34: Unwavering bonds

As the school day drew to a close, Aiden found himself surrounded by his new friends from Class 1-A.

The afternoon sun was dipping low, casting long shadows across the courtyard as they casually strolled toward the gates.

Mina, ever her bubbly self, chatted animatedly about the day's training session, while Kirishima and Iida kept pace with a more relaxed stride, each chiming in occasionally.

"Man, today was intense!" Mina grinned, giving Aiden a playful nudge. "I can't believe you didn't tell us about that flashy quirk of yours sooner!"

Aiden chuckled, his carefree tone making light of it. "I figured I'd let the suspense build. Gotta keep things interesting, right?"Kaminari, walking just behind them, smirked. "Interesting is one way to put it. I was pretty sure Todoroki wasn't expecting you to just warp that barrier around him."

"I wasn't expecting half of what happened today!" Ochaco added, skipping alongside Mina. "It's crazy how everyone's quirks are so unique."

Aiden smiled, not revealing too much but enjoying the conversation. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his uniform jacket, and his royal robes billowed lightly as he walked, giving him that effortless air of nobility.

"Well, you know, I'm still learning about all of you too. That ice and fire combo from Todoroki... that was something."

As they neared the gates, they were greeted by a sight that was becoming quite familiar: Kaela, one of Aiden's royal guards, stood waiting patiently by the luxurious black car that had become a source of curiosity for many students.

Dressed in her sleek armour, she carried herself with the composed grace of a high-ranking officer, her eyes scanning the surroundings with calm vigilance.

"Oh wow, she's so cool!" Ochaco whispered, clearly impressed. 

Mina leaned over to Aiden, whispering in a teasing tone, "You sure know how to make an entrance and exit, huh?."

Aiden smirked and shrugged. "I like to travel in style."

Just as he was about to respond further, a small, fluffy creature hopped down from the car and padded its way over to Aiden. Nimbus, his cute and fluffy pet, was wagging his little tail, a ball of fur that could melt anyone's heart.

He looked up at Aiden with expectant eyes, clearly happy to see his master.

"Aw, is that your pet?" Ochaco cooed, kneeling down to pet the little guy. Nimbus cooed happily under her touch, earning smiles from everyone.

"Yeah, this is Nimbus," Aiden said with a smile, picking him up. "He's my little sidekick. Doesn't do much except look adorable, but that's enough."

Kirishima grinned. "That's manly in its own way, dude. Gotta appreciate a loyal companion."

Kaela stepped forward, her voice calm but authoritative. "Young master, the car is ready when you are."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming," Aiden waved her off lightly before turning back to his friends. "Guess this is where I leave you guys for today."

"You heading back to your palace or something?" Kaminari joked, laughing.

"Something like that," Aiden replied with a smirk, though not entirely untrue. His villa was grand, after all.

As the group waved him off, Aiden made his way to the car, with Nimbus resting comfortably in his arms. Before he got in, he turned to give one last look at his friends, offering a casual salute.

"Catch you all tomorrow!"

"See ya, Aiden!" Mina called out with a wave, followed by the rest of the group.

With that, Aiden stepped into the car, Kaela closing the door behind him before taking her seat. As they drove off, Aiden leaned back, letting out a content sigh. It had been a good day, and he was already feeling more at ease in this new world, with new friends.

Though, with Nimbus curling up on his lap and Kaela keeping a watchful eye from the front seat, he couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring.

-

-

Back at the villa, Aiden stepped inside and was immediately greeted by his loyal maid, Elara. She was a dedicated young woman, only 18, yet carrying the weight of her family's legacy of service with remarkable grace.

Her dark brown hair was tied neatly into a bun, and she always exuded a calm but warm presence.

"Welcome back, young master," Elara said, bowing slightly before looking up at him. Nimbus trailed behind Aiden, padding lightly across the floor.

"Good to be back, Elara," Aiden replied with a smile, tossing his school jacket onto a nearby chair before addressing her. "I've got a bit of a list for you."

Elara nodded, prepared as always. She took out her small notepad, ready to jot down whatever Aiden needed.

"I'll need you to arrange for some deliveries to my room. Get the following items: mechanical parts, metals—preferably titanium, electronics—high-end processors, and... let's see, a bunch of wiring and other basic materials.

I'll send you the full list in a minute," Aiden began.

Elara scribbled quickly, keeping up with his instructions.

"Also," Aiden continued, pacing the room with Nimbus at his side, "I'm going to need a construction company to help build something. It's for a personal workshop I need to start on my inventions and projects."

Elara's pen paused for a moment as she looked up, waiting for further clarification.

Aiden stopped pacing and turned to her with a grin. "But let's help out a fellow classmate. Hire Ochaco Uraraka's parents' construction company. I think they'd appreciate the business."

A knowing smile spread across Elara's face as she nodded. "Understood. I will contact them immediately."

"Great. And when you're ordering the materials, make sure to get them from the Yaoyorozu company. You know, Momo's family. Good quality stuff there, plus, it'll help keep everything in-house," Aiden said casually, leaning back against the wall with a thoughtful expression.

"Of course, young master. I will arrange that right away," Elara affirmed, her voice calm and professional, as always. "Is there anything else you need?"

Aiden shook his head. "That should be it for now. I'll forward you the rest of the details on my materials later tonight."

Elara gave him a soft bow before stepping away, ready to carry out his orders. Aiden watched her go, feeling a sense of satisfaction with his decisions.

Helping out Ochaco's family would be a good way to start making connections, and ordering from the Yaoyorozu company seemed like a no-brainer.

Turning to Nimbus, who had now curled up on the couch, Aiden smiled. "Things are coming together, little guy. It's just the start."

He patted the fluffy creature on the head before making his way to his room, already envisioning what he'd build once everything was in place. The future was looking bright, and Aiden was ready to take it all on.

...

In Paradis, the grand halls of the House of the Armoured Titan exuded a sense of strength and elegance. The towering marble pillars lined with intricate carvings told stories of the house's legacy—of protection, resilience, and power.

Lady Celeste, daughter of Lord Kael, sat by the massive window overlooking the lush gardens, her mind far away from the picturesque view.

She absentmindedly twirled a strand of her silver hair, her thoughts fixated on something—or rather, someone—who wasn't there.

Her father, Lord Kael, was a formidable figure even in his quiet moments. Dressed in his ceremonial armour, he stood by his desk, scanning through official documents, his stern face showing little emotion.

Yet, as observant as always, he couldn't miss the distant look in his daughter's eyes.

"You've been distracted as of late, Celeste," Kael said, his deep voice cutting through the silence of the room. He set down the scroll he had been reading and turned his piercing gaze toward her.

"What's on your mind?"

Celeste blinked, coming out of her reverie, though her expression remained soft, almost melancholic. She rose gracefully from her seat and walked over to her father's desk, standing beside him.

Her striking silver eyes met his as she hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"I miss Aiden," she admitted, her voice gentle but filled with emotion. "It's strange, not having him around. We grew up together, and now, he's halfway across the world in Japan."

Kael raised an eyebrow, though his expression remained stoic. He crossed his arms over his broad chest, sensing there was more to what she was saying. "Aiden has chosen his path, and as his friend, you should be happy for him."

"I am," Celeste quickly responded, her tone sincere. "But... I also feel like I should be there with him. I don't know, Father. I feel restless here. Aiden is in a completely new place, experiencing things we've only heard about. It's exciting, and—" she paused, biting her lip, "I want to be there for him, to help him if he needs it."

Lord Kael studied her, seeing the genuine longing in his daughter's eyes. He knew she had always been close to Aiden, even more so than others in their circle.

There was a bond between them that went beyond just friendship—an understanding of one another's ambitions and dreams. Aiden's adventurous spirit seemed to awaken something in Celeste as well.

"You want to follow him," Kael said, not as a question but as a statement. He sighed, walking around the desk to stand in front of her. "Why now? What has brought this on, Celeste?"

Celeste looked down, her silver and black hair falling forward slightly before she raised her eyes to meet his again. "It's not just about missing him. It's about not wanting to be left behind. Aiden is stepping into a new chapter, and I... I want to be a part of that too.

Japan's culture, their heroes, everything about it—it's so different from Paradis. It feels like an opportunity, not just for Aiden but for me as well."

Her words hung in the air as Kael remained silent for a moment, thinking.

Finally, his expression softened just slightly, though his tone was still firm.

"You've always been strong, Celeste, but strength isn't just about being physically capable. It's also about knowing when to take your own path and when to follow another.

Aiden has his own journey, and though you care for him, you must think carefully about what you're asking for. Are you ready to leave behind your responsibilities here?"

Celeste's heart skipped a beat at her father's words. He wasn't dismissing her feelings outright—he was giving her a choice.

She had responsibilities as the heir to the Armoured Titan's legacy, but deep down, she knew that part of her wanted more than the quiet life in Paradis.

"I've thought about it," she said with determination. "I know it won't be easy, but... I think following Aiden to Japan might help me grow. There's only so much I can learn here, Father."

Lord Kael looked into her eyes, seeing the fire of ambition and adventure he had once seen in himself when he was younger. He sighed deeply before finally nodding.

"Very well," he said slowly, his tone resigned but understanding. "If this is truly what you wish, I will speak with the council and arrange for you to join Aiden in Japan.

But remember, Celeste, once you leave Paradis, things will change. You may not find it as easy as you think to return to the way things were."

Celeste smiled softly, gratitude and excitement filling her heart. "I understand, Father. Thank you."

Lord Kael gave her a rare smile before placing a hand on her shoulder. "Just be careful out there, Celeste. Aiden may be strong, but so are you. Make sure you're following your own dreams, not just his."

She nodded, her mind already racing with thoughts of what the future would hold.

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