Have I told you how much I love my reviewers? Cause I love you guys. Reading your words is really great after posting a chapter. Gives me more will to write. And to you, that lost some time to leave your suggestions and opinions, I have to say that all the chapters have been correctly formatted (this one is for you AoA) and all the mistakes have been corrected (Thanks to AoA, Cybele and Gester…You guys are great). Once more I'll have to say that I DON'T OWN ANYTHING IN THIS STORY. But Aria and whatever OCs mentioned are my creations.
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To my dear reviewers:
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Gester – It was really good to read your opinion about my story and my way of writing. Thanks for detecting the error. I sincerely didn't notice it. It made a pretty dumb phrase, though. And the argument between Squall and Ariadne (I supposed that's what you were referring to) was really fun to write. A spur-of-the-moment chapter that turned into a one of my fav. Anyways thank you for reviewing and here's the new chapter.
P.S – What's wrong with Linkin Park? (Reyavie crosses arms and raises eyebrow)
Angel Of Apocolypse – Hey! Welcome back once more, my oldest and most loyal reviewer. Thanks for reviewing yet again. Glad you liked the chapter so much. Quite frankly I really enjoyed writing it as well as the next ones. And I was really happy to know that I'm being true to the characters. That's one of the hardest things to do when we have to work with someone else's character. One of the several reasons why I'm so partial to the use of OCs. Well I guess that's that. Oh…and don't worry about "smart" days. God knows mine are very, VERY rare. Enjoy the chapter. See ya.
Cybele – No more puppy eyes? YES! I AM SAVED! (Reyavie coughs when receives strange looks from spectators). Don't have net at home huh? That really sucks. Believe that I know what that is like. I only have mine since end of January or something like that (the first chapter was posted in one of the PCs that we can use at College). Thanks for your compliment about Squall's characterization and don't worry about the language. Do you really believe I would care about that after the way I make Aria curse throughout the story?
About the mistakes you found they are already corrected as I said above. Thanks for warning me once more and I'm in no way offended. In fact I would thank you even more if you warn me about others that you might find. I guess that's all, though I do have to say that I wish I can continue to answer to your expectations and keep this fic as good as you guys say it is. And…(Reyavie hides behind desk and pokes slightly to look at computer) You do know that pink hearts (wince) are scary, don't you? Here's the update. Till later.
Crypta – Acordaste às SETE da manhã? Auch! Isso é algo que eu não consigo fazer. A não ser que o meu pai me dê a ajuda tão caridosa que ele reserva para esses momentos. Algo como "ACORDA que vamos chegar atrasados" ou o sempre funcional "Se não te despachares vais de autocarro". Agradável não é? Enfim…OBRIGADA! È bom ouvir que estou a conseguir manter-me dentro dos perfis das personagens. Como já disse em cima é uma das coisas que acho mais difícil neste tipo de histórias e saber que existem leitores que consideram que estou a fazer um bom trabalho é óptimo. Quanto ao facto de parar o capítulo naquele ponto (Reyavie volta para trás da secretária e coloca um capacete na cabeça) acho que vais ter um forte impulso homicida nos próximos capítulos (Reyavie esconde-se à espera da explosão. Nada acontece. Suspiro de alívio soa). Continuando para a tua pergunta seguinte, aquela sobre o Squall…aaahhh…posso invocar a quinta emenda…? Não? Então tem calma meu jovem Padawan. A resposta será revelada no futuro. O facto de existirem uploads semanais desta história é fácil de explicar. Eu estou a escrever capítulos mais adiantados dos que estou a colocar no site. Assim se eu me atrasar ou tiver de parar de escrever por alguma razão tenho sempre um capítulo novo. Obrigada pela informação que me deste sobre os Brothers mas temo que não vá mudar agora. Seria uma grande confusão tendo em conta o estado actual da história.
Como último comentário…Aparição? Segue o meu raciocínio. Eu adoro ler. Não consigo passar meses sem comprar um livro…Eu ODIEI a Aparição. Consigo perceber porque é que foste enfrentar a Ultima Weapon. Bem, acho que já chega. Boa sorte para os exames nacionais e espero que voltes. Até breve.
(You woke up at SEVEN in the morning? Auch! That's something I can't do. Unless my dad gives me his charitable help that he reserves for those moments. Something like "WAKE UP, we're gonna be late" or the ever functional "If you don't move you're taking the bus". Nice isn't it? Oh well…THANK YOU! It's good to hear that I'm managing to keep myself within the characters' profiles. As I said above it's one of the things I find to be harder in these types of stories and to know that there are readers that think that I'm doing a good job is great. About the fact that I stopped the chapter in that point (Reyavie goes back behind the desk and places a helmet on her head) I think you'll have a really strong homicidal urge in the next chapters (Reyavie hides waiting for an explosion. Nothing happens. A sigh in relief is heard). Continuing to your next question, the one about Squall…aaahhh…can I plead the fifth? No? Then be patient, my young Padawan. The answer will be revealed in the future. About the existence of weekly updates of this story is easy to explain. I'm writing chapters ahead of the ones I'm updating. So if I get late or have to stop writing for some reason I'll always have a new chapter. Thanks for the information you gave me about the Brothers but I fear I won't change it now. It would be a great mess in the actual state of the story.
As a last comment…Aparição? (It means literally "Apparition", a book we're forced to read in the last year of high-school as a part of the Portuguese syllabus) Follow my line of though. I love reading. I can't spend months without buying a book…I HATED Aparição. I can understand why you went to face Ultima Weapon. Well, I think this is enough. Good luck for the national exams and I hope you come back. See ya soon.)
SilverSunset – Wow! What can I say to someone that gives me five stars out of five? THANK YOU! Does this manage to show a bit of my appreciation? And I'm writing, I'm writing. I swear that I am (Reyavie holds hand up). I would say scouts' honour but I was never a scout. No need to be sad, though. Here's another chapter. Hope you like it.
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Welcome to the fourteenth chapter of Second life. Enjoy
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My POV
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This is it. I hope Stef got everyone in or at least most of the people we know. I think that she might have had success on that.
I remember that when I was a student most of my colleagues hated outsiders. Like that one time Caraway dropped by and he had to find his own way around because everyone he met said that they didn't know where Martine's office was.
I think he actually found the gym, classrooms and dorms before he understood that it couldn't be on the lower levels. So or they didn't like outsiders or just really hated authority.
Anyways there is no turning back now…I just wished we could fight somewhere else and not in the places we call home. I can remember the expression on Quistis's face the day we arrived at Balamb before the missile attack and I know it hurt her deeply. And it will only get worse.
And here I am, waiting for the moment when Squall's voice will call us to one of the worst fights since the last war with Staind's "Break the cycle" going full blast on the CD player Josh borrowed me. I hate to say but he was right. I need it. It's like a therapy. It wasn't unusual to arrive at my home after 5 pm and listened to my music loud and clear. Even the neighbours were already used to it.
Philip said that for him to know if I was home he just had to listen when he reached my street. If he heard something that seemed like hard rock I was home. And he usually was right. I missed that. Thank Hyne Josh learned to take them everywhere.
Josh…I am happy that he is out of this. I miss him like hell and would like to have him here with me but at least he's protected. Even if I wanted to kill him when he told me he had stayed during the missile attack to help the others…not that I could. As he said he had a high probability of getting hurt in staying and I had a certain of getting hurt and a high probability of getting killed when I jumped in front of that spear.
I hate math.
Oh shit…"For you" is playing…and as much as I love that song if someone hears it will think that it's just too apt in relation with a certain Commander. And they would be right. Ok, danger is gone…sigh I am not in one of my best moods. And the fact that I am playing with one of my katanas would prove that I am not well. But I do love them.
I always liked this type of weapons even when I was home. After all I was in kendo since three. Dad said that it was a good idea for me to learn to defend myself and my sensei found out after a few years that I had a compulsory feeling for the twin katanas. It was the first thing I did when I went to Deling for the first time.
Mr. Fenwick got extremely happy with what he called a "challenge". I didn't ask much but understood that between gunblades, whips and whatever he had never done such a thing.
Ok, I'm rambling. I think that I'm going to hightail to some place where I will not be found easily and proceed to kick the ass of something. But strangely enough, note the sarcasm, most of the people here already know that if I'm not on my room or the library I'm on the training center. Even the kids know it. And this coming from someone who hates being predictable…
I need sugar.
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3rd Person POV
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- "Aria!" – The Seed groaned placing her head in one hand. Partially though as the katana was still there
– "What's with you people and exhausting my name?" – She asked when she saw Irvine near – "Alright, who did I piss off now cowboy?" – Her eyes seemed to gain a concerned edge when he didn't answer immediately.
– "Oh shit…" - She sheathed her katanas and grabbed his arm pulling him outside – "Aria what are…?"
– "Something is very wrong with you Kinneas" – She said as she pulled him to the cafeteria – "You came to the TC and didn't even bother in grabbing your shotgun, didn't talk when I ask what was wrong and are pretty much depressed. I have never seen you like that so something must be wrong" – She hadn't stopped in all the tirade and when she finished he found himself sitting in one of the tables of the cafeteria with a stern looking Ariadne in front of him.
– "Spill cowboy or we will stay here for a long time." – And with that she took a sip of the mug that he wasn't sure of when and where she had acquired.
– "Coffee" – She answered as if she was reading his mind – "Can't live without it. And I am waiting." – He sighed.
– "You know where we are going right?" – She nodded silently – "And you know that we eventually are going to have to fight the others that stayed home?" – She nodded once more now knowing what was wrong.
It was natural after all. He was a student from Galbadia Garden as she was. He had friends and people he cared about in that place just like she had.
– "How will we be able to do such a thing Aria?" – He asked not allowing her however time to say anything – "They are our people. They were at the wrong in the wrong time and just as easily we could have been in their place. How are we going to get through this?" – Ariadne placed the mug on the table looking at it as if it was the eight wonder of the world and sighed as well
– "I have been asking that myself a lot lately Irvine. Ever since I went to the Garden when we were in Balamb…and I still don't have an answer. At least one that it would make enough sense." – Her eyes narrowed as she organised her thoughts before she finally looked at him. She hadn't been lying. She had never seen him like that. So lost.
– "It's all a matter of choice now you know?" – She said after a while – "I figured that one out when we arrived at FH. Remember that guy from Deling that used to be the messenger from General I-can't-remember-his-name-even-if-I-try? The idiot in charge of the second infantry?" - He smiled when he heard that.
It was no news for anyone back in Galbadia of the…slight…annoyance that the General and his subordinates brought on the students. She wasn't an exception.
– "I nearly broke his head on the fight there" – She continued – "And at the time I asked myself how could I do that. But…" - She smiled grimly – "We are doing what we think that is correct. Choices are made by both sides and we cannot make everyone else think like us. I believe that we should follow our path the best we can and everything will turn out alright. We have to faith sometimes." – A small smile appeared slowly on his lips.
– "Never thought you could be this wise" – She snorted before throwing him a napkin
– "Of course you did. Otherwise you would not have been looking for me." – "True, true" – Silence fell between them but it wasn't a completely uncomfortable one until…
– "Why are you still throwing that at my head Aria?" – He inquired as he fended off the lost-count-th napkin. She smiled innocently
– "Trying to make you realize that it is lunch time and you have to eat so get lost. Oh…and don't forget to bring me something too" – She added as an afterthought. – Maybe some of those hot-dogs Zell keeps babbling about" – He raised an eyebrow.
– "And I would do this because?" – A smirk took its place firmly on her lips.
– "Because you know that deep, very deep inside, you like me." – He laughed as he walked away and her smirk turned into a smile.
– "Mission accomplished" – She whispered softly.
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- "You should say something to her" – Zell almost jumped into the air before he saw Ariadne behind him. She looked as normal as ever, sea green eyes shining with amusement.
– "What…are you…talking…abo…about?" – He gulped nervously and she raised an eyebrow.
– "Zell I know I'm not one of the best liars there are but that was downright pathetic. You know damn hell who am I talking about" – She sat in one of the chairs from the study area and promptly ignored the looks she was receiving – "I don't?"
– "Well that was convincing Zell." – She said sarcastically – "Congratulations." – She paused and hit him on the head – "Stop behaving like an idiot. You like her, she's bloody pinning for you so to hell with everything else." – He sent her a begging look but she seemed to ignore him as easily as she had done with the others.
– "See ya later then" – And she rose again only to take a book of one of the shelves and sat once more to read. Zell winced but used the opportunity to vanish when he noticed she was ignoring him. She did the same, knowing exactly where he was going to, as she lost herself in the book.
– "Are you the reason why Zell seems like he is having an aneurysm?" – Ariadne took her eyes from the pages and smiled at the instructor.
– "He is too shy. Some things should not be lost because of that. I'm sure he would do much better if he just asked at least her name" – Quistis sat beside her and grabbed the book from her hands.
– "They are painfully obvious aren't they?" – A small look to the book and confusion overtook her expression – "Source and development: A theory on the elemental magic origin?" – Aria shrugged and received the book back.
– "I am nuts. Thought you already knew. So…what have you been up to? Haven't seen you a lot" – Quistis reclined in the chair looking around with a serious frown.
– "Reunions with Xu over the management of the Garden. Something I never expected to do and don't plan in doing when this is all over." – Aria shook her head.
– "Sucks to be you. Need any help with it?" – A small groan came from the older girl's vicinity – "I am about to give up on you language Aria."
– "Good" – Replied Ariadne marking her page – "I can curse more. Now need help or not?" – Quistis chuckled but finished by shaking her head in a negative answer.
– "Don't worry about it. I can handle it well. Just need a lot of coffee with it."
– "Workaholic" – Muttered the Galbadian standing up – "There's no other explanation. Get up then and let's walk a bit. I want to take this book with me" – The instructor did as she had requested and both started to walk slowly to the dorms, Aria with the book on her arms.
– "How are you holding up with the Edea matter?" – She asked after a while. No answer was given immediately but she knew enough to wait instead of trying to pry it with a crowbar.
– "As well as I can, I think" – Quistis finally said – "I don't remember a lot Aria but the little I remember makes me angry that I have to fight her and sad about all of this. I just…I don't really know" – Aria placed an arm on her shoulders.
– "Everything will turn out alright, you will see. You have all of us with you on that." – She stopped for a while and scowled – "You are too freaking tall, you know that don't you?"
– "And you are somewhat random" – Quistis said snapping back from her temporary loss of composure – "We're even" – Ariadne laughed.
– "The brothers are saying that you are wrong. I am not merely somewhat…Something about how you should hear my thoughts sometime. But I don't think that would be a good idea. Don't want my sis mentally scarred for life" – Quistis was about to open her mouth to retort when a familiar voice broke through the internal communication system.
– "This is Squall speaking" - Ariadne closed her eyes for a moment almost willing what was being said away. But it wasn't going away. They were going to fight for her home now.
- "This is an emergency so listen carefully. We're going into battle against Galbadia Garden" – Emerald eyes opened slowly and determination filled them.
– "Wait for me just five minutes Quis? I have to do something really quick" – The nod was enough for her to run to her room and close the door. Her mind concentrated into the words she was hearing thinking quickly in what she had to do while she changed her clothes. The swift move in which the sheathed her katanas had a sort of finality into it.
– "Quistis, Zell, Selphie, Ariadne come up to the bridge right away" – She smiled faintly as she joined her friend.
– "Well I'll be damned. He didn't forget me."
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- "We're here" – Selphie nodded but Irvine was to busy glaring at the elevator that was coming down.
– "I thought I was part of the gang" – Squall appeared slightly embarrassed when he came down. Something none of them had ever seen.
– "Sorry about that" – His eyes fell on Ariadne's Galbadian Seed male uniform and he raised an eyebrow in questioning.
She shrugged and smiled a bit – "I'm one of them as well and I will fight as such. It wouldn't make sense if I didn't. And the skirt's a pain."
– "What do you want us to do?" – Asked Quistis stopping anymore unnecessary talking. Squall turned to all of them with a firm expression.
– "I want you guys to help me lead the others" – He said calmly – "When Zell gets here we'll divide into two groups." – Selphie giggled sheepishly.
– "Zell…? I think he's taking a nap" – Ariadne rolled her eyes skyward. – "A priority after this is to teach them how to lie"
– "Yeah," - Selphie continued – "He said he hadn't slept at all lately."
– "What…?" – Quistis's confusion vanished – "Oh yeah" – Squall's eyes watched all of them deeply lost.
– "What are you guys talking about?" – Ariadne shook her head.
– "Let it go. Doesn't matter right now" – Silence fell for a moment as he realised they weren't going to say a thing.
– "I'm going to check the Quad" – He informed – "Who's coming with me?"
Quistis looked at Ariadne and the girl shook her head once more – I'm going. And Irvine comes as well.
– "And I will stay with Selphie" – Completed Ariadne. Squall nodded in agreement.
– "Ariadne, Selphie, find Zell" – He ordered – "You guys work together and lead the team at the front gate" – The two saluted him but for once he could see that even the Galbadian wasn't joking.
– "Gotcha" – "Yes, sir" – Both girls turned to each other and discussed quietly while Squall gave his last recommendations before Ariadne joined the group as well.
– "I will go ahead to the front gate while she searches for Zell. We won't lose time like this" – All of them nodded, not trusting themselves to talk at the moment and left the office. They had entered the elevator when the door opened once more to show Selphie.
– "Wait, what about Rinoa?" – A pause took place as Squall thought too calmly for someone who was about to enter a battle.
– "You guys take care of her" – The doors closed making Ariadne grip the bar as she had done not long before.
– "Aria?" – Quistis's hand rested on her shoulder for a moment calling her to reality – "You alright?" – Her eyes widened for a moment before they narrowed in concentration.
– "Yeah…don't worry about me" – She turned to them and smiled openly – "Take care of yourselves. I'm not too keen in finding any of you in less than perfect health after this." – She hugged briefly the instructor and shooed her out of the elevator before patting the cowboy on his back.
Squall stayed looking at her for a moment in silence before… - "Be careful" – She almost chocked.
– "I will" – She managed to say – "Can't handle a lot more of your lectures to say the truth." – And she smirked in that same way that he knew that was characteristic to her personality.
– "Then try not to deserve them." – And she could have sworn he had smirked as well.
– "Yes sir" – The doors closed.
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- "Anyone else has anything to say?" – She glared coldly to the rest of the students that were in front of her and watched as some of them flinched slightly. None said a word. – "Good." – She looked at the student that she had just knocked over and helped him to get up.
– "I hope this will be last problem you give me." – She said before sending him to join the others. – "Now listen up" – Her voice rose and she sighed mentally when some of them actually jumped. – "This is not a game. I expect that every one of you here knows this. This time is all or nothing. And actions like the one I had to face will end now understood?" – There was a collective "Yes ma'am"
– "Alright! I want the medical team behind. Fifth degree magic users divided into two platoons, one in the front one in the back. Third level behind them. Fourth level, you guys cover the advanced. Defence spells, the more the better. Let's move people." – And in moments they were organizing themselves in the way she had ordered.
– "Think they will hold on?" – Asked Xu, the only Sixth level magic user beside herself that was on the gate.
– "We don't have a lot of choice" – Ariadne glared briefly to the idiot that was still looking at her. Never mind that she had kicked his ass merely moments before. She was not going to hide that she was a Galbadian. Not after all that they had done for her. – "The bad thing is that we are short of summoners. Have a GF?" – Xu raised an eyebrow.
– "Yeah, stupid question" – Conceded Ariadne – "Who is it?"
– "Phoenix" – Pause……
- "Let's skip the part where I ask you where the bloody hell did you get that and just be happy you have it." – Xu snorted but nodded nevertheless – "You have…?"
– "The brothers" – Ariadne answered immediately – "I take front. They are known for being heavy destroyers" – "We're not" – "You take back. I think that it will help to protect the last defence line" – With a small gesture of agreement the two split following the indications that the Galbadian had set up.
Ariadne soon found herself in the front with the fifth magic users, all of them without exception, nervous and worried.
– "Call down everyone" – She had dropped the annoy-me-and-die-voice – "It won't help if you can't. Just relax and watch each others backs."
– "Not bad, not bad" – She nearly groaned.
– "This is not a good time guys" – They laughed before sobering as if they had never done such a thing.
– "We weren't joking Aria. You are doing a good job" – She didn't answer but strangely felt reassured with their words. Her eyes were locked with the building that was approaching, its red form shining on the sun.
– "I'm sorry" – She whispered softly.
– "Ma'am?" – She turned sharply to one of the medical team members with a confused expression.
– "You shouldn't be here. I need you guys at the back" – The black haired girl gulped nervously.
– "I know ma'am. But the Commander is calling you. I think he wants a report." – Ariadne allowed herself a small sigh but otherwise followed the command.
– "Take your station" – She ordered to the girl that had called her before she walked to the back where the party that was supposed to be in the Quad was.
– "Yes Commander?" – Squall seemed controlled as ever. She had an urge to ask him how he managed that. – "Status?"
– "The defence is organized as best as we can" – She informed after saluting him formally without a second thought – "We are short however in summoners and in high level magic users. Other than that we can defend this place."
– "Squall" – Interrupted Nida's voice – "Come to the bridge immediately" – She smiled.
– "Your call Commander. Do try to not get yourself killed" – He actually rolled his eyes.
– "Likewise Ariadne. Listen to the speakers. I may need your help elsewhere."
– "Got it" – And they left, a small wink from Irvine and a smile from Quistis being the only thing she saw before she went back to her place. Not five minutes had passed when the sound of motorcycles filled the air. Before she realized what was happening she was already reacting.
– "Second line! Protection spells!" – She yelled – "First and third! Fire and Thunder! Take those bastards out of the air." – And all hell broke loose.
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OK…I don't have to hide again, do I?...please? Hope that you guys liked the chapter. I really needed to end it here or else it wouldn't be a close unit. I promise the next one will be longer. Anyways…Don't forget to REVIEW EVERYONE! Errors, suggestions, credit card numbers, my next week's math test and opinions are REALLY welcome. Oh alright…you can forget the third and the forth (Reyavie grumbles). REVIEW!
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Next chapter: Crazy plans, meeting friends and enemies…
See ya all Thursday
Reyavie