Author Note: Hope you guys enjoy this chapter! Good news I actually figured out the endings I wanted! For those that don't remember or don't know, the fic is going to have 3 endings and they are going to be from bad - good - perfect. They are going to be 1 - 5 chapters in length and they are going to be alternative endings. You can read one ending or all three and it will be your decision what is canon and what is not to you. This is because I think it will be fun as hell to write, and also because some people wanted Suletta x Aiden and Suletta and Miorine x Aiden. Likewise, some people will live, some will die, and I honestly think this will be super cool and get a lot of people shocked. I also have some of the names decided and you guys can get a preview of them. Still, thanks everyone for reading. I don't know why, but I am losing a bit of motivation for writing. Don't know why, but I hope I can keep on writing. Remember, reviews, follows, favorites comments does greatly help. And I appreciate everyone that has done so. I want to reach this ending and let's do it together! Thanks everyone for reading and I hope you guys enjoy!
PS: For people reading on Wattpad? How the hell does the tag system work? Because I put this on the Gundam Tags and it NEVER appears, but weirdly enough for politcal we've been TOP 3 FOR THE LAST MONTHS. FUCK YEAH ON THAT ONE THOUGH!
Possible Ending Names/Titles
(Suletta and Miorine x Aiden Winters): Bad Ending - The Sons and Daughters of Aiden Winters
(Suletta x Aiden): Medium Ending - Neo Harmony
(Suletta x Aiden): Perfect Ending - A Universe Without War
Reviews
EmeraldMage: Glad that you liked this chapter! This one was both difficult but fun to write. Wrote it all in one sitting and I am very proud of how it turnt out! This chapter highlights the horrors of Prospera's plan, and when it is revealed what she is going to do with Quiet Zero it is going to be so much more horrifying, and hopefully all this build up finnaly pays off! Likewise, I am actually planning on dropping a list of plot points for Witch x Druid and show a timeline of events of what happened for people that have been confused. Because it has been 43 chapters of political developments, and I am having quite a bit of fun with it. Also, yeah, writing angry Suletta is hella entertaining and especailly the growth of Aiden Winters is going to be super cool to write about. This chapter focuses on Miorine and Guel, but I am wondering how do you feel of the 6k chapters. On word it states that we usually hit on average 16 pages, but I was wondering if you guys want more per chapter. Because I won't lie we usually do shoot from perspective to perspective. Some chapters don't even focus on Aiden and he's the main character alongside the other heroines and other side characters. By the way Miorine, and season 2, I really think you are going to like how I handle Miorine's character and her arc. I am super glad that you enjoyed the romance part. It was difficult to write, but very fun! This isn't the end of Aiden x Suletta though, and I can't wait to delve into there relationship further, into season 2, and especially into the endings. We are going to be starting from bad to perfect, and it's going to be whomever interpreation people want. Because I know on people were pushing for Suletta x Aiden, while shockingly, a lot of people on Wattpad wanted the Harem route. However, I stated before that if this story did go down that route Aiden would WORK for the Harem and the bad ending...it's going to be VERY INTERESTING, and let me put it to you this way it is not going to be what anyone thinks of. When I say bad, it's going to be bad. That's also one of the reasons of why I wanted to have the medium and perfect ending as well, because I didn't want the story to end like that canonically but deep down I know that some people are going to really fuck with the uniqueness of the bad ending and the others in general. Like, there is a dude on Wattpad that is super chill and he always gets hype for the "Zeon" stuff I've got in the fic so he's going to really like the NEO Harmony route, but I am excited to also write the Perfect Ending because to me I feel like that one is going to be my ending. Still, thanks for reading and sorry for rambling and I hope you enjoy this chapter. Let me know your thoughts! Stay Healthy and Safe as well friend!
Chapter 43 - Ericht the Abomination
Miorine
Miorine sat across from Prospera, her lips clicking with irritation as she crossed her arms. The early morning sun spilled golden light through the windows behind Prospera's desk, casting long shadows.
"How was your trip?" Miorine asked, her voice tight.
Prospera glanced at the empty chair beside her, then chuckled softly, resting her chin on her hand. "It was fine, but where is my Suletta?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her tone.
Miorine let out a deep, weary sigh. "Suletta has class around this time," she explained. "She'll be free later."
Prospera sighed, but a warm, small smile appeared on her lips. "It's alright. I was hoping to drop off Connor and some of the new mechs, and give Goday some instructions on how to proceed."
Miorine's eyes widened. "You're not staying?" she questioned, her voice rising. "What about Suletta? She misses you and..."
Prospera waved her hand dismissively, her smile fading. "Suletta is a young woman in college. And Aiden... I know I can leave her in his hands."
Miorine's fingers clenched tightly on her knees, her nails pricking the skin. Anger flared in her eyes for a moment, then vanished, but Prospera noticed. She always noticed.
Prospera slowly rose and moved toward the window, the morning light casting an ethereal glow around her. "What did you want to talk about, Miorine?" she asked, turning to face her. "I doubt this is just a customary visit."
Miorine's eyes widened with fear and determination. "I... I went through the hard drive, Quiet Zero."
Underneath Prospera's visor, her eyes widened briefly before a faint, close-lipped smirk appeared. She stepped closer, her presence looming. "Ah, what did you think of your father and mother's work?" she asked, her voice dripping with feigned curiosity.
Miorine sneered, her expression twisting with disdain. "Nothing changed about my father... I already knew he was a rotten excuse for one, but the fact that he was going to trash the Aerial, and he had this hidden in his closet." Her final words were heavy and forced, as if each syllable was a burden. She shook her head in dismay. "That rotten father, to believe he was going against the whole group and utilizing Gund-Permits to..."
"To heal," Prospera concluded, wrapping her arms around herself as if shielding from a cold wind. "You've read the files, Miorine. You know what Quiet Zero is capable of."
Miorine remained silent, her eyes now drawn to her hands resting on her knees. The weight of the revelations pressed down on her, heavy and unyielding.
Prospera continued, her voice steady. "A biological reconstruction, terraforming device. By utilizing Permit and drawing data storms onto a unique frequency then…"
Miorine shook her head, cutting her off. "Yeah, yeah, I read the file, Prospera. But I have questions. I read the notes my mom left behind, and I'm not ignoring the fact that my father stopped working on it."
Prospera's lips tightened, a steel resolve behind her eyes.
Miorine pressed on. "I get that my father may have stopped after my mother's death, but the project had so much time, money, and investment. And Earth, and worlds like Harmony, specifically ravaged by war…" Her voice trailed off for a moment before she steadied herself. "I read the notes. I know it's possible, but I also read the warnings my mother left."
Miorine paused, her gaze lifting to meet Prospera's. "My mother stated that the right frequency may heal planets, but the death toll could be in the millions, billions even!" Miorine shouted, her voice rising with a mix of anger and desperation. "It's not even going to be constrained to a whole world… Quiet Zero's reach could extend to the entire solar system."
Prospera sighed hard and heavy, a sound full of the weight of countless decisions. She raised a finger and pointed. "Miorine, I completely understand your concerns and I heed your warnings. Remember, I gave you those files and I've read through them. What I'm building right now is going to have all those special space regulations. There won't be any people dying from this. I assure you."
Miorine's eyes widened, her shock palpable. This was not the reassurance she sought. Prospera felt her lower lip tighten, a faint crack in her steely demeanor. "You already started building it behind my father's back?" Miorine questioned, her voice barely above a whisper.
Prospera nodded. "Earth is a wasteland, and Harmony is a nuclear wasteland. Out of all the worlds in the Solar System, they deserve it the most. Think about it, the Earthians are struggling with their lack of resources and the climate change that wracked the planet years ago… and Harmony due to the nuclear bombing and atomization that occurred when Aiden and the rest were young. If we rebuild their worlds, The Legion will cease their fighting… The Earthians will have a fair shake in intergalactic politics. Isn't that what you wanted, Miorine, what your mother wanted?"
Miorine felt her mouth go dry. She had read the notes, but there was a part of her—a part inherited from her mother, perhaps even her father—that didn't fully comprehend the implications.
"…then what about the pylon?" Miorine asked hesitantly.
She watched as Prospera tensed, a breath escaping from the composed woman as she settled back into her desk.
"When I was going through that hard drive, I found out that my father constructed a Pylon on Earth," Miorine continued. "I don't know where exactly, but that Pylon was meant to counteract Permit and data storms on a worldwide level. If you did activate Quiet Zero, it wouldn't be able to breach Earth's atmosphere. That means all the people, animals, and nature there would be unaffected. Heck, even the wider atmosphere could be safe." She paused to take a breath. "Why would my father build something that stops data storms while working on Quiet Zero? If the objective of Quiet Zero is to heal planets like Earth, why would he build something that would obstruct its influence?"
There was a silence, and for a moment, Miorine wondered if she had offended Prospera. But then, Prospera smirked. "You tell me," she simply stated.
Miorine's lips parted in shock. "H-Huh?" she stuttered.
Prospera began to circle her, like a predator sizing up its prey. "This is the same man who didn't let you go to your mother's funeral, the same man who is willing to control every facet of your well-being and existence. Just saying, can you really believe the words of such a man?"
Miorine was silent, ruminating over the words, but Prospera's next statement was a knife to the heart. "Have you ever asked your father how your mother died?"
Miorine's eyes widened, a storm of anger, frustration, and mystery clouding her features. "What do you mean by that?" she shouted.
Prospera feigned surrender, raising both hands. "I'm just trying to say that Delling Rembran has always been an intelligent, cunning man. You see his signature underneath all that talk of Gundams and Permits that he so shamelessly outlawed before you were even born. You just said yourself that he was a hypocrite. Remember, the Spacians have always dominated Earthians. He may feel sympathy towards Harmony, but Earth? That's a different story."
Miorine was at a loss for words, sneering as she turned her attention to the side. But Prospera could see that the damage had been done.
The room fell into a tense silence. Miorine's mind raced, grappling with the implications of Prospera's words.
Prospera sighed and leaned back in her chair, the leather creaking under the strain. Her fingers danced over the keyboard, and then she turned the monitor towards Miorine. "W-What is that?" Miorine asked.
At first, she thought she was seeing the schematics for a building, but it was the pylon from before. It loomed large, reaching skyward with green flickers from its ports. As she scanned the measurements, her eyes widened. It was the length of the Empire State Building but...
"This is what I truly recruited you for," Prospera said, tapping the side of the monitor. "What is the point of Quiet Zero if we can't reach everyone?" She smirked, a cold glint in her eye.
Miorine stared at the screen, at the towering pylon, an enigma lost and submerged, perhaps only its tip breaking the water's surface. "The measurements are…"
"I know how it looks," Prospera chuckled. "But Delling hid it somewhere. I imagine he contracted builders to submerge it, leaving just the prong of the pylon above water. Now, you can imagine the difficulties of finding such a thing. It's not in any databases; I've searched for years, meaning…"
"The daughter may know," Miorine stated flatly.
Prospera nodded. "Earth is the only planet that will be unaffected, but that's not fair. Many people deserve to be a part of this, and humanity's birthplace should be included in this universe without war. Don't you think, Rembran?"
Miorine stared at the image on the screen, of the pylon that was probably lost and submerged, illuminated and powered all these years. She drew her gaze to Prospera for a moment, then back to her knees. She wanted to believe Prospera; she had lost faith in her father. Maybe, to accomplish her mother's greatest dream…
"As long as no one gets hurt in the process," Miorine declared firmly. "This is meant to help people, to save lives, to do what my idiot father failed to do all those years ago."
Prospera smiled her widest smile. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Rembran." She extended her hand, and Miorine took it in her own. "It's good to be working with you, Miorine."
But Miorine's grasp was hesitant, lacking conviction. After a moment, they released each other's hands.
Prospera rose. "Well, you have your classes, and I don't want to take up much of your day. But remember what we talked about. Putting away that childish pride of yours to accomplish your mother's greatest dream, a universe without war." Prospera snickered, a mirthless sound that sent a chill down Miorine's spine. "It is fitting for the daughter to rectify the father's mistakes."
"Where could it be?" Miorine questioned, her voice tinged with frustration. "You said you've been looking for it for years. Where could I possibly find it?"
Prospera shook her head slowly. "I gave up a long while ago. It's elusive. Delling had it set up as a last line of defense."
"Last line of defense," Miorine echoed under her breath, the phrase gnawing at her. This pylon, meant to heal worlds and bring people together, was shrouded in her father's shadowy intentions. She despised him, yet something about this troubled her deeply.
She rose from her seat as Prospera continued speaking. "I don't know how you'll do it, but if you can give me the location, I'll handle the rest," Prospera said bluntly.
Miorine nodded, turning to leave, but Prospera's voice stopped her. "Suletta... she's doing all right, and the Aerial as well?" Prospera asked, a hint of concern threading her tone.
Miorine turned back, her expression heavy and annoyed. "Winter nearly got himself killed in a duel, the fool thought he could fight ten to one. Suletta and the Aerial came to his rescue."
Prospera put a hand to her visor, as if massaging away invisible wrinkles. "Winter... Aiden. I know he's difficult, but he loves Suletta with all his heart. He would give her everything and more," she said, a small smile forming on her lips. "Suletta deserves the world and more. I've been a rotten mother, Miorine. I just wish there was more time to..." Prospera trailed off, lost in her own thoughts.
Miorine hesitated, the mention of Suletta and Aiden stirring something within her. "Prospera, you said Connor was coming back, right?"
Prospera nodded, leaning back into her chair. "Correct. He's been a mighty fine help. Make sure to tell Deacon to keep him close."
Miorine's eyes flared with sudden intensity. "What are you talking about?" she demanded. "Have you not heard what he did at Jetturk House?"
Prospera clicked her lips and sighed, a sound filled with resignation. "...The same gents that brutalized your greenhouse, threatened my daughter with expulsion, and whose father led the destruction of the Aerial?" Prospera's voice grew colder, her glare almost palpable through her visor. "Them?" she repeated, the single word dripping with contempt.
Miorine rubbed her elbow with her other hand as she stood, her gaze fixed on Prospera. The early morning sun spilled through the windows, casting a harsh yellow light on the two women.
"…and when is Jack going to come back?" Miorine tentatively asked.
Prospera's expression tightened. "He's still on a mission," she replied quickly.
"…and when and where?" Miorine pressed. "It's been over a month, Prospera. Deacon and the rest, they…,"
"They're worried about Jack," Prospera stated flatly, sighing. "I understand how it looks, him just vanishing like that. But things are being set in motion for Quiet Zero, and I needed someone from the Sons of Harmony with the right amount of experience and proper skills."
Miorine's stare remained steady, offering no respite. Prospera did something unexpected; she chuckled. "I thought Jack told Deacon as much," she said.
Miorine's eyes widened. "H-he mentioned he spoke to him before he left."
Prospera began typing on her keyboard. The monitor, still turned toward Miorine, flickered to life, displaying images of Prospera's private hangar. Utilitarian grey dominated the space, filled with unique mobile suits, all looking mass-produced. Her eyes caught the date and time stamp, and she watched the scene unfold.
"You really can't tell me?" Deacon's voice echoed from the screen.
There he was, his long bangs shadowing his emerald green eyes, leaning against a railing with the Aerial looming ominously in the background. Jack stood nearby in his pilot gear, ready for departure.
"It is what it is…I don't know how long, but hopefully it…," Jack began, but Deacon interrupted with a sigh, shaking his head.
"I get it, you need a break…after the day we had and you nearly being arrested along with Connor and Aiden. Heck, I'm not going to lie, I'm glad that Connor is getting taken away. I know he saved Oscar, but the shit Aiden and you told me about him is…," Deacon's voice trailed off. "It's just…if she needs him, why does she need you? Like, come on, one brother is enough and she might as well take the troubled one."
Jack sighed and diverted his gaze. "It's more difficult than that, Deacon," he murmured. "I'm sorry, but I've got to do this. Tell Cecilia not to worry…and when Aiden wakes up, he'll, he'll know what to do…he's always been ready…"
Deacon sighed heavily. "I really can't talk you out of this," he said.
Jack met his eyes steadily. "There isn't anything to stop. It's already been decided."
Deacon's mood soured, but he raised his hand towards Jack, and Jack took it. At that moment, Prospera paused the screen.
"There, is that enough proof that Jack is doing all right? I know you don't trust Deacon, but he…" Prospera trailed off.
Miorine shook her head, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. "It's them. Maybe their paranoia rubbed off on me or something," she said, testing a small smirk. "I'll tell them there's nothing to worry about."
"Good!" Prospera declared, clapping her hands triumphantly. "You guys are in college. You shouldn't be worrying about anything except your grades. Friends, lovers, and what you're going to do after—that's what you need to focus on. And remember, Christmas is coming soon."
Miorine's eyes widened at the sudden realization, and she sighed. "So much has been happening that I nearly forgot it was just a week away."
Prospera snickered. "I've got a present lined up for Suletta, but do me a favor and tell her to use the family credit card for Aiden," she sighed, leaning back in her chair. "She's never had friends…nonetheless boyfriends, so I want to make this special for her and her special Aidy."
"Aidy?" Miorine repeated, raising an eyebrow.
Prospera chuckled. "That's what she calls him in her phone calls at times," she sighed again, her expression softening. "Young love is a beautiful thing. Say what you will, but I'm glad they found each other. I didn't expect it, but I'm glad she found someone worthy of her…someone willing to die for her." A tremor of sorrow flickered across Prospera's face, betraying her calm facade. Miorine saw it and felt a pang of empathy.
Prospera regained her composure and smiled at Miorine. "Nothing crazy, but… $1,000 would suffice for a budget."
"A thousand dollars," Miorine repeated, her voice tinged with shock and skepticism. "For her first boyfriend?"
Prospera shot her a dismissive look, waving off the cost with a flick of her hand. "It's my money, Miorine. Don't act like we're poor. This is Suletta's first Christmas with so many good friends and the boy she loves. I want her to be happy and remember this."
Miorine paused, a flicker of jealousy budding within her. So this was what a supportive parent looked like? She sneered inwardly but nodded along. "Of course," she said. "I'll tell Suletta." With those final words, Miorine took her leave, the door closing with a soft click, leaving Prospera alone in the room.
She moved the monitor closer, resting her chin on her hand as a heavy sigh escaped her lips. Slowly, she removed her visor, revealing an undamaged face with deep blue eyes and long black hair. Placing the visor next to her keyboard, she massaged the wrinkles from her forehead. "Kids," she muttered to herself, eyes drifting to the ceiling. "Nadim, you should see her… how our daughter… our daughters have grown. Suletta in particular. I know it seems crazy, giving all that money for a present. We could've only imagined having something like that on hand living on Earth." Prospera chuckled softly, a rare smile touching her lips. "…and I would've never imagined, but I see the way Aiden looks at her, the way he talks about her, and I know he would die for her. She may have found a husband within him."
A deep sadness etched itself into Prospera Mercury's gaze as she turned back to the monitor. "I know you would've told me to stop after what happened with Ericht, but after what they did to you, to me, to her… I needed… I can't stop after everyone that died. Nadim, we've lost so many of our daughters. I remember all their names… I can't let it all go in vain. Not when I have the chance to bring everyone together again, to be reunited. We can cross that threshold of life and death…"
Prospera stared at the monitor, her fingernail tracing her lips before she placed her finger on the spacebar and clicked it, resuming the video.
Deacon walked out slowly, the doors opening and flooding the room with light before shutting again, plunging the garage back into darkness. The auto sensors didn't detect any movement, leaving Jack alone in the shadows.
A moment passed. Jack stayed there, his gaze drifting toward the towering mech suit above him. He sneered at the sight. The next moment, he glitched, like a spent computer program, his form shuddering and wheezing as he fell to his knees. His breaths were heavy and labored, as if his lungs were no longer there.
Yet, he breathed heavily all the same as he glared into the orange eyes of The Aerial. "I fucking knew there was something wrong about you…something off," he spoke breathlessly, his voice a whisper rasping through the cold air. On all fours, he glared and wheezed, his form phasing in and out of existence like a corrupted hologram. "You may be able to control me sometimes, you may be able to fool Suletta and the rest…but they'll know. Somehow, Aiden will know. He'll come for you, and you and Prospera…nothing will be able to save you."
Prospera watched with a blank expression, her face a mask of cold detachment. Jack's face twisted in anger, then fear as he saw something, something only he could perceive. "Please, no, not you again!" he shouted, his voice rising in desperation. He tried to stand but found himself paralyzed. "Please, not back there, why do you want me so much!" he screamed.
He slammed his fist into the floor, but it passed through without leaving a mark. No dent, no impact. Jack was gone, replaced by this apparition, this cyber ghost, as The Aerial loomed ominously above him. "No, no, no!" he shouted, his struggles intensifying as the glitches worsened. "Just kill me! Just kill me, don't send me back, what is the point of it all…there is nothing, there is nothing, JUST KILL…" And with one final, tortured glitch, Jack vanished.
Silence filled the room as Prospera paused the video. She sighed heavily, resting her hands on her face. "I have to make it all count, Nadim. Me, Ericht, our other daughters…Suletta. I'll bring Aiden and his brothers, even Delling, into paradise. I am not an evil soul."
Prospera clicked out of the video, her eyes drifting to her desk screen. It displayed an image of a girl in a flight suit. For a moment, she thought it was her Ericht, but the suit was yellow and modern, not white and old. It was Suletta, her first time piloting.
"I am sorry, Suletta," Prospera whispered. "Please, enjoy your time with your friends and your boyfriend. Enjoy your Christmas, all of you enjoy your Christmas…your last Christmas."
Guel
They had both run into each other at the elevator, each headed to the room where duels were typically handled. It was a space lined with plush couches, designed for personal friends and relatives of the spectators to witness the battles firsthand. Guel and Deacon stood on opposite sides, Guel leaning casually on the left wall of the elevator, while Deacon stood rigidly on the far right. They had started from the first floor, the awkward silence between them intensifying as the elevator ascended toward the top.
The hum of the elevator was the only sound, a low mechanical purr that seemed to echo their unspoken tension. Guel's eyes darted toward Deacon, a flicker of curiosity mixed with disdain. He shifted his weight, the slight movement drawing Deacon's attention. Deacon's jaw tightened, his gaze fixed ahead, determined not to engage.
Guel snorted. "Didn't expect to see me alive?"
Deacon shot him a curious look, noting the bitterness and volatility in Guel's tone. He shrugged his shoulders. "Are you talking about what everyone's been saying in the news?"
Guel turned his gaze toward the elevator window, watching the academy as the afternoon sun reached its zenith. His sigh was heavy and audible. "So, you heard about what happened," he began, then shifted his attention back to Deacon, eyes glaring. "The Sons of Harmony attacked us."
Deacon returned his glare with a steady look. "All the Sons of Harmony were here when your vessel was attacked," he said, pausing. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Rage flashed across Guel's face, his fist slamming against the window. "Don't give me that crap!" he shouted, his fist then shifting as he pointed directly at Deacon. "You Harmony lot hated us for...,"
Deacon shook his head, cutting him off. "Damn... you really are stupid."
"What did you say?" Guel's question was laced with fury as his fingers curled back into a fist. "Watch your tongue. Winters isn't here to..."
Deacon's voice was heavy, eyes closing in exasperation as he wrapped his arms around himself. He let Guel continue. "For your information, whatever ties to the Legion the Sons of Harmony had... whether they were or not, are dissolved. Whatever attacked you was not us, but..." Deacon paused, his hand gingerly scratching the back of his head. "I am sorry for your losses."
Guel's eyes flared again, but then sorrow overtook his features as he leaned back against the wall. They both watched the numbers click up and up.
"I... I didn't mean to accuse you like that," Guel began. "It's just... I was there and I..." A blanket of memories set upon Guel's mind, like a cold wind overtaking him in the middle of a forest, sudden and unrelenting.
He remembered the screams over the radios, people pleading to be saved as their voices crackled and their lives were extinguished. The exhilaration of wielding a Gundam was overshadowed by the horror of guiding his mech's hand and killing over a dozen people that day. Enemies, sure, but a dozen lives nonetheless...
…and that Gundam, the other one with the massive tank cannon on his shoulder—Guel could still remember that guy. Dark-haired, glasses, and always smiling like he knew a joke no one else in the room was privy to. Guel had wanted to wipe that smirk off his face.
"I-I..." Deacon began, resting his hand on his face. "That was your first time in real combat, right?"
Guel nodded silently.
Deacon sighed. "Trust me, you'll get used to it, but it's not something you want to get used to." He paused, gazing out the window. "Getting rich, fat, and eating good food while you stare into the sunrise is far better than fighting. You're the son of Vim Jetturk, right?"
Guel nodded again, wordless.
Deacon continued. "See, you don't need to occupy yourself with trivial things like fighting. This was a bad experience, a bad series of memories, but you lived through it, and you came out stronger. Others did not, but it's your job to carry the weight of their memories and lives and live your own life to the fullest. That's what I've learned."
Guel was stunned, wordless. He hadn't imagined running into Deacon of all people, but his words had elicited a certain calm within Guel.
Guel's mind wandered to what Laude had said about them, but maybe...
Deacon continued speaking. "Listen, I think you should get therapy to talk about what happened. I know it sounds soapy, and it's probably not what you want to hear right now, but they're locked in confidentiality," Deacon paused. "I can imagine what you're going through right now, and trust me... loneliness and not talking about it isn't going to help."
Guel didn't know why he was talking to House Harmony's president. How many times had he imagined beating the utter crap out of Aiden? But Deacon... they were just talking. He was just another person, a normal person.
Guel sighed. "My brother, Laude, it's affecting me, but I feel the same way you do. My dad, he's not pushing us to do anything, but Laude, he has so much hate in him now." Guel glanced down at his fingers, watching them tighten—the hands he had used to extinguish all those lives. What more could they be now? "He blames himself for not being fast enough, and I know he's blending in you Sons of Harmony and this mainstream Legion and..."
Deacon nodded along. "It's called survivor's guilt, and that's why I keep saying the best thing for you and all the affected parties is therapy. It's not your fault, it's not Laude's fault, it's no one's fault. Things happen out there... there are no victors in war, Guel. Only survivors."
Guel felt a shiver run down his spine at Deacon's words. The elevator dinged, the sound echoing in the silence between them.
…and Guel's eyes widened at the words. "No victors…only survivors," Guel repeated slowly to himself. Before, he had been pompous and arrogant; he still was, but now he had taken a life. Dueling was one thing, but actually killing someone…this was no monitored duel.
Yet, Guel's eyes still filled with fury. He could let the leader of the Legion go, he didn't care about the bastard, but Ensign Moreno…that was a different sort of score.
"You're right, Deacon," Guel began. "But there is a score I have to settle," Guel raised his eyes, and Deacon could feel the determination burning within them. "Do you know anyone by the name of Ensign Moreno…or Marty Moreno in particular?"
Deacon's eyes betrayed him, and he fought for composure, but Guel was on him in an instant.
"You do," Guel began.
Deacon shook his head. "Drop it, Guel."
Guel shook his own head at that. "But you do," he insisted. "Please, Deacon, whatever sort of information you can give is…,"
"Guel…," Deacon's voice trailed off dangerously. "You don't understand the weight of what you're asking."
Guel shook his head. "Whatever price," he began. "Whether it's money or favors, I'll…,"
Deacon squirmed and sneered. "Guel Jetturk, you are asking very dangerous questions right now. This isn't a matter of money or favors; this is…,"
"You're protecting him," Guel accused.
…but Deacon cut him off with his glare. "I am protecting you."
And the words, Guel could feel the anger, but the sincerity within them, and it completely shook him to his core.
"Why?" Guel began.
Deacon shook his head. "Some questions are better not asked…,"
Guel planted his foot down. "Deacon, Ensign Marty Moreno came upon my father's vessel and stole a piece of important hardware that was made on Earth…a Gundam." Guel declared.
Deacon's eyes widened at that, genuinely surprised. "A Gundam? What is Jetturk Heavy Industries doing with a Gundam?" Yet, Deacon shook his head, filing the information away for later. Guel was not his friend. "Continue," Deacon said.
Guel continued, his voice thick with emotion. "He utilized that Gundam, and before his friends and he murdered soldiers and workers, he personally killed students and members of Jetturk House. Felsi and Kamil... they... they..." Guel's fingers tightened into fists so hard that his nails bit into his skin, tears threatening to spill. Even with his machismo, he could still hear their screams.
Deacon let out a heavy sigh. "I... I know it sounds bad, given our history and the fact that we got into a fight with Kamil, and that whole thing with Connor and the girls... but I am sorry. I know Oscar actually fancied Felsi."
A small chuckle escaped Guel. "She was so heated when he called her beautiful," he paused, a rare smile breaking through his grief. "She was a tomboy, never had anyone really call her that, and she was rude and difficult to like. She was flustered and angry, but I knew she liked the compliment. Kamil, he was our main engineer. Every battle, he prepped my Dilenza for me, made sure it was fit, restocked, fueled, everything working to perfection. I'll miss them."
A heavy silence settled over them, both young men contemplating the lives lost. For what? A war for a dead world? To even out the dead because Marty felt that Guel killed his brothers, so he rewarded Guel with dead brothers as well? The endless cycle of violence was only going to lead to more death.
Yet, Guel didn't care. "Ensign Marty murdered them," Guel declared, fists tight. "Murdered! He murdered Felsi and Kamil. Felsi was nineteen, and Kamil had just turned twenty-two. My father had to write notes to their families. They didn't even get bodies... because Marty's lasers and beam saber reduced them to ash!" Guel's voice echoed within the elevator.
"Guel, I..." Deacon began. "Please, calm down. I understand, but..."
"Do you understand then?" Guel shouted. "Why I need to kill him!"
Deacon's face grew somber. "Guel, are you sure that's what you want?"
Guel sneered. "Why are you protecting him? Please, you know why..."
But Deacon shook his head. "Whatever Laude said he would find... you remember during Aiden's second duel that he threatened to open up cases on us?"
Guel was surprised by the change in conversation but tentatively nodded. "What of it?" Guel asked.
Deacon continued, his voice carrying a weight that made Guel uneasy. "Whatever Laude thought he could find doesn't exist. If it did, it's already been wiped clear. Our names, from Aiden to the lowliest Harmony engineer, have been cleared... even Connor. But let's assume that 'The Sons of Harmony' were a warband within the Legion, acting independently. Guel Jetturk, I would advise you to steer clear of the Nexus 65th and Ensign Moreno."
Guel sneered. "So, you do know of them?"
Deacon was silent for a moment, then spoke deliberately. "If Aiden, me, Oscar, Jack, and everyone else fought, the Sons of Harmony were always pure Harmony stock and Titans. If you struggled with Aiden, consider it a miracle that you survived Marty."
Guel's sneer deepened, but he allowed Deacon to continue.
Deacon rolled his eyes. "If Aiden fought in memory of his mother, if I fought to avenge my sisters, if Oscar fought for his homeworld, and if Jack fought for his lineage... Marty Moreno fights for the sport and thrill of it all."
Guel's eyes flared. He had heard tales from Laude about the motivations of the Legion and such. All talks of Harmony, but he had forgotten something crucial.
"Who is he?" Guel questioned, his voice low and tense.
Deacon sighed. "I don't know exactly. He's not of true Harmony stock, that much I can tell you. When the Long War continued, the need for recruits worsened, and the decision was made to allow anyone to join. The only necessary requirement was being a young male."
Guel snickered. "Seems like you gents like men too much."
Deacon shrugged. "Harmony, towards the end of the IMC war, started to really go backward in time. Maybe it was a way of controlling the populace's morale as the government began to break down. That's where the Kings of Harmony started to rise in power. There were kings before, but with industrialization and other changes, they became figureheads. That changed."
Guel sneered. "Continue with Moreno."
Deacon continued, "He got picked up from some world, another war orphan. There's a lot of that in the Sons of Harmony—a bunch of young men with chips on their shoulders against the Benrett Group or whatever reason. Some join for adventure, some join for prestige, and some just like fighting. Marty is the latter. He's a killer, truth be told."
Guel's eyes darkened, the weight of Deacon's words settling heavily on him. The elevator ride felt interminable, the walls closing in as he processed the revelation.
Guel's eyes widened. "So, he's a nut?"
Deacon shook his head, his expression darkening. "No, he's not…he's worse. The warrior honor that Aiden has, Marty embraced it. What you see in Aiden is a struggle to balance his inner warrior with the rest of his humanity. Marty Moreno? He's a different breed. Fighting, shooting, killing—it's what makes him tick. Imagine growing up in one of the normal Fronts. Picture a kid from a middle-class suburbia, biking with friends, getting his first kiss at fifteen, going on movie dates, high school dances, parties, thinking about college. Now, imagine what happens when that boy crawls into a mech, not just to protect others, but because he realizes he has an innate talent for it."
Guel's face twisted in confusion. "I… I think I can understand, but I don't exactly get what you mean."
Deacon gave him a piercing look. "I'm skilled in leadership, you're skilled at piloting. Marty is gifted in the art of fighting and killing. Aiden honed his talent through countless battles and mentors. Marty, one day, climbed into a mech and fell in love with it—the lifestyle, the horror, all of it."
The thought alone sent a chill down Guel's spine, a lump forming in his throat. The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, breaking the tense silence.
Deacon sighed, stepping forward. "Looks like our stop is here," he said. "I didn't realize you wanted to talk to Shaddiq as well."
But Guel's mind was still on their conversation. "Deacon, what about Marty? How would I find…"
Deacon's glare cut him off. "Guel, I don't know where he is. Number one, I am warning you."
Guel's expression hardened. "You're warning me?"
Deacon sneered. "You don't get it. Ensign Marty Moreno is a demon when it comes to piloting. I don't even know who would come out on top between Moreno or Winters. He's a dangerous foe. I'd say stick with your father's company and wait till it's your time to inherit it. Why would you throw your life away? Would Felsi and Kamil want that for you?"
Guel's sneer matched Deacon's. "Don't speak of them like you know what they want."
Deacon stared at him for a moment, his eyes searching Guel's face as if reading an unreadable script. He sighed, waving his hand dismissively. "Whatever," he said flatly. "You do what you believe is right, Mr. Guel Jetturk. I gave you a warning. Whatever consequences follow, that's on you."
With those final words, Deacon left the elevator. He did not throw a glance back at Guel, instead, he kept moving forward, his mind already on the conversation he needed to have with Shaddiq. They had a lot to talk about today.
