Author Note: Wow, completing this chapter turned out to be a lengthier endeavor than I initially anticipated, surpassing the self-imposed word limit with a total of 10k words – making it the longest installment I've crafted thus far. It's amusing to realize that my fanfic has now outgrown even the longest Witch from Mercury fanfics on both Wattpad and with this particular chapter. The sheer volume of content written is quite mind-boggling. Yet, I firmly believe that dividing the story into arcs will ultimately enhance its quality by fostering stronger relationships and character development. While Arc 2 will primarily center around the events of 4 - 12, it will also interweave moments of canon divergence to enrich the narrative and characters. I'm genuinely thrilled to delve deeper into the dynamics between Earth House and Harmony House, as well as reignite the romance between Nika and Deacon. Furthermore, I'm excited to embark on the journey of developing Oscar's relationship with the girl, and I'm equally committed to providing Jack with more substantial character-building moments. My earnest hope is that you all thoroughly enjoy this chapter – the engagement through reads, follows, favorites, votes, and comments has not gone unnoticed, and I'm immensely grateful for your support. In the spirit of wrapping up this arc, I felt it fitting to respond to all the reviews and conclude the Wattpad Q while this won't be the last Q&A session, I intend to host another one halfway through ARC 2. Your participation is sincerely appreciated. Remember, your actions of following, favoriting, voting, reading, and commenting are instrumental in fueling my motivation and enthusiasm. While I'm about to take a writing break from fanfiction, rest assured, I'll return to finalize this story. The attachment I've developed for these characters is profound, and my determination to bring this tale to a satisfying conclusion remains unwavering. Once again, thank you immensely, and I genuinely hope you relish this culminating chapter of ARC 1!
Reviews
Gary2000: Thanks, I appreciate the comment! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
TheEmeraldMage: I want to express my sincere gratitude for taking the time to provide such detailed and thoughtful feedback on my fanfiction. Your insights and observations are incredibly valuable, and I'm genuinely appreciative of your perspective. I completely agree with your assessment regarding Jack's frustration over Suletta's presence and how Aiden's unawareness of the situation might actually be a positive aspect. Oscar's efforts and Jack's concerns are valid points, and I'm glad you found the Aiden-Suletta interaction cute, albeit to Jack's annoyance. I'm pleased that you found the moments of Suletta's innocence endearing and how Aiden is gradually opening up to her.I acknowledge your observations about the convenience of the front desk scene, Oscar and Deacon's actions during the fight, and the inconsistency with the characters' knowledge of Aerial being a gundam. These are certainly valid points, and I'll take them into consideration for future chapters to ensure consistency and logical coherence. I'm glad you enjoyed the character development moments with Miorine, Jack, and Deacon, and I'll make sure to address the potential plot hole you pointed out. Resolving Jack's feelings towards Suletta through a meaningful fight is a great suggestion, and I'll work towards a satisfying resolution. Regarding the pacing and structure of the story arc, I appreciate your thoughts and concerns. I've taken note of your feedback about the fights feeling rushed and will make sure to find a balance between action and development moving forward. Your curiosity about the mysterious benefactor is duly noted, and I'll strive to provide a satisfying reveal in due time. Your feedback on character interactions, particularly between Aiden and the girls, is invaluable. I understand the importance of avoiding mixed messages and will ensure that interactions are coherent and well-defined. While I'm pleased that you found elements of the chapter well-executed, I understand your reservations about the pacing of the fight and the need for further refinement. Your encouragement about the upcoming time skip is motivating, and I'll do my best to handle it effectively. Thank you again for your constructive feedback, and I'll use it as a valuable guide to enhance the story's quality. Your support means a lot, and I'll keep working diligently to create a compelling and engaging fanfiction. Stay healthy and safe, and I look forward to sharing more chapters with you in the future!
Pyronite535: No worries at all! Your tone doesn't come across as rude – you're perfectly fine, my friend. I must admit that crafting action scenes isn't my strongest suit; I've put a significant emphasis on developing dialogue and character interactions within ARC 1. However, I'm excited to let you know that ARC 2 will lean more towards action and battles. I'm genuinely grateful for your kind words and positive feedback across the board. You're absolutely correct in noticing the w40k influences in the story. House Harmony, in particular, draws inspiration from Chaos Marine Warbands, albeit in a milder form. I've taken elements that resonated with me and highlighted the more commendable aspects of the Harmony boys. Brace yourself for the unveiling of their darker side during ARC 2 as they reengage with the wider galaxy and respond to the warmaster's summons. Once again, thank you immensely for your uplifting review – your support truly means a lot. Wishing you a fantastic and incredible day ahead!
Chapter 18
In the early morning, the sun rose over the artificial enclave of the academy, its orange glare pushing back the lingering darkness and shadows. The birds croaked as they emerged from their nests, soaring through the lush, perfectly tended environment. Within House Harmony, its members slept soundly in the refurbished mansion, their snores rising and falling as they reveled in the freedom of a day without major responsibilities.
The Holder and his friends, however, were wide awake, waiting outside on the steps of House Harmony. They rubbed the fatigue from their features, their eyes heavy with weariness as they looked out onto the old dirt path.
"Did we really have to wake up early for this?" Oscar questioned, a yawn escaping his lips as he glanced at the other boys.
Deacon sighed softly, his own exhaustion evident as he replied, "I don't want to be out super late later."
His gaze shifted to Aiden and Jack, who seemed to be caught between sleep and wakefulness, their eyes partially shut, struggling to remain awake.
"You excited?" Oscar asked, trying to infuse some energy into the group.
Deacon's fatigue seemed to momentarily lift as a wide smile spread across his face. He wrapped his arms around himself, dressed in swimming trunks and a light blue shirt with sandals, ready for the day's adventures. Aiden wore something similar, but his shirt had a more vibrant red tint.
"I have to admit," Deacon said, his smile holding a sense of relief. "It's been rough. So, it's going to be nice to forget about my responsibilities as president for a bit."
Oscar nodded in agreement, understanding the weight of Deacon's position and the need for a break.
Deacon leaned against one of the pillars, gazing out at the rising sun and the vast expanse beyond, where the stars seemed to be fading away. "It's been stressful, especially with the deal we made with Miorine," he sighed, his thoughts drifting to the mysterious girl they had allied with. "I just wanted a normal school year, without anything crazy happening."
Oscar smirked, acknowledging the futility of that wish. "Well, you've got us looking out for you. So, I wouldn't expect anything normal."
Deacon chuckled, appreciating Oscar's reassurance. But as he was about to delve further into his concerns, he cut himself off. "Nope," he muttered, shaking his head. "I am not going to think about all that right now. Today's about having fun and forgetting the troubles."
Oscar nodded in agreement with Deacon's assessment of the situation, his attention shifting back to the path as he asked, "When is Miorine and Suletta gonna be here?"
Deacon scoffed, glancing down at his watch. "They should've been here a couple of minutes ago, but hey, it's no big deal. We got time to spare and-"
"Hello!"
Suletta's voice rang out across the expanse, cutting off Deacon mid-sentence. She and Miorine strolled into view, side by side, their presence injecting a burst of energy into the scene. Jack and Aiden stirred from their drowsy state, their fatigue momentarily forgotten as they caught sight of the girls.
"Finally," yawned Jack. "Let's get this show on the road." He sauntered toward the house, shutting the door behind him with care to avoid disturbing the other slumbering members of Harmony House.
Aiden rose, his own yawn escaping his lips as he regretted suggesting they meet up early for their day at the lake. Stretching his tired limbs, he suddenly noticed Suletta and Miorine standing before him, and a mischievous grin crept onto his face.
Oscar and Deacon exchanged knowing glances, a collective sigh escaping their lips as they could already sense one of Aiden's daydreams coming to life.
Suletta, with her vibrant and outgoing nature, donned a brightly colored one-piece swimsuit that seemed to mirror the hues of the ocean itself. The playful pattern of tropical flowers adorned the teal fabric, hugging her figure and accentuating her curves. The halter neck design bared her tanned shoulders and back, while the high-cut legs elongated her slender limbs.
A pair of flip-flops adorned her feet, their colorful seashells adding a touch of beachy flair. A wide-brimmed straw hat perched atop her head, shielding her face from the sun's rays, and a pair of oversized sunglasses rested on her nose, exuding sophistication and confidence.
Miorine, on the other hand, exhibited a more laid-back and understated style. She wore a simple yet elegant navy blue bikini, a perfect complement to her fair skin and silver hair. The bikini top featured a subtle twist at the center, infusing a hint of femininity. The bottom provided just the right amount of coverage, revealing enough to be alluring without crossing into the realm of overtness.
Her shoulders were draped with a lightweight white linen cover-up, epitomizing effortless chic and relaxation. The cover-up danced in the breeze, bestowing a sense of grace and movement upon her. A delicate rope belt was wrapped around her waist, accentuating her slender figure and adding a bohemian touch to her ensemble.
As Aiden's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, his mind became a tempest of sensuous yearning. The vision of Suletta and Miorine in their bikinis and swimwear ignited an intense desire within him, leaving him entranced and captivated. The allure of Suletta, whom he adored deeply, entwined with the forbidden allure he felt for Miorine, creating a scintillating whirlwind of emotions, both thrilling and forbidden.
Without hesitating, he rushed toward the girls, not aggressively but with the air of a concerned protector. "Miorine!" he snapped, his voice tinged with a lecturing tone. "Aren't you supposed to be helping her?"
From a distance, Miorine and Suletta seemed unburdened, but as they approached, Aiden realized he had been mistaken. Suletta practically looked like a one-woman moving company, carrying a tent under one arm, another bag over her shoulder, and two foldable chairs in her hand as she made her way down the path.
"It's alright, Aiden," Suletta smiled at him, her eyes closed in a relaxed manner. "Miorine couldn't carry all of this."
Aiden brushed off her protests. "Well, she's only got a book and a bag right now. Let me help, Suletta."
"Really, it's not..." Suletta began, but her words fell on deaf ears as Aiden relieved her of some of the weight. He took the chairs and bags, and Suletta looked up at him with gratitude.
"Better?" he asked.
Suletta paused for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, but it's fine," she said nonchalantly. "Mercury, I grew up there, and it made me stronger than other girls."
Aiden chuckled at her remark, walking side by side with Miorine and Suletta as they headed back toward House Harmony.
"Stronger than Miorine," he repeated, glancing back at the "ice princess." "Why did you bring so much stuff? You do realize we're putting all of this on a boat?"
Miorine scoffed, rolling her eyes at the question. She could see the way Aiden's lips tightened, knowing she had gotten under his skin, so she smirked and wrapped her arms around herself, turning toward him.
"I figured you Harmony boys wouldn't have anything, so I went ahead and got things," she said, looking up at Aiden with a sly grin. "You're welcome."
Aiden groaned, rolling his eyes at her response, and they walked in awkward silence for a few seconds. Suletta glanced at Aiden, her eyes wide with anticipation.
"I've never been on a boat before," she admitted.
"It's nothing special," Aiden waved off, his gaze fixed on the steps of Harmony House. "It's just something we managed to attach an engine to. We found it in the backyard of Jetturk House and snagged it when they weren't looking."
Miorine's eyes widened. "You did!" she snapped, her annoyance evident on her face. "Do you boys never cease to..."
"Relax," Aiden interrupted with a sigh.
His gaze shifted away from Miorine and focused ahead, trying to maintain a shred of his sanity. Dealing with Suletta's awkwardness was tiring at times, but it was still preferable to Miorine's constant nagging.
Miorine halted for a moment, and Aiden continued speaking. "That was months before the duel, and the boat was already beaten to hell. A few of our guys took it when they weren't looking. No harm, no foul."
"So basic theft," Miroine snapped, her sarcasm dripping like venom. "You Harmony Boys never cease to surprise me," she scoffed.
Aiden rolled his eyes at her remark, his attention returning to Suletta, who still wore that wide smirk aimed at him. "Well, it's like a fishing boat," he explained. "It's gonna be a bit cramped with everything, but we'll manage just fine."
"I can't swim," Suletta muttered, her eyes showing a flicker of uncertainty.
"That's fine," Aiden waved off her concern. "We've got a bunch of life jackets and such. Even then," he added, his thumb pointing towards himself, "I'll jump right in if you fall."
A smile lit up Suletta's face, and her eyes closed with contentment. "Okay, Aiden," she nodded. "I'll hold you to that."
"You better," he replied with a playful grin.
As they approached the other members of Harmony House, Deacon and Oscar greeted them with enthusiasm. "You ladies ready for a fun day at the lake!" Oscar exclaimed.
Miroine groaned in response, while Suletta raised her fist in the air. "I can't wait," she said cheerfully. "It's going to be my first time at a lake."
Deacon and Oscar led the way, and Aiden insisted on taking most of Suletta's burden, despite her protests. He didn't want her to strain herself, and his pride as a man wouldn't allow her to carry the majority of the load.
Carefully, they made their way through the still-sleeping house. Jack, already awake and at the door, gestured for them to come outside. His glasses rested on his shirt cuff, and he stood barefoot on the soil, fingers carefully tending to the rope that held the boat in place along the edge of the dock.
Turning to face them, Jack's gaze lingered on Miorine for a moment before settling on Suletta. "Oh, so we're all ready to go?" he asked.
"Yes, captain!" Oscar chimed in with a playful grin.
Jack sighed, waving Oscar off. He finished undoing the remaining rope, and Suletta's teal eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took in her surroundings. During the party and her introduction to the house, she hadn't ventured into the backyard of House Harmony. She had heard sounds of water, and later learned about the nearby river, but she hadn't expected this.
Her teal gaze swam in her surroundings. House Harmony boasted a makeshift dock, a blend of scrapped-together metal and wooden planks that only just reached the edges of the roaring river. The water was a deep oceanic blue, remarkably clean and pure for a river.
The river had a tight confine, flowing in one direction and curving in another, as the trees loomed like ever-present shadows, their arms extended along the gulf of the river. It was a scene of nature's majesty and mystery, a place where secrets could be hidden and adventures awaited.
Aiden advanced, kicking off his slippers and using the heel of his foot to bring the boat closer to him. Suletta gasped, thinking he might fall, but he steadied himself, flashing her a smirk that eased her worry. Miorine, however, couldn't hide her annoyance. "Are you gonna hurry up? We don't have all day," she snapped.
Aiden waved her off as Deacon and Jack joined him, handing him the various items. With each drop, the boat swayed and swished into the water. "Be careful with that," Aiden warned as Jack carefully handed him his guitar case.
With everything now onboard, Aiden addressed the group, "Alright, we're ready. Everyone be careful."
"I call dibs on driving!" Oscar declared, leaping from the dock towards the boat, ready to take the wheel. But Jack had other plans. With a snarky smirk, he pushed Oscar mid-air, sending him flying farther and harder than he anticipated. Oscar's yelp turned into a dramatic scream as he crashed into the water.
Suletta was shocked, her hands covering her mouth as she watched Oscar struggle to the surface. But then she heard the triumphant laughter of House Harmony, and even Miorine couldn't resist joining in the amusement.
Miorine was keeled over with laughter, her mirth overpowering everyone else's as Oscar finally swam back to the boat. Deacon was the first on board, not needing any help. He went over to the side and with a joint between his lips, he assisted Oscar back onto the vessel. Now slightly cold, Oscar wrapped a towel around himself, shooting Jack a playful middle finger.
Miorine and Suletta were a different story altogether. They stared at the lopsided contraption that passed for a boat, uncertainty and skepticism written all over their faces. Aiden's eyes glazed over them for a moment, and he extended his right hand. "It's alright, I've got you," he reassured.
Suletta slowly nodded, still blushing and feeling awkward from their recent encounter. She took his hand, her fingers curling around his as he guided her deeper onto the boat. "Okay, now I'm gonna need you to..."
But Suletta didn't leap; she jumped onto the boat with strength and agility. Taller and stronger than most girls, she accidentally shook the helm of the boat, sending Jack leaning for dear life along the edge of his vessel. Deacon's fingers slipped from Oscar's, and the poor boy found himself tumbling back into the water. "Shit...not again!" Oscar bellowed as he resurfaced, and Deacon sighed, hauling him back onto the boat.
Suletta, now on board but scared, held onto Aiden for dear life as the boat rocked back and forth, water spilling along the sides. Her arms wrapped tightly around him, and he couldn't help but recall their earlier discussions about her being stronger due to the atmosphere of Mercury. It was no joke; her grip was almost crushing.
All eyes were fixated on the scene unfolding before them as Suletta clung to him with a fervent intensity, her enticing curves molding seamlessly against his body. Her delicate fingers traced a path along his form, sending electrifying sensations through every fiber of his being.
"Suletta," he croaked out, feeling the strain. "You're gonna...you're gonna crush me," he murmured, the realization of her true strength dawning on him.
"Oh," Suletta stammered, her cheeks flaming red. "Sorry!" she yelped, pushing herself off him and quickly finding a seat.
"You're...fine," Aiden managed, but he now had a different problem. His cheeks were still blushing heavily as he fumbled in the pocket of his swimwear. His right hand went towards Miorine, who was still standing on the dock. "I don't need your help," she shot back, and then gracefully, like a cat, she took a seat along the edge of the dock, her sandals grazing the rugged metal of the boat.
Aiden watched her, his gaze narrowed, still feeling flustered. His hand remained scrunched in his pocket, and he was about to offer her assistance when suddenly, Miorine yelped and tumbled off the side of the dock. The boys of House Harmony didn't know what went wrong; she just fell, and Aiden sighed, knowing this was going to be a long day.
It took another five minutes to get both Oscar and Miorine back onto the boat, and by then, they were each soaking wet and wrapped in towels, and they hadn't even reached their destination yet. "Alright, enough distractions," Jack finally spoke. The adventure was about to begin, and with this group, who knew what kind of wild ride they were in for.
The boat surged forward as the engine roared to life, its whirring filling the air with anticipation. Jack jammed the throttle, and they beelined through the water, riding the waves with a sense of exhilaration. The force of the boat caused Suletta to fall back, her teal gaze looking up at Aiden as she landed in his arms. A sly smirk played on his features, and though Suletta felt timid and awkward, she didn't mind the close proximity.
The journey took about ten minutes before they reached their destination—a clearing on the edge of the forest. Miorine's silver eyes took in the surroundings, realizing that despite her years at the academy, she had never truly explored the forest. The boys of House Harmony seemed to know this spot well. The clearing had a spare selection of trees, minimal enough not to obstruct the shade. Iron wedged into the earth showed signs of use, likely for tying the boat and keeping it in place.
As they disembarked, Miorine touched the clear waters of the river, realizing how shallow and mellow it was. But the tranquility was short-lived as the rowdy bunch from House Harmony splashed water around, engaging in a water fight.
"Get out of my way!" Jack shouted with a laugh before Deacon tackled him into the water. The playful chaos continued with water flying in all directions. Oscar, soaked and exasperated, tried to avoid the water but was soon in Aiden's clutches. Aiden lifted him into the air as if ready to toss him. "Suletta, help me!" Oscar pleaded, but Suletta watched with humor and shock in her eyes.
The race to the campsite was equally energetic. Deacon reached the spot first, whooping in triumph as he took a seat next to Miorine, whose umbrella provided a much-needed shade against the sun.
With the camp set up, the group settled in, their surroundings captivating Deacon's attention as he observed the others.
The blanket was spread out on the ground, providing momentary protection against the grass and dirt. Suletta, now in her bathing suit after shedding her white shirt, lay on his left, her braid tossed over her chest, her eyes wide as they took in the surroundings. Aiden realized that this might be the first time Suletta had seen such a large body of water or a large field of trees, as her common experience in the asteroid colonies on Mercury was probably a whole different world.
On his other side, Miorine reclined on a lounger, her porcelain fingers brushing along the pages of a book, her petite figure barely fitting in the oversized chair. The rest of the boys from House Harmony gathered around the grill, tinkering with it and trying to get it to work. Bottles of beer were chilled in the cooler, and Aiden, Jack, and Oscar already had theirs in hand.
Deacon, still recovering from his high, asked Aiden to fetch him a beer, and Aiden obliged, grabbing one from the cooler. His gaze drifted to Suletta, who met his gaze. "Come on, Suletta," he called out, extending his hand. "You wanna come in the water with me?"
Suletta hesitated for a moment before taking his hand. "I…I can't swim," she confessed again.
Aiden shrugged off her concern with a smile. "So what?" he replied. "We can still have a lot of fun!" He pulled Suletta to her feet and led her to the edge of the water. As they waded in, Suletta remarked that the water was warmer than she had expected.
Aiden threw off his shirt, and Suletta couldn't help but stare at the view. Her cheeks flushed as she admired his strong shoulders and toned stomach. Aiden raised his hand toward her. "You better not let go," he said with a smile. "I'll keep you afloat, so you won't have to worry."
Suletta nodded with a small smile, and Aiden took her hand as they ventured into deeper waters. In the background, he could hear Jack and Oscar arguing about the grill and the stubborn propane that refused to light up.
As they drifted further from the shore, Suletta, taller than most girls, felt the change in the water's surface. She had been able to walk flat-footed for most of it, but now she found herself hopping on her toes to keep her head above water, clutching tightly to Aiden's hand.
Her chin started to dip into the water, and Suletta let out a surprised yelp. Aiden quickly grabbed her by the sides. "I got you," he chuckled, reassuring her. They waded in the water for a moment until Suletta's breathing settled.
This was a new experience for Suletta. She had never been in such a vast body of water before. Sure, she had taken baths and showers, but swimming in a river or an ocean was a completely different sensation. She felt her tied ponytail getting wet and drying, and the gentle waves of the river touching her chin, sprinkling her face with droplets.
"I'm very scared," Suletta admitted, her voice trembling.
"Don't be, I've got you," Aiden said, his smile bringing a sense of comfort to her.
As they continued wading in the water, Aiden suggested, "How about we learn to float for a bit?"
"Float?" Suletta questioned, but before she knew it, Aiden's hands had left her grasp, and he scooped her up into a princess carry.
She was stunned, feeling the closeness of his drenched body against hers as he held her in the water.
Aiden's smile reassured her, and she knew that as long as he smiled like that, she would be okay. Her face flushed a deep crimson from the sensation of being in his arms.
Aiden then dipped underwater, keeping his arms around her, but she felt pressure on her legs as he lifted her higher.
"Y-You're giving me a piggyback ride?" she exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and laughter bubbling up within her.
Aiden chuckled, asking, "Comfortable?"
Suletta nodded, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Yes," she spoke, her voice full of excitement.
"Nice chair?" Aiden asked, observing her expression with a slight tilt of his head.
Suletta nodded again, a mixture of warmth and playfulness evident in her demeanor. "Y-yes," she stammered, her endearing ticks making her even more charming in Aiden's eyes.
Suddenly, a torrent of water came at them, drenching both Suletta and Aiden. She yelped in surprise, gripping Aiden's messy black hair as he chuckled, knowing exactly what had happened. "Come on, Oscar. Make it fair!" Aiden called out.
Suletta questioned, "M-make it fair?" as she tried to comprehend the situation.
Oscar, holding two water guns, tossed one to Aiden with a smirk. "Make it fair," he repeated, entering the water and taking aim at the pair.
Aiden grinned at Suletta, urging her forward. "Pick up the water gun and get him, Suletta. We've got the height advantage!"
With a smile, Suletta picked up the water gun, joining in the playful water fight. Their screams, laughter, and hollers echoed through the forest as they engaged in a spirited battle. Jack was still focused on fixing the grill, while Deacon and Miorine watched the water gun battle unfold.
"They look cute together," Deacon remarked, hearing the laughter and fun from the water.
Miorine scoffed, turning the pages of her book with disinterest. "So, you're not going to talk to me?" Deacon asked her.
She slammed her book shut, fixing her piercing gaze on Deacon, full of scorn. "We're not friends, Deacon," she replied coldly.
Deacon sighed, realizing that trying to smoke a joint to relax was a futile endeavor with Miorine. She was a woman focused on business, and everything else came second to her ambitions.
"We're allies, and I would like to formulate a better relationship," Deacon tried to reason.
Her response dripped with sarcasm and venom. "Really?" she shot back. "Maybe that would be better if you didn't send your ace to try and seduce me."
"We're still on that?" Deacon groaned, frustrated. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers dancing along his features. "Listen, Miorine, I am…"
"No excuse," Miorine snapped, her gaze still averted from Deacon as she shifted her eyes towards Suletta and the boys. Aiden had managed to take the water gun from Oscar, and now he and Suletta were bombarding Oscar with a barrage of water attacks. Suletta's face glowed with glee, one of the few moments of genuine happiness she had experienced since arriving at the school.
No duels, no threats of expulsion—this was a rare chance for them to enjoy dorm life at the grand academy. Yet, Miorine couldn't shake off the feeling that this was just a temporary distraction. Soon, they would be thrust back into the relentless pursuit of the Holder, but this time they would be on the defense, protecting rather than pursuing.
"I've heard it all a million times," Miorine continued to berate Deacon, who remained silent and attentive. "You did it for House Harmony. Oh, nothing happened in the end. Oh, I didn't have a choice," she scoffed, her steel gaze piercing into him. "There is always a choice," she uttered chillingly.
Deacon paused, the weight of her words sinking in. He sighed, his fingers rubbing his temple as he reluctantly nodded in agreement. "I'm sorry," he muttered, unable to find any other words.
Deacon was burdened with stress and guilt. He had thought it would be an easy way out at the time, convinced that Aiden wouldn't be angry about it. But it was wrong, and he knew that.
"I don't really know why," he stammered, facing Miorine's curious gaze as he sunk deeper into his chair. "I've been raised and taught to use the best assets and tactics. To limit the options with the least effort and to use choices that gain more favor with less work. We were in a tough spot back then, and I know it was wrong, but I wanted to protect those I care about... My brothers needed weapons of war, and if Aiden was going to hurt you in the process and steal from your father to do it, so be it."
Miorine paused, her eyes wide and alert as she glared at Deacon. "You're really bad at apologizing," she spat.
Deacon sighed, dismissing her comment. "You're talking to a child military commander," he explained. "I've been making tough decisions since I was fifteen. I apologize and feel bad for you, but I won't let your feelings influence mine, because I won't let emotions dictate my decisions. I chose the option that provided the best course of action with less work."
Miorine sneered and turned her gaze back to the river. Deacon sighed again. "I am sorry, Miorine," he repeated. "Do you think we can..."
"Work together?" she interrupted. "We'll have to."
She leaned back in her chair, brushing her hat's edge as she stared beyond the artificial atmosphere of the academy. "If I want to leave this all behind and get to Earth, I need to take charge of my future and do what must be done," she said, turning to face him. "Don't you desire your relics?"
Deacon's eyes widened. "It's just... I've..."
Miorine let out a sigh with her eyes closed. "I don't like you, Deacon, and I don't really like you Harmony boys, but you guys have something I want, and I have something you want," she said, kicking her legs off the chair. Her gaze locked onto Deacon's, her hand outstretched and pointed at his chest, radiating intensity. "What did you tell me before?"
Deacon sighed. "That Aiden could do it."
"Yes, that Aiden could do it," she repeated, her finger planted firmly against Deacon's chest. "I will get you your weapons, your relics, and whatever you need. However, Aiden must hold onto the Holder position until it's time."
Deacon nodded slowly. "Why?" he questioned. Miorine tilted her head like an owl. "Why did you pick us for this job? You could've..."
A snarky laugh escaped her lips. "You think any of the other Houses would've taken on this task?" she said, shaking her head. Her hand went along her chin now, lost in thought. "Aiden, for better or worse, is my fiancé. He is technically the heir to one of the greatest corporations in this solar system. No House, no man would ever make such a deal. The idea of giving up the concept of such galactic wishes, to many, would be insanity. But you Sons of Harmony are willing to do this."
Deacon shrugged. "Aiden isn't fixated on money or anything like that. He fights for what he believes in to be true, whether right or wrong. He doesn't love you... he..."
"Loves Suletta," Miorine finished, her gaze wavering as she saw the pair laughing and smiling together in the pond.
There was a poignant silence between the two, and Miorine sighed again. "It doesn't matter, Deacon," she softly repeated. "I don't like you, I don't like Oscar, I don't like Jack... and I believe Aiden is a bullheaded fool. However, men like you have your uses, and I will give you what you desire, but you must keep your end of the bargain."
A powerful silence hung between them for a moment, until Jack's joyous voice cut through. "I got it!" he whooped, hearing the whir and flame of the grill as he started to cook the hotdogs and burgers, the meat sizzling along the grill.
Deacon's gaze returned to Suletta and Aiden. "Did you tell her?" he asked Miorine.
Her eyes widened for a moment, but she quickly composed herself. She sighed, popping open her book and leaning back into the chair. "No," she muttered, her gaze glued to the dark ink of her book as she flipped to the next page. "Suletta, it isn't my place... that... that is between her and Aiden."
Deacon stared at her, finding her behavior rather unusual. "So, you'd tell Nika about me, but when it comes to..."
Miorine shot him a look that silenced him, and Deacon raised his hands in surrender. "Got it."
"For your information, Nika should know the type of man she's interested in. Likewise, I did my own research on the druids of Harmony," she retorted.
Deacon slowly nodded, his eyes widening as he processed Miorine's words. "Interest?" he repeated. "What do you mean by that?"
Miorine ignored his question and continued. "I searched all night, mostly browsing through the Benrett Group's documents and any evidence I could find. There are many who believe in the psychic potential of people... people like Aiden."
Her gaze drifted towards Aiden, who was now heading back to the shoreline with Suletta. Oscar was soaked and shivering from all the water attacks he endured.
"Maybe," she paused, her fingers tightening along the edges of her book. "Maybe it's true."
"Who wants cheese?" Jack cried out, breaking the somber atmosphere between Deacon and Miorine.
"What's he cooking?" Suletta asked.
Aiden's dripping wet smile greeted her. "Hamburgers, cheeseburgers," he said. "Ever had one?"
Suletta shook her head, wringing out her ponytail. Aiden's face lit up with excitement. "You're going to love it!" he shouted, taking her hand and leading her back to the shore.
Miorine and Deacon watched the interaction. Miorine had put her book down and returned to her earlier position with her feet on the ground. Her steel eyes shifted from Aiden to Deacon. "You were pushed to your breaking point, and Suletta... I care about Suletta, but that's none of my business. That's between her and Aiden. If it becomes necessary, then..."
She paused, her fingers fidgeting through her wild hair. "I still don't know how that's possible," she explained, her hands restless. "No world, no universe, no place would it be..."
"Believe it," Deacon said, his finger tapping the end of his chair. "I've seen it, Miroine."
She met his gaze and saw the streaks of stretched sanity in his eyes. The eyes of one who had likely held the same assessments as her, but had them wiped away. "I've seen it," he repeated. "I've seen Aiden seize on the floor. I've watched him speak a mess of languages, both dead and alive, as he bellowed out words of poems and coordinates. Moments in which the warband should've been destroyed, moments in which his own death and the death of those he loved were foretold, but only stopped by his prophecies."
Deacon pointed towards Aiden, who was now arguing with Jack about the food. "You want cheese?" Aiden asked Suletta.
"Cheese?" Suletta questioned.
Jack stared at her in disbelief. "Come on, you've got to have heard of cheese."
"O-of course I've heard of cheese," Suletta quickly stammered defensively, her fingers finding her way towards her chest as her gaze drifted down to her feet. "Like... cheese paste and-"
"Nope," Jack shook his head, going into the cooler and taking out packages of sliced cheddar and American, pushing each one closer to Suletta along the rudimentary side of the grill. "We've got these two, which one?"
Suletta's gaze wavered between the two, but then she looked at Aiden. "Which one are you picking?" she stammered out the question.
Aiden smirked at her. "Cheddar all the way," he shot back.
"T-then... I'll have cheddar," Suletta stuttered.
Aiden beamed at her. "That's my girl."
Suletta blushed deeply, a non-coherent sound escaping her lips as a gleeful smile overtook her features, her hand rising to her cheek.
Jack stared at the pair with annoyance.
Deacon and Miorine turned their heads back to their prior conversation. "I just don't understand how it works," Miorine questioned again.
Deacon shrugged. "If you're looking for a reason or a response on how it happened, even the Milita and government of Harmony did not know. We were exposed to the same experiments and treatments, but there were ten who came out... different."
Miorine's mind whirred to Laude and their prior arguments within the dueling committee center. The harsh insults thrown at Aiden, "mutant."
"Different," Miorine repeated.
Deacon nodded. "They could see into the future and utilize strange powers that no one knew how to access. Aiden, and the other nine-"
Miorine winced at that. The concept of one being able to see the future scared her, but to realize there were nine other boys out in the galaxy, some from the history of Harmony after its fall, were most likely...
"How many are still..." Miorine paused, her annoyed ice princess demeanor melting away as she stared at the floor.
"Alive," Deacon snarked. "Many of them died during the long years of the long war. Aiden and three others, from what I know, are the last survivors of the program."
"Only four left?" Miorine questioned in surprise.
Deacon nodded solemnly.
Miorine was jawstruck. "Is there a way to trigger a vision or..."
"No," Deacon cut her off. "You can't trigger a vision. You can ease into one, but for Aiden, it's only been at random occurrences. The last one was months ago, maybe even over a year, and the one with Suletta was over two years ago."
Miorine shook her head; she was a businesswoman, and she could sense that Deacon was holding something back. The way he cut her off spoke volumes.
The ability to see into the future, even in fragments, could be a massive boon for them. Knowing the right time for Miorine to escape, prophesizing who would come for the Holder position next, and any future events that could benefit them now.
"Deacon, I know that you're..." Miorine began.
Deacon winced. "Always with the 'more.' I told you before that you can ease into a vision. However, I never allowed Aiden to do it. Sure, he never asked, but you've seen the way Aiden is."
Miorine looked at him, but Deacon realized he needed to be sterner.
"Drugs, Miorine," he snapped. "The prophets, the druids, they've shown that the more drugs they take, the more susceptible they are to visions. But we're not talking about the smokes, weed, or drinking. No."
Deacon paused and pointed his fingers at Miorine. "I'm talking heroin, methamphetamine, codeine; things that would really knock someone on their ass. They were heavily abused during the long war, and that's why there are so few druids left."
Miorine was shocked, her eyes wide at the revelation. "They all died from-"
"They all wished to see where our eyes can't see, Miorine. Some for glory, some to protect who they love, and some were crammed with drugs by those leading their individual warband," Deacon sighed, his own bitter memories coursing through his mind's eye as his palm went across his features. "I never allowed Aiden to go down that route. Sure, he never wanted to or anything. However, Aiden cares a lot about us, and if he..."
Deacon shook his head and redoubled himself. "Aiden wouldn't touch that crap. He knows the bitter truth of fate and he has made his peace with it."
Miorine stared at him, this conversation coming out of left field, and now she was confused. "The truth?" she repeated.
Deacon nodded. "After the death of Daniel. We were lost, mostly, Aiden was lost because he had foreseen and warned him. Two paths, two fates that could've been taken. There are multiple destinies, and there are none. Aiden told me as I cried, that there was..."
Deacon paused, his eyes boring into Miorine, who squirmed under that powerful gaze. "No... fate," he spoke the words like a triumphant biblical poem. "That is the truth... no fate, but what we could make."
There was a resounding silence as Miorine and Deacon stared at each other. Each of the young leaders' eyes locked onto the other as Miorine winced, recalling their earlier encounter with House Harmony. Now she knew the fate of Daniel, their lost pilot, and why Oscar was so weird when Suletta knocked over that photo and asked about him.
He was warned about his death, this vital and important member, but he chose not to listen... there were two possible futures, or possibly even more. No fate, no destiny, only what they…
"This is good!" Suletta's voice leaped over their conversation as Miorine and Deacon both peered at the red-haired girl. Aiden was beaming, holding his own burger in his hands, chuckling at Suletta's reaction.
"You like it," Aiden commented with a smirk.
She nodded wordlessly, devouring the cheeseburger. Oscar had finally made his way from the water and taken a hotdog in his hands. "Jack, can you make Suletta a hotdog?"
Jack slowly nodded. "A hotdog?" Suletta questioned. "What's that?"
"If you liked the burger, you're going to really love this!" Aiden beamed. Suletta nodded with newfound vigor as she continued to devour the burger.
Aiden and Miorine both watched their continued interactions for a moment. They heard the sounds of basic conversation unfold between Suletta and the boys of House Harmony. They asked questions about Mercury mostly, but the conversation drifted toward jokes and teasing. Oscar was now pointing and laughing at how Suletta devoured the food with such ease, and Suletta, stammering and embarrassed, sought to hide behind Aiden, but Aiden was also poking fun.
Miorine noticed something in Suletta's demeanor now. The way she clung to Aiden was different than before. Once, she had been reserved, fearful, anxious, and brushing away from his touch. But now, the way Suletta looked at him... the way she held him.
He could hear the way Aiden cracked a small joke to cut through the Suletta teasing, and he pulled her closer to him. "I'm the only one that can tease you, Suletta," he chuckled. The other boys' jokes died down, as Suletta's features brightened, a hue that could only match her fiery hair.
However, Suletta didn't shy away from his touch. Rather, Miorine watched as Suletta's eyes narrowed, her mouth forming a slight 'o' shape as she pressed along his grasp. Miorine watched, slowly starting to understand the depths of Suletta and Aiden.
She didn't fully know how Suletta was feeling, but she could tell that she was definitely attracted to Aiden. However, her feelings toward Aiden had changed over the course of these days. After learning about his vision of Suletta, she started to understand him.
Aiden Winters had loved this girl for three years, silently hoping that she existed. She watched as Aiden took another burger and handed it to Suletta, who greedily ate the patty as he chuckled, her timid demeanor shining within the action. However, she didn't shy away from his grasp.
Aiden smiled at her, and it was one of those wonderful one-of-a-kind smiles that beamed with an array of love and pride aimed towards Suletta. And Miorine came to a shocking and vital realization.
Aiden Winters loved Suletta Mercury. But it wasn't your normal kind of love. At first, Miorine figured that it was possession or something more toxic, and maybe there was a bit of that within their relationship. However, Miorine realized something then and there. Aiden Winters had loved Suletta for three years, his love for her spanned the annals of time and had brought them together in that moment.
He would love Suletta Mercury and all her faults. He would push her to do new things, to become a better person, and to aid her against any and all threats. Even if the whole world or universe was against her, he would be the first within her ranks to heed her call. He would always be there, whether it be a sword or a shield. And Miorine was sure... that Aiden would die to protect her.
Aiden would never lash out at Suletta like Guel would, he would never utilize her innate talents or the Aerial like Shaddiq would for his own gain, and he would never clip her wings and prevent her from being herself like her father would. Sure, Aiden's intentions within the greenhouse were wrong, but he stumbled and didn't go through with it. Could she say the same for the other men within that long list? Because she knew that if they stumbled, they would've been relentless. However, her mind drew to that lone boy who grieved his mother and thought of those flowers he held in that lone metal hand.
As Miorine stared at Suletta and Aiden, she watched as they both joked and laughed. Aiden's hand curled along Suletta's own as she held onto his back, avoiding another array of teasing from Oscar and Jack. Miorine felt a sense of longing in her features. A pang of jealousy. She gazed at Suletta, making friends, and wondered if she would be left alone again. Her mind drifted towards all those moments with Suletta. The moments of scorn and annoyance, and for a moment, she thought, "Good riddance." Yet, her gaze drifted towards those other moments, the party, speaking to Suletta and having actual company, and the other flashes of memories they shared. They weren't bad... and if Suletta was gone, she was sure that she would miss her.
Miorine was always a lonely girl, a product of her father's life. However, she wondered if her and Suletta were actually...
But her gaze drifted towards Aiden for a moment. Her eyes traced his body, watching his tight chest and shoulders, the way water streamed from the top of his messy hair. The way his fingers moved it past as the receding droplets slipped down his frame, and Miorine watched a bit too intricately.
She shook her head as Deacon looked back at her. "Did you know that Prospera was Suletta's mom?"
Miorine's eyes went wide at that. "Are you accusing me?" she spoke, suddenly defensive.
"No," Deacon raised both hands in surrender, with a sigh. "Me asking you a question isn't always a cut at you. I just wanted to know, you are the daughter of the president, after all."
Those words swiftly brought Miorine back to reality as she sighed and shook her head. "No," she spoke with a sigh. "I didn't know, and if I did..."
Miorine paused as her gaze drifted towards Suletta once again. "I didn't realize that Suletta's mom was running a company, no less a part of the Benrett group."
"Don't you find that strange, Miorine?"
Deacon was now focused, his legs kicked off the side of his chair as he mirrored Miorine.
Miorine paused, her mind racing as she brought her gaze to meet his own. "So, Suletta's mother is a part of the group and..."
"You don't find that weird? You don't find that to be a big coincidence?" Deacon cocked his head towards Aiden. "Not only did Prospera find us, but her daughter is the fascination of Aiden's vision?"
Miorine winced, her heart skipping a beat as she leaned closer to Deacon. "Don't you find this weird?"
Deacon stared at her intently. "I've only met Prospera a handful of times, but my first interactions with her were fine. However, I've never trusted her, Miorine."
Miroine wrapped her arms around herself, still aware of the background conversation between the boys of Harmony and Suletta.
"Why?" Miorine questioned. "She's your benefactor, and she's meant to supply your house."
Deacon sneered. "Some sponsor," he muttered under his breath. "However, that doesn't betray the point. I don't trust her, and she knows I don't trust her. She's given me pockets of information to try and bridge the gap between us, but I just... there is just something with her that rubs me the wrong way. Now, with the information that you and I have from the meeting when they discussed what to become of the Aerial. This seems far too unlikely to just be a coincidence."
"What more could it be, then?" questioned Miorine. She sighed. "Listen, I am just saying that Suletta is strange, and I wouldn't be surprised if her mother is equally as strange."
Deacon sneered. "I say prophecy," he muttured, watching as Miorine rolled her eyes at his choice of words as he continued. "Suletta comes here out of nowhere, and she connects with Aiden. Come on, Miorine. There has to be something more to this."
She sighed. "Maybe, but this seems to be just a Suletta and Aiden thing right now. I am not talking to her or trusting her right now, but I don't think it's something to be worked up for."
Deacon shook his head. "I was taught to look at every angle of the playing board, and to never leave a stone unturned. The things Aiden has told me, the things Prospera has told me, and the things I've heard in regards to Suletta rub me the wrong way. This seems far too big, and knowing that Aiden's vision is finally coming to fruition three years after the fact speaks volumes."
Miorine waved her hand. "I am not saying that it doesn't, Deacon," she cut him off. "I am just saying that worrying about it right now when we have so little information. She's your sponsor, not a good one, but still your sponsor. I just don't understand what you're thinking Suletta is wrapped up in."
Deacon shook his head once again. "You still don't get it," he shot back at Miorine, who was quickly growing more and more annoyed. "She's told me things, and these things don't make any sense, or she was lying to me. I've asked Oscar and Jack, and they've told me equally odd things about Suletta's upbringing, and it worries me."
Miorine sighed, only for Deacon to continue. "Prospera told me things to bridge the gap," he repeated as Miorine's attention was now back on him. "She told me about her life on Mercury, she told me about her family. She told me that her husband died years ago somewhere on an accident, and that she had two daughters. Suletta Mercury, I didn't know the significance of it and I forgot after all these years, who was the youngest, who I think around the time was possibly between fifteen to sixteen, and her oldest... Erich, who I think would've been in her twenties at this point."
Miorine paused at that, her eyes snapping wide open as she gazed at Deacon. "You're lying," she murmured.
However, Deacon only stared at her, his silence speaking volumes as Miorine clamped her hand over her mouth. Her eyes showed the gears turning within her mind. "Suletta has an older sister?"
"You didn't know," Deacon nodded along with his words. "I brought it up to the other members of the house. Oscar, Jack, and Aiden didn't even realize that she wasn't an only child. Suletta, she didn't even mention it, and I could swear that she's brought up her family multiple times."
Miorine paused, her mind reeling. "Maybe, she..."
"I know what you're going to say, because I've thought it a ton of times. But Suletta is very truthful, very honest about her intentions. She would've brought up having an older sister, someone back home waiting for her."
Miorine shook her head again, still reeling from the information, as Deacon pressed on. "Prospera didn't speak of Ericht like she was dead or missing. She even stated that she was waiting on Mercury for her to return back home. So, there are two options," Deacon paused as he raised two fingers. "Number one, Prospera was lying to me. Maybe, she wanted to appear more motherly to us and more understanding. This was right after Daniel died and many within our group wanted an out of the long war. She presented us an out."
"The second?" Miroine asked.
Deacon's gaze drifted back towards Suletta, watching her take in the good food with a rosy tint on her features. Now, Aiden had gotten her a seat as he had taken more food and another foldable chair. The pair laughed and chatted together as Jack and Oscar got into another petty squabble.
"Maybe, Suletta is in the same boat as us," he looked back at Miorine. "Maybe, Prospera is keeping a lot of secrets from her daughter."
Miorine's heart stammered, her eyes widening as a bead of sweat traveled down her forehead.
Deacon's next words sent a chill along her spine. "We cannot trust her," he sighed.
Deacon leaned back into his chair. "It's not enough after what Oscar told me of her upbringing that made me get really strange towards Prospera. But it's obvious that she's keeping me in the dark, and most likely Suletta as well."
"I remember the talk of her childhood," Miorine paused as her fingers tightened along her knees. "Suletta, she..."
Deacon winced, shaking his head, already knowing what she was talking about. "Prospera did not train Suletta to be a rescuer. It was training, and it honed an efficient and great pilot. Someone skilled enough to man that mech, a death machine being manned by a nine-year-old," he spat the words out, fixing his steel gaze heavily on Miorine. "Training, rescuing, and helping people. That was the same motto that the militia told our parents... right before they drilled electronics into our brains."
Deacon flashed Miorine an uncharacteristic smile, wavering her icy prince core as she stared at him. His next words slipped from his lips with purpose. "Suletta Mercury was not trained to help people along the rings of Mercury. Sure, the rescuing and helping played its part in the long run, but that's how one plants seeds, Miorine," he paused, fixing his steel gaze heavily on her.
"Suletta Mercury... she was trained to be something more."
They had arrived later in the day, as the sun began its descent, casting an orange-red glow over the horizon. Back at their house, the boys of Harmony settled along the edges, watching Suletta and Miorine vanish into the distance.
Suletta still waved enthusiastically, hollering her goodbyes. One hand rested on her stomach, the other waving fervently, a radiant smile illuminating her features as she bid her farewell to the quartet.
"Let's do this again, Suletta!" Aiden's voice rang out, carrying his hopeful tone across the expanse.
Her emphatic nod brought a sigh from Aiden as he watched the two figures disappear from view.
"Today was a hell of a ride," Aiden remarked.
The other boys responded with smiles, a chorus of agreements filling the air. "Yeah, it sure was," Oscar chimed in, taking a seat on the steps, his back against the pillar. "Minus the whole group attack thing. But hey, it's all part of the package, right?"
Jack playfully waved off Oscar's complaints. "Man, you've got that knack for drama, don't you?"
Oscar exaggeratedly gasped, and like clockwork, another of their friendly squabbles ignited, the banter a familiar melody in their shared history. In the midst of this, Deacon shifted his attention to Aiden.
"Hey, Aiden," Deacon's voice carried a seriousness that demanded attention. Aiden turned toward him, his expression curious. "Can we talk for a moment?"
Aiden nodded, encouraging Deacon to continue. Deacon's sigh bore the weight of their discussion with Miorine, his words unraveling the tangled thread of suspicion. Aiden listened, his expression unwavering as Deacon's narrative unfolded.
As Deacon concluded, he posed a question to Aiden. "What's your take on this?"
"Bad omens, bad vibes," Aiden responded, a shadow passing over his features.
Deacon's lip curled into a sneer, his arms folding around himself defensively. He shook his head slowly, a silent response to Aiden's words, and leaned against the adjacent pillar. "I place no stock in omens," he muttered.
"Strange, huh?" Aiden's voice carried that trademark slyness of his. "You, the faithful servant of a prophet." He raised his hands in mock disbelief, a nonchalant shrug accompanying the motion. "Prospera Mercury, an elusive figure to me. Never once crossed my path, yet her shadow's loomed large over my life."
Deacon nodded pensively, his gaze reaching out into the false expanse of the atmospheric simulation. Stars emerged, ethereal and distant, as his thoughts seemed to echo among them. "She did extend her hand," he murmured, his words carrying the weight of remembrance. "We were just a band of misfits, war's orphans, branded as criminals. And she... she cleansed our slate, offered us a shot at a new life here. Granted, she's a miserly sponsor, rarely within our reach, but she gifted us possibility."
His eyes shifted to Aiden, a tinge of uncertainty lurking within. "Do you reckon there's something amiss with me?" he inquired, a touch of vulnerability cutting through.
Aiden's shoulders rose in a casual shrug. "Define 'normal' among us, Deacon."
Deacon's gaze lingered, a silent exchange charged with unspoken truths. Aiden sighed, his voice softer now. "We're all walking some shade of fucked up, Deacon. Different hues, perhaps, but we're shaping our futures in this academy. Beats the alleyways and drugged veins or the battlegrounds with Marko and his hellish legion. We're carving out lives, striving for normalcy as if the IMC-Militia war never stained our existence."
"But it did," Deacon murmured, the weight of his interactions, his companions' struggles, pressing upon him. "I wonder how long I'll carry this, how long till I forge 'normal' connections. Nika, it seemed... like the antidote."
He paused, searching for words that seemed elusive. Aiden met his gaze, offering a knowing look. "Keep your chin up," he advised, his voice carrying the wisdom of experience. "Odd for you to mull over a girl like this. Nika, she might come around, time's a peculiar thing."
"And if she doesn't?" Deacon's query hung in the air.
"Then she doesn't, and you step forward," Aiden's words held a subtle strength.
Deacon exhaled heavily, the realization that the sands of time couldn't be rewound settling in. Regret was a bitter pill, one he had to swallow. "I'll talk to Suletta," Aiden declared, a nonchalant shrug accompanying the decision. "Prospera might hold secrets, or there could be more to their dynamic than we're seeing. I'll figure it out."
Deacon's shrug mirrored Aiden's. "The shadow of suspicion on Prospera, Aiden. It's just... unsettling."
Aiden dismissed it with a wave, his smile almost dismissive. "You and Miorine, always stewing in worry. Maybe Suletta and Ericht aren't best buddies, or it's simply never been a topic. Past scars, who knows? Multiple plausible scenarios, and I'll untangle them with a chat."
Deacon sighed, a concession weighed against his doubts. "Can't hurt, I guess." His gaze sharpened. "So, you had fun today?"
"Damn right," Aiden beamed, an exuberant nod punctuating his words. "Another debt to Prospera, I suppose."
"And what might that be?" Deacon quipped, his grin as wild and unruly as his fiery blond hair.
"For crafting a bombshell of a daughter, obviously," came Aiden's swift reply, his voice a playful dance through the air.
Deacon's fingers, weary from the day's escapades, found their way to his face, his weariness momentarily forgotten in a chuckle that escaped his lips. "You're a piece of work, Aiden Winters," he managed amidst the mirth.
Aiden threw his hands up in mock surrender. "Hey, I'm just your regular Joe," he retorted with an insouciant grin. "What did you expect?"
Another sigh escaped Deacon's lips, but this time it was accompanied by a smile. "You've got an heiress to a sprawling corporation, Miorine's drop-dead gorgeous and swimming in riches, even if she's got that ice queen thing going on. And then there's Suletta, my friend..."
"Suletta is my dream," Aiden interjected, his voice steady as his gaze fixed on the receding figures of Suletta and Miorine ahead. Aiden's words hung in the air, a quiet declaration that seemed to carry the weight of galaxies.
Three long years, a span that seemed to traverse the very fabric of existence, and yet Aiden had cradled that emotion close, a sacred ember in the sanctuary of his heart. Was it destiny or mere figment? It didn't matter. There she stood, in the flesh, and no amount of fortune or fame could sway him now.
But their musings were abruptly derailed, hijacked by the escalating quarrel between Jack and Oscar.
"You're a real pain in the ass, Oscar," Jack's words were a frustrated exhalation.
"Get bent," Oscar shot back, his finger jabbing the air perilously close to Jack's chest.
"At least I've known what a girl's touch feels like," Jack's smirk sliced through the air.
Oscar's face twisted in a sour mixture of annoyance and anger, his temper reaching its crescendo. He leapt up, primed for what could have been an explosive reaction.
"Aiden," Deacon's voice carried the urgency of a warning.
Aiden stood like a statue, unmoving, unyielding. Silence blanketed the scene, a moment suspended in uncertainty. Oscar's irritation turned toward Aiden, flaring into a vehement retort. "What now?" he snapped, exasperation oozing from every word.
But Aiden, like a sorcerer drawing forth forgotten incantations, continued to stare. His gaze, once jovial and wild, now transformed into something primal, something feral. "Oscar," he whispered, his voice a fervent murmur.
In the gathering hush, Aiden's voice held an eerie note of premonition. Oscar's blood ran cold as he met those unrelenting eyes, the boundaries of reality seeming to blur. "When Ericht weeps, you shall cradle her sorrow. In the tapestry of Harmony's fate, your blood shall intertwine with mine. As my final breath labors, the Legion of a bygone world shall heed my call, united under my..."
The words hung, a spectral promise lingering in the air, echoing a destiny yet unveiled.
Aiden's world spun, the ground beneath him swaying like a tempest-tossed ship. Jack reacted swiftly, lunging to catch him, their bodies colliding and collapsing to their knees. In that disorienting whirlwind, the current of prophecy surged, an otherworldly river coursing through their souls.
"What the hell's going on?" Oscar's alarmed voice pierced the air, his steps quickening to reach Jack's side.
"What does it look like?" Jack retorted, his patience fraying as the chaotic tapestry of fate unfolded.
Deacon swung the door open with a forceful shove, his voice blending madness and lucidity as he chanted cryptic verses. Aiden's fingers danced in a strange symphony, the grip of reality slipping as his vivid blue eyes transcended the immediate present, delving into the unfathomable depths of the future.
"I can see it," Aiden's voice roared, a fervent proclamation that echoed with an otherworldly resonance. "A war, the convergence of myriad worlds, their very existence imperiled by the insurmountable might of the machine god."
"Deacon!" Oscar's cry rang out, but the words seemed to tangle in his throat.
Fear flickered in their eyes as Aiden's prophetic vision spiraled, the words pouring forth like an unstoppable torrent. Jack's arms encircled Aiden, their embrace a lifeline tethering him to reality. "I've got you," Jack whispered, his voice a soothing balm against the storm raging within Aiden's being.
"We tread the path of the outlaw, the renegade, the rebel," Aiden's voice surged, each word imbued with a supernatural urgency. "I glimpse the glimmer at the precipice, the culmination of our journey that leads to the annihilation of all we know. The children of misfits and brigands, we stand on that razor's edge. Yet, I also glimpse the delicate filament—the trail of light amidst the abyss, within the demise of the quiet zero and the dominion of the machine god. I see it—the road to perdition, yet also..."
A tense silence gripped Jack and Oscar as they listened, the weight of Aiden's mystic utterances pressing down on them. And then, like a fragile echo, his voice trailed off, his prophetic fervor surrendering to exhaustion. Aiden's body slumped, his eyes closing as he succumbed to an unforeseen slumber, the tendrils of vision releasing their hold.
"Redemption," Aiden's final word hung in the air, a whisper that carried the weight of revelation, of a destiny veiled in both shadow and light.