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?!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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'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.

I know we're friends and it'd be hypocritical of me to say you can't help. I wouldn't be able to stand by either.

I don't want to be treated like a princess who needs protection because she can't keep herself safe. ... Kyousuke, I don't want to have this conversation.

Alright...I'll drop it then. For all we know, this might just be the community playing games with us.

Just be safe, Utena.

Right... Just a game. That's all it is to the community. Just a game.

It's horrible, really.

At the same time, I can't really hate the community. If it wasn't for it, I wouldn't have gotten to meet so many people.

I agree with that. I wouldn't have met you, Nagisa-san, Kamina-san, Berith-san, Soryuu-senpai... But what it does can't be forgived.

We already can't escape it, it seems. And we have no idea who made it.

I guess the most we can do is push on through anything it puts our way.

... I guess. The style of Wakaba's fighting, though, when I look at that video. It's Saionji's style of fighting. I'd recognize it anywhere.

Does she even know Saionji?

She has a crush on him but as far as I know doesn't know him personally.

Well if she doesn't, that just makes this whole thing even more improbable! That's good!

Saionji broke her heart, anyway. That's why I started these duels. I told you about how he hung up a love letter? That was Wakaba's.

It's really improbable but... It makes me wonder: what would happen to make her choose a creep like him over her own best friend?

Ah. So that's why you entered.

I doubt she would. The bonds of friendship run way deeper than that, I know that for a fact. I wouldn't be here right now if they didn't.

I guess you're right. Still...

It's not good to worry about things that might never happen. We do our best with what we have, when we have it.

I doubt it'll happen, but we'll deal with that situation when it comes.

I wonder what would happen to make her hate Himemiya.

Hmmm...I remember how you said you couldn't spend as much time with her now that you were in the duels and with Himemiya more. Maybe she feels lonely, and kind of jealous?

[video; what's to come virus]

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