The Witch from Mercury and The Druid of Harmony

by ithorianjedi243

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

60. Epilogue - A Bitter, But, Warm Epilogue

Author's Note / Important:

It's done. I almost don't know what to say. Maybe because I hadn't planned on finishing tonight, but after hours of work, it just… happened. It hasn't fully sunk in yet—nearly two years of work on this story. Book 1 / Season 1 is finally complete, filled with a vast cast of characters, romance, loss, and drama. Thank you, dear reader, for sticking with me. Without you, I probably would have lost track of the story by chapter five. Your support kept me going. Now, it's ranked number one on Wattpad under both WitchfromMercury and Gundam tags. Let's keep this momentum going!

With this milestone, I'll be focusing on school. I recently lost my job, but more on that later...

I'm not sure exactly when I'll be back to regular uploads. I'll post a notification when Book 2 is ready to drop—rest assured, it's coming. In the meantime, my cousin and I have been working on our own science fiction novel, Warcaskets - Book 2: The Worms of Life. It's available on Wattpad, Royal Road, and ScribbleHub. If you're interested in more of my work, please check it out, leave a review, or drop a follow. And if you'd like to support me during this challenging time, know that every comment and review means the world to me.

Thank you for being part of this journey. There'll be another author's note in the end. Once more, thank you for sticking with me.

Mobile Suit Gundam - The Witch from Mercury and The Druid of Harmony. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? I can't wait to hit that "completed" button on this story. Till next time.

Best Regards,

IthiorianJedi243

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Reviews

EmeraldMage: I can't thank you enough for how much your reviews have meant to this story. I genuinely hope you'll continue reviewing Book 2. I apologize for falling behind on responses—my job situation has been challenging, but your support has kept me going. I'll be responding to your recent review and the Wattpad Q&As shortly. Thanks for being a part of this journey; I hope the ending is everything you were looking for. I've broken down your last review into sections to address each part. Thanks again, and I hope you enjoy!

Your Feedback on Guel vs. Marty

I'm glad you enjoyed Guel finally getting his rematch with Marty! That rivalry has been central to the story, with both being highly skilled but impulsive pilots. Aiden keeps Guel in check at the academy, while Marty pushes Guel to evolve as a pilot. I understand your concern about their behavior seeming reckless, especially with the high stakes of the plant's fall, but that impulsiveness is intentional. Season 1 Guel wouldn't easily let go of his grudge against Marty, and the EDF's different handling of Earth vs. Spacians is intentional; it's a theme I plan to explore further in Season 2.

Suletta, Aiden, Sophie, and Norea

I appreciate your feedback on the changes I made to the scene with Suletta and the other characters. I chose not to include the original moment where Suletta kills someone, opting instead for a more complex fight scene with Aiden. The NewType concept might feel a bit personal-preference, but I introduced it because it's a key part of my story's themes. Guel and Marty's grudge was meant to feel ridiculous and out of place under such dire circumstances. There's even a line where Norea calls them "fools" for prioritizing their rivalry over the fate of the world.

Suletta's Growth and Her Relationship with Aiden and Miorine

I'm glad you liked Suletta's development. I wanted her journey to feel intense and authentic, especially her reaction to Aiden's critical condition. I understand that Miorine's affection for Aiden might feel like an added layer of complexity, but her conflict reflects her admiration for both Aiden and Suletta. She won't betray her friend, but her feelings for Aiden create tension, especially as Prospera manipulates her. Suletta is a capable pilot, but her moments to shine outside the Aerial will come in Book 2.

On Expanding the Story with UC Era Content

I understand your mixed feelings about the UC elements. Initially, I wanted to keep the story focused on Witch from Mercury and Titanfall, but as I got more invested in Gundam lore, I couldn't resist integrating more elements. If I could redo this, I'd likely stick more closely to WFM with some UC crossovers. Sometimes, stories evolve beyond their original scope, and I know that comes with mixed reactions from readers.

On Miorine's Jealousy and Other Characters

Miorine's jealousy is rooted in her insecurities. While her friendship with Suletta is strong, her challenges with Aiden add depth to her character. As for Jack's death, the main cast didn't exactly "forget" it; they held onto hope after seeing video evidence and hearing from trusted sources that he was okay. The Harmony guys' flaws aren't necessarily "dumber," but rather complacency has crept in, which I tried to reflect realistically.

General Response

I understand that the story's first half was stronger for you when it was mainly a Witch from Mercury and Titanfall crossover. The UC elements and the expansion of the cast may have taken it in an unexpected direction, but your critiques are fair. In hindsight, a more focused story without Warhammer 40K terminology or real-world references might have kept things tighter. I appreciate the tough love here—it'll help me grow as a writer.

Thank you again for sticking with me through this journey. If you're interested, check out Warcasket - The Sons of Mars, a project my cousin and I are working on with similar influences. Your feedback would mean a lot to us.

Looking forward to seeing you for Book 2!

Best Regards,

The Author

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Epilogue - A Bitter, But, Loving Epilogue

Guel

Guel and Marty barreled toward each other, a chaotic storm of thrusters and blades flashing against the dark void of space. Marty descended at an angle, his face twisted in rage, while Guel roared in defiance, thrusting his Gundam upward to meet him. Their beam sabers hissed to life, crackling like lightning as they collided, the fierce energy of their strikes scattering sparks across the stars.

Locked in a deadly embrace, Guel jutted his saber forward, nicking Marty's armor just below the stomach. It didn't hit anything vital, but it tore enough to expose circuitry, leaving a smoking scar along Marty's Full Armor. Marty grinned, bloodthirsty and unyielding, veering away to reassess his mech's status—his screen flashed with a patchwork of greens, yellows, and reds. The left hand was gone, his shield punctured with holes, and Guel's Gund Bits had made brutal work of his defenses.

But that only fueled him further. Marty gave a guttural laugh and surged forward, ramming his mech into Guel's with brutal force. Guel gritted his teeth, retaliating with a slash that Marty narrowly dodged, the pink hue of the saber missing him by mere inches. Leveraging the weightlessness of zero gravity, Guel cut his engines, floating to gain an advantageous angle, their sabers clashing in a dazzling dance of raw energy.

"Just die… just fucking die!" Marty spat, his voice twisted with venom as he foamed with rage.

Guel steadied himself, thrusters roaring as he formed an X with his arms and charged. His Gundam smashed into Marty, sending them both careening into a nearby chunk of debris—a floating landmass the size of a football field. They crashed hard, shaking the surface as dust and metal fragments scattered around them.

Marty was quicker to recover, beam saber poised for a fatal strike as Guel fought for his footing. "Die, dog!" Marty sneered, slamming down his throttle, his purple saber poised to pierce straight through Guel's cockpit.

Guel saw the glint of the blade, and in that split second, his life flashed before him—a series of fragmented memories and emotions, weighty and vivid. He was frozen, eyes wide with the piercing terror of impending death.

And then, over his comm, voices broke through the haze, familiar and grounding.

"Brother!"

"Guel!"

Guel's heart lurched, his head snapping up as two Gelgoogs streaked across the sky above him. He knew those voices. Vim, his brother, had his beam rifle trained, taking quick potshots at Marty, while Lauda flanked him, a protective formation.

"More for the slaughter!" Marty shouted, veering off from Guel with maniacal glee. Dodging Vim's shots, he aimed his saber at the Gelgoogs, his voice crackling with twisted delight. "Two-for-one special, motherfuckers!" Marty howled, charging after them.

"Die, you pirate dog!" Lauda shouted, voice sharp and trembling with anger. His eyes widened with recognition, a burning realization hitting him like a shockwave. "This is the one… Father, this is the one who hit us. The one who killed…"

"Felsi and Kamil," Vim murmured, his voice laced with a grim, unyielding memory. He would never forget.

"Lauda, get your brother out of here," Vim ordered, his voice barely a whisper but filled with steely resolve. He never looked away from Marty, who sneered at the approaching mechs with twisted glee.

"Father, we can take him… together!" Lauda protested over the radio, desperation seeping into his tone.

But Vim shook his head, gaze unwavering. "The plant is falling, and we're caught in the atmosphere's pull. Guel and the others will make it out—those Gundams have atmospheric reentry capabilities. These machines, as advanced as they are… they're not built for that."

He tightened his grip, determination hardening his voice. "I can handle this one. You forget, your old man was a hell of a pilot back in the day."

"Father…" Lauda's voice trembled, hesitant. Silence settled between them for a moment, stretching over the comms like a taut wire ready to snap.

"Lauda!" Vim's voice cracked like a whip, breaking through the hesitation. "This isn't a joke. I can handle that tin bucket. Guel softened him up enough. Now, listen to me and get your brother out of here!"

Lauda's mouth pressed into a grim line. Reluctantly, he nodded, accepting his father's command. He connected his Gelgoog to Guel's Gundam, sensing the heaviness of his brother's breathing, each breath labored as if dragging air through clenched teeth. The permit lines on Guel's body were fading, loosening their grip on him, but he was exhausted, clinging to consciousness by a thread.

"Come, brother," Lauda said, his voice steady, though his heart ached. "It's time for us to leave."

Guel's jaw clenched as he looked back. "Father… he's going to…"

Lauda gave him a hard look. "You know Father. He can handle this."

A quiet understanding passed between them, though it did nothing to ease Guel's heart. He could only watch as his father surged forward, charging into the fray, green energy blasts streaking from his Gelgoog, illuminating the darkness as he chased Marty across the battlefield.

Lauda's thrusters activated, pulling Guel's Gundam away from the dying battlefield, where the green streaks of Vim's blasts wove through the smoke and debris. As Guel was pulled along, he shut his eyes, the world fading as he fought against the mounting exhaustion. But he couldn't block out the sounds—the final, desperate clash between his father and Marty echoing across the void.

In those last moments, the battlefield was silent for Guel and Lauda, the hum of their engines a soft reminder of all they were leaving behind.

Aiden

The first thing Aiden saw was the white foam along the edges of his cockpit—the sealant holding things together. But the Calibarn wasn't equipped with sealant. Had the Aerial somehow rebuilt it? Maybe. Stranger things had happened.

How long had it been? He blinked, disoriented. It was past Christmas by now. So many moments, so many memories—both joyous and painful—drifted through his mind like distant stars. As Aiden Winter gazed through his viewport, he saw the cradle of humanity in the distance—a great green and blue ball framed against the vast, eternal blackness of space.

And there, close by, he saw the Aerial—connected to his Gundam as if watching over him. Its cockpit felt like an extension of his own, silent yet attentive. Beyond it, he could see the Plant Quetta, still falling—a massive, burning mass, creaking and splintering across the atmosphere, scattering pieces like embers into the cosmos.

Aiden breathed out, noticing that his vision was limited. His lone, uninjured eye took in the sight, while the other—mechanical, damaged, unable to open—remained stubbornly shut. The thought of losing another part of himself gnawed at him, but he dismissed it. He was alive. That was what mattered.

He felt a subtle shift beside him, a light presence hovering near, close enough to touch. As he blinked, his eye adjusting, he saw her—Suletta, leaning in the cramped cockpit, straddling him slightly, her body fitting into the small space like she'd been meant to be there. She must've felt him stir because her eyes fluttered open, recognition dawning in them.

"Aidy," she whispered, her voice soft with disbelief, and then, with a rush of emotion, she repeated his name. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks as she clung to him.

He winced as she grabbed him. "Easy, Suletta…" he murmured, but his voice softened. She was here, with him, and her tears caught in the dim light, sparkling like stars.

He glanced past her, noting the remains of his tattered clothes, the glint of the splintering Plant still tumbling toward Earth. But even now, amidst the debris, he noticed flashes—laser blasts streaking through space. "Are people… still fighting out there?" he wondered aloud, half to himself, watching fragments of the plant peel off and scatter like shooting stars.

"I… I thought you weren't going to wake up," Suletta murmured, drawing his attention back. Her teal eyes, glossy and wide, stared up at him, and her voice shook. She'd discarded her pilot suit, now wearing a simple T-shirt with the remains of her uniform tied around her waist. Her expression was soft, vulnerable—unguarded in a way he rarely saw.

Aiden tried to laugh, but it came out as more of a pained exhale. "You think something like that could kill me?"

Suletta's eyes turned serious, and she shook her head, her hands rising to her face as if to hold herself steady. "You don't get it… you got so lucky. That kit was stacked, and… and that pipe wasn't as deep as it could've been. If it had been…" She trailed off, unable to finish, her fingers trembling as she pressed them against her cheeks.

"Suletta…" he started, reaching out, but he faltered, words caught somewhere between his heart and his throat.

"N-No!" Suletta shouted, her voice breaking. "T-this time… i-it was…," Her hands trembled as she released her hold on him. Her gaze hardened, her glare narrowing with a mix of fear and anger. "You're just going to leave me behind. Just like Miorine…like Mom."

Aiden shook his head. "That's insane. The whole reason I didn't stay behind…"

"Huh? More like the only reason you didn't throw your life away… or commit suicide," she retorted, her words sharp.

Aiden's eyes widened briefly, but then he steadied himself, his mind drifting back to that haunting vision—the one he'd had of Suletta. He saw it clearly now: a dying planet, a blazing sun rising over it, and his shattered remains lying in her hands. The memory twisted his features, and for a moment, Suletta hesitated, realizing she might have gone too far. But he didn't retreat. He knew, now, with absolute certainty.

There was no fate carved in stone. But his death—that vision he'd once seen during the IMC surgeries—it had felt so real. And as he looked at Suletta now, her face tense, her arms raised defensively, he knew he would never let that vision become her reality. Not for her. Not for any of them.

"Suletta…," he began, his voice softer. Her arms were still taut, her body rigid, but he could see the way his words caused her to waver, to tremble slightly. "I told you during the battle that we'd met before," he continued, stepping closer. "Do you trust me?"

Suletta's eyes widened. She stared into the deep, dark blue of his eyes. She wanted to yell at him for his stupidity, punch him for his recklessness—but somewhere, deep inside, she knew. She knew he'd risk everything for her, that his stubborn heart beat for more than just himself.

"F-fine…" she muttered, averting her gaze, trying to hide the vulnerability in her eyes.

Aiden raised an eyebrow, grinning slightly. "That's not the kind of certainty I'm looking for," he teased gently.

Suletta rolled her eyes, fighting a smile. "Aiden Winters…," she paused, pressing her fingers to the bridge of her nose. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, then finally looked up, determination in her gaze. "I trust you. So be honest with me, your girlfriend!" she snapped, crossing her arms in mock defiance.

Aiden chuckled, that easy smile returning. "Fine, beautiful," he said with a soft sigh. "It all began when I was thirteen years old… it's a long story, so buckle up, Suletta Mercury."

Suletta's eyes softened as she leaned back, settling into the moment, listening to his every word. For the next stretch of time, he recounted his journey—the battles, the losses, the dreams that had once felt so impossible. He spoke of the people they'd both met, the friends they'd loved, the foes they'd faced, and the fleeting, tragic beauty in all of it.

Oscar

Oscar's arm was in a cast, the bone snapped out of place and now needing time and physical therapy to fully realign. Sure, he'd had bruises and scrapes before, even lost a leg, but he hadn't been conscious for days to process it.

He maneuvered through the crowded shuttle, where small camps of people were scattered along the cramped passenger area. Curtains divided the narrow halls, and Oscar held two small cups of coffee, still steaming in his hand.

Cecilia sat with her eyes closed, gray bangs falling over her lids. Oscar settled into the seat across from her, placing a cup in front of her before leaning back, his gaze drifting to the swirling stars outside the window.

He took a deep breath, savoring a long sip from his cup. Slowly, Cecilia's eyes began to part, and she eased herself out of her exhaustion, sitting up to take a sip as well.

"How you holding up?" Oscar asked.

Cecilia rolled her eyes.

"Expected," Oscar chuckled, swirling the coffee in his hand.

A quiet settled between them before Cecilia broke it. "Any word from Vim and his son?"

Oscar hesitated, a flicker of surprise at the question, but then shook his head. "Nope, not a word. Deacon and the others have been at it ever since we left…that was like thirteen hours ago. Last I heard, none of them have gotten a lick of sleep."

Cecilia nodded thoughtfully. "And what of Miorine and her father?"

Oscar shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine," he replied.

Cecilia's eyebrow twitched, a subtle reaction, but one Oscar noted with curiosity. He'd never seen her make that kind of face before. "And Aiden and Suletta? What of the Holder and his woman?"

Oscar's expression changed; the color seemed to drain from his face, and he sneered slightly. Cecilia immediately regretted asking.

"You're worried," she observed.

"I'm fine," Oscar replied, a little too quickly.

Cecilia leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms. "No, you're not. I can tell you're worried about them."

Oscar remained silent, his eyes fixed on the swirling stars beyond the glass.

Cecilia took a deep breath; she knew, she could feel it deep within—the love they all shared for each other, the weight of it, how it hurt them, how it sustained them. Oscar was always the one smiling, always the one joking, a bright presence who found more happiness in others' joy than his own.

"I'll be fine," Oscar snapped, rising from his seat as he quickly wiped his eyes. "Suletta, Aiden, and the rest...they've survived worse. Next time, I'll even the score with those pilots, and next time, I'll be strong enough to hold my own."

"You can't blame yourself, Oscar," Cecilia said softly, watching him, seeing beyond his bravado.

Oscar sneered. "If I were stronger, I could've helped even the odds. I'm a warrior, like Aiden. I might not be some 'chosen' hero trained by the great Jack Cooper, but I'm still a soldier of the Long War. My name, my kills, my skills—they used to mean something," he added, his voice darkening with each word, fists clenching at his sides.

Cecilia's eyes widened as she sensed the anger simmering beneath his pain. "Why are you talking like this? You... you can't feel ashamed of—"

"What do you know of shame?" Oscar interrupted, his voice laced with bitterness. "My world was scattered across the stars. I never had parents, only good people I knew were the priests and nuns who cared for us orphans. And then the Benrett Group... they gave us nothing but pain. Me, Aiden, Deacon—and your Jack—we're forever marked by what Delling did to us, to our world. We carry that shame, every day."

Cecilia was taken aback, struggling to find words. "O-Oscar... you can't mean that."

Oscar sneered, fists trembling. "Aiden and Deacon got complacent. None of us saw what Prospera was planning, but Jack? Jack always knew," he said, thumping his chest hard. "No more weed, no more games, no more fun," he added, casting a steely gaze at her. "The second we get back to the Academy, it's going to be a war zone. The whole universe is going to feel this... a whole new war."

Cecilia seized Oscar's hand, her touch firm yet gentle, her face a mixture of empathy and sorrow. His surprise softened to something unspoken.

"Oscar," she began, her voice steady, "Jack would be heartbroken to hear you talk like this... he wouldn't have wanted any of you to throw yourselves back into the fire. You know that."

Oscar's gaze wavered. "So... you really believe it now, don't you... about Jack?"

Cecilia sighed, her expression a mixture of pain and frustration. "I've been trying to tell you all for so long... something was off. I knew it. We all felt it, deep down," she said, her voice trailing off as if she were finally admitting a truth she'd tried to ignore.

"Miorine said she saw a whole recording of what happened between Deacon and Jack," Oscar interrupted, his voice quiet but charged. Cecilia hesitated, absorbing his words. "So it's true... Jack really did go along with this plan."

"But why?" Cecilia asked, her voice laced with confusion and frustration.

Oscar shook his head slowly, uncertainty in his gaze. "Maybe... there are more reasons than we can think of," he murmured.

"Like what?" Cecilia pressed, searching his face for answers.

Oscar raised his hand, fingertips touching as though trying to piece together something intangible. "Jack knew more than anyone. Look, you believe he's dead, but I'm not giving up on him," he said, the stubborn resolve in his voice surprising Cecilia.

She noticed the color drain from his face, but he continued, undeterred. "Jack is... was the true 'blood' heir of old Harmony, trained by Jack Cooper. He had skills, and his bloodline... being the last made him especially—"

Cecilia sighed, rubbing a hand across her face. "Jack told me about his family's past... how he inherited everything when his older brothers died."

Oscar nodded. "Exactly. Jack was the third or maybe the fifth son, something like that," he said, waving his hand dismissively before focusing again. "But they're all gone now. Jack, by name, blood, and rank, is the only true heir. In a sense, he's the monarch of Harmony, of the frontier territories, everything. If the Legion were to take Earth, then..."

He trailed off, his eyes widening as realization struck him.

"What are you talking about?" Cecilia asked, her voice a mixture of disbelief and worry.

Oscar shook his head, trying to center himself. "Marko's not the true king; he was only given the role after a line of others was wiped out," he muttered. "Jack should have been the one to lead..."

"Then what was the point of all this destruction?" Cecilia asked bluntly, her voice laced with exasperation and disbelief.

Oscar glanced toward Earth, his gaze distant. "I don't know why Marko's attacking Earth, why he assembled the whole Legion for this. Maybe... they want to claim it for themselves."

Cecilia looked stunned, as if the enormity of it was settling in for the first time. "They want Earth... to rule it?"

Oscar shrugged, his expression weary. "It's the only thing that makes sense. They wouldn't mobilize the whole Legion otherwise."

Cecilia stared at him, her mind reeling as she tried to comprehend it. "But why would they... why would they go to these lengths?"

Oscar shook his head, his own questions burning behind his eyes. "Maybe it's because Earth is where it all started, where everything began. And if they take that... they take everything."

Silence filled the space between them, a heavy silence that spoke of histories and futures both unknown, bound together by blood, loyalty, and the haunting uncertainty of what lay ahead.

"It makes sense," Oscar said, his tone serious. "Humanity's birthplace still has weight—politically, symbolically. Earth's been ransacked over the years, its governments and military crippled. The Legion may just be a band of child soldiers, but they have spaceships, supplies, and Prospera's backing." He paused, meeting Cecilia's gaze. "Prospera is turning their greatest, most unreachable wish into a reality. She's given them the weapons to carve out a place in the galaxy."

"But... why?" Cecilia asked, her brow furrowing. "What does Suletta's mother have to gain from all this?"

Oscar shrugged, shaking his head. "Hell if I know. Maybe she's just one of those people who want to see the world burn around them. Or maybe she's trying to stake a claim in whatever new world Marko is building. But it won't last. Marko wasn't Jack's first choice—he's ruthless, and yeah, he'll try to build something, but a lot of people will die in the process. Whatever they create... it's bound to fail."

Cecilia's expression hardened as she absorbed his words. "Jack's first choice... but I thought he handed it all over to Marko."

Oscar rubbed the back of his neck, eyes distant as he thought back. "A lot of things were 'handed over' that day, written in blood, sealed with loyalty. Commanders like Deacon, other warriors of Aiden's caliber, and members of court and royalty all witnessed it. Jack handed the reins to Marko, giving him control of the territories, and now Marko holds them by divine right... and by his bloodline, his heirs."

"But...," Cecilia started, her voice barely above a whisper, her thoughts racing. She paused, searching for the right words, but Oscar cut her off with a raised hand.

"Want to know who's next in line if Marko dies?" Oscar asked, his tone somber.

Cecilia hesitated, hugging her arms to herself, her face betraying a mix of curiosity and fear.

"Who?" she asked quietly.

Oscar let out a sardonic snort. "Who do you think?" He leaned forward, locking eyes with her. "Aiden Winters. That's right. There's a lot in motion here. Prospera Mercury wouldn't have gotten rid of Jack so easily. He's got to be out there... somewhere."

Cecilia took in a shaky breath, her face pale with the weight of his words.

Aiden

"So... how did we meet all that time ago?" Suletta questioned, a hint of skepticism lacing her tone. "You were born and raised on Harmony, and I spent my whole life on one of the asteroid colonies along Mercury. Do you really expect me to believe that we met before?"

Aiden simply nodded, an amused glint in his eye. Suletta made a face, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe I should've checked you for head injuries..."

Aiden laughed hard, the sound rich and unrestrained, before steadying himself. "I... we met when I was thirteen. I was fighting on some forgotten world in the frontier. It was one of the closing campaigns of the war, still raging, and I was there when the atomics rained, spreading chaos through the ranks."

"Thirteen?" Suletta repeated, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized him. "Aiden Winters, what are you going on about? Like I said, it was impossible for us to meet. I never set foot outside the Mercurian Sphere until now."

Aiden didn't falter, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "You don't get it, but I don't blame you," he said gently. He leaned closer, and though Suletta's cheeks flushed, she didn't turn away. "I'm… magical, Suletta Mercury. In this time of witches and druids, I failed to see that it wasn't magic but science. We're the next stage of evolution."

Suletta frowned slightly, the bridge of her lips tightening as she processed his words. Her gaze, though, softened as she noticed a certain timelessness in his eyes, something ancient and worn.

"I was fighting on that world... IMC and Group Mobile Suits surrounding us." In Aiden's eyes, she could see the echo of battles past, the birth and death of stars, the endless cycle of creation and destruction. His gaze dropped to his arm and leg—the prosthetics Prospera had crafted, elegant and new, replacing the crude pirate replacements he'd endured.

"That was where I lost my leg, arm, and eye…" Aiden said quietly, his tone deepening as he held her gaze. "To a Gundam pilot. The only reason I wasn't killed by him that day…," he hesitated, his voice lowering to a near whisper, his eyes vulnerable. "...was because the war was over."

He paused, the weight of the past heavy on his shoulders. "Millions of young men thrown into the crucible of war, billions displaced or destroyed across the worlds of the frontier. And I hated them, Suletta. I hated them in that burning cockpit. Even when you tempered me, I still hated." He exhaled, his expression softening. "But it was you who always gave me hope."

Suletta's eyes widened, and she turned fully to him, her hand instinctively reaching for his. Aiden's fingers slipped between hers, and he smiled, lifting her hand to his cheek. Her touch was soft, grounding him, but as her fingers traced his skin, they brushed against something unfamiliar, a small rectangular ridge hidden beneath his hair.

"What's this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, a mix of curiosity and concern coloring her tone.

Aiden's face grew somber. "This… it's called the Butcher's Nails. We don't know why, exactly, but they existed in the old Harmony fighting rings. They temper the mind, keep you focused in battle, even if it… it comes with a cost."

Suletta's fingers lingered there, her gaze searching his. "Does it… does it hurt when I press it?"

For a moment, Aiden's face softened, almost vulnerable. "Not exactly. It feels… like a part of me, even if it was forced on. I carry it with me, like I carry everything else I've seen and done."

Suletta drew in a deep breath, resting her forehead against his. They stayed that way for a heartbeat, two souls scarred but intertwined.

Aiden chuckled, shaking his head. "No, actually, when I first had it, it would really itch. Now, it's part of me, like a second brain."

"What does it do?" Suletta asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It's meant to enhance cognitive function. The implant releases chemicals to boost reaction time, but that's not all. It's why Oscar, Deacon, Jack, and I are stronger and taller than most people. It's not just because we're drinking our milk and eating our veggies." Aiden tapped the back of his skull. "That's the 'gift' the Nails gave us."

Suletta hesitated, her gaze searching his. "Why are you telling me all this? Why now?"

Aiden paused, a soft smile forming. "Because you're my loving girlfriend," he said, and her face softened. "It's time for you to know who I truly am."

He tapped the back of his head again. "Oscar, Deacon, and Jack had the Nails implanted, just like me, along with hundreds of other boys and young men. Some didn't survive the tables, but those who did…well, five of us were called the Druids."

Suletta's breath caught. "Druids?" she whispered. She'd heard the term before, though she'd never understood its full meaning.

"In a time of witches, Gundams, and NewTypes…" Aiden's tone turned wistful as he gazed at her. "We were the Druids of Harmony, gifted with foresight. We could see where others couldn't, see what was hidden."

Suletta's eyes widened, her heart racing. This whole time… and no one had told her?

"When I was lying there in my own blood at thirteen, you came to me like a specter," Aiden said, his voice quiet as he moved closer.

But Suletta backed away, her expression pained and overwhelmed.

"Aiden…this is a lot," she said, pressing her hands to her face. "What are you trying to say?"

"What do you think I'm trying to say?" he teased lightly, but her serious gaze told him she wasn't in the mood for jokes.

"You're telling me you've had visions for years," she said slowly, her voice trembling. "That you had one about me…and this was nearly a decade ago?"

Aiden nodded, reaching to place his hands gently on her shoulders. "I know it's a lot, but you needed to know."

"There's just… so much pain," Suletta murmured, shaking her head as her mind reeled from the weight of his revelation.

Aiden pulled her into a gentle embrace. "It's my job to protect you, Suletta," he said softly. "I'd take away all that pain if I could. Your life matters, more than you know."

Suletta's eyes welled up, and she looked at him, her voice barely a whisper. "So… you don't feel anything?"

"That moment when I saw you… I didn't understand it at the time. I was so young, but you—you looked as you do now. You were sad, watching me. I can't tell you how many nights I stayed up, remembering you, memorizing each line of red hair, every shade in the olive of your skin… For a long time, you were the only thing that kept me going during the war. Even as the memory faded, I held on to it. And now, here you are."

He paused, his gaze softening as a smile touched his lips. "I've always wanted to ask you what you were thinking about in that moment." He reached out, gently brushing his hand along her cheek. "I came across time for you, Suletta Mercury. I love you. I always have, and I always will."

Guel

"Guel, Laude, run!" Vim shouted as Marty tore through a rack of debris to reach them. The brothers were pushing through the battlefield's edge, trying to escape, but Marty had already pulled them back into the fray.

"Harmony mutt!" Laude yelled, gripping his beam rifle and aiming over his shoulder, desperate not to hit his father in the crossfire.

Vim's Gelgoog braced, but Marty's Gundam—battered yet fierce—clung to it with a death grip. In one powerful move, Marty flung Vim's Gelgoog straight toward the brothers, his crazed laughter echoing through the comms as blood trickled from his lips.

"You think you can escape without facing me?" Marty roared, his voice seething with hatred. "This one's for Wilkerson, you son of a bitch!" he spat, loading another tank shell into the barrel and pulling the trigger.

The shell shot forward, blazing through the void. "Brother!" Laude shouted, struggling to stabilize his suit and shield Guel, fully aware that a direct hit would mean their end.

The shell exploded just overhead, sparing them from a direct hit but sending them spiraling apart. Both Guel and Laude screamed, their father's frantic voice cutting through the comms, demanding to know if they were all right.

"Laude, Laude!" Guel's voice cracked as he heard his brother's voice grow fainter, fading into the reaches of space as Laude's Gelgoog drifted farther and farther from his reach. "Laude!" he yelled, desperate to reconnect, but the blast had sent his Gundam in the opposite direction, plummeting toward Earth.

"G-Guel…f…ather…b-r-o-ther!" Laude's voice stuttered, distorted by the distance and interference, until it was silenced completely.

Guel stared at his radio, stunned, his heart pounding as he descended uncontrollably toward Earth. This couldn't be happening. Not now. Not like this.

"Guel!" Vim's voice snapped him out of his stupor, just as Vim surged forward, delivering a fierce uppercut to Marty's Full Armor. The impact rattled Marty's cockpit, cracks spider-webbing across his helmet's visor as he fought to regain control.

Dropping his beam rifle, Vim drew his beam naginata, double blades igniting from both ends as he tested a slash. Marty dodged with a sneer, maneuvering to descend toward Guel's position.

"You corporate scum!" Marty growled, diving toward Guel's suit with bloodlust in his eyes.

"Not on my watch, you pirate trash!" Vim spat, throttling forward to intercept Marty's approach, careening headlong to protect his son.

Marty's mobile suit delivered a swift, brutal kick to Guel's Gundam Schwartzee, wrenching the head with such force that it snapped, leaving it to dangle by sparking wires and shattered circuitry.

Guel's vision blurred to black, his eyes wide and strained, barely hanging on. His Gundam was dead in the water, his controls limp, and his suit unresponsive. It was a miracle his Vulcans hadn't overloaded. Had he been a second slower, he wouldn't have had a chance to react.

Yet, instinct surged within him—an instinct born not from NewType senses or Druid training, but pure, hardened combat intuition. His hand found his beam saber, swinging in a wide arc even as he struggled against the numbness creeping through him.

Marty's eyes went wide as he barely dodged, feeling the beam saber singe the underside of his Full Armor Gundam. But the strike wasn't without impact; Guel's saber carved clean through the Full Armor's legs, severing them from the knees down.

"Shit…" Marty hissed, momentarily disoriented. But as he regained focus, a dark grin spread across his face. His eyes locked onto Guel's powerless Gundam, still stubbornly swinging its saber. Marty felt a surge of wrath and exhilaration fill him as he throttled forward.

"This has been a long time coming… Die, Jetturk dog!" Marty roared, his voice carrying the weight of years of hatred and rivalry. The Full Armor Gundam surged forward, powered not only by its machinery but by the fury of countless unrecognized pilots, each spirit that had poured their skill, strength, and will into piloting these war machines. The legacy of every fallen soldier in the Full Armor series seemed to echo through Marty's scream, their essence intertwining with his own.

Unbeknownst to Marty, he had forgotten that the Full Armor Gundam was a NewType machine, originally meant for Aiden Winters. By fate—or perhaps dark irony—he had inherited it through mere circumstance. As the machine's latent abilities awakened within him, it was as if every dormant soul bound to its systems were lending him their power, pushing him toward a destiny he barely understood.

The weapon pulsed in his hands, a machine of unparalleled destruction—the pinnacle of humanity's technological reach. Marty, gripped by this brutal symphony, saw nothing but his target. He was poised, ready to etch his mark into history as he hurtled toward Guel, preparing to strike a fatal blow.

But then… a voice broke through the fury, soft yet unmistakable.

"Marty, don't!" Sophie's voice echoed in his mind, rippling through his senses like a quiet plea.

His movements slowed, the heat of his rage dimming for a heartbeat. "Sophie?" he whispered, thrown off-balance.

"Don't do it!" Another voice joined, Norea's, blending into the strange, ethereal chorus. The echoes swirled around him, disembodied but familiar. He could feel the brush of memories, the warmth of long-lost camaraderie, and a thread of humanity pulling him back from the edge. The backdrop of the dying plant, the distant Earth, and the stars seemed to fade, leaving only the quiet murmurs of those voices.

And then, one more voice, fractured and faint.

"Tobias?" Marty murmured, his voice cracking. The sound of that name—a name he hadn't spoken in years—struck him harder than any beam or blast.

The grip on his controls faltered, and for the first time, his heart trembled. In that breath, he remembered.

Marty felt the laughter in his ears, ghostly and familiar.

"…and Keith and Wilkerson as well," his dead sergeant's voice whispered, grounding him for a breath, but his hand remained tense, his beam saber still poised. His mind fought to focus. They were gone. He'd seen them die. Yet, here they were, voices like memories slipping through the cracks of time.

"Let it go, Marty," Keith's voice urged, calm and firm. "Go back to that girl who cares so much about you…you big idiot."

Wilkerson's chuckle followed. "Listen, Moreno. No grudges here, man, but don't end up like us. Put the saber down, blast off. Forget about these people. Your potential…your life is worth more than this."

Marty's throat felt tight. "My…potential…" he rasped, his voice barely a whisper. He could feel their energy, their light, their hope still reaching him even from beyond. Yet, instead of softening, a torrent of rage boiled over.

He shook his head violently. "Forgive me."

"No, Marty!" Sophie's voice pierced through the veil, desperate, pleading.

But he couldn't stop. Not now. His hand jammed forward on the throttle. "Die, Guel Jetturk!" he roared as he plunged toward Guel's immobilized Gundam. His beam saber crackled to life, descending with finality.

But then, in a blur of motion, Vim's Gelgoog surged between them, intercepting the blow. Marty's beam saber tore through the Gelgoog's cockpit, piercing deep, and the crackling visuals on Guel's screen captured the moment in broken, distorted clarity.

"D-Dad…" Guel's voice quaked, his gaze fixed on the damaged monitor, unwilling to believe what he was seeing. This was impossible. His father— his father shouldn't have even been here.

Guel's fists clenched, pounding the sides of his helmet, fighting to shake off the horror. His father's face flashed in his mind, an image seared there from countless memories.

A soft, pained voice crackled over the comms. "G-Guel…" The words were weak, fractured. In his mind, Guel could almost picture the injuries his father had sustained, the wreckage around him. His father's voice carried a warmth that defied the pain.

"Y-you alright in there?" Vim's voice was trembling, each syllable thick with agony, yet unmistakably calm.

Guel's breath came in shuddering gasps, caught between grief and disbelief. But his father went on, ignoring the pain.

"G-Glad…to know you're okay. You've…got a knack for that Gundam… Should've never doubted it," Vim's voice wavered, a strained chuckle slipping out, followed by a racking cough. "I'm…just glad to know you're…o…"

…And then, the Gelgoog containing Vim Jetturk erupted in a blinding inferno, scattering fiery fragments across the dark battlefield. Marty held his beam saber aloft, his gaze cold as he looked down at the destruction.

"So, that was senior…" Marty sneered, spitting in his cockpit. "Time to deal with you, Guel Jetturk, and your little shit of a bro—"

But he didn't finish. Out of nowhere, Guel's Gundam smashed into him with the force of a raging bull, shaking Marty to his core. His radio filled with the sound of Guel's anguished, primal cries.

"You killed him! You murderer!" Guel's voice was raw, venomous. "I'm going to rid this universe of you, Ensign Marty Moreno!"

Their machines locked in brutal combat, they spiraled together, tumbling toward the falling Plant. But in their rage-fueled clash, neither young man realized they were both being pulled inexorably into the planet's gravitational field.

Far above, drifting at the edge of space, Laude's Gelgoog lay in ruin, barely recognizable as it floated, lifeless, in the silent abyss. The purple monotone of its visor had long since dimmed. The damage had been catastrophic. But Laude himself was still alive—barely.

"Brother!" he called desperately into the comms, his voice choked with panic. In his dimming cockpit, the oxygen gauge blinked erratically, and Laude's chest tightened as he watched it sink lower and lower.

"Father... brother... Guel!" he shouted, his voice rising, echoing off the walls of his confined space. With each heartbeat, his fear clawed its way up, tightening his throat. He scrambled through the channels, switching frequencies with trembling hands.

"This is Laude, son of Vim Jetturk!" His voice was raw. "My mobile suit has sustained critical damage—I'm leaking air!" He waited, static filling the silence, stretching into a void that felt more consuming than space itself.

"Petra…please…" His mind flashed to her face, to the way they'd escaped together, to the transport vessel they had fled—The Sons of Harmony. He strained to picture her in that ship, to imagine her face if she knew he was out here, alone.

But the channels were silent. Static echoed back at him like a hollow mockery.

"Please…" Laude's voice fell to a whisper, his eyes transfixed on the endless expanse of space. "Please… someone… don't leave me here. Not alone. Not in the dark…"

The void loomed, an unyielding, uncaring emptiness swallowing him whole as he drifted, barely clinging to the fraying threads of life, his words lost in the vast, merciless silence of space.

Aiden

Suletta had her arms around herself, her eyes fixed on the floor. For the first time in a long while, Aiden Winters couldn't read her expression.

Then, without missing a beat, she lifted her gaze and looked directly at him. "Why didn't you tell me any of this?" she asked, her voice quiet yet unwavering.

Aiden hesitated, a lump forming in his throat. "There were… a lot of reasons, Suletta," he replied, his hand moving to the back of his neck. "Honestly… we all thought you'd think I was crazy. Heck, even I thought it sounded crazy…"

Suletta sighed deeply. "You mean the part where you experience seizures whenever you have these powerful visions?" she asked, her tone clipped. "Visions that involve me, visions you've kept hidden?" She held his gaze, eyes both hurt and demanding answers.

Aiden opened his mouth but faltered. "Didn't we agree you'd have thought it was insane?" he offered, a weak defense against the rising tension.

Suletta dipped her head, her expression softening but tinged with sadness. "Maybe. I know it's childish, but… knowing that Oscar, Deacon, Miorine… even Jack—he didn't like me, did he?"

"Jack warmed up to you over time," Aiden assured her, dropping down to one knee, searching her face with a sincerity that seemed to quiet her. "It's time you know the full truth." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Suletta… are you absolutely sure you don't have a sister named Ericht?"

She shook her head, her wild red curls like a storm around her shoulders. "Aiden Winters, I've told you three times already. I don't know anyone named Ericht." She looked away, adding, "Whoever she is, she's not—"

"When I was gone," Aiden interrupted gently, "I met someone else like me. He's… gone now, but his name was Gerald. We both saw the same vision, and Suletta… that girl looked so much like you."

Suletta's eyes widened. "Another one… When was this?"

Aiden exhaled, his voice low. "It was a long time ago. There's no point hiding it anymore. The IMC lost its sponsorship from the Benrett Group. No sponsorship, no protection. The Legion descended on them, and… I was there during the final battle." He paused, his jaw tightening. "Oscar was too."

He watched as the shock registered on Suletta's face, softening her usual determination. "Did Nika or Oscar ever tell you about the woman at the party—the one who threw her drink all over him?" he asked, a flicker of dark amusement crossing his face.

Suletta blinked, recalling the memory. "Nika mentioned it… but Oscar just brushed it off like she was some crazy, drunk old woman…" She forced an awkward smile, the surreal nature of the moment settling over her. "Aiden Winters, I get that things were hard before the Legion…" She paused, her face steeling. "But before that… the Legion made you a child soldier. They inducted you."

Aiden's expression faltered. "I joined when I was thirteen—"

"A thirteen-year-old can't make that decision!" Suletta's voice was rising, her tone fierce and unyielding with each word.

Aiden rolled his eyes, exasperated. "My blood is written in ink, in ancient Harmony texts—texts that we keep preserved, sacred. They hold my blood, my story. When I'm dead and gone, when the stars take my ashes…that part of me will remain."

Suletta tilted her head, her expression both intrigued and disturbed. "I didn't realize it was such a badge of honor," she said, a hint of a wry smile flickering before she wrinkled her nose. "So…is my boyfriend trying to say he's a terrorist?"

Aiden hesitated, the question hanging heavy between them. "It was the final battle, Suletta," he finally said, watching her face contort in horror. He raised a hand as if to shield her from the truth. "It was an oath we took when we were thirteen. They nuked our worlds. The bastard who orchestrated it…we had him, right where we wanted him."

"Oh my god," Suletta whispered, her face draining of color. "The woman was right. Nika was right. That's…that's how Oscar lost his leg?" She leaned back, piecing it all together, her eyes wide. "You didn't just…run into Conner. He was part of this campaign, wasn't he?"

Aiden was quiet for a moment, gathering his thoughts before he spoke. "I was the one who…put an end to her husband," he murmured, his voice low, haunted. "Popped him like a grape."

The words lingered in the air, their weight pressing down on them both. Suletta stared at him, speechless, her mouth slightly open, unable to form words.

Aiden's gaze dropped to the floor, his voice soft and resigned. "I know. I'm a monster," he said.

Suletta snapped her head up, fire in her eyes. "That's what you have to say after all that?" she demanded, her tone sharp and unforgiving.

Aiden looked up, stunned by her sudden intensity.

She took a deep breath, her voice unwavering. "Is it over, Aiden?" she asked, her gaze piercing. "I love you, Aiden Winters, but I need to know…is that part of your life done? Is the man who destroyed your life truly gone? Did his death finally give you the peace you need to live?"

Aiden hesitated, his hand running over his face as he struggled to find the words. "I…I got my revenge. But it's not like I feel any different," he admitted. "If anything, I felt more anxious. Every day, I worried—constantly thinking about that woman, terrified she'd go to the cops, or the space feds, or anyone with our names and faces. That's not the life I want. And I'm done letting my past define me."

Suletta sighed, a tentative smile tugging at her lips. "W-well, that's good to hear."

Aiden rested his hand on her knee, his touch gentle as he traced his fingers along her tanned olive skin. She exhaled softly, leaning into the warmth, her eyes drifting closed.

"I'm focused on what matters now," Aiden murmured.

"Oh?" Suletta asked, her tone playful. "Like what?"

"My friends, my family…" He paused, giving her knee a light squeeze. "And you."

Suletta smirked, her eyes sparkling with that familiar warmth. "Oh, really?"

He held her gaze, his expression shifting as he steadied himself. "Suletta…I'm sorry about your mother, about all the things you've learned that weren't true."

She hesitated, her fingers brushing a stray tear from her cheek as she struggled to keep her composure. "It's just… hard to know what was real and what was just a lie," she whispered. "There had to be something true in it all, right?"

Aiden nodded slowly, his gaze soft. "I know. It's hard. But Prospera…her reach is vast, and she's been pulling the strings for so long. We just need to step back and figure things out for ourselves now." He extended his hand, his fingers reaching toward the vast, quiet display of stars outside the cockpit. "This…all of this…is too much to let her keep running the show."

Suletta watched him, her eyes following the line of his jaw, his neck, his shoulders. She bit her lip, drawing her gaze back to meet his. "S-so… what are the next steps?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Aiden shrugged slightly, letting his arm settle around her as she nestled against him, each finding a comfortable rhythm with the other.

"Well…" he began, drawing her closer, "we need to get out of here first. And then…we need to find Jack."

Suletta's voice softened, barely a whisper. "Jack…"

Aiden nodded, his eyes fixed on the stars outside. "I won't give up on him. Jack trained us both. And, honestly, he was always a better warrior than me," he admitted, his voice tinged with admiration. "If Prospera has him hidden away in some distant, forgotten corner of the galaxy, or locked in stasis…whatever she's done, I know he's out there. Jack's bloodline, his skills…they're rare. He matters. He wouldn't just be gone."

Suletta tightened her grip on his hand, nodding as she leaned her head against his shoulder. "We'll find him, Aiden," she murmured. "And together, we'll figure it all out."

Suletta smiled, catching the unwavering conviction in Aiden's eyes. They were alive with purpose—a blend of strength and resilience—one eye mechanical, the other warm and real. For so long, he had been a man haunted by the past, but now, he was choosing to live fully in the present. And she knew, deep down, that she was part of the reason for this change. Together, they had both grown.

Without thinking, Suletta leaned in, pressing her lips gently against his neck. Aiden startled slightly, a hint of red flushing his cheeks as he smiled. "S-Suletta…," he chuckled, his voice soft. "Really? Here? I'm still pretty banged up…" But his words trailed off as she kissed his neck again, her warmth grounding him as her lips moved to his shoulder.

They had faced life and death together, countless times, side by side. Aiden was frustratingly stubborn, endlessly loyal, and absolutely devoted to her. He was her knight—the one she hadn't known she'd been waiting for. And even if this "witch from Mercury" hadn't known who her hero would be, he had found her before she'd even known to look.

"A-Aiden…" she whispered, the sound caught between a murmur and a breath as her lips brushed his cheek and her tongue lightly traced the curve of his ear.

"Suletta…" he moaned, his eyes half-closing as he leaned into the touch. For a moment, his gaze drifted toward the viewport, where the vastness of space stretched endlessly before them. They were far from the Plant now, and the remnants of that battlefield.

He glanced around the cockpit—a cramped, battered space that held the essentials of survival. Thanks to Suletta's quick thinking, they were stocked with food, water, and supplies. His Gundam, though scarred from the fight, was patched and functional, held together by emergency sealant and running on minimal power.

But as he turned back to her, all other thoughts faded. Suletta was slowly peeling off her T-shirt, revealing a lace-trimmed black bra beneath. Aiden's eyes widened, taken aback, his breath catching as she smiled mischievously.

"Pretty sweaty in here, huh, Aiden?" she teased, her own cheeks warming with a playful blush as her eyes gleamed.

He swallowed, his gaze meeting hers. Despite everything they'd been through, despite the scars and the endless battles, they were here, in this quiet moment, free from all the noise. And in that gaze, he saw her—the girl from Mercury, his partner, his everything.

Suletta let her hands roam over the curves of her chest, giving herself a gentle squeeze, teasingly lingering as her lips curled into a knowing smirk. "…but you like it sweaty, don't you?" Her voice lilted, low and breathy, dripping with playful malice. She laughed—light, airy, a shameless, slutty giggle that cut straight to Aiden's core. She was his, all right—his dumb, deliciously dirty girl, and the way she looked at him confirmed it.

Aiden felt his cock swell, thickening against the tight fabric of his underwear, his arousal pressing out, inch by torturous inch, until it strained against the edge of his briefs and started to peek through the leg of his shorts. Somewhere in the haze, he barely remembered he was down to nothing but his underwear—stripped, tended to, and now, completely vulnerable. But that look in her eyes…she was watching him with pure hunger, like he was a prime cut of meat, like a predator sizing up her helpless prey.

Her gaze was fierce, focused—a cheetah tracking down a lone gazelle. Aiden couldn't help but shiver under her intense stare, the way her eyes gleamed as they lingered on the hardening outline of his cock. She was practically drooling, her parted lips glistening, her expression hazy and lust-drunk, and before he knew it, she was sinking down to her knees in front of him. He felt the weight of her gaze and reclined further into his pilot seat, letting her take control.

Suletta moved in closer, settling on his lap, her lush breasts pressing against his bulging length, still constrained by his underwear. Her chest was heavy, warm, and even through her bra, he could feel the sheer, pleasurable weight pressing down, making him groan as the sensation tore a low, helpless moan from his lips.

"Aidy…" she purred, her voice laced with mischief as she rolled her breasts along his lap, dragging her soft curves over the hard line of his cock.

"…y-yeah, baby, anything," he stammered, barely able to form a coherent response, his voice thick with need.

She placed a delicate hand over his aching hardness, her fingers curling just so as she looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes, her lips twitching into a teasing smirk. "I didn't think we were going to survive the day," she murmured, her words soft, almost vulnerable, as she traced her fingers along his length. "I… I would've missed out on so much if we hadn't… especially… you…"

Aiden's brow furrowed, his breath catching as her words sank in. Suletta's cheeks flushed, and she bit her lip, lowering her gaze before looking back at him with that same fiery determination. "Honestly…we've been together for so long… I—I've wanted to tell you so many things…" She swallowed, then took a steadying breath, her voice wavering. "O-oh my god, it's so big, b-but…" She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her cheeks deepening with color as she whispered, "M-maybe I want you to try it this time… but… in me."

Aiden's heart hammered, his throat dry as he managed a sole nod. Suletta's giggle was music to his ear.

Guel

Chunks of the Plant's mangled remains peeled away in desperation, scattering in massive fragments across the cosmos, arching downward through the atmosphere. These shards spiraled along Earth's curve, their lethal shadows stretching from Africa to Antarctica, from the Americas to Asia. They descended, darkening the skies in a grim rain…

On the ground, life ticked on—people went to work, filled classrooms, and bustled along streets, an ordinary day humming beneath oblivion. But as the first glints appeared overhead, eyes turned upward, fingers pointed. The sky was falling. Razor-sharp metal chunks whistled earthward, slamming through monuments, buildings, concrete—impacting with a deadly finality. Like mechanical asteroids, they sliced through skyscrapers, tearing through layers of glass and steel as if they were child's toys in a perverse game of Jenga.

Screams rose in frantic waves, swallowed by the rumble of collapsing structures, mingling with the hiss of ignited propellant leaking from the Plant. The toxic blaze consumed the Hudson, transforming it into a river of fire. Monuments toppled—the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building—all lost in the cataclysm as a panicked, helpless cry echoed through the city.

"Get to the subway! Get to the subway!" The shouts barely carried above the chaos, frantic calls from the few clinging to hope as they crowded together like rats, diving into the underground depths.

A young boy stood frozen amidst the throng, his wide eyes wet with grief, watching his parents disappear beneath the weight of falling rubble. Beyond him, in the fiery skies, two mobile suits collided, their beam sabers arcing in blazing trails of orange light.

"Die, die, die!" Marty's voice boomed, each scream of rage a beat in a twisted, warlike rhythm. "Why won't you fucking die? Why won't you just lie down and die like the dirty mutt you are?" He punctuated each word with raw fury, his face twisted in a snarl.

He swung hard, a sweeping chop that Guel barely dodged. But Guel reacted, slamming his throttle forward, shoulder-checking Marty's suit, sending them crashing through the facade of a nearby building. Marty's eyes lit up; he had an ace in reserve.

"Got you," he hissed, his lips curling in a triumphant grin. He slammed the red button, unleashing his final tank round. "Die, Jetturk!"

"Shit!" The word tore from Guel's lips as he cut his engines, dipping to dodge—but the blast slammed into the building beside him, sending a shockwave that knocked him sideways. His suit spiraled, crashing hard into the earth below.

The impact nearly shredded his cockpit, and stars danced in his vision as his head slammed against the panel. He lay dazed, feeling the slow, thick throb of pain, yet through it, he could still hear Marty's suit creaking under the strain, the metal groaning as it struggled to stay upright. The full armor frame was damaged, dragging itself forward with a stubborn, legless heave, limbs mangled but relentless, carrying the weight of war upon it.

"R-really, Guel…" he muttered through cracked lips, tasting blood as it trickled down his chin and stung his eye. "Kamil, Dad, Felsi—they'd be kicking my ass for losing to a guy in a suit like that." He sucked in a shallow breath, the metallic tang of blood filling his mouth as he blinked through the haze of pain. "I've come too damn far…"

Vision blurred, Guel scanned the battlefield, but darkness swallowed the world around him. His fingers shook as he reached forward. "Damn it," he whispered to himself, "I'm already dead."

With a final growl, he hit the release on his cockpit, the hatch cracking open, flooding his face with the bitter taste of open air, hot with smoke and burning metal.

"This…is Earth," he breathed, his words catching in his throat. His visor flared as he surveyed the ruins, the landscape awash in burning orange—scorched remnants of civilization. Wreckage surrounded him in all directions, a vast sea of carnage that stretched into the distance.

Screams drifted through the open cockpit—terrified voices, people ablaze, chaos spreading beneath Guel like wildfire. But his eyes snapped forward just in time—

The beam saber came slashing down, crackling with deadly energy. Guel raised his own saber, blocking the strike, even as the blinding light seared his vision. Gritting his teeth, he threw out the Gundam's leg in a swift, brutal kick, sending Marty hurtling back into a nearby building. Below, people scattered, shrieking as they ran from the towering combatants locked in their deadly struggle.

"Ensign Marty!" Guel's voice boomed across the battlefield. "Fight me somewhere else! Don't be a coward—don't involve innocent lives!"

"Just shut the fuck up and die already!" Marty roared back, lunging forward, his fist crashing hard into Guel's side. The impact jolted Guel violently in his seat, the shockwaves rattling through him until he was dizzy, seeing stars. But he fought through the disorientation, bracing himself, and retaliated with a swift, punishing kick that sent Marty slamming into the back of a crumbling building.

Marty grimaced, his suit sputtering as his backpack thrusters struggled, failing to lift him. Guel seized the opportunity, slashing upward, and with a final, precise stroke, he severed Marty's beam saber along with the suit's remaining arm. The useless limb went flying, crashing into the remains of a smoldering structure nearby.

"D-Damn you, Guel Jetturk!" Marty bellowed, rage and desperation coloring his voice. His hand scrambled for the throttle, fingers flicking the trigger. His beam Vulcans fired, cartridges blazing as he aimed for Guel's exposed head.

"Like hell you will!" Guel shouted, charging forward. In one clean stroke, he lopped off the head of Marty's Full Armor suit, sending it spinning away, tumbling to the ground in a twisted heap of metal.

Now Marty slumped against the remnants of a building, silent, his eyes wide and glaring through the cracked glass of his cockpit. Across from him stood the imposing Gundam Schwarzzete, its beam saber poised like a judge's gavel, ready to end it all. Marty's mind flickered, for a moment, to the memory of Sophie's fiery orange hair…

Guel's voice cut through his reverie, cold and sharp as steel. "Your time's up, Ensign Marty Moreno," he declared, raising the blade closer, ever closer to Marty's cockpit. "Filth like you deserves a far worse end… slower. You should feel what Felsi and Kamil felt. So it's fitting you'll die in the same way."

Marty closed his eyes, his final thoughts drifting to Sophie. "Sophie… I'm sorry…"

In his mind, he could almost feel her warmth, the essence he'd left within her. Was there a chance, some small piece of him, that could live on within her? A spark of something good? But the hope faded as quickly as it came, sinking in the black weight of shame. A father like him would have been dead long before he ever saw his child. And Marty knew, with bitter finality, there was nothing worth leaving behind in him at all.

"Forgive me, Sophie," Marty murmured, his head hanging low.

As Guel prepared to drive his blade into the cockpit, a beam blast shot through the shoulder of Guel's Gundam. "What the hell!" he shouted, pulling back on his thrusters as more blasts began to rain down.

He twisted and dodged in a desperate dance, searching for the source of the attacks, but there were no visible weapons. Before he could react further, the limbs of his Gundam, save for the cockpit and torso, were riddled with holes.

Guel's Gundam crashed face down onto its side, leaving him angled awkwardly within the cockpit. His eyes fixed on the street stretching ahead—a surreal tableau of devastation. Buildings lined up in twisted rows, engulfed in flames, their surfaces smeared with burning bodies. Through the thick, poisonous smoke, cries and screams echoed as people scrambled for shelter. The air around him was heavy and dark, choked with toxic fumes.

As he looked beyond the smog, he saw them. Stomping through the haze, their eyes like blazing purple monocolor beacons, the Zakus and towering Titans of the Legion emerged from the rubble, each mech a monstrous silhouette of power and death.

"Oh my god…" Guel breathed, his voice barely a whisper.

Chunks of the destroyed plant were still falling from the sky, now a toxic shade of sulfuric orange. Above, Legion warships loomed, like an omen. And then came the drop pods—manned Titans hurtling down with violent purpose. He watched in horror as they landed directly on terrified crowds, the impact splattering people like crushed grapes.

Titans with chainswords and arc blades marched through the streets, cutting down everything in their path. Zakus and their variants—Goufs, Gelgoogs, R-Types—all descended with chilling precision, turning the streets into a nightmare. They hacked, sliced, and stampeded over men, women, and children, filling the air with screams. It was pure, unrestrained slaughter.

Guel's eyes were bloodshot as he took in the horror unfolding before him. His mind reeled, haunted by every sight, every sound. He could feel his grip on sanity slipping, the blood pounding in his ears. Then he screamed—a raw, desperate sound, the cry of someone witnessing unspeakable atrocities.

Through his cracked cockpit window, he glimpsed the Legion foot soldiers spilling from drop pods. Clad in gas masks, their eyes betrayed a sickening glee.

They fell upon New York like wolves, unleashing chaos and carnage. Laughing, killing, burning, stabbing—the Legion soldiers violated every part of the city's heart, uniting with the Harmony pilots and the Frontier Militia in a violent onslaught.

They had come not as mere invaders, Guel realized with a chilling certainty, but as conquerors. This wasn't a terrorist attack; it was a new spark in the endless cycle of war. The Legion had come to claim what they believed was rightfully theirs—a new home.

Aiden

Suletta is pressed close, practically floating in Aiden's cockpit with space stretching out beyond them, a dark and silent witness to what's unfolding. Her warm breath fans against his thigh, her lips moving closer with a mix of excitement and need in her eyes. She's let her hair down, teal strands grazing her cheeks, framing her flushed face as she trails her fingertips along his exposed skin. Those pretty, full lips press gently along his length, warm and wet, tracing every inch with reverence before taking him fully into her mouth.

Her movements start slow, savoring him, her eyes closed, lashes trembling as she begins to bob her head. She's focused, every motion laced with affection and a desire to please him. She's thinking of all the moments she thought she'd lost him, the near misses, the wounds she bandaged, her heart aching with the fear of never feeling him like this again. Between each deep, wet suck, she mumbles breathlessly, "I thought I'd lost you… I'd never be able to touch you again… to feel you like this…"

The cockpit is filled with her muffled sounds, her breath catching as she struggles to take him deeper. She pulls back, gasping, her hand wrapped firmly around him, stroking in rhythm. There's a fierce determination in her eyes, her fingers trembling just slightly as she returns her mouth to him, taking him until she's almost choking, fighting the gag reflex just to get closer. She's lost in it, the way he feels, how hard he is for her. She moans softly, her voice filled with relief and love, letting him know just how deeply she's missed him.

Unbeknownst to her, Aiden's hands grip the sides of his seat, his breathing growing ragged as her skilled mouth continues its work. She's oblivious to just how close he's getting, so focused on giving everything she has, pouring her love into every stroke of her tongue, every gentle scrape of her teeth.

Suletta pulls back slowly, eyes wide and glistening as she stares up at Aiden, her face flushed from the intensity of her efforts. With a quiet but eager resolve, her fingers begin to slide down her waist, teasingly inching her shirt up and over her head. She's already flushed, but as the cool air inside the cockpit meets her bare skin, her breath catches, and a new shiver runs through her. Piece by piece, she slides out of her clothes, her skin taking on a gentle, silvery glow under the distant starlight that seeps in through the viewport, highlighting every curve, every soft line of her.

Finally, her shirt drops to the floor of the cockpit, and she kneels before him completely bare, her full breasts lifting and falling with each breath. The soft, rounded weight of them moves with her as she leans forward, her hands reaching out to gently wrap around him again, and her lips parted with that shy, adoring look she always gives him. Her bare chest brushes against his thighs, those perfect, plush curves framing him as she positions herself for more.

With a soft, tentative lick, she teases the very tip of his cock, her tongue swirling around, gathering his taste with a quiet, hungry hum. "A...Aiden…" she whispers, stuttering softly, her cheeks bright red as she looks up at him through her lashes. "I-I missed this… I missed you…." She pulls him in again, her lips pressing further, taking him back into her mouth as her eyes close, focused and determined, wanting to give him everything.

Suletta's hand slips down to cup one of her breasts, pressing it around him, her warm, pillowy softness engulfing him as she slowly starts to move, squeezing her chest together with both hands now, her tits a tight, delicious channel around his shaft. Her pace starts slow, letting her breasts slide up and down, coating her skin in the slick mix of her spit and his precum, the wetness glistening as her soft flesh squeezes around him. Each time her mouth meets his tip, she eagerly laps at him, her tongue swirling, teasing, then pulling back with a satisfied sigh.

"P-please… let me taste it, Aiden," she murmurs breathily, her stuttering voice filled with that shy eagerness, her fingers squeezing tighter, pressing her tits even closer around him. Her mouth moves eagerly between sucking, licking, and whispering needy, desperate phrases that only make his heartbeat race faster. "I-I just want you… want you so much… to fill me up…"

Her hands press his cock tighter between her tits, and she starts to move faster, her whole body beginning to rock with the rhythm, her soft, perfect breasts sliding and squeezing around him, her mouth catching his head at the top of every stroke. She spits again, adding to the wetness, letting her saliva run down as she continues to pump him between her soft curves, her lips parted with a look of pure lust and love.

Aiden feels himself approaching the edge, his muscles tightening, his breaths shallow, and Suletta seems to feel it too. Her lips curl into a soft, self-satisfied smile as she looks up at him, whispering, "C-Come for me… please… I-I need to taste it…"

With one final, long, wet glide between her breasts and a hot, tight suck at his tip, Aiden shudders, and he can't hold back any longer. His release hits hard, and she gasps softly as his hot cum splashes across her cheeks, her lips, her chest, each burst of warmth making her breath hitch. Suletta's mouth parts eagerly, and she catches every drop she can, licking her lips and tasting him with that same look of pure adoration.

She doesn't pull back yet. Instead, she looks up at him, her cheeks full, his cum dripping from the corners of her mouth. Her soft lips pull into a pleased, glowing smile as she continues to hold his still-hard cock in one hand, watching him recover with a mixture of pride and satisfaction. She swallows slowly, deliberately, her throat working to take down every bit of him before she sighs happily, whispering in her soft, stuttering voice, "Th-Thank you… f-for… f-for the meal…"

Aiden's chest rises and falls, his head leaning back, eyes half-closed in pure exhaustion as he tries to catch his breath. But Suletta isn't finished, her fingers tracing up his chest gently, pulling his attention back to her.

"Aiden," she whispers, her voice low but insistent, her smile widening with a sly confidence he rarely sees from her. "D-Don't… don't pass out… because…" She giggles softly, her fingers stroking him gently as she leans in close, her breath warm on his neck. "Because… I… I did that… so you'd be ready to m-make sure I… couldn't walk… t-that's what I want, s-so… I'm not going to let you rest yet."

Her eyes are sparkling with excitement, and the shy smile spreads wider. "We… w-we have hours alone… maybe… days…" She can't help the way her own body shivers at the thought, and her grin becomes positively wicked as she straddles his lap, leaning in to brush her lips along his jaw. The stars shine outside the Gundam's viewport, casting the two of them in a gentle, silvery light, the endless expanse of space holding them in a quiet embrace.

Aiden's vision swims as he watches Suletta on his lap, her bare, beautiful body pressed against him, her skin still shining with the remnants of his release. His mind feels pulled between two worlds, the weight of his responsibilities one way and the sheer, undeniable pull of her the other. His breath is ragged, and his heart feels heavy—torn, yet aching with an unshakeable desire.

Her voice echoes softly in his mind, the way she'd told him they had hours, maybe days alone. The way she'd stammered, cheeks pink, as she let him know exactly what she wanted—to be so thoroughly taken that she couldn't even walk. Aiden's eyes trace every curve, every line of her, taking in the way her skin glows under the soft light filtering through the viewport, casting her in a silvery, almost celestial light.

He stares at her—really looks at her. Her tanned skin, smooth and perfect, almost golden in the way it catches the starlight. The deep red of her hair spilling over her shoulders, contrasting sharply against the dark, expansive void of space behind her. Her blue eyes are alight, and her smile carries that shyness and warmth he's grown to crave. And then there's her body, full and inviting, her chest heaving, those generous curves catching his gaze, her ample breasts pressed together, each breath lifting them in a mesmerizing rhythm. Her hips are wide, her ass round and firm against him as she shifts, seemingly unaware of just how deeply she's affecting him.

Aiden's mind stirs. This is what he's always wanted, isn't it? A universe where there were no battles, no grand expectations, no scars left from endless wars. Just him and her, Suletta—the girl who'd been in his thoughts long before he ever realized it, the one he'd fought to protect, the one he'd given everything for. And here she was, willing to give herself to him, all of herself. His jaw tightens as he takes her in, her soft curves, her breathless, waiting gaze. His whole body reacts to her, and the thought creeps in, relentless and enticing: What if it was just us? What if there was nothing but our love, our bodies, and every moment we wanted to lose ourselves in each other?

He knows it's a dangerous thought. They're alone, yes, but the cockpit and the stars are still a part of that relentless, chaotic universe that keeps pulling him back to duty, back to obligation. Yet, staring at her now, naked, shimmering with his release, he feels it—the instinct to let it all go, to focus only on her, and the life they could share if only he took her fully, completely, if only he could leave something deeper between them, something lasting. His hand trails down her spine, his fingers pressing against the small of her back as he speaks, his voice low, intense, almost a whisper.

"Suletta…," he begins, his hand trembling as he cups her cheek, his thumb brushing over her flushed skin. "Do you know what you're doing to me?" His gaze darkens as he takes in her expression, the way her lips part, the way her pupils dilate at his touch. "I don't think you understand how hard it is for me to resist you right now."

Suletta's lips part in a shy smile, her fingers trailing up his chest, still covered in sweat from their earlier passion. "Aiden…" she murmurs softly, her voice barely a breath. "I… I don't want you to resist." She swallows, eyes flicking up to meet his, filled with love, but also that unmistakable glint of desire. "I want you… I want you to do everything… to take everything. B-because… because… I w-want you… more than anything."

Aiden's hand tightens on her hip, his breathing rough, his mind a haze of desire and affection so overwhelming it's almost painful. He lets out a shaky breath, his voice dropping lower, almost a growl. "You… want me to give you everything?"

She nods, her eyes shining with a quiet, almost innocent kind of confidence. "Y-yes," she stammers, her face lighting up with the hint of a blush, "I… I w-want all of you, Aiden. I w-want to be yours… in every way."

Her words flick a switch deep within him, lighting a fire that spreads through his veins. The thought of leaving his mark on her, of being so deeply entwined that no force in the universe could ever separate them—it becomes all he wants, all he can think about. His hand slides up her back, feeling her tremble under his touch, her skin warm and soft, molding against him as he leans forward, pressing his forehead to hers.

"Then," he whispers, his voice heavy with that raw need, "then you'll be mine… completely."

He presses his lips against hers in a kiss that's far from gentle, pouring every ounce of pent-up desire into her. She gasps against him, her body melting, her hands clinging to him as he deepens the kiss, his grip possessive, almost rough, as if he's claiming her with every motion. His fingers slide down her back to her hips, and in one swift motion, he lifts her, turning her around and pressing her forward, guiding her onto the seat, face down. He watches, his gaze smoldering, as she settles into position, her face nestled into the cushion, her ass high in the air, that perfect, round curve framed by the starlight pouring in through the viewport.

She's a vision. Her tanned skin glows in the moonlight, the curve of her spine leading down to her round, full ass, her hips wide and inviting, the perfect shape of her laid bare before him. Her red hair spills over her shoulders, cascading down, and her skin almost shimmers, slick from the remnants of their passion. His hands move to her hips, fingers pressing into her soft, warm flesh as he leans forward, his lips brushing against her ear.

"Look at you," he murmurs, his voice a mix of awe and raw, unfiltered need. "You're perfect, Suletta… just… perfect." He pulls back, one hand sliding down the curve of her back, tracing every dip and curve. "God, I could get used to this… to seeing you like this, to having you like this." His voice grows softer, more vulnerable, though the hunger in his tone doesn't lessen. "Just you and me… forgetting everything else. I want that."

She looks back at him, her eyes bright and filled with love, her lips curving into a small smile as she reaches back, her hand resting on his. "I… I want that too, Aiden. Just… us."

With one last, possessive look, he positions himself behind her, his hands gripping her hips firmly, feeling her body mold to his touch. He takes in the sight of her, framed by the stars and the infinite expanse of space behind them, the soft, celestial light accentuating every inch of her perfect, inviting body. His fingers tighten as he pulls her closer, letting the weight of the universe slip away, leaving only them, only this.

The Gundam drifts in silence, a lone, powerful figure against the backdrop of stars, witnessing nothing but their shared world within.

Aiden's hands gripped her hips, his fingers pressing deeply into Suletta's soft skin as she playfully wiggled against him, her ass brushing along his hardness. With a sly grin, he leaned forward, his voice dropping low, a husky edge to his tone.

"Come on, babe," he urged, a gleam in his eye, his voice thick with desire. "Shake that ass for me. Let me see what you got."

Suletta laughed, her cheeks flushing, but she didn't hesitate. She arched her back, playfully swaying her hips from side to side, pressing her body back against him, feeling the firmness of his cock press insistently along the curve of her ass. Each movement drew a soft, breathy moan from her lips, her skin heating under his hands as he growled his approval, his grip tightening, guiding her motions.

"Oh, yeah… just like that," he muttered, his breath hot against her ear. "That's it, baby, throw it back on me. Let me feel all of you."

Encouraged by his words, Suletta moved with more confidence, her body rolling, throwing herself into it with a sensual abandon. She felt his cock throb against her, pressing harder, as her rhythm grew more desperate, their bodies aligning in a slow, maddening dance. The friction, the heat—it was intoxicating, and her breaths grew ragged as her own arousal pooled, her panties growing damp from the slickness between her legs.

Suletta's voice dropped to a needy whimper as her movements grew more heated, each brush of her ass against him sending a jolt of pleasure through her. "Aiden… please…" she gasped, her voice trembling with desire. "I want you… I need you…"

Aiden's gaze was locked on the sight of her, his breaths growing rough as he took in every detail—the way her hips moved, her skin glistening with a light sheen of sweat. His hand slid down her thigh, teasing her, feeling the heat radiating from her. He groaned, feeling his control slip as he watched her, needing her just as badly. "God, look at you…" he muttered, his voice thick with awe. "You're so fucking sexy, Suletta."

He hesitated, just for a moment, as he looked down, catching a glimpse of her flushed, swollen lips, her slickness glistening. She was so wet, so ready, and the sight of her in this state, begging, desperate, drove him to the edge. His fingers brushed against her, feeling the heat and the slickness, and he exhaled sharply.

"You're so wet for me…" he murmured, his voice a mixture of tenderness and raw need. "You sure you're ready? This is… your first time."

Suletta's eyes met his, wide, filled with trust and longing. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "I'm ready, Aiden. I want you… I want this."

Taking a deep breath, he positioned himself, his hands steadying her as he pressed forward, feeling the warmth of her surround him. She gasped, her body tensing as she felt the fullness, the stretch, the heat of him entering her. It was more than she had anticipated, the intensity, the overwhelming pleasure mingled with a slight ache as her body adjusted.

"Ah… just… hold on…" she whispered, needing a moment to catch her breath, to feel him completely. She took a deep breath, her body gradually relaxing around him, adjusting, her fingers digging into his arms as she braced herself.

Aiden waited, his own breaths labored, his body trembling with the effort to hold back. When she finally nodded, giving him the signal, he began to move, slowly, deliberately, each thrust measured and deep. His movements were gentle at first, building up a rhythm, the sensation of her softness and warmth surrounding him sending waves of pleasure through him.

As he settled into a steady rhythm, he gave in to the pleasure, his hands sliding down to her hips, guiding her movements as he started to thrust deeper, harder. The sound of their bodies meeting filled the room, each stroke pushing her closer, her moans growing louder, more desperate.

At one point, he raised a hand, giving her a playful smack on her ass. Suletta let out a startled yelp, looking back at him with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. "H-Hey! Don't… do that…"

Aiden just chuckled, smirking down at her. "With an ass like this?" He slapped her again, watching the way her skin rippled, the pink imprint of his hand against her flesh. "It deserves to be smacked, babe."

She bit her lip, trying to stifle a blush as his words sank in, but she couldn't deny the way it made her heart race. Slowly, reluctantly, she leaned into his touch, allowing herself to enjoy it, her face flushing as she whispered, "O-Okay… just… don't be rough…"

But Aiden wasn't stopping. With each slap, he followed it with a hard, deep thrust, his fingers digging into her soft flesh as he held her in place, each movement driving her closer to the edge. She found herself liking it, the way his hands claimed her, the way he took control, each stroke and slap sending a jolt of pleasure through her.

Lost in the rhythm, Suletta's moans grew louder, her cries filling the air as her body trembled, her mind slipping into a haze. Her eyes fluttered, rolling back as she felt herself being overtaken by the sheer intensity of it all. "D-Daddy… Master… please… I need… I need…"

The words slipped out of her mouth, her voice breathless, filled with raw, desperate need. Aiden's thrusts grew even deeper, harder, each movement purposeful as he drove her closer and closer. The feeling of her tightness around him, her warmth, her body completely his—it was too much, and he couldn't hold back.

Suletta's voice grew softer, her eyes half-lidded as she gazed up at him, her cheeks flushed, her hair damp with sweat. Her breaths came in short, shallow gasps, her body trembling beneath him as she rode the waves of pleasure, her eyes glazed, lips parted.

Aiden's gaze was locked on her, the sight of her in this state—a vision of pure, unfiltered pleasure—etched into his mind.

Aiden's hands clenched tighter around her hips, his grip firm as he drove into her with a force that was as relentless as it was deliberate. Each thrust was powerful, a primal rhythm that echoed in the tight confines of the cockpit, filling it with the lewd sounds of their bodies colliding, of her needy cries and gasping breaths. The slap of his hips against her echoed, a steady, unyielding sound that drove her closer to the edge with each punishing stroke.

Suletta's hands clawed at the sides of the seat, her body arching back, surrendering to the intensity of his movements. Her eyes rolled back as he filled her to the hilt, her voice breaking into breathless, incoherent cries that spilled from her lips like a mantra of surrender. "Aiden… oh god, Aiden… deeper! Yes, yes!" Her voice was hoarse, raw with need, and each time he buried himself within her, she could feel herself unraveling, her mind slipping away, replaced only by the consuming desire for him, the burning need to be filled, to be claimed.

"Aiden," she moaned, voice desperate, trembling with the edges of her climax. "Please… I need it… I need you to fill me, make me yours, completely… please…" Her words grew softer, almost pleading, as if each syllable pulled him closer, daring him to lose himself completely in her. "Just let go…"

Suletta's body went utterly slack, sinking lower, almost collapsing under the relentless force of Aiden's thrusts. Her arms fell uselessly to the sides, her cheek pressing into the cool surface of the seat, eyes half-lidded, glazed with overwhelming pleasure that left her breathless, every gasp escaping her as a shaky, desperate moan. Her hips arched high, presenting herself to him, her body molded into submission, face down, ass up—her body a vessel for his every thrust, each collision sending a wave of pleasure that coursed through her, leaving her trembling, helpless against the intensity.

The sound of Aiden's body slamming against her echoed through the cockpit, a steady, unyielding rhythm that matched the frantic beating of her heart. With each powerful thrust, a new shock of pleasure erupted within her, her body clenching around him instinctively, her thighs quivering, surrendering completely. Her legs spread wider, accommodating him, inviting every inch, every punishing smack of his hips as he drove deeper, harder, stretching her to her limits.

Each thrust struck a spot deep within her, igniting something primal that she couldn't control, couldn't contain. Her entire body felt like it was on fire, the sensation overwhelming, pushing her past the edge until her cries of pleasure spilled out, unrestrained, filling the tight space around them. Her hips jerked involuntarily, and she gasped as a sudden rush of ecstasy surged through her, her body giving in completely, a torrent of her release spilling with each powerful thrust.

"Aiden… oh—god!" she cried, her voice choked with raw, unfiltered need, her back arching, head thrown back as he pushed her deeper into that unyielding, merciless pleasure. Her body responded without restraint, each smack of his cock against her sending shockwaves through her, causing her to tremble, each pulse of pleasure spilling into another. The wet sounds between them grew louder, slick and lewd, mixing with her gasping breaths and soft, needy whimpers.

She could feel herself losing control, every inch of her body surrendering to him, every nerve set aflame. "I-I can't… I can't take it…" she whimpered, though her body told a different story, pushing back to meet him, taking every thrust, every inch he gave her, her need insatiable. Her thighs quivered, and she felt the heat building once more, the unmistakable pulse of another climax rolling through her, so intense it left her vision blurred, her mind fogged with pure, overwhelming bliss.

As Aiden's movements grew rougher, each thrust driving them both closer to the edge, Suletta's breathing quickened, her body arching back to meet him, inviting every powerful motion. Her fingers curled against the seat, white-knuckled, and her gaze caught his, wild and intense, something dangerous flickering in her eyes. A faint, wicked smile pulled at her lips as she tilted her head back, her voice barely more than a breathless whisper, but filled with a dark, almost mischievous edge.

"Aiden…" she gasped, her voice trembling. "Do you… do you know what would make this even better?"

His brow furrowed, his breath ragged as he tried to focus, though her words were pulling him further into the haze of desire. "What, Suletta?" he panted, his voice rough, barely holding back as he continued to thrust into her, his grip on her hips tightening.

Her smile widened, a glint of mischief in her eyes as she looked over her shoulder at him, her cheeks flushed, lips parted. "The perfect revenge… on her," she murmured, her voice dripping with a mix of defiance and need. "Imagine it… my mother finds out… that you put a baby in me… before I even finish college."

Aiden faltered, the words crashing over him, stirring something primal within him, but he shook his head, trying to resist. "Suletta… that's…" he began, though the conviction was weak, crumbling under her gaze.

She pouted, her expression shifting from mischievous to serious, eyes darkening as she pressed back against him, her hips rolling in a way that made him tremble. "I'm serious, Aiden. It would drive her insane… she's controlled every part of my life, every decision, and I'm tired of it," she whispered, her voice fierce, filled with a raw, defiant edge. "I want to make my own choices. I want this… I want you… and I want you to give me everything."

He hesitated, her words pushing him closer to the edge, his grip on her tightening as he tried to hold back. "Suletta, we can't just… not like this… we need to be responsible," he managed, though the way she looked at him, pleading, broke down every remaining wall he had.

She bit her lip, a wicked grin playing at the corners of her mouth as she reached back, taking his hand in hers, pulling him down to her, her voice a soft, urgent whisper. "Please, Aiden. I want it… I want all of you. Just think about it… think about how furious she'd be, how helpless she'd feel, knowing she couldn't control this."

The thought took root, a dangerous temptation, and Aiden felt his restraint slipping, her words stirring something deep within him that he could barely contain. "Suletta…" he whispered, his voice a low, throaty growl as he tightened his hold on her. "You really want this?"

Her smile widened, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination, and she nodded, her voice soft but unwavering. "Yes. I want you to fill me up… just this once… please."

With her words echoing in his mind, Aiden surrendered, his movements growing more intense, his thrusts deeper, harder, pushing her to the brink as he chased his own release, his mind clouded with the thought of her mother's reaction, of the defiance in claiming her so completely.

Suletta's voice broke into a series of desperate, gasping cries, her body trembling beneath him as he took her without restraint, each thrust a powerful testament to his surrender. "Yes… yes, Aiden, please!" she moaned, her words broken, needy, her fingers digging into the seat as she felt herself shatter under his relentless rhythm.

With one final, deep thrust, he buried himself within her, his release hitting like a flood, spilling into her, filling her as she clung to him, her voice a soft, breathless cry of satisfaction. She could feel the heat of him, the warmth spreading inside her, and she let out a sigh, a blissful smile tugging at her lips as she collapsed against the seat, her body spent, trembling with the aftershocks of their union.

They stayed that way, bodies entwined, breaths mingling as they came down from the intensity, the cockpit filled with a heavy, satisfied silence. Aiden looked down at her, his hand brushing a strand of hair from her face as he took in her expression—one of utter contentment, a small, mischievous smile still lingering.

The silence between them felt gentle yet charged, filled with unspoken memories of the journey that had brought them here.

"Aiden… how do you manage it?" Suletta murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the fragile peace surrounding them. "After everything—the duels, the Gundams, Plant Quetta… all of it."

Aiden's gaze softened as he looked at her, reaching up to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. "You," he said simply, his tone steeped in affection. "You, my friends… and maybe, just a little, my music. It keeps me grounded, gives me a way to sort through the chaos." His fingers traced gentle circles on her back, anchoring them both in the moment.

Suletta let out a soft laugh, though her eyes shimmered with tears. "Your music," she said, tilting her head to meet his eyes. "You've always said it's a way to speak things you can't say out loud… I think I'm finally starting to understand that."

Aiden's smile grew, touched with both pride and gratitude. "You know, I never thought anyone would. My music… it's where I work through the dark parts, where I try to turn all of this—" he gestured to the space around them, to the heavy memories, "—into something… maybe not beautiful, but at least honest."

Suletta's hand drifted to his chest, resting over the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "Do you think… one day, you'll make a song about all this?"

Aiden chuckled, his gaze turning reflective. "Maybe. Maybe someday. But it would be a heavy song, wouldn't it?" He shook his head, a gentle smile on his face. "I think I've already written songs about you, though. In a way, you're in everything I play."

Suletta looked up at him, her brow furrowing just slightly, a gentle pout on her lips. "You have songs about me?" she asked, a playful glint dancing in her eyes. "Like… really? Songs?"

Aiden laughed, his eyes softening. "Yes, yes, I do. But the one I'm thinking of… it's special. It's for you alone. For us." He paused, his tone shifting to something almost reverent, as though he were envisioning something sacred, an image forming just beyond his reach. "If we ever… if that joke about a 'creampie' turns out true, if we end up with a kid… then that song? It'll be our child's birthright. The song of the Witch from Mercury and the Druid of Harmony."

Suletta's smile deepened, her expression tinged with awe and wonder as she let his words sink in. "The Witch from Mercury… and the Druid of Harmony," she repeated softly, savoring the title as if it were a spell, a promise bound to them both.

Aiden chuckled, pulling her closer. "That song will carry everything we've been through, everything we stand for. It'll be more than just music—it'll be a story, an echo of what we've been fighting for."

They sat together in a tranquil silence, allowing the vision of a shared future to settle warmly between them. Then, Suletta's eyes brightened with an earnest curiosity. "Aiden… do you think… will the NewType really inherit the stars? Will everything we went through be worth it?"

Aiden's gaze grew thoughtful, and he nodded, his voice low but filled with conviction. "I believe they will. Maybe not in the way we imagine, but I believe the NewType—the ones who seek understanding, who see beyond conflict—will be the ones to carry humanity forward. It's people like us and our friends… Deacon, Jack, Oscar, even Norea and Sophie… who'll lay that foundation. And you, Suletta… you're part of that future, too."

Suletta's eyes glistened as she thought of each friend, the memories bittersweet yet comforting. "I still feel them with us. We wouldn't be here without them." Her voice wavered, and Aiden nodded, his own expression somber and reflective.

"They're part of this, every single one of them," he said, voice thick with emotion. "Their lives, their sacrifices… they're all part of the song. Written into the stars." He reached out, threading his fingers through hers, their hands bound together. "Our future—our child, if that ever happens—that future will remember them."

Suletta's grip tightened around his, her gaze never wavering from his face. "Then let's make sure we keep that promise. For all of them. And for us."

Aiden leaned forward, pressing his forehead to hers, their breaths mingling in the silence between them. "One day," he whispered, "we'll sing that song together. And it'll be beautiful."

In that quiet, tender moment, they held each other, the weight of their journey easing into something sacred—a testament to their love, their resilience, and the promise to honor the lives of those they had lost.

As they drifted together, the stars around them seemed to shine a little brighter, as though the universe itself blessed their union.

Amidst the vast flurry of light, two young souls had found love in a galaxy that seemed determined to tear them apart. Against all odds, they had woven their fates together, forever entwined. For their song was…

The Witch from Mercury and The Druid of Harmony

Book 1 – The End