And another week has passed at last! As always that means a brand new chappie for all my readers. So I have to do the formalities. I DON'T OWN ANYTHING IN THIS STORY! God, saying this is depressing. But Ariadne and all the OCs that have been introduced into the plot are all mine. Yes, mine and you still can't have them. Continuing then…
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A.N – Yes, I am still waiting for you to give me your names for Aria's amulet.
Here are the two already submitted. Please vote for your favorite or submit your own.
Meva Ysimad – It means "life amulet" and it's Al-bhed (language from FFX for those who don't know) – Submitted by AoA.
Apotropaic – It means "to have the power to avert evil" and it's greek – Submitted by Orodruin
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Answers to my beloved reviewers:
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Crystalparadise – Heya! It's always good to have new reviewers so welcome to this story. I'm really glad that you are enjoying this story as well as the characters and the way I write about them (the letter was fun to write. Can you imagine their faces?). I can't thank you enough for sparing your time to let me your opinion. And what can I say? Aria's is my pride and joy. I really like the way she turned out to be and to know people like her too is great. After all I have the right to be a little biased.
About Rinoa…well, I've received several opinions about her. Some say I'm being a little hard with her but…hell, I really have a problem with whining and pampered characters (Reyavie hides from Rinoa fans that appear with tourches). It's my opinion and sometimes it shows. However I promised a reader of mine I wouldn't be that bad. But I can slip up every now and then right? (Reyavie grins wickedly). Anyways thanks again for your review, tone down the puppy eyes cause they scare me and hope to read from you again.
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Cybele – Hi Cybele! Welcome back to this show. I have already said this but I'll say it again. I love your reviews. I REALLY love your reviews. So I'll have to ask something? You're going to WHERE? Korea! Wow! Your flight doesn't make a scale in Portugal does it? Damn. I still have to finish my exams and only then I can think about vacations.
Oh well…anyways I would never dream of calling you lazy. And after reading what you did I took extra care to read over the chapter searching for mistakes. I hope I got them all but if I didn't I'm sorry. Please warn me about them though. Thank you so much for your compliments about my writing style and plot. This story had been in my head for so long that it's great to see that I'm not the only one that likes it.
Advancing Aria was gone (hint, hint, nudge, nudge). She comes back in this chapter (Claps are heard even in the practically empty room. Reyavie looks around and frowns). That was my personal ghost. He disappears with my money and stuff. Apparently he's my second personality. I would like to say that as I write I'm in a sugar high as well but I'm without sugar as per doctor's orders (Reyavie sighs loudly). So eat a lot of chocolate for me ok?
About Rinoa I really couldn't resist. I know traumatized people normally dismiss everything around them…but she was sleeping and she only got transformed into someone with a lot of power. So there! (Hides again from Rinoa's fans that apparently found Reyavie's house) Don't ask me how. And Aria is one of your favourite characters! (Rea blushes heavily) Thanks a lot ; )
Just to finish I'll have to comment Squall's behaviour. Well true that Rinoa was safe in that place but nevertheless easier to help than attacking head on to get Ellone and Aria out. Besides Ariadne does know how to take care of herself. (Rea whistles innocently) And this is Squall were talking about. He wouldn't be himself without being an ass every now and then. I think I have already taken enough of your time. Have fun reading this chapter.
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I love CHEESECAKE – Interesting nickname. Personally I prefer chocolate but I'm addicted so I can't really talk. Forgetting that welcome to Second Life! I swear you are trying to give me a permanent blush. I'm very happy to know that you love this story and that you added it to your favourites. It gives me a sense of pride when my readers consider this story as such. Awesome writer? (Reyavie screams at random driver that she's not a semaphore and that he doesn't have to stop). Thank you once again. Here's my update. Expect one every week, normally on Thursdays, ok? Hope you like it.
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E uma nota especial para Cripta: Não sei se ainda estás a ler esta história já que tenho a certeza que estás enterrada em trabalho mas é só para desejar muita sorte para os exames nacionais. Espero que consigas entrar na faculdade que desejas. BOA SORTE!
(And a special note to Cripta: I don't know if you are still reading this story as I'm sure you're buried in work but it's only to wish you a lot of luck to the national exams. I hope you're able to enter the college you wish. GOOD LUCK!)
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And a not so happy note:
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This is a sad day for all Portuguese everywhere. In just one week we have lost three very important persons for our history, persons that helped to shape our country and regain our freedom. For Álvaro Cunhal and Vasco Gonçalves, great political leaders, and one of our greatest poets, Eugénio de Andrade. We won't forget them.
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Welcome to the twenty-second chapter of Second Life. I'll be…doing something.
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Sea green eyes blinked slowly only to close immediately after. Her head seemed to be occupied by a group of Fire Dragons, a herd of Chocobos, a whole pack of Enoyles and the Balamb group in concert for good measure.
– "Fuck" – Her tone was low but for her head it seemed as if she had screamed.
– "Ariadne?" – She forced her eyes open only to see a distraught Ellone. Her eyes were scared, wide open, as she looked at the younger girl – "Are you alright?" – Ariadne tried to move but something stopped her movements. She groaned in frustration, stopping when Ellone helped her.
– "Potion. Remedy." – Aria whispered to the older girl – "Jacket. Left pocket." – She felt something move in her black jacket and she knew that Ellone was doing what she had been asked. A second later a bottle was being pressed to Ariadne's lips. Mint. The remedy.
Her head began to clear allowing her to let loose a sigh of relief. She forced a smile to her companion as the potion was given to her, swallowing it in an instant.
– "Guys? You there?" – A snort echoed in her mind
– "Where did you want us to be Aria?" – Asked Minotaur. A loud smack.
– "Idiot" – Chided Sacred – "Are you alright Aria?" – She smiled despite herself.
– "Yeah. Don't worry 'bout me" – She chose to ignore the groans of irritation in her head and turned to Ellone, noticing her own shackled hands vaguely.
– "They must really love me huh?" – Ariadne inquired sarcastically – "Can't wait to know what they do to the ones they hate. What happened to us?" – Ellone gulped looking at the door before taking a place near her.
– "One of them attacked you from behind" – She began softly – "He hit you with the hilt of his sword" – Here Ariadne snorted humorlessly and grumbled something about "what goes around". Ellone didn't comment as she continued the narration.
– "You fell unconscious after that. The leader looked at you for a moment before he grabbed you and made a sign for me to follow. They left your weapons there then brought us to the Lunatic Pandora" – Ellone shivered and Ariadne knew well the reason. Grudges seemed far away as she felt sadness for the older girl sweeping past her former anger.
– "And they just dumped us here. They said they would come soon but…" - Aria nodded raising a hand to pull her hair of her face but finding the shackles around her wrists a very unwelcome obstacle.
– "Damn" – She let herself support in the wall behind her with another sigh, head banging slightly in the crystal – "Well no use crying over spilt milk. Know anything about the guards, shifts, anything we can use to get the hell out of here?" – Ellone blushed slightly.
– "They placed me in a spell. Sleep." – Ariadne sighed again before she forced herself to stand. Her feet were free and for that she was thankful.
– "It's okay" – She dragged herself to the door and looked over the small bars. A single guard was on duty outside. And sleeping. She raised an eyebrow somewhat confused. Tanner knew exactly who and what she was. He was making things really easy for her. Or maybe he just knew that she would take a bit to be able to move consistently. The Seed turned to her previous spot and let herself fall to the floor.
– "And to worsen things up this place got an anti magic field" – She thought vaguely annoyed – No Curas for me I guess." – Ellone had been watching her with concern.
– "I have another potion. You should take it." – Ariadne shook her head.
– "Save it. I dare say we'll need it in the future. I'll just rest a bit and you should try to do the same. Just…" - Whatever she was about to say was stopped by the sound of a key in metal door. Ellone blinked at the change in the other girl.
Where weariness had showed as well as pain, awareness could be seen and a no small amount of scorn. Emerald eyes were locked with the door that was being opened. Three soldiers entered one after the other. The last were carrying two plates filled with what could be vaguely called food.
– "They have awaken" – Said the guy in the lead. He had non-descript black hair and light blue eyes.
– "You actually noticed that by yourself" – Ariadne raised an eyebrow – "Congratulations. Want an award for using your eyes?" – Ellone sent her a what-are-you-doing? look that was completely ignored.
– "Look" – The leader said with an amused smile – "We have a joker this time." – The Seed smirked.
– "If I'm a joker then you must be really bored around here. So…going to tell us why were we brought wherever we were brought?" – She could have sworn the man had given her an apologetic look.
– "We only know the sorceress needs both of you. You are to be kept hostage until further orders" – Ariadne nodded in thanks. That had been far more information than she had been expecting.
– "And this?" – She asked pulling the shackles sharply. Another look.
– "Orders from above Miss" – He answered making a sign for the last man place the food and water on the floor – "They will call you when they need you" – She rolled her eyes but said nothing. The man gave the two of them a grim smile before he left followed by the other two.
– "Well, that was nice" – Ariadne commented looking at the plates before looking at her waist. The pouch she always wore was still there. – "They didn't search me for other weapons?" – Now she was confused. But not enough to be stupid.
– "Don't eat that yet" – She advised when she saw Ellone coming closer to the plates – "They don't seem to want to kill us but I wouldn't put sleeping drugs out of the question." – It took some time for Aria to be able to reach the small purse but she did, taking a vial in the process.
– "Put a drop of that in each plate and the water" – She ordered closing her eyes and leaning once more against the wall – "If something blue appears it's sleeping drugs, red for poison. If nothing appears then you can eat it" – Aria heard vaguely the sound of a cork being taken but other than that she ignored the rest.
– "How are you feeling Aria?" – Whispered Sacred – "Truthfully now." – His voice left no space for arguments and she knew it.
– "As well as one can be in my situation 'Red. You and 'Taur get some rest. I'm not going to wait for them to come and get me." – Their presence faded almost immediately. She knew well that it had taken quite a lot of energy for them to speak to her within an anti-magic field.
– "No poisons Ariadne" – Informed Ellone – "But the meat has a bit of sleeping drugs on it" – Aria opened her eyes and looked at the faint blue hue on the food.
– "Eat the rice and bread and drink as much water as you can. Then get some rest. I have a light sleep and will probably wake up if something happens." – She blinked when a plate was almost thrust into her face.
– "You have to eat as well or else you won't be strong enough to get us out of here" – Ariadne took the plate slowly from Ellone's hands and began eating, careful enough to avoid the places where the blue could be seen but soon enough she couldn't even look at her plate.
Her stomach was still quite rebellious, no doubt because of all that had happened, and she didn't want to throw up what little she had eaten.
Ellone had sat next to her but her eyes were wide open and fixed on the door as if she was expecting it to open any time soon. And yet another sigh escaped Aria's lips before she placed a hand on the girl's shoulder.
– "It's okay Ellone. We're going to get out of here soon" – She murmured to the now shaking girl – "They will come for us. Don't worry. Just sleep" – She continued whispering small encouragements until she felt the girl's breathing calm down as she fell asleep and leaned down heavily on her lap.
Aria's eyes however remained open for a lot more time as she watched the rounds changing and the guards coming and going.
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My POV
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So I'm back to jail. This is nice…or would be if I was homeless and into getting myself in greater shit than usual.
And as if that wasn't enough I don't have my katanas with me. I hate being unarmed. Makes me feel useless…defenseless. They better have found them or someone is going to get maimed in the future.
And my new ones too. They were so nice. Better that I could ever have hoped for something made in little less than three hours. Have to remember to come to Esthar if I need more.
If I manage to get out of here alive for some reason.
I just really hope that Squall read my letter and that, for once in his life, he did what I said. It wasn't a very hard request. But it would only make them lose time they don't have. I should have probably written for them to do that after the war.
Right…and I can almost see the comments. How did you know what was going to happen?
And my answer…that would be one to die for.
Talking about dying maybe I shouldn't have sent them to Galbadia Garden. I can just see what's going to happen…Ouch! Not good. I really hope someone's able to tie Sasha to a chair or something.
Wait…no…that wouldn't help.
Last time we tried that she grabbed a pocket-knife out of nowhere and soon we were getting the hell out of her way. That girl is scary when she's angry. But knowing her she won't do anything too serious. I hope.
I'm being random again, aren't I? I just don't want to think about stuff. But it's in my mind and it doesn't stop.
Ok, no more stupidity. First thing's first.
I'm going to get out of here and finish this stupid war…after that…I'll just wallow in the self-misery that's going to be postponed now.
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3rd Person POV
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- "What a pretty picture" – Ariadne's eyes snapped open as soon as the door creaked announcing the arrival of visitants. They were more this time and she could only see a few sympathetic faces.
– "Ellone" – She shook the girl softly making her come back sharply to reality.
– "So cute" – The falsely sweet voice was beginning to grate on her nerves but she ignored it as she watched Ellone sitting up.
– "Any actual aim to come here" – Started the Seed looking as dignified as she could with her falling hair, smudged face and shackled hands – "Or you just got a urge to see how long would it take for us to threw up by having to look at you?" – She could have sworn Ellone had hissed something about the "lowly scumbag" that she would have never expected from the older girl.
– "Maybe she isn't that bad" – She thought. The guy that had been talking made a sign for the guys behind him to advance and advance they did. On Ellone.
– "What are you doing?" – Screamed Ariadne forcing herself upwards as a guy hauled Ellone to her feet – "Let her go" – Someone pushed her against the wall painfully but she didn't notice it.
Her attention was on the pleading eyes fixed on her. She punched the soldier that had pushed her and tried to reach the ones attacking Ellone only to be grabbed by her waist.
– "Get off you fucking bastard" – She dove her elbow into what she supposed to be a stomach but even with that the only thing she achieved was being held more fiercely. The leader came closer to her and for a moment her past sickness came back full force. But she hid it choosing to glare at him with all her strength.
– "Feisty little thing isn't she?" – A hand rose to touch her face and she allowed it before smirking dangerously.
– "Feisty?" – Ariadne swung her leg with all the strength she could muster recalling with faint amusement a time long before
– "Guess that Lugh wasn't expecting me to use his soccer lessons for this" – She thought as she kicked him in the groin.
– "Believe me" – Aria hissed coldly as she watched him fall to his knees – "You don't know nearly how feisty I can be" – She was pushed back once more and a knife was pressed to her throat as the man was helped to his feet.
– "Bitch" – Her signature smirk was still firmly in place.
– "Nope. Afraid you're wrong. I'm quite human in fact, thank you. Can't say the same thing about you though" – A hand collided strongly with her face – "Silence" – Emerald flashed angrily.
– "Knock her out" – Aria looked at Ellone one last time in a silent plead of forgiveness before a sharp pain crossed her head once more.
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- "Oh shit" – Ariadne turned slowly on the floor as her head screamed one more time in pain.
– "Hyne" – She whispered touching her forehead – "It had to be the head." – She sighed silently as she struggled to get to her pocket. One single vial occupied the space. She took it slowly bringing it to her eyes and groaned when she saw a clear blue liquid
– "So the headache stays." – Aria brought it to her lips and drank the contents anyway – "I love my life" – Eyes blinked a bit while trying to keep most of the fog away before she sat slowly.
– "Aria!" – She winced with the too loud voices in her poor head.
– "DON'T scream guys. Have to kill the two idiots that did this" – Her GFs quieted but she could feel them opening the bond to give her as much energy as they could.
– "Save some" – She muttered – "Hyne knows you will need it. And I have to get out of here." – The Seed rose slowly and grabbed the glass that had been left with water for her to drink before walking as silently as possible to the door. The guard was still sleeping.
– "Better for me" – Ariadne went back to her original position before hurling the glass with as much strength as she could against the door. The noise was a torture for her already bad headache but, judging for the string of curses that followed it, the guard had taken it quite worse than her.
Her muscles tensed in anticipation as she heard, more than saw, the door opening once more. Aria knew he was about to scream something but at that moment she acted, jumping quickly against her opponent before diving her knee in his stomach. As soon as he bowed from the momentum she brought her joined hands on the back of his head.
The guard dropped like a sack of potatoes. Ariadne knelt next to him, grabbing her head as best as she could when the pain increased once more.
She took a deep breath, opening the eyes that somehow had closed in the last moments before touching the pulse of the man she had just hit. It beat steadily under her fingertips.
– "Time to get my ass really far from here" – Aria thought crushing the groan of pain that was fighting to leave her lips. The search for keys was beginning to seem unproductive but she blamed that on the relentless white fog that persisted to remain in front of her vision.
– "Someone is coming" – Sacred's voice filled her mind and her reaction was immediate. She discarded the useless sword to a side and hid behind the door before falling as silent as the crystal around her.
Footsteps sounded with little discretion down the hall before approaching her cell. The only sound besides the approaching enemy was the continuous pounding of her heart as she waited. A form appeared in the cell. Taller than her.
– "Works for me" – Her hands opened silently grabbing the chain connecting the shackles that held her wrists. She blinked strongly to clean her eyes a bit before attacking, passing the silver chain in front of the newcomer and pulling it around its neck.
– "Quiet" – To her extreme confusion the man actually obeyed without any attempt to free himself. She would have frowned if she could.
– "Aria" – It took a moment for the word to register in her brain – "Aria, it's me" – A hand touched her own but her reaction was to grasp the chain harder around the man's neck.
– "I would really like not to be suffocated today" – He said somewhat dryly. Ariadne closed her eyes hard before opening them again to see…fur?
– "Squall?" – Her hold lessened slightly as she forced her vision to answer. For what she could see, yes, it was him.
– "Oh shit" – Ariadne pulled the chain away before taking a step back to support herself once more on the wall.
– "Sorry about that" – She whispered…and almost jumped when a gloved hand touched her forehead gently.
– "What's wrong?" – Sea green eyes opened and a grim smile claimed its place on her expression.
– "Try being knocked out twice. Have remedies?" – The only answer she got was the hand leaving and a vial being given to her. She sighed when the pain left as well and her eyes cleared.
– "And now?" – Ariadne smiled faintly at her companion – "Better thanks." – She looked at the guy on the floor and frowned. – "Hang on a bit" – The Galbadian knelt once more and touched the pressure point on the awakening guard's neck
– "Where are the others?" – She asked as she searched for the keys, letting out an "Ah ah" when she finally found them.
– "Quistis, Zell and Selphie are in sub-level 2" – He informed – "Connecting your computer and uploading the virus. Rinoa and Irvine are near the ship" – She raised an eyebrow at that before opening the shackles and standing up.
– "An Estharian ship. Ragnarok. And Rinoa is fine now" – Ariadne rubbed her wrists with an annoyed look to the unconscious guard nodding in understanding.
– "Have any of you found my…" - Two sheaths were being presented to her. She grinned widely as she pulled one blade out of the sheath and twisted it expertly in her hand as if it was as easy as breathing.
– "Thanks" – The Galbadian pulled them on quickly, a katana still firmly grasped in her right hand – "So how about we get out of here? I don't know about you but I'm a bit tired of this place" – Each movement she made carried a purpose and he could see why she had been chosen as a Seed. Her hair had been already pulled to a strong ponytail, her gloves corrected so they could hide the marks that the metal had left in her skin.
– "Who hit you?" – Squall asked noticing the purple and black mark on Aria's face when she approached the door to leave. Sea green eyes rolled with the question.
– "Later." – She whispered – "Now come on. And do try to be silent." – A hand grasped her arm stopping her from leaving.
– "I believe I made you a question" – Ariadne took his fingers away and simply walked out not wanting to stay in that place more time than the absolutely necessary.
– "Galbadian soldier" – Her voice was barely a whisper when Squall joined her in hallway. – "I insulted him, kicked him and insulted him some more." – They walked silently, quickly, the girl slightly advanced as she scouted for any enemy. Aria stopped at a crossroad and made a small signal when she found no one – "I would have punched him also if he had done to me what I did to him." – Another pause.
– "Go back to the ship. I'll go find Quis. She may need my help." – He just took the lead as if she hadn't said a thing.
– "We have to get to the meeting point. Third level. They can handle themselves" - Her grip on the katana told him quite clearly that, if she had been anywhere else, he would be on bad side of another argument.
– "At least let me go ahead" – Squall smirked slightly as the girl passed him by grumbling under her breath. Among several words that he was sure Quistis wouldn't like to hear he caught the "insufferable aggravating man" that he was sure was directed at him. And if he hadn't been sure the "stubborn stone-headed bastard" had been quite direct. Then she suddenly stopped in her way apparently for no reason.
– "Hey Squall" – Sea green eyes were analyzing the hallways in front of her but the Commander knew she would see his nod.
– "Thanks for coming for me" – And Aria ran ahead not waiting for an answer. He didn't give her one.
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And I have finished another chapter. See? Aria's okay. The guy that hit her isn't (Rea snickers). What can I say? I just love to torture poor (coughcough), unsuspecting characters. Now for everyone that's following this story…REVIEW! Yep, that's what I would love for you to do. Mistakes that you have noticed, suggestions, opinions or just a random comment are more than welcome. Please also answer to my question above. So REVIEW EVERYONE.
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Next chapter: He's tall as hell, he's blonde, he's got a really bad attitude and he's really in deep trouble. Come on, you need help to figure this one out?
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See ya all next week
Reyavie