The Girl Behind the Sword
Once upon a time, many years ago, there was a little princess who was very sad for her mother and father had died. Before the princess appeared a traveling prince on a white horse. He had a regal bearing and a kind smile. The prince wrapped the princess in a rose-scented embrace, and gently wiped the tears from her eyes. “Little one,” he said, “growing up alone in such deep sorrow, never lose that strength or nobility, even when you become a young lady. I give you this to remember this day. We will meet again. This ring will lead you to me, one day”. Perhaps the ring the prince gave her was an engagement ring. Perhaps, but the young princess was so impressed by him, that she vowed to become a prince herself one day. But was that really such a good idea?
Though that question is always asked, in the end, it was the only way for the prince to be awakened or brought back or however they refer to it. Utena's wish to save the damsel in distress also helps Anthy be protected from being used, hidden away, or just treated like she's not even a person.
Utena is the rebellious tomboy at her school. She's in eighth grade at an every fancy boarding school. She has a best friend, Wakaba, who always calls Utena her "boyfriend." Wakaba is insulted by Saionji, and her fight with him draws Utena into this underworld of dueling and the struggle for ultimate power, represented by the Rose Bride, Anthy. Utena is very kind, but she won't take abuse from anyone, nor will she let anyone harm Anthy. She doesn't really want to possess the Rose Bride, but it's best for her to have Anthy than anyone else. All she is really doing is killing time until her prince returns to her.
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