Author Note: I had a lot to say about this chapter and I wanted to comment on reviews and comments, but if your on this chapter is going to be available at 5AM and on Wattpad I am probably going to auto set it to later in the morning. I've been working on this for hours and I need some sleep.

Best Regards,

The Author

Chapter 35 - Newtype

Prospera

Days before Incubation Party, Prospera Mercury and Goday Himano were upon one of the many asteroid belts along Mercury. However, this one was far different than the others. Within the atmosphere around the planet there were great clumps of rock and debri.

To the untrained passing eye they would look like meager rubble, however, one of them was home to a great series of chambers, halls, and the rest.

Prospera and Goday's features were frozen into neutrality as they watched the battle-scarred Harmony vessels enter through the concealed hanger doors. The great cruiser could've been a freighter, but there was enough room.

"Ms. Mercury," Spoke Goday tentatively. "They aren't meant to be here…"

"When is there next supply drop?" She questioned.

Goday shrugged his shoulders. "In two weeks from now…likewise, this vessal is different than the standard one," he stated.

And Prospera could see it. While this vessal was battle scarred akin to the rest of the Sons of Harmony's vessals. This one exuded a sort of regalness to it. Gold bands came around in slits that caused it to stand out.

The door of the ship parted, and a bridge appeared from the ship and connected to the hanger floor as in two separate lines, the sons of a dead world marched on and forward. They borne the mangled armor of Pilots and old milita soldiers.

Some borne full pilot armor that would've been fitted for the standard pilot. A jump pack, a full suit of armor, and some even had rare data knives along there waist, and other specialty weapons such as Anti-Mech and even some having access to smart pistols.

Yet, there were some that borne together armor cobbeled together from multiple different pilot classes. They stopped infront of them. Lineing up in a straight line to showcase there fury and strength.

Yet, a person came…a young man in a suit of pilot armor as he approached. "You bear witness to the scurge of the IMC, the one who decided the battles during this long war, and thirdly…the 13th king of Harmony, Marko 'Jay' Tarren. Lord Commander and King of all."

There was not clapping, no laughter, only militarized fashion as the way parted. This one borne pilot armor with gold trimming running along it, Harmony etched runes ran along his gauntlets, neck plate, but it was the bronze crown that was balanced upon his unruly auburn hair.

Green eyes, hard and sharp, greeted Prospera and Goday. Despite his youth—mid-twenties at most—Marko bore the weight of countless battles etched deep into his soul. This was Marko, the leader of the legion, arriving here unexpectedly.

"Hello, Sire," Prospera said, her tone respectful.

Marko raised a hand. "Let's dispense with the formalities," he replied. "I imagine my presence here is quite a shock."

Prospera nodded. "The next supply cache is a couple of weeks away," she said. Then, under her breath, she added, "…but is there a problem?"

Marko's gaze stretched past Goday and Prospera. "We'll leave the rest, but Prospera, we must discuss recent developments. Also, the lack of mechs, or more precisely, stronger ones."

With a tight-lipped smile, Prospera and Goday turned. Marko signaled to his honor guard to stay put; he would go on alone. They walked through the labyrinthine halls of the Mercurian asteroid, a place where steel walls met jagged space rock.

"Why are all your factories on asteroids?" Marko asked.

Prospera chuckled. "No offense taken," she replied to his raised eyebrow. "We have factories on the surface and in stations around the planet. However, for the nature of our agreement, utmost secrecy is paramount."

They continued through the dimly lit corridors. The walls seemed to close in, part steel, part raw asteroid.

"So, you mentioned more about your arrival," Goday prompted.

Marko paused, looking around to ensure they were alone. "We recovered the subject Jetturk Heavy Industries seized from your Earth factory. We couldn't find the reverse-engineered one, but the Full Armor is now in our custody."

Prospera took a deep breath, her frustration barely contained. "Marko, a deal is a deal," she said, her voice cool. "I said two mechs, or destroy the other. You did not accomplish your mission."

Marko huffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "We may have failed to find the reverse-engineered one, but the Full Armor had your fingerprints all over it. Be grateful we recovered that."

Prospera wrapped her arms around herself, a shield against her rising frustration. "So, you come to me with only one of the mechs necessary, and now Jetturk Heavy Industries has a Gundam."

Marko sneered, his lips curling into a snarl. "As if you corporate types don't have those cursed machines stashed away in the shadows," he retorted. "When that Jetturk boy parades around with his Gundam, I have faith that Ensign Marty and his Full Armor will handle the threat."

Prospera's eyes flashed with irritation. "But it's not enough, and here you are, asking for more mechs, stronger ones at that."

Marko's gaze hardened. "We had a deal, Prospera. Good men died trying to recover these cursed machines. Ensign Marty has the RX-78, and he's still on course with the mission. But it won't suffice. I'm sending more troops to support him, but standard Zaku 1 or 2 units won't cut it. We need something more."

A tense silence fell between them. Marko took a step forward, the dim hallway lights glinting off his bronze crown. "We need the Rick Doms, test type or not. We need them, along with more High Mobility Zaku units. Hell, maybe even an advanced version."

Prospera shot him a scathing look. "Are you serious? The Dom units are still in testing, and besides, no. You failed the last mission. I told you to either salvage or destroy that Gundam."

Marko's glare intensified. "I'd be very careful about telling us no," he warned.

Goday's hand moved to the back of his pants, reaching for a weapon.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Marko said bluntly. "Even drawing a gun on me would mean my lads will burn this asteroid to the ground and crash it onto the surface."

Goday froze, halted by a gesture from Prospera.

Marko pressed on. "Like I said, Prospera, I'm your only true friend. Friends help each other, especially when one is leading an army and a war effort."

Prospera sneered, her patience fraying. "You think you're special, that you can just threaten us without repercussions?"

Marko's eyes narrowed, his voice low and menacing. "I don't think, Prospera. I know. And you'd do well to remember that."

Marko rolled his eyes, his voice laced with irritation. "I am not threatening you," he stated. "I am telling you what is going to happen. I will pull out of this war. I'm not going to lose more men because we lack capable machines, especially with our mutual end goal in mind."

Prospera's eyes narrowed, the tension between them thickening. "You know what the true weapon is," she stated, her voice a low hiss.

"…and that true weapon is going to need time to charge and get ready," Marko replied curtly. "Trust me, those High Mobilities, Rick Doms, and even those... what were they called again?"

"Gelgoogs," Prospera supplied.

Marko snapped his fingers. "Yeah, those too. We're going to need everything at our disposal because the moment the Group or even the Guild finds out about this, we're all going to be shot and tried as war criminals. Now, the idea of giving us better gear seems far more realistic and a better idea."

Prospera fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. After a moment, she sighed, a resigned expression crossing her face. "Come along then," she said. "You wish to see the status on your Doms? I have one of your comrades testing one of the suits right now."

Marko nodded, the tension easing slightly as he followed her through the dimly lit corridors. The walls, a mix of steel and jutting space rock, seemed to close in on them, adding to the oppressive atmosphere.

They walked in silence, the only sound the soft hum of the facility's systems. The asteroid's concealed halls felt like a labyrinth, each turn bringing them deeper into its shadowy heart. Prospera led the way with a determined stride, Goday trailing behind, his eyes darting around warily.

Finally, they reached a large chamber. The harsh overhead lights flickered on, revealing a sleek, black Rick Dom standing in the center, its powerful frame glistening under the artificial light. Connor in full gear was already running tests, the hum of the machine echoing through the room.

"There it is," Prospera said, gesturing towards the towering mech. "One of the finest pieces of machinery we've developed."

Marko's eyes gleamed with a mix of satisfaction and ambition as he took in the sight of the Rick Dom. "This will do nicely," he murmured, his voice barely audible. He turned to Prospera, his expression hardening once more. "Just remember, Prospera, our success hinges on cooperation. Don't make me regret this alliance."

Prospera's smile was thin, almost predatory. "I wouldn't dream of it," she replied. "Now, let's ensure that our future remains secure... together."

Miorine

"So, have you and Aiden talked at all?" Deacon asked, his breath visible in the cold air.

"It's been three days since the party," Miorine replied. They walked side by side, the sky a blanket of grey as snow fell heavily, clumping on the ground. Boots were a necessity in this weather. The crunch of snow underfoot was the only sound accompanying their conversation.

Miorine shook her head, her gaze fixed ahead. "Doesn't matter," she said firmly. "We made the company and protected the Aerial. Winter's bruised ego is just a side effect. He'll get over it."

Deacon glanced at her but kept his thoughts to himself for a moment. The silence between them was thick, almost tangible.

"Can you try and get his point of view?" he finally asked.

Miorine shot him an annoyed look. "So, you're not on my side. Why am I not surprised?" she retorted.

Deacon raised his hands in surrender. "I'm not on anyone's side. Two people can both be right and two people can both be wrong. It was very embarrassing for Aiden to deal with on that stage, and while your quick thinking did save us, I can't blame him for getting pissy."

Miorine was silent. Deacon glanced at her and sighed. "However, I am not excusing how he was going to duel your father. Honestly, more fighting and conflict aren't what we need right now. I have a feeling Aiden is getting tired of it too."

Miorine's eyes widened at that, but Deacon was already moving on.

"But I'm not going to excuse him being a dick to others," he continued with a sigh. "Give him a day or two. He'll be back to being the good old Aiden."

Miorine wrapped her arms around herself, the cold seeping in. "I don't know why I let him get to me like this," she muttered.

Deacon chuckled. "Aiden is one of a kind," he murmured, but he didn't notice the hidden feelings stirring within Miorine.

"I... I guess he is," Miorine murmured, turning her head to the side. "It bothers me how similar our mothers were."

Deacon fell silent at that, contemplating her words. "Maybe you and Winters can bond over that... plants. You still got those Harmony Marigolds?"

Miorine nodded.

Deacon clicked his fingers. "Give him some... and take him out to dinner."

Miorine's eyes widened, a blush creeping across her features. "S-Suletta wouldn't like that," she stammered, grateful for the increased snowfall and wind that hid her blush.

Deacon, half-paying attention, slogged through the snow. He didn't notice the hidden nature of Miorine's feelings. "Suletta?" he repeated with a chuckle. "She wouldn't care. Heck, she'd probably be happy that you and Aiden are actually getting along."

Miorine's eyes narrowed, but there was a somberness, a vulnerability in her gaze. "Maybe." The word lingered on her lips. She didn't know if it was her pride or her feelings that moved her forward.

Funny... moving forward.

"We're here," Deacon said, pointing ahead. She could see the bright lights of the Earth House entrance in the distance.

Miorine took a heavy breath, the chill in the air mixing with her exasperation. "Who else is going to come?" she questioned, glancing at Deacon.

Deacon shrugged. "It's still late afternoon. People have classes, and…"

"Christmas is coming," he said, his eyes widening as if he'd just remembered something crucial. He halted, raising his fingers in realization. "Holy crap, we've got like a week or two," he stammered out, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Miorine couldn't help but chuckle. "Are you being serious right now?" she questioned. "How could you forget…"

Deacon rolled his eyes. "Well, when you're running a house with people like Aiden, Jack, and Oscar in your ranks, it's easy to lose track. And don't forget, there are another dozen."

"Another dozen?" Miorine echoed, rolling her eyes. "…and not a single one wanted to join the company."

"Hey," Deacon said, halting their walk. "You've got like… four out of twelve, and the rest aren't business majors. Most picked something in the arts."

"The arts?" Miorine questioned, a hint of incredulity in her voice.

Deacon shrugged again. "It's a way of coping after Harmony, I imagine. Aiden with his music, Oscar with his video games, and Jack… while he was into business and finance, that was just his passion. Heck, when he comes around again, you should make him Vice CEO."

He added a laugh at the end of his sentence, and Miorine even started to feel a trickle of a smile. However, she shot him a look, her expression turning somber.

"Jack's been gone for a very long time, Deacon," Miorine stated plainly.

Deacon fell silent, but for the first time, he turned back to her with a serious look. "I know," he admitted.

Miorine pressed on. "Have you heard anything from him?" she questioned. "Has Prospera or…"

Deacon simply shook his head. "Nope," he bluntly replied. "I was going to track down Prospera at the party, but I couldn't find her. I guess she's still on that business trip."

Miorine was about to mention that Suletta's mom had been at the party, but her mind drifted to the conversation they'd had. She was there… and Deacon did look, but she avoided him.

Deacon looked at her, his eyes dark with concern. "And I assume that Prospera didn't tell you, Aiden, or Suletta anything?" he questioned. "Fuck, Cecila may actually have a point… something is wrong, Miorine."

Miorine's eyes widened, the snowflakes settling unnoticed on her lashes. "What do you mean?"

Deacon shook his head, his gloved hand ruffling through his short blond hair in frustration. "I don't know, Miorine. Before, I was okay with it… Jack going on this mission. But it's been a very long time since we've last seen him. I'm getting worried."

Miorine shrugged, trying to shake off the creeping dread. "The last mission you guys were on, you were gone for a while too."

"That was to be expected," Deacon replied flatly. "But it's been weeks and none of us have heard anything from Jack. The only person who knows where he is... is Prospera."

The air around them grew tense at the mention of her name. "You think she's involved with Jack… disappearing?" Miorine questioned, her voice barely above a whisper.

Deacon took a heavy breath, his shoulders sagging under an invisible weight. "Honestly, I don't want to say it, but if there's smoke, there's usually fire. Prospera randomly states that Jack went along on this secret mission—that's fine—but the secrecy and the fact that we haven't seen him… I'm worried. I trust Prospera, I trust Suletta's mother. Without her, we'd be on the streets or probably independent pirates. We owe a great debt to her… but Jack is my brother."

He sighed deeply, the sound echoing in the cold air. Miorine watched him, a small smile appearing on his face, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Jack is fine," he murmured to himself. "He's fine," he stated flatly.

He took another breath, steadying himself. Miorine seized the moment. "Speaking of that mission all that time ago… what were you guys doing out there?" she questioned.

Deacon's eyes widened for a moment, the action almost imperceptible. But Miorine, ever observant, caught it. For a brief second, he dipped his head towards the snow, guilt flickering across his features. But then he composed himself.

"It really wasn't anything that crazy," Deacon said, his tone measured. "Remember how Suletta interfered with our operation against the insects at the beginning of the year?" he asked.

Miorine nodded, her arms wrapped tightly around herself for warmth and comfort as Deacon continued. "There was another infestation like that… bigger than we realized." Even his pauses were calculated, Miorine realized. She wondered how many times he had thought about it, practiced this very lie. But she let him continue. "We were able to clear it out… but Oscar's mech was breached, and his leg was damaged. Connor luckily was able to remove it to save his life, and then the rest is history."

Miorine felt a chill that had nothing to do with the falling snow.

Miorine stared at him for a moment, her mind racing back to what Prospera had told her. Deacon hadn't changed—he was lying right to her face.

"How did Connor get wrapped up in this?" Miorine snapped, her voice sharp as a blade.

Deacon's eyes widened, a flicker of panic crossing his features. "Well, he… he was in the area," he stammered, his words tumbling out in a rush.

Miorine's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing through his flimsy explanation. "So, you're going to tell me that, in the vast expanse of space, you guys just randomly stumbled upon an old friend, and it was all one big coincidence?" she demanded.

Now it was Deacon's turn to narrow his eyes.

Miorine sneered. "You and Aiden haven't changed—always lying and taking out your anger on others," she spat.

Deacon winced, the accusation hitting him like a physical blow. "Don't say that, Miorine. Me and Aiden aren't the same people," he insisted. "I… I'm doing my best over here. If you knew the things I had to deal with, the…"

"You can tell me," Miorine interjected, her voice softer but no less firm.

Deacon fell silent again, his eyes dropping to the snow at their feet. "You'll hate us, Miorine. It's in our nature… it's horrible. I tried everything I could to stop them, honestly. But they had to do it, that's all I can tell you for now. One day, I'll sit you down and explain everything about that mission, but right now isn't the time."

Miorine was silent, the memory of Winters' grisly actions from the video replaying in her mind. She realized deep down that she'd never be like Suletta in their eyes. She'd always be their boss, never…

But she shook her head, pushing those thoughts away. She didn't need love or anything like that. Before Suletta, before Aiden, her heart was cold, dedicated to one objective. Now, her mind was occupied with Earth, the company, and also Quiet Zero.

"Whatever, Deacon," she said, brushing past him. "This isn't over, but I'll tuck it into my pocket for now."

Deacon sighed and followed her. "Speaking of which," Miorine began, "where is Connor? I haven't seen him around since Jack left."

"About that," Deacon replied. "Prospera wanted someone from the House to function as security. After that little interaction with Laude—"

"The stabbing," Miorine stated flatly.

"The stabbing," Deacon repeated, his voice heavy with the weight of the memory. "He wanted off the campus, and Aiden was really losing his shit over him… Honestly, if he didn't leave, Aiden probably would've kicked the shit out of him."

Miorine shot him a look, her expression a mixture of concern and disbelief. Deacon pressed on, determined to unburden himself of the truth. "We never told you," he confessed. "From what Aiden told me, when they showed up at Jetturk House, Connor started to catcall and even tried to attack one of the girls." He shook his head, a grimace crossing his features. "Me and Aiden won't have any of that… I sent him away, and maybe being with Prospera can temper him down a bit."

Miorine rolled her eyes, her frustration evident. "Get him a therapist," she retorted sharply, turning away from him. With each step, she distanced herself further from the conversation until she reached the entrance of Earth House, where she came to a sudden stop.

Aiden

In the murky depths of his dream, Aiden stood frozen on the precipice, his heart pounding against the fabric of reality. Jack's voice, a desperate cry for salvation, echoed through the abyss, each syllable a plea clawing at Aiden's conscience.

"Aiden, help me!" Jack's scream pierced the darkness, reverberating through the currents that threatened to consume him. Aiden's gaze remained fixed, tethered to Jack's struggles by an invisible thread of dread. The distance between them stretched, a gaping chasm of despair that threatened to swallow them whole.

"Do not let me die unremembered!" Jack's words resonated with a haunting urgency, a plea etched in desperation. Aiden felt the weight of his friend's fear bearing down on him, suffocating him with a sense of helplessness.

But then, a shift in the fabric of his nightmare—a presence emerging from the abyss, a manifestation of Jack's torment personified. A monstrous entity, its form obscured by shadow, reached out with grotesque appendages, its very essence a perversion of nature.

"Aiden, it's a fate worse than death, please!" Jack's voice trembled with terror, his face contorted in agony as he confronted the horror before him. "Aiden, kill me! Please, kill me! It's better than this!"

Aiden extended his hand, a surge of strange energy coursing through him, connecting him to the nightmarish entity. In its depths, he glimpsed a torrent of emotions—self-loathing, anguish, and an insatiable hunger. Its eyes blazed with an otherworldly light, casting an ethereal glow upon the abyss.

In that fleeting moment, Aiden sensed familiarity within the creature's alien visage—a semblance of colors that stirred distant memories. He found himself adrift in the vastness of space, surrounded by the celestial dance of stars. The cosmos unfolded before him, a tapestry of vibrant hues—azure blues, regal purples, and fiery yellows. He beheld the majesty of distant planets, from the gas giants to the barren landscapes of distant worlds.

And amidst the cosmic symphony, his gaze lingered on Harmony—a world once adorned in the verdant embrace of life, now shrouded in the desolation of orange sands and sulfurous gases.

One galaxy… one universe… all these planets, all these experiences, all these moments, both insignificant at the time and monumental, had led humanity to this precise moment. To arrive here, they all had to be descendants from somewhere, and in a strange, weird way, they were all connected, for they all originated from Humanity's birthplace.

Yet, it was the sound of a ball striking metal repeatedly that jolted Aiden back to his senses. Or rather, oriented himself. Aiden's eyes went wide as he just… appeared. He looked around his surroundings and found himself within a small room that kind of reminded him of the lower-class dorm rooms of Atisttica.

It was a two-person dorm with two beds on opposite sides of the wall. Heck, there were even decorations there now. Posters, books, laptops. But he could still hear the sound as…

"Sophie, can you stop that for a second," Norea spoke, her pencil going to a halt. She was sitting at her desk, a dying plant in front of her as she didn't turn around.

Aiden didn't speak. This was a dream. He knew he had fallen asleep after his four-hour history class. He didn't have the energy to make music, smoke weed, or play video games or anything like that. Instead, he just hit the hay, hoping that maybe if he slept in the afternoon, the demons of the night would stay away from him… how wrong he was.

Sophie had a baseball glove that was a bit too big for her, and in her other hand was a ball, and the orange-haired girl rhythmically threw it at the ceiling, then let it fall back to her glove. Aiden's eyes were drawn to Sophie. She looked to be around their age, maybe a year or two younger, but… maybe it was the relaxation of this that bothered him more so.

His visions were violent, traumatic at times, usually ending with a seizure. But this was different… like time and space had bent, and he was here now. This was something new.

The girls were dressed in casual clothing, and the shorter one had a whole fleet of stuffed animals around her.

Sophie halted to a stop. Norea though still kept on talking. "Where did you even get that ball and glove?" She questioned.

Sophie shrugged her shoulders. "Marty saw that I was bored, and he gave them to me," She stated.

Norea scoffed. "That Spacien seems to really treat you nice," Norea stated. "Took that grenade for you in battle, and now he's giving you gifts?"

Sophie shrugged her shoulders, turning to rest on her side as she sparked a sly smirk. "I guess I am just that cute that guys like to give me free shit," She flatly stated.

Norea rolled her eyes. "That Spacien Boy…," Norea began.

"You mean Marty?" Corrected Sophie.

"That spacien boy," Norea repeated more curtly, obviously choosing not to use his name.

Sophie rolled her eyes. "Norea, we're the only two girls on this vessel…the other hundred are spacien boys, you're going to have to be a bit more specific."

Norea grunted her teeth. "I just don't understand why you are even interacting with them,"

Sophie went back onto her back. "We're stuck with them until we reach our destination, and that's weeks, maybe even a bit over a month. Honestly, you can stay cooped up here, but I actually want to do stuff."

Norea shook her head. "So, you're going to socialize with the spaciens," She stated.

Sophie shot her a curt look. "…I get your feelings, Norea," And there was a still silence. "But don't try me. Don't forget…those Harmony boys hate the Benrett Group and other spacien's as much as we and The Dawn of Fold did. Did you forget that Earth fought alongside Harmony for independence?"

Norea sneered. "…and that Harmony lot centuries before upped and left Earth," She stated. "Now what, they want to fight with us, now after their world is destroyed, now they know the feeling." Finished Norea.

Sophie shook her head. "I get that you're mad, but are you really going to ignore everyone for over a month, Norea?" She stated. "This isn't Earth where you could take a walk; this is basically making the most of the situation."

Norea rolled her eyes. "I bet you are making the most out of this situation," She responded curtly.

Sophie's eyes narrowed, hurt evident within her tone. "What do you mean by that?" She stated.

"That Spacien Boy, Marty," She stated. "I don't like the fact that he has all this attention on you."

Sophie sighed and rolled her eyes. "Is that why you're so angry?" She stated. "Marty is just a friend."

Norea slammed her hand on the desk. "A spacien as a friend!" She snapped. "Like hell, Sophie, you know what they did to you!"

Sophie was silent. "The Legion and Harmony have nothing to do with the lives lost and ruined on Earth," And she sighed heavy. "Also, Marty's gift and his attention isn't what you think it is." She stated.

"Really?" Sarcastically questioned Norea. "Because I can most definitely imagine what that Spacien wants to do with you."

"…more like what I want to do to him," Sophie offhandedly commented.

"What did you say," Norea said.

Sophie's sigh was heavy and audible. "Listen, during the battle…remember when Marty climbed into the Full Armor and he was struggling to pilot it," She stated, and Norea had returned to her drawing.

"Yeah," stated Norea, prompting Sophie to continue.

Unknown to Norea, Sophie's cheeks were now following the color of her hair. "Like…I mean, he isn't that bad looking, he's cute and tall and…he knows what he's doing and there is a sexy confidence in that…," That was when Norea put her pencil down.

Norea locked eyes with her as she slung a hand over the desk chair. "A sexy confidence?" Repeated Norea in shocked surprise. "Sophie, what are you…," And with widened eyes she. "Sophie, you…"

Sophie averted her eyes. "Like…I know for guys, that's courage, like…I've never had a boyfriend before, but he…I flashed him."

Norea's eyes went wide. "You flashed him," She paused and was shell shocked. "When the hell was this!" She stated.

"When you disconnected from the comms," Sophie plainly stated.

Norea glared at her. "Sophie, that boy is a disgusting spacien from some dead world. Him and his pirate buddies are a scourge." She flatly stated.

Sophie stared at her for a moment, then smirked, and was already chuckling along with her words. "Seems more like you're upset that I called dibs on the cutest boy here." And she finished off her words with a well-placed smirk.

Norea only looked at her, and for the first time in their many years knowing each other, Sophie could not read Norea's features at all.

"Get out," Norea flatly spoke. Whirling away from Sophie as she was staring at the wall in front of her.

Sophie shot her a look. "…this is my room too," She flatly stated.

"Christ, Sophie, I just can't…I can't deal with you right now," Norea began.

Sophie stared at her for a moment, Aiden, still in the middle of the room, was staring at the pair of girls in a mute, stunned silence. This could not be a dream, but it was not a vision. What was…

Sophie exhaled a heavy breath, seizing the glove and ball. "I am going to go to bed in a couple of hours," Regarded Sophie. She made her way to the door and opened it, the room swiftly being filled with the sounds of voices and the sound of working. "Hopefully, you'll feel better by then." And Sophie slammed the door shut.

Aiden could pick up voices from the other side, and he was sure the other girl…Norea, could hear them as well.

"Yo, it's Soph!" A voice arose from the hall.

Sophie's chuckle filled the hall. "How you doing, boys!" She stated.

And there was laughter, clapping, and cheering. Norea stared at the door for a brief moment, then wrenched her head around. Her eyes going towards her notebook as she retook the pencil in her hands.

Aiden was staring at the door, but then he heard something from his side. Norea.

"I can't believe this…a spacien of all things, Sophie, have you lost your damned mind," Norea began speaking to herself as Aiden could only watch as Norea continued. Back turned as she kept on speaking. "They murdered our families, they butchered our planet, and then they fled to space for a better life. Leaving us to die on a struggling world. How can you…"

And Norea felt tears prickling her eyes as she rushed to wipe them. "I thought…I wasn't alone within our convictions," She stated. Then, suddenly, angrily she threw her notebook across the room. It narrowly passed by Aiden's head as…

Aiden felt his head ache and wane. Like a migraine being there for a moment, and then gone the next as he seized his head for a brief moment as…Norea did the same as she seized her own head.

She winced in pain. "What the hell…is this?" She questioned with widened eyes. "My head, it feels like it's about to…" She suppressed a yell as her breaths grew heavier and heavier, faster and faster as…

She lifted her gaze behind her, breathless, shock swiftly streaking through her features as she stared at the book that lay on Sophie's bed. Aiden was in the middle, and she seemed to be staring straight through him…yet Aiden didn't realize the subject of her gaze.

"Who are you?" Questioned Norea, shakingly.

Aiden was silent for a moment, his eyes darting to his sides. It was only him in this room. It couldn't have been him…she had ignored his presence this whole time and…

"Yeah, you, how the hell did you get in here?" She questioned angrily, eyes narrowed, pointing at him.

Aiden pointed at himself. "Me?" He stated.

"Yeah, you, who the hell are…," And Norea seized her head once again, gripping it with both hands as Aiden followed after her. There was a dullness to his mind now, a sort of haze…like a vision, like the druids of Harmony.

"You can see me," He flatly stated.

"Of course I can," Snapped Norea. "You look different from the other boys here, but…"

"You can see me," Repeated Aiden Winters. "I am across the galaxy away, and you could see me…and I can feel it, me and you are similar, different, but the same."

Norea was silent at that, glaring at him, still reeling from the pain, both of them as Norea held the glare. "You don't have the nails," Bluntly stated Aiden as he stared at the black-haired girl. "You shouldn't have psychic potential, you shouldn't." His words came out harsher than he realized.

Norea was glaring at him now…but she was in pain, her eyes half closed as he just stared down at her in confusion. "Us druids were born from the nails awakening something latent within us," he explained, then paused. "…but you're different, you're natural, something…different, but also something new."

As Aiden spoke those words, everything around him started to fade away, Norea rising from her seat as she sweatily threw her gaze around the room. Only to realize in shock that the young man was gone, now she was completely alone…breathing heavily as the pain had gone away with the young man.

…and as Norea stared at where he once been, her mind whirred and whirred with questions, but there was something strange within her stomach now. A strange feeling that she could not comprehend. She was different, but that young man…they were the same, and Norea found a companionship in that.