Author Note: Sorry guys that I haven't been responding to reviews lately. After typing up and editing one of these chapters more writing is kind of the last thing you wanna do. However, next chapter I am going to do this. Thanks everyone that has followed, favorited, and reviewed. I hope yu enjoy!


Chapter 52 - Last Christmas (Part I)


Miorine

The snow had finally lessened after many relentless days, and now the robot cleaning bots were busily shoveling the accumulated snow, pushing massive clumps to the sides, and clearing the roads and sidewalks. Miorine wiped her hands clean of dirt, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows, her silver eyes focused intently on the metal she was working with. When she finished, she wrung her hands to the side, then draped on her jacket, buttoning it up snugly.

As she opened the door, her breath immediately turned to frost in the cold air. She was taken aback by a sight she hadn't seen in months. "Hi, Miorine!" shouted Suletta, standing beside Aiden, whose gaze was averted, glaring at the ground below him.

Miorine's eyes fixated on Aiden's intense glare. Why was he so angry? This was her greenhouse; she had half a mind to get angry herself. But then she sighed, seeing Suletta's happy expression. It had been a while since they had last talked. It wasn't like she'd been avoiding her, but she still found herself awake at night, replaying that duel in her mind.

Trying to play it cool, Miorine walked between the two of them. Aiden looked like he was about to mouth off something, but he held his tongue, with Suletta gripping him hard by the shoulder. He shook his head but stayed quiet.

"What are you two waiting for?" Miorine shouted from a few paces away. "Aren't we going to Earth House's Christmas party?"

"So the nerds wanted to imitate us," Aiden commented, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Suletta rolled her eyes, and Miorine snorted. "That's so mean, Aiden," Suletta admonished. "Don't turn into a bully."

"I was just playing, seriously," Aiden replied.

Miorine scoffed loudly. "You can be such an… an…," but she held her tongue.

"Okay, okay, I apologize," Aiden said, this time more sincerely. "Ojelo, Nuno, even Martin, and all the rest are chill and fun. It's not bad to be a nerd. Look, Oscar just plays video games all day, and he's my best bud."

"Okay, fine," Miorine conceded, her tone softening just a bit.

Aiden paused, his gaze shifting to Miorine. "So, how have you been since the duel?"

Miorine hesitated, rubbing her elbow. The exchange wasn't lost on Aiden. "Um-okay," he commented, the words feeling insufficient.

Miorine rushed to fill the silence. "Busy, I really just had a lot of schoolwork to do for Econ."

"You're all right, Miorine." Suletta shot Aiden a look and slapped him on the butt.

Aiden held back a groan. "W-what was that for?"

Suletta narrowed her eyes. "You know why," she said, prompting towards Miorine, who had been walking ahead of them.

Aiden rolled his eyes, and Suletta sighed. But then her mind lit up with a mischievous idea. She smirked and stopped walking, nearly giggling as she gazed at the pair. "I really have to go pee."

"Um?" Aiden responded, and Miorine shot them both a confused look.

"Suletta, we're like five minutes away from Harmony House…" Miorine's voice trailed off, but Suletta was already running into the woods, her ponytail streaming behind her like a flag in the wind.

Left alone, Aiden and Miorine stood awkwardly, staring after Suletta as she disappeared into the forest. "Damn, I guess she really had to go," Aiden commented.

Miorine threw a not-so-amused glance his way.

Silence stretched between them for a few minutes. Suletta didn't really need to go; she just knew that leaving Aiden and Miorine alone together might force them to talk. She found a secluded spot and waited, knowing they were both too proud and too tired to make the first move on their own.

After another few minutes of silence, Miorine finally broke it. "How have you and Suletta been doing after the duel?"

Aiden's eyes widened, and he turned to look at Miorine. Shorter than Suletta, he had to look down to meet her gaze. Her steel eyes reflected embarrassment, her porcelain cheeks glittering in the sunlight filtering through the artificial clouds.

Aiden felt his own cheeks redden as he turned away. "We've been doing okay. It was just a duel, and I'm kind of desensitized to these things."

"Desensitized. You were in the army, so I could expect that," Miorine stated.

Aiden nodded, his thoughts drifting back to the duel, the intensity of it, and the aftermath.

Aiden's eyes widened, but he remembered how Oscar had confessed to telling Miorine and Suletta about their origins. Thankfully, he had spared them the darker parts of their past, what they did against the IMC recently. Nika and Miorine would be disgusted by them, and maybe even Suletta—but that was a thought Aiden did not want to bear.

"This is far different than the army," Aiden replied.

"How so?" Miorine asked.

Aiden sighed. "Fighting in the army and being at base camp was different. You knew there was a chance you'd be pulled up on... here, it feels like those old school feudal classes we talked about in class," Aiden paused and clicked his fingers. "Remember the one about the Japanese lecture? The professor was talking about how dueling defined multiple countries and eras, how there was honor dueling and all that..."

Miorine cut him off. "Of course I remember. I'm shocked that you did," she said with a smug look.

"Oh really?" Aiden played along.

"I'll give props to the music boy," Miorine jested. "But everyone could hear the music spilling from your headphones."

Aiden rolled his eyes. "You legitimately think anyone pays attention in that class?" He near shouted. "Of course you, of all people, Miorine. Please, never change."

Miorine felt a vein emerge along her forehead. "Listen, I remember the duels. Are you trying to say that..."

"It just feels WRONG. I wasn't a knight, or some samurai, or anything... I was a child soldier. The last time I climbed into a mech before Suletta came here was to deal with that guy hitting on Renee, and now I'm killing people. Like... I think about Guel and..."

"What about Guel?" Miorine questioned, wrapping her arms around herself.

"I-I don't think... I am just really glad that I didn't have to kill him. Parker and Elan... it's been a real long time since I last took a life, and I thought that I wouldn't need to anymore," Aiden's sigh was heavy and audible. "...and Guel, we're both around the same age. Him and his brother are assholes, but I see them in the hallway. Before, I would see Elan in the hallway, and now he's gone. They're all gone."

Miorine's eyes widened. "Oh my god, I didn't realize it was bothering you this much."

Aiden put a hand to his face. "I-I have been smoking more weed lately," he paused, taking a deep breath. "...it's been very hard for me to go to sleep, and..."

His eyes widened as he noticed Miorine staring up at him in horror. "I—holy shit, I was trauma dumping on you. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean..."

"Woah, it's okay, it's fine, Aiden," she said, resting her hand on his arm. Aiden was shaking, his eyes wide and trembling as he stared down at the floor. His breath was heavy, but he managed to stabilize himself.

"Listen... we're friends, you were just venting. I shouldn't have asked about the duel," Miorine said.

"Friends?" Aiden repeated. He wasn't trying to be mean, but Miorine could hear the question within that.

"D-do you hate me?" she asked.

"N-no, like I find you annoying, but you're my girlfriend's best friend," Aiden said. "When me and Suletta get married, you're going to be one of her bridesmaids."

"Bride... wait, what?" Miorine questioned. "You're already calling her your wife. How long have you been together?"

"For a couple of months. We've been doing stuff. Like, now it's getting pretty awesome, but honestly, I know Suletta is the one," Aiden remarked.

Miorine squinted her eyes. "You sound awfully certain about that."

Aiden bobbed his head, nodding. "You have no idea."

Aiden was now laughing, and Miorine smiled. She liked the way his laughter sounded. When it died down, he still had a smile on his face. Sometimes, she had forgotten that Aiden had been protecting her all along. If any one of them had won, she'd be at the Holder's mercy, and while she had only been held by Guel, she knew there was a level of control there.

Guel had been sent to collect her, but Aiden had never done that. Her mind drifted to Shaddiq and what had occurred, Oscar's words ringing true.

"I wanted to thank you," Miorine commented. Aiden shot her a look. "Oscar told me about how Shaddiq came to you with an offer after we argued, and you refused."

Aiden shot her a look. "Were you surprised? Is that how little you think of me?"

Miorine's face squirmed up as she drew her gaze to his chest to avoid his eyes, blushing deeply. "I-I think that way about everyone. People are difficult, and sometimes you expect the wrong choice from them."

Aiden looked her straight in the eyes. "I wouldn't sell away your freedom," he said. "Not after what happened to me and the guys. You aren't going to become a broodmare or a slave." Aiden paused and drew his gaze toward the artificial sky ahead. "Your path lies in a far greater place than this, Miorine Rembran. We'll pave your way to Earth if that's what you want, but there is a price for freedom."

"A price?" Miorine repeated.

Aiden hesitated, then looked back at her. "I'm sorry that we've never been forthcoming with our business, Miorine, but there are things that Suletta doesn't know."

Miorine rolled her eyes. "That's just an excuse, you men thinking that the people around you can't handle—"

"You can't," Aiden interrupted. "Some of the demons and shadows that followed us after we left the Legion still hound us. Things must be done and oaths have to be kept. Too many people had to die for us to reach this point. The fallen must be avenged, and the dream realized."

Miorine's eyes widened. "A-Aiden."

Aiden's eyes widened as well as he turned toward her. "...but I trust you. Honestly, we have our disagreements, but I'll let you in a bit."

"Does Deacon know?" Miorine asked.

Aiden's eyes narrowed and fixed on her shoes. "No, not yet, but this involves Suletta and..." Aiden paused and sighed. "Listen, I trust my brothers, and if this becomes big, I will tell them. But for right now, I can deal with you."

Miorine paused, keeping her grip on herself tighter. "Fine then, deal with me."

"Remember those files that you sent to me?" Aiden asked, and Miorine nodded her head.

"I transferred everything Prospera sent to me," she said.

"Did you check a single one?" Aiden asked.

Miorine shrugged. "I was going to, but there was a lock that could only be opened by you two."

Aiden facepalmed. "It had a lot of shit on it, Miorine."

Miorine, annoyed, still prompted him to continue. "It's a bunch of old Vanadis Institute research, videos, promos, even recordings of the founder. That whole place was sacked by the group, right?" Aiden asked.

Miorine's eyes trembled. "Well...that's the theory."

"Wow, your old man wiped them out too," Aiden commented. "First women, and then planets. What a nut...I'm sorry that you come from that."

Miorine didn't know what to say to that.

"You get why I want to get away?" she stated.

Aiden nodded. "I've known from the beginning."

Aiden paused for a beat, seeing Miorine smile for a bit.

"It was a young Prospera. You know that's not even her name?" Aiden said.

Miorine's eyes widened. "Well, I had my suspicions," Miorine said.

Aiden sighed. "Elnora Samaya. Think you can do some research on that?"

Miorine's eyes widened. "You want me to do research on Suletta's mother?"

"Yeah, I want to make sure she's clear. Miorine, she completely changed her look after this attack. I feel like, for our own safety, we should know what happened." Aiden said.

Miorine felt like it was wrong, especially since she was helping Prospera, and Aiden was telling her to investigate what was happening. Yet, she knew deep down that something...something was being held from them.

"Okay, that's fine...what else?" Miorine said.

Aiden took a beat, his eyes scanning the forest as he closed them. For a brief moment, his blue eyes were everywhere. A surrealness settled upon him as he unknowingly stretched his consciousness. He took in the heavy breeze of nature...and as the sun shone beautifully and gracefully over the artificial turf.

He had been free of land for so long...but he was free in space, the feeling of no gravity.

He could see Suletta, her eyes closed with white headphones connected to her phone, her knees to her chest as she swayed her head to the song.

Aiden was broken away and only a second passed. He didn't know how that happened...but the sensation felt real, felt more natural, and he felt kind of offended how Suletta was just making them wait. Yet, the moment had felt so long. His eyes widened as he turned to Miorine. "Excuse me, what were we just talking about?" he asked.

Miorine scoffed. "You're unbelievable," she said, then chuckled. "You really should get tested for ADHD."

"I'm pretty sure I have it," Aiden replied offhandedly, rubbing the back of his neck. "When I was watching those videos... Suletta's mom, the director, and Ericht."

Miorine's breath escaped her. Aiden had finally seen the girl.

"It can't be Suletta," Aiden continued, nodding to himself. "The dates and ages don't line up. Ericht can't be her, so Prospera's got a daughter somewhere."

They fell into a heavy silence. "...and Suletta doesn't even know," Miorine finally said.

"Oscar told me her father passed away. How did he die?" Aiden asked.

Miorine shrugged. "Suletta told me he used to be a mobile suit pilot..."

"...and the Vanadis Institute was armed to the teeth with mobile suits," Aiden interjected. "They were obviously at the Institute. An attack like that could have wiped out most of the people and hunted the rest. What if..."

"If Ericht died," Miorine confirmed.

Aiden nodded. "There's a good chance of that, but I can't believe Prospera could keep that from her own daughter. She sent those videos to me. She knows I'm not stupid. I'm just... really confused."

Miorine, who had thought she was special for having Prospera working with her, felt a pang of jealousy.

"It's the other thing though," Aiden continued. "Ericht... she was like me."

Miorine shot him a look, her eyes widening in surprise. "W-wait, are you saying Ericht was a druid?"

Aiden nodded hesitantly.

"She could do the things you did before with the...?" Miorine trailed off, but Aiden shook his head.

"No, Miorine, it was different," he said, pausing for a beat. "She couldn't be like me. To become a druid of harmony, you had to be male and have the installed software to mainline the machine. Me and four others just turned out different, artificial products... but Ericht was alive within the last generation. If she appeared naturally, there can be..."

"More like her," Miorine finished, her voice barely a whisper.

Aiden nodded along, his eyes gleaming with an intensity that Miorine had rarely seen. "The spells... they're commands shaped by words. Unique to us, crafted for war. But now, with my feet no longer chained to a planet, I feel things differently. Sensations, emotions, events—I can read them more passively, without issue. There's even a name for people like us: NewTypes." Aiden smirked at the word, savoring its weight.

Miorine's eyes widened. "...And all this was from a video?"

Aiden nodded. "I'll send it to you. It's crazy. The director was going all out at the end, talking about how we're the next stage in evolution. It gave me chills, Miorine. Real chills."

Miorine shrugged, trying to play it cool, but her mind raced. Was this the kind of research her father had tried to eliminate? Witches and their Gundams...

"...especially this idea of a universe without war. Peace achieved through understanding. NewTypes... we understand each other. I don't know how to explain it, but..." Aiden paused, gathering his thoughts. "I've been seeing someone in my dreams. A girl with jet-black hair and blazing eyes, Norea. At first, I thought I was losing it, going schizo or something. But I've seen her, visited her in my dreams. She's been through my memories, and I've been through hers."

Miorine's eyes widened even more. "W-what do you mean by that?"

"I mean exactly what I said. Things are going to change... and if there are more of us out there, I want to meet them," Aiden said, his voice steady and resolute.

Miorine was taken aback. "Why do you want to meet them? They could be dangerous..."

Aiden snorted but his smile remained, his eyes glued to his hands as if they held the answers to the universe. The forest around them seemed alive, vibrant. Even in space, they could stretch and connect. They were limitless.

"The director talked about how Ericht was tested. She can exhibit brainwaves that resonate throughout the universe, finding companionship in kindred spirits or other NewTypes. That's what's happening between me and Norea. There's a change in this universe, and she's calling to me."

Miorine scoffed. "Don't talk like that to Suletta."

Aiden shook his head, his expression softening. "It's not like that... I can understand Norea, and she's reaching out. Through her, there may be others." Aiden chuckled, a brighter smile spreading across his face. "NewTypes... through our connection, we might be able to bring peace to this universe. Imagine that, Miorine—a universe without war."

Miorine's eyes widened at Aiden's last sentence. It sounded so much like something she'd say herself. Her gaze fell to the ground, her thoughts spinning. If what Aiden was saying was true—if NewTypes would grow and fill humanity—then from this understanding, peace could indeed be achieved. Quiet Zero was the forceful option, but were Prospera and she playing god? The emergence of NewTypes like Ericht, Aiden, and this Norea girl suggested a natural evolution. If humanity continued on this path, when the sons and daughters of Aiden Winters and Suletta Mercury were born, they too would carry these blessings. One day, humanity could be full of NewTypes.

But did she and Prospera have the right to play god, to twist the arms of corporations, planets, and armies? Miorine didn't know.

Meanwhile, Suletta was still in the woods. "One more song," she murmured to herself. She smiled and blushed as she heard Aiden's voice mixing into the melody. She giggled lightly, basking in the sun and the snow. As she sat on a rock, she noticed movement in the brush. There were no hostile animals in the artificial forest or on campus. Then, she saw red coming through the undergrowth. A figure with cracked, worn hands and a green jacket approached. He flashed her a crooked yellow grin.

"How you doing, red?" Conner questioned, pausing to glance at her with a smile.

"O-oh, hey Conner," stuttered Suletta.

Back with Miorine and Aiden, they were laughing. "That's the first secret you told me about, Winters, and that was really something else," Miorine said, her laughter bubbling up.

"Sorry to burst your bubble, Rembran," Aiden responded, a grin tugging at his lips.

Miorine continued laughing, her icy blue-steel eyes twinkling. Aiden felt his cheeks flush and turned away. "Man, Suletta really does take a long time to pee," he commented.

"No kidding…" Miorine blushed. She looked adorable in her brown jacket, her hair tied into a rudimentary bun, jeans, and brown boots. The outfit hugged her petite frame, and her rosy red lips and small nose made her look both sophisticated and cute.

"Hey… did you really reject Shaddiq for that reason?" Miorine asked, her gaze shifting away from him.

"Of course, I would never compromise your freedom," Aiden replied firmly.

Miorine's cheeks flushed. "I-I just got used to the assholes around here. Like, I never thought there would be someone like you that I would be arranged to. It's complicated, you know…"

Aiden's eyes widened. "W-what do you mean?" he asked, sifting through the nuances of her words.

Miorine kept her face turned away. "I-I just… if Suletta wasn't here," she said, then met Aiden's eyes. "If things were different," she added, looking vulnerable. Her hands wrapped around herself as the light frost and cold chill ruffled through her sweater, and the messy locks of hair that had escaped her bun plastered along her face. For the first time, there was clear embarrassment, a flushness, and worry in Miorine's features. "I-if you had just beaten Guel, if I had just stuffed down my insufferable pride earlier. C-could I… could we…"

Aiden's eyes widened, a warm static zapping along his brain as he murmured, "S-Suletta…"

"Yeah, Suletta," Miorine began, but then stuttered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Listen, it's nothing, honestly. Don't even ask that or tell Suletta, it's just…"

"Why would I tell her? We're just talking as friends…" Aiden said. "…and you're her best friend." Miorine could read through the subtle nuances of his words.

"Suletta is in trouble," he suddenly declared, and then started running through the forest. Miorine's eyes widened, and she sprinted after him.

"What do you mean by that?" she shouted, but he was silent, focused on his path.

His feet skidded to a stop when he saw Suletta lying on her back on the rock, looking dazed. A figure was cutting through the woods toward her.

Aiden's fingers tensed into fists, ready to confront the intruder, when Miorine saw the wild mane of red hair. She knew immediately who it was—the one Shaddiq had warned her about. She had known the Harmony House guys for months, and none of them seemed capable of that... but Conner… there was something not right with that one. The real question was, what would he do to the people who found that out?

"Suletta, are you okay?" Miorine asked, dropping to one knee beside her.

Aiden was still tensed, breath blasting from his nose like a raging bull. He stomped forward, arms raised in a fighting stance. "Suletta, did he touch you? Did he touch you? I'll fucking MURDER him."

Suletta shot up from her rock. "I'm fine, I'm fine. He just asked me how to get from here to House Harmony. He got lost."

Aiden paused, his breath still heavy from the run and the fear that Conner had done something to Suletta. But Suletta looked fine. Aiden approached and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Did he say or do anything?"

"Aiden, I am fine, really," Suletta reassured him, blushing and pushing a wild strand of hair away from her eyes. "L-listen, it's nice that you care so much, but I am fine."

Aiden still reeled from this, his head spinning. The sensations, the emotions, they were getting so intense. He felt something within him changing, evolving, growing. Something latent, not yet harnessed to its full potential. Maybe in space, that could grow.

Aiden cast a wary glance back at Conner, searching for his red hair, finding it like a bloodstain on a tree trunk. There was a darkness to him, ghosts and revenants hovering around him. Yet, Aiden could not see the ghost that lingered along Conner.

The true ghost, that he kept suppressed with drugs and hate. Jack's ghost lingered, ethereal, skeletal, with bony fingers outstretched, impaling the shoulders of Conner's skin. "Kinkiller... betrayer... you murdered your... brother... who... loved you... how many times have... you healed his wounds... and you left him dead. I... will... haunt you... till the day you die... no moment will be... without sadness... you killed... your brother for greed... your dreams... will fill with soot."

Conner tried to scratch it off, seeing it like a lingering shadow. He took a chug from his flask, and it shakily started to disperse within the deep dark forest.

Aiden turned back to Suletta, his heart still pounding but his anger subsiding. "If he ever bothers you, you let me know," he said, his voice softer but still firm.

Suletta nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of relief and concern. "I will, Aiden. Thank you."

Miorine stood up, her eyes locked on Conner's retreating figure. "We need to keep an eye on him. There's something off about that guy."

Aiden nodded, his gaze fixed on the forest. "Yeah, there is. And I intend to find out what."

As the three of them made their way back to the path, the snow crunching beneath their feet, Aiden couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. There were forces at play, ghosts of the past and shadows of the future, and they were all converging on this moment. He tightened his grip on Suletta's hand, determined to protect her and uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

The forest closed in around them, the darkness thick and oppressive. But together, they would face whatever came their way. Aiden knew that he would never be alone in this battle, for they were bound by a deeper understanding, a connection that transcended space and time. They were NewTypes, and their destiny was only just beginning.

Oscar

"Man…I say fuck it, let's grill the goat."

The Earth House goat let out a terrified bleat at Oscar's declaration, causing him to burst into loud laughter.

"Aaliyah will kill you for that," Ojelo mumbled, leaning on the fence. Nuno stood next to him, leaning casually against the crude house.

"So, Chu Chu is finally warming up to us. About fucking time," Oscar remarked.

"Well, you did come in with that nice save," Nuno acknowledged.

"Why, thank you," Oscar said with a grin. "Listen, I know I'm the support guy, but people forget just how good of a pilot I can be sometimes. I threw myself on her."

"I want to throw myself on her," Nuno commented, tossing a glance at Ojelo. "Ojelo, would you?"

"Ugh…Chu Chu," Ojelo waved it off. "I don't talk about girls like that, man."

"Fair," Nuno responded, then cocked his head towards Oscar. "You think she can get the work?"

Oscar pondered for a moment, hand on his chin before clicking his fingers. "On a good day, she's not that bad."

Ojelo exploded into laughter. They heard footsteps approaching and turned to see others arriving at the entrance. "What about Lilique?" Nuno asked Oscar.

"Lilique," Oscar considered. "Yes."

Nuno chuckled. "You know she's very popular with the boys?"

"I could imagine why…she's pretty thick," Oscar said.

Ojelo shot them both a disgusted look. "You guys both have mothers," he said, shaking his head. "Freaking deviants."

"Guy talk, Ojelo," said Oscar with a shrug.

Lilique, Aaliyah, and Martin were walking back towards Earth House. "Ah, so they released him for Christmas Eve," said Nuno.

"Yeah, I'm quite surprised. That break was pretty bad, the whole bone popped out," Ojelo commented, eyes wide.

"Fucking Spacien magic, I guess," Oscar muttered.

The two Earthians stared at the Spacien, then exploded into laughter.

Lilique was holding two grocery bags as Oscar rushed over. "Hey, Lilique, let me hold that for you…," he offered.

Oscar and Nuno's eyes widened. "That son of a bitch," Ojelo muttered to himself.

"Oh my, what a gentleman," Lilique teased, as Oscar smiled and took the bags from her. "Hey fearless president, how was the hospital?" Oscar asked.

"The first couple of hours were especially bad, but when I got into the room it got less worse…," Martin replied.

Aaliyah rolled her eyes, swaying with her grocery bags. Oscar deftly maneuvered between Lilique and Aaliyah. "Aaliyah, let me get that for you."

Aaliyah blushed, while Lilique smiled. Ojelo and Nuno exchanged glances, amused by the scene.

"Is it really that easy?" Ojelo asked.

"You forget that Oscar is six foot on the dot," Nuno commented.

"Chivalry isn't dead!" Aaliyah shouted at the two boys. "What sort of men let women carry all the bags while they walk away shamefully?"

They rolled their eyes, widening them again as they spotted another group approaching. "Yo, it's freaking cold! What's going on inside?" Aiden shouted from afar.

Nuno and Ojelo rushed to get the door as everyone started to pile in, closing it behind them with a click. Aiden slipped his hands along Suletta's shoulders and took the coat off her back. Unlike before, there was no protest as she smiled up at him, gleaming.

"I love you," she said.

Aiden hesitated, then smiled. "I-I love you too, Suletta," he replied, planting a kiss on her forehead. He hung both of their jackets.

"H-hey Aiden," Oscar stuttered playfully in a feminine voice, drawing everyone's attention. "C-can I-I get a kiss?"

Suletta had already exploded into laughter, and Aiden turned red-faced as the others joined in. "You're so annoying sometimes, Oscar," he muttered.

Everyone's attention then shifted to the Christmas tree in the distance. The lights blazed and glistened, reflecting off the ornaments. "W-woah," Suletta's eyes glistened at the tree.

She started getting giddy, her legs kicking up in excitement. "I-I just realized this is my first real Christmas," she shouted. "All the time I just celebrated with my mom and Aerial, but…"

Aiden took her hand and led her towards the tree, her teal eyes shimmering with the yellow lights. "This is going to be a fun night," he said, looking around. "Where is Deacon?"

A voice from the stairs answered. "He went to deal with Nika's problem."

An uncomfortable silence fell. Nika stared ahead, her features bathed in the warm glow of the Christmas tree as Chu Chu looked on.

"Well, let's not let that dampen the spirit," Martin said, trying to lift the mood. "It's Christmas Eve, after all."

And Oscar rose his glass to that.

Guel

"You bastard, Shaddiq!" Guel shouted, slamming Shaddiq hard into the dueling committee wall. "You knew we were going to be screwed!"

Shaddiq merely stared at him, unflinching. "You've lost to Aiden Winters and his group three or four times already. What's this now, the fifth or sixth? You knew it and still hopped on it."

Guel glared at him, his face twisted with rage. "And what was this duel about? I had Laude do his research, and all I hear buzzing around school is how you're a fucking snake now. How you sent Parker Eastcott after Aiden in a 10v1."

Shaddiq's eyes narrowed. "That's your insufferable pride talking."

"What?" Guel shouted, his voice echoing in the hallway.

"That annoying, blockheaded pride that always gets you into more trouble than you realize. The same pride that lost you Miorine. The same pride that ensures you'll never beat him." Shaddiq's voice rose, sharp and cutting. "Aiden Winters lacks hesitation. He fell into a crevasse and whirled himself into a mass-produced mech. How many Gs do you think he cranked on that thing? How many miles was he pulling?" Shaddiq snorted, eyes wide with intensity. "He was like a beam of destruction. And Suletta, with her freaking Gundam…"

"Gundam," Guel echoed, his voice trailing off. Shaddiq slammed his open palm across Guel's face, the sound reverberating in the tense air.

"That's your pride being stripped away, Guel!" Shaddiq shouted. "Even now, you can't believe that thing is more than just a machine. Is everyone here blind? That Gundam is packing firepower that shouldn't be allowed, and none of the group members are interfering. What is going on with Delling Rembran?"

Guel stood there, silent and seething, his gaze fixed on the floor. "Me and my brother… our father is taking us out."

Shaddiq's eyes widened in shock. "You're going to be done with the race?"

The words hung heavy in the air between them. Guel's silence was confirmation enough, and for a moment, both boys were lost in their own thoughts, the weight of the situation pressing down on them.

Guel nodded along, his voice heavy with resignation. "It's over. Our dad is pissed, saying we could've died, and he's right. He's pulling us out. Petra's sticking with the company, but they don't want to leave, man. And it's all my fault. I can't beat him."

Guel stared at his hands, his fingers tightening into fists. "How many more losses can I take before it's my time? Is he really unstoppable? How do I have nothing to show from my struggles?"

"You're worried about the wrong things, Guel Jeturk," Shaddiq stated, turning away from him. "Now, I have business with that very same president we should've been focused on all along."

Deacon approached with a smug look, his hair tied into a ponytail, his green eyes fixated on the pair. "You doing good today, fuckers?" Deacon asked with a smirk.

Guel and Shaddiq both snorted and sneered. "Aiden and Suletta really brought the hammer down on your parade," Deacon said.

"W-why you!" Guel's voice dripped with bloodlust, but Shaddiq's hand on his shoulder halted him.

"What do you want, Deacon?" Shaddiq asked, his tone weary.

"You know exactly why the fuck I'm here," Deacon replied, his features narrowing. "You thought you were going to get away with blackmailing my innocent girlfriend. Like fucking hell I'll allow anyone to ever hurt or do anything to her."

"Shaddiq," Guel murmured, his mind racing with what they had talked about—Shaddiq blackmailing one of the girls.

"Files, everything—phone, laptop, computer. I want everything of Nika's wiped and gone. Clean slate. We agreed on it, Shaddiq, we agreed on it…!"

"I know!" Shaddiq shouted, his voice cutting through the tension. "I know," he repeated, more subdued. "Come, I'll put away my pride. You and your Sons of Harmony's strength is great, but things are going to come in the future…you are not as invincible as you believe."

"But we're on a hell of a streak, though," Deacon said, his confidence unwavering.

Shaddiq snorted as Guel pushed past them, glaring at the exchange. Shaddiq motioned for Deacon to follow him into one of the many offices. His fingers danced over the keyboard. "I can give the command whenever I want," Shaddiq said. "Everything."

Deacon nodded. "Do you want to know what it was about? Dawn of Fold. Your girlfriend was a cooperator."

Deacon rolled his eyes, and Shaddiq was shocked by his lack of shock. His girlfriend was a terrorist, and he just waved it off.

"Delete it all. Dawn of Fold, I could care less. That's my Nika." Deacon's grip tightened as his fingers dug into the muscle of Shaddiq's throat. "Don't fuck with me."

Shaddiq reluctantly typed the command, his fingers shaking as he pressed delete.

Miorine

Miorine waited outside, her breath visible in the cold air, as Deacon approached. His blond hair stood out like a beacon in the dim light. "Did you get back from talking to Shaddiq?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

Deacon paused and shot her a look, his silence heavy with unspoken words. "Yeah, what of it? Had to make sure he's going to honor the deal."

"Don't you think I have the right to know what my business associates are involved in?" Miorine questioned, her eyes narrowing.

Deacon shook his head, a smirk playing at his lips. "Doesn't matter, Miorine. It's over. The files are gone."

"How do you know that?" Miorine pressed. "Shaddiq could have backups."

Deacon rolled his eyes, a gesture full of disdain. "We've left a message with Shaddiq. He's done messing with us for a while. The next step would be killing him."

"Don't joke around like that," Miorine snapped. "Shaddiq is…"

"I'll do what I must and what I can, Miorine. Remember, this is all about getting you back to Earth," Deacon said, his voice hardening.

Miorine sighed, frustration etched into her features. "You know that I am not satisfied with that answer."

"I won't tell you, Miorine. That's Nika's business, and it's gone… it's over. So why can't you trust us?" Deacon asked, his tone softening slightly, almost pleading.

Miorine's eyes winced, her gaze cutting and sharp. "Fine, because you're untrustworthy. I don't need one of the mistakes of your past coming to bite us in the ass."

"Oh, that's rich, Miorine," Deacon responded, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Yeah, you first coming to me was a lie," Miorine said, her voice cutting through the cold air. "We're partners now, and Nika, for better or for worse, was there as a founding member. You take all these business classes, but you fail to realize what that could do for this company we're founding."

"This company? Wasn't this meant to just be some sham for us to run while we think of a plan for you to reach Earth?" Deacon questioned, his tone dripping with skepticism.

Miorine halted, a guilty expression flickering across her features before she quickly shook it away. "If I didn't need to get Suletta and Aiden out of that jam at the award show, that founding saved their lives and our reputation."

"Touche," Deacon conceded. "But Miorine, you're asking me to expose critical information on Nika's behalf. Could you do that for Suletta, or even for your father?"

Miorine's eyes widened at the challenge.

Deacon pressed on. "What me and Aiden are, what we were a part of, we could go to jail for the rest of our lives if the universe knew the truth of what we were doing out there. We all have guilt, we were thrust into a position and forced to make choices at fourteen about what we were going to become in our lives. And there was hate in our hearts."

"…and you don't think I'm strong enough to shoulder the burden?" Miorine questioned, her cheeks flushing red. "Do you really think that little of me?"

Deacon paused, taken aback by her defiance. "Miorine…," he began, confronted by her raw emotion.

"Do you not care about me?" Miorine asked, her voice trembling. "Do you all just hate me or something?"

Deacon was silent, grappling with her words. He didn't hate Miorine; he couldn't. "No, we don't. Aiden is annoyed, but deep down, Miorine, you know he cares."

Miorine paused, her face reddening further. "Maybe that's what makes it so difficult, knowing that deep down he cares."

Deacon's eyes widened. "What do you mean by that?"

Miorine's gaze drifted to the setting sun, its light dipping behind the mountains within the circular earth in space. Her hair fluttered as snowflakes graced her features. "If I had just stuffed down my insufferable pride," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Then my heart wouldn't have hurt."

Deacon paused, recalling Nika's and Oscar's words. "Aiden and Suletta, they were destined to happen. Nothing, Miorine, nothing would've changed that. You know he had dreams about her for years. Something like this… he fooled around for a bit, but now, he's serious. This music thing and Suletta, that's all he wants now."

Miorine closed her eyes, letting the weight of his words settle. The truth was a harsh and unyielding thing, much like the cold that bit at her cheeks. Deacon's honesty was a mirror she wasn't sure she wanted to look into, but there it was, reflecting her own doubts and fears. The wind picked up, swirling snow around them in a dance of white, and for a moment, the world felt as tumultuous as her thoughts.

Miorine's fingers clenched into fists, her knuckles white as she gripped her heart and chest. "Then in those duels…," she hesitated, her voice trembling. "W-why does he fight so hard?"

"Because he cares about you as well," Deacon replied, his voice steady. "Aiden is probably on the spectrum… or autistic or something. He's struggled with traumas. He buried his own mother, Miorine. It's a miracle that we're all functional… semi-functional."

"Can he not be more clear?" It came out as a childish plea, Miorine's voice raw with emotion.

Deacon looked away, unable to meet her eyes. "He's gotten better… Suletta has done that for him." He watched as Miorine's shoulders tensed. "I'm sorry that this is the one your heart has fallen for, but Miorine, jealousy…"

"I am too smart and proud for jealousy," Miorine snapped, wrapping her arms around herself as if to shield against the cold truth.

"Suletta loves you like a sister. And like I said before, Aiden has fought your battles time and time again. Own your feelings and let them go," Deacon sighed. "Even if you have to go back to hating Aiden, do it. For Suletta. You know it would break her heart if she found out."

Miorine rubbed her elbow, her eyes downcast as Deacon approached and patted her shoulder with a comforting smile. "Listen, it's Christmas Eve, and there's still decent light outside. Don't we need to head to the recreational area for some late Christmas Eve present shopping?"

Miorine nodded slowly, following him into the Earth House. Inside, a medium-sized Christmas tree, barely scratching the roof of the scaffolding, stood adorned with warm, complexions of Christmas lights. Earth House and Harmony House's pilots mingled, enjoying each other's company.

"Okay, Miorine and Conner are here… and everyone else!"

"H-here!" Suletta giggled, her laughter bright and infectious. Aiden had hoisted her up from behind, wrapping his arms tightly around her stomach, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "Come here, you!"

Miorine squinted in annoyance as they finished putting up the final lights on the Christmas tree. Earth House had already set up the ornaments, and it almost looked like newlyweds enjoying their first Christmas together.

Everyone smiled awkwardly but tenderly. Lilique shot glances at Oscar, who leaned casually against the couch, sipping a drink. Chu Chu, on the other side, swirled her own mixed drink, her cheeks flushed as she shot him looks through crimson-tinted eyes.

The atmosphere was festive, yet there was an undercurrent of tension, an unspoken acknowledgment of the complexities in their relationships. Miorine couldn't help but feel a pang of envy watching Suletta and Aiden, but she pushed it down, determined to find some semblance of peace in this chaotic world.

"O-okay, no more drinks until we get this Secret Santa thing worked out!" Martin shouted, trying to bring order to the chaotic scene.

"This is so fucking last minute," Oscar muttered. "How the hell are we going to get gifts the day before Christmas?"

"Well, Atistittica might be small, but it's pretty rich. Think of all the times we've gone down to the commercial block. Go to a game store, or a furniture store," Deacon suggested.

"I agree with Deacon," Martin responded. "This is a good thing that we're doing, but is Mr. Conner going to be joining us?"

Oscar snorted. "I haven't seen his face since the duel…"

Deacon scoffed. "I don't even think he sleeps in the manor anymore."

"Then why is he even here to begin with?" Aiden shot back, his eyes glaring at the others. The rest of the group watched in silence.

"You both know the answer to that," Oscar said, his eyes drifting down to his leg.

Deacon snorted. "Fine then, he's exempt."

"Maybe if we're lucky, we'll find him in a ditch somewhere," Aiden spat as Martin started writing their names on paper and putting them into a box. He then ruffled up the box and made his way through the crowd.

Suletta was the first to dip her fingers into the box. Her eyes widened, and a smile spread from ear to ear as she threw a look toward Aiden, excitedly bouncing from one foot to the next.

"Hey, where are you going?" Aiden asked.

Suletta donned her coat and brought her finger to her lips. "It's a secret, Aidy." And she shut the door behind her.

Aiden facepalmed as Martin made his way to him. Aiden dug his hand into the jar, trying to rummage through, his fingers moving around to see within the bowl. "Hey, no cheating!" shouted Chu Chu.

"I'm just t-trying to find…" Aiden bit his lip as he finally plucked one from the hole and read the contents. His face soured. "Damn it."

Chu Chu exploded into laughter as he sighed and waited. He shot the meager group a look. "You guys going to form any groups?"

"Not with you guys," Aiden regarded.

"Hey, why not?" Nuno asked.

"Because I've picked your name, Nuno." Aiden cocked his head toward Oscar. "Oscar, you've got one of these guys."

Oscar sighed as he raced toward Aiden's side. "You gents and ladies got the rest?" Everyone nodded along as they took their leave. "Who've you got?" Aiden asked as they made their way outside.

Oscar groaned loudly. "Miorine."

Prospera

Prospera stood at the head of the long room, her cold blue visor reflecting the tension that electrified the space. Beside her, Delling Rembran stood rigid, flanked by two armed security guards on either side. Across from them, Vim Jetturk trembled, sweat pouring down his features as he stared into the unyielding blue of Prospera's visor.

"My god," Vim stammered, his voice cracking. "Are you not even going to listen to me for a sec—,"

He was abruptly silenced as Delling Rembran's fist slammed hard onto the table, the sound reverberating through the room like a gunshot. The entire room grew taut with tension, but Prospera maintained a faint, sly smile on her lips, her demeanor as cold and unyielding as her gaze. She held up her hand, pages upon pages of documents clutched within it.

"Vim Jetturk," Prospera began, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "For a man who has accused me and my company of utilizing Gundams, and even more shamefully, to believe that I would place my daughter into one of those death traps—you, of all people, as another parent, should be ashamed. A full-blown hypocrite."

"Why you—," Vim began, his voice rising, but he was cut off once more by Delling's fist slamming down on the table.

"Vim, you are lucky that I don't burn down your company at this very moment," Delling stated, his voice low and dangerous.

Vim held his tongue, his face a mask of shocked silence.

Delling continued, his voice icy. "You sinned, Vim. You created a cursed machine...those damn things, Permit, it will be the death of us all. I thought you knew this, and to allow your eldest son to climb into one of those things."

"Like I said before during this report—," Vim tried to explain, his words tumbling out in a desperate rush. "I know there were two models, and the other was stolen, but that model was recovered on Earth."

"Ah, but the second model plastered with your name...what does that mean?" Delling inquired, his voice dripping with cold curiosity. "...and ignoring the fact that you failed to report recovering this mech, you reverse-engineered it."

Delling waited, his eyes boring into the silent figure before him.

He sighed deeply. "Now, I will be the judge. Because of your father and grandfather's relationship to the very founding of this group, I will make this disappear just this once. Burn everything, and Prospera Mercury herself… she will oversee its destruction."

Vim gasped, his breath catching in his throat. "You're giving her the right to oversee?"

Delling smirked. "She asked for the right. I guess she really must hate those machines." But Delling's smirk vanished as quickly as it had appeared. "But Vim... never forget this: I will destroy you and your lineage to stop this stem of Gundams. They are the source... that will spell a demise upon the human race."

Prospera found herself smiling, ghastly, at his words. The meeting ended swiftly, leaving Prospera and Vim alone in an elevator, the tension palpable.

Vim's eyes burned into her. "Ah, so you have a problem?" she questioned, still staring at the flickering numbers of their descent.

Vim sneered, but then realization dawned in his eyes. "It was... you."

Prospera threw a glance his way, a sly smile playing on her lips. Vim could read the truth within that smile. "I knew it. You tried to have my sons killed."

"You were the one who sent them after those cursed machines," Prospera said, her voice cold.

"You had them killed!" Vim shouted, his voice echoing in the confined space.

Silence hung heavy between them. Prospera turned to face him fully. "You should've stayed within your lane, Vim Jetturk," she said softly, each word a dagger. Vim's eyes widened; she had all the cards. "There are big things at play, bigger than your small cut of the Benett Group. Heck, you're lucky I didn't tell Delling about your prior plans of assassination."

Vim's eyes widened further, and Prospera laughed at the shock she had inflicted.

"I doubt he would've been so forgiving in that meeting if he knew you were planning to have him killed so you and your sons could wrest control of the group from his still-warm hands," she paused, her gaze cutting through him like ice. "...and the cherry on top would be forcing his first and only child into an unwanted marriage."

Vim's face twisted with a mixture of rage and fear, his fists clenched at his sides.

Vim gulped, realizing this woman was far more skilled and dangerous than he had anticipated.

"Why don't you?" he retorted, trying to mask his unease.

Prospera chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down his spine. "Because I prefer having weak little men do my bidding when necessary," she replied. She glanced upward at the rapidly descending elevator. "There are events on the horizon, Vim. At Plant Quetta, do you know how the Earthians feel about us?"

Vim snorted. "They live in a colony. I don't get why they would be upset."

Prospera rolled her eyes beneath her visor, the gesture lost on Vim, whose gaze was fixated on her smug expression. "They barely get any attention from the Group unless they're aiding in the process of being the first stop for Earthians dropping off precious resources."

Vim snorted again. "Why does this matter?" he demanded, raising his hand. "They've got shops, mini cities, even schools over there! What is this all about?"

Prospera clicked her lips in exasperation. "You always fail to see, Vim Jetturk," she said. "Many are attempting what you once did, right before Aiden Winters crushed your son."

Vim scoffed but held his tongue.

Prospera continued, "A lot of things are going to happen, and many people will be caught in the crossfire." She paused, tilting her head toward him. "All you need to know is to keep your kids close, don't let them out of your sight. When you hear the shooting and explosions, that's your cue to leave."

Vim was aghast. "W-wait, what are you saying?"

"A lot of contractors will be there," Prospera said, her head cocked like an owl. "The shadows and broken promises of the group. It seems there's a clock ticking for Delling Rembran, the leader of one of the greatest organizations humanity has ever known. Et tu, Brute?" The elevator came to a stop.

Vim stood dejected, staring at Prospera as she exited, leaving him standing there. She paused and turned to him, their eyes meeting. "If things don't go as planned, a stray shot from a defending vessel or mobile suit will suffice if Rembran tries to slip from our grasp."

Vim watched as the elevator doors closed in front of him, sealing him in a cocoon of dread and confusion.

Ensign Marty

"Plant Quetta. That's our target," Marty announced to Sophie and Norea. They both sat on their respective beds, the weight of the statement settling like a dense fog in the small room.

"Why are we going after that?" Norea's voice was sharp, cutting through the silence.

"From what I'm hearing through our comms and secret messages, we're aiming to strike at the heart of the Benrett Group," Marty explained, his tone heavy with anticipation.

"The heart?" Sophie repeated, exchanging a concerned glance with Norea. "Marty, that's a civilian site. It's just a transit hub between Earth and space."

Marty stuttered, caught off guard by her reaction. "I-I just found out today. There's a significant civilian population on the station."

"Schools, homes, workplaces, shops… there are also multiple institutes for technology and processing. What is the Legion planning to do to Plant Quetta?" Norea demanded, her voice rising.

"We're going to assassinate Delling Rembran!" Marty blurted out, his breath coming in heavy bursts. Both girls stared at him in shock.

"W-wait, come again?" Sophie asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

Marty nodded, his face pale. "This is Marko's plan. The true way to spark a war. We're going after the head of the beast."

"You plan to kill Delling Rembran and… then what?" Norea practically shouted. "You think killing Delling will just topple over the group?"

"Nah, Marko talks about flaying Delling's back with a whip on live TV. He wants to send a message," Marty declared, his eyes gleaming with a disturbing fervor.

Sophie shrugged her shoulders, eliciting a sharp look from Norea. "What, Norea?" Sophie questioned, her tone defiant. "This is the guy responsible for all of this. Heck, we've tackled worse."

"Sophie, this is insane… we've…" Norea trailed off, the realization dawning on her. Marko had planned this for a very long time. They had been drifting through space aimlessly, subtly guided back to Earth. Now, they were returning to a nightmare.

"Commander Moreno, how many of your Legion are coming to Earth to assault Plant Quetta?" Norea asked, using his full title to emphasize the gravity of the situation.

Marty glanced around, suddenly cautious. "That's classified information, Norea."

"How many!" Norea shouted, her voice echoing through the room.

"All of them, damn," Marty muttered, his voice low and gravelly. "There are too many to count, countless sons of the frontier, each with nothing to gain but power. We're all armed to the teeth now, Norea. No more Zaku 1's. We have cannons, Rick Doms, Goufs… all types. We are no longer weak, scuttling rats. The ashes of the dead, they are now alight with cinders. We're all coming to kill that bastard."

He paused, eyes narrowing as he thought about The Sons of Harmony. The Legion's greatest wish—the death of Delling Rembran—would soon be within their grasp.

"What do you need us to do during the battle?" Sophie asked, her tone edged with anticipation.

"Rain hell and destruction," Marty commanded, his voice a steely bark. "But be mindful of hitting friendlies and civilians, and I mean that." His gaze bored into Norea. "Those people may have fled to space, but they are still people with families."

"Do you really think I would kill a Spacien child?" Norea's voice was a venomous hiss. Marty shot her a hard look.

"I like to repeat things," he said firmly.

A dark chuckle slipped from Norea's lips. "Well, I will say this one thing—I can't wait till this mission is over."

Marty was silent, the weight of her words sinking in. Norea continued, her voice colder than the vacuum of space. "I can't wait till it's just me and Sophie again, and you and all your legion buddies are gone." She stomped out, leaving Marty with a passing glare.

Marty sneered, then turned his attention back to Sophie. "She's not wrong. We don't have that much time together."

"Yeah," Sophie replied, sadness lacing her words. Her eyes sparked like pilot lights. "You know…I didn't realize you were a war orphan."

Marty's eyes widened. "Y-yeah, it's not something I bring up a lot."

She paused and smiled, a gentle, almost shy expression. "You wanna see my family?"

Marty hesitated, then slowly nodded. The door closed behind them, and he figured she was just blowing off steam or something. He rose and took a seat on Sophie's bed as she rummaged underneath it, drawing out a second duffel bag.

She unzipped it and spilled out its contents.

"Stuffed animals?" he echoed, pulling out a red raccoon plush and smirking at it before looking up at Sophie. "You have a favorite in that bag?"

"They're all my favorites," Sophie replied, her voice soft as she extended her hands. "They're my brothers, my sisters, and I guess my two favorites," she paused, bringing a finger to her chin in contemplation, "they can be my mom and dad."

Marty's smile started to fade as he looked at Sophie, his eyes searching. "Are you serious, Soph?"

Sophie hesitated, gauging his reaction, her smile wavering before turning into a mix of shock and sadness, then morphing into a defensive annoyance. "I-I was just kidding," she snapped, snatching the plush from him and shoving it back into the duffel bag. "Just forget it happened."

Marty placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You and Norea are both…"

Sophie nodded slowly, her eyes downcast.

"Her family…I get it now. That's why she hates Spaciens?"

Sophie nodded again, this time finding her voice. "It's just been me and Norea, but Norea isn't my mother and she isn't my sister…I wish she was, but she's my best friend. Is it wrong to want something like a family, something connected by blood? I see all these Spacien families and it seems so easy for them to have dozens of people connected, but who do I, Norea, and the others in the orphanage have?"

"That's why you project onto your stuffed animals," Marty sighed, wrapping an arm around Sophie. She stiffened at first, then relaxed, her grip tightening around him. "I lost my family too. I can understand you, Sophie."

They held each other for a moment, his presence enveloping her like a warm, comforting blanket. Sophie found herself nuzzling into the deep tan of his skin, her nose brushing against the frames of his glasses, their faces inches apart.

"Do you think we're going to survive this mission?" Sophie asked anxiously.

Marty's lips curled into a reassuring smile. "Why would you ask that after all this time?"

She paused, her eyes distant. "Before, I didn't care much about my life. It was the thrill of being in a Gundam that gave me joy. The exhilaration of pushing your body to the limit while being fueled by Permit is a whole other sensation, Marty. You don't get it in the Full Armor, but when I was having fun playing soccer, talking to everyone here, and meeting you…I realized there are a lot of things in my life that give me joy. And I grew to appreciate Norea far more."

Marty's gaze widened as Sophie approached him, her smile tight and enigmatic. "There aren't any boys like you in the orphanage," she murmured, wrapping her arms around him with a possessive tenderness. "I didn't realize I had to be a lucky gal in space to find someone like you."

Marty gasped, his blush betraying his emotions as they tumbled onto the bed. Sophie darted to the door, plunging the room into darkness save for the ethereal glow of the cosmos streaming through the window.

Sophie climbed on top of him, her movements deliberate and urgent. "Marty, think about it, we're both looking for family, right?" she exclaimed, her voice a fervent whisper. Her hands planted firmly on either side of him, her emerald eyes boring into his with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine. Those eyes, usually so focused in battle, now devoured him whole.

Marty nodded slowly, his voice catching in his throat. "Y-yeah…," he managed to utter.

Sophie pulled off her top in one swift motion, revealing her freckled C-cup breasts, which seemed to glow in the dim starlight. She flung the top into the air, and it snagged on a loose pipe, hanging like a forgotten flag. Marty stared, wide-eyed, his breath quickening.

"If we're going to die soon," she said, her tongue tracing a line along his throat, sending a tremor of pleasure through him. "If we're going to die…I want to know what it's like."

"What's like?" Marty asked, his voice a mixture of exhaustion and arousal. Sophie giggled, feeling his excitement through her pants, and they paused, their breaths mingling.

"Are you sure?" Marty asked tenderly, his face softening. Sophie cupped his cheeks with her hands, her touch both gentle and urgent.

"Every time I crawl into that Gundam, I'm risking my life," she said, her voice steady but laced with vulnerability. "If tomorrow is our final battle, I want to know what one night with a cute boy feels like."

A heavy breath shuddered through Marty's body as he felt her warmth. One hand traced her side, while the other cupped her cheek. "M-Marty, if I let you do this…your Full Armor is a good machine," she whispered.

Marty chuckled softly. "Some foreplay," he teased, then began to kiss her neck. Sophie leaned into him, her eyes fluttering closed as he trailed kisses along her neck and chin.

"P-promise me…promise me that you won't forget me," she pleaded, her voice a husky whisper. Marty gazed into her eyes, seeing the desperation and hope there. "It would be nice to live with making an actual family. I don't want to be alone."

"I don't want to be alone anymore either," Marty said, his voice thick with emotion. He glanced around the room, as if searching for an escape. "Sophie, we can just leave this all behind," he suggested, his tone both hopeful and desperate.

Sophie's eyes widened, but she shook her head. "No, Marty."

"Why not?" Marty exclaimed. "You grab Norea, I grab the Full Armor and we bust out of here and we…"

"Because we're still loyal to Dawn of Fold's ideals," Sophie stated bluntly, a manic, warrior-like smile spreading across her face.

"Now, I know who you are, Ensign Marty Moreno." Marty loomed over her as she spoke, her vibrant orange hair splayed like a halo on the mattress.

"Really?" Marty tried to hide the annoyance in his tone.

Sophie cocked a smug smirk. "Yeah, I think I did. While me and Norea are soldiers, you're just some idealist, preaching all that warrior crap."

Marty held his tongue, seething.

Sophie pressed on. "Is that how you deal with the trauma of war, Ensign Marty?" she questioned.

"Enough, Sophie," he stated, his voice harder now.

She didn't relent. "If we're all going to die tomorrow, then how about we get everything out in the open? You're an idealist, Marty," her tone softened, morphing into a warm smile that sparkled for him. "You and Norea…you two were never prepared for this life. You with a code of honor, and Norea wanting more."

"Norea wants more?" Marty said, his curiosity piqued.

Sophie nodded. "She hates being up in space. I think what it's doing to her…what it did to Aiden Winters. I don't know how to explain it…"

Marty nodded. "She's far quicker in training. If I wasn't sure I could keep up before, I know I can't now," he declared.

"Norea has changed from being up here," Sophie muttered to herself, her hand gently connecting to Marty's face.

"Marty, hold me very tight tonight," she paused, her eyes searching his. "Tomorrow, if we're going to die, just…let's just imagine that I am your wife and that you're my husband."

Marty stuttered, his glasses rising slightly, and then her hands pulled him into a deep kiss. "Let's make a family," she whispered.

Marty hesitated but slowly nodded as they kissed again, falling into each other, lost within the cosmos. For a fleeting moment, a strange electricity zapped through them, a connection deeper than flesh. They loved even more fiercely, because in that moment, they understood one another.

However, they did not know of the consequence of hate that was going to come from this new version of humanity.