Author Note/Important: I can tell that this chapter may or may not have negative reception. But for the course of the story to continue it had to be made...I know it may come off as annoying seeing Miorine and Aiden butt heads, but character wise it does make sense due to there personalities clashing. I was thinking about why writing Suletta x Aiden is easier than writing Miorine x Aiden. While Suletta is greatly empathetic, Miorine is very pragmaetic. I can understnad why people prefer Suletta. Okay, likewise, we are 36 chapters in and are proably Episode 8-9 in the anime. I know this fic is long, but I am trying my best to craft an interesting story that takes into account Witch, but also taking in important elements of the Gundam Franchise. I want to make a good story, but also make it...Gundam, but also my own take on Witch from Mercury. Likewise, I know that some people have been lost. So, I have been wondering if people want me to upload a chapter explaining the plot points, etc, of what has been occurring within the fic. I don't want to write filler...but chapters like the Party may appear to be filler, but they aren't. They are important to the story to not only flesh out the OC's but also the main cast of characters. Still, thanks everyone for reading, following, favoriting, and commenting. I hope you guys enjoy and read the next one. The next one is going to be a bit more action packed hopefully, and we are nearing the end of Season 1. Can't wait to start writing about Shaddiq, but I have a little duel planned for Aiden before he fights him. Still thanks for reading and I hope you guys enjoy!
The Author
Reviews
SixSpartain: Well, I am glad that you enjoyed! The Award Show segment was a pain to write, but we got through it and I am glad that you liked it. Honeslty, I feel you with the school stuff, and I will check out Unicorn and Counter Attack. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
EmeraldSage: Yeah, I get what you mean. It's difficult at times to write Aiden, but I like him. He's chaotic and I think people pay attention to a lot of the stuff he does. The next chapter is going to feature him and primairly on his mind, but also we're going to be focuseing on Guel, Laude, Sophie, and Marty. Heck, there may even be sprinkled lore of the Legion. I know this seems random, but later on in the fic when we reach the endings of both seasons/cours all this buildup is going to be very satisfying. Prospera is very skilled, talented, and has money but Quiet Zero is basically a death weapon...she's going to need someone to protect her while that thing charges. Do with that what you will. I get what you mean in reagrds to Deacon and Miorine, but one of the highlights of Deacon's character in my opinion...is his love for his brothers. While Miorine is there friend, this situation that I have been eluding to is far different than there other lies, I feel that Daecon in the end is lowky going to be justfied in this as you see the later developments. Also, I get what you mean in regards to Aiden being mad for days, however, there is something to note...Aiden is 19, and he's still technically a child. He does have maturing to go and his trauma doesen't help, however, Miorine is ill suited to help him...that is why they clash so hard, likewise, Miorine's cold demanor is difficult for him to read. Everyone in the situation isn't wrong, it's just there all to young and traumitzed, or prideful to state how they truly feel. I also get what you mean in reagrds to Aiden being a Newtype, but I think this is for the best. If you recall in the Earlier chapters Aiden had magic shit attatched to him, like literal spamming spells, but I didn't really bring this back into the fic. However, his visions are central to the fic as well...a major plotline, so, I made the decision to go the NewType route. he's not going to be crazy OP but to loop this back into Gundam, I think making him a Newtype will establish better rules for him. Likewise, Norea's newtype ability. I do think in the long run you are going to like it. One of my biggest complaints was the lack/use of Norea and Sophie, and I feel that making Norea a NewType is going to establish a certain level of depth to not only her, but her story. She was born on Earth and hates Spacien's...but she is a product of man's colonization of the stars. It would be very interesting to see where I can take this and the development her and Sophie are going to have. They are each going to have differing endings to the story than the anime. Crazy to realize that Kamil and Felsi in the anime make it to the final battle...but in this fic Marty offs them with the Full Armor. Thanks again for reading, and I hope you enjoy this new chapter!
Chapter 36 - There Choice
Nika
The Earth House was a haven of warmth and life. The big table in the center buzzed with activity—some of the denizens played games, others napped, soaking in the cozy atmosphere. Nika sat on the couch, her smile as bright as the room itself, while Martin, the house president, stood above her with a look of anxiety. Chu Chu stood nearby, arms crossed and eyes narrowed, watching the pair intently.
"So, this Miorine Rembran founded a company?" Chu Chu questioned, her voice cutting through the ambient chatter.
Nika's smile broadened, her leg casually draped over the other. Martin's tight-lipped silence only accentuated his unease. "It was Ms. Miorine's own idea," Nika stated, shifting her gaze to Martin. "She bought out some of Peil's and Shin Sei's development teams on the spot."
From a nearby table, Till Nys, Nuno Kargan, and Ojelo Gabel played cards. Ojelo glanced up from his hand, his voice dripping with casual disbelief. "Man, rich girls can really do anything they want," he said.
Nuno, eyes focused on his cards, placed one down deliberately. "She's got to have some motive," he said flatly. "One four."
"Bullshit," Till countered, his eyes narrowing.
Nuno's eyes widened in shock. "How did you know?" he practically yelled, reluctantly gathering the entire pile of cards.
Across the room, Aliya sat at another table, her eyes fixed on the cards before her. Lilique lounged in the corner, her chin resting on her fist. "There can't be no ulterior motive," Lilique mused. "Nika and Suletta have nothing to say but good things about House Harmony."
Chu Chu rolled her eyes, her voice heavy with skepticism. "I wonder why," she muttered, casting a pointed glance at Nika, who quickly looked down.
Aliya, seemingly oblivious to the tension, flipped a card and studied it intently. "Lilique, you are going to meet a certain man in the future…he will bring trouble into your life…"
Lilique was about to release a weary sigh, but Aliya continued. "…but also a great romance."
That completely turned the bigger girl's mood around, her eyes lighting up with unexpected hope.
Lilique brought her hands to her cheeks, a dreamy smile spreading across her face. "Well…I don't need trouble, but romance can be exciting." She closed her eyes, letting her imagination wander to who this mysterious person could be.
Chu Chu leaned back into the couch, her hands clasped behind her head, eyes squeezed shut. "You lot can do whatever you want with the Spaciens, but I am not going to work for them."
Nika turned towards her, her expression earnest. "They are offering to pay us," she stated, trying to bridge the gap.
Chu Chu opened one eye, her skepticism palpable. "…why can't they find proper workers? Or does rich girl Miorine and that Mercurian hick prefer seeing Earthiens doing all the work?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
Nika shot her a look, standing up from the couch as she met Chu Chu's gaze. "D-don't call Suletta that," Nika stammered, her words faltering.
"Hah," Chu Chu replied flatly.
"Suletta is my friend…and Miorine is offering us a good opportunity," Nika continued, her voice gaining strength. "If this company actually becomes something, we'll be making tons of money. We can bring this back home or do whatever we like…freedom."
The word "freedom" seemed to hang in the air, and Chu Chu turned her head away, unable to face it. Nika spoke of her Spacien friends and boyfriend, their goals and the help they were offering. But Chu Chu didn't need such help, didn't want it.
A knock on the door broke the tension. Martin rushed to it, opening the door to let in a blast of cold air.
"Hey," he greeted. "I hope the trip wasn't that bad."
"It was fine," replied Deacon, brushing clumps of snow from his head with a smile. Miorine followed, mimicking the gesture as Martin shut the door to keep more snow from slipping in.
As Miorine hung her jacket and scarf on the coat rack, Deacon moved towards Nika. "Sorry for being a bit late," he said, his voice carrying a hint of fatigue.
Nika chuckled, reaching up to feel his forehead, her eyes widening with concern. "Deacon, you're like…burning up."
Deacon sighed, his weariness evident. "I'm feeling a bit under the weather…but the roads are lowkey out, and I didn't want to go through this whole company meeting and then need to shovel out the car from the driveway."
Nika chuckled, wiping a stray piece of snow from Deacon's blond curls. "It's so cute how you think of everything," she said, her voice softening. Deacon was slowly realizing just how close they were, a warmth spreading through him that had nothing to do with the cozy room.
Across the room, Chu Chu watched the exchange, her eyes rolling before she rose from her seat. "Chu Chu?" Nuno called out, his voice tinged with concern.
Till lifted his head as well. "You're leaving right now?" he questioned.
Chu Chu sighed, standing tall. "I want to speak to my dad before I go to bed. Also…" Her voice trailed off as her gaze momentarily flickered to the Earthien and the Spacien. Her eyes then darted to the ground. "It's nothing…I just feel a bit, confused."
Without another word, Chu Chu left the room, leaving a silence in her wake. Till stood, sensing something was amiss. But Miorine's voice cut through the quiet, sharp and decisive. "Come on…let's start the meeting," she commanded, clapping her hands for emphasis.
Lilique shot the young company president a questioning look. "Ms. Rembran," she began formally, "I see President Deacon, but the other Harmony boys…when are they going to come?"
Deacon sighed. "We're going to have to start without them," he stated. "We can prepare and get ready, and when Suletta and the rest arrive, we'll be all set."
"That's a good plan," Nuno agreed. They set to work, combining tables and making preparations. That was when they heard the knock.
"Hi!" Suletta's cheerful voice rang out as she waved into the room, her smile infectious.
Everyone couldn't help but smirk at the sight of the joyful red-haired girl. Miorine approached her, eyeing Suletta's coat. "Does it fit?" she asked.
"Pretty snug, but I'll survive," Suletta chuckled, removing her thick coat and glancing out the window. "It's so dark already!" she exclaimed.
Till spoke up as he approached Suletta, with Oscar beside him, carrying hot cups of chocolate. "The closer it gets to New Year's, the quicker the day ends," he said, passing her a cup.
Suletta accepted it with both hands, taking a sip. Her eyes lit up. "This is amazing!" she shouted. "This is hot chocolate!" She peered into the brown liquid with delight.
Aliya chuckled, rising from her seat and walking over to the enigmatic girl from Mercury. "We have farm animals that we take care of here," she explained. "So, completely fresh goat milk."
Suletta's eyes widened with wonder. "Ms. Miorine has a garden within the academy," she commented, her excitement palpable.
The room buzzed with activity and warmth, the camaraderie palpable as the Earthiens and Spaciens found common ground in their shared tasks and small joys, the harshness of the outside world momentarily forgotten.
Aliya paused, her eyes flitting around the room before inching closer to Suletta. "Hey, Suletta…we've met before, right?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
"U-h yeah," Suletta replied, a bit taken aback.
Aliya chuckled softly. "Where's that guy who was with you last time…the dark-skinned, tall, cute one with the buzzed head? Did I mention cute?"
"Jack?" Suletta's voice rose slightly in surprise.
Aliya snapped her fingers. "Yeah, that guy. Where is he? Is he coming?" she questioned eagerly.
Suletta sighed. "Sorry, Aliya, but Jack has been on a mission for a while."
"A mission?" Aliya's eyebrows shot up. "Oh, I didn't realize he was super important. When is he coming back?"
Suletta shrugged, and that was all the answer Aliya needed. Yet, Suletta's thoughts festered. The last time she had seen Jack felt like nearly a month ago. Aiden and Deacon had told her that her mom had sent Jack to do something.
Suletta sighed again, resolving to ask her mom about Jack's whereabouts the next time she saw her.
Oscar felt awkward. This wasn't his house, and he wasn't used to being in an actual house. His eyes roamed the room, noting the levels upon levels and the multitude of rooms. Large windows reminded him of...
"Was this a factory or a warehouse or something?" Oscar questioned aloud.
Lilique rushed to respond, her presence causing Oscar's face to heat up, though he quickly tried to mask his reaction. "Yeah, it was. Nice eyes," she chuckled as she approached him, her gaze lifting to meet his. Oscar tried to avert his eyes, but he couldn't help but notice...her really big...
Eyes, yeah, Oscar was definitely thinking of her eyes. "No wonder she is so popular," he whispered to himself.
Oscar and Suletta took their seats, the room's atmosphere thick with anticipation.
Miorine took a deep breath, heavy and exasperated, as she looked at Deacon. "So, where is Winters?" she demanded angrily. "He was meant to make the company jingle."
"Jingle?" Martin echoed, incredulous. "You guys already have a jingle?"
"In progress," Deacon commented. "I don't know where he is... He probably had a long class. I know he's been having trouble sleeping lately. Maybe we can just..."
Miorine rolled her eyes. "You always make excuses, but whatever," she said, waving it off. "And no one from Harmony House is going to come?"
Deacon glanced at Oscar, then stretched his gaze to the Earthians around the table. He sighed. "Looks like you guys are our only hope for employees..." An awkward chuckle escaped the young president.
Miorine resisted the urge to facepalm as the door slid open behind them. Chu Chu entered, slipping her phone into her pocket. Oscar shot her a look—her big, puffy hair seemed odd, but to Oscar...
Miorine rose from her seat, taking Suletta's empty cup of hot chocolate and grabbing a spoon. She began to bang it against the cup. "Okay, enough is enough," Miorine said with a heavy sigh. "Alright, let's get down to the grits of everything."
"The grits?" Martin echoed.
Miorine sighed. "We need to figure out what Gund-Arm is going to be about," she said flatly. "Remember, I am going to pay you all, and whatever outcome the company has... I guarantee you that you won't be on your own. Your success is my success."
The Earthians, who had been treated horribly by the Spaciens their whole lives, smirked and smiled. Miorine was promising to treat them fairly.
"But," Miorine continued, sighing once more, "we have to discuss the ramifications of Gund-Arm."
"The ramifications?" Oscar asked.
"Gund-Arm... whether we focus on prosthetics or other machines, we are going to bear the mantle of the Gundam name. So, we need to decide what type of company we're going to make," Miorine explained.
Chu Chu leaned into her chair. "So, we've just got to make money and decide what we're doing?"
Miorine nodded. "We need to discuss a solid business plan, and then we'll have others to back and finance us. But..." Miorine's voice trailed off.
She looked around the room and could already feel the heat of an impending argument. The tension was palpable, the stakes high. This meeting could determine their future, and everyone knew it.
"We can go down the route of selling prosthetics, but that will take time... heck, Aiden's and Oscar's are specially made and were not intended for mass production. Normally, selling weapons would seem the most reasonable plan."
Nuno spoke up. "I don't got a problem with that," he stated flatly.
Everyone's eyes turned to him, the silence thick and uncomfortable. He gazed around, raising his arm as if to defend himself. "What? It would make money."
Aliya's voice cut through the tension. "You're a war orphan, aren't you?"
Oscar shot her a look, then wrapped his arms around himself, leaning back in his chair. Lilique noticed the discomfort emanating from him, a silent scream of unease.
Nuno shrugged. "Yeah, there are tons of kids like me on Earth..."
"...and a bunch from Harmony," Oscar said flatly.
The room grew silent as Oscar and Nuno locked eyes. Slowly, Oscar raised his hand. "I don't got a problem with making guns," he stated.
Chu Chu, eyes closed, rose her hand and her voice boomed. "I'm all for it... only if we sell to Earth."
"What?" Deacon questioned aloud, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Do you even hear yourself?"
Chu Chu shot him a look through narrowed eyes. "You're still here, Spacien."
Deacon snickered. "You're lucky I'm here... Do you even realize the ramifications of solely selling weapons, specifically weaponry utilizing the Gund-Format, to Earth?"
All eyes were on Deacon as he continued. "Ignoring the blatant racism, we are technically part of The Benrett Group, meaning we have to sell to everyone. Imagine what it would look like if Gund-Arm was only selling weaponry to Earth. Heck, it could start another fucking war."
Deacon's sigh was heavy, his tone curt, almost betraying him as he gazed around the room. "We all remember the last failed revolution," he said flatly.
Chu Chu's features tightened with anger, but before she could speak, more voices arose around the table.
Aliya's eyes widened. "Earth would become a battlefield again," she murmured, and her words captured the hearts and attention of everyone present.
Oscar took a deep breath, massaging the back of his neck. "I hate the Benrett Group, same as you guys... but the last thing we need for our startup is to be the spark of a war."
Chu Chu rolled her eyes at him. "I bet you'd know a lot about that," she stated with a sharp edge.
Oscar shot her a look. "Do you have a fucking problem or something?" he said flatly, rising from the table and glaring at her.
"Oscar," Deacon rose as well, trying to intervene.
"No, Deacon," Oscar's curt tone cleaved through the room. "That one has been calling us slurs ever since we came into this building. I am not going to take any more of this shit, especially after what we did for..." His voice trailed off, heavy with unsaid words. He took a deep breath, rubbing the bridge of his nose before collapsing back into his seat. Everyone was shocked and astonished, even Chu Chu, whose mouth hung agape. But anger quickly replaced her surprise.
Martin raised his hand, trying to calm the situation. "Deacon and Oscar are right... there isn't even any point to having this argument."
"Hah," Chu Chu snapped aggressively, and Martin nearly jumped out of his skin. "So, you're siding with the Spaciens?" she snarled.
Martin's blue eyes widened. "N-no, but they're right... it's not even about profits. It's something that we just can't do. Both morally and according to the Group's rules."
Deacon nodded. "I agree," he said. "There has been enough war in our lives, and I believe that Gund-Arm can honestly do some good in this world. I say we focus on making machines that help people."
Nika's face flushed at his words, and shockingly, her hand traced along the contours of his thigh. His face heated up, and he shot a look toward her. She giggled slightly, as if nothing had happened, but it did.
Ojelo's eyes were on the floor, squinting as he spoke. "I didn't come to the Academy to make mobile suits," he said. "I love money, for sure. Even so, I don't feel like profiting off killing machines."
Nuno sighed lazily. "At the end of the day, you're just another spoiled kid."
Ojelo's eyes filled with fury as he glared at Nuno. "Oh really?" he stated, his voice trembling with anger.
Suletta's voice rose above the growing tension. "E-everyone, stop fighting!" she shouted, her arms raised. The room fell silent, the air thick with unresolved conflict.
Oscar leaned back in his chair, his face set with determination. "I'm on Nuno's side," he declared, completely ignoring the simmering tension around the table. "If the Benrett Group can make their machines of war, why shouldn't we?" He leaned in, eyes narrowing.
Tills spoke up, trying to cut through the tension. "Because it's a cycle, a cycle of vio—"
Oscar's heavy laughter cut him off. "Fuck it," he said flatly. "That's how I look at it. The Benrett Group fucked us over, and getting in on their game is a good way of making money. Heck, the money we make can be used to help others in the long run."
Aliyah's voice was soft but resolute. "…Even if it means innocents get hurt, possibly killed? And you're going to live with the fact that your machine did that. Would you be able to sleep at night?"
Oscar didn't miss a beat. "I'll sleep very comfortably with my pills on my multi-million-dollar bed. Hell, I'll get that bed imported from Sweden."
Chu Chu shot him a venomous look. "Of course it's the war spacien," she said flatly.
Oscar only laughed harder, his mirth echoing through the room, his lack of response causing a vein to throb on Chu Chu's forehead. "I was raised an orphan, forced into a war I hardly understood. The universe has been unfair to me…" He glanced at Nuno, finding a kindred spirit in the fellow orphan's eyes. "I'm on Nuno's side for this one. We make weapons of war, and we get our bread."
Miorine took a heavy breath. "Okay, that makes two votes for war machines and one for…"
Deacon shot her a look. "Miorine, are you serious about this? We're going to make war machines? What was the point of showing off Aiden's prosthetics?"
Miorine didn't flinch. "I am doing what I need to as a leader," she stated. "I don't want everyone here to hate me or feel like I forced them into this. No, we will all come to a vote and decide what to do."
Deacon didn't like it, but a part of him felt a reluctant admiration. That was the response of a true leader, someone who took her subordinates' opinions into account. He wondered where Miorine had learned it. Was it from her father? Something within her own intellect? Or perhaps the influence of House Harmony's president? Who knew what parts of Deacon had rubbed off on her.
Miorine sighed, the weight of leadership pressing down on her shoulders. "Likewise, I remind everyone that they are not forced to stay here. I say we make war machines; there's money in that."
Suletta rose from her seat, her eyes wide with determination. "Don't say that, Miorine. We're all in this together!"
Miorine rolled her eyes, a sigh of exasperation escaping her lips. "Okay, then where's Winters?" she shot back at her red-haired friend. As if on cue, the door creaked open, a blast of cold air and a swirl of snowflakes rushing in before it shut again.
"I knew you'd be here," Aiden's voice cut through the room like a blade. There was no warmth, no trace of the usual levity as he shook the snow from his jacket and made his way around the table's edge. His eyes, dark and brooding, scanned the room, briefly passing over Suletta, who managed a tentative smile. But Aiden's focus was unyielding, locked onto Miorine as he stopped directly in front of her.
Miorine's expression remained neutral, a mask of mild annoyance she often wore. "You're late," she said flatly.
Aiden's eyes widened, then narrowed to slits. "You think I take orders from you?" His tone was venomous, each word dripping with scorn. Gone was the playful banter, replaced by a steely bitterness that hung heavy in the air.
Miorine's mind wandered back to the times they had talked in her greenhouse, Aiden's laughter mingling with the scent of blooming flowers. Those days seemed like a distant memory now, lost in the haze of mounting tensions. She had grown so accustomed to Aiden's simmering anger that she failed to see how deeply it now ran.
"My Titan," he said coldly.
Deacon's eyes widened, and Nika sensed the gravity of the situation. Something more was at play here, something deeper than a simple disagreement.
Miorine rolled her eyes again. "Your Titan? You mean the one you went up against Elan with?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Aiden nodded, his expression grim. "I wanted to blow off some steam, and now the Titan I used against Elan, and the one I fought Guel with, are gone. Where are they?"
Miorine's eyes narrowed. "Prospera already sent you machines. Those Zakus."
Aiden's face darkened, his blue eyes flashing with a dangerous light. He leaned in, his voice a low growl. "You call that trash a machine?" He turned his glare to Deacon and Oscar. "Did you two know about this?"
The room fell into a stunned silence. Everyone else watched, caught between confusion and shock at Aiden's outburst. To them, it seemed strange to see him so upset over Titans that were likely already damaged beyond repair, but there was an intensity in his demeanor that suggested this was about more than just machines.
Oscar's gaze bore into Deacon with a mix of confusion and anger. "Deke, what is Aiden talking about?" he demanded.
Deacon remained silent, his expression troubled. Oscar's features hardened, his voice growing sharper. "What did you do?" This intensity from Oscar surprised both Suletta and Miorine. He was usually more reserved, but the weight of Deacon's silence was palpable.
"Listen," Deacon finally spoke, his sigh heavy with the weight of confession. "In the last few battles and the mission, Aiden practically demolished your Titan. The old armor we rigged up against you and Elan was destroyed."
Aiden's eyes widened in disbelief. "So, we only have Jack's Atlis unit left?" he questioned.
Deacon nodded slowly, the admission heavy on his shoulders.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Aiden's voice was edged with frustration.
Before Deacon could respond, Miorine interjected with a sharp tone. "Aiden, can you refrain from throwing a temper tantrum?" Her words were cutting, her gaze steely. "This is a company meeting. Secondly, you're late, and thirdly, you—"
"I don't give a damn about being late," Aiden's voice thundered. "You and Deacon tossed aside my mechs!" His anger boiled over, and Suletta rose from her seat, moving towards Aiden, concern etched on her face. Meanwhile, Oscar scanned the room, observing the stunned expressions of their fellow Earthin members.
"I don't understand what your problem is!" Miorine retorted, her own frustration bubbling to the surface. "Is this about the award show?"
Aiden's jaw clenched. "Partly," he admitted. "But you had no right. You and Deke had no right to discard those machines. They were sacred, the last remnants of—"
Miorine sneered, shaking her head dismissively.
Aiden closed the distance between them until their faces were inches apart. "You never understood, did you, Rembran?" The use of her last name on Aiden's lips caused Miorine to flinch. "We made oaths back then. Maybe Deke forgot, but I didn't..."
"And neither did I," Oscar interjected firmly, cutting off Deacon's attempt to intervene. "You were wrong on this one, Deke," he added, his gaze unwavering. "Damaged or not, those are still symbols of Harmony. Those Zakus may have come from Prospera, but it's not right to wield them."
Deacon shook his head, frustration evident in his expression. "You lot are too obtuse about this. Titans and Zakus, they're just mechs, just machines we use to fight. There has never been any..."
Oscar interjected, his hand raised, his gaze sweeping over the confused faces. "For those of you who are confused, let me sum it up. There were agreements made, oaths forged after the Fall of Harmony. Some carry heavier weight than others, but some rules were written in ink, and some in blood." His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. "I know it sounds idiotic, but we don't touch other mechs."
Silence gripped the room, broken only by Aliyah's question. "What do you mean?"
Oscar's response was direct. "We don't use other mechs. It's as simple as that."
Till pieced it together. "President Deacon, are you and the Sons of Harmony... not allowed to use any mechs other than your titans?"
All eyes turned to Deacon, who cast his gaze downward, sighing deeply. "If we're taking the literal interpretation of—"
Aiden interjected with disdain. "Literal interpretation," he echoed sarcastically. "It wasn't an interpretation; it clearly stated that it was not allowed. So, we pick and choose what rules we follow?"
Deacon chose to ignore Aiden's jab, but Martin voiced his confusion. "But I thought Titans went extinct. Weren't the plans to make more destroyed during the Fall of Harmony?"
Deacon nodded solemnly. "That's correct. It wasn't too difficult in the first few years after the fall, but now, you'd have to be extremely lucky or find insider information."
Nika's eyes widened as realization dawned on her. "Wait, that's why Aiden and Jack disobeyed your order," she concluded. "Because that's all you guys have."
Deacon shook his head. "Nika," he said slowly. "What's stopping me from climbing into a mech?"
A heavy silence settled over the table as Deacon continued. "An oath is an oath, but we no longer have the luxury of that constraint. There is nothing stopping us but ourselves from climbing into anything other than a titan."
"So, you'd break your oath," Aiden stated flatly. "Your name was written next to mine, next to Marko's." The weight of the names hung heavy in the air, tension crackling between them. Deacon's expression warned against pushing too far, but Aiden pressed on, heedless.
"Times change, Winters," Deacon sneered. "We have to adapt, and don't forget... we're all oath breakers. Me, you, Jack, Oscar... all of us."
A heavy silence descended upon the room, a palpable tension wrapping around each person present. "Harmony is gone, we make our path," Deacon declared, his voice firm with resolve.
But Aiden's eyes blazed with fury, a storm brewing beneath the surface. Deacon couldn't fathom the depths of his anger—what turmoil churned within him? It couldn't be solely about Miorine. No, there had to be more to it.
"I agree with Aiden," Oscar's voice cut through the tension, his gaze locked on Deacon. Deacon was taken aback; he had underestimated Oscar, forgotten that beneath his humor lay a steely determination and a loyalty to Harmony's memory.
"I never forgot Harmony," Oscar declared, his fist slamming onto the table. "I never forgot those who came before... Daniel. What would he think if we threw away something like that?"
Deacon's demeanor softened, his gaze meeting Oscar's. "Oscar, Daniel is gone. There will be no songs sung of his bravery, no legends told. His titan became his grave. Daniel wouldn't want that fate for us, you know him."
"You're speaking pretty fondly for someone who isn't here, Deke," Aiden interjected sharply. "Daniel died for the war effort... he'd be looking down on us, knowing what we've become."
Before Aiden could say more, he abruptly pulled away, evading Suletta's touch. "Aiden," she spoke softly, concern etched in her voice. "Calm down."
Miorine's laughter sliced through the tension like a knife. "Leave him be, Suletta. This is just another one of Winter's tantrums."
Aiden's eyes narrowed darkly. "Funny," he retorted, his voice laced with bitterness as he turned his gaze to Miorine. "Real funny, Miorine."
Deacon's warning trailed after Aiden, a plea for restraint in the face of escalating tension. "Think before you say something..."
"You've always been a bit of a comedian," Aiden remarked, a chuckle lacing his words. "You're mean, but sometimes you surprise me with your comedic edge. However, none of your jokes were as funny as the first..."
Miorine's curiosity piqued. "And what would that be?" she inquired.
"The fact that no one loves you... not even your dad," Aiden delivered the blow flatly, a smile dancing on his lips. "That's why you got to Earth, right? Because it reminds you of your mom, the last person that loved you. It's sad that I could relate to that... but unlike you, I actually can have friends and people that actually love and enjoy my company."
The words hung in the air, a heavy silence enveloping the room as each person absorbed the scathing remark. Eyes widened in astonishment, shock, and disbelief at the audacity of the roast.
Miorine's gaze bore into Aiden's, her eyes glassy with emotion. Rising from her seat, she fixed him with a glare. "Does this make you feel happy?" she challenged. "Do you feel like you succeeded?"
Aiden's expression tightened as he surveyed the room, a mixture of emotions flickering across his face. With a whirl, he turned and stomped out of the building, leaving behind a palpable tension.
"Get out," Miorine's voice cut through the silence, firm and resolute.
Chu Chu shot her a glare. "Look, Spacien, this is our..."
"Get out," Miorine repeated, her tone unwavering. She averted her gaze from the others, tears sliding down her cheeks as Suletta and the rest began to file out of the room, leaving behind the echoes of Miorine Rembran's somber sobs.
Oscar
"Okay, what the fuck was that," Oscar uttered, his voice flat and tinged with disbelief.
They were outside, the biting winds of the snowstorm whipping through their coats as they sat on the stairs. Nika trembled beside them, seeking warmth, and Deacon drew her close, his arm wrapped protectively around her.
"Yeah," Deacon muttered, his hand absently rubbing the back of his neck. "That was very much unlike Aiden," he mused. "I honestly don't know what that was all about."
Oscar nodded in agreement, his expression troubled. "He seemed so angry about the titans. I get it, oaths are oaths, but going after Miorine was just..." He trailed off with a heavy sigh. "It left a bad taste in my mouth."
Deacon's fingers ran through his hair in frustration. "It can't just be about the award show," he asserted flatly. "There's got to be more..."
"He looks exhausted," Nika remarked, her gaze fixed on the green depths of Deacon's eyes. "He walked in there with bags underneath his eyes, like he hasn't slept in days."
Oscar shrugged nonchalantly. "Aiden likes to pull all-nighters for his music."
Nika shook her head, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "You guys can be such boys sometimes," she stated flatly. "I... I just didn't realize that Aiden could have such an effect on Miorine."
Oscar's eyes widened briefly, but he quickly shook his head.
Deacon chimed in, his tone thoughtful. "Aiden has that way of getting under people's skin. He's lovable, but sometimes he can be a bit much. But he's been through a lot... we've all been through a lot."
Nika nodded in understanding, but Deacon's expression remained troubled. "We think it's about what happened at the Ceremony."
"Yeah, I can see why Aiden is angry about that," Nika acknowledged. "Whether it was right or wrong, Miorine did exploit Aiden's disabilities to found Gund-Arm. He didn't consent to any of it."
Deacon shot her a glance, interjecting, "...but Peil was trying to get the Aerial confiscated and destroyed. Miorine's actions saved..."
Nika raised her hand, cutting off Deacon. "...and she also embarrassed Aiden," she sighed, turning to the two boys. "The world isn't black and white; two things can be true. Miorine may have felt like there was no other option and did what she felt was necessary, but Aiden's feelings and pride were hurt. Imagine losing your limbs and then being forced to strip—because that's what it was, stripping to support a company you didn't even want. Miorine already ordered him to write the jingle."
Deacon and Oscar fell into silence, pondering her words.
"Whoa," Deacon finally uttered, his tone subdued.
Oscar's gaze drifted to the snow-covered ground.
Deacon then enveloped Nika in a tighter hug. "Preach, my woman!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying through the howling wind. Nika nearly lost her balance, but she laughed along with him.
"So, I'm your woman..." she mused.
In that moment, Deacon felt a surge of courage. "Only if you want to be..."
She didn't respond, but the warmth of her lips against his cheek, and the brush of her blue hair tickled and filled him with joy.
Oscar wanted to smile for Deacon, finally getting with his crush, especially after that whole encounter with Miorine back during the beginning of the year. Yet, Oscar's lips returned to a neutral expression.
"When you say it like that, it makes more sense," Oscar stated. "No one is wrong in the situation, but Aiden doesn't want to admit that he feels hurt by what Miorine did, and Miorine's pride is excusing the whole situation because the Aerial was saved in the process."
Nika sighed again. "I just don't know why she lets Aiden affect her so much."
Deacon was about to speak, but it was Oscar who interjected.
"It's because she has feelings for him," Oscar stated matter-of-factly.
Nika and Deacon fell into silence, blinking in surprise as they turned their gazes towards Oscar.
"Oscar, that's not funny," Deacon chuckled. "Miorine and Aiden? Come on." He chuckled again.
But Oscar continued to stare at him, and Nika remained serious.
Deacon's eyes widened. "You're serious?" he asked incredulously.
Oscar nodded. "She told me herself. I started having suspicions. I know Aiden doesn't always think before he speaks, but I thought Miorine was smarter than that, especially in regards to Suletta."
Nika's eyes widened. "Suletta and Aiden are dating, correct?"
Oscar and Deacon both shrugged.
"It's complicated," Deacon admitted. "They kiss and stuff, but they haven't made it official. They've just been spending a lot of time together lately."
"Now you toss Miorine into the mix, and this whole situation gets a whole lot messier," Oscar narrated.
"No kidding," Nika agreed. "Suletta and Miorine are best friends. What is Suletta going to do when she finds out?"
"Hopefully she doesn't," Deacon remarked.
Oscar and Nika exchanged a look, silently questioning Deacon's optimism.
Deacon sneered. "It's none of our business if Miorine has a little crush... as long as it isn't affecting our team or anything then…"
"You forgot something important, Prez," stated Oscar. "Miorine and Aiden, they're engaged, they're going to get married."
Deacon shook his head. "Like hell that's going to happen. Miorine wants to go to Earth before her birthday and…"
Oscar's eyes narrowed. "…real strange how all those escape attempts have slowly come to a halt. Don't you think, Deke?"
Deacon's eyes widened. "You ain't saying what I think you're saying," Deacon said.
Oscar nodded. "It was the beginning of the school year, practically August because it was still hot enough for us to go to the river and swim, now it's nearly the end of December, Deacon. How many times has Miorine discussed her next escape plan?"
Deacon shrugged his shoulders. "We've been busy with Guel, Elan, and missions, etc. I get what you mean, but I don't think Miorine has some conspiracy plan to wait out the clock to marry Aiden."
But Oscar snorted. "But that would be real good for her… Delling seems to have an interest in Aiden, maybe, he prefers him as a son-in-law."
Nika and Deacon exchanged a glance. Oscar's sigh was heavy and audible. "Look, Deke, back when Suletta first came around… me and Jack had a talk about seeing the truth, not hiding away from it, and now he's gone. I have to look where his eyes should be looking, seeking, and finding what you and the rest can't."
Oscar turned on his heels. "…I don't know if Miorine intends to go to Earth or wait out the clock, but I just… I don't know, Deke, that mission, the last mission. Things are changing, and maybe you are right… old oaths may have nothing on this new and changing galaxy."
Oscar started to walk away, but Deacon's voice halted him. "Oscar!" He called out, and Oscar turned around for a moment.
Deacon still had one arm wrapped around Nika, but he spoke to Oscar. "Jack isn't gone, Oscar. Remember that."
Oscar was silent, but he nodded his head and started to continue his trek through the snow. Nika and Deacon sat next to each other.
"So… you want to stay in the snow, or we can go back to Harmony House?" questioned Deacon to Nika.
Nika chuckled, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes. "You really wanna show me your room?" she teased.
Deacon's face flushed with embarrassment, but Nika continued to tease him. "You're so easy to tease!" she remarked with a low chuckle.
Deacon shook his head, but Nika leaned in and planted another kiss on his cheek. "We aren't going to do anything naughty, but I wouldn't mind staying in your room tonight. It's cold out here; it would be nice to be warm."
Deacon's face turned crimson almost instantly, his hand nervously finding its way to the back of his neck. "T-that's fine," he stammered. Rising from the steps, he took Nika's hand, her laughter filling the chilly air as they made their way through the snow toward Harmony House.
Meanwhile, hidden on the top stairs behind a corner, Suletta's red hair swayed gently in the course wind. Her eyes widened in shock as tears flooded her vision, cascading down her cheeks. "M-Miorine, and Aiden…" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Her mind raced back to countless memories and moments shared with Miorine, her best friend. Yet, how could Miorine be her best friend if she was in love with Aiden?
Suletta's tears flowed freely, her sobs muffled by the roaring snow as it snuffed out her cries.