Hey everyone! Can I say something before I actually do something worthwhile? My day sucked. My math test was a complete disaster and I'll have to retake it not to mention the whole thing of losing the two holidays cause of the reports I have to make and another test next week. Yep, my day really, really sucked. Join the fact that the exam season starts in two weeks and you can understand why I'm in such bad humor. Well, sorry for dumping this on you. Let's just get this going before I answer to that incredible urge to start to rant again. I still DON'T OWN ANYTHING IN THIS STORY. So back off Square-Enix. But Aria and all the OCs that feature it are all mine and you can't have them so get lost.
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A.N – My question is still on everyone. I still have time before I use it but I need a name for Aria's amulet. So keep sending your suggestions.
Here are the two already submitted. Please vote for your favorite or submit your own.
Meva Ysimad – It means "life amulet" and it's Al-bhed (language from FFX for those who don't know) – Submitted by AoA.
Apotropaic – It means "to have the power to avert evil" and it's greek – Submitted by Orodruin
Thanks a lot everyone :)
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For my dear reviewers:
Angel Of Apocolypse – Hey! Welcome back! Thank you so much for reviewing as well for the name that you left me. I really liked it. Would never have thought in using Al-bhed though. Good idea. Thanks a lot. Exams…damned torture method of minimally civilised countries. And the calendar that they make (Reyavie winces). There goes any resting time between them. Don't worry about reviewing later. You should focus on what you have to do. Really good luck to you and I hope everything turns out ok. Thank you once again for your thoughts on the last chapters and their names. Do you believe that sometimes I have more problems getting those names that making the story move on? And it was no problem to review your story (It's really great!). Well gotta go or I'm never going to get this finished. 'Till later.
Orodruin – Hya! It was really great to see that I have a new reviewer so welcome. And I'm very pleased in knowing that you enjoy reading my story. Receiving this kind of reviews is great to keep my self esteem from going below the ground and keeps me writing. So thank you so very much. Good to know that you like her weapons and the brothers. Her relation with her guardians is something that I take a great deal of care with. Glad to know that it's working out. Thank you so much for the name you left me. It's a great name and it's meaning is somewhat apt. Anyways, thank you once again and here you have the next chapter.
Lady of the Cats – And another new reviewer. Hi and welcome to Second life. Happy to know that you are liking my story. It updates every Thursday except for when I have exams or tests (as in the two next months). If that happens it will probably updated on Friday or Saturday ok? Thank you for review though and I hope to read from you soon. Enjoy.
DarthStriker – And yet another new reviewer. To you I also extent my welcome to this story review's hall…or room or whatever really. Wow…you really think that this is really good? (Reyavie gaps at the screen). Thanks a bunch. About the romance plot you commented about…well it will be somewhat slow. A bit here and there. Mostly talks for now. I recommend a strong dose of aspirin. Still working on it and thanks for reviewing. Here's the chappie. Why are you still reading this:)
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Welcome to twenty-first (is this correct?) chapter of Second life. Gone to burn math book.
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"Squall?" – The brown haired man raised his head to see Quistis and Selphie entering the compartment. They both smiled as they saw him before stepping away to show Zell and Irvine.
– "Where is Aria?" – He asked expecting the Galbadian Seed to appear with one of her sarcastic comments ready to be told. Quistis expression changed quickly as soon as he said that and it wasn't the only one. Selphie ran from the room immediately leaving a concerned Irvine to follow her
– "Where's Rinoa?" – Inquired Zell breaking the awkward silence.
– "Estharian soldiers came to pick her up" – Squall's expression was unreadable – "Rinoa is in Esthar now." – Quistis's eyes widened.
– "And you let them take her?" – That shut him up.
– "It was her choice" – His voice showed something that could only be perceived as slight regret – "Who was I to go against that?" – Zell's jaw dropped to the floor.
– "You have to be joking. You're not going to leave her there are you?" – Silence filled the room before their leader shook his head.
– "But you didn't answer my question" – Squall pressed when he realized they had changed the subject – "Where's Aria? Why isn't she with you?" – Even more silence but this time it wasn't broken.
Quistis moved slightly placing her hands on her back and pulled two identical black leather sheaths, holding them slowly for him to take. Squall looked at them incomprehensibly before pulling one katana from its protection.
It was different that the ones he had been used to see. Light, seemingly easy to use, a false image. Silver metal shone softly crossed by small lines in strange runes that he didn't understand and then red crystal covered it all as a fiery protection. More letters were carved but those comprehensible to any of them.
– Life and Blood, Part of Four. Phoenix's flame. – He pulled the other sharply only to find a similar phrase
– Honor and Spirit, Part of Four. Phoenix's flame. – His eyes read the carved words over and over again until Quistis said the words that would make his assumption real.
– "We found it near the Galbadian prison" – She informed – "Only one of the engineers was there. Neither Aria nor Ellone were found." – Her hands were closing around the black sheaths, her voice a little chocked as she finished.
– "We think they were taken but…" - His gloved hand touched the letters slowly dragging a red hue with the movement.
– "Blood…"
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Flashback
- "Why did you cut yourself in the katanas Ariadne?" – Selphie was walking beside the other girl with a grin in her face, as always, as they crossed the streets of Deling. Ariadne raised an eyebrow but an amused smile crossed her lips as she did so.
– "You never saw that huh?" – She asked. Her expression got a bit sterner.
– "I guess you can say it is a kind of superstition" – She continued touching the healing wound on her left hand – "First blood on the blade denounces its master. It will never turn against him or her that way." – Selphie's eyes were wide open.
– "You believe it?" – Aria chuckled a bit as guided them through the busy streets.
– "In a way, yeah. Or I wouldn't cut myself doing that but I was taught a long time ago that stories and legends shouldn't be discarded that easily." – And then she smirked as she saw a huge mansion down the street – "We're here."
End Flashback
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He stared at the black leather stained with something that he found himself whishing…no, praying to not have belonged to Ariadne.
– "Squall?" – Zell was touching his shoulder trying to gain both his attention and Quistis. – "We've got to go." – Squall's eyes narrowed and he placed the two katanas back in their sheaths.
– "Any information on their whereabouts?" – He inquired taking the weapons from the instructor. She nodded even as it seemed as if she wanted the artifacts back.
– "Lunatic Pandora. We'll explain later." – The ship choose that exact moment to shake dangerously before a sense of lightness told them that they had lift off.
As if Selphie's scream from the control cabin hadn't been a very direct way to inform them. Squall ran outside as soon as the newest information sank in, immediately followed by his companions, only to find a singing Selphie and an amused Irvine waiting for them.
– "Sure you know how to fly this?" – Squall was almost scared of the grin on the little girl's face.
– "It isn't hard" – She answered. – "So where to?" – Gloved hands grasped the harshness of two blades that could be the deadliest weapons in the right hands.
– "We head for the sorceress's memorial" – Hands. Her hands. Soft movements made like a dance. Stern emerald eyes.
– "Don't you dare die on me Leonhart" – She had been afraid. A woman he had seen take charge over a place she had called home for more than four years. Someone who always spoke her mind but knew what to say in each moment. Afraid. For him. Sea green eyes that shone brightly with their owner's emotions.
– "Don't you dare…" - Tanned skin glistening with the artificial lights. A small gasp in pain. Pale green eyes closing with suffering.
– "Die on me…" - He had failed…again.
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It took barely twenty minutes to take Rinoa from the place where she had been incarcerated and to Quistis every minute had been too long. Every second of uncertainty was too long.
The entire group was at the command room at the moment…no, not all of them.
She was missing.
Her presence, calm and amused at the same time, was missing. Laughter was missing. Her sister.
– "Where are we going now?" – She could have hugged Selphie. The bright girl knew just right when the silence was beginning to be oppressive.
– "I…" - Everyone turned to Rinoa that had been shyer ever since she had awoken from her coma.
– "You guys remember that Orphanage in Centra you were talking about in Trabia?" – She asked – "Where you grew up? Could we…?" – Quistis felt herself anger instead of the despair that had been taking her. Her mouth opened to speak but she stopped as a hand caught her wrist. Irvine, flirt and impulsive Irvine, was shaking his head in warning.
– "That place is in shambles now" – Answered Squall – "There's nothing to see there." – Quistis felt an urge of gratitude towards her friend as she heard those words.
– "I just…" - Rinoa's expression was pitiable. Anyone would crumble seeing it. – "Just wanted to stay in a place where there aren't a lot of people. If Ultimecia possesses me again…" – This time no subtle touches would make her quiet. Not even the fact that Squall was about to speak.
– "As much as that is understandable Rinoa" – Quistis began sternly as if that wasn't more than one of the hundred lectures she had given as an instructor – "You have to realize that Aria and Ellone have been captured and the more time we lose more they will suffer. And if Ellone is important to them…"
She left the rest of the phrase open to completion but all of them caught the "Aria isn't. She is expendable". Her hand grasped the small envelope that her sister had given to her before she left. One thing she had learned about Aria in the months that had passed was that she could be extremely cautious.
– "Aria gave me this for us to see if something like this happened" – Quistis informed extending the letter to Squall – "Read it." – He looked at the letter with something she couldn't name before opening it slowly.
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"Dear everyone,
Something should have happened to me for you to be reading this.
If so…then I'm sorry.
Don't worry yourselves with me though. You have a lot more important things to worry about now. Lunatic Pandora is one big winner in that case. Remember when I disappeared in Esthar to get my blades?
Well…it wasn't the only thing that I did.
Warn the president that the security of the labs sucks.
LP is a giant walking time bomb and it should be disabled as soon as possible. Or we will have a lot more Centras on our hands in the future. But the interesting thing is that it is completely and totally computerized. And what better way to destroy such things than Viruses?
Computer viruses Zell. I don't want to make a machine catch a cold.
Get to Galbadia Garden and make Stef or one of the others give you my computer as well as my password. Raider's oath, ring a bell? Connect the computer in sub-level 2, engine room. Theoretically it will fry the circuits that control the whole thing and stop it from being used once more.
It should work. I think…you guys do know how to pray, don't you?
Gee…I'm only joking. No need to glare at a piece of paper.
Anyways…if something drastic did happen to me, which I somewhat doubt cause I'm just too damn stubborn to let myself get killed, then I want you guys to know that I had a great time with all of you.
Even with all the fighting, even with all the stuff that we went through. I'm going to miss all of you. And confess you're going to miss me as well.
Warn my friends for me. Tell them the same words that I have left here.
Don't give up hope. That's the only thing that will keep you from losing before the battle even began. Kick the bitch's ass for me.
Love ya all
Ariadne Scylla Beckerman
P.S: I still hate my middle name
P.P.S: Quis, quit worrying. I'll be fine. Trust me. Take care of the group for me ok?"
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Once more silence was the permanent feature when Squall's voice quieted.
– "I knew what a computer virus was" – Grumbled Zell. For a moment they could almost hear what she would say. An "Of course you do" before the familiar smirk crossed her lips as she supported herself on a wall.
– "What will we do Squall?" – Asked Quistis. Her face was controlled to the point where it was almost painful to watch. He frowned as read something on the letter before turning to Selphie.
– "Is it possible for us to find Galbadia Garden with the Ragnarok?" – The girl grinned.
– "Yeah, sure. That would a piece of cake. It has a very detailed radar" – She seemed a proud mother talking about her baby. It was a very scary thought.
– "They are near Winhil" – She informed after a few seconds.
– "We should have predicted that" – Commented Irvine – "It was where Aria told them they would be safe." – Squall gave the brown haired girl a sharp nod.
– "Then, let's go. You will have to rest for a while on the way Rinoa" – He added – "Quistis is correct. We can't lose more time" – Rinoa gave him a small smile before sitting at a corner.
– "Quistis" – The instructor looked at him immediately, waiting for his orders – "You'll come with me. Irvine, you too." – Quistis smiled, a thankful and sorrowful smile at the same time before taking the letter from his hands and left the control room. Squall followed her with his eyes for a moment before his attention was caught once more by the words he had read.
– "Shit!" – He raised an eyebrow to Irvine for his uncharacteristic sentence only to see him blanch. – "I strongly recommend we carry our weapons down Squall" – And he refused to say anything else.
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- "Hey they're back" – The small group entered the Garden only to find what they would consider normal to the routine of a Garden. A girl in the student's uniform waved at them approaching quickly. She had been the one to speak.
– "Welcome to Galbadia Garden" – She said with a grin – "What can I do for you?" – Squall nodded for Irvine to take lead. He knew the place and people better after all.
– "We would like to speak with Stephanie, Alexander or anyone of their group" – The sharpshooter informed with a look that Selphie would not be pleased to see.
– "Yeah, sure" – She seemed to have ignored it completely. Either that or she already knew his reputation. They were ready to bet on the second. – Hang on – She walked to the cabin where the guard was and grabbed a communicator. The Seed in watch just rolled his eyes but his smile seemed condescending, amused.
– "Sorry for interrupting whatever you are doing" – Her voice echoed through the Garden making the Balamb group understand exactly the why to the guard's actions.
– "Stef, Alex, Sasha, Lara and Eliza. We have visitors. You're needed in the front gate. That's all. Thank you for your attention." – She got out of the cabin still grinning but now to the man she had left behind.
– "Thanks James. There you go" – She said now to the group – "One of them should appear soon. Just wait for…"
"It's alright Clare" – They turned to see Lara. Her shoulder-length black hair was pulled behind her, failing in small curls, as she walked to them, a welcoming smile on her lips – "I'll take it from here. You can go. I think that Doctor Summers would appreciate your help." – The girl nodded before waving once more and running down the hall. Some people screamed for her to stop running but were ignored as if the same had been said by a wall.
– "Sugar" – Lara said as an explanation – "That girl is bad without it and worse with it. I wager that she went into Rhiannon's cookies." – She bowed politely – "It is good to see you here once more. Even if we were not expecting you."
– "Do you always have to be so damn formal Lara?" – Silver-grey eyes were flashing in exasperation. Lara just smiled at the newcomer.
– "It is not formality Sasha. It's something called politeness. Where are the others?" – Sasha shrugged dismissively.
– "Meeting room. I got the shorter stick and get to act as a messenger girl. Greetings Commander" – She nodded in his direction – "Instructor, Kinneas" – She repeated the same gesture.
– "Follow me" – Lara smacked her on the head as she passed beginning a playful banter as they walked down the hall. If they noticed the way the visitants were quiet and silent neither said a thing nor tried to bring them into the conversation.
– "Here we are" – Sasha gave them passage while shooting a small confused look to her friend. Lara's brow was furrowed as she watched them enter without a comment.
Stephanie was sitting in a chair, back straight and legs crossed, next to a concerned looking Eliza. Alexander was against a wall behind them, a raised eyebrow the only sign showing that he had noticed their entrance. The other two galbadians took places near their friends as the Balamb group sat next to one another.
– "So what can we do for you?" – Asked Stef
– "And where's Aria by the way?" – Completed Eliza. Alex sighed behind them.
– "Be more blunt. I think that it is possible if you try" – He shut up when Lara hit him with a small pillow.
– "But they are right" – Squall was voice was as emotionless as always, too business-like. Stef's heart seemed to constrict as she read something on the other two's expressions.
– "What happened?" – She inquired. She could have sworn to see something in the cold blue eyes in front of her…regret?
– "She was captured by Galbadian soldiers" – Squall declared coolly – "After the Lunar Cry" – Chokes were heard, eyes narrowing, flashing in pure anger.
Sasha rose from the chair and left immediately without looking back slamming the door as she did so. Alex placed a comforting hand on Lara's shoulder and Eliza was closing her eyes forcibly, tears beginning to sweep past the fragile barrier. Stef was looking at her feet, deep breaths showing that she was trying to calm herself before she raised her head to them once more.
– "I…" - Another deep breath – "Thank you…for warning us. Sorry…for Sasha, I mean. She doesn't want to do something she'll regret." – Hands crisped themselves in her lap – "Do you need our help to get her?" – Squall waited for a moment before shaking his head slightly.
– "We will get her" – His voice carried something akin to reassurance – "But she left us a letter." – To his surprise Stef chuckled sadly.
– "She always does that" – She whispered – "Before every mission. As if she's always afraid we will go hitting walls when she's not around. What did she say?" – Squall looked at Quistis and the message was clear enough for the instructor to give her the paper. Stef read it quickly before giving it to the others to do the same.
– "I'm going to get it" – She informed – "'Liza find Sasha before she knocks out everyone in the TG." – Eliza sniffled a bit before cleaning her eyes and follow the her friend.
– "And you" – Alex sat next to Lara and pulled her to him in a protective gesture with an arm around her shoulders – "Tell us the whole story." – And they did. It took merely ten minutes for them to narrate what had happened ever since they had left Balamb Garden, time enough for the rest of the Galbadian group to join them.
– "Here it is" – Stef placed a black rectangular portable computer on his hands as well as an additional cable – "Password is Second Life. Raider's oath is in her documents. Mayhem for that program. See anything else and she will kill you before leaving the scraps for the birds. If they are found after she's through with you." – Sasha looked at the three of them with a forced control that was a mirror of the one that could be seen on her friends.
– "You better save her" – She hissed coldly – "Because if Aria doesn't come back home I'll kill you. By Hyne I swear I'll kill you." – Eliza grabbed her arm softly trying to shake her from her homicidal mood.
– "And we will all gladly help" – That was everything they weren't expecting from the calm and controlled Alexander. – "Aria is one of us. Remember that." – They were a very closed and united group. Anyone would be able to see that.
– "She's not going to die" – Lara's eyes narrowed with Squall's statement. Everyone who knew her would be surprised with her attitude.
– "She better not. For your sake." – In that moment the visitants understood exactly what they were.
A family. Her family.
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Ok everyone. I'll end it here this week. Yep, no Aria in this chappie. But she'll come back soon enough. So as always where I am to remind you that I really love to receive reviews so that I might know that people are enjoying my story. So please REVIEW. Suggestions, especially to the name of Aria's amulet, mistakes that you might have found or something that you think that it should be corrected and please let me know. (Reyavie's mother comes to room and stares at the fireplace that has a pile of paper burning…before grabs a bucket of water, puts the fire out and reminds daughter that she has another test of that to do.) I'm doomed.
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Next chapter: Headaches, more prisons and the notion that "what goes around comes around" has never rang truer.
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See ya all next week
Reyavie