So much to say about this story...

Well I read it in one all-night sitting. So it was definitely interesting and well-written. XD

I'm not a fan of original characters in fanfic (uber fanfic as it's termed in the Xena fandom), and I would never have read this story if it wasn't for the prequel.

Having read it, I'm glad I did. I admit that I didn't like Kara when she wasn't like Utena (too crass, too unkind and non-understanding of the other duelists or any pov but her own, too lacking in the uncertain girlyness that was also Utena at times, too caught up in NOT being Utena lol). Similarly I didn't like how Marie wasn't Anthy (less knowing, less mysterious, less powerful).

Reading them as characters with our heroines imprinted onto them though, I understand the changes and even think they're clever. Just didn't like the non-Utenaness angle personally.

Of course the girl on girl gradual romance was delicious (and I liked that Kara only realised over time). I also love the closing line...awesome stuff.

Overall the story is great for what it is and I applaud you. Personally I wish that Kara and Marie had realised over time/fully remembered that they actually WERE Utena and Anthy (which in this reality of course they aren't), and in this way that the characters had been truly reunited.

Plus I would have liked Akio to be less of a laughingstock (yeah I get it's like the movie heh heh also smart), and more a powerful force of darkness. I like him as the pivotal character of the anime vs the more trivial character of the movie. It's more interesting for what it says about Anthy if he's the former.

You say a third story is in the arc? That's exciting...it will be a pleasure to see your ideas on paper, even if they don't line up with my personal preferences. Oh I hope it's a sequel with some remembering of identiy. Hope I see it when you post it.

I must admit, as you said in your ending note, I was a bit hesitant about reading a "fanfic" about a whole new set of characters. However, I gave it a shot and am really glad I did.

That is/has been one of the most enjoyable, addicting, crazy, and complex stories I have read in a long time, easily becoming a favorite from chapter 4. The character's roles in the actual series often bend around, while still making refernces to the original storyline. The idea of having people know the storyline and yet relive it unconiously was unique and refreshing. Writing style is addicting, and I have yet to stop laughing at all the anime references and song choice.

Wonderful job with Kara and Marie, pulling off a spectactual story with (unlike the actual series) a happy and defined ending.

Loved it!

Its a bummer that the kids missed the main part. It wasn't about Anshi needing Utena to be the prince, but about the roles of prince and princess to disolve, breaking the gender dichotomy where people had been relagated to the form of gendered objects, robots and straw filled with expectations and roles given to them (or imposed) by other people.

I'm happy I checked your prof from one of your other stories. I haven't read a lot of these. Now I have something to do during break :D

I've got to admit that I'm a bit late in reviewing this story - by God, it's over! - but I just wanted to stop by and let you know how awesome it is. Really.

I was a bit skeptical about the tangential angle at first, but this story won me over. It's very interesting to explore the different possibilities that a central plotline opens up. I also very much enjoyed how, while your characters bear shades of their counterparts from the Utena television show and manga, they also manage to exist apart from them. They're their own people, so to speak.

The songs you incorporated into the duels were very well-chosen, as well, and I don't think the duels would be complete without them. They just...add something, you know?

I really can't think of anything negative to say. I love this story, and I think it deserves MANY more reviews than it has.

Smilies,
Nabeko-tan

so, that's the end of Kara and Marie, huh? aww...well, at least they got their happy ending. i really liked this fic, you did a great job with it. i applaud you. ^^

write some new stuff soon, 'kay? please?

*grins*
Nice wrap up. I think you pulled it off, as they say. ^__^ 8/10

All I can say is "Wow" and "woah".

So far, I endorse this product and/or service.

it's all almost over? oh wow...so, is Kara gonna duel Akio or what? or maybe...there's a crazy twist? like, she might end up dueling...nah, i'm not gonna guess. ^^ please update again soon! ^^

//whimpers//

No... Kara's riding!! NO!! BAD!

Doug's in the hospital, Amelia's in trouble, Marie's Anthy and vulnerable right now... Everything's just getting WORSE! /cries/

I like how she unbalanced Chris, though. The Akio car makes people into Black Rose duelists, but Kara can't duel herself, so she really shouldn't be riding... so the worst-case senario is that she gets all the answers and hates Marie.

How long until she hospitalizes CHRIS? He NEEDS to be the one in the hospital, miracles of healing or no. Is he gonna become End of the World like Marie became Anthy?

Update soon, please!

God bless you.

gah, Kara, are you crazy? no! ah, please get that update in on time! ^^

*eyes get wide* dude...poor Doug! is he gonna be alright? please update again soon so we can find out!

Dude, you used "Through the Fire and Flames"! I love that song! YOU ROCK!

woot, awesomeness! please update again soon! ^^

*shivers* it's getting freaky! please update again soon! ^^