The Unknown Land

by paperballoon

Summary:

During his recovery after the loss of his eye, Inaho receives one day mysterious messages on his tablet from a person that claims to be his future self: In the future, Slaine Troyard’s death will set off the most devastating war between Earth and Mars. Inaho must prevent this.

(This is the story of two different Inahos in two different timelines.

The older Inaho keeps visiting a miserable Slaine and eventually struggles with his feelings, his duty, and the political instabilities that arise between Mars and Earth.

The younger Inaho must stop Slaine Troyard from rising within the ranks of Martian nobility. Among the way, he’ll understand what it means to have somebody you want to protect at all costs.)

Notes:

I’ve recently finished watching Aldnoah Zero and then read the manga Orange (funny that it’s also Inaho’s nickname, now that I think about it) so this is the result. Also, English is not my first language and this is unbetaed, so I hope you forgive any mistakes.

There will be separate warnings for each chapter, and the rating may change later on.

Title from the lyrics of the Code Geass song, ‘Stories’

Despite all the angst, this story will have a happy ending.

Edit: Ongoing translation into Vietnamese here, thanks to InoyamaManaLisa

Chapter 1: Prologue

 

“If we had tried to understand each other sooner… how different would things be for us?”

Slaine is silent for a while and Inaho thinks he has fallen asleep, until Slaine answers,

“Does it really matter? And what would be different?”

Before Inaho has the chance to answer, Slaine chuckles darkly.  

“You were my enemy. I shot you. You lost an eye because of me…!” Slaine sighs. “I hated you… It never occurred to me that you would make me, despite all that I’ve done- that you would make me feel that… peaceful.” Slaine sighs, again. “We’ve reached this place. That’s all that matters to me, now. I don’t really know how things could be different.”

Your scars, Inaho thinks, after the warmth in his chest from Slaine’s words subsides just a little. Physical and mental. Your bloodstained hands. And so many other—

“Orange. I can’t see you right now in the dark, but I think I can hear the gears in your brain turning and turning. Give the poor thing a rest. Extensive overuse might damage it, you know. Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s already damaged, if we count all the empty gazes I’ve caught you with, today.”

Inaho ignores Slaine’s comment. “My brain is not a kat.”

“Oh, really? Because I thought—”

“Slaine, I wish things were different.”