The Fable Retold
Daniel-sama
Redchoco99@aol.com
Heeeeello everybody! Welcome to my first true fanfic. Which, I assume will flop miserably. Sure, I've tried to make fanfics in the past. Some of them were cross-overs, some of them lemons (which were surprisingly good if you ask me) and some of them were just halfway done, then scrapped. Well, those days are over. Now that I have a fair source of creative material (does a seven second clip count as a fair source?) I've decided to bend to my dear friends whims, and wrote a little fanfic. Enjoy people.
As you may have guessed, this is a Shoujo Kakumei Utena fic, so here are the proper acknowledgments. Nothing here except the pattern of events is mine. All here belongs to Be-papas, yadda yadda yadda, you know the drill. This will be a complete alternate reality story, with most of the ideas based off that pointless seven seconds of the opening sequence where Utena and Anthy (screw Anshi, it's not my style) are flying toward the eternal castle on horseback. Truly one of MY original hooks (I love that kind of thing relay) that was never granted thus far. And according to everyone else it will never occur. Not that it matters at this point, I'm just loving the series as it is. So, to build off a dream I once had, I will make a general retelling of Shoujo Kakumei Utena, and pray for the best.
*deep breath* here goes nothing
* * * She sat at her desk, staring out toward the bright morning sun through the window she was closest to. Oblivious to her teachers ramblings, she sat and dreamed about her prince as usual. His gentile smile, his soft, warm hands that caressed her cheek. The feel of his lips upon her tears, wiping them from her beautiful face. The memory was fond, but slowly fading. She used to be able to feel him in her dreams. Her skin would tingle at the very thought of his light shimmering hair. But now, it's come to a point where she must strain to remember that one single day. That wonderful, glorious, increda…
"Ummm…Utena?"
"Eh…na…nani?"
Wakaba pointed to the string between her friends mouth and the desk. "You're…um…drooling again."
The Fable Retold
0:1 Prelude to the Tale
Now thoroughly embarrassed, Utena decided daydreaming was out of the question as long as she was in class. This defiant vow lasted about twenty two seconds before she was lost again. Wakaba just shrugged and looked back toward the front of the class.
As if by a silent whisper in her head, Utena turned to look at the doorway. As she turned, Anthy had just walked past. 'Anthy…' she thought. 'What had happened that day? It was all so odd. Nobility…how did this all happen?'
Soon her thought pattern took on a new memory. One of surrealistic idea's she had yet to even dream of. The day she challenged the kendo team captain.
* * *
Kyouichi Saionji. That was the name of the brute. Utena and Saionji never had a proper introduction. The first time she met him, he was busy slapping this young girl. She seemed so timid and chaste. Like a subordinate slave to his whims. Such a terrible man he must be to do that to her.
"Oh, Saionji-sama?" commented Wakaba as she glomped onto her Utena.
"Saionji?" asked, as if to check saying it for herself.
"Student council vice-president and captain of the Kendo Club." She introduced.
'The Student Council vice-president?' she thought. 'Perhaps he was just power hungry. Like being vice-president got to his head or something.' Utena wondered, if she had ever been admitted into the Student Council would she become as dominant as Saionji? A vision of her in an council outfit with a whip, laughing hysterically as she whipped half of the boys basketball team made her forget about the girl being struck.
"And her, who's that girl?" Utena asked.
"You mean Himemiya Anthy-san?"
"Yeah. Are Saionji and this Himemiya girl going out?"
"As if! There's no way Saionji could ever have feelings for a girl like her." Wakaba seemed to retort. "The only reason they're together is because they're in the Student Council."
"Jeeze, don't sound so jealous! Were you thinking of asking Kyouichi-sama out yourself?" Utena nudged.
"I…Iie!" she stammered. "You're the only one for me Utena!"
"Sure sure"
"Hey its true I tell you…"
* * *
Utena and Wakaba continued their way down the hallways of Ohtori Academy when they noticed a group of classmates huddled over by the bulletin board. The amount of laughter had intrigued the two, and they decided to have a look. A small note was posted up on the board. It seemed to resemble a note between classmates, or an invitation….or a love letter.
Soon the laughing broke up for a moment while one boy began to read. "hmmm, let's see... 'so then I was dancing with you in my dreams, Saionji-san. You were smiling so gently. You must think I'm such an idiot.' Ha! I'll say!"
Wakaba stood looking horrified at the note, a single tear trailed down her cheek. Utena wondered why she was reacting the way she was. That's when she saw the signature at the bottom of the note.
"Oh God." She whispered. "Wakaba…I…" Utena turned to her friend, trying to comfort her, but she had already ran off in a fit of tears and embarrassment. This was inhuman, she thought. Utena walked toward the board and ripped the letter from it, tearing it on its edges. The crowd it attracted though, continued to laugh and mock her friends words of adoration. Engulfed with rage, Utena marched straight to the Kendo Club's dojo, in search of Saionji.
When she found him, he was busy scrubbing the floors as usual. Never a moments rest for Saionji. And this upcoming event would be no exception.
"Hey! You're the Kendo Club captain, Kyouichi Saionji, am I right?" called a voice from behind him.
Saionji turned to face the young, pink haired girl. "And who would you be?"
"That isn't important! Is this your note?" she said, pushing the letter in front his face. He quickly grabs it from her and scans it over.
"Hmph. Well, I believe it is. What matter is it of yours?"
"Why was it hanging up in public for everyone to see? Don't you realize how embarrassed and hurt my friend is right now?!" Utena yelled.
"Well obviously I didn't put it up there. Someone else must have." Said Saionji, now crumpling up the note and tossing it into the wastebasket. "What people write to me is of no concern. I have dozens upon dozens of women writing little love letters to me. And I honestly never read one of them. Those crazy little girls"
Now teeming with rage, Utena picked up a sword and tossed it at him. Immediately, he catches the wooden stick with cat-like reflex, as she picks up another. "That's it! I've had enough of your heartless talk!"
"Eh?"
"You can fight can't you? I want to duel with you. Right here!"
"…a…duel, you say?" remarked Saionji. Then, there was a small glimmer of light reflecting off Utena's hand. He took a closer look. Upon her finger was a rose crested ring. Saionji immediately responds to this.
"A duel it is then. But not here, nor now. Come to the large forest after sunset. We shall settle things there."
* * *
*A shot of the dueling forest is shown, as the camera swings toward a wall with several roses painted onto it. Two shadows emerge from the sides.*
"Ne ne sensei!" A-ko-chan raised her hand from her chair, shaking it back and forth.
"Hai?" replied B-ko-sensei
"What are we doing? This is the same story we read as before!"
"You miss understand! This is MY retelling of a classic story from many years ago! And I want you to read it for homework tonight."
"Demo…it's still the same story as the one we read before!"
"Demo mine has a new addition to the tale! And one that will catch your interest!"
"Yours is also about 300 pages shorter…." A-ko-chan said flatly as she flipped through the book.
"Well, mine has a yaoi story between Saionji and Touga!"
A-ko stares wide eyed at B-ko. "HONTO?"
"Honto, honto." B-ko added in happily.
A-ko begins to feverishly read through the book, scanning each page for the words Touga and Saionji in the same sentence.
"See, add an incentive, and people will read the same things again and again and again." B-ko explains to the reader.
"Did you know, did you know, did you really know?" they chant together.
*A-ko can be heard reading happily in the background* "Ne…when your done with that, can I have it back?" B-ko asks.
"Iiiiiiieeee….."
* * *
Utena had finally approached the gate to the forest. It gave a long groan as it opened and shut behind her, running a chill down her spine. 'Perhaps', she thought, 'I shouldn't have come.' But there was no turning back now, as she made her way up, what she thought, was a lot of stairs. The top of the staircase didn't seem to have anything special. It was a dead end. The path seemed to go on, but it was blocked by a large wall.
"Kuso, what now?" she wondered.
Everything around her seemed as if it was useless. Everything with one exception. In the center was a large handle, extending out from the wall. Though it seemed holding it would serve no real purpose, Utena decided against her common sense and held the handle. A moment later, she could feel a cold drop of water hit her ring. It felt as if it was near freezing.
At that moment, large quantities of water was being spouted from every direction, enveloping the area in which she was standing. Under the cover of the water veil, the wall in front of her began to rise, and so did the sides. They joined together at the top, forming a pale, marble rose. The gate before her now opened, and the path was now laid. Utena proceeded forth into the new hallway. To her amazement, there was a large staircase, spiraling upward.
"More…stairs?" she sighed. With a determined look, she ascended the staircase.
*Of course, you the readers should be hearing Zettai Unmei Mokushiroku, so just assume you are!*
After what seemed like 20 minutes, Utena had reached the top of the staircase. What a dazzling layout was about her. A large, opened arena sat atop of the staircase pillar. The clouds around her seemed to have no end, and yet felt as if she was inside a dome, looking out towards painted skies of blue and wispy clouds. But what was most incredible of all was the castle above her. It just hung there in the sky, supported by no apparent means. Its peaks stared down at her.
"So, you decided to show up after all." Called Saionji, drawing her attention back from the castle overhead.
Just then, Utena noticed someone else. Anthy stepped out from behind Saionji, dressed in a long, flowing, red dress. Her arms were bare, save the hanging collars on her wrists. She wore a tiara on top of her head, resembling a queen or a bride of some kind.
"Saionji-san…what is all this?" Utena wondered.
"Isn't it obvious? You are- a duelist aren't you?" Saionji asked with a smirk.
"I'm here to fight aren't I?"
His grin widened. "Heh, good attitude. But you won't defeat Kyouichi Saionji with attitude alone. You need some skill to back up your words."
Utena's determination increased. "I will defeat you! I will no matter what!"
"Good, then let us begin. Anthy?" he called to her.
"Yes sir." She replied.
Himemiya drew a rose and walked toward Saionji. The blue-green tint was gorgeous, but odd to witness. Anthy placed the rose and crest into his breast pocket. She then turned around and faced Utena. As Anthy walked over to her, she strayed from eye contact. A white rose and crest was placed into the breast pocket of her uniform as well. Confused, Utena asks "Himemiya-san? What's going on here? Why are you dressed like…" she was then cut off by Saionji.
"Silence! The Rose Bride does not answer any questions of yours. If you need an explanation, then you ask me." Said Saionji.
"The Rose…Bride?"
Saionji then mounted a large white horse with flowing green hair. "Go now, mount your horse and I shall explain the rules of the duel."
Utena looked around. "My horse? Here?" Then, in the distance she saw her. Ever since Utena was young, she dreamed of, not only her prince on his white horse, but the horse as well. It had always been so beautiful, but mystical at the same time. Much like a unicorn. She had named it Nobility, for that is what she felt when looking upon this majestic creature. And here now, in front of her very eyes, was the horse from her dreams. Quickly, Utena ran over to her horse, but slowed down when she got near, almost afraid she would scare it back into the realm of her mind. But it did not move an inch. Nervously, she reached a hand out towards it. It was as tangible as her own body. Indeed, this horse was very real. She nuzzled her in her side, finally having a dream come true. But the time now was not for relishment, but for dueling.
She jumped up and mounted Nobility, awaiting Saionji's explanation. "Good, I see you are all set. I shall now tell you the rules of the duel. First, and foremost, never let your rose be knocked from your chest. The winner will be the one who's rose remains intact and on them. Second, we shall duel once the ground. If a winner isn't determined, we take to the skies. Your steed must be in constant motion, or it will fall, along with you. Therefore making it impossible to stay in one place and fight. If both roses are dropped, you are to come back to the ground and fight sword to sword."
Saionji pulled the reins on his horse, causing it to trot back a bit. "Not that you truly needed to know most of that. You will surly lose by the first round of the joust."
"And just how are we supposed to duel as you say?" Utena wondered.
"Rose Bride, grant us our Armor of Dios."
Himemiya stepped toward Saionji, and placed a single kiss onto his rose. In a burst of light, the rose melted and grew around his body. The rose enveloped him, extending its blue-green color all around him. When the rose had covered all but his head, it hardened into a metallic, shining suit of armor. Himemiya then walked back toward Utena. The bride placed another kiss onto a petal of Utena's rose. This rose melted its color into a black and red swirl, rather than staying white. Once her body was covered, it hardend into a black suit with red lining. She marveled at the sight of this suit, when she noticed a small bud emerge from her left breast plate. A white flower bloomed before her very eyes. Correspondingly, the same occurred to Saionji's armor. Anthy looked into Utena's eyes and whispered. "Concentrate on your dream horses power. She will grant you your lance."
"Demo, how do I do that?" Utena begged.
"Concentrate on the reason you have this horse. That alone should unlocks its power."
"Hai…"
Utena thought back. 'Nobility… I named her that because she represents that for me. Her divine presence…her majestic visage…a far more noble animal than any other…' A light emitted from Nobility's head, as a plate of armor formed around it. The light then traveled to her hand, where a large black lance emerged from her. As it hovered in the air for a split moment, Utena grabbed its handle. The light disappeared. She noticed Saionji had already drawn his lance. The duel was about to begin.
"So, the Rose Bride told you how to draw your dream horses lance." He shot a violent glare toward Anthy. "I will deal with you later." He hissed at her. "Not that it matters, I shall win regardless. Now, you petty girl, you shall witness the power of Kyouichi Saionji!" he taunted to her.
Utena readied her lance, and gave Nobility a small kick to get her galloping. Saionji, had also begun his assault. His lance outstretched as far as he can, he gives Utena a look of dementia (think back to second duel when his pupils go really really small and he emits a kowaii laughter), determined to psyche her. Staying fast on her track, she races toward him. The two approach each other, with Saionji aimed squarely at Utena's rose. A clash, as her lance knocks Saionji's out of the way. Both of them stop and turn to face each other.
"So, you can actually block me with my speed? Perhaps I underestimated you. Now, to the skies!" Saionji called out, as his horse turned back and galloped toward the edge of the arena. 'He's going to run right off the edge!' thought Utena.
As he neared the side, his dream horse gave a leap into the air, and remained floating in a forward direction. Utena couldn't believe her eyes. A living Pegasus. The question now was, could Nobility also do this? As afraid as she was to even try, the fact that her princes horse was with her was proof enough that she would make it.
After a long running start, she prayed the horse would know what to do on its own. Right before the edge, Utena pulled on the reins hoping this would work. A moment later, she realized she was staring down at the ground from hundreds of feet up. Clutching on tightly to Nobility, she turned her around to go back over the duel arena. At least that was closer than the ground…
She saw Saionji in the distance, curving around and flying back toward her. The two clashed again, neither of them the victor, as Utena seems to always push Saionji's lance aside before he can connect. "I know I could probably keep myself from being hit, but I'm not fast enough to catch Saionji off guard!" Utena seemed to explain to her steed. "I just need to be faster!"
Her ring then let off a bright glow, as her mind was filled with the words of her prince. "Little one bearing up alone under grief. Please lose not thy strength and nobility when thou growest up." Time seemed to freeze as a light came down from the castle overhead, enveloping Utena and Nobility in warmth. Utena then felt an overwhelming amount of power in her body and heart.
Saionji continued his approach, as he swears he saw the horse stop in mid flight, enveloped in light. As the light faded, Utena opened her eyes and focused directly on his rose. Like a flash of light, Nobility flew towards Saionji. A sound of connection can be heard from the ground, as green and blue petals fall on Himemiya's shoulders.
Saionji and his horse plummet to the ground, crashing as a great speed. Most of the impact was taken by the horse, but Saionji was thrown from her in the process, tumbling on the hard floor of the arena. In a flash, the horse disappears and reenters the realm of Saionji's mind.
Utena and Nobility came to a quiet landing onto the dueling floor. Anthy walked over to Utena and touched her rose. The armor immediately retracted itself into the original white rose and crest Anthy had placed into her pocket before. She quickly dismounted from her horse and hugged it tightly. "I…I cant believe what it is I'm seeing here! This is…my prince's horse!"
Anthy looked surprised. "Did you say…it was your prince's horse?" she asked
"Hai! It resembles her in every way. Her white hair with light purple mane and tail. The majestic size of her. Even the very presence she emits to me! Its her! My Nobility!" Utena stammered out.
Anthy stood and smiled at the sight. Only she could see Dios in Utena's place. Holding his horse, caressing its mane. 'Perhaps she is the one.' thought Anthy.
In a flash, Nobility dissapeared into the air. Utena almost seemed to cry out for it, but the sound of her voice quivered so much that Anthy couldn't understand her. Only her emotions. Her dream, and first true connection to her prince since his ring had left her.
Anthy came to Utena's side and held her. "Please don't cry Utena-sama. Your dream horse isn't gone. She has returned to your mind to join the memory it is attached to."
Utena stared into the girls eyes. "Himemiya-san….what just happened? What is all this? And why are you talking to me? You never even looked at me before!"
Anthy smiled warmly at her. "Because I am the Rose Bride, and from today on, I am your flower."
* * *
The memories would not stop flashing inside her mind. The dueling arena; Saionji-san; Nobility; the Armor of Dios….but most of all, Anthy. Her bride. It seems as if she had finally gotten her wish. To be the prince on his white horse to save the princess. But this was all taken far too literally for her taste really.
Wakaba seemed to be her normal self again through. It looks as if a good cry was all she needed to feel better again. But Saionji…Utena had no idea if he was all right or not. She turned around and asked him. "Ne, Saionji-san, daijobu?"
Saionji shot an evil glance at her, 'hmpf'-ed and then looked away. He seemed as good as ever.
"Wait…a…second…" she turned around. Saionji all right. "What are you looking at?" he remarked. Utena got up and looked around the class. The literature assignment on the board was erased, and trigonometry problems were in their place. "I…er…ano…"
The teacher's visage grew surprised. "TEN'JOU-SAN!! WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING HERE!? CLASS ENDED AN HOUR AGO!"
Utena scratched the back of her head nervously "Ahahahaha…gomen sensei! I guess I was just dreaming again!"
Wakaba turns and points. "Ne, Utena-san?"
"Eh…nani?"
She stares at her flatly. "You drooled again too."
To be continued…
All right, it had its good points, but all in all, I feel as if I've done my original idea injustice. Well, write to me if you wish. Comments, questions, flames, send it all to Redchoco99@aol.com. It would be appreciated. ^_^
Now, DON'T THINK IM DONE! I've got to retell the story remember? But I wont bore you with a complete retelling. I'll make 4 more. One for Miki, one for Juri, one for Touga…and one for someone else… ^_^ you'll love the twist. It's bound to be better than the end of the Student Council saga. Or at least the dubbed version. But granted, anything is better than the dubbed version. Except maybe a fandubbed version…*shudder* Hope you had fun, I think I did too….(or did I?) See you next time in 0:2 The Sunlit Garden "Alternate Spelling"
Note: I'm assuming you've seen to the end of the Student Council Arc, so I also assumed you know most of the way things work. ZUM plays when ascending, bla bla bla, you know, the routine things. So I probably won't consider retelling them in full detail if I don't have to.
