Author Note: Hey there! I have some mixed feelings about this chapter, to be honest. Part of it might be because I felt it should have been connected to chapter 8, but that one ended up being over 7,000 words long. Additionally, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this chapter, but I've always been my harshest critic. It's just a bit strange for me. Perhaps it's because I've been eagerly waiting to complete this section of the story so we can finally delve into the real heart of it. From chapter 10 onwards, things are going to get serious. I'll be fleshing out the OC, exploring canon divergences, and other exciting elements. Maybe my overly critical nature stems from the anticipation I've built up for reaching this point. I might revisit this chapter later and make some edits. Chapter 10 is going to be significantly longer and will take some time to write. Seriously, that's the truth. Don't expect to see it tomorrow. I'll try my best to finish it before the end of the month, but it's going to be quite substantial. Almost all the characters, with a few exceptions, will be making appearances and engaging in dialogue. This section will also feature increased interaction between Suletta, Miorine, and Aiden, and the romance plot will gradually begin to take shape. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy it! Remember to follow, favorite, and review. I always respond, and the more feedback I receive for the fic, the more motivated I am to work on it and provide updates. Have a fantastic day!
PS: Finally made some cover art for the fic! It's not that great, but check it out!
Reviews
EmeraldMage - Chapter 7: Thank you so much for your detailed review of my fanfic! I appreciate your honest feedback and your insights into the different aspects of the story. I understand your point about the smoking and drug use among young teenagers contrasting with the presence of giant robots in the series. It's a valid concern, and I'll take it into consideration while shaping the narrative. The scene with Oscar being high during a serious moment with Aiden and Guel planning the duel was meant to add a touch of unexpected humor, but I realize now that it might have disrupted the serious tone. I'll be mindful of balancing the tone better in future chapters. I'm glad you found Secelia's character development well-written. It was important to me to give her more depth beyond being just a "sexy chocolate babe." Likewise, I aimed to flesh out Suletta and Miorine's characters further, and it's rewarding to hear that their interactions and moments of vulnerability resonated with you. The exploration of Suletta's fear of Aiden and the potential for their future romance is a storyline I'm excited to develop. I'm thrilled that you appreciate the building of their relationship and the implications it holds for the future. I'm also glad you're looking forward to the duel between Aiden and Guel! It's an upcoming highlight, and I hope it lives up to your expectations. Once again, thank you for your support and encouraging words. Your feedback helps me improve the story and motivates me to continue writing. Stay healthy as well, and I hope you enjoy the upcoming chapters!
EmeraldMage - Chapter 8: Thank you so much for your review and your feedback on the latest chapter! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the fight between Suletta and Guel and found it to be an improvement over the show's version. I wanted to give them a longer and more engaging battle where both characters had equal footing, so I'm glad that came across well. I'm glad you appreciated Miorine's softer side and Suletta's speech to uplift Aiden when he was feeling down. It was important for Suletta to show her support and express her desire to understand the Harmony House group and build friendships. I wanted her actions to be logical and fitting, particularly for someone who has experienced self-doubt like Aiden. I understand your concerns about Jack's approach to motivating Aiden during the fight. It's valid to question its effectiveness, especially considering the outcome.
The idea behind it was to hint at Jack's prior past with Cecilia, and this was mostly projection and him not understanding the strange relationship Aiden has with Suletta, the quote: "She's consuming your thoughts, I bet," Jack lectured, his gaze fixed on Aiden. "I bet you don't even realize how deeply she's rooted in your mind. I never expected a shy girl like her to be another Cecilia." This was Jack's projection, but this will be explored more later. However, I understand your concerns and I will be mindful.
I appreciate your perspective on Aiden's use of his powers during the fight. Your point about it potentially feeling like overkill is valid, and I'll consider different approaches to showcasing his abilities in future battles. I want the powers to have meaningful impact rather than appearing unnecessary or gratuitous. Thank you for your overall positive feedback and for sticking with the story. I truly appreciate your support. Stay healthy and safe as well, and I hope you continue to enjoy the upcoming chapters!
Chapter 9
The battlefield lay shrouded in anticipation as Aiden and Guel once again poised themselves for the ensuing duel. Their mechs faced each other, tension thick in the air. Aiden's determination burned bright within him as he prepared to unleash the full extent of his newfound power.
With a surge of electric energy, Aiden's entire titan frame sparked with intense power. Arcs of electricity crackled and danced along the metal, casting an ethereal glow around him. The wild strands of lightning reached out from his mech's joints, bathing the surroundings in a pulsating purple hue.
Gripping his chainsword tightly in his mech's hand, Aiden revved up the blade, infusing it with the same powerful electricity that coursed through his titan. The weapon became a manifestation of raw might, its edges flickering with crackling energy.
The spectators watched in awe and trepidation as Aiden's electrified chainsword hummed with power, a weapon both dazzling and fearsome. The air was heavy with anticipation as the stage was set for a clash that would resonate through the battlefield.
"Thank you, Suletta," Deacon thanked as the girl handed him back his radio. Placing it along his ears once again as the girl gave him a solid nod. She retook her spot next to Miorine. "How are you feeling now, Aiden?"
Aiden chuckled within his ears as Deacon's smirk traveled along his features. Entranced by the light show that was being displayed. Heck, even the members of the dueling committee had fought out of their seats to get a far more close view of what was going to come.
"Decent," Aiden muttered. However, Deacon could hear the sly confidence that was etched within Aiden's being at that moment.
Aiden sighed as he felt the power whirl through him. Taking a deep breath as his vision slowly steadied, his head banged hard along his skull, but his mind did not waiver and his vision had centered. "Alright," he whispered to his titan, retaking the controls as he focused back on Guel. "Let's win this thing."
Guel, undeterred by the surging power emanating from Aiden's mech, steadied himself, his laser glaive gleaming with determination. He knew he faced a formidable opponent, but his confidence remained unshaken. The duel had reached a pivotal moment, where each pilot's skill and unwavering resolve would be tested.
"Aiden," Jack's voice filled the titan's cockpit.
Aiden's fingers went along his nose, feeling the ebbing of blood go along his lips and the coppery taste darting along his senses.
"You already know what I am…"
"Put a sock in it," Aiden snapped back, wiping the blood away with his fist. His eyes narrowing as he branched himself back into the duel.
Aiden and Guel locked gazes, the weight of the impending clash palpable. The echoes of their previous skirmishes reverberated through their minds as they steeled themselves for the confrontation that lay ahead.
The electrically charged battlefield crackled with anticipation, the air charged with energy. With a burst of speed, Aiden's mech lunged forward, his electrified chainsword slashing through the air with blinding speed. Guel, equally swift, deflected each blow with calculated precision, his laser glaive countering with swift and fluid movements.
With a synchronized roar, Aiden and Guel charged at each other, their weapons poised to strike. The air crackled with anticipation as their mechs closed the distance, the thunderous clash of metal reverberating through the battlefield.
"Deacon," Jack radioed.
"What is it?" Deacon responded, his voice filled with concern.
He heard Jack sigh. "Aiden's vitals are going off the chart, you know how deadly his abilities are to him."
Deacon groaned at that, his eyes wavering as he watched the battle unfold in front of him. "How is he looking?"
"He can't keep on going like this," Jack snapped back. "You know that Aiden's own worst enemy is himself. He'll kill himself in that machine."
Deacon started to pace, earning the strange glances of the other dueling committee members. "You are the president of Harmony House, and I know the cost of losing, but I'd rather lose than have Aiden die for this."
In a moment of explosive intensity, their weapons collided with a resounding boom. Sparks erupted as the electrified chainsword and the laser glaive clashed, their wielders pouring their strength into every strike. The force of their blows sent shockwaves through the air, shaking the ground beneath their mechs.
Their duel reached a crescendo as they hammered at each other with unwavering resolve. Aiden's electrified chainsword, infused with powerful electrical energy, cleaved through the air, leaving a trail of arcing lightning in its wake. Guel's laser glaive met the onslaught, his expertise allowing him to parry the strikes with expert precision.
But Aiden's newfound power tipped the balance in his favor. As their weapons clashed, the electrified blade carved a deep mark along Guel's mech's chassis, leaving a sizzling scar that crackled with residual energy. The impact forced Guel back, his defenses momentarily compromised.
Guel swiftly retaliated, attempting to parry Aiden's strike with renewed determination. However, Aiden was relentless, channeling his electric might into another powerful strike. The electrified chainsword cleaved through the air once more, striking true with a force that reverberated through Guel's mech.
Sparks flew as Aiden's blow landed, the sheer power behind it staggering. Guel's defenses were pushed to their limits as he strained to deflect the onslaught. The battlefield became a flurry of lightning and steel as Aiden pressed the advantage, his strikes driven by an unstoppable determination.
The spectators watched in awe and trepidation, witnessing the fierce clash between the two pilots. The deafening clashes of their weapons echoed through the air, a testament to their unyielding spirit and skill. Each strike was met with a countermove, each parry executed with precision and resolve.
The battlefield crackled with raw energy as Aiden and Guel fought on, their mechs locked in a deadly dance of power and skill. The outcome of the duel hung in the balance, the tension thick as their weapons clashed and their titans moved with calculated precision.
As the battle raged on, the spectators held their breath, their eyes fixed on the mesmerizing spectacle before them. Aiden's determination burned like a fiery ember, fueling his every move. Guel, equally determined, fought with an unwavering resolve.
The clash of their mechs echoed through the battlefield, a symphony of metal and electricity. The sheer force of their blows sent shockwaves through the air, shaking the very foundation of the dueling grounds. The intensity of their duel was palpable, each strike a testament to their skill and the power that surged within them.
In this moment of reckoning, Aiden and Guel pushed themselves to their limits, their movements a blur of calculated aggression. The air crackled with tension as their weapons met with an explosive fury. Each clash reverberated through their mechs, a clash of wills that echoed through the battlefield.
As the duel reached its climax, a surge of energy crackled along Aiden's mech. His eyes gleamed with a mixture of determination and raw power. He channeled his inner strength, tapping into the depths of his abilities. With a fierce battle cry, he unleashed a devastating onslaught, his electrified chainsword cutting through the air with a lethal precision.
Guel fought valiantly, parrying Aiden's strikes with skill and resilience. But the power within Aiden surged, fueled by his unwavering resolve. The battlefield became a canvas of swirling energy, the clash of their mechs a symphony of destruction.
The spectators watched in awe and disbelief as Aiden's onslaught intensified, his every move driven by an unyielding determination. The crackling electricity surrounding his mech grew more intense, illuminating the battlefield with a pulsating glow.
The final moments of the duel loomed, the outcome hanging by a thread. Each pilot pushed themselves beyond their limits, their every action fueled by a relentless desire to emerge victorious. The clash of their mechs echoed through the air, the battle reaching its crescendo.
And in that electrified battlefield, destiny awaited its champion.
Aiden and Guel were locked in a battle that transcended mere physical prowess. Their duel had become a contest of wills, a testament to their unshakeable determination to emerge victorious. As their weapons clashed, the energy between them crackled, charging the air with a palpable intensity.
As Guel swiftly retreated, creating distance between him and Aiden, he anticipated the next move. However, he underestimated the power that surged within Aiden's grasp. With a fierce cry, Aiden unleashed a powerful psychic attack, harnessing the surrounding bits and pieces of the battlefield.
The ground beneath them trembled as Aiden whirled the debris, hurling it towards Guel with formidable force. Guel, relying on his instincts and honed reflexes, slashed at the projectiles, attempting to fend them off. But as the debris was deflected, it created a smokescreen that enveloped the area, momentarily obscuring Guel's vision.
Seizing the opportunity, Aiden summoned a surge of electricity from his titan's hand, generating a potent electric beam. The crackling energy surged forth, aimed directly at Guel. Reacting swiftly, Guel raised his laser glaive, intercepting the electric beam with a swift, spinning motion.
The clash of the electric beam against the laser glaive created a blinding explosion of power. The force of the impact caused Aiden to stagger, his mech recoiling under the immense energy directed back at him. The brunt of the attack jolted through his titan, sending tremors of pain and disorientation through his systems.
Seeing Aiden momentarily vulnerable, Guel seized the opportunity to strike back. With a swift motion, he hurled his laser glaive toward Aiden, its blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. Aiden, recognizing the impending danger, tried to block the incoming attack with his chainsword, but the glaive's unstoppable momentum ripped through the electrified blade.
The laser glaive scored a deep gash along Aiden's titan's right shoulder, nearly severing the entire limb. The impact reverberated through his mech, threatening to throw him off balance. Aiden gritted his teeth, feeling the searing pain of the wound as his systems strained to compensate for the damage.
The spectators gasped in disbelief as they witnessed the devastating exchange. The battlefield now bore the scars of their clash, debris and smoke clouding the air. Aiden stood, his posture slightly hunched, his damaged titan revealing the toll of the battle.
But Aiden refused to yield. The fire within him burned brighter than ever, his determination unyielding. He clenched his fists, his gaze fixed on Guel, his eyes ablaze with a fierce resolve.
"Is that all you've got?" Aiden's voice echoed with a defiant edge. "You think a mere scratch will stop me? Think again, Guel!"
Guel, taken aback by Aiden's tenacity, hesitated for a moment. But he quickly regained his composure, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.
"You're a fool, Aiden," Guel sneered. "No amount of bravado can save you now. I am the superior pilot, and I will crush you!"
Aiden's wounded titan straightened, his damaged shoulder sparking with residual energy. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a surge of electricity, channeling it into his remaining chainsword.
"Superior? You're nothing but a bully," Aiden shot back, his voice laced with determination. "I fight for something greater than myself. I fight for the ones I love, for Harmony House, and for all those who've been pushed around by people like you!"
The spectators, drawn in by the intensity of their words, watched in awe as Aiden and Guel prepared for the final clash. The air crackled with anticipation, their duel reaching its pinnacle.
Aiden, fueled by his unwavering spirit, charged forward, his electrified chainsword held high. Guel met him head-on, their weapons colliding with a resounding clash. The battlefield trembled as the titans clashed, their movements a blur of steel and electricity.
The outcome of the duel hung in the balance, the tension reaching its peak. Each strike was fueled by a determination that surpassed physical limitations. Aiden fought not just for victory, but for justice and the hope of a better future.
And in that moment, as the clash of their mechs echoed through the battlefield, it became clear that the power of the human spirit was a force to be reckoned with. No matter the odds, Aiden's unyielding spirit would carry him through.
With a calculated spin, Aiden's titan whirled in response to Guel's charge, their paths converging at a breakneck speed. Guel, consumed by his own confidence, failed to consider the true power and resilience of Aiden's titan, not to mention the hidden capabilities granted by his pyro mechanics.
As they closed in on each other, Aiden unleashed his secret installed ability—the flame core. The battlefield trembled as Aiden's titan raised its hands, bringing them crashing down with a resounding impact. In an instant, a wave of scorching thermite erupted from the ground, engulfing the entire area.
Guel's once imposing mech became ensnared in a torrent of raging flames. The intense heat devoured his mech's legs, melting away the metal and leaving behind a molten trail. The arrogance that had clouded Guel's judgment melted away with his mech's burning appendages.
Meanwhile, Aiden's movements were precise and fluid, his titan stepping through the flames unscathed. Though his own titan's legs suffered from the scorching heat, they held firm, avoiding complete destruction. Aiden's determination surged as he seized the opportunity that Guel's overconfidence had unwittingly presented.
In a display of fiery prowess, Aiden tackled Guel's mech to the side, pinning it down with unwavering strength. Igniting his flame shield, Aiden's titan became a blazing inferno, its heat engulfing Guel's struggling mech. The blade antenna on Guel's mech, a symbol of his prowess, sizzled and burned under the searing intensity.
The spectators watched in awe and disbelief as Aiden's resolute spirit and his newfound powers manifested in a breathtaking spectacle of fire and triumph. The battlefield crackled with energy as the flames danced around the two mechs, their clash becoming a testament to Aiden's indomitable will.
No one really said anything. Not the members of the dueling committee, and House Jetturk had stared open-mouthed at the sudden realization of what had happened, at their grand loss that had taken place. Even Deacon, the one who held a firm belief that Aiden was going to win, stood in shocked silence.
His legs quivered, and his breath was caught in his throat. His knees felt wobbly as he nearly collapsed, the afternoon sun brightening along the artificial battlefield. His hands clawed along the window as he realized that he had won...that Aiden had come out on top, and...
"Aiden Winters..."
The name echoed across the artificial sky of the academy as their peers and faculty looked up to see. Pointing at the sky, Deacon could feel tears start to well up. "You did it, buddy," he spoke, his voice choked with emotion.
Aiden Winters...the winner, the holder of The Academy.
He could hear his student device buzzing within his pocket, already knowing that the Sons of Harmony were probably screaming with pure adrenaline and excitement from what they had just witnessed.
"What a crazy day," he murmured to himself as he rose again, his emotions swirling within him. Pride, joy, and a sense of fulfillment washed over him.
He watched as Aiden rose from the mech, popping open the top cockpit as he climbed upwards. His mech still pinned Guel's own mech down, the blue paint burnt off, but the damages could be repaired. He was the winner, the holder, the one who had shown that he was the best pilot.
And in that moment, Aiden stood tall, his fiery triumph illuminating the path ahead. The Academy would never be the same again.
Aiden bore the armor of a cobbled-together dead world, half of his limbs now machine, a testament to the strange powers that coursed through his veins. Yet, the camera zoomed in on him, the drones of the academy swirling around him like a swarm of eager witnesses. Deacon's smile shone like a proud parent, the triumph of his protege radiating through his eyes.
Suletta watched the exchange, her heart swelling with pride. Deacon's warm smile mirrored her own, a recognition of the incredible feat that Aiden had achieved. As the drones buzzed around him, Aiden stood firm, his gaze directed towards the artificial sun. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, savoring the exhilarating moment.
His dark black hair danced in the wind as he raised his right hand, his eyes widening with excitement. That familiar smirk and the bright blue eyes burned into the camera, a proclamation that echoed with determination. "My name is Aiden Winters, a Son of Harmony, and I am the new holder!"
Deacon's solitary applause reverberated through the air, quickly followed by Suletta, who mirrored his gesture. Aiden's eyes shimmered with a childlike gleam, the embodiment of his fighting spirit and unwavering determination. He cheered with unbridled enthusiasm, both hands raised high in celebration.
Suletta's face flushed with embarrassment, her hands instinctively rising to cover her face, as if trying to hide her joy. Miorine let out a sigh, her expression a mixture of exasperation and amusement.
"Deacon," Aiden called out into the camera, his voice brimming with excitement. "You know what this means?"
Deacon sighed, lifting the radio to his ears once again, his sly smirk spreading. "Well, at least we have something to celebrate. Midterm week is practically done now, but hey...this is something truly worth celebrating."
Deacon shrugged his shoulders, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You're the holder now, Aiden," he said, cracking his neck as he gazed at the blip of Aiden on the screen. "I think you should do the honors. This is definitely a cause for celebration."
Aiden nodded, his hands rising into the air, a joyful smile stretching across his face. His voice filled with vibrant cheer. "Party at Harmony House!" he exclaimed, his words echoing through the air, a proclamation of victory and camaraderie.
The drones captured the jubilant moment, the triumph of Aiden Winters, the new holder of The Academy. It was a victory that would reverberate throughout the halls, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Sons of Harmony. As Aiden's voice rang out, the anticipation for the celebration to come filled the hearts of all who witnessed his triumph.
