heavenly blue

Let justice be done though the heavens fall. ↳Fiat justitia ruat caelum.

[orangekataphrakt]

He had caught sight of it by chance, the faint lines of the artificial lens reflected in the glass of a shop window as it focused in response to a faint curiosity about the display. Even the gentle whir of the mechanism had escaped his notice until now, a surprising thing for him to have overlooked. Perhaps it was due to absorbing the environment of this city rather than turning his attention to the one thing he was certain to know best. It explained a certain amount about his survival, but not enough. Blood loss alone from such an injury should have killed him.

Such thoughts were easily placed aside for now. It was better to focus on preventing another near-death than explaining the circumstances of his survival in a previous one. "This could be an advantage." He would have to put the capabilities of the device to the test soon, discover any possible applications on the field of battle.

[redeyedhero]

Ordinary||orangekataphrakt

[redeyedhero]

There wasn’t much that she knew about books, but she could usually guess from the title and the cover art if something would be interesting or not. Well, that and sometimes the summaries provided some good insight. But books were like people, can’t always judge them at first glance.

"You think so? You’re one of the few, thank you." She couldn’t help but smile at him again, that was very nice of him to say, even if they had only just met. Perhaps she was not academically smart, but she liked to think she made some very clever decisions in her life time. Dangerous, but clever.

"Thanks, I’m sure there’s gotta be something here for me to read. Though, I just hope I’ll be able to understand it." If anything, she supposed she could bother Yuri to explain a thing or two if there was any confusion.

[orangekataphrakt]

He felt no need to do more than incline his head slightly in acknowledgement of her thanks. In Inaho's eyes, he had simply pointed out the truth. It was nothing particularly worth gratitude. All the same, it was perhaps an unconventional view, one that she hadn't truly considered. Either way, he wouldn't entirely ignore her words.

Her next phrases were ones he weighed with more interest, hand reaching up slightly toward the shelf that he had browsed earlier. The entirety of the building was at her disposal so he didn't doubt that she would indeed find something, but mentioning it suggested interest in his opinion or commentary. A few more moments were spent making eye contact with the spine of a pair of thinner volumes before he turned his gaze back to hers with an answer of sorts.

"You helped me decide, so I could help you." It wouldn't hurt to spend a little more time here, even with his task completed. He wouldn't simply be idling, however, as the possibility of gaining information of some use to him in the course of the war still hung in the air. "What subjects are you interested in?"

[hekotareruna-blog]

"How should I know that?" His brows knit slightly, crimson gaze now cast down upon his Master. Embarrassment is clear on his face, especially given note of how comfortable Inaho seemed to be huddled closely to Koujaku. Their shared warmth, while unconsciously appreciated by a chilly Servant, furthered his own discomfort. Well, it can’t be helped. He has to bear with it. This is a good way to… get closer to his Master. To guarantee that he will do his service well as a Servant.

Soon enough, he gave a follow-up answer.

"Maybe. If I’m warm, then… other Servants are warm, too. Generally, maybe." A short laugh is expelled. "You’re cozy, huh?"

[orangekataphrakt]

"Or it might just be you." In fact, that might be to their advantage. If the cold managed to pick off a few Master-Servant pairs, there would be fewer battles that they would need to face. The entire point of weather that is so out of step with the norm might be that exact effect.

His thoughts were broken by that little sound of amusement. "Mm." For a moment, he simply basked in the warmth, not feeling inclined to speak just yet. Instead, he recalled his brief and unenjoyable encounter with Novosibirsk's harsh temperatures. He certainly was settled on the matter of climate preferences - he was more inclined to heat than chill. "It's much better than hypothermia." It was muffled a little by Koujaku's sleeve, but such a blunt statement was likely to come off as being colder than the weather they were attempting to ward off, despite his intention of it being a compliment.

[hekotareruna-blog]

This is really gay. As cold as it is, it didn’t quite shake the embarrassment that came with quite literally cuddling under a blanket with his “master”. Is he red because he’s embarrassed or cold? Who knows.

[orangekataphrakt]

Whether it was genuine obliviousness or a knowing edge of sadism, Inaho ended up curling even closer to his Servant after a few moments. He was really warm, though in comparison to the loud rumble of the struggling space heater, anything was.

Glancing up at the taller man, he wondered aloud more than asked "Are all Heroic Spirits this warm?"

[redeyedhero]

Ordinary||orangekataphrakt

[redeyedhero]

Ever friendly was she, even to those who didn’t really want her company. But, in a world where loneliness was so common, if she could decrease that by even one person, then she would try to make friends with everyone she could. That’s why she was always genuine with her approaches and conversations.

It was quite obvious but they weren’t a person of many words. She didn’t take it as them not wanting to talk to her though, no, she knew what that type was like from a mile away. He was probably just not the most sociable of people and thus not very talkative when it came to interacting with others.

"I think it’ll be a good read, I hope you enjoy it!" It sounded good at least, maybe after he had read it she could ask and then maybe read it herself. "And I am actually, you see, I’m not really very smart so I thought I’d get some reading done while I’m here." Did that make sense, she hoped it did.

[orangekataphrakt]

Although her opinion had no real basis and so didn't tell him very much about the quality of the book, it did tell him something about her own nature. Since he wasn't inclined to words himself, he often placed more focus on those of others. It was easier to consider someone's intentions when you weren't already concerned with your own. His following nod, then, was more directed at the mental picture he was making of this girl rather than her actual sentence.

"You're smart." In some people, such an abrupt statement might be a simple platitude, but he meant what he said. Inaho may be the ideal picture of conventional intelligence, given his high grades and decently expansive knowledge, but he knew people were smart in their own way. There were things he couldn't do that his friends understood immediately. That was the fundamental basis of working in a team.

However, he wouldn't elaborate to quite that degree. Instead, he addressed the other half of her words. "I hope you find something worth reading."

[orangekataphrakt]

forginglies replied to your post:If it’s really that cold… Looks like it’s time...

bruh thats gay

[orangekataphrakt]

If it's really that cold...

Looks like it's time to cuddle up with his servant for a while.

[redeyedhero]

Ordinary||orangekataphrakt

[redeyedhero]

To be quite honest, Ayano probably wasn’t the most avid of readers, unless you counted the tales of heroes that she used to read to her younger siblings as they were growing up. Picture books, children’s books, maybe an attempted cookbook or two, but reading wasn’t what Ayano usually did in her spare time at home. It was usually chores, playing around with her siblings, sometimes studying, or even researching but that was another matter entirely. That’s why when the Grail War was suddenly brought to her attention, she had to brace herself for all the studying up and reading up on history she needed to get herself to do.

Perhaps she could admit, that many of the tales were interesting, considering most servants were heroic spirits and thus had done deeds of legend and impossibility. But it could still sometimes overload her brain, thus a chat in a place full of such books would do her well to clear up the space in her mind, or at least that was her thought process. So when she was just shown the book’s title, she didn’t mind it too much, not everyone used words to speak with others.

“Ancillary Justice, the title sounds pretty cool. I’ve never heard of it before though, do you find it interesting?”

[orangekataphrakt]

Most people, when confronted with an answer that gave little room for conversation, would have considered the discussion closed. Of course, most were only asking out of a sense of obligation. Although he couldn't really grasp why, she was apparently either genuinely interested or particularly persistent. Either way, he didn't really mind her interest. In fact, he almost appreciated the chance to talk about ordinary things again.

"I haven't read it." He flicked through a couple pages, their contents only briefly touching upon his memory. Its premise did seem enticing enough, but considering the fact that he was in the midst of war, he doubted reading it would find its way to the top of his reading list very soon. In the end, he was only perusing the aisle in order to play a specific role, not to look for something that would interest him.

"But, it might be." At least to keep up the act, he would probably take it back to his hotel room. He met her gaze properly now, the matter of the book settled.

"Are you just browsing?" He didn't really need to ask, considering that she didn't appear to be seeking out anything in particular, but he knew that intentions could easily be misread - a fact that the phantom sensation in his head gave clear testament to.

[artbooksnat]

This New Year’s Aldnoah.Zero (アルドノア・ゼロ) poster with Inaho and Slaine from Animedia Magazine (Amazon Japan) was illustrated by key animator Atsushi Saito (齋藤敦史). It appeared on the reverse-side of the long Free! Eternal Summer poster.

[redeyedhero]

Ordinary||orangekataphrakt

orangekataphrakt

Visiting a nearby bookstore or library, whichever one tickled your fancy, Ayano had been perusing the bookshelves. It seemed on that day, the area was practically vacant, save for herself and the one in charge. However, it was in one of the aisles did she find someone standing and reading . Color her curious as she walked over to them, a friendly smile on her face.

"Excuse me, may I know what you’re reading?" Sudden, but to the point.

[orangekataphrakt]

At home, although he generally preferred to use his mobile reader, occasionally Inaho would take the opportunity to glance through a paper and spine book. As in this city, it seemed to be much more the norm and so Inaho found himself perusing the shelves of the library. He found it pleasant there, the relative lack of people and the books themselves contributing equally to that feeling.

Even so, it was a little strange, reading books detailing the adventures of great heroes who battled using all manner of advanced technology when he had lived those same experiences. Unfortunately, unlike the fictional world, his hadn't resulted in a very happy ending. Such grim thoughts were interrupted by a bright voice, the contrast pulling his attention as much as the question itself.

Being brought back to reality so suddenly, he simply offered the girl the sight of the book's cover and the title emblazoned there: Ancillary Justice. It wasn't intended to be a gesture of dismissal, but simply the quickest way to answer her question.

[apatheistic]

egg. ' orangekataphrakt

[apatheistic]

   ”Ah, that way?” she turned back to him, following his voice. She looked in the direction he was looking, and nodded and made her way. In truth, she did not mind if he followed her, as inconvenient as it may be.  The ultramarine girl made her way to the office, watching as the crowds dispersed into their classes. Ah, right, the bell…    ”You.. will be late.” she says, catching his visage from the corner of her eye, walking in a relaxed manner into the school building. People flooded, then moved out of the way for her to walk though. How .. polite (?).    Liselotte waited in front of the office, looking at him, wondering if he’d come in with her. Was it normal for someone to accompany another like this? She had no clue, and so was very lost in the array of what they’d call ‘school’. In the end,  Liselotte had no idea if she even wanted to enroll at Homurahara Academy, but it wouldn’t be a waste of time, right? She breathed a sigh, looking a little drained.

[orangekataphrakt]

Now that he had successfully given his message, there was little reason for him to continue involving himself with the affairs of strangers. That fact and the ringing bell were enough for most of the gawking onlookers to take their leave.

This point was raised even by the girl in question. "Yes." As usual, he either didn't catch the proper meaning of her words or simply didn't care to elaborate on the subject. He was aware that he would be late, but shrugged it off with his usual disinterested tone.

With that, he trailed slightly behind her as she went into the office. Perhaps he would save them the trouble of calling some other student to bring this girl to her classes. If nothing else, that might establish at least a vague awareness of his presence in the school, one that could be an advantage in terms of blending in. He looked on with just the right amount of interest to be as inconspicuous as most NPCs.

[apatheistic]

egg. ' orangekataphrakt

[apatheistic]

   ”Maybe.” she replied, looking into the perfectly normal school. “Show me, office?” she then asked, though she probably could find the building herself. Liselotte watched the students scattering back and forth, and it would be class time soon. She had not expected this, and would feel slightly guilty if he took up his time to lead her.    ”Sorry, you have class.” she then said, bowing and entering the school on her own accord. And in that sudden instant, attention was drawn to the pretty foreigner with ultramarine hair, and she looked around, seemingly uninterested.    Unwanted people started to approach, yet they kept their distance as she walked aimlessly in the middle of a passing period. She had no idea where she was going, in all honesty, and once was tempted to look behind her for help—what was prominent was her blind independence, probably.

[orangekataphrakt]

Ah, a foreigner. Much like a pair of blond(e)s he used to know. Before he could even answer her, however, she had set off without him. Inaho simply blinked, a moment to take in her reasoning, before following after her without any qualms. Missing the beginning moments of a class was tantamount to missing nothing, since the time it took for students to settle down was enough that learning didn't truly begin until a couple minutes into the period.

It wasn't an unfamiliar situation to him, so he wasn't particularly fettered by the stares and whispers of curious students in pursuing her. The interest commanded by new transfers was something he never particularly felt or understood anyway. 

"The office, right?" He didn't repeat it out of necessity, but instead to catch the girl's attention again. "It's this way." He pointed, but also was fully prepared to actually lead her if necessary.

[apatheistic]

egg. ' orangekataphrakt

   She was not going to school, though it was a school day? Liselotte passes by Homurahara Academy, clad in her normal clothing—a fancy gray formfitting coat and burgundy skirt.    ”Oh.”    Lotti stared at the boy, trying to remember if she had seen him or not. Maybe, maybe not. His visuals were not conspicious, after all, unlike herself. “Never-mind…”

[orangekataphrakt]

Settling back into a routine previously abandoned had been surprisingly easy. It didn't exactly hold his attention - the level of the classes here was quite different to those at Shinawara High, it was sufficient. The brief breaks between classes, though, allowed his interest to direct itself more easily. Today, that interest fell upon the girl around his age who addressed him.

Usually, when someone brushed off their thoughts like that, Inaho too would leave them be. However, he remembered her, if only vaguely, from the question she had asked him once. Although she hadn't seemed too impressed with his answer, apparently she managed to find her way here eventually.

Or, that would be what he would think, if not for the very clear absence of a school uniform. "Going somewhere?" He meant it purely as a question, not at all interested in reprimanding her for skipping school.

[orangekataphrakt]

"... Do you know where Homuhara academy is?"

"Yes." Unfortunately, neither elaboration nor question interpretation are Inaho’s strong suits.

[ghrrina-blog]

『shut your eyes and trust in me』inaho

[ghrrina-blog]

The boy was cautious. Rightfully so. 

Virus rested his chin on a propped hand, leaning into the table slightly. Now would have been the perfect time for the usual unspoken order and the muscle to make their way around the table, to place a forceful hand on this boy’s shoulder in order to pressure him from both sides. But drawing any unnecessary attention was far from the proper procedure here. Rules and regulations were to be minded above all if they were going to have a good time.

No wrong moves here, and well. When did he ever make a ‘wrong’ move? 

This other mage — his own servant, still on edge but also rippling with excitement — seemed a mere high school student at first glance. No different from the other students sitting in the cafe around them, their endless banter to each other white noise in the background. Not interesting. This,

        — this was far more interesting.

"No need to be nervous. I simply wanted to chat with you, that’s all. Care for a, ah —" He twisted the plate of macarons towards his silent guest, every word careful and every smile suspiciously kind. "But it’s rude to ask for a name without giving yours first, isn’t it? We need to be introduced properly, after all. So I’m Virus. It’s a pleasure to meet you during this…" Blue hues scanning the other’s face with care for a reaction. “… Holy Grail War.”

[orangekataphrakt]

A naturally stiff boy, he did his best to seem at ease. He tuned briefly into the sounds of the cafe, listening carefully for any indication that the facade was slipping. They were an odd pair, but not so much so that anything other than chance glances came their way. It would be for the best for things to stay that way.

He looked down at the plate, reluctant to take his eyes away from the lighter pair. He wasn't paranoid enough to think that there would be any real danger in taking one, but he also wasn't interested enough in them to do so. Instead, he focused on what he was interested in: determining where he was to stand with this person.

"Inaho." Whether their meeting would be a pleasure or not remained to be seen, in his eyes, so he didn't elaborate on the matter. His words were an unnecessary confirmation, but he couldn't help his eyes from widening slightly. His glance was more of an apprising one now, sizing up the person who was likely to be his first opponent. Although his instinct, with such a tight atmosphere, was to count this mage among his enemies, it was possible that things would end with a more mutually beneficial outcome. "This war. What do you think of it?"

[hashima000-deactivated20170613]

ザーヴァント＋マスターパロ／ショタ／朝ごはん／姫＋リッゾでアイリ＋セイバーコス

[ghrrina-blog]

『shut your eyes and trust in me』inaho

Once a week. Once a week he would remember an old routine of theirs, to stop at a café like this and blend — to overhear and steal bits of information. And to occasionally catch a glimpse of certain people doing certain deliveries mid-day. Only now the hustle and bustle of the chaotic Old Residential District was replaced with the backdrop of this Fuyuki City shopping area, students and business-folk alike making their daily commute, all unaware of the ongoing “war”. Their simplicity, unfortunately, had yet to pique his interest. 

Across from his recently-ordered cup of coffee lay a small plate of macarons arranged in a colorful assortment. Another routine, this one reluctantly remembered. Now out of place. Normally they would have been half-eaten through by now, each one shoved to the side of the plate as if someone had lost his appetite mid-chew. Instead they remained whole, their usual oaf of an assailant absent from the table. He smiled into his coffee as he took a sip, tapping the side of the mug with a finger. 

The atmosphere was almost too common-place.

Until a prickling feeling surged within the blood of his newly claimed magic circuits, a strange, unfamiliar rush in his veins. Outside, however; he remained ever calm, taking care to glance around the bustling café with slow turns. Searching, calculating. A nagging sensation was warning him of a sudden danger, almost as if a cold hand was placing itself upon his, whispering about a presence drawing nearer and nearer still within the crowd.

Ah, yes. These servants certainly were useful, weren’t they? 

His thumb traced along the side of his mug once, twice. Then instantly Virus’s eyes whipped up from gazing into the blurred coffee cream as if his inviting stare had never left Inaho’s face. The sudden pressure to remain silent and seemingly content was suffocating in the space between them, unbeknownst to the innocents around them. Two Masters in a public area, neither taking the first move.

"Would you like to sit down? Please. Take a seat." He gestured lightly to the tucked-in chair just opposite.As if there was any room to say no. 

[orangekataphrakt]

It was unusual.

The Second Earth-Mars War had been so destructive to daily life that keeping up pretenses of normality was unnecessary. Here, it was fundamental to survival. Unless he wanted to be easily hunted down, he needed to blend in as well as possible. 

Almost as though in answer to those thoughts, only a couple days into his attendance at school, an opportunity presented itself. A pair of overly-friendly boys, not unlike those he left behind, had insisted upon Inaho joining them in an afterschool trip to some cafe whose name hadn't stuck in his mind. There was no reason to refuse, although he couldn't say he was interested. As they idly chatted about something or other, he wondered what exactly had prompted this. Inaho wasn't a thrilling conversation partner nor an obviously interesting person. Perhaps simply the title of 'transfer student' held some mysterious pull.

He stayed disinterested as they ordered drinks, instead looking around with no real pattern. Or was, as the distinct feeling of a murmur nearby despite anyone there directed his attention to something distinctly interesting. This sudden change in demeanour didn't go unnoticed by his companions, who started to crane their necks to find whatever had caught his attention.  

He urged them to go on without him, insisting that all that happened was he remembered that he had forgotten something and needed to retrieve it. It was a clumsy excuse, but as they had no reason to suspect otherwise they left him to his own devices. He approached at as ordinary a pace as he could managed, only to be greeted by an almost laughably casual offer. Almost tersely, he took the seat. In such a crowded area, he had few concerns for his safety, but it was nonetheless not a situation he felt any real security in.

He didn't intend to speak until the other did, as it hadn't been through his own will that he now sat across from a potential enemy. Yielding the first move was a dangerous gamble, but one he was willing to take.