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Episode 17
Miorine Rembran stood on top of Aerial’s midsection, her feet planted just at the edge of the cockpit’s opening.
“Miorine-san!” her groom…her puppet called out to her, removing her helmet as she sat in the seat of the cockpit.
It takes a while for Miorine’s eyes to adjust. The cockpit was dimly lit by the scant sunlight barely illuminating the dark cloudy skies behind her. And then, even so, her shadow loomed over Suletta from above the edge of the cockpit’s opening.
With the Aerial disabled there was no light source in the cockpit, making it difficult to make out anything.
Good. Miorine thought to herself. Being unable to see Suletta’s features would make this a lot easier.
But as her eyes adjusted even more, Suletta’s face now had Miorine feeling a plethora of emotions that she had forcefully buried beforehand. Her right-hand trembles at the sight of Suletta’s eyes. She wished she hadn’t taken off that helmet…because now her mind was focused solely on trying to remember those sky-blue eyes, knowing this may be her last chance to do so.
Those bright beautiful eyes…she remembers how they once meant nothing to her. Sure, blue eyes were a genetic rarity. Nevertheless, Miorine had plenty of suitors imposed upon her and many connections forced by her father for the sake of gaining more social capital, many of whom had blue eyes.
So Suletta’s lucky draw from the genetic lottery hadn’t exactly won her any favors…at first.
However, now all Miorine wanted to do was stare into those blue eyes and stroke her long red hair.
Suletta meekly looked down at her helmet, like a child about to receive some harsh scolding.
“I’m so sorry! I…Aerial…She stopped moving all of a sudden, and…” Suletta struggles with the words, trying to find excuses, knowing no excuse was good enough.
Enough. Just…stop. Miorine couldn’t bear to see her so apologetic for something that wasn’t her fault.
“I know.” Miorine said nonchalantly.
Suletta looks up at her, surprised.
“Because it was me who did it,” Miorine confesses.
A moment of silence ensues.
Suletta’s face says it all, she had always been honest and pure, and it made her easy to read…like an open book.
“But…why?” Suletta asks, still in disbelief.
“I wanted you to lose.” Miorine answers without hesitation. Better to rip the bandaid off fast.
Suletta’s eyes widened. “That’s a lie…” she tells herself, her blue eyes staring, as if trying to look through Miorine’s soul for the truth. It hurts even more when she realizes that *was* the truth.
Again…those eyes, the last time Miorine had seen eyes as earnest and heartwarming as Suletta’s was…Yushura…people that had honestly wanted to be with Miorine for the sake of her company…not because wanted the Benerit Group’s power or status…but because they genuinely cared for her wellbeing.
This…commoner from a pathetic mining colony from Mercury came to shield her, time and time again. Not even once upset that she was being used as a shield, only that she could have done more to protect her bride.
And because of that, Suletta had become her safe place, the light she could keep close to her as she wandered through this dark world.
No, stop.
Miorine shook her head. It was selfish and greedy of her to bring this light into the dark world of political conflict and the curse of the Gundams.
Miorine had gotten used to it, this world where everyone had some sort of ulterior motive…money…power…revenge…even Guel Jeturk wanted to rebuild his company...and would sacrifice Suletta’s happiness for it.
Despite that, she couldn’t risk bringing Suletta any further into this world. She couldn’t risk the darkness pervading Suletta’s pure innocence. Suletta deserved to be free, she deserved to spend her days at the school laughing with friends and completing that silly list of hers.
“I told you from the beginning, didn’t I? This was a trade. You made a good shield.” Miorine reminds her as she tosses her matching keychain into Suletta’s cupped hands.
“But then, you can’t fulfill your obligations if you lose.” Miorine scoffs.
Suletta’s eyes dilated instantly.
The sudden realization that Miorine had never loved her, that she was just a shield…a tool, and that she was about to lose everything.
“Wait! Please wait! Guel-san! Please duel with me again! Next time..I won’t lose! So please!” Suletta begins to panic as she begs.
Miorine was partly taken aback by Suletta’s response but remained composed nonetheless. She had expected Suletta to villainize her, to blame her for sabotaging the duel and ripping her “sister” away from her.
Miorine should have known better, once again she had underestimated just how pure and innocent Suletta’s heart was. Even when she was losing everything, she would not harm or throw her anger at someone. She would only blame herself for the misfortunes in her life.
However, she also knew that Suletta would never stop moving forward…unless…
“I’ll take that back too.” With a tap on her student handbook, she strips Suletta of her holder title.
Suletta’s normal suit glows as the gold and white colors begin to fade, her hands frantically attempt to grasp onto the fading colors as they slip through her hands and soon her suit turns to gray.
“Thanks for all your hard work.” Miorine knows her words are like a knife, yet…she has to hurt her. To make sure she doesn’t get back up and follow her down this dark path. She had to make sure Suletta Mercury would never move forward again.
Maintaining the facade was easy, Miorine had no tears to fight back and her emotions were well in check. Thanks to her father, she was used to playing the villain, she was used to ripping people she cared about from her life.
With tears flooding her eyes, Suletta lets out an anguished scream.
For a brief moment, Miorine’s hands trembled again, and risked dropping her student handbook. She had thought she had her emotions in check. Not…she needed to go for another stab.
“Goodbye, my Mercurian Bumpkin.” Miorine scorned as she turned away and began hopping down Aerial’s frame and onto the ground.
Suletta chases after her.
Of course, she does.
Except she fumbles and her body tumbles, colliding into Aerial’s frame twice before landing on the muddy ground.
Suletta sobs, and whimpers as she clutches her head in pain.
You idiot! That was dangerous!
Miorine represses the words. It takes every will of her being to keep herself from rushing to Suletta’s aid.
Haro Drone Cameras began to swarm the area.
Not good, with even more eyes on them, Miorine had to put on an act that was twice as good.
“Miorine-san! I know I made a mistake! Please don’t leave me!” Suletta bawls, her face covered in snot dripping from her nose.
Miorine sighs as she turns around and looks at her ex-fiancée with disgust.
The disgusted glance is enough to stun Suletta as she chokes on her cries.
Again, the look on her face says it all.
She was beginning to realize that maybe Miorine really didn’t care about her after all, perhaps she truly was a means to an end.
Suletta was finally buying the act they had put together.
Good.
Nevertheless a brief respite of hope returns to those blue eyes of hers. She refuses to believe what they had was never real.
“I-I’ll keep the rest of my promises! I’ll message you three times a day, I’ll take care of the tomatoes! I’ll stay with you forever!” Suletta crawls towards her, but she’s hurt, physically and mentally. And as such, she stumbles and bumbles around in the wet mud.
Miorine just let out a deep sigh, looking disappointed at Suletta who was now caked in brown mud all over.
Let’s get you back and get showered, you can wear my clothes for the night.
“What a headache…out of all my ex-fiancées you honestly are the worst.” Miorine shook her head.
Her words shocked Suletta again, a horrified look on her face as the realization dawned on her.
Suletta Mercury wasn’t anything special to her, sure it was interesting for a while with her fancy Gundam. Nonetheless, she lost, and she didn’t even have *that* anymore. She was just one of many pushy suitors begging for the princess’s hand, nothing more.
Even so…she was still determined.
“L-let me take care of the tomatoes at least! Or be your servant! I won’t even need any pay! Please just let me be by your side!” Suletta was desperate…and in front of the cameras…pitiful, with all the mud all over her.
The words only made Miorine feel worse, Suletta’s desire should not ever be a servant to her, no matter how desperate she was to be with her bride again.
It was all the more reason Suletta needed to be removed from all this, from her mother’s brainwashing, the curse of the Gundams…and Miorine herself.
“Honestly, do you have any idea how pathetic you look right now? You truly are a sore loser.” Miorine turns around and makes another effort to leave.
“No! Miorine-san! Don’t go! Please don’t leave me! Give me another chance, I can win the next duel-” Suletta picks herself up from the mud and begins to chase after her.
Miorine’s frustration was reaching its boiling point, she had hoped to resolve this without humiliating her any further, otherwise…Suletta was making this worse and worse. She had to end it.
In a fit of rage, Miorine scoops a pile of mud and flung it into Suletta’s face.
Suletta screams, her hands reaching for her eyes as she tosses and turns in the mud, screaming in agony.
I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!
Horrified by what she had done, Miorine immediately walks away.
Miorine takes a moment to check her own facial expression. It remained cold and free of emotion.
Good.
Cold and distant, cold and distant, cold and distant…
The sound of Suletta’s agonizing shrieks muffled slightly by her tears and snot filled the air behind her.
Miorine’s heart ached, her hands trembled…yet she would fight the urge to turn and apologize.
Apologies show weakness, apologies show indecisiveness and never say “I’m sorry”.
That is what she was taught, this is how she was raised.
Suletta lets out another pained howl.
…However, never before had the words wanted to escape her lips so badly.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aliya Mahvash was no doctor, however, living with her parents in their small farm in their dainty little town without a hospital meant she had to learn some medical knowledge here and there.
She’s had to deliver babies, both animals and humans alike, as well as stitch wounds, treat infections, treat shoulder dislocations, and so on.
As such, she became somewhat of a medic for Earth House, though she certainly was a far cry from a professional.
“Your eyes are very irritated. It’s nothing permanent, most eye inflammation cases go away with proper rest.” she diagnoses as she shines her flashlight just above Suletta’s eyes, observing them with care.
“Martin will be back with the eyedrop solution soon. But you should visit the school nurse in the morning as soon as they open up to make sure there aren’t any underlying issues.” Aliya sighs as she puts away the flashlight.
“Suletta.” Chuchu’s back is against the wall, arms crossed as she calls out to her with a serious tone.
Everyone from Earth House turns to look at their favorite pink-haired pom-pom girl.
“We’re handing in our letters of resignation tomorrow morning. Join us.” Chuchu offers.
Suletta looked around, everyone had very determined looks on their faces. It was clear they had talked about this beforehand.
“The pay is horrible anyway.” Ojelo smirks.
“Not to mention the boss is a jerk.” Nuno says in a deadpan tone.
Lilique twiddles her thumbs, it is clear she has doubts about leaving. She had always been the most submissive to Miorine’s demands as a CEO. Most likely because she had believed in her potential as a leader.
And yet, Lilique clenches her fist. “You can give them all to me! I’ll hand it straight to her desk!” she exclaims with determination.
The room is quiet, everyone is waiting in anticipation for Suletta’s response.
Then the words come.
“I…can’t force all of you. But please don’t leave Miorine-san.” Suletta’s words are soft, like feathers.
All the members of Earth House are shocked.
“If you all leave…Miorine-san will be alone. And besides…didn’t we all agree we wanted to use Gundams to save the world through medical technology?” Suletta manages a smile.
Chuchu wants to scratch her own eyeballs out. After everything Miorine had done, what did Suletta do? Forgive her, and beg her friends to continue supporting her. Of course she does, because she’s Suletta Mercury and it was painful to watch how much love she continues to pour out to someone that continues to punish her for it.
“SULETTA!” Chuchu cries out in protest.
“Chuchu, that’s enough.” Till raises a hand, which is enough to keep her hushed.
“Till-senpai?” Suletta mutters.
Till Nys simply places a hand on Suletta’s shoulders and smiles.
“You have a good heart.”
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chuchu storms out of the Earth House Dormitory and takes a very deep breath.
*Inhaling noises*
That’s right. Very, very, very, veeeeeeery deeeeeeep breathes-
*SMASH!*
Chuchu begins to kick the trash bin and gives it a world-class beating that it probably didn’t deserve.
Screw deep breaths, screw the shitty Spacians, screw Miorine Rembran.
She kicks and bashes the trash bin with all her might. Surely if she beats it hard enough, her enemies will somehow feel her wrath.
What she needed right now was something to punch. No wait…her Demi Tray…yes. An hour or two in her mobile suit, with a beam rifle and a really good target to take her frustrations out on. A target with a big, fat stupid face-
Chuchu pauses her thoughts when she sees Miorine Rembran leaning on the outer walls of the dormitory with her arms crossed. Chuchu freezes up and pauses mid-thought, her leg is cocked and ready to deliver another kick to the poor trash bin. If not for Miorine Rembran’s big fat stupid face bewildered as to why the Earthian was bashing the local trash can.
Miorine leans against the outer wall of the dormitory, arms crossed, and raises an eyebrow at her.
Chuchu collects herself, straightens her back, and lets out a slightly awkward cough.
“What do you want?” Chuchu asks begrudgingly.
Miorine takes a moment to collect her thoughts and then speaks.
“I’ve come to check Suletta’s injuries, to make sure she doesn’t take any legal action against me.” Miorine explains.
“...She’s inside with the others. Go ahead and apologize.” Chuchu points to the inside of the dorms with her thumb.
Miorine closes her eyes.
"You misunderstand. I said I wanted to avoid a lawsuit. I have no reason to apologize.” Miorine shook her head.
No reason to apologize?
There was a time when Chuchu hated all Spacians. There was no exception to the rule.
If you were born in space, you were doomed to feel the wrath of the pink-haired pom-pom girl. Those were the rules. No exceptions.
Then Suletta Mercury became a new transfer student with no money or power to her name. Only her dreams are to graduate and use her knowledge to support her forsaken, poverty-stricken mining planet.
…Chuchu could sympathize with that. It also helped that Suletta wasn’t like the other Spacians.
Suletta was nice, she was…kind. Unlike the other Spacians, she didn’t spit in their food, nab their clothes while they were in the showers, or send anonymous threats to their emails.
Instead, the redhead helped feed the farm animals, do their laundry, and would offer to do as many chores for them as possible.
Suletta Mercury was born a Spacian, yet, she certainly didn’t act like it. As far as Chuchu was concerned, Suletta was one of them.
Okay fine then, Chuchu would hate every Spacian *except* Suletta Mercury.
Yet then wherever Suletta went, Miorine Rembran tagged along as a package deal. Miorine Rembran, the freaking Princess of Management Strategy. Possibly the most spoiled brat amongst the Spacians, the thought alone made Chuchu want to barf.
However, much like Suletta, the princess (Miorine) didn’t look down on them. If anything, she offered them jobs and a future to look forward to.
Before Miorine Rembran, Chuchu wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to do after graduation, if she could continue piloting, she hadn’t cared. Now after Gund-arm incorporated was set up and they had decided on their mission statement…creating medical tech sounded like a dream worth working towards.
There was more than just Gund-arm. Chuchu had been watching the redhead and the princess…the way they talked to each other…
Miorine could deny it all she wanted, still, Chuchu was all too familiar with the signs. As someone who also wears an armor of thorns to hide their soft side from the rest of the world, Chuchu could tell.
Miorine Rembran was in love with the Witch from Mercury.
After what happened yesterday though…the way Miorine looked down, berated, and physically abused Suletta…Chuchu wasn’t quite sure anymore.
She remembers the way Miorine flung the mud at her, then casually walks away as Suletta screams behind her.
The scene was all too familiar, typical Spacian trash bullying the weak.
Chuchu clenches her fist, she wants to Detroit Smash Miorine’s smug little Spacian face like from one of those “animes' ', Suletta was always showing them.
Suletta was one of them now, and nobody gets away with hurting Earth House.
On the other hand, everyone in Earth House had already made a promise to continue supporting Gund-arm Inc. and she couldn’t exactly punch her boss in the face.
“We both know Suletta’s not going to sue you, she’s not the type. So you can stop worrying and go back to that new husband of yours.” Chuchu puffs her cheeks angrily as she looks the other way.
Miorine doesn’t look satisfied with the answer.
“Nevertheless, I need to know her condition so that we can prepare a settlement fee. Just in case.” Miorine was determined to find out.
Oh? For someone who doesn’t care about her ex-fiancée, Miorine seemed very determined to find out…too determined.
“…We want a raise.” Chuchu mutters.
“Hah?” Miorine raises an eyebrow.
“You heard me, We want all of our salaries doubled.” Chuchu smirked.
Miorine was flabbergasted, Gund-arm had just begun to see an increase in profits. Doubling everyone’s salary could turn away potential investors the next time they present their annual report.
“Double everyone’s salary or we walk. It’s that simple.” Chuchu shrugged her shoulders.
Miorine bit her lip, it was clear they had discussed this beforehand.
The Princess of Management Strategy sighed, she couldn’t believe the thought of her employees seeking retribution after what she had done to Suletta hadn’t occurred to her beforehand.
“Fine, I’ll double everyone’s salary.” Miorine shook her head.
“And we want yearly bonuses.” Chuchu added on.
“What!?” Miorine cried out.
It was Chuchu’s turn to raise an eyebrow at her.
“…Fine.” Miorine could feel a migraine coming on.
“You better make those bonuses fat and nice.” Chuchu grinned, quite pleased with herself.
“Whatever, tell me about Suletta’s condition.” Miorine’s tone was serious, it was clear she wouldn’t ask a second time.
“…To be honest, it looks pretty bad. There were some sharp objects in there and she might lose her eyesight.” Chuchu fakes a sigh.
“WHAT!?” Miorine yells out.
Oh? What’s this? Chuchu looks at Miorine’s face. It had pure, unadulterated fear written all over it, like a mother learning her child has cancer.
That’s an oddly large amount of concern for someone who only wanted to prepare a settlement fee.
“I’m just fibbing, boss. She’s fine, her eyes are uhh…” in flames” or something.” Chuchu struggles to remember the words.
“You mean her eyes have some inflammation.” Miorine corrects, seething with anger.
“Yeah that, but she’ll make a full recovery in a few days.” Chuchu assures.
“Don’t lie to me like that again, or else.” Miorine threatens.
“Yeah, yeah, are we done here?” Chuchu rolls her eyes.
“…Tell Lillique to have the documents for the marriage license ready on my desk by tomorrow.” Miorine orders.
“And…here.” Miorine offers a thick envelope.
“What’s this?” Chuchu asks.
“It’s a settlement fee.” Miorine explains.
“I told you, Suletta wouldn’t-“ Chuchu begins to argue.
“Fine then, an early advance or bonus. Whatever you want to call it…just make sure she gets it.” Miorine insists.
“Don’t you want to see Suletta? Give it to her yourself.” Chuchu opens the door to the Earth House dormitories and gestures inside.
“…What for? After all, I have a new Holder.” Miorine shrugs off.
Chuchu’s blood boils.
“…You know, you don’t deserve her.” Chuchu snaps.
…I know.
“Are you quite finished?” Miorine says, fully able to keep her emotions in check.
“…Congratulations on the wedding, have fun with your new groom.” Chuchu snarks.
I hate him.
“I will.” Miorine retorts.
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chuchu slams the door behind her, startling everyone in the room.
“Chuchu-senpai…is everything alright?” Suletta asks.
Chuchu’s fiery rage softens at the sight of Suletta’s eyes, it hurts to see her pretty blue eyes with those painful red cracks from the inflammation.
“…I just met with Miorine.” Chuchu scoffs.
“What?” Martin gasps, the room is abuzz with gasps and murmurs.
“What did she want? Aliya asks.
“...Lillique, she wanted me to tell you to prepare the documents for the marriage license and to have them on her desk by tomorrow.” Chuchu says with a solemn look on her face.
“Chuchu!” Ojelo hissed, pointing at Suletta.
Chuchu winced, how could she have been so stupidly ignorant of Suletta’s feelings?
“Suletta, go. She was heading back to the chairman’s office. If you go now, you can still catch up to her.” Chuchu suggests.
For a moment, a look of hope returns to Suletta’s eyes, then quickly disappears as she twiddles her thumbs.
“...It’s alright…a wedding is special, and Miorine-san probably has a lot on her plate...She’s made it clear she doesn’t need me anymore…I’m happy for her.” Suletta manages a weak smile, yet, a single tear from her left eye betrays the facade she had put up.
Everyone is quiet for a moment, it was difficult, to find the right words to help.
“Well, we still need you Suletta.” Chuchu assures her.
“That’s right!” Lillique agrees.
“But…I’m not the Holder anymore.” Suletta mutters.
“You idiot, you’re one of us now.” Chuchu says aggressively.
“Literally, you’re registered in the system, under Earth House.” Nuno points out with a laid-back tone.
Suletta wipes her tears and smiles.
“Alright, that’s enough, Suletta needs to rest her eyes.” Martin places a hand on her shoulder.
“Wait…Miorine also wanted me to give you this.” Chuchu hand offers the thick envelope of cash.
“What’s that?” Till asks.
“Money.” Chuchu answers.
“Woah, that looks like a lot!” Ojelo’s mouth begins to water.
“Ojelo, sit. That belongs to Suletta.” Aliya reprimands her classmate.
Suletta is lost in thought for a while, then she begins to speak.
“I…I’m sorry, could you help me return it to Miorine-san?... Weddings are expensive, and I would like to do whatever I can to give her the best wedding possible.” Suletta pleads.
Unbelievable. Suletta’s love for the bratty Spacian princess that snapped her heart like a twig, was frustrating, to say the least.
“No! Are you stupid? I won’t allow it. I’ll slap you if you even think about suggesting that again.” Chuchu growled.
“Think about it, she’s probably so loaded, the wedding will be just as grand, with or without that wad of cash Suletta.” Nuno waves his hand and rolls his eyes.
Suletta ponders for a bit more and concludes.
“Then…please use it for Earth House,” Suletta says with a look of determination.
“Ehh?” the rest of the members exclaim.
Chuchu gritted her teeth. Once again, the Mercurian girl was too kind, it was painful to watch.
“Like Chuchu-senpai said, I’m part of Earth House.”
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That night, Suletta buries her face in her pillow, hoping to muffle her sobs so that she won’t wake up her Earth House dorm mates.
The fantasies of preparing for the wedding with Miorine Rembran that she had so often conjured up in times when she needed comfort had now turned against her. Instead of Suletta herself…it was now Guel.
Guel Jeturk picks up both of the silver rings from the boxes and delicately puts them on his fiancée’s ring finger.
“I’m glad you picked this one, I’ve secretly had my eyes on it from the start.” Guel smiles.
“It seems we both have good tastes then…or perhaps we were meant to be,” Miorine responds flirtatiously.
“If we keep this streak going, perhaps we’ll excel in all our business choices together as well.” Guel jests.
“As if!” Miorine shares a laugh with her groom-to-be.
They laugh happily together as they stretch out their hands in front of them, hands side by side with each other with their rings on their fingers.
Miorine smiles, she’s so happy that Guel Jeturk is now her Holder. That Mercurian Bumpkin could never afford a ring this beautiful.
Suletta let out a howl, it was as if a knife had stabbed her. She had always thought her time together with Miorine had meant something. No, that was only her imagination, Miorine had clearly told her from the beginning: Suletta was a tool, a shield against unruly suitors. Now that Miorine had picked someone worthy, there was no need for the little witch.
Miorine had clearly stated her purpose with Suletta from the beginning. It was Suletta’s fault for creating all these delusions that she and Miorine had some special love between them.
…Even so…she wished it had been her laughing and picking rings with the princess.
Miorine Rembran twirls in her wedding dress, she looks so elegant, graceful…angelic.
Her natural white hair further complemented her dress, she was beautiful.
“I think this is the one. It’s…beautiful…you’re beautiful.” Guel Jeturk stands up and gently holds the hand of his bride-to-be.
“You better be sure…this wedding will stay in my memories for years to come.” Miorine’s voice has that usual harsh tone…yet it is gentle somehow as she wears a smile on her face.
“Come now Miorine, dresses, rings, and cakes are all material objects. We have each other don’t we?” Guel raises an eyebrow.
Miorine embraces Guel Jeturk, she loves that her fiancée is filled with confidence and power. With a multi-billion dollar conglomerate and the title of the best pilot, he could protect her from anything at all.
Suletta tried to block out the thoughts, the fantasies she had once welcomed were now forcing themselves onto her mind. All instances of Suletta in those fantasies…now replaced by Guel. It’s not Miorine’s fault that Suletta wasn’t worthy…no, it was Suletta’s fault.
Suletta damns herself, if not for her interference, Miorine would never have needed to go through all that trouble setting up a company, challenging the Benerit Group, and putting herself in danger to protect some idiot yokel that intervened in her destined love with Guel Jeturk.
The wedding reception was heavenly, nonetheless, now was the moment Miorine had been waiting her whole life for.
Guel, do you take Miorine to be your wedded wife, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, for as long as you both shall live?
Guel smiles lovingly.
“I do.”
Suletta doesn’t understand, she should be happy, Miorine’s happiness is all that matters.
Miorine, do you take Guel to be your wedded husband to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him so long as you both shall live?
Miorine-san, don’t do this!
Miorine smiles as tears of joy stream from her eyes that look ever so lovingly into Guel’s eyes.
“I do.”
No.
"If anyone sees any reason why these two should not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
No.
“Then by the power vested in me-”
No, don’t leave me!
“I now pronounce you man and wife.”
The bride and groom lean in close, their lips touch, and with a little effort and love. They kiss.
NO!
For some reason, the hurting had stopped. Suletta had enough. Perhaps some part of her had finally accepted that this was what was best. Miorine was happy.
And that was all that mattered.
…
The very next day Suletta smiled bright and cheerful throughout the whole day. Going to classes, cheerfully ate huge bowls of ramen with her friends at the lunch table and happily did the chores around the Earth House dormitory.
Of course, her friends were worried and concerned.
For Suletta to bury her feelings like that…it wasn’t right.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Skip forward to episode 22*
“She’s my fiancée now. Do you think I’ll let you see her?” Guel asks as he leads Suletta down the hallway.
Suletta gulps, Guel’s tone is harsh, yet she knows there’s no spite behind his words. Guel was simply a man of honor and integrity. He had to fulfill his responsibilities as The Holder, even if he had no feelings for his fiancée.
“I want to have a straight talk with her. With Ms. Miorine. Heart to heart.” Suletta answers truthfully. The truth will fix everything, it has to.
“In that case, shall we duel over it?” Guel proposes.
“Eh?” Suletta’s eyes widen in shock, on the other hand, she doesn’t freak out like she used to. A far cry from improvement in her confidence.
“If you lose, you’ll give up on Miorine. What will it be?” Guel’s eyes are serious. Inside his heart, he knows the witch and the princess love each other, as much as it pains him to admit it. And he’s willing to fight tooth and nail to protect both of their happiness…even if it means watching the red-headed girl he loves in the arms of another. But if Suletta does love Miorine with all her heart…he’s going to need to teach her to fight for it.
Suletta pauses for a moment, she isn’t sure what Guel is up to. And yet, she has to move forward.
“I’ll do it! Let’s…duel!” Suletta exclaims.
Good answer. Guel nods.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The duelists face each other as Suletta puts her helmet on.
Even through the helmet visor, Guel can see Suletta’s eyes and the fluffy ruffles of her thick red hair.
For a moment, Guel is once again bewitched by Suletta. Those pretty blue eyes, bright red hair, and pure heart of hers.
Miorine sure is lucky.
He wishes there was a way Suletta Mercury could have fallen for him instead of Miorine Rembran.
Nevertheless, there was no point in thinking about what could have been.
“Whoever scores the first hit wins. Deal?” Guel challenges as he raises his saber.
“Yes.” Suletta agrees with a steely resolve.
Suletta and Miorine…Guel wanted both of them to be together, to be happy.
Yet there was no way he would ever go easy on his opponent. Not in a million years.
“Victory is never decided by one’s social position, alone.” Guel begins reciting a parody of the dueling vow.
“Nor by one’s skill, alone.” Suletta continues.
“The result itself-”
“-is the only truth!”
“Fix release!” As they both cry out at the end of the recitement, both duelists lung at full speed toward each other.
The ferocity, the speed, the power that both of them displayed was impressive, to say the least.
Suletta parries the first of Guel’s strikes and uses the opportunity to go for his head. However, with some careful maneuvering, Guel counters, and now it’s his turn to go on the offensive.
Guel’s onslaught was aggressive, he was too fast, too nimble. Suletta must give up some ground to survive the next few attacks.
He has her now, he doesn’t relent, and his saber doesn’t stop with the blows.
Still, with his continued barrage, he turns predictable.
Suletta ducks! And with a swift thrust of her saber-
*THWANG!*
Suletta strikes his helmet, the force so mighty that the momentum carries her arm upward and toward the ceiling.
Guel flops to the ground onto his bum whilst Suletta holds her sword upwards. The both of them panting heavily in place, taking a moment to recover from their vicious battle.
“You win.” Guel closes his eyes and reluctantly reaches for his phone as he transfers The Holder title to Suletta.
Her clothes begin to glow with a warm white light as the familiar white, black, and gold colors return to her clothing.
Guel stands up and removes his helmet.
“Follow me.” he instructs.
The Holder (Suletta) begins to feel warm and fuzzy again. It felt good wearing The Holder’s colors that intertwined her fate with her beloved Miorine.
On the other hand, Suletta is well aware that her victory came at a cost. Guel was no longer The Holder, it would be harder for him to gain support from the Benerit Group and rebuild his father’s company.
There is a tinge of regret in her heart, and so, Suletta makes up for it the only way she knows how.
“Th-Thank you very much!” She bows deeply.
He doesn’t even turn around to acknowledge her thanks. He doesn’t need it.
“What a fool I am…” Guel sighs, rubbing the back of his neck.
The smart thing to do would have been to turn Suletta away, instead he *had* to duel her to see if she was worthy of Miorine.
Whilst walking through the hallway, he takes a moment to glance at her. Suletta Mercury was mesmerizingly pretty as always, the white colors of The Holder suited her…just as well as a wedding dress would.
Ah, whatever. At least she’s happy. Guel sighs again.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They approach the door, it’s dark inside. Could she be sleeping?
“Ms. Miorine…It’s me, Suletta.” Suletta says softly, but loud enough that it should be discernable through the door.
Miorine’s head perked up. For the first time in a while, Miorine felt hope. The person whose presence she had so desperately yearned for these past few days was just a few steps away.
No. She couldn’t face the world again. Not even for Suletta.
“Sorry for showing up so suddenly.” Suletta apologizes.
That politeness…that soft tone, listening to it felt as relaxing as lying on a bed of clouds.
“I’m going to Quiet Zero.” Suletta explains her intentions.
Miorine’s eyes widened in horror. The thought of sending her beloved into that superweapon that destroyed an entire army. Someone had to stop her.
“I’ll meet with Ericht and talk to my mom one more time. I’ll ask them to stop Quiet Zero. But I’ve relied on Mom and Ericht for everything, all this time. Making this choice alone is…really scary.” Suletta’s voice had a slight quiver of fear in it.
Miorine clutches the blankets draped over her, as her head sinks back into her knees. She wants to move towards Suletta and stay at her side…but she’s seen what moving forward does.
The fear held her back, it felt as if her fears had manifested into physical hands holding down her body in place and smothering her mouth.
Suletta don’t go!
“I don’t think she’s awake…should we come back another time?” Guel advises.
Suletta shook her head. “No, Rouji-san said that we don’t have much time before Quiet Zero reaches Earth.” she answers calmly.
Guel, stop her! She’ll die!
“I see…shall we go then?” Guel nods his head.
No! Chuchu, Nuno, Till, Belmeria-san, someone stop her! Anyone!
“Just a moment…sorry. I have a few more things I need to say.” Suletta apologized as she turned back to face the door.
Suletta plants her hand on the door and speaks softly. “Miorine-san…if you can hear me…I’m sorry for everything I put you through…you did so much for me…and I was so focused on moving forward that I became…ignorant of everything around me.”
Suletta…
The words fill up in Miorine’s throat and they want to come bursting through her lips like water in a dam. But the fear…like hands that kept her silenced.
It’s your fault, you helped Quiet Zero come to fruition. And now…it will bring about the death of Suletta Mercury. Oh, the irony.
DON’T GO!
The words that wanted to come forth were familiar. Yet more irony.
“I even…I even killed…I can’t ever forgive myself…but even so, I need to continue to move forward. I promise…I will never take a life again. I will protect everyone!” Suletta exclaims.
“It’s my turn to protect you…and when I return…I hope that you will accept my feelings.” A single tear rolls down Suletta’s cheek.
“Suletta…we have to go.” Guel reminds her, his tone is filled with remorse.
Suletta quietly nods in agreement as she faces the door one last time.
“Miorine-san…there’s just one last thing…I…” Now it’s Suletta’s turn to have her words held back by fear.
“...It’s nothing.” Suletta sighs as she turns towards Guel.
“Let’s go. We need to stop Ericht and my mother.” Suletta and Guel walk away, heading towards the briefing room.
…I love you.
All Miorine can do is sob in her blanket, as the fear continues to hold her back from the one she loves.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Skip forward to the end of episode 24*
Miorine had been held back by her fear of making a decision that would end more lives, but her fear of losing Suletta was greater.
When Earth House had shown her the medical report of Suletta’s condition, Miorine had decided enough was enough. She needed to leave the room and save Suletta.
Now, looking at images of Suletta through the security footage from the cameras throughout the ship. The glowing red cracks all over her body…all of Miorine’s nightmares were coming true. The Information Thermal Entropy…the Data Storm was killing her.
Miorine wanted to scream, her body suddenly felt weak, her knees were wobbly and a wave of horror made her feel cold.
“How could all of you let her get back in the Gundam!?” Miorine shrieks at her Earth House employees.
“W-we…” Lillique struggled to find the words.
“Calibarn is killing her!” Miorine wanted to cry, but she had to control her emotions, even now. Especially now.
“Oi! You’re as much to blame. Suletta went to you for help, why didn’t you leave your room and go with her?” Chuchu growled.
Miorine bit her lip, Chuchu was right. Suletta needed Miorine, and Miorine left her to die. Again.
“Everyone, let’s try to calm down. Suletta is out there and we need to form a search party. It’s a good thing her normal suit will be white which will make it easy to spot in space-” Belmeria suggests.
A white normal suit? Miorine puts the pieces together.
“You! Why did you give Suletta back the Holder title? We had an agreement!” Miorine barked at Guel.
“......Because I wanted to give back the title of Holder to someone who truly loved you.” Guel answers calmly.
Miorine was taken aback by his answer. The answer was true…and it hurt.
Suletta Mercury was special to her, because unlike all the previous fiancées that had forced themselves upon her. Suletta genuinely cared about and devoted herself to Miorine’s well-being. Something Miorine had always taken for granted.
“If we’re done arguing, Suletta’s still out there and we need to mount a rescue party.” Guel prompts everyone as he heads toward his Dilanza.
“Right! Nika and Lillique, see if you can get Burion House to loan us a few mobile suits for the search party. Aliya, contact Asticassia and let them know we have a student missing. Ojelo and Nuno will come with me to request assistance from The Space Assembly League.” Martin orders around.
It was strange seeing Martin give orders so confidently, he always seemed so sheepish that it was easy to forget that he was house leader for a reason.
“Chuchu, you’re the only one in Earth House with a functioning Mobile Suit at the moment. Please…search for Suletta.” Martin pleads.
“I’m on it!” Chuchu salutes and heads off.
“Wait! Chuchu!” Miorine chases Chuchu, but Chuchu doesn’t even acknowledge her.
“Chuchu! Take me with you!... That’s an order!” Miorine demands, but Chuchu doesn’t even turn around to acknowledge her presence.
Chasing someone in zero gravity…this was familiar…
Miorine’s thoughts wander back to the past when she’d chased Suletta at Plant Quetta, She remembers being so desperate to let out her feelings to the timid redhead…
No, not now. Focus.
“Oi! Chuchu! Listen to me!” Miorine tries again. No response from Chuchu as she continues heading towards the hangar bay.
Miorine had always kept her feelings and emotions to herself. She couldn’t afford to show weakness, it was how she was trained and raised…but she was desperate.
“Chuchu! Wait! Please take me with you! I’m begging you!” Miorine begs.
Chuchu pauses. Miorine was getting somewhere.
“...Please…I’m begging you…give me a chance to see her again…if we find her, I’ll never leave her side again!” Miorine implored, tears threatening to leak from her eyes.
“...Never leave her side, huh?...I’ll hold you to that.” Chuchu glares.
Yes. Success.
“But I’m carrying you with the Demi Barding’s hands. There’s no way I’m letting you sit in the cockpit with me.” Chuchu places her hands on her hips.
“...Fine.” Miorine reluctantly agrees.
“One more thing though…I need you to buy the Demi Barding from Burion.” Chuchu states.
“Hah!?” Miorine exclaims.
“Yeah, it’s technically not ours, so if we’re gonna use it for a search party, you’re gonna need to buy it for me later. Okay?” Chuchu says innocently.
“Wha- Fine! Whatever you want!” Miorine gritted her teeth.
Chuchu grinned, she was never really going to force Miorine to buy the Demi Barding in the first place. She just needed to see how far the sh*tty Spacian princess was willing to go for her fiancée.
Now she knows. And she better keep her promise. After all, Chuchu had always wanted to be the best man at a wedding.
…Heh. Wait till she sees the price of the Demi Barding.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They had been searching for nearly two hours now. Chuchu’s stomach aches with hunger, but she’d persevere for Suletta’s sake.
Miorine’s hunger was far worse, but she didn’t even take note of it. Her focus was solely on searching the vast sea of black nothingness for Suletta.
There were momentary lapses in her focus where fear took over. Space was so vast and infinite. It was much more difficult than searching the seas of a planet, Suletta could have drifted in so many different directions.
Was Suletta gone forever? Would she never be able to see her blue eyes again and ruffle her red hair like she had always dreamed of?
No, Miorine couldn’t afford to think like that. They couldn’t afford to lose hope-
There.
There was a white figure in the distance.
“Chuchu!” Miorine beckons for the pilot to head in that direction, pointing at the white figure.
Chuchu doesn’t waste any time. The Demi Barding’s maneuvers rapidly but carefully towards the figure.
And upon closer inspection, there appeared to be gold and black markings on the figure.
Suletta.
Miorine leaps from the Demi Barding’s hands toward Suletta.
“Hey! Miorine!!” Chuchu scolded. She understood that Miorine was anxious, but leaping out into space like that without a proper tether to a mobile suit or vessel was dangerous.
The tears were now leaking from her eyes, Miorine couldn’t hold it back any longer. She didn’t care, all that mattered was whether or not Suletta was alright.
She grabs Suletta by her shoulders.
“Suletta! Can you hear me? Answer me!” Miorine yells through the radio.
No response.
It was difficult to identify Suletta’s facial features through the glare from her helmet…but from the looks of it…her eyes were still closed.
They should be on the same frequency…right?
“It’s me, Miorine! Suletta, wake up! Say something!” Miorine was desperate for any signs of life. Movement, a twitch, anything.
But there was nothing.
Suletta, come back to me, we’ll plant all the tomatoes you want, try on all the wedding dresses, buy any wedding ring, and build all the schools you could ever dream of.
Just please come back to me.
Miorine’s eyes adjust to see through the helmet glare, and she can tell. Suletta’s eyes were closed, the permet lines were gone and she was unresponsive.
She frowns, her eyes filling up with tears upon realizing that Suletta Mercury is truly gone.
Oh my god.
It couldn’t be real, this was just a nightmare. She had to wake up soon…right?
“Miorine…I’m sorry.” Chuchu says softly through the radio.
Miorine Rembran couldn’t hold back the tears anymore, she sobbed and wailed as she tried to plant her forehead on Suletta’s only for both their helmets to collide.
…
“Ah!” a voice winces in pain through the radio.
Miorine stops and pulls her head back a bit so she can get a better look.
“Miorine-san?” Suletta says softly, the flow of the permet lines returning to her face.
A miracle.
“Don’t scare me like that, you idiot!” Miorine smiles and her tears turn to tears of joy.
“Miorine-san…Ericht…my mom…w- AAAAAAAAAAAH!” Suletta shrieks, her body tenses and convulses as she writhes about in pain.
No.
The datastorm infection was still killing her.
“CHUCHU!” Miorine beckons.
“Right!” Chuchu gently cradles them in the hands of the Demi Barding.
They needed to head back. Suletta needed medical attention.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No.
"It's over Miorine Rembran. You are all under arrest for being complicit in Quiet Zero.” Kal, one of the co-CEOs of Peil Technologies smirks.
They had just docked the Demi-Barding at the station and were heading towards the Earth House ship when the corrupt Space Assembly League agents and the heads of Peil Technologies intercepted them.
“Nugen CEO! These children have been fighting to destroy Quiet Zero! They are innocent! You must let them go!” Belmeria beseeched the heads of Peil Technologies.
“Oh? All I see are co-conspirators and terrorists.” Golneri, another co-CEO of Peil Technologies, chuckles.
“You’re just using your corrupt dealings with the chairman of the Space Assembly league to get rid of any witnesses to the murders you’ve all caused…” Guston Parche accuses as his wrists are bound in cuffs.
“We don’t know what you’re talking about, arrest them.” Nevola, yet another co-CEO of Peil Technologies gestures for the Space Assembly league agents to arrest the members of Earth House and their allies.
“Just play along for now…they’ll go easy on you because you’re all students.” Belmeria advised the students of Earth House.
“Wait! Suletta needs urgent medical attention! Do whatever you want with me, but take care of Suletta!” Miorine urges them.
“Oh? How interesting…” Nugen, the fourth co-CEO of Peil Technologies muses as she and the others examine Suletta and the permet lines that scoured all across her body.
Suletta was panting rapidly as her body twitched and tensed up in pain. She really needed medical attention.
“Yes, very interesting, we must explore this further. Bring this subject to the lab for dissection.” Golneri orders the Space Assembly League agents as they begin to grab Suletta.
Miorine’s face turned pale, she couldn’t breathe. Dissection? They were going to cut up Suletta?
No.
Belmeria frowns, playing along was no longer an option.
“No! You old hags…I’ll give you the Benerit Group! Money! You want money, right? Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you! Just don’t touch Suletta!” Miorine begs, the terror in her eyes pleased the old hags of Peil Technologies.
“Miorine Rembran, your desperation is too obvious. Ownership of the Benerit Group has been transferred to us, along with all your finances and assets, including Gund-arm. And with all the Gundams destroyed, what else could we possibly want?” Nevola smirks.
Miorine gritted her teeth, they were right. She was out of cards to play.
“...Miorine, when we give the signal, grab Suletta and run.” Chuchu whispers.
“What?” Miorine was still in shock, she was having trouble processing what Chuchu had just instructed her to do.
“Run towards the ship, we’ll keep them busy.” Elan instructs as he cocks his gun behind his back.
Huh? No…what? Miorine was still in shock, there’s no way this was happening…right?
“Nika-nee…are you sure about this? Once we start, there’s no going back.” Chuchu warns.
Nika looks solemn, she looks at the other members of Earth House as they all nod in agreement.
“I’ve…done so many horrible things…so many people died because of my actions…maybe this is the price I have to pay for my sins…” Nika nods at Miorine.
“H-hey! What are you all saying?…Don’t-” Miorine protests.
“Oi, princess…just run…like you always do. Don’t look back…and remember our promise…don’t leave her side again.” Chuchu demanded.
No!
“Now!” Martin yells as all the Earth House members and their allies tackle the Assembly League agents.
Miorine manages to muster up the courage and grabs Suletta (the desperation helped).
Elan and Belmeria begin firing with their pistols as Miorine uses the anti-gravity to kick off the wall and float with Suletta out the other corridor.
There are sounds of gunshots, followed by screams of pain and death from behind her as she hears her allies and friends die off one by one.
But she can’t look back, she promised. She needed to protect Suletta.
“Over there!” Two Space Assembly League Agents yell as they begin opening fire in Miorine and Suletta’s direction.
Suletta musters enough energy and hugs Miorine, kicking off the wall as they move into the left corridor.
Good, it was the correct corridor, they were on their way to the ship.
“M-Miorine-san…” Suletta grunts in pain.
“Suletta…” Miorine responds with a soft voice.
Even as she was suffering, Suletta still protected her…
“We’re almost there alright? Hang in there!” Miorine assures her partner.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Somehow, Miorine and Suletta had made it onto the bridge of the ship and were now taking off, the Space Assembly agents were probably firing at the ship, but they couldn’t stop them with mere guns.
Nika…Chuchu…Belmeria-san…everyone was dead. But Chuchu had to push through the pain and trauma. She had to get Suletta medical attention. And she knew just where to go.
Yushura.
Yushura was still their ally and would gladly help them go into hiding, the fact that she was the head of the most powerful medical company in existence was just icing on the cake.
Miorine doesn’t waste any time inputting the coordinates. She knows a few ways to get there without running into the authorities.
Done, in half an hour, Suletta would get the medical help she needed.
“Miorine-san…” Suletta mutters weakly behind her.
Miorine rushes to her side, now that they weren’t running away from bullets and the autopilot was flying them to Earth. Miorine could now direct her full, undivided attention to Suletta.
The trauma, everything that just happened, it was too much…
Miorine holds back no longer and decides that Suletta deserves the full, unfiltered side of her. Instead of the Miorine that had always been harsh, distrusting, who always kept Suletta at arm's length. And so, the words and emotions come pouring out.
“Suletta, I’m here.” Miorine removed Suletta’s hair clip and ran her hands through her messy red hair, staring into her blue eyes…she had been waiting for this for far too long. Suletta really was so…pretty, Miorine smiled, she was lucky to have such a wonderful groom.
Suletta was still panting heavily and painfully. But she manages a pained smile towards Miorine.
“I have a plan, just rest alright?” Miorine’s voice is gentle as she places Suletta’s orange keychain in her hands.
“You…kept it…” Suletta looks happy, which pleases Miorine.
“Of course I did…it’s important to me.” Miorine smiles lovingly as she holds up her blue keychain.
“...*You* are important to me.” Miorine says softly.
“I…I’m sorry. I failed you. I…I failed everyone.” tears form in Suletta’s eyes.
Miorine hugs Suletta and brings her head to her shoulder.
“No, you did nothing wrong. I…I’m so sorry…the duel with Guel…I shouldn’t have hurt you like that.” Miorine apologizes.
She waits and expects a response from Suletta…but nothing.
Perhaps Suletta was still upset at her…understandably so.
“Suletta…I…I know I hurt you. But if you’ll still have me…I would love to be your wife.” Miorine says softly.
Still no response from Suletta.
“We…we’ll have to go into hiding for a while…build new identities…” Miorine ponders, she still had contacts that could help them on Earth, after all, she had been planning on escaping to Earth for a very, *very* long time.
“But after that…we’ll plant all the tomatoes you want…try on all the wedding dresses…buy any wedding ring you want, build all the schools you could ever dream of.” Miorine says dreamily.
Miorine takes a deep breath. The words had wanted to burst forth many times, but she had always been too…afraid…too distrusting, to say it.
But she needed to say it. It was now or never.
“...Suletta?...I love you.” Miorine whispers in Suletta’s ear.
Moments passed, and all was quiet.
“...Suletta?” Miorine was surprised, she had expected a response by now from the girl who was usually always so talkative.
*squish!*
Squish?
Miorine’s hands had been clasping Suletta’s back for a while now…but something wet had gotten onto her hands.
She looks at her hands.
Blood.
Urgently, Miorine glances at Suletta’s back.
Bullet holes, a few of them. A small caliber, judging by the holes. But enough to cause internal bleeding.
“SULETTA!” Miorine screams as she pulls her head from Suletta’s shoulders to look at her face.
Suletta’s eyes looked lifeless as she stared blankly at the wall.
Miorine strips off the glove of her normal suit, and her two fingers race to Suletta’s neck, checking for a pulse.
Nothing.
Then she places her ear next to her mouth to check for breathing.
Also nothing.
The bullet holes, when did she-
Miorine’s eyes widened as she realized…when the Assembly League agents were firing at them…Suletta had covered her body…she assumed she was just trying to push them aside, into the corridor…
But…why didn’t she say anything? Would it have mattered? Did she not realize she was bleeding? The normal suit compressed against her body, so maybe she didn’t realize…
Did…did she manage to hear Miorine’s feelings before parting?
It didn’t matter.
Miorine’s eyes dilate, and her heart drops as her face quivers with horror.
Suletta was gone.
With her hand caressing Suletta’s cheek, Miorine looks into Suletta’s eyes…into her beautiful…lifeless eyes.
Miorine sobs, the tears have returned as they flood her eyes. She utters an agonized cry and continues to scream into the numb silence.
Life could have taken away Miorine’s wealth, health, and all her happiness if it had meant that Suletta could be safe and happy. That was all she had ever wanted.
The one thing she had ever wanted…and it was gone.
“Suletta…please forgive me.”
Suddenly, bright lights blared from outside the ship as it lit up the inside of the bridge.
Miorine turns to look outside.
Space Assembly League ships…an armada of them.
Her ship’s communications are overridden.
“Miorine Rembran! This is the Space Assembly League! Surrender yourself, or we will open fire! You have 5 minutes to comply!” the bridge’s console speaker blares.
Miorine freezes, she doesn’t know what to do. The Princess of Management Strategy, even with all her intelligence and strategic genius...was out of cards to play.
She looks back at Suletta.
It doesn’t matter. Not anymore.
Miorine gently places Suletta against the wall as she closes her eyelids.
There, she looks peaceful now.
…Sleep well, my groom.
Then, she pushes against the wall, the anti-gravity carrying her to the ship’s console.
Her fingers tap rapidly against the keyboard.
She was going to overload the ship’s reactor. Thankfully, the explosion won’t be big enough to harm the ships surrounding them. But it would be enough to practically incinerate everything on this ship.
There, done.
Alea jacta est.
Miorine hurries back to Suletta, she wishes she could have given her a proper funeral…
…She wishes she could have given Suletta a proper wedding, to pick rings together, to see her in a white dress. Then they’d move forward together and mend the damage they had done to this world together, all whilst completing Suletta’s wish list of things to do.
Her right hand continues to caress Suletta’s cheek while her left hand plays with her red hair.
All the time they had been together, she could have spent it gazing lovingly at Suletta’s face, taking in every detail. Instead, she had wasted it because she was too proud and ashamed to admit her feelings.
The orange keychain was still nestled in Suletta’s hand, Miorine plucked it from her hand and placed the ring of the keychain onto Suletta’s ring finger.
She does the same with her blue keychain and places it on her ring finger.
With her arms wrapped around Suletta, Miorine awaits the sweet release of death, the final destination where they could finally be at peace together.
“Till death do us part.” Miorine whispers.
A loud roar can be heard from the ship, then there’s a bright white flash.
And then nothing.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miorine inhales sharply, her eyes dart around trying to make sense of her surroundings.
Dark, everything was dark…but…warm?
Her eyes adjust to the dark and soon, the pleasant sight of Suletta’s face is enough to calm her shocked nerves.
She takes in a deep breath, the smell of her beloved helps slow down her breathing.
She was in bed…with Suletta, both of them were in their sleepwear…cuddling with each other.
“Miorine-san? Are you alright?” Suletta asks, half awake.
“...I’m fine, go back to sleep.” Miorine responds.
The memories begin flowing back into her mind after waking up from her nightmare.
It was all coming back to her, how Miorine had chosen to take Suletta’s hand and stop her mother from enacting her revenge with Quiet Zero. And how Miorine had dissolved the Benerit Group, scattering its assets to the people of Earth. To prevent anyone from abusing its power, including those Peil House hags and that corrupt Space Assembly League chairman.
“...Did you mean it? Can we really go tomorrow?” Suletta asks.
“Hah?” Miorine raised an eyebrow, confused as to what Suletta meant.
Suletta looks a bit disappointed.
“Nothing, I’m sorry to have woken you up.” Suletta mutters.
Miorine sighed, she hadn’t meant to be so harsh. The few weeks after the events of Quiet Zero, Miorine had finally gotten used to opening up to her groom and sharing her feelings with Suletta.
But it was still difficult for her, Miorine had spent her whole life distrusting others and had kept everyone at arm’s length…with a sword…metaphorically speaking.
“No, I’m sorry…” Miorine apologizes.
“But…I’m the one who woke you up?” Suletta reminds her.
“Not for that, I…Suletta…the duel with Guel…I shouldn’t have hurt you like that………I’m sorry.” Miorine’s voice croaks.
For a moment, Suletta just stares blankly at Miorine, still half awake. But then she comes to a decision.
“I forgive you.” Suletta nods her head.
“...Thank you.” Miorine hugs her partner closer.
That’s right, life had given them this miracle…this miracle of time.
Time for them to apologize for their wrongdoings, time for them to move forward together, time for them to develop their relationship…and time for Miorine to gather up the courage to one day confess her feelings to Suletta.
“Are you feeling alright?” Miorine checks.
Suletta had just been released from the hospital a week ago. She still had some rehabilitation to go through, but thankfully the experts say it shouldn’t be anything permanent.
“I’m so tired, these classes on top of physical therapy are really taking their toll on me. I can feel my body ache all over…” Suletta pouts.
“Don’t be like that, it’s for your own good. Keep it up, and I’ll reward you with a date.” Miorine teases.
“Really? Can I choose where?” Suletta’s eyes shined with excitement.
“Wherever you want.” Miorine smiles.
"Hooray!" Suletta smiles brightly.
Miorine swooned, she absolutely adored her fiancée.
The Benerit Group was no more, and that meant that Miorine was no longer bound by rules to marry The Holder…
But Miorine Rembran will still marry The Holder one day anyway…not because of her old man…but because she was under the witch’s spell.
Miorine Rembran was in love with The Witch from Mercury.
So she will propose...and they will be married…one day.
…After they graduate, of course.
One day.
“Now go back to sleep, if you’re really that tired, you’ll need all the rest you can get.” Miorine lectures.
“Yes, yes…” Suletta’s yawns as she closes her eyes.
…
“So does that mean we really can go shop for rings and wedding dresses tomorrow?”
…
“Huh?”