Hey guys! Thursday has arrived as promised here is my new chapter. Would you believe if I told you I have it ready since Saturday? But I have a compromise with myself to update on the correct days. If not the whole system I following would by a complete mess. Anyways forgetting that I have to do my civic duty and tell AGAIN that I DON'T OWN ANYTHING IN THIS STORY! Or almost anything. Ariadne and all the OCs that will appear every now and then are mine (MINE! AH AH AH!). On with the show then...
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To my reviewers:
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Gester – No worries. I caught what you meant but thanks anyway for the concern. The mistake is already corrected. I was waiting a bit so that other readers could tell me if they found something (they did). Thank you for reviewing once more. I am very happy each time I see a message from someone that's actually following my story. And yes...it was a bit off of what you were expecting wasn't it? Hope that wasn't a bad thing. Well I should stop before I start rambling :) See ya
Crypta – Wow! Está assim tão bem? Eu gosto muito desta parte mas como sou eu a escreve-la tenho noção que não sou das melhores pessoas para a avaliar. Obrigada por isso. Quanto ao teu comentário sobre as personagens...bem Ariadne é humana. Tem problemas, pontos fracos e fraquezas como qualquer pessoa. Achei que essa faceta tinha de ser importante. O próximo capítulo estará na net na próxima quinta-feira como sempre. Espero pelo teu regresso o mais calmamente possivel. Até então. (quanto a efeitos secundários tenho pena mas só posso aconselhar uma semana de jejum seguida de um novo capítulo. Suficiente?)
(Wow! Is it that good? I like a lot this part but as I am the one that's writing it I know that I'm not one of the best persons to judge it. Thanks for that. About you comment over the characters...well Ariadne is human. She has problems, weak points and weaknesses just like anybody else. I thought that part of her had to be important. The next chapter will be on the net on the next Thursday as always. I'll wait for your return as calmly as possible. Till then. (About secondary effects I am sorry but I can only advise a week in abstinence followed by a new chapter. Enough?))
Cybelle – Hey! I'm really glad to see you back. Who would scare me out of my wits with pink (Reyavie winces) paper hearts (Reyavie winces again)? Yep FFnet has been crazy lately. Don't worry about the delay though. Happy that you're liking Ariadne and the story as well. I still have a lot to come before I end it. About the mistakes that you found I can tell you that they are already corrected. Thanks for warning me but I have to say to you that "to locking him" can't be used. That's the only thing that I didn't change cause with the "to" you have to use the infinitive...and I'm going to stop the grammar lesson. Here's my newest chapter. Hope you like it.
SilverSunset – Hi again! Yes I am back! Thank you yet again for your review. Don't be afraid to sound harsh. If I make mistakes I should be humble enough to correct them right? The errors are already changed. Thank you also for you appreciation of my way of writing. And about the characters too. If they didn't have emotions they couldn't very well be portraits of humans. Stories are supposed to teach us something and we can't very well compare ourselves with a character that's just too damned perfect. Once again don't worry and warn me in case you find any more mistakes 'kay? Enjoy.
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A.N (please read!) – I have to warn all of my readers that the next updates will probably be a little delayed. I have a lot of work to do and the exam season is almost arriving which means that the next two months will have me glued to my books. Anyways expect the updates on the normal day but if they aren't give me two or three days to have them ready. Thanks for the comprehension.
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Welcome to seventeenth chapter of Second Life. I'll be waiting downstairs.
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Ariadne opened her eyes very slowly as the light resolved to annoy the hell out of her.
– "Have to kill the idiot that left that open" – She thought as she saw the open window. Very slowly she sat on the bed noticing vaguely that her hair was falling around her in a complete mess. But it was clean. Only when she sat she looked around to see a small Seed room. Her own. She sighed silently as her eyes fell on her hands. They were now wrapped up in clean bandages as well as the injury on her shoulder. And she felt better, rested…The door opened just when she was about to attempt standing.
– "Oh…Hey Aria" – It was a very and thoroughly annoyingly happy Stephanie – "You're already awake. Thank Hyne. We were worried with you. You have been sleeping for twenty hours straight. We are even having problems in stopping people from checking up on you." – Ariadne rested a hand on her head as she tried to understand what was happening.
– "Stef, for all that is sacred, please talk slower alright?" – The girl winced slightly.
– "Sorry Aria…I guess I was worried" – Ariadne waved it off and began to rise but stopped as two hands firmly planted themselves on her shoulders.
– "Don't you even think about it young lady" – Scolded Stephanie – "You are to stay there until one of the Docs comes here and says that you can go. That's final." – A small smile appeared on Ariadne's lips as she heard that.
– "You have been learning too much with my aunt." – Stef cursed.
– "Almost forgot. I got to go get her. She made me promise that I would call her when you woke up…and now that I think about it, I have to call that nice Seed from Balamb huh…Quistis yeah and the hyper one as well. I think she's Sophie."
– "Selphie" – Corrected Ariadne somewhat amused that Stephanie could call anyone hyper considering how she was.
– "And then Kinneas and the blond guy…I think he was attacking the canteen last time I saw him. And the Commander-guy too…then I have to warn our friends." – She seemed to realize that she had been talking non-stop again, shut up and with a wide grin ran out of the room.
Ariadne just watched her go slightly confused. With another sigh she leaned against the head of the bed and relaxed, sea green eyes clouding as she remembered what had happened…
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My POV
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I feel pathetic. I actually allowed that idiot Ultimecia do whatever she wanted with my mind. She wanted to break me and I allowed it.
Pathetic…
My parents would be ashamed if they ever knew about this…as I am.
Not that what she did was pleasant in any way. She ripped my memories apart and used them as if they were nothing. Nothing that I have been through would prepare me to that, not even Ellone's little curiosity act. But I let her affect me and almost lost myself in the aftershock…if that isn't of a complete idiot I don't know what is.
I need to thank Quistis for what she did. Poor girl. It seems that I am getting in habit of using her as a Kleenex. I don't know what I would have done without her help…without her care and protection. I was so caught up in the past that I forgot the present…I forgot what I have now. And Ultimecia forgot that as well. So if she thinks that I'm going to kneel and die over this then she can get a front seat because she will have to wait for a long time.
I'm not going to be weak. Never again. For these people that care for me enough to accept me as I am…and for me as well. I will make my family proud even if they will not be here to see me. I'm going to hold on and keep going. That's the only thing that I can do now. That and my revenge. I was never one for such things but she has pushed me to the limit. That bloody sorceress can be sure she will die and hell, I will be there watching.
Time to show her exactly how wrong she was in underestimating me…
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3rd Person POV
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- "That's hers Commander" – Informed Lara pointing to a door down the hall – "Don't know if she has awakened though. If Stef is there please tell her that we are having a bit of a problem with the kids and for her to join us in the dorms." – Squall nodded curtly watching the girl leave quickly.
Galbadia Garden was getting on its feet really fast as its students seemed to know exactly what to do to go on. Balamb would take a bit more time but his Garden hadn't been as destroyed as the one he was currently on.
It had been explained to him the stunt that Ariadne and her friends had pulled with the Galbadian soldiers after the brunt of the attack and how they had been droved to the Training grounds and trapped between an almost literal sword and wall. Now they were closed on the disciplinary rooms and tightly guarded by the same Seeds they had locked there.
And he didn't want to know whose idea had been to put the kids cooking for them. He was sure certain things were not supposed to be mixed. He shook his head after a moment and opened the door silently.
The first thing he noticed in the room was the one he had been looking for. Ariadne was sitting on the bed, eyes on the wall in front of her. She seemed better than the last time he had seen her when Doctor Summers had called her assistant and carted the girl to a room to be treated. Her skin was back to her normal tone, her eyes were once more the sea green that he was used seeing even if they seemed…harder than usual. Her hair fell around her in the caramel brown that had been invisible in the dirt of the fight and her injuries were now properly taken care of including the arm, hands and the slashes to her left leg that she had ignored when she had bandaged the others.
A few moments after his entrance she blinked as if waking from a dream and looked at him. A small smile appeared on her face but he knew that it was obviously forced. It was better though than what he had seen on the "Sanctuary" the day before. Anything was better than that.
– "Good day Commander." – She greeted, looking around for something – "There's a chair if you want to sit" – He pulled the chair that she had pointing at and sat near the bed.
– "Sorry but those are one of the most uncomfortable things that I had ever had the displeasure of owning" – She continued as she pulled the bandages on her hands so that she could close them a bit – "But Martine had a very weird idea on comfort." – He frowned at her hands as he accompanied her movements.
– "I cut myself while on that…" - Her expression got colder as she remembered – "Let's just say that that is something I don't want to repeat any time soon."
– "How are you?" – He finally asked when she began lapsing into herself. For a moment he could swear that she was surprised before she smiled. This time it wasn't a forced one.
– "I'll be okay. Not right now…but I will be with some time. And you? Rinoa? The others?" – He sighed inaudibly as he thought about what had happened.
– "Rinoa is still unconscious" – He declared – "We brought her to Balamb Garden as this medical wing is full to the brink with the injured. We don't know what is wrong with her. Zell was injured slightly in the head with a piece of debris but other than that everyone is alright." – She raised an eyebrow.
– "And…?"
– "I am fine if that's what you want to know" – He completed. Ariadne smirked.
– "See...? That wasn't that hard Commander" – Silence broke as she took a glass of water that she had on her bedside table.
– "Why do you always treat me by a title?" – Squall inquired out of the blue. She gave him an are-you-stupid-or-just-plain-oblivious? look.
– "Thought it was obvious" – She answered with a touch of amusement – "Stupid formality. I believe in the "what goes around comes around" adage. But to be direct, call me Aria as all of my friends do and I will drop the titles. At least most the time" – She wouldn't change…that or she was just a too good actress. Something he didn't doubt.
– "So what happened to Edea?" – He was already waiting for that question.
– "She's back at her home" – He informed coolly – "She has called us earlier this morning for a conversation but we thought that you should listen to it as well." – Ariadne looked once more to her hands and nodded slightly.
– "Wait for me tomorrow. I will join you guys. Now can you do me a favour?" – He crossed his arms, an almost invisible amused look on his cold blue eyes.
– "I thought that you had…how did you say that day… asked the last favour you would ever lower yourself to ask of me?" – She glared at him but it wasn't full-hearted before answering in her driest tone.
– "Give me a break will you? You annoyed me to hell and back, I was bloody pissed and PMSing. That's never a good combination. Besides you deserved it. Now open that closet and get me something to wear before the whole committee comes and tries to keep me in this room for the rest of my life. Aunt Chris has that really bad habit." – He rolled his eyes with her explanation but rose nevertheless and tried to open the closet. Tried being the key word. Ariadne groaned.
– "She did it again. Over-protectiveness was thought with her in mind. It had to be." – Squall gave her a questioning look and she nodded miserably. – "You can give up on that. My aunt locked it. She knows that I hate being locked up in places and that I rarely stay quiet. When I'm injured she locks my closet so that I don't have clothes to wear when I leave. But I did left one time in pyjamas before getting into Stef's room and took her uniform." – She added. He raised an eyebrow
– "Somehow hearing that from you doesn't surprise me. What does actually, is how this Garden is still standing" – She was about to open her mouth to reply when her door opened to give entrance to a large group. That was the only thing she saw before she was crushed into a hug by her aunt.
– "Auntie…air is sorely needed" – She managed to say after a few seconds. Christine smiled as she let go and sat on the bed sending a glare to the people behind so that they would back away. Ariadne could see the entire Balamb group except for Rinoa and then Stef, Alex, Lara and Sasha.
– "The rest will come over later" – Informed Stef as if she knew exactly what she had been thinking. – "They are taking care of things."
– "How are the repOUCH…Aunt Chris! That's my bloody arm you're butchering" – The doctor ignored her and continued treating the wound as if she nothing had happened.
– "How are the repairs going?" – Repeated Ariadne glaring lightly to her aunt – "Injured, whatever…"
- "You want a report?" – Asked Alex in his extremely calm voice that almost made one mad. She looked at him blandly before grabbing a pillow and staring at it as it was a beautiful thing
– "Aria!" – She snorted in laughter when he gave her a death glare as he caught the pillow that had hit him.
– "Of course I want a report, you infuriating man. Start spilling." – He sighed, obviously used to Ariadne's flashes of insanity.
– "We have fifty-seven injured, five of which gravely. Seventy-two prisoners in the disciplinary rooms, twelve classrooms destroyed as well as part of the TG. The repairs are going smoothly but soon we will need materials that we are in shortage of. And provisions as well. Without forgetting what to do with the prisoners" – The girl seemed in deep thought as she heard that, unaware that most of the eyes on the room were on her. Her brow was furrowed but her eyes lightened as a smirk appeared on her lips.
– "I don't like that look" – Commented Alex wryly. Lara laughed heartily grabbing his arm.
– "Come on. You know that when she has that look something amusing is bound to happen."
– "I'm sure he can hardly contain his enthusiasm" – Interrupted Ariadne with the touch of sarcasm that had been missing in her voice for some time – "Thanks for the trust you have in me Alexander" – He glared probably at the use of his full name.
– "Forgetting about Alex's mood swings" – Someone snorted – "We should talk with the other older years 'cause I'm not sure they will like me giving orders."
– "And we care because…?" – Spat Stephanie with a look of contempt in her face that clearly stated she didn't like much the other Seeds.
– "And passing over Stef's problems with the others" – Continued Ariadne choosing not to comment – "The prisoners should be taken home. Who was piloting this thing during the attack?" – The Balamb party was switching from one student to the other as if judging the easy camaraderie that they shared. It was as if they knew exactly how one would react and what one would say.
– "Daniel" – Said Sasha with a wide and extremely scary grin – "I kicked his ass. He is ah…helping down in the Disciplinary rooms." – Aria resolved to continue her policy and not comment as Christine finished the bandages on her hands.
– "That's great. Find someone who can pilot this. As soon as we can move head for Deling. Drop the prisoners there. All the equipment they have and that can be used stays. Then getting out of there would be a very good thing to do. About food I don't think it would be a good idea to approach any of the great cities. Not to be repetitive but I don't think the welcome would be very good. Winhwil would be appropriate or the Shumi tribe in the North. But Winwhil would be better at any rate. The cold might affect the engines and getting stranded is not very pleasant" – Silence met her words for a moment until…
- "Am I the only one she scares when she goes into commanding mode?" – Asked Lara somewhat dryly. Shakes of heads around her proved her right. – "Good" – Ariadne gave her a small grin before looking at her aunt that had already ended her ministrations.
– "So aunt of mine what is your verdict?" – The two seemed to fight silently for a few seconds until the doctor sighed.
– "You can go. Try not to overwork yourself and you will be fine" – The grin grew as she jumped from the bed.
– "Cool" – She moved quickly to a switch and pulled it to the side to show a couple of keys. Christine rolled her eyes as she saw where her niece had hidden them again. – "Now everyone scram. I need to get dressed. Quis I need to talk to you. Oh and Stef…" - Stephanie looked at her in confusion as the grin became a lot more evil – "When I said everything…I meant everything" – A very similar shone on her face as she understood exactly what was being implied. And she left with a quick salute and a maniacal grin etched firmly on her expression.
– "Thanks a lot Aria" – Grumbled Alex as he followed Stef and Lara, that seemed quite happy with whatever they were about to do.
– "Yeah. Oh joy" – Continued Sasha – "An extremely hyper Stef. Just what we needed." – And she left as well muttering something about annoying friends and careless would-be leaders
– "Do I even want to know?" – Quistis asked very calmly. Ariadne raised an eyebrow – "Thought so." – Irvine and Zell exchanged looks and winced.
– "Girl talk" – Whispered the cowboy, preparing for a hasty retreat. Squall was pulled from the room just as he heard "So...just what are you planning now?" coming from Selphie.
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Ariadne's expression was grim as she approached the ruined house. She was wearing what she normally used to any mission. Black pants and a blue tank top now covered by the black coat that Kadowaki had given to her upon her arrival to Balamb Garden. Her katanas were on her back as always as well as the small pendant on her neck. Her eyes were a stern emerald that showed her discomfort on the situation.
– "Understatement" – Muttered Sacred's voice on her head – "Couldn't they just give you a little time to recover?" – She smiled slightly, touched by their concern.
– "You have seen my memories 'Red. You know what will happen. They cannot lose more time than the necessary." – Resignation mixed with annoyance through their bond. She loved her GFs.
– "They are looking at yyyyooouuu" – Said Minotaur in a disturbingly annoying sing-song voice. She stopped, complete shock in her features.
– "What the hell have you been drinking?" – Laughter echoed in her head.
– "Aria? Are you alright?" – Asked Quistis when she noticed the brown haired girl had stopped following them. Ariadne gave her a bewildered look.
– "Minotaur is on a sugar high. Either that or he got drugs somewhere" – More laughter as she continued to walk, some coming from the girl by her side.
– "Thank you for that one Aria" – Grumbled Minotaur – "Your companion thinks I'm crazy. Nicely done."
– "Your own fault" – Was her answer as she entered the old orphanage.
She smiled as Selphie caught a small magazine with a childish grin on her face and winced when Squall found the headmaster. Not that she could blame him. The bloody idiot had hid well. A small part of her was dying of curiosity of where and how he had done that…ok, a large part of her.
– "Hey" – Her eyes fell on Irvine that had been watching her – "Think you can face this Aria?" – It took her only a moment to smile a bit. Even a two year old would be able to see it was a forced one.
– "There's always a time when one has to face his nightmares. I can't hide forever." – But she breathed deeply before she followed the other to the back of the house.
Edea was waiting for them and her eyes met Ariadne's when she entered. For a moment she froze, blood beating powerfully on her temples, as she fought to remain controlled instead of grabbing her weapons as the most instinctive part of her was screaming at her do. The brothers listened to it and moved to protect her mind as they had done when Pandemona had been acquired.
– "We will not be caught unguarded again Aria" – Reassured Sacred. And she stayed silent as she heard the familiar words while ignoring the look that Edea was bestowing upon her. Not the frightening look of Ultimecia but a pitying look. Which of them was worse she didn't know.
– "A shame you can't tell them what you know Aria" – Whispered Minotaur – "It would make things so much easier" – She sighed mentally. When the brothers had first met her it had been quite strange for them to find in her memory the story of what would come. Even stranger than the images of a totally different world.
– "You know it is not possible. It would…bring…probl…HOLY SHIT! Ultimecia! Did she saw it?" – Her eyes widened as she thought that, scared by the implications.
– "No, she didn't Aria." – Interrupted Sacred as he tried to calm her – "It was the only thing we could do when she entered your mind. We protected that. But we couldn't protect the other memories. We weren't strong enough for that. That is what she used to hurt you" – She sighed in pure relief.
– "Damn, almost had a heart attack with that one. Thanks a lot guys." – Selphie was giving her a concerned look but otherwise kept herself quiet. Quistis too, as her blue eyes once in a while flashed to the side as if she was wondering her state. – "I'm really lucky sometimes."
– "Who wouldn't be?" – Continued Taur – "You have us in your mind" – His mock-arrogant tone made her chuckle softly in her mind.
– I think you should cut down on that attitude or else poor Sacred will not have space to live with your ego – Laughter echoed through their bond. She really loved those brothers. Only then she allowed herself to come back to reality only to see the end of the discussion about Rinoa. A small wince made her close her eyes momentarily as Squall punched the wall.
– "That really has to hurt" – Said the ever calm voice of Sacred. Ariadne almost walked to him to try and help but she was stopped by Zell.
– "What are you going to do now Aria?" – He asked – "Going back to Galbadia Garden?" – All the eyes fell on her including their leader's as she thought quickly in what to say. She didn't have to think a lot as a smirk appeared before long.
– "Think you guys can get rid of me that easily? No way. The guys in the Garden know what to do and will be just fine without me. This is my fight as well. And you are my family too. I will not let you fight alone." – And she was rewarded with smiles and an enthusiastic grin from Selphie. Squall just looked at her, no reaction whatsoever. Edea smiled kindly and it was in that moment that Ariadne realized exactly how different she was from the one that had tried to kill them all.
– "We better go back then" – Suggested Zell – "Everyone must be waiting" – Pause as all looked at Squall. He nodded silently and turned to leave when Edea's voice stopped all of them.
– "Ariadne?" – The girl, which had been about to follow the Commander, halted, eyes on the older woman – "I wish to speak with you Ariadne. Alone" – The sorceress added softly. Quistis seemed concerned when she heard that and she wasn't the only one.
– "Please…?" – Ariadne frowned for a moment before her mouth opened to speak…a hand rested on her shoulder. She turned slightly to see Squall. He was looking at her calmly, a question etched on his cold blue eyes. She smiled in thanks but shook her head.
– "It's ok guys. Go ahead and I will join as soon as I can. Do me a favour and if you see Sasha tell her that I need to talk with her and the gang. It's important." – A small nod was her answer before she was left alone with Edea. Emerald eyes shone as she looked at the woman.
– "So…what do you want to talk about?"
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My POV
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My mind was divided when I was left alone with Edea. Part of me was screaming at me to get away, to not allow her to have that power over me again or at least to accept the help that Squall had been willing to give me.
But there was that other part… the one that would not let me back away…almost blindly proud. And I listened to it. I was never one to turn down a challenge. Lugh would have my head for this…and Ultimecia's for obvious reasons.
Where the hell is the overprotective familiar when we need him?
But as I don't have anyone to look under my bed for me I suppose the only thing I can do is stop being scared of my own shadow and face this. Ah Damn…I really am cursed.
Have to remember when I die to talk with the one in charge and ask who has the imagination for the stuff I get drawn into. Maybe someone will actually allow me to maim he or she...something I sincerely doubt.
Sometimes I hate my life
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3rd Person POV
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Silence was the only thing that could be heard in the small yard and Ariadne was ready to cast a Firaga only to break it. Edea was only looking at her, a mix of emotions flashing through her expression. She finally sighed, eyes sad and sorrowful.
– "I am sorry" – Ariadne's breath itched as she heard those words and her resolution became stronger. She was not Ultimecia.
– "It was not your fault" – Her voice was barely above as whisper – "You couldn't stop her." – Her eyes met the sorceress's…but they were a deep sea green. Her time to fear had passed. Calmly Ariadne walked to the end of the yard and sat on the floor, hands grabbing the sand under her fingers and letting it go in the wind. She felt, more than heard, Edea take a place beside her.
– "I know" – Two words that Ariadne had been waiting for ever since they had been left alone.
– "I've noticed" – She said with a slightly grim smile. She drew her knees to her chest, eyes locked with the beautiful waves crashing in the shore.
– "I don't know what brought you here Ariadne" – Murmured Edea – "I don't know what kind of power would be able to do such a thing. Not even mine." – The girl didn't say anything even as her heart gave another grief-stricken jolt. She still had hoped even after all that time.
– "Somehow I should have known that already" – Her right hand closed in a tight fist around the few grains of sand she still held – "But a part of me believed that I would be able to go back someday…" - She snorted but no humour was present on that action. A small hand touched her arm drawing her attention to the older woman.
– "That does not mean that I will not help you child" – She said with a kind smile – "I am not all-knowing. With some time I am sure that we will find a way for you to go home. And if not you will always have one in the Gardens. That I can promise you." – And for the first time Ariadne smiled at the former sorceress, a true and joyful smile.
– "Thank you" – Edea's eyes lightened with something akin to caring and she stood making her do the same.
– "You are welcome Ariadne. But now let us go before your friends decide to make a visit shall we?" – The girl rolled her eyes with that sentence but followed her nevertheless, a hand touching her amulet in remembrance as she did so.
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- "Hey Aria" – The girl smiled as she entered her room to find her friends waiting for her. Stephanie and Sasha were sitting on her bed as well as Eliza while Alex and Lara occupied the chair.
– "Hey guys" – She whispered before hopping to her desk – "I'm sorry for the delay. I trust the others found you huh?" – Sasha gave her a look that translated into words could only mean…duh.
– "The Commander-guy nearly scared our kids when he entered the room. I think the frown is permanently etched on his face." – Ariadne raised an eyebrow.
– "Nice observation Sasha but untrue nevertheless" – Her voice was calm as she was stating the most obvious thing in the world since the sky is blue – "He also scowls. Now changing the subject." – Whatever amusement that they had before disappeared in an instant. They knew better than to ignore the tone of voice that she used when she needed them to listen.
– "I don't know if you heard this already but we discovered that it wasn't Edea that almost destroyed the world" – Silence.
– "You are becoming blunter and blunter Aria" – Commented Lara – "Who was it then?" – Ariadne gave a strange look to Stephanie that had begun to finger her glaive in a really non pacific way.
– "Another sorceress but this one from the future" – She explained as she took a katana and absently did the same thing Stef was doing – "From what we could gather this sorceress took over the body of Edea and resolved to screw up the past "– All the eyes were on her as the information processed.
– "Bloody Hell!" – Eliza had pretty much summed it all – "What have we done wrong to attract all the morons? First the Vinzer guy now her…what's next?" – Alex had a thoughtful expression on his face.
– "She must not be in her perfect state of mind Aria" – He said calmly ignoring "ya don't say" that left the girl's lips – "Grandfather Paradox. She may erase her own existence with this. What is she trying to achieve?" – Glances were exchanged between them as if they were really talking.
– "She's from the future" – Stated Aria after a while still playing with her weapon despite the bandages that were wrapping her wands – "I give my katana to the first that's able to tell truthfully that he or she never thought about changing something of their past." – Stef snorted slightly.
– "So we got a bloody frustrated sorceress on our hands. Bloody brilliant if you ask me" – An amused smile appeared on Ariadne's lips.
– "How the hell does Quistis expects me not to curse with them around?"
– "She doesn't" – Answered Minotaur.
– "So what we going to do Aria?" – Asked Lara trying to stop the rant that would most likely follow Stef's tirade. Sadness passed through Ariadne's eyes as she watched her friends.
– "You are going to do what I said yesterday. I'm going with the others" – She held a hand when they moved to disagree – "Please guys. You cannot leave the Garden. If you do who will take care of the children? You know damn well that the older years cannot even take care of themselves and I would prefer not place kids in their care." – Her hand stopped, a finger touching softly the leather covered hilt, and her eyes hardened – "As for me…this is personal now. I have to go with them." – Alex's hands closed and he glared with all his might to the light blue wall.
– "At least one of us should go with you" – He tried even as he knew that nothing short of a death-threatening situation would make her change her mind.
– "No need to" – She assured, sheathing her katana – "I will be with the guys from Balamb. They are good Seeds, great friends. I will be alright. We will." – Certainty could be perceived in every word that had left her lips but they still frowned as they looked at her.
– "So be it Aria" – Murmured Eliza.
– "But we will kill you if you get hurt out there" – Continued Sasha. – "After killing the bastard that dared to lay a finger on you of course" – Ariadne rolled her eyes, but mirth could be seen within, making them shine brightly.
– "Of course. So good to know that you care" – She said sarcastically. After that they resumed the conversation with much more important business. Discover what else they could do to their prisoners. By dinner time they had reached the conclusion that asking the kids to cook had been way too cruel. What a pity. Yeah right.
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And this chapter reaches its end here. Yep, I'm afraid you'll only get more in a week. Please everyone don't forget to tell me what you're thinking of the story. To do so there's a very cute little button on the end of this page. So REVIEW PLEASE! Don't forget also that I would be a very thankful writer if you guys informed me of errors you might find. Suggestions and comments are as always welcomed.
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Next chapter: How heights can turn someone's nerves upside down and a trip through snow only to find a target for rocks... (Understood anything? Me neither)
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See ya all next week
Reyavie