Kakumei Muyo

By Harunomiya

Disclaimer: Revolutionary Girl Utena and its characters belong to Be-PaPas, Chiho Saito. Shogakukan, Shokaku Iinkai and TV Tokyo.

Tenchi Muyo and its characters belong to Hitoshi Okuda, AIC and Pioneer.

Chapter 26: Event Horizon

Yurika did everything possible to spend time with her visiting niece and Aoi volunteered to help out with easing her workload. After all it just wouldn't do for the girl to be cooped up in the hotel her first time in Amsterdam.

Despite her intentions they just ended exploring the area, and Utena didn't seem to mind. She didn't care where they were as long as they were spending time together and reconnect, making up for lost time.

Speaking of which, they spent the better part of the day just walking around and enjoying the moment, and it was time to enjoy the local food.

After having some tea and some food, they had talked for a while before it had been time to ascend the stairs and for the primping to begin. When they arrived to the floor where Yurika had her bedroom and private study, Utena became aware of the other people in the house.

A hairstylist, a makeup artist. There was also a dresser. In all, the ingredients needed to make sure that both she and Aunt Yurika were perfectly coiffed for the evening. Utena sighed silently, but did not show her slight discomfort. This was for her auntie, and she would do it without complaint.

That was ok, it was not the first time, nor would it be the last time, that she was in this situation. She knew what she was wearing for the evening.

Walking into her aunt's closet, and pulled one of her shirts from the rack in front of her, Utena shrugged out of her tee shirt and slid it on. It would make dressing easier, later. Now it was time for her to submit to having her hair done.

Back in the bedroom, she found her aunt with the makeup artist, and so she walked over to the hairstylist and sat down.

"Just some sort of elegant up-do. Not too much fuss, or too many things, ok?" Utena said. She really could not see herself abiding with anything too elaborate, and anyway, the dress demanded a certain degree of simplicity.

The stylist nodded and soon Utena was being primped over and she was left to her own thoughts. It had been a long time since she had been to an event such as this that required her to dress up. She forced herself to relax and ran a mantra through her head as she meditated past having a stranger fuss over her hair.

An indeterminate amount of time passed and the stylist asked her to take a look. Opening her eyes, Utena could not help the smile that appeared on her face.

"Thank you, it's beautiful. Perfect." The smile the stylist gave her at the words was beatific. Utena relaxed some more and rose to her feet, turning to find aunt Yurika standing behind her with an unreadable expression on her face.

"Utena… you could go to this event dressed as you are, and you would steal the show."

Utena glowed at her Aunt's words. "Thank you." Utena replied and moved towards the bathroom. She needed to use the facilities before too much else happened and it was not likely that interrupting the makeup artist was a good idea.

She also needed a few minutes to herself.

0-0-0-0

Yurika was distracted with her own appearance while Utena was being subject to the whims of the makeup artist. Her niece had been very firm about the fact that she only wanted a minimum of makeup. Not that she needed much, or any makeup really.

Now they were both being given some breathing space to put on their own lingerie and talk while the hairstylist and makeup artist left. Needed samples were tucked into clutches and Yurika made a mental note to give Utena her keycard so that she would be able to enter the suite whenever she liked. She had a feeling that this was going to be the case before the evening was done, if anything Utena would want to change into something more comfortable as the night wore on.

Looking at Utena standing in stockings and wearing one of her shirts open in the front had caused Yurika to almost cancel the evening. Under that shirt, Utena was encased in a corset, which was designed not to suppress extra flesh, but to enhance Utena's already generous curves.

Yurika decided then and there that it was a sad thing that the world of fashion would never know Utena as one of their own. She was singularly one of the most beautiful and exquisite women that Yurika had ever known.

"Utena," Yurika said before she called the dressers in.

Curious, Utena moved towards her aunt.

"This is for you." Yurika whispered once Utena had gotten close.

She handed the young woman a box. A jewelry box, a slender blue velvet box to be more precise. What on earth? Rather than gaping, Utena opened the box and looked inside.

Nestled in the box was what could be considered a very simple bracelet. But Yurika had a trained eye and she knew that this was not the case, not at all. It was a gold band, white, rose and yellow gold combined, and hammered by hand. Narrow, elegant. And it was studded along its length with precious stones.

It looked like an artistic representation of a galaxy, actually. And it would look wonderfully on her left wrist, it seemed. Utena removed the bracelet from the box and held it in her hand. It was solid made of 24 carat gold. It was obviously a custom piece at that.

"This is beautiful." Utena murmured as she slid the bracelet on, feeling its weight for a moment.

"I think the dresser is going to riot if we don't let her in soon." Yurika joked, immensely pleased.

"Yes, we will discuss this later. Thank you, though. It is simply beautiful. It reminds me of the universe, or a galaxy." Utena said a smile in her voice as her aunt walked to the bedroom door and opened it up, calling to the dresser who was waiting somewhat impatiently.

"You are a Tenjou, after all." Yurika said as if that explained everything. And a strange way it did.

0-0-0-0

It was time to go...

Utena was beautiful. The deep cobalt color of the gown she wore set off her pale skin and made her eyes seem like they were molten sapphires. Her makeup and hair were perfect. Elegant, minimalist...

Her accessories were resplendent. Nothing obscured her throat, but her ears had diamonds in them (clip on of course), as did one of her wrists and what looked like the familiar rose signet ring, the one that she wore ever since she was a child adorned one of her fingers. But on her other hand was another that she never saw before. It made Yurika realize that as much as she knew about her niece, she did not know nearly enough.

"Tell me about your ring." Yurika said, taking Utena's hand and running her fingers along the elegant bones of it. The ring was silver or some precious metal like platinum. From where she sat, Yurika could see that it was engraved with an actual seal of their family name.

Utena said in her enigmatic way. "Washu had this ring made for me as a Christmas gift." She joked softly. "A mark of my nobility."

Yurika did not know what to think or say. She did not want to press, but she desperately wanted know. "What is your title?" Yurika hoped that Utena would answer her question.

"Prince." Utena answered with a tilting smile, blue eyes sparkling with mischief.

Oh yes, Yurika recalled amused as she walked into that one. Utena's childhood desire to be a prince.

That told Yurika something, her niece was at least in part, still intent on the path of becoming a prince. How interesting this development was, and that this Washu actually took her at her word enough to commission a ring in honor of it. And it went a long way to explain the noble bearing of the young woman beside her.

"May I use it to introduce you, or are you incognito all of the time?" Yurika asked teasing lightly, knowing that Utena would not mind. Utena was not shy about talking about her lofty goal.

"Ah, Auntie." Utena said with a warm smile and Yurika smiled back. "If you would be circumspect. I prefer just to be Utena." The way she said it was like a private joke.

Precious few would understand, while other would look on in bewilderment. "As you wish, my dear." Yurika led the way to the elevator and where the fashion show was to be held.

Utena watched as Aunt Yurika smoothly navigated the bedlam and knew that she was actually very diplomatically avoiding any engagement with the press, merely stopping them every now and then so that photographers could take pictures.

It was a fashion event, after all. Utena was not concerned. In these clothes, make up and with her hair like this, she looked nothing like her casual tomboyish self, so only the very few and very observant would make the connection.

It of course, helped that Yurika was utterly devastating in her gown. A shimmering black number that accentuated her figure, her flawless skin, and her hair.

0-0-0-0

Finally, they arrived at the doors and moved in as they were opened before them. "That went well." Yurika suggested as Utena took in the room before them. It was teeming with people.

Yurika had a sudden premonition that it was going to be a successful evening. Now it was time to mix and mingle and Yurika felt nothing but pride as she guided her beautiful niece into the throng of people. There was no going back.

It had begun. A steady procession of people, couples, singles, groups, sought out Yurika. Without fail, Yurika introduced Utena as her associate, companion, friend, or lover. Sometimes, Yurika used her name and title, other times, just her first name, or first and last name.

To Utena's trained eye, Yurika had an uncanny knack of knowing just how much to reveal to anyone in particular, but she was not concerned. In the end, the people here were not as concerned with Utena as they were with her aunt.

This suited Utena just fine. She had plenty of practice in how to remain low profile. But, now was not the time to digress into her personal history. She was here to be with Aunt Yurika, right now, in the present.

Aoi had just sidled up to them and a mostly pleasant light hearted conversation was being conducted. Pleased despite herself to be complimented on how she looked, Utena had to suppress her smile when he told her that she carried herself beautifully, like she was born to wear a gown.

If only he knew...

Her aunt guided them to their seats, and as Utena settled into the relative comfort of it, hoping she'd find a position that might help her literally sit throughout the night's events began. However, there were some things to be thankful for actually, not have to listen to the vapid talks that have sprung up about her. Utena shifted, trying to find the best way to avoid wrinkling her dress. She hoped that this wouldn't take too long.

As they sat there the lights began to dim and the music began to play, finally, everything was about to start. She watched with mild interest compared to the other bodies in the seats, as they cooed over this design and that. Honestly, it was all background noise for her as the hired models strutted past the length of the constructed runway and showed off the clothing they wore.

Even with all the flash photography going off around the place, Utena manage to see what was going on.

Endless sea of color and varying clothes in different combinations flashing before her, even as she tried to stifle her restlessness by settling back, even as her attention continued to falter, not in the least appeased. She glanced curiously around the barely lit room, trying not to make contact with those so obviously trying to do so with her. She was successful until her gaze wandered to the woman on the cat walk.

The expressions on their faces were amusing, scowling furiously as they walked.

They all looked like they hadn't had a decent meal in ages. Utena noted with sympathy. Who wouldn't be miserable being hungry and taking in only ice chips. Writhe-like bodies always came at a price. Poor wretches.

As she continued to watch, Utena couldn't understand why most of the people here were so excited about clothing that aren't meant to be worn by the average person, and worn by a select few that were impossibly thin. Such was the mysteries of life that boggled the tomboy in a lovely dress.

She carefully let her blue gaze continue about the room, but her gaze was arrested by the very next person she came to. He was bearded and handsome and bore a starling resemblance to Saionji Kyouichi. Especially with the hot fury in those eyes.

How strange.

With a mental sigh, Utena decided to cease her perusal of thee room as it was having unintended consequences.

That is something she did not need right now. Speaking of things she did not need, all the noise of the music was wrecking havoc in her head as she felt the twinges of a mild headache beginning to form. Knowing that it was going to become quite unpleasant, Utena decides it was time to make her temporary leave.

She moved to catch her aunts eye but the woman spoke before she did.

Her aunt leaned in and spoke simply. "Go."

Casting a grateful smile at her understanding, Utena didn't need to be asked twice, as she made her way out ignoring the excited whispers around her in her haste to escape.

0-0-0-0

She took her time to decide what wear, not admitting that she was equally killing time. She was quite reluctant to go back, needed it to. She learned long ago to trust her instincts. However she knew that she would and at least she'd be wearing something more to her tastes.

It wasn't long before she settled on one of the suites her aunt had bought. She really didn't need to change into anything thanks to Washu's ring but Utena had to keep up appearances.

The outfit was simple but elegant and Utena was pleased with her appearance.

And despite her preference of clothing, the girl made quite a sight.

When Yurika caught sight of Utena, she was more than pleased with her appearance. Her niece possessed a lithe muscularity that was rare. Few could wear the clothing she did, and none could wear it as well. In her opinion.

Not only that, she possessed the peculiar androgyny, that Utena seemed to epitomize this genderless quality. Dressed now in a tailored suit, was difficult to determined if she made a beautiful girl or boy. Yurika had to admit, Utena was simply stunning.

But must importantly she looked relaxed, she approached with a wine glass in hand that she offered to the younger Tenjou. Utena looked inquiringly at her and Yurika explained.

"In Amsterdam, its perfectly legal for anyone 16 and over to drink wine. You'll get offered much of it throughout the evening, though I'd rather be the one to give you a glass. I don't have to tell you to drink sparingly."

"You just did Auntie," Utena pointed out with a smirk.

"So I did," Yurika conceded.

"Go on and mingle, I'll be fine," she assured her.

After her aunt drifted away, Utena was moving around the room making small talk, and asking the most superficial questions. She was as polite as each situation warranted but moved away when personal questions were asked.

She managed to be spotted by Viona Van Zandt, the receptionist who managed to snag herself a date. The woman chatted animatedly with Utena, appointing herself a guide of sorts to what went on.

Utena didn't mind at all as she preferred the woman who was genuinely thoughtful in her explanations and proud of her homeland. She introduced her to other guest who seemed to be out of their element, wallflowers.

Sensing this, blue-eyed girl drew out conversations, Unmindful of the awkward phrasing and reactions that caused them to nervously stutter. Viona saw that the pink-haired foreigner was kind as she dealt with each without being condescending. Her efforts eventually touched on things that helped them relax despite of the nerves of talking with someone so lovely. Especially when others tried to draw her away from them.

The wallflowers wouldn't hold it against her, actually they expected it. It was a surprise all around when, Utena declined all to join them.

When one of them mustered the courage to ask why, Utena smiled amused.

"They don't seem that they had anything interesting to say."

"And we do?" the disbelief was apparent.

Utena simply chucked as if asking the obvious, causing a blush appear "It's always the quiet ones that are interesting. "she finally said. The color deepened.

Viona offered to get another glass of fresh wine which Utena politely refused as she remembered her aunt's cautionary words. Even without them, the girl recalled the incident with the sake. Lesson learned indeed.

Just as she was thinking of taking a sip, her hand froze in mid motion. Utena stiffened in shock, her eyes registering the sight of someone in the crowed before her. It can't be.

Viona and the others turned to see what caught the pink-haired girl's eyes and their own eyes lit up excitedly. "Oh look, Arisugawa Juri."

The others began admiring the auburn-haired beauty, the accolades falling easily from their lips generously. Even in her befuddled state, Utena agreed.

"She is that," Utena barely managed even as her grip on her wineglass tightened unconsciously. "If you'll excuse me."

Viona cast her a searching look but kept her silence while the others were crushed to see her go.

0-0-0-0

Utena caught sight of Juri at the beauty moved through the crowd, with that ever-present feline grace. Even from afar she could see the restlessness in her every motion by how she strived to keep herself composed and yet her eyes flashed, giving her away.

It was definitely a sight to see Juri without her trademark cascade of ringlets. Instead, her autumn hair flowed freely down her back, past her slender waist, much longer than when it was coiled. Utena remembered wondering about that once.

It contrasted nicely against the moss green of her floor length, plunging cocktail dress that was tastefully draped about her frame as it swirled softly as she walked. It seemed that the fabric was sheer and with thigh high slit's a perfect choice.

Brazenly tasteful.

There was so much a person could wear or not and to Utena's admiring eyes, and others the that Juri wore it very well. In fact it garnered a fare amount of attention not only because she was a model but she was very beautiful in it.

But even though she was breathtaking, she was not pleased to be here. Utena didn't miss the ever present wine glass that so many were eager to replenish. It worried her, she felt something must be done.

But what?

Juri wouldn't tolerate an intervention from anyone, even from friends, much less from a forgotten face.

But Utena wasn't really deterred for long, she always faced impossible situations and all she had to do is think.

Just as that thought bloomed, so did the familiar echo of affirmation brushed soon after. She was on the right track. Backed now by that vast knowledge and her own and her own trials, she'd go the right thing.

"More wine?" a faceless server offered up a silver tray with an assortment of various wines. Shaking her head, the man moved away.

She also had to admit the desire to talk with the one person she admired and respected at Ohtori. It was her hope that she would be able to walk the fine line without tittering over the edge. As to prove her point, if only to herself, she reigned her impulse to seek Juri out. Making her excuses Utena moved away and drifted towards the French doors that beckoned to the open sky away from the throng and temptation. She ignored the sign that was posted and slipped through. The doors closed behind her, muting the noise to an indistinguishable hum.

Excellent.

The air was cold and biting, as it blew against her skin past the cloth of her shirt. It was quite the contrast from the charged atmosphere inside and one that Utena welcomed. It was chilly enough that no one would venture out into the crisp air without proper covering. This ensured that she'd be relatively undisturbed.

Seeking the darker part of the balcony, Utena allowed the shadows to hide her, her dark clothing masking her presence further. She lounged against the wall, arms draped across her middle.

The pink-haired woman was having an internal debate with herself as whether or not she should approach Juri directly or keep her distance. If she did, was a certain thing that ever-present mask she wore would come back crashing into place, ending whatever respite Juri found for herself in this place. Utena was loathed to be the cause. Deciding her course she fell back one her training and remained perfectly still and silent, unaware that her actions tapped into Dios's power, rendering her unseen and detected from Juri's sharp senses.

0-0-0-0

For Juri, every fashion show was alike. Always it was one chain of tedious suitors after another at these events. A line of thoughtless dolts who never seemed to realize that she was far too good for them. It wasn't that Juri was arrogant, it was only the simple truth. If at eight years old she had been an adorable doll of a girl, at eighteen she was now an absolute Venus of a woman. She liked to believe that most of her allure could be attributed to her own effort and only partially to the blood that ran in her veins. Regardless of where her charm originated, the fact of the matter was that these fools who were beneath her kept throwing themselves before her to be trodden upon, were because of it and she was rather tired of them constantly placing themselves underfoot.

She sighed because despite the fit of her dress, the auburn cascade of her hair and pale luminous skin were plenty sufficient in pulling the hopeful young towards her direction. Finally after some searching she had found a in a closed off balcony. It was in the corner of the large room. While leaning back again the smooth, cool wall, a long table was set up perpendicularly meaning that in order to reach her, a prospective dance partner would have to take the long way around the some fifteen foot table. From here she could watch the twirling pairs and categorically divide the male half of them into "not in this lifetime", "only in their dreams" and "barely tolerable" groups. The last group being the highest ranked and still extremely rare of course. She didn't know why she bothered showing up at these events anymore.

Juri hated that Shori had effectively abandoned her. She hated that the girl, no woman, she adored never gave her any warning or told her where she was going. She hated that Shori hadn't cared enough to do any of those things and most of all Juri hated that it still hurt. Shori had, for all intents and purposes, ceased to exist since two years ago. Fourteen at the time, the beautiful girl seemed to have had everything going for her in Juri's eyes but had one day just disappeared leaving only a short note. The note had been brief, only saying she was leaving and instructions not to look for her. Of course she had tried anyway but it had been to no avail.

So she was alone again.

At the time, Juri had felt that she'd lost all that was important to her. Her most precious love whom she thought was the most perfect person in the world. She had then became even more withdrawn and cold. The girls at Ohtori called her 'Ice Queen' along with 'Beautiful Leopard' and if the boys had been less impressed by her looks they would have too. She didn't care because her sun was truly gone. One of the things Juri missed the most were the companionship.

The warmth that she drew upon until everything went south.

She lifted her glass to her lips and took another sip as she stared thoughtfully into its contents. The smooth and heady wine did nothing at all for her but only dull the senses further.

From her vantage point, Utena had seen Juri consume several glasses of wine throughout the evening. Here in Amsterdam it was legal for someone of the age of sixteen and up to enjoy the stuff without impunity. She too was offered a variety to select from and thanks to her aunt, chose accordingly. Sticking to one glass, Utena drank sparingly, with the reminder of what happened one Christmas and did not wish to repeat that mistake again. She spent the time refusing further offers, which eventually lead her to the balcony.

But her concern was genuine for Juri as the tawny-haired beauty had no such qualms of her own. But perhaps Juri was out her to clear her befuddled head with the brisk air, Utena reasoned, ever one to see the best in every situation.

Utena sighed. Perhaps not.

The beautiful leopard downed the contents of her glass in one furious swallow, while setting the empty glass none too gently on the edge as the glass grated roughly against stone.

From what Utena gleaned from Juri's expression, the wine did not help one bit. Instead she bent down to remove her cumbersome stilettos.

Utena's sharp hearing caught Juri's muttering something about high heels was invented by a woman who got kissed on the forehead. Upon hearing this, her lips quirked into a smile, not willing dare a chuckle.

Seconds passed and Juri was still struggling with the (in her words, damnable) clasp. Utena was moving out the shadows when there was a sudden and foreboding snap. Everything was so sudden; Juri was in the process of toppling over the balcony hands grasping at nothing. Nothing at all to stop her from falling in the darkness that rushed to meet her from below, a tragic end.

Utena was known to thwart such dark design on occasion. This was one of those times.

As she fell, looking upon the darkness and unable to do anything, Juri had the irreverent thought pass through her head. Damn heels… what a pointless way to die…

The sudden dive into the abyss was halted with a sudden jerk. Juri felt an unyielding iron-grip lock upon her wrist, and looked into the face, those eyes that burned with startling intensity. In them she knew that her rescuer would not let her go, to fall to a certain death.

Juri felt an unreasonable anger flare as her rescuer pulled her to safety headless of their personal well being. The minute her feet were once more anchored on solid ground, she rounded on the nameless Good Samaritan. She opened her mouth, not to express gratitude as one might expect. In true Juri fashion she spoke, admonishing thoroughly and sharply at that.

Glaring at her rescuer, she noted that she couldn't clearly see her face, although they were nearly the same height, give or take an inch. She noted this all with a detached part of her mind that, probably told her that she was in shock. I'll fall to pieces later, but not before taking this little fool apart first. "You risk your life as if you had no care for it! It was a foolish and ridiculous thing to do!"

Green eyes blinked in surprise. Leave it to Juri to dress me down even now, Utena thought ruefully. "It would have been my choice to make," she said countered softly. "Although I must admit, how usual is it of people criticizing my actions have become," she said, words were laced with humor.

Juri bristled, mistaking it for cavalier attitude. "As they should, I would have never allowed such a foolish thing."

"Was I supposed to let you fall?" Utena asked quietly, afraid to know the answer. "Why are you so eager to value you life above my own?"

Something flashed in those hazal eyes. "I'm not so special that you endanger your life for my sake!" Juri snapped.

"Lucky for you that I disagree with that assessment," Utena's retort came with equal conviction, trying to take back the pain she had caused with the blunt of her words.

Utena understood, however, that there was much more, than the immediate disagreement. Still, it did not measure up for Utena. Juri had never struck her as the type who undervalued herself.

Juri looked at her as if she were completely insane. For a long moment, her confused eyes searching over Utena's for an answer and a logic that was not within grasp. Then, without knowing why, she leaned in and kissed her.

Utena was shocked at the forward and illogical act, even as her hand reflexively circling Juri's arms.

Juri's warm mouth pressed gently, softly to hers. Her hand came to lie against the side of Utena's face, her contrary eyes sliding closed for a long painful moment.

Utena felt, and then tasted the salt of her tears.

Juri pulled away, only a couple of inches, trapped by the hands that held her. Her body trembled beneath her hands as Utena looked into her eyes with confusion of emotions and sensations struggling through her.

"Why did you-?"

"Because," she interrupted with a catch to her words. "Because it's a fairy tale, the Princess always kisses the Prince who rescues her."

It was an enchanting and ingenious thing for her to say. Juri was of great learning, amazing strength and a sense of logic that rejected any illusion of naiveté, yet she was willing to expose herself in order to express her gratitude. Utena realized that it was it was a preciously guarded streak in her makeup very few people have been allowed to see. It subsequently meant more to Utena then the most profuse and eloquent words of any language.

It was a pity, Utena reflected, that all Princesses were not so easily rescued. When it was only a matter of courage and swordplay, there was no trouble. She saved them from whatever peril lurked and they were free to live and love.

But there were some Princesses who needed rescue less tangible. Who needed to be shown something eternal?

Girl or not, Utena thought, I've saved a lot of Princesses, whatever guise they wear.

Just not the one who mattered most.

"Juri..." she paused for a moment to clear her throat. "I'm no hero. You should not make me into one."

Utena saw the vulnerability that shone in Juri's eyes and she did the only thing she knew will erase it completely. She knew what she was doing but made her no better prepared. This was not a quick and simple expression of impulsive gratitude she was reaching to express. This was different and on an instinctive level and Utena knew it.

Completely in spite of the soundness of reason that rang stridently in her head, Juri allowed herself the luxury of the feel of the lips that tasted her as she was drawn closer. Caught less off guard and having a moment to think about it, she returned the intimacy with equal warmth and measure.

From one moment to the next, her hands released their hold on Juri's arms and fingertips traveled up her back and found their way into the back of her hair, sliding with careful languor, mindful of all the things Juri suffered and been through and in no way wanting to cause her even a moment's additional pain.

Her darkening eyes were looking directly into hers, seeking for things beyond both their completion. Utena met her searching gaze with eyes full of surety and strength, she knew what she wanted, amazingly enough without a single doubt or second thought. This moment, those fascinating eyes messaged to Utena, was to be precious for them both. The next moment would come soon enough, but this moment...

This moment was for thanking, for gentleness, and most of all, for feeling something that had no pain, struggle or immediate ramifications to it.

It'll simply be what it was.

Juri could not seal herself away from the surge of overwhelming emotions that she could no longer keep at bay. This woman tore down everything the walls she had built over the years toppled over a single kiss. Her heart, her senses shattered her walls freed from the confinement of her golden chain at her neck, forged of her own making. Her shattered heart by dreams and faded desire for the impossible. But that desire surged almost painfully once reawakened not to be denied. Gone from feeling nothing to feeling everything she had denied herself. So overwhelming, this sensation that she felt buoyant, almost flying. But she felt that she was going to fall head first and there was no way to that stop that fearful plunge.

Utena held out her arms, reached up and was ready to catch Juri's wingless body, once again.

.

Two women, blending themselves together like a magic potion, and then separating, one more powerful and one more gentle after the alchemy, neither afraid anymore.

0-0-0-0

Mere seconds or an eternity later they moved away breaking contact. Juri stepped back facing away from Utena, "It seems that you have me at a disadvantage," Juri said, referring to the fact that her impromptu savior knew her name.

"Yes," Utena agreed smoothly, "I do."

Juri felt heat color her face as she detected something in the tone, but unsure what it was. She was thankful for the shadows that obscured her face. Yet now all she could do was stare at the young woman before her, who stared back at her with an unblinking gaze.

"Do you have a name?" Juri finally asked, flustered and was unable to completely disguise it with her sarcasm.

The sarcasm did not escape Utena, nor did offend her. There was a glint in her eyes when she replied. "Yes, I have a name."

Juri watched her closely, as she made a decision. It was almost as if she were resigned. Resigned about what, the hazel eyed beauty couldn't fathom.

"Tenjou Utena," she replied, as if her name was of no real importance, and yet was reluctant to speak it.

This girl was an enigma indeed. "Tenjou Utena," Juri murmured strangely finding that it suited the girl perfectly somehow. For a split second she wasn't certain that she heard right. However, something about that name tugged at Juri's memory. What must I remember? What is it? Juri mused. "I remember now."

"What?" the voice interrupted her musing, sounding strangely startled. Juri noted that her face held surprise, a shade too pale. But that could easily be attributed to the scant moonlight that illuminated her lovely features in a heightened glow.

"I remember," Juri began, sure of herself.

How's that even possible? The girl thought, as her mind raced a head. None of the others had even a glimmer of recognition. Utena looked on mutely, waiting for Juri to finish her thought as an indefinable feeling left her peculiarly on edge as her nerves began to fray. Do you remember…?

Utena was surprise and not surprised with what Juri recollected. However she couldn't help feeling a poignant sensation in her chest, achingly so. "I remember Miki, a good friend of mine having mentioned meeting a woman with your name."

"That was me," Utena acknowledged pushing pass her emotions.

"Ah, small world," Juri noted needlessly aloud, save only to keep away the silence.

"Too small," Utena quipped lightly.

"He also mentioned a young girl, someone he found inspiration other than his erstwhile Muse."

At the mere reference of Sasami, a found smile graced Utena's features. One that Juri was inexplicably pleased by to see.

"Her name is Jurai Sasami. He was very good and kind to her." Utena's voice startled Juri, full off affection and warmth and she looked askance to see the pink-haired woman studying her.

"You seem quite found of her." After a moment of searching Juri's defensive, hazel stare, her expression softened. As the obviously shaken, auburn haired woman shivered in the cool, mist laden air, Utena felt strangely drawn to her vulnerability.

Juri wasn't sure she liked the soft look in the other's dark eyes. She watched Tenjou uneasily. What did she see, this pink-haired woman, to make her look so damned sympathetic?

"I can't help myself." Utena stepped further out and stood with Juri. "I never take things for granted." Juri glanced over to see the slight grin on Utena's lips as she spoke.

"Well… that is good." Juri spoke awkwardly. Her eyes turned back to stare out at the night again. She didn't ask The blue-eyed woman to leave. Strangely, she wanted to hear more. She bit her lip fretfully... How was she supposed to ask, without leaving a part of her soul bared even more? The last thing she needed was for this person, of all of them, to see her vulnerable. Yet... There was a quiet, deep longing in her heart that dared her to swallow her pride and ask... just this once...

But even as the questions hovered on her lips, she found she didn't need to humble herself after all. When she looked into the thoughtful blue eyes, Utena just started talking.

"Sasami has been reading a lot manga. She reads just about anything. She's a brilliant cook and is the most gentle and caring soul in the universe."

The red haired woman remained silent, drinking in each word, not noticing the small smile that graced her own lips. But the warm glow in Tenjou's voice as she spoke endearing.

"Most of the time." Utena's voice was closer, and Juri could feel the heat off of the body behind her. Her breath caught in her throat as her heart began to pound strangely. She'd forgotten... the way being near this person had begun to affect her. She had the sudden, inexplicable need to feel the warmth of the woman's embrace. But when Utena's arms wrapped around her, Juri stiffened in surprise. She stood still and startled as the younger woman held her, and when she shivered again, it wasn't just from the chilled air.

Utena wasn't sure what prompted her impulse to hold Juri. The forlorn yet defiant look in her hazel gaze or the way she stood so pale and determined in the chill air. She felt the other woman tremble, and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "It's cold out here."

A small sigh escaped Juri's lips. . Without thinking, she leaned back slightly into Utena, whose body temperature made standing outside a little more tolerable. She wouldn't ordinarily allow anyone such liberties, but she wasn't ready to leave... just yet. Only after several moments did she realize that she was allowing Utena to hold her too long. Her growing awareness of the Utena's body pressed to her own made her mouth dry. The intimacy of the embrace was pleasant. Too pleasant. "Thank you." Her voice was more breathless than she liked as she moved out of Utena's arms.

When she turned to look into the other's eyes, she didn't see the pity that she had been afraid might be there.

"Juri, if you ever have need of me… just ask." Utena's voice held such an honest sincerity it startled the red head. Her eyes widened as she realized exactly what Utena offering her.

"Thank you." Juri spoke more softly, unsure of what else to say... it meant so much.

Author's Notes:

Juri make's an appearance! I have much love for her as she is the pragmatic personality to Utena's idealistic one. I really wanted to do this right. Better late than never, right? Hopefully I didn't disappoint too bad. Will edit later since I can't find my bloody notebook.

So what do you think? Comments and Criticisms are welcome. Please review. Thanks for reading!

-Harunomiya