Author Note: Hey there! This chapter proved to be quite challenging to write, even more so than the previous one. Perhaps it's because it deviates from the events depicted in the anime, and it heavily relies on dialogue and character development. It feels like the story is truly taking off at this point. I'm relieved that Chapter 11 is finally complete, marking the beginning of the actual story. By now, you're familiar with the main cast, and more characters from the source material will make appearances as we progress into Episode 2, allowing for further character and romance development. It's been a long time coming, but we're finally here.
Now, onto some not-so-great news. I'll be quite occupied in the coming week to a week and a half, and unfortunately, this fic won't be updated during that time. I apologize for the delay, but there are some personal matters in my life that require my attention. However, I want to express my gratitude to all of you for reading. I'm hopeful to be back around the 25th to early August.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for reading. I truly appreciate the follows, favorites, and reviews that you've generously given me. Your support has been a tremendous source of motivation, and I'm eagerly looking forward to continuing this journey. Despite being my own harshest critic and meticulously scrutinizing every word during the editing process, I'm glad to see that you all enjoy this work. Thank you once again, and I hope you all have a fantastic time reading!
Reviews
EmeraldMage: Thank you so much for your detailed review! I'm glad you're enjoying the story and that certain elements are piquing your interest. It's intriguing to hear your thoughts on Deacon possibly becoming an antagonist. It's always fascinating when readers form their own theories and predictions based on character development and their actions. I'm thrilled that you appreciated the conversation between Deacon and Aiden, finding it to be a calm and enjoyable moment. And I'm glad you found the interaction with Nika to be cute as well. It's those little moments that add depth and charm to the story. Regarding the Academy and its seemingly lenient approach to the characters' behavior, I understand your surprise. It does seem unusual that such rowdy individuals haven't faced consequences or been expelled. The mystery surrounding their enigmatic benefactor adds another layer of intrigue. These are all valid observations and questions, and I assure you that as the story progresses, the answers will unfold. I'm glad you're enjoying the growth and development of Suletta, Miorine, and Nika. Suletta's strong desire to be friends with Aiden and her growing backbone, Nika's amusing blush-inducing moment, and Miorine's gradual opening up are all aspects that I'm thrilled resonated with you. Miorine's questioning of Oscar about Aiden's fixation on Suletta, despite the potential dangers, raises legitimate concerns that I felt had to raised to be realistic and aligned with Miorine's character as a whole. I'm delighted to hear that there were moments in this chapter that you wish had been included in the actual show. It's always fulfilling when readers connect with the story to the point where they envision it as part of the original material. And rest assured, the second part will continue to build upon the solid foundation set in the first. Thank you for your kind words and well wishes. I greatly appreciate your support and encouragement. I hope you continue to enjoy the story as it unfolds. Stay safe and healthy as well!
Chapter 11
Oscar's hand instinctively went to rub the back of his head, a gesture of exasperation. Of all the times Suletta, Miorine, and Nika could have come to House Harmony, today had to be the day. He didn't even need to enter the house to realize that this was going to be an unforgettable party, one that would be etched into their memories for years to come.
House Harmony, on a good day, had an air of elegance and order. Deacon, their leader, had instilled a strict code of cleanliness and organization. Chores were divided evenly among the members, even extending to the pilots and engineers to maintain fairness. Cooking, laundry, and other tasks were delegated to a responsible group, while the rememberancers housed their archives from Harmony, a secret that Oscar knew would be hard to explain to the trio of girls.
As they surveyed their surroundings, Oscar sighed and facepalmed, knowing that the scene before them was far from the usual state of House Harmony. The party had likely started an hour ago, but it felt like it had been raging for an eternity. It was an immense gathering, the largest House Harmony had ever seen, a celebration of Aiden's ascension to the Holder position.
The once-beautiful flowers they had planted were now trampled under the stumbling feet of the intoxicated student body. Their peers swayed and stumbled, their drunken gazes filled with a mixture of bliss and disarray. Some lounged on the steps, succumbing to their own vomit, while others stared aimlessly into the sky, their eyes fixated on the crescent moon and stars above.
In a corner, a young man relieved himself, oblivious to the world around him. Two girls stood nearby, holding back their friend's hair as she vomited, only to take another swig of her drink before being led back inside. Drinks were spilled, the music blared through the windows, and the shadows of figures danced with wild abandon within the confines of the house.
Miorine's words broke through the chaotic scene, a quiet utterance of disbelief. She wrapped her arms around herself, seeking comfort from the madness that surrounded them. Oscar turned to face the girls, attempting to offer some reassurance.
"Hey, it's not as bad as it seems," he began, but his words were drowned out by the sudden eruption of sounds from within the house. The chanting and cheering grew louder, accompanied by the sound of something being toppled and crashing to the ground. "Chug, chug, chug!" the crowd chanted, a cacophony of raucous celebration. Oscar's smile wavered slightly as he tried to find the right words.
Suletta, overwhelmed by the deafening music and the unsettling commotion, pressed her hands against her ears and stammered her question. "Is…this really a normal party?"
Nika sighed, her voice tinged with a mix of resignation and disbelief. "It's a House Harmony party," she replied. "Deacon told me about them before, and I knew they could get rowdy, but this..." She trailed off, her palms finding solace against her face. "This is a bit too much."
Oscar winced, his gaze shifting uneasily between the three girls. He felt a sense of responsibility for Suletta and Nika's growing distrust towards Aiden and Deacon. If only he had kept his distance, perhaps this wouldn't have come to light. But he couldn't dwell on what-ifs. He had to address the present situation.
"It's not as bad as it seems, honestly," he began, his voice tinged with a hint of optimism. The three pairs of eyes turned towards him, seeking reassurance. "You're in a group, so as long as you stick together, you'll be safe. Plus, Suletta, isn't this your first time at a party?"
Suletta nodded hesitantly, her shy demeanor evident in her slight movements.
"Good on you!" Oscar exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. Suletta flinched at the sudden surge of energy. Oscar beamed at her, then turned to Nika and Miorine. "Come on, this is going to be a blast. The kind of party you'll be telling stories about one day to your own kids."
"That's assuming we survive," Miorine retorted dryly. "This is just plain stupid."
She began to walk away, Suletta and Nika watching her departing figure. Miorine paused, casting a penetrating glare at the two girls, her arms wrapped tightly around herself in annoyance. "Are you coming or not?" she asked curtly.
However, Suletta and Nika remained rooted to the spot, avoiding Miorine's intense gaze. Miorine let out an exasperated sigh. "I think this is a terrible idea," she spat. "This party is already out of control, and for what? I'm not staying."
Miorine's gaze lingered on Suletta a moment longer, her eyes searching Suletta's as she turned to face her. "Thank you," Suletta spoke softly. "But I still want to thank Aiden for what happened."
Miorine groaned once more. "Why?" she demanded. "Why is it so important for you to talk to Aiden, especially tonight?"
"Because I know he's going to be here," Suletta stammered, her words filled with a mix of anticipation and vulnerability. Oscar observed her curiously, realizing that Aiden hadn't really mentioned Suletta much in the past few days. He assumed they were just caught up in their own business, but Suletta seemed to take it personally. "I just want to say thank you."
Nika sighed, turning towards Miorine. "It's okay, Miorine," she interjected, a soothing tone in her voice. Miorine's irritation flared up at the comment. "I understand why you don't want to come, but you don't have to worry about Suletta. I promise I'll look out for her."
Miorine let out a heavy sigh in response. "Really?" she scoffed. "Because from the tone of that message with Deacon, it seems like you'll be more preoccupied with something other than Suletta."
"Well, you can leave her with me and..."
Miorine snorted at Oscar's attempt to intervene, effectively silencing him. "Understandable," he murmured, accepting the futility of his comment.
"Fine, whatever," Miorine relented, her voice laced with resignation. Leading the way, she stormed forward, her shimmering white hair bobbing with each determined step. "Let's go party then."
The door creaked open, propped open with a shoe. Miorine swung it wide, revealing the chaos and frenzy within the party and House Harmony's mansion.
Every nook and cranny of the sprawling estate had undergone a mesmerizing transformation, turning into a playground of debauchery and liberation. The opulent chandeliers showered the gleaming marble floors with shimmering light, casting a kaleidoscope of colors that danced and swirled in harmony with the vibrant energy emanating from the pulsating dance floor, enticing all who dared to venture into its depths.
Within the sea of bodies, a cacophony of diverse music thundered through the air, saturating the atmosphere with its rhythmic power. The pounding bass reverberated within the chests of the revelers, a primal force urging them to surrender to the intoxicating abandon that permeated the air.
The labyrinthine hallways of the mansion led to hidden chambers that beckoned the curious souls. Some rooms had transformed into luxurious lounges, adorned with plush velvet couches and low tables adorned with exotic delicacies. Others had become arenas for daring games, where competitors engaged in friendly bouts of skill and audacity. And then there were the quieter spaces, where conversations whispered like poetic verses, weaving tales of passion and dreams into the night.
Outside, the sprawling gardens embraced the revelry, adorned with twinkling fairy lights that adorned majestic trees. The night sky above served as a celestial canvas, adorned with a tapestry of stars bearing witness to the unfolding madness below.
In a fleeting moment, Suletta caught the distant sounds of splashing from outside. "Cannonball!" echoed a voice from their fellow students. Unbeknownst to Suletta, she had yet to discover that House Harmony boasted a lake adjacent to its premises, which seemed to have enticed a group of peers for a nocturnal swim.
This was the place where inhibitions were shed, and where one's desires could roam free. The seducers pursued the pretty girls, who surrendered themselves to the rhythm of the night, while others flourished in their own pursuits. Drinks flowed, smoke billowed, and passions were ignited, all while Miorine firmly shut the door behind them.
A couple intertwined in the hallway, their drunken dance revealing their passionate desires as Suletta's cheeks flushed at the audacity of their display.
In the dimmed lights and occasional darkness of House Harmony's mansion, Miorine struggled to adjust her vision. Yet, it was Oscar who took hold of her hand, and though she was tempted to resist, his words stopped her in her tracks.
"Follow me," he beckoned.
With a sigh, Miorine gestured for Nika and Suletta to join them. Nika watched on with anxious anticipation, clearly unaccustomed to such stimulation. Suletta, on the other hand, displayed a mix of hesitation and curiosity.
They navigated their way towards a more illuminated section of the house, where Miorine recognized the source of the earlier "keg" commotion. A sizable crowd had gathered, their eyes lingering on them before snapping back to confirm their presence.
"Miorine came," someone muttered under their breath, prompting a wave of murmurs from the crowd. However, silence swiftly enveloped the room as Miorine's gaze bore into them. Together, Miorine, Nika, Suletta, and Oscar ventured deeper into the room, momentarily rendering the onlookers speechless.
"So annoying," Miorine grumbled, while Oscar assumed his leading role once again, guiding them toward a table. The previous occupants quickly excused themselves as...
"Oscar," Jack called out. His gaze fixed on the four of them, wearing an expression of confusion that seemed to drape his features. He raised a finger incredulously as his eyes lingered on the trio. "Miorine, Suletta, and Nika?"
He wiped his glasses on his clothes, his casual attire consisting of a simple white t-shirt, jeans, and work shoes. Before him stood a large jug, drawing Suletta's gaze as her teal eyes peered inside.
It was a massive deep blue water jug, the kind you would typically find in a doctor's office, with strange cone cups for drinking. But this one was devoid of any water, instead holding a peculiar liquid substance. It had already been drained, with only a trace amount remaining at the edges.
Jack wore a strange smile, not unsettling but rather indicating an unusually chipper mood. "You know Deacon's been looking for you," Jack said. "Where have you been all this time?"
Oscar nodded, gesturing towards the three girls. "I decided to mess with Jetturk House today, along with a few of our engineers," he chuckled to himself.
"Oh, what did you do?" Jack inquired.
"Drew a bunch of penises all over their house," Oscar replied. "Those fuckers had no idea what hit them."
Jack burst into laughter, nearly doubling over as he clutched his sides. His eyes watered as tears threatened to spill.
"What!" Miorine exclaimed. "What did you do to Jetturk House!" she repeated, her voice rising in anger.
Jack continued to laugh, struggling to regain his composure as he steadied himself with both hands on the table. "You know, Oscar," he managed to say between fits of laughter. "Sometimes, you find a way to make me smile and surprise me."
"Well, I'm touched," Oscar retorted.
"Are you even listening to me?" Miorine snapped, both boys now locking their eyes onto her. "Do you have any desire to maintain any standards? Do you even care about upholding a positive reputation?"
She winced, her hand instinctively covering her face. "Guel is not going to let this slide," she hissed. "You may have just started another..."
"Guel is going to come after us," Jack interrupted, his voice taking on a relaxed tone.
Miorine paused, turning towards him. He sighed. "Deacon has already briefed us on what's to come. Guel is unlikely to accept this defeat, and he'll come after us again. Aiden will have to fight him and anyone else vying for the Holder position, until we fulfill our end of the deal."
"Deal?" Suletta suddenly spoke up, capturing everyone's attention. "What deal are you talking about?"
"Well," Jack shrugged his shoulders, his gaze fixed on the group. "Deacon is no fool. He knows Aiden has talent, but we lack the allies and resources to hold the Holder position. We need real funds, actual money," he spoke with a sigh. "We needed a true provider. Besides, we never wanted to be entangled in the Holder race to begin with. And Aiden has no desire to marry Miorine, either..."
"Shut up," Oscar interjected, his voice firm as he gripped Jack, who maintained that calm smile. "Why are you blabbering about our plans and..."
He released his hold on Jack, and a sudden question slipped from Oscar's lips. "Did you smoke?" he inquired, a hint of concern in his voice.
Jack chuckled in response. "I popped molly."
"You did what!" Miorine exclaimed, her disapproval evident. What was she doing here, surrounded by these... these frat boys of all things!
Jack simply laughed at her reaction, shrugging off her disapproval. Oscar winced at the unfolding scene. "I am far too sober for this," he muttered, scanning his surroundings. "Got any drinks?"
"No shit, I got drinks," Jack retorted, his eyes darting around. "What do you want?"
"You got some jungle juice?" Oscar turned to the girls.
Suletta, with her timid demeanor, looked at the pair. "What's that?"
"Jungle juice time!" Jack cheered. "Who wants a new batch?"
The crowd around them grew tighter, drinks held high. Miorine winced, but the eyes of Suletta and Nika lit up with a mixture of warmth and excitement. Miorine could only sigh in response.
She had figured Nika was not the type to engage in such activities, perhaps driven by a sense of responsibility towards her house or a lack of willing companions. The text from Deacon had undoubtedly served as a motivator for her to embrace this new experience.
As for Suletta, she was naturally anxious and shy in the face of new experiences. However, she embraced the moment, recognizing it as an opportunity to try something different. Despite the whirlwind of emotions, she chose to see it as a chance for growth and exploration.
A smile tugged at her lips. Yes, it had been a crazy first week of school, but she had encountered a remarkable and diverse group of individuals. It was a stark contrast to Mercury, and that realization brought a smile to her face.
"Can I make a suggestion?" The voice, alluring and filled with desire, resonated through the room. Miorine immediately recognized it by the tone alone.
"Cecilia?" she murmured under her breath.
Cecilia approached Miorine's side, their eyes locking for a moment, and Miorine could hardly believe her eyes. It was Cecilia, a member of the dueling committee, standing here at the equivalent of a frat party.
Miorine's gaze shifted back to Jack, recalling the tension that had once existed between him and Cecilia. Yet, under the influence of drugs, any resentment seemed to have faded away. "For sure," he replied, playing along. "What do you want?"
Cecilia smirked, placing her red cup down and trailing her finger along the rim, her eyes filled with lust as she spoke to Jack. "Do you remember the drink you made me on that first night?"
"You think I could ever forget?" Jack chuckled in response, his voice laced with playful nostalgia. He disappeared momentarily, revealing a kitchen knife and an assortment of bottles. His voice resonated through the crowd as all eyes turned towards him. "I call this one the rum madness," he announced, but his gaze lingered on Cecilia, his rosy cheeks betraying his infatuation. "But I want to rename it in honor of President Cecilia."
Cecilia sputtered unexpectedly, her eyes wavering as...
"Cecilia the terror!" Jack triumphantly shouted, eliciting a faint laugh from the crowd. Oscar's laughter filled the room, while Cecilia could only stare at him in annoyance, a heavy groan escaping her lips.
As Jack busily worked behind the makeshift bar, Miorine turned her attention back to Cecilia. "What do you need?" she asked, breaking the awkward silence.
"Nothing," Miorine replied, though she felt a tinge of unease in the air. "I just didn't..."
"You didn't expect a member of the dueling committee to be at the equivalent of a frat party, I know," Cecilia interjected, her voice filled with amusement. The sounds of cutting fruit filled the environment as Jack skillfully wielded the knife, slicing strawberries, limes, and lemons. With expert precision, he added the fruit to the jug, his hands stained with the colorful juices. The crowd watched in anticipation, even capturing the attention of Suletta and Nika. "Would it surprise you if I told you Shaddiq is here too?"
Miorine was utterly taken aback. Her eyes widened as she briefly considered whether Cecilia was playing a cruel trick on her, but her expression remained composed.
"Why?" Miorine questioned, her voice filled with confusion.
"What do you think?" Cecilia responded, her gaze drifting towards the partygoers and even Jack, who used his knife to pop open bottle caps, pouring the contents into the large jug. "He's the Holder now, and whether people like it or not, they have to show him respect. Don't get me wrong, these parties help break the monotony, but celebrating like this..." Cecilia sighed. "Guel never did anything so brazen. Even with all his pride and arrogance, he never openly flaunted a victory over the prior Holder. But look at House Harmony now, reveling in their triumph. Defeating Guel with a mech from a dead world and seizing the Holder's power from him."
"Think it's a message?" Miorine questioned, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Cecilia shrugged, her expression thoughtful. "I don't know," she muttered. "All I know is that the whole campus is buzzing with this new development, and people are wondering what's to come. You know the history of Harmony, and the fact that a boy like Aiden potentially marrying you, an heir to one of the greatest companies in the solar system... that speaks volumes."
Miorine snorted dismissively. "As if," she retorted.
Cecilia shrugged again, her smile returning as her attention shifted back to Jack. "It is what it is," she replied, her words directed at Miorine. The conversation seemed to reach its end as Cecilia's gaze wandered elsewhere. "There will be many who want to seize the title from Aiden, but there will be even more who recognize his skill. Many will try to become allies with Harmony House, as they have truly become a powerful force in this race."
Jack grabbed the large jug and began shaking it vigorously, mixing the fruits and crude liquor into a messy concoction. Without a word, he extended his hand to Cecilia, offering her his cup. She took it, dipping it into the jug, and he handed it back to her.
"Want to know why I named it the terror after you?" Jack asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"I have a feeling you're going to tell me," Cecilia replied, her tone tinged with amusement.
"You know me," Jack responded with a smirk. "Because if you drink enough of this stuff, just like the first night we met, there's a pretty good chance you'll end up waking up in bed next to me."
"Funny," Cecilia remarked, taking a sip of the drink. She spat it at Jack, who stood unfazed.
"I always preferred you sober," she muttered to herself, walking away from Jack and parting through the murmuring crowd.
Jack sneered, wiping away the spit from his face as he began distributing the cups to Suletta, Miorine, Nika, and Oscar.
"I don't want any," Miorine stated firmly.
"Well, I'll take both," Oscar chimed in, taking both cups and sipping from the one in his left hand. Nika held the cup in both hands, examining it, while Suletta followed suit, her eyes filled with a mix of longing and uncertainty.
"Suletta," Miorine scolded, her voice commanding. "Please don't tell me you're considering drinking that."
"How about you stop bossing her around so much and let her make her own decision?" Jack interjected, his tone defiant.
Miorine raised an eyebrow, turning to look at Suletta. "Fine," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "Do whatever you want, don't let me stop you." With that, she walked away.
Suletta watched as Miorine disappeared into the crowd, a sense of longing in her eyes. Oscar sighed, knowing that they were not making the best impression in this moment.
Oscar quickly checked his notebook, while Suletta continued to stare at the drink in her hands, and Nika took small sips. "Be careful with that," Jack chided both of them. "That's jungle juice. I didn't put much mixture in there."
"Mixture?" Suletta echoed.
"Yeah, mixture," Jack explained. "It's the stuff that dilutes the alcohol and makes it easier to drink. Don't go chugging it; I don't know how well you handle alcohol."
Suletta's eyes widened. "Alcohol?" she stammered. "But I'm not..."
"Does it really matter?" Jack shrugged. "Oscar's sixteen and he drinks like a fish."
Suletta's gaze remained fixed on the cup, still holding it tightly in her fingers. Jack let out a sigh. "You know you don't have to drink if you don't want to," he said, disappearing beneath the table and emerging with two water bottles. He placed them on the table in front of the girls. "Take these. If you start feeling sick, stop drinking and switch to water instead."
"Thank you," Suletta murmured quietly, taking one of the water bottles, while Nika took the other.
"Go, have fun," Jack waved them off.
They made their way further into the party. Meanwhile, Miorine sat alone at another section of the house. Another House Harmony boy had his own makeshift bar set up, offering her a drink, but she declined. Miorine rested her elbows on the table, her gaze fixed on the dried alcohol stains that marred the already dirty wooden surface. Suddenly, a thought raced through her mind. "Why am I still here?"
She shrugged, unsure of the answer to her own question. Her thoughts turned to Suletta, and she winced at the conflicting emotions that swirled within her. Perhaps, deep down, there was a part of her that cared for the enigmatic girl from Mercury. Yet, she was equally frustrated by Suletta's stubbornness.
Annoyance tightened her features. Didn't Suletta realize how dangerous these boys were? How reckless and indifferent they could be? Jack was out of his mind with drugs, and Oscar, for once, was sober, but Miorine had a feeling that wouldn't last long.
Suddenly, someone approached her from the side, and Miorine instinctively turned. "Shaddiq?"
"Hey, Miorine," he greeted her, holding a drink as he took a seat beside her. "Nice to see another friendly face here. I didn't expect you to come."
"I didn't want to, more like dragged along," she snapped.
"Dragged along?" Shaddiq chuckled. "You're not the type to be dragged into anything, Miorine."
She sneered. "Stop acting like you know me."
"True, you've changed over the years," Shaddiq commented, maintaining his smile despite Miorine's annoyance. "So, why are you actually here?"
Miorine paused, then sighed as she began to explain how Suletta and Nika had convinced her to come along, leading her to meet Oscar and eventually ending up here.
"Well, this is quite an..." Shaddiq trailed off, uncertain of what to say. Confusion clouded his features and his voice faltered, causing Miorine to huff in annoyance. "You say they dragged you, but you came of your own volition."
"I already told you," she snapped, her voice growing louder and tinged with frustration. "Suletta would've gotten herself into trouble with them, and I don't want..."
"Suletta... Suletta Mercury," Shaddiq repeated, the name rolling off his tongue. "That's the red-haired girl who arrived with the strange mech."
Miorine nodded. "Yes, that's her," she confirmed. "Oh, I see," Shaddiq continued, nodding in understanding. "This girl must be quite something. I keep hearing her name associated with Aiden Winters all over campus now."
"Wasn't Aiden already an ace?" Miorine questioned. "He was the champion of his house and..."
"It's different, Miorine. Yes, he was an ace, but he excelled only in piloting his mech. He wasn't like Guel, who fought to maintain his position as the Holder, or like the other prospects who aimed to dethrone him. Aiden was content with his place in the academy."
"What changed then?" Miorine inquired.
Shaddiq averted his gaze, taking a heavy sip from his drink as the music swirled and the lights cast an eerie glow on his face. "The bugs were one thing," he explained, flicking open his student notebook. Miorine leaned in instinctively to see. "Did you see the video of what happened on that ship?" he asked.
She shook her head. "All I heard was that they breached a ship to recover their technology," she replied.
A faint chuckle escaped Shaddiq. "Someone hacked into the ruins and livestreamed what was happening," he said, making space for Miorine as he placed his device. Her eyes narrowed as she watched in silence and held her breath, realizing the gravity of what she was about to witness.
The music blared and people chattered, drowning out the audio, but the visuals spoke volumes. A mech—Aiden's mech—towered over the scene, its monarch-class titan hunched over, gripping the chainsword in both hands. With ruthless efficiency, the weapon cleaved through chitilin, disposing of the insect horde that relentlessly approached him.
Shaddiq let the video play out, pausing it. "That's what changed," he murmured to himself. "Everyone witnessed the true strength of House Harmony. Not even Guel would have dared to challenge those insects, but not only did House Harmony exterminate them, Aiden personally eviscerated the matriarch."
Miorine's breath hitched as she absorbed Shaddiq's words, her gaze returning to the table. Her mind spun with the weight of this newfound revelation. "I still don't understand what you're getting at," she spat.
"What I'm trying to say is that Guel was trapped," he muttered. "I doubt Harmony House intended for this to happen, but Guel couldn't simply let it slide. If he and Aiden hadn't engaged in a duel after what happed in your greenhouse, people would've wondered why they didn't end up dueling."
"I still don't understand," Miorine interjected, frustration furrowing her brow. She couldn't grasp Shaddiq's point. "You keep saying this couldn't be..."
"Guel would've been branded a coward. Everyone would've assumed he chickened out because of what the Sons of Harmony were capable of," he gestured toward his device. "You saw their capabilities. Ruthless efficiency. And that fight with Guel showcased Aiden's superiority. His friends, colleagues, even his family would've felt the sting of what could've transpired if he didn't issue a challenge. People would've said Guel feared Aiden's innate battlefield prowess, while Guel himself had only learned within the safety of the academy."
Finally, Miorine understood. Her eyes widened, the truth behind the duel dawning on her. "That was the reason?" she muttered, incredulous. "Because both boys had bruised egos?"
Shaddiq chuckled. "Yeah, and I heard Suletta was at the center of it all," he said, causing Miorine to wince. "Is it true that she interfered... and her interference led to this duel?"
Miorine sneered. "Don't blame Suletta for Guel and Aiden's bruised egos," she reprimanded. "She was trying to defend me, misguided or not. Aiden was the one who instigated the fight."
Shaddiq shrugged. "I don't know what happened exactly. All I know is that this Suletta girl... ever since she showed up, things have started to change," he remarked. "Now, she has the attention of the entire student body, and she's one of the main catalysts for dethroning the Holder... and I've heard rumors that Aiden is fascinated by her."
Miorine remained silent, a veil of introspection enveloping her as she turned her attention back to the alcohol stains on the table.
"I'd be very cautious around House Harmony," Shaddiq warned. "They're not like the Jetturk Group or Guel. I don't know them well, but there's something about them that... unsettles me."
"Unsettles you," Miorine echoed, a chuckle escaping her lips. "You're telling me that you, Shaddiq, a member of the dueling committee and someone who stands to inherit his father's company, are afraid of a bunch of frat boys?"
Miorine nearly doubled over with laughter, her eyes boring into Shaddiq. "I can't believe it," she spat.
"Believe it," Shaddiq muttered in response.
She sneered. "A bunch of frat boys," she repeated. "Do you even realize that they vandalized Guel's house?"
Shaddiq shrugged indifferently. "...and do I need to remind you that Guel was calling for the expulsion of not only House Harmony but also your friend?"
Miorine winced but shook her head. "Suletta is not my friend," she clarified.
Shaddiq rolled his eyes at her comment, taking another sip from his drink. "I warned Guel about the hefty price he'd pay if he lost the duel. He didn't listen, and now House Harmony has two more strikes against him to mess with him and his house."
Miorine didn't have any fondness for House Jetturk or its members, but this... it still didn't sit right with her. It felt like bullying. Sure, Guel had been brutish and had messed with her greenhouse, but this should've ended the moment Aiden emerged victorious and was crowned the Holder. Yet, it continued.
"The Sons of Harmony," Shaddiq spoke the name, rising from his seat. He leaned against the table, his gaze fixed on the crowd. "They're known for holding grudges, and I doubt they'll easily forget this. You know their history, what they've been through, and what they're capable of... what they're still doing on the frontier."
Miorine winced, her gaze gripping the table's edges. "They're dangerous," she muttered under her breath.
"So is everyone in the race to become the Holder," he spat back. "Who are we to judge them, honestly? We're eating and drinking from their table," he chuckled, finishing his cup and placing it down, his rosy cheeks flushed.
"Miorine, have you ever wondered how they're able to get away with all of this?" he asked, gesturing through the wild party. "Have you ever questioned the kind of allies they must have to protect themselves, to evade punishment, to..."
He sighed, cutting himself off. "I've said too much."
"Wait," Miorine suddenly stood up.
Shaddiq had already waved to her and began mingling through the crowd. "Where are you going?" she called after him.
"I'm going to find House Harmony's Prez," he shouted back to Miorine. "I want to talk to him."
Miorine sighed, watching him go. "You never change, Shaddiq," she muttered to herself, knowing full well that he was seeking out Deacon to form some kind of alliance, to engage in plans and schemes with the others.
But Miorine couldn't shake off the weight of the situation and the trials she had endured. Shaddiq was right. Suletta truly heralded change, and Miorine wasn't sure how she felt about it.
Aiden Winters was a man on fire tonight. A wide, drunken smirk etched across his face as he stumbled through the swirling world. He banged his head against walls, stubbed his toe, and even lost his shoe somewhere. But hell, he didn't give a damn.
The world swayed as he struggled to maintain his balance, his messy black hair falling into his eyes. He swiped it away impatiently, his head nodding up and down as he fought to stay coherent.
So many people had shown up! Presidents from other houses rushed to greet him and shake his hand. Spacian girls, daughters of elite company heads and nobility, fluttered their eyelashes and touched him sensually. Even the members of the dueling committee were there, enjoying the spoils of the party.
But something felt off when Oscar approached him with Deacon. "This is bad," Oscar muttered, pacing around and taking quick sips of his drink.
"I don't understand what the problem is," Deacon questioned, his gaze scanning the crowd. "This seems like an awesome night. Seriously, it might be the best one yet."
"Nika is here," Aiden said.
Deacon's eyes widened, his face suddenly calm. "Oh, really?" he said innocently. "Well, I can handle her..."
"She knows," Aiden interrupted.
Deacon's eyes went wide. Aiden was still too drunk to fully comprehend the gravity of the situation as he struggled to maintain his sobriety. "She knows what?" Deacon asked, confused.
Oscar sighed, running his fingers through his wild locks. He had already finished one drink and was on his second, feeling the burning heat in his stomach. "Miorine, Suletta, and Nika are here," he explained. "I walked with them to Harmony House after I was done messing with Jetturk house."
"Suletta is here?" Aiden exclaimed.
Oscar raised his hands, while Deacon wrapped his arms around himself. "Why are you so worried?" Deacon asked.
"Because Miorine told her," Oscar continued. "She told her about your plans to seduce her."
Deacon didn't respond immediately. The words sank in slowly, and he scratched his head, his gaze shifting between Oscar and Aiden. Then, it hit him. "Fuck," he solemnly muttered. "That's really bad..."
"Forget about Nika," Aiden slurred, his words lost in a drunken haze. "She's just some girl, dude. We need to stop putting these girls on pedestals and all that crap..." He surveyed his surroundings, noticing Deacon hunched over, his hands covering his face as the weight of the situation sank in. "We should have learned from Jack about the consequences of putting a girl on a pedestal," Aiden lectured, draping his hand on Deacon's shoulder. "They're just girls..."
"Nika is different," Oscar scolded with a sigh. "She's different, and I've known her for months, and just when everything is slowly starting to work out, now it's all gone to hell." He snapped his head back towards Aiden, the slow realization of Aiden and Suletta and the maelstrom that was caused from him 'putting' her on his pedestal caused him to lash out. "You hypocrite!" he snarled.
Oscar paced in place, his gaze locked on the pair. He shrugged his shoulders, narrowing his eyes as he stared at them. "So, it's all true?" he questioned.
Deacon and Aiden turned to face his piercing gaze, shocked to see their usually calm and collected friend so antagonized. "So, Miorine was right," Oscar lectured. "You were planning to use Aiden to seduce her, to manipulate her father into paying for our mechs?"
He was flabbergasted, his hands rising to his own face in disbelief. "What were you thinking?" he questioned Deacon and Aiden.
Deacon felt a sharp pain in his heart, averting his gaze as he fixated on his shoes. "I..." he paused. "I know there's no excuse, and it was just something that happened in the heat of the moment."
"That's what you're saying now?" Oscar questioned.
"Listen," Deacon shot back. "I don't know what you guys expect me to say. I'm sorry, it wasn't right. I know Aiden wouldn't play with her feelings, and if he and her were to progress... it would just..."
Oscar shook his head wildly. "Manipulation is still manipulation," Deacon shot Aiden a look, but Oscar cut him off. "You damn well know that Aiden would listen and follow your orders, no matter what. Yeah, there were those times with the insect, but he found a loophole, and in the end, he didn't go through with it."
Oscar pointed his finger at Deacon's chest. "This is on you, Deacon. I don't even know what the hell you were thinking," he said.
Deacon winced, annoyance overtaking his features. "I said I know what I did was wrong," he whirled to face the two boys. "But you guys put me in a delicate situation. We were doing just fine, and then that little stunt you pulled with the spaceship resulted in almost all our titans being decommissioned. We don't have the money or resources to get them repaired, so I thought..."
"Whoa, you're really trying to avoid responsibility," Oscar shot back. "There's no excuse, bro. You wanted Aiden to sleep with a girl so we could steal money from her father. That's really fucked up."
Oscar turned towards Aiden. "Wake up," Oscar struck Aiden harshly, the boy's head snapping as he was jolted back to reality. "You're not out of this either."
"I'm sorry," Aiden drunkenly spoke. "I didn't do it... I know I was thinking about it and..."
Deacon's sigh cut off Aiden. "It's not really on Aiden," he muttered. "Sure, I was going to use him, but that says more about me than him. He was fighting tooth and nail not to go through with it because of Suletta, and this was the first time I ever asked him to do something like this. And in the end, he didn't go through with it."
Oscar sighed, his gaze still fixed on Aiden. "Well, you have to be better, Aiden," he lectured, crossing his arms. "You can't just blindly follow people's orders. The war is over, and Deacon isn't your commanding officer anymore. You're the holder for Christ's sake. Act like it," he spat.
Aiden winced at the harsh words, his gaze following Oscar as he waved goodbye and disappeared into the chaotic crowd. "Where are you going?" he called out, but there was no response. Aiden turned to face Deacon, his voice filled with uncertainty. "What are you going to do now?"
Deacon shrugged, his expression troubled. "Hell if I know," he muttered under his breath. "Should I even try to talk to her about this?"
Aiden rubbed the back of his neck, his words stumbling out. "I... I don't really know," he stammered. "There's no excuse for this, and if you want to be a man about it and explain your situation to Nika, then that's a different story. But if you explain it incorrectly, she's going to think you're trying to dodge the blame or..."
"Alright, Christ," Deacon interrupted, his frustration evident. He stood up and scanned the crowd. "Fine," he muttered again. "I'm going to try and find her. If you see her, please text me."
"Sure," Aiden replied, watching as Deacon disappeared into the sea of people. Now alone, he took a moment to stretch out his sore limbs. "Alright," he muttered to himself, a determined look in his eyes. "So what if Suletta and the others are here? Tonight is my night, and let's see what's going on."
He turned his head, scanning the surroundings and spotting groups of his peers, Harmony House members, and attractive girls. The party was in full swing, and Aiden contemplated whether he should find a girl to spend time with or join the boys for some fun.
His thoughts drifted to Shaddiq and the group of girls he had arrived with earlier. There was a mysterious girl with hair that covered her left eye, and Aiden found her intriguing. She was cute, and maybe...
Aiden finished stretching, ready to take a step forward, but then he hesitated. His gaze was drawn to a figure in the distance, and everything else faded away.
Aiden's eyes scanned the crowded room, a sea of shifting faces and blurred figures. The pulsating music throbbed through his veins, setting the rhythm of the night. But amidst the chaos, a singular presence caught his attention—a beacon of light in the darkness.
There she stood, Suletta, like a fragile flame flickering amidst the shadows. Aiden couldn't tear his gaze away from her ethereal beauty. Her crimson locks, free from the tight ponytail, cascaded in gentle waves, framing a face that seemed to glow with an otherworldly radiance. It was as if a painting had come to life before him.
Her clothing, carefully chosen, draped her form with elegance and grace. The flowing maxi skirt, vibrant hues of crimson, seemed to dance with every step she took. The tailored ivory blouse accentuated her delicate features, lending an air of innocence to her presence. Aiden couldn't help but be drawn to the effortless beauty she exuded.
As he watched her move through the crowd, Aiden felt a magnetic pull towards her. Every gesture, every sway of her hips, seemed to captivate him. It was more than just physical attraction; it was something deeper, a connection that defied explanation.
He found himself imagining what it would be like to hold her under the flickering lights. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, igniting a fire within him that he couldn't ignore. It was as if destiny had brought them together, their paths converging in this moment.
Taking a deep breath, Aiden summoned his courage and stepped forward, navigating through the throng of people. His heart pounded in his chest, the anticipation building with each passing second. The world around him seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in a shared universe.
Finally, their eyes met, and time stood still. In that instant, everything else ceased to exist—the music, the laughter, the pulsing lights. There was only Suletta, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and surprise.
Aiden's heart raced, pounding in his chest like the drums that echoed in the background. He felt a surge of anticipation, a mix of excitement and nervousness that only intensified his desire to reach out to her. But he hesitated, unsure of how to approach this enigmatic creature who had captured his attention so completely.
"One step forward, two steps forward," he mused underneath his breath, wrestling with his own thoughts and doubts. The weight of his past actions loomed over him, a reminder of the darkness he had once carried. Yet, Suletta was there, a beacon of light that pulled him towards a brighter future.
"Suletta," he called out, his voice cutting through the noise of the music and the chatter around them.
She paused and turned to face him, her hesitation evident in her body language. Aiden noticed the way she fidgeted, her fingers tapping against her brimming cup of alcohol. He towered over her, a stark contrast in size, but his thoughts flashed back to their earlier encounters—the aggression, the possessiveness, the fear. He wanted to atone for his past actions, to show her that he had changed.
"I can't hear you," he said, struggling to make out her words amidst the booming music.
Suletta blushed, her voice barely audible in the chaos. Aiden shrugged, running his hand through his hair in frustration. He strained to listen, his ears strained in an attempt to catch her words.
But then, Suletta surprised him. With a sudden burst of volume, she exclaimed, "Hi, Aiden!"
The room fell silent, all eyes turning towards her. Aiden took a step back, caught off guard by the unexpected outburst. Suletta's face turned a deeper shade of crimson, her hands flying to cover her embarrassment. Aiden couldn't help but chuckle, a warm sound that filled the air.
As he leaned in closer, their faces almost touching, he murmured, "Hi, Suletta. It's nice to see you again."
He pulled away, giving her space, but she moved closer to him. Her determination was evident in her gaze.
"I want to talk to you," she said, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and hesitancy.
The hint of determination and forcefulness caused Aiden to wince. It was uncharacteristic of Suletta, and he knew deep down that this was not the kind of commanding presence she sought. He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, trying to gather his thoughts.
"Sure, let's find someplace a bit more private," he said, waving for her to follow him.
Suletta nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "Alright, good," Aiden whispered to himself. If she was willing to talk, maybe there was a chance to bridge the gap that had formed between them.
He made his move, reaching out to take Suletta's hand in his own, interlocking their fingers. The action caught her off guard, and she sputtered for a moment, but she let him hold her hand. Aiden felt a mix of relief and nervousness coursing through his veins.
"I missed you, Suletta," he confessed, his voice filled with sincerity.
Suletta froze, her face still flushed with a deep red blush. She averted her gaze from Aiden, creating an awkward silence between them. Aiden's mind raced, uncertain of how to proceed. With other girls, a gesture like this would have been met with enthusiasm, but Suletta was different. He had to be careful, to respect her boundaries.
But then, her eyes found his again. She took a step back, slipping her hand from his grasp. Aiden felt a pang of disappointment, but he understood her hesitation. He looked down at the hands that had once held hers, remembering the warmth and softness he had felt. Yet, his mind flashed back to the elevator encounter, to the way she had recoiled from his touch.
"Come on," he motioned for her to follow him, leading the way up the stairs in silence. His mind churned with questions. What should he do? Should he continue making advances, or should he distance himself from her? Was she even interested in him after everything that had transpired?
No, he shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. She had wanted to talk to him in private, and that was a sign. He held the door open for her as they stepped out onto the rooftop, the chilly breeze brushing against their faces. He was about to close the door behind them, but he heard Suletta's hesitant voice.
"Can you please keep the door open?" she stammered, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.
"Sure," Aiden nodded, understanding her need for an open exit.
They stood facing each other on the rooftop, the courtyard below bathed in moonlight. Aiden grappled with his own confusion, struggling to decipher Suletta's feelings. Was she uncomfortable around him? Afraid? He couldn't blame her, not after everything that had transpired.
A sigh escaped his lips as he realized the truth. Suletta Mercury was a girl who had likely experienced very few social interactions. Here he was, making advances on her, expecting her to reciprocate. He hadn't seen much physical contact between her and Miorine, and he had to remind himself that their relationship was still in its early stages.
Aiden nodded to himself, acknowledging his own shortcomings and the need for patience. Suletta was prioritizing her safety and well-being, and he respected that. He needed to take the time to truly understand what he wanted from their relationship and whether they could navigate the complexities that lay ahead.
Aiden sighed, his fingers combing through his locks of hair, as he removed his hands from his pockets and let them hang limply at his sides. He flashed Suletta a smile, and she pursed her lips, matching his expression.
"You said that you wanted to talk to me about something?" he questioned, his voice laced with curiosity.
"Yeah," she nodded, her hand rising to her chest as she fidgeted with her fingers. "I, uh, I wanted to, um, thank you for, uh, for winning against Guel. You, um, you saved me, and I, uh, I just wanted to, um, say how, um, grateful I am."
Aiden nodded and smiled. "You don't have to thank me for that, Suletta," he replied.
Her gaze dropped to the floor, her voice barely audible. "I know, but...I just wanted to say it. You did...amazing, and it meant a lot to me. So, um, thank you."
Aiden's smile grew, appreciating her sincerity. "You're welcome, Suletta," he replied gently. He sensed there was something more she wanted to say, but he didn't want to push her too much.
Suletta's shyness seemed to consume her as she fidgeted with her hands. "I just...wanted to see you," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I...said I wanted to meet you guys, maybe...be friends."
Aiden's eyes widened at her words, a sudden realization dawning on him. He recalled her passionate speech during the duel, and how it had filled him with a renewed sense of strength. Now, here he was, hesitant and reluctant to face her.
Suletta wavered in place, her hand still pressed against her chest as the gentle breeze brushed against her clothes and wild strands of red hair. A blush crept onto Aiden's features as he hesitantly scratched the back of his head. She was beautiful, and what was truly scary was the fact that she seemed oblivious to her own allure.
"I can understand, though," she continued, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "I can understand if you don't want to anymore. I caused a lot of problems for everyone, and I know that Deacon didn't want to say it, but I still need to..."
Suddenly, a wild blast erupted in the sky, a whirring sound piercing through the air, drowning out the chatter of the crowd. Suletta fell to her knees, covering her ears and closing her eyes in a state of panic.
"Fireworks," Aiden spoke, his voice loud enough for her to hear. But her eyes remained shut, gripped by fear.
"Suletta, you're okay," Aiden reassured her, his hand raising to give her a comforting pat on the shoulder. However, he hesitated, his hand frozen in mid-air, as he observed her frightened state. With a sigh, he lowered his hand back to his side. "Trust me, you can open your eyes, and everything is going to be fine," he assured her.
She slowly parted her eyelids, her features bathed in showers of blue, red, and orange lights as she remained on her knees, her gaze fixed on the cosmic spectacle above.
Blinding flashes of light erupted in breathtaking displays, causing the entire house to tremble with excitement. Aiden picked himself up from the ground, his face beaming as he turned towards the magnificent fireworks and the vast expanse of stars above. "Look at that," he murmured, his voice filled with wonder and awe.
Suletta stood beside him, her lips forming a timid 'O' as she rose unsteadily to her feet, her eyes transfixed by the kaleidoscope of colors that enveloped her. "T-they're so p-pretty," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue.
Aiden observed her with a mixture of fascination and tenderness, his gaze fixated on her as she watched the dazzling spectacle unfold before her. The way she bit her lower lip and averted her gaze, the bashful way she held herself—it all captivated him. "Yeah, so pretty," he agreed, his voice gentle and reassuring.
She turned her gaze back to him, her eyes shimmering with a blend of shyness and curiosity. "Y-you knew this was g-going to happen," she observed, her voice filled with a tinge of insecurity. "Is that why you brought me up here?"
"Maybe," Aiden chuckled softly, turning to face her fully. Suletta's timidity and vulnerability pulled at his heartstrings, and he wanted to assure her of his genuine intentions. "Do you still want to give this friendship thing a chance?"
Suletta hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering as she gathered her thoughts. Then, with a timid nod, she whispered, "I... I came here to learn, but also to, um, m-make friends." Her voice trembled slightly, revealing her nervousness. "And... I think it would be n-nice to get to know you guys better, to learn more about you, and... y-you know, you in general."
"Me in general?" Aiden's eyes softened, his smile warm and reassuring. "Wait, what did you mean by that?" But before Suletta could respond, he noticed her blushing cheeks and shy demeanor, and it made him chuckle softly. "You're amazing, Suletta," he murmured, his voice laced with genuine admiration. "Come back here tomorrow afternoon. We'll have everything cleaned up, and we can meet in a more relaxed setting."
Suletta's smile grew a little wider, her eyes sparkling with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. She bit her lip nervously, nodding in agreement. "I... I think I'd like that," she replied, her voice barely audible. Her heart fluttered with both excitement and a hint of vulnerability as she looked at him, her gaze filled with shy affection.
"Alright then, it's settled," Aiden said, his voice gentle and reassuring. Suletta's blush deepened, and her shy smile revealed a mixture of disapproval and bashful embarrassment at his coming words.
"I'll see you tomorrow. It'll be a date."