Hold Harmony Sacred

Hold Harmony Sacred Prince Shotoku

[whentheyart]

東方絵まとめ by まくわうに

※Permission to reprint this was given by the artist. Please do not repost without the artist’s permission. If you liked this fanwork, do take the time to rate and bookmark the original work.

[whentheyart]

東方絵まとめ by まくわうに

※Permission to reprint this was given by the artist. Please do not repost without the artist’s permission. If you liked this fanwork, do take the time to rate and bookmark the original work.

[forbidden-shadow]

She wasn’t startled by his abrupt entrance, at least. And if she had known he was there, she’d masked it expertly. A calm one, either way, and dressed accordingly. The Order’s Master however, wore his full ensemble, mask concealing his appearance. His body language reflected a relaxed condition that belied his loaded spring nature.

"A peaceful drink for the peaceful round."

Truth be told Zed had more of penchant for western drinks, but he pulled up a seat regardless. “All drinkers of green tea I know would tell you it’s a splendid drink on any occasion.” He spoke in a friendly enough manner for one dressed like he was, and as he sat he he produced a compact wallet seemingly from thin air to all but the sharpest eyes.  

"I wouldn’t want to impose."

[shotokulegend]

     "I can agree to that as well," Miko spoke, a small laugh ruminating from her lips as her smile kept still on her features. It was almost as if they weren't enemies, really.

Of course, in reality, they both knew better.

     "Impose? Nonsense. Company is something to be appreciated, I believe. People live only to their fullest from the interactions they have with others. Besides..."

     "I've yet to meet another such as myself personally. It's an honor to make your acquaintance, really." Taking a pause to glance aside, she gestured to a waitress and silently lifted her glass, gesturing to Zed as she went on her way, seemingly understanding right away.

     Such a curious man. Dressed in vein of that as a ninja, no doubt he was to be gifted as an Assassin, that much Miko was sure. His own tone was a tad comical, in a way-- but indeed pleasant.

     When respect was received, respect was given in return. Even in a war where in the end there would be but one victor, Miko intended to be as respectable as she always was-- especially now, when there was naught but harmony between the masters and servants.

     "Rather nice of a location, isn't it?"

[oninoun]

     ”How —”

     A sheltered young girl from the Japanese countryside is hardly accustomed to seeing such things. She really oughtn’t have been so surprised, given the incredibly enhanced reflexes of Servants, but …

    “— How did you do that?”

[shotokulegend]

     "How?" Her smile widened a bit. "To put it simply... I have very sharp ears. I simply reacted accordingly. It's not all too amazing."

     Turning for a moment, that pot is set down besides the door of the nearby building... and from it, procures a single yellow hibiscus from the bunch.

     "Ah... as my thanks, please, take this," Miko exclaims, offering to Chizuru said flower as she turns again to her. "A beautiful flower such as this is perfect for a fair maiden such as yourself, I believe."

[forbidden-shadow]

Those ears… It can’t b-… No, that’s… Hair.

Zed had been wandering the streets in spirit form, not wanting to waste a single drop of prana. But this one clearly possessed some too… Was she young? He couldn’t make that assumption with what he’d seen, and even if she was, she could still be dangerous. But before it’s even begun? He was far too curious to even consider passing this by.

He solidified a few steps away.

"A lovely day for it, don’t you think." 

[shotokulegend]

     Appearances did masquerade quite a bit, fortunately for the Prince. And in broad daylight, there was something of a calm, pleasant look to her face. One that seemingly invited others in openly, with no malice. A friendly face. A trustworthy face.

     When at leisure, Miko was a pleasant person to be around to practically everyone. And with her cape done away with for her normal attire, she truly looked quite casual.

     "Aye, that it is," she started after a brief pause, unshaken by the other's sudden appearance. The stealthy type, hm? To have appeared so suddenly like that... ah, how curious. "Green tea, as always, is splendid on these sorts of days... Care to take a seat? I'll have another ordered for you."

     Her voice ruminated in a pleasing manner, housing no ill-intent behind her rather charming smile.

[shotokulegend]

     "..."

     Ahh, how noisy.  Truly, with her amazing ears, it was simple to hear a certain conversation as she strode out and about town.

    Of course, there was no reason to act upon things yet. Instead, the Crown Prince merely sat leisurely at an outdoor cafe, enjoying her tea, ruminating on the other servant's methods.

[oninoun]

     —- !!

    “Umm, excuse me!  You’re about to —”

[shotokulegend]

     A hand was cast upwards as if on instinct-- easily catching an oncoming flower pot from the windowsill above. The perpetrator, a mere cat, hopped away as the Prince watched, holding the pot in her arm.

     "... Close, wasn't it?" Turning towards Chizuru with a smile, the Prince exclaims, "I had already heard it coming, but I appreciate the warning. You have my thanks, young miss."

[eveofapocalypse-deactivated2014]

She turned around with that delighted smile on her face, her eyes wide but not with surprise. Simple merriment glimmered in those pink orbs that stared back at the person behind her.

"Bringing about a new world, whether through war, bloodshed or otherwise is always fun." Mana tilted her head at the girl—guy?—and continued to smile gracefully. "I was saved in order to obtain the Grail. It is only natural that I should win."

[shotokulegend]

     Bringing about a new world... such a self-righteous ideal. And yet, there's humor to be found in those with such thoughts. Humor mostly found in the image of the person speaking such words.

     It was an image which would undoubtedly surprise many when they hear such words. And yet, the Prince hardly faltered.

"Is that right? So your entire existence is as it is now simply to obtain the Grail... I see."

     A proud tool, then. It was respectably unfortunate, really.

"Hm... admittedly, I'm mildly surprised to meet such a master as yourself. One so sure of their victory is commendable. And yet... it's only natural that, in a war as unnatural as this is, the unnatural shall overtake the natural."

[arhythmic]

for a moment, he wonders.

he wonders how long it’s been since he died and he wonders how many years he managed to buy him.

most of all, he wonders if he remembered.

but those thoughts really aren’t that important when the world is on the verge of being tossed into the throes of war. rolo doesn’t question it — questioning the topic of war never got one anywhere. war was simple; factions clashed, blood is split, lives are torn apart as easily as soldiers are turned into a mangled, indistinguishable mess of skin, muscle and blood.

rolo focuses on the here and now instead of letting his thoughts linger and lurk in days long past. being summoned, he immediately knew the purpose of this. he was here to do what he did best; take orders and kill. slit throats and riddle bodies with bullets on command. the reasoning didn’t really matter when he’s used to it. the freedom that came before his death — the sweet feeling of making his own decisions was ripped from him as quickly as he had taken grasp of it.

no matter. he was used to it. being a tool.

despite his acceptance to the matter, a soft and almost irritated mumble escaped his lips as he pressed his back against a wall,

" .. I don’t remember signing up for this. ”

[shotokulegend]

     Servants were out and about, as expected. With her amazing ears, it was more than easy enough to hear any suspect murmurings, and furthermore, with the two of them both being eirei, it was simple enough to pick out out from a crowd.

"An understandable irritation, albeit, there's no helping it."

     Inserting herself into the other's mutterings to start a conversation whilst just appearing at the same moment was typical of the Prince, who carried a friendly, yet understanding smile all the while.

"None of us voluntarily signed up for this. That being said, regardless of what complaints you have, unfortunately, there's seldom to do against it as of now."

     Beautiful cape fluttering gently in the light breeze, the servant eyed the other from aside Rolo, standing still whilst awaiting the other to turn her way. Eyes closing for a moment, there's a small sigh which ruminates from Miko's own lips before said eyes reopen.

"Perhaps think of this not as a time to be weary, but an opportunity for something more. What we aim to fight for is capable of granting one's inner-most desires reality. ... A worthy prize for a competition such as this, isn't it?"

[eveofapocalypse-deactivated2014]

And there, in a beautifully built Roman square, stood a girl in a light pink dress twirling around happily. She looked for too pleased and for no apparently reason. Eventually she stopped as she came upon a stone bridge running over water, beautiful stone buildings surrounding the area.

Her shoes clicked against the heavy stone until she came to look over the edge of the bridge and down at the water, her reflection staring back at her. A pretty little girl with pink hair and eyes.

"Let’s have lots of fun."

[shotokulegend]

"Quite a curious statement in regards for a war, is it not?"

     Interjecting in a sudden manner, the Prince couldn't help herself; standing behind Mana with a bemused look upon the servant's face visible also from the reflection below.

"I've never heard one talk so eagerly on such topics. ... Well, I suppose that isn't entirely true. Usually, the eager ones are the ones whom are sure to win..."

[newjerseykannushi]

Is it my turn?

[shotokulegend]

001 | A Starry Sky of Small Desires - ( OPEN )

     The night breeze was cool. Cool, and... enticing.

     Atop the Arch of Septimus Severus, garbed in an alluring cape, a dragon etched onto it's beautiful, noble violet-- gold trim further supporting the noble worth it carried-- stood a lone figure.

     Hands gently touched upon similarly regal earmuffs, with but a single character emblazoned onto them, she stood still-- a small smile permeating her face.

                                                            和

                                                       Harmony.

     The state of being this war was in, at the moment. Ah... but how whimsical it was. To stand freely about like this in the modern era, without any bindings as of yet... idly, her arms fell to her sides, as the prince ruminated on this sensation-- no... savored it, as though it were a meal... or in this case... the appetizer before the main dish.

     How she longed for the perpetuation of this sensation.

     Alas, she would have to wait for the stew to finish cooking first, wouldn't she?

"... Desires gather to me in every era-- past, present, and future. The voices of this city... their hopes, their dreams..."

"I hear all."

     A bold claim. And yet, there was no haughtiness carried on in that calm, yet powerful voice of hers. In it's place... was an alluring harmony.

"... 'Hold Harmony Sacred'. That is a phrase best used to describe our current status, would you not agree?"

     Voice raised, she spoke aloud to the sole individual nearby, understanding right away that they, too, were a part of this. Eyes opening, wherever they were, the Prince stood still, arms crossed as the wind gently played with the edges of her mantle, and that of her hair.

"Hmmm?"

     The Prince awaited an answer.