This is a short piece I came up with late one night. It's vague enough to all but eliminate any spoilers, and yet...well, just read it. I have to credit the members of alt.fan.utena for inspiring my thoughts. Standard disclaimers apply. Shoujo Kakumei Utena, all merchandise, translations, and adaptations thereof belong to their respective owners. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Come Into My Parlor By: Gramarye --------------------------------------------------------------------- I see love, I can see passion I feel danger, I feel obsession Don't play games with the ones who love you Cause I hear a voice who says: "I love you...I'll kill you...." -- Enigma, "I Love You...I'll Kill You...." --------------------------------------------------------------------- Again. He hit her again. For what it's worth, I can't say that I entirely find fault with him. After all, the Bride is his--his to use in any way he sees fit. And whether it's a kiss on the lips or a slap in the face, he can do what he likes with her. If she displeases him in any way, he has every right to correct and chastise her. Again. He hit her again. Even if I cared to act--which I do not--what would it prove? I can order any of them around as I like, but this is one area where I have no control. I can command them to fight each other--for my personal amusement if for no other reason--yet once one of them is victorious the situation is beyond my control. And I'm rather enjoying this...I think. Again. He hit her again. Would she be treated any better at the hands of the others, I wonder? The young one wouldn't have the slightest idea of what to do with her even if he should win. While he certainly has a fantasy built up around her, the slightest hint of reality would shatter his innocent dream, making it fall apart like the shining slivers of a broken mirror. And furthermore, he's far too caught up in other problems. Personal problems. Problems that thrive in the comforting sphere of family life. The lesbian...now that's a pair to conjure with. Odd, of course, but a definitely interesting combination. If she didn't fear the power of the Bride so much, like the ignorant peasants of old, the two of them could be a most formidable team. But the entire concept of engagement would be too much for her--especially with the emotional baggage she carries around, conveniently concealed as close to her heart as possible. Ah, women...and their cheap little trinkets that mean so much to them. The brat...her immaturity instantly disqualifies her. And even if she was of an age and mindset to take responsibility, there is no room in her head for anyone other than herself, and no room in her heart for anyone other than her little red-painted tin god. She has the cunning and the inherent bloodlust for the sword, I must admit. But her mind is far too easily turned from duty. She wouldn't have the patience to understand more than her own twisted instincts. The President.... No. We'll save that for later. Again. He hit her again. Why does this irritate me? If I didn't hear the echo of his hand striking her soft face.... There is no reason to dwell on this. None whatsoever. But why am I so anxious to prove it to myself? Again. He hit her...wait a moment. Ah. Something's different this time. Someone's seen the two of them together...someone not currently a part of my delicate plan. Saw him strike her. Saw her fall to the ground and not get up. And it has struck a chord, bringing back the familiar scent of a promise made long ago. I don't have to watch anymore. After all of the waiting, all the anxiety, things are going to change. I can finally emerge from my hiding, from the darkness that shielded me--slowly and carefully at first, just to be safe. But when the final gossamer threads are in place, I will sit back and wait for everything to fall neatly into place. Come into my parlor, Tenjou Utena. Come and let me show you my keen sense of hospitality. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Gramarye gramarye@mailandnews.com http://gramarye.homepage.com