love it so far [ not done cant read that much in 1 nite :( ]!

lol WEN did anthy 'n utena fight b4? i dont remember that! gr8 story tho. <3 it all t' way! makes me want 2 rewatch the series. r u makin' a 2nd story? -hopeful-

This has to be the best work of fanfiction- no, of Any type of fiction, that I have ever read. The way you explore the psychology of the characters, the sheer unbelievable depth of your insight into the Utena-verse is simply staggering, and the way you manage to pull it all together so neatly makes me feel like a tiny child at the feet of a great master. I've bookmarked your work, and plan to read everything else you've written with avid interest, as well as look out for a reply.

Btw, I stayed up all night reading your story and now I have 3 hours to write 1500 words for uni. It was worth it. Never give up writing, you owe it to the world.

After not keeping up to date with your fic for like a zillion days, I have to say, Sharnii, I just LOVED your story, every part of it!! Utena recovering her bravado, Anthy showing a more vulnerable side, Akio's princely delusions crumbling, Saionji being a more tolerable jerk, the dimensional travel, well... everything, really. It was an amazing fic, so much so I'd dare say you've surpassed Archimage and Jaquemart, or perhaps that's my U/A shipper self talking, but still! The imagery, the symbolism, the WTFery (is that even a word?), the character development, Utena's POV, they were just perfect. I don't think I can explain in one single review how much I've enjoyed this trip, or how glad I am that you're pursuing a new avenue with the sequel!! No doubt, you are a gifted writer.

AUTHOR'S NOTE CONTINUED:

LEDlorien7 on chap 20: I won't shoot Anthy! But I'll come close. ;p

'Roses smell like Anthy', m yes. Must go and smell some roses now. Heh. Yep I'm integrating the movieverse with the anime.

Thanks re brackets to express confusion, glad that it works. Utena really is quite confused, quite a lot of the time.

Intensity is good, glad you like. I know what you mean about the drifting out of character thing - Utena realizes so much more than she should. That develops in Thorns Wither. There's reasons for it. ^^ But yeah I suppose it means I definitely have developed both characters past what they were in the anime. I only hope it's done believably and in a logical direction.

Grammar changes, thanks again.

Anthy means that Utena is different from her and Dios because...no, I cannot tell you yet! *evil grin* Mostly cos it's a major plot-point in the sequel.

Utena's tasting blood because using her power to travel between realities wipes her out. As will be developed a little more in the next chapter. And the reason for that is...

No I cannot tell you! Yet. *smirks*

LEDlorien on chap 21: Poor Nanami, yep she is amusing. She kinda has a problem with anybody being a couple actually. Her sex repression is...interesting. I'm quite sympathetic to her character even while I like using her for humor. Same with Saionji.

They're in pairs because it's easier for me to write. And also because there's unsettled issues between the various pairs. One of the biggest challenges of having multi-character scenes is they fill up way too fast and are too hard to write. It's better to avoid them (or so I've read), but hey, I want the other characters to play a part. At least at parts.

Yeah, Nanami has a raw deal. *cry* Touga really uses her. Very scrappy fight yes, all fists and hair lol.

Akio does have a lot of power over Utena. You're right, people don't stop having power over us just because we're not with them anymore. The fact is Utena was gaga over Akio. Sure she woke up to who he really is. But that doesn't change their past, or his hold over her. Likewise with Akio and Anthy...

Thanks re glove and name of duel! I enjoyed those touches.

LEDlorien7 on chap 22: I'm glad you found it fitting that Anthy had to revert to being the rose bride: I really felt that as I scripted the action, but I've also wondered if it was a mistake. Ah well, it sets up the sequel quite nicely.

Yep I love that duel. Actually there were several where Anthy wasn't disinterested. Quite a few eye-widening scenes in key moments (including in duels 1 & 2 lol) and even some calling out. And even some slightly angry looks in the duel with Wakaba. Ah Anthy. Complicated Anthy.

Yeah it bothered me. I would much prefer the anime to have blood. It felt weird without blood. Hopefully that doesn't make me a gory creature. *grins* I am a vampire fan so...maybe that's something to be worried about...oh nos!

Anyway that's why I stuck blood back in the story, even though it's a step away from the anime. I can't help it: to me if you get pierced by a sword you bleed. Even if it's not G rated.

As to a scene where Anthy tends Utena's wounds - there's one in the manga. Have you read the manga yet? Thank you re the sentence about 'captivating siblings'. Yay.

ire, such a good word. Thanks re the raw comment. I do know what you mean. I feel it as I write it. I try to re-write dialogue so I feel it when I read it back.

Poor Utena didn't think this duel through, of course she's shocked by the impaling thing. Por Utena hehe. Sorry I couldn't keep the f-word out of the final chapter. *looks chagrined*. I just thought Akio would be THAT shocked. He's meant to be the one in control isn't he? The one using scenes from his projector room!

And it seemed like something Saionji would say. Plus it's funny. But hmm, maybe a mistake. Oh well, too late now. Fuck changing it. Oops sorry! *evil grin*

More than Dios talking to Akio like a 6 year old...he's actually using the same dialogue young Utena did when she sat up in her coffin and met adolescent Dios. Freaky, no? Yes! And Akio replies as Dios did back then. So he uses his very own words in a slightly updated form.

Aki rofl. Hmm rather big mistake by me.

They're not exactly going back to the garden of Eden (and they are). Er I mean, the symbolism in this scene is alluding to Utena's connection to Akio and Anthy through the power of Dios and her princeship (since the prince is eternal, like an archetype, the power is eternal, Akio and Anthy are eternal). Remember when Anthy and Utena are on the movieverse platform-of-roses and Utena 'remembers' part of what happened during the movie, and so does Anthy? It's also alluding to the idea *deep breath* that the myth of prince and witch and sacrifice and redemption is a perpetual myth - a cycle that goes around and round. It's happened before, it will happen again. And in a way it's always Utena playing Utena's role (the blind fool who saves the day through love), even when she's a different Utena (bitter and angry as in the movieverse, or even more innocent as in the mangaverse). And simultaneously *deeper breath* it's referring to the whole idea of there being a manga/anmie/movie for the same story that is actually in each part a different story. Told a slightly different way.

Are you completely confused yet? *looks guilty*

Plus I'm a theology major. Nuff said. *tries to look self-justifying*

Dios/Akio both god and serpent, yes. Lucifer like he is presented in the anime, and god like he is alluded to in the manga. Anthy is the serpent too (the serpent's neck was bruised/crushed; her neck is bent submissively) and simultaneously the fruit or temptation. And Utena is Adam, the one who gets deceived. And in some ways both Anthy and Utena are Eve, which must be why all girls are rose brides in the end.

Whatever that means. *more grinning*

Akio is Dios now (again), but he's still Akio too. We'll have to wait to see what that really means.

'Lame' is my attempt at a joke, shame it didn't work for you. I'll re-look at it. Hey, I thought about them having sex, but really, I reckon that's too much of a plot-arc when the story is winding down. It didn't fit to develop into actual sex yet in Roses Grow. But hey, there's a sequel... *rubs hands*

'The once and future prince', yeah nice catch, a reference to 'The Once and Future King' by T. H. White about King Arthur. His title was actually taken from the inscription over Arthur's grave: 'Here lies Arthur, the once and future king'. One of the legends about Arthur is the prophecy that he will rise again (somehow sometime) to lead England back to a glorious golden age of chivalry, justice for all, true knights and romantic love. Of course he was tragically betrayed, partly by being too 'good' to see the truth right in front of his face. By loving too much, being too good a friend and husband.

Who does he remind you of? *smiles*

Man, I can't resist playing with mythology when it comes to Utena. It's kinda the series fault cos it plays with it so much itself. There's so many hidden references throughout. The statue during the scene between Juri and Utena. The statue when Nanami is running and crying. The apple tree under which young Nanami stands with the kitten. Akio talking about Lucifer's fate. Every time you rewatch it there's something new.

Ten years thing, nice to round it off. ^^ They kept their promise early. And they seem to keep it regularly. The sequel will develop their sex life some more. Never fear. I like to build up to it insanely gradually. As you have seen.

I really appreciate your reviews; they're not annoying at all. I hope my replies made sense to you. Thanks for reading and for all the support!

LEDlorien7 on chap 23: I did. I better go and repost my email addy. Darn fanfic dot net. It prevents them showing up. ChuChu sobs in several scenes - the one I mentioned earlier when Anthy's at the tower, and when he's fighting with the frog and some key stuff is happening with Anthy in the birdcage.

Intelligent and cool, I'll take that. Yes, yes I am. *looks furtive* And chapter one of the sequel is posted finally. Yay.

AUTHOR'S NOTE CONTINUED:

James Birdsong on chap 23: Ty mate and for your constant reviews.

Nobody 08 on chap 23: That's a pretty cool level of awesomeness. *preens* Thanks very much!

Ember A. Keelty on chap 23: Such a good point, Ember. I know! When I read back my Author's Notes I'm like, "wtf?!" It's almost impossible to analyze and not to ramble about who knows what. I'm about to add more ramble to that btw...somebody save us... *grins*

Ember A. Keelty on chap 22: Dead or Ascended rofl. I hate when that happens...

'Utena and her Stupid Good orientation whenever it comes to Anthy': you put that beautifully. Yeah, it's so sweet isn't it. Part of why I love her character. And good on Anthy for not taking it, I agree. The idea of heroic sacrifice is so powerful yet I can't bear the idea of Utena dead at the end of the anime. Far better to see the cost of her sacrifice in real life with Anthy, along with all the bittersweet moments of an honest-to-goodness going-somewhere (but where?! lol) relationship.

I love that image of Anthy all 'beautifully submissive' too. Her character is just...hard to look away from...

I am planning to develop Shiori and Kozue further in Thorns Wither yeah, mostly because Juri and Miki will play large parts. Shiori's such an awesome character she really deserves a whole novel of her own, angsting on and on about her relationship with Juri and trying to move it somewhere constructive. *grins*

Of course I'm too busy with Utena/Anthy. *bigger grin*

And movieverse Shiori. Yummy!

LEDlorien7 on chap 18: You're back! Yep, I'm very glad to see you. ^^ I like detailed comments, so of course it's cool to see a longtime reader back to say lotsa stuff.

First off I appreciate you noticing my errors. In lieu of a beta reader that's valuable. Thanks for pointing them out, I think most of what you mention are corrections I need to make.

Happening in the trance well... It means that it's happening in the past actually (5 years past), while it's simultaneously happening in the present. And it's happening in reality (a greater reality ooh) even while it's happening in a trance, aka Utena's mind and memories.

That probably just made things more confusing lol...

ChuChu should secure the portcullis, too right. Geez, something probably got squashed hehe.

Egyptian statues: Osiris and Isis, famous brother and sister god and goddess with tragic (and sexual) history. Who does that remind you of? ^^

The slap was SO fun to write. *looks evil* Thanks re shining thing insertion. Creepy is good, I wanted everyone creeped out. I mean, it's a creepy scene. *more grinning*

The sword scene yeah...psychological sure. And highly symbolic just like everything in SKU. Really the crux of the story when you think about it, as in the answer to where Utena's been and also to where she's going...

Time-travel yeah lol. Or temporal flux. Or another world. Or something. Heh.

Yep it should be 'real world rules', that's an error, thanks. Adorable is good, I love writing their interaction. Something about their dynamic is so different from your usual couple.

sam on chap 23: Thanks, another person who liked the Author's Note, I'm glad. As for your question: the side stories of the minor characters are just alluded to in this story. They're present to give Roses Grow depth and dimension (as opposed to being too focused on Utena/Anthy, too one-dimensional and insular which I find can be a problem in romances). As such they're developed just enough to be interesting, and Utena notices them as people (and as her friends), but since it's her POV we only focus on them as much as she does.

And most of the time she's focused on Anthy alas alack. *grin* Or the action. I mean she could barely remember Shiori and Kozue's names when they entered the tea garden. Heh.

I would love to develop all the characters: but they would all need their own novels then. So what's happening instead is some partial continuing development in Thorns Wither. But most of the story will still be Utena/Anthy.

Actually I'm up for the idea of other authors developing scenes and characters from the Roses Grow universe if any are ever interested. I love fan-community-work. So say a scene between Touga and Saionji in the hotel that takes place in the timeline of Roses Grow, but isn't in the original story. PM me if you're interested anyone. ^^ Or email me at sharniichan at aim dot com.

As for the anime being about emancipation I agree, sure. And salvation yeah. It was about growing up (the pain of it) and freeing yourself from that which holds you back (love gone wrong) by having the courage to love. It was about...oh so many things...

You could analyze it for hours. *grins* Damn! *bigger grin*

Tonnerre on chap 22: I first noticed the garden as a prison when Touga refers to it as a birdcage, and to Anthy as a bird he would like to trap there forever (creepy! creepy Touga!). It's an awesome scene in the anime. Amazing stuff. *sighs* Man I love the anime...

I sure hope Shiori and Kozue come around. Hey, I wonder what living with Akio-Dios would be like? Heh.

LEDlorien7 on chap 19: Oh soz re phrase 'carked out'. I'm an Aussie although I try to write in American English since the majority of my readers are American (sorry non-Americans out there! Sorry fellow Australians!). 'Carked out' is slang for sleeping, yep. It means when you're really tired and you just fall asleep anywhere, in any old position.

I'm glad you enjoyed the sex scene: 'fucking hot' is awesome heh. Yeah it's like you say: Utena doesn't know what she's doing but is determined to do it anyway...

It is interesting to play with Utena and Anthy in bed. After all Utena is the dominant-seeming character...but is she really dominant? They're dynamic is just... *licks lips*

'Sheath to your sword', yep deliberately phallic. Geez, Anthy should watch her words. ^^ Or actually, I think she is picking them deliberately.

'Everything she said was true. Everything she said was a lie.' I mean that there is something deceptive about the rose bride, even though she seems so innocent and sweet (and that Anthy retains something of being the rose bride). Does that kinda make sense?

Utena is wise to be careful, agreed, and Anthy doesn't really understand that dimension of her. And Utena doesn't understand that she's being wise: she's just following her nature. All that is developed more in Thorns Wither. And stories bring out the personal side to us, hey.

Thank you re the goddess imagery. Wow you went back and re-read? That's so cool. I've just finished re-reading the story myself so as to edit Thorns Wither properly. It IS hard to remember everything that happens, and has happened, even when you're the author! Even with notes to remind me!! Hehe. Not to mention it took me hours and hours to read the story. Geez, it's so long. I was up to 3 in the morning. *grins*

Glad you laughed at breakfast. Poor Juri and Saionji. Yeah, cheating ChuChu, so cute. Utena means how she started to think about the night she saw Anthy on the couch with Akio (after Tsuwabuki told her about Touga). And how she angsted over why she'd reacted by being angry at Anthy.

Utena thinking about that in relation to Touga betraying his sister (and all of them) is what Anthy didn't expect to happen.

Tarot cards are an element of magic, so sure it makes sense that Anthy pulls them out in this scene. Just another witchly element...

Re what the cards mean: it means that specifically right now, for the meaning to do with Utena that Anthy is reading, that particular card is about destiny and overwhelming fate. That's not its general meaning - just one of the its possible meanings. And its meaning in this reading.

Good catch re my grammar. Need to change that. Don't know if I can bear to edit this story again for awhile though...hehe...

'Her heart was in her eyes' - I admit that's not mine in any way. To me that's a cliche phrase: I've read it a lot. So feel free to steal it! It's free domain.

Yep ChuChu wept in his sleep in the anime. And Utena moved him out of his puddle of tears so he wouldn't catch cold, and tried to comfort him. All the while Anthy was at the tower...visiting Akio. Utena put ChuChu's tears down to missing Anthy. But I interpret them as something more.

Scrying yay. Well that is a part of Witchcraft, and much older than any reference to it in Buffy or Charmed (which re-write Wicca to suit their purposes. As do I and all fantasy authors lol). As you can see Anthy is scrying in a bowl of water, which is a little more Greek oracle, and a little less Charmed if you will.

Sure I'll read your short fanfic, I love SKU fic. ^^ Yep, editing is a pain isn't it. I tell you what, it's such a headache. Not half as fun as writing. But so necessary. *sigh*

Well Latin used in spells is much older than Buffy or Harry Potter hehe. That's why they use it. But is it older than Anthy? *looks mysterious*. And remember that other time she used words Utena didn't recognize? I wonder what she was speaking then...

Nit-pickiness is good, thanks for the catch. Right again.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Squeaky Phantom on chap 18: Thanks!

swift on chap 18: Yep the imagery is from the opening credits, nice catch. I figure they should actually happen in the fandom. And yes, this is how Anthy found Utena at the hospital. Freaky...

AkaiHime on chap 18: Yep it was confusing, agreed. Hopefully chap 19 cleared it up a bit. And I'm adding something to the Author's Notes at the end about it too, to explain it more.

Anime123 on chap 18: Ty yay.

Felicia F on chap 18: Wow thanks very much. I'll take 'beautifully'!

KinoAG on chap 18: And thank you for reviewing. Awesome compliments.

James Birdsong on chap 18: Thx /grin

Symphony of Death on chap 18: I think Utena's fear is about her deliberately not remembering what happened to her (cos it's too painful to face up to). A bit like how some people repress being raped in childhood, or something like that: pain that you just can't cope with so your body protects you by forgetting.

Thanks what you say re Anthy! Writing her is so fun, especially through Utena's eyes. I'm happy the transition touched you: maybe it's because of what it reveals about how Anthy saved Utena (through Utena saving her).

St Astryr of the Uncool on chap 18: No probs, minimal net sucks. Thanks what you say about the movement of the chapter; I was concerned about that. Anthy coming across as cryptic is good, god. And the fact that you distrusted her briefly is perfect, completely what I wanted from a reader. Yay!

James Birdson on chap 19: Ty ^^

Anthiena on chap 19: Poor poor Shiori. Poor evil Shiori lol. I swear I do like her. It's true I'm using her as a plot device in Roses Grow but hey, I recently made her the star of an amv. And I'm rp-ing her at the moment: she's really such a deep character. This story doesn't do her justice.

switft on chap 19: Yes confident Utena, yay at last. Thank you re the showing not telling! I think I screw that up at times. And yes, as I'm sure you've seen by now...Utena's instincts did screw them over. Way too naive: She makes some serious mistakes. As does Anthy at times.

Squeaky Phantom on chap 19: Ty.

Person on chap 19: I just love your username. Anyways, on to the review... Thanks re the yin-yang relationship nature comment. I'm very much trying to show that. All the comments you say about Anthy's nature and Utena's in response...very well said, and very much what I'm going for. It's so great to have a reader say it back, and to say it beautifully. ^^

Yes yes that bedroom scene IS frustrating. Another reader has drawn some delicious fanart for it, which I really need to post on the net somewhere for everybody. /drools

Yes, Utena feeling hesitant about taking advantage of Utena leapt out at me and demanded to be written. Poor Utena, she really makes life hard on herself. I mean, take her, woman! Take Anthy! lol...

What you said about me transferring their dynamic as adolescent platonic friends to adult lovers..plus baggage...damn, you have some nice phrasing. That is an awesome compliment. Thank you!

Thanks re ChuChu too. I love using him as a plot device, the poor little creature. Great review, mate, very appreciated.

Ressey101: New reader I think? I'd hate her to get shot too... And yeah, I know, I seem to get off on cliffhangers. Fanfic dot net is so set up that way...

Jaimicchi on chap 19: Yay another new reviewer. And more you shall have.

Wolf-of-Five-Elements on chap 19: More new readers, cool. Yes Utena has the power of Dios. After a fashion...

Milo on chap 20: What a thing to say, Milo, your reviews feed me for sure. And if my story feeds fans, I'm over the moon. After all I'm feeding myself on its Utena/Anthy interaction too...how deviously clever of me... lol

Tassels are cool, no? M m. I know what you say re possible fanart! I would love a green summer dress covered with crushed rose petals Anthy. Or any of the heart swords scenes. I really feel those scenes...

sngr2labels on chap 20: Wow I'm very honored that the story has made you so emotional, and even drained you with your empathizing of it. That's how I feel when I write it - sometimes it's exhausting. Great to take a reader on the painful yet enjoyable journey with me!

Anime123 on chap 20: Thank you.

Sam on chap 20: Oh nos, your cake! But hey, I'm very flattered. Thanks for saying. ^^

Anthiena on chap 20: The rose garden was a nice interlude. And I liked Utena rejecting the old prince role, it felt like something she would do. As for your Truth rendition...I must go and look at it and see. Maybe in the sequel?

Gluttony on chap 20: A chef? I actually really suck at cooking. You would die if you ate my food hehe. I'm worse than Anthy, no really.

But hey, nice way of complimenting an author!

Squeaky Phantom on chap 20: Thanks re sword bit.

James Birdsong on chap 20: Ty.

Wolf-of-Five-Elements: I hope so too...

AkaiHime on chap 20: Yep I slowed down at the end true. It was actually all written *looks ashamed* but I wasn't happy with it and kept editing compulsively. I don't have a consistent beta so I'm afraid I get very frustrated with my work. And that's when the re-editing takes forever. /sigh

chibidarkxiao on chap 20: Aw you poor reader. I really make you guys suffer with the cliffhangers...

Malacoda on chap 20: Thanks for remembering! Welcome new reviewer. ^^ Yeah powerful Akio plus swords=poor Utena. I'm really slamming her around. I'm glad it made sense to you though.

You are completely right that I shamelessly insert parts of the movie and manga whenever I can. I love all three and want to mesh them somehow in my mind. I also throw in scenes reminiscent to the anime whenever I can, partly to refer to the past, and partly to keep the Utena 'feel'.

Alphawolf69 on chap 20: Dreamlike and intricate makes me cheer. Tenterhooks is good, thanks for reviewing. ^^

Avarenda on chap 1: Thank you! Lovely to hear.

Multi-Facets on chap 20: Thanks for what you say re power and depth, I'm flattered. And it's great you're enjoying the symbolism: I'm a huge fan of it as you can see. The fact that it feels like a continuation of the anime to you is one of the best things I could hear! And thanks re my spelling etc yay.

KinoAG on chap 21: Hehe.

Avarenda on chap 21: Anthy's relapse is a bit confusing, agreed. And yeah, I'm using it as a plot device, and shifting the focus to Akio and Utena as you would have seen by now in chap 22. Hopefully Anthy's relapse makes sense in the light of all her past pain and trauma. After all she's been surprisingly strong up to this point...for her...

Yep tough fight ahead for Utena. And I almost feel sorry for Akio in this scene. What's wrong with me?! Empathy for all the characters...hehe...

Milo on chap 21: Wow, I never thought of the 'Anthy stab Akio through the back idea', that's pretty clever Milo. Unfortunately it doesn't fit in this story, but that's a mad idea for another story. Someone should run with it! ^^ Maybe I'll steal it at some point and credit you...

Utena beating up Touga and vice versa, fun fun.

Ember A. Keelty on chap 21: Thanks for noticing 'girl's move' touch. That's cool. It's true that Akio's power over Anthy does seem strange...

When I have Akio say the prince was Utena's first love, he is saying it as the man who used to be Dios, so in that sense he does remember it. Is that what you mean? Or something else?

M on chap 21: Ty.

Anime123 on chap 21: Yay thx.

AkaiHime on chap 21: Nps reader-san.

vampangelus on chap 21: Thx for reviewing, exciting is good!

James Birdson on chap 21: Thanks.

Tonerre on chap 21: Ooh exciting.

Ashbringer on chap 21: Ty for saying! Glad you feel so strongly.

AkaiHime on chap 23: Awesome, a reader for life. ^^ Well the sequel is posted now...get cracking...

AkaiHime on chap 22: That's cool what you say about their love seeming pure and innocent. I do like that. And it fit this story.

Of course I like lemons too, and since the sequel is from Anthy's pov it changes a little in that regard. M.

Avarenda on chap 22: Thanks for all the reviews. Surreal is good to hear!

Avarenda on chap 23: I'm glad some readers found the Q&A useful. Yep I've been writing a bit over a year. Who knows these things take so long? It doesn't seem like a year while you're writing it, and thinking about it.

I'm actually going to add to the Q&A shortly as I've been asked for several more explanations.

Person on chap 23: Or maybe you as a reader/Utena fan are the one to 'get' SKU in a way that it's rarely gotten. ^^ Ah, I wonder what the truth of the matter is...

Thanks for all your cool reviews, and it makes me happy that you appreciate my coverage of SKU aspects. Yay.

Ashbringer on chap 23: Yeah I agree re the bad guys. Unfortunately there's no room in this story (even though it's a novel lol) for truly in-depth focus on anybody but the 2 main characters. That's part of the reason it's primarily marked as romance.

Plus you're right; Utena doesn't really understand the villains. However I can say they will continue to be developed in the sequel (just not as much as the main characters), especially since it's from Anthy's pov. And she certainly gets them...

'Grasp for the whole fandom' - awesome. *blushes*

KinoAG on chap 23: Another longterm reviewer - I really appreciate it. Your comments re the end are taken on board, and after thinking about them I kinda agree with you. The ending is lacking a little...something. Maybe some punch? I thought about doing a sex scene (how scandalous of me!) but that was too much excitement after the plot is winding down from the duel. Thus just a bit of explaining (as an epilogue) and a nice sweet kiss with some sweet words.

But yeah, still lacking somehow...

Hmm well, Thorns Wither will continue to develop our heroines, and I'll try to fix the story-flow better in that one, including the ending. Always r

Hello again.

Did you intend to put your email address in here? It didn't sow up. Not sure why.

When does ChuChu sob when Anthy's been hurt? I want to go back and see it because I don't remember.

Ah, you sound like such an intelligent, cool person in your author's note. Yay!

I can't wait for the sequel. Please, keep on being amazing!

-LEDlorien7

Okay, you've totally got me hooked. I mean, I was hooked long ago, but I mean in this moment. As in, I can't put this down, figuratively speaking.

It's strangely fitting that in order for Utena to win this last duel, Anthy has to be the Rose Bride again, one last time.

There was one duel where Anthy wasn't disinterested. In episode 25. It's my favorite episode because of the part where Anthy jumps in to save Utena from Saionji when the sword disappears.

Did it bother you at all that in all the duels in the show, no one ever drew blood? I wanted them to because it would have made Utena seem more heroic. Also, a scene with Anthy tending to her wounds would have been really sweet.

"And my attention was divided, split between these captivating siblings just as it had always been." Oh man, wow, that's so true. You just summed up the entire show in one sentence. Amazing.

Oh man, Utena, I love you! (and now I talk to the characters...) I love that you make Anthy the catalyst for Utena's rage. I mean, it really couldn't be any other way. But it's still good.

"Dios flowed into me, filling me with ire that Anthy should be treated so. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t RIGHT." Okay, number one, props for the use of the word "ire". Number two, I love how you wrote "It wasn't right" twice, with the second one being filled with rage. It's so raw. I love how raw this is. You know what I mean?

Ahaha, she didn't realize that she was going to impale him. That's entertaining. Oh, come on Utena. He's a bastard! Get him! (You are making this so torturous.)

"“What the fuck?!” Akio’s calm veneer shattered" AHahaha, that was slightly out of character, I think. I also think it was worth it. Hahaha.

Okay, whoa. What? Dios is talking to Akio, and he's acting like a 6 year old... this is so weird.

Pity? I feel no pity for him.

"“What did you do to me?!” snarled Aki..." Unless you've given him a nickname... I think... well, I don't even need to say it.

"looking like she was just waking up, and waking to a nightmare besides" Hm, I'm interested that you said "to a nightmare" instead of "from a nightmare". I mean, of course it's a nightmare that Utena is hurt. But at least she's herself again, you know? I don't know.

Oh my god, are you making this an Eden myth? You are! Sneaky sneaky! So, wait a minute, they're going back into the garden of Eden? Can they do that?

I love how you describe Dios and Anthy down here, so positively and negatively. How Anthy makes you want to dominate her, and Dios is both god and the serpent. It's quite fascinating. Hmm, and Akio gives Anthy the fruit and she gives it to Utena. Interesting. And it was all in Utena's mind anyway. Wow.

"“That was fucked up,” muttered Saionji" Again, slightly out of character, but worth it.

Hm, so he's Dios, but still evil?

"“Lame,” I muttered" I'm questioning your word choice. "Lame" makes me think of a surly teenager dismissing someone's idea as uncool. Not sure what would make sense to me, not like it matters because it's your story.

Oh man, I love them. Even when they're awkwardly avoiding talking. I want them to do the talking thing and then go have sex or something. ^_^

"The once and future prince"? Like, king Arthur?

"We can live out our lives together, between tea and cookies." That sounds so fucking cute. Yay! I also love that you brought up the "ten years" thing. Happiness.

No sex? *Cries*. There's going to be a sequel? *Happiness*

Wow, that was amazing. I hope you enjoyed my reviews. I hope they weren't annoying or anything. I can't wait for the sequel. I'm going to go read the author's notes and review them. You're amazing. I really admire your writing.

Oh man, I can't wait to see what happens in this chapter!

Hehe, Saionji walked in on them... and then Nanami called Utena Anthy's girlfriend. ^_^ If it was me in there, even in terrible circumstances, that would have made me happy. Like right now, I actually have a girlfriend, and every time I say something like, "My girlfriend called," or anything where I refer to her as my girlfriend, it makes me ridiculously happy. AHaha, Nanami. It amuses me that she has such a problem with those two being a couple.

"playing with Anthy’s hair. I couldn’t seem to stop myself, it was comforting," Aw. I know what she means. ^_^ I love girls' hair.

Oh man, you're killing me. If something bad happens to Anthy or Utena, I will never forgive you. ^_^

Hm, interesting that they're all in pairs. Utena and Anthy. Wakaba and Saionji. Nanami and Tsuwabuki.

Argh, Touga, bastard. Go Utena, you get him!

Wow, Nanami seems so confused. I feel bad for her. She doesn't want her brother to... well, molest her. But she doesn't want anyone to hurt him either.

This is such a scrappy fight. So very un-duel-like.

AH! So much intrigue! This is quite the final battle. It's much more of a... I don't know, I can't explain it. It's not a two armies charging with swords battle. It's a low blows, fighting dirty, hit the hero where it hurts the most (the heart) kind of battle.

“I’m just not that way inclined." That sounds so... formal. I don't know. I like it though. I like the way it sounds.

Oh man, Akio, I hate him. I bet Utena hates how he makes her feel. He's like my ex-girlfriend. The one who broke my heart, yet can still drive me crazy, even though I'd never want to be with her again. He's like that to her...

Yay for hitting him with her glove. That was a nice touch. As was the name of the duel.

Argh, I have to finish! I need to see how it ends! Then I can do my homework... eventually...

DON'T SHOOT ANTHY! XO

Eheh, hi.

Hm, are they in the rose garden from the movie version?

I love that it's "roses smell like Anthy" rather than "Anthy smells like roses."

Hm, this is weird. I like how you're integrating the movie as an alternate universe.

In the paragraph that starts: "But I wasn’t the rose bride (was I? But what about the million swords of hatred?!)" You use parentheses really well to express confusion and thought process.

Oh man, this is getting so intense. I loved the way they drew the sword. Well, mostly I love it whenever they kiss or go further or act cute and couple-y. But the intensity, that realization Utena has about what she means to Anthy, that was amazing. It's weird, part of me feels like they're drifting out of character here. But the other part of me feels like the characters have changed in your story in a natural way, so it does make sense.

Ah, ok, good. "“I mean, I don’t want to be the prince if I have to be the prince…he was. If that’s…the only way to be the prince. You know?”" This is more in character and it makes more sense. Okay. Yeah. (I'm sort of talking to myself, aren't I?)

Grammar nit picking! Yay! "I opened my arms, and she came, no rushed into them willingly" This would work better like this: "I opened my arms, and she came--no rushed--into them willingly" Or maybe it's good with one Em Dash between the "came" and the "no", I'm not positive which is more correct.

"I was still uncertain but Anthy was leading the way now." I think there should be a comma between the "uncertain" and the "but".

Rawr, I want to know what Anthy meant that Utena is different from her and Dios. Is she just regretting the way they manipulated everyone while at Ohtori? Or perhaps it's about the way Akio used her.

"I felt Anthy’s hands cradling my head to her chest, Anthy’s lips pressing against my hair." This is just a recommendation. I would suggest changing the second "Anthy's" to just "her". I feel like it might flow better that way... perhaps...?

"“If the sword is my heart like you say,” I told her just a little craftily, “then it’s already yours anyway.” I stuck out my tongue. She stared, then slowly smiled. It felt better than winning any duel." Okay, that's just... AW. I like that you say that it felt better than winning a duel. That made me smile. And since I'm procrastinating right now, and I should be reading this boring stuff on economics, I'm thankful for how much this story makes me smile.

Why is Utena tasting blood?

Also, it seems that we are coming to the final showdown. Yikes, I'm nervous. Oh, but good ending. I love how Anthy's all like, "I just can't stay away from you." And they're so brave and cute! Happiness!

AAH, I HAVE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!

^_^

Hello, I'm back, and so excited to keep reading!

I have never heard the phrase "carked out" I'm going to assume it means sleeping. I'm intrigued though.

"Our kiss was fierce: possessive on my part and filled with her surrender." That sounds so fucking hot. You rock! And I'm really loving the sex scene. I like how you've characterized Utena in it. She's so fierce and possessive. It's awesome and hot. I love that Utena calls Anthy her prince because it's definitely becoming that way. But at the same time, Utena will always be The Prince, sort of. And Utena's being so defiant. I like that she recognizes that she doesn't know what she's doing, but she's still determined to do it anyway.

Aw, it makes me sad that Utena ends up feeling all that doubt. She's dominant, it's ok. It's ok for Anthy to be submissive. It's part of who they are, and it makes them go really great together in bed.

Scheming... Go Anthy! I hope it works...

"Sheath to your sword" That sounds so... phallic.

"Everything she said was true. Everything she said was a lie." That one took me a moment. I think you mean the things she said about how Utena felt. Because that would make sense, in that Utena wants them not to be true, but they are.

Okay, now I admire Utena for being so careful. I understand what she's afraid of, because I've been on the other end of it. I gave someone else total control of my heart, and she broke it. If she'd been careful, like Utena's being, maybe I wouldn't be so afraid now to give my heart to someone else... (Wow, just got a little personal there...)

I love the goddess on the sacrificial alter imagery. I also absolutely love this sentence: "Our eyes met and clashed, and slid off our warring viewpoints."

If I hadn't gone back and re-read this whole thing before starting where I had left off, I wouldn't even have remembered that they're stuck in that hotel with Touga being a traitor and Akio after them.

"Needless to say, breakfast was normal. Disturbingly normal." AHAHAHAHA. That was well done.

Aw, ChuChu cheats, and Anthy lets him. That's so cute!

Aw, shoot, I don't remember what she did when Tsuwabuki told her... Unless she means the part where she wouldn't even let him talk. But if she means what she did when he actually did tell her, I don't remember what that was...

Hm, Tarot cards... I feel like it makes sense that Anthy can and does read them.

I didn't really get what this means: "Yet when I ask the cards for our meaning they favor destiny, the superior force of fate." Does that mean that in general, tarot cards talk about destiny and fate? Or does it mean that that particular card is saying that there is a destiny/fate? Or something else...?

Bad idea, Utena. Anthy's right. Don't tell them. Let them see it when it becomes obvious.

"(from where I wondered)" This seems like it means that the place where Utena wondered is where Anthy got the jacket from. But I think you mean that Utena wonders where Anthy got it. So maybe saying "(from where? I wondered)," or at least "(from where, I wondered,)" would make more sense.

"and suddenly her heart was in her eyes" Ooh, I love that phrase! I might need to steal it someday. I can't believe I've never seen anyone say that before. It makes so much sense.

Aw: "In that instant it was clear to me: if it was me Anthy would have already been there."

"It reminded me of the nights back at Ohtori I’d found him weeping in his sleep." ChuChu? Really? I feel like I should remember that... Was it in the anime?

Heh, scrying. I'm a fan of both Buffy and Charmed, and it amuses me when things from those show up in places I don't expect. I guess I mean that I wasn't expecting so much actual witchcraft from Anthy. Even if I had been expecting her to use her witchcraft, I would have expected it to be different from that of Buffy or Charmed... But I guess it makes sense that it's not...

"The graceful motions reminded me of when she dressed me for the duels." I'm writing a short fanfiction about that. I was hoping you'd read it when I finally publish it. Unfortunately, every time I think it's ready, I want to edit and rework it a little more. It's a problem. I think I'm almost done though.

Ah, Latin, of course. Just like Buffy... Well, and Harry Potter, I suppose.

Huh, I was about to mention that usually scrying just leads to seeing a picture, and I was confused. But then you cleared it up for me. So now I'm all "uh oh, Akio's got them."

Nit-pickiness, I'm sorry. "on hand stroking at her cheek" It's one hand, right?

If Shiori's broken-wrist is all that's wrong with her, why isnt she awake and saying something?

More nit-picking: "I gaped at her not sure what to say" There should be a comma between the "her" and the "not".

Ah, now Shiori speaks.

Oh.

Oh crap. This isn't good.

Rawr, I'm going to have to hurry and get to the next chapter.

^_^ Still enjoying this story so much. Keep up the good work!

Yeah!
*claps*
Gotta love it. I never noticed the garden is a prison, how did I miss that?! Ithink Shiorir and Kozue will come around. You can't be in denial forever.

i like the author's note in the end... the story was great, the symbolisms and themes in the anime were all there and i liked that you explained your view of the characters and story afterwards. i have a question though, what about the side stories of miki and kozue, juri and shiori, nanami and touga, touga and saoinji, wakaba and utena, nanami and tsuwabuki...?

the entire anime was mainly about emancipation, freeing yourself from that which you allow yourself to be bound... it was also about salvatio in a way... what do you think about that?

Hello Sharnii! I'm back! Glad to see me? Or are you dreading all of my little comments? ^_^ Sorry it's been so long. I didn't really go on over the summer. But now that I'm back in school and need things to procrastinate with, I'll be catching up on your work.

YAY!

First comment: "first one of us taking the lead, than the other" Than should be then.

Oh, also, this stuff is still happening in that trance, right? So that means it's all happening in Utena's mind? Or is it real?

I love ChuChu! When he opens the portcullis and then runs over to Utena, I was wondering if he secured it first. Because I think it would be really funny if he didn't and it came crashing down. ^_^

What's with those egyptian statues? WHat are they? What do they mean?

Whoa, Anthy slaps her! That's awesome because it doesn't seem like something she would do, but it's what she needs to do to distract Utena from the swords.

I like that you call the thing on the throne "a shining thing" You're very good at subtly integrating phrases, lines, and ideas from the show into your story.

This is creepy. If Anthy betrays Utena, I'm gonna be pissed! ^_^

Ooh! Ooh! Is the thing on the throne going to be Utena? Or possibly Anthy...

HA! I KNEW IT! ^_^

Ah, wow, it is all in her mind. Very clever. I'm quite impressed with this, actually. It's very psychological. Wow, that scene with Anthy removing the sword and then putting it back, that's really powerful. And now you get into time-travel... sort of. Very interesting.

"Yet even rule world rules didn’t seem to apply" The phrase "rule world rules" confuses me. Should it be "real world rules"?

Aw, they're so darn adorable. You make them into such a great couple. Not that they weren't already one. But you really make it work in such a wonderful way. I hope someday I'll have a relationship like theirs... but realistically, of course.

Excellent job, as usual. I'm so excited to be reading this again!

^_^

WOW. You had me worried there for a while that Utena was going to end up dead or Ascended To A Higher Plane.

“Anthy,” I managed to gasp out, “I’m sorry, Anthy.” I didn’t want to make her do something she didn’t want to do. I wanted her to be free. It was so important to me that she was free, and safe, and her own person…

“Be quiet, Utena,” she requested in her best no-nonsense tone. “I’ve had enough self-sacrifice to last me for eternity.”

Love it. Love Utena and her Stupid Good orientation whenever it comes to Anthy. Love Anthy not putting up with it. I don't know what's going through the heads of the fans who insist the ending of the series is "more meaningful" if Utena is dead, or who say the same thing about Hanyu in Higurashi. I know how deeply the idea of heroic sacrifice is ingrained into Western storytelling and religion, but did they miss the way those animes played with stories and religions, respectively?

"Beautifully submissive, that’s what Himemiya Anthy was. Like a rose that you wanted to pick, even though it would never grow again."

Love this image.

Like someone else mentioned, you did leave me wondering a bit about the motivations of Akio's flunkies. I hope you go into that some in the sequel. Shiori is one of my favorite characters, and I don't like seeing her reduced to a two-dimensional villain (unless it's movie-verse fic, because... yeah).