Author Note: This chapter came out pretty well and it has become one of my favorites! This is a mostly Aiden chapter, and I like the development that he undergoes and the realization will lead to character development. This author note is going to be short, but I hope you guys enjoy. Thanks for reading, following, favoriting, commenting, reviewing and following my Wattpad account! Thanks everyone for giving me so much motivation and kind words! I hope you enjoy this new chapter!

Reviews

EmeraldMage: Glad that you enjoyed the new chapter friend! One of the highlights to Aiden's character in my opinion is his love for Suletta. While Aiden at times can say some out of pocket stuff, it is clear that he loves Suletta for who she is and that this is becoming more than just a college gf type thing. Suletta and Aiden's story is one of the reason why I wanted to write the fic and I feel that a lot of people are going to like the conclusion both characters are going to have with each other. However, this is Gundam and it's not going to be all sunshine and rainbows lol. I've got a couple of ideas for endings and it is going to hit people by surprise. Nothing to crazy, and I am still planning on doing the alternate endings/paths so everyone can feel satisfied. Either two or three. Oscar's plot is going to be highlighted next chapter, and another character is going to be making there appearance and I can't wait to write that part because it's going to be funny and entertaining. The promise is heavily highlighted in this chapter and I can't wait to flesh it out, especially, the eventual betrayal that is going to happen. That part from canon I am trying to build up better than the show, but I wanted to highlight the cracks between Aiden, Miorine, and Suletta. Suletta and Miorine, yeah, I feel you on that. I really wanted to have an argument scene between Suletta and Miorine and I felt this was the time to do it while everyone is so tense. After this chapter and the next we are going to be doing the shaddiq part and then we're hopefully going to be ending SEASON 1 fucking finally if you ask me. The tension between Suletta and Miorine isn't over yet, likewise, Quiet Zero. Quiet Zero is going to be super interesting to write about and it really is going to shock everyone when it makes it's appearance. Thanks for reading, reviewing, and I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 39 - Loving Miorine Rembran

Aiden

Aiden Winters and Shaddiq stood side by side, the glow of the lighter flickering between them. Shaddiq cupped his hand around the flame, shielding it from the night breeze as Aiden lit his joint, inhaling deeply. The ember flared briefly, casting shadows across their faces.

"Wow," Aiden said, exhaling a plume of smoke into the cool air. A smirk played on his lips as he took another drag. "Thanks, Shaddiq, you're a real lifesaver." His voice was flat but sincere.

Shaddiq nodded, a faint smile on his face, though his eyes betrayed a deeper thoughtfulness.

Aiden continued, "Honestly, compared to all those other rich Spacians like Guel and his brother, you're alright. Better than Elan in my book, too."

"Elan?" Shaddiq's tone grew somber. "I don't even know if that was Elan to begin with, in all honesty."

The silence that followed was thick with unspoken words. Shaddiq broke it, his voice steady. "Can I ask you a question, Aiden?"

Aiden took another hit, coughing into his fist. "S-shit… yeah, this is stronger than I realized," he mumbled, chuckling lazily as he raised his hand, watching his fingers blur and double in his vision.

Shaddiq eyed him cautiously. "I imagined that Miorine and Suletta would've had issues with the smoking… you know." He waved his hand vaguely, searching for the right words.

"Know what?" Aiden replied, his voice carrying a hint of defensiveness.

"Like… the health issues involved with it," Shaddiq said, feeling awkward. "Like cancer and stuff."

Aiden sighed, a long, weary sound. "Suletta made me stop smoking cigarettes, but I'm not going to stop with my herb. It helps me get creative with the music, and heck, it helps me relax… Christ, I'm an ex-child soldier. I ain't going to do therapy, I ain't going to start taking pills, so… people got to start letting me live my own life."

Shaddiq fell silent, absorbing Aiden's words.

Aiden sighed again, softer this time. "I know you wouldn't bring it up if you didn't care. Listen, there are health benefits to it. Like, Suletta was fuming when she first saw this. She grew up on Mercury, so it's basically the same shit to her. But I made her read a Wikipedia article on it, and then she chilled out."

Shaddiq's eyes widened in disbelief. "You made Suletta read a Wiki article on smoking marijuana?"

"Dead ass," Aiden replied with a sly grin. "Suletta's pretty open-minded about things. I just need to explain what I'm doing. Honestly, I can see her point on the cigs, so I've been weaning off them for a bit."

"You sure do seem to really care about Suletta," Shaddiq observed.

"More than you know," Aiden said, taking another hit from his joint. His eyes grew downcast as he turned to face Shaddiq. "You had a question before. What is it?"

Shaddiq was silent for a moment before Aiden continued. "I imagine you aren't just talking to me to be friendly. Does this have anything to do with Guel and Lauda being attacked by a Warband of Harmony?"

Shaddiq's eyes widened, but he shook his head. "You were here at the Academy with your whole house… there's no reason to suspect you or anyone affiliated with you," he sighed. "This is more about… Miorine."

"Miorine?" Aiden repeated, his eyes narrowing. "What does Miorine have to do with anything?"

Shaddiq gathered his courage. "Do you love Miorine, Aiden Winters?"

The question hit Aiden like a punch to the gut. He took a step back, stunned, his mouth agape as he stared at Shaddiq. "N…!" Aiden was about to shout a denial but stopped himself. His earlier calmness warped into a piercing glare.

"What the hell is this about, Shaddiq?" Aiden asked curtly, anger flaring. He took a step forward. "Is this about the Holder race?"

Shaddiq was silent for a moment before nodding. "Yes, it very much is. More so than I would like it to be, but it isn't what you think."

"Then explain it to me, pretty boy," Aiden said, his tone sharp. "Because the last couple of times I've had conversations like this, it led to me dueling Guel and killing Elan or whatever he was. So, you better be careful with your next…"

Shaddiq shook his head. "This isn't about Guel or Elan, but Miorine… I'm not going to lie to you. I see the way you look at Suletta. Others on campus do too. It's very obvious who you love and who you don't."

Aiden's eyes widened, then softened as he sighed. "Damn it... I wouldn't have smoked if I knew you were going to tell me all this stuff." He dropped the half-finished joint and crushed it under his boot. "What a waste of good weed," he muttered, sarcasm dripping from his words.

Shaddiq snickered, despite the tense situation. "It's obvious you don't care about the Holder race. You enjoy piloting mechs, that's clear. But even Guel held a certain level of territory over Miorine... you don't care."

"Miorine is her own person... and I am my own," Aiden stated. "What she does is her business. I'm not like Guel; I'm not going to be up on this girl, and Guel was a real prick that—"

"Yeah, I know," Shaddiq interrupted.

Aiden paused. "You know what?"

"That Guel was a real prick that didn't deserve Miorine. I know."

Silence settled between them. "Wait, I thought you and Guel were tight, that you guys were friends," Aiden said.

Shaddiq rolled his eyes. "Maybe once, but after he became the Holder, that relationship became an acquaintance... he was too prideful. Did Miorine ever tell you she's known me since childhood?"

Aiden was silent, then stepped forward, cutting his hand through the cold air. "Shaddiq, no bullshit, what is this all about?" he demanded.

Shaddiq sighed. "I want to make you an offer."

"An offer?" Aiden repeated.

Shaddiq nodded. "Before, I remember that Deacon realized he couldn't hold the Holder position without significant financial backing. You guys weren't even interested in being involved with the Benrett Group... so, I'm here to offer you a way out."

Aiden's eyes darkened. "A way out..." he repeated, his fingers curling into a fist.

Shaddiq smiled. "Yeah, I and my girls are planning on challenging you and House Harmony to a group battle. If you agree to lose, I'll become the Holder, and you'll be free from this race."

Aiden didn't speak for a moment, and Shaddiq took it as his cue to continue. "Whatever financial support Miorine offered you, I've heard from channels that Prospera Mercury has taken over and is backing you in full. You'll be free from the dueling, the race, in just a couple of months when it's time for the marriage. I'm ready to pull whatever strings possible. Deacon wants a leadership position in whatever company I'll set him up. You're into producing music? I'll call up some of the greatest record labels all throughout the solar system just for you. Oscar, Jack, and the rest—just name your price and we'll make it happen. Suletta Mercury—you obviously love her... and Miorine... she—"

But Shaddiq was cut off, stunned into silence as Aiden's fingers curled around his jacket and lifted him off the ground. "A-Aiden," Shaddiq managed to mutter.

"Should've known...," Aiden spat, his voice a growl. "You Spaciens with your damn politics... you're trying to turn me!"

Shaddiq struggled in Aiden's grip. "More like... I'm trying to appeal to your better qualities," he gasped, Aiden's glare burning through him. Shaddiq let out a sigh. "This isn't about being the Holder... it's about Miorine."

"The Holder and Miorine are one and the same," Aiden retorted.

Shaddiq met his eyes. "That's a childish way of looking at things," he responded. "I'm going to be honest... I've been in love with Miorine ever since we were children."

The shock of it all caused Aiden to drop him into the snow. "You've what?" Aiden responded quickly.

Shaddiq coughed, bringing himself back to his feet. "I've been in love with her for years, and... I realized that Guel, Elan, and you aren't going to care about her the way I do. So, I'm going to step in. Listen, I'm not like Guel... I'll always protect her, make sure she's happy. She'll live a good life with me. Sure, being the head of the group has its perks, but Miorine is my dream."

Aiden paused at that... hadn't he just said the same thing about Suletta moments ago? The anger drained from his features as he rubbed the back of his head. "Are you being serious with me?" Aiden asked. "You're not messing with me or..."

Shaddiq shook his head.

Aiden's eyes flared and his arms extended. "Then why did you wait so long to...,"

Shaddiq sneered. "I should've done something sooner, but my father didn't want us to get involved with the race. And I can understand it. We've got a nice thing going with Grassley. If we won, we'd profit more... but my father isn't greedy. He'd rather play it safe than risk it all."

"The smart choice," Aiden stated flatly.

Shaddiq dusted the snow off his pants. "So, what do you think, Winters?" he asked.

Aiden's expression had grown weary. The anger, the annoyance—they had all drained away, leaving only a neutral gaze. He stared at Shaddiq's shoes, for once at a loss for words.

Sure, Miorine was often pissy, annoying, and infuriating. Just moments ago, he and Oscar had been discussing how to expedite her escape plan. Shaddiq was presenting them an out, an opportunity...

Yet, that was the weak option, the easy way out. Aiden Winters remembered the help Miorine Rembran had given him.

"I can't," Aiden said, his eyes filling with determination. "Miorine may be bitchy at times, but she's still someone I care for as a friend. I will not sell out my friends."

Shaddiq was silent for a moment. "Even if you don't love Miorine, you'll still keep her hanging around?"

Aiden shook his head. "This has nothing to do with me, nothing with you, or Elan, or Guel. This is Miorine's life and future we're talking about here." He wrapped his arms around himself. "Shaddiq, I can tell that you mean well, but come on, man... do you really believe that me giving up the Holder position and you swooping in is going to make Miorine fall in love with you?"

Shaddiq's breath halted, his eyes going wide.

Aiden continued, "Miorine has been running for a very long time—from her father, and then from Guel. Do you want to be the third?" Aiden asked him honestly. "Because deep down, you know that if you force Miorine to marry you, whatever path lies in the future, Miorine is her own person first, and she'll only grow to hate and despise you. She's lived a life defined by the men around her with money and power trying to decide her future. That's fucked up."

Aiden shook his head, and Shaddiq's jaw clenched.

Shaddiq spoke, "...and aiding her in an escape attempt is going to fix everything?" he shot back curtly. "Do you realize just how naïve that sounds?"

Aiden shrugged his shoulders mockingly. "Who said anything about Miorine escaping?"

Shaddiq sneered. "Oh, please, it's obvious something is most definitely going on. Miorine hasn't left in months, and I know it's a mixture of you and Suletta. Have you thought, at the very least, about the ramifications of aiding Miorine?"

Aiden shrugged. "How about you humor me?"

Shaddiq began, "Let's say you do get Miorine to Earth... what then?" He paused, letting the words sink in. "She's going to have to adapt to the harsh conditions of Earth without any money from her father. Likewise, the journey and the eventual hunting party will swoop down on the Earth Sphere. Do you really think Delling Rembran himself is going to allow his only daughter to walk away?"

Aiden's eyes widened. They had been so focused on the plan, it had seemed almost too simple. Now...

Shaddiq pressed on, "Then who's going to be the main culprit behind this, huh?" He stared directly at Aiden. "Delling may have leniency when it comes to you, Winters. But I've known him for years... that cutthroat bastard won't hesitate to make an example out of you and your 'Sons of Harmony.' Being kicked out should be the least of your worries. Before Delling sends out death squads to drag you to his feet—alive or dead—don't forget, this was the man who allowed young women to be butchered by the dozens for being contractors on Gundam projects. He stood aside while your homeworld was rained down upon by atomics. And you really thought it was going to be that easy?"

Aiden was shell-shocked, his eyes wide, showing the whites. His legs went numb, and his expression turned weary as he ran his fingers through his loose hair. "I-I didn't think of it like that," Aiden admitted.

"Maybe you should've," Shaddiq responded sharply. "Likewise, now think about the deal I offered you. Like you said before, you don't even like Miorine like that. Think about Suletta!"

Aiden shot him a glare that could kill, but Shaddiq shook his head. "No, you will not be angry or annoyed at this... I know very little about Ms. Mercury, but I know enough that she cares about you a lot. How is she going to react when Delling walks Miorine down the aisle to deliver her to you? When you have to say your vows, don't think this is just going to be a little ceremony, Aiden Winters. Everything will happen that day."

Aiden was silent, his hands now in his pockets as he glared at the snow. His teeth clenched tight and grating... but the worst pain came from the realization that Shaddiq was making very good points.

He was busy protecting his brothers, his Suletta, and maintaining his role as Holder…but he had never even wanted to be Holder. His mind flashed back to that August, a week before Suletta had come into his life. Jermy Luis, some fancy Spacien playboy rapper, had given Aiden $200 for two hours of work on a song, and now it was on the charts! Jack had been busy with school and prospective internships, Deacon had a massive test to worry about, and Oscar was just being a college kid, goofing around. Aiden was the only one with pilot certification. The last time they had truly piloted was months ago for practice. Look at them now.

Guel didn't even know they existed back then. Now they had made enemies, and Aiden had killed Elan. Why did he keep thinking about those two, even now?

Miorine was going to drag problems into their lives…wasn't it true? They didn't need her anymore, and Shaddiq was right, helping Miorine would only lead to disaster. Yet, Winters bit his lip, blood trickling from it as he glared at Shaddiq.

"You're right, but you're also dead wrong," Aiden paused. "You asked me if I loved Miorine, and you know what…it's true. I do love her, not in the way I love Suletta, but in the way I love my brothers. We owe a great debt to her…and I will not repay her with betrayal and treachery. Miorine will never be alone again. We Sons of Harmony remember, and we shall never forget."

Aiden glared at Shaddiq. "Miorine will be free…and whether it be you, Guel, Peil, or Delling Rembran himself. A deal is a deal, and I'm willing to fight and kill for her freedom."

There was a silence, and the only sound was the harsh torrent of wind that had grown between the two young men. Aiden sighed as Shaddiq turned away from him, but he paused after taking a couple of steps forward.

"You said before that you were ready to fight and kill for Miorine, but are you ready to die for her if needed?" Shaddiq questioned.

Aiden did not answer. His mind was filled with thoughts of Suletta, and Shaddiq knew deep down that Aiden would never leave her.

"Then, I bid you farewell with that final thought, Aiden Winters." And that was the last Shaddiq spoke.

Aiden Winters was then left alone with his thoughts, the snow barreling down harsher and harder as he sneered. "Man, I fucking hate this school," he mumbled to himself as he started to walk towards the entrance of the dining hall. Even though it was late, it was still decently populated.

"If it isn't Miorine, it's something about the Aerial. If it's not about the Aerial, it's about some prick trying to take it," Aiden muttered, shaking his head as he made his way towards the line. The usual meal plan be damned; he had some cash and headed straight for the premium selection.

He grabbed a menu from the side and flipped through it half-heartedly before sighing and shaking his head. "Yo, set me up with a chopped cheese, peppers, and everything on it. The usual all-rounder, you feel?"

The cook nodded and got to work, pulling out ground beef from the fridge and slapping it onto the griddle. Aiden watched, entranced by the sizzling meat and the rich, savory aromas wafting up. He took a deep breath, massaging the bridge of his nose, trying to ground himself.

His hands found his student notebook almost instinctively. He thought about calling Deacon or Oscar to tell them about his encounter with Shaddiq, but decided against it. Shaddiq wasn't making any immediate moves, and Oscar was busy heading to the hospital while Deacon was probably hanging out with Nika.

Aiden's gaze fell on Suletta's name scribbled in the margins, and he smirked at a picture he had of her. He'd snapped it while high, catching her in the middle of doing homework. It wasn't particularly embarrassing, but Suletta had practically pleaded for him to take a better one.

"Out of all the pictures, that one?" she had shouted. He clicked on her contact, considering inviting her to his room. Maybe they could talk and hang out. Yeah, talk and hang out.

A sudden pressure along his back interrupted his thoughts. At first, he thought he imagined it, but it felt like someone was poking him. He turned his head sharply, slipping his phone back into his pocket.

"Can I help you?" Aiden asked, his tone a mix of surprise and annoyance. He just wanted to grab a sandwich and leave, but it seemed someone else had other plans.

Dark hair, pale skin, and brown eyes met his gaze. The guy wore the standard student uniform, a shit-eating grin plastered on his face. If he wasn't wearing the uniform, Aiden might not have even realized he was from the academy.

"You're Aiden Winters… the Holder," the young man spoke, his grin widening.

Aiden glanced around, noting the tables where students were still engrossed in their meals. A small group, maybe five or ten, were chatting but also shooting furtive looks his way. His eyes narrowed at the exchange, a hard sigh escaping him.

He didn't want to be rude, but today had been overwhelming. He leveled his gaze at the person before him, forcing a semblance of restraint. "Do you need anything?" Aiden asked, his annoyance barely masked. The guy had already jabbed him in the back twice.

The young man puffed out his chest, arm poised dramatically. "It's Parker. You've probably heard of me."

Aiden's response was flat and unyielding. "No, I haven't."

Parker's eyes widened, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. Was this guy seriously this petty? Aiden sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Listen, can you get to the point? I haven't eaten all day, and I just want to get this done."

"Okay, geez," Parker replied curtly. "I just wanted to say thanks for kicking the shit out of that pussy, Guel."

"Pussy... Guel," Aiden repeated with a mocking laugh. "Ironic, that you're coming to me after he dipped."

Parker sneered. "How so?"

"The fact that you waited for him to be gone," Aiden said, folding his arms. "I may have beaten Guel, but he was a strong opponent. If things were different..."

Aiden's eyes widened slightly. Was he actually defending Guel? Guel was a good pilot, and Aiden wasn't going to let someone belittle his skills. The duel had revealed the truth—Guel was a worthy adversary who fought with heart and more.

"Whatever," Parker said, rolling his eyes. "Still, thank you for fighting for the little guys. You know, before your duel, I actually fought against him."

"Shit, that was a rough duel," Aiden remarked, his tone softening.

Parker shrugged. "It wasn't much. Guel, I thought he was invincible. I didn't realize he'd be put down by some frat boy," Parker smirked, his shit-eating grin widening. "Really shows you how invincible some people really are and how they can fall under the right circumstances."

Aiden glanced up, realizing that the mixture of men and women shooting glances had now turned their full attention to him and Parker. Their eyes bore into the pair, curiosity mingling with the usual cafeteria chatter. Aiden towered over Parker, scrutinizing him, wondering if this guy was actually serious. He didn't know Parker, and Aiden found himself questioning whether Parker was just socially clueless or simply a jerk.

Aiden sighed heavily. "Listen, Parker. I didn't fight Guel for you or anyone else. Guel was being a prick, and I felt that Miorine and another girl's safety was at risk. We got into a physical altercation. Then, he challenged me and threatened not only me but the education and livelihood of House Harmony. This happened a long while ago, and I wouldn't have done anything if things were different."

Parker snickered. "That sounds awfully noble of you, Winters," he said.

Aiden stared at him, unamused.

Parker continued, "I called him a man with a runaway bride."

Aiden chuckled, a dry sound, and Parker smiled, perhaps thinking Aiden was on his side. But Aiden was just staring at him like he was an idiot. What kind of no-name fool goes up to the ace of the school and says something like that? Ignoring how she's Rembran's daughter, what was Parker even thinking? And Aiden realized he wasn't.

"Something funny?" Parker questioned, his voice dipping with annoyance.

"Nothing," Aiden waved him off.

"Yo, Winters!" The cook called, holding up Aiden's wrapped sandwich. "Pay and get it while it's hot. You want it to stay or...?"

"To go, please, Mathias!" Aiden spoke quickly, ditching Parker to the side as he walked to get his order. He groaned in annoyance as Parker trailed after him.

"Still, I'm especially thankful... it was about time someone put that prick in his place, and you did it not once but three times!" Parker shouted loudly, drawing more attention from the surrounding tables.

Aiden took a deep breath to steady himself, pulling out his wallet.

"All good, I've got it," Parker said, pulling out his own wallet and slapping cash on the table.

"It's fine, Parker," Aiden spoke, but there was an edge within his tone, his fingers curling into fists as Mathias, the cook, observed the exchange between them.

"Keep your money, chap," Mathias addressed Parker. "You're a college kid, and while you're thankful, save your money. Winter's always got money to spend."

Aiden smiled and nodded to Mathias, who was adept at reading social cues. "Yeah, Parker, thanks but no thanks."

Aiden dropped his money and grabbed the bag containing his sandwich, but Parker couldn't resist another jab. "I will say this about you, Winters, you do know how to control your bride better than Guel ever did," he chuckled.

A tremor rippled over Aiden's body, unseen by Parker, but Mathias shot him a knowing look. "Aiden, relax," the cook said, his hands gesturing in a calming manner.

Aiden's breath came out heavy, as if his whole body was engaged in an internal struggle. "Miorine is her own person… we have a mutual agreement, and that is why she has not been escaping. We both profit from this deal, heck, she practically leads it. I would appreciate it if you did not bad-mouth those I consider my friends, respectfully."

Parker's chuckle held a dark leer. "Oh, a mutual agreement," he chuckled, resting his hand on his pudgy belly. "So, that's how you've been keeping her in line… So, does she like…swallow as well, for the agreement and…"

"What?" Aiden began, his fingers curling into fists as he dropped the bag onto the table. But Parker continued to prod.

Parker shrugged, his smile ever-present, as if he were privy to a joke the whole room didn't understand. Aiden longed to wipe that smile from his face.

"Don't get me wrong, Miorine is a very pretty girl. But she's got like no curves to her or anything," Parker sighed, clicking his lips. "I've got econ with Miorine, and she's always talking, always getting good grades, and just generally making us all look pretty bad compared to her. Yo, Winters, you've got to tell me that underneath her clothing she's got to be better company. She's rude, I bet, but you jam something deep within her mouth she'll definitely shut…"

Aiden's bionic fist slammed hard against Parker's face, the impact so forceful that Aiden felt one of Parker's teeth dislodge and cling to the metal of his false skin. Aiden's features were veiled in rage, eyes wide and red, teeth clenched like a hydraulic press as Parker was thrown several feet away, landing on his back.

For a fleeting moment, silence engulfed the room, broken only by the howling wind outside as all eyes turned towards the unfolding spectacle. Peers and workers alike stared in disbelief, their gasps echoing through the tense air.

"Oh my god, Parker," one of the girls whispered from the table, her voice hanging heavy with shock as Aiden's fist trembled in place, poised like a coiled spring.

"Parker, you bastard!" one of the young men from the table erupted, springing to his feet and charging towards him. His four companions followed suit, rushing towards Aiden with furious intent.

Aiden sneered, his fist poised in front of him as the students of Atisttica Academy watched in horror and disbelief as a brawl erupted before their eyes.

Mathias, the cook, clicked his lips in frustration. "Man, I don't get paid enough for this shit," he muttered under his breath before swiftly closing the steel curtain between himself and the students.

Aiden deftly dodged the first punch, but the second found its mark, striking him in the gut and forcing a hard cough from his lips. "A five v one!" he shouted, evading, parrying, and retaliating with a swift backhand from his bionic fist that sent one of his assailants crashing to the floor, clutching his jaw in agony.

Meanwhile, Parker struggled to regain his footing amidst the chaos, while the others around him assumed fighting stances. Adrenaline surged through Aiden's veins as he faced his adversaries, his breath heavy with anticipation as he glared them down.

Blood pooled in the mouths of Parker and his companions, a stark testament to the violence that had erupted in the once-peaceful dining hall, leaving everyone astonished, bewildered, and reeling.

"Winters!" Parker growled, rising begrudgingly as blood spilled from his lips, revealing the gap where two of his front teeth had been knocked out. He pointed accusingly at Aiden's face. "You did this!" he accused vehemently.

Aiden couldn't help but snicker. "…an improvement," he muttered, his tone laced with a hint of amusement.

Parker's fist remained raised, poised to continue the fight, but then a smirk spread across his bloodied face as he chuckled through the pain. "You're one funny fuck, Winters," he muttered. "How about this… we pilots can only find truth in one thing, isn't it?" he jestingly proposed.

Approaching Aiden with a raised hand, Parker leveled a challenge. "Shaddiq isn't around to save you, but how about it… let's duel," he declared. Aiden was torn between hurling insults or resuming the fight, but Parker's next words sent shockwaves through the dining hall.

"A battle to the death!" Parker shouted loud and hard.

Aiden's eyes widened. "What?" He flatly stated.

"You heard me!" Parker stated again. "You did it for Ceres, come on, we're so bad aren't we…you really think your some hot shit pilot!"

Aiden's pride, his ego, it was being tested. His heart hammered with anger for Miorine and he was reeling now after his talk with Shaddiq, the harsh reality of Miorine's existence. Forever, she has been controlled by the men in her life…and it was wrong for Aiden to be mean to her. He knew this for a fact now.

Maybe, it was the guilt…the guilt that he felt for not being a proper friend to a girl he shared so much in common with, guilt for hurting someone who obviously deeply loved his Suletta, and guilt that he had interfered so slowly.

His mind reeled to when Guel was destroying her Mother's greenhouse, he had pushed her to the ground and was destroying everything in there. Right after she had given him those Harmony Marigolds for free! He had only came back because he thought Guel was going to hurt Suletta, but he had failed in stopping Guel from hurting Miorine…didn't he.

He was the Holder of The Academy…and like Guel, he'd be damned if someone would disrespect Miorine. Especially some cheeky little shit who thinks that he could win against him.

Aiden's eyes narrowed. "You want some, I'll give it to you." Aiden spoke loud and fierce.

Parker stuttured for a moment, almost surprised that his challenge was accepted, but then his gaze locked around to all those around him who locked onto the sight. Even as sweat doused his brow, he rose his hands up from his sides.

"You think you can beat me?" Parker gestured with a heavy sneer. "Just some boy from some dead world," One of his cronies spoke from the side.

Yet, Aiden's glare locked onto all of the young men. "Im the one who thinks there hot shit…bitch please," And Aiden's glare could've killed, and nearly did as he spoke his next coming words. "Damn the group, damn Delling Rembran himself, and damn Shaddiq. I don't need a ref to stop me from dueling and kicking all your asses…so let's at it, you want a fight to death, your guys against me. Let's see who's the stronger pilot."