video;

[princelyrose]

[The video focuses in on two ankles, shredded school socks coming into view. There's a sigh and then a hand covers the device; it's pulled up and wiped off by a dark shirt, and then Utena finally looks at it closely. Her hair's mussed and she looks a little dirty even as she keeps the serene expression on her face.]

It's the same as before. ...

Comments

[pimpslaprose]

Tenjou?

You're back.

[princelyrose]

I guess I am.

...How long have I been gone? Why are there little kids everywhere?

[pimpslaprose]

Something strange is happening, Tenjou. You chose a bad time to return.

[princelyrose]

It's not like I had a choice, you know.

[pimpslaprose]

None of us have a choice.

[princelyrose]

...I know. Do you know what's going on, or...were you affected by any of it?

[pimpslaprose]

...no.

[princelyrose]

[She sighs.]

That's okay. We'll...think of something. Have you seen the others?

[pimpslaprose]

If you mean the others from Ohtori, they're gone.

[princelyrose]

...What?

[pimpslaprose]

I don't know how to say it anymore plainly, Tenjou.

[princelyrose]

[After yet another long pause, she responds, though oddly distant.] I guess...if they're at home and safe, that's more important than anything.

Instead of being stabbed by all those swo--oops. Too soon?

[pimpslaprose]

....

...I suppose.

sdkllskdmgn B| /punches

[princelyrose]

[Wow, awkward silence between them.] Maybe you'll get sent home soon.

[pimpslaprose]

I don't know.

It still doesn't make a lot of sense, being here in the first place.

[princelyrose]

Maybe we're supposed to make a difference.