The Witch from Mercury and The Druid of Harmony

by ithorianjedi243

In a war-ravaged world, troubled ex-militia pilot Aidan Winters seeks solace at the prestigious piloting academy. With a haunting past and enigmatic powers, his only goal is certification and escape. But when he meets optimistic witch Suletta, their bond tests loyalties. Will their connection heal or destroy them? Destiny's gamble awaits.

51. Chapter 51 - Wraith, Lust, Deceit

Author Note: Going to keep it short and to the point. We've got one more chapter to go before we start reaching the final couple of chapters that will lead to the end of this book and season 1. This chap alone is 22,926 words on word. This one is a good one with a mix of everything. Drop a comment and review.

Best Regards,

The Author

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Chapter 51 - Wraith, Mutiny, Lies, Lust and Deceit

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Norea

Norea dreamed a nightmarish vision of steel debris, dead planets, and the unending clamor of war in the distance. Her body thrashed and sweated against the bed sheets, each spasm sending jolts of pain through her. The air was thick with the weight of countless deaths, the emotions of the fallen pressing down on her. Her black hair clung to her eyelids, damp with sweat, as she witnessed the horror unfold.

"Die, Ericht, die abomination!" Aiden Winters's voice echoed in her mind.

In her dream, she saw Aiden's blue and beige Zaku II streaking through the dark void of a dead galaxy. The thrusters blazed with an orange, coppery glow, pushing him faster and faster. Bullets erupted from the Zaku, raining down with a relentless fury. Norea watched, horrified, as the four stub arms of the mech whirled, each wielding a massive machine gun.

The bullets tore through a new type of mech, one eerily similar to hers and Sophie's, but draped in utilitarian grey. Aiden's ferocity knew no bounds as he gripped his beam sabers, hacking and slashing with a primal intensity. All around him, great transport ships burned in the void, a haunting backdrop to an Earth shrouded in darkness.

"We can't fall back now! We have to kill her! Do you hear me? It can't touch Earth's atmosphere, or everything is done for!" Aiden's voice was desperate, and he shot towards an unseen target.

Norea strained to see what he was aiming for, but it was obscured, as if a black veil covered it. Yet, from this hidden menace, a sleek, agile figure emerged, cutting through the darkness like a blade. The Aerial, with its minimalistic design, blazed toward Aiden's Zaku.

They clashed in a brilliant explosion of light. In Aiden's hand, a beam bazooka flared with a searing green glow. The Aerial drew its beam saber, slicing down toward Aiden's torso. He narrowly dodged, the Zaku bending to its limits, the maneuver shaking his teeth. His machine gun was severed, but the stub arm swiftly drew another beam saber, igniting in a fiery purple hue.

Aiden slammed his Zaku into the Aerial, their blades locking in a deadly embrace. They separated, only to come back around, exchanging gunfire and bazooka blasts. The dream was a chaotic ballet of violence, a dance of death played out in the cold vacuum of space.

The Aerial leveled its right hand, almost like a human gesture, prompting an eerie sensation that sent a shiver down Norea's spine. She glanced at her own hand, her discomfort growing as she watched the mech's actions. Pincers began to extend from the Aerial's back, reaching out toward Aiden Winters. The Gund Bits, with their unsettling giggles, streamed toward him, the sound chilling Norea to her core. Something was deeply wrong with this mobile suit.

Aiden fired rapid blasts from his beam bazooka, the Aerial taking cover behind a fleet of asteroids as the Gund Bits closed in. They quickly severed the barrel of his bazooka with precise laser blasts, forcing Aiden to discard it. He blasted off on his heels, maneuvering swiftly to the side. Norea noticed the crown on his head, burning like a fiery brand through his black curls—a distinct and bronze contrast.

"Die!" Aiden shouted, his voice filled with desperation and determination. His stub arm swung out, grabbing another bazooka from the rocket pack behind him. In his other hand, he wielded a special beam rifle, a weapon of last resort. The staves from the Gund Bits surrounded him, and he fired, taking out two in a brilliant explosion of white mist. Norea watched in horror, the scene unfolding too quickly and brutally for her to fully comprehend.

A Gund Bit came up behind Aiden.

"Aiden!" Norea screamed, the words escaping her lips without thought. She didn't know why she called out for this Spacien, but in that moment, the differences between them seemed to vanish, replaced by a shared desperation.

Aiden heard her. He spun around, his beam rifle aimed with deadly precision. In an instant, he fired, the shot cutting through two more Gund Bits. His mech's movements were eerily fluid, his elbow bending at an unnatural angle to accommodate the shot. Another Gund Bit approached from behind, but Aiden seemed almost preternaturally aware of its presence. His stub arm swung around, beam saber ignited, slicing the Bit in half. The explosion engulfed him in smoke.

As the smoke cleared, Aiden emerged, only to find the Aerial charging at him, its beam saber glowing ominously. He cut his engines, allowing himself to drop onto the surface of an asteroid, narrowly avoiding the lethal strike. The Aerial's beam saber slashed through the space where Aiden had been moments before, the missed attack carving a glowing scar into the asteroid's surface.

His Zaku's legs landed heavily on the asteroid's surface, the impact sending dust and debris scattering. He ran, leaping from one craggy outcrop to another, as more lasers and blasts rained down around him. Aiden ignited his rockets, pushing his Zaku to its limits. "Need to be lighter," he muttered, pressing a button that jettisoned the heavy backpack from his Zaku's back. The release gave him the speed he needed, boosting straight towards the Aerial. He fired bazooka shots in rapid succession, each explosion throwing up clouds of rock and debris. The Aerial, momentarily blinded by the chaos, struggled to navigate through the hail of stones.

In a daring maneuver, Aiden curved around the debris, closing the distance between him and the Aerial. He moved like a phantom, darting and weaving through the chaos. As he emerged from the maelstrom, Aiden had the Aerial in his sights, the bazooka aimed squarely at its back. He could taste the salty tang of sweat on his lips, his fingers tightening on the trigger. Victory seemed within reach.

But then, out of nowhere, a searing beam of energy tore through the battlefield. Aiden's Zaku shuddered violently as both its arms were severed at the elbow joints. The cockpit shook, and Aiden's head snapped back against the seat. "W-what?" he gasped, confusion and disbelief flooding his senses. The sudden loss of his limbs left him vulnerable, exposed.

The Aerial turned, its eyes burning with a cold, unrelenting light. It charged towards him, unstoppable. Aiden's eyes widened in fear and realization. "Conner, why?" he whispered, his voice laced with betrayal. "Why would you betray me like this?" His mind raced, trying to piece together the betrayal as the Aerial closed in.

Norea watched, her heart pounding. She didn't know who this Conner was, but the scene unfolding before her eyes made it clear that Aiden's situation was dire. The Zaku was no match for the Aerial, and now, with his own ally's betrayal, Aiden was truly alone. The finality of the situation pressed down on her, the weight of inevitability heavy in the air.

"Die, die, die!" Aiden screamed, his voice a mixture of rage and desperation. The Zaku's head Vulcans unleashed a torrent of bullets, but they only grazed the Aerial, barely scratching its armor. The Aerial's response was swift and brutal. It wound up a devastating kick, slamming its right foot into the Zaku's side with bone-crushing force. The impact caved in the Zaku's chest, exposing the cockpit and sending sparks flying.

Aiden's breath came in ragged gasps, the reality of his defeat settling in. His voice cracked as he spoke, "Norea, please don't leave me." There was a vulnerability in his plea, a raw desperation that cut through the chaos.

For a moment, Norea was silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

"Please, I can't lose like this," Aiden's voice trembled, desperation edging his words. His eyes, glinting with a fierce blue light, pleaded with the void. "Lend me your strength!"

In that moment, Norea felt a strange connection. As if across the vast emptiness of space, their fates were intertwined. She raised her hand, almost instinctively, reaching out to the screen as if she could touch him. For a brief, flickering second, their gazes locked. Aiden's eyes softened, a faint, almost resigned smile touching his lips.

"Ah, so you never left after all. You were always so scared…but you came back," Aiden murmured, a bittersweet acknowledgment passing between them. But any solace was short-lived. The Aerial's metallic fingers, claw-like and unrelenting, dug into the Zaku's armor. With a brutal, tearing motion, it ripped out the cockpit, as if extracting the heart of the machine itself.

Aiden threw off the brass crown that had once adorned his head, as if casting away a burden. He slammed his pilot helmet into place, but it was too late. The cockpit glass shattered, and the force of the vacuum pulled Aiden into the cold, unforgiving void of space.

His body flailed, arms and legs splaying out in a desperate, futile attempt to regain control. The universe seemed to hold its breath, a tapestry of cold stars and a dead world as his backdrop. Aiden's helmet struck against the jagged remains of the Zaku, a hiss of escaping air signaling the breach. A spiderweb of cracks spread across the visor, his breath growing shallow and erratic.

"S-Suletta." The name slipped from his lips, a final, desperate call. His eyes, wide with terror, met Norea's. "N-Norea, do something, please!" he shouted, his voice a mix of panic and pleading.

But Norea, floating amidst the stars, could only watch. Her heart ached, but she was paralyzed by the enormity of it all. Aiden's arms fell to his sides, his movements slowing as the reality of his situation set in. The Aerial, victorious, had already moved on, leaving Aiden adrift, another casualty in the cold expanse of space.

The cracks in his visor deepened. His breath became labored, fogging up the glass as his life support systems struggled to maintain pressure. "S-Suletta." He whispered again, a hand reaching out toward the stars as if they could offer some final solace. In that instant, Norea saw an image in her mind—a flash of warmth, a vision of Suletta smiling, bright and hopeful, against a backdrop of light.

And then, silence.

A vision of a girl with fiery red hair, teal blue eyes like a pure ocean, and sunkissed skin appeared vividly before Aiden's fading consciousness. She sat on a set of steps, smiling—a memory so pure and bright, it shone like a beacon in the void. The warmth of that memory surged through him, a bittersweet comfort in his final moments. He could almost feel her presence, her laughter echoing in the recesses of his mind, a reminder of everything he was fighting for.

"S-Sul…" The word barely escaped his lips before the inevitable happened. The glass of his pilot helmet shattered, and the merciless vacuum of space stole his breath, silencing him forever. The icy grip of the cosmos enveloped him, the cold seeping into his bones, a quiet, final darkness closing in.

Norea jolted awake, her scream echoing through the sterile room. Her eyes darted around, wide with panic, taking in the empty, unfamiliar surroundings. The cold sweat on her skin felt like a second layer of reality, the terror of the dream clinging to her like a shroud. She gasped for breath, her hand trembling as it came to her face, trying to ground herself in the present.

The emotions from the battle, the inexplicable connection she felt with Aiden Winters—it was all too real. She hugged herself tightly, feeling the raw, visceral fear that coursed through her veins. What had she just witnessed? Was it a premonition, a glimpse into a possible future? The thought gnawed at her, unsettling and urgent.

One thing was clear: if Aiden Winters faced that monstrous machine again, the outcome would be catastrophic.

The Zaku he piloted wasn't enough—it was inadequate against such overwhelming power. He needed something more, something capable of standing toe-to-toe with that formidable opponent.

Ensign Marty

"I've always wanted to be a soldier," Marty's voice crackled through Sophie's radio, echoing with a mix of excitement and nostalgia.

They danced around the captured Jeturk Heavy Cruiser, locked in a mock battle that felt all too real. Marty's Zaku II, now equipped with a backpack boasting an extra propellant tank and additional thrusters, darted through space with a series of sharp maneuvers. Blue tracer rounds zipped past him, narrowly missing their mark as he twisted and turned, outmaneuvering his pursuer.

Sophie's teeth clenched in concentration, her Gundam in hot pursuit. The two of them streaked through the cosmos like twin comets, their trajectories weaving and intersecting in a deadly ballet. She couldn't help but laugh, a wild, unrestrained sound that filled the cockpit. "You talk too much!" she shouted, her voice crackling with the same energy that coursed through her veins.

She fired off an explosive rocket, watching as it careened toward an asteroid. The impact sent a shockwave through the debris field, causing Marty's Zaku to spin out momentarily. But he quickly regained control, redirecting himself with a deft spin. The thruster on his propellant tank ignited, launching him like a missile deeper into the asteroid field. The burning light from his thrusters lit up the surrounding space, a beacon of defiance against the void.

"The guys on my front in their fancy uniforms... my older brother was one of them, a military family... my father died before I was born," Marty's voice continued, his tone more reflective now. He navigated the rough surface of an asteroid, his Zaku's feet kicking up chunks of rock as he skidded along its side. Sophie, relentless, swooped above him, her eyes locked on her target.

With a flurry of button presses, Marty maneuvered the stub arm to grab the weapon rig from the propellant tank, drawing a five-round bazooka into his Zaku's eager hands. He blasted off to meet Sophie, the pink monocular eye of his mobile suit blazing as he dodged her shots, feeling them graze and chip away at his armor.

"The respect, the honor, the glory!" Marty shouted into his comms, his voice charged with emotion. "When the Group came down on my family, murdered my brother, and left me an orphan, I knew instantly where to go. The Legion welcomed all the lost sons, even those who didn't come from their world."

Sophie clenched her teeth, her fingers dancing over the controls as she brought her gatling gun to bear, tearing through debris in her pursuit of Marty. He was a ghost, zipping and zagging, only appearing for fleeting moments. Her eyes widened as she twisted her Gundam to the side, narrowly avoiding a lone bazooka shot. She let out a deep, resonant chuckle. "That could've hit me," she remarked.

Marty's laughter echoed through the comms. "Like hell something like that could've touched you," he retorted.

Sophie surged forward, her laughter crackling through the radio. "You're damn right," she shot back, her confidence unwavering.

Bullets and explosions followed as Marty navigated through a narrow opening and a dead end. The tracer rounds chased him as he darted forward, firing rocket after rocket. The blasts reverberated through the asteroid field, the impacts sending debris and smaller asteroids crashing into each other in a chaotic symphony.

"Where are you!" Sophie taunted, her voice ringing out as the battle momentarily quieted. Marty had hidden somewhere within the debris, his location unknown.

"You asked me what makes me tick," Marty's voice came through the radio, his position masked by the vast field of debris. "Here it is: I learned from the Legion, the true Legion, that there's honor in a good death. There's great pride in taking the life of a worthy adversary."

Sophie chuckled darkly. "Killing is killing. Me and Norea do it for money," she replied. There was a brief silence, then she burst into laughter. "I didn't realize you were this idealistic, Marty."

Marty scoffed. "Before humanity reached the stars, there were men who believed in honor through mastery of the blade. Miyamoto Musashi believed in the way of the dreamer."

"The way of the dreamer?" Sophie echoed, her comms picking up something in the distance—an appendage, mechanical and out of place, jutting from behind a rock. A dark smile spread across her face.

"Got you…," Sophie murmured in a lilting tone, her fingers tightening around the trigger. Her eyes were alight with a mixture of thrill and disdain as she readied her strike.

"I've already come to terms with the fact that I'm going to die young, bloody, and on the battlefield," Marty stated, his voice carrying a solemn resolve. "There is an honor in a good death."

Sophie's smirk widened as she unleashed a torrent of bullets, expecting to see Marty's mech crippled by her assault. But her eyes widened in surprise as the rounds chewed through nothing more than an old piece of Demi-Trainer Mobile suit debris. Realizing her mistake, she cursed inwardly; she had just given away her position in the darkness.

Marty seized the opportunity, descending on her like a hawk. He fired his final rocket, sending her Gundam spiraling. Discarding the bazooka, he dove at a breakneck speed, adrenaline surging through his veins. His voice was raw with intensity as Sophie's eyes locked onto him, a dangerous glint in her gaze.

Sophie dropped her minigun, pivoting deftly to draw her beam saber. The blade ignited, clashing against Marty's Heat Hawk in a shower of sparks that momentarily illuminated the void. They were locked in a fierce struggle, each strike more desperate than the last. Marty, his face set with grim determination, hacked away, trying to find a crack in her defense.

"Permit activate!" Sophie suddenly shouted, her laughter ringing out with an almost manic edge.

"S-Shit, Sophie, I said no Permit!" Marty yelled back, panic seeping into his voice. But his words were drowned out by Sophie's triumphant laughter, the marks of the Permit system flaring to life along her features and limbs. Her movements became a blur of lethal precision.

Marty broke away from the blade lock, but Sophie was faster. The once advantageous tight space now worked against him. With a practiced, expert cleave, she sliced off the legs of his Zaku II. The severed limbs drifted away, trailing debris.

Desperate, Marty hurled his Heat Hawk at her, the weapon embedding itself in the shoulder of her Gundam. Sparks flew, and her sensors flared with heat warnings, but Sophie was unfazed. She only laughed louder, her head Vulcans spitting blue tracers that tore through the Zaku II's armor. The bullets chewed through metal and circuitry, destroying the purple monocular eye and reducing the head to a mangled wreck.

In that moment, amidst the chaos and destruction, Marty could only watch as his world went dark, Sophie's laughter echoing in his ears.

Marty's world was reduced to a dark void as he scrambled to maneuver, utilizing his propellant tank to guide his crippled Zaku. His hands were slick with sweat, his fingers fumbling for the controls as the stub arms worked to hand him the Zaku Machine gun. The tank sputtered and whined, the fuel nozzle indicating it was nearly empty. With a forceful press of a button, the tank ejected from his back with a pop, drifting into the abyss of space.

His back slammed against an asteroid, the impact shuddering through his mech, snapping the stub arms in the process. A grim smile spread across his face; this was the moment he had been looking for. Sophie was charging towards him, her beam saber trailing behind her like a comet's tail, cutting through the void with a lethal glow.

Marty knew he only had one chance. He steadied himself, slamming his left hand onto the drum magazine atop the gun, and squeezed the trigger. The vibration of the gun's great bullets rippled through him, a last desperate act in the cold, indifferent cosmos.

Sophie deftly dodged each shot, her movements a blur of speed and precision. With a press of a button, she launched a missile from her shoulder. The projectile sailed past Marty, slamming into the far side of the asteroid he had used for cover. The explosion sent him hurtling into open space, flames licking at his mech as he spun uncontrollably, his machine gun blasted from his hands.

As Marty floated, his momentum gradually slowed, Sophie took a deep breath, deactivating the Permit system. Pain flared and then receded, leaving her with a satisfied smile. She opened her eyes to see the remains of Marty's Zaku, a distant silhouette against the stars.

She snickered, her voice dripping with disdain. "You had all that talk about honor, but it always comes down to the last man standing."

Marty's silence was deafening, a void as empty as the space surrounding them.

Sophie let out a peal of laughter, sharp and mocking. "Come on, admit your defeat, and I'll take you back to the ship. At least you'll live to see another day."

Marty's sigh echoed through the comms, heavy and resigned. "Fine."

"Fine what?" Sophie pressed, her tone taunting.

Marty slammed his hand against the console, a hollow gesture in the face of his defeat. "Fine, you're better. You won," he admitted, the words bitter on his tongue.

Sophie laughed, a sound that seemed to echo endlessly in the void. "You really are Mr. Stiff, aren't you? I didn't need you to tell me I'm better. I already know it," she chuckled into the mic, her hand resting confidently on her chest. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Marty sighed,

checking his pilot suit one last time. His visor was down, and his oxygen tank showed a decent supply. With a practiced motion, he popped open the cockpit but stayed belted in. The darkness inside his cockpit was instantly replaced by the dazzling twilight of the cosmos. Streaking comets, stars of purples, yellows, and greens shimmered and danced before him, an endless sea of celestial beauty as Sophie's Gundam approached.

She reached out, gripping his mangled mech by the shoulders, and opened her cockpit. Marty stared at her, seeing the orange-haired girl flash a toothy grin. "Not a word," he muttered, unbuckling his seatbelt. He hovered for a moment, then kicked off, closing the distance between them.

"You wanna take this with us?" Sophie asked, glancing at the ruined Zaku.

Marty shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Doesn't really matter. If you'd thrashed one of our Titans, that'd be different. But we've got like thirty other Zakus, and this isn't even one of the special ones."

Sophie nodded, releasing the Zaku and sealing her cockpit as they started to drift back to the ship at a slow pace. She shot him a sidelong look. "You upset?"

"About what?" Marty replied, his hand resting on the edge of her chair.

Sophie chuckled louder, her laughter filling the small space.

"What's so funny?" Marty asked, a hint of irritation in his voice.

Sophie laughed even harder, her voice lilting and teasing. "You don't like losing to a girl, do you?" she teased, drawing out the last word.

Marty rested a hand on her shoulder, feeling the subtle gasp that escaped her lips at his touch. He tightened his grip on her chair, his voice low and measured. "I don't like losing, period."

"Yeah, I bet..." Sophie murmured, her voice trailing off as they continued their journey back. The vastness of space stretched before them, a silent witness to the unspoken tension between the two pilots.

Ensign Travis sat in a dimly lit room deep within the cruiser, the faint glow of the stars outside casting eerie shadows. A radio crackled to life, broadcasting the conversation from Sophie's Gundam, the words drifting through the still air. Travis listened, a sneer curling his lips.

"You fucking hear them out there... the kinslayer and his Earthian whore," he spat, his voice dripping with contempt.

Next to him sat another young man, older and more imposing, his bald head reflecting the sparse light. Beak, as he was known, shrugged nonchalantly. "Legion's all male... you get a girl, you gotta make the most of it."

Travis's sneer deepened. "It's clear why he did it—favoritism, plain and simple."

Beak leaned forward in his chair, interest piqued. "Wilkerson challenged Commander Moreno."

"A commander who doesn't deserve his title," Travis retorted sharply. "Especially after defying direct orders from the King of Harmony himself. We're heading to that station near Earth... do you really think he's got his head on straight?"

Beak raised an eyebrow, considering. "So, what do you propose we do, Travis? Enlighten me with your solution."

A dark chuckle escaped Travis's lips. "We replace him."

Beak's eyebrow shot up in surprise. "Mutiny?"

Travis laughed, a harsh, bitter sound. "He never deserved our loyalty. He punishes us but clearly favors his two Earthian pets. He moved into a private quarters a week ago... probably keeping his bed warm with their company, ignoring the grand mission."

Beak joined in the laughter, his pale skin contrasting with the vibrant stars outside the window. "We all have our reasons for being here," he said, his tone thoughtful. "But if you're serious about overthrowing the Commander, you know there will be opposition."

"How much?" Travis asked, his tone businesslike.

Beak considered for a moment, then held up a few fingers. "At least a third of the Nexus 65th will stand by Marty's command. But you know him... he won't go down without a fight."

Travis's eyes gleamed with malice. "There are ways to deal with that," he said, a sinister smile spreading across his face. "I think I'd do a better job, with a reliable right hand by my side."

Beak nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I think I can get on board with that."

Travis grinned, satisfied. "Good. We'll deal with Marty, take control, and without his interference, we'll accomplish Marko's directive."

"To kill them?" Beaks asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Travis shrugged casually, trying to mask the unease in his tone. "Y-yeah, of course. Orders are orders."

Beaks flashed a wide, unsettling grin, his eyes gleaming with a sinister gleam. "Sure, kill them. We'll just tell Marko we've taken care of it." He paused, nudging Travis with an elbow, as if sharing a private joke.

As Beaks turned and walked away, Travis shot him a confused glance. Beaks reached the door, raising a hand in a casual wave. "We'll deal with this later, Commander Travis. But remember, what Marko doesn't know won't hurt him. Speaking of which, I want the one with the black hair... personally. The one who's always got her nose in a book and keeps calling us Spaciens. I know exactly where I want her." With that, he slipped out, the door clicking shut behind him.

Travis stared at the spot where Beaks had stood, a mix of revulsion and calculation crossing his features. His fingers curled into a tight fist, and he muttered under his breath, "Disgusting."

He turned his gaze out the window, the soft glow of the distant stars casting a pale light over his face. As he pondered the situation, a slow, calculating smile spread across his lips. "But Commander Travis... it does have a nice ring to it."

Oscar

"I had this machine for a day…one fucking day! And I'm not even counting it because I'm sure it was more like half a day!" Oscar screamed, practically tearing at his hair. His face was flushed with frustration as he watched the Harmony Engineers string up his Zaku Sniper type in chains for repairs. The engineers moved with a calm precision, their expressions hidden behind welding helmets that cast eerie blue glows over their faces.

One of the engineers shook his head in disapproval before flipping his helmet back down, the gesture like a silent judgment. Oscar groaned and threw his hands up in exasperation. "Agh! All this for some stupid Demi Trainer!"

"Hey!" Chu Chu piped up from behind, hands shoved in her pockets. She stepped forward, her voice a mix of irritation and amusement. "That's my stupid Demi Trainer you're talking about."

Deacon and Nika entered the hanger, their breath visible in the crisp, cold air. Snowflakes gently dotted the horizon, a stark contrast to the heated atmosphere inside. It was just the four of them now—Deacon, Nika, Oscar, and Chu Chu—as they gathered around the damaged mech.

"What are you doing here, Chu Chu?" Nika asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Chu Chu shrugged, pulling her hands out of her pockets and placing them behind her head. "Say what you will about these Harmony boys, but they've got a whole team of mechanics," she replied, her tone light but carrying an undercurrent of grudging respect.

Oscar grumbled, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, well, maybe they can do something about this piece of crap."

Deacon chuckled, patting Oscar on the back. "Hey, at least you're not the one who has to repair it."

Deacon chuckled to himself. "Yeah, you need a whole team after all the times Aiden wrecked a titan or two..." He paused, his face contorting as he looked at the remains of his Gouf. While Oscar's armor was chipped and his camera and sensors—though expensive—could be repaired, Deacon's Gouf was a different story. It had been caught in the laser blast and sliced to bits. The only salvageable parts were the blue, dented cockpit and the distinctive pointed shoulder.

"Damn, I was really starting to warm up to that blue thing," Deacon lamented, his voice tinged with genuine regret.

Nika smiled, reaching up to stroke his cheek. "Aww, baby," she cooed, trying to lighten the mood.

Chu Chu rolled her eyes and sighed, clearly annoyed. Oscar caught her expression and shot her a teasing look. "I bet you wanna touch someone like that," he quipped, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Chu Chu snickered, her annoyance barely masking a hint of amusement. "Oh, shut up," she shot back, but then her expression turned serious as she shifted her gaze to Deacon and Nika. "How's Martin? You guys stopped by the hospital, right?"

The atmosphere grew somber, the light-hearted banter fading into silence for a moment.

Deacon nodded. "Yeah, we did."

Nika offered a comforting smile. "He's making a good recovery. They realigned the bone, and he's going to be on crutches and meds for a while, but the doctor said there won't be any lasting damage."

Chu Chu let out a relieved sigh. "Well, that's good to hear," she said, her tone softening. But then her eyes darkened, and her hands clenched into fists. "...And about that thing, with you and Shaddiq."

Nika's gaze dropped to the floor, her fingers rubbing her elbow nervously. "Chu Chu, I..."

Chu Chu's sigh cut her off. "Nika, I don't care about what you're doing or what that Spacien prick has on you," she said, stepping closer. "I know who you are." She turned her head to Deacon. "You're going to make him delete everything, right?"

Deacon's eyes narrowed in determination. "Damn right I am," he replied, placing a reassuring hand on Nika's shoulder. Her blue eyes met his emerald ones, and tears of relief welled up, glistening in the dim light of the hangar. Deacon squeezed her shoulder again, a silent promise of support.

Oscar muttered under his breath, "Man, what a couple of days. Seriously, before this whole Shaddiq thing happened, me, Nuno, Aiden, and Suletta just went out to get some pizza and chill. Then, boom!" He slammed his fist into his palm for emphasis. "Shaddiq, Renee, and the rest of his girls came down with that duel. Let me tell you, I can go without some fighting for a good long while after the craziness of the last few days."

"No kidding," Nika replied, her voice trailing off as she seemed lost in thought.

Deacon, sensing the tension, wrapped his arms around himself and glanced around the room, checking if anyone else could hear them. "Well, you've got your wish with that one," he said, breaking the silence.

"What do you mean?" Chu Chu asked, her eyes narrowing in curiosity.

Deacon took a deep breath. "I was talking to some of the engineer guys, and that last blast from Suletta... it completely wrecked the internals of the ring."

There was a moment of stunned silence, eyes widening all around.

"W-what?" Chu Chu stammered. "I don't... understand."

Nika stepped in to clarify, her tone calm but serious. "Suletta's blast from the Aerial caused something like an earthquake. Or at least, that's the best way to describe it."

Deacon nodded, snapping his fingers for emphasis. "Earthquake. That was the exact word the engineers used. That charged attack from the Aerial—did you guys even see what that thing looked like afterward?"

Chu Chu and Oscar both shook their heads, still processing the information.

Nika sighed, rubbing her temples. "Suletta had me and the Harmony engineers looking at it before we notified her mom. They took it away for repairs. She did something with those bits of hers, used them around her beam rifle for a super shot. It was a miracle no one got caught in the crossfire. The power of that blast... it wrecked the arena."

Oscar frowned, confused. "You guys keep saying 'wrecked.' The whole thing is just a simulation, right?"

Deacon shook his head. "She means the internals, Oscar. The electronics, the shifting landscape—all that jazz. The damage is extensive, running into millions, maybe billions. The system's fried. We're not going to be dueling for a while... not anytime soon."

Oscar let out a sigh of frustration, but it was Chu Chu who voiced the concern on everyone's minds. "What sort of firepower is Suletta packing?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "I get the Zaku's power, but that... that must've broken some rules or... or something."

Nika shrugged, a resigned look on her face. "She's not in any trouble. A duel's a duel, and sometimes things get out of hand. The Benrett Group isn't pressing charges, which is surprising, but it shows how much influence they have."

"That's not what I'm getting at," Chu Chu interjected, her voice rising with concern. "How did Suletta get her hands on this kind of mobile suit?"

"It was made on Mercury," Nika explained. "Suletta told me herself."

Oscar's eyes widened at that revelation, his thoughts flashing back to a conversation with Jack in the locker room. It all seemed connected now.

"The Mercurians have something like that?" Chu Chu exclaimed, incredulous. She snorted, shaking her head. "They live on asteroids, eating nutrient paste. They could conquer the universe with machines like that."

"You should ask Suletta," Oscar suggested, his tone serious. "She's been piloting the Aerial around Mercury's rings since she was nine."

"You're kidding," Chu Chu said, stunned.

Nika's eyes widened in shock, while Deacon remained silent, absorbing the information. Oscar continued, his voice low and intense. "Believe it. She told me that herself. Her mom threw her into that machine and trained her. This... this just feels off. You know what I mean?"

Deacon nodded slowly. "Yeah, something isn't adding up."

Nika looked between them, her confusion evident. "What do you mean, Deacon? I get that you're concerned about the Aerial and Suletta, but that machine has been checked. It's not a Gundam, or..."

"It doesn't matter if it's a Gundam or not, Nika," Chu Chu cut in, her voice firm. "There's something off about that suit. There were blockers in the dueling ring, and the Aerial blasted right through them. That's not normal."

Deacon leaned back, crossing his arms as he pondered. "The thing with Martin... and Aiden's Zaku... that's what's really bugging me."

"How so?" Oscar pressed, his brow furrowing with curiosity.

Deacon exhaled heavily, collecting his thoughts. "Martin was out there, sticking out like a sore thumb the whole duel. But there's something... I can't shake the feeling that something was off. I mean, Shaddiq and his girls were fighting hard, sure, but we all agreed on no killing or crazy hits. At first, I thought they might have taken a shot at him, but the engineers said the damage to his Demi Trainer looked more... internal."

Chu Chu's eyes widened, her voice rising in alarm. "Wait, are you saying that Martin was sabotaged?" But before she could go on, Nika clamped a hand over her mouth, silencing her outburst. Chu Chu took a deep breath, calming herself before speaking again. "Are you saying someone tampered with Martin's mech?"

Deacon hesitated, but Nika jumped in. "We're not sure, really. We're just going off what the engineers found and what we saw on the footage. But there's something else that's bugging me." She glanced toward a particular mech in the hangar, the sleek, custom-fitted blue High Mobility Type Zaku. "That machine, the one Aiden used, where did he get it?"

Oscar frowned, shaking his head. "Beats me. I mean, I'm glad he had it, but..."

Deacon nodded in agreement. "I've never seen that model before. It's a Zaku, yeah, but it's like it was tailor-made for Aiden. And look how quickly he got the hang of it."

"And then there's Prospera and these Zaku models," Oscar interjected. "Isn't it strange how fast she pumps them out? And how easy they are to pilot?"

Chu Chu nodded thoughtfully. "The Demi Trainer line is known for its ease of piloting. A skilled pilot like myself," she paused, flashing a self-satisfied smirk as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "can really shine in a simple mobile suit. But something like the Aerial... it seems so complex that it's almost unappealing."

Oscar shook his head. "No, I get what you're saying, but there's more to it. Deke, back me up here. You've been in your Gouf."

Deacon nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, I know what you're getting at."

"What are you guys talking about?" Nika asked, looking between them.

Deacon sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Me and Oscar... we were practically thrown into those suits. I can't even remember the last time I piloted a titan, but when I got into that Gouf, it just all..."

"Clicked," Oscar muttered, almost in disbelief.

"Yeah," Deacon echoed, his green eyes locking with Oscar's brown. "It felt like I was piloting... another titan."

Oscar's eyes widened, and he nodded, crossing his arms as a sneer crept onto his face. "It all makes sense—the controls, the placements, the brakes, the drive... even the damn computer program," he threw his hands up in frustration. "Prospera Mercury's been mass-producing Titans all along, just under a different name."

Nika raised her hands, trying to calm the escalating tension. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Deacon, you yourself told me the Titan line was gone. Heck, we learned in history class that nearly all of Harmony's technology was wiped out. Are you saying Prospera found some stash?"

Deacon sneered, shaking his head. "There are stashes, Nika. When Aiden hacked into that old insect vessel and downloaded a ton of data, he wasn't the only one. Pilots, pirates, and members of the legion do the same. I guess Prospera got her hands on one and used it to make these new models."

Oscar facepalmed, exasperated. "So, another lie," he muttered.

Deacon shook his head, his expression conflicted. "I'm not saying it's another lie. We don't know what Prospera found. Maybe it was incomplete, or maybe she knew about our oaths."

"Our oaths," Oscar repeated bitterly. "Yeah, she knew. She had us break them for more advanced mechs."

"Exactly," Deacon said, his voice rising. "We were bound by our oaths not to use more advanced machines. She must've known that and figured we'd instinctively go for the schematics to make more. You saw how Aiden was when Miorine scrapped his Atlas."

Nika, her tone lacking its usual warmth, addressed Deacon directly. "Deacon."

"What?" Deacon replied, hands raised in frustration.

"I remember how heated Oscar and Aiden were during that conversation," Nika said. "If Prospera had something, she withheld it from you."

Deacon tried to interject, but Nika held up a finger, pressing it to the bridge of her nose. "Deke, baby, you're not listening. Two things can be true. Prospera could've made a mass-produced line of mechs from Titan tech, but these things are important to your culture. She withheld that from you."

Deacon fell silent, the weight of Nika's words sinking in.

Before Deacon could respond, Chu Chu interjected with a blunt assertion. "Prospera is lying to you."

Deacon frowned, confused. "Huh?"

Chu Chu crossed her arms, her gaze steady on him. "Say what you will about her help, her free machines, or the amenities she provides, but she's withholding information from you."

"Thank you," Oscar chimed in, nodding in agreement. "I've been telling them this for a long while. This isn't even her first lie to us."

Both Chu Chu and Nika were now focused on Deacon. Nika added, "It's not the first time she's lied to you guys."

Deacon rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the weight of their words. "Listen, Prospera has gotten us out of some bad situations, and—"

Oscar cut him off, eager to make his point. "She told us that Suletta had an older sister to gain our trust, but guess what? She doesn't even exist." He smirked, self-assured, as the girls' eyes widened in surprise.

"What?" Nika exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief. "She told you that?"

"A long time ago," Deacon explained wearily. "We only just... wait, how do you know that? Weren't you planning on asking Suletta about...?"

"I did, a couple of days ago," Oscar replied. "When we were out eating pizza, I asked Suletta if she had an older sister, and she looked at me like I was crazy. She told me, Nuno, and Aiden that she doesn't have one. It's always just been the Aerial and Prospera."

Nika shook her head, sympathy in her eyes. "That's sad and lonely," she commented softly, rubbing her elbow.

Deacon's eyes widened, a hand covering his mouth in realization.

Chu Chu let out a dry, humorless chuckle. "Sounds like you boys are getting played."

"But to what end?" Oscar questioned, as Deacon remained silent, processing the information. "She's our benefactor. We were in deep shit, and she picked us up out of nothing, cleared our records, and gave us tuition and the ability to study whatever we wanted. Sure, she disappeared for a while, but when Suletta came back it's..."

"So, she arms her daughter, finds a group of misguided young adults, and arms them," Chu Chu clapped her hands together. "Are you guys idiots? She's building an army."

"Chu Chu," Nika said gently, but her voice was tinged with concern. Chu Chu, however, pressed on.

"Come on, it's obvious there's more going on here. She might be your sponsor, but she's clearly leading you somewhere. Suletta's arrival was a storm of change, and through Aiden, Prospera's company essentially controls the Holder race."

Oscar nodded in agreement. "It's kind of perfect when you think about it," he added. "We've got the experience to hold the fort, Suletta with her mech, and..."

"A fucking private army," Deacon finished, his voice tinged with disbelief. "She told us about Ericht to make us feel empathy, to build a bridge between us." His fingers curled into a tight fist as he tried to process everything. "Guys, you're right to be cautious about Prospera," he continued, taking a deep breath. "But we haven't seen her do anything outright wrong yet. She took Conner away when we needed space, gave us mechs, gave us a home. Lies or not... we don't know her full plan."

"Maybe we should go ask her then," Oscar suggested with a chuckle, but Deacon didn't respond.

Nika sighed. "I understand what you're saying, Deke, but the implications of what she's doing... She armed her daughter with a war machine capable of leveling a city. She found you guys and gave you tools of warfare. The lies are one thing, but the optics of all this... it looks really..."

"Bad on her," Chu Chu interjected, rolling her eyes. "You only see this kind of craziness from Spacians in the far-off redneck parts of the galaxy."

"No kidding," Oscar laughed, and Chu Chu smiled.

"Speaking of implications, let's get back to Winter's mech," Nika said, steering the conversation. "This whole situation, he fell, and I'm grateful he had that mech, but why was it there in the first place?"

"Like Oscar said, I didn't see it before the duel," Chu Chu added.

"Then someone planted it there, hoping that Aiden would have the courage to fight," Nika concluded.

"Couldn't be one of our guys," Deacon muttered, his voice laced with uncertainty.

Chu Chu raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

Oscar interjected, "It was no secret that Aiden wasn't planning on fighting in that match. It was kind of a stroke of luck that he even managed to get in without the match being stopped or…" His voice trailed off, and his eyes widened with a sudden realization.

"Oscar, you okay?" Nika asked, concern etching her features.

Oscar rubbed his hand across his face, a look of dawning horror spreading. "You guys were saying Martin's explosion could've been internal, right?"

The group nodded, a silent acknowledgment of the unsettling theory.

"What if Martin's explosion... and this mech are linked?" Oscar suggested, his voice dropping to a whisper. He saw their puzzled expressions and pressed on. "Think about it. Martin gets injured, taken out of the match unfairly... that could've been a trigger, stoking a fire in Aiden. Heck, it did stoke a fire!" He pointed at Deacon, emphasizing his point.

Deacon ran his hands through his hair, anxiety creeping into his voice. "Y-you're not suggesting…"

"Elan Ceres planted a bomb under Suletta Mercury's mech a while ago," Oscar said, his tone grave. "That was meant to provoke Aiden into a fight to the death. We know that Elan was caught on camera, but Guel insisted he didn't do it, and Elan himself denied it, even to his death…"

"Oscar," Deacon started, but Oscar pressed on, his voice tinged with urgency.

"What if we killed the wrong guy?" Oscar's words hung in the air, heavy with implication, echoing through the hanger.

Aiden

"So, how much for this?" Aiden's voice cut through the din as he pulled out his wallet. Suletta's gaze remained fixed on her fidgeting gloved hands, the sight of Aiden flicking through the bills almost hypnotic.

Daniel stood by, watching, while other members of the Sons of Harmony swarmed around his ship. They picked through boxes of alcohol, their laughter and chatter mixing with the clinking of bottles. Suletta's eyes widened as she noticed the trunks of massive crates being unloaded from other ships.

She couldn't help but watch, her gaze fixated on her fidgeting gloved hands. Her fingers twitched, a nervous habit she hadn't quite managed to shake. As Aiden handed over the money, Daniel, the vendor, nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes flickering with a mix of curiosity and something unreadable as he glanced at the young couple.

Around them, other members of the Sons of Harmony were busy. They moved with a purpose, carrying crates of alcohol and other supplies from various ships. The air was thick with the scent of engine grease and the faint, bitter tang of spilled liquor. Suletta's eyes widened as she caught sight of something familiar being unloaded from a nearby vessel.

"Zaku," she murmured, almost to herself, but loud enough for Aiden to hear. There was a hint of astonishment in her voice, a soft note of disbelief.

Aiden paused, turning to follow her gaze. His expression remained calm, though a flicker of something—pride, perhaps—passed through his eyes. "Yeah," he confirmed, his tone casual. "We've got a party planned, and it looks like your mom dropped another supply box."

Suletta's gaze lingered on the Zaku, the bulky frame of the mobile suit a stark contrast to the sleekness of the surroundings.

Suletta watched intently as the large trucks rumbled into view, their engines humming softly against the background noise of the academy. The mechs were carefully lowered and placed onto the truck beds, a scene that seemed almost surreal against the backdrop of the thick, artificial forest surrounding the academy grounds.

"Where are they going?" Suletta asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Up to Deke and the hangar," Aiden replied, his voice carrying a casual air. "Deacon wants to get a lot of our standby troops armed and trained with mechs."

"Really?" Suletta's brow furrowed in confusion. "Why? We have a good team."

Aiden shrugged, his expression indifferent. "Deacon wants everyone prepared, he said. Not sure why exactly, but it's probably better this way. We don't have to worry about the titans and losing one. A Zaku—those things are weirdly efficient. Losing a titan would've been a disaster because of the oath, but the Zaku is efficient and expendable. Your mother really made a work of art, Suletta."

Suletta felt her face flush at the compliment, a mix of pride and discomfort washing over her. She turned away, trying to hide her reaction.

"Mercurian engineering really is something else," Aiden added, a note of admiration in his voice.

As Aiden handed the cash to the dealer, he received a small, pen-shaped object in return. "What's that?" Suletta asked, eyeing the item with curiosity.

"An electric weed pen," Aiden answered bluntly as the dealer counted the money.

Aliyah, standing nearby with wide brown eyes, glanced around in awe. "Woah... this is my first time seeing something like this outside of a movie."

Aiden facepalmed, a mix of exasperation and amusement crossing his face. They started walking down the dirt pathways, with Suletta and Aliyah trailing by his side. Aiden slipped on his headphones and began playing one of the tracks he was working on, a distant look in his eyes.

Aliyah tugged at Aiden's jacket, bringing him back to the present. "Aiden, Suletta's trying to talk to you," she said, her voice gentle but insistent.

"O-okay, you've got your weed now," Suletta began, her tone a mix of impatience and concern. "Are we going to finally do the music for the jingle?"

Aiden coughed into his elbow, trying to compose himself. "Y-yeah, just needed a bit of creative inspiration," he muttered, nodding along.

They continued down the path, Aiden's smirk growing wider as he looked up at the sky. "Woah. Everything seems so pretty tonight," he marveled, his eyes reflecting the twinkling stars above.

Suletta felt her heart flutter as somehow, her fingers slipped into his palm. The simple contact grounded her, a moment of quiet connection amidst the chaos of their surroundings.

"You ready to see awesomeness?" Aiden grinned, his voice brimming with confidence.

Suletta rolled her eyes playfully. "That's not even a word."

"Aidy isn't either," he retorted, taking another hit from the pen.

"You better ease up on that," Suletta cautioned. "My mom's been waiting for this thing for a while."

"It's going to blow her pants—or her whole suit jacket—through the roof," Aiden teased, chuckling at his own joke.

"Oh my god, Aiden," Suletta groaned, slapping him lightly on the back. He laughed even harder, enjoying her exasperation.

"You love it," he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I don't love fighting your exes," Suletta retorted, her voice rising slightly. Aiden's eyes widened, and Aliyah glanced back at the couple, her lips forming a silent "O" of surprise. "D-do you have any more I need to know about?"

Aiden glanced around nervously. "Well, maybe. You'll deal with them accordingly, you know, quick old-fashioned beat down." He pumped a fist in the air, trying to lighten the mood. "You really kicked the shit out of Renee."

Suletta's face paled, her mind pulling her back into the cockpit. The vivid memory of that moment surged through her— the vibrations, the thumping world, her desperate pleas for it all to stop. She felt the weight of those emotions as if they were happening all over again.

"Suletta, you alright?" Aiden's hand on her shoulder snapped her back to reality.

"Huh?" She blinked, momentarily disoriented.

"Sorry, it was a bad joke..." Aiden mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Sometimes I really, I honestly think I'm stupid or something..." He tried to laugh it off, but it fell flat.

Suletta closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "I'm fine. Let's just head to the manor and work on this video."

Aaliyah and Aiden exchanged a concerned glance as Suletta took the lead. Aiden knew he had misstepped, the conversation veering into uncomfortable territory. The air between them was thick with unspoken tension, a silent acknowledgment of the complexities they were grappling with.

Miorine

Miorine stood in the sterile hallway of the hospital bay, her footsteps echoing softly as she approached Shaddiq's room. He was wrong in what he tried to convince her to do and in what he did to Aiden Winters, but there was a time when they were closer, when they were linked by childhood memories. She felt compelled to check on him, especially after how Suletta had left him...

As she entered the room, Shaddiq glanced up. "Why did you come?" he asked, his voice devoid of its usual confidence.

He looked worse for wear, one hand in a sling, the other gripping a crutch to steady himself. A brace encased his leg from knee to ankle, and a bandage covered his right eye. His face was marred with bruises, the visible aftermath of their recent conflict. He wore the standard white patient gown, a stark contrast to the neutral expression in his lone emerald eye. "Is there something I can help you with, or are you here to gloat over your victory?"

Miorine bit back a retort, turning her head away briefly to collect herself. "Do you really think I'm that ruthless?" she replied, her voice edged with frustration.

Shaddiq shrugged, wincing slightly as the movement jostled his injuries. "I don't know why you're here," he admitted, a hint of vulnerability breaking through his usual calm facade. "We were childhood friends, and I saw everything that happened in that duel. Are you and your girls okay?" Miorine asked, her tone softer.

Shaddiq let out a dry chuckle, a bitter sound. "Got bruises, broken bones, and I've been peeing red since yesterday... so, pretty peachy," he responded sarcastically, his gaze shifting to the window. He rested his hand on the sill, a pained gasp escaping his lips as he leaned against it.

Miorine wrapped her arms around herself, grappling with the complexity of her emotions. The memories of their past, the recent events, and Oscar's words all tangled together in her mind. She wanted to lash out, to let him know how deeply he had disappointed her, but seeing him like this—battered and broken—it felt almost cruel.

"Why are you here, Miorine?" Shaddiq asked again, his voice tinged with genuine confusion. "Seriously, because I really don't have any interest in Gund-Arm or Winter's lot anymore and..."

"I was just worried about you and everyone," Miorine interrupted, her voice soft but firm. She looked at him, her eyes holding a mix of sadness and disappointment. "Despite everything, I couldn't just walk away knowing you were hurt."

Shaddiq sneered, his voice dripping with bitterness. "So worried, huh?" he echoed her words mockingly. "I'm in the hospital, my girls are in rooms too, bruised, with broken bones and worn spirits. You know the doctors are saying Renee's going to have her eye surgically removed?"

Miorine's eyes widened, shock etched across her face. "W-what?" she stuttered, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Shaddiq sighed heavily. "When Suletta hit us with that blast, we were all thrown around. I guess Renee took a bad tumble inside her mech. The doctors found fragments of glass embedded in her left eye's optical lobe. They can't save it."

Miorine tried to cling to hope. "Maybe they can still save it," she suggested, her voice trembling.

Shaddiq shook his head, his expression bleak. "It's too bad, Miorine. This is the only option. We're all out of commission for months—me and the girls. I guess this is the price of thinking we could take them on."

Miorine fell silent, absorbing the weight of his words.

Shaddiq sighed again, a hollow sound. "I'm not a sore loser, Miorine Rembran. I lost. No more Gund Arm, no more race. And I've lost Deacon and Nika too, it seems. I didn't realize how much I'd lose by getting involved in all this."

Miorine tried to offer some solace. "Listen, Gund-Arm is still in the testing phase, but we're legitimate. Look at Winters and Oscar. When we're up and running, I'll make sure Renee gets a new eye…"

Shaddiq turned to her, a small, sad smile tugging at his lips. "Thank you, Miorine, but something like that can never truly be replaced. Still, thanks."

He paused, his smile fading as quickly as it had appeared. "You've changed, Miorine," he said, his tone contemplative. "Remember that party, how I warned you, and it seemed like you almost hated them?"

Miorine sighed, her gaze dropping to the floor. "I don't hate them. They just do things that annoy me and won't stop," she admitted. "Sometimes they really get on my nerves, but Suletta's not wrong. They're adults, and I'm not their mother."

Shaddiq studied her for a moment, then nodded. "See, you've changed. The lonely ice princess Miorine Rembran has finally found her tribe, found people she actually cares about."

Miorine's eyes widened at Shaddiq's insinuation. "Suletta is my best friend."

Shaddiq leaned forward, a sly grin playing on his lips. "Some best friend, to be in love with her boyfriend," he said, watching Miorine's reaction with keen interest.

Her eyes widened further, the whites stark against her pupils. "I don't know what you're talking about," she tried to deflect, but her voice betrayed her.

Shaddiq clicked his tongue, a sound of disappointment. "You really are something, Miorine. You could have had anyone, even Guel Jetturk, but you settled for Aiden Winters."

Miorine sneered, defensive. "There was no settling. Aiden is with Suletta, and Suletta is with Aiden. The ramifications of me and Aiden..." She paused, her eyes narrowing at Shaddiq. There was a cold calculation in his tone, an edge that made her uneasy. "What are you trying to do with this conversation?"

Shaddiq leaned back, feigning nonchalance. "I just wonder if it bothers you, being the third wheel. How does Suletta feel about all this?"

Miorine rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "Maybe you should worry more about yourself, Shaddiq."

He chuckled, nodding lazily. "I only mention it because you seem to have completely ignored my warnings about the men of House Harmony."

Miorine's eyes narrowed further, the realization dawning on her. This visit had been a mistake. Shaddiq was trying to manipulate her feelings for Aiden, her issues with House Harmony, to plant seeds of doubt and discord. Oscar's words about Shaddiq's true intentions echoed in her mind. He had tried to steal the company, the Holder position, and now he wanted to use her, turn her into a broodmare, hoping she would fall in love with him over time.

"How so?" Miorine tilted her head, feigning curiosity. "I've been doing pretty alright so far."

Shaddiq's expression darkened, his voice dropping an octave. "Really? You've befriended a girl with a monster for a mech and a boyfriend whose group assaulted Henao."

Miorine's throat went dry, her heart pounding in her chest. "What?" she demanded, her voice sharp as a blade. "What are you talking about, 'assaulted'? What do you mean by that?" Her glare bore into him, searching for any sign of deceit.

Shaddiq's earlier smile vanished, replaced by a glare. "You know exactly what I mean. I sent one of my girls after Nika to have a word with her, maybe rough her up a bit to keep her quiet..."

Miorine's eyes narrowed. "Wow, Shaddiq, sending out your lackeys to do your dirty work," she shot back, her voice dripping with disdain. "You're really scraping the bottom of the barrel."

Shaddiq sneered, but continued. "I don't know what happened; none of us do. There were no cameras in that part of the campus, but when we found Henao...she was brutalized. Two black eyes, cracked ribs, her clothes were torn to shreds, and..."

Miorine watched as Shaddiq's facade cracked, his fists clenching, and tears welling in his eyes. "I sent Henao out there for a quick errand, and this is what happened to her... I don't know what kind of sick bastard did that, and..."

Miorine, despite her distrust, sensed the truth in his anguish. "How do you know it was someone from the Sons of Harmony?" she asked, her voice more measured.

Shaddiq sighed heavily. "Who else would have been involved with Nika and had a reason to protect her?"

Miorine nodded, her finger tapping her chin in thought. "I can talk to Nika, try to figure out who was last seen with Henao."

Shaddiq sneered, looking away. "We already have our suspicions about who could have done it, but to the girls, there's no difference between one of them and the rest," he said, then fixed his gaze on Miorine. "But if you can find out who it was, they want justice."

"Justice?" Miorine echoed, her tone laced with contempt. "Whoever did this, I'll find them. It's disgusting, thinking someone would stoop so low."

Shaddiq leaned back, a hint of relief in his eyes. "If I give you another warning, will you listen?"

Miorine hesitated, then sighed. "Fine, but I can't promise I'll take it to heart."

Shaddiq's voice was steady as he continued, "Nika from Earth House, she acts all innocent, but she's been a go-between for me and Dawn of Fold."

Miorine gasped, her face paling. "Y-you're joking," she stuttered, feeling a wave of nausea.

Shaddiq nodded. "The Earthian-based terrorist group, they've been gaining numbers, fueled by the growing resentment toward Spaciens. They're not happy with how the Benrett Group micromanages Earth and its supposedly independent governments. Without a standard army or militias, Earthians are fearing assaults from pirates and more abuses from the Benrett Group."

Miorine's voice was tense. "Shaddiq, what are you doing involved in this?"

Shaddiq dismissed her question with a wave of his free hand. "This isn't about me; it's about you."

Miorine stood there, stunned, her mind racing as nausea roiled in her stomach. "What is Nika doing in all this?"

"Talk to Deacon. He'll tell you everything," Shaddiq said.

Miorine rolled her eyes, frustration edging her voice. "Please, he hardly tells me anything."

Shaddiq arched an eyebrow briefly before his expression returned to a neutral stare.

"You mentioned pirates," Miorine continued, trying to piece together the puzzle. "The only real piloting group I know of is the…"

"The Legion," Shaddiq finished for her.

Miorine fell silent, her gaze dropping to Shaddiq's bandaged legs. "You heard about what happened with Guel?"

Shaddiq's eyes widened. "You did?"

Miorine's fist clenched. "People are starting to talk... Felsi was caught up in that."

Shaddiq sighed, rubbing a weary hand across his face. "I know."

The room fell silent, the weight of unspoken truths hanging heavily between them.

Shaddiq finally broke the silence, his tone bitter. "Suletta... she did this to me, did this to us."

Miorine's eyes flared with anger. "Suletta didn't do all of this," she shot back.

Shaddiq's glare was icy and hard. "The moment that girl arrived with that strange mech of hers, she's been a real storm of change, hasn't she?"

Miorine turned her gaze away, but Shaddiq's lone green eye narrowed, locking onto her. "Those damned Mercurians must really know how to cook something up. Heard they were a bunch of homeless nutjobs mining there, but they've got to have some great pilots and scientists whipping this up." His teeth clenched, his voice a low growl. "What schools did Suletta go to, to pilot like that? Because she's so damned talented... and that mech of hers, the Gundam-but-not-a-Gundam, it really just 3v1'd us like we were nothing."

Miorine flashed Shaddiq a smug smirk. "I guess the Mercurians and Suletta were really cooking something special."

A tense silence hung in the air as Shaddiq's glare bored into her. "Is this all funny to you? Must be nice to be some rich girl with no worries."

Miorine shook her head. "You're rich too, Shaddiq."

"I'm an orphan fighting for my right to take over my father's company," he declared firmly. "We aren't the same."

"...And you thought stealing me would do that?" Miorine spat.

Shaddiq's glare intensified. "You must really care for Suletta, to defend her like this."

Miorine smiled softly, then nodded. "More than you know and realize."

There was a moment of silence, and then Shaddiq's glare shifted into a smirk. "Have you ever heard of the witch hunts after your father was made president?" he asked.

Miorine's eyes widened. "Of course, why?" she began, her voice tinged with shock. She needed more control; Shaddiq was not the same boy she once knew. There was a bitterness attached to this loss.

"Some of the real Gundam heavy hitters... they required special equipment to destroy, either because of how strong the Gundam was or how talented the pilot was," Shaddiq waved his hand dismissively. "To sum it up, we rigged our mechs to broadcast a signal to stun the Aerial... but it only works on Gundams, Miorine, and it worked."

Miorine's eyes widened further, the shock coursing through her. "What are you talking about? The Aerial can't be a Gundam."

Shaddiq shook his head slowly. "The EMP slowly creates a frequency that nullifies the Permit of the Gundam... but it's not instantaneous. It drains the power of the machine," he paused and slammed his fist against his good leg. "I know we were draining it, I saw it get slower, we actually landed hits on that damned thing... but then it," his eyes flared with fear, the memory of the battle clearly haunting him.

Shaddiq's eyes bore into Miorine's, the weight of his fear palpable. "Miorine, that thing did not move like any machine," he said, his voice trembling.

Miorine stood there, her mind racing, her gaze darting up and down the hallway in search of a nurse or anyone to break the intense conversation. But they were alone, and Shaddiq's words demanded her full attention.

"That thing was on us like lightning. It moved, Miorine, it actually moved… it was uncanny. It didn't just gear towards us; it walked, its knees bent like a practiced person. It was almost as if Suletta was controlling it through her body," Shaddiq took a deep breath, each exhale shaking with the intensity of his emotions. "And then, she charged up that attack… God, it was horrible."

He paused, staring at the floor as if it held all the answers. "Suletta and the Sons of Harmony are a dangerous combination. I always knew you had a good hand, but that… that was something else." He looked up, his eyes haunted. "Miorine, that thing isn't just some mobile suit. It's got to be a Gundam… but it's also something more. I know there's something wrong with it. Be careful."

Miorine's fingers clenched, her nails digging into her palms. "L-listen, you don't know what you're talking about," she stammered, struggling to keep her composure.

Shaddiq's voice rose, laced with frustration and pain. "So, you feel good about what happened to all of us? That last attack destroyed a whole damn block of a city, put me and my team in the hospital, it freaking crippled Renee!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the sterile hallway.

"I didn't say that!" Miorine shot back, her own voice cracking with the strain of her emotions. "B-but Suletta… she… I know it was bad, but Renee… she…"

Miorine's words faltered, her mind clouded with a tumultuous mix of guilt, fear, and a strange, unnameable jealousy. She couldn't deny the unsettling reality of the situation, nor the deep-seated fears Shaddiq's words stirred within her.

Shaddiq's gaze hardened, his voice cold and final. "Suletta Mercury is cursed, just like that machine she pilots, like a witch." The words hung in the air, heavy and damning, leaving Miorine to grapple with the unsettling truths she could no longer ignore.

Aiden (Continuous).

The music pulsed through the room, its heavy bass and explicit lyrics filling the space. Aiden leaned back in his chair, red-eyed, while Suletta, dressed only in her panties and his hoodie, nodded along to the beat, her teal eyes bright with enthusiasm.

"Look at my wrist now…," the lyrics thumped, adding to the atmosphere. Aiden glanced over at her, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

"How does this one sound?" he asked, his voice raised to be heard over the music.

"Oh, it sounds very nice!" Suletta replied, raising her voice over the beat. "But it's not the jingle… my mom's been asking about it for over a month."

Aiden sighed and leaned back, clicking off the music. "Only because you asked," he muttered as the room fell silent. He turned to look at Suletta, noting the sudden change in her demeanor. Her gaze was fixated on a spot on the wall, her expression distant.

"Are you okay?"

Suletta's eyes widened, and she wrapped her arms around herself defensively. "Of course I am okay," she insisted, her voice trembling slightly.

"Um… well, you don't seem like it," Aiden said, his brow furrowing with concern.

"H-how so?" Suletta stammered, avoiding his eyes.

"Because, while you're usually airheaded, you've been staring at that wall for the last five minutes," Aiden paused, then added, "Is this about the jingle? I told you I'll have it done soon."

Suletta shook her head wildly. "No, no, do you honestly think I'd be this upset over that?"

"You're upset?" Aiden questioned, leaning closer.

Suletta groaned, curling her legs to her chest and turning away from him. Aiden stood up and moved closer, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace.

"I'm here," he whispered softly.

"I know," Suletta replied, her voice barely audible as she buried her face against her knees. Aiden felt her tense up, her body rigid in his arms.

"I'll always be here… if something's wrong, you can tell me," Aiden urged, his voice gentle yet insistent.

Suletta turned her tear-streaked face towards him, her eyes glistening. "Come on, Suletta, please," Aiden begged, his heart aching at the sight of her distress.

Suletta took a deep, shaky breath. "I-it's about Renee…," she finally confessed, her voice breaking.

Aiden's features hardened slightly, his hand rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Is this about how me and Renee used to be together?"

"No, it's not, I don't care about that," Suletta replied, her voice firm and quick as she looked up at Aiden. "Aiden, I hurt Renee and her friends. I lost control of the Aerial."

Aiden paused, then casually waved off her concern. "It's fine."

Suletta's eyes widened in disbelief, then narrowed in frustration. "H-how is that fine?" she demanded, crossing her arms defensively.

Aiden sighed, leaning back. "Renee was bugging you during the time Shaddiq issued the duel; she just ate her words."

"Aiden, I hurt them badly… they're in the hospital because of this," Suletta insisted, her voice filled with guilt.

"…and who cares," Aiden replied, shrugging nonchalantly. "They're all pricks. Shaddiq tried to send me to my death against Parker, wanted us to sell Miorine to him like some broodmare, and they did an illegal hit on Martin. Martin's in that very same hospital with a broken leg. I'm not feeling bad for them."

Suletta squirmed, her gaze drifting to the side as she glared at the computer screen. "So, you don't feel bad?"

"Of course I don't…" Aiden responded quickly, doubling down as he crossed his arms over his chest. "They talked shit, got hit. They shouldn't have done anything knowing this could happen."

"S-so, because you and Renee aren't together anymore, if me and you aren't going to be together, would you still care?" Suletta asked, her voice trembling.

Aiden's eyes widened in surprise. "Where is this coming from?" he asked, shaking his head and slicing his hand through the air dismissively. "This comparison is stupid, no offense, Suletta, but don't compare yourself to Renee."

Suletta shook her head. "…and why not?" she pressed.

Aiden sighed, his tone softening. "Because we're going to stay together forever."

Suletta blushed, her eyes widening before she hid her face in her knees, her cheeks flushing crimson. "I-I don't know why you say these things now," she murmured.

"Because I believe in them," Aiden said, moving closer and sitting next to her on the mattress. The room was dimly lit, casting a warm, bronze-like glow. "You said before that you lost control of the Aerial?" he prompted gently.

Suletta's eyes widened, then slackened. "I-I don't know what happened. It must've felt the danger, and the Aerial got scared."

"Got scared?" Aiden echoed. "Suletta, it's okay to be scared… Renee was a tough opponent. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, when adrenaline's pumping, you lose control. Everyone has their limits, even you."

Suletta squirmed uncomfortably. "Aiden, you aren't listening to me," she insisted. "I don't know how or why, but I really lost control… Talking and soothing usually worked, but I've never seen the Aerial like that before and…"

"Suletta," Aiden interrupted, his voice gentle yet firm. He wore a familiar, reassuring smirk. "That was you. It's okay, no one's angry at you, but—"

"You're not listening to me!" she shouted, grabbing his pillow and flinging it at him. It hit him square in the face, and Aiden's expression darkened, hinting at frustration.

"Suletta, that was all you," Aiden repeated. "I know you're not crazy, but the Aerial is just a machine. It didn't force you to hit Renee and the others harder than usual… Sometimes things go wrong in these situations. Even before, there were instances of deaths and injuries, and—"

"No, it wasn't," Suletta retorted, shaking her head. "W-wait, I did go a bit far with Renee, but I was going to stop when I had her pinned. Then Shaddiq activated that thing, and I would've stopped, but the Aerial took over and went too far and…"

"Suletta, the Aerial is just a machine," Aiden insisted, his voice edged with finality. "Just a machine," he repeated for emphasis.

Suletta's face twisted with frustration, her nose wrinkling in defiance. "The Aerial is not 'just' a machine, Aiden Winters."

Aiden rolled his eyes, exasperated. Suletta was sweet, caring, and often endearing, but her occasional aloofness could be grating. He knew that while the Aerial might be an advanced piece of technology, possibly even with AI capabilities, it was still just a machine. Some designers, he'd learned in class, could become overly attached to their creations, imbuing them with a near-spiritual significance. But at the end of the day, it was just that—a machine.

"Sure it isn't, sweetheart," Aiden mocked, and Suletta felt a surge of irritation. But then Aiden's hand was on her head, his fingers gently rubbing her scalp. The soothing touch made her lips tremble, a wave of comforting pleasure washing over her. Just as quickly, he turned away, climbing back into his seat, leaving Suletta feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness.

He closed out of his tabs and started a new music file for the jingle, his hand deftly maneuvering the computer mouse as he navigated to his email. "Miorine... Miorine. What's Miorine's email address again, Suletta?"

Suletta shrugged, stifling a yawn with her palm. "Y-you're asking for her business or p-personal?"

"Personal," Aiden replied, taking another drag from his pen, a plume of smoke escaping from his nostrils and pursed lips.

"Umm... try MioPlant321," Suletta suggested.

Aiden raised an eyebrow, giving her a skeptical look. "That's her email?"

"It's her personal one," she defended quickly, her cheeks reddening. "W-what's wrong with it? It's cute." She huffed, grabbing the pillow she had thrown at Aiden earlier, ready to use it again if needed.

Aiden raised his hands in mock surrender, chuckling as he typed up the email. "Here it is," he muttered, navigating through the files, pictures, and concept art Miorine had sent him. "So, these are the files Prospera Mercury sent Miorine on the old Och's Earth?"

Suletta nodded, and Aiden scanned the plethora of files. "What a load."

Suletta yawned again, her eyes drooping. Aiden glanced at her, then back at the monitor, focusing on the task at hand. As the minutes stretched into hours, he sifted through countless designs related to prosthetics, mechs, and the medical practices of Gund-Arm, his eyes growing increasingly bloodshot.

The sound of Suletta's soft snores from the bed pulled him from his trance, making him aware of just how exhausted and high he was. He yawned deeply, feeling the weight of fatigue settle over him.

"One more video," he mumbled to himself, another yawn shaking his body. He knew he couldn't afford an all-nighter, especially with the Christmas activities planned with Earth House tomorrow. But he pushed on, determined to make progress before calling it a night.

Yet, despite the weight of his exhaustion, Aiden couldn't resist clicking on the video. The frame was paused, revealing a scene with a few figures. At the forefront was an old woman with short-cropped hair, her face etched with the lines of age, wearing a greyish-white suit dress. Aiden's eyes widened in surprise. Had Miorine not sifted through all these videos in the file? There was an overwhelming number, and it seemed from the message context that they were specifically sent for him: "Just transfer it to Aiden what I send you."

The email seemed to be from someone very much like Prospera Mercury. He wanted to ask Suletta, but his gaze shifted towards her, seeing her nearly asleep, her hair splayed across his mattress like a halo. Clad only in her panties and his hoodie, her long, tanned legs were on full display. It took all of Aiden's willpower to tear his gaze away and back to the video. He clicked play, and the video began to load in full.

Unlike the sterile, almost chemically clean videos he was used to, this one had a more intimate, homey feel. It was shot behind a dinner table in a modestly lit room. A meager lamp illuminated the scene, revealing design sketches of mechs, prosthetics, and human anatomical diagrams behind the old woman.

"Hello... I am Doctor Cardo Nabo, a researcher at the Vanadis Institute," the older woman introduced herself.

Aiden nearly jumped from his chair, the high dissipating almost instantly. "Huh?" he muttered to himself, "It can't be... Cardo Nabo, Vanadis Institute. These were the people making Gundams." The word "witches" slipped from his lips, a label that had been historically used for those associated with the forbidden tech of Gundams. He leaned forward in his gaming chair, eyes glued to the screen.

"Unlike the last recording, as you can see, I am not in my office but in my private work area," Cardo continued, her tone serene.

"I can see that," Aiden murmured absently, perhaps more affected by the remnants of his high than he realized, as he found himself responding to the video.

Cardo's voice droned on, but then the scene was interrupted by the sound of childish laughter. The camera momentarily swayed to the side.

"Mommy, mommy, mommy!" A child's voice rang out.

"I am so sorry, Doctor Cardo," a woman's voice followed, one that Aiden felt a strange familiarity with, as if he had heard it before.

Aiden felt a creeping unease as the video played on. The scene, raw and unpolished, had a stark contrast to the usual carefully curated presentations he was used to. This wasn't edited; it wasn't meant for public eyes. He couldn't shake the question gnawing at him: why had Prospera specifically wanted him to see this?

As the camera wobbled, a young girl with wild red pigtails dashed into view, followed by a woman who could only be described as the girl's older mirror image. Petite and tall, the woman shared the same fiery red hair, though hers was cut shorter, and possessed teal blue eyes. Aiden's breath caught as he recognized her features.

"It's fine, Elnora. This is all about her to begin with…she's the key to everything," the older woman, presumably Dr. Cardo, assured.

Elnora, as she was called, scooped up the young child, who eagerly wrapped her arms around her. Aiden's gaze flicked over to Suletta, who was softly mumbling in her sleep, clinging to the pillow she had playfully thrown at him earlier. "Aidy…Aidy," she murmured, lost in a dream.

"No way…no fucking way," Aiden muttered under his breath, his mind racing.

"Ericht, can you please stand still," Elnora gently admonished, her awkward smile tugging at something deep within Aiden's memory. Where had he seen that smile before? It clicked, and he barely restrained himself from slamming his desk in shock. Prospera Mercury! The realization hit him like a tidal wave.

"Please introduce yourselves to the camera," Dr. Cardo prompted.

Elnora smiled warmly, her resemblance to Suletta unmistakable. Suletta had clearly inherited her mother's petite frame, though her own curves were more pronounced, along with those distinctive teal eyes and crimson hair. The differences must have come from her father's side, Aiden mused.

"Elnora Samya and this is…,"

"My name is Ericht Samya!" the young girl announced with joyful exuberance, waving enthusiastically at the camera.

"Ericht…," Aiden whispered, his eyes darting back to the sleeping Suletta. Could it be? Had Suletta changed her name? From Ericht Samya to Suletta Mercury… Prospera Mercury, originally Elnora Samya, and her daughter, originally Ericht. The connections, the implications, were staggering.

Aiden's gaze drifted back to the sleeping Suletta, a pang of dread and confusion tightening in his chest. "What kind of demons are you running from that you had to change your names and hide on the fringes of the galaxy, Sul...," he trailed off, questioning even the name he used to call her. Was she Ericht, the name from the video, or Suletta, the identity she had embraced? The uncertainty gnawed at him, leaving him more confused and concerned than ever.

Aiden paused the video and glanced at the date. "The timeline matches the fall of the Vanadis Institute... and Oscar's suspicions," he muttered, piecing together the puzzle. "Ericht and Suletta... they can't be the same person, can they?" Yet, a nagging doubt persisted—if they were the same, why had Suletta never mentioned it? Was it possible she didn't remember, or was there something she was hiding?

Cardo Nabo's voice pulled him back to the video. "Elnora, please man the camera and follow me. Ericht, stay close," she instructed, her tone kind but firm. Ericht nodded enthusiastically, her name echoing in Aiden's mind as he bit his lip. This little girl, with her bright red hair and youthful energy—was she the same person as the Suletta he knew?

"During routine medical scans, we observed unique brainwave patterns in young Ericht Samya—patterns unlike anything I've seen in my decades as a researcher," Cardo explained, guiding the camera closer. "Look here, at these scans of her brainwaves. The entire structure is alight, like pylons firing off in unison. All her senses, from the frontal lobe to the cerebellum, are active and glowing."

Cardo's face lit up with an almost childlike excitement, mirrored in the bright eyes of the child beside her. "We conducted blood tests," she continued, her voice tinged with awe.

"The shots really hurt," Ericht interjected, eliciting a chuckle from both women.

"Yes, they did," Cardo acknowledged, soothingly. "But the results were extraordinary. Ericht's brainwave activity is far beyond what we've ever seen in a typical human."

Aiden leaned in closer, the implications of these revelations sinking in. If Suletta—Ericht—was truly different, what did that mean for her now? And why had she never told him? The questions swirled, each one deepening the mystery of the girl he thought he knew.

The camera zoomed in on a diagram of a human brain as Cardo Nabo gestured animatedly. "Look at the rise and fall of my own brainwaves," she explained. "They are stable, predictable. Test anyone on this ship, even Ericht's parents, and you'll see the same pattern. But with Ericht... it's different. Her brain is resonating."

"Resonating?" Aiden found himself repeating the word, almost unconsciously.

Cardo seemed to respond directly to him, even through the screen. "Yes, resonating," she affirmed. "Her brainwaves show a higher degree of spatial empathy, almost like a radio seeking a signal. A brain like this can execute higher reflexes and form connections."

"Connections?" Elnora's voice was tinged with confusion, mirroring Aiden's own feelings.

Cardo nodded vigorously. "Yes, Ericht can project certain radio frequencies. The tests we've run all point to a singular belief—a belief we at the Vanadis Institute hold dearly. We've been working tirelessly to achieve this." She took a deep breath, her voice growing more intense. "Our mission at the Vanadis Institute was to create prosthetics using the Gund-Format to enhance lives on both Earth and in space. For those who lost parts of themselves to genetic defects, war, or illness, we sought to restore them. But as space began to claim more lives, we believed the answer lay in technology. I was wrong. Ericht is proof that humanity can evolve naturally through space."

"Dr. Cardo, what do you mean by that?" Elnora's confusion deepened, a note of worry creeping into her tone.

Cardo's eyes gleamed with a fervor that sent a chill down Aiden's spine. "Ericht is human, but she's also something more—something beyond Homo sapiens. She represents a new step in human evolution. A NewType."

"NewType," Aiden whispered, the term rolling off his tongue with unsettling familiarity.

"Yes, a NewType," Cardo murmured, almost to herself. "A fitting name..."

"Them?" Elnora's voice sharpened. "This is Ericht, my daughter," she insisted, the fear and protective edge clear in her voice.

Aiden felt a strange sensation wash over him as he watched Ericht on the screen—a sense of familiarity mixed with something foreign and unsettling. It was as if he knew her, or something about her, on a deeper level. This strange, resonant feeling made his skin prickle. What was it about Ericht that felt so familiar and yet so alien?

He glanced back at Suletta, knowing deep down that whatever connection they shared, it was different from what he was discovering about Ericht. They couldn't be the same person—everything pointed to that.

"I know, Elnora," Cardo continued, her voice firm yet gentle, "but Ericht can't escape this... it's who she is, and who others will evolve to become," she proclaimed. "While many researchers focus on the heightened reflexes of NewTypes, the real significance lies in their brainwaves and higher cognitive functions."

Cardo turned to Ericht, a smile softening her stern features. "Ericht, would you like to play a little game?"

"A game!" Ericht's face lit up with childlike excitement, and she bounced on her toes, clapping her hands together.

Cado nodded, and Elnora moved the camera to capture the scene at the table. Cardo guided Ericht to one end and carefully placed a blindfold over her eyes. "A-ay, it's a bit tight," Ericht began, fidgeting.

Cardo gently patted the young girl's head. "Just a little, Ericht. We need to show everyone what you're capable of."

Ericht giggled, her earlier hesitation forgotten. "Remember, candy and cake after this," Cardo promised.

"Candy and cake, candy and cake!" Ericht chanted, pumping her arms in the air as Cardo finished securing the blindfold. The older woman then sat across from her, producing a deck of cards.

"Ericht, I want you to focus really hard, just like we practiced in our meditations," Cardo explained. "I'm going to shuffle these cards, and you..."

Ericht interrupted with a sigh. "Not this one again," she groaned, sounding bored.

"Please, Ericht," Cardo coaxed, her tone teasing. "A lot of people will see this video someday. You don't want them to think we're liars, do you?"

Ericht straightened, her childish pride flaring. "No, I'll do it!" she declared, making the adults chuckle.

"Good, good," Cardo murmured, shuffling the cards. "Elnora, make sure to record me shuffling. For the viewers, I'll be shuffling two packs of cards five to ten times. Then, I'll repeat the process. Ericht will identify each card I pull out, blindfolded and with her hearing muted to some extent. This is to demonstrate the psychic potential of NewTypes, like Ericht, especially at such a young age."

Aiden hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. Should he be watching this? Without Suletta's permission? Without Deacon's? The term "NewType" echoed in his mind, conjuring thoughts of druids, psychics, and something beyond the ordinary. It stirred something in him, a recognition of sorts. But could he really believe in this... NewType idea? He shook his head, uncertain.

This... through this, he would learn who he truly was. The Militia had done something to him, something that set him apart from his brothers. For years, he had believed he was merely a vessel of warfare, a tool molded by their hands. But now, this... connection, this understanding, this peace—it all hinted at something more profound. The Way of the NewType Warrior.

Cado began, lifting a card as Ericht scratched her head. "Five of clubs," she stated, and Aiden's eyes widened as Cado revealed the card.

"Five of clubs..." The shocked voices of Aiden and Elnora—or rather, Prospera—merged in disbelief.

Ericht could barely hear them, but she clapped and smiled, knowing from within that she was right. That confidence was what sold Aiden. They repeated the exercise nine more times, Aiden watching with bated breath. Before, he had used his abilities, what he had naively called "magic," but now he saw it in a new light. He had felt things in battle, a sense of unease, but he never realized it could have been something more.

Aiden's thoughts were interrupted as Cado set the deck of cards aside and clasped her hands together, smiling warmly at Ericht. "Ericht, what card do I have in my hands now?"

Without hesitation, Ericht turned towards Cado's voice, as if looking directly at her, though Aiden knew the blindfold was completely opaque.

"You have no cards in your hands." Ericht's giggle was the only sound in the room.

Aiden shot up from his chair, startled by a sudden surge of energy. His breath came heavy, and he almost knocked the chair over, but caught it just in time. He turned to face the screen, where the old woman continued speaking.

"Before, we ventured into space to flee the Earth's burdens. Now, we wage war on its surface, isolating ourselves and looking down upon those who stayed to care for the planet. We sought cybernetic enhancements and advanced prosthetics as humanity's next step, but we were mistaken," Cado spoke, her voice tinged with excitement.

She laughed, a broad smile spreading across her face. "Ericht is the first of many who will one day inherit the stars, the Earth, and will represent the future of humanity. NewTypes, like her, are faster, stronger, and more suited to life in the void of space. Their brainwaves resonate, seeking connection... an evolution humanity has never seen before."

Aiden's mind raced, the implications swirling around him like a storm. Could this be what he was? A NewType, a being meant for something beyond the ordinary? The answers seemed just out of reach, tangled in a web of questions and revelations. As he looked back at Suletta, still peacefully asleep, he felt a pang of dread mingling in his chest.

"Resonate?" Elnora echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yes, Elnora, resonate." Cado affirmed, punctuating her words with a firm fist into her palm. "Ericht's brainwaves are constantly searching, always active, even in her sleep. She has the potential to seek out others like her… to connect, to resonate. Ericht has the ability to connect with other humans in ways previously thought impossible."

Cado took a deep breath, extending her hand towards the camera. "War, racism, politics, and ideology have sown division, grief, and heartache throughout humankind. The machines we've created for war have only escalated this divide, century after century. What if one day, one of these machines brings us back to the dark ages?"

The question hung in the air, heavy and foreboding. Aiden felt a chill creep down his spine.

"But Ericht, young Ericht Samya, is proof of something different… she can read minds, sense emotions, and even anticipate events before they occur," Cado continued, her voice steady. "But this sensitivity comes with a cost. Ericht isn't superhuman; she's incredibly sensitive."

"Hey!" Ericht piped up, a hint of indignation in her voice, but Cado pressed on.

"Sensitive to her surroundings… NewTypes are acutely aware of emotions, be it anger, fear, or joy. We don't yet know the full extent of this ability, but if more NewTypes emerge, a theory of mine could be realized. We have been divided by so many things—wars, ideologies, prejudices—but what if we found the key to human understanding? To everlasting peace?"

Aiden leaned forward, his heart racing, eyes darting over every detail on the screen.

"Everlasting peace!" Ericht echoed, raising her arms in innocent joy.

Cado smiled warmly, sharing the young girl's enthusiasm. "Humanity has undergone an unexpected evolution. Since we began to make our homes among the stars, scientists anticipated physical changes, but not psychological ones. It seems that life in space has birthed a new race of people—NewTypes, as we at the Vanadis Institute call them. We don't fully understand why, but it appears that the vast distances and isolation of space have spurred this development. It's as if the void itself necessitated a new way to connect—a way for us to feel the warmth of another human life, even from light-years away. These NewTypes are more empathetic, more sensitive to stimuli. They are the next stage of human evolution."

Aiden sat in stunned silence, grappling with the implications. The revelation was as awe-inspiring as it was unsettling. He glanced back at Suletta, who lay sleeping, unaware of the world-altering truth being unveiled. This wasn't just a secret; it was a potential turning point for humanity itself.

Cado sighed deeply, her voice rising with fervor as she delivered the final, emphatic part of her speech. "By living in space, we'll be able to understand our fellow man without misconceptions, guided instead by reason. We will transcend mere humanity and become human-brothers and human-sisters, a unified species without war or violence, but bound by harmonious coexistence. Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved through understanding. With understanding, we can envision a universe free from war."

Aiden lurched from his seat, the intensity of the words reverberating through him. His chair skidded back, colliding with the bed. He glanced wildly at Suletta, still slumbering peacefully. She murmured fragments of his name in her sleep, clutching the pillow tighter. He took a deep breath, running his fingers through his unruly hair, and stared at the video player. It was over.

He glanced at the console, then at the clock—ten minutes to 2 AM. His mind was in chaos. Those final words, echoing Jack Cooper's long-ago message, struck him like a bolt of lightning. "Peace can only be accomplished by human understanding," he muttered under his breath. The exact phrasing was too specific to be mere coincidence.

His fists clenched involuntarily, a maelstrom of thoughts swirling in his head. How much did Suletta know? Did she understand what he was when he wielded his powers? With a mother like Prospera, a sister like Ericht, and the creation of Gundams—witches, as some might say—how deep did this rabbit hole go?

Aiden's eyes flicked back to Suletta. Despite the turmoil inside him, he couldn't shake the sight of her peaceful, sleeping face. She looked so serene, even with a hint of drool on her cheek. This girl, the one who had always been an open book, couldn't be hiding something so significant from him and Deacon. Yet, secrets clearly existed. Prospera had chosen him specifically to see this video—why?

He rubbed his face, trying to smooth away the exhaustion and confusion. But one thing he knew for certain: Suletta was not his enemy. He loved her, and she loved him. No matter the secrets, no matter the mysteries surrounding her family, she was his Suletta Mercury. And for her, he would live, protect, and, if need be, die. Because she would never be his enemy.

With a sigh, Aiden raked his fingers through his tousled hair, feeling the weight of the day's events settle on him. He grabbed his weed pen, inhaling deeply, the sweet, earthy vapor filling his lungs. The lights dimmed, casting shadows around the room as he shuffled towards the bed, a faint cough escaping his lips.

His coughing roused Suletta from her slumber. She blinked sleepily at him, her voice soft but slightly irritated. "It's so late, and you're doing that," she murmured.

Aiden, looking slightly embarrassed, replied, "They help me sleep." He leaned against the pillow Suletta handed him, propping it behind his back. Dressed in sweatpants and a long-sleeved shirt, he took another hit from the pen, falling into another bout of coughing. His eyes, now glassy and red, roamed the room, catching the glimmer of the dim lights.

"You know, I get scared like this... without the weed," Aiden confessed, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

Suletta paused, her eyes widening as she looked at him. "They kept us in very dark rooms when we were younger," he continued, his tone somber. "I hated being alone in the dark, not being able to move. Maybe that's why I've become such a rocket."

Suletta's heart ached at his words. "That sounds horrible," she whispered, the weight of his past settling heavily between them. "There must've been so much pain and..."

But Aiden interrupted her with a wry smile. "We had a whole lot more brothers back then, Suletta. Trust me, I'm okay. I can talk to you about these things, can't I?"

Her heart fluttered, and she felt a rush of warmth. "O-of course," she stammered, Aiden's fingers brushing her chin as he gently caressed it. "So... what are you doing here, sleeping in my bed?"

Her face flushed a deeper shade of red. "I-I didn't realize I fell asleep here," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aiden snorted, a playful glint in his eyes. Suletta shot him a look, pointing a finger at him. "Maybe if you did the jingle..."

Before she could finish, Aiden silenced her with a kiss, firm and lingering. She melted into it, her hands exploring the contours of his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips.

"You can stay or go if you want, Suletta," Aiden murmured, his voice low and inviting.

"Really, what do you think I'm going to choose?" Suletta replied with a soft laugh, settling back against the pillows. "It's super late."

Aiden rolled his eyes, a familiar gesture that made Suletta smile. "I can't believe we've been together all this time, and you've never stayed a night in my room."

Suletta scoffed playfully, a loose strand of hair falling over her face. Her hair tie was off, and her wild curls cascaded down her neck like a crimson waterfall. But it was her teal eyes, glowing in the dim light, that drew him in. They were mesmerizing, holding a power that captivated him completely.

She shrugged, watching him as he fiddled with his phone. "What are you doing? It's nearly 2 AM."

Aiden shrugged in response, his voice casual. "I'm not too tired right now. I'm gonna let the weed do its trick, then I'll head to bed. Please and thank you."

By now, he was pretty stoned, his eyes red and unfocused as he settled into a more comfortable position. "Man, I'm going to sleep good tonight," he thought, feeling the weight of the day's stresses begin to lift.

"So, you're not tired..." Suletta's voice trailed off as she flipped onto her back. She pulled off his hoodie, revealing herself in just her black lace panties and bra—the same set she wore the day they made out by Miorine's greenhouse. The memory sent a thrill through him.

"You wanna have fun with me if you're not going to sleep?" she teased, pointing cutely at her chest, her teal eyes gleaming with mischief.

Aiden knew exactly what he had to do. He leaned in, planting a light kiss on her lips, then grabbed her, pulling her into his arms. Suletta let out an excited yelp as he began to pepper her face with kisses, his lips moving down her jawline.

"Aiden... Aiden!" she cried between giggles, her laughter echoing in the room. He slid his hands under her bra, feeling the softness of her skin, the warmth of her body. Her laughter turned into a soft moan as he teased her, his fingers brushing her nipple. She settled onto his lap, her hips beginning a slow, rhythmic grind against him.

"Suletta..." he murmured, his voice thick with desire. She chuckled darkly, feeling his arousal press against her. Her hands found his neck as she began to move more vigorously, the intensity between them growing.

And then, in a swift motion, he pushed her down onto the bed. All thoughts of Prospera Mercury, the doctor, the Gundams, and the attacks faded away. In that moment, it was just them, lost in each other. Suletta had been a catalyst for change ever since she arrived, slowly transforming them into better, more human beings.

...and he could feel her, that beautiful sensation, as if they were bound by some cosmic force. He remembered seeing her all those years ago, and like that girl, they were connected. Even across time and space, Suletta Mercury was there, a constant in his life.

He showered kisses along her neck, his movements urgent as he positioned himself over her, his pants slipping off with little effort. The moonlight filtered through the cracks in the blinds, casting Suletta in a soft, ethereal glow. His hands roamed over her body, feeling the warmth of her skin as she deftly removed his shirt.

It was happening; it was really going to happen.

He saw the pink of her exposed skin as she spread her thighs, her lips eager and glistening. Suletta's eyes devoured him, a playful gleam in them as she wrapped her arms around her back.

Aiden positioned himself above her, his breath hot against her skin. He buried his face in her breasts, maneuvering his member toward her...

"A-Aiden, wait..." Suletta's voice broke the moment, her tone laced with hesitation.

Aiden paused, looking up at her. Her face was flushed, but there was genuine concern in her eyes. "You okay?" he asked gently.

Suletta nodded, and Aiden began to pull away. She remained naked in the moonlight, her gaze dropping as she spoke. "Listen, Aiden, I don't... I..."

"It's cool if you don't want to have sex tonight," Aiden said, his voice calm and understanding.

Suletta gripped the blanket tightly, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I know... it's just, you're very special to me, and I want to do it with you... I really want to, and I think about it a lot and..."

She was speaking quickly, her words a jumble of nervousness and sincerity. Aiden wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "Whenever you're ready... I'll be here and waiting. I've waited years for this, and I'll wait longer if you need time to feel comfortable."

Suletta let out a loud chuckle, the sound filled with relief and affection.

"What?" Aiden asked, a small smile on his lips.

She chuckled again, placing two fingers on her chin as she looked at him with those bright teal eyes. "Really, years?" she exclaimed.

Aiden sighed, settling his head on the pillow as Suletta curled up beside him, her fingers tracing along his torso. Her head rested against his chest, her ear to his beating heart. She turned to face him, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"How little you know," Aiden murmured, a soft, teasing note in his voice. He watched as Suletta pouted, her expression a mix of frustration and fondness.

"You're so strange, Aiden Winters," Suletta remarked, her voice light but with an underlying curiosity.

"That's ironic coming from you," Aiden shot back, a playful smirk dancing on his lips.

"A-at least I have an excuse," Suletta stammered, her cheeks flushing slightly. But before she could say more, Aiden silenced her with a quick kiss, his arms wrapping tightly around her.

"Let's go to bed, Suletta. It's going to be Christmas Eve tomorrow, and we've got that Secret Santa thing at Earth House to look forward to," Aiden suggested, though the mischievous glint in his eyes remained. "You ready, Miss Mercury?"

Suletta felt her heart skip a beat, a warm, tingling sensation spreading through her lower stomach. The wetness slicking her panties made her thighs press together instinctively, and she nodded with a smile, her legs wrapping around him.

They both tried to settle down and sleep, but Aiden found rest elusive. The lingering thoughts of what had occurred earlier gnawed at him, making it hard to relax. "You really can't fall asleep?" Suletta's voice broke the silence, soft and concerned.

Aiden sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone. "It's so annoying," he admitted, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Suletta's hand slid up along his crotch, her touch sending a jolt through him. Aiden glanced at her, a mix of surprise and curiosity on his face. "I thought you didn't want to do anything like that tonight," he said, his voice low.

Suletta rolled her eyes, a sly, naughty glint shining in her teal eyes. Her hands trailed beneath the blankets, and Aiden felt her tugging his pants down to his ankles. "W-well, I said no sex. But I like making you feel good, especially if you need it to sleep. Do you?" she asked, her tone a mix of teasing and genuine concern.

Aiden felt a rush of warmth as Suletta slipped beneath the covers, her breath warm against his growing member. She grasped him with her right hand, playfully pressing it against her cheek.

Aiden's desire flared, and he nodded, his voice husky. "Yes, it will help greatly."

Suletta eagerly took Aiden into her mouth, her lips wrapping around his thick shaft as she began to bob her head. Each movement was accompanied by wet, sloppy sounds that filled the dark room, the only noise punctuating the silence. Aiden clenched his fists, trying his best to hold back, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he fought to maintain control.

Aiden's cock was impressive, its size making it a challenge for Suletta, but she relished every moment. Her eyes shone with excitement, her cheeks hollowing with each deep suck. She struggled, her gag reflex triggering occasionally, but the look of determination and pleasure on her face was unmistakable. Her hands roamed over his thighs, her fingers digging into his flesh as she worked him with fervent enthusiasm.

With a wet pop, Suletta slid off him, her G-cup breasts bouncing free from her bra. The cool air hit her nipples, making them harden instantly. Spit dribbled down her chin, falling onto her ample cleavage, glistening in the dim light. She squeezed her breasts together, pressing them against his slick shaft, her spit providing a slippery, enticing glide.

The messy, wet sounds continued as Suletta resumed her task, her head bobbing up and down with renewed vigor. Aiden groaned, his body trembling as he tried to hold on. Each time her lips met the base of his cock, his resolve weakened a little more.

Finally, Aiden couldn't take it any longer. He reached down, his hands tangling in her hair as he began to guide her movements. Slowly at first, he pushed her down onto him, feeling the head of his cock hit the back of her throat. Suletta gagged slightly but adjusted, her eyes watering as she looked up at him with an expression of pure ecstasy.

Aiden's hips began to move, thrusting gently at first, then with increasing intensity. He watched as Suletta's cheeks bulged, her throat working to accommodate him. The sight of her, the sounds she made, and the way her spit-coated breasts jiggled with each movement sent waves of pleasure through him.

Suletta's moans were muffled, her fingers gripping his thighs tighter as he took control. The rhythm they established was intense, each thrust bringing Aiden closer to the edge. The room was filled with the raw, primal sounds of their passion, a symphony of wet slurps and deep, guttural groans.

As Aiden's pace quickened, Suletta matched his fervor, her mouth and throat working tirelessly to please him. She loved every moment of it, the taste of him, the way he filled her completely, and the look of desperate pleasure on his face. Aiden's control slipped further, his movements becoming more erratic as he edged closer to release, gripping her hair tighter, pulling her down onto him with an almost feral intensity.

Aiden, caught in the overwhelming sensation of Suletta's eager mouth and the tight warmth around him, lost himself in the moment. His thrusts became rougher, his grip on her hair firmer as he pushed deeper into her throat. Suletta's eyes watered, but she stayed with him, trying to keep up with his fervent pace.

Suddenly, Suletta pulled away, gasping and coughing, her eyes wide and cheeks flushed. Aiden's eyes widened in concern, and he quickly moved to apologize, reaching out to her. "I'm sorry, Suletta, I didn't mean to—"

But before he could finish, Suletta, with a look of fierce determination and a glint of wild desire in her eyes, shook her head and dove back down. Her lips wrapped around him with renewed intensity, sucking him like a vacuum. Aiden groaned, feeling the pressure and suction as she took him as deep as she could. Her tongue swirled around the head of his cock, and he could only watch, entranced by the sight of her completely lost in her own pleasure.

Suletta released him with a loud pop, her lips swollen and wet. She quickly shifted, pressing her ample breasts around his slick shaft. The warmth and softness of her skin enveloped him as she began to titfuck him, her hands squeezing her breasts together to increase the friction.

Suletta looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of shyness and unrestrained lust. "A-Aiden... does this feel good?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly but filled with genuine curiosity and desire to please. "Am I... making you happy?"

Aiden could only nod, his breath hitching as she continued to move. "Yes... so good, Suletta. You're amazing," he managed to gasp out, his voice thick with arousal.

Encouraged, Suletta increased her pace, her breasts sliding up and down his length. Her skin was slick with saliva, making each movement smooth and pleasurable. She bit her lip, a look of concentration and pure bliss on her face as she watched his reactions, savoring the power she held over him in this moment.

"I... I love doing this for you," Suletta confessed, her voice soft but clear. "I want to make you feel good... to make you cum, Aiden." Her shyness was endearing, but the heat in her voice was unmistakable.

Aiden's hands moved to cover hers, helping to guide her movements. He could feel the tension building, the pleasure intensifying with every stroke. Suletta's eyes never left his, her expression one of complete devotion and arousal.

Suletta tightened her grip on her breasts, squeezing them firmly around Aiden's shaft. She increased her pace, moving quicker as she alternated between licking the tip of his cock and sliding it between her soft, warm breasts. The sensation was overwhelming for Aiden, the combination of her skilled mouth and the tightness of her cleavage sending waves of pleasure through his body.

Aiden's hands rested on Suletta's shoulders, holding her in place as he tried to steady himself. He was lost in a haze of pleasure, the weed amplifying every sensation. His legs felt numb, almost like they were asleep, and he struggled to find his voice amidst the euphoria. Suletta, half-paying attention to him, focused on her task, her eyes flicking up to meet his every so often with a shy, yet mischievous, glint.

"A-Aiden," Suletta began, her voice trembling slightly with shyness. "I've... I've seen you looking at my boobs before when you thought I wasn't watching." She paused to give the head of his cock a long, teasing lick, her tongue swirling around the sensitive tip. "How many times have you thought about this?" she asked, her tone playful but laced with genuine curiosity.

Aiden tried to respond, but the pleasure made it difficult to form coherent words. He could only manage a breathless, "A lot..."

Suletta giggled softly, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "I thought so," she murmured, a hint of pride in her voice. She continued her rhythm, her breasts sliding up and down his shaft while her tongue darted out occasionally to flick across the tip or lick the underside. Each time she used her tongue, Aiden's body tensed, and a groan escaped his lips.

Feeling Aiden's grip tighten on her shoulders, Suletta's demeanor shifted to one of submission. "Aiden... are you close?" she asked, her voice soft and breathy, filled with anticipation. She looked up at him through her lashes, her eyes wide and expectant.

Aiden, barely able to hold back, nodded, his voice strained. "I'm... really enjoying this, Suletta. You're amazing."

Suletta's eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and excitement. She leaned forward, pressing her breasts even tighter around him, her mouth resuming its work with renewed fervor. "Please, Aiden... I want you to cum," she begged, her voice trembling with desire. "Cum for me... please..."

Her words pushed Aiden to the edge. The combination of her soft, warm breasts, her skilled tongue, and her pleading words was too much to resist. He could feel the tension building, ready to snap.

Suletta, lost in her own desire and lust, began to move faster, her shyness still present but now mixed with a bold, dirty edge. Her voice was breathy, and her words came out in a sultry whisper as she continued to titfuck Aiden, her mouth working in perfect harmony with her breasts.

"Aiden... I want you so bad," she murmured between sucks, her eyes locked onto his. "I want your babies... I want you to fill me up and cover me in your cum. Glaze me, Aiden... make me yours."

Her words, both shy and filthy, sent a shiver down Aiden's spine. He could barely think, his body tingling all over as he felt himself nearing the edge. His hands, which had been gripping her shoulders, now fell slack, unable to hold on any longer.

Suletta looked utterly captivating as she worked Aiden's cock with fervor, her red hair a wild, fiery halo that bounced with every bob of her head. The strands would flick and fall in a chaotic dance, sticking to the saliva and precum that coated her tanned skin and Aiden's shaft. Tears glistened in the corners of her teal eyes, a mix of effort and overwhelming sensation, while a slight trickle of snot ran from her nose, adding to the raw, unfiltered display of her desire. Her lips, swollen and glistening, formed a tight seal around him, sucking with the intensity of a vacuum, creating wet, lewd sounds that filled the dimly lit room. Suletta's hands squeezed her breasts tightly around his cock, her fingers digging into her flesh as she moved, her breasts slick and shiny with a mix of her saliva and his precum.

Each time she pulled back, a string of saliva stretched between her lips and the tip of his cock, adding to the messy, erotic scene. Her voice, once soft and shy, grew increasingly urgent and dirty with every breathless plea. "A-Aiden... k-keep fucking my breasts," she stammered, her voice trembling with both shyness and desperate need. "Please... fuck them harder," she continued, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, her eyes filled with a mix of embarrassment and raw, burning desire. As she quickened her pace, taking him deeper into her mouth, she began to moan, the vibrations sending shivers through Aiden's body. Suletta's own arousal was evident; her pussy was wet and glistening, and she had used her legs to drag her panties down, grinding against the bed to stimulate herself.

Each moan grew louder, more urgent, her voice breaking into gasps as she felt his cock throb in her mouth. "P-please... I want your cum," she begged, her voice cracking with lust. "Cover me... glaze me with it," she whispered, her words becoming dirtier, each stuttered plea filled with a raw, primal hunger. The sight of her, the sound of her pleas, and the feel of her mouth and breasts working him were pushing Aiden to the brink. Suletta narrowed her teal blue eyes, her expression one of fierce determination and submission. "F-fill me up... p-paint my face," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper, but laden with need. As she felt him nearing his climax, her own moans became frantic, her hips grinding harder against the bed. "Please, Aiden... cum for me, I need it so bad," she whimpered, her voice thick with desperation.

"I want you to paint my face... my breasts... everything," she whispered, her tone dripping with wanton desire. The more she begged, the dirtier her words became, each stuttered plea laced with a deeper craving. "F-fuck my tits... f-fill me up... please," she repeated, her voice breaking into gasps as she felt Aiden's climax approaching, her own arousal heightening with every passing second.

Suletta noticed his dazed expression and felt a surge of confidence. "Where do you want to cum, Aiden?" she asked, her voice dripping with anticipation and a hint of mischief. But Aiden was too far gone, his eyes glazed over, seeing stars as the pleasure overwhelmed him.

Taking control, Suletta grinned smugly and slowed her movements, pressing her breasts tightly around his shaft and sucking him hard like a vacuum. She could feel him throbbing, ready to explode, and she intensified her efforts, squeezing him with her breasts and sucking with all her might. The more she felt Aiden throb in her mouth, the more her eyes narrowed with determination, locking onto his as she pushed herself further. Her teal eyes were sharp, focused, and filled with a mix of desire and satisfaction. It was in that moment of intense eye contact, with Suletta's moans growing louder and more desperate, her body trembling with her own impending release, that Aiden finally lost control.

Aiden couldn't hold back any longer. The slick, rhythmic sound of Suletta's tits sliding up and down his cock filled the room, mixing with the wet, sloppy noises of her gagging slightly each time she took him deep into her mouth. The combination of her soft, warm breasts enveloping him and the tight suction of her lips created an intoxicating symphony of erotic sounds. Suletta's breathing hitched each time his cock brushed the back of her throat, her gag reflex triggering but not deterring her determination. Her moans, muffled around his length, vibrated through him, adding another layer of sensation that was driving him wild.

Aiden couldn't hold back any longer. The intense eye contact with Suletta, her eager pleas for him to keep fucking her breasts, and the incredible sensation of her mouth and tits working in unison pushed him over the edge. With a deep, guttural moan, he felt the first wave of his orgasm hit, his cock throbbing violently between her soft, warm breasts.

Suletta's eyes widened as she felt him swell in her mouth. She sucked harder, her lips forming a tight seal around him, and then it happened. Aiden exploded, thick ropes of cum shooting into her mouth. She swallowed eagerly, feeling the hot, salty fluid slide down her throat. Her eyes fluttered closed in ecstasy as she milked him for every drop, her tongue swirling around his tip.

She pulled him from her mouth with a wet pop, allowing the next spurt to splatter across her face. The warmth of his cum contrasted with the cool air, and she shivered with delight. Some of it dribbled from her lips, trickling down to mix with the saliva and precum coating her breasts. She caught a stray droplet with her tongue, her eyes twinkling with mischief and satisfaction.

Aiden's cock continued to pulse, shooting thick strands of white over Suletta's tanned G-cup breasts. She squeezed them tighter around his shaft, using her own saliva as lubrication to keep up the titfuck. His cum splattered everywhere, streaking across her skin in a messy, erotic display. She giggled, a sweet, giddy sound that filled the room, her laughter interspersed with breathy moans.

"Oh, Aiden... I love how you cum for me," she whispered shyly, her voice trembling with excitement. "It's so warm and thick... I want more..."

She leaned in, her tongue darting out to lick the head of his cock, still sensitive and throbbing. She worshipped him, licking and kissing every inch, savoring the taste of his cum. "You taste so good... I can't get enough," she murmured, her words punctuated by soft, reverent kisses.

Her hands slid along his shaft, guiding the last remnants of his release onto her breasts. She pressed them together, feeling the slick mixture of cum and saliva between her fingers. Aiden's cock twitched, releasing the final spurts that painted her face and chest in white streaks. She laughed again, the sound pure and unrestrained, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"Aiden... look at the mess you made," she teased, her tone shy yet exhilarated. "It's all over me... and I love it."

She continued to worship his cock, licking and kissing it clean, her actions a mix of devotion and playful seduction. Aiden, completely spent, could only watch through heavy-lidded eyes as Suletta lavished attention on him. The room spun, and his vision blurred as exhaustion finally overtook him. He passed out, the last thing he saw being Suletta's radiant, cum-covered smile as she reveled in the aftermath of their intense encounter.

Suletta got up from the bed with a heavy breath, her legs slinking over the side as she tried to steady herself. Her body was hot, exhausted, and still thrumming with arousal. Rising slowly, she moved towards the faint light coming from a distant streetlamp, casting a soft glow across the room. As she approached the mirror, she could see her reflection clearly.

Her face was a mess, covered in a mix of tears, snot, and splatters of Aiden's cum. Thick strands coated her cheeks and forehead, some of it tangled in her disheveled hair. Her eyes, red and puffy from crying, shone with a strange, satisfied glow. Her thick, round breasts bore the marks of Aiden's rough grip, the skin slightly red where his fingers had pressed hard. They were splattered with his cum, the white streaks stark against her tanned skin.

She pushed her breasts together, smirking at the sight of the load he'd left on her. Staring at her hands, still sticky with his cum, she smiled shyly but with a naughty glint in her eye. Almost as if possessed by an animalistic urge, she brought her fingers to her mouth, licking them clean. The taste was salty and strangely appealing, and she reveled in it for a moment before snapping back to reality, realizing what she was doing.

Turning around, she took a seat on the edge of Aiden's bed, her breath still heavy, her body still aching with need. "Aiden... you fell asleep after I serviced you," she said, her voice a mix of joking reprimand and genuine frustration. "I was hoping you could at least help me... but I guess I'll do it myself. You owe me, though."

She glanced over at Aiden, his face relaxed in deep, exhausted sleep, laced with sweat. His dark hair clung to his forehead, and she gently brushed it away from his eyes. He was snoring softly, and Suletta couldn't help but blush as she looked at him.

"You're lucky you're so cute," she whispered, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "I'll forgive you."

Leaning down, she kissed him on the cheek before crawling back into bed next to him. Her body still buzzed with arousal, and she couldn't ignore the wetness between her legs. Lying beside him, she began to play with her breasts, her fingers teasing her nipples as she moaned softly. Her other hand slid down to her pussy, finding it slick and ready.

As she touched herself, she moaned Aiden's name, her voice barely above a whisper.

Suletta's mind drifted into a vivid fantasy as she continued to touch herself, her breath heavy and body trembling with arousal. In her imagination, she was in a secluded forest, gripping a sturdy tree trunk for support. The rough bark bit into her palms, but she barely noticed, lost in the sensation of Aiden thrusting into her from behind. Each powerful stroke sent waves of intense pleasure through her, her legs shaking from the force.

"A-Aiden... oh, Aiden," she moaned, her voice breathy and desperate. She could feel his strong hands gripping her hips, pulling her back to meet each thrust. The fantasy felt so real, every detail sharp and overwhelming.

"D-Do you like that, Suletta?" Aiden's voice in her mind was rough and filled with need. "Y-You feel so good, so tight."

"Y-Yes, Aiden, yes! Please, d-don't stop," she begged, her voice trembling. In her fantasy, she felt every inch of him moving inside her, hitting that perfect spot that made her head spin.

She arched her back, pushing her hips back eagerly, her fingers moving faster between her legs in the real world. The sensations blurred together, her fantasy and reality merging as her pleasure built to a fever pitch.

"Aiden, I... I need you... I need you to put your b-babies in me," she cried out, the words tumbling from her lips in a rush. In her mind, she looked over her shoulder, her eyes wide and filled with desperate longing.

Aiden's thrusts became even more urgent, his grip on her hips tightening. "Suletta, I want to fill you up, make you mine," he growled, his voice sending shivers down her spine.

With a final, powerful thrust, she imagined him releasing deep inside her, his warmth flooding her completely. "Take it all, Suletta. T-Take every drop," he whispered, his voice raw with passion.

The fantasy pushed her over the edge, her real-world body convulsing with a powerful orgasm. She cried out, her fingers buried deep inside as waves of pleasure washed over her, her body tensing and releasing in a series of spasms. Her breaths came in short, ragged gasps, her mind spinning from the intensity of her climax.

As she slowly came back to reality, she opened her eyes and turned to look at Aiden's sleeping form. Her cheeks flushed a deep red, feeling a strange mix of embarrassment and lingering desire. The fantasy had been so vivid, so consuming, and the realization that she wouldn't mind having Aiden's babies left her feeling warm and flustered.

Suletta smiled softly, her heart swelling with affection as she watched him sleep peacefully. She reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her touch gentle and tender. "M-Maybe one day," she whispered, her voice tinged with hope and a touch of shyness. Then, she nestled beside him, feeling a deep sense of contentment and love as she closed her eyes, the echoes of her fantasy still lingering in her mind as she drifted off to sleep.

Conner

Goday was in conversation with a scientist named Mick—Mickey when you used his full name. Mick was one of the specialists aiding Prospera in her secretive project. He was of medium build, wearing the standard lab coat with his name and keycard clipped to his chest. His pale skin and reddish-orange hair were partly obscured by a pair of glasses, giving him an unassuming, almost bland appearance. Mick took a drag from his cigarette, the ember glowing faintly in the dim light outside Prospera's private hangar. It was an expansive space, housing the Aerial and several other experimental mechs.

"So, when are we leaving?" Mick asked, exhaling smoke into the cool night air.

Goday took the cigarette from Mick, inhaled deeply, and handed it back. "Miss Prospera wants to finish up the final tests on the Gelgoogs herself. It'll be a quick trip, don't worry. After that, we're off to the Vanadis Institute."

Mick nodded, blowing out a stream of smoke. They both leaned on the railing overlooking an artificial river below. It was late, and the sky was a dark canvas dotted with stars, adding a serene contrast to the industrial hum around them.

"At least we figured out the issue with the beam weaponry," Mick remarked, his tone casual.

Goday nodded. "Now we can start distributing them through the proper channels. Prospera's already ordered more models to be produced at double speed. She wants the 'Sons of Harmony' to be armed with these new machines."

Mick whistled softly. "Means nothing to me as long as I get paid. But what about the private military contractors we've been working with?"

Goday raised an eyebrow. "The Legion?" he asked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"Private military contractors," Mick corrected. "We don't sell mechs to pirates."

Goday rolled his eyes, turning away from the scientist. "Sure, we don't," he muttered, then turned back to Mick. "Prospera will be done in an hour, and we'll head back to space with the new product."

"What's this new product, if you don't mind me asking?" Mick inquired, curiosity piqued.

Goday shot him a wary look but then sighed. "A very special series of designs we're bringing to the Vanadis Institute. If things get messy and don't go as planned, we'll unleash them."

Mick grinned as Goday waved him off. "As long as I get paid, that's all I care about," he repeated, a grin stretching across his face. Left alone, Mick leaned back on the railing, listening to the distant rustling of the artificial river and the wind whispering through the branches of the nearby forest. Yet, a shiver ran down his spine, making him whirl around. There was nothing—no phone, no device—but the feeling of being watched lingered, gnawing at the edge of his awareness.

"What are you? Afraid of the dark woods...grown man," Mick muttered to himself, taking another drag from his cigarette as he turned back to the artificial moat in front of him. The smoke curled lazily into the night air, a brief respite from his nervous thoughts.

Then, a sudden crack in the underbrush caught his attention. Mick whipped his head around, dry lips parting in confusion. "He..." he started, but stopped himself, taking another deep drag to steady his nerves. "Just finish the smoke and..." He began to turn back, but the motion was cut short as Conner's knife came down in a swift arc, slicing through the man's neck.

Mick's body seized, his eyes wide with shock. Conner's hand shot up to cover the man's mouth, muffling any sound. With grim determination, Conner yanked the knife back and plunged it into Mick's neck again and again, each thrust met with less resistance as the man's spasms weakened. Finally, the life drained from Mick's eyes, leaving them cold and glassy.

Breathing heavily, Conner let the lifeless body slump to the ground. He quickly scanned the area, ensuring no one had witnessed the act. With a sneer, he yanked Mick's security tag from around his neck and shoved it into his pocket. Grabbing the body by the shoulders, Conner dragged it to the railing and heaved it over the edge, listening as it crashed into the water below, the current swiftly carrying it away.

Moving swiftly and silently, Conner crossed the bridge and entered Prospera's hangar, sliding Mick's keycard through the reader. The door clicked open, and he slipped inside the sterile, white interior. He had been here before, meeting with Prospera, and knew the layout well, including the placement of the security cameras.

With bloodied hands clenched around the keycard, Conner crouched low, avoiding the camera's line of sight. He crawled along the cold floor, sneaking a glance through a large window. Inside, a team of scientists in white coats were busy at their workstations, surrounded by laptops and equipment. Beyond them, visible through a secondary window, the Test Type Gelgoog was firing shot after shot from its beam rifle. The weapon was bulky, its exterior cluttered with exposed wires, but each shot was precise, melting through targets with ease.

"Looks like they've ironed out the issues with the Gelgoog," Conner muttered to himself, a smirk tugging at his lips. He continued down the hallway, careful to stay out of sight. He knew Prospera well enough to know she kept her most valuable secrets hidden away. Reaching the back of the building, he hoped Mick's clearance would grant him access to the more restricted areas.

Conner swiped the keycard again, praying it worked. The door clicked, and he grinned. As he stepped inside, he couldn't shake the feeling of something monumental waiting just beyond the next door.

The lights here were dimmer, casting long shadows that stretched across the dusty floor. Conner swiped the keycard at the side entrance, the machine blipping green as the door clicked open. He slipped into the hangar, his eyes adjusting to the sparse, plain lighting that barely illuminated the room. The dim glow revealed rows of mechs, each held in place by chains and scaffolding.

These machines bore the unmistakable mark of Prospera Mercury's design—militaristic greens and greys, with an eerie emerald hue to their powered-off eyes. Conner's heart raced as he recognized the familiar sleek, efficient lines. "Gundams," he whispered, the word barely escaping his lips. The resemblance to the Aerial was striking, but these were not mere imitations. They were armed with beam rifles at their hips, beam sabers over their shoulders, and shields on their left arms, poised as if ready for battle.

The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. This wasn't just a collection; it was an arsenal. More than ten Gundams, ready to deploy. Five alone could decimate a fleet. The magnitude of what Prospera was preparing dawned on him, and he smirked, understanding now why Marko had sent him. "AI-controlled Gundams, they're going to make a real mighty mess once I'm done with them," he muttered, a grin spreading across his face.

Conner moved through the darkness, his eyes darting around the room. He climbed the scaffolding, heading to the cockpit of the first Gundam in the row opposite the others. With a quick press of the button, the cockpit opened, revealing an incomplete setup. It was clear they were in the process of installing controls, wires spilling out from the skeletal frame of the chair. Conner smiled, appreciating the head start—it saved him the trouble of dismantling panel by panel.

Lowering himself into the seat, his fingers eagerly explored the controls. A sudden surge of power almost brought the machine to life. "Ay, we can't have that," he whispered, quickly shutting it down with a few flicks of the buttons. The machine's systems quieted, but the brief flare had confirmed what he needed to know.

"Okay then," Conner mused, pulling a flash drive from his pocket. He inserted it into the control panel, the Gund-Volva's eyes flickering from emerald to a chilling azure amethyst. Conner chuckled, a low, sinister sound. "Let's see how you like it when you can't control one of these things."

As the machine powered up unexpectedly, its fingers twitched, startling Conner. "I-I didn't tell you to do that," he stammered, but quickly shrugged it off. The flash drive had done its job, compromising the system. Whether the Gundams acted on their own or followed erratic orders, it didn't matter. Marko had made it clear—disable them from Prospera's control.

Conner retrieved the flash drive, climbing out of the cockpit and descending the scaffolding. He allowed himself a moment of self-satisfaction, the grin never leaving his face. "Well, at the very least one down…" He cast a glance over the room, the shadows of the dormant Gundams looming large. "Nineteen more to go."