Bara no Hime (Part 1) By: Karen The ever-feared, ever long, but sometimes funny disclaimer section: I do not own the Princess Bride. I do not own the copyrights. I have no claim to the Utena show. I have no shame, which you should know. This tale has several minor swears, But no hentai, ecchi, or fuzzy bears. All I do is poke some fun, If I were you, I would start to run. *Assume nothing* -- introduction to Q Squared It was a nice and sunny day at Ohtori Academy. Then again, most days are nice and sunny at Ohtori Academy. Tenjou Utena looks out her classroom window as she daydreams of her prince. She wonders what it would be like if she didn't have to go to school. After all, with all those duels her grades weren't doing so well. Not that she didn't like the Academy, but a little less stress would be a good thing. After classes, Utena walks home with Anthy. Anthy notices that Utena is a bit subdued. "Is something wrong, Utena-sama?" "Huh?" Utena is startled out of her reverie. "Anthy, do you ever wonder what it would be like to be away from all this?" "Away?" Anthy is both shocked and perplexed. "Where would I go? It's nice here." Utena sighs. "I don't know. A vacation. Just for a while -- to get away from all the stress of studying." Anthy blinks. "Studying never bothers me much, Utena-sama. Besides, who would take care of the roses?" Utena sighs. "I guess I just need a break is all." They continue walking in silence. Anthy notices that Utena never scolded her for calling her 'Utena-sama.' She really must be in a bad mood. Utena is still not herself at supper, but Anthy doesn't say anything this time. To keep trying to cheer her up might seem rude. So, Anthy sips her tea, keeping her thoughts to herself. Utena isn't one to stay silent long when something is bothering her, anyway. "Anthy, if you could go away on vacation, anywhere, where would you go?" Anthy's face shows no change of emotion as she slowly answers, "I've never been away anywhere before, Utena-sama." Utena frowns at the "-sama," but lets it go for now. "But you must have HEARD of other places." Anthy gives in, "I guess I would go someplace quiet, but someplace where roses grow." Utena seems satisfied with that answer as she stirs her tea. "That sounds good to me. I wouldn't mind a change of scenery, for sure." She puts down her cup. "But I wouldn't mind people. I wouldn't even mind starting an adventure." Anthy regards Utena indifferently as Utena continues, "Imagine, just a complete change of . . .of everything. Just like that!" Anthy's eyes widen and she gasps as Utena snaps her fingers . . . . @}~~~~~~~~~~~~{@ Saionji Kyouichi walks out of the farmhouse and finds Anthy doing the morning chores as usual. He calls out, "Anthy! Bring me today's milk." Anthy sighs, "As you wish." That is all she ever says to him, and he enjoys nothing more then ordering her around. "Anthy, bring more logs for the fire." "As you wish." One day Saionji is alarmed to discover that "As you wish" just isn't enough. As he storms outside before dawn, he bellows, "Anthy, prepare my breakfast." "As you wish." Saionji flies into a rage and knocks Anthy to the ground. She cries out in pain, and Saionji is pleased. They continue in this matter for several days. One day a stranger rides up the road to the farmhouse, and happens to observe their morning ritual before they notice that she is coming. Saionji demands, "Anthy, why aren't my shoes polished? I want to see your wretched face in them when you bow to me!" "As you wish." Saionji savagely backhands Anthy. As she falls to the dusty ground in tears, the stranger angrily gallops up to the house. "You there!" She demands, "What do you think you're doing to her?" Saionji turns to see who would dare to intrude on their private happy lives. He sees a beautiful princely stranger astride a white horse. Her long pink hair floats in the breeze as her righteous eyes of steel scorn him. "Mind your own business," Saionji sneers as Anthy holds her face and shivers. "What happens between my Bride and myself is none of your concern." "It is if you treat her like that!" "And what do you plan to do about it?" "I challenge you to a duel." Utena's eyes waver with compassion for Anthy. "If a woman has a noble prince to save her, I shall let them be, but if a woman has no prince, no man, no one, I cannot forgive such a crime against her. I shall be her salvation." Saionji is shocked to hear her words. He gathers himself to reply, "Very well. I shall meet you at high noon in the fields by the river behind my farm. You can find lodging in the village down this road." Utena blinks. "The fields by the river behind the farm? You mean the ones with the sign that says 'Trespassers will be skewered, survivors will be be persecuted?'" Saionji smirks and nods. He glowers at Utena as she nods in return, and rides on to the village. He continues to watch after her as he says calmly, icily, "Anthy, polish my sword." "As you wish, my Master." Saionji hears her pick herself up and scramble toward the house to do his bidding, but his thoughts lie darkly on the stranger and upcoming duel. Anthy stands in the doorway silently watching as Saionji meditates in preparation for the duel. His eyes are as dark as the bare room in which he kneels. The meal Anthy prepared for him lay untouched on a tray at his side. Slowly, purposefully, he stands and walks outside. "Come, Anthy," he orders. "It is time." She follows him, obedient as always, bringing only the two fresh-cut roses she holds in her hands. As the sun blazes down on the lands, Utena approaches the boundary to the fields by the river behind Saionji's farm. She ties her horse's reins to a tree, and looks around. She sees not one living being in the acres of fields to either skewer or persecute her, so she decides, "This looks like an invitation." As she bravely strides out onto the field, a spiral staircase suddenly appears before her. It seems to go through the middle of a large platform, which covers the entire field and floats several yards above her head. Bewlidered but wary she ascends the stairs. When she reaches the top, she finds herself in a bright room lit by the glow of neon lights. She stands in a large open space in the middle of the room. Around the edge of this massive room are various box-like machines; some have glowing buttons, and others have wheels and one handle. Utena notices Saionji with Anthy behind him. She calls out to him, "What is this place? How can a large room like this be floating?" Saionji smiles mysteriously. "Ah, yes," he replies, "This is the first time you've been to the Casino." "The Casino?" Saionji chuckles to himself. "This Casino will be the future of business and marketing, but that is of no concern to you. You can just think of it as a trick of the light . . . a mirage, per se." "The Mirage, huh?" "Nevermind. Anthy, prepare us." Himemiya Anthy takes her two roses, and places one in the left breast pocket of each duelist. She then explains to Utena, "If the rose is knocked off your chest, you lose the duel." Utena gasps, "You talked! I mean, you said more then 'As you wish . . . !'" Anthy smiles pleasantly, "Of course I did. I wish you luck, Utena." Saionji walks over to Anthy and beats the crap out of her. Utena is outraged, but Anthy returns to Saionji and begins her incantation, "Rose of the noble castle, Power of Dios that sleeps within me . . . . " Utena struggles against the sudden rising wind. "What is this? Another Mirage? Do you have a whole chain of them or something?" All too soon, Saionji engages Utena in battle, using the sword he had drawn from Anthy's chest. They test each other with attacks and parries, finding each other to be worthy opponents. They pause briefly. Saionji inquires of Utena, "Who do you think you are, anyway?" Untena stands straight and points her sword at Saionji, "My name is Tenjou Utena. I will be her prince. Prepare to fight!" Saionji prepares to continue as he says, "Well, then. My name is Kyouichi Saionji. She belongs to me. Prepare to be smitten!" The battle rages on. Suddenly, Utena lunges toward Saionji. He is stunned by her foolishness, and thus caught off guard. As he runs forward, prepared to block Utena's sword, the two pass with a clash of steal. Utena stops and turns, looking down at her rose, which is still intact in her pocket. A very flustered Saionji looks down to see the last rose petals drifting off in the light breeze. He has Lost. Horrified, Saionji falls to the floor. His tortured eyes plead, "Anthy . . . ." But Anthy was gazing at Utena with joy, "What did you expect, . . . Saionji?" Saionji picks himself up, and walks silently away from the Casino. Utena walks over to Anthy. All the neon lights in the world could never outshine that . . . "shining thing" which lit their eyes. The next morning (no, nothing happened -- you dirty minded people!!), Anthy and Utena sit down together for breakfast. Utena tells Anthy that she will leave after they eat. Anthy seems somewhat upset. "But, Utena-sama, I won't have time to pack." "Pack? Why?" Realization dawns across Utena's face. "Oh, no. You're not coming with me! I mean, you have the farm to run, and . . . ." "But, Utena-sama. I am the Rose Bride. You defeated Saionji, and now I am engaged to YOU. I must follow you wherever you go." "Anthy!" Utena scolds, "Get a life! I don't WANT a bride." Then Utena realizes, bride or no bride, she didn't like the idea of Anthy living here all alone. If she can't even think for herself, she certainly won't be able to defend herself. She softly explains, "Look. I still have business outside of the country. It won't take that long. When I'm finished, I'll come back and help you run the farm, Okay?" Anthy drops her head. "As you wish." Before Utena leaves, they stand together outside the little farmhouse. Anthy stares up at Utena, a million emotions swarming through her eyes. "I'm afraid I won't see you again, Utena-sama." Utena is slightly put aside by Anthy's statement. "Of course you will. I shall always come to save you, Anthy." "But, Utena-sama, what is something happens to you?" "Anthy," Utena says softy, "Nothing can keep us apart. The bond between us is an eternal shining miracle. You think this happens every day?" In one swift, fluid motion, she mounts her horse and rides away, leaving Anthy to hope or believe as she pleases. However, a few days later, a United Nations police unit shows up at Anthy's door. She immediately begins to make tea for her guests. They ask her if she has recently entertained any guests matching Utena's description. They explain that Utena never showed up at her destination, and they were tracing her to find out what happened. Anthy tells them that she had seen Utena, but she had left several days ago to travel overseas. One United Nations police officer remarks, "Then we can only assume her ship was lost at sea, or taken by pirates. Sorry to bother you, Miss." The police unit abruptly leaves Anthy and her tea as they head for thier respective homes. Betrayed, Anthy locks herself in her bedroom and neither sleeps nor eats for several days. She only comes out once to clean up the forgotten teacups left by the police, because she couldn't bear to leave the desolate place untidy. Eventually, she resigns herself to the fate that she was never meant to have a Prince of her own. Bara no Hime (Part 2) By: Karen Helloooo, all you wonderful, odd people who spend your free time reading all the pointless fanfic people like me spend our free time writing!!! *gasp* Anyhoo, this is part II. It's more Princess Bride-y than the first part, but it's just as funny (I hope). pleeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase send me mail and tell me what you think!! Pretty please???? At least force me to write more -- or tempt me to write more by threatening me NOT to write more . . . . . my address is sparrowskit@hotmail.com and I'll be MORE than grateful to know if thee is ANY semblance of life out there. Thank you!!! Now, stop reading this boring plea, and get on with the fanfic. Go on, I mean it. Go, already!!! Geez, don't you people *listen???* I guess not. Oh, well. Here goes: The ever-feared, ever long, but sometimes funny disclaimer section: I do not own the Princess Bride. I do not own the copyrights. I have no claim to the Utena show. I have no shame, which you should know. This tale has several minor swears, But no hentai, ecchi, or fuzzy bears. All I do is poke some fun, If I were you, I would start to run. *But time is up and so we too Must end our discourse and confess Your actual grasp within this zoo Will probably be less* -- "Jabberwocky" Four years later, the Royal Dodge Caravan® arrives at Anthy's farmhouse. Servants hop out of the vehicle and quickly lay down a red carpet. One footman opens the sliding door, and helps to the ground none other than Prince Tsuwabuki. The Prince strides to the door and knocks loudly. When Anthy opens the door ever so slightly, she eyes the royal guards curiosly. Prince Tsuwabuki clears his throat and Anthy finally notices him. She asks, "Yes? What can I do for you?" Tsuwabuki is outraged, "Don't you know who I am?" Anthy thinks for a moment before replying, "No." Tsuwabuki almost bursts out into tears. "I am Prince Tsuwabuki. I am on a quest. Let me in!" Anthy starts at this news, "Oh! I'm sorry. Please, come in. Let me make some tea for you." The Prince and his entourage sit down at the table as Anthy makes some tea. Tsuwabuki is highly confused by this strange woman and a little hurt that she didn't even ASK about his quest. He decides that she must not want to seem to forward, and that explains her cold behavior. So he begins to tell his tale as Anthy returns with the tea. "My father is very ill, and he decided that I cannot rule the country unless I have a Bride. So I'm searching all of my lands to find the girl I want to marry. I have to announce my choice by the country's anniverary next year. Are you married?" Anthy shakes her head, "No. I am not." Tsuwabuki seems even more confused. "Then, who ownes this farm?" Anthy replies dryly, "The deed to the farm is in the name of Saionji Kyouichi." "Well, then, where is he?" She answers evenly, "He spends his days and nights in the Casino, since he has no power over me anymore." The young Prince continues, "You mean, you live here all by yourself, and nobody takes care of you?" Anthy shakes her head. "I am alone now. I was once Saionji's Bride, but a prince came to take me away from him. Now my prince is dead. I belong to no one." Tsuwabuki announces, "Then you shall be my Bride, and I shall be your Prince." "I do not believe in princes anymore." "But, if there is no one to claim you, there is no one to stop me. I do not care what you believe in. In one year, I shall make you my bride." With that, Prince Tsuwabuki and his servants board the Royal Caravan and return to the palace. Throughout the following year, the Prince regularly courts Anthy. Anthy comes to agree that it's better to simply let this engagement happen, because she stopped caring what happens to her when she stopped believing in her Prince. @}~~~~~~~~~~~~{@ Exactly one year and three months later, there is a Great Festival in the palace. The time has come for Prince Tsuwabuki to announce who will be his Bride. The young Prince stands on a stool behind the balcony which overlooks the city. As the trumpet fanfare fades, and the crowd quiets, he addresses all, "My people! A month from now, our country will host its 500th Anniversary Ball. On that sundown, I shall be wed to a lady who was once a commoner like yourselves. But perhaps you will not find her so common now. Would you like to meet her?" As the crowd cheers its affirmation, Tsuwabuki gestures toward the doorway at the far side of the crowd. "My people, my Princess Bride!" The crowd turns to see Anthy shyly emerge from the archway. Her crimson gown flows around her and her crown shines brightly in the sunlight. However, her heart is empty, for the _boy_ she is destined to marry, whatever his title, will never be her Prince. The only way she can escape that awful reminder is to escape the palace. Thus, her only joy becomes her daily ride. On one such ride, Anthy's mind wanders as she lets her horse trot farther and farther from the Castle. She never sees three people ride up beside her, which is quite remarkable since the travellers make a rather odd sight. One is a young, shy boy who has quite a bit of difficulty managing the large horse, especially since he is deeply preoccupied by the stopwatch he is carrying. He *must* be a better rider than that first impression implies, or else he would never manage to keep up with the others at all. The second rider is a girl, slightly older than the blue-haired boy. She holds herself regally atop her mount as she takes in her surroundings and situaton with an apathetic air from beneath her styish, saffron curls. The third rider is a unique specimen who can only be described as a Man. He is definately older than his two companions, and he is NOT the type of person who passes by unnoticed. One of the strangers -- the tall, dark, and hansome man -- bows slightly to Anthy, as he draws his horse up beside her. He politely asks, "My lady, will you be so kind as to tell me the way to the nearest village? We are traveling actors who seem to have lost our way." Anthy looks up toward the man. She gasps at the ethereal beauty of his features, and a lump of fear settles in her stomach as she thinks that he is oddly familiar in some way. Nevertheless, she recovers her composure and tosses her head lightly. "You *are* lost. There are no villages for miles around." The dark stranger grins ferally, "Then . . . there will be no one to hear you scream . . . . " Before Anthy can, indeed, scream, the quiet blue-haired boy reaches in his saddlebag and pulls out a thick textbook which he propmtly uses to knock Anthy unconscious. As she falls into the man's waiting arms, the boy winces and apologizes to no one in particular, hoping that he didn't hit her too hard. Akio ignores the blue-haired boy and attaches a scrap of bluish fabric to Anthy's horse. Juri watches this process intently, "What is that you're ripping?" Akio glances over to her and flashes a knee-melting smile. He smoothly responds, "Denim. It's a sturdy fabric used for casual clothing. We don't use it here, it's only found in America." Never looking up, Miki clicks his stopwatch and chimes in, "America. noun, proper. Shortened form of "The United States of America," refering to a country in North America which borders on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans. Also refers to The United States of America with its dependencies and possessions. Alternate forms are The United States, The U.S., U.S.A., and U.S. of A." By the time Miki finishes his unasked-for definition, the three companions and their burden are on board Akio's private yacht, having sent Anthy's horse away with the denim attached. Akio continues to explain to Juri while he has her complete attention, "Once the horse reaches the castle, the denim will make the Prince's advisors suspect his Bride has been unrightfully kidnapped by Americans. When he finds her body dead on an American territorial holding, their suspicions will have enough evidence to start a war." Miki's head snaps up and his hands clench into tight fists as he glares at Akio. "You never said anything about killing anyone?! You can't kill her. I won't let you!" Akio answers evenly, "You can't stop me." Miki continues to protest, "I just don't think it's right . . . killing an innocent girl. You just can't DO that!!" Akio steps closer to the boy and rests his hands on Miki's shoulders. He speaks softly, and with emotion. "Miki, sometimes unpleasant things have to be done to make sure everything turns out for the best in the long run." Juri interupts, "I agree with Mickey. I don't understand how killing a girl to start a war is going to be better for everyone." Akio nods and solemnly explains, "I don't like it either, but what would you do? This world *needs* a revolution, and some things have to be sacrificed. If that revolution does not come, we may never realize the great benefits that would come." He releases Miki's shoulders and turns to Juri. "Either way, what happens to her is not truly your concern. I will kill her. And remember this, never forget this," he turns and walks away. "You *owe* me. When you cut yourself off from the one thing that could *make* you happy, just because you couldn't take the risk, I helped you." He then adresses Miki, "And you! Your own genius cuts you off from everyone and everything. Do you want me to send you to where you were? Alone, with a piano, searching for a shining thing that you'll never find." With that, he disappears into the ship's cabin as the small vessel sails smoothly out to sea. Juri and Miki sit down on the deck to keep watch. Juri lowers the tone of her voice, just in case there might be a certain unwanted eavesdropper, as she comments to Miki, "Akio . . . seems unreasonably mean." Miki nods to himself, "Yes. You would expect more from . . . the Dean." Juri's gaze falls on the cabin door. "Still, deans don't exactly have a reptution for being . . . prudent." Miki blinks, "But their first motive is always in the best interest of the student." Juri sighs, "I don't think he really means any harm." Miki frowns, "Rather, he knows how to charm." "You really have a knack for rhyme." Miki blushes, "Not all the time." Akio strolls back out on deck and overhears this last exchange. He scolds, "You should be paying more attention." Juri blinks and peers a little harder into the night. "Mickey, do you see rocks ahead?" Miki jumps up and moves to the edge of the yacht to get a better look. "If there are, we'll all be dead." As Miki peers intently over the ocean, Akio growls, "Nonsense. And you cannot do your job properly if your mind is focused on rhyming every little thing anyone says." As an endearing blush spreads across his face, Miki politely suggests, "You would look good in a fez." Akio raises an eyebrow and walks over to where Anthy lies bound on the deck, flashing his two conscious companions a don't-say-I-didn't-warn-you look. Bara no Hime (Part 3) By: Karen Karen bows profusely before her computer, "I'm sorry, fic, I've neglected you! I'm sorry, fic, I've neglected you! I'm sorry, fic, I've neglected you!" She opens one eye to peek nervously at the screen. The computer still sits harmlessly on her desk, with no apparent intention to injure her. She says a few more hasty "I'm sorry, I've neglected you!"s and gingerly sits down at the computer, "Um, anyhoo... Here's another part ^.^ If you wanna mail me and say hi * hint hint * my addy is above-- enjoy!" The ever-feared, ever long, but sometimes funny disclaimer section: I do not own the Princess Bride. I do not own the copyrights. I have no claim to the Utena show. I have no shame, which you should know. This tale has several minor swears, But no hentai, ecchi, or fuzzy bears. All I do is poke some fun, If I were you, I would start to run. * We're lost, but we're making good time. * -- City Slickers Deeper into the night, Akio's private yacht speeds toward its destination. Anthy has awoken, and Akio's companions are a bit on edge. "What are you doing?" The Dean directs toward Juri, who is still on watch with Miki, but she is staring intently at the waters behind the boat. "Making sure we're not being followed," she replies evenly. "That would take a miracle," Akio retorts. "I should know, after all, I own this world." Anthy meekly comments, "You may own the world, but you cannot control everything. Your luck will run out sometime, you will pay dearly for all you have done." Akio leans down beside Anthy and softly traces his fingers along her face, "The only one who is going to 'pay' now, your Highness, is you." He notices that Juri keeps glancing worriedly behind the yacht and calls out to her, "Stop doing that! There is nothing to worry about now. The deed is as good as done." Hesitant, Juri asks, "Are you sure that no one will follow us?" Akio sits beside her and softly asserts, "I told you, Juri, for someone to be following us could not possibly be anything short of a miracle. No one in America could possibly know what we're planning, and no one in Ohtori could get here this fast." He pauses, then asks her, "Why do you ask?" As calmly as ever, Juri replies, "Because there's a ship back there." Alarmed, but poised, Akio raises an eyebrow and scans the horizon behind his yacht. True enough, he spies another yacht following the same heading. He quickly calculates all the possibilities, and settles on the most likely. "Some local daredevils try to catch the sea life in these waters, to make some quick money with nearby museums." Without warning, Anthy jumps over the side of the ship and into the sea. Akio steams with fury at her unexpected mutiny. "Go get her!!!" he orders his companions with a voice of icy steel. When neither obeys him, he glares down at Juri. "I don't know how to swim," she offers stoically. Akio turns to Miki. Miki blushes intensely and softly stammers, "I . . I . . I don't know how, sir . . ." With all the impending fury of the calm before a storm, Akio charges, "Then steer this yacht over to where she is, so we can pick her up before she ruins my plans and commits suicide." No further prompting needed, Miki and Juri race to redirect the yacht. As Anthy half floats in the water, not sure what to do, she notices a curious metallic noise. She blinks and listens. The soft scrapes seems to go nicely with the rhythm of the waves . . . . From the side of the yacht, Akio murmurs seductively, "Do you remember what that sound is, Anthy? Those are the million swords of hate, and they are coming for you. You can never escape your destiny. I highly recommend that you return to your position as hostage, and behave. Because, if you try to change the rules of the game . . . you die." He grins ferally as Anthy's eyes widen to the increasing clamour made by the hungry Swords. All too soon, the first gleam of steal flashes faster than light out of the depth of the water and smoothly cleaves into . . . the air where Anthy used to be. Anthy sits wide-eyed in a dripping heap safely on the deck of the yacht, where Akio dropped her. He kneels down to look into her eyes, and leans right up to her face, almost touching her nose as he softly snarls, "My name is Ohtori Akio. You will not disobey me. Prepare to suffer." Hesitantly. Juri clears her throat. Akio looks up at her, obviously disliking her rude interruption. Juri looks away and calmly states, "That other ship has gained on us." Akio slowly stands. "That other ship is no concern of ours. Get us back on course." Miki and Juri immediately jump to obey, while Akio carefully eyes Anthy. @}~~~~~~~~~~~~{@ As dawn brakes hesitantly, almost afraid to look down upon Akio's private yacht, the selfsame yacht approaches the Cliffs of Sure, Sudden, Instant, Immediate, and Highly Painful Death Should Anyone Be So Completely Insane As to Even Approach Them (a.k.a. the Cliffs of Insanity). The ever-watchful Juri warns, "Look! He's almost on top of us!" Miki glances away from his task of steering the yacht, "He must have some sort of miracle power." Juri just glares at Miki, who quickly returns his attention to the yacht. Akio stands behind Juri, forcing Anthy to stand beside him as he remarks, "Don't worry, Juri. He's too late anyway. We've already arrived at the Cliffs of Sure, Sudden, Instant, Immediate, and Highly Painful Death Should Anyone Be So Completely Insane As to Even Approach Them. Only Mickey is genius enough to calculate the safest possible route to the top. Whoever he is, he'll be dead if he follows us any farther." Nevertheless, with all possible haste, Miki, Juri, and Akio with Anthy slung over his shoulder begin climbing the rock face. Miki, with map and stopwatch, truly leads them on a safe path up the cliff. Juri glances back down below her (partially to make sure Akio isn't too close to her) and cries out in amazement, "He's following us up the side of the cliff . . . and he's gaining on us, too!" Akio growls, "That would be a miracle . . . . climb FASTER!" Miki pouts, "I * am * going faster." Akio's eyebrow twitches once, "You're supposed to be a genius, and yet some low-born, filthy pirate can do better?" Miki cries down, "But I have to average the best route for the strengths and weaknesses of three people against the sheer rock face, while he only has to climb by himself!" Akio growls again, "I do not accept excuses, Miki. If you do not prove yourself to be worthwhile, I may have to replace you." Miki blanches and scrambles even faster up the wall. "Please don't say that! Please, sir?" Akio smiles to himself. "Just climb, Miki. Climb." When the three finally reach the top, Akio and Juri push a large pile of boulders and other smaller rocks down the cliff face. Miki joins them in carefully peering over the edge. Miki's voice is filled with relief as he cries, "He didn't die!" Akio murmurs with a bemused tone, "A miracle . . . hmm?" Juri blinks at him, "You use that word a lot, but things keep happening. I think you should double-check what it means." On cue, Miki clicks his stopwatch and helpfully supplies, "Miracle. Noun. an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs; an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment; a divinely natural phenomenon experienced humanly as the fulfillment of spiritual law." Akio, Juri, and Anthy sweatdrop and ignore Miki's lengthy comment. Juri looks back down the cliff and calls out, "Dios! He's still climbing!" Akio frowns icily, "Whoever he is, he must be after us to get the Princess." He says her title with sheer sarcasm, and a warning. He turns to Miki, "You find the quickest path to the eastern shore port." He turns to Juri, "Meet us there when he's dead, either by the cliff . . . or by the sword." Juri nods. "I think I duel him left-handed . . . ." Akio gazes down at her with a bemused smile, "You know we have no time to waste." Juri looks out toward the sea with a determined stare. "I am a Duelist, and the Captain of the best Fencing Team. If I use my right hand, it will be over too soon. Using my left hand is the only way I will be satisfied over this waste of my time." Akio smirks, and slings Anthy over his shoulder again, "Very well, then." Miki shyly walks up beside Juri, and hands her two roses. As a blush spreads across his face, he whispers, "Be careful, Juri-sempai. Masked men are dangerous, and they usually win." Akio smirks, "Mickey, I'm waiting." Miki's eyes flash wide as he starts, "H -- hai."