Disclaimer: I do not own

Five years later and I am still upset with how was handled.

Earth.

The beautiful blue planet Asseylum Vers Allusia had only the honor of learning, was finally granted permission to explore. Vers, although her original home, was never as bright in color as Earth, was never as enriched with green and blue even in space. The Versians had prided themselves with the advanced technological warfare of Aldnoah but as the first princess of Vers, Asseylum knew that cannot be the only thing needed to flourish. Besides her admiration for the vast creatures and unique topography for the blue planet, Asseylum had wished for peace between her homeland and Earth so both worlds can live in harmony.

It was thanks to her trusted friend, Slaine Troyard, for teaching her this abundant knowledge, filling her mind with ideas and love for this planet. Throughout the years of learning and years of convincing her grandfather, Emperor Rayregalia had finally caved into her request. There was a tearful goodbye, grandfather was confined in bed due to his old age, but he still looked upon Asseylum with steady guidance and hope, worry hiding behind his aged eyes at his descendant. The first princess was naïve and young, only fifteen in age yet was filled with dreams bigger than she can contain. Earth was beautiful, Rayregalia remembered, but people were treacherous so he could only warn her of the dangers of humans and hoped Asseylum would not fall into any peril.

The Orbital Knights were disapproving of the Emperor's decision. Asseylum Vers Allusia would be next in line for the throne; Rayregalia's declining health was not a secret to the knights, the people. Many looked down upon the princess's naïve hope of reconciling with Earth, visiting out of 'goodwill' of her heart for the inferior race. Count Cruhteo had made his thoughts known to the princess throughout the months of her housing in his Landing Castle yet was unable to deter her from the visit. Maybe it had been due to the Terran she had saved five years ago, Count Cruhteo's dislike towards Slaine reaching a new level.

And so, the appointed date for her departure came and Asseylum readied for her descent. She expressed her appreciation towards Slaine and he in return gave her his late father's pendent, wishing for her safety below. His hand lingered and her warmth reached from his fingertips to his palm, the princess's smile warming his chest as she accepted the gift gratefully. Asseylum clenched the necklace close to her heart, turned around, and began to walk towards the elevator with Eddelrittuo.

Halfway through, the princess abruptly stopped and faced the still frozen Slaine with a small smile. The next question emptied his mind, causing Eddelrittuo to gasp in protest, but Asseylum was indifferent to her, merely waiting patiently for her friend's reply.

"Slaine, would you like to accompany me to Earth?"

It was a ridiculous proposition yet one Asseylum could make possible. As the princess, it was rare for someone to say 'no' to her. And, as much as Slaine wanted to return to his original homeland, to experience the blue of the sky and sea with the princess, he was bound by duty here. Although his smile was gentle, the sadness could be seen within the depths of those jade green eyes.

"You honor me, Princess Asseylum, but my duty is here."

She smiled again.

"I see."

They were not of equal standing. Slaine Troyard was a Terran turned Martian-slave. He was merely a lowly attendant to Count Cruhteo and had the honor of being Princess Asseylum's tutor in brief passing. He understood his own role perfectly and yet, there was still the indispensable warmth and happiness that his admired princess had considered him, even for a moment, an afterthought.

"But," his voice stopped her again, hesitant yet determined in front of those kind, bright eyes waiting for him, "One day—maybe…I…"

The sentence died on his lips, his nerves working against him yet what he conveyed, Asseylum knew. Her smile turned wider and with an assured nod, she finished for him.

"I will wait for the day we can both walk on Earth, Slaine."

Asseylum began her descent to Earth, unknowing of Count Cruhteo's wicked punishment to the Terran boy. Yet, both were hopeful for the future; for Vers, for Earth, for one day to walk together down the same path.

Princess Asseylum Vers Allusia was assassinated.

The Vers Empire Orbital Knights declared war.

A one-sided slaughter was initiated against Earth. The lives lost against the Orbital Knights could not be determined and city wide evacuations were admonished to the survivors.

Asseylum could not believe the news.

It was only a misunderstanding; she was still perfectly fine. Immediately, she must immediately notify the Orbital Knights to stop this injustice attack. As long as she had a voice in this war, to reveal her identity and survival, this meaningless violence would stop.

Thanks to the information provided by Inaho Kaizuka, Asseylum and Eddelrittuo learned of the situation. He was more than meets the eye and it was clearly shown during his tactic against the Nilokeras. Not many people were able to find the Martian Kataphrakt's weakness, even rival Orbital Knights did not know of it. For the teenage boy to analyse and defeat the dimensional barrier would have earned him a high ranking in the Vers Empire.

At that time, Asseylum had armed herself to fight against her own people. She must bear the responsibility of this war, believing everything to be a misunderstanding despite the assassin's original intent to kill her.

She had confided in Inaho and Rayet afterwards, both seeing her true appearance as the princess yet Eddelrittuo was doubtful. There was a Vers spy amongst them and based on how the pilot of the Nilokeras reacted, Asseylum was not meant to live.

Someone from her home world wanted her dead.

Against the Argyre, Asseylum could do nothing to pacify the pilot. Eddelrittuo warned her about the possible assassination and yet, no one would be able to stand up against the Martian Kataphrakt if she did not try. In her wavering, Inaho volunteered himself so the princess did not, and managed to drive back Count Vlad.

But during the armistice, Count Vlad returned for a rematch. Right as Asseylum wanted to find the captain to reveal her identity, he attacked. Pilots rushed in to defend against the Argyre and amongst them, Asseylum found the boy with burgundy eyes rushing towards the orange kataphrakt, and stopped him in his tracks.

"Count Vlad," Asseylum began, her breathing hitching in her throat as Inaho regarded her with a calm gaze despite the bustling around them, "The Argyre…it has two plasma swords."

He studied her trembling hands against her chest, the hesitation clear within her tone as she told him all that she knew about that specific kataphrakt. Inaho nodded once, a small hum rumbled in his throat as he looked towards the entrance of the ship for her return.

"Un, I got it."

Asseylum ran back to safety and Inaho boarded the Sleipnir.

Using reactive armor as a shield, Inaho successfully blocked the attack and sent the Argyre into the ocean, combusting the machinery and killing the enemy.

Yet soon after, Emperor Rayregalia retracted the armistice and officially put the two planets at war.

Eddelrittuo worried for her princess's distress and worked up a plan to spare her the intensive training to fight. Asseylum, drained from how fast the war escalated, excused herself to the deck of the ship.

Her visit was meant to be the start of a treaty. Princess Asseylum was supposed to offer her goodwill to Earth and share her knowledge on Aldnoah. Yet, an assassination was planned by her own people; she was the spark they needed to begin this bloodthirsty war they craved for fifteen years. It was not that Asseylum did not understand the need for her people; Earth was a bountiful planet whereas Vers was dying. With their Martian Kataphrakts, it would not be difficult to take over the planet but—why would they not understand that this way was hurting the people, the resources, even more. No friendly outcome would await them at the end of this.

The endless blue sky and sea surrounded her and as Asseylum looked up at the clouds, she resisted the tears from forming. A princess does not cry. A princess should not look down in front of others. Asseylum must keep a level head, think this situation through, and all she could come up with was to speak with her grandfather. He must have been angry and hurt to declare war. Asseylum wanted to tell him—she was here, she was fine.

Beyond the white clouds and the blue sky, she wondered if Vers was within her sight of now.

Grandfather…what do I do?

No one responded to her call.

A set of footsteps caught her attention and it was Inaho who approached her with his usual calm expression, no judgment or hatred for the Princess of Vers. Under the blue sky, Asseylum shared the common knowledge of Aldnoah to the Terran boy. She told him of the desolate Vers and the Orbital Knights desire to conquer this planet for they had no territory of their own. The sadness lingered in her tone as she was reminded of this war for the planet that was wholly blue.

But then Inaho corrected her with no ill-intent, merely showing her the science of Rayleigh scattering for the blue sky and Mie scattering for the white clouds. The blush covering her cheeks were as red as her sweater, highlighting the stark green of her eyes and averting Inaho's gaze to return to the blue.

In the moment of silence between them, Asseylum stood up from the crate and turned to Inaho with a smile. A war cannot be fought without soldiers. The one possible to hinder the Martian Karaphrakts was standing right before her.

"Inaho-san," she began, his eyes focusing on her in silent curiosity as she continued, "I am not trained to fight in a war. My enemies may try to hunt me down now. But I—I wish to help. I want to end this conflict between Vers and Earth. If you believe me to be necessary, then please use me."

Her hands trembled. In nerves, in anxiety. But she returned his gaze with determination and hoped he could see her sincerity.

"How do you know I'm not your enemy?"

"Eh?" Asseylum blinked at his question, the ocean wind blowing by to tussle both of their hair. Another pause, another moment to think, and she smiled. "Since the beginning, you did not look at me with contempt in your eyes and you have yet to blame me for this war. I want to trust in you."

Inaho did not acknowledge it then, but in that moment, he wanted to trust in her, too.

Countess Femieanne's Hellas proved to be another worthy opponent. All Asseylum could warn Inaho about before she abandoned ship was the six fists' molecular armor controlled by the Martian Kataphrakt. Then they were ushered away into the hidden dock, tension high in the air yet amongst the chaos, they discovered the Deucalion.

There, Asseylum revealed her status to the crew as the 'dead' princess, startling them all with the discovery while also activating the Aldnoah drive in the Deucalion. They flew off into the sky and picked up Inaho, Yuki, and Inko that were protecting them from Countess Femieanne. By the time Asseylum looked beyond the windows of the Deucalion, Hellas exploded.

Captain Magbaredge had interrogated the princess and her maidservant along with the two who knew of her identity. Asseylum had given as much information to her as possible and could feel the animosity by Rayet towards Martians. The plan was to escort her to the United Earth of Russia and hopefully send a message to Emperor Rayregalia to end this war.

It would be a long journey but at least with the Deucalion, it would be more versatile. Asseylum made her way towards the deck to seek solitary again, the emotions continued to pile up as she witnessed another death.

During Heaven's Fall fifteen years ago, Asseylum had lost her father. Her mother had been gone before she ever knew of her identity. She was raised by the many royal nannies found by her grandfather and he had taken her under his care for she would be the future successor. Since young, her education was always focused on Vers and the Orbital Knights. Once she was old enough to behave and retain information, she was sent to different Orbital Knight's Landing Castles to learn from them. The stay, although was never too long as there were thirty-seven different castles to venture, had been enjoyable. That was how Asseylum knew of the basics for the Martian Kataphrakts.

And I used it against them…

"Seylum-san?"

Asseylum looked over to see the young tactician walk towards her. He glanced at her attire quickly, recognizing the still in-disguise hologram she put up to avoid the crew's search for the moment. She offered a weak smile towards Inaho before returning her gaze to the blue sky she loved so much.

"You defended wonderfully against Hellas, Inaho-san. Another well-earned victory," praised the princess.

He stopped just a foot away from her, following her gaze to the sky to see what had caught her attention so much.

"I was only doing my duty to fight in this war," came his standard reply.

"Was saving the Princess of Vers also your duty?" Asseylum whispered.

"This was not a war you created."

"But people still died in my name."

Inaho turned to look back at her. A glimpse of sadness had appeared again and as much as Asseylum had tried her best to conceal her emotions, she was an open book to Inaho.

"Something else is troubling you," he deduced.

Her smile wavered, the ends of her lips twitching and turned around before Inaho could see more. He was observant like that, not only able to analyze the enemy's weakness but also to see through her strong front. Her hands clasped behind her and the wind ruffled her brunette hair but Asseylum continued to look at the horizon, seeing things beyond it.

"Count Vlad loved to watch swordsmanship videos smuggled from Earth. Countess Femieanne named all of the fists of Hellas, dubbing them as her children. I did not know them for long and yet, I cannot help but feel responsible for their deaths. Many more Terrans had died by their hands but I…"

Upon their first meeting, both Count and Countess had kneeled before Asseylum and proclaimed their loyalty. It was a standard greeting the young princess had gotten used to and yet when recalled to those times now felt bitter. They who had expressed their loyalty may have also been the ones that wanted to kill her. How many more of them were out there? How many wanted to use this sacrificial princess behind her back?

"You cannot help but feel sentiment towards them; they are after all, your knights. It is only human nature," Inaho finished for her.

"Do you find me hypocritical for sympathizing with both sides?" She inclined her head towards him, the wind blowing through her short hair covered her eyes.

"No," Inaho answered truthfully, I find you kind, too kind for your own good.

He saw a sliver of her lips curling up before Asseylum turned back around. As she stood with her back towards him amongst the open sky, Inaho had never seen someone so lonely. With a step forward, Inaho reached her, side by side, and knew she was trying her hardest to not cry.

"On Earth, there are different traditions, different cultures to send a prayer to the deceased," Asseylum turned to Inaho as he spoke softly, pulling out a piece of paper from his belt and began to fold it. "Frankly, I never paid much attention to it. But, since we are limited on resources now, this will have to do."

In his hands now, was a paper airplane. Asseylum continued to look at him in bewilderment, holding onto every word as Earth traditions were fascinating to her. Paper was not a popular item on Vers, everything was digitally done for communication. Yet Inaho had turned the simple piece of paper into an odd shape with wings. If he was not holding onto it, it would have swept away by the wind long ago.

"Funerals are scarce in Vers," she said quietly, eyes focusing on the paper plane in his hand as she remembered being taught the reason why. The dirt was too rough to dig and any available planes were used to farm. But the weather was unsuitable for vegetation and water had been used up for drinking. "Nor do we offer prayers to the ones gone when Aldnoah is already considered our God."

"Then consider this a consolation of some sort. Talk as if they would receive the message and send this flying beyond our reach."

Asseylum looked at him with bewildered eyes yet Inaho returned her gaze evenly. She hesitated, looking at the paper plane in his hand and decided to take a step closer. Two cold hands reached up to clasp around the one holding onto the paper and her head lowered close to Inaho, eyes closing in concentration as she thought about the ones gone, both Terrans and Versians.

"For the ones taken unjustly away before their time, for the participants of war—Terrans and Versians alike, may you find solace in the afterlife."

Slowly, she released one hand from Inaho's, unaware of his intense stare the entire time for he had directed his attention to the plane by the time she was done.

"For Okisuke," he added.

With his direction, both pulled their joined hands back, then threw it forward, releasing the paper airplane simultaneously and having it taken away by the wind. Asseylum watched the paper soar in the air, a new type of emotion fluttering in her heart as she saw the plane flying so simply. For a moment, she felt enlightened, believing the paper plane to carry her feelings across.

A genuine smile appeared on her lips as she turned back to Inaho, finally happy, content again. In his own way, he had tried to cheer her up and Asseylum appreciated his efforts.

"Thank you, Inaho-san," she smiled up at him brightly, one hand raised to tame the wild hair brushing along her cheek.

In this moment, Inaho forgot the one before him was the Princess of Vers. She was just a girl, and he was just a boy. The threat of war far from his mind as he stared at that dazzling smile.

The wind picked up, the caws of squawking reached their ears, and suddenly, a flock of birds emerged behind them, flying around the Deucalion. Asseylum gasped as she turned to look at the birds, amazement and wonder filling her gaze as she subconsciously took a step forward.

"Are those creatures…birds?"

"Yes, they're black-tailed gulls."

They flew by the edge of the Deucalion and in her excitement, Asseylum followed. The hologram of her disguise released, golden blonde hair replacing the previous brunette and an elegant white ball gown adorned her body instead. Her laughter filled the air between them as she picked up the hem of the dress to run forward, chasing the birds like a fairytale she had always dreamt of.

"An animal that flies through the sky! They really do exist! It's just like you said, Slaine!"

Asseylum smiled to the sky above, hoping somewhere, Slaine would be able to see the birds as well. Inaho looked on from behind as she twirled on her foot, the white dress fluttering in the wind along with her long hair. The birds flew and danced behind her, giving the princess an illusion of being a part of them.

"Your Highness!"

Inaho's clenched fists relaxed, not realizing it was closed in the first place when he turned to see Eddelrittuo. The young girl looked distressed and embarrassed for her master, eyeing the exposed legs and unladylike manner of the princess.

"Eddelrittuo!" Asseylum greeted without a change in tone, smiling as she hopped back to their direction. "Look! Isn't this spectacular?"

In her excitement, Asseylum missed a step on the deck, tripping over a bolt and gasped at her loss of stable footing. Eddelrittuo yelped and tried to rush forward but she was a step behind, eyes widening at the boy sprinting past her to reach the princess, one hand around the waist to steady her body and the other on her shoulder. Asseylum blinked at the sudden motion before her eyes settled on her savior, smiling brightly at Inaho before she released her grip on his shirt and he, her.

Eddelrittuo scolded Inaho for his improper touches, leaving the boy to blink at the young girl in confusion. Asseylum laughed, Inaho relaxed. The sun continued to shine down on them.

"I thought you were just like me."

Rayet Areash hated her.

A Martian without a home, betrayed by their own, and left a girl alone without a place in the world.

"All Martians are the enemies. All Martians must be killed!"

Because of her, the Princess of Vers, Asseylum Vers Allusia. Because of her desire for peace between the two planets. Because she was the sacrificial pawn for Vers in order to commence their attack on Earth. Because she came down to Earth, countless people had lost their lives.

Rayet reminded her of the irredeemable sins she had committed. Rayet, in her anger and agony, reprimanded Asseylum for her naïve wishes, for her thoughtless actions, saying what everyone else had held back on and bringing Asseylum's inner thoughts to the surface.

"It's all your fault… My father is dead because you came here. This war started because you came here. We were betrayed because you came here! I'm all alone because you came here… Because you came…"

Even if she covered her ears, Asseylum could still hear the accusation in her tone. Her own whispers echoed Rayet's; because you came, people are dead. No matter how much Asseylum had wished to silence the voices, no matter how much she tried to reason with her own turmoil, she knew the truth of the situation.

It was her selfish wish to come down to Earth, not realizing she was meant to be used and thrown away by her own Orbital Knights who had sworn to protect her. Asseylum, the future ruler of Vers, was assassinated by her own people to start off this bloodthirsty war. Rayet thought she had found a compatriot, a fellow Martian betrayed by her own people yet the longer she studied the princess, the more Rayet hated her.

How can she continue to walk around with her head held high—when so many people had died because of her? How can she smile at the supposed enemies—how can others just accept her?!

Because of her—!

"I'm sorry."

Asseylum struggled to stand up, her body only covered by the flimsy towel after her resuscitation. Inaho steadied her as she regained her footing before slowly walking towards the tearful Rayet with a gun aimed at her head.

The princess lamented over her foolishness, over her selfishness, over her naivety of her own ideology without considering others' feelings. The confession spilled from her lips once she began, the tears Asseylum had once refused to let fall were streaking down her cheeks. Everything was overflowing at once as she continued to talk, to walk, admitting to everyone about her naïve viewpoint.

"Relations with Earth are worse than ever because of me. Many people lost their lives. No matter how much I tell myself that I did nothing wrong, the reality of it is that I have brought misery to countless people's lives."

She fell on her knees in front of Rayet and despite Asseylum having the gun pointed at her; Rayet was the one stepping back in disbelief.

"To yours. To your father's. I will not ask you to forgive me. Nevertheless…I am sorry."

"Why?"

Rayet's hand shook, the tears blurring her vision as Asseylum stayed kneeled in front of her. The princess was offering herself as tribute to the hurting Martian.

"Why are you crying? My father tried to kill you! I tried to kill you, too! Why won't you hate me?! Why are you forgiving me?! Why are you being kind to me?! Why—why?!"

"Everyone already assumed me to be dead," slowly, Asseylum raised her head to meet Rayet's. Tears continued to fall from their eyes, her voice trembling yet unafraid as she stared at the executioner. "It was my naïve thinking that started this war. If my death will help you find the solace you seek, then so be it."

"Your Highness!" Eddelrittuo cried out from behind yet Inaho held the small girl back, burgundy eyes narrowing at the kneeled form of the princess.

"But," Asseylum continued before Rayet could pull the trigger, "My survival may also be the key to end this war. I want to atone—not just to you, but to everyone that has suffered. If you are willing to wait until the end—if you can watch me make peace between Earth and Vers and is still unsatisfied with me, then you may exact your vengeance on me. I will welcome it."

Rayet's eyes widened, staring down at this girl no older than herself wishing to be the martyr. Asseylum returned to meet her gaze, tears clouding her eyes and yet—with conviction and silent promises to her words.

"Hah?" Rayet whispered, the hand no longer trembling as she readjusted her grip on the gun. "Are you an idiot?"

Four shots of gunfire rang out and echoed in the shower room. No one except Yuki moved as she aimed her own handgun behind Rayet. Yet, before her, Asseylum continued to look at Rayet with wide eyes, searching for answers despite the girl looking so defeated.

"Give it a rest already," the gun raised to Rayet's head, "What am I even doing?"

"No!"

Rayet was detained.

Once again, Inaho had saved Asseylum's life after another assassination attempt. After a check-up at Doctor Yagarai's office, Asseylum left to reactivate the Deucalion's Aldnoah drive. Unexpectedly, Inaho was in the dim room, observing the dark orb in silent curiosity before raising his head to see her enter.

He stepped aside to allow her access to the drive, watching the way Asseylum set one hand upon the orb, whispered a small phrase under her breath, and the orb lit up gold. All around them, similar orbs glow the same golden hue, lighting up the once dim room and causing the machinery to hum beneath them. Inaho said nothing and took in the power of Aldnoah right before his eyes, Asseylum turning back to him politely.

Momentarily, he caught a glint of silver in the princess's other hand, recognizing the chain and pendant that was used to strangle her just hours ago yet she still continued to hang onto it. Realizing what he was staring at, Asseylum smiled and raised her hand for him to see clearly.

"Are you wondering why I am keeping this?"

Inaho blinked, then nodded his head once.

"Before I left for Earth, my dear Terran friend gave me this pendant, saying it is an Earthen good luck charm to ward off evil. No matter what, I want to keep this with me during my tour of Earth." Yet, instead of wearing the pendant around her neck as intended, Asseylum had it wrapped around her wrist instead.

"A Terran…on Mars?" What caught Inaho's attention was the unique mention of a Terran in space. Martians were known for their hatred towards Terrans. The fact that the Royal Princess of Vers was able to befriend him was a surprise.

"Yes," Asseylum smiled, more open and less hesitant as she cradled the pendant close to her chest. "He was the one who taught me the beauty of Earth. If not for him, I would have not love Earth as much as I do now."

Silence passed over them again as Inaho studied the wistful expression on the princess's face. Eddelrittuo pouted slightly at Asseylum's friendly relationship with the Terrans, always a shadow behind the princess but can never dissuade her. She only gave a slight exception to the Terran boy now, only because he had saved her princess's life again.

"Thank you for saving my life again, Inaho-san," Asseylum broke the silence with a smile, "How many times has it been now?"

"I'm not sure. And I wouldn't say I've saved it," he said without breaking eye contact with her, "This is a war, after all."

She blinked at his nonchalance, another smile emerging as he dismissed his own efforts. It was just like Inaho to not take credit where it was due. Asseylum knew he had never viewed her as the enemy or treated her with hostility. He fought because she could not, and he fought to protect everyone because he can. Inaho never sought fame or glory; he only wanted to protect.

"You are a kind person, aren't you?" Asseylum decided, watching his eyes widen slightly in surprise. "You are."

He looked down, maybe in embarrassment as Asseylum could never tell, but she continued to smile at the first Terran boy she had befriended during her chaotic journey on Earth.

"After all of this is over… We will remain friends after all this is over, won't we?" She clutched the fabric of her dress to prevent her hands from shaking, bright green eyes still locked on Inaho as she waited for an answer. This boy who had constantly saved her, been patient with her, had comforted her—Asseylum was not yet ready to part.

"Yes."

One word, one reply. It was enough to send her heart soaring and eyes watering at his straightforward gaze. Asseylum smiled again to prevent her sadness from emerging, knowing that this may be the last time she would be able to speak to him without the threat of war looming over their heads. She will correct this war so in the future, Martians and Terrans may become friends like her and Inaho.

"I'm glad."

Her survival meant nothing.

A Landing Castle still bombed the United Earth Headquarters.

The 'beloved' Royal Princess of Vers was just a joke.

Since the beginning, they never cared about her life. She was just a sacrificial pawn to this war and now, they had come to finish the job.

Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging hard enough into the soft palm to draw out blood.

Everything made sense now. The answer had been clear right from the beginning. Asseylum only refused to believe it. But now, it was too late. Another attack was in motion and this time, the Martian's target was her—their beloved princess.

Did they all…betray me?

Another rumble rocked the bunker and Eddelrittuo urged the princess to evacuate. In a fit of rage, Asseylum pounded the rubble of the table, scaring her maidservant and causing something to fall from her sleeves. She watched as the pendant tumbled out, landing right before her hand and Asseylum resisted the urge to sob.

Slaine…

"I'm sorry, Eddelrittuo. You are right. We need to leave now."

Asseylum fastened the pendant back onto her neck and with strong strides; she walked out of the crumbling room. There was still something only she, the Princess of Vers, could do.

A plan was formulated to escort Asseylum to the Aldnoah Drive within the Landing Castle. It did not take too long to convince the crew of the Deucalion to go along with the plan; only Yuki Kaizuka was deeply against her little brother taking on the dangerous mission himself. But, it was the only plan they had in order to end this attack; at least the princess still had some use—even if it meant venturing into the enemy's den.

The Landing Castle belonged to Count Saazbaum, another Orbital Knight Asseylum had met briefly. It was clear he had partaken in her attempted assassination yet for the reason why, the princess did not know.

Yuki and Inko escorted her within the castle, leaving Inaho alone to fight Saazbaum in his kataphrakt. They all worried for the safety of the boy yet they understood the mission must go on. Asseylum was the only one besides Count Saazbaum to power off the Landing Castle.

The Aldnoah chamber was the same as the rest. Bright orbs filled the wall and right in the center was the main power source. Asseylum ran in as Yuki closed the door to protect her from the onslaught of gunfire with Inko. Her heart pounded relentlessly against her chest, quickly setting one hand upon the orb and spoke the required words.

"Sleep!"

The orbs dimmed, spreading to the rest of the ones on the wall and effectively powering down the castle. Before Asseylum can feel relief, a loud crash set off behind her, rumbling and destroying half of the room. She coughed from the smoke, eyes squinting in concentration to see what had caused the crash. Immediately, she saw the orange karaphrakt that Inaho was known to use, stumbling to run over to his side.

"Inaho-san!"

The door opened, revealing a slumped over Inaho in the seat, his airbag protecting the back of his head while blood trickled down his face. Her heart stopped at the bloody sight, tears welding up in her eyes as she reached further in.

"Are you okay? Inaho-san!" She worried over his lack of movement, worry and anxiety eating up within her as she silently begged him to answer—to respond, please!

"Sey…lum-san?"

"Thank goodness!" She let out a small sigh in relief. "I have shut down the Landing Castle's Aldnoah Drive. The mission is complete! We should join the others."

Inaho looked weary and Asseylum wondered if he processed anything she said. The boy raised one hand up to his left eye, trying to wipe some blood away as he slowly regained consciousness.

"Sorry. I can't see very well. I have blood in my eye," he apologized.

Asseylum reached in, barely able to grasp his cold hand with her own warm ones. She was so worried for him—she had never seen Inaho so badly beaten. The tears fell slowly, landing over his pilot uniform but Asseylum paid no heed to that as she tried to warm his hand with hers.

"I'm right here, Inaho-san," her voice wavered by her emotions, "I'm right here with you."

He looked up to see her smiling at him, tears trailing down her cheeks but it was of relief and happiness. Inaho blinked at her and his own hand returned to gently squeeze hers.

BANG

Asseylum gasped, a fiery pain burning in her chest, her legs nearly losing the strength to stand up. Shakily, she turned to the source of fire. On the other side of the room, she saw a person in the standard red uniform of the Orbital Knight.

Count…Saazbaum…?

Another shot rang out in the room.

Her grip on Inaho's hand loosened.

Asseylum felt the world disappearing before her eyes.

'Fear' was not an emotion he often felt.

Inaho Kaizuka had a firm grip over his own emotions, using logic to make his decisions and emotions as secondary. Before the war, things were content. His relationship with his sister was close and the bond with his friends was strong.

Life was peaceful.

But then the Princess of Vers was assassinated and the inevitable war broke out. He watched as his friend slipped from his hand and flew towards the Martian Kataphrakt—disappearing in an instant just like how all the rumbles had before him. Okisuke had perished just like that.

They were at war now and severely outmatched. Earth Kataphrakts could not match up to the Martian ones fueled by the mystical Aldnoah Drive but it was not invincible, Inaho believed.

Their first victory against the Martian's revealed the princess's survival. Only he and Rayet knew of Asseylum Vers Allusia's identity with the princess's pleading to guide her towards Earth's communication tower to announce her survival to end the war.

And thus their journey began.

Fights broke out in between the time. More troubles arose and more kataphrakts were sent to destroy them. Somehow, they prevailed each and every time but what Inaho remembered most was the princess's subtle assistance each time and the barely concealed sadness in her eyes after each victory for Earth.

Death was inevitable. Inaho was trained to fight. His duty was to protect Earth. That was why he felt it unnecessary for the princess to thank him each time after a battle had ended. The most logical thing to do was keep the Princess of Vers safe until they reach United Earth Headquarters so she can reach out to the emperor and put a cease to this meaningless war.

But before they could even get the chance, the princess nearly died again under his care.

In that moment, as Inaho was focused on resuscitating the unconscious princess, he felt fear. His heart thundered beneath his ribcage, sweat trickling down his forehead, and arms turning numb as he continued to pump her chest before breathing air back into her lungs.

He would not allow Seylum to die like this. She deserved better than to be strangled in the showers. It was his duty to keep her safe; he cannot fail now.

Seylum survived and they landed in United Earth Headquarters safely.

Their journey was reaching an end and Seylum will return to Vers.

But her survival meant nothing.

A Landing Castle had breached their hidden headquarters. A counterattack was issued and this time, the Princess of Vers will be joining them.

Another dangerous mission, borderline suicide, and Inaho was prepared for the worst.

But what he did not expect was for Seylum to be shot right before him.

He had survived through a handful of Martian Kataphrakt battles. He had used his wit and intelligence to keep him and many others alive.

But Seylum was shot in front of him.

And he could do nothing to stop it.

For another brief moment, Inaho felt fear again.

But then it passed, just as his other emotions usually do. He did not care about the other rings of gunshots just outside his kataphrakt nor did he care about the maddening scream that followed. His priority had shifted from his survival to Seylum's. Even as she lay in a puddle of blood by her head without movement, Inaho crawled his way to her.

Maybe, this was better in the end?

Maybe, this was just to end her suffering.

Seylum was too kind, too innocent, too naïve to let war ruin her again and again. Earth had brought her nothing but pain and betrayal. Her life was used up by her own Martian people and Terrans hated her alike just for her existence. She cared for each and every of their opinion, fought to mend the tear between Vers and Earth's relationship.

And in the end, she was still shot by an Orbital Knight who was supposed to be on her side.

It's alright.

Inaho smiled despite the overwhelming pain throughout his body. His vision blurred with blood, his limbs trembled to move forward.

You won't have to look so sad anymore.

Those sad smiles should never appear on her face. Those shining, happy smiles suit her more. The brief moments of peace they had together, that one, life-threatening kiss was the only guilty pleasure Inaho allowed himself to feel. He knew he was not normal for how there was always a double meaning to his actions, to his thoughts, where even now, he felt a tinge of happiness to know Seylum would not experience more heartbreak beyond this.

After all, I'll be joining you soon.

The click of a gun sounded behind him.

A/N:

I wanted to write season 2 with a slight change to the ending but lost the motivation to do so and just had this sitting in my drafts for over 6 months. Finally buckled down to write Inaho's POV in the end so apologies that the ending seems rushed ahaha. had so much potential and the first 3 episodes was what made me really into it but sadly it ended like...that...

Hope you all enjoyed this and thank you for reading! Reviews are much appreciated~