I MADE IT! I just finished formatting the chapter and I can say I'm not too happy with how it turned out. When I wrote this part I was in a major (and I mean MAJOR) writer's block so forgive me if it sounds a bit stretched. Promise that the next one will be better. Anyways I still DON'T OWN ANYTHING IN THIS STORY! Really, I don't. But Aria is mine as well as all the rest of the OCs that come in every now and then. So let's do something productive then…
To my reviewers:
Cybele – OMG! You gave yourself to the trouble of catching all of my typos? (thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou). I really had some problems with my computer last week. I got a bunch of viruses and had to format my hard drive. ALL of my hard drive. Which meant that the Office got a vacation and I had to use Open Office. Some good things with the program but I prefer my own Office. Thank you so much for your review. I can't tell you how pleased I am reading the messages you take your time to leave me. And yes I'm sorry but the action will probably only return in the next chapter or something like that. But it will come back! Honest! Nevertheless I really hope you like this chapter and if you find any errors as always I'll be very grateful if you could point them out for me. Have fun then.
Angel Of Apocolypse – YOU CAME BACK! I can't believe you actually reviewed both chapters. Thank you so much. And don't you dare saying your sorry. Why would I have to forgive someone that takes her time to leave me a message every week? And you were in a camp away from civilisation huh? Reminds me of my dad's land. You can only hear the river, the goats, the bells of the church…I get bored very quickly and end up sleeping most of the time. Anyways…I'm not going to ask what swelligant means but I really hope it's a compliment. Are you thinking about writing an AoAish-English dictionary or something? Cause I swear I'm learning new words with you every week. Thank you for the compliments that you made on my story and I can only hope that you'll continue to like it in the future. Just one more thing…do you really have to shout? You neighbour is going to have my head on a silver platter. I don't wanna die. I'm too young to die. Soooooo I'll have to keep writing then, yes? (Reyavie grins) Here's my newest chapter. Hope to read from you soon.
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Welcome to eighteenth chapter of Second Life. Enjoy.
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- "You should really get some rest you know?" – Squall raised his head from his hands and looked to the door of the infirmary to see Ariadne. She was using the same type of clothes that he had always seen on her and her katanas were sheathed on her back also as always. The only difference was the black gloves that she was wearing.
– "I got tired of hurting myself when I grab the hilts" – She explained with that ability she seemed to have to answer unasked questions – "Stef thought it would be a good idea to give them to me as my advanced birthday present" – Her eyes flickered to the unconscious girl on the bed and became sterner.
– "Go get some sleep Squall. I'll stay here and warn you if anything changes" – He didn't say anything. He just shook his head and remained seated as if he hadn't heard a single word. A small twitch of her eyebrow spoke lengths of her annoyance. She came closer and placed a hand on his shoulder ignoring the way how he flinched slightly away from her touch.
– "This wasn't a request" – She said calmly – "We may get ourselves in another mess pretty soon and somehow I think it would be a good idea for you to be able to raise your gunblade. So do me and all of us a favour and go to sleep." – He glared and opened his mouth to say something, probably to tell her off, but Ariadne simply lowered herself so that she could look at his eyes with her very emerald ones.
– "I will put a spell on you Leonhart. For once in your life listen to me and get to bed. If you're so worried sleep in the other compartment for all I care but GO to SLEEP" – He rose from the chair and sighed.
– "You are not going to give me a choice are you?" – Ariadne smiled sweetly something so uncharacteristic that placed all the alert systems he had on his mind in high awareness.
– "Of course I will" – She said, sugar dripping from every word – "You can either do what I say or get spelled or even knocked out by a katana. Your choice but I would say the last ones hurt more" – For a fleeting moment his lips turned slightly upwards but in the next moment he had turned around and entered the other compartment grumbling something about crazy women. She just smiled before taking a place in the chair he had occupied and sobered.
– "You are a very lucky girl you know?" – She didn't realize at that time that she had talked out loud. A loud thump was heard from the other compartment making her jump from the chair and run to it.
Squall had fallen on the floor out cold and in a position that she would bet her life that would hurt when he woke up. She sighed inaudibly. It seemed that Ellone hadn't learned her lesson. With another sigh and a random thought about diets she helped him to the bed, placing him in a more comfortable position.
A small smile crossed her lips as she saw his face for once relaxed. He looked like the seventeen year old that he was supposed to be, not the cold-hearted warrior he had to be in the outside world. Her hand touched the dark hair softly but then she seemed to realize what she was doing and pulled back. In the next moment she had returned to Rinoa's side, an impressive string of curses leaving her lips.
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- "Aria? What is wrong with you?" – Ariadne felt as if Sacred was about to flip if she didn't say anything. She was still sitting at Rinoa's bed, head on her hands having depleted the languages to swear after half an hour.
– "Nothing" – Silence in her head and then…what could be easily read as a rrriiiiiiiiggtthh.
– "What happened?" – He continued in his you-better-talk-cause-I'm-losing-my-patience tone.
– "Are you that clueless Bro?" – Replied Minotaur, someone who would probably get his ass kicked if was a human and in front of her.
– "Don't you even start 'Taur" – She hissed – "We will not have another one of these pointless conversations" – He actually laughed.
– "You know I'm right Aria. Why don't you accept it?" – Her temperament was beginning to flare to life and the fact that she couldn't let it go on the perpetrator was not a good thing.
– "See my memories again and you will see the fucking answer. Now drop it 'Taur" – Another laugh and a sigh from the other brother. Sometimes she could swear that Minotaur was a five year old instead of an already-lost-count year old.
– "And sometimes I agree with you Aria" – Came Sacred's voice once more. Then they both quieted in what she recognized in their version of sleep. It was nothing more than the lost of the strong conscience of their presence that faded to a soft touch. And then peace passed as if they felt happy in that state. She fell silent as well, thoughts flashing through her mind making her unable to grasp any of them.
Ariadne remembered the words she and Edea had exchanged and once more felt the pain of that moment. She placed her head on her hands, unconsciously mirroring the position Squall had took earlier, and allowed the self-pity that she had been hiding to appear. She hadn't done that before not to concern the others but she would like to know who wouldn't wallow in self misery when one had its mind raped and used for another's purpose.
– "Aria?" – The soft voice of the Doctor took her from her thoughts and in seconds she was normal once more, a calm façade that hid the pain inside – "What are you doing here alone my dear?" – Her head left its nest and she smiled a bit to the woman.
– "Had to make Squall leave by some way" – Kadowaki smiled distinctively amused.
– "You threatened him didn't you?" – A smirk appeared slowly and that was answer enough.
– "Any changes?" – Continued the Doctor as she started to take the vitals of the unconscious girl. Ariadne simply shook her head in silence before slipping to her unwatchful state. As if recognizing her need for silence the Doctor stayed quiet overtaken by the somewhat useless vigil.
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My POV
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I have been through some very bad shit ever since I was brought here for some strange, not to mention unwelcome, twist of fate but this beat everything.
I really, really have to have a giant sign on my back saying target. As to who put it there I don't have a clue but I would have to say congrats for the use of permanent ink and the super glue.
And to worsen things up…I swear that someone's plotting to make my life as bad as possible. And 'Taur isn't helping.
Cursed GFs that can read your mind.
Maybe ignoring the problem will make it go away…and maybe Ultimecia will sprout angel wings and begin preaching love and peace.
Right.
Changing the subject, to something other than my degenerating mental condition, life in Balamb Garden returned to what can be considered as normal. Many of the students left when we went to Balamb in search of supplies so it's a bit quieter but other than that everything is fine. Galbadia Garden is on its way to Deling as far as we know.
I'm kinda sad that the others couldn't come with me but from what I can remember the Garden will not be in danger for now so they will be safe. I wish I could visit Josh for a bit though. He must be worried sick about me and I don't have ways to tell him that I'm ok. But I suppose I should be more worried now with the trip to Esthar.
Things are going to get really bad in the next days and weeks and the way I'm going to deal with it is something I haven't figured out…yet. There are two options as of now. I can try to talk with the Odine character to ask for a way home or I can simply blackmail Squall, he has to have something I can use against him, to stay on Earth as he goes to the satellite and try to access the Estharian computers.
Which means that I'm so going to Esthar. Besides I am curious about the city. It is not everyday that you can see a city made in glass…why the hell does the word "rocks" comes to my mind…?
Quistis is right…I am random.
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3rd Person POV
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- "Nice boat" – Quistis rolled her eyes at Ariadne's comment. It seemed she had returned to her normal, sarcastic self and somehow happy for being so. The only problem would be how they would survive her.
– "Damn! Forgot those guys were here." – Ariadne stayed behind as she watched the group greet the two resistance members and tried to ignore the looks she had been receiving. Either they really hated strangers or they knew she was from Galbadia.
– "Maybe this is something that it's taught to Seeds. How to suspect something from everyone" – She smirked very slightly – "I must have missed that class."
– "Along with a lot of others" – Completed Minotaur with a mental chuckle. – "But can you blame them for it?"
– "Aria!" – She uncrossed the arms that she had crossed minutes before that with the smirk and the annoy-me-and-die attitude was being enough to avoid comments and approached the group. Squall gave her a warning look that as always she ignored.
– "This is Zone" – He started introducing the two. They were very similar, same dark hair and eyes that seemed quite usual in Timber – "And Watts from Timber's resistance." – He finished – "This is Ariadne Beckerman from Galbadia Garden" – Friendly looks turned into glares making her training jump to attention. Her eyes got colder and a hand twitched as if she was just waiting for a reason to attack.
– "A Galbadian?" – Spat Zone looking at her up and down.
– "Do you have some kind of hearing deficiency?" – She asked calmly – "I do believe that the Commander has said it quite distinctively. But if you wish I can also add my student number, my rank and position on the Garden so that you can be convinced of the veracity of the statement."
– "Big words there Aria" – Added Taur. Someone chuckled behind her and she would bet her katanas that it had been Irvine. For obvious reasons of course.
– "She is one of us" – Squall's voice was as stern as ever taking her from her defensive mood and his glare seemed enough to say down-boy. Zone looked at her one more time but turned away just as quickly. She didn't say a thing to any of them even as she saw the younger one with a sheepish expression.
– "Annoyed too?" – She raised an eyebrow and the sharpshooter laughed – "Thought so. Come on Aria. I don't wish for him the same thing I had to pass on that day" – He winced as if in remembrance making her smile.
– "Good strategy" – An innocent smile appeared on his expression.
– "Whatever are you talking about Ariadne?" – She rolled her eyes and followed the others.
– "My friends have a great propensity to dramatics, don't ya think?" – A sigh was heard in her mind.
– "And here I thought your grammar was improving" – Commented Sacred – "You ruined it all with the last sentence." – She groaned mentally as she supported herself on the wall opposite to the talking Seeds. She wasn't very interested in Ellone to say the truth.
– "We are still in the revenge bit Aria" – Remembered Minotaur out of the blue. Whatever amusement she had from their comments was hidden as she heard the conversation.
– "You are very quiet" – She raised her head slightly to Quistis that had left the main attention center – "Are you alright?"
– "See? That's perfect grammar" – Intervened Sacred.
– "'Red?" – She called softly – "Shut up" – He did.
– "I'm just tired Quis" – She whispered to the older girl – "It has been chaotic times the last weeks. Just need to get my head alright."
– "Not possible" – She nearly growled as Quistis nodded slowly.
– "So what's the verdict?" – She asked as the blond took a place beside her.
– "Esthar of course" – The instructor answered promptly – "The why to her attitude is something that we do not know yet. And thus the problem in how to reach Esthar is brought into question." – Ariadne bit her lip, a habit she had kept since childhood when she really had to keep her mouth shut.
"Change the subject. Change the subject. Change the subject. Change the subject."
– "I suppose we will have to think that when we get back to the Garden. I am quite sure we will find a way."
– "Change the subject. Change the subject. Change the subject. Change the subject."
– "Will you want to visit Joshua for some time? I am quite sure Squall would not be annoyed because of it."
– "Yes!"
– "I would" – Her teeth had finally released the abused flesh and she smiled a bit too enthusiastically – "Just a bit so that he may know that I'm alive. He must be worried sick about me…well that or packing so he can come and find me. Not so sure which." – Quistis shook her head.
– "Then I will talk with Squall later." – Another pause.
– "This talk is really starting to bore me" – The instructor gave her a suffering glance.
– "Guess that your diplomatic grades were the worst, correct?" – Ariadne smirked as answer and sighed in relief when Squall gave the interview as over.
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- "Aria?" – The galbadian glanced at the one that had called her and frowned slightly before saying something to the student to whom she had been talking to. The younger girl smiled and left as soon as Ariadne finished.
– "What's up Quis?" – She asked with a raised eyebrow – "You look worried" – And she did. Blue eyes carried a forced control that was beginning to seem all too familiar
– "Have you seen Squall?" – The second eyebrow joined his brother – "No. I haven't seen him since we got…oh shit" – For once Quistis didn't scold her for her language. – "Come on Quis" – Aria ran to a window and opened the shutters sharply allowing the light to get in the shady library. And the outside world…
"Idiot. Bloody idiot." – She whispered when the old city of Fisherman horizon came into view. – "Check if Rinoa is on the infirmary Quis. If she isn't then you know what happened." – She didn't need to do it to realize the situation though. The city had been proof enough for both of them.
– "Call the others Aria." – Quistis ordered – "Tell them we have a new mission and inform them about the situation." – Ariadne saluted quickly in reply not thinking about the action. After all even if the instructor was her friend and sister that didn't mean that she had forgotten all she had learned in Galbadia Garden. She grabbed the first communicator she found giving an apologizing look to the security guy that had been using it
– "Nida" – Static…
– "Yes?"
– "It's Aria" – She answered quickly – "We've got problems. Assemble the group at the headmaster's office" – An affirmative was the only thing she got before the line died out and the central line started working. She smiled with slight amusement with his attitude.
– "We're feeling the witch Aria" – Whispered Sacred unexpectedly.
– "Guys…" - The warning was lost in them. She knew they would never trust Edea after what had happened. Even knowing that she had not been at fault. They were, after all, guardians.
–" She is no longer a sorceress" – Minotaur laughed somewhat dryly
– "She is still a strong magical user Aria. We're not letting unprotected and that's that."
– "Yes daddy" – If he could, he would have scowled. She just laughed before sobering once more. – "I'm going to kill that idiot" – And minutes later she was on the headmaster's office.
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– "Please tell me you're joking" – Ariadne begged. Her eyes were fixed on the cliff that they were about to begin climbing.
– "Nope" – Answered Selphie cheerfully as always – "It was this or walking Aria."
– "Too late for us to walk?" – Asked Irvine that had been looking at the exact same place as his colleague.
– "Quit it, you two" – Interrupted Quistis – "It's the only way" – Ariadne rolled her eyes dramatically before smiling at Edea that had been listening with visible amusement.
– "Well, this is nice" – She said putting her gloves on – "Remind me later why I ever agreed with this. Where are the ropes? Zell…get a coat or else you'll freeze up there." – She chose to ignore his grumbling analysing the wall instead. It didn't seem a hard climbing but it wasn't what she would call a walk in the park…she exchanged a quick look with Quistis as they had taken in doing. It seemed quite strange in how easy it was for them to understand each other.
– "Irvine" – The instructor mouthed in answer. Ariadne nodded before touching the taller man's shoulder.
– "You need to help Edea Irvine" – She declared softly – "Get the rope around her waist and then to yours. The rest of us will be on the front. Zell will clear your way." – He seemed saddened because of something making her roll her eyes once more.
– "No comments Kinneas. Get going." – He almost pouted but brightened as soon as he saw that his act had had a good result. Selphie was giggling and the two older women were hiding smiles. Zell came back from the Garden at that moment, a coat on his arms and a scowl that should have belonged to Squall. Aria ignored him as she tied the ropes around everyone and prepared to go first.
– "Thank Hyne Stef is provident" – She thought as she felt her almost healed cuts ache as she pushed herself upwards. – "This would be a pain without protection."
– "Yes because climbing rocks isn't a pain at all" – Grumbled Minotaur – "Summon us as soon as you find the hard-headed moron so we can say how much we enjoy having to chase him to another continent." – She snorted mentally as she pulled the rope looser to get to another rock.
– "I'm the one walking…or climbing if you prefer 'Taur" – Another rock, another step further, eyes straining to see if all the others were well. In the next second she had looked up once more, a shuddering breath passing her lips.
– "I hate heights."
– "Aria? Are you alright?" – Quistis concerned voice sounded below her snapping her from her trance. The worst thing she could do was just stand there because of her fear.
– "Go on Aria" – Soothed Sacred – "It will not take long."
– "Easy for you to say" – She grumbled as she forced her hands to stop shacking and grip the next rock…and slipped. In panic she grabbed the first thing she got, another rock, and embraced the wall.
– "Aria?" – She could her screams coming from under her but they didn't seem to be acknowledged. The only thing she was able to feel was beat of her heart, painfully loud on her ears.
– "Aria. It's okay" – Whispered Minotaur – "Breath in and out" – She did the action automatically. If someone had ordered her to jump she probably would as well. – "That's it. Now continue. You'll be fine dear mistress." – She had always hated that term but his voice was so calm and secure. Reassuring.
– "Don't give up" – Continued Sacred as she began climbing once more – "You are strong. Defeat your fears." – Another rock and another and another…until her hands found floor. She pulled herself to the edge and breathed deeply before she helped the others to do the same. Quistis seemed quite worried and Ariadne knew she couldn't hide from her. That didn't mean she wouldn't try.
The former instructor narrowed her eyes as she saw the forced smile her sister bestowed upon her but didn't comment. Instead she sighed before sitting beside her in the end of the bridge watching as Selphie, Irvine and Zell bantered with each other as Edea watched.
– "Are you better Aria?" – Asked Sacred. She could feel their soft touch on the connection they shared as they tried to put their own concerns to rest. Minotaur laughed as her eyes turned to a very familiar colouring once she saw a figure appear on the bridge.
– "Better than ever" – Quistis moved to grab Ariadne's arm but Edea stopped her as she saw the younger girl approach their wayward leader. Squall had placed the unconscious girl on the floor and was looking at all of them in surprise as if he hadn't expected their presence at all. His eyes fell on the Galbadian Seed. Seconds passed in silence until Ariadne raised her hand and punched him. Hard.
– "I really don't care what your idea of honour is you asshole" – She hissed coldly as her emerald eyes seemed to try and burn a hole through him – "But get this through your thick skull. This is not only your fight. It's ours as well. And you're not the only one that cares about her. So stop acting like a spoiled brat and grow up" – He didn't say a word through the entire tirade. Even the others could barely open their mouths to form words.
– "Next time you want to play hero do warn me at least so I can have the pleasure of placing you under Kadowaki's care" – And she turned ignoring his somewhat confused expression walking to the others – "Let's go guys. I don't fancy freezing to death" – If someone noticed that she was still shaking no one said a thing.
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My POV
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Alright. I admit. Maybe blowing up at Squall wasn't the best thing I could have done.
Try doing better when you almost fall from a ravine.
It had never been that bad before. I was never a height's girl but I could hold my own however…let's just say that the farther I am from doing that again the better. (wince) And not to mention my rant.
Oh Hyne and we were actually getting along. Guess that goes down the drain. What's happening to me? I can't believe I did that. I just…I was so mad…I was so scared. Give me a bunch of monsters to kill and I'm all for it. Give me a stupid mountain to climb and I turn to a chicken.
Does the word pathetic apply or what?
It won't happen again. I'll be damned before I let my fears get the best of me. And it seems that I will have to apologize to Squall before he glares me to death. For once I think he is right in doing so.
Message to brain: Work before my muscles…
And did I actually use the word "fancy"? By Hyne…Sacred is contagious!
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I'll end it here this week. A bit shorter than what I've been doing but I'll try to make next week's chapter a bit longer to compensate. So now I really have to say something I never tire myself of asking for…REVIEW EVERYONE! Don't forget that critics are one of the best ways for writers to know what they are doing wrong and they often gives us more will to write. So please take your time to tell something alright? Suggestions that you might have, doubts or errors you might have found and please let me know. REVIEW!
Next chapter: High-tech cities, spies, crazy scientists and weapons…
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See ya all next week
Reyavie