Author Note: Chapter came out longer than expected so duel will happen next chapter. Remember to follow, favorite and review. Greatly increases motivation and update speed. Hope you like and enjoy!
Review
EmeraldMage - Chapter 11: Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on the recent chapter of my story. I appreciate your feedback and am thrilled to hear that you found the inclusion of a frat party with the WFM characters to be a unique and enjoyable aspect of the story. I agree that it's essential to explore different settings and situations to keep the narrative engaging and fresh. It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed the banter between Secelia and Jack. I believe that adding more depth and interaction to the characters is crucial in building a well-rounded and compelling storyline. I am glad you appreciated the foreshadowing involving Shaddiq's warning to Miorine about Harmony House and Oscar's call-out on the dishonesty of the "sleeping with Miorine" plan. These plot elements will indeed play a significant role in the future of the story, and I am excited for readers like you to see how they unfold. As for the meeting between Suletta and Aiden, I am delighted that you found it to be a good way to develop their friendship and potential relationship. I aim to progress their connection in a way that feels authentic and meaningful, and I'm pleased that it resonated with you. I 'm glad you found the chapter's pacing and setup for plot elements to be satisfactory. It's important to me that the story continues to move forward and present new challenges and developments for the characters. Rest assured, Guel's character arc will not be overlooked, and I am dedicated to giving each character their due growth and exploration. Thank you for your kind words about my writing, and I appreciate your support as I continue to work on the story.
EmeraldMage- Chapter 12: Thank you so much for your feedback on the latest chapter of my story! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the development with Suletta putting a stop to Aiden's random smoking. It was indeed a deliberate change to showcase her growth as a character and to address that aspect of Aiden's behavior, but like with all smokers, don't expect for this to stop suddenly. I'm glad you found it to be a positive change. I'm glad you appreciate Suletta's mini growth throughout the story. It's important for me to give each character their moments to shine and evolve, and Suletta's journey is something I'm excited to explore further. I'm glad the reveal about Aiden's musical talents didn't feel like an asspull. It was essential for me to establish a solid background for his skills and the reason for him being at the school. I'm thrilled that you found it cute and enjoyed Suletta's awe in discovering his abilities. You're right; the mystery surrounding Suletta's pilot training is an important plot point that deserves a better payoff than what the actual show delivered. I'm dedicated to keeping it well-paced and giving it the attention it deserves. I'm pleased that you liked the way Miorine's caring for Suletta is portrayed. Friendships and complex relationships are essential elements of the story, and I'm glad that aspect resonated with you. I apologize for any spelling errors; I'll make sure to correct them for future chapters. Thank you for pointing it out. Your support and feedback mean a lot to me as I continue to write and improve the story. I'm thrilled that you're enjoying the character growth and the direction the plot is taking. I'll do my best to stay true to the characters and deliver a satisfying narrative.
Chapter 13
The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words and suppressed emotions. Earlier, Oscar's phone buzzed in his pocket, a call from Deacon, and he knew it couldn't be good. The deals with Jetturk House had broken down, and they were once again challenging Aiden to a duel.
Shaddiq stood tall in his school attire, flanked by the members of Jetturk House, including Guel and his younger brother Laude. On the other side, Aiden, Deacon, and Oscar stood casually, except for Oscar who seemed on edge.
Finally, Guel spoke up, his voice laced with frustration and anger. "Where is Suletta?" he demanded.
Aiden's icy gaze locked onto Guel's, his cigarette burning like a warning sign. "What does it matter?" he retorted. "You're facing me, not her."
"She's a part of this," Guel shot back.
Aiden scoffed, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. "How so?" he challenged, knowing full well that Suletta was running late and might not even make it in time for the confrontation.
Guel was visibly agitated but chose not to respond. His younger brother, Laude, stepped forward, his disgust for the Harmony house apparent. "You Harmony boys disgust me," he spat.
Deacon intervened, trying to keep the situation from escalating further. "We've talked to your father and you lot," he said, his tone firm. "It was you who pushed not to follow the terms of our deal."
Guel's anger flared at the accusation, but Laude's grip on him tightened, holding him back. "You bastards," Guel snarled, his eyes burning with fury. "Do you have no respect for this school or our rules? Can't you see how disgusting this is?"
"Believe me, we doubt Aiden would be down for this either, but knowing that your House is okay with it is..." Deacon trailed off, leaving the implication hanging in the air.
"No," Laude cut him off abruptly, his fingers nervously playing with his loose hair. "We will not engage in this dishonorable act."
Shaddiq observed the brothers closely, sensing a strange aggression and hesitation within their actions. It was unusual for House Jetturk, known for their ruthlessness, to show any signs of vulnerability. Something had happened, something was forcing them into this duel, and Shaddiq couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story than met the eye.
The tension in the room reached a boiling point as Guel's anger seethed, and Laude tried to keep him in check. The dueling committee looked on with confusion, and House Harmony members couldn't hold back their laughter at the absurdity of the situation.
"It's personal, Shaddiq," Guel exclaimed, directing his fiery gaze at House Harmony. "Payback..." He scowled, his emotions raw and palpable.
Shaddiq was taken aback by Guel's intensity. "What did they do?" he asked, trying to make sense of the situation.
Guel's frustration was evident, and Laude groaned in annoyance, embarrassed by his brother's outburst. "They drew..." Guel started, only for Jack to interrupt and finish his sentence with a burst of laughter.
"We drew penises all over their house!" Jack chimed in, reveling in the audacious act.
Cecila's laughter filled the room, adding to the bizarre atmosphere. Her azure eyes sparkled with amusement as she enjoyed the chaos. "Oh, that is just terrible for you boys," she taunted, relishing in their discomfort.
"Shut up," Guel growled, clearly embarrassed by the revelation.
Cecila, undeterred, leaned forward, her alluring demeanor challenging him. "What are you gonna do?" she taunted, her lips curling into a playful smirk. "Remember the last time you tried to act all aggressive at a girl?"
Her words turned Guel's expression into a mix of annoyance and defeat, as he realized the futility of his position. Shaddiq couldn't help but shake his head, knowing Cecila had a way of getting under people's skin.
"Warned you, Guel," Shaddiq muttered to himself. "Should've never risked such high stakes. Now, House Harmony can mess with you two more times, and they still have you and Jetturk with the Holder position."
Still, Shaddiq found himself puzzled by the terms of this "deal" and what it entailed. It appeared that the leaders of Harmony, Deacon the President, and Jack the Second in Command had talked to Jetturk house, leading to the current standoff.
"So, what are we doing?" Aiden's voice broke through the tension. All eyes turned to him as he dropped his cigarette, crushing it under his boot. "I kind of am busy, and you know it's a Saturday as well. I don't really want to waste it on meaningless crap that could be sorted out quick, so, what do you want?"
Guel's expression softened into a smile as formalities were dropped. "Me and you," he snarled, his competitive spirit ignited. "We'll fight again."
"Done," Aiden replied confidently. "I've beaten you once, and I'll do it again."
"Hold on," Laude intervened, his voice tinged with concern. The brothers' expressions turned grim as they turned their attention back to Aiden and Deacon. With a sigh, Laude took a step forward, his gaze focused and determined. "We'd like to switch things up a bit," he announced. The room fell silent, everyone waiting for the details. "A team battle, three versus three on each side fighting the other. Last team standing wins, and..."
Deacon quickly interrupted, sensing something amiss with the sudden change. His eyes darted between the two opposing houses. "Woah," he interjected, trying to comprehend the situation. "Why the sudden change?"
The realization struck Shaddiq like a bolt of lightning. "So, you've realized that you can't beat Aiden in normal terms," Deacon said, his voice dripping with sly confidence. Guel and Laude's features contorted with anger at the accusation. "You know for a fact that Guel can't win, so, you want to surround Aiden and use three other pilots to fight him, isn't that right?"
Shaddiq couldn't help but chuckle at the quick thinking of the young president. "Smart move," he mused to himself, eyeing Deacon with curiosity. There was something intriguingly peculiar about the boy, an aura that surrounded him, and Shaddiq wondered if he could be a potential ally. House Harmony possessed qualities that House Jetturk lacked, and their displayed power during this duel spoke for itself.
But Shaddiq's gaze narrowed as he watched the bickering pair. Their true intentions would become apparent depending on the course of this duel, and that choice would ultimately shape their future alliance.
"Sorry, we're late!" Suletta's voice echoed through the room as she swung the door of the dueling committee wide open, accompanied by an annoyed Miorine.
"I'm not sorry," Miorine snapped, her eyes darting between Guel and Aiden. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Ah, Miorine," Shaddiq greeted with a smile. "Nice of you to accompany Suletta here again."
"Quiet," Miorine shot back, her gaze still fixed on the two houses. "Now, I ask again, what is the meaning of this?"
"Hell if I know," Deacon retorted, glaring at the two brothers. "It could've all been avoided, but if they want to fight and test our mettle against them, so be it. Harmony broke before the militia did, and that speaks volumes about what they're facing."
Laude sneered at them. "Dogs," he snarled. "Even now, you speak of valor and resistance. I know the truth of you boys from Harmony..."
The Sons of Harmony were enveloped in a tense silence that hung heavily in the air. "Yes," Laude spoke with a sneer. "Do you think we are fools?" He chuckled, his voice cold and lifeless. "You lot disgust me, and your existence within the academy should've been corrected when my brother defeated you in battle. If you didn't utilize your mutant powers and..."
"Mutant!" Jack snarled, taking a step forward before Oscar intervened, restraining him. "Call him a mutant again, try it, pretty boy!" he threatened.
Cecila couldn't contain her laughter at the scene, and Shaddiq simply shook his head, disappointed in Laude's behavior. However, Laude remained unfazed.
His finger pointed accusingly at Aiden. "A mutant, an abomination, cooked up in a laboratory within the dark confines of Harmony," he spoke with disgust. "That was how you won against my older brother."
"No, he didn't," Suletta's voice rang out, her words cutting through the tension-filled atmosphere. All eyes turned to her as she stared defiantly at Laude.
Suletta stammered, her ticks beginning to follow. "Uhm... I-I mean, Aiden is strong, and Guel is too... but I just don't understand. Why do you all keep on fighting with each other, and now you're saying such harsh things to him and..."
"Silence!" Laude's scream echoed through the room, causing Suletta to instinctively back away, with Miorine's reassuring hand on her shoulder.
For a moment, Laude closed his eyes, but in that one second, everything changed. He was thrown backward, sprawled over the floor, and the entire room fell into stunned silence, shocked at what had just occurred.
"Oh, you slipped," Aiden spoke with a smirk.
Guel's eyes burned with rage. "You bastard!" he screamed. "He threw him, Shaddiq, he threw Laude!"
Aiden raised both hands mockingly. "I didn't do a thing," he chuckled. "I guess Laude should pay more attention to his surroundings."
As Aiden raised his arms, Shaddiq observed him, noting the bits of blood dribbling down his nose and lip. Aiden casually wiped it away with the end of his sweater, still smirking, seemingly innocent of any wrongdoing.
Shaddiq let out a weary sigh and dismissed it. But Laude was not finished. "A bunch of pirates, marauders, and warlords that occupy the ends of the frontier and colonies within regions," he spat the words at the boys, who remained stone-faced. "I bet if we open up cases against the whole lot of you, we'll find a bunch of war criminals that..."
"Enough, Laude," Shaddiq interrupted with a sigh. "Do you wish to duel, or merely attack with words? There's a place for that, and it isn't here."
Laude's temper flared, but Guel's hand on his shoulder urged him to calm down. He took a deep breath, trying to regain composure.
"We're going to get them for that," Jack whispered to Oscar.
Oscar stared at Laude for a few seconds longer, his eyes wide with realization. Miorine's prior words about Harmony were starting to make sense, and he was growing concerned about the truth behind her claims.
He realized how ill-advised it was to seek 'Retribution' by provoking Jetturk house, and bitterness swelled within him for what had transpired.
"Fine, then, whatever," Deacon waved off, his eyes filled with dangerous resolve as he pointed at the pair. "Don't think it's gonna be like last time," he snarled with a sly smirk, locking eyes with Laude.
"We have our own team that will fight alongside Guel. You dogs of Harmony, do you really believe you have a chance?"
"Yeah, we do," Jack spoke up, stepping to Aiden's side.
Jack's expression had shifted, now wearing a weariness that came from being provoked. Cecilia's features, on the other hand, darkened as she glared at him, her displeasure evident.
"We have our team already set," Laude lectured, sneering at the members of House Harmony.
"Alright," Deacon mused, turning to face the other boys. "We've got a small roster, but we have more than three people," he paused and then looked towards Aiden. "You're usually good with these sort of choices."
Aiden shrugged his shoulders. "Obviously, I am going to fight. And I want Jack to join me as well," he said, his gaze wavering towards Oscar, who simply shrugged.
Deacon's eyes then went to Shaddiq. "Can we employ the arena that we are going to be on?"
Shaddiq shook his head. "No, you can't," he stated firmly. "There are rules associated with dueling, and random generation of the arena is something that you have got to live with. However, I will say that you won't expect the last setup for Guel and Aiden's prior duels. No arena has been the same, but there have been times in which they have been similar."
Deacon sighed, glancing back towards Oscar, who seemed to be thinking the same thing. Their training had been rushed, and this led them to be trained with certain titan classes, some more specialized than others.
"Extinct," Deacon thought, as he looked at Oscar. Trained and honed skills primarily associated with the Stryder class of titan. The ronin, the Stryder base, and the NorthStar—the prior being his class.
His mind wandered to Oscar again, and he wondered what he thought of that. Surely, Aiden and Jack would've demanded the use of that word—extinct. But what else do you call weapons of war that were lost? Weapons that humanity would forever refuse to recreate or rebuild, and those users were now lost, trying to find their place within this galaxy, hoping for a better tomorrow, or fighting for the revenge of a dead world?
He paused, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at Harmony. Which ones of his brothers fit into those margins?
"Aiden's titan is still being repaired, but a lot of the damage was surface level and nothing really badly messed up the internal workings," Jack explained, tossing his gaze to himself. "My monarch was swapped out with atlas and Ogre designs," he placed his hand square against his chest as he fixed his eyes on Laude and Guel. "I'll be the one tearing your mechs limb from limb today."
Oscar shuffled his feet, knowing the shortcomings of his titan. Short but agile, deadly but weak, a glass cannon. His railgun could punch straight through any mech when fully charged in a dangerous blazing fury. However, if one of their mechs utilized their laser swords or...
He closed his eyes, massaging his temple, wondering what the right course of action was. They only had a few titans, and he was one of the few with actual true experience and expertise. The situation was dire, and the stakes were high.
"I'll fight," Suletta's words graced their ears first, and their hearts momentarily ceased, even Shaddiq stunned to say the least.
"Huh?" Jack erupted, his face contorting with surprise and disbelief. "What did you say?" He questioned, perplexed and not fully comprehending what had just occurred or what he had heard. The words lingered in the air, unsettling and unexpected.
Miorine's eyes widened with concern, her lips parting to say something, but her voice caught in her throat. She exchanged a glance with Jack, who was still trying to process Suletta's unexpected declaration. Both of them stayed in stunned and angry silence, unable to believe what they were hearing, and unable to find the right words to express their emotions.
Aiden simply smiled as he turned towards Suletta, then back to Shaddiq. "We accept this team," he declared, thrusting his thumb with confidence, paying no heed to Jack's and Miorine's surprise or any sounds of protest that might have risen from them. His smile only widened, and he seemed focused solely on the forthcoming duel.
Suletta stammered, her ticks becoming more pronounced under the weight of all the attention focused on her. "I...I think I can help," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I may not be the strongest, but I know I can do my best to support you."
Aiden placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his smile never faltering. "That's the spirit, Suletta," he said, his tone encouraging. "We'll have each other's backs, and together, we'll show them what we're made of."
Jack's expression remained frozen, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. He was caught off guard by Suletta's determination, and his mind was racing to comprehend the sudden turn of events. He exchanged a quick glance with Miorine, who mirrored his stunned silence, unable to find the right words to express their reservations about Suletta joining the team.
Meanwhile, Deacon and Laude exchanged glances, unsure of how to react to this unexpected turn of events. However, they quickly regained their composure, realizing that underestimating their opponents could be a fatal mistake.
Shaddiq, the ever-calm and collected one, nodded in approval. "Very well," he said, his voice steady. "The teams are set, and the duel will proceed as planned. May the best team win."
With the teams decided, the atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming charged with anticipation and uncertainty. The stakes were high, and the duel would undoubtedly be one for the books. As the duel committee prepared the arena, the tension among the dueling houses intensified, and the battlefield awaited the clash of titans.
The tension in the air was palpable, and the stakes had never been higher. Aiden and Suletta now faced expulsion, while House Harmony reveled in their complete involvement in the duel. It was a high-stakes battle, with House Jetturk's fate hanging in the balance.
Miorine's voice echoed through the hallway, an exasperated mix of anger and confusion. The morning sun cast a beautiful glow of orange light, contrasting with the turmoil unfolding within the academy's walls. Suletta, unable to meet Miorine's gaze, fidgeted with her boots, a telltale sign of her shyness and social awkwardness.
"You were completely fine, Suletta!" Miorine's frustration spilled forth as she paced back and forth. The echo of her boots reverberated, mirroring the turmoil in her mind. Suletta had been content to stay on the sidelines, uninvolved in the duel between Guel and Aiden. Now, she found herself thrust into the center of it all.
The duel had transformed into a team battle, an attempt to level the playing field. Miorine knew both Guel and Aiden were formidable opponents, but adding more fighters to the mix might tip the scales in their favor. However, the sudden involvement of Suletta left her baffled and frustrated.
"Do you get a kick out of this or something?" Miorine's words were sharp, her tone resembling that of an exasperated mother. She struggled to comprehend why Suletta, who had managed to avoid House Jetturk's watchful eye, had willingly thrown herself back into the fray with House Harmony.
Suletta stood before her, arms wrapped around herself, looking small and vulnerable. Miorine's frustration mounted as she continued to lecture the girl. "You just escaped the watchful eye of House Jetturk," she exclaimed, her laughter edged with bitterness. "And now you've willingly thrown yourself into House Harmony's battle, back into the race to be my groom!" Her words dripped with disdain, unable to fathom Suletta's decision.
Miorine struggled to comprehend the reasoning behind Suletta's actions. It seemed like an act of sheer recklessness and foolishness. Her hands coiled around her own features, trying to make sense of this display of what she perceived as pure stupidity.
The hallway seemed to tighten around them, suffocating in its intensity. The duel loomed before them, a battlefield of emotions and rivalries, and Miorine couldn't help but wonder how this unexpected turn of events would alter the course of the day.
Suletta's red hair veiled her tear-streaked face as she looked down, trying to find the courage to speak. Her voice was soft, almost inaudible, as she struggled to express herself. Miorine couldn't quite grasp the extent of what was happening, couldn't quite fathom why Suletta had suddenly decided to join the fight despite the looming threat of expulsion. She couldn't wrap her head around it.
"I, um... I wanted to help," Suletta's words came out in a hesitant mumble, her eyes darting away from Miorine's intense gaze. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks, and she fidgeted with her fingers, a telltale sign of her shyness and social awkwardness.
Miorine was too caught up in her own frustration and anger to fully understand, but she tried to be patient. "How are you going to help if you're expelled, Suletta?" Miorine asked, trying to keep her voice calm. "You had dreams of creating a school on Mercury, remember? How is any of this going to help you achieve that? You can't make everyone proud if you keep on..."
"I, uh... I wanted to help," Suletta stammered, her words barely audible, as if she was afraid of speaking up. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"They, they weren't your fault," Miorine tried to reason, attempting to ease the girl's distress. But Suletta's anxiety got the better of her, and she couldn't help but interrupt.
"I-it doesn't feel that way!" Suletta's voice trembled with emotion, and she curled up slightly, as if trying to make herself smaller. "Even though D-Deacon said it wasn't my fault, you told me to take responsibility, and I've tried, but..."
Miorine finally saw the bigger picture, the weight of Suletta's world crashing down upon her. She had been teasing Suletta with her well-intended lectures, not realizing the toll it was taking on the girl. Suletta had rescued her, an act of incredible kindness and bravery, and all she had done in return was respond with annoyance and scorn.
Now, the entire school had her name on their lips. Suletta Mercury, the center of attention, the girl who had brought chaos and upheaval. It weighed heavily on her, and Miorine suddenly felt like she was part of the problem.
"I can pilot," Suletta's voice wavered with sobs as she tried to smile, but it faltered, replaced by her inner turmoil. "I've been doing it for so long, and I know I can help Aiden stay here. B-but..." She struggled to articulate her feelings, her shyness making it hard for her to find the right words.
Miorine began to see how difficult it must have been for Suletta, to bear the weight of expectations and keep up a facade of happiness. The smile she wore had been a shield, hiding the struggles within.
As Miorine listened to Suletta's tearful words, she finally understood the depth of her friend's pain and the courage it took to step into the fray, to try and make things right. She realized that Suletta was not just a timid girl, but a brave soul facing a world of darkness with an unyielding desire to help others, even at the cost of her own happiness.
"Suletta, I..." Miorine's voice trailed off, but Suletta had already risen from the chair. Her tear-streaked face glistening in the faint light, she wiped away the remnants of her sorrow as she started to walk away. Miorine's hand instinctively reached out toward her, a conflicted turmoil brewing within.
Thoughts swirled in Miorine's mind, the echoes of past conversations with Jack and Oscar ringing loud. They had told her to let Suletta make her own choices, to decide for herself. And now, faced with the reality of Suletta's decision to step into the duel, Miorine found herself torn.
Part of her wanted to feel relieved that the girl, a magnet for trouble like an approaching storm, was finally leaving. But another part, a deeper, more compassionate part, felt a pang of unease deep in her gut as she watched Suletta wipe her tears away, slowly walking away from her.
There was something about Suletta that touched Miorine's heart, a vulnerability that resonated with her own struggles. Despite her shy and timid nature, Suletta had shown courage and determination, even in the face of expulsion and the judgment of others. And now, as she walked away, Miorine couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.
The girl had become a part of her life, someone special in a sea of unfamiliar faces. And now, with her decision to fight in the duel, she was choosing her own path, a path that might lead to more trouble and danger.
As Suletta's figure grew smaller in the distance, Miorine realized that she didn't want her to go. She wanted to reach out, to tell her that it was okay, that she didn't have to fight, that she could stay. But her words were stuck in her throat, and all she could do was watch.
And as Suletta disappeared around the corner, Miorine was left with a heavy heart and a nagging feeling of regret. She had let the girl walk away, perhaps for the last time, and now she couldn't shake the feeling that she had made a mistake.
In the end, Miorine knew that she couldn't control Suletta's choices, and maybe that was for the best. But the thought of losing her friend, of letting her face the dangers of the duel alone, weighed heavily on her soul.
With a sigh, Miorine turned away and headed back inside. The duel was about to begin, and there was nothing she could do but hope and pray for Suletta's safety, wherever she may be.
Aiden stood at the opposite end of the hallway, a cigarette dangling from his lips, his demeanor cool and nonchalant. Unbeknownst to both him and Deacon, Suletta and Miorine were farther down the corridor, their presence unnoticed in the shadows. Deacon, on the other hand, paced back and forth with visible agitation, clearly bothered by something.
"Christ, can't you put those down for a second?" Deacon snapped, unable to contain his frustration. Aiden merely stared back at him, taking another drag from his cigarette without a care in the world.
"I don't understand what you're losing your mind about," Aiden replied with a casual shrug. His nonchalant attitude grated on Deacon, who let out a deep sigh and leaned against the wall.
"Jack is angry," Deacon finally said, hoping to convey the seriousness of the situation to Aiden. But Aiden remained unfazed, waving his hand dismissively.
"He never liked Suletta to begin with," Aiden retorted. "So what? You know she's been piloting since she was nine. She's a good choice, and unlike us, she actually has a pretty solid mech."
Deacon's eyebrow raised at this revelation. "She's been piloting since she was nine years old?"
"Yep," Aiden replied with a smug smile. "Turns out she had to do rescue missions and was training with it for years. Eight years of training, while we've only got like six for the average member."
Deacon still felt uneasy about the decision, though. "I can understand why Jack is angry. We know about Oscar's specialties and such. We don't know anything about Suletta or her mech," he pointed out.
Aiden shrugged, showing no concern for Jack's anger or the potential risks involved. "Doesn't really matter though," he said as he stretched his limbs. "This is really going to come down to the two aces, isn't it?" Aiden raised two fingers. "Me and Guel. The other two are mostly just there to duke it out while I focus my efforts on him."
Deacon let out another sigh, his gaze fixed on Aiden. "There's a lot of talk about you and Suletta," he said, trying to address the rumors and speculations surrounding the girl's involvement.
Aiden's expression remained unchanged, a mask of cool detachment. "It's all just talk," he replied cryptically. "People love to gossip and speculate. But when it comes down to it, it's just me and Guel in that arena, and that's all that matters."
"We're still on this?" Aiden shot back, his voice tinged with irritation.
Deacon pressed on, undeterred. "Within the school, within Harmony House," he continued, "I get that your feelings towards this girl are confusing, but you need to tone it down a bit. She came to the party, and you guys are advancing, but you shouldn't risk the house."
Aiden scoffed, not willing to admit the truth. "You think I'm risking the house with this decision?" he retorted.
Deacon's eyes narrowed in a glare. "I think you're risking yourself," he shot back. "You've always had an issue with putting yourself first. You don't willingly risk the lives of others, but others follow you because you're powerful, not just in your abilities, but in your speech. You speak like a leader, but you don't wish to lead."
"I am no leader," Aiden protested, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"People will always follow you, Aiden," Deacon insisted. "And I'm not sure what the future holds, but you need to decide what matters most to you."
Aiden was still confused, unsure of where this conversation was heading.
"Sorry," Deacon said, waving off the tension with a somber expression. "You aren't acting right."
"Yeah," Deacon replied, slowly rubbing the back of his head. "It's Nika, she isn't talking to me still. I don't blame her. Maybe this is karma coming back to bite me. And it's the anniversary of Dan's death, and now maybe I'm feeling kind of nostalgic..."
Aiden hesitated at the solemn reminder, sighing as he took another drag of his cigarette. His mind drifting to the past, the memories haunting him like ghosts.
"Do you blame yourself for what happened?" Deacon asked quietly, seeking the truth.
Aiden didn't speak, his eyes narrowing as he took a long drag of his cigarette. His heart stilled for a second as he finally spoke, his words tinged with a haunting quality.
"Dark days grow ahead in fervent whispers. The screams of innocents burn along the edges of a great planet, false brothers turning against their true. And within this, the death of a brother in the blazing ray of a sun."
Deacon listened, his breath caught in his throat. "That's what you witnessed," he said in a faint whisper, understanding dawning on him.
Aiden nodded solemnly, his eyes distant as he recounted the visions that haunted him. "It has the death of one of us in that moment," he began, his voice tinged with the weight of the past. "You have to understand that what I see in the visions usually fade away after they're done, but I can remember Daniel dying there. I tried to warn him, I tried to tell him to be more careful... but he convinced me that this was a metaphor for something else."
Aiden let out a bitter chuckle, void of any real amusement. "Daniel, he was the one pushing us to fight those damn pirates," he snarled.
"We didn't know what they were planning on doing," Deacon offered in defense.
"You think that's an excuse?" Aiden shot back, his eyes ablaze with anger.
Deacon slowly shrugged, his gaze shifting to the endless sky outside the window. "We should've left years ago," he murmured in a hushed tone. "The fault is on me."
"The fault was not on you, I am a seer, Deacon," Aiden spat, frustration and guilt evident in his voice. "Some seer I am. I saw his death, and I didn't have the strength to save him. And now, look at what we have all accomplished."
"Yeah, look at what we have accomplished," Deacon repeated bitterly, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon. "It was a mistake, all of it, a mistake that should've never been made."
"What are you talking about?" Aiden questioned, confusion etched on his face.
Aiden crushed the cigarette under his boot, his eyes never leaving his friend's troubled expression. "How do you do it, Aiden?" Deacon asked, his voice tinged with a mix of admiration and frustration. "How do you keep on fighting, even though we lost everything?"
Aiden scowled, his features hardening. "You speak of the long war?" he asked, his voice low and guarded.
Deacon nodded slowly, the weight of the past bearing down on him. "I've made peace with it, and maybe it was Laude's comments about what we were and..."
"We are not like the others in the warband," Aiden interrupted, his finger pointed at Deacon, his words charged with emotion. "We are true 'Sons of Harmony.' We were forced into those training camps, we had to fight and survive, many of us didn't make it..."
Aiden moved closer, his eyes narrowed with intensity. He slammed his hand against the wall, leaning in towards Deacon with rage and determination. "They drilled electronics into our skulls, Deacon," he snarled.
Deacon sighed, the tension between them palpable. "They ripped us from our homes, they tore us away from our mothers' arms before sending our fathers to die," Deacon confessed, unsure why he brought up the painful memories. He didn't understand the anger emanating from Aiden, but he sensed there was more to it than met the eye, wondering why Aiden still fought for the militia, despite all they had endured.
Aiden sneered, dismissing Deacon's concerns with a casual wave of his hand, but the disbelief in Deacon's eyes only intensified. "They didn't have a choice," Deacon repeated, his voice tinged with bitterness. "They took us from our homes when we were twelve or thirteen. They didn't care who we were. You were the son of a composer, Oscar was an orphan, I was from some normal middle-class family, and Jack was of Harmony nobility. They didn't care, and they didn't care who died or were tortured. Only to fuel their war effort, and now look at their war."
Aiden shook his head, trying to brush off Deacon's words. "We are veterans of the long war, Deacon," he spat. "We are the true sons, the ones who hold the militia's true honor and ideals. We fight honorably, we fight for our true vengeance."
But Deacon wouldn't be swayed. He shook his head in disbelief. "Laude was right," he said. "We aren't honorable, Aiden, don't you see?" His shoulders slumped, weighed down by the harsh truth. "We aren't anything, we were veterans, but we fought alongside those whose values betrayed us. At first, they were the normal sons, but as they died... they started to raid and do the same thing the Militia did to us."
His fingers clenched into fists, frustration and anger bubbling to the surface. "They corrupted us... they destroyed our gifts and the trials it took to attain us... our blessings, they were cast aside to those who did not understand what Harmony meant. When our world was burned within the fires of atomics, our legion fell with it... the legion was poisoned!"
Deacon's eyes darted around erratically, filled with turmoil. Aiden tried to counter his words, emphasizing the need for revenge, but Deacon had reached a breaking point. "We are vagabonds, Aiden," he countered, his voice growing louder. "In a galaxy that doesn't want us anymore, a galaxy that hates us!" Deacon circled Aiden, the tension thick in the air. "You speak of revenge, but those you wish to fight with do not know our revenge," he snarled. "Those recruited in Marko's crusade are not like me and you."
Aiden tried to argue, claiming he knew the legion, but Deacon wasn't having it. "You don't listen to me," he snapped, frustration etched on his face. "Marko will come for us, we have hidden from him, but if he gets a whiff of you... he will come."
Aiden seemed unfazed, his annoyance evident. Deacon sighed, realizing Aiden's stubbornness. "You are the seer of Harmony, and one of the last druids that still cast breath," Deacon said, his voice more solemn now. "Marko, he will never stop until he holds you in his grasp, but you still refuse to see the truth within it."
The weight of their argument hung heavy in the air. Both boys breathed heavily, the tension between them palpable. Deacon had tried to get through to Aiden, to make him see the dangers of Marko's pursuit, but Aiden remained resolute in his quest for vengeance.
"You are going to use whatever it takes to defeat Guel?" Deacon asked, his voice quieter now, filled with concern.
"Of course," Aiden replied, his voice determined.
However, Deacon shook his head. "Last time I ordered you to fire off your plasma pistol at him," he recalled, his mind drifting back to their earlier engagement. "You tossed it away and..."
"I gave Guel an honorable fight," shot back Aiden.
"And you nearly lost the duel," snapped Deacon.
But Deacon's tone softened as he continued, "The deal fell through, Aiden. Jetturk House has not followed through with our demands, and they are planning on still fighting."
Aiden shrugged nonchalantly. "Let them come, and I will beat them a million times over."
"No," Deacon snapped back. "They are talented, well-funded, and they have the resources to outlast us. You have already pricked off Oscar and Jack, and you are lucky that Jack will still fight alongside you."
Aiden sneered, "Jack always itches for a fight."
"Jack always itches for loyalty," Deacon retorted. "You picking Suletta over Oscar has pricked him off, but that is something you'll have to deal with. Right now, you are going to have to send a message to Jetturk House."
Aiden paused, his gaze locking onto Deacon's. "You are going to have to hurt Guel."
"Hurt... Guel?" Aiden seemed taken aback by the suggestion.
Deacon nodded firmly. "They won't stop, Aiden," he confessed. "But if we hurt Guel, if we just show them brutality. I'm not talking about killing Guel, but leaving a message would be..."
"No," Aiden interrupted firmly. "This is against the rules. I am not going to use excessive force against Guel."
Deacon shook his head, frustration evident in his expression. "You still don't..."
"Guel is our age," Aiden continued, his voice resolute. "He may be an asshole, and I know that I beat him up, but that was due to his actions towards Suletta. I am not going to..."
"And you still don't listen," snarled Deacon. "What do you intend for us to do then, huh? Are you going to keep on fighting Guel over and over again, keep on dealing with Jetturk House nagging us? Reminder, you served within the long war... which sounds better? Fighting your enemy multiple times till you both gain an understanding of the other, or better yet, you fight them only once and defeat them entirely."
Deacon shrugged his shoulders dismissively. "There is the smart choice, and the honorable choice," he scoffed. His eyes bore deep into Aiden's, and he sighed. "Before, I would've told you to do something and you would've done it, but now..."
Aiden shook his head, his expression defiant. "This is different," he snapped. "You never told me to act dishonorably like this before. You've been acting off lately, the first time with Miorine and..."
"What is honor to you?" Deacon lectured, his tone firm. "Like what you've stated before, we are veterans, soldiers. That is what we are, we are not like the knights of storybooks or ancient soldiers of Earth's past. I do not see the issue here."
Aiden wrapped his arms around himself, contemplating his response. "Honor to me is giving respect to another who is willing to respect you. Guel did not use any underhanded tricks against me during our duel. It was our skills, our innate abilities that decided the fate of what had occurred. He was a worthy adversary."
Deacon's eyes widened at that admission. "A worthy adversary," he repeated softly. His gaze bore into Aiden's as he paused. "Jack told me that you said something like that before, right before you went to fight the matriarch."
Deacon's words struck a chord within Aiden, but he found himself unable to articulate his feelings. He searched for an answer, but the words eluded him, leaving him feeling vulnerable and unsure.
"You don't even know," snapped Deacon, frustration evident in his voice. "You are willing to throw your life away, your position at the academy away, to fight fairly. You're searching for something that you don't even know where to start."
Aiden remained silent, his thoughts swirling inside him like a tempest.
Frustrated, Deacon started to walk away, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. "Do whatever you want," he snapped. "I am telling you to hurt Guel, make him regret issuing this duel. So, next time, he won't do it again. Minimize your losses by effectively eliminating him from the possible playing field."
As Deacon walked away, Aiden turned to the window, seeking solace in the view outside. Night was descending upon them, and the stars glittered like shards of glass against the black canvas of the sky.
His heart steadying, Aiden placed his hands on the window panes and pressed his forehead against the cool glass. His struggle was evident, torn between his desire for honor and his friend's plea for ruthlessness.
Oscar's words echoed in his mind, a reminder of the mistake he avoided with Miorine. And now, Deacon was urging him to act dishonorably, to hurt Guel intentionally.
Aiden imagined the gruesome scenario Deacon painted for him, but he sneered at the thought. He didn't play with his enemies; he dealt with them swiftly and efficiently.
Yet, he faced a difficult crossroad. He could fight Guel a hundred times and rely on skill alone, but Guel and Jetturk House had something Aiden and Harmony didn't—money. They could repair Guel's mech countless times with their vast resources, while Harmony's treasury was strained by the quick repairs needed for this duel.
Aiden knew he had to make a choice—honor or pragmatism.
If he listened to Deacon, Guel would be hurt, and hopefully, out of the picture for a while. But Aiden couldn't ignore the turmoil inside him, the conflict between his ideals and the pragmatic path Deacon suggested. His heart weighed heavy with the decision he had to make, feeling torn and unsure.
Then, a soft voice, delicate as a whisper, reached his ears. Aiden turned to find Suletta standing there, her arms at her sides, fidgeting with her fingers. Her voice trembled like a timid cat.
"Suletta, I—" Aiden's voice stammered, his heart wavered as he gazed at her. "Are you okay?"
She hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded. "I am fine," she spoke hesitantly. "Really, I am. Nothing for you to worry about."
But her tears betrayed her words, as more cascaded down her cheeks. She tried to force a smile, but it looked off, her eyes closing as more tears rolled down, and she continued to cry.
"Suletta, what happened?" Aiden was deeply concerned. He took a step closer, his voice gentler now. "Suletta, you're crying, and I want to help. Please, tell me what's wrong."
He spoke with such tenderness, and Suletta noticed it. Her voice trembled as she choked back a sob, her eyes stinging red as she looked at him. But she shuddered, trying to compose herself.
"What are you going to do with Guel?" she asked abruptly.
Aiden was taken aback. "How much did you hear?"
Suletta paused, wiping another tear. She didn't want to burden him with her troubles. "Only that," she softly replied.
Aiden didn't know how to respond. Her tear-filled eyes pierced his soul, and he was at a loss for words. "I don't...I don't know..." he stuttered, looking at Suletta. "I don't know what to do, Suletta. I want to fight honorably, I do. But Deacon is right, Guel will keep coming, and if I send him a message...I can put an end to it with just one fight."
Suletta looked at him, contemplating his words. "But is that what you want?" she questioned.
"It's not about what I want," Aiden replied. "It's about what matters, and it's about following the orders of my commanding officer."
The turmoil in his heart was evident, torn between his sense of duty and his desire to uphold his ideals. Suletta's presence brought him comfort, but it also reminded him of the weight of his choices, and the consequences that would follow. He knew he had to make a decision, but he couldn't escape the haunting uncertainty that loomed over him.
The weight of the conversation lingered heavily between them, and Suletta's question hung in the air like a haunting specter. Aiden felt the discomfort and shame radiating from her gaze, and he couldn't bear to look at her like this.
"I don't want to," he stammered, his eyes cast downward. "But for the house, for following orders, and doing what I have to do. I have my orders, Suletta, and I…"
Suletta interrupted him gently, trying to muster a smile that faltered into a hoarse response. "You speak like you're in the army," she said, attempting a hint of humor, but her voice quivered with emotion. "But you're just a student in this academy."
Her words hit Aiden hard, and he found himself leaning back against the window pane, his eyes still drawn to Suletta who stayed in place, her teal eyes now focused on him.
"This has all gotten too out of hand," she continued, her fingers fidgeting nervously. "I don't want to do this anymore. I wanted to just go to school, make friends, eat lunch on the roof, have cute names for them, and..." She blushed, her gaze briefly meeting Aiden's before retreating back to her shoes.
She confided her feelings to him, and Aiden listened with growing empathy. "I didn't want to get wrapped up within this whole race to be the holder," she admitted, a hint of guilt in her voice. "And I am sorry, I know what Deacon has told me before, but I still feel guilty about it."
"Suletta, it's not your fault," Aiden tried to console her, but she shook her head, stopping him mid-sentence.
"I still feel like it's my fault," she persisted, wiping away her tears. Her gaze held power as she focused on him, her voice gaining strength. "I want to repay you and Harmony House's debt in fighting for me. I am going to fight and put my heart into winning. Because you are my friends."
Aiden was taken aback by her determination and her devotion to their friendship. He listened to her words, her voice trembling with emotions. Suletta wasn't done yet; she had more to say.
"You have to decide, Aiden," she stammered, her eyes unwavering as they locked onto his. "You must decide the type of person you are going to become. You aren't a soldier but a student within the academy. You have to decide what you want to do, and I've decided to follow my own path…even if Miorine doesn't approve, I am going to do what I think is right. Be the man you want to be, and...and decide who you are."
With those final words, Suletta turned her back on him and began to walk away. Aiden watched her departing shadow, feeling her presence slipping away. He sank down against the window, his head in his hands, the weight of her disappointment crushing him.
He found himself at a crossroads, torn between two paths. One led to embracing his wraith, unleashing a craze of fury on the battlefield, defeating the members of Jetturk, and possibly causing severe harm to Guel. This path belonged to Aiden Winters, the Militia Pilot, the slave of the warband, a boy forever chained to the long war.
In the dimly lit room, Aiden stood at the crossroads of two choices that seemed to echo the shadows of those who had influenced him. One path beckoned him to embrace his wraith, to let loose the fury of battle and inflict brutal harm upon Guel and his comrades. It was the path Deacon urged him to take, the path of ruthless efficiency and cunning.
The other path, painted with the brush of Suletta Mercury's words, spoke of honor and the warrior spirit. It enticed him to step into the field of battle with heart and integrity, to duel Guel and his comrades fairly, and to abide by the rules of honor and conduct. It was the path of his own choosing, one that he could be proud of, but also fraught with uncertainty.
Caught between these two opposing forces, Aiden's heart fluttered with indecision. His synthetic eye widened as he recalled Suletta's soft voice, urging him to be the man he wanted himself to be.
"What are you searching for, Aiden?" Deacon's voice repeated like a static hum within his head.
His gaze lingered on the spot where Suletta had once stood, and he found himself reflecting on Oscar's words as well. Aiden was no longer a soldier bound to the whims of others; he had the power to shape his own destiny. The question that lingered in his mind was, how?