like a leaf. The ground is covered by outlines of bodies. Utena doesn't have a sword; she looks confused, no, not confused. Hurt. Betrayed. Anthy stands by her with a grave expression. This isn't like the duel with Juri. That had been full of decorum and rules.

A girl Utena's age stands across from them. In one hand is a katana and a black rose is pinned to her chest. She's smiling mockingly.]

I swear by this black rose to triumph in this duel and bring death to the Rose Bride.

[Anthy is urging Utena to get her sword. Utena just stares at the girl.] Himemiya...I can't. I can't fight her. To point a sword at my friend, Wakaba...

[Wakaba raises the katana, charging down the isle at Utena and Anthy. Anthy's voice is full of desperation.] The sword, quickly!

[Utena gasps--Wakaba's mocking smile is gone replaced by a snarl. There's no mistaking the hatred in her face.] That's right! I'm going to kill her! The one who stole Saionji-sama's heart!

Saionji?! [Utena doesn't draw a weapon but jumps in front of Anthy anyway. Her expression is completely shocked when the sword blade goes over her shoulder barely missing Anthy's head and slicing strands of her hair.]

Why are you doing this? You've been shining so brightly, Wakaba...why?

[Wakaba's expression is wrathful, there is just hatred in her eyes, her stance, the way she holds herself. The blade isn't lowered an inch.] You just don't understand! How could you ever possibly understand?!

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Ain't that your friend I met?

[Her voice is just as hurt and confused as it is in the video, there is no hurry in it, though. Just hurt.]

Yes...That's Wakaba but she'd never do something like that. She can't!

Whaddya mean she can't? She did that already, didn't she?

Edited 2012-04-24 07:05 (UTC)

Utena!

...Wakaba. She's your friend, isn't she?

No! You'd know if I had a duel coming up. Besides, I'd never fight her. [She stops.] The community's sick.

It didn't happen. The community must think showing me something like this is hilarious.

Your friend turns evil because of that guy you hate? No way...

She's my best friend. I got into these duels for her sake--she doesn't even know they exist! How could she duel me?! She's never even picked up a sword before and she's never challenged me.

Why would the community decide to show something that hasn't happened?! Why this? It's... There's not many people I wouldn't fight if it came down to it. Wakaba is one of them.

Saionji is an idiot. A good fighter, I guess, but he'd never plan something like this. Why would Wakaba still think she loved him after the stunt he pulled?! It never could happen.

Just stay calm, Utena. For all we know, this might never actually happen, and the community is just trying to mess with your emotions!

[ Given the community's track record though...even if this was true, then it could just make it happen. ]

I wouldn't fight my best friends either. I understand how you feel...You should talk to her. Make sure everything is alright.

I don't know! This place makes no sense.

I'm not angry at you...[She sighs.] I just can't stop watching it. Fighting Wakaba would be like fighitng, I don't know, Himemiya. I couldn't do it. Even if she ended up killing me.

I'm calm! But you're right. This community is the sickest thing. It couldn't happen. Not ever.

[Calm. Right, stay calm down... It's not working.]

I have recently. She's so happy, just like always. If this does happen, I'd still do the same thing. I don't care if she'd kill me or not. I'd never forgive myself if I even scratched her.

I wouldn't want to see you hurt either, though. I really, really hope this isn't true.

Heh. If it came down to it, I'd step in and take the blow for you. [ A small pause, and his voice drops down. ]

It's not like I'll die anyway.

Don't say that, Kyousuke-san.

[Her voice is more serious, if that's possible. There's no anger now.]

Remember how I said a chance is still a chance? If it gave Himemiya a minute to run away, I wouldn't mind. I don't even care if it would be Wakaba who killed me. Someone getting hurt because of me isn't something I could stand but I can bet that someday protecting someone might be the death of me.

I'd prefer that over dying of old age or sickness. It'd be a...noble death.

A chance is still a chance.

But the idea that someone I know getting hurt while I just watch is painful. If I have to, I will step in, Utena. I don't want anyone to die anymore.

Kyousuke...I don't want to be someone that anyone has to save.

I don't think many people would mind if anyone didn't die but that's how the world works. It's not death that bothers me. I can't change the fact that person will die eventually but I can change how they die. I can make sure they don't die in fear. Maybe one day they'll die in their sleep.

Then you protect Himemiya, and I'll protect you. And we'll all make it out of this okay. I'm not gonna just stand and watch this happen to you, if it does.

You're a friend to me, Utena. That makes you important enough to warrant protection. If you don't want to become someone who needs saving, then I'll just help keep you safe so you won't need it.

...maybe something happens to her.

Eh? But Wakaba-san wouldn't do that.

[Yet. Only if things go that way... Another reason to hate the community.]

Community's always been mean. Once in a while, it's nice, but....

Utena-san, who--?

I've been on the good side so far but this... It can't happen.

Something would... She's no duelist, let alone a murderer.

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