[video; what's to come virus]

[quicktoreward]

[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?!

Comments

[baaaaseball]

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.

[quicktoreward]

I guess you're right. Still...

[baaaaseball]

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.

[quicktoreward]

I wonder what would happen to make her hate Himemiya.

[baaaaseball]

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?