Disclaimer time I guess…I DON'T OWN ANYTHING ON THIS STORY. Except my OCs of course. The rest belongs to the oh-so-wonderful Squaresoft.
This is the longest chapter I've posted until now so I hope you guys will enjoy reading it. Comments, suggestions and critics are welcomed so review.
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Welcome to the fifth chapter of Second life. Enjoy
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My POV
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It's official. I'm screwed. Someone must really hate me up there. Even my pastime was taken away…for now. That Squall is really stupid. Does he think that I just happen to hate Kinneas for nothing? Please for my sanity's sake I hope the answers is no. How could I fight alongside people that think that I am a nutcase?
But continuing the subject at hand the guy is a two-timing bastard. I have Eliza's word for that. One of my friends from the Garden that actually had the displeasure to fall for the asshole. I had just heard about that when he was a little too forward with me which ended with that wonderful trip to the infirmary. I was never one to lose my temper over things but that day, is almost useless to say, I was pissed.
As I am now while returning to hear the general give us our passport to the Galbadian prison. Even the brothers in my head are feeling my distress. I never thought that having them there could be so comforting sometimes. Especially when they banter with each other. They remind me of me and my Bro. Maybe that is the reason why I like them so much. Because they are not unreachable like I thought they would be. Their voices are now calm and reassuring but they are doing little for my temper.
Can anyone blame me? Well enough of self pity. If Mr. Leader thinks that he will scold me and I will remain quiet he can go to hell for all I care. I am not going to change myself to make his life better. Many have tried and still haven't made it and he can be sure he will not be the one to do it.
Ahhh…I feel better. I'll be damned…a rant was all I needed. Maybe I can do another but this time not mentally and accompanied by something to beat to a bloody pulp.
That should be made a priority for the next few days.
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3rd Person POV
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- "It is really like him" – Commented Rinoa standing up – "Making guests wait. I'm going to talk to him." – The little girl left them alone in the room to go and talk to her father. That had been an interesting bit of information at least for everyone except Ariadne.
Ever since the fight she had kept herself mostly quiet as she was under some deep thinking. As soon as Rinoa left she approached the window and started to look for something
– "What are…?" – Her hand was placed firmly on Zell's mouth to stop the next words and she raised the other to her lips so that all of them remained quiet. Then she took something from the window shield before walking around the room making the same gestures on things like vases or books.
– "I think you guys can talk now" – She said sitting down again and placing the things on the coffee table – "I guess I caught all of them." – Quistis grabbed one and frowned
– "Microphones? How?" – A snort passed through the girl's lips.
– "The headmaster sent me for several reasons and one of them just happens to be the fact that I'm a bit paranoid about certain things. Shit! Didn't notice that one… " - She jumped to the table and took another from the lamp – "Warn me if you see a wire that doesn't seem connected to anything. Someone did a really sloppy job with these. Less work for me" – The door opened and a black haired man entered.
– "Where's Rinoa?" – Asked Squall. The man shook his head. – "She is not a Seed and therefore she will be a liability. She has no place here." – Before Squall could talk Ariadne's voice cut in, cool and prudent.
– "You do realize that she is at the moment their employer? What she orders they have to do. I think it would be better for her to listen." – Squall sent her a brief glare but she ignored it. If she didn't cut this conversation in the beginning they would lose precious time. And besides it would be best if the girl would be with them already. There would be no problem with the sacrifices then but knowing them…
- "Your advice is noted Ms. Beckerman I presume?" – A smirk appeared on her lips
– "But she is right." – Intervened Squall – "After this mission we will still be under our contract and whatever orders of your daughter will have to be fulfilled." – The man didn't comment and proceeded to instruct them on the mission they were supposed to undertake.
No one noticed the brown haired girl shaking her head when we talked or the way she stayed a bit behind when they followed the General to know the specifications of the mission.
– "So the parties will be as it follows." – He informed when they returned – "Kinneas as the sharpshooter and Leonhart and Beckerman as support. Squall will be the leader and Ariadne it will be your job to get them inside. If he fails both of you are to attack head on."
Squall nodded and a "How fun" was heard from Ariadne's vicinity. Irvine just made a show out of his ego as usual – "The rest of you will be placed at the gates. That's it." – The General left them alone and the assassination pasty stood up.
– "Very well. Instructor you're in charge "- Ordered Squall – "Let's move out."
Before they abandoned the room however Ariadne grabbed Quistis shoulder softly.
– "Don't go after Rinoa if she comes. This is not her place now." – The Seed nodded and watched somewhat confused as the others left.
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- "Kinneas take the bloody hat of your head. Do you want everyone to look at you?" – The two men could barely see the girl and that had been the purpose all along. Ariadne was after all a stealth specialist and she was not supposed to be seen.
– "We are in the middle of a crowd." - She appeared behind him and took the offending object of his head
– "And can't you still see a white dog in the middle of a black flock? Don't be dense." – She looked up and her eyes darkened – "Oh shit" – The two followed her gaze to where the sorceress was. Behind her was a very familiar black haired girl
– "Rinoa?" – Muttered Squall
– "What is she doing there?" – Asked Irvine
– "Taking a walk, you asshole" – Answered Ariadne, sarcasm dripping in her tone – "We have to get her out of there before the sorceress's puppies arrive. Mix with people and use the parade. Follow me." – And she moved quickly making them almost lose her from their sight until they eventually saw her pass the gates.
– "We have to go up." – She said when they joined her tossing the hat she had been grabbing to his owner – "Keep a low profile. I don't want anyone to notice us just yet." – Without waiting for an answer or realizing the amazement her actions were spurting in her colleagues she gave the example jumping from box to box before climbing the stairs that would take them to the roof.
Squall took the leadership there and walked to the room – "Rinoa" – She was on the floor, obviously close to pass out. Two monsters were between the group and her
– "I swear." – Grumbled Ariadne unsheathing her blades positioning the right one pulled behind, lined with her head, and the left one lowered horizontally in front of her – "I must be cursed." – Irvine took a place next to her, shotgun already on his hand
– "You are not the only one. Let's forget the past for now alright?" - She only answered with a nod while Squall took his place, Revolver on his hand, and the monsters turned to them
– "And so the shit will hit the fan."
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Ifrit disappeared leaving the still the two monsters behind him. They were getting weaker but their attack was still quite dangerous.
– "Kinneas" – Yelled Ariadne placing herself in front of him – "Draw. They have something." – She slashed quickly evading the attack that was aimed at her.
– "If you say so." – Was his answer – "Draw "– Her hand moved to the pouch she always used at her waist and found a yellow stone.
– "Squall! I hope you have a good limit break. Aura Stone" – He looked at her briefly in questioning, sensing the strength the small stone carried and saw the yellow hue take his body. Quite wisely both she and Irvine got out of the way when he showed them the art of "How to chop monsters in ten seconds"
– "Damn…"- Mumbled Ariadne under her breath – "He is good in what he does"
– "You said it" – Grumbled Irvine by her side.
– "Take you arm off if you want to live Kinneas" – The arm that somehow had been placed on her shoulders disappeared in an instant.
– "Squall? You okay?" – She asked approaching them slowly. – "Rinoa?"
– "I was so scared" – The girl was kneeling on the floor shaking visibly – "I was so scared."
– "It is over now" – Ariadne rolled her eyes with her leader's capability to be comprehensive. Rinoa latched onto his arm and he gave a pleading look to the female Seed whose lips were twitching suspiciously. – "Just stay close to me."
The other Seed took the opportunity to try and lessen the damage on the girl.
– "Come on Rinoa" – She said helping her to stand up – "As much as I think that it would be better for you to get out of here if you are to stay you better move." – With a practiced ease she ignored the reaction to her veiled censuring and turned to Squall – "We should move." – He just nodded and guided them to the place where they would wait for the right time. They had a mission to finish.
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My POV
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I will love to someday tell this stuff to my kids when I grow older. "You know something? I knew exactly what was going to happen when I entered the damn story but didn't do a thing to change it or even better, run from it." I can almost hear their voices. "Were you that dense mommy?"
Now as I am here waiting for all the stupidity to start while watching the city I pray that the people that I know and care about are well away from this place. Shit. Of course they are not. I wish I could bang my head somewhere so that I could stop thinking.
Wait… judging for the strange looks that both Squall and Rinoa are giving me I guess I am banging my head…Oh right! I have a wall behind me. But I am still thinking. There goes that solution.
My eyes fall on the people on the streets. They look so confident in their future, so confident that everything will be alright. Sometimes I wished I could be like them…not knowing everything that is going to happen. After all it is true what they say. Ignorance is bliss. But that option is well far from me and if I'm here then sure as hell I'll make something to help.
My watch finally shows 00.00 h and my heart nearly stops. This is it. Now is the time to shape my story. And to hell with those who think they can mess up with my future.
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3rd Person POV
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- "Ariadne?" – The girl practically ignored the other while she stood up and approached the two talking men. – "Are you alright?" – Tried Rinoa again. A sigh escaped the Seed's lips
– "No. I don't think I am" – She answered – "But somehow I don't think that is important in the moment" – Her eyes closed for a moment before another sigh was heard. – "Don't worry about me Rinoa. I can take care of myself."
And even if the words were somewhat cold the tone they were said with wasn't. It was a fact. Simply that. With careful steps she stepped closer to her comrades in time to hear Squall last attempt to give some confidence. If she had time she would make some comments that she hadn't made when they had met Rinoa in the Sorceress's chamber but she didn't have it. Her hand placed itself on the sharpshooter's shoulder softly and her eyes that were normally mocking were now kind and understanding. She felt like her father should have when she was younger and needed help. Someone that knows what you are going through and can only offer support.
– "Don't worry 'bout it Irvine" – She saw him coming out of his stupor and open his eyes in surprise. She had never called him by his name – "Just shoot. As Squall said it is just a signal for us to go. Nothing more, nothing less. I know you can do it. You're the best in the Garden. Even if your ego sucks." – The last part was muttered and thankfully only Squall heard it at least from what she could conclude from his expression of clear exasperation.
– "Now go for it" – She took her hand as he prepared for the shot
– "Just a signal" – The sniper was placed in position and carefully aimed – "Only a sign" – Two seconds passed. They could hear their heartbeats pounding on their ears and then…BANG. The bullet flew through the air only to collide with the sorceress's shield. Irvine fell back in anguish – "I am sorry." – For once the leader reacted as a normal person
– "It was not your fault. Your aim was perfect" – Ariadne nodded in agreement – "Now is our turn. Take care of Rinoa"
Squall exchanged a look with the other Seed and turned to the railing. The next moment both of them started to run, jumping to the level below and then to the street, Squall opening the way with his gunblade before borrowing a car that was lost on the street. Ariadne that had been following closely took the seat by his side, the only katana she had unsheathed resting on her right hand.
– "And when we thought this couldn't get any worse." - He didn't answer to her comment and she didn't expect him to.
When they left however she placed a hand lightly on his arm and muttered a small "Be careful". The only reaction she had a barely discernable smirk before he approached their enemy. Ariadne was right behind her leader, the second katana already on her free hand.
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"So you're the sorceress's lapdog now?" – Squall' voice was eerily calm and Ariadne shivered. He really wasn't someone to get on your bad side.
– "I prefer to be called her knight." – Replied the blonde man that she knew to be Seifer.
– "Sure you do." – She drawled as coldly as the man beside her. Seifer's eyes fell on her and he smirked.
– "You got yourself a friend. She is…interesting." - Somehow the way he said that made the girl wish she could maim him badly.
– "Ariadne" – Squall's voice called her to reality – "This is my fight." – She nodded understanding what he wanted – "But if there is a problem I'm in and the hell to your wishes."
– "This has always been my dream" – Seifer threw himself against Squall and Ariadne just fell back her eyes trained on the sorceress behind the duo.
Her eyes were blank, an endless pool of black and gold that were, quite frankly, freaking her out but she refused to look away. She wasn't conscious of the way her normal sea-green eyes darkened until they resembled emerald or the way the small pendant she had used ever since she had came to that world was shining very softly.
– "Ariadne!" – She turned abruptly to Squall as she had just remembered where she was. Seifer was on the floor mumbling something about failure when she came closer, blades ready for when the sorceress remembered that they were there
– "Good job Leader, sir" – She said reverting to her I'm-in-deep-shit-so-let's-pretend-everything's-okay tone – "I wanted to have a go too though. Oh well" – Squall gave her a incredulous look that was probably meant to ask is she had been cursed or was just plain crazy but when he did he noticed the tension in her stance and her darkened eyes locked on the sorceress
– "That doesn't work well as a stress reliever." – A smirk crossed her lips.
- "Useless child" – The sorceress came forward, her face still as black as before, looking to all she was made of ice.
– "Wait!" – Irvine appeared by Ariadne's side in a instant while Rinoa took a place next to Squall – "I can still fight" – She whispered with a hint of nervousness
– "I have to redeem myself" – Ariadne gave him a true smile – "I think you already did that. Well…let's play" – Squall attacked without warning and she jumped behind to do the same. Shiva came out of nowhere when they both finished their attacks and stood back to wait for their turn.
– "Don't you have anymore of those stones you used on me?" – She shook her head
– "It was the last one. I'll try to summon now." – "I need help guys. And if it's very fast I would really appreciate it." – "We are coming Aria. Wait a bit."
The comforting voices of the brothers left her mind just in time to allow her to feel the full brunt of the magical attack that had fallen on her
– "Shit! That was not nice" – Her hand raised while she stood closer – "Not that it was supposed to be. Get out of the way guys. Brotherly love!" – The Minotaurs sprung from the floor and started their usual round of rock-paper-scissors that she still didn't understand why they did it. Rinoa took her place when they disappeared but just then yet another curse found her way to the other girl. Her energy was getting lower and lower.
– "Ariadne!" – She could hear Irvine screaming – "Wait a sec! I'll help!" – She turned her head to him trying to stand
– "No! I need my limit. Attack her." – It had been a while since she had felt that bad but somehow it didn't matter anymore
– "If you are going to do something you better do it now because I'm going to cure you" – Yelled Squall behind her. She shook her head forcefully.
– "No! Not yet! Trust me on this will you?" – He looked at her for a moment before turning to the sorceress and attack once more
– "Do it now Aria!" – Shouted Sacred on her head
– "Your time is ending! Do it!" – Continued the voice of Minotaur.
As in their own accord her hands moved to rest her blades at her attack position, one above and the other in front of her, and she stood up straighter. She smirked again
– "You are so going down. Death sentence!" - With strength that she didn't know where it came from she attacked, slashing with all her might as quickly as it was humanly possible. When she stood back she felt a rush of energy cross her weary limbs and just acted on impulse. The katana glowed with a strange red hue and Ariadne looked at them almost in admiration before raising one vertically allowing the energy to spread around her in a dome.
– "Rebirth!" - Then she turned, her body twisting as in a dance, and slashed the floor, the energy following its wake marking the floor as it sped towards the sorceress. Before she could fall she felt a cure wash upon her wearied body.
– "That was so cool" – Said Minotaur. She gave him a mental equivalent of a roll of eyes.
– "You are hearing me think entirely too much 'Taur" – Her eyes fell on the sorceress that had been attacked again by Quezacotl, courtesy of Rinoa and watched her as she raised her arm slowly.
– "Fuck!" – Ariadne turned to Squall and for some unknown reason ran like hell as the Ice spike that had been formed rush to the same objective. – "Out of the way fearsome leader" – She pushed him out of harm's way and gasped when felt the spike enter her chest near her shoulder before falling painfully on the top of something.
Someone grabbed her but the pain was getting too hard to ignore. Concerned dark blue eyes entered her line of vision and she coughed, forcing a weak smile.
– "That wasn't…very…smart" – Then the cold overtook her and for the first time ever since she had came to that planet she welcomed the darkness.
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This is it for now everyone. Reviews are never to much so press the little button and give me a message ok?
Next chapter: Jail…jail…jail…jailbreak!
See ya all next week!
Reyavie