Author Note: Hate to do this, but I will be responding to reviews and messages on both and Wattpad next chapter. I know that it sucks, but I've been very busy lately and I am usually just far too tired after writing and editing the chapter. Please remember to follow, favorite, and review. Greatly encourages me and my writing. Best regards. Likewise, for my Wattpad Readers the Q&A is still going on. Arc 1 is ending soon, and when it ends I am most likely going to be going on a short break for a bit. I know when I say ARC's there is a little time that has passed. However, for the story and the changes I do say that it's important. It shows a passage of time, and I want the Academy to be more lived in.

ARC 1: Fall - EP 1 - 3

ARC 2: Winter - EP 4 - 12

ARC 3: Dawn of War - EP 13 - 24

I think splitting the story's into ARCS or seasons makes the story feel more lived in. And this as well is a canon divergence. At most, episode 1 - 3 in the show has been a couple of days in lore. However, in the fanfic we are nearly 20 chapters in and within the story it's been nearly a full month. 2 - 3 Weeks have passed basically. ARC 1 was mostly made to center on the characters, and dialogue. Mostly sparking the fire for Aiden and Suletta, think of the foundations.

Chapter 16

The girl floated in the dimly lit holding station, the loosened gravity playing tricks on her senses. It was an area reserved for minor offenders, certainly not for a Gundam Pilot, a Witch like her. The room's thick steel walls, floor, and roof made her feel confined and disoriented. The door was embedded into one of the walls, throwing off her sense of balance as she struggled to steady herself.

A hanging mattress, complete with a strap to clamp her in for sleep, was provided, but Suletta shuddered at the sight of spiders scuttling from the folds of the blanket. The pillow was rotted and covered in an odd green substance, rendering it brittle to the touch. A faint lone lightbulb flickered, casting eerie shadows that added to the room's unsettling atmosphere. Suletta couldn't tell if it was turning on and off randomly or if its sensors were malfunctioning.

Her academy uniform was taken away, leaving her in casual wear—a heavy pale white t-shirt and a pair of shorts. They offered little protection from the coldness of the holding area, causing her to sniffle and cough.

Her lone braid hovered in the vacuum, and she closed her teal eyes, curling her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around herself, seeking a semblance of comfort. She struggled to find calm in the false gravity of the station. How could she, when this whole situation had taken such an emotional toll on her? They had won the duel, Aiden was safe, but they had taken her into academy custody and confiscated the Aerial unit.

Memories of the recent events washed over her, and she winced at the recollections. Tucking her chin deeper into her chest, she rolled into herself like a fading rose caught in whirling rapids. Surprisingly, tears had not erupted from her eyes. The emotional turmoil she experienced left her in shock, but she couldn't quite process it all.

She thought back to the beginning of her journey at the academy—the moment she rescued Miorine. Suletta had tried to make friends with the angry girl, only to be met with rejection at every turn. She had attempted to help, but her actions only led to ruining Miorine's escape attempt. The memory soured her expression, and her fingers fidgeted along her palms as she spun within her cyclone of emotions, adrift in the false gravity.

Amidst the chaos of her thoughts, a faint smile crept across her features as she recalled her first interactions with Harmony House. Oscar's eccentric attempts to pair her with Aiden and the curious relationship between Oscar and Jack had puzzled her at first. However, she eventually reasoned that they were all fond friends and companions—a bond she yearned to experience and possess herself within the walls of the academy.

She sighed, her mind spinning with thoughts of how she had geared Aerial underneath Aiden's mech, hoping to slow his landing and stabilize them both. Her knowledge of Titan mechanics was limited, and she assumed they were similar to mechs. Little did she know that her actions had interfered with his 'Titanfall,' risking his life and those of Jack and Oscar who rushed to save him. Oscar lost his titan's arms in the process, and Jack's titan was crushed and crippled by Aerial.

Her heart ached as memories of the incident flooded her mind in a blur of red flashes and vibrant lights. Guel's aggression, Aiden's brutal retaliation, and the risk of expulsion for his house. Miorine's defense of Guel only added to her sense of guilt. Was it her fault?

Now, the consequences of her well-intentioned actions weighed heavily on her. Her mind spiraled, and she concluded that she was the problem—the source of trouble and chaos.

The door hissed open, allowing a sliver of light to pierce the darkness of the room. Suletta tensed, and as the door closed again, she squinted to make out a figure approaching her. Her heart raced as she prepared herself for the worst.

A dull thud echoed, followed by a groan of pain. "That hurt..." The voice mumbled.

Suletta's eyes widened as she recognized the voice—it was Aiden. She spun around, her gaze fixated on his shadowy form hovering in the low gravity. A container flew from his hands, hitting the opposite end of the room.

"Aiden," she called out, her voice hesitant.

Aiden rubbed his forehead, still recovering from the impact. He tried to hide his pain with a grin aimed at her. "Hey, Suletta," he greeted her with that same smile.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but narrow her eyes as she looked at him. A strange sensation swirled in her chest and stomach, leaving her unsure of what it meant or if she was ready to face it.

Silence settled between them as Aiden steadied himself, gripping the end of the doorframe. Suletta turned to face him in her hover, the weight of their unspoken words hanging in the air.

Aiden kicked his feet, testing his limbs in this new weightless space. "Hey Suletta," he said again, more confident now in this unfamiliar environment. "How are you doing?"

Suletta looked up at him, her eyes shifting to her bare feet as she hovered in the expanse. She opened her mouth, intending to tell him honestly that she wasn't doing well. But hesitancy filled her, not wanting to burden him with her problems. How could she lie and say she was fine when she...

Aiden let out a sigh, running his fingers through his hair. "That was a dumb question," he admitted with a grin.

Suletta's eyes widened, her mouth forming words that didn't come out as she shook her head.

Aiden's gaze locked onto hers. "Today's been a crazy day," he continued.

She nodded softly, realizing she hadn't said a word to him. Aiden sighed, holding onto the edge of the doorframe for dear life, struggling to find stability.

"How are you so good at this?" Aiden asked, his bravado wavering as he fought to stay in place.

Suletta stammered, "Mercury... the space station was always like this. So, I guess it's like my natural habitat."

Aiden chuckled at her response. "Natural habitat? Are you an animal or something?"

Suletta furrowed her eyebrows, pouting at the teasing. Her blush intensified as she struggled to face him. "Oh right," he continued, looking up at the floating carton he brought. "That's for you, by the way."

He pointed towards it, and Suletta kicked herself forward to reach it. But to her surprise, Aiden kicked off the door post and flew straight towards the carton.

"What are you doing?" she stammered.

Aiden impacted the carton hard, gripping it tightly to his chest as he spun towards Suletta. She instinctively grabbed him to stabilize his spin, and they floated together in the weightlessness.

For a moment, Aiden seemed giddy, not even realizing what he was doing. Maybe he...

"Not even a smile," he remarked.

Suletta looked up at him, his spin slowing down. She released her grip on his Academy jacket, and their eyes locked. Aiden's blue eyes met her teal ones, and she couldn't help but look away, her heart pounding in her chest.

In that dimly lit holding center, he stood before her, a mix of determination and tenderness in his gaze. She instinctively took a step back, her teal eyes fixated on her own fidgeting fingers and bare feet. "Y-you didn't have to come," she stammered.

"What do you mean?" Aiden asked, taken aback by her words.

Suletta didn't answer immediately, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Aiden let out a sigh, extending the carton towards her. She hesitated before taking it in both hands. "What is this?" she asked, her eyes meeting his.

"Food," he replied simply.

She winced at the gesture. "Y-you didn't need to do this," she said, her voice tinged with sadness. "You didn't... you don't have to be here. I don't want to bring more trouble to you and your house."

Aiden shook his head, his eyes unwavering. "You don't bring me any trouble," he asserted, motioning towards the container. "You should eat; I don't imagine they fed you anything."

Suletta was about to refuse the food, feeling undeserving of his kindness, but her stomach betrayed her, growling loudly. Aiden smirked confidently. "Told you," he said teasingly. She hid her face, not wanting him to see how his actions affected her.

"Listen," he continued, "it was late, and all the restaurants and student dining options were closed. So, I went back to Harmony House and made you a..."

As she opened the container, bits of the sandwich tumbled out uncontrollably. Aiden's hands quickly came into action, slamming the sandwich back into place. "Crisis averted," he mumbled to himself, gazing at her with a sly smirk as he handed her the sandwich.

Her sun-kissed skin glistened under the dim light, captivating him like the stars in the night sky. She was beautiful, and he couldn't quite put into words the effect she had on him. Those somber yet enchanting aquamarine eyes drew him in, making him lose himself in their depths.

He felt like he was swimming in the aquamarine ocean of her eyes, his mind spinning in their mesmerizing beauty. Suletta's vibrant blush only added to her allure. Aiden knew, deep down, that she didn't view him as just anyone. Despite Oscar's shameless flirting with her, she never responded the way she did to Aiden.

In that moment, amidst the cold, dark confines of the holding center, something between them shifted. Their connection, unspoken and magnetic, left Aiden with a longing he couldn't fully comprehend. Suletta had captivated him like the stars, and he was willingly lost in her cosmic embrace.

In that vast, weightless expanse, something stirred between them. Their hands brushed, static flowing from the connection, causing both of them to wince. Suletta clutched the sandwich tightly, her teal eyes fixed on it as if it held all the answers.

Aiden grinned mischievously, somersaulting through the air like he was underwater. "This feels like being underwater," he commented, hearing a faint chuckle escape Suletta in response to his antics. He turned to face her, still floating freely in the gravity-less chamber, as she quickly polished off her sandwich.

"Whoa," he exclaimed.

"W-What?" Suletta quickly stammered.

Aiden playfully pointed at her. "You eat really quick for a girl."

Her expression twisted into a pout, her gaze shifting downwards as she grew annoyed. She wrapped her arms around herself, and her next words came out with a hint of hurt. "That's not a nice thing to say to a woman."

Aiden chuckled, but his amusement faltered as he watched Suletta's reaction. Her red hair veiled her face, making it hard for him to read her emotions. However, he noticed a break in the veil as tears cascaded down her cheeks. Aiden was taken aback by her sudden outburst. His teasing, which worked with other girls, had a different impact on Suletta. He regretted not considering her social struggles and how his words could affect her differently.

"Suletta, I am..." Aiden began to apologize, but she interrupted with choked sobs.

Tears continued to flow, and she wrapped her arms tightly around herself, avoiding his gaze. "Thank y-ou... Aiden," she managed to say between sobs.

Aiden was stunned, trying to grasp what had triggered this response. Was it his teasing, or was there something deeper at play?

"Suletta, what's wrong?" he asked, floating over to the opposing wall and attempting to stabilize himself. He miscalculated the push and almost bounced off the wall, but Suletta quickly grabbed hold of his school jacket, pulling him back to her side and holding him in place.

He could feel the depth of her emotions, her vulnerability laid bare in front of him. Aiden realized that this was something beyond his teasing, something more profound. He had inadvertently touched a nerve, and he couldn't ignore the connection he felt with her in that moment.

Her fingers clung to Aiden, and he couldn't help but notice how much smaller she looked in his arms. Suletta wasn't short, yet he still towered over her. The way she gazed up at him with those swimming eyes tugged at something inside him. She seemed so fragile and adorable, and for a moment, he wanted to embrace her tightly. But he quickly dismissed the thought. Right now, Suletta needed a friend, not Aiden the playboy.

"Suletta," he said, trying to encourage her to open up. "I am your friend, you can tell me anything."

She avoided his eyes but held on tightly. "M-my fault…" she stammered.

Aiden scratched his head, trying to understand what she meant. "My fault?" he repeated with a soft chuckle.

She looked at him, her blush intensifying. "What are you even saying?"

Tears started to well up in her eyes again, and her words struggled to find their way out. "I...I keep on messing up," she confessed. "Everything, ever since I came here, I've been trouble for everyone. Miorine, Nika, Deacon...you."

Aiden looked at her, his gaze soft and reassuring. "Suletta," he said, taking a deep breath. "You have absolutely nothing to apologize for."

Her eyes widened at his words, her heart skipping a beat as she looked at him. He was like a guiding light in the darkness, a safe haven in the chaos of the academy.

His porcelain skin glowed in the dim light, and Suletta found herself mesmerized by the details of his face—the cusp of his jawline, the shape of his eyelashes, and the waves of his messy hair that partially covered his bright blue eye. She wondered how it would feel to run her fingers through that tangled mess of raven hair.

The desire to touch him overwhelmed her, but she held back, too shy to act on her feelings. Instead, she curled up slightly, tucking herself into his embrace.

Aiden spoke with a gentle smile, his words sincere and comforting. "You've been quite the storm since you arrived at the academy, Suletta. I won't lie, many things have changed, but change is a part of life..."

He continued speaking, but Suletta's mind drifted. She was lost in his presence, enveloped by his warmth and the sense of security he provided. She knew she had found a true friend, someone she could rely on in this tumultuous world. And for now, that was all she needed—to have someone who cared and understood her, even if it was amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the academy.

He ran his fingers through his locks, trying to catch his breath as the girl just stared at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "You've come into my life, and it might have been a short time, but you've made me into something better," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of shock and excitement. A smile danced across his features, a genuine warmth that she couldn't help but feel drawn to. "You've made me the Holder, Suletta. We've hung out together, and now we've fought side by side. Sure, things happen, but they're just a part of life...and I'm grateful for everything that's happened because it led me to you. I'm glad to know you, and I can't wait for us to get out of this situation so we can go back to our normal school life."

Suletta paused at his words, something in them striking a chord deep within her. "Things have changed, but things change." She pondered on those words, trying to decipher their meaning and the implications they held. Her intentions had been pure, but she couldn't help but wonder if her actions had unintended consequences.

Aiden's hand gently rested on his chest, and he spoke with a sense of newfound confidence. "You told me to be my own man, and I did so. That was your doing, Suletta," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Before, I would've just listened to Deacon and taken his words to heart. But you...and not just you, Oscar too, made me realize that I have to start living by my own ideals. And that's exactly what I plan to do."

Aiden's smile was infectious, and Suletta couldn't help but smile back, her heart swelling with pride for her friend. His transformation had been remarkable, and she felt honored to have played a part in it.

"You have nothing to be sorry or ashamed of," he continued, his eyes closing as he spoke. "Thank you, Suletta Mercury. Thank you for being you."

Those words hung in the air, causing a brief moment of silence between them. Aiden's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he attempted to retract his heartfelt statement, but it was too late. Suletta's emotions got the better of her, and she pulled him into a quick hug before quickly releasing him.

Aiden was taken aback, his own blush deepening as he tried to comprehend what had just happened. Suletta stood there, looking timid and shy, her gaze fixed on her feet. But there was something in her eyes, a vulnerability that spoke volumes.

Aiden remembered all the times she had pulled away from his touch or any form of intimacy. He had assumed she wasn't comfortable with him yet, but maybe this moment was a sign that they were growing closer.

"Suletta," he said, gently motioning for her to come closer with his two fingers. She hesitated for a moment before using him to stabilize herself, her face still flushed with embarrassment.

"I...I didn't mean to do that," she stammered, her eyes avoiding his gaze.

"It's okay," Aiden replied with a reassuring smile. "You don't have to apologize for anything. We're friends, right? Friends can share moments like this."

Suletta's gaze finally met his, and he saw a mixture of relief and uncertainty in her eyes. But there was something else too, a glimmer of hope and trust.

"Yeah," she whispered. "Friends can share moments like this."

Aiden's heart pounded, and he couldn't tear his gaze away from Suletta's enchanting eyes. It was as if he had stumbled upon a hidden treasure, a connection that transcended the boundaries of time and space. He spoke, his voice tinged with a mix of vulnerability and hope.

"Can I hug you, again?"

Suletta's cheeks flushed with a deep crimson hue that matched her fiery locks. She fidgeted for a moment, her hand nervously finding its way to her cheek, as if trying to shield herself from the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume her. Her eyes, avoiding his intense stare, fell to the floor, but a soft and timid voice emerged from her trembling lips.

"S-sure…"

Aiden's arms wrapped around her slowly, gently drawing her close. As she nestled her head on his shoulder, a faint yelp of surprise escaped her lips, giving way to a sigh of relief. Her hands found an uncertain resting place on his back, as her teal gaze wandered to the wall, trying to distract herself from the swirling emotions within.

Within the cocoon of their embrace, time seemed to stand still. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring them together, their thoughts centered on the same inexplicable connection they shared. Suletta's chin found a perfect resting place on his shoulder, and Aiden's hands rested tenderly on her back.

And as her chest pressed against his own, a rush of warmth flooded through Aiden's body, causing his cheeks to burn even brighter. It was as if an electric current surged between them, intensifying the already charged atmosphere.

Aiden's hands remained still, but every fiber of his being was attuned to the sensation of holding her. The warmth of her petite figure, the fragrance of her hair that danced tantalizingly in his senses, and the reassuring beat of her heart against his own all served to deepen the bond that was forming between them. A flush of embarrassment colored his features, but he couldn't help but revel in the intensity of this moment.

As he inhaled the intoxicating aroma of her hair, he felt a sense of serenity wash over him. It was as if they were cocooned in their own little world, shielded from the chaos outside. The scent of her, so uniquely her, seemed to carry a promise of safety and home, a promise he was determined to keep.

In Suletta's embrace, Aiden found an anchor, a sanctuary he had longed for without knowing it. She was the missing piece he hadn't even realized he needed, and he clung to her as if afraid to let go. Every ounce of fear and doubt seemed to dissipate, replaced by an overwhelming feeling of completeness.

For Suletta, being held by Aiden was like finding a lifeline in a stormy sea. His arms around her made her feel cherished and protected, and in that moment, she knew that she was important to him. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat was a comforting melody that soothed her troubled soul, drowning out the noise of the world around them.

His touch was gentle, a testament to the tenderness he held within. It was as if he understood her in a way no one else ever had, as if he saw through the walls she had built around herself. As she leaned into him, she felt a sense of safety and belonging that she had always craved.

In that embrace, Suletta felt not just acceptance, but also a flicker of something deeper. There was a connection between them, an unspoken understanding that defied explanation. It was as if they were two lost souls who had finally found each other in the vast expanse of the universe.

As they reluctantly pulled away from the embrace, their eyes locked, and a shared understanding passed between them. In that moment, they both knew that they had stumbled upon something rare and profound, something that had the power to change their lives forever. The adventure had only just begun.

The hissing sound of the door opening did nothing to disrupt the tension in the room. But when Miorine's head popped into view, floating within the artificial gravity, the awkwardness escalated. Suletta and Aiden, both still red-faced, turned towards Miorine, their eyes scrambling for something to fixate on, anywhere but each other.

"Did I interrupt something?" Miorine asked, her gaze narrowed with confusion.

"Nope," Suletta quickly mouthed, her cheeks flushing even deeper.

Aiden shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "No," he replied, but the tension was palpable.

After a few minutes, Suletta managed to get dressed back into her old uniform. Aiden waited behind the door, standing in the wide hallway of the holding center. They were finally out of the false gravity and on solid ground, ready to make their escape. Miorine led the way as they walked, her cold facade melting away, though not entirely.

"How'd you get us out of this one?" Aiden asked.

Miorine glanced at him, her lips parting as she hesitated before answering. "I met your benefactor..." she trailed off, directing her gaze briefly towards Suletta before returning her attention to Aiden. "She's the one that's been sponsoring you."

Aiden looked puzzled. "It's only been Deacon who's met her," he said, shaking his head. "Politics were never my thing to begin with."

Miorine grimaced. "Well, you and Suletta are wrapped up in some politics now."

Aiden's lips curled into a smirk. "So, what's the plan?"

Miorine sighed. "A duel," she replied simply.

Aiden's smirk widened into a toothy grin. "Of course it is," he said, pounding his fist into his other hand. "Let me at them, and I'll come out on top."

Miorine slowly nodded, her gaze fixed on Aiden. "Me and you have to talk," she said, her eyes unwavering. "Deacon told me about your deal."

"Deal," Suletta stammered, trying to make sense of the conversation.

Aiden shook his head. "Deacon's deal," he clarified, directing his words towards Miorine.

Miorine turned to Suletta. "Did you tell Suletta?" she asked.

Aiden winced. "Of course not," he replied. "She's not a member of the house, and I wasn't going to go through with it to begin with."

"Miorine... Aiden," Suletta called out their names, bewildered by their cryptic discussion. "What are you talking about?"

Miorine sighed, her back pressed against the opposing wall. "Deacon had a plan for the Holder position. He was intending to..."

Aiden cut her off, his eyes never leaving Suletta. "Deacon wanted to sell the Holder position. Either back to Jetturk, or to another rival company."

Suletta's eyes widened in shock. "What?" she stammered. "You were going to sell it?"

"It was an idea," Aiden explained. "First off, I have honor, and I wouldn't give it up without a fight. However, Deacon wanted to rig it."

"Rig it?" Suletta was utterly confused now, her gaze shifting between the two.

Miorine elaborated, "They wanted whoever paid the most to get the Holder position. They would secretly rig the duel, and Aiden would technically 'lose' on purpose. The company gets the Holder position, and Harmony gets their money."

Aiden nodded, agreeing with Miorine's assessment. "Deacon is not a fool," he said. "Harmony uses outdated machinery, outdated weaponry, and there are already so few pilots left to begin with. There was no possible way for us to last in this race to become an heir to the Rembran name."

Miorine pushed herself off the wall, stepping closer to Aiden. "Do you still believe that?" she asked.

Aiden scoffed, dismissing the idea. "I never cared about the race or anything like that," he said, his thumb pointing at his chest. "I care about getting into a good fight, facing a worthy adversary in the field of combat. Deacon thought that dollar bills would get me to rig a fight. Tough luck."

Miorine studied him for a moment before sighing. "I didn't ask that," she said, raising her head to meet his deep blue eyes. "I asked if you think you can do it?"

"Last in the race?" Aiden questioned.

Miorine nodded gently. The question made Aiden pause, considering his response. "I know what I am capable of, but with the lack of..."

"If you got the supplies, if you got your munitions, and your relics. Could you hold the Holder position?" Miorine pressed.

The revelation hit Aiden like a bolt of lightning, leaving him momentarily speechless. He gazed into Miorine's determined eyes, feeling a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. She had something to offer, something that could change everything. A way to recover what was once lost, something he had longed for since the day they first met.

"I can do it," Aiden declared, not allowing Miorine to finish speaking. Her smile of confidence only fueled his determination. "Good, because Deacon already said that much," she replied, her hand meeting his in a firm shake. "You hold onto the Holder position for as long as you can, enough for me to escape from Earth, and I'll give you what you need."

"That's a deal," Aiden confirmed, his excitement and resolve palpable.

With a flick of her device, Miorine set her plan into motion. Aiden's uniform started to spazz and whir, transforming before his very eyes. The mundane linen fabrics of his old attire were replaced by a new, brilliant combination of gold, white, and grey. The trimmed uniform jacket and pants now bore the mark of the holder.

"Now," Miorine paused, her gaze fixed on him. "You bear the mark of the holder. Keep your end of the deal, and I'll give you what you desire... enough time to reach Earth."

The words echoed in Aiden's mind, and he clenched his fists in determination. He met Miorine's gaze, his sly smirk mirroring hers. "Alright, let's go," he said, the fire of the duel reigniting within him.